Saltby Farms has a contract to grow the group 1 milling wheat variety Crusoe for Warburtons and their bakeries. There is also additional milling wheat grown for other flour mills made up again of Crusoe and also a spring wheat variety called Mulika.
There is also a proportion of wheat grown as animal feed for which we grow the feed varieties Evolution and Santiago for their higher yield potential.
The farm also has a contract to supply ADM with oilseed rape which is crushed and used for the oil in Hellmans Mayonnaise under the LEAF (linking environment and farming) Marque scheme. The current varieties grown are Popular, Extrovert, Alizze, Campus and Elgar.
For the 2015 harvest the farm was divided into the following cropped areas and results:
| Winter wheat | 925 acres | 4.36 t/acre |
| Spring wheat | 204 acres | 3.01 t/acre |
| Winter OSR | 785 acres | 1.79 t/acre |
For the 2016 harvest there is the following crops areas;
| Winter wheat | 970 acres |
| Spring wheat | 209 acres |
| Winter OSR | 741 acres |
Machinery
The farm runs modern high capacity machinery based on John Deere tractors and a combine, a JCB materials handler plus Vaderstad and Sumo cultivators. These machines can cover big acreages, however, we try to minimise cultivation passes to protect soil structure and keep costs of production low although yield and quality cannot be comprised so the establishment needs to be as good as possible. Once the crops are drilled they need to be looked after which means fertilising and spraying them so they can meet their full potential. The agrochemicals are used to keep the crops healthy and free of weeds, pests and diseases.
The fertiliser is sourced through a buying group and the agrochemicals are purchased through Hutchinson’s an independent supply and advice company.
LEAF
Saltby Farms are proud to be members of LEAF which is a pro-active and inclusive charity that aims to deliver a shared vision for the future of farming and food.
LEAF farmers care about the countryside for you to enjoy today and tomorrow
LEAF vision: A world that is farming, eating and living sustainably.
LEAF mission: To inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.
– See more at: http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/about/abouttheorganisation