Farmers Weekly: Benefits of bokashi for welsh beef producer
Leigh Jackson Leigh Jackson

Farmers Weekly: Benefits of bokashi for welsh beef producer

Phil Cowcher has found Bokashi to be a game-changer on his farm, particularly for soil health and ease of handling. Unlike traditional manure, Bokashi bedding breaks down easily, allowing for quicker mucking out and reduced odor thanks to the anaerobic fermentation process that suppresses odor-causing microbes. This treatment not only makes nutrient-dense material readily available to the soil but also retains up to 99% of its carbon, significantly higher than conventional composting methods. Phil has observed that fields treated with Bokashi decompose faster, fostering earthworm activity and nutrient cycling, which reduces his need for additional fertilizers. While the process doesn’t necessarily boost crop yields, it has proven cost-effective and sustainable, enhancing both soil vitality and animal health.

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FarmED Compost Clinic Recap: Exploring the Best Composting Solutions for Your Garden and Kitchen
Composting Martyn Richards Composting Martyn Richards

FarmED Compost Clinic Recap: Exploring the Best Composting Solutions for Your Garden and Kitchen

Exploring the Best Composting Systems: FarmED Compost Clinic Recap

This week, I had the pleasure of joining FarmED’s Compost Clinic to introduce compost enthusiasts to three unique methods of transforming food and garden waste into rich, soil-enhancing compost. From the quick aeration of compost tumbling to the nutrient-packed results of vermicomposting and the efficiency of Bokashi fermentation, each system offers unique benefits for anyone looking to start or improve their composting at home.

Live demonstrations and expert guidance helped attendees see these systems in action, understand the science behind them, and explore how each impacts soil health. If you’re keen to find a composting method that matches your space, effort level, and waste type, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help you make the best choice for your home and garden!

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Exploring Potato Trials in Wales: How Liquid Fertiliser is Changing the Game
Leigh Jackson Leigh Jackson

Exploring Potato Trials in Wales: How Liquid Fertiliser is Changing the Game

Exploring Potato Trials in Wales: Liquid Fertiliser’s Impact

At AgriVital, we’re testing a liquid placement fertiliser in Wales to see if it can boost potato yields with less reliance on granular phosphate. Early signs are promising—the treated plots are growing as robustly as untreated ones.

Our Process: We randomly dig three-meter sections to assess growth, grading potatoes by size and counting stems to understand plant density's effect on yield.

Initial Findings: Results are positive so far, suggesting that liquid fertiliser could be a cost-effective, eco-friendly choice for growers. Stay tuned for our final analysis!

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A New Chapter for Agriton and Agro-Vital: Honoring Fran’s Legacy and Embracing the Future
Martyn Richards Martyn Richards

A New Chapter for Agriton and Agro-Vital: Honoring Fran’s Legacy and Embracing the Future

As Agriton and Agro-Vital embrace an exciting new chapter, we celebrate the legacy of founder Fran, whose 20 years of dedication to sustainable solutions have shaped our company’s mission and values. With Fran stepping into retirement, I, Andrew Sincock, am honored to continue her work, leading a passionate team toward a future of growth and innovation. Our commitment to providing high-quality, eco-friendly products remains as strong as ever, thanks to Fran's unwavering vision.

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BOKASHI…in the press again
Farming Leigh Jackson Farming Leigh Jackson

BOKASHI…in the press again

Northumberland farmers Guy Douglas and Peter Brewis are pioneering efficient, cost-effective farming methods by using regenerative agriculture and Bokashi composting to enhance soil health and reduce fertilizer dependency. Their innovative approach combines shared machinery and coordinated crop plans, with Guy transitioning from granular to foliar fertilizers and Bokashi for manure treatment. By fermenting manure with a specialized microbial starter, they preserve nutrient value, creating a natural, closed-loop fertilization system. Their method enhances soil organic matter and microbial activity, supporting healthier crops and livestock without reliance on external feed. Focused on responsible, sustainable farming within the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, they aim to reduce inputs, restore natural processes, and promote ecological balance.

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FERMENTING SLURRY & MANURE - farmers weekly
Leigh Jackson Leigh Jackson

FERMENTING SLURRY & MANURE - farmers weekly

Discover how one farm is enhancing soil health and sustainability with innovative microbial practices. By applying a weekly microbial mix to straw bedding in heifer sheds, they’re composting manure into nutrient-rich, soil-like material, reducing ammonia odor and easing slurry management. To further enrich their fields, they employ Johnson-Su bioreactors, transforming slurry, straw, woodchip, and silage into long-lasting compost, ideal as a seed dressing or soil spray. With these methods, the farm promotes biological diversity, aiming for a resilient, profitable, and sustainable system

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Making Your Own Bokashi Bran
EM, Bokashi Martyn Richards EM, Bokashi Martyn Richards

Making Your Own Bokashi Bran

Making your own Bokashi bran is a simple and sustainable way to reduce food waste. By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily create this valuable compost ingredient using EM1, wheat bran, or coffee grounds. The process is relatively straightforward, requiring only a few basic ingredients and supplies. With a little effort, you can turn food scraps into a nutrient-rich fertiliser for your garden.

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Autumn Leaves: Nature's Free Soil Improver with Bokashi
Martyn Richards Martyn Richards

Autumn Leaves: Nature's Free Soil Improver with Bokashi

Autumn offers a valuable resource for improving your garden: leaf mulch. When combined with bokashi, a fermentation process, these leaves can transform into a nutrient-rich, disease-resistant soil amendment. Simply collect leaves, add bokashi, layer, cover, turn, and wait 8-12 weeks. This sustainable and free soil improver provides essential nutrients, improves soil health, and reduces waste, contributing to a more sustainable garden.

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Fertilise Smarter, Not Harder: The Liquid Applicator Revolution
Andrew Sincock Andrew Sincock

Fertilise Smarter, Not Harder: The Liquid Applicator Revolution

Introducing Agro-Vital's innovative liquid applicator! Our new technology offers farmers a more efficient and sustainable way to apply fertilizers. By reducing the need for broadcast applications, we're helping to protect the environment and improve soil health.

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The Gut: Your Second Brain
Wellness Martyn Richards Wellness Martyn Richards

The Gut: Your Second Brain

Did you know that roughly 70% of your immune system resides within your gut? Packed with immune cells, your gut acts as a frontline defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. But here's the surprising part: your gut health goes beyond just physical well-being. Emerging research suggests it plays a significant role in your mental health, influencing thoughts, feelings, and even stress levels. In essence, a healthy gut is key to both a happy mind and a healthy body.

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