North Staffordshire farming business, C.J.C Stone of Onecote Grange, Onecote, were the winners of the 2019 Whitegrove Trophy Staffordshire Farm Conservation Competition. This annual competition is open to farmers/landowners and land managers throughout Staffordshire who encourage conservation alongside successful commercial agriculture.
Onecote Grange is a 300 acre, family-run, upland, 150-head dairy enterprise that has had great success across all areas of environmental management; from biodiversity outcomes to soil and water quality, demonstrating that environmental measures can be integrated within a commercial dairy farm. Mr Stone has a wealth of knowledge about the species present in the area and clear passion for promoting wildlife on the farm. Land management on the farm offers good separation of intensively managed land from species-rich permanent pastures, and wide riparian valleys managed with sensitive grazing regimes. Mr Stone also hosts regular events for the public and farming communities to showcase how farming supports wildlife and preserves the landscape.
The judge, Dr Nicola Hall, commented: “Overall, a wealth of outstanding achievements across all areas of environmental management from biodiversity outcomes to soil and water quality, demonstrating hugely admirable management of what is a commercial dairy farm. A great pleasure to visit and hear about the works undertaken over many decades.“
The Whitegrove Trophy is sponsored by Chris Seabridge & Associates Ltd and Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society. If you are a farmer/landowner or land manager, and would like to enter the 2020 Whitegrove Trophy Competition, please contact Chris Seabridge & Associates Ltd for an entry pack.