DAIRY farmers in south Cumbria are invited to learn how improving soil function can reduce fertiliser inputs at an on-farm meeting in Levens next month.

With the rising cost of fertilisers causing concern, many farmers will be thinking about their nitrogen application strategies.

Soil enthusiast James Bretherton from AgScope will how highlight how to maximise efficiency from soils by harnessing what is already present in the soil, helping to reduce the reliance on bought in fertiliser.

James will also discuss the most recent analysis from soil and slurry samples taken from Ninezergh Farm.

Attendees must book in advance by calling AHDB’s events team on 01904 771216 or via email ke.events@ahdb.org.uk

The event takes place on Wednesday, April 20, 10.30 am to 2pm at Ninezergh Farm, Levens, Kendal, LA8 0PA

The Bland family has been tenants at Ninezergh Farm since the 1960s. The farm is now being managed by Adrian Bland in partnership with his wife and father. The herd is currently made up of 120 autumn calving crossbred cows achieving 8,000 litres of milk per cow per year milking twice per day.

Ninezergh has been a Strategic Dairy Farm since January 2020. The farm is split across four separate blocks with some parkland which has to be managed accordingly. Alongside the dairy herd, there are also 550 sheep and 120 beef animals from the dairy herd which they raise to 24 months old.