GRAZE: a grass management – Agenda

09:30 – 10.00 Registration and coffee

10:00 –  Welcome from Rhian Price, Livestock editor, Farmers Weekly

10:05 – Welcome from Chairperson Michael Blanche, Farmer and Podcaster, The Pasture Pod

10:10 – Welcome from Charley and Andrea Walker, the 2019 Grassland Farmers of the year
Find out from Charley and Andrea how great grassland management become the heart of their system as they operate rotational grazing and out winter stock on deferred grass in the winter. Learn how to keep your bought-in feed costs low even in extreme weather situations. Testament to the success of Charley and Andrea’s organic beef and sheep enterprise is the fact they are entirely self-sufficient in feed.
Charley and Andrea Walker, Abbey Saint Bathans, Berwickshire

10:40 – Farm Visit

12:05 – 12:45 Lunch Break

12:45 – Break out into 2 groups for the session rotation

Group A: Holistic grazing and achieving results through gradual changes
1.Holistic grazing
What is it, how to make the switch, advice on what varieties to use, how to manage the crop in terms of nutrient and weed application and grazing.
Sheila Cooke, Hub Leader, 3LM
Christopher Cooke, Co-founder of 3LM

2. Achieving results through gradual changes
William Fleming, Area Sales Manager, Germinal GB

Group B: Grazing management to deliver public goods and Reducing costs by keeping stock outdoors 365 days
1. What benefits can graze management deliver as we move towards delivering public good
Take a closer look at rotational grazing as sustainable intensification in action
Emily Grant, Forrit (Farming & Consultancy), Coldrochie Farm

2. Reducing costs by keeping stock outdoors 365 days
How can you cut costs by keeping stock outdoors year-round? Options for out wintering and advice on managing fields during periods of high rainfall
Rhidian Jones, Independent Consultant, RJ Livestock Systems Ltd

13:35 – Groups session changeover.

14:25 – 14:40 Coffee break

14:40 – Conclusions and key learnings of the day and discussion open to the floor: The impact on your farm of implementing the grass management procedures and systems presented.
Michael Blanche, Farmer and Podcaster, The Pasture Pod

Speakers:

Andrea and Charley Walker

Farmers and Farmers Weekly Awards Grassland Managers 2019