Farming experts to share tips at free open day by Grantown
Cattle condition scoring, nutrition, winter housing preparation and back-end grazing will be key topics at the Strathspey Monitor Farm autumn meeting.
Livestock producers will hear about some of the changes happening at the farm, and specialists who work closely with the Monitor Farmer will discuss preparing farms for a successful autumn and winter.
The open meeting next Wednesday (September 18) at Auchernack Farm by Grantown will include a chance for visitors to test their skills and get their eye in with body condition scoring cattle.
The importance of nutrition planning and its impact on decision-making at Auchernack will be a key focus.
Monitor Farmer Malcolm Smith and SAC ruminant nutritionist Karen Stewart will discuss results of their recent collaboration.
Visitors will hear how forage measuring and management has improved profitability of the suckler herd, and where there is potential to drive performance further through use of body condition scoring, improved shed ventilation and better grass quality.
Professor Simon Turner, SRUC expert in animal behaviour has been working with Monitor Farmers on the production, health and welfare benefits of maintaining cows in good condition.
He will demonstrate hands-on, efficient and accurate body condition scoring, with attendees having the opportunity to assess a selection of Mr Smith’s cattle.
Jamie Robertson, specialist in animal housing, will discuss how to get the environment right for housed stock.
He will highlight how well-designed buildings can impact positively on health, growth and financial return; ventilation, hygiene and space are all critical.
He will use Auchernack’s steading to explain which parts of it could slow growth and then suggest practical improvements, as well as discussing costs and return on investment of potential changes to these typical farm buildings.
Back-end grazing and nutrition will be the focus for Euan Campbell, Watson Seeds’ seed specialist.
He provided Auchernack with a new mixed species sward, sown in late spring 2024, and will explain the idea behind the mix plus management methods to ensure its long-term success.
He will also be looking at the farm’s mature swards.
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Peter Beattie, Monitor Farm regional adviser, said: “This will be a really practical afternoon for livestock farmers and stock managers, with plenty of opportunity to discuss autumn and winter planning with hands-on specialists.”
The meeting starts at 2.30pm and will run to around 5.30pm. Numbers are limited and booking is essential.
Bookings can be made by clicking here.