ADAS advice on supplementary stock feeding
ADAS advice on the rules of supplementary feeding of stock under some Environmental Stewardship schemes.
In the latest of FWi/ADAS’s frequently asked questions regarding Environmental Stewardship schemes, ADAS’s David Middleditch examines the supplementary feeding of stock.
If you have any questions on this or any other Environmental Stewardship matter ADAS experts are on hand to answer them in our dedicated forum on stewardship.
Q: Why is supplementary feeding of stock prohibited under some options? Do welfare considerations take precedence over ELS requirements?
A: Supplementary feeding of stock is prohibited under some options, such as ED5 – archaeological features on grassland – and EL3 – managing in-bye pasture with very low inputs.The reason for prohibition under ED5 is to prevent damage to the feature by localised trampling and breaking of the turf. This could affect the underlying archaeology and this damage could be irreparable.
The grassland options are designed to maintain botanical interest and conserve ground nesting birds. Supplementary feeding could again lead to localised poaching, so damaging the sward and local nutrient enrichment which would change the type of plants growing.
On moorland significant areas of heather and other dwarf shrubs can be damaged by supplementary feeding, not only around the area of the food site, but also by stock walking to and gathering around the supplementary food. Taking the food out can also damage the soil and vegetation especially in wet weather.
Some options can include part of a field only so that supplementary feeding can be done on the remainder of the field, providing that livestock access to the feed does not cause damage.
Stock welfare is important and one of the conditions of ELS is that you must agree to abide by the Standards of Good Farming Practice across the whole of the farm. This includes meeting the cross compliance requirements if you receive the Single Payment by maintaining the land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition. This means that supplementary feeding must be managed carefully and the land should not be overgrazed or under grazed thus ensuring the welfare of livestock. Under exceptional conditions, such as movement restrictions because of notifiable disease or exceptional weather conditions, welfare considerations may override the scheme conditions. These amendments would usually be announced by DEFRA.
It is important that you choose options which you are comfortable managing under your particular circumstances.