Farm Walk: NSA Eastern Region

Date: 19th May 2017

Location: The Grove, Hurn Bank, Holbeach Hurn, Holbeach, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 8JJ

Why has some of the best land in the UK got sheep on it?  This was the question posed to farm owner, Richard Thompson at the Eastern Region Farm Walk held at The Grove, Holbeach Hurn in Lincolnshire on May 19th.

The flock of 500 Lleyn ewes with Charollais sired lambs graze one year leys as part of the farms 7 year rotational grazing system.  The land is top Grade 1 agricultural quality.  “I believe that the increase in fertility of the land that the sheep bring is well worth it.  You only have to increase potato yields by a small amount to make this pay.”   Richard takes a holistic approach to farming and wants to leave the soil in better heart.

The flock achieves top performance results.  Lambing takes place inside in March with turnout when the lambs are a few days old.  Once onto to fresh leys no additional feed is offered and lambs are away by the beginning of June.  Richard supports Thame Market where the lambs are sold and attract premium prices. 

The sheep certainly looked a picture of good health and quality during our visit and gave a fascinating insight into sheep in this arable context.  

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