Soils – measuring to manage and improve

When it comes to agriculture and food production, protecting and improving soil health is vital to environmental and business sustainability. The condition of soil on livestock farms directly influences the yield and quality potential of grass and forage crops, animal performance and therefore profitability. 

David Cross from Glovers Farm, Sedgeford, joined AHDB’s Farm Excellence project as a Beef and Lamb Monitor Farmer in 2021. Located in West Norfolk, on a 360ha typical mixed farm, David runs a flock of 900 breeding ewes integrated within the farm’s arable rotation. 

Glovers Farm recently underwent a soil health review to establish the status of what lies beneath. We’ll discuss the baseline measurements of the recent soil health review, opportunities or challenges that have been identified and what that means for future decisions around management practices at Glovers Farm. 

This event is aimed at livestock farmers and will also include discussion on topics such as

• Soil testing - how to assess the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil
• Practical steps to protect and improve soil health and structure
• GREATsoils – AHDB funded research on soil management

           For this event, we’ll be joined by Dr Elizabeth Stockdale, Head of Farming Systems and Agronomy Research for NIAB, and Dr Amanda Bennett, Environment Scientist for AHDB.

Lunch and refreshments will be served so please advise us of any special dietary requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to this Monitor Farm 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.