Hurst Farm Flashcards
Where is it
Farm is on a slope, at Hurstpierpoint College by the back of Martlet House, South East of the UK,
What animals does it have
Goats, pigs, sheep, ducks, chickens and geese.
Is it organic
Yes, an organic, free range farm.
Give 4 human inputs
Money- purchase the land, and for buildings, and to buy the animals, crops, houses and sties for the animals, food and grain for the animals (only organic, no processed foods).
Vets needed when animals become ill or injured – visit the farm.
Small labour force consisting of farm owner (Mr Wagner), pupils of Hurstpierpoint College.
Research into appropriate techniques to care for the animals, animals themselves (goats, pigs, sheep etc.),
Fences, small machinery, transport for the animals to go to slaughter.
Fertilisers for crops.
Give some physical inputs
Climate (mild and relatively dry (sometimes wet) in SE), relevant for the crops grown and animals kept.
Soil for the arable crops,
Aspect is south facing,
Muddy ground, land, grassland, gentle slopes, large area of space to expand into,
Trees sheltered from the wind.
What is the land use
Sloping land, meaning at the bottom of the slops gets wet and muddy due to surface run off, can become boggy, flood plain.
Pigs in the muddy bit as they can cope with the mud.
Sheep at the top of the slope. Goats at the bottom of the slope – however have a metal arc.
Southerly facing slope – arable crops are planted to get the most sunlight.
What are the problems
If it gets too muddy – pigs can drown.
Not enough awareness or education about the farm and practices.
Sheep can get foot rot and maggots.
No milking occurs as no female goats.
Disease, maggots, wet ground.
Poor drainage of the land.
Planning permission and money to expand the farm is problematic,
Cannot sell meat to Hurst College as they have their own suppliers (this would be good for local sourcing).
Mr Wagner got crushed by the pig – therefore injured and the farm suffered as a result.
What are the solutions
Build more concrete areas for the pigs, to ensure that they do not drown in winter when very muddy.
Adding in drainage so the land is better and less flooding.
Loan from the bank. / from the College.
Keep the sheep uphill, check them daily, and keep the ground dry and clean.
Metal arc for the goats to ensure they don’t get stuck / drown in the mud.
Get a female goat for milk and cheese. More education about the farm.
Treatment of maggots.
Get rid of diseased animals so it doesn’t spread.
