Boosting Farm Profitability: An Introduction to Maximum Sustainable Output

In this introductory session, hear from Technical Manager, Nathan Walker, on how MSO is being used to help farms become more profitable. What is MSO? Maximum Sustainable Output (MSO) is an approach that challenges the assumption that producing more food always leads to greater profitability. Developed by Chris Clark and Nethergill Associates, MSO identifies the point at which a farm business can maximise its commercial returns by working within the natural capacity of its land and reducing reliance on costly external inputs. Does It Work? The evidence is compelling. The Farming at the Sweet Spot report, published by the Nature Friendly Farming Network and The Wildlife Trusts, analysed 165 farm businesses had identified potential increases in commercial returns of 10–45%, before farm support payments (i.e. state aid). The estimated improvements varied by sector, from 9.5% for lowland arable farms to 45.3% for lowland livestock farms. What Will Be Covered? The session will introduce the principles behind MSO, explore how reducing dependence on artificial fertilisers, pesticides and bought-in feed can improve farm business resilience, and consider the wider benefits for soil health, water quality, biodiversity and climate. Delivered by Technical Manager, Nathan Walker, discover how working with nature can support both a profitable farming business and a healthier environment; and how to get involved in an MSO programme later in the year, delivered by Norfolk FWAG.