Delving deeper into dung!

Sharing the love for dung is the aim of a free workshop promoted by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project at Prison Farm, Princetown, on Wednesday 18 September from 11 – 3pm.

Livestock farms are encouraged to book a place at the event which examines the role farm yard manure has to play in grassland management. 

The workshop, which includes presentations and practical demonstrations, will follow the journey of dung from animal to field and will look at key factors such as storage, winter management leading, analysis and spreading. 

Speakers include Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board scientist James Holmes, Masons Kings technology expert Dan Wood and Westcountry Rivers Trust Land Management Officer Annabel Martin. The role of soil heath and condition will also be covered by Isabel Greenaway of TimacAgro. 

Dung is a great resource but its potential can be undervalued by the way it’s stored, treated and applied to pasture. With businesses facing increasingly tight margins it’s never been more important to make the right decisions at the right time.

Dartmoor Hill Farm Project Training and Events Co-ordinator David Attwell said: “This should be a really interesting workshop with some excellent speakers designed with livestock farmers in mind. It’s a great opportunity to learn more, roll the sleeves up and delve deeper!” 

Mr Holmes said: “Farmyard manure is a wonderful feed for grassland and can help to improve soil organic matter and to boost growth. However it’s important to analyse the value of dung and then to apply it at the correct time and rate to maximise its contribution.”

Ms Martin said: “Nutrient management is an important focus for all farms but especially those within water catchment areas. Our ‘upstream thinking’ project has been working with farms on Dartmoor to improve storage and we will share how this helps enhance farmyard manure as part of the workshop.”

Lunch and refreshments are provided. To book a place contact the Hill farm Project on 01822 890913 or email hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk