GROWING for optimum output will be the focus of this summer’s Dumfriesshire Monitor Farm open meeting.
It takes place on the afternoon of Tuesday July 30 at Barnbackle, Lochfoot.
Visitors will be able to focus on sheep and cattle performance as they discuss latest findings and farm options with a number of experts. Speakers will include John Smith, auctioneer from Wallets Marts, who will run a workshop on selecting lambs. This will include practical guidance on selecting lambs for market to maximise profitability and meet market demands.
John will be discussing weight and size requirements, conformation and muscling, plus health and condition of lambs. He will also look at current market trends and demands, as well as focussing on understanding buyer preferences and specifications.
Ali Haggerty from Stewartry Vets will discuss the importance of Body Condition Scoring (BCS) sheep, including a live demo, optimal targets and nutrition for different stages of the sheep production cycle and the impact on fertility, lambing success, and overall flock health.
She will also give an update on an ongoing research project at the monitor farm which involves Stewartry Vets and Glasgow University. So far, the research has identified a variance in BCS of ewes from tupping through to lambing.
Paddy Jack from DLF Seeds will be talking about weaning lambs onto clover, including timing, minimising stress and grazing management for optimum clover use. He will provide insights into the benefits and drawbacks, as well as discussing establishing and managing clover – and how it stacks up financially.
Visitors will also hear from farmer Richard McCornick, with a focus on the farm’s cattle enterprise, their production and marketing targets, breed choice and the move to spring calving.
Monitor Farm regional advisor Maura Wilson said: “This will be a great meeting, focussing on growing for optimum output. The speakers will all provide practical information and advice, whether it’s thinking about weaning, selling this year’s lambs or planning for next spring.”
n To find out more and book, go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dumfries-monitor-farm-summer-meeting-tickets-923670582577
