What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a system of prin- ciples and practices that seeks to restore and enhance the farm’s entire ecosystem – with a focus on soil health.
Advocates aim to improve the resources
the use, rather than destroying or depleting them. Mixed farming is often seen as the way to achieve this – and introducing systems such as rotational grazing and cover crops improve soil structure and health. In turn, these approaches result in high- er quality yields and a richer, more natural environment without the need for purchased inputs such as concentrate feed and artifi cial fertilisers, together with reduced pesticides and herbicides. Furthermore, sheep have a minimal car- bon footprint, says Dewi Jones, chief executive
pecting my rams to last fi ve working years. I think I’ve established a good template for continuing to grow the business and I’m currently targeting a minimum 2,000 ewes. “I am no expert on regenerative farming systems but I’m learning quickly.”
of sheep breeding specialists Innovis. Carbon neutrality is as a real option for many produc- ers who sequester woody vegetation to offset on-farm emissions, he adds.
This can be done sensibly while adding val- ue to the farm infrastructure and its ecosys- tem, and producing high quality, nutrient- dense food. And while output is often reduced, there is frequently a healthier bottom line. “There are many unanswered questions and a whole raft of research work needed be- fore we fully understand the regenerative ag- riculture approaches we are being encouraged to use,” says Mr Jones.
“But I suggest we best start making pro- gress since our antipodean counterparts are forging already ahead on this path. It’s about mall, measured steps.”
Fred Love, Retford, Notts
Grassland: 60ha owner occupied; 80ha rented Cover crops: 160ha, 70% grown on contract 900 Aberfi eld x Lleyn ewes 200 Highlander ewes 100 Romney x Aberfi eld ewe lambs 100 Aberfi eld x ewe lambs
Lake & Lagoon Dredging
www.sedavis.co.uk 01527 893343
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JULY 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 37
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