Barenbrug, one of the largest grass seed producers in the UK, today announces the launch of a pioneering new, research programme with farmers nationwide to explore how proactive grassland management can significantly improve yields and profitability.
The inaugural Barenbrug Grass into Gold programme is being supported by Dow Agrosciences. Ten farms from across the UK have been selected to take part in the initiative, which will include an intense, hands-on programme of activities designed to develop wider awareness of best practices in farm grassland management.
Throughout the year, participating farmers will work closely with Barenbrug’s grass cultivation research experts to discover how to use and manage fields and pastures more efficiently, leading to a significant uplift in the profitability of their farm business.
The Barenbrug team will deliver tailored guidance, information and practical support to the individual farmers via one-to-one liaison, dedicated workshops and farm visits. The farmers will be able to share ideas, experiences and information about pasture production with other farmers from across the UK. Throughout the year they will closely assess the pasture cover on their farm and keep grazing data to assess the growth of grass in specific areas.
The programme kicks off over the coming weeks. During April and May, Barenbrug’s regional grass experts have been visiting each participating farm to analyse the condition of fields and pastures, and discuss what each farmer wants to achieve from the scheme and through the adoption of enhanced grassland management techniques.
Other educational events are planned with the group over the coming months. In addition to dedicated support and advice, each farmer will receive up to £5,000 of products and services including grass seed and a range of soil improvement products.
The ten farms selected to take part in the first phase of the programme are:
In England & Wales:
Richard Morris – Southern Pitts Farm, Pembrokeshire, (Dairy)
Mike Miller – Greville Hall Farm, Evesham, Worcestershire (Dairy)
Elizabeth Benton – Cucumber Farm, Chichester, West Sussex (Dairy)
J M and D Shepherd – Birchills Farm, Hassop, Derbyshire (Dairy)
R G Bacon – Hadcliffe Farm, Wadshelf, Derbyshire (Mixed)
In Scotland:
Mark Donald & Harriet Smith – Rhynaclach Farm, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire (Sheep)
Craig Malone – Pitcairn Farm, Cardenden, Fife (Beef & Sheep)
Robert & Charlotte Baillie – Longlea Farm, Netherburn, South Lanarkshire (Dairy & Sheep)
In Northern Ireland:
Ian Pollock – Braemar Farm, Castlerock, County Londonderry (Dairy)
Sean Fullerton – Maghera, County Londonderry (Dairy)
James Ingles, Head of Agriculture at Barenbrug UK, said: “Good grassland management is essential to maximise enterprise profitability. We’re launching Grass into Gold to help farmers across the UK get the most out of every blade of grass. Our grass varieties are the result of hundreds of years of research and development, and we’ve got a wealth of information and practical advice to share with dairy farmers. Recognising that different farmers face different challenges – depending on where they are located – we’ve picked participants from across the UK to work alongside. We look forward to getting to know these individuals, understanding more about their grassland management issues and to having a positive impact on their businesses.”
