On The Farm in November and December

Welcome to the latest look at life on the JEPCO farm. Whilst it’s certainly quieter in the fields now compared to the summer, there’s still plenty going on behind-the-scenes, with preparations for the 2023 season already underway.?

Whilst we’ve completed the Lincolnshire harvest since our last update in September, the teams continue work at our Suffolk sites. Due to the fairly cool conditions and limited number of frosts thus far, we will continue to harvest radicchio throughout the winter, as well as spring greens. We anticipate harvesting around 500 tonnes over the winter.?

The steady wet weather, along with the crisp autumn days, has ensured the crop quality is very good, although head weights are a little behind last year. This is proving difficult to achieve this year, as the weather is extremely changeable – which certainly keeps our team on their toes.?

We hope these weather conditions will continue through the rest of winter, with plenty of rain to replenish the reservoirs that were so heavily depleted over most recent hot and dry summer.?

?Over the past month and throughout December, our irrigation and harvesting teams carry out maintenance on the machinery, rigs and water systems. They are currently preparing audits, performing repairs and making general updates, ensuring all technology works perfectly ahead of the busy summer growing season.?

In further preparation for 2023, Tim Fowler, our irrigation manager, and his team recently planted cover crops to protect and maintain the soil quality for new planting next year. This winter, 250 hectares of cover crop have been drilled with a mix of Italian Rye grass and Vetch, adding drainage and promoting nitrogen sequestration.?

To meet the demand through winter, our procurement and supply chain team has the busy task of acquiring crops from the continent, which will continue for several months until the harvesting of our own fields recommences in May - the cycle comes around once again!?

I hope you’ve enjoyed our latest update and we’ll be back with another On The Farm in the New Year, with lettuce seedlings and more plans for 2023.?

Until next time!?

Geoff?

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