Free fodder advice meetings

Be prepared – that’s the message from Holyrood ahead of seasonal problems

Growing fears of a fodder shortage this winter have prompted the Scottish Government to open up a series of Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) events to all farmers.

Those already enrolled on the scheme are required to attend one of the events as part of the BES requirements and farmers are advised that booking is essential for all courses.

NFU Scotland vice president Martin Kennedy, who farms near Aberfeldy, said the volatile weather over the past 12 months made the approaching winter a costly and difficult time for all.

He added: “Farmers and crofters can be reassured that these meetings will provide valuable long and short-term solutions to any emerging shortfalls in feed, forage and fodder supplies.

“Through our 12-week #NFUSHowDoYouPlan campaign, we have urged farmers and crofters to plan ahead; converse and collaborate.

“Attendance at these free meetings with industry experts will build on that by providing invaluable help and guidance on how to negotiate what is set to be set to be a challenging autumn and winter.”

The events will include presentations from SAC livestock experts on cattle nutrition in order to help release genetic potential and optimise beef enterprise performance.

There will also be workshops on soil and grassland management by independent farming specialists, 5Agri.

Advice will cover a range of topics including the importance of soil structure and drainage, sward renewal, upland management, a review of grazing systems, forage crop options, winter feed best practice and yield optimisation.

Course dates include: October 30, 10am Atholl Centre Pitlochry; November 6, 10am and 2pm Northern Hotel, Brechin; November 7, 10am and 2pm Huntingtower Hotel, Perth; November 8, 1pm Lomond Hills, Freuchie; and November 9, 10am and 2pm Forthbank Performance Centre, Stirling. The BES and the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) are designed to help Scottish farming businesses boost their profitability and sustainability.

FAS services include one-to-one support through an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP) which includes specialist advice, carbon audits and mentoring services.

Farmers who are concerned about their business resilience or ability to cope with unforeseen winter shortages or future changes can receive specialist advice from experts.

For more information contact the FAS Advice Line on 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot

Farmer are being advised to plan ahead and collaborate.