Before we took over our 107 acre experimental farm and education centre five years ago, in 2013, two thirds of land was given over to continuous crops, including spring barley, with limited amount of grassland. This was not financially viable and the soil quality was poor, with low levels of ...

After last summer’s drought, and with climate change always in the headlines and further droughts an increasing concern for some UK farmers, what measures can be taken to safeguard forage supplies?  Over the past 30 years, traditional grass leys have been based on ryegrass and white ...

Rob Havard’s herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus is bred to produce breeding stock bulls, and comprises 60 sucklers, plus followers. As Rob is a member of the Pasture for Life Association (PFLA) his cattle are fed on a full forage diet, and as such, they are entirely out-wintered, an approach ...

Over the last 10 years the number of acres planted with grapevines in England and Wales has grown by 135%, according to the English Wine Producers trade body, making wine one of the fastest-growing agricultural products in the UK. As a result, we’re increasingly being asked for advice on what ...

Sam on a farm visit last week. Overseeding an older perennial ryegrass ley to boost clover levels and plant diversity, reducing inputs and improving livestock diet for native breeds. The preparation was the key. The field was harrowed 3 times to open up the ...