Farm Director Paul Flynn and his team have been developing Houghall Farm into one of the North's leading teaching farms. Supported by Farm Manager Keith Cook and Stockperson Iain Whitfield, who brings a lifetime of livestock experience, along with former agriculture student Leanne Chester, Houghall is thriving and proud to be championing sustainability and animal welfare.
Paul was delighted to provide The Northern Farmer with an update on the farm and some of the stunning results it’s been achieving.
Beef Production
“With over 150 head of beef cattle, we draw from our own homebred suckler cows, producing Angus cross cattle, as well as purchased calves from the dairy sector. All are finished to an excellent quality on home-grown cereals, beans and grass. We have introduced a clover-based grassland system, reducing the cost of production as part of our ‘Technical Grazing’ platform. Making the most of grassland and reducing costs are key to the approach.”
Paul added: “We’re also very fortunate to have Lee-Ann Oliver and her team from Fold Farm Vets, help us provide a comprehensive health management programme.”
Sheep Production
“With over 700 sheep in the Innovis flock, these combine the best characteristics of the sheep breeds. We cross our Innovis ‘Highlander’ ewes to an Aberfield ram to produce our main Aberfield cross commercial ewes and these are crossed to an Abermax tup to add even more hybrid vigour. Lambing this year was our best yet, with over 230% lambing. By performance recording, we hope to do even better next year.”
Students finished the summer term completing the British Wool shearing course.
Pig Production
“We champion sustainability and high animal welfare with our Hampshire-cross pigs, farrowing every three weeks, providing an excellent example of pig production that any student can take home and apply to a mixed farm setting.”
This was recognised recently at the British Pig and Poultry Fair where Paul was invited to share the farm's work on engaging young people.
Paul added: “Feeding is again based on home-produced cereals and beans, milled and mixed on the farm with guidance from Kingsgate Nutrition. Our research with university partners proves it is as good as any commercial feed. Last month, we finally achieved the highest price at Thirsk market. Can we do the same with poultry production? Watch this space!”
Arable Production
“All our livestock enterprises are supported by home-grown cereals and forage crops which showcase a diverse crop rotation. Cultivation is minimised but we manage each field individually, responding to the challenges and opportunities that arise. We hope to add field vegetable production to the rotation; our PhD student has been pioneering novel approaches to reduce weed burden and provide excellent soil fertility for a range of new and exciting crops.”
The College has recently invested heavily in new machinery, equipment and teaching facilities, helping to provide the very best for our students. For more details on courses and training, please check out the college website, edc.ac.uk or call 0191 375 4700.
