Groundswell presents practical ideas on how to farm in the new environmental and political climate while regenerating your core asset – the soil. It is an independent event featuring speakers, workshops and seminars; exhibitions from a wide range of innovative farming companies and field scale direct drill demonstrations.
Speakers
The show features a range of respected voices in regenerative agriculture, including: Allan Savory (Zim), Founder of The Savory Institute and world leader in Holistic Management; Charles Massy (Aus). Leader of Australia’s regenerative agriculture movement; Joel Williams, an independent soil advocate who unravels the links between healthy soils and plant health; Jay Fuhrer, (USA) a Soil Health Specialist employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, North Dakota; Frédéric Thomas, (France), a leading proponent of Conservation Agriculture in France and around the world; Isabella Tree, Author of “Wilding” and responsible for the 3,500 acre rewilding project at Knepp Estate in West Sussex.
Discussion panels and workshops include: the AHDB Soil Pit, the Affinity Water Catchment Hub, Agricology discussion tent, and new for 2019, the ‘Food for Thought’ area exploring the links between soil health and a healthy diet.
Direct drill demonstrations will take place on both days, 12 machinery manufacturers illustrating seeding directly into standing cover crop with minimal soil disturbance.
Paul Cherry, host farmer, said:
“The government’s stated ambition for the future of food, farming and the environment is that public money will be spent on public goods that enhance natural capital. The new Environmental Land Management scheme will bring in a new era for farming. For any farmer looking to adapt to this scenario while maintaining viability as a food producer, Groundswell is the place to be.
“Groundswell is a unique agricultural show in the fact that you can spend a day learning the principles of conservation agriculture, while also engaging with the organisations who can help make it a reality. Groundswell offers a welcoming environment for two days of information exchange with some of the world's most experienced 'soil caretakers' - the farmers, scientists and the organisations who all have a role in shaping the future of UK farming.”
Event location and pricing
Lannock Manor Farm, Weston, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7EE
Lannock Farm is within a mile of Junction 9 of the A1(M) in North Hertfordshire.
Delegate tickets: £60 (+VAT) for one day or £95 (+VAT) for both days
Alongside the 12 drill manufacturers there are 80+ exhibiting organisations representing their services and products aimed towards farmers with an interest in conservation agriculture. Groundswell was created by the Cherry farming family on their farm in Weston, Hertfordshire. It is now in its fourth year. In 2018, 1,400 attendees visited Groundswell over two days from all over the UK and the rest of the world.