Case studies
The best cover crop approach depends on the farm’s aims and objectives and how well it fits the system. With so many options available, learning from other farmers, especially those with similar farms, is often a good strategy. This page features several farmer experiences to guide your choices.
Angus Gowthorpe, Approach Farm, Escrick, Yorkshire
Angus shares his journey of adopting regenerative agriculture approaches, experiences of using cover crops, and considerations for selecting species. He also outlines what you may want to achieve and the differences between catch crops and cover crops.
In 2014, Angus started farming regeneratively, which included growing cover crops . The soil comes first in all decision making on the farm.
- 400 acre lowland mixed beef and arable farm
- All the arable crops are combinable
- Most of the forage is herbal leys (including temporary leys) within the arable rotation.
Over the last decade, his experiences have helped him grow increasing areas of cover crops with more plant diversity.
His tips for cover cropping
- Establish the cover crop as soon as possible after the previous crop has been harvested
- Treat as a crop, excluding nitrogen
- Select the best mix of species to meet the desired outcome from the cover crop, such as nitrogen building, carbon fixing, soil loosening, and pollination and grazing feed value
- Terminate the cover crop in sufficient time to avoid a negative yield impact on the following crop
Cover Crop Champions
Eight Cover Crop Champions have established a cover crop ahead of various cash crops for harvest 2025.
Supported by AHDB, the champions are recording core measurements and observations to help assess the impact of their varied approaches.
First pioneered in the US, cover crop champions tackle the complexity associated with cover cropping and share their experiences with other farmers.
Andrew Wilson, Brickyard Farm, Slingsby, Yorkshire
Andrew talks about how he has adopted regenerative agriculture approaches to improve his root crops, while using less inputs and saving on time and costs.
Mike Powley, Oakhouse Farm, Whixley, Yorkshire
Mike describes how cover crops and regenerative agriculture practices have many wins for soil health, nitrogen fixing and carbon, as well as providing tips for those starting out.
David Purdy, David Purdy Soils
David explains how to do your own soil assessment and what to look for on the farm.
Dr Dave George, Newcastle University
Dave has specialist knowledge in the use of biopesticides and precision agriculture technology. He is passionate about driving forward farming systems to benefit food production.
