Return of the Golden Hoof: Groundswell 2024
This session at Groundswell 2024 was organised by Agricology and the National Sheep Association (NSA).
When people talk about bringing grassland and sheep back onto arable land, you often hear older generation shepherds use the phrase ‘the golden hoof.’ It used to be commonplace for sheep to be considered useful on arable farms. Fast forward to now, and specialist arable and cropping farmers are recognising the need to improve soil structure and fertility and find alternative controls for problem weeds.
The session was chaired by Phil Stocker (NSA) and features John Pawsey (Shimpling Park Farms) https://agricology.co.uk/farmer-profiles/john-pawsey/ and Robert Spink. John talked about the challenges and rewards of re-introducing sheep (1,000 New Zealand Romneys) to their 700 ha organic arable farm. Robert has come a long way from his initial starter flock of a handful of sheep grazing 4 acres, establishing a 600-ewe New Zealand Romney flock as well as a store lamb finishing business of 2,000-3,000 lambs per year. Robert has taken advantage of local opportunities to grow his sheep business on the family farm on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
Discussions centre around what you need to think about before re-introducing sheep, and what makes a good grazing agreement.
Highlights
- 🐑 Increased sheep integration into arable farming benefits the ecosystem.
- 🌱 Organic practices enhance soil fertility and crop diversity.
- 🤝 Collaboration between sheep and arable farmers fosters community support.
- 💼 New business opportunities arise from sheep farming partnerships.
- 📈 Sheep farming is experiencing growth in lowland areas.
- 🌾 Sustainable practices are crucial for healthy crop rotations.
- 🔍 Biosecurity measures are vital for managing livestock health.
Key Insights
- 🐑 Integration of Sheep into Arable Farming: The return of sheep into arable systems helps improve soil health and crop yields, creating a more sustainable farming model. This integration contributes positively to biodiversity and environmental health.
- 🌱 Organic Farming and Fertility: Organic practices, such as using sheep for fertility building, demonstrate effective methods to enhance soil quality while promoting ecological balance. This shift reflects the growing trend toward sustainable agriculture.
- 🤝 Importance of Relationships: Building strong relationships between sheep farmers and arable farmers is essential for successful grazing arrangements and mutual benefits. Trust and communication can lead to long-lasting partnerships.
- 💼 Opportunities for Young Farmers: The return of sheep farming presents accessible opportunities for young and new entrants into agriculture, reducing capital barriers compared to other farming sectors.
- 📈 Market Dynamics: The sheep farming market is expected to grow, supported by global demand and improved farming practices. This growth can help stabilize local economies and farming communities.
- 🌾 Sustainable Farming Incentives: Utilizing sustainable farming incentives encourages diverse crop rotations and effective use of cover crops, enhancing both sheep health and crop productivity.
- 🔍 Biosecurity Awareness: Implementing rigorous biosecurity measures is critical for maintaining flock health and preventing disease spread, ensuring the long-term success of integrated farming systems.
