Irrigation solutions for a Herefordshire fruit farm
7th August 2024
In the Herefordshire village of Upton Bishop, family business Chicory Crops is at the forefront of innovation – including when it comes to irrigation.
Founded in 1971 by Robert Simpson, who inherited his love for growing from his father, the family-run business has evolved from its initial focus on chicory to become a diverse and thriving fruit farm.
Igne (formerly WB&AD Morgan) has played a crucial role in supporting the irrigation needs of Chicory Crops since 1997, assisting the Simpson family’s continued success and sustainability ambitions.
Robert Simpson’s journey into horticulture began under the guidance of his father, who managed Castle Fruit Farm in Newent after World War II. Inspired by his father’s work, Robert established Chicory Crops with a pioneering spirit, initially focusing on the production of endives.
His passion for producing excellent produce and his love of growing soon led to his diversification of the farm’s produce to include strawberries, raspberries, apples, and cherries.
The success of Chicory Crops can be attributed in large part to Robert’s exceptional relationship building with major retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.
These partnerships have ensured a reliable market for the farm’s produce and have encouraged the continuous improvement of growing practices to align with the high standards expected by these premium retailers.
The next generation
When the time was right, Robert passed the reins of Chicory Crops to his two sons, Jake and Rupert. As the third generation of growers, Jake and Rupert have further expanded the farm’s product range to include elderflower and honey.
They inherited their innovative spirits and commitment to sustainable farming practices from their father, and these have ensured that Chicory Crops remains at the forefront of the fruit and vine industry in terms of quality and excellence.
Irrigation requirements
As all growers know, uneven rainfall can cause plant stress during critical growth periods, which will affect both crop productivity and produce quality. The solution is effective irrigation.
Whilst Herefordshire’s climate is generally conducive to effective fruit farming, the diversity of Chicory Crops’ produce requires careful irrigation planning to maintain optimal soil moisture levels and ensure high-quality produce.
To support Jake and Rupert’s effective management of their farm’s water resources, Igne’s expertise has been invaluable.
Igne’s involvement with Chicory Crops began in September 1993, with the drilling of the farm’s first borehole to a depth of 35m. Drilled to replace an abstraction point from a stream, this hole is still producing well and uses the original Grundfos torpedo pump installed 31 years ago. Following a successful hydrogeological survey, two further boreholes were installed in May and October 2003.
Drilling progressed through varying ground conditions, including soft sandy mudstone to a depth of 5m and sandstone with mudstone horizons.
These three boreholes are strategically drilled to provide a reliable source of irrigation water, ensuring the farm can meet its growing demands. They also support the fertigation efforts on farm. Via fertigation, a regular, small, uniform application of soluble nutrients is delivered around plant roots ensuring a rapid uptake, as well as a reduction in fertiliser waste, labour and compaction in the field.
The drilling process encountered several geological challenges – particularly the transition from soft sandy mudstone to harder sandstone layers. Igne’s experienced team utilised advanced drilling techniques and equipment to navigate these conditions, ensuring the successful completion of each borehole in turn.
The ability to source water from these boreholes has significantly enhanced the farm’s irrigation capabilities, allowing for more consistent and efficient water usage.
Impact on production and sustainability
The impact of these boreholes on crop production has been profound. With a reliable water supply, Chicory Crops has been able to maintain optimal soil moisture levels, leading to improved crop yields and quality.
Consistent irrigation has particularly benefited the most water-sensitive crops including the strawberries and raspberries and latterly cherries under plastic, which require precise moisture management to thrive.
The installation of the boreholes has also contributed to the farm’s sustainability efforts. By reducing dependence on surface water sources and minimising water wastage, Chicory Crops has taken significant steps towards more sustainable farming practices. This aligns with the broader industry trend towards environmental responsibility and resource conservation.
Looking ahead, Jake and Rupert Simpson are committed to further enhancing the farm’s sustainability. Plans are underway to explore additional water-saving technologies and practices, such as reservoir creation, soil moisture sensors and mulching, to complement the existing borehole system. And the development of a water bottling plant could be on the horizon, allowing for the commercial sale of the pure water Igne’s boreholes deliver. These innovations will help to ensure that Chicory Crops continues to thrive in an increasingly water-conscious world.
This experience exemplifies the importance of innovative irrigation solutions in modern fruit farming. The successful partnership between the Simpson family and Igne has not only ensured the farm’s continued success but also highlighted the critical role of water management in sustainable agriculture.
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