Four beef and lamb farms from across England have joined the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) Farm Excellence project this month.
Operating a variety of different systems, the new monitor farmers are:
- David Cross, Norfolk;
- Ian Farrant, Herefordshire;
- Rob and Liz Priest, Devon;
- Harry Sordy, Northumberland.
Karen O’Callaghan-Lowe, head of ruminant knowledge exchange at AHDB, said: “We’re pleased to welcome our new farms on board.
“We had a large number of applicants this year and it was really difficult to choose only four to participate in the four-year project.
We began the project in 2017 and over the past five years we’ve worked with 16 Strategic Farms which have all had success in implementing best practice, resulting in improved financial performance.
“As part of the programme, we also engaged directly with thousands of levy payers through the on-farm events and online webinars.”
‘A unique opportunity’
Harry Sordy of Alnham Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, said: “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to take part in the project.
“Joining the programme offers my family business a unique opportunity to surround ourselves with like-minded farmers and industry experts, giving us the best possible chance to take our business forward.
“It’s a fantastic way to open our doors to other farmers at a time when the industry is faced with an incredible amount of change and I look forward to welcoming guests to our on-farm events.”
O’Callaghan-Lowe added: “The first round of events for the new farms are taking place throughout August 2021.
There will be a focus on key areas of a functioning farm business including environmental matters, breeding, health, grassland management and financial performance.
“The events are an excellent opportunity for farmers to learn from the monitor farm programme and share their own experiences and I would encourage all levy payers to attend.”
