Overview.
LEAF member John Seed is a third-generation farmer near the Scottish border, continuing his family’s tradition of adapting to the challenges and opportunities of each generation. Over the past fifteen years, John and his family have developed their farm into a working example of regenerative and circular farming, blending practical productivity with environmental stewardship. Drawing on his experience in renewable energy, John champions sustainability, soil health, and reduced carbon emissions while maintaining a viable farm business. As a Pulse Pioneer with the NCS Project, John contributes to the wider effort to build protein self-sufficiency and arable-livestock integration within UK farming.
Building on the Past, Adapting for the Future.
John joined the family partnership in 1979 while also developing a parallel career in the renewable energy sector for over 20 years. In 2009, he and his wife Louise took on the running of the family farm, working alongside their son Donald. Building on the stewardship of previous generations, they have continued to evolve farming practices to meet today’s challenges, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and resilience while maintaining productive output.
John has integrated renewable energy systems across the farm, including solar panels, a wind turbine, a biomass boiler, and thermal storage, making the farm largely energy self-sufficient. Over ten years of carbon auditing have shown a significant reduction in the farm’s emissions as a result.
Circular Economy in Practice.
John recognises the truth in the Borders saying, “it’s not what you have, it’s what you do with what you have,” which underpins Woodend’s approach to creating a circular system that aligns economic viability with environmental outcomes. Around 50% of the poultry feed is now grown on-farm, reducing reliance on external inputs and enhancing resilience. Nutrient recycling and careful waste management are prioritised, supported by on-farm trials and continuous learning.
Pulses as Protein – Driving Change with NCS.
As part of the NCS Project’s Pulse Pioneer programme, John is trialling home-grown pulses, such as faba beans, to replace imported soya in poultry diets. This work has already achieved a 70% reduction in soya use, with soya now making up just 17% of the ration.
The trials are also examining the legacy benefits of pulses in rotations, including impacts on subsequent wheat yields and grain quality, alongside biodiversity gains from grassy strips and beetle banks that support pollinators and beneficial insects.
John shares these findings through NCS and at sector events, advocating for practical steps that enable wider adoption of local protein sources across UK farming.
Innovating with Manure – Bokashi Composting.
Operating in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) brings challenges in manure management and nutrient application. To address this, John has trialled Bokashi composting—anaerobically fermenting poultry manure inoculated with Actiferm and mixed with straw and woodchip.
This approach:
• Reduces nutrient loss through leaching and volatilisation
• Enhances soil organic matter
• Allows more flexible, field-based storage
• Adds value to byproducts like straw
While labour-intensive and reliant on plastic to some extent, John refers to it as “potentially muck magic” due to its contribution to nutrient cycling and soil health. The plastic agbags used in the process are recycled, ensuring the system remains as circular and responsible as possible.
Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling Pulses.
Despite progress, John acknowledges the barriers to expanding pulse use in UK livestock systems. Many poultry producers do not have the land to grow feed, and arable-only systems miss out on circular benefits without livestock. The price gap between imported soya and home-grown alternatives remains a challenge. John advocates for stronger financial incentives and fair supply chain structures to support the transition, emphasising the critical role of retailers and policymakers in enabling market conditions that reward environmental outcomes alongside productivity.
Looking Ahead: The Case for Change.
John’s message is clear: British farmers are capable and adaptable, but meaningful change requires coordinated action across the supply chain. Policymakers, retailers, and funders each have a role in creating fair market conditions that support environmental outcomes alongside productivity. John sees the NCS Project as a practical starting point, showing that collaboration can help replicate the success seen in other European countries.
“It’s an easy win,” he says. “Why aren’t we doing it now?”
Key Outcomes and Impact.
- 70% reduction in soya use in poultry feed.
- Significant drop in farm emissions through renewable energy.
- Successful integration of pulses into arable rotations.
- Enhanced soil health and nutrient management via Bokashi composting.
- Improved biodiversity and reduced input dependency.
Conclusion.
John Seed’s story at Woodend is one of regeneration, innovation, and resilience, grounded in the stewardship of previous generations and adapted for today’s challenges. Through practical trials, systems thinking, and his role as an NCS Pulse Pioneer, John demonstrates the contribution farmers can make towards a sustainable, productive, and climate-resilient food system in the UK.
