TICKETS are now on sale for the RABDF’s regenerative Down to Earth events taking place on Wednesday 21 June (South) and Thursday 6 July (North).
High demand for the inaugural show last year has resulted in the rollout of two events this summer.
In the south, Arla regenerative pilot farmer, Neil Baker, will host the first day and will look at how high yielding, housed herds can contribute to the bigger ‘regen’ picture. Focus here will look at ethnicity of products, in particular, ethnicity surrounding the food chain and food miles.
The three main stage themes for the day are: different farming systems, how healthier animals can result in healthier profits and where to start when it comes to regenerative practices.
In the north, Cumbrian organic farmers, Mark and Jenny Lee from Torpenhow Dairy, will discuss the regenerative practices they have implemented on their farm.
Discussions will include pasture management, mixed farming and woodland pasture. Experts will explain how to build a brand, the benefits of regenerative agriculture, building and maintaining soils and what ‘regen’ means depending on your system.
RABDF managing director, Matthew Knight, says: “Following the huge success of our first Down to Earth last summer we made the decision to organise two events this year.
“By doing this it will allow us to showcase regenerative farming from different angles, and whilst we will be discussing some typically regenerative topics, we will also be looking at areas that come away from the traditional viewpoint associated with these practices.”
Jack Cordery, chief executive, Mole Valley Farmers, one of the events’ headline sponsors, explains how, as a business committed to UK agriculture and supporting farmers on the journey to net zero, we are pleased to have been part of Down to Earth from the outset.
“These events provide the industry with a platform to share new approaches, see best practice and learn from each other. We must all work together to build our understanding and approach to the principles of regenerative agriculture, collectively responding to the changes in government policy and the pressure for farming systems to become more sustainable whilst reducing their environmental impact.
“UK agriculture has to be the driver for change, finding solutions to the challenges so that we are able to maintain food production and food security but with sustainability increasingly at the forefront of our thinking.”
Trinity Agtech, are also sponsoring the event. Anna Woodley, managing director for Trinity Agtech said “Trinity’s mission to enable farming businesses of all types and sizes to embrace and thrive through sustainable farming practice is closely aligned with the ethos of Down to Earth.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting the Down to Earth events and believe for too long livestock farmers have been inaccurately or poorly represented in terms of their sustainability position.”
You can get tickets and more information here, and RABDF members are eligible for free tickets.