The UK’s top regenerative farming event for livestock producers, Down to Earth, is back with two events this year- one in the north and south-following unprecedented demand from the inaugural 2022 event held last summer.
On Wednesday, 21st June, dairy farmer Neil Baker will open his gates at Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset, for visitors to see his high-yielding indoor herd of 1,800 predominately Holstein cows in action. Neil is one of Arla’s regenerative pilot farms, so will outline some of the projects he is working on.
Then, on Thursday, 6th July, Mark and Jenny Lee, Park House Farm, Torpenhow, Cumbria, will showcase their organic unit. Their farm consists of 175 milking crossbred cows, certified 100% pasture fed by Pasture for Life and mob-grazed on a 30-40 day rotation using 2.5km of
grazing tracks.
What is Down to Earth?
Down to Earth is tailored specifically for livestock farmers interested in understanding the principles behind the regenerative farming approach.
Each of the events this year promises to have something for everyone! Whether you’re new to this topic and just curious, or a farmer looking for practical take-home strategies to implement and enhance what you are already doing on your farm, through to those who want to follow a full regenerative journey, then Down to Earth North and South are for you.
Why visit Down to Earth?
Whether you’re about to start on your journey or a seasoned professional at this environmentally friendly farming approach – there’s something for everyone.
- Visitors gain knowledge from:
- Key industry speakers
- Networking with like-minded individuals
- Simple take home strategies
- Understanding carbon management
- Gather funding advice
- Improving on farm standards
- Gain practical knowledge:
- Improving soil health
- Maximising Grass Management
- Nutrient efficiencies
- Bugs
- Agro forestry
- Optimising Water care
Why is RABDF organising Down to Earth?
The demand for last year’s inaugural Down to Earth event was phenomenal, with over 1,800 visitors heading through the gates. The two events this year will make this popular show accessible for all.
Down to Earth is focussed on regenerative farming, which has been proven to help build a food system that meets the consumer’s needs, the animals and the environment. As pressure mounts for livestock farming systems to become more sustainable, the RABDF feels it’s important to help equip farmers with the information needed to enable informed decisions back on individual farms.
In addition, food security is also becoming a cause for concern with the pandemic, the Ukrainian war and weak Sterling thrusting it into the spotlight. The UK has some fantastic agricultural land and can utilise the uplands effectively with native breeds. So, finding ways to produce world-class food in an efficient and environmentally sensitive manner is a must!
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Increasing land productivity
Although research is still limited, it is thought regenerative farming practices can improve soil health and diversity and lead to better crop yields and livestock output.
Improving vegetation
Regenerative farming creates better conditions for growing high-quality, nutrient-dense food that can better survive droughts and remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration.
Enhancing water quality
Water and soil health are intrinsically linked. Improving soil fertility can help water infiltration leading to less runoff, erosion and pollution. It also makes land more drought tolerant.
Restoring a soils carbon content
Building healthy soils and improving the organic matter and the natural living biodiversity in the soil enhances the ground’s ability to draw down carbon from the air and store it underground.
Reversing climate change
Research suggests regenerative agriculture can reverse climate change by sequestering atmospheric CO2 in the soil.
Improving farm sustainability
Using manure effectively, making more from grazing and improving crop productivity through better soil management are vital to a farm’s sustainability.
