REGERERATIVE FARMING

Regenerative Agriculture is a term that refers to an overall approach to farming rather than a prescriptive list of actions. Agricultural production on a global scale has increased massively in recent decades thanks to artificial fertiliser, chemical pesticides and herbicides and selective breeding of plants. Unfortunately, the unforeseen consequence of these innovations has been degradation of natural systems and a loss of biodiversity, which now threatens the wider ecological systems of the world.

 

The land at Higher Bridge Farm had been in ‘arable rotation’ for decades before we took it on. ‘Arable rotation’ refers to the practice of annual ploughing and sewing of crops in a rotation to avoid disease. The repeated ploughing and subsequent ‘working down’ of the soil to produce a seed bed, breaks down the soil structure which reduces the natural fertility of the soil and thus increases the need for artificial fertiliser. Degraded soil is easily eroded and has a reduced water holding capacity, which leads to soil being washed into local rivers and flooding.

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We have planted ‘herbal leys’ to restore the soil. A herbal ley is a mix of species of grasses, legumes and herbs rather than a single species of grass. The plants have different root depths which helps to break up compaction and restore the structure of the soil. The diversity of species increases opportunities for insects and thus the whole natural food chain, whilst providing much more interesting and healthy forage for the cattle and sheep.

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The herbal leys are grazed in ‘paddocks’ in rotation,

where the cattle are given a relatively small area of fresh grazing every day. This is intended to mimic grazing by migratory herds and creates the most important factor in improving the soil; the trampling of the uneaten crop.​

The trampled grass and herbs provide protection to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and provide habitat for insects. As the plant residue decomposes, the organic matter in the soil is increased, thereby reversing the effects of repeated cultivation.

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Diverse leys have many benefits for the cattle and sheep as well as for increased biodiversity and soil improvement. The diverse nature of the plants provides interest for the cattle and it is fascinating to watch them enter into a new paddock and choose their favourite plants. Some appear to be particularly partial to the tips of the chicory, others go firstly for the clover and others will pick out the plantain or some other plant of preference. When they have had a few mouthfuls of their particular favourite they will pick around the other plants, a nibble here and a mouthful there until they are fully sated and settle to chew their cud in peaceful contemplation.

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Although in its early stages, scientific study suggests that the plants within a typical herbal ley have medicinal properties that can reduce parasitic worm burdens in cattle. The naturally occurring properties of the plants can significantly reduce the need for chemical treatments to control parasites. The sheep are also important in parasite control. Cattle and sheep pick up parasites from the grass. By grazing sheep after cattle the sheep ingest but are not affected by the parasites left by the cattle and the cattle in turn ingest the parasites left by the sheep but are not affected by them.There is also evidence to suggest that meat from cattle grazed on diverse herbal leys has greater levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than conventionally fed beef, which provide health benefits and fuller flavour.

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Try for yourself and see!