Thomas Gent, Regenerative Farming Lead, Agreena

Extreme weather, volatile markets, and shifting agricultural policy are all reshaping the role of the modern farmer. With many crops maturing earlier than expected this year, yields are varying from field to field and farmers are facing more uncertainty than ever. 

On our family farm, decades of experience have shaped how we respond to this unpredictability. My grandfather, Tony, has farmed for over 60 years, beginning by working with his father, my great-grandfather, using horse-drawn ploughs before moving into modern machinery. Alongside running the farm, he developed world-leading patents and became an early advocate for regenerative agriculture, inspired by a formative trip to Argentina.

His willingness to innovate - and to share that knowledge - continues to influence everything we do. Today, we’re working together to combine traditional farming expertise with modern agritech. By trialling regenerative practices, using precision data tools and helping other farmers access carbon markets, we’re proving that climate resilience and profitability can go hand in hand.

Harvest reflections

This year’s harvest has been a vivid reminder of just how unpredictable farming is. Extreme weather has caused dramatic differences in yields, even within the same farm. For instance, some of our winter wheat fields produced over 11 tonnes per hectare, delivering record yields across more than 40 hectares. Meanwhile, other fields struggled, averaging just 7-8 tonnes per hectare.

This variation reflects differences in soil health and historical land management. Fields with well-structured soils retained moisture more effectively and were better able to withstand dry periods, while areas with compacted or nutrient-depleted soils lagged behind.

These challenges have underscored the value of regenerative practices. Fields managed with cover crops, minimal tillage, and organic inputs produced more consistent yields under stress. Witnessing this first-hand has strengthened our commitment to soil health and sustainability - not just for our farm but for the wider farming community.

Strengthening soils for crop resilience

At the heart of farming lies soil health. Farmers who have embraced regenerative agriculture report soils that are more resilient, better at retaining moisture during dry spells, and ultimately capable of supporting more stable yields. On the other hand, many are confronting the harsh reality of fragile soils unable to withstand weather volatility, resulting in uneven harvests and financial pressure.

Our approach has been to combine our hands-on experience with innovative programmes that support soil recovery and carbon sequestration. Initiatives such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, and reduced chemical inputs are restoring soil structure, boosting biodiversity and locking carbon back into the land. Beyond environmental benefits, these practices directly contribute to profitability, allowing farmers to produce reliable yields even in challenging conditions.

Equally important is community support. Knowledge sharing platforms and carbon market access schemes are helping farmers monetise their sustainability efforts, creating an incentive to invest in long-term soil health. This isn’t just about adopting a trend, it’s about developing a farming model that is both resilient and commercially viable, proving that sustainability and productivity are not mutually exclusive.

Where tradition meets tech

Farming is deeply rooted in tradition, and our family is a testament to that legacy. Yet adapting to the modern world is equally crucial. My grandfather’s trip to Argentina in 2007, for instance, inspired practices we still use today, from proactive soil management to innovative crop rotations. By integrating these lessons with modern technology - such as precision data tools, AI-driven analytics, and real-time monitoring - we can make smarter, evidence-based decisions that enhance both yield and sustainability.

This fusion of old and new enables us to trial regenerative practices with measurable outcomes. It also equips other farmers with the insights they need to rethink their approaches and explore carbon markets. Opening minds to regenerative agriculture doesn’t mean discarding tradition; it means strengthening it through innovation, data, and collaboration.

The result is a farm that is productive and profitable. More broadly, it’s a model that demonstrates how farmers can thrive in any conditions. By marrying the wisdom of decades of experience with the power of technology, we are rewriting the rules of modern agriculture and proving that farming’s future is both high-tech and deeply rooted in experience.