Study Tour: Pasture for Life Farmers visit three thought provoking farms
Blessed with clear blue skies but a chilly wind, last week saw a large group of Pasture for Life farmers who are part of the Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes Programme, joined by Pasture for Life farmers from Scotland to undertake an eagerly awaited Study Tour to Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
After a delicious lunch provided by The Riverside Kitchen the tour kicked off near Hexham on Thursday afternoon with Stuart Johnson from West Wharmley Farm who was crowned Soil Farmer of the Year in 2023. Hearing how the business has shifted its mentality from yield to margin and significantly reduced all inputs, captivated everyone throughout the afternoon and concluded with seeing the mainly Stabiliser suckler herd getting their daily paddock move, one of the highlights of the visit.
Leaving Hexham well after dark, the group overnighted in Berwick Upon Tweed and enjoyed a delicious three course meal and a few drinks at Foxtons Winebar & Restaurant and the opportunity for a really sociable evening together, with lots of good chat lasting well into the night.
Up early on Friday Morning, day two of the tour began at Pasture for Life and Organic certified Peelham Farm hosted by Denise, Chris and Angus Walton. Heading straight out onto the farm, the group heard first hand about all parts of the business; farm, butchery, charcuterie and online sales. The morning was wrapped up by seeing some beef carcasses in the chiller, of Aberdeen Angus cattle produced on the farm, before tucking into a warming beef stew which everyone appreciated, cooked by Denise.
For the afternoon, the tour travelled back into Northumberland and spent the afternoon with industry renowned Tom Fairfax at Mindrum Farm. An incredible host, Tom enthralled everyone with an absolutely fascinating insight into the changes that he is making at this farm. With sheep, cattle and arable enterprises all thoughtfully integrated and a real focus on soil health, this concluding visit of the tour left everyone with a real sense of optimism for the future.
With darkness falling, no one was in any rush to depart, so with lots of chatter over warm drinks and cake, the tour drew to a close, with thoughts already turning to where we could visit next!
The study tour was part funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes Funding from 5 Protected Landscapes in the North of England; Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks and Nidderdale, North Pennines and Forest of Bowland National Landscapes, as part of the Pasture for Life Programme ‘Pasture & Profit in Protected Landscapes’.
If taking part in events like this, is something you wish to do more of, farmers in these five protected landscapes are invited to continue to sign up to the free programme by contacting Rob on email; rob@pastureforlife.org or by clicking on this link to sign up.
If you’re outside these areas, our Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes programme runs across several National Landscapes, for farmers interested in increasing farm profits and biodiversity through the management of grazing animals. See if the programme runs in your area here.
Pasture for Life membership is open to everyone!
As a member, you’ll gain access to:
- A vibrant online forum for asking questions and tapping into the expertise of our membership and staff.
- Opportunities to join in-person and online events, farm visits, and study tours on a wide range of topics.
- Valuable networking opportunities to connect with fellow farmers, learn about raising cattle and sheep entirely on pasture and the benefits.
Email membership@pastureforlife.org for membership enquiries.
