Cover Crop Competition

Jersey Royal Company, part of the Albert Bartlett family, is proud to announce the return of the Cover Crop Competition for 2025, following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event. This competition celebrates Jersey’s farming community and their commitment to biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture.

About the Competition

The Cover Crop Competition invites Jersey growers to showcase their expertise by cultivating the best cover crops across four key categories:

  • Best Bird Cover Crop

  • Best Visual Cover Crop

  • Best Pollinator Cover Crop

  • Best Soil Health Cover Crop

Growers will benefit from expert guidance provided by our sponsors, agronomists, and environmental specialists. Judging will take place in August and October, with the winners announced at the Jersey Farmers Conference in November 2025..

Categories & 2024 Winners 

Last year’s competition set a high standard, with outstanding entries demonstrating innovation and dedication to sustainable farming. The 2024 winners were:

Best Bird Cover Crop -Fosse Au Bois Growers (Paul, Peter & Matt Carre)

Best Visual Cover Crop - Meleches Farms (Nick Mourant)

Best Pollinator Cover Crop - J&S Growers (Steve Baudains)

Best Soil Health Cover Crop - Somerleigh Farms (Matt Lamy)

Overall Winner - Fosse Au Bois Growers

These achievements highlighted the creativity and commitment of Jersey’s farmers, resulting in measurable benefits for local wildlife and the environment.

Our Sponsors and Supporters

We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, whose expertise and resources make this competition possible:

  • Jersey Birds on the Edge

  • Normans Seed Suppliers

  • Enhancement Land Resource Management (States of Jersey)

  • Jersey Bees Association

  • Pollinator Project

  • Jersey Biodiversity Centre

New for 2025: We are delighted to welcome Jersey Dairy as a sponsor, further strengthening the competition’s connection to the island’s agricultural community.

Promoting Biodiversity & Sustainable outcomes

The competition’s core mission is to:

  • Increase pollinator numbers, such as bees and butterflies

  • Provide vital food sources for birds

  • Improve soil health and resilience

Research from 2024 showed a 30% increase in pollinator species, a 15% improvement in soil organic matter, and a 25% rise in bird visitations in fields with competition cover crops, underscoring the positive environmental impact of these practices.

Timeline for 2025

  • Competition Launch: June 2025

  • Early Judging: August 2025

  • Late Judging: October 2025

  • Winners Announced: Jersey Farmers Conference, November 2025

Get Involved

Albert Bartlett encourages all Jersey growers to participate and help set new standards for sustainable farming. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, guidance, and inspiration throughout the season.

Together, we can continue to enhance Jersey’s countryside, support local wildlife, and build a more resilient agricultural future.