A fully funded, nine-month course designed to equip beef farmers with the skills, tools and confidence to adopt regenerative grazing launches next month.

The Regen Beef Training Course, delivered by FAI in collaboration with Harper Adams University's School of Sustainable Food and Farming (SSFF) and funded by McDonald’s UK & Ireland, begins on 29 September 2025.

It combines online learning with on-farm visits to pioneering regenerative beef producers, giving participants first-hand insights into improving productivity, boosting farm biodiversity and building resilience.

The course will provide beef farmers with an introduction to regenerative agriculture, with a focus on adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing. Farm tours will help farmers understand the practical steps required to move towards AMP grazing, and the potential benefits for their businesses, which can include saving money on input costs, improving water infiltration rates, increasing grass growth and increasing on-farm biodiversity.

“This training is for beef farmers wanting to take their grazing systems to the next level,” explained FAI’s Science and Technical Lead, Dr Amanda Deakin. “It’s not telling them how to farm but equipping them with the regenerative principles and practical knowledge to adapt for their own businesses.”

The Regen Beef Training Course builds on FAI’s own four-year transition to AMP grazing and features three farm tours hosted by leaders in the field, including Clare Hill, Rob Havard, Lizzie Hulton-Harrop, Dan and Catherine Mercer, and FAI’s regenerative farm technician, Tristan Leslie. The tours complement three online training modules and an introductory day at FAI’s beef farm in Oxford.

"We're delighted to be supporting this forward-thinking regenerative beef programme,” added Alex Hardie, Business Development Manager for the SSFF. “It’s an exciting opportunity for farmers and by championing regenerative practices, we’re helping to nurture resilient ecosystems, vibrant rural communities, and truly exceptional beef."

Dr Deakin concluded: “By learning directly from those already making regenerative grazing work on their farms, participants will leave with strategies both ecologically beneficial and economically viable.”

The programme is fully funded by McDonald’s UK and Ireland, a founding partner of FAI, which continues to promote regenerative farming practices and invest in initiatives to help drive sustainability across the sector. This ladders up to the businesses long-term commitment of achieving net zero emissions for its entire business and value chain by 2040, as part of its wider Plan for Change strategy.

The course is aimed at UK beef farmers actively farming or with decision-making responsibility in a beef enterprise. Places are limited to ensure high-quality, interactive learning. Deadline for applications is 29 August or when places are filled.

Register now at: www.faifarms.com/regen-beef-course.