A 2-day hands-on course covering the principles, equipment and decision-making frameworks behind regenerative and agroecological grazing.

Are you thinking about grazing differently? You will after this!

This 2-Day Intensive course, delivered by Pasture for Life in the scenic Angus Glens, covers the introductory principles, equipment, and considerations for managing ruminant livestock as part of a regenerative, agroecological and low-input farming system.

Led by Nikki Yoxall, Farmer and Technical Director of Pasture for Life, with support from National Development Manager Jamie Jack, this course is designed for beginners and seasoned farmers alike who are taking their first steps to implement new grazing strategies in their businesses.

Attendees will come away with a genuine grounding in agroecology and regenerative agriculture — not just theory, but the capacity to make context-specific, adaptive grazing decisions on their own ground. You'll build an introductory understanding of agroecological grazing: why we graze differently in different environments, and why that grazing matters to both landscape and livestock.

This course can be funded 100%. Three Scottish Government training funds are available to cover the full cost for eligible applicants:

Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund — for women looking to build skills and progress their careers in Scottish agriculture

Small Producer Practical Training Fund — for small-scale producers in Scotland's food and drink sector, whether established or just starting out

Next Generation Practical Training Fund — for those relatively new to agriculture, supporting practical and business skills to help secure and grow a career in the sector

If you fall into any of these categories, it's well worth applying — this could mean the course costs you nothing!

Details of funding can be found here at SkillsHub Scotland

What you'll cover:

Module 1 — Introduction to Agroecological Principles

The 6 key principles of regenerative agriculture (context, disturbance, covering the soil, diversity, living roots, animal integration) and how they link to wider agroecological elements (synergies, efficiency, resilience, recycling, and more). The 7 incremental principles of an agroecosystem. Ecosystem processes — cycling of water, carbon and minerals, and how to influence them on your own ground. What regenerative grazing really means: adaptive, context-specific decisions accounting for previous, current and future resource base — including AMP, mob and conservation grazing. Why diverse swards matter for animal and human health. Specific considerations for grazing woodlands, riparian areas and other sensitive habitats, including SSSI/SPA/SAC designations.

Module 2 — Pasture Management and Utilisation

How planned grazing shapes management across the production year. Contextual livestock application and integrating different classes seamlessly. Planning for farm system adaptability (and having a real "Plan B"). Animal welfare during weather extremes. Seasonal grazing planning — early, mid, late and dormant season. Grazing tools, infrastructure influence, and grazing practices in depth (rotational, AMP, mob, cell). Includes a practical exercise developing a real grazing plan and forage allocations.

Module 3 — Fencing and Infrastructure

Mobile electric fencing for sheep and cattle, solar/mains energisers, permanent and semi-permanent fencing, water infrastructure (gravity-fed systems, mobile trough siting), and costing/justifying infrastructure renewal. Includes a farm tour to see the grazing platform in action.

Module 4 — Breeding Strategies

Selecting livestock for hardiness, adaptability and environmental suitability. Growth rates and feed conversion in forage-based systems. Selecting for reproductive performance, health and disease resistance. Genetic diversity and integrated grazing management. Linking breeding decisions to soil health, animal welfare and continuous system improvement.

You'll also receive:

✅ Handouts summarising key concepts from each module

✅ Further reading and case studies on regenerative grazing

✅ Online resources and links for continued learning

What to bring:

🥾 Strong waterproof boots/wellies (steel toes not required) + separate indoor footwear

🧥 Waterproof jacket and trousers

🧴 Sun hat / sun cream

💧 Water bottle

📓 Notebook and pen

Getting there:

Training takes place on a working farm. 4x4s and off-road driving are not required to get there or during the training.

If you have an accesibility considerations, let us know and we'll do everything we can to make sure this does not restrict your attendance.

Travel and accommodation are the attendee's responsibility to arrange and pay for , but the PfL team can make local recommendations.

Dietary requirements or allergies?

Let us know in advance and we'll accommodate them.

Questions? Contact jamie.jack@pastureforlife.org

Description supplied by the event organiser.