regenerative farm cluster
Estate Farms
Guided by the Holistic Management principles, the well-being of the farmer and the environment are placed at the centre of all decision-making.
Estate Mission Statement
Sarah Dusgate at NEW HOUSE FARM
Although I didn’t come from a farming family, growing up in rural West Wales surrounded by farms, I developed a deep passion for agriculture. After studying Bio-Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, I gained more practical experience working on farms across England and experiencing different stages of land transitioning to regenerative agriculture principles.
My long-term vision for the farm is to develop a resilient, diverse landscape with working ecosystems that support hardy cattle with minimal inputs. The heart of New House Farm is a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. These hardy, traditional types of Angus are perfectly suited to grass-based systems. I plan to operate a suckler herd, with calving occurring each May and June.
My approach to grazing is focused on mob grazing, which provides longer rest periods for the fields. This extended rest allows deeper-rooting grasses, such as cocksfoot and tall fescue, to establish, which in turn lengthens the grazing season—even on the challenging clay soils we have here. Additionally, bale grazing will be employed to introduce greater species diversity into the fields. In the early years, as opposed to taking a hay cut from my own farm, I will source it from nearby hay meadows that contain specific plant species we wish to establish here. New House Farm has a mix of permanent pasture and temporary leys, with the leys currently dominated by ryegrass. Bale grazing will initially target these ley fields to enhance species diversity and improve the livestock-carrying capacity of the fields.
Housing cattle is one of the most significant expenses in a beef production system. Therefore, the long-term goal at New House Farm is to increase biodiversity in the fields, focusing on deep-rooting grasses to therefore extend the grazing season and reduce overall costs, whilst producing nutrient-rich beef. Whilst the majority of the farm will be permanent pasture, a couple of herbal leys will be established for finishing stock. To minimize the use of machinery and herbicides, Tamworth pigs will be used to prepare the ground for seeding.
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_newhousefarm/
Alex & Emily Crawley – COURT FARM
We are working in partnership with Sam & Clare farming the land that surrounds the big house. We run Grazing Management Ltd, a specialist ecology-led conservation grazing business which uses a range of native breed cattle, goats and sheep to support landowners in restoring habitats such as wildflower meadows, heathlands and peat bogs across the region. Old-Lands is Grazing Management’s home farm in Wales, where animals return between grazing “jobs” on nature reserves in Monmouthshire and beyond.
While on-site, our herd of 50 Belted Galloway and Ancient Cattle of Wales cattle provide the careful grazing required to create the perfect conditions for wildflowers and invertebrates to thrive. The cattle wear NoFence geocollars, allowing for targeted, pulse grazing in specific areas so that we have full control of the grazing pressure.
We are passionate about environmental conservation and farming and have set up our business to bring together our professional expertise in agriculture, environmental management, and nature engagement. We are first-generation new-entrant farmers and were proud to be winners of our category at the 2023 British Farming Awards. We now graze across 450 acres, working in partnership with multiple land managers such as Natural Resources Wales, Wye Valley National Landscape and Severn Trent. We have a team of four and the assistance of many wonderful volunteer livestock checkers.
Alex is an ex-soldier and diplomat. This taught him to manage challenging situations in some difficult places. Aged 35 he career changed to agriculture, attending the Royal Agricultural University, and winning the National ADAS Pinnacle Award for entrepreneurship in farming after completing his studies.
Emily has a background in environmental management and education and has previously worked for several food, farming and environmental education charities, consultancies and think tanks.
TY MAWR FARM
New tenancy starting later this year.
