AIC Organic Feed Working Group Visits Yeo Valley to Explore Whole-Farm Approach
AIC’s Organic Feed Working Group, alongside representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), recently visited Yeo Valley to see how an integrated, whole-farm system supports productive organic agriculture in practice.
The visit, led by William Mayor, Farms Development Manager at Yeo Valley, brought together AIC organic feed manufacturer Members to observe how grazing, soil management and land use are connected across the farm.
Dairy cows are managed through a structured rotational grazing system, with livestock moved regularly between fields to maintain grass quality and allow recovery. This approach highlights how effective grazing management supports animal performance while maximising the use of home-grown forage within organic systems.
Soil health was a key focus throughout the tour, with practical examples demonstrating how soil structure and biology underpin productive grassland and cropping. Members also took part in a practical “soil sniffing” exercise, helping to bring soil condition and biological activity to life and reinforcing the importance of soil as the foundation of the system.
The use of herbal leys was highlighted as part of this approach, including species such as clover, valued for its high protein content, and phacelia, contributing to soil structure and biodiversity.
Within the arable system, the group also saw how different crops can be grown together to support soil health while producing diverse forage for livestock. These mixed cropping approaches help improve soil resilience, enhance nutrient availability and contribute to the production of high-quality feed.
The group also saw how Yeo Valley integrates different land types, with arable fields, grassland and woodland managed as a connected system, grazing across a range of areas, including woodland, demonstrating how available land can be used efficiently while supporting nutrient cycling and biodiversity.
The visit provided valuable insight into how whole-farm system design influences feed demand and input use in organic systems, offering relevant observations for organic feed manufacturers and the wider agri-supply chain.
AIC would like to thank Yeo Valley, and in particular William Mayor and Melissa, for hosting the fun, insightful and detailed visit and sharing their expertise with Members.
Authors
David Moss
Project management and technical projects. Areas include animal feed, feed adviser register, stakeholder management and health & safety. Secretariat for a number of feed sector committees including the UKFFPA (United Kingdom Former Foodstuffs Processors Association).
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
