Mob Grazing

We are progressively adopting mob grazing—an advanced regenerative agricultural practice that maximises pasture health and boosts cattle nutrition. Currently, we are in the process of increasing the frequency of our cattle rotations, although not yet on a daily basis as is ideal in mob grazing.

Understanding Mob Grazing
Mob grazing involves managing a high density of cattle on a small patch of land for a short period before moving them to fresh pasture. This method emulates the natural movement patterns of wild grazing animals, like buffalo on a prairie. It promotes  rapid recovery of grass, healthy ecosystems, and robust soil health.

Benefits and Goals

• Optimal Grazing and Recovery: By moving our cattle regularly we are helping previously grazed grass to recover and regrow. Our objective is to refine this process to provide the cattle with grass when it’s most nutritious for the animals.

Utilising Land Unsuitable for Crop Cultivation

In the UK, you’ll often find sheep grazing on steep hillsides and cattle on more gently sloping uplands. This is because sheep and cattle are well-suited to navigating hilly terrain, whereas cultivating and harvesting crops on such steep land isn’t feasible. It’s sometimes argued that we should switch to plant-based food production rather than meat, but this overlooks the reality that much of this land is unsuitable for arable farming. By using these areas for grazing animals, we transform potentially underutilised land into productive pastures, making efficient use of our landscape’s natural capabilities

• Diverse Plant Life and Improved Soil: Transitioning to mob grazing fosters a diversity of plant species in the pasture. This biodiversity benefits the cattle by providing a balanced diet and improves soil structure and fertility, enhancing water retention and reducing erosion.

Practical Considerations

• Cattle Movement: While daily cattle moves are ideal in mob grazing, our current regimen involves less frequent moves. This gradual transition is all about us and our cattle adaptingto the new system.
• Infrastructure Requirements: Successful mob grazing requires robust fencing and accessible water across grazing areas. We are investing in electric fencing and ensuring water accessibility to support the health and mobility of our herd.
• Science Behind Mob Grazing: Studies show that mob grazing can lead to increased soil organic matter, improved nutrient cycling, and enhanced microbial activity. For instance, research by the Savory Institute has documented substantial improvements in soil health and biodiversity in areas where holistic planned grazing, a form of mob grazing, has been implemented.

By increasing our cattle’s movement frequency and making the most of non-arable land, we’re aiming to establish a more resilient and sustainable farming model