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crops like barley , oats , beans , peas and linseed . As the weather becomes more unpredictable the probability of lodged crops increases . The MacDon now gives them piece of mind to cope with these conditions . Lodged crops , along with wet ground conditions on undulating terrain , is no problem and the use of crop lifters are now not required .
As I have mentioned a couple of times , soil compaction and general land care is very important at Flawborough . Tom and John have had a long relationship with Michelin and suppliers TANVIC in using the best tyres for each machine . They have had tyre inflation on the Unimog since 2008 . They utilise this across the farm and have the Michelin ZEN @ TERRA ® system on test at the moment . This allows tyre inflation both whilst on the move and remotely , along with automatic control of pressure in two clicks on the tractor ’ s Isobus dashboard .
Tom and John make a very strong team : Tom is the passionate innovator , always coming up with new ideas for efficiency and growing the business , while John keeps Tom ’ s feet firmly on the ground
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by attending to the important details . However , it is not all down to these two . As well as the impressive array of machinery and technology , the Flawborough team has grown . Tabs , who is also a partner , graduated from Harper Adams University after studying Farm business . Her key role is within the farm office looking after the all-important Gatekeeper system , CFA arrangement correspondence and data recording .
Lesley helps Tabs in the office looking after wages , HR , health and safety , training , accounts and keeping the office in order .
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Lorne is their long-standing foreman , who has been with Flawborough for over 17 years and knows the whole operation inside out . His knowledge of ag-chem and its application is second to none . His main roles are ag-chem / fert application , managing the yard , dryer , and all primary outputs . However , he can turn his hand to anything .
Andrew joined in 2016 after studying at Risholme . His main roles are ag chem application , crop cultivations and establishments . He also used to work during harvest before going to Risholme .
Ben joined in May 2020 , relocating up from East Sussex
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to become an integral part of the Flawborough team . Ben is an ag service technician who has worked for many of the large dealerships spanning 14 years . He also gained excellent experience demonstrating combines . Ben ’ s main roles are main combine driver , Unimog logistics , relief spraying and drilling .
They do take on extra staff in summer , depending on the straw situation .
I asked Tom about the future . He said their wish is to continue to grow the business organically , acquiring more land at the right price , maintain continued focus on land
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quality and the environment in general , keep field costs down and continue to look for more diversity opportunities . Their big move into no-till crop establishment and a toe dip into regenerative agriculture has been key factor in both profitability and enhancing the environment .
Tom said : “ Above all , it ’ s a case of constantly looking at the bigger picture , making money but not being busy fools . We have a long-term view and hope to be farming blocks of land for decades if not generations , keeping strong relationships between ourselves and the landowners .”
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