Farm Tour with George Young at Curtis Farm, Fobbing

George farms a 485ha mixed farm in south Essex. Since 2013 George has moved from a fairly conventional system, with some cattle grazing on the permanent grassland, to an integrated farming approach which incorporates nature into the farming. He has moved to zero tillage and zero insecticide and has extended the rotation, growing linseed, beans, heritage cereals, buckwheat, lentils and hemp and exploring with other high protein crops. The cattle have been integrated into the system and graze on the herbal leys that grow on 20% of the farm.

George has undertaken habitat creation on a large scale to provide habitat and food for beneficial insects and farmland birds. His latest project includes planting his first field of agroforestry with approx. 7000 trees of fruit and nut varieties, timber trees as well as exotic species such as almond and olives in preparation for the impact of climate change. 

He is also installing a flour stonemill with the aim of making flour from the heritage grains and buckwheat grown on farm. George is passionate about growing food with ecology at the heart of his decision making.

Lunch will be provided.