John Bingham has applied the technology of plant breeding to the development of highly productive varieties of winter wheat for use in British agriculture. In his work, John integrated knowledge from plant physiology, plant pathology, agronomy and genetics, as well as an understanding of the milling and baking industries. In particular, he has researched and used physiological criteria with great effect in the choice of parents, and in selection. With colleagues, John developed many principal varieties of wheat, including Maris Huntsman and Riband for feed or biscuit-making, and Bounty and Hereward for breadmaking.

He has personally farmed according to the Countryside Stewardship scheme, discovering an old meadow subsequently classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and continuing to the Higher Level Scheme. In 1975, John was awarded the Royal Society’s Mullard Award and the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Research Medal. He received an honorary ScD from the University of East Anglia and honorary fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. In 1991, he served as President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.