For several millennia mankind understood the importance of healthy soil. The earth’s thin skin supports all life above it.
Around 2,400 years ago, the ancient Greek philosopher Xenophon wrote: “To be a successful farmer, one must first know the nature of the soil.” These words still ring true and perhaps even more so in the modern era as we consider adaptation to climate change and the need to sustainably feed an expanding population.
The Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network, a not-for-profit farmer support organisation, has organised an open farmer meeting for Thursday, January 9, 2025 commencing 10:00a.m at Leighton Hall, Healey, Masham, HG4 4LS.
Host farmers Chris and Deb Metcalfe will welcome 2023 Soil Farmer of the Year, Stuart Johnson from Northumberland, and Tom Dillon of Regenerative Outcomes. Together they will discuss ‘The Six Principles of Soil Health’.
Chris and Deb will lead a farm walk supported by Stuart who is a member of the Northumberland Farmer Network, and also Tom who will be looking at ‘The Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship’, to build more resilient and profitable farms.
The event will include a demonstration of shovel tests, soil interpretation and water infiltration tests.Â
Farmer Network coordinator, Carol Moffat said: “Stuart is an inspirational farmer who has used these principles to reduce his own farm’s input costs.
“He has hosted meetings for the Farmer Network in Northumberland and we are very pleased that he is travelling to Yorkshire to speak at our workshop.”
The workshop is provided with support funding from the Nidderdale National Landscapes FiPL programme and AHDB. Lunch will also be provided at the event.
Farmers must reserve a place by January 7, 2025.
The Farmer Network Ltd., is an independent, not-for-profit, farmer-led organisation that provides help and support to farmers and their businesses in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
