Farming and Carbon: An Update

Step into the Transforming Tomorrow time machine, as we head back to look at the work between Lancaster University and Lake District Farmers on working towards net-zero meat production. Dr Laura Giles – now studying for another doctorate at the University of Dundee – brings us up to date on the final outcomes of a partnership that looked at carbon stocks in farm soil and carbon accounting across several holdings in Cumbria. We find out what work on to complete the project, what lab analysis of soil samples revealed about carbon contents of soil, and just what we mean when we talk about carbon in soil. Laura tells us about the varied benefits of having more carbon in the soil, from food production to flood prevention; shares the results of the surveys, and how they varied across farms; and warns against the belief in a universal cure-all for problems. We consider how past farming practice has made a difference to the land, and what this might mean for current landowners; discuss the importance of caring for the land, but balancing change with the impact on the farming system; raise a smile at the pride farmers have in the quality of their soils; and see how the project has raised awareness of just what soil carbon means to Lake District Farmers’ customers. There is time to look at other effects of less intensive farming, including the benefits to biodiversity; consider the nutritional quality of meat produced on these same farms; and realise that judging on carbon footprinting alone is not always the best idea. Plus, what’s scarier – a sheep or a cow? And why? Do sheep from different countries share a common personality and a universal language? Are cows cold-blooded killers? And other important questions from the world of farming. Watch a film summarising the findings of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/research/research-enterprise-services/knowledge-transfer-partnerships/case-studies/lake-district-farmers-case-study/ The background on the project can be found here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/pentland/activities/cross-cutting/transition-and-transformation/lake-district-farmers-ktp/ And to listen to the previous podcasts on this topic, connect here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3AVTRXxixXpldapfTZvCCoyzvCzSDyB9 Episode Transcript