Virgin Money’s UK-wide agricultural team has an in-depth understanding of British farming as an industry which is continually evolving and is always aiming to be at the forefront of innovative farming practices. Today Virgin Money is delighted to announce its support of the RABDF’s two Down to Earth events which will be hosted by progressive, regenerative dairy farming operations this summer. These are ‘Down to Earth South’, being held on Wednesday, 21st June, at Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset; and ‘Down to Earth North’, being held on Thursday, 6th July, at Park House Farm, Torpenhow, Cumbria.

 At both events, Virgin Money will highlight the importance of carbon reduction for the future of sustainable farming and advocate the process of carbon auditing in benchmarking and monitoring a farm businesses journey to carbon net zero.

 In opening his gates at Rushywood Farm, dairy farmer Neil Baker will showcase his high-yielding indoor herd of 1,800 predominately Holstein cows. As a regenerative pilot farm, Neil will outline some of the sustainable projects he is working on. Visitors to Cumbria will have the opportunity to see Mark and Jenny Lee’s organic farm, which consists of 175 milking crossbred cows, certified 100% pasture fed by Pasture for Life and mob-grazed on a 30-40 day rotation using 2.5km of grazing tracks.

 Virgin Money’s Head of Agriculture, Brian Richardson, welcomes the opportunity to help promote this essential message at both the environmentally focussed Down to Earth events.

 “Farming in the future is about food production and the environment working in harmony. The Down to Earth events are going to showcase new approaches and give dairy farmers a better understanding of what is meant by regenerative agriculture, and how this can complement and help deliver change in the farming sector. Virgin Money is working hard with farmers and representative organisations like the RABDF to make sure the industry can deliver on its commitments to that environmental and net zero agenda, whilst still producing the fantastic quality food it has delivered over many years.”

 “At Virgin Money we’ve been working with professional partners and farmers across the country to encourage the industry to tackle the challenges of change positively and practically, and we’re grateful for this great chance to learn and to showcase good practice and support the longer-term profitability of Agriculture.”

 The Down to Earth initiative has been developed by the RABDF to focus on the benefits of regenerative farming in the dairy industry, to help build a food system that meets the needs of consumers, livestock, and the environment. As pressure mounts for UK farming to become more sustainable, the Down to Earth on-farm events can help equip farmers with the knowledge and best practice to produce world-class food on their farms in an efficient and environmentally sensitive manner.

 “We are thrilled to have Virgin Money on board as Down to Earth sponsors,” says RABDF Managing Director, Matthew Knight. “Their involvement highlights the importance of the relationship between banks and farms and the level of success good interaction can bring. This is especially the case in terms of Virgin Money and their dedicated team of Agri Leaders who are on hand with guidance and advice integral to each specific farming business. Visitors attending the Down to Earth events will be able to make the most of Virgin Money being on site to open up discussions on finding out the support on offer.”