Purpose
To achieve long term sustainability, it is vital to support farmers with the tools, knowledge, and to demonstrate that these practices can work in real world commercial environments. Bromstead Farm was established 10 years ago as ABP’s dedicated demonstration farm to embody this purpose. It serves as a practical testing ground where innovative farming methods can be trialled, measured and refined.
Action
Set across 370 acres, Bromstead hosts a rolling average of 700 cattle throughout the year, as well as taking in around 300 store lambs over the winter period. Early years at Bromstead Farm focused heavily on maximising cattle performance through focus on management and genetics, including investment in feed efficiency monitoring technology. However, more recent years have changed the direction of focus onto the whole farm sustainability story. We measure indicators such as soil health, biodiversity and forage condition to give us a comprehensive baseline against which ABP could evaluate the impact of sustainable practices. From there, we introduced a range of natural, low input interventions designed to restore soil structure, increase biodiversity and improve pasture performance, such as biodiversity corridors, and targeted tree planting. All of those interventions have been measured by analytics, using modern tools such as bioacoustic monitoring and drone based field analysis from X10AI. Crucially, Bromstead Farm acts as a learning environment for the wider farming sector. The farm regularly hosts suppliers, students and industry partners to offer a first-hand insight into the benefits of regenerative farming.
Impact
The impact of Bromstead Farm continues to grow with each season. Thanks to our comprehensive programme of measures, we have seen an improvement in field productivity, enhanced rought tollereance, and increasing levels of biodiversity. Livestock performance remains strong and stable, and the planting of nitrogen fixing legumes has reduced our reliance on synthetic fertiliser. Bromstead has also made a significant impact in its role as an educational hub. The site has already supported workshops, farmer field days and supplier visits that translate science into practical action.