Our Story

It was through a deep-rooted ambition to boost insect and bird populations on our farm that balmerino™ was conceived.

We made the change in 2020 to convert our farm from intensive arable farming to organic with livestock. A diverse herbal ley was sown on 65 acres of land. The ley consists of 16 different species of grasses, herbs, legumes and forbes. This provides a rich diet for sheep, that keeps them in great health and reduces the need for additional interventions or inputs. The ley is deep rooting; therefore mines additional minerals from the soil for livestock and holds the soil together which prevents run off into the river. Not only does the herbal ley support the sheep it also provides a fantastic home for all forms of insects and ground nesting birds.

The sheep are managed by rotational grazing which reduces the need for additional inputs. Rotational grazing promotes long pasture growth, allowing pastures to flower and seed to support an abundance of wildlife.

The change in management on our farm has notably improved bird populations, particular the curlew whose long and heartwarming call can be heard from anywhere on the farm.