The agricultural sector is returning to knowledge from more than a century ago, but with updated science and technology, says a co-author of The Agricultural Notebook.

The Notebook, which is widely regarded as ‘the Bible’ for every agricultural student, farmer, and industry professional, was first published more than 130 years ago. But its co-author, Richard Soffe, emeritus fellow at Duchy & Bicton Colleges’ Rural Business School, says that for the latest 21st edition, he found himself revisiting Notebooks from the 1800s. 

“We looked back at old editions and found things that as an industry we’d forgotten and that are now coming back full circle – it’s quite amazing really,” says Mr Soffe. “In the 1800s, for example, farmers knew the importance of grasslands being made up of lots of different species; the latest edition reflects the fact that we’ve started to increase the mixes in grasslands and herbal leys.”

More science and tech

Much of this age-old knowledge is combined with modern science and technology – a “back to the future” step, says Mr Soffe. In particular, chapter authors – who were drawn from across Europe – were asked to focus more on environmental challenges; reflecting growing interest in the issue, changes to post-Brexit agricultural policy, and the NFU’s target to reach net zero by 2040.  

The chapters on Farming and Wildlife, and Resource Management, reflect this. “While it’s a farmer-friendly book, it pulls no punches in saying that agriculture needs to do more for wildlife,” says Mr Soffe. “But it encourages farmers to look at their farm’s resources as a whole, so that they can manage it more effectively.”

The 21st edition also includes a new chapter, Applied Nutrition, dealing with ruminant and monogastric nutrition. “Applied nutrition is a lot more scientific than it used to be. For example, now we’re talking about how to use it to control the type of milk produced.”

Additional science is included in the soil management chapter, as understanding of and interest in soil has continued to develop. And there’s greater focus on renewable energy as farmers look to further non-agricultural income generation.

Beef and dairy must reflect the bigger picture

Readers of the Dairying and Beef Production chapter are encouraged to “look at the bigger picture”, says Paul Ward, research & programme manager at Duchy College’s Rural Business School, and chapter author. 

“Regarding climate change and emissions, cattle have had a very negative image recently, but we wanted the chapter to encourage people to look at the bigger picture,” says Mr Ward. “For example, how can grasslands sequester carbon? How else can farmers mitigate and reduce emissions?

“We’ve focused a lot on efficiencies in the system and how to reduce the carbon cost of meat and milk. But also how to prevent disease, rather than just treat it. And how to use technology to measure things – and critically – use this data to make better decisions.”

Adding value to products is another important topic as producers look for further income streams in the post-Brexit world. “We’ve included a bigger focus on marketing, branding, and story-telling, so farmers can tell people about the positives of cattle, while adding value to their produce,” says Mr Ward. 

Cropping requires more knowledge today

Growers now need wider knowledge than in the past, and to combine age-old practices with new science, says Louisa Dines, principle lecturer in agronomy at Harper Adams University, and author of the Crop Production chapter.  

“Successful UK crop production increasingly requires an excellent understanding of technology, biological and agronomic principles as well as business and marketing principles,” she says. “Legislation, consumer requirements, economics and protection of the environment place an increasing number of constraints on arable crop production in the UK.

“These are demanding the integration of new technologies and products with a return to some of the basic principles of good agricultural practice, such as the maintenance of soil health and diverse and resilient rotations.”

As farming and science continue to develop and become more specialised, The Agricultural Notebook is moving from being a ‘bible’ to ‘the essential reference book’, which now includes a large number of suggested further resources, says Mr Soffe.  

The 21st edition was launched in February and is edited by Mr Soffe and Professor Matt Lobley of Exeter University. It is available from Waterstones, Amazon, and Wiley.