Six Inches of Soil

OPEN FARM SATURDAY @inkpotfarm
(‼️ First Saturday of every month - SO worth the trip)

😊 Yesterday we went to visit Hannah Thorogood, and family. Hannah has done so much for us - she just been on our pod (Episode 19), starred in our teaser, been on lots of panels and done a ton of promotion.

We were so happy to be able to visit the farm, to have a tour, devour a beef bap and delve into the shop to buy some delicious beef, hoggett, gloves and honey. Perfect start to a Saturday!

WHAT’S ON THE FARM:
🦃 50 Norfolk Turkeys (so laid back!)
🐓 Hens 15 - much less than usual, normally 200 but with bird flu - ‘flock down’ - and her daughters at uni it’s easier with less.
🐕 Safely guarded by Maremma dogs, live permanently in the field (so 😀 and well)
🐑 250 ewes
🐮 Two herds: 20 Dexters and 33 Lincoln Red cattle (pure original population no mixed breeds, pedigree extra)
A farm shop
And lovely people who come to visit, to learn and to be part of the special Inkpot community.

🌳 Permaculture Forest garden - veg and fruit - yesterday the hens & turkeys were really enjoying grubbing around and in turn were happily providing fertility.

🌾 Make hay on the farm - all organic and multi species plants - they aim not to feed hay till mid December to the stock. Unlike many farmers they didn’t have to supplement the cows in the drought this summer, but they only just made it. The fields we visited normally have knee high grass but due to drought it was much lower - max 10 cm high. The AMP or mob grazing has prevented the grass from being over grazed and prevents extensive poaching of the land when it’s wet.

🐮 The Lincoln red herd (as seen on post) is a whole family, at present there is a bull, Jason. The calves self wean and those reared for beef will mature at 2.5-3 years. They are super healthy, and no wormer or medication has ever been needed. Their cows are hardy native breeds and
if looked after well , with no stress and regular moves, (AMP/mob grazing) will all keep happy and healthy. Parasites do not get a chance to thrive, as once the cattle return to a piece of grazing the parasites have died in the cow pats. The 🐮 💩 didn’t even smell bad!