Insights Gleaned from Our Scotland Excursion
Regenerative Farming in Scotland Shines at Pasture for Life Summer Study Tour
Regenerative farming practices, including bale grazing and soil analysis, are making a positive impact on pasture health, soil vitality, and farm sustainability in Scotland. This was evident at the recent Pasture for Life summer study tour, where over 30 farmers from various regions gathered to learn and share knowledge.
The tour began at Edston Farm, where the Benson Wemyss Farms team showcased their regenerative farming journey. Since adopting a more regenerative system, Edston Farm has seen an increase in soil health and biodiversity. The Pedigree Luing cattle at Oakwood Mill Farm, another farm visited during the tour, are part of a rotational grazing system that includes outwintering on hill blocks, extending their grazing season.
Bale grazing, a key regenerative practice, involves strategically placing and feeding large round bales of hay directly on pastures in winter. This helps distribute nutrients evenly, reduces soil compaction, and supports microbial and earthworm activity. By pairing bale grazing with detailed soil analysis, farmers can more precisely understand soil nutrient needs and pasture conditions, thereby optimizing grazing and bale placement to build soil resilience and enhance biodiversity.
Farms like Edindale Farm in Morayshire use rotational and deferred grazing combined with techniques such as herbal leys and measuring pasture productivity, which aligns with regenerative principles to boost productivity and profitability sustainably. Engagements like the Pasture for Life tour promote regenerative grazing such as high-density grazing and long recovery periods, which replicate natural ecosystems and promote pasture diversity.
Soil health improvement through low-input, high-observation management supports animal health and farm ecosystem resilience. Farmers restoring native hedgerows and species-rich grasslands around grazing areas create habitats that enhance overall farm biodiversity. The combination of bale grazing and soil monitoring allows adaptive management, enabling farmers to fine-tune bale placement, grazing intensity, and pasture rest periods to optimize forage yield and soil quality.
Lunch during the tour featured local, Scottish ingredients prepared by Clem Sandison, the Scotland Regional Facilitator. New ideas and on-farm projects are expected to be underway following the study tour. Rest and recovery were emphasized as key aspects of the regenerative farming practices observed during the tour.
The event concluded with an Argentinian-style asado BBQ and heartwarming conversations among farmers. The Pasture for Life community was highlighted for its knowledge, experience, and support. Farmax plays a key role in helping Oakwood Mill Farm and Barnside Farm optimize their grazing platform and make budget decisions. Many new contacts were made during the study tour for knowledge sharing.
Over 7km of hedgerows have been planted by Stuart and Giles Henry to increase biodiversity on their farm. The successful joint venture discussed between Oakwood Mill Farm and Barnside Farm is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Pasture for Life community. As regenerative farming continues to gain traction in Scotland and beyond, events like the Pasture for Life summer study tour will undoubtedly play a crucial role in sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable agricultural practices.
[1] Farming for a Better Climate. (2021). Rotational Grazing
[2] Farming for a Better Climate. (2021). Hedgerows
[3] Pasture for Life. (2021). Pasture for Life Tour
[4] Soil Association. (2020). Regenerative Agriculture
[5] Soil Association. (2021). Bale Grazing
- Adopting rotational grazing systems, like the one at Oakwood Mill Farm, promotes biodiversity and healthier soil, aligning with regenerative farming principles as demonstrated by the Pasture for Life community.
- The home-and-garden aspect of regenerative farming can be seen in the planting of over 7km of hedgerows by farmers like Stuart and Giles Henry to create habitats that enhance biodiversity, just as detailed in Farming for a Better Climate's resources on Hedgerows.
