The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Monitor farm focus on suckler system profitability
Ways to improve suckler herd margins will be up for discussion at the next meeting of the Lochaber Monitor Farm.
The meeting takes place at the host 3,000-acre Strone Farm, near Fort William, which is run by Chris Cameron in partnership with his parents Malcolm and Eileen.
Strone Farm is one of nine farms across Scotland taking part in the threeyear Monitor Farms Scotland programme, run jointly by Quality Meat Scotland and AHDB Cerearea and Oilseeds. The meeting, which takes place on Thursday, June 29, at 11am, will provide a platform for farmers and crofters to discuss the profitability of west coast suckler systems.
The merits of two different systems used in the will be considered – high input and output compared with low input and output – along side comparisons of in-wintering and out-wintering.
Producers at the meeting will also be asked to identify a “realistic set of key performance indicators” for west coast suckler herds.
The chairman of the farm’s monitor farm management group, Paolo Beals rardelli, said: “The initial part of the meeting will involve attendees being out on the farm, looking at the cattle and being given a detailed update on the current cattle policy and management system at Strone.
“We will then return to carry out a comparison of the system with other farms in the local area. This will be done by management group members explaining their farming policies.”
Farmers and crofters wishing to attend are asked to register in advance by contacting Niall Campbell or Morven MacArthur on 01631 563093 or e-mail fbsoban@sac.co.uk.
“Comparison of the system with other farms”