The carbon footprint of cattle is a hotly debated topic.
What is less discussed is the environmental benefits of grass-fed beef.
In conventional farming systems concentrates are usually fed to the animals to maximise their growth. Growing this food relies on cultivation and cropping of large areas of land, generally degrading the soil quality and restricting biodiversity.
The carbon footprint of a grass system is significantly lower than that of conventional systems. Grassland helps capture and store carbon, reducing carbon released into the atmosphere. In addition, grazing cattle return nutrients back into the soil, helping improve the soil fertility.
Science shows that methane from the UK’s ruminants (including cattle) is not causing global warming. It is shown that carefully managed cattle systems could help restore biodiversity and soil health and become carbon neutral.
On our farm we have integrated species rich grasslands, trees, hedges, pollinator mixes and ponds into our farming practices to help restore biodiversity, absorb CO2 and improve soil health. We encourage legumes, such as clover in our grassland, not only is this a wonderful source of pollen for bees but also naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, helping reduce our dependency on inorganic fertilisers.
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