Farmer Focus: My next idea is more Zen than YEN

As I write, the combine (or parts of it) should be heading over to Little Goldsmiths Farm for harvest 2026.

This will be the first time I’ve started harvest before the annual Becvar family holiday since a – not as disastrously as imagined – OSR crop several years ago.

See also: Grower reveals top wheat and OSR contenders for autumn 2026

About the author

Anthony Becvar

Anthony Becvar is a third-generation farmer of an 80ha mixed farm in East Sussex on heavy Weald Clay. Crops include spring beans, winter wheat and spring barley, alongside diversification projects which include two breweries and an agricultural mechanic.

Read more articles by Anthony Becvar

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a decent bushel weight, but at least I shouldn’t have any moisture concerns.

It will be nice to get harvest done before a bit of holiday rest so I can bore the hell out of my family with my wonderful plans for this autumn’s cropping.

This year’s idea is more Zen than YEN, but it takes me a little bit out of my comfort zone.

On paper it ticks a lot of boxes for winter soil cover, roots in the ground early, contrasting companions and has all the potential to cause problems, unless we (I include my agronomist in all mistakes) get it right.

I won’t tell all now, as that would be tempting Fortuna too much. Needless to say, after a fairly testing year doing anything is going to be risk.

I spent a wonderful few days and evenings at Groundswell. My thanks go to the Cherry family for their generous spirit and the platform they have provided that gives so much information to be harvested by so many.

As it was my fifth year visiting, I felt slightly learned in the regen ways, which was great as I was able to question much of the information rather than absorb it like a sponge.

I urge anyone to listen to what is being achieved by so many. The standard of speakers is extremely high and the topics for discussion vary widely.

A highlight this year was listening to my friend Duncan talk about his regen journey and outlook.

His farm, which I have known for many years; his brewery, which I have enjoyed for many years; community events and joined-up thinking are creating a better understanding of the countryside and environment. We can all achieve something like that if we put our heads together.