Livestock health: strategies for low-input, high-welfare nutrition

The Soil Association is a UK-wide sustainable food and farming charity which aims to protect nature by transforming how people eat and farm.

Soil Association

A technical event at Field Hall Farm, exploring the role of agroecological farming in improving livestock health and performance.

Atkin Farms, Field Hall

Are you looking to improve animal health, reduce input costs, and build long-term farm resilience? Join us for a unique opportunity to walk Rob Atkins’ working Staffordshire farm and explore how agroecological practices including herbal leys and grazed catch crops are supporting healthier livestock and more sustainable systems.Whether you're already experimenting with diverse forages or just starting to consider how soil and sward diversity can benefit your herd, this farm walk and expert-led workshop will offer:<ul><li>Real world insight into how agroecological principles are being applied on a commercial livestock farm</li><li>Expert input from Nigel Kendall (University of Nottingham) on the science behind animal nutrition, forage quality, and mineral uptake</li><li>Practical examples of diverse grazing systems, rotational planning, and nutrient cycling in action</li></ul>Field Hall Farm in Uttoxeter is a 1,160-acre mixed arable and beef farm transitioning towards using agroecological practices. Farm manager Rob Atkin produces the main combinable crops using a conventional low-impact system, while also managing a herd of 320 beef cattle on low-input grass. His focus is on doing what’s best for the environment and his business, aiming to improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity, while stacking payment options to maximise profits.The event is free to attend, a light lunch and refreshments will also be included.Agenda11:30-12:00 PM | Arrival and welcome at Field Hall Farm12:00-13:00 PM | Field Walk: Seeing Agroecology in Practice. Visit herbal leys in rotation. Look at catch crop grazing and its role in winter forage. Take part in a Q&amp;A in the field.13:00- 14:00 PM | Move over to Fradswell Village Hall for light lunch, refreshments, and networking. Followed by the remaining talk sessions:14:00-14:45 PM | Session 1: Why Agroecology for Livestock? With Nigel Kendall, Lecturer in Nutrition at University of Nottingham.14:45-15:30 PM | Session 2: Rob's Story. Join Rob Atkins for a walk-through of his farm's transition.15:30 - 16:00 PM | Refreshments, networking and leaveThe event will be of interest to:<ul><li>Farmers and advisors</li><li>Agronomists</li><li>Animal health specialists</li><li>Policy</li></ul>Thank you to Rob Atkins for hosting this event.This event is registered for BASIS and NRoSo CPD points. To claim your points, please complete the form what registering at the event. It will be helpful if you have your membership numbers to hand (but not essential).

The Agroecology at Scale demonstration farms are part of a wider partnership between Ocado and Soil Association which has been established to help transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world.

DirectionsWhat 3 Words: Accessibility requirementsPlease let us know upon booking if you have any accessibility requirements.Dietary requirementsPlease let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your place.Filming and photographyPlease be advised that filming and/or photography by Soil Association may take place at this event. To decline consent, you can get in touch or complete an opt-out form on the day.

Data protectionSoil Association takes data protection very seriously and will only collect essential data from participants necessary to use for the running of this event.The Soil Association's full privacy policy is available here: <a href="https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/" title="https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.soilassociation.org/privacy-policy/</a>By registering for this event you agree to the terms and conditions stated in our privacy policy. If you have any queries please contact: info.farmingandlanduse@soilassociation.org

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Livestock health: strategies for low-input, high-welfare nutrition

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