2018 Study Tour Heads Northeast
The two-day PFLA study tours are a great way for farmers to learn from each other, share knowledge and explore new ideas about grassland farming.
The tour visits a different part of the country each year. In previous years it has visited Shropshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
This year’s tour is heading to Northumberland on Wednesday 6 June and Thursday 7 June to visit two certified Pasture for Life farms. A lunchtime start on the first day and early finish on the second, allows for those who have further to travel and minimises the time away from the farm.
Those keen to move to a wholly pasture-fed system, or are perhaps wanting to improve their existing system, or simply keen to be inspired by the work of others, can book a place now!
Thistleyhaugh Farm
The Nelless family at Thistleyhaugh Farm near Morpeth will be hosting the first day.
Brothers Angus and Duncan farm the 1300-acre organic mixed enterprise farm in the Coquet valley. They run a herd of 160 organic Aberdeen Angus and Hereford suckler cows along with a flock of 2000 Lleyn ewes, rear organic free-range poultry and have an outdoor free range pig finishing unit. They say their way of farming relies on high standards of pasture management and the right livestock genetics.
Alongside the farm tour, there will be a presentation from Gillian Butler of Newcastle University. Gillian is currently leading a research project into milk and meat quality from pasture-fed cattle and will be sharing her initial findings with the group.
There will be the option of joining the PFLA team for dinner at Gasparro’s Italian in Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Wednesday evening, where as well as getting the chance to sample some delicious Pasture for Life beef, there is also the opportunity for further discussions and networking.
Peelham Farm
The second day will visit Peelham Farm in the Scottish borders, home to Chris and Denise Walton, their son and daughter-in-law Angus and Helen and their dedicated team.
Peelham Farm is a 650-acre organic farm rearing Aberdeen Angus x Luing cattle, Lleyn x Texel sheep and free-range pigs. They also have an on-farm butchery, smoker and charcuterie facility and supply produce direct to consumers via their website and also supply restaurants, hotels, delicatessens and independent, ethical retailers.
Great opportunity
The study tour is a great opportunity to meet like-minded farmers, explore new ideas and learn a lot! The two farm visits will provide an opportunity to hear about breeding programmes for the development of pasture-fed genetics and marketing of Pasture for Life produce. PFLA staff will be on hand to lead the tour and answer any queries.
Places for the study tour are limited to 30 and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Everyone is welcome, with PFLA members receiving a discount on ticket prices. If you would like to book a place, download and complete the booking form.
