Agriculture
HEC farms 500 acres planting arable crops of wheat and oil seed rape. The crops are mainly for animal feed but in the foreseeable future they can both be used for the production of biethanol (a chemical derived from the plant which is used for inclusion in petrol and diesel). All the crops are sold through a co-operative (which has global connections) and they market the grain on my behalf to achieve the best price for my business. To achieve this I have some of the most up-to-date computer software - "Crop Manager" - which gives me the most intricate detail of any part of my crop production, making me fully aware of any deviation in cost control thus enabling me to plan ahead successfully in budgeting for inputs to achieve the best possible profit which, in turn, naturally benefits my customers.
Part of HEC acreage is known as share-farming. This is a system where the landowner provides me with the land and I carry out the 'productive' part of the share, i.e. machinery, seed, fertilizer, etc. and my farming and management expertise, and from the profits attained we both find this arrangement worthwhile and beneficial to both. HEC is particularly keen to keep abreast of all latest technology not only with machinery but also undertakes regular up-dates via "Crop Manager" which provides analysis with costs and performance amongst other important enhancements for me to keep my "finger on the pulse".
