Adaptive Grazing: Reading the Farm and Context

Rather than following a fixed grazing system or formula, this workshop focuses on understanding the “why” behind different grazing decisions and how management can be adapted according to season, livestock class, pasture condition, soil biology and the stage of ecological succession.

We’ll look at how grazing can be used as a tool to improve water infiltration, drought resilience, soil biology, pasture diversity and wider biological complexity. Alongside this, the workshop will explore the more technical aspects of grazing management, including recovery periods, forage demand, stocking rates, pasture utilisation and rotation design.

A key part of the day will be understanding why different grazing approaches might be appropriate at different times and in different contexts. This could include skim grazing to maintain plant recovery and livestock performance, the role of trampling in nutrient cycling, or grazing more tightly as part of a pasture reset, depending on the conditions and objectives of the farm.

The day will combine classroom discussion with time in the field, looking at soils, pasture condition, grazing residuals, livestock requirements and the wider farming system.

The aim is to help participants better understand the principles behind grazing management, develop their observational skills and make more informed decisions based on the conditions in front of them.

You will leave this course having learnt about:

• How management can be adapted according to context
• Technical aspects of grazing management
• Why different grazing approaches might be appropriate at different times and in different contexts
• How grazing can be used as a tool to improve water infiltration, soil biology and pasture diversity

There will be a combination of indoor and outdoor learning, in the fields of our demonstration farm. You’ll also enjoy a farm to fork lunch using local pasture fed beef and refreshments from the FarmED Cafe. 

About the Workshop Leader

The workshop will be led by Tim Williams. Tim is a farmer and advisor, and the founder of Earth Farmers, an independent advisory business working with farms and estates across the UK.

Originally from New Zealand, Tim has more than 20 years’ practical experience across sheep, beef, dairy, arable and mixed farming systems in both the UK and New Zealand, including farm management at Mangarara Station, one of New Zealand’s pioneering regenerative farms.

Tim established Earth Farmers after working as a contract farmer and recognising a need for practical, independent support for farmers wanting to develop more resilient, low-input farming systems.

His work focuses on grazing management, soil health, diverse pastures and integrating livestock into arable farming systems. Rather than promoting a particular regenerative farming formula, Tim’s approach is based on understanding the ecological processes happening within a farm and using observation, measurement and commercial performance to guide management decisions. 

Please arrive at 9.45am. A farm to fork lunch will be served at 1pm. The course will be expected to finish at 4pm.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events. Read more about our tiered pricing policy here.

We like to take photos and occasionally videos of our events to use on our website and social media, please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that there may be times when you need to cancel your booking. Our cancellation policy is outlined here.