Farming with the Seasons: Supporting Animal Welfare at Dalditch Farm

At Farm2Fork, animal welfare is central to everything we do. By aligning our farming practices with the natural rhythm of the seasons, we ensure our animals lead healthy, stress-free lives. Our cattle and sheep graze on pasture year-round, while poultry is raised from spring to early autumn, taking advantage of milder weather. This seasonal approach supports their natural behaviours and enhances their overall well-being.

Winter Grazing and Natural Diets

Our cattle and sheep remain outdoors throughout winter, even as grass growth slows. To keep them well-nourished, we supplement their diet with hay harvested earlier in the year. This not only maintains their health but allows them to express natural behaviours like grazing and exploring, which reduce stress and boredom. These behaviours promote better digestion, stronger immune systems, and overall resilience, compared to barn-confined animals who may face restlessness or health issues.

Poultry and the Warmer Months

Spring marks the arrival of our chickens, turkeys, and geese. Raised from day-old chicks in batches, the chickens grow naturally over about 10 weeks. They start in a warm barn before moving to pasture, where they benefit from sunlight and forage. Their natural behaviours—pecking, scratching, and exploring—are key to their physical and mental well-being. This stress-free environment strengthens their muscles and leads to high-quality produce.

Turkeys and geese, raised for the festive season, both arrive in May and are slowly raised for over six months. After starting in a warm brooder, they transition to pasture, where they can roam, forage, and engage in social interactions. Their slow, natural growth process ensures that they remain healthy, reducing stress and resulting in superior-quality meat. By the time the festive season arrives, these birds have enjoyed months of outdoor living, reflected in the high-quality produce they provide.

Animal Welfare and Regenerative Farming

Beyond animal welfare, our seasonal farming supports regenerative practices. Grazing animals naturally fertilize the land, helping to cycle nutrients and improve soil health. This mutually beneficial relationship between animals and the environment makes our farming system more sustainable for both the land and the animals.

By farming with the seasons, we allow our animals to thrive as nature intended, resulting in healthier livestock and high-quality, ethically produced food for our customers.