Event
Livestock health strategies for low-input high-welfare nutrition
Are you looking to improve animal health, reduce input costs, and build long-term farm resilience? Join the Soil Association for a unique opportunity to walk Rob Atkins’ working Staffordshire farm and explore how agroecological practices including herbal leys and grazed catch crops are supporting healthier livestock and more sustainable systems.
Whether you’re already experimenting with diverse forages or just starting to consider how soil and sward diversity can benefit your herd, this farm walk and expert-led workshop will offer:
- Real world insight into how agroecological principles are being applied on a commercial livestock farm
- Expert input from Nigel Kendall (University of Nottingham) on the science behind animal nutrition, forage quality, and mineral uptake
- Practical examples of diverse grazing systems, rotational planning, and nutrient cycling in action
Field Hall Farm in Uttoxeter is a 1,160-acre mixed arable and beef farm transitioning towards using agroecological practices. Farm manager Rob Atkin produces the main combinable crops using a conventional low-impact system, while also managing a herd of 320 beef cattle on low-input grass. His focus is on doing what’s best for the environment and his business, aiming to improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity, while stacking payment options to maximise profits.
The event is free to attend, a light lunch and refreshments will also be included.
Agenda
- 11:30-12:00 PM | Arrival and welcome at Field Hall Farm
- 12:00-13:00 PM | Field Walk: Seeing Agroecology in Practice. Visit herbal leys in rotation. Look at catch crop grazing and its role in winter forage. Take part in a Q&A in the field.
- 13:00- 14:00 PM | Move over to Fradswell Village Hall for light lunch, refreshments, and networking. Followed by the remaining talk sessions:
- 14:00-14:45 PM | Session 1: Why Agroecology for Livestock? With Nigel Kendall, Lecturer in Nutrition at University of Nottingham.
- 14:45-15:30 PM | Session 2: Rob’s Story. Join Rob Atkins for a walk-through of his farm’s transition.
- 15:30 – 16:00 PM | Refreshments, networking and leave
The event will be of interest to:
- Farmers and advisors
- Agronomists
- Animal health specialists
- Policy makers
