Final applications sought for Peeblesshire and Dumfries Monitor Farms

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is seeking final nominations for two farmers to host the new Peeblesshire and Dumfries Monitor Farm projects starting this autumn and running for three years. The deadline for nominations is Friday 24 August 2012.

The requirements for the two monitor farm projects differ with the Peeblesshire farm being a typical mixed livestock farm and for the Dumfries farm to be a beef finishing farm (home bred and/or bought in cattle).

The aims of the Peeblesshire monitor farm will be to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of livestock producers, principally within the Peeblesshire area, through practical demonstrations, the sharing of best practice and the discussion of up to date issues.

The Dumfries monitor farm will work closely with two Scottish abattoirs, A K Stoddart and Highland Meats, to highlight best practices that are relevant to a wide range of beef finishing units across the country. The collaboration will be a first for the Scotland Monitor Farm Programme.

QMS Technical Projects Manager, Ian MacDougall said: “This is a great opportunity for two farmers, in the Borders, to each host a project.”

“The projects bring local farmers and the agricultural industry together to focus on farm business improvements, efficient production and better returns from livestock enterprises. It’s also a great way of learning from other people’s experiences.”

The criteria for selection specify that the farms need to be members of the QMS Farm Assurance Cattle and Sheep Scheme. Farming has to be the full-time profession of at least one of the family members and the farmers need to be willing to disclose information about their businesses with a group of neighbouring farmers.   

The projects are funded by Scottish Government and Quality Meat Scotland with in-kind support from other businesses and organisations.

To discuss in more detail or obtain a nomination form, please contact Ian MacDougall on 0131 472 4118 or imacdougall@qmscotland.co.uk. The deadline is Friday 24 August 2012.

For more information on monitor farms and to download the tender document, visit www.monitorfarms.co.uk