How Our UK Farm Delivered 4,000 Tonnes While Battling One of the UK’s Driest Summers

If there’s one thing the 2025 growing season has taught us, it’s that when growing conditions get tough, our people get tougher.

This summer saw the worst drought since 1976. The lack of rainfall brought a number of challenges for our farm team as they were growing crops such as green beans and Mixed Squash which are heavily reliant on water to grow successfully. But despite the worst that mother nature could throw at them, the team dug deep and put in the hard work and long hours needed to plant, nurture and harvest over 4,000 tonnes of fresh produce.

That’s not just a number, it’s a testament to the grit, determination and dedication at the heart of the people who make our farm a success.

A Season Like No Other

Growing fresh produce in a year like this was always going to test us. As Farm Manager Alex Bayliss puts it:

“Growing crops that are so reliant on water in a year with the worst drought on record has asked some serious questions of the team. Luckily, those questions were answered with hard work, long hours and dedication.”

With temperatures consistently above average and rainfall almost non-existent, the team had to adapt fast. Over 30 irrigation systems were deployed across the farm, running almost constantly through the summer. Some of the crops required double the usual irrigation just to hit our target yields.

But through careful planning, precise water management and round-the-clock teamwork, we were able to sustain supply throughout the season.

One of the most significant developments this year was the appointment of our new irrigation manager who rose to the challenge brilliantly.

Their work, combined with the expertise of our expanded harvest management team, helped ensure the crops were harvested at the highest quality and at exactly the right time. This is one of the reasons why we invest so heavily in our people, and it shows with our farming success, and it's why we’re forecasting an 85% returnee rate for our 2026 season.

Looking Ahead

As the season draws to a close, we’re still harvesting Tenderstem broccoli™ and enjoying an unexpectedly kind autumn, which has delivered excellent late season yields. We’re also working with our Spanish growing partners.

But while crop production slows for winter, our work doesn’t as we’re already making plans for 2026 and ensuring our farmland is looked after during the winter months.

This winter, we are:

Establishing cover crops on 95% of our long-term farmland. These crops will protect soil structure through the wet winter months, reduce erosion and enhance organic matter.

Boosting soil health even further by welcoming a flock of sheep to graze the cover crops. By spring, they’ll have naturally cleared the fields which also eliminates the need for chemical removal and enriching the soil in the process.

With an expanded cropping area planned, we’re also busy prepping equipment, refining field plans and ensuring our teams are ready for another ambitious year. Here’s to 2026 and whatever nature can throw at us.