NBSV 202: Iain Tolhurst on how the world’s first stock-free farm grows 120 tons of food annually with zero animal inputs
- Karina Inkster
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Iain Tolhurst is a pioneer of stock-free organic farming who’s been growing vegetables for nearly 40 years without a single animal input. No manure, no bone meal, no grazing animals—just thriving soil, rich biodiversity, and 120 tons of vegetables per year.
You’ll learn how this groundbreaking system works, why it’s more climate-resilient than conventional or even organic farming, and what it means for the future of food.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, food justice, or simply want to know where your veggies come from, this conversation will shift your perspective on farming, animals, and what’s possible for our planet.
Important topics we discussed:
>> What it means to farm without any animal inputs (no manure, no bone meal, no grazing animals) and how this approach works in practice.
>> How Tolhurst Organic achieves strong yields while maintaining a carbon footprint equivalent to an average UK household, making the farm more resilient to extreme weather.
>> Why individual food choices and public demand are key to transitioning agriculture away from livestock systems.
Connect with Iain:
>> Tolhurst Organic Farm's website
Episode transcript:
Access a full transcript of the episode here.
Share your thoughts:
>> Comment on the episode's Facebook post.
>> Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews really help, and I read each one!
Subscribe to the show:
>> Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify.
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