Monitor Farm meeting: Downpatrick

In this meeting we will be picking up from the meeting last year with Philip Wright (Wright Resolutions), looking at the effect of cultivations on the soil and also how manures can impact soil health and structure. Sajjad Awan (AHDB) will join us to speak about the impact of the clean air strategy on fertiliser use.

We are planning on going out into the field so please make sure that you bring suitable footwear/clothing.

About the farm

Richard Orr farms with his father at Meadow Farm in Downpatrick. He grows winter wheat and spring and winter barley on 75 arable ha and the rotation also includes potatoes, turnips and grass. The soil is a dry, free-draining medium, stony loam with good organic matter. Richard has previously hosted AHDB winter barley variety trials for the Recommended Lists. His aim is to grow the business while becoming more efficient, and to add value by marketing produce more directly to the end user, such as with his potatoes which he sells in the farm shop. During the three years of the Monitor Farm programme Richard hopes to share learning with fellow farmers and challenge his thinking, to ultimately become a better farmer.