Friday Talk: Local Agriculture, Now and Then

George with the Hosfords’ small flock of sheep, about 1963

In our first Friday Talk of 2023, George Hosford will reflect on the history and changing future of agriculture from the viewpoint of a Dorset farmer.

George, with his brother and nephew, farms 2000 acres (810 hectares) of the Bryanston estate around Durweston. They grow a mix of crops to provide a healthy rotation, and integrate beef cattle amongst the crops and on permanent pasture on steep banks and the river meadows. The farm is in the Countryside Stewardship scheme which rewards the farmers for growing wild flower field margins for pollinators and birds, winter bird food, hedge management and school educational visits.

George will explain how they are endeavouring to steer the farm towards a more sustainable basis, trying to improve soil health and productivity and reduce their dependence on artificial fertilisers and chemicals. He will contrast this with the way things were done when his Dad (who recently celebrated his 90th birthday) first came to Durweston 62 years ago.

Drinks and nibbles will available to buy from 6.30 pm, and the talk will start at 7.30 pm.
(Please note that we are not planning to offer hot meals this year)

Admission is £5 for museum members, £8 for non-members.

We have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring and Autumn 2023. These will take place on Fridays (usually, but not always, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please see our Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks.