Monitor farmers talk grass management

Grass management was the main focus of discussion at the first meeting of the new Angus monitor farm at Mill of Inverarity.

The Stodart family who are hosting the project explained that finding ways of making the best use of grass was a goal of the project.

Rory Stodart said: “Last year we tried under-sowing our spring barley with grass to increase our winter grazing and fulfil our greening obligations.

“However, our barley yields were negatively affected due to the increased competition.

“This year we’d like to try again, but sowing the grass a little later so the barley has a better chance to establish.”

Visitors were given a tour of the farm’s main enterprises which include suckler cows, breeding ewes, bought in store lambs and finishing cattle.

They also have a 200-hectare arable enterprise growing winter wheat, winter barley, winter oilseed rape and spring barley.

The family intend to devote poorly performing arable fields to grass for a few years to improve soil fertility and they are keen to increase rotational grazing so they can keep more livestock on farm and reduce their reliance on rented land.

Other areas they are likely to focus on include cattle health and breeding, increasing arable yields, soil structure and nutrition and succession planning.

Local farmers will be closely involved in setting the agenda over the course of the three-year project, including suggesting topics and speakers relevant to the area. They are also expected to contribute practical ideas for improving farm efficiency.

Last year we tried undersowing our spring barley to increase our winter grazing. RORY STODART

Picture: Alan Richardson. Those who attended the meeting at Mill of Inverarity.