Lamb

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Best practice treatment of sheep parasites

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:19:48 GMT

Best practice treatment of sheep parasites

Breeding for sustainability for the commercial flock

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:49:17 GMT

Prospect Poll Dorsets have been performance recording their Poll Dorsets for seven years and have been involved in the national Breed for CH4nge Innovate Research Project, which looks at reducing methane emissions from sheep through breeding choices.

The flock is farmed predominately on low-input grassland on the Purbeck coast, along with their Stabiliser and Belted Galloway cattle and Hebridean sheep.

We'll be looking at how they approach sustainable parasite control and how it has overlapped with the Breed for CH4nge project.

During a farm walk we'll look at:

The impact of performance recording on the flock output and breeding values
How genomics is being introduced and why it’s relevant for commercial flock performance
How this autumn-lambing flock is managed

Speakers

Emily Gascoigne, Synergy Farm Health, specialist sheep vet, Prospect Poll Dorsets
Emily Fraser, sheep resident, PVC/Synergy Farm Health
Charlotte Mouland, sheep vet, Synergy Farm Health
Sam Boon, Senior Livestock Consultant, AHDB
Janet Roden, sheep genetecist, Innovis Sheep Breeding

A light lunch will be provided.

NSA Northern Region sheep post-mortem event

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:17:23 GMT

Learn about the internal effects of parasite damage through demonstrations of sheep post-mortems.

The post-mortems will be carried out and explained by Ben Strugnell BVM&S Cert PM MRCVS of Farm Post Mortems Ltd. Ben is a world-renowned independent vet and farm animal pathologist.

We will discuss:

Why, when and how post-mortems take place and the benefits of them
What organs look like and the common causes of death in lambs
How worms can affect your flock and current best practice advice on effective worm control
The importance of minerals and blousing

Pulled lamb roll and refreshments provided for all registrants.

This event will be taking place on Rebecca Wilson's farm. Rebecca is NSA Northern Region committee member and representative for NSA English Committee.

Breed for CH4nge – industry event to share our findings

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:49:07 GMT

Celebrate innovation, collaboration and the future of sustainable sheep farming at the closing event of the three-year Breed for CH4nge project.

Join us for an exclusive farm walk at Lodge Farm, hosted by project breeder Matt Harding, followed by engaging presentations showcasing the project’s key findings, practical outcomes, and what they mean for the future of low-emissions livestock systems.

This is a great opportunity to see the research in action, share insights and explore how breeding can help drive both productivity and environmental progress across the sheep sector.

For more information about Breed for CH4nge please do check out the project website Breed for CH4nge

We will be discussing:

Introduction: The importance of environmental breeding goals – Janet Roden
Genetic influences on methane production – Nicola Lambe
Breeding tools to help us to select for sheep with a naturally low carbon footprint – Emma Dods and Samuel Boon
Carbon footprint modelling and ways we can make a difference – Daniel Owen and Karl Behrendt
What it all means for the sheep industry – Phil Stocker

Arrival and refreshments at 11:00am with the event starting at 11:30am

Lunch will be provided – lamb or vegetarian option.

The event is free to attend.

Commercial farm hosts wanted to gather lamb data for RamCompare

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:43:35 GMT

Commercial farm hosts wanted to gather lamb data for RamCompare

Bluetongue virus impact: Lambing 2026

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:35:41 GMT

During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus (BTV) situation and the impact on lambing.

The speakers and agenda will be confirmed soon.

The webinar will close with a Q&A session and you can also submit questions in advance.

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we are running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK.

If you are unable to attend, please still register and you will be sent a recording following the event.

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Important update on AHDB’s deadweight sheep price reporting

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:20:48 GMT

Important update on AHDB’s deadweight sheep price reporting

Red meat retail performance – 22 February 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:31:14 GMT

Red meat retail performance – 22 February 2026

What’s the outlook for Australia and New Zealand’s beef and lamb sectors and what does this mean for the UK?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:45:07 GMT

What’s the outlook for Australia and New Zealand’s beef and lamb sectors and what does this mean for the UK?

Winchester: Regional livestock health and welfare update

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:30:55 GMT

Hear the latest information on bluetongue, parasite control strategies and the support available to you via the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

This event is being hosted by AHDB and Westpoint Farm Vets (Winchester)

Agenda

6:00pm Arrival and tea/coffee
6:15pm AHDB regional update
6:30pm Bluetongue latest news and an update from our Animal Health and Welfare team
7:00pm Cattle and sheep health update, including lamb parasites, BVD and support from the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway – Winchester Farm Vets
7:30pm Food and networking
8:30pm Close

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

Red meat retail performance - 25 January 2026

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:40:35 GMT

Red meat retail performance - 25 January 2026

Red meat foodservice performance - 28 December 2025

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:49:20 GMT

Red meat foodservice performance - 28 December 2025

Whole farm regenerative grazing for upland livestock systems

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:44:54 GMT

A practical introduction to increasing farm resilience and productivity through regenerative grazing and ecosystem management

Together with Pasture for Life, we're delighted to invite you to join this thought-provoking workshop with industry renowned consultant Caroline Grindrod and beef and sheep farmer Nick Prince.

Agenda

In the morning, Caroline will explore why regenerative grazing works best when applied as a whole-farm system rather than a set of isolated practices.

Drawing on her experience across UK uplands, she'll cover:

Why soil, plant, animal and farm ecosystems are interlinked and why understanding these connections matters for reducing inputs and increasing productivity
The role soil biology plays in pasture health and farm viability
Principles of adaptive grazing management for hill and upland systems
Why regenerative farming requires systems thinking, not just new techniques
Building farm business resilience in the face of policy change and climate uncertainty

After lunch, Caroline will explain how she works with individual farms to apply these principles within their specific context – landscape, stock type, labour availability and business goals.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, it's about reading your own land and making decisions that fit your situation.

We'll then relocate to a nearby upland hill farm, kindly hosted by Yorkshire Dales beef and sheep farmer Nick Prince, where we'll see some of these ideas in practice, learn more about the farm and discuss his experiences.

Register

To attend you must register in advance.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements when you book your place.

Final confirmation and event information will be shared before the event.

Caroline Grindrod

Caroline is a trainer, consultant and coach supporting livestock farmers to transition to regenerative agricultural systems.

She uses her 'ROOTED framework' and a whole-system design approach to help farmers work with their individual unique contexts rather than against them.

With a background in environmental conservation and hill farming in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, Caroline has worked with farms across thousands of acres of UK uplands, from Welsh mountains to Scottish Highlands.

Somerset: More from less – making the most of your soils

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:23:30 GMT

Join Terrafarmer and LEAF farmers Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield for a practical on‑farm event digging deep into soil biology.

We'll assess the opportunities and potential cost saving and efficiency improvements in the latest biological fertiliser technologies.

Agenda

10:30am Arrival and refreshments

11:00am Stratton Farms background and introduction

Rob and Jeremy will outline their 2350-acre mixed farm partnership with a focus on their 440 acres of permanent pasture, red clover and herb legume leys.

They are advocates of regular testing of nutrients and organic matter in order understand their soils and to help make their businesses more resilient and sustainable.

11:30am Terrafarmer soil biology and Stratton Farms analysis results

Terrafarmer will present the farm’s recent soil analysis results and outline a ‘What next?’ action plan, including:

Identifying opportunities from the soil data
Potential cost savings and efficiency gains from current biological fertiliser technologies
Approaches to nitrogen reduction and nutrient management
Strategies to support soil health improvement and long‑term farm productivity

12:15pm Lunch

12:45pm Farm walk and Q&A

The guided farm walk will provide an opportunity to see practical examples of the systems discussed, including:

Soil structure, biology and nutrient status in different fields
Establishment and performance of herbal leys
Discussion around nutrient cycling, water quality and grazing management
Demonstration of Tow & Fert machinery

2:00pm Event close

This event qualifies for BASIS points.