Livestock were once commonplace on many farms, but over the years as businesses have specialised into one sector, many arable enterprises have lost the power of the golden hoof. Many growers are now reconsidering animals as a useful tool to widen rotations, improve soil health and spread the cost of cover crops. In this episode of Crop it Like it’s Hot – introducing livestock into your arable rotation, Alice hears about the many options available to growers from short-term leys to utilising cover crops. Offering a farmer’s perspective, Callum Weir, farm manager at the National Trust’s organic Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire discusses how herbal leys have improved soil health and weed burden, while spreading cost and boosting lamb finishing rates, and new entrant Suffolk sheep farmer, Robert Spink explains how he is teaming up with local arable farmers in the area. Taking a closer look at cover crops and soil health, Conor Campbell, agronomist at Hutchinsons offers advise on getting the best from grazed cover crops and lessons he has learned along the way, while beef and sheep consultant Liz Genever, explains how to team up with other farmers in your area. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.