Welcome to The Field Feeds – Regenerative Farming in the Cotswolds

Welcome to The Field Feeds Blog! We’re a regenerative farm and smallholding based in the beautiful Cotswolds, dedicated to sustainable, soil-friendly farming and producing high-quality animal feed. Here, we not only care for the land but also tend to a variety of animals, including our pigs, chickens, and our beloved pet sheep. We’re excited to share our journey with you, from our daily operations to seasonal updates on what’s happening in the fields and beyond.

What We’re Planting This Season

With winter around the corner, our focus shifts to winter crops. Winter wheat helps prevent soil erosion during the winter by stabilising the soil with its root system and serves as a natural weed suppressant with its dense canopy. This crop typically yields more than spring wheat due to its longer growing season and can be harvested earlier, which helps to stretch out the harvest period. It also efficiently utilises soil moisture by starting growth early in the spring and fits well into our crop rotation strategy, enhancing the yields of subsequent crops. In addition to winter wheat, we’ll be planting winter barley and winter beans. These crops contribute to soil health, improve nutrient cycling, and support our sustainability goals. We also use cover crops like rye, which capture carbon and enhance biodiversity, further promoting a healthy ecosystem.

Drilling cover crop direct into stubble

Challenges of a Wet Season

It’s been a particularly wet season so far, which has presented a few setbacks. Our first attempt at planting crops unfortunately failed when heavy rains caused the seeds to become waterlogged and rot. But farming always comes with its challenges, and we’re staying flexible and optimistic as we move forward with this next round of drilling.

Using a direct drill, we’re able to plant without disrupting the soil. This technique minimizes soil erosion and preserves soil structure, a critical part of our regenerative approach.

Growing for Our Animals

The crops we grow on the farm serve a dual purpose: they’re part of the feed for our own animals, and they also contribute to the high-quality livestock and bird feed we offer to customers. By growing as many of our own feed crops on-site, we can ensure they’re fresh, nutritious, and sustainably produced, all while staying true to our commitment to sustainable farming.

Our weaners enjoying Henry's Pig Blend

Rye for Gardens and Fields

In addition to growing cover crops for our fields, we also offer rye seed to gardeners and smallholders who want to experience the benefits of cover crops for themselves. Rye is a fantastic addition for any regenerative garden, enriching the soil while protecting it through the winter months. It’s a versatile choice for both large-scale fields and smaller garden plots, and it fits perfectly into our regenerative ethos.

Join Us on Our Journey

At The Field Feeds, our commitment to regenerative agriculture is about more than just producing feed—it’s about restoring and nurturing the land we rely on. We look forward to sharing insights, updates, and seasonal tips with you as we work to bring high-quality, sustainable feed options to our community. Whether you’re a smallholder, a gardener, or just curious about regenerative farming, we invite you to follow along and learn with us.

Thanks for joining us on this journey, and welcome to The Field Feeds family!