Soil health pioneer to speak at Groundswell

Influential soil health trailblazer

One of the most world’s most influential regenerative farmers will address this year’s Groundswell event, which takes place next month in Hertfordshire.

Gabe Brown, a pioneer of the soil health movement, will deliver a series of headline talks at the two-day festival. The best-selling author of the book Dirt to Soil owns and operates Brown’s Ranch in North Dakota with wife Shelly and son Paul.

Mr Brown will join more than 250 speakers and over 8,500 farmers who are expected to attend the regenerative agriculture festival – which takes place on 2-3 July at Lannock Farm, near Hitchin.

The Brown’s 6,000-acre ranch near Bismark, North Dakota showcases a remarkable diversity of crops and livestock. It is this integration which Mr Brown attributes to the regeneration of natural resources on the ranch.

Through innovative soil health practices, the family have created a thriving agricultural ecosystem and annually welcome over 2,000 visitors, leading to Gabe being named as one of the twenty-five most influential agri-leaders in the USA.

Premier event

Mr Brown expressed his delight at being asked to speak at the worldwide renowned festival. “It is the world’s premier event for regenerative agriculture, and so it’s an honour to join such an inspiring lineup of speakers. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow soil health enthusiasts and expanding my network in this field.”

Spread over two days, Groundswell provides a forum for farmers, growers, and anyone interested in food production and the environment, to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems.

It’s not all about learning. The event includes network, book readings and music, with thousands of pints poured every year in the Earthworm Arms Bar.

Also confirmed as a speaker at the event is author Didi Pershouse, whose Land and Leadership Initiative is used in 95 countries, including in India, where more than one million farmers have taken part in the workshop.

Innovation award

She said: “I’ve been hearing about Groundswell for years and am really looking forward to being there-in deep conversation and community – with some of the best and most committed soil and farming folks.”

The event won the Food Innovation Award at the BBC Food & Farming Awards in December 2024. It is now in its ninth year – and has seen steady growth since it began in 2016, when it welcomed just 500 attendees.

With a new glamping site and reshaping of the site, last year’s festival accommodated 8,000 visitors – attendee numbers that event director Alex Cherry describes as the “perfect balance.”

“We’ve intentionally grown to a size that preserves our welcoming, friendly community atmosphere, while increasing the offering of diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Mr Cherry.

“Our goal isn’t endless expansion,
but rather creating a meaningful gathering where farmers, scientists, consumers,
and anyone else who’s interested, can
genuinely connect around regenerative practices.”

There will be 300 exhibitors on site, and over 200 sessions, along with 30 demonstrations and 20 safaris. “We believe it’s this dynamic approach that makes the event – there really is something for everyone.”

Optimum performance

Travelling to the event from New Zealand is Jules Matthews, a coach and educator who applying regenerative practices to beef and sheep farming to reach optimum animal health and performance.

“At a time when there is so much uncertainty, concern and dissonance in our world,
I think it is vital we continue to come together to learn from one another and foster hope for a bright future,” she said.

Groundswell also promises a  timely appearance for author  and founder of The Transition Network Rob Hopkins, whose new book How to Fall in Love with the Future is released in the run-up to the festival.

Voted  a top 100 environmentalist by The Independent, Mr Hopkins said he was thrilled to speak to farmners at the  two-day event.