On Tuesday 9th August 2022 the West Cumbria Grassland Group hosted an event at Farthwaite, Haile. Courtesy of Will & Sam Rawling the meeting was funded by AHDB and delivered by Rhidian Jones of the RJ Livestock systems.
17 people attended the meeting with Sam and Will giving us an over view of the business. Discussion involved the benefits of grazing on slightly taller grass and practicing rotational grazing when possible. How Deferred grazing of cows and grass wintering of ewes are carried out along with maintaining soil pH and fertility with the use of white clover to reduce nitrogen requirements.
The type of permanent pasture seen in this area has lasted for 30-50 years (and is still thriving). Concerns for the future were shared, however It is hoped that measures can be established where farmers are rewarded for maintaining and enhancing what they are already doing and the landscape that has been created by generations of agriculture, producing high quality protein from a challenging environment, is recognised.