Every farm should feature grass, says Barenbrug UK, as it announces its continued sponsorship of the Groundswell regenerative agriculture show.
The Groundswell event will be held at Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire, June 22 and 23; Barenbrug has reprised its spot as the Grass and Herbal Ley sponsor, and will offer demonstration plots, technical advice and two speaker sessions to Groundswell visitors.
Valuable agronomic, economic and environmental benefits come to farmers who incorporate grass into their farming systems, says Barenrbug. So, the firm heads to the show to underline its belief that grass will be the most important crop of the twenty-first century.
David Linton, Barenbrug’s commercial manager for agriculture, said: “Grass is no longer just grazing for sheep and cattle. Increasingly, research from around the world – including our own – is adequately demonstrating the power of grass and mixed leys to deliver benefits beyond producing milk and sustaining good-quality, healthy meat.”
Mr Linton also explained that growers following a grass ley with cereals have reported a yield uplift of more than 5%, alongside cutting nitrogen inputs by nearly a quarter. Furthermore, grass-rich buffer strips can provide vital protection against a loss of soil and nutrients, during soil-disturbing activities such as root-crop harvesting, all the while increasing a farm’s overall biodiversity value.
Groundswell speaker sessions
Grassland experts, consultants and third-generation seed grower David Barker will be talking in a panel session entitled ‘Grass: can it be sustainable AND make money?’, and there will be a second session on Thursday, ‘Grassland: Back to Basics’.
“As previous Groundswell attendees will know, these speaker sessions are an incredibly popular element of the show, and we’re delighted to be sharing our thoughts and approach, and taking questions, on these topics at this year’s event,” said Mr Linton.
He, and his Barenbrug colleagues, will be available on both days of Groundswell, to discuss grass and ley options with growers; provide plot tours; answer queries; and offer practical advice about finding a place for grass on any farm.
Barenbrug is also one of the ‘stops’ in Groundswell’s BASIS Knowledge Trail, and visitors to the stand will be able to pick up a free copy of the ‘Good Grassland Guide’.