Transitioning Beyond Inputs in Agriculture

This course is aimed at farmers who wish to transition to a lower input, regenerative farming system. 

We will go beyond principles to share the practical and technical aspects of transitioning your farm. 

The course will be led by three specialists:

• Hear from Tim Williams of Earth Farmers about transitioning to soil-focused, biological, resilient farming systems.
• Walk the farm with John Cherry, hear about learnings from 10+ years of regenerative farming and see the results for yourself! 
• Look at composting systems and soil microbes under the microscope with Kelly Moss from Thriving Soils.

On this course you will:

• Learn the technical and practical details behind introducing livestock, adaptive grazing, diverse herbal leys, cover crops, carbon flows, ecological succession and moving from a chemical to a biological farming approach. 
• See how we are applying the principles of regenerative agriculture to maximise soil health and productivity whilst minimising inputs. Learn from the farm’s transition journey – we will share our learnings from the techniques that we are trying, both successes and failures.
• Examine the composting methods we are using to add nutrients to the soil without external input, including how we are cultivating beneficial microbial life through Johnson-Su bioreactors, thermophilic composting, bokashi, vermicomposting, and compost teas for use across the farm. If you bring a handful of soil from your own farm we can analyse that and you can find out what it needs.
• Visit the land-based enterprises on Irongate farm and understand how they have become part of the holistic ecosystem for resilience, with minimal external inputs.  
• Become part of a cohort of like minded farmers who are transitioning to a minimal input farming model. Join our community to continue knowledge sharing, peer support and connection.
• Enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch made using produce from the farm

Please note that this course is likely to take place outside and in a covered space without heating.