Who We Are
We are Simon and Sara Barrett and we farm at Higher Bridge Farm where Simon grew up. Unfortunately, Simon’s Dad was unwell and was unable to manage the farm and by the time Simon left school the farm had been let to our neighbours. After 45 years our neighbours retired and the land became available. We had worked in property and law firms and were both looking for something new to do a
nd so decided to take the plunge and “go farming”. Although we had always lived in the farmhouse and maintained close relationships with our farming neighbours, much had changed in the time since Simon grew up on the farm. It was with more than a little trepidation that we set off to the local cattle market to buy our first cattle in the early summer of 2017. Our first cattle
We returned from our first visit to the local cattle market physically and emotionally drained, but triumphant with 13 Aberdeen Angus steers about nine months old. We thought they were the best cattle ever to have been born. We let them out of the cattle box into the yard and after 30 years living at the farmhouse and looking over the gate at our neighbours’ cattle we finally leaned on the gate to look at our own. Our new life as farmers had started! Milk Calves
We progressed from buying older calves to buying ten days old calves from a local dairy farm and raising them on milk replacement powder. Although very hard work, the milk calves were by far the most rewarding. Young life on the farm is a joy and we became captivated with the possibility of having our own calves born on the farm. We made contact with the Kingstone Angus herd who had some surplus cows available and bought six cows, confirmed pregnant with six heifer calves suckling them known as “calves at foot”. Axton Aberdeen Angus
Our six cows, Parri, Ronnie, Tessi, Elucy, Ellie and Vanda and their daughters Em, Trixie, Tessa, Lacey, Elexa and Xanthe came to us registered with the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society. To register our new herd we have to have a herd name which is “Axton” from the address of the farm, Axe Road and the village of Drimpton. These cows and their daughters are the foundation of the suckler herd we have today. Sheep
We have a small flock of 12 Pedigree Poll Dorset ewes. The sheep play an important role in managing the grazing because they “nibble” much closer to the ground than cattle and clear up old grass that cattle will not eat. They are also important in parasite control. Cattle and sheep pick up parasites from the grass. By grazing sheep after cattle the sheep ingest but are not affected by the parasites left by the cattle and the cattle in turn ingest the parasites left by the sheep but are not affected by them. Our Values
We recognise how lucky we are to have had the opportunity to “go farming” and understand that we are only custodians of the land for a short time. We want to use our opportunity to hand the land on to future generations in better condition than we found it. As it becomes apparent that the world faces a “biodiversity crisis” we must all do our bit and we are committed to using our opportunity as custodians of our little corner of Dorset to do what we can. Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative Agriculture is a term that refers to an overall approach rather than a prescriptive specification of actions. Agricultural production on a global scale has increased massively in recent decades thanks to artificial fertilizer and chemical pesticides and herbicides and selective breeding of plants. Unfortunately, the unforeseen consequence of these innovations has been degradation of natural systems and a loss of bio diversity which now threatens the wider ecological systems of the world. The land at Higher Bridge Farm had been in “arable rotation” for decades before we took it on. Arable rotation refers to the practice of annual ploughing and sewing of crops in a “rotation” to avoid disease. The repeated ploughing and subsequent “working down” of the soil to produce a seed bed breaks down the soil structure which reduces the natural fertility of the soil and thus increases the need for artificial fertiliser. Degraded soil is easily eroded and has a reduced water holding capacity which leads to soil being washed into local rivers and flooding. We have planted “herbal leys” to restore the soil. A herbal ley is a mix of species of grasses, legumes and herbs rather than a single species of grass. The plants have different root depths which helps to break up compaction and restore the structure of the soil. The diversity of species increases opportunities for insects and thus the whole natural food chain and provides a much more interesting and healthy forage for the cattle and sheep. The herbal leys are grazed on a “paddock” system where the cattle are given a relatively small area of fresh grazing every day. They eat the most attractive forage and trample the majority of growth before moving on to the next day’s paddock. This method of grazing is intended to mimic grazing by migratory herds and the most important factor in improving the soil is the trampling of the uneaten crop. The trampled grass and herbs provide protection to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and provide habitat for insects. As the plant residue decomposes the organic matter in the soil is increased, thereby reversing the effects of repeated cultivation. Diverse leys have many benefits for the cattle and sheep as well as for increased biodiversity and soil improvement. The diverse nature of the plants provides interest for the cattle and it is fascinating to watch them enter into a new paddock and choose their favourite plants. Some appear to be particularly partial to the tips of the chicory, others go firstly for the clover and others will pick out the plantain or some other plant of preference. When they have had a few mouthfuls of their particular favourite they will pick around the other plants, a nibble here and a mouthful there until they are fully sated and settle to chew their cud in peaceful contemplation. Although in its early stages, scientific study suggests that the plants within a typical herbal ley have medicinal properties that can reduce parasitic worm burdens in cattle. Together with careful management of the grazing to avoid cattle returning to a previously grazed paddock within the lifecycle of the parasites the naturally occurring properties of the plants can significantly reduce the need for chemical treatments to control parasites. There is also scientific study to suggest that meat from cattle grazed on diverse herbal leys has greater levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than conventionally fed beef which provide health benefits and better flavour. It is important to us that our livestock are as healthy and happy as possible. We do not shut our cattle or sheep into sheds or onto concrete yards, but ensure that there is shelter available, either a building or natural shelter provided by trees and hedges. The animals are free to roam and can choose to go into the shelter or stay outside.
