An Integrated Approach - Knowledge Sharing Day
Horner Farm runs a combined approach to create a farm fit for the future.
Using a combination of traditional, regenerative and agroecological techniques to create a farm that views its production, biodiversity, animal and human welfare as equals when making decisions.
Holly and Mark are building Horner farm up from a previous history of having been run as an arable and horse farm. This left the farm in a poor state with low organic matter, limited topsoil, low diversity in pasture and compaction issues.
The farm is now a mix of permanent pasture and herbal lays that support a Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Chicken and Pig enterprise.
They have planted brand new silvopasture fields, wood pasture, orchard and hedgerows over the past 4 years.
Alongside their farming enterprise they have a farm shop onsite and food events throughout the year.
A field is leased to Good Vibe Veg, a community supported agriculture enterprise, who run a market garden on site.
They have transitioned the 180 acre farm over the past four years by learning and listening to nature to create a farm that shows there is a balance point so neither the farm business or the environment need to out of balance.
Holly grew up on an organic dairy farm, then gaining experience and knowledge working for conservation charities before she returned to farming in 2015. When Holly and Mark gained a National Trust Tenancy in 2018 this allowed Holly to return to farming full time.
They run a system with limited inputs and direct sell all their produce.
The group size is a limited to 6 individuals to ensure the day is valuable for all attendees with the benefits a small group size brings.
This day aimed for those involved in agriculture or those seeking involvement within the industry with knowledge of UK farming systems.
What the day entails?
Start 10am - Finish 3pm
10 - 10.30 - Welcome with tea and coffee.
10.30 - 1pm Farm Walk and Tour
Opportunity to see how multi species grazing and rotational grazing works in practice - the strengths and weakness of the system.
Viewing how the farming system benefits the biodiversity and the animals.
The steps the farm is taking to mitigate and prepare for the changing climate.
1pm - 1.30 Lunch (provided)
1.30 - 3.00pm - Afternoon Session - Knowledge and Evidence Sharing
The afternoon session will begin with the sharing of materials related to Horner farm to demonstrate the economic model that is being built, alongside the data in regards to soils and animal health.
However the focus will be the opportunity for knowledge share between farmers, and an opportunity to speak to one another to gain new ideas and offer support.
This day is being fully funded by FIPL through Exmoor National Park.
£10 deposit to secure place and cover lunch costs.