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 rotations (NSA)   

MIXED projects (Efficient and Resilient Mixed Farming & Agroforestry)  

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