Clive Bright Farming For Nature Ambassador 2019

Clive is a fourth-generation farmer in Ballymote, Sligo. He raises 100% grass-fed organic beef on his 130-acre farm. He has built his ‘Rare Ruminare’ brand based on his mix of traditional breeds such as Hereford, Shorthorn and Angus which are well suited to maintaining the farm’s species-rich grasslands. He then sells his beef directly to the consumer while also working closely with a local abattoir. Clive’s farm is organic while also drawing on permaculture and holistic management principles. He is active in the local farming community, works for the Organic Trust and is on the board of NOTS. Clive also hosts workshops on soil biology and open days to educate others about farming for nature. He manages his farm in a balanced approach so that both livestock and wildlife can thrive. As he says, “where nature thrives is a good place for a cow to live – it's that simple". By farming to enhance the ecosystem functions of his farm Clive is aiming to farm for free or minimal costs. "If you are truly farming in nature’s image, it shouldn't cost anything: the sun and soil grow grass, cows eat grass," he says. Clive has established silvopastures (wooded pastures) on marginal land. He uses mob grazing to ensure that grasslands are given time to recover between grazing periods and to improve the diversity of his grasslands through a more even grazing pressure and suitable stocking rate. By understanding how nature works, he allows it to aid his management style

[DeanCronin]

What breed of cow does clive stock here?

[birdie]

Does the mob grazing then require a huge acreage or a small herd? Very interesting but if you’re moving cattle twice a day then surely you’d need a large acreage