Whole Farm Approach - Tree and Pasture Management

We are kindly hosted by Jenny and Mark Lee at Park House Farm in Torpenhow, Cumbria, an organic, pasture-grazed Jersey-Friesian dairy farm. Located within the Lake District region, the farm is certified by both the Soil Association and Pasture for Life.

You can find out more about their farm here.

This event will bring together farmers, advisers and others interested in making the most of their farm through thoughtful, integrated management. Jenny and Mark use agroforestry alongside their pastures in their farming system - a combination of hedgerows, planted alleys and woodland. They harvest tree hay in August for feeding overwinter.

Agenda

9.30am - Arrival and refreshments

10:00am – Welcome & introductions: We’ll start the day with a brief introduction to Park House farms system, and the thinking behind its approach to pasture and fodder management. We will also introduce guests who will be speaking throughout the day.

Farm walk: A look at pasture management in practice. Discuss grazing strategy, infrastructure and decision-making in pasture and setting up and use of trees and hedgerows on farm. Explore how different parts of the farm fit together as a system. This will be an informal, discussion-led session with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

Talks & discussion on tree and livestock health.

12:30pm - Lunch: A chance to relax, connect with others, and continue conversations.

1:30pm - Short talks and open discussion: After lunch, we’ll have a series of short talks and open discussion, including:

• Approaches to pasture management
• Reflections from the host and others on what’s working, what’s evolving, and what to consider when adapting systems.
• Developing cheese and ice-cream enterprises
• Working within an organic system
• A balanced discussion on the realities of organic farming including opportunities, constraints, and what it means in day-to-day practice.

3pm - Close and depart / stay on for late afternoon event

Following the Agroecology at Scale event, there will be a regional meeting from 3.30-6pm with the Soil Association’s Organic Producers Board (OPB). Everyone is welcome - whether you are Soil Association certified, certified with another body, or not certified at all. Find out more and register here:: Soil Association Producer Meeting - Cumbria Tickets, Thursday 13 August • 3:30 PM - 6 PM | Eventbrite.