Do diverse herbal leys on mixed farms make sense?

Ben Rodgers from Catchment Sensitive Farming explains the findings of a farmer led trial of growing herbal leys on mixed farms in the exposed terrain of the White Peak in Derbyshire.
He discusses the resilience of herbal leys in dry conditions, their nitrogen-saving benefits, forage analysis comparing them to perennial rye grass, anecdotes about grazing herbal leys, the process of establishing them, and practical examples of leveraging SFI payments in England.
Chapters
0:00 - Start
4:53 - Outline of the White Peak trial
10:57 - Value of roots - resilience in dry conditions
14:26 - Nitrogen savings from herbal leys
18:24 - Forage analysis comparison between herbal leys and perennial rye grass
22:08 - Anecdotes about grazing herbal leys
25:10 - Herbal ley establishment
39:24 - Taking advantage of SFI payments in England - an example
Welcome to AHDB Dairy, a statutory levy board funded by farmers and others in the supply chain. Our purpose is to be a critical enabler, to positively influence outcomes, allowing farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to be competitive, successful and share good practice. We equip levy payers with easy to use products, tools and services to help them make informed decisions and improve business performance. Established in 2008 and classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body, AHDB supports the following industries: meat and livestock (Beef, Lamb and Pork) in England; Dairy in Great Britain; and Cereals and Oilseeds in the UK.
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