Tackling Dry Seasons Together
By Melanie Dixon, WMG Mixed Farming Systems Officer
Last week livestock farmers from around the West Midlands region gathered at Murray Grey’s Tarracarral farm in Yathroo for another WMG Farmer Discussion event, ‘Weathering the Dry: Perennial Edition’. The focus of this afternoon of knowledge sharing was providing an opportunity for farmers to come together and discuss strategies for managing the extended dry conditions, in particular the effects on pastures. The day was a chance for farmers to share experiences, learn from each other, strengthen community ties and support resilience, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of mutual support in overcoming the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
One of the primary takeaways from the day was the critical role of perennial pastures in maintaining soil health and resilience during dry periods. Integrating perennials with cover crops has shown significant benefits in improving groundcover, feed value, and soil structure at Tarracarral. However, the time and dollar cost to implement oversown annuals and perennials can be overwhelming, particularly in poor seasons. This was discussed in depth by the group, with farmers that have tried oversowing sharing their experiences and tips with those that are considering adopting the practice. While there were differing levels of both experience and adoption, there was group consensus for the necessity for adaptive and innovative pasture management to ensure long-term farm viability, particularly in the face of adverse weather conditions.
Efficient resource management was another theme of the day, emphasising the importance of taking care of the land by preserving groundcover and soil structure. Farmers discussed the challenges of balancing inputs with outputs, especially when market conditions are poor. The overarching message was about doing the best with the resources available, focusing on sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental health. Innovative techniques such as the use of mobile water troughs, electric fencing to manage grazing areas, and supplement strategies like frequent, consistent feeding were highlighted as effective ways to optimise operations even in difficult times.
Farmer attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and the practical demonstrations of successful management practices. The consensus was clear: ongoing discussions and field days are essential for fostering innovation, resilience, and a sense of solidarity within the farming community. By sharing knowledge and strategies, farmers can collectively improve their practices and enhance the overall resilience of the agricultural sector. This has always been a key outcome of WMG Farmer Discussion events, with the attendees on this day being especially vocal in both their support and want for more of this style of event.
Discover the insights, learnings and key discussion points from our Weathering the Dry: Perennial Edition Farmer Discussion Event, including 5 key takeaways and a comprehensive collection of notes from the entire event in our event Farmer Summary.
