By relying on a 100% pasture and forage fed approach, we significantly reduce the need for imported feeds, fertilisers and intensive inputs. That, in turn, lowers our reliance on fossil fuels, both directly through machinery use and indirectly through the production and transport of inputs. It is a simpler system, but also a more resilient one.

By moving cattle regularly and allowing fields time to recover, we encourage a diverse sward of grasses, clovers and herbs. This diversity is important. It supports soil structure, improves nutrient cycling and creates a more balanced ecosystem both above and below ground. It also influences the quality of the forage the animals consume, which ultimately contributes to the depth and character of the beef.

Over time, this leads to more productive grassland with fewer external inputs required. It also helps the land better cope with extremes of weather, whether that is heavy rainfall or dry periods. Healthy soils grow better grass, and better grass underpins both animal performance and eating quality.

We also recognise the importance of working with natural cycles. Methane is often discussed in relation to livestock, but within a grazing system it forms part of a wider carbon cycle. The carbon in methane originates from the grass the cattle eat, which has captured carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. While emissions must be taken seriously, it is important to understand the difference between this biogenic cycle and the release of fossil carbon.

This approach requires attention and care. Grazing decisions are made regularly, balancing the needs of the cattle, the grass and the wider environment. It is not about maximising output at any cost, but about finding the right level of production within a healthy system.

For us, grazing for the environment is not a separate goal. It is simply good farming. By working with the land rather than against it, we aim to produce food in a way that is responsible, resilient and, ultimately, better tasting.