Renewable Energy
We are all concerned about the environment, which is why at Mawley Town Farm, we are working hard to reduce our carbon foot print. We have invested in renewable energy sources; 100kw solar panels, 75kw wind turbine, and more recently a 80kw biogas plant, which combined provides us with all the electricity we need, drastically reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The biogas plant runs only off the methane produced by the cows. The methane is captured in the tower, cleaned and compressed and runs an engine which generates electricity. By 28 days all the gas has been released, the digestate is very good quality fertilizer that we use on our land. The bi-product from the engine is heat. A network of radiator pipes cools the engine, and we use the hot water for washing the AMS (Automatic Milking System), dairy and to heat the farmhouse. In the winter, the pipework frost-proofs the milking area and cow sheds.
Sustainability
We grow the majority of our cattle feed on our farm in South Shropshire. This reduces the need for hauling grain across the country. We grow maize and grass forage, hay, oats, wheat and barley, on a traditional crop-rotation system. The cattle feed is milled and mixed on the farm, and fed in proportions recommended by our cattle’s nutritionist. The straw from the crop is used for deep litter bedding the calves, young stock and bulls and once soiled is spread back on the land as fertilizer.
We are members of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which enables us to dedicate areas for grass margins and wild bird cover; using a mix of plants to attract insects and pollinators.
Mawley Town Farm Fact
We have over 11 kilometers of hedgerows, providing shelter and food for a host of wildlife
