Agri-tech Cornwall would like to know your opinions and experiences of multi-species swards, and temporary leys in general, in our new survey.

As part of the ERDF-funded Agri-tech project, Agri-tech Cornwall are working with farmers and other businesses on a new research initiative, the Toolbox of Multi-Species Swards (TOMS). This is in response to industry requests for better knowledge and clearer guidance on the use of diverse species mixtures. As well as a network of demo sites, a synthesis of current knowledge and the development of decision tools, they are also asking farmers about their experiences. The survey aims to capture farmers' perceptions of the barriers and opportunities associated with temporary leys, particularly diverse leys. 

The majority of farmland in the south west is grassland, typically ryegrass and clover, but multi-species swards, also known as herbal leys or diverse forages, offer many potential benefits. However, there is limited information available on their establishment, management and economic returns, and this is what the Toolbox of Multi-species Swards (TOMS) project aims to address. This partnership between the Rural Business School at Duchy College and Rothamsted Research North Wyke is an Agri-tech Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly funded initiative, which comprises of a programme of trial plots and field research on commercial farms in Cornwall, as well as the development of a multi-media toolkit to help with the establishment and management of herbal leys.

They would also like to know your opinions and experiences of multi-species swards, and temporary leys in general, in the new survey. The survey takes up to 15 minutes to complete and you will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £50 gift voucher.

To complete the survey online, go to https://www.swarmhub.co.uk/toolbox-of-multi-species-swards-toms/
For a paper copy please call the TOMs project at the Rural Business School, tel: 01579 372420/01579 372363

 

Agri-tech Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly is a project to increase Research Development and Innovation in the Agri-tech sector across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Running to March 2020, it is funded by the European Development Fund, Cornwall Council and the Council for the Isles of Scilly.