Cumbrian farmers keen to learn more about soil health, finance and succession planning are being invited to apply to benefit from tailored coaching and support.
The initiative, Be The Change, is the idea of the organisers of Carbon Calling the conference held near Penrith which promotes regenerative farming.
This year’s event, the fourth since 2012, saw over 400 people take part in sessions held across three days.
Three farms will benefit from over £8,000 worth of professional guidance, drawing on the Carbon Calling network of partners and experts.
“With the right support and encouragement, we believe farmers can build thriving, resilient businesses for the future,” Nic Renison, Carbon Calling co-founder, said.
Over 12 months, the selected farms will receive:
- Peer support from fellow participants
- Bespoke coaching from Carbon Calling founders Liz Genever and Nic Renison, covering soil health, finances, animal performance, succession planning, family dynamics and mental resilience
- Grazing mentoring from Paul Renison (Cannerheugh Farm)
- Ecology and environmental schemes health check with Tim Nicholson (Sleastonhow Farm)
- Subsidised soil, forage and compost testing, with support from Daniel Iddion (Re Genus)
- Access to specialist expertise tailored to each farm’s objectives, from wood pasture creation to vermicomposting and renewables
The programme, which is partially supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, will culminate in three on-farm events in June 2026 where participants will share their journey and learnings from the deep dive into their business.
“Be The Change is about going back to the grassroots of Carbon Calling,” Liz Genever, Carbon Calling co-founder added. “We want to work alongside farmers that are already taking positive steps to change their businesses, and give them the tailored support they need to reach their goals.”
Carbon Calling is inviting applications from farms that generate most of their income from agriculture, and who are either exploring system changes (such as reducing inputs, changing breeds, adopting new soil practices, or engaging with environmental schemes) or seeking clarity on their future direction. Engagement from the wider farm team, including family members, staff and advisers, will be strongly encouraged.
Applications are now open and close on Friday September 5. Interested farmers can apply via the short form on the Carbon Calling website. A shortlist will be made and farms will be contacted week commencing September 8.
