Research

At Planton Farm, we are committed to advancing regenerative agriculture and one of our ways of knowing this is through hands-on research and innovation. Our farm serves as a living laboratory where we explore sustainable livestock practices, breed diversity, and ecological resilience. Below are some of the key projects we’ve undertaken, as well as opportunities for research collaboration.

Impeckable Poultry: Pioneering Regenerative, Dual-Purpose Poultry

The Impeckable Poultry project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at introducing regenerative, dual-purpose poultry to the UK. Traditional poultry systems prioritize either egg production or meat yield, often at the expense of sustainability and animal welfare. Our project seeks to develop a model that integrates poultry into regenerative farm systems while addressing both environmental and ethical concerns.

With initial funding from DEFRA’s Farming Innovation Programme, we are now seeking partners to help fund, scale, and contribute expertise to this initiative. By creating a scalable blueprint for regenerative poultry farming, we aim to provide a more resilient and sustainable solution for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

Breed Sovereignty: Rethinking Livestock Genetics for Regenerative Farming

The Breed Sovereignty project explores the role of diverse livestock genetics in regenerative farming. Currently, the majority of livestock genetics are controlled by a small number of large breeding companies, leading to a limited selection of high-productivity breeds. While these breeds are optimized for industrial systems, they often suffer from poor health, reduced resilience, and a heavy reliance on external inputs such as antibiotics and soy-based feed.

In contrast, regenerative farming requires animals that are well-suited to low-input, ecologically integrated systems. Through a series of interviews with regenerative farmers, this project examines how practitioners select and develop livestock traits that align with their farming context. By identifying knowledge gaps and resource needs, the Breed Sovereignty project aims to support the future development of livestock genetics that enhance both farm viability and ecosystem health.

This project was supported by Sankalpa.

Partner with Us for Research

As a working regenerative and agroecological livestock farm, we are open to research collaborations with organizations, institutions, and individuals seeking to explore innovative approaches to sustainable farming. Whether you are looking to study livestock genetics, pasture management, soil health, or integrated farm systems, we offer a real-world environment to test and refine regenerative solutions.

If you are interested in partnering with us on research initiatives, please get in touch—we’d love to explore new possibilities together.