Unlocking farm performance; healthy soil, smarter water at Rosewarne

This workshop focuses on the essentials of productive, resilient farming: healthy soils and effective water management.

We’ll explore practical techniques to improve land performance, enhance biodiversity and build greater resilience to climate challenges. From strengthening soil structure to making smarter use of water across the farm, this session offers straightforward, on-the-ground approaches that support long-term sustainability and profitability.

Workshop lead Dr Hannah Jones - Farm Carbon Toolkit

Guest speakers: Malcolm and Catherine Barrett, Tregooden Farm

Tregooden Farm at St Tudy is one of the Duchy of Cornwall’s Focus Farms and is managed by farmers Malcolm and Catherine Barrett, who took over the farm four years ago. The 300 acre farm has 43 acres set aside for Natural Capital projects. It also has a beef herd of 150, that includes buying in dairy cross calves, taking them through to be sold as stores.

The farm grows all its own forage; the only feed bought in is a blend for young stock (up to 10 months old). Older livestock are all outside all year, where they feed on pastures, cover crops and forage or fodder beet. This is an example of holistic grazing. Malcolm and Catherine moved from an intensive dairy farm, so this was a big change but has been very positive for them. They have felt encouraged and helped by both Innovative Farmers and the Farm Net Zero project (of which Farm Carbon Toolkit is a major partner).