We have been lucky enough to host work experience placements for some exceptionally talented individuals this summer.

Libby: “I had the opportunity to spend a week with Dyson Farming on work experience. Everyday I saw and learnt new things in different departments and was surrounded by lovely people who were so passionate about their work. Dyson Farming is exactly the type of company that I will be looking to work for when I graduate next year. The unexpected highlight of the week was spending the day with the sheep team!”

Ed: “Having just finished A Levels, and hoping to study International Agriculture at Nottingham University, I was given a fantastic opportunity to spend a week on The Dyson Farming Farms in Lincolnshire. I spent time with different areas of the business including Agronomy, with the farm managers as well as with different machine operators using the Pea Viners and Foragers. Everyone made me incredibly welcome and made the experience highly enjoyable as well as it being a valuable learning opportunity. “

Sage: “The two weeks I spent at Dyson Farming were extraordinary. At the onset of my visit I had next to no experience with farming or agriculture, let alone on a commercial scale. I spent a day or so with nearly every manager and came away with so much more knowledge than I had before. I was consistently amazed at the kindness, sincerity, and passion of each and every person that I worked with. Everyone was happy to answer any and all questions that I had – it was like going to a high level school where I was the only student and all my teachers were practicing experts in their fields.

The 100 year plan for Dyson Farming is truly inspiring. I was especially blown away by the AD plants and the various environmental initiatives that have been set in place for the purpose of cultivating and restoring wildlife. It’s thrilling to see a farm at the commerciaal scale be so devoted to sustainability and innovation. I cannot wait to continue studying and exploring agriculture, and I have Dyson Farming to thank for fueling that drive and curiosity.”

Following the recent addition of two new units, the Dyson Farming haulage team now operates a fleet of five lorries and a range of different trailers equipped to carry various commodities. The integration of the fleet has been a great success in reducing the number of tractors travelling through local towns and villages. The team prides itself on the values of safety and efficiency; operating our own haulage means that produce can be taken to market on our own terms and in a way that limits the disruption to the communities we work alongside.

Dyson Farming welcomed 120 members of the Worshipful Company of Farmers to Nocton on 3^rd July led by the Master, Philip Wynn. The guests were welcomed to the Nocton Farm by Managing Director Richard Williamson who said “as we face a changing political landscape, the industry must embrace future opportunities and challenges.” He also emphasised that this is very much a family farming business and we are lucky to have strong leadership at this time. The tour looked at the newly built Nocton grain storage facility, the anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, a live property renovation project, and the farming operations. Highlights included the chance to see the inner workings of the AD tanks and the Dyson Farming haulage team in action. The tour concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by of Rosie Carne of Yara UK.

A group of STEM students from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle made the trip to Carrington to learn about energy production at the anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. The group started by visiting the forage operations to look at the machinery and logistics involved in harvesting energy crops. The tour returned to the AD plant to look at how crops are stored and then tested in the onsite laboratory. The highlight of the trip was climbing to the top of the digester tank to see the biogas bubbling up through the liquid feed mix. The group were fascinated to learn that whilst the plant powers some seven thousand homes, the excess heat has been used to dry 7400 tonnes of grain and woodchip since December 2016.

We have welcomed cattle to Dyson Farming’s Gloucestershire farms for the first time. The young herd of 270 Aberdeen Angus crossbreeds, along with our existing sheep flock, enable us to make better use of our permanent pastures and parklands. The animals return valuable nutrients, bacteria and organic matter to our soils and are an important part of our whole farming system.