Omnia introduces new functionality for recording SFI actions

Hutchinsons is proud to announce the launch of the latest functionality added to the Omnia digital farming platform designed to support farmers in efficiently managing and recording Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions.

Through the new functionality it is now possible to add land use options as well as crop use and management use options into Omnia.

“By integrating SFI data such as this with other farm management information within Omnia it simplifies farm management and supports the overall efficiency of farming activities as there is no need for multiple platforms,” says Georgina Wallis, head of environmental services for Hutchinsons.

Georgina Wallis, Hutchinson’s head of environmental services © Hutchinsons

Ms Wallis explains how the intuitive interface of Omnia ensures that all necessary data can be entered quickly and accurately, creating easy-to-use-and-interpret maps.

“Where cropping plans are already mapped out in Omnia, it is now possible to add in another layer of detail with the options functionality without interfering with the actual cropping – and this is key in what is already an extremely busy workload,” she says.

“For example, it is easy to record in map form where an oilseed rape crop is being grown with a companion crop or where the crop is teamed up with a soil management plan etc.

“It is also possible to record where options like buffer strips, winter bird food or pollen and nectar mixes are in each field.

“These can then be printed off and displayed for all the workforce to see – this helps to reduce accidents such as ‘where a spray contractor, for example, didn’t realise the field was under no insecticide in the SFI.’

“So it is now easier than ever before to look at the impact of sustainable practices across the farm and the best ways of adjusting farm management strategies to improve outcomes,” she says.

Ms Wallis adds how the new functionality makes it easier for farmers to stay compliant with SFI requirements from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) by generating yearly reports.

“For example, when a cover crop is established, a picture of this and the seed ticket describing the mix can be easily uploaded into Omnia through the field diary, and it is then geolocated on the farm.

“When the RPA requests evidence of the crop, with a ten day turn around, the user has it all to hand at the press of a button. The same principle applies for soil or nutrient management plans, or IPM plans.

“It just takes the stress out of the whole process and helps in managing schemes from one year to the next.”

She notes that this functionality also works for those needing to produce compliance reports for the food chain, as reports can be easily accessed through the field diary, as and when required.

To find out more about Omnia and the SFI functionality or for more information and advice on the 2024 SFI actions, join Hutchinsons at their annual Environmental Demonstration Day on the 19^th September 2024 at The Barn, Warboys, Cambs PE28 2XR.