NSA Eastern Region farm walk

Date: 16th May 2019

Time: 2pm

Location: Shrimpling Park Farms, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4HY

A large group of NSA Eastern Region members gathered on John Pawsey’s organic farm near to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk to see how he together with his shepherd, NSA Next Generation Ambassador Robert Spink they are integrating 1,000 breeding Romney ewes into their arable rotation. John’s aim is to improve soil structure and fertility, reduce black grass and hence get higher yields from the following cereal crops. Just over five years ago the farm looked at various livestock projects and chose sheep mainly due to lower infrastructure costs. Since then they have built up the Romney flock, which all lamb outside in April. Shearling ewes are achieving a lambing percentage of 160% with one group of older ewes hitting 195%.

Visitors quizzed John and Robert on the system; it certainly was an eye opener into the possibilities for arable farmers to successfully use the potential of sheep to raise production. 

 

Robert Spink speaks to visitors
Robert Spink speaks to visitors
Romney ewes and lambs
Romney ewes and lambs