Hundred Acre Farm
Farm at a glance:​
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Farm size: 502 hectares split between owned and tenanted land
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Main farming enterprises: Beef and arable
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Crop rotation: Wheat, spring barley, winter barley, maize, oats
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Environmental schemes: Countryside Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
Blending food production with environmental stewardship
Hundred Acre Farm, West Sussex, is run by James Bray in partnership with his parents. With 502 hectares of owned and tenanted land, the farm focuses on beef and arable production, while integrating environmental stewardship practices to ensure long-term viability for future generations.
James recently joined Soil Association Exchange, undertaking our holistic environmental assessment. The resulting report provided a comprehensive overview of his farming operations.
Soil Association Exchange provided James with clear recommendations focussing on:
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Improving soil health
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For James, this process has reaffirmed the benefits of his existing environmental practices and identified areas for improvement.​
“It’s given us a clearer roadmap for where we can increase our impact, while continuing to produce food efficiently,”
Farm practices and sustainability focus areas
James finishes 600 head of beef cattle annually for ABP, rearing them on a diet of home-grown barley, maize, grass silage, and some concentrates. The farm grows a variety of crops, including wheat, spring barley, winter barley, maize, and oats.
Where appropriate, James aligns his cropping practices with the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). He has already adopted several practices that promote biodiversity and soil health, such as planting herbal leys and growing stubble turnips as cover crops. A neighbour’s sheep graze these fields providing an extra income, as well as aiding soil organic matter.​
Soil health: The foundation of sustainability
Soil health is a priority at Hundred Acre Farm, with James focusing on building organic matter through cultivation techniques and crop selection. Since adopting strip tillage five years ago, water infiltration has improved and soil disturbance has been minimised. The farm is now transitioning to direct drilling to improve soil structure and efficiency.
James regularly tests soil organic matter levels which vary across fields. Results within his Exchange report detailed soil organic matter ranging from 6-10%, with permanent pastures higher in organic matter. To enhance soil fertility, James applies farmyard manure (FYM) and sewage sludge, which has notably increased barley yields.
"By improving soil organic matter, we aim to reduce the need for bought-in fertiliser, which would also help lower costs"
​Improving nutrient management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
One of the recommendations within the farm’s Soil Association Exchange assessment report was to further improve the farm’s nutrient management. James is exploring the use of effective microorganisms, such as Bokashi, to enhance manure quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The report also highlighted how growing legumes in grassland or winter bird food could benefit both soil health and biodiversity. These practices pay more under SFI than herbal leys, and James is considering integrating them into his crop rotation.
Biodiversity on the farm
James has already made significant progress in improving on-farm biodiversity, with 10% of the farm planted with pollen and nectar-rich crops and wild bird food mixes. Six-metre margins around most fields are part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. These conservation efforts have led to a noticeable increase in wildlife on the farm, including hares, barn owls, and lapwings.
“Our number one priority is producing food. If we can take less productive land out of rotation and use it for the environment, that’s a bonus. But farming will always be our main focus”
The Exchange report identified 17 bird species on the farm, including two on the RSPB’s Red List. To further boost biodiversity, the report suggested increasing crop variety and creating wetland features, though James notes that the farm’s chalky soil may present challenges for water retention.
Taking action on recommendations
James plans to prioritise hedgerow management, which supports wildlife habitats and is eligible for SFI funding. Despite the emphasis on environmental initiatives, James remains focused on food production.
Key findings and next steps for Hundred Acre Farm
The Soil Association Exchange assessment has provided James with a clear roadmap to enhance his farm’s environmental performance. Some of the key findings and recommendations include:
•Soil health: Continue efforts to improve organic matter through cover crops, reduced tillage, and manure applications.
•Biodiversity: Further diversify crop rotations to support wildlife and improve habitat management.
•Nutrient management: Integrate microorganisms to enhance manure quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
•SFI options: Consider growing legumes or winter bird food to boost farm biodiversity and improve farm income.
Start your journey with Soil Association Exchange
Soil Association Exchange helps farmers like James Bray improve their environmental impact with tailored action plans, clear recommendations, and funding guidance. If you want to enhance your farm’s sustainability while securing its future, start your journey with Soil Association Exchange today.
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