Event
Farming Organic livestock with Dale Orr: Using ley varieties and rotational grazing to maintain a low input, profitable beef and sheep system
This on-farm event, organised by the Nature Friendly Farming Network, will give participants the chance to learn about the use of strategic mixed leys to build soil health, increase resilience, and boost profitability.
About the host:
Organic since 1999 and spanning 330 acres, Dale Orr runs a closed herd of 40 Hereford-Angus cross suckler cows, whose progeny are finished for beef, alongside a pure-bred Lleyn flock of 300 ewes.
Operating a low-input system with no concentrate feeding, Dale focuses on maximising grazing days for all livestock, with the ultimate goal of achieving year-round (365 days) grazing. A range of leys are used: red clover leys for silage production, lucerne for high-protein feed ahead of lambing and calving, and multi-species leys tailored both for sheep and for all stock grazing. Rotational grazing is key to the system, with an ambition to implement one-day paddock grazing in the near future.
Farming For Nature Ambassador Dale has managed this organic system for over 25 years, maximising profits through his low-input methods.
Agenda
- Tea and coffee served from 10:30 am.
- This will be followed by introductions from Dale Orr and a walk around the farm to see his farming system.
- The walk will be followed by lunch and a chance to discuss what you have seen with Dale and the other attendees.
