The Resilient Farm with Stephen Briggs
Resource explained
This is footage of Stephen Briggs talking at the Resilient Farm Roadshow – North in March 2026 sharing his tools for ensuring farm resilience, both now and in the future. The AHDB and Agricology roadshow was designed to equip farmers with the practical tools and knowledge they need to build a more resilient farm business, creating a space for learning, discussion, and collaboration.
Stephen discusses what resilience in farming actually means, emphasising the need to adapt to various shocks such as climate change, economic instability, and policy changes. He highlights the importance of soil health, noting a decline in soil organic matter in the UK since 1985. He covers the impact of climate change on crop yields, the necessity of diversifying farming practices, and the benefits of incorporating legumes and cover crops. He also stresses the need for better marketing strategies and risk management to ensure farm sustainability amidst global uncertainties.
Findings & recommendations
- Resilience = preparation for shocks: Environmental (weather, climate), economic (prices, inputs), societal (policy, pandemics), technological (cyber, AI) – many are outside your control, so plan how you’ll cope.
- Supply chain is fragile: Few distribution hubs, exposure to cyber attacks, energy and fuel disruptions. Create a risk register (red/amber/green) and a plan B for key inputs: fuel, fertiliser, power, water, data/banking.
- Soil health is central: Build organic matter to improve water holding/drainage, nutrient retention and yield stability. Avoid losing soil; test organic matter and track trends.
- Use biology, not just bags: Encourage earthworms, mycorrhizae and diverse roots (cover crops, companions) to cycle nutrients and stabilise structure. Question fungicide and glyphosate use and how they affect beneficial fungi.
- Legumes are a big opportunity: Integrate more legumes (crops, covers, companions) to “grow” nitrogen and reduce fertiliser dependence and risk.
- Diversity builds resilience: Diversify enterprises, crops (e.g. mixtures, agroforestry, agrovoltaics), and income streams – but recognise added complexity and time; decide what you’ll stop doing.
- Capture more value: Farmers currently get under 10% of the food pound. Invest in marketing and closer links to customers to keep more value on farm.
Watch the video to find out more!
Summary provided by:
Phil SumptionEdited by:
Janie CaldbeckAssociated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):
Organisation(s):
- Agricology
- AHDB
Date:
04/03/2026Evidence:
Farmer experience
Copyright:
All Rights ReservedRelated theme:
- Agroforestry
- Biodiversity
- Business management
- Cereals, oil seeds & pulses
- Climate
- Compaction & cultivation
- Crop nutrition & fertility building
- Drainage
- Natural resources & waste
- Organic farming
- Organic matter
- People & skills
- Pests & diseases
- Pollinators & ecological services
- Regenerative agriculture
- Soil biology
- Type, texture & structure
- Weeds
Key Farming Practices:
- Companion crops
- Cover crops
- Diverse / herbal leys
- Encouraging beneficial insects
- Habitat creation
- Integrated pest management (IPM)
- Leys in crop rotations
- Minimum Tillage
- Silvoarable
- Soil monitoring
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