Farming Event at oakwood mill farm

One of the highlights of July was working with the Soil Association to put on an event at Oakwood Mill Farm near Selkirk. This event was for farmers and crofters claiming Basic Payment Scheme and provided the opportunity to learn more about animal health in relation to Whole Farm Planning.

The event began with an indoor workshop and Q&A looking at the five different elements that make up the Whole Farm Plan assessment of a farm’s environmental and operational performance. Attendees were then taken up onto Oakwood Mill Farm’s hill ground to learn about how winter grazing of cattle has helped the sustainability of the farm, both economically and ecologically. Biodiversity has increased dramatically in the 20 years since the farm started overwintering cattle on the hill, whilst the cost per head of maintaining the cows through the winter has dropped dramatically: a great example of how sustainability and profitability often go hand-in-hand!

On the way back down the hill, tenant-farmer Stuart Henry showed us the farm’s use of rotational grazing and how this ties into the health of the livestock and the soil. There was lots of great discussion throughout the day. Thanks to Stuart at Oakwood Mill for being a great host and taking the time to share his knowledge with us!