Mixed farming – diversification or diversion in a global market?

NUFFIELD SCHOLARS STUDY 2006-2007

Historically British farmers have adopted a The Topic mixed farming system using livestock and Although Scholars are selected for their cropping enterprises to complement each personal qualities, to gain an award other and reduce risk. However, in an candidates must provide justification for their increasingly global market has the need to topic. It must be of interest to themselves and specialise due to the requirement for likely to be of benefit to the industry as a technical excellence in any one enterprise whole. reduced or removed this advantage? How does mixed farming feature around the Sponsors world and what can be learnt from different This study is jointly funded by the Nuffield market and environmental situations in John Oldacre Foundation Award, however other countries? any other support would be welcome. This could range from time, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust information, flights to conference fees. For more than 50 years the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has promoted leadership After The Study Paul Baker and the implementation of innovative Nuffield’s aim is for Scholars to be the practices in agriculture through worldwide brightest and best of a new generation of Paul obtained a BSc in Agriculture and a study and interpersonal contact. managers within agriculture. It is hoped they Ministry of Agriculture funded MSc will be key influencers within the industry and degree in Agricultural Economics from A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a valuable that they will help shape the industry with Wye College, University of London, . and prestigious global agricultural award. particular reference to their study area. Their Scholars have returned with new knowledge report is a valuable industry reference source. Paul is managing partner with overall and wide contacts and many are prominent responsibility for the 1800 acre family leaders in the agricultural community. They For more information contact farming business. Cropping includes are, and have been, represented in cereals, oilseed rape(colza), sugar beet government, on agricultural producer boards Paul Baker and vining peas. Maize and grass are and in agricultural organisations, as well as Grange Farm grown for forage. A closed 180 head taking leading roles within their communities. Gipping Holstein-Friesian dairy herd with 110 followers produces 1.5M litres History (112,200kgMS) of milk per annum. The The Nuffield Foundation was founded in IP14 4PX milk is processed and marketed by a local dairy with 12 other supplying farms 1943 by Lord Nuffield of Morris Motors fame. The initial goal was to provide support for under the ‘Exclusively East Anglian’ brand. health and social well-being including Tel + 44 (0)1449 766820 Fellowships and Scholarships in medicine but Tel + 44 (0)1449 766279 Paul is a Director of Gipping Valley later extended to Farming after the war. Fax +44 (0)1449 767797 Growers Ltd, a vining pea co-operative. Scholars are selected from the UK, France, Mobile +44 (0)7770 477510 He represents Suffolk on the National Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Farmers Union Regional Milk Board and Scholars will travel and upon their return are Email [email protected] is a Member of Council for Framlingham expected to use all means at their disposal to or Farmers Ltd, a farmer buying and spread their new knowledge including the [email protected] Marketing co-operative. writing of an industry report to be published He is married to Ruth an independent by the Trust. crop consultant.

Mixed farming – diversification or diversion in a global market? Nuffield Farming Scholarship 2006 - 2007 Sponsored by the Nuffield John Oldacre Foundation Award