Feed challenges in spotlight

Bull fertility, livestock fodder and bedding options will be among the topics discussed at next week’s Borders monitor farm meeting near Denholm.

The facilitators will address the challenges posed by the dry summer and lead the group in creating feed budgets as well as looking at alternative feed and bedding materials for the farm’s suckler herd of 140 Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen-Angus cross cows and flock of 1,000 Lleyn ewes.

The 480-hectare unit – which is farmed by Robert and Lesley Mitchell, along with their son Stuart – runs Angus, Simmental and Shorthorn bulls.

The Mitchells are keen to shorten their calving period and, at the meeting, Colin Penny from Zoetis will discuss measures that can be taken to ensure the bulls are working to their full potential.

The economics of growing crops will also be scrutinised, together with the way a new deer enterprise is operating efficiently and complementing the other farm output.

QMS director of Economics Services Stuart Ashworth will also attend the meeting to update the group on market prices and trends.

The meeting on Wednesday is from 6-9pm, and there will be a barbecue. The event is free, but those wanting to attend should call project facilitator Stephen Young on 07502 339613 or email stephen.young@saos.coop