Water | Farming Smarter Episode 3

How do farmers tackle flooding and protect water quality?

After an autumn of record rainfall, Rob and Jeremy confront runoff, blocked drains and nutrient loss. They install fencing to protect streams, harvest rainwater for reuse, and work with a water expert to test nitrate and phosphate levels. From sediment traps to drainage fixes, they show how small interventions can make a big difference. This episode highlights Rob and Jeremy’s role as custodians, balancing productivity with responsibility to neighbours, catchments and ecosystems.

Note: This series shares real experiences and insights from Rob and Jeremy’s farms along with contributions from advisors and experts. These conversations are intended for storytelling and inspiration, not as professional agricultural advice. Every farm is different, so please treat these ideas as examples rather than recommendations.

Filmed over the course of a year, the series reflects Rob and Jeremy’s collaboration with the UK Agri-Tech Centre as a network farm. This includes their participation in trialling, testing and developing innovation and agri-tech in partnership over many years, including work with technologies such as Crover, Ritchie Beef Monitor, Chirrup Nano, and others.