We had another successful Open Farm Sunday event on June 9th, with tractor rides, a chance to meet some farmers, and understand about how farming can help birds and other wildlife.
We had a fascinating focus this year on birds, and how conservation on farm land is important for ensuring we support a wide range of wildlife. Our farming neighbours Rosemary and David Pateman joined Fran, Fergus and Tom, bringing their interactive displays and lots of bird seed, to help share the ideas about conservation. At Easthall Farm, we partner with Lionel Shaw for our arable work and we welcomed him and his son Edward along with their new no-till drill to explain why we don’t plough our crop land anymore and the benefits of establishing crops without disturbing the soil life.
This year we really noticed a growing appreciation for growing food with wildlife in mind, and particular interest in our pasture based beef. We were also able to share some of the fruits of our labour with Jordan’s Cereals making sure we let everyone leave with something to remind them of the day.
We farmers can always find things to complain about. And this year was no exception with weather, politics and business all making things difficult at times. So it is a real pleasure to hear the appreciation from visitors as we share and discuss our work on conservation and growing food. It really means a lot and reminds us of all the great things about British farming.