Free Farmer Meetings Will Focus on Winter Grazing Strategies and Lamb Production

Trevor Cook, a leading light in the New Zealand sheep world, will be the key speaker at a next round of Grazing Group meetings organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) over the next couple of weeks.

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

With his extensive knowledge of optimising animal performance from pasture, Mr Cook’s experience will be a great asset to the six grazing groups, which were established last Summer by QMS to help Scottish farmers improve the utilisation of grass and boost livestock production.

At the meetings later this month Mr Cook will share his knowledge and lead discussions with local farmers on the optimal grazing strategies for the coming season. As lambing approaches the subject of feeding strategies to maximise lamb growth will also be discussed at some meetings, as well as coccidiosis and worming strategies plus trace elements and mineral challenges for stock at this time of year.

The meetings will be held on 29 January at Challochmun Farm, Glenluce, courtesy of farmer Ean Stewart and on 30 January at Pirntaton Farm, Fountainhall, Galashiels, courtesy of farmer Jim Logan. Farmers Ahren and Louise Urquhart from Maryfield Farm, Dess, Aboyne, will host a meeting on 2 February, with farmer Leslie Sloan hosting the inaugural meeting at the newly formed Lanarkshire Grazing group at Meadowflatt Farm, Thankerton, Near Biggar on 3 February. Alex Brewster will host a meeting on his farm at Rotmell, Dunkeld on 5 February and finally Duncan Scott will host the Highland Grazing group at their meeting at Nigg Hall in Nigg near Tain 6 February.

“These meetings are a real opportunity for farmers to ask any burning questions on animal performance from pasture and sheep and cattle health,” said Michael Blanche, QMS Knowledge Transfer Specialist.

“The events over the next couple of weeks will be a great opportunity to hear the views of Trevor Cook, an excellent authority on livestock production, and discuss with fellow farmers how we can further improve our grazing management.”

He concluded: “All are welcome to what I’m confident will be really interesting meetings.”

For further information on the Grazing Group meetings and to book a place at one of the six forthcoming meetings, contact QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk.