Continuous learning helps Pulse Pioneer, Paul Barnes, get the most from his organic bean crops.
Three mantras guide Paul Barnes’s approach to farming. The first two were inspired by his grandfather: “Look after the soil and it’ll look after you” and “Learn something new every day”. The third is a quote from Charles Darwin: “It’s not the most intelligent of the species that will survive – it’s the one that’s most adaptable to change”.
These principles reflect Paul’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and continuous improvement through on-farm trials and working with other farmers. He says: “Being part of PulsePEP is a fantastic opportunity, because generally as farmers we don’t do enough collaboration and talking.”
Meeting other farmers and experts, and hosting farm visits is always fruitful, he continues. “You can always take something home about how to take things forward and improve your system.”
The 1240ha South Ormsby Estate was purchased by new owners in 2016. Paul joined a year later and set about converting the in-hand farming operations to organic production. As well as field beans, he also produces vining peas as part of a local growers’ group. He firmly believes in the value of pulses in the rotation for an organic system – not just for the crop itself but what it provides the following crop.
“We are looking to achieve quality rather than quantity,” he explains. For example his spring wheat crops following spring beans are destined for premium, locally-produced wholemeal flour through a collaboration with a local miller.
In 2023-4 Paul conducted three different NCS project trials exploring the effect of the biostimulants Vixeran and Utrisha on his bean crops. He is continuing the Vixeran trial in another field in 2024-5 while also looking at the effect of the treated and untreated 2024 beans on the subsequent spring wheat (for milling).
While other growers had positive experiences with their 2024 spring beans, Paul unfortunately did not, although the crop had been looking promising. “The drilling conditions were ideal, we used 55 seeds/m2, did two passes with a weed harrow and it was clean as a whistle.
“But an onslaught of chocolate spot just annihilated it,” he says. Yields were down to just 1.6t/ha in places.
Like all Pulse Pioneers, Paul’s trials are monitored and benchmarked through the Bean YEN. As well as leaf and tissue samples it involved looking below the ground too, to explore nodulation and how the treatments affected it. Paul was given a score by project researchers which revealed that the treated plots achieved higher levels of nodulation.
“Hopefully we will now see the impact of this nitrogen fixation. We will be able to get out there and through our soil sampling monitor it through into the following crop.”
Despite the disease challenges, Paul remains positive about pulses, their role in the rotation and their potential for South Ormsby and other farms. However, growers need to work together to share learning and knowledge to overcome the difficulties, he says. This is particularly pertinent for the 23 Pulse Pioneers who should share learning from their on-farm trials.
“We need to generate more knowledge, and share more,” he concludes. “Collaboration is a fantastic thing. Let’s get more on board – bring it on.”