Lochaber monitor farm goes from strength to strength
The changes introduced at Strone Farm during its first year as the Lochaber Monitor Farm will be highlighted by host farmers Chris Cameron and his father Malcolm at an open day at Strone Farm near Banavie, Fort William, on Wednesday June 13.
The meeting, which starts at 1.30pm, is free to attend and an invitation is extended to everyone. During the meeting, the Camerons will review the changes they have made on their 1,200-hectare hill farm and highlight what they plan to do next.
‘So far the monitor farm programme has touched every aspect of our business,’ said Mr Cameron. ‘Our community group is a vibrant bunch and I have enjoyed getting their feedback, good and bad, on the way we currently farm.
‘The project has also seen me grow in confidence which has helped me to drive the business forward. We are keen to try and establish, with the help of the monitor farm programme, a business that is financially sustainable and provides a living for the family. We want to make enough net profit to allow for reinvestment back into the business,’ he added.
During the open day, attendees will have the opportunity to hear how the Lochaber Monitor Farm has developed its cattle, sheep and grassland policies, and will also visit parts of the farm previously not seen as part of a farm tour.
The farm runs a flock of 500 Cheviot ewes, and has historically produced store lambs, with hoggs kept as replacements.
Strone farm also has 40 pure Limousin cows which are in-wintered.
Another part of the farm enterprise to be highlighted at the open day will be the work that has been done to improve the grazing land at Strone.
During the afternoon the group will have the opportunity to visit one of the areas which has benefited from investment to discuss the results of the treatments.