Organic Farming

EnviroBed was developed and introduced to the market in 2001 by EnviroSystems as a much needed alternative bedding material for high production dairy cows which was affordable, highly absorbent and ideal for mats and matresses.

At the time, large quantities of waste paper mill sludge was being offered to farmers to plough into land. The idea came about that, if heat treated and processed, this fibre source could become a cost effective alternative to straw and sawdust.

Experiments took place through 2001 and by November that year EnviroBed was launched. The dairy industry welcomed this practical new product and only 9 years later dairy cows are bedded on EnviroBed throughout the UK and The Netherlands. Wet sludge is obtained from recycling paper mills and sent onto drying plants. Heat is applied for an appropriate length of time to achieve 95% dry matter material. As well as drying and heat treating, the machinery also processes the raw material to achieve an even particle size which means the size of EnviroBed is consistent and ideal for use on mats and mattresses. Care is taken to source material of certain moisture and fibre content ensuring all the material is organic.

EnviroBed - Distribution:

Bulk deliveries of EnviroBed are made throughout the UK, either by an articulated lorry which holds up to 28 tonnes or an 8 wheeler lorry which holds up to maximum of 16 tonnes. Deliveries are normally made within five working days of orders. EnviroSystems continues to work closely with paper mills to ensure the most suitable raw material is sourced at all times in order that EnviroBed is consistent, always available and continues to be exceptionally absorbent.

• Organics is a fascinating and large topic. There are many different views held on organics and the reasons for buying and using organic products.

Some of the key reasons why we think organic systems are beneficial include:

At the heart of organic farming is the requirement and desire to put back whatever is taken out of a natural resource (if not improve it in the process). This means that fields are not stripped of their nutrients in order to grow crops without them being put back by a natural process (such as the growing of clover, which fixes essential nitrogen back in the soil).

Also, because harmful pesticides and fertilisers are routinely avoided, there is far less impact on the environment and water courses - which can have a long term cost to everyone if they are damaged.

The health and wellbeing of animals is a central part of organic husbandry. They must have a good life, with good living conditions, including access to the outside and being held at stocking densities which give them plenty of space to live comfortably and move around.

Also, animals are not given growth promoters and do not have any veterinary medicines used on them routinely. They are only treated with drugs when their health and welfare would be affected. When this happens, they must be withdrawn from the production system for, typically, three times longer than is the case in non-organic farming.

Many farmers say they feel that organic farming is more like the job should be; instead of throwing expensive chemicals at problems. Organic food also has a close association with direct sales to the public. Huge quantities of organic food are sold through box schemes, farmers markets and at the farm gate. This reduces the road and air miles food has to travel and cuts out some of the middlemen, allowing those who produced the food to keep more of its value in return for their hard work.

Organic farming is a modern, sustainable farming system which maintains the long-term fertility of the soil and uses less of the Earth's finite resources to produce high quality, nutritious food.

Organic techniques have been developed from an understanding of research into soil science, crop breeding, animal husbandry and ecology. The maintenance of soil fertility relies principally on the use of legumes, crop rotations, the application of composted animal manures and ground rock minerals. Weeds are controlled by mechanical methods while pests and diseases tend not to be a problem due to the inherent biodiversity in the system.