Over 100 visitors gathered at Square Farm, Mitchel Troy, on Sunday 8 June for a rare chance to walk the fields, meet the farmers, and learn about the future of food production through regenerative farming.

Hosted by local farmers Rob and Ryan Whittall in collaboration with ACE Monmouth, the Open Day gave people the chance to explore the 190-acre organic farm and hear directly from Rob about the innovative, soil-focused techniques being used to build a more sustainable farming system.

Around 80 people joined Rob on a guided walk around the farm. With clear passion and practical insight, he explained how regenerative farming is about more than just reducing inputs — it’s about improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and producing healthier food.

Square Farm is home to pigs, sheep, and cattle, alongside cereal and vegetable crops. Rob described how the use of Herbal Leys, including deep-rooted chicory, helps improve water retention and mineral availability, boosting the health of grazing animals and the land itself.

One key technique on show was Mob Grazing — moving cattle and sheep in tightly packed groups between pasture plots. This not only mimics natural grazing patterns but also improves soil structure, reduces costs, and supports the long-term health of the farmland.

Visitors were also treated to a live soil analysis demonstration by Katja Klein, who used a microscope and screen to reveal the life teeming beneath the surface. This helped educate visitors on the various aims of Regenerative Farming to use the best Soil Science to monitor the soil, explaining how Square Farm will be able to make adjustments to their farming techniques to maintain healthy soil.

There was plenty to inspire curiosity, including displays on Biochar and a Johnson Su Bioreactor — cutting-edge tools Rob is experimenting with to further enhance soil health and carbon retention.

To top off the day, guests enjoyed a hog roast made with pork raised right on the farm — a delicious reminder of the connection between healthy soil, animals, and food.

“It was fantastic to welcome so many people to the farm and to share what we’re doing,” said Rob Whittall. “Regenerative farming is all about working with nature, not against it — and the interest and questions from visitors show there’s a real appetite for change.”

Feedback from attendees included “It was incredible seeing how much the family take care of the land and the animals. The kids and grandparents are already asking when the next open day is” and “Rob and Ryan really are passionately engaged with how their farm is run from the soil up. A truly interesting day with brilliant demonstrations about what was in the soil and great food”.

The event was organised in collaboration with ACE (Action on Climate Emergency Monmouth), a local group working to raise awareness of climate and ecological issues and to support positive community action.

Action on Climate Emergency Monmouth (ACE Monmouth) is a volunteer-led community group based in Monmouth, working to raise awareness of the climate and nature emergencies by supporting practical, local solutions.