Beef & Lamb

Surrey: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:06:09 GMT

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
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
1:00pm Lunch and networking
1:45pm
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
2:15pm 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

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.

Representatives from Germinal will also be speaking at this event. Germinal is a seed specialist providing market-leading solutions for the agricultural and amenity sectors. Operating directly in Great Britain and Ireland, Germinal has working partnerships in over 25 countries.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

Surrey: Beef genetics and safe cattle handling

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:56:31 GMT

Join us at this on-farm meeting to learn about the importance of beef genetics and estimated breeding values (EBVs). We'll also discuss practical and safe cattle handling with Mid Downs Farm Vets.

The event includes a farm walk.

Agenda

10:00am Arrival, registration and bacon rolls
10:30am AHDB regional update
10:45am Beef breeding and EBVs
11:30am Safe cattle handling with Mid Downs Farm Vets
12:30pm Farm walk
1:00pm Finish

This event is free to attend but please register in advance to ensure you are catered for.

Cornwall: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:11:00 GMT

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 is the best mix for your livestock system, this event is for you.

Join technical experts Ellie Roberts and John Harris at Hole Farm who will explore 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
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
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

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.

John Harris – Oliver Seeds.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

Red meat retail performance – 22 March 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:07:34 GMT

Red meat retail performance – 22 March 2026

Defra figures show continued contraction in breeding cattle and sheep populations: Beef and lamb market update

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:54:28 GMT

Defra figures show continued contraction in breeding cattle and sheep populations: Beef and lamb market update

Cheshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:24:00 GMT

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.

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
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Lunch and networking
1:00pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
3:00pm 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

James Bretherton is a grassland consultant and founder of AgScope. He specialises in soil conditions, health, biology and chemistry.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

AHDB and ADOPT field tested: Strategic Cereal Farm North

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:09 GMT

Research is only useful if it works on farm. This roadshow of practical, on-farm events is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world farming decisions.

Hosted by David Blacker at AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm North.

These events are delivered in collaboration with the ADOPT Support Hub and hosted on working farms through the UK ADOPT and AHDB Farm Excellence programmes.

Healthy soils, nutrients and crop productivity

See innovation in action: Discover how farmers are turning research into practical solutions for healthy soils, nutrients and crop productivity
Get inspired to try it yourself: Explore opportunities, support and funding to run your own farmer-led on-farm trials
See it in the field: Explore the trials and put your questions to the host farmer and research scientists
Grow your network: Connect with farmers, organisations and partners driving practical on-farm innovation at our Marketplace

Strategic Cereal Farm North Trials:

Micronutrient management and crop health
Earthworms, living mulches and soil organic matter
Field drainage

Lunch is provided. The event is free, but please register so we can plan catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points available.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for field conditions.

Dr Ellie Dearlove
Knowledge Transfer Manager – Cereals & Oilseed

AHDB and ADOPT field tested: Strategic Cereal Farm Midlands

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:09 GMT

Research is only useful if it works on farm. This roadshow of practical, on-farm events is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world farming decisions.

Hosted by Will Oliver at AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm Midlands.

These events are delivered in collaboration with the ADOPT Support Hub and hosted on working farms through the UK ADOPT and AHDB Farm Excellence programmes.

Circular farming, making better use of waste & home-grown inputs

See innovation in action: Discover how farmers are turning research into practical solutions, from circular farming approaches to smarter use of waste and home-grown inputs
Get inspired to try it yourself: Explore opportunities, support and funding to run your own farmer-led on-farm trials
See it in the field: Explore the trials and put your questions to the host farmer and research scientists
Grow your network: Connect with farmers, organisations and partners driving practical on-farm innovation at our Marketplace

Strategic Cereal Farm Midlands trials:

Optimising organic inputs (poultry manure)
Balancing crop nutrition, crop protection and technology
Maize residue management through the rotation

Lunch is provided. The event is free, but please register so we can plan catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points available.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for field conditions.

Dr Ellie Dearlove
Knowledge Transfer Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

AHDB and ADOPT field tested: Smart livestock health

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:09 GMT

Research is only useful if it works on farm. This roadshow of practical, on-farm events is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world farming decisions.

Hosted by The South West Dairy Development Centre (SWDDC).

These events are delivered in collaboration with the ADOPT Support Hub and hosted on working farms through the UK ADOPT and AHDB Farm Excellence programmes.

Smart livestock health, welfare and precision nutrition

See innovation in action: Discover how farmers are turning research into practical solutions in smart livestock health, welfare and precision nutrition
Get inspired to try it yourself: Explore opportunities, support and funding to run your own farmer-led on-farm trials
See it in the field: Explore the trials and put your questions to the host farmer and research scientists
Grow your network: Connect with farmers, organisations and partners driving practical on-farm innovation at our Marketplace

Lunch will be provided.

This meeting is free to attend, but please register so we can organise catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

Thom Washbourne

Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, Dairy

AHDB and ADOPT field tested: Nature-friendly crop protection

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:09 GMT

Research is only useful if it works on farm. This roadshow of practical, on-farm events is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world farming decisions.

Hosted by Tom and Debbie Reynolds at AHDB Cereals Kent Monitor Farm.

These events are delivered in collaboration with the ADOPT Support Hub and hosted on working farms through the UK ADOPT and AHDB Farm Excellence programmes.

Nature-friendly crop protection and integrating biodiversity

See innovation in action: discover how farmers are turning research into practical, nature-friendly crop protection, integrating biodiversity through diverse rotations, innovative Integrated Pest Management, nature-based solutions, and new ways to measure on-farm biodiversity
Get inspired to try it yourself: Explore opportunities, support and funding to run your own farmer-led on-farm trials
See it in the field: Explore the farm and put your questions to the host farmers
Grow your network: Connect with farmers, organisations and partners driving practical on-farm innovation at our Marketplace

Lunch will be provided.

This meeting is free to attend, but please register so we can organise catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

David Hunter
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

AHDB and ADOPT field tested: Climate resilient farming systems

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:09 GMT

Research is only useful if it works on farm. This roadshow of practical, on-farm events is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world farming decisions.

Hosted by Tom Pearson at Manor Farm, Caxton.

These events are delivered in collaboration with the ADOPT Support Hub and hosted on working farms through the UK ADOPT and AHDB Farm Excellence programmes.

Climate resilient farming systems, land use and water

See innovation in action: discover how farmers are turning research into practical solutions - building climate-resilient systems through improved soil health, smart water management, diversified landscapes, and more efficient input use, reducing risk and costs while maintaining yields under changing weather conditions
Get inspired to try it yourself: Explore opportunities, support and funding to run your own farmer-led on-farm trials
See it in the field: Explore the trials and put your questions to the host farmer and research scientists
Grow your network: Connect with farmers, organisations and partners driving practical on-farm innovation at our Marketplace

Lunch will be provided.

This meeting is free to attend, but please register so we can organise catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Market trends shift cow slaughter patterns: Beef market update

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:36:27 GMT

Market trends shift cow slaughter patterns: Beef market update

Buitelaar calf rearing open day

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:03:34 GMT

Hear first-hand from the farm manager, the Buitelaar team, nutrition specialists and Oxbury Bank, who'll be offering insight into both technical and financial considerations of calf rearing.

Join us to:

See how calf housing design supports calf health and performance
Learn more about milk powder feeding protocols and how consistency drives performance
Gain practical insight into evidence-led rearing strategies that can be applied on farm

There will also be an opportunity for Q&As, networking and seeing systems working in real conditions.

The day will finish with lunch and refreshments.

To register your place, please call or email the details below.

Cotswolds: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:56:53 GMT

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.

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

Other events to follow.

Plant bio-indicators workshop at Kingsclere Monitor Farm

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:23:20 GMT

Join us at Kingsclere Monitor Farm for a hands on workshop showing how common weeds can act as plant bio-indicators to assess soil health and guide better farm decisions.

What to expect

Dr Chris Maughan and host farmer, Tim May, introduce the concept of plant bio-indicators – the use of naturally occurring weeds to diagnose soil health quickly and cost-effectively
Take part in guided plant ID, group-based field surveys and structured exercises to interpret what plant communities reveal about compaction, nutrient status and wider soil function
With contrasting field sites, real-world examples and expert-led discussion, leave the workshop equipped with simple tools to better understand your soils and inform future management decisions

Whether you're looking to improve crop establishment, refine cultivations or bolster soil resilience, this session offers practical insights you can take straight back to the farm.

This meeing will be begin at the Vine, followed by a farm walk, then returning to the Vine for a light lunch.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing.

BASIS & NRoSO points are available

David Hunter
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

50% discount on new herbal leys and multispecies swards BASIS course

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:50:18 GMT

50% discount on new herbal leys and multispecies swards BASIS course

RamCompare seeks sires as project enters exciting new phase

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:25:20 GMT

RamCompare seeks sires as project enters exciting new phase

Robust start for EU sheep prices in 2026 amid supply constraints and steady demand: Lamb market update

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:21:12 GMT

Robust start for EU sheep prices in 2026 amid supply constraints and steady demand: Lamb market update

Calf Action Conference 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:17:35 GMT

Hear about practical approaches to calf rearing, how to give calves the right start and how you can improve consistency, health and welfare on farm.

Focused on 'Raising the standard: Rearing all calves with care and purpose', the conference will combine strategic updates from keynote speakers with interactive workshops and on-farm sessions covering calf health, welfare, housing, feeding, disease management and skills development.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion exploring how the GB Calf Strategy can work in practice across different farming systems.

Delivered by Innovation for Agriculture and supported by AHDB, this will be a practical, collaborative event for anyone involved in calf rearing and youngstock management.

On the day

Hands-on workshops and on-farm sessions
Calf housing, feeding, hygiene and disease management
Skills, training and future qualifications for calf rearers
Open discussion with farmers and experts

Who should come?

Calf rearers
Dairy and beef farmers
Vets and advisers
Industry and supply chain partners
Training and education providers

The conference is kindly sponsored by MSD Animal Health, Zoetis, Galebreaker, ForFarmers and SCCL.

Somerset: Post-mortem demonstration

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:44:15 GMT

Explore the value of on-farm post-mortem examinations with Ben Strugnell of Farm Post Mortems Ltd.

Post-mortems are an important tool for the diagnosis and prevention of disease in farm animals and should form part of any herd or flock health plan.

Learn how post-mortems can help you:

Identify common causes of death
Detect herd health issues earlier
Improve disease prevention on farm
Make better management decisions

Refreshments will be available from 6:30pm and the workshop will start at 7:00pm.

To book your place or find out more, contact Wyvern Farm Vets:

T: 01373 451115

E: office@wyvernfarmvets.co.uk