Return of the Golden Hoof
Groundswell 2024
Resource explained
This session at Groundswell 2024 was organised by Agricology and the National Sheep Association (NSA). When people talk about bringing grassland and sheep back onto arable land, you often hear older generation shepherds use the phrase ‘the golden hoof.’ It used to be commonplace for sheep to be considered useful on arable farms. Fast forward to now, and specialist arable and cropping farmers are recognising the need to improve soil structure and fertility and find alternative controls for problem weeds. The session was chaired by Phil Stocker (NSA) and features John Pawsey (Shimpling Park Farms) and Robert Spink.
Findings & recommendations
- Technology has got smarter – Improved sheep genetics, parasite tracking and disease monitoring, and moveable electric fencing make it easier to reintroduce sheep back onto arable farms
- Do your research – John Pawsey avoided mistakes (when reintegrating sheep onto his farm) by proper planning and breed selection.
- Start right – Take advice. Pay attention to biosecurity and know the health status of the sheep you’re buying.
- Undersowing under oats – JohnPawsey found this the best way of establishing new leys. Avoid over-grazing of leys.
- Good relationships between farmer and grazier are key – Good communication and trust are essential. As a grazier, you need to be reputable and do what you said you’d do. Clean up properly after yourself. Managing the detail is important.
- Grazing agreements – Shared farming agreements can be great for new entrants, but equally handshake agreements can work perfectly well. Should sheep farmers be paid for their services? Where do you place the value?
- Marrying up bureau – The NSA are working on a match-making service for farmers needing sheep on farms, and graziers. .
See also: The Benefits of Sheep in Arable Rotations
Header image courtesy of John Pawsey (as featured in Pawsey Family & Team at Shimpling Park Farm profile). All Rights Reserved
Summary provided by:
Phil SumptionEdited by:
Janie CaldbeckAssociated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):
Author(s):
GroundswellOrganisation(s):
- Agricology
- Groundswell
- National Sheep Association
Date:
12/09/2024Evidence:
Farmer experience
Copyright:
Public DomainRelated theme:
Key Farming Practices:
- Cover crops
- Diverse feed & forage
- Homegrown feed
- Leys in crop rotations
- Mixed farming
- Rotational grazing
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