Farmer workshop: unifying science and practice of low-input pasture-fed livestock farming

A free workshop for all farmers either already practicing, or interested in moving towards, a lower-input pasture-fed livestock farming system.

The workshop is part of a collaborative Rothamsted Research & Pasture for Life project. The workshop aims to bring together farmers and scientists with a common interest in pasture-fed livestock farming, to share knowledge and explore future research opportunities

The programme comprises three main parts:

• A PFL-led practical, farmer-facing synthesis of Rothamsted’s research in relation to pasture-fed livestock farming.

And through open, informal group discussion exploration of:

• Farmers’ future research priorities to address gaps or add depth and breadth to existing research.
• Practical approaches to better facilitate scientist-farmer research collaboration

The day will include a light lunch and, for those who would like, a short tour of the North Wyke Farm platform when the workshop concludes at 3.30.

This is an in-person event but please get in touch if you have any issues attending as we may be able to assist a remote connection for at least part of the day. 

Background 

North Wyke has been a home to grassland research for over 40 years. Drawing on cutting edge laboratory, farm, and modelling capabilities, research at the site explores the environmental, economic and societal impacts of grassland livestock production. The site is home to the North Wyke Farm Platform ‘farm lab’, globally unique large-scale research facility to study the complete flow of nutrients from soil to food, with the clear and distinct aim of making farming a more sustainable endeavour

Pasture for Life promotes the unique quality of produce raised exclusively on pasture, and the wider environmental and animal welfare benefits that pastured livestock systems represent. Run as a Community Interest Company (CIC) since 2011, the membership includes farmers, butchers, retailers and consumers – all with a passion to increase the supply and market for pastured meat.