Karl Barton
Case Studies on Weed Management
Karl Barton
West Sussex
Farm characteristics
Farm size: 1052 hectares (2600 acres) two-stage conversion 202 hectares (500 acres) entered in 1998, remainder 850 ha (2100 ac) started in 2002
Farm type: mixed (cereal)
Altitude: 55 m (180
Rainfall: 940 mm (37
Soil type/aspect: soil type is flint over chalk, with poor sandy loam, pH 6.2
Basic rotation: no fixed rotation and dependant on soil type. Typical maybe 2-3 years grass/white clover ley, winter wheat, winter barley, winter wheat u/s white clover ley
Enterprises: total estate area 1133 ha (2800 ac), 769 ha (1900 ac) deciduous and conifer forests, 73 ha (180 ac) country park, 244 ha (603 ac) cereals, 65 ha (161 ac) lupins and beans, 219 ha (541 ac) set aside, 370 ha (914 ac) permanent pasture, 202 ha (499 ac) leys, 71 ha (175 ac) other land. 200 dairy cows, 1300 ewes, 40 beef cows (to increase to 200 finished animals per year by 2006)
Prior land use: conventional arable rotation with 160 dairy cows and 1000 ewes. Management previously through land agent now permanent farm manager and 7 farm staff
Weeding equipment: 12 m Opico and 6 m Einbok harrow comb. Use disks, spring tine cultivator and plough. Had pull docks with pitchforks and ragwort manually. Has 3 10 ft and 1 15 ft topper
Business: family business
Marketing: self sufficient with feed, 50% cereals marketed to whomever will take, intend to brand the meat and sell through local businesses
Weed problems
Attitude to weeds
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