Meeting to help farmers maximise livestock production from grass

LIVESTOCK farmers in Argyll and Bute are invited to attend the next Better Grazing meeting in Campbeltown later this month and learn how they can increase their output from grass.

Trevor Cook, a grazing consultant and qualified vet from New Zealand, will be the key speaker at the meeting, which is being organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) as part of the better grazing programme launched last month.

Trevor Cook is well-known by farmers around the world for his work in farm consultancy, extension and research.

The meeting, which is free to attend and open to all, is being held at the Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown, on Monday September 18 and begins at 10am.

At the meeting, Mr Cook will share his extensive knowledge on livestock production and lead discussions on how Scottish livestock farmers can improve the utilisation of grass on their farms to maximise output and keep costs down.

He said: ‘In order to get the highest level of production from our livestock, it is important to understand their nutritional needs and how this fits with grass growth and quality.

‘Knowing the nutritional demands of your stock and the value of correct feeding during pregnancy, lactation and post weaning is therefore critical to help drive profitability.

‘There are many challenges that farmers face to ensure that their animals are kept in the right body condition score to ensure optimal performance.

‘Grass supply and demand can be a challenge at certain times of the year, as is ensuring the correct quality and quantity of forage offered.’

Emily Grant, Knowledge Transfer Specialist at QMS encouraged livestock farmers to attend the meeting.

She said: ‘I’m delighted that Trevor is able to come at speak at this meeting. He has a huge depth of knowledge and experience of profitable farming systems through maximising the use of pasture.

The Campbeltown Better Grazing meeting at the Ardshiel Hotel on Monday September 18 begins at 10am and ends at 2pm, and lunch will be provided.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For more information about this meeting and to reserve your place, please contact QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk by Thursday September 14.