Practical workshop to explore grazing through drier summers
Farmers and land managers are invited to a practical on-farm workshop in Nidderdale looking at how grazing systems can be adapted to cope with hotter, drier summers.
Out in the Drought: Protecting Production with Summer-Dry Grazing will take place at Summerstone Estate, Lofthouse, on Tuesday 15 September.
With grass growth becoming less reliable during prolonged dry periods, some farms are finding themselves using winter forage reserves much earlier than planned.
The one-day event will look at practical ways to manage grazing during moisture-deficit summers while protecting livestock production, soils and grassland.
Experienced grazing consultant John Bailey of PâtureSens will lead the day, which will include a practical workshop, farm walk and discussion with other farmers.
Topics will include longer grazing rotations, avoiding overgrazing and protecting root reserves, practical subdivision of grazing areas, parasite risk and ways grazing management can support soil water-holding capacity and more resilient swards.
The event will also explore how changes to grazing management can help reduce reliance on bought-in feed and avoid exhausting winter fodder supplies during the summer.
John Bailey is a retired stock manager, shepherd and grazing consultant with almost five decades of experience across Scotland, the French Pyrenees and Alps, and New Zealand. He founded PâtureSens in 2008.
Event details
Out in the Drought: Protecting Production with Summer-Dry Grazing
Tuesday 15 September 2026
10am to 3pm
Summerstone Estate, Lofthouse, Harrogate
Lunch is included.
Find out more and book your place on Eventbrite
(https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/out-in-the-drought-nidderdale-protecting-production-with-summer-dry-grazing-tickets-1998421926779?aff=oddtdtcreator)
If you farm or manage land in Nidderdale, you can also join our Farmers and Landowners Facebook group, where we share local events, funding opportunities, practical support and other updates for the farming community.