Lincolnshire B&L Strategic Farm: Dealing with dry summers

Prolonged dry summers are becoming a frequent challenge to UK farming, so knowing how to deal with them is increasingly important when planning your grazing season. Join Chris & Louise Elkington to discuss the plans they are putting in place to cope with changing weather patterns including the use and establishment of legume and herb-rich swards, predicting feed and forage availability throughout the year and managing stock accordingly.

 We’ll also be joined by Anglian Water who are running a trial at Chestnut Farm to understand the most sustainable way of increasing soil phosphorus (P) levels. Previous soil tests have shown that P is available in the soil but is locked up, a problem which is likely to impact the success of the reseeding plans. The trial is investigating several methods to improve P availability without relying on expensive Triple Superphosphate fertilisers. 

At this event we will have guest speakers including Liz Genever, Independent Sheep & Beef Consultant and Richard Reynolds, Anglian Water Senior Agronomy Advisor. 

Topics discussed will include:

• Options available to deal with dry summers including legume and herb-rich swards
• Establishment and grazing methods of legume and herb-rich swards
• Stock management in a dry spring/summer
• Predicting feed/forage availability throughout the year
• Coping with low Phosphorus soils

 Lunch and refreshments will be served so please advise us of any special dietary requirements.

We look forward to welcoming you to the event. You can register for your free place by booking online, emailing KE.events@ahdb.org.uk or calling 01904 771218. Attendees must be over 16 years of age and suitable footwear must be worn.