The Golden Hoof

Welcome to In Conversation With… hosted this month by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs (Principal Consultant) and Kirsten Williams (Senior Sheep and Beef Consultant). On today’s episode Mark and Kirsten reflect on their highlights from 2024 and are joined by David Ross (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting) to discuss integrating livestock and arable. They explore options for integrating livestock, share top tips and farmers experience as well as the benefits this can bring to both the arable and livestock farmer.

Episode Timestamps

00.45 Kirsten’s 2024 highlights

01.24 Mark’s 2024 highlights

05.15 Integrating sheep into arable systems

06.42 Grazing cover crops and catch crops

09.09 Pest management and drawing moisture out of the soil

12.20 Biodiversity benefits

16.58 Soil compaction and deep rooting crops

21.00 Opportunities and new entrants

22.35 Things to be aware of (possible issues)

27.50 Temporary grass leys

31.55 Farmers’ experience

34.46 Grazing winter cereals

42.48 Marks top tips

44.05 Kirsten's closing thoughts

FAS Resources

Sheep grazing winter crop - what you need to know

Winter grazing cereals - an alternative forage source

Whitriggs - winter grazing of crops

Practical guide - use of cover crops

Regenerative agriculture integrating livestock

The benefits of grass leys in arable rotations

Other Resources

Grass leys for the arable rotation - AHDB

An introduction to cover crops - AHDB

Cover crops for additional forage | AHDB

Outwintering Strategies

The benefits of sheep in arable...