FARMERS from across the country were invited to Higher Thornton Farm in Kenn on Thursday, to discover and learn new methods and practices to make their farm more sustainable, resilient and productive.

The day was organised by James Daniel, Director of Precision Grazing, a farming consultancy focused on helping farms to become low input, productive and environmentally enhancing businesses which provide a fair profit and healthy work-life balance.

The event was hosted by Chris and Sarah Berry, winners of the Devon Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year award at an event earlier in the Summer.

Chris and Sarah have been working with Precision Grazing for over four years, which has allowed them to reduce their reliance on purchased fertiliser and feed while increasing productivity and profitability through pasture-led grazing and foraging.

Chris and James stated: ‘With the right approach, we (farmers in the Southwest) are uniquely placed to produce nutritious red meat and milk productively, whilst simultaneously sequestering carbon and increasing biodiversity. What other industry can do that!

‘We hope everyone enjoyed spending time with like-minded people and took something home to improve their own personal or business resilience.’

The day kicked off with a walking farm tour, which involved a guided walk, visiting different stations to understand new methods of grazing and livestock management. This included lessons on carbon and soil health, demonstrations of electric fencing and water systems, rotational livestock grazing and leading seed trials of new cold-resistant crops for winter.

There was then a variety of pop-up sessions by different organisations such as Agriton and Innovis and Kepak, followed by a panel session with a variety of progressive and innovative farmers from across the Southwest. With over 20 different exhibitors at the event, innovative solutions were abundant to every agricultural issue.

The day concluded with some hot, local food from Tom Burge’s Down Valley Mutton and Richard Standbury’s Knowstone Ruby Red Beef. Refreshments were provided from a bar run by the Devon Young Farmers, the proceeds of which (as well as any event surplus) was donated to their travel bursary fund.

James said: ‘A big thanks for everyone coming over and showing their faces, this isn’t just about what we can learn but also about getting the wider farming community together. We hope to see you again on the farm soon!’