26 June 2023
‘Cows are Part of the Climate Solution’ Visitors to Down to Earth South Told
'The climate crisis cannot be solved without cows' – that was the stark message from world-renowned Ted X Talk speaker Ffinlo Costain at last week's (21 June) Down to Earth South regenerative farming event, which attracted a record 1,900 visitors.
He said the myth that livestock are bad for the environment needed to be tackled 'head on' and explained to scores of delegates why cows are a part of the climate solution.
"Methane is an important greenhouse gas (GHG), but it is short-lived and is not the primary cause of global warming. It is a false narrative. We are already below the net zero global warming potential in terms of methane in the UK.
"Cows are an easy distraction from fossil fuels. Carbon tunnel vision means people are fixated on greenhouse gas emissions, when climate change isn't just about greenhouse gases, it's also driven by biodiversity loss and desertification."
He explained that when cows are grazed correctly – by tall sward grazing, for example, they can deliver a cooling effect on the earth and are central to the climate solution.
"Cows in a regenerative farm system help the soil to sequester carbon, they restore ecological connectivity, helping us to solve the climate crisis while also producing fantastic nutrient-dense food, supporting livelihoods, and feeding communities all around the world."
He went on to explain the importance of soils in food and global society.
"The right to affordable nutrition underpins peace and civil stability, but the impacts of climate disruption and biodiversity loss are already affecting food production. If we see a 2C rise in global temperatures, which now seems increasingly likely, we could experience extreme disruption in global food supplies. When food is scarce, prices rise, inequality increases and simmering resentments can turn rapidly into conflict and even war. Healthy soil and a balanced ecosystem are critical for food sovereignty and a peaceful society," he said.
More regen learning at Down to Earth North
Record numbers of visitors attended this year's Down to Earth South Event at Rushywood Farm near Crewkerne, Somerset, home to Neil Baker, who milks 1,800 cows in a fully-housed system.
A second Down to Earth event is being held next month on 6 July in Cumbria following unprecedented demand.
Down to Earth North will be hosted by Mark and Jenny Lee, true converts of regenerative farming, milking 175 milking crossbred cows, which are mob-grazed on a 30–40-day rotation. They graze areas of silvopasture, have pigs and chickens in the rotation and are reaping the rewards for their herbal leys.
Visitors to Down to Earth North will see first-hand the benefits of regenerative farming on their farm with farm walks throughout the day. There is a whole suite of talks and practical demonstrations on regenerative farming covering everything from the benefits, to what regenerative farming means for different systems, including case studies and practical ways to improve your farm's sustainability.
More information on Down to Earth North, event timings and speakers can be found at projectdowntoearth.co.uk
About RABDF
RABDF is the sole UK charity focussed on the unique needs of milk producers. They are the only dairy organisation holding a Royal Warrant, with the influence and access to funding that brings.
More information
Sarah Alderton, farmgatemedia@outlook.com, 07739969198