Spring is here

21st March 2026

Here at Higher Murchington Farm this year has been our shortest winter housing period ever. Historically we would aim to have the cows out grazing the fields in the day by march 31st at the latest – then out day and night a week or two later. This year the cows went out on the 3rd of March and are now out all the time. They love to be out in the fields and it feels like a joyous time of year. It means less winter work for us, less spreading straw, less feeding, and less work in the parlour as the cows stay cleaner.

The shoulders of the year in spring and autumn are always my favourite but it also the time when the the effects of climate change seem more apparent. It’s got me thinking about how we can be more adaptive and resilient to changing weather patterns in the future.

In this case we are able to have a longer grazing season which is a benefit. Yet we still seem to have used the same amount of straw bedding, silage and hay as usual- despite the cows being housed for a shorter period.

We were lucky enough to have plenty of hay and silage to feed the cows over the winter but nationally the very dry summer has meant these preserved feeds are in short supply and very expensive.

At the Apricot Centre we have been learning about the core principles of regenerative farming and how they can help us address some of the challenges facing us. Namely climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, offsetting biodiversity loss and importantly, still producing enough food for everyone.

We have been talking about some of the principles of agroecological or regenerative farming and how using them can help use to meet some of these challenges.
The principles include:

• Improving soil health
• Making efficient use of water
• Sustaining and improving functional biodiversity
• Protecting and enhancing soil carbon and carbon sequestration
• Creating an equitable approach to the social and economic aspects of producing food
• Developing local marketing systems
• Promoting food security and shortening supply chains

A lot to take in, for you and for me! From time to time we can take a deep dive into some of these principles and what they mean in practice. I would love to hear hear how you have noticed any changes in the progression of spring. Maybe in your gardens, farms, or on your walks.

Enjoy the Sunny Weekend