Cotswolds: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.

Your local host farmer – who’s been there, done that and seen the benefits – will share their experiences, and you’ll learn from trusted advisers and other experts who will provide an in-depth look at the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.

What we’ll cover

• How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
• How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
• When to reseed or overseed
• How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

• 10:00am Arrival and reception
• 10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
• 10:45am
  • Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals; Ian Wilkinson
  • Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains; Ellie Roberts
• 12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
  • Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
  • Environmental gains and soil health 
• 1:00pm Lunch and networking
• 2:00pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

Ian Wilkinson is a joint owner of Honeydale Farm and co-founder of FarmED.

Ian joined Cotswold Seeds and became MD in 1998. Since being under Ian’s direction, Cotswold Seeds built its reputation on developing forage, herbal leys, green manures and complex seed mixtures to improve soil health, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change.

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

Other events in this series

• 14 May: Cornwall
• 27 May: Cheshire
• 14 July: Surrey

Other events to follow.