Meeting will give farmers software advice

Local livestock farmers will get the chance to learn how to optimize their output per hectare at a meeting being held in Perthshire later this month.

Farmers from across Perth and Kinross are invited to the‘Sward Sticks to Software’meeting featuring Dr Liz Genever at Forteviot Village Hall on Wednesday, October 23.

Sarah Millar, Quality Meat Scotland’s head of industry development, explained :“These meetings are a fantastic way for farmers to find out about several methods that are available to measure their grass, and what software is available for doing so to help them farm profitably.

“Well managed grazed grass is the cheapest feed for cattle and sheep and efficient grazing management is essential to maximise grass growth and utilisation.

“Not only will attendees get the chance to find out about how to make the most of the measurements they do take, they will be given the tools to develop their own grazing plan with help from Dr Genever and fellow farmers.

“These workshops are expected to be popular and provide the opportunity to learn from experienced grazers about how they have used data on grass measurements to make decisions on their farm.”

Dr Genever remarked:“Grass and forage-based systems offer beef and sheep farmers the ability to be resilient in uncertain times, but careful management is needed. Through these workshops I’ll be talking about this as well as arming farmers with the tools to help them manage their systems more efficiently.”

The Forteviot Village Hall meeting will be followed by a visit to a local farm so those who wish to attend are asked to bring along clean, disinfectable footwear.

Places can be reserved on the Eventbrite booking website - search for QMS Better Grazing - or by contacting Laura Strang at QMS on 0131 510 8476 or lstrang@qmscotland.co.uk