Low input farming aims to minimize off farm inputs (e.g. fertiliser and concentrate feed), and optimise on farm resources (e.g. available grazing and existing habitats), to make the farm more sustainable and profitable. This type of farming system can work well for upland farms, alongside utilising other funding streams such as environmental schemes or diversification. Research has shown that farms using this system are more likely to be profitable and be sustainable for the future (see NFFN link below).
Low input systems often use native breeds of sheep and cattle as they require less feeding and housing which reduces costs, though an adjustment to grazing patterns and management may be needed. Higher level Countryside Stewardship includes a native breed supplement, and this will be transferred to ELMs when Countryside Stewardship finishes.
See also: Schemes, Payment and Grants, Increasing Biodiversity and Regenerative Agriculture.
Learn More
National Sheep Association
The NSA website lists the following webinars that are related to low input farming from a sheep farming perspective:
- Sustainable Soils – What it means for ewe | YouTube – John Pawsey (NSA member) and Katie Evans, National Specialist for Grass Forage and Soil (AHDB) discuss soils and ewes.
- NSA Sheep Event 2022 Seminar 2: Is grassland our salvation for carbon capture and nature recovery?
- RoSA – Can sheep be regenerative?
- NSA Breakfast Club – Is shabby the new chic? An exploration of nature recovery on sheep farms
- NSA Breakfast Club – It’s more than just carbon: a morning review of sustainability assessments
- Agri Webb webinar: Grazing for improved welfare and improved emission rates
Pasture for Life – It can be done. Feeding ruminants just on pasture
The farm business case for feeding ruminants just on pasture.
Pasture for Life – Low-input Farming in the Uplands: Challacombe Farm, Devon
Pasture for Life – Low-Input Farming in the Uplands: Ghyll Bank Farm
Pasture for Life – Low-input Farming in the Uplands: Gowbarrow Farm, Cumbria
