FACILITY

LIVESTOCK AND FARM RESOURCES, NORTH WYKE

Rothamsted Research’s North Wyke site hosts a 350ha beef and sheep farm and is home to the North Wyke Farm Platform National Capability. The research at North Wyke aims to demonstrate the true impact and value of ruminant livestock systems through improvement in efficiencies of pasture-fed livestock whilst reducing emissions to the atmosphere and water courses, an approach described as the sustainable intensification of livestock. Expertise includes soil science, grazing systems, greenhouse gases and ruminant health and nutrition.

ABOUT

The North Wyke farm extends to 350 ha, the majority of which is poorly drained Culm Measures clays principally of the Hallsworth and Halstow series. A further 9 ha is of free draining redland of the Crediton series, held on a renewable lease. All the culm measure land is sown to long term leys, some of which have a high clover content. In 1988 spaced trees were planted on 5 ha of land for an agroforestry experiment and a further 2 ha have been planted at conventional woodland density.

The site is home to 360 Suffolk x ewes and a 120-head beef suckler herd (currently both Stabiliser and Hereford X cattle, but moving to a pure Stabiliser herd). All animals are housed over Winter and the state of the art housing and handling facilities provide the perfect facility for livestock research. Rothamsted Research North Wyke is a partner in CIEL – the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock.

Our facilities are available to use by industry partners through our membership of CIEL. Contact details can be found here.