While the uncertainty of Brexit has brought the cost savings versus quality argument to a higher profile in arable talk shops, it pays not to 'blink' in the face of adversity.

Volatility and fluctuations in cost for the farming industry has meant that many operations are having to re-assess strategy to remain profitable during the turbulence.

But, the management team at Duncan Farms, in Aberdeenshire, is firm in its belief that effective management must remain constant and unwavering.

Its farm director, Dave Green, is clear that his strategy is not willing to compromise quality for cost savings. A key part of Duncan Farms’ crop management is the use of liquid fertilisers, which he argued offers the business the most economically viable method of crop nutrition.

“Twenty years ago we would never have thought of liquid fertiliser,” added Sandy Norrie, the arable manager at Duncan Farms. “The methods of handling and applying have come on so much. Our yield maps are showing its real benefit.”

Following successful trials in 2017, Duncan Farms utilises liquid fertiliser across its 6000 acres of arable cropping, currently producing winter and spring barley, OSR and winter wheat.

Using liquid offers cost savings, but only once the necessary system is in place. It’s far easier to handle and apply, requiring less storage space and heavy lifting, significantly reducing labour costs, the team at Duncan Farmns pointed out.

For them, it also removes the risk of variance that can come with some solid fertilisers. Liquid fertiliser is homogenous, meaning that each drop has the same chemical composition.

These positives have a real financial impact. For example, liquids can be mixed for a combined effect. In Duncan Farms’ case, this reduced the pass on winter crops to a single application, saving a total of £17,000.

Mr Norrie said it had also produced a more even crop yield and significant return on investment. “Over our trialed fields, rape has averages 0.15 tonnes per ha more since switching to liquid. It’s very consistent, and we’ll definitely be using liquid fertiliser going forward. We’ve even been able to use the savings we’ve made to buy a new bowser,” he pointed out.

Jez Wardman, agronomist for Scotland at Yara, said liquid was the best option for farmers looking for consistent quality. “The demand for liquids continues to grow as farmers increase their sprayer capacity, improve their application accuracy and their operational efficiencies," he said.

"Liquid fertiliser is simply the most efficient method for a better yield and has certainly proved the case at Duncan Farms."

Uncertainties in the market have encouraged many farmers to seriously consider shrinking costs, but as Mr Green put it, cost savings sometimes come at the risk of reducing quality: “Whatever changes might come due to Brexit, we’re trying to focus on our own business, to become more efficient, more effective, get our costs of production down and ensure our strategy creates a robust and sustainable business.”

Yield results after liquid fertilizer application

+0.15 tonnes to the ha on rape

+0.25 tonnes to the ha on barley

+0.25 tonnes to the ha on wheat.