This demo was conducted as a seminar at the Summer Days of Estonian Beef Breeders Association on 01.07.2022, in English, with translation into Estonian.
Examples of regenerative agriculture are suitable for both beef cattle and dairy cattle. As the workshop was attended by beef cattle farmers, the advice and guidance was more for beef cattle farmers.
Farmers gained a good insight into the introduction of economic, regenerative farming practices in Estonia. The economic analysis was based on the Estonian Agriculture FADN data.
The lack of machinery for regenerative agriculture in Estonia may be a major obstacle. Seed drills for direct sowing, intercropping equipment, etc. On the cereals side, the costs are considerable, while in livestock farming, some national legislation may be an obstacle, as well as the CAP support system, which so far favours over-allocated arable land, and the farmer may be penalised if he adopts some regenerative farming practices.
The costs are for the purchase of some of the farming equipment used directly in the land preparation, the cost of seeds for winter and summer catch crops. The benefits, on the other hand, are increased soil fertility and a more sustainable farming system with a relatively long transition period, which in some cases can become an obstacle.
Yes, we still recommend these practices and farmers should be encouraged to find solutions and crop mixes that are appropriate for our climate. Because there is considerable scientific evidence that regenerative agriculture is more economically sustainable in the long term than conventional production, which is highly dependent on inputs (fertilisers, fuel) whose availability and price have become unpredictable.
