As with many aspects of regenerative agriculture, farmers seeking UK-based research to confirm positive features seen in their fields from bale grazing, draw a blank. Sara Gregson reports on an Innovative Farmers Field Lab looking to address this. The list of benefits of outwintering beef cattle on bales of conserved forage that have been placed …
With the delayed Spring, forages stocks have been severely challenged, late turn out meant that already depleted Winter stocks were used, and grazing paddocks left longer than expected in warm wet conditions continued to grow so quality was reduced. This alongside being unable to apply fertiliser particularly in the heavier soils of the west has meant a late start to both grazing and silaging in the livestock sector. Even now soils have not recovered, recent silaging has been under challenging conditions in many areas trailers and foragers being pulled in and out of fields. This means that the silage is likely to be poorer quality due to late cutting, little or no fertiliser applied so yields not what they could be and the resulting damage and compaction to fields potentially having a knock-on effect for 2nd cut. Upon completion of VESS soil inspections around the country, compaction can be seen because of heavy winter rainfall, animal treading following a wet Autumn and Spring, this will mean that plant roots will be restricted from taking up water if the summer turns dry reducing the ability of the plant to endure periods of drought.Â
Written by Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. • Seaweeds have long had suggested benefits for agricultural use• Research suggests green seaweeds to be beneficial for soil/plant amendments and redseaweeds to have some potential for animal feeds• To be able to include at meaningful levels, the production and supply chain ofseaweeds needs to be researched …
Dec 2023 So it’s back down to earth with a bump this year. We have had a run of favourable summers that have helped us succeed with our direct drilling and progress with cover cropping across the farm. Essentially the harvests have been earlier and drier, allowing timely straw baling and cover crop establishment. However, …
Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes is a free, farmer-led programme of farm walks, events and webinars open to everyone farming in the Protected Landscapes of Surrey Hills, High Weald and Kent Downs. The programme is being run by Pasture for Life in partnership with the Protected Landscapes. We believe that farmers learn best from …
Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes Programme Read More »
The almost forgotten technique in the UK of grazing cereals is something being widely practiced across Australia in areas with widely varying rainfall levels. The Australian Grain Research and Development Council have produced a report titled Grain and Graze which sets out to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of grazing a range of cash crops. …
By Brian O’Connor originally published by No-Till Farming Wisconsin no-till dairyman Chris Conley thwarts heavy rain and hills with no-till, covers and planting green. No-tiller Chris Conley took two big steps where other farmers might take one. Conley farms 120 acres for feed (silages, dry hay and high-moisture corn) for his 52-cow dairy, located down …
Pasture for Life continues to attract new farmer members as interest from consumers looking for high nature-value,nutrient-dense meat and dairy grows every day. Here two farmers explain how being Pasture for Life certified hascontributed to their success. Sara Gregson reports Nicola Chapman, Carr Farm, Suffolk Twenty Belted Galloway cows with their calves, all with their …
Demand For 100% Pasture-Fed Beef Soars As Consumers Look For HIGH QUALITY BEEF Read More »
Farmers who only ever feed pasture plants to their animals often remark on the positive effect this has on their bank balance. Sara Gregson talks to one such farmer and also reveals the findings of a recent economic survey of members of the PastureFed Livestock Association (PFLA)… Balbirnie Home Farm in Fife has been in …
‘Pasture For Life’ Makes Good Financial Sense Read More »
Encouraging greater biodiversity is one of the main drivers for farmers joining the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association, including some of the nation’s Wildlife Trusts. Sara Gregson went to meet Joe Ryder of Gwent Wildlife Trust to find out more… Traditional Hereford cattle and rare breed sheep are encouraging a rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife across …
Pasture-Fed Cattle Help Preserve Ancient Meadows Read More »
