Anglia Rural Consultants are delighted that Norfolk farmer Mark Means has been shortlisted for the British Farming Awards in the Sustainable Farmer of the Year category.
The awards are organised annually by national farming newspaper, The Farmers Guardian and supported by Morrison Plc supermarket, and boast a competitive application and shortlisting process to be recognised in the 17 categories, showcasing farming’s finest from across the UK.
Mark Means farms at Terrington St Clement, King’s Lynn as J S Means (Terrington) Ltd.
He runs a family farm, using precision methods applied with compassion for his soils, his environment and biodiversity. This is a commercial business that is designed to reduce risks, respond to the challenges of climate change and fully play its part in meeting carbon targets, thus to ensure its sustainability as a food producer into the future.
On being shortlisted, Mark commented that ” I am so thankful to Richard Rampton of Anglia Rural Consultants for making the nomination. Richard has been an immense support to us, helping to push our business forward with the ability to work collaboratively for the mutual benefit of all. Becoming a finalist in the sustainability category is in recognition of the whole team’s hard work and dedication. We are farmers of the soil, and what I mean by that is that if we don’t invest and care for our soil, sustaining its fertility, improving drainage, and organic matter, then nothing will make a difference. We learn from the past and invest in the future. “
The family farm was purchased in the 1960s and Mark took over in 2010. The 227 ha owned is supplemented by a number of contract farming agreements and altogether 820 arable ha is farmed, all to the same high standard. Mr Means is an experienced and qualified (degree, BASIS and FACTS) arable farmer, with career experience in the marketing and supply side of the industry.
The farm has soils, equipment and skills that employ integrated crop and pest management. The business grows potatoes and other high-value crops effectively and efficiently. Potatoes add rotational opportunities to the cropping programme and are well-suited to the soils; the farm has a substantial irrigation capacity. The light to medium silt land is flat and well drained, and has a high water holding capacity that leads to a reduced irrigation need.
Mark was an early adopter of LEAF Marque and the farm has been certified since 2002. LEAF Marque is a leading global assurance system recognising more sustainably farmed products. LEAF Marque certified businesses are independently verified against the robust LEAF Marque Standard. He has carbon audited the business using the Cool Farm model for the past ten or so years.
Richard Rampton of Anglia Rural Consultants explained why he decided to put Mark forward for the accolade ‘I have known Mark for years and watched as he has progressed from technical efficiency to a wide concern for all aspects of his farming business, being environmental and social as well as economic. His is a family farm; it is commercial and has to make money but it does so while fully protecting its fragile environment on the edge of the Wash; while improving biodiversity; and while moving to meet a self-imposed target of net zero by 2030. His is a great story of targeting sustainability of a commercial farming business that can be a beacon for others; a national award would be not only recognition for Mark, but a story that the whole industry can be proud of – and can learn from.’
We wish Mark the very best of luck at the Awards ceremony on 20th October. For more information on the awards visit: https://www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/To find out more about the work of Anglia Rural Consultants and how they can help you, visit: https://www.angliaruralconsultants.com/