At Travelers Rest Farm in the UK, second-generation farmer Dougal Hosford is rethinking how arable farming can work with, rather than against, the soil. Having farmed all his life, Dougal has seen first-hand the long-term impacts of intensive inputs on soil health—and is now exploring regenerative approaches that prioritise resilience, diversity, and living soils.
For Dougal, the motivation is both practical and deeply rooted in responsibility.
As one of the farmers participating in our on-farm living labs, Dougal is testing legume-cereal intercropping to better understand its benefits and limitations. On his farm, trials with oats and beans grown together show clear advantages: reduced pest pressure, fewer weeds, and greener, healthier crops. This illustrates how legume–cereal intercropping can support soil fertility while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen.
The trials also highlight the realities farmers face. While intercropping can improve protein content and lower input costs, Dougal is open about the economic challenges and the need for better market recognition of sustainably grown crops. His experience offers an honest, practical perspective on both the potential and the trade-offs of intercropping within today’s farming systems.
Watch the video to hear Dougal reflect on regenerative farming, intercropping, and why healthy soils are fundamental to the future of farming—and human health.