As drought scorches England, one farm stays green - herbal leys and regenerative farming

As 70% of England faces drought during its hottest summer on record, beef farmer Sam Squier's near 200-acre farm near Chelmsford stays lush thanks to regenerative farming techniques he has practiced for eight years.

After its hottest June and driest July on record, almost three-quarters of England is officially in drought.
Livestock and dairy farmers have reported poor grass growth, the U.K.’s cereal harvest is set to be the worst since comparable records began in 1984, and fruit and vegetable growers have said production will be reduced, echoing warnings from across Europe.

As neighboring farmers have resorted to using winter feed, Squier’s herd of Aberdeen Angus feeds on dense pasture maintained by planting that has retained water and improved soil quality.
“This year is a testament to what you can do in a dry year,” Squier said

The cows are concentrated in a small area where they graze and trample the vegetation and are moved twice a day. They create a protective layer over the soil and their manure helps return seed to the ground, boosting soil health and water retention. Squier has not needed to buy winter feed for eight years.