{"id":10793,"date":"2023-07-03T14:52:40","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T14:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/genus-develop.go-vip.co\/promar-de\/?p=10793"},"modified":"2023-07-03T14:52:41","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T14:52:41","slug":"regenerative-farming-down-to-earth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-dev.promar-international.com\/de\/regenerative-farming-down-to-earth\/","title":{"rendered":"Down to Earth regenerative farming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Following the success of 2022\u2019s Down to Earth event, this year the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has organised two gatherings for 2023. At the time of writing this blog, the first event had already taken place, with the second to come on Thursday 6 July.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Down to Earth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Down to Earth<\/a> provides livestock farmers with an opportunity to learn more about regenerative farming. It also provides visitors with access to advisors, who can help them develop their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The events take place at farms, enabling visitors to see first-hand high-performing farms that are already implementing regenerative methods. It\u2019s a perfect setting, both for farmers about to start their journey and for seasoned professionals of the environmentally friendly approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Down to Earth events feature dozens of exhibitors and technical speakers from various backgrounds covering wide a range of topics. The events include keynote speakers, plus dedicated stations spread across its host farms, providing advice on specific farming topics. Keynotes at 2023\u2019s events have included George Peart<\/a>, Promar\u2019s UK Sustainability Team Lead, presenting \u201cThe Future of Agroforestry\u201d.
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Down to Earth, June 2023 \u2013 Somerset<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The June 2023 event showcased farmer Neil Baker\u2019s high-yielding indoor herd of 1800 predominantly Holstein cows in action at his farm in Haselbury Plucknett. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the 3,200 acres of farmed land, Neil Baker sources over 80% of his herd\u2019s dietary requirements from homegrown sources. Neil is a member of Arla\u2019s regenerative farming pilot scheme. He began his regenerative journey focusing on the importance of crop diversity and maximising organic manure usage to reduce fertiliser requirements. His farm also has an integrated AD plant to generate power on-site from livestock waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Down to Earth, July 2023 \u2013 Cumbria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The July edition of Down to Earth will present an organic unit consisting of 175 milking crossbred cows at Mark and Jenny Lee\u2019s Park House Farm in Torpenhow, Cumbria. Their herd is certified 100% pasture fed by Pasture for Life and mob-grazed on a 30\u201340-day rotation using 2.5km of grazing tracks. You can book tickets and find directions here<\/a>. The event is free to RABDF members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of our experienced team will be on hand to discuss with you your ideas about regenerative farming and how it can work for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is regenerative farming?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the last few decades, farming practices have been assigned into two broad categories: either conventional or organic, with very little in between. The concept of regenerative farming sits somewhere in the middle of these two mainstream farming systems. It offers conventional farmers the opportunity to farm in a more sustainable manner without fully committing to organic standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike organic, regenerative practices can vary significantly from one farm to another. However, they adhere to similar core principles. These primarily focus on maintaining production whilst also improving the environment in an integrated system, with soil health being key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cows on a farm. (Image copyright: Stu Raw)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Regenerative farming \u2013 five core principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n