Herbal Leys Virtual Field Day: Parts 1 & 2

Establishment and Management & Soil Health, Grazing and Ensiling

Author(s): 
Agricology / Duchy College / Soil Association
Date: 
June 2020
Copyright: 
All rights reserved.
Evidence: 
Applied research
Related theme: 
Type, texture & structure
Compaction & cultivation
Drainage
Rotations
Organic matter
Soil biology
Weeds
Animal health & welfare
Grasslands & forage crops
Crop nutrition & fertility building
People & skills
Pollinators & ecological services
Biodiversity
Key Farming Practices: 
Pasture fed livestock
Soil monitoring
Diverse leys
Cover crops
Leys

Watch the webinar
Resource explained: 

Multi species herbal leys combine complementary grass, legume and herb species. A more diverse sward can provide greater resilience to climate extremes, benefits for animal health, soil quality and biodiversity. This is part 1 and 2 of a 2-part series of virtual events that were a collaboration between Agricology, Soil Association, Innovative Farmers, FABulous Farmers, Duchy College, AgriTech Cornwall, FWAGSW and Rothamsted Research. These events provided an opportunity to share the latest findings and practical experiences, bringing together farmers, advisors and researchers in the virtual field to share ideas and experiences.

Findings & recommendations: 
  • Part 1 (accessed via the link above) explored the practicalities around seed selection, establishment, and management and benefits of multi species leys. Key topics included: Species selection and mixtures; stewardship options; establishment and seed bed preparation; weed control and management; and soil health / carbon. The discussion featured contributions from farmers experimenting with multispecies leys, Hannah Jones of Duchy College, Becky Hughes of FWAGSW, Deb Beaumont from Rothamsted Research, and Stephen Kettle from SW Seeds.
  • Part 2 (see below) explored the practicalities of ensiling and grazing multispecies leys. Topics included: Soil health; grazing approaches; cell grazing v continuous grazing; ensiling - timing and inoculation; and feed quality and animal health benefits. The discussion featured Becky Willson, from Duchy College and Farm Carbon Toolkit, Sarah Morgan, Kate LeCocq and Jordana Rivero from Rothamsted Research, Hannah Jones of Duchy College, Kate Still, FABulous Farmers / Innovative Farmers, Dave Davies, Independent silage consultant, and dairy farmer Clyde Jones.

View slides presented during part 1 below:

Herbal Leys Virtual Field Day - Part Two: Soil Health, Grazing and Ensiling

Summary provided by: 
Janie Caldbeck

More about the organisation

Innovative Farmers

partner Innovative Farmers is a not for profit network giving farmers research support and funding on their own terms. Groups of farmers come together for practical ‘field labs’, carrying out hands-on research on topics such as weed control, animal welfare and disease resistance. Discover more via the online portal. 

Rothamsted Research

partner Rothamsted is the longest running agricultural research station in the world. Rothamsted’s mission is to deliver the knowledge and practices to increase crop productivity and quality and to develop environmentally sustainable solutions for food and energy production. 

Duchy College

partner Duchy College is a leading land-based college at the heart of rural education and training in Devon and Cornwall. The college provides a top quality standard of education with a comprehensive range of qualifications available up to degree level. 

FWAG

partner The National Farming and Wildlife Advisory Association represents local Farming & Wildlife Advisory Groups (FWAGs) across the UK. These groups help British farmers by providing trusted, independent, environmental advice.

Soil Association

partner Soil Association is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use. The SA was founded by farmers, scientists and nutritionists aware of the connections between farming practice and plant, animal, human and environmental health.

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