Shedden Farms
Farm at a glance:​
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Farm size: 1,550 hectares
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Main farming enterprises: Pigs and arable
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Crop rotation: Wheat, barley, rape, oats, and beans
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Pig enterprise: Contract rearing and finishing up to 25,000 pigs a year for Karro Foods, RSPCA accredited
Sustainability and profitability hand-in-hand
Shedden Farms, Yorkshire, is a prime example of how sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand in modern farming. Managed by Nuffield Scholar Hugh Sheddon, the business has undergone significant transformation over the past five years with support from a Soil Association Exchange assessment, providing a vital step in the farm’s long-term sustainability journey. The focus has been on feed efficiency, production enhancement, and resilience.
The biggest of these changes has been shifting from a traditional farrow-to-finish system, to contract rearing 25,000 pigs a year for Karro Foods.
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Other investments include:
• The expansion into feed milling, using home-grown grain to reduce the reliance on imported soya
• Installing a liquid feed system which converts human food waste into highly nutritious, carbon-negative feed
• Using external support of consultants who are able to provide insight and data on which informed decisions can be made to support pig performance and environmental sustainability
“We’re constantly testing and refining our practices. Regular soil testing ensures we apply the right nutrition at the right time to optimise both crop yields and soil health. We are planning to develop an in-depth soil management plan to continue improving our soil health”
Hugh Shedden
Environmental baseline assessment: A holistic view of sustainability
In early 2023, Shedden Farms undertook our Soil Association Exchange assessment. This comprehensive survey evaluated six key areas—soil, water, biodiversity, carbon, animal welfare, and social impact—providing a clear picture of the farm’s environmental performance and offering targeted advice for improvement.
The results were positive across several areas. Shedden Farms scored well for soil structure, including bulk density, pH, and visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS). Additionally, water use and carbon balance received high scores, thanks to the farm’s efficient slurry management and use of precision technology. Pig slurry and manure are applied across 1,550 hectares of arable land, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers and optimising crop yields.
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Recommendations from the Soil Association Exchange report
The Soil Association Exchange assessment provided several key recommendations to further improve sustainability at Shedden Farms:
• Herbal leys: Introduce herbal leys to increase soil organic matter (SOM), improving soil health and carbon sequestration.
• Rainwater harvesting: Install rainwater harvesting systems to improve water utilisation and reduce reliance on mains water. This is eligible for funding through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship.
• Continued participation in environmental schemes: Maintain and expand participation in the Mid-Tier Scheme and SFI, including the establishment of wildflower corridors, hedgerow planting, and growing winter bird food and nectar flower mixes.
“Maximising production and reducing environmental impact often go hand-in-hand. We’re working through the next steps to make these recommendations work for our business,”
Hugh Shedden
T​he next step for Shedden Farms is to evaluate how to implement these recommendations in an economically viable way. Hugh is clear that any changes must benefit the farm financially as well as environmentally.
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Start your journey with Soil Association Exchange
Shedden Farms’ commitment to sustainability has been strengthened by participation in the Soil Association Exchange environmental baseline assessment. With tailored recommendations and guidance towards available funding support, Soil Association Exchange helps farmers optimise their environmental performance while improving productivity and profitability.
Find out more about how you can start your journey towards more sustainable farming with Soil Association Exchange.
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