GRAZING SCHOOL Genetics day

Rob Havard Rob is a sixth-generation farmer and professional ecologist who owns Phepson Angus – a cattle genetics operation specialising in pedigree grass-fed organic Aberdeen Angus breeding cattle that maximise meat from grass with no fuss. 

Rob uses Holistic Management to integrate planned grazing on the 1000+ acres of diverse pasture he grazes with his herds. His focus is on the marriage of productivity and ecological gain. 

As a hands on farmer Rob speaks from experience, providing practical insight into how to regenerate landscapes whilst growing fitter cattle for less money to improve a farms profit per acre.

Rob is currently undertaking a Nuffield scholarship studying the ‘Evaluation of beef cattle selection methods for profitability in grass-fed production systems’. 

James Rebanks, whose family have lived and worked in and around the Lake District for generations is a renowned Lakeland hill farmer and author of the highly acclaimed  ‘English Pastoral’ and ‘The Shepherd’s Life’.

James is a dedicated shepherd and a bold advocate and practitioner in farming with nature. He is an acclaimed Herdwick sheep breeder and has a deep understanding of the importance of functional traits and of breeding animals that are fit for context. 

James believes in the importance of blending traditional farming knowledge and skills with a scientific selection process to produce animals that not only win shows but underpin a profitable low-input farming system.