English These resources look at how changes in management practices can reduce inputs and lower your running costs. The focus of Part 1 will look at how changing your grazing practices can reduce the need for bought-in grain and concentrates.
Feeding livestock on pasture-based diets
Organic Management Techniques to Improve Sustainability of Non-Organic Farming
This abstract was composed as part of a Defra funded project looking at organic management techniques that could be applied on non-organic farms and help improve sustainability. It describes information on pasture-fed livestock production and lists the main agronomic, economic and/or ecological value you can expect to gain from applying the method. It includes practical recommendations that will help you implement the method on your farm and other useful information such as the time of year you could apply the method, suitability according to your farming system, and equipment required. It also includes a case study of a farmer who is applying the practice. Potential benefits and potential barriers you would need to consider, financial implications, and how it relates to legislation are also listed.
OK-Net EcoFeed aims at helping organic pig and poultry farmers in achieving the goal of 100% use of organic and regional feed.
The 3-year project will create a European network of innovation groups to facilitate exchange and co-creation of knowledge among farmers, business actors, researchers and advisors. It will collect end-user material and develop new tools adapted to the needs of farmers and business actors.
Neil Heseltine farmer profile
“The biggest difference we have made on the farm is in the reduction of sheep numbers, and lambing them later. We are now almost exclusively using grazed grass; using what’s on the farm rather than relying on purchased inputs we put in to the sheep.”
Herbal leys – making the green stuff more nutritious – blog by Rothamsted Research’s Tegan Darch)
When we think of a balanced diet, we think of eating a range of foods to give us different benefits. Why should it be any different for livestock? Cattle and sheep also need to get protein, carbohydrates and a range of nutrients from their food, and it’s not easy to get that from a single plant species. At Rothamsted Research we have been researching which plant species should be included in grassland pastures to best provide different nutrients to livestock.
Read more here.
Mike Mallett farmer profile
Mike Mallett is farm manager of Maple Farm Kelsale, a 138-hectare family farm situated 3 miles from the Suffolk coast. The farm converted to organic in 2004 and is mostly arable with some permanent pasture, large areas of woodland, some vegetables and fruit, and laying hens. Arable crops grown include wheat (including heritage varieties), beans, spring triticale and peas, and there are two years of clover or vetch-based leys within the rotation. Meadows are grazed by visiting sheep. Most of the cropping revolves around the layer hens which live on 18 hectares of 3 fields (there are approximately 2,700 hens currently).
Outdoor access for all animals all year round
Organic Management Techniques to Improve Sustainability of Non-Organic Farming
This abstract was composed as part of a Defra-funded project looking at organic management techniques that could be applied on non-organic farms and help improve sustainability. It describes information on providing outdoor access for animals. It lists the main agronomic, economic and/or ecological value you can expect to gain from applying the method. It includes practical recommendations that will help you implement the method on your farm and other useful in-formation such as the time of year you could apply the method, suitability according to your farming system, and equipment required. It also provides a guide of how you can best implement the method. Potential benefits and potential barriers you would need to consider, financial implications, and how it relates to legislation are also listed.
Browse, preserved tree fodder and nutrition
How offering access to browse and feeding tree fodder can supplement the diet of domestic animal – AFINET factsheet
AFINET factsheet discussing the value of browse and tree fodder for livestock. The factsheet covers what browse / tree fodder can offer animals and why, benefits, and advantages and disadvantages. In general, browse (i.e. fresh tree leaves and small branches) and tree fodder (dried browse) are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals for stock. They compare favourably with grasses grown in the same environment and can supplement the diet of domestic animals. Animals with nutritional deficiencies will often seek out appropriate feed sources if they are given choice in a diverse environment. Establishment of silvopasture is a long-term investment. To function well, silvopasture systems need to be well-designed and well managed as livestock will often readily browse trees and hedgerows.
Herbal Leys Virtual Field Day: Parts 1 & 2
Establishment and Management & Soil Health, Grazing and Ensiling – video recordings
Multi species herbal leys combine complementary grass, legume and herb species. A more diverse sward can provide greater resilience to climate extremes, benefits for animal health, soil quality and biodiversity. This is part 1 and 2 of a 2-part series of virtual events that were a collaboration between Agricology, Soil Association, Innovative Farmers, FABulous Farmers, Duchy College, AgriTech Cornwall, FWAGSW a Rothamsted Research. These events provided an opportunity to share the latest findings and practical experiences, bringing together farmers, advisors and researchers in the virtual field to share ideas and experiences.
Feed planning for cattle and sheep
Matching the amount and quality of home-grown forages and bought-in feeds with animal production requirements is central to running a successful livestock business. Getting the balance right is crucial for generating an efficient system that has minimal detrimental impact on the environment while optimising animal performance.
Planning Grazing Strategies for Better Returns – AHDB
Grass is an important crop and can provide 85–95 per cent of the energy requirements of beef and sheep systems. Yet, it rarely earns the respect it deserves as a potentially high-quality, natural ruminant feed. Half of what is grown is commonly wasted. Grazed grass is the cheapest feed on the farm. When managed well it has the potential to reduce input costs significantly, in particular, of bought-in feed. Some farmers finish lambs and cattle purely off pasture and conserved forages. This can save money and, in some cases, earn a premium.
