Better Grazing Meetings Focus on Fencing and Watering Solutions

Livestock farmers are invited to attend one of the six free Better Grazing meetings being organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and held across Scotland later this month.

Grazing expert James Daniel of Precision Grazing Ltd will be the key speaker at each of the meetings and will highlight the different fencing and watering solutions to aid grazing management.  

The aim of the meetings, which will involve a visit to a local farm to see a range of fencing and watering options set up , is to equip attending farmers with knowledge, understanding, tips and ideas on what equipment may suit their own systems.   

James Daniel of Precision Grazing Ltd gained his knowledge and experience whilst working in New Zealand.  Now back in the UK, his company provides advice, design and installation on grazing systems, including fencing and watering, for diary, sheep and beef clients. 

He said knowing what type and design of fencing and watering infrastructure will suit different farm systems can seem daunting and he will talk attendees through the merits of different systems.

“Learning from others, and getting the grazing infrastructure as right as possible at the outset without breaking the bank, will make adopting a rotational system an easier, smoother transition which will be more likely to succeed in the longer term,” said Mr Daniel.

Launched earlier this year, the main objective of the QMS Better Grazing Groups is to improve livestock producers’ profitability through better use of grass.

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

“Grazed grass is every sheep and beef producer’s cheapest feed. Maximising its use through controlling the grazing provides farmers with an opportunity to improve their bottom line by reducing costs and/or increasing output,” said Mrs Grant.

“It is also possible to grow more grass  through managing the grazing pressure.  A short, sharp graze followed by a rest period is key to making the most of grazed grass. Achieving this requires the use of flexible fencing and watering systems,” she added.  

All six of the Better Grazing meetings that are being held around Scotland later this month will begin at 10am with a morning presentation to cover key topics. Following lunch there will be a practical session on a nearby farm to give participants insight into the most common range of temporary and permanent electrical fencing equipment available, as well as demonstration of best practice installation of fencing and water systems.

The “Better Grazing” meetings will be held in the Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown on Wednesday 22 November, The Jamesfield Centre near Perth on Thursday 23 November, The Thainstone Centre in Inverurie on Friday 24 November, Dingwall Mart on Monday 27 November, the Dryfesdale Hotel, Lockerbie on Tuesday 28 November and Hawick Rugby Club on Wednesday 29 November.

Attendance at these workshops is free and lunch is provided. As the afternoon sessions involve a farm visit, please note that clean boots will be essential for biosecurity reasons.

For more information about any of the meetings and to reserve your place, please contact QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk