Grazing Group Meetings Focus on Autumn Grazing Strategies

Key autumn grazing strategies will be the main topic of discussion at the next round of free Grazing Group meetings organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) over the coming weeks.

The main objective of the QMS Grazing Groups is to improve livestock producers’ profitability by maximising the kilograms of meat they produce per hectare from grass.

At the meetings, Rhidian Jones or Gareth Davies, both grassland experts, will share their knowledge and expertise with local farmers on implementing optimal grazing strategies for the coming season.

Emily Grant, QMS Grassland Co-ordinator and one of the meeting facilitators, said that forward planning of grazing management is essential to making the most from grass.

“Autumn into winter is a time of year where system costs are heavily loaded towards housing and feeding stock, but it’s also a key time to plan and prepare for the spring grazing season ahead,” she said.

“As grass growth slows, it also offers an ideal opportunity to consider trying out controlled grazing regime without the risk of losing control of grass growth. 

“These practical and hands-on meetings will see each group look at how to plan for maximising spring grass, extending the grazing season and all grass wintering of ewes.”

Attendance at these workshops is free and lunch is provided. Please note that clean boots are essential for biosecurity.

Grazing Group dates:

North East – 25 August 2016, 10.00 -15.45, meet at Deeside Activity, Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BD.

Borders – 31 August 2016, 10.00 -15.45, meet at Pirntaton Farm, Fountainhall, Stow, TD1 2TH.

Lanark – 1 September 2016, 10.00 -15.45, meet at Thankerton Hall, Thankerton, ML12 6NZ.

North – 5 September 2016, 10.00 – 15.45, meet at Seaboard Centre, Ballintore, Tain, IV20 1UA.

Perthshire - 7 September 2016, 10.00 – 15.45, meet at Rotmell Farm, Dunkeld. PH9 0NU.

South West – 8 September 2016, 10.00 – 15.45, meet at Glen of Luce Hall, Auchenmalg, Glenluce, DG8 0JR

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: egrant@qmscotland.co.uk