Embracing challenges and adapting to change

Farming has always demanded resilience and adaptability, but for Graham Eggins and Chris Berry, these qualities have taken on new dimensions. Despite farming in vastly different settings - Graham on the remote Isles of Scilly and Chris near Exeter - their shared ability to embrace challenges and innovate has driven success.

Adapting to island life
Graham Eggins, his wife Ruth, and their three children made the move to Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly, nine years ago. They pursued a dream inspired by years of visiting the islands on holiday, but the reality of farming on Bryher brought its share of challenges.

Graham manages a 40-acre Duchy of Cornwall farm, which is one of the biggest on the islands, and grazes an additional 130 acres for the Wildlife Trust. With around only 80 full-time residents on Bryher and only being able to freight goods in or out every fortnight, each decision requires careful planning. Equipment repairs, livestock transport and feed deliveries are complicated by the island’s isolation, demanding self-sufficiency and creativity: “Out here, no one has just one job. I haven't got enough fingers to list all the jobs I do on this island and other islands as well,” says Graham.

With the farm’s holiday cottages forming a large part of its income, the COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial challenges for Graham. This led him to explore new enterprises. After some trial and error, including an unsuccessful attempt at kale crisps, he turned to drying chillies.

The result was Scilly Chilli, a venture that capitalised on Graham’s entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration from other islanders. The chillies were an instant hit on social media, and today they represent the farm’s largest source of income. 

“I've always had an interest in business, and I just find it exciting. I don't want to be just doing normal things year after year,” says Graham. “When faced with an obstacle I try to think of it as a new opportunity. Not everything will work but there are always things you can try.”

Driving change in Devon
Chris Berry farms 450 acres near Exeter where he raises 850 breeding ewes and 60 suckler cows. The third generation to manage his family’s farm, Chris has embraced change and was recognised as the 2022 Devon Farmer of the Year.

Chris’ transformation began when he realised the farm’s reliance on external inputs was unsustainable. While not as geographically isolated as Graham, Chris wanted to adopt a similar approach: “If we thought of ourselves as being on an isolated island, we'd all be much better off. We’d have to be more resilient and self-sufficient.”

He implemented a year-round grazing system and made changes to his pasture management to improve efficiency. Seeking advice from others was vital, says Chris: “The answers are generally out there somewhere if you want to go and find them. Just simply asking for help from someone is quite a powerful thing.”

A proactive mindset has also been central to his success. “The ability to see when there is a need for change is an important part of growth,” he says. 

A sentiment echoed by podcast host Peter Green: “Being ready to take that opportunity to make a change rather than having to make it puts you in a much more positive position.”

Shared values
Despite their different settings, both Graham and Chris emphasise the importance of resilience, adaptability and working with others to find solutions. 

As a result of the logistical challenges he has faced, Graham has created a farmers’ and growers’ group for the Isles of Scilly to share shipping costs. “Look at challenges as opportunities,” says Graham. “Try things out of your comfort zone and push yourself.”

Chris endorsed the need to find a positive from the negative: “Discussion groups are so valuable for talking about problems you are facing. The chances are someone else has already encountered it.”

Episode showstoppers
· We are all faced with obstacles in life and on our farms, but stepping back and gaining perspective can help you find solutions. Approach the problem from a different angle by speaking to friends from both in and out of farming. 

· Think outside the box, try things and keep an open mind. Be prepared to tweak to make marginal gains. It is better to regret something you have done than you haven’t, just be prepared to always learn from your decisions. 

· Take swift moves and be an early adopter – have a growth mindset. But understand where you have capacity in the business and where you don’t, otherwise changes could become a distraction. 

Listen to the full main episode and bonus below - also available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.