Challenge is to be better farmers but keep policy green
Challenge is to be better farmers but keep policy green
In the second of our series, we profile finalists in the
FW/NSASheep Farming and Conservation Competition,
judged in conjunction with FWAG. Emma Penny reports
FOR one Worcestershire family, integrating conservation and commercial sheep production is tied up with improving a farm which was good for nature but agronomically poor.
Jane and Michael Hogan run 430 mainly Scotch Mule ewes across 324ha (800 acres) of heavy clay land at Bickley House Farm, Tenbury Wells. They came to the farm 14 years ago, and have concentrated on retaining the farms conservation value while improving its production potential.
Mr Hogan explains that while the farm has about 133ha (330 acres) of arable land and 65ha (160 acres) of grazing – of which about a third is orchard – a large area is down to forestry. "We have more than 300 acres of trees. Fields are small, meaning theres a lot of hedges and trees so its inherently easier to have good conservation, and lots of wildlife habitats."
Meadows on the farm which are rich in wild flora are now in the Countryside Stewardship scheme, but this has not affected management, he says. "We have also tried to improve hedges on the farm by trimming them in an A shape, gapping up and laying."
Layed hedges are protected from sheep by double fencing which extends about 1.2m (4ft) from the centre of the hedge on either side to allow growth. Orchards are also being restored by the Hogans.
Sheep graze in the orchards and on other permanent pasture across the farm as this helps to minimise poaching, which would be a concern on leys given the farms heavy clay soils. With a large acreage of grass, a stocking rate of about 1.5 lu/ha can be maintained, which means there is always enough grass for the flock, even in a dry summer.
Lambing is in two blocks; 120-130 ewes are sponged and treated with PMSG, with sponging staggered to allow best use of tups. These ewes lamb in early January, with the remainder lambing at the end of February and early March, explains Mrs Hogan.
"This means we can make better use of our facilities. Also, ewes which are sponged and not in lamb can be put into the main flock, maintaining productivity."
Lambing percentage averages 170%, with store lambs sold in September through a local market to release grazing for flushing ewes. Finished lambs are sold through Meadow Valley.
Mrs Hogan is keen to maintain flock health, and keeps detailed records, as well as buying flock replacements from her mother. "Its a known source, and I can be sure of what I am getting. We buy ewe lambs and keep them on-farm for a year before tupping as I have found they perform best that way."
Running the sheep flock alongside a large arable enterprise, careful thought is given to fertiliser application, manure spreading and spray application and disposal. Consideration is also given to dip use and disposal, says Mr Hogan.
HOGAN STRATEGY
• Lowland flock.
• Countryside Stewardship.
• Aim to improve farm but maintain conservation value.
Maintaining the Bickley House Farms conservation value while improving production has been a challenge for Jane and Michael Hogan.