Grassland Management

Forage for Knowledge 2024: End-of-season reflections and insights

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:02:06 GMT

Forage for Knowledge 2024: End-of-season reflections and insights

Strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:50:56 GMT

Join Regenerate Outcomes for a farm walk exploring strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems.

This year, Regenerate Outcomes are hosting a series of farm walks with a focus on growing farm resilience and profits through improved soil health in grazing systems.

Join us at Dairy House farm where AHDB strategic farmer Ian Norbury has been on a long-term road to regenerative farming. Ian will be joined by 2023 Soil Farmer of the Year Stuart Johnson, who will lead the farm walk.

This event is being run by Regenerate Outcomes, AHDB and Pasture for Life.

The farm walk will cover:

The six principles of soil health and the three rules of adaptive stewardship that drive the four ecosystem processes to build more resilient and profitable farms
How to improve your field observational skills to enhance soil health
How to integrate regenerative practices in the ever-changing world of government programmes and subsidies
Demonstrations including shovel tests, soil interpretation and water infiltration tests
The regenerative practices that Ian is implementing on farm

You will also have the opportunitiy to learn about how Regenerate Outcomes is working with farmers across the UK to improve soil health.

Useful information

The day will start with lunch at 12pm and the farm walk will be concluded by 4pm.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a farm walk and, where possible, a 4x4 vehicle as we may need to car share to see as much as possible on the day.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance by emailing info@regenerateoutcomes.co.uk

Ian Norbury

Ian Norbury farms beef at Dairy House Farm and has been on a long-term road to regenerative farming.

Ian started with kale and wrapped bales for deferred grazing, he then moved to scrapping the ring feeders, followed by the wrap.

Livestock are now on grass and old GS4 leys with no wrapped bales.

Regenerate Outcomes

Regenerate Outcomes helps farms to reduce input costs, improve plant and animal health, and increase profit margins through a mentoring programme with Understanding Ag – a group of experienced regenerative farmers.

Farmers joining the programme also benefit from generating additional revenue from the sale of carbon credits. You can, alternatively, choose to keep the credits for the future or use them to offset farm emissions. There are no upfront costs to join.

Pasture for Life

The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association promotes the unique quality of produce raised exclusively on pasture and the wider environmental and animal welfare benefits that pastured livestock systems represent.

It’s the only certification mark for 100% grass-fed/pasture-fed, grain-free ruminant meat and dairy in the UK.

A set of Certification Standards have been developed to define what Pasture Farming really means. Only Certified Farmers who adhere to these rules can market their meat under the Pasture for Life brand.

Derbyshire: Strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:50:56 GMT

During this farm walk in the heart of the Peak District National Park we'll be exploring strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems.

This year, Regenerate Outcomes is hosting a series of farm walks with a focus on growing farm resilience and profits through improved soil health in grazing systems.

Join us at Lower Hurst Farm where Nicky Stonebridge, General Manager, will be joined by 2023 Soil Farmer of the Year Stuart Johnson, who will lead the farm walk.

This event is being run by Regenerate Outcomes, AHDB and Pasture for Life.

The farm walk will cover:

The six principles of soil health and the three rules of adaptive stewardship that drive the four ecosystem processes to build more resilient and profitable farms
How to improve your field observational skills to enhance soil health
How to integrate regenerative practices in the ever-changing world of government programmes and subsidies
Demonstrations including shovel tests, soil interpretation and water infiltration tests
The regenerative practices that Nicky is implementing on farm

You will also have the opportunitiy to learn about how Regenerate Outcomes is working with farmers across the UK to improve soil health.

Useful information

The day will start at 10am and the farm walk will be concluded by 2pm. Lunch will be provided at 1pm

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a farm walk and, where possible, a 4x4 vehicle as we may need to car share to see as much as possible on the day.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance by emailing info@regenerateoutcomes.co.uk

Lower Hurst Farm

The farm stands within the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire. Since the early 1980s the farm has been run as a traditional beef and sheep farm, but it was in 1997 that the decision was taken to obtain organic status.

In August 2000, after a three-year conversion period, the 250-acre farm became fully organic and now has Soil Association accreditation.

The cattle are all Herefords, descendants from the farm’s foundation breeding cows, which were purchased over 30 years ago.

The farm works in harmony with nature and has been part of an environmental stewardship scheme for more than 20 years.

Regenerate Outcomes

Pasture for Life

Pasture for Life champions the positive impacts of 100% pasture-fed farming on nature, human health and animal welfare, while safeguarding the future viability and sustainability of British livestock farmers.

Its membership is made up of all different types of farms, butchers, artisans, academics, vets and more, as well as members of the public interested in its work, all working together for restorative ways of farming and to be a part of efforts to enhance food, farming and the countryside.

It has also developed the only certification mark for 100% grass-fed/pasture-fed, grain-free ruminant meat and dairy in the UK.

Soil health and diverse leys trial update

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:17:06 GMT

During this meeting we will explore the details and findings of an ongoing trial at Glovers Farm in Norfolk that is focused on herbal leys and improving soil health.

This event will build on the insights shared during a webinar in October. We will discuss the trial's progress and provide you with a unique opportunity to visually assess the impact of herbal leys and soil treatments under a microscope.

Agenda

Trial update: The latest findings from the Glovers Farm Monitor Farm trial, focusing on the effects of herbal leys, mycorrhiza inoculation, and compost extracts on soil health and plant growth
Practical example of how to get soil biology working on farm, with Nick Padwick, Soil Food Web consultant and farm manager, Wild Ken Hill
Where to start when making our soils work harder to reduce inputs, with Liz Genever, livestock systems consultant
Microscopic soil assessment: Hands-on session using microscopes to observe soil biology and the impact of trial treatments, with Nick and Liz

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to discuss practical applications, challenges and potential benefits of implementing these techniques on your own farm.

Find out more about David Cross and Glovers Farm

Enhancing soil health with diverse leys webinar recording (October 2024)

Postponed Herbal leys workshop and farm walk

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:57:15 GMT

Please note, this event has been postponed until spring 2025.

Get your questions about herbal leys and SFI answered at this workshop and farm walk.

This Farm for the Future workshop and farm walk is being kindly hosted by Malcolm Fell and Alex Silverwood of Agrii.

Agenda

Lunch at Whittington village hall
Presentation on herbal leys and an introduction to Farm for the Future
Farm walk of the herbal leys

Defra have included herbal leys in the actions for soil SFI with the aims of providing varied root structures and to improve and maintain the soil’s structure.

With SFI payments of £382/Ha available, come along to get answers to your questions and learn the facts before investing.

The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) is working with Myerscough College to deliver the ‘Farm for the Future’ programme in Lancashire.

The programme is funded by Defra’s Future Farm Resilience Fund, which is designed to provide business and environmental support to farmers and land managers during the early years of the Agricultural Transition Plan in England.

By engaging in a series of free workshops and individual support with trusted local advisors, Farm for the Future is designed to help you understand more about the agricultural transition and how it will affect your farm business.

The offer includes participation in specially tailored workshops, delivered by well-respected industry experts, as well as an on-farm meeting of up to three hours which will focus on your own individual business needs and can be arranged around the kitchen table.

To sign up to this programme of support please attend this event or email farmernetwork@myerscough.ac.uk

Lunch will be provided.

This event is supported by AHDB.

Soils and grassland management

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:12:35 GMT

During this workshop, we will discuss key aspects of soil and grassland management, including paddock grazing, soil health and zero tillage.

This Farm For The Future soils and grassland workshop is being led by James Bretherton of AgScope. James is a grassland specialist linking soil to plant to animal.

The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) is working with Myerscough College to deliver the Farm for the Future programme in Lancashire.

The offer includes participation in specially tailored workshops delivered by well-respected industry experts, as well as an on-farm meeting of up to three hours, which will focus on your own individual business needs and can be arranged around the kitchen table.

To sign up to this programme of support please attend this event or email farmernetwork@myerscough.ac.uk

Refreshments and supper will be served.

This event is supported by AHDB.

GrassCheck GB celebrates fifth anniversary with on-farm event

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:07:18 GMT

GrassCheck GB celebrates fifth anniversary with on-farm event

Weaning, parasites and pasture

Mon, 13 May 2024 15:14:02 GMT

The impacts of Schmallenberg virus and a lengthy wet winter/spring on ewes, lambs and pasture has been keenly felt. Join us as we support Marches Farm Vets at their upcoming farm open day.

Join us to review:

Weaning decisions based on ewe body condition score, lamb growth rates and pasture availability
Setting up a grazing rotation for lambs for high performance
Known and emerging parasitic diseases and the sustainable control of parasites

We will also discuss how best to support performance, mitigate impacts from disease and weather events, and enhance resilience in your production system.

Speakers

Emily Postlethwaite, Marches Farm Vets
Matt Blyth, Blyth Livestock Advisory Services
Sarah Morgan, Precision Grazing

The event will be followed by BBQ (weather permitting) PLUS a free faecal egg count – bring along a fresh poo sample and find out about worm burdens and treatment options for your lambs – at Marches Farm Vets, Unit 3 Church Farm Studios, Stanton Lacy, Ludlow SY8 2AE.

Due to limited availability, sign up early to reserve your space.

Ensuring silage supply meets demand

Thu, 02 May 2024 13:12:46 GMT

Ensuring silage supply meets demand

Integrating livestock and grassland management

Wed, 01 May 2024 07:30:52 GMT

Our monitor farmer, David Cross, will host the North Norfolk Coastal Group event aimed at people who have or are looking to introduce livestock onto their land.

It will also be of enormous interest to those looking to use herbal leys to regenerate the health of the soil on their land.

While David has gone fully into livestock and pasture management, there will be information and knowledge sharing about improving soil health and managing livestock in an arable rotation that will be relevant to people no matter the scale of their operation.

Grassland management for beef and sheep farms

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:14:53 GMT

During a farm walk we'll discuss grassland management, testing and supplementing for trace element deficiencies and toxicities, and how you can use the Sustainable Farming Incentive to inform your management decisions.

We will discuss:

Grassland management and its resilience to extreme weather events
How the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) can inform grassland management decisions
How to test for trace element deficiencies and toxicities and supplement if necessary

With talks from grassland expert Luppo Diepenbroek, Agrimin and Blackdown Farm Vets.

Please arrive by 11am for an 11:15am start.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

This event is free to attend but please book your place(s) by contacting Blackdown Farm Vets: 01404 819150

Kindly hosted by the Burrough family, this event is brought to you in collaboration with Blackdown Farm Vets, AHDB and Agrimin.

RoSA points will be available for attending.

Advice on grassland management after a wet winter

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:33:17 GMT

Advice on grassland management after a wet winter

Forage for Knowledge end of year review – 2023

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:26:10 GMT

Forage for Knowledge end of year review – 2023

Managing and making the most of manure

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:59:36 GMT

Join us for a meeting hosted by Lacesston farm, Gateside, Fife, for a discussion on farmyard manure (FYM).

The meeting will cover

The benefits of FYM, how to manage it to get the best out of it
The value of the nutrients and how to increase those nutrients

Speakers

John Weir (host farmer) will describe his farming strategy for his FYM
SOYL will then give a presentation using John’s soil sample analysis and FYM sample analysis to show how that fits into a nutrient management plan. This will also cover which financial savings could be made with FYM
Audrey Litterick from Earthcare Technical will also present on how the benefits of FYM can be increased through careful management

Registration and refreshments will be available from 10:30am, with presentations commencing at 11:00am, and lunch will be provided.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending.

The event is free to attend, but please register to allow us to cater accordingly.

Find out more about AHDB Farm Excellence

Strategic farmer reaps rewards from grassland management changes

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:25:34 GMT

Strategic farmer reaps rewards from grassland management changes

Wet-weather grazing-management practices

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:10:08 GMT

Wet-weather grazing-management practices

Benefits of on/off grazing cows in autumn

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:07:07 GMT

Benefits of on/off grazing cows in autumn

The importance of planning an autumn grazing rotation

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:40:45 GMT

The importance of planning an autumn grazing rotation

Utilising deferred grazing to mitigate winter feed costs in livestock farming

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:09:18 GMT

Utilising deferred grazing to mitigate winter feed costs in livestock farming

Collaborative project demonstrates benefits of outdoor pigs for land management

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:29:55 GMT

Collaborative project demonstrates benefits of outdoor pigs for land management

Grassland Management

Forage for Knowledge 2024: End-of-season reflections and insights

Strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems

Join Regenerate Outcomes for a farm walk exploring strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems.

The farm walk will cover:

Useful information

Ian Norbury

Regenerate Outcomes

Pasture for Life

Derbyshire: Strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems

During this farm walk in the heart of the Peak District National Park we'll be exploring strategies to improve soil health in grazing systems.

The farm walk will cover:

Useful information

Lower Hurst Farm

Regenerate Outcomes

Pasture for Life

Soil health and diverse leys trial update

During this meeting we will explore the details and findings of an ongoing trial at Glovers Farm in Norfolk that is focused on herbal leys and improving soil health.

Agenda

Enhancing soil health with diverse leys webinar recording (October 2024)

*Postponed* Herbal leys workshop and farm walk

Please note, this event has been postponed until spring 2025.

Agenda

Soils and grassland management

During this workshop, we will discuss key aspects of soil and grassland management, including paddock grazing, soil health and zero tillage.

GrassCheck GB celebrates fifth anniversary with on-farm event

Weaning, parasites and pasture

The impacts of Schmallenberg virus and a lengthy wet winter/spring on ewes, lambs and pasture has been keenly felt. Join us as we support Marches Farm Vets at their upcoming farm open day.

Join us to review:

Speakers

Ensuring silage supply meets demand

Integrating livestock and grassland management

Our monitor farmer, David Cross, will host the North Norfolk Coastal Group event aimed at people who have or are looking to introduce livestock onto their land.

Grassland management for beef and sheep farms

During a farm walk we'll discuss grassland management, testing and supplementing for trace element deficiencies and toxicities, and how you can use the Sustainable Farming Incentive to inform your management decisions.

We will discuss:

Advice on grassland management after a wet winter

Forage for Knowledge end of year review – 2023

Managing and making the most of manure

Join us for a meeting hosted by Lacesston farm, Gateside, Fife, for a discussion on farmyard manure (FYM).

The meeting will cover

Speakers

Strategic farmer reaps rewards from grassland management changes

Wet-weather grazing-management practices

Benefits of on/off grazing cows in autumn

The importance of planning an autumn grazing rotation

Utilising deferred grazing to mitigate winter feed costs in livestock farming

Collaborative project demonstrates benefits of outdoor pigs for land management

Postponed Herbal leys workshop and farm walk