We are pleased to report we now have firmed up plans for the return of Down to Earth next year at not one but two locations. Due to the thirst from visitors at this year's event for information on regenerative farming, we will be hosting an event in Cumbria and Somerset over the summer months.
The first event will be held at Neil Baker's dairy farm in Somerset. He runs a high input, high output unit but also benefits from regenerative farming techniques on his farm. The second host farmers are organic dairy producers Mark and Jenny Lee of Torpenhow Dairy in Cumbria. They have installed 2.5km of tracks to rotationally graze their Jersey Friesian cross herd, as well as planting hedgerows, silvopasture and introducing pigs and chickens into the mix.
There will be lots to discuss at both events, with a range of speakers already lined. Keep posted at www.projectdowntoearth.co.uk for more information.
Plans are also progressing well for Dairy-Tech 2023. By the time you read this, it will be ten weeks until show day on 1 February at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Next year's event features an exciting new Lameness Village, a dedicated area to help farmers get to grips with managing lameness in their herd with expert support, advice and tools available.
Visitors can see some cows' feet showing common and more unusual causes of lameness. There will be a demonstration of how to manage these cases and a chance to discuss the practical ways to prevent them from occurring.
We've taken the opportunity to focus on lameness at next year's event since it is one of the primary health priorities for the Animal Health and Welfare Pathways, which forms part of the Sustainable Farm Incentive (SFI) scheme.
Tickets are now on sale for Dairy-Tech 2023 at https://dairy-tech.uk/visiting/buy-tickets/ . RABDF members also get two complimentary tickets to the show.
As I write, we are busy gathering evidence for the government's review into labour shortages in agriculture. We have contributed to many government consultations on labour over the years, so we hope they will take heed of our report and work with the sector to devise a way to attract new entrants. We would welcome any thoughts you have by emailing matthewknight@rabdf.co.uk.
As we head into the throws of winter and the cost-of-living crisis bites, it's important to remember the support available for those in the agricultural industry. If you are struggling with your mental health or have financial worries, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and speak to someone. A problem shared is a problem halved, as they say.
Here are some numbers that can help:
Farming Community Network 03000 111999
YANA 0300 323 0400
DPJ Foundation 0800 587 4262
RABI 0800 188 4444
RSABI : 0808 1234 555
Stay safe,
Matt
RABDF Managing Director