A Manx farmer in his 20’s has made national news in the Farmers Weekly for his farming efforts on the island.
23-year-old James Allanson returned to his third-generation family farm in Jurby after being named Student of the Year at Harper Adams University in 2025.
Allanson’s family farm, Rhendhoo Farm, was bought by James’s grandparents, Howard and Sheila Allanson, nearly 40 years ago.
Since returning to his family farm with a new level of precision, the farm is already seeing yields increase by up to 30%.
National News
James’s interview with the Farmers Weekly explained how the yield increases have come to fruition:
“James began by choosing varieties with strong resistance to the diseases which are most prevalent on their farm, including rhynchosporium and brown rust in barley.
“Second, he strengthened establishment of crops through even seed-beds, accurately calculated seed rates and rolling to secure improved seed-soil contact.
“Third, James front-loaded fertiliser to drive early growth ahead of anticipated dry spells and improved the timing of fungicide applications to keep disease pressure low.”
James plans on going back to Harper Adams University in January to do a Facts course, which he hope will assist him in continuing to improve the efficiency of the farms crop system.
The full interview can be read here.
