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Embracing mob grazing for sheep on a family farm in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland
Farm Practices
grazing
mob grazing
Livestock
sheep

Mob grazing has gained popularity in regenerative farming circles for its benefits for nature and soil health. However, its use with sheep is relatively uncommon. NFFN farmer Louise Skelly explains how she introduced this approach on her medium-sized farm in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Shanaghan Hill Farm is a family-run operation supporting a flock of both commercial and pedigree sheep, as well as a herd of brood mares and young stock. The farm’s 80 acres, set among the rolling valleys and hills of County Down, include diverse terrain ranging from stony ground to sandy soil along the banks of the River Bann.

Over the past few years, the family has begun implementing regenerative farming techniques, aligning with their commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment and land. This year, they are three years into a five-year journey to transform the farm into a fully regenerative operation.

One aspect of this transformation involves phasing in the mob grazing of sheep.  

The basics - what is mob grazing?

Mob grazing is a farming method that mimics the way herds of herbivores graze in the wild. The entire flock of animals, or ‘mob’, grazes together in one area before moving on to the next, constantly shifting across the landscape in search of fresh food.

Transitioning the flock of sheep to a mob grazing system has taken two years so far. Before starting, however, Louise had to prepare the farm for this change.

The first step was to invest in electric fencing to divide the land up into grazing paddocks. The team chose a system that is relatively easy to use and can also be assembled from a quad bike. This system offers flexibility, allowing the team to quickly change the size of the paddocks as needed.

The next priority was ensuring enough water access for the animals as they moved between paddocks. Initially, barrels and water cubes were used, but these have now been replaced with a drag trough connected to a length of overground pipe. This setup allows water to move with the flock.

How mob grazing works at Shanaghan Hill

The annual cycle of mob grazing on the farm begins in spring, once the ewes have lambed. At this stage, the sheep are brought together into a single large mob. Typically, the flock moves every one to two days, aiming to ensure each paddock gets at least 21 days of rest before being grazed again.

Even in years when grass growth is comparatively poor, the long rest periods allow for sufficient regrowth with minimal inputs. Over the past three years, the farm has steadily reduced its use of artificial fertilisers. By 2024, they were able to grow sufficient grass for the sheep without any chemical fertiliser at all.

Despite the challenges, we have found mob grazing to be the right pasture management system for our farm, aligning with our principles of sustainability and regenerative agriculture techniques.

Louise Skelly

One important lesson learned is that if the sheep haven’t grazed the sward down as much as expected in a single paddock, it’s best to stick to the grazing schedule and resist the temptation to keep them in a single location for longer. Allowing some sward lengths to remain longer provides a crucial buffer for times of drought or slower grass growth during the year.

The mob grazing system on the farm will continue to change and evolve. Ideally, the team hopes to extend the rest period for each paddock, and they believe this will become achievable as the grasslands are further developed and nurtured.

A win for animals, businesses and the planet

One of the biggest benefits the farm has seen from switching from set stocking to mob grazing is the improvement in soil health. The intense grazing pressure, combined with the trampling effect of the sheep’s hooves, helps incorporate organic matter into the soil. This enhances soil structure, increases water infiltration and promotes nutrient cycling. By breaking up the soil surface, mob grazing reduces soil compaction - a common problem in more traditional grazing systems.

Mob grazing has also improved plant diversity and forage quality. When sheep graze in a concentrated area, they tend to consume a wider variety of plant species. To further support this, new species, including clover seeds, will be introduced over the next few years. This varied diet has benefited the sheep’s health and wellbeing. Additionally, moving the animals between paddocks helps reduce the risk of parasite infestations, which can arise in continuous grazing systems where overgrazing is more likely.

These improvements to pasture and forage have had multiple positive impacts on the farm’s finances. Louise has been able to reduce the need for supplementary bought-in feed for the sheep and decrease fertiliser use. They now produce lamb and shearling tups, all fed entirely on grass, for sale as breeding stock. Repeat orders from commercial farms demonstrate that the approach is working.

Challenges faced

Introducing mob grazing on the farm has not been without its challenges. The system requires significant thought and careful planning and management. It’s essential to have enough land to rotate the sheep effectively and ensure the pasture gets adequate recovery time. Soil fertility also needs careful monitoring.

If the sheep haven't grazed the sward down as much as expected in a single paddock, it's best to stick to the grazing schedule and move them on. That longer sward will be a crucial buffer if there is drought or slower grass growing conditions.

Louise Skelly

Weather can present difficulties for mob grazing too. Heavy rainfall or prolonged drought can impact pasture growth and recovery. The farm has had to remain adaptable, monitoring pasture conditions closely to ensure the system remains effective and sustainable. Earlier this year, for instance, a period of exceptionally cold weather and poor grass growth required some longer rest periods in the rotation.

The right pasture system for the farm

Despite these challenges, mob grazing has proven to be the right pasture management system for Shanaghan Hill. It aligns closely with the family’s principles of sustainability and the implementation of regenerative agricultural techniques.

With its focus on soil health, forage quality and animal wellbeing, mob grazing sheep is delivering multiple benefits for both the farm and the environment. The improved pasture productivity, reduced input and feed costs, and enhanced animal welfare far outweigh the challenges encountered in adopting this grazing system.

As the agricultural sector seeks cost-effective and sustainable practices to face threats such as climate change, mob grazing presents a viable, effective strategy for enhancing farm resilience and productivity. It is a compelling choice for 21st-century livestock farming.