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Tackling carbon footprint in the Durham Dales

Ever since farmer Chris Stephenson returned to Bradley Burn Farm after studying agri-business at Newcastle University, the mix on his farm has been made up of around 300 acres arable and 100 acres grassland. However, the transition to prioritising rearing and finishing dairy-bred beef cattle has seen a complete switch-around with acreages now split 300 grazing and 100 arable. 

The Stephenson family’s farm is one of the holdings included in and benefiting from the Programme for the Improvement in Sustainability of (red) Meat (PRISM 2030). This major initiative was launched in November 2022 by ABP Food group, one of Europe’s leading privately owned food processors, and Agrecalc’s consultancy partners, The Andersons Centre.

Using Agrecalc, the programme’s aim is to improve the farm’s carbon and business efficiency.  

The farm, which extends over 400 acres in the Durham Dales, has undergone a change of farming policy over the last 18 months switching from being primarily an arable set-up to making cattle rearing its priority.

Tackling carbon footprint by putting in herbal leys and reducing fertiliser

Ever since farmer Chris Stephenson returned to Bradley Burn Farm after studying agri-business at Newcastle University, the mix has been made up of around 300 acres arable and 100 acres grassland. However, the transition to prioritising rearing and finishing dairy-bred beef cattle has seen a complete switch-around with acreages now split 300 grazing and 100 arable. Cattle are kept outside with the system including mob grazing on kale.

“Improving soil fertility was a main driver in our decision to make the change,” explains Mr Stephenson.

“Also, with climate challenges such as either really wet weather or drought conditions, arable farming is increasingly high risk.

“For us, it has made sense – especially with SFI available – to be putting in herbal leys and reducing inputs such as fertiliser as well as tackling our carbon footprint. To move away from being at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions.”

“I was really pleased to get involved with PRISM 2030 and am now getting booked in for another carbon calculation – in many ways the second one will be the most interesting to have had the benchmark of the first one to compare with. I’m a big believer in that whatever you do, knowledge is the most important thing, and carbon calculation gives you that knowledge and you can’t improve without it."

Chris Stephenson, Bradley Burn Farm owner

Because of the change of direction at the farm, which is also a popular destination for holidaymakers with both static and touring caravans, four holiday cottages and an on-site café, the carbon calculation that came as part of the Stephenson’s involvement in PRISM 2030 was especially timely.

The programme gives participating farmers chance to complete professional carbon calculations through Agrecalc, with supporting business advice from consultants at The Andersons Centre and further recommendations on the areas where the farm can improve from Harper Adams University.  

Weaned calves arrive at about 12 weeks of age and stay on the farm until they reach around 350kg/dw at 25-26 months old.

“I was really pleased to get involved with PRISM 2030 and am now getting booked in for another carbon calculation – in many ways the second one will be the most interesting to have had the benchmark of the first one to compare with,” says Chris, who farms with his wife Jill. The couple have two teenage sons, 19-year-old James who is studying agriculture at Harper Adams University and 15-year-old Thomas. Their daughter Catherine is studying for a biology degree.

“I’m a big believer in that whatever you do knowledge is the most important thing,” says Chris. “Carbon calculation gives you that knowledge and you can’t improve without it.”

Taking stock with Agrecalc carbon footprinting solution

The Stephenson’s system is as low-input as possible and the carbon calculation highlighted that getting the cattle finished earlier would reduce the farm’s carbon emissions.

“The two things, our low input system and reducing the age at slaughter are not automatically compatible. But we’ll be looking at different solutions – one is to get them off to a quicker start and as our pasture quality improves that will be easier. Next year we should be able to get them onto clover grass lays earlier and reduce the amount of bought-in cake we are feeding”, says Chris.

The farm’s electronic tagging and regular weighing were all commended by the PRISM 2030 team along with efforts to improve pasture quality and insect population with faecal egg counts to reduce chemical worming usage.

The family had always kept cattle, but much smaller numbers grazing on a few permanent pastures within the arable rotation. Numbers finished each year are currently around the 150 mark, with a plan to increase to between 200 and 250 head.

“We haven’t gone as far as converting to organic, but our policy is very much to maximise grass output without fertiliser,” says Chris, whose family have farmed in this corner of the North East since 1939, just 25 minutes from the centre of the historic city of Durham. Chris’s father John is now semi-retired and has seen many changes at the farm. When he was a young man it was a very traditional mixed farm with a seed potato business.

“Back then in the 60s, 70s and 80s the farm would take advantage of all the new technology available,” reflect Chris.

With 1000m of new hedgerows planted on the farm, improving the biodiversity progresses at a great pace, and combined with improved soil health, the farm is now attracting more wildlife including swans, buzzards and red kites.

“The carbon calculation has been an interesting exercise in taking stock and looking at what suits the farm here and now”, Chris concludes.

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