Addressing Farm Carbon Emissions
Cumbria Farmer Network is set to host two significant meetings aimed at educating farmers on the critical theme of farm carbon. These sessions are designed to enlighten agricultural professionals on their carbon footprint, offering insights into how they can effectively reduce their emissions. This initiative is supported by funding from Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council Shared Prosperity Funds.
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Upcoming Educational Sessions
The first of these informative gatherings will occur on Tuesday, March 5, from 1:00p.m to 3:30p.m at Raisgill Hall, Orton. The following day, Wednesday, March 6, another meeting is scheduled at Brampton Golf Club, taking place from 7:00p.m to 9:00p.m. Both events promise to be valuable opportunities for farmers to learn and engage with carbon reduction strategies.
A Dynamic and Evolving Field
Adam Day, Managing Director of the Farmer Network, emphasizes the dynamic nature of farm carbon as a science, noting it as a topic of high interest and relevance among farmers. He highlights the organization’s preference for farmer-led events and workshops, complemented by the expertise of trusted partner organizations to enhance knowledge and support within the farming community.
What to Expect at the Meetings
Attendees can expect to be treated to meals at both meetings, with a booking deadline set for March 4. The session at Raisgill Hall will showcase the experiences of Steve, Lottie, and Mike Dunning, who will share the alterations they’ve implemented on their farm. Innovations include herbal leys, cow tracks, hedges, and a shift towards a grass-based system by extending cattle grazing periods through paddock grazing.
Local farmer and consultant Helen Dent will provide an overview of carbon audits and their application in minimizing carbon footprints. She will also offer practical advice for farmers taking their initial steps in this direction, alongside a review of common findings in carbon audits across Cumbria’s farms.
Furthermore, Newton Rigg Training will spearhead a discussion on potential next steps, focusing on the necessary training and skills to capitalize on carbon-related opportunities.
Sharing Success Stories and Practical Advice
The meeting at Brampton Golf Club will feature testimonials from five local farmers, who will discuss the impact of carbon auditing on their operations and the measures they’ve taken to curtail emissions. Both Helen Dent and Newton Rigg Training will be present to support the farmers and field additional questions.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Carol Moffat, Project Manager at Farmer Network, stresses the importance of farmers comprehending both the challenges and prospects that farm carbon presents. The meetings are set to encourage farmers to make informed carbon decisions that not only bolster their production business but also benefit the natural environment.
These upcoming meetings signal a proactive step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural sector in Cumbria.
