Better grazing advice to chew over

Livestock farmers in central Scotland have been invited to a meeting to find out how to improve their profitability through better use of grass.

Levy body Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has arranged the free event with grazing expert James Daniel of Precision Grazing Ltd at the Jamesfield Centre, near Perth, on Thursday November 23.

The meeting will highlight different fencing and watering solutions that aid grazing management and will involve a visit to Balhelvie Farm in Newburgh to see a range of practical options and offer tips and ideas on what equipment may suit individual systems.

Mr Daniel gained his experience whilst working in New Zealand and now provides advice, design and installation on grazing systems, including fencing and watering, for dairy, sheep and beef clients.

“Learning from others, and getting the grazing infrastructure as right as possible at the outset without breaking the bank, will make adopting a rotational system an easier, smoother transition which will be more likely to succeed in the longer term,” he said.

The Better Grazing groups were launched earlier this year and Emily Grant of QMS encouraged farmers to attend.

“Grazed grass is every sheep and beef producer’s cheapest feed,” she said.

“Maximising its use through controlling grazing provides farmers with an opportunity to improve their bottom line by reducing costs and/or increasing output.

“It is also possible to grow more grass through managing the grazing pressure. A short, sharp graze followed by a rest period is key to making the most of grazed grass.

“Achieving this requires the use of flexible fencing and watering systems.”

The meeting will begin at 10am with a presentation followed by lunch and a practical session at nearby Balhelvie Farm. Lunch is provided.

Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and anyone wanting to reserve a space should contact QMS on 0131 4724040.

The organisers emphasise that, for biosecurity reasons, clean boots will be essential on the farm visit.

Grazing expert James Daniel will offer advice at the event in the Jamesfield Centre, near Perth.