229: Could mixing livestock and arable help your business become more sustainable?
In this podcast we explore the potential benefits of introducing beef systems into arable rotations. An AHDB research project which investigates just that, is now five years in and the farmers involved with the study have seen noticeable improvements. With the new Environmental Land Management (ELMS) scheme coming into effect, set to incentivise sustainable farming practices, it begs the question 'would your business benefit economically and environmentally from bringing livestock and arable together?'
Our speakers include; Dr Lizzie Sagoo Principal soil scientist for ADAS, who is involved in the research side of the project. Peter Lord who runs the host farm down near Bath in Somerset, and Joe Howard who is an AHDB Beef & Lamb Strategic Farmer who has introduced livestock back into his arable system after a period of intensive irrigation. Combining the two systems has positive benefits by improving soil structure and content, introducing herbal leys and achieving better utilisation of land. Take a listen to find out if this could benefit your business and for advice on how to get started.
Additional resources:
Additional resources:
- For more information on the project, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/sustainable-beef-systems-on-arable-units
- For a practical guide on how and why to mix livestock and the arable rotation, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/livestock-and-the-arable-rotation
- For information on introducing pigs to the arable rotation, listen to this podcast from 2019 https://audioboom.com/posts/7325267-pigs-in-the-arable-rotation
- To watch our recent webinar, in partnership with Farmers Weekly, entitled; From BPS to ELM – Get ready for the changes coming to farm support, watch online
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