Cows

This informative and practical event featured Lynn Cassells of Lynbreck Croft, James Reid of Tap o’ Noth Farm, and Dr Lindsay Whistance of the Organic Research Centre, discussing how making hay from trees can be a valuable way to supplement winter forage and support livestock nutrition and welfare.

The panel covered the benefits and practicalities of making and using tree hay, and explored topics including:

- The benefits of supplementing winter forage with trees

- Uses and benefits of different species

- Nutrition and welfare

- Producing tree hay

- Drying and storing

- Ways of feeding tree hay.

This was part of part of a new farmer-led knowledge exchange programme, Agroecology: Strengthening Livelihoods, which we worked on with Nourish Scotland, Landworkers’ Alliance, Pasture for Life, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Propagate and Scottish Crofting Federation. Funding for this programme was made available through the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF), which is funded by the Scottish Government. For more information and resources about agroforestry, visit https://www.soilassociation.org/agrof...

 

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The Farming and Land Use Team at the Soil Association have a specialist knowledge of all UK agricultural sectors as well as in depth understanding of organic and agroecological food production systems. Our goal is to support organic and non-organic farmers alike to transition towards more sustainable practices.

The livestock industry is an integral part of the agricultural sector, encompassing various aspects of animal husbandry and production. It plays an important role in global food security and supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

Animal nutrition plays a crucial role in livestock agriculture for several reasons, as it directly impacts the health, productivity, and overall wellbeing of farm animals.

Animal health is integral to the sustainability, profitability, and ethical considerations of livestock farming. It involves a combination of preventative measures, good management practices, and veterinary care to ensure that animals are raised in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible while prioritizing their well-being and public health.

If you’re responsible for a farm animal you must make sure that you care for it properly. (DEFRA)