Stirlingshire Monitor Farm open meeting to ask ‘What are you feeding for?’

Using forage crops and growth targets to drive value in your beef and sheep system will be key topics for discussion at the upcoming Stirlingshire Monitor Farm meeting, now open for booking.

The meeting, on Tuesday 27 January at the Duncan family’s Lands of Drumhead Farm, Balfron Station, will pose the question ‘What are you feeding for?’

The Duncans have introduced forage crops and set target growth rates for housed growing cattle. Making good feed and forage decisions which fit your system can help control costs and ensure stock hit target markets. The meeting will be a practical, hands-on session delving into confidently making those forage crops and stock feeding decisions.

Starting at 10.30am, the morning will start in the field, focussing on calculating the value of forage crops and using the Duncan’s crops as an example. The family are in their second year of growing fodder crops with advice from the Borders-based farmer and grazing specialist Graham Lofthouse, Andrew Best from Watson Seeds and the Monitor Farm management group.

Rebecca Duncan has led the charge with feed calculations, and visitors will see how the flock are using the strip grazed turnip and kale mix. The session will include measuring the crop, discussing feed allocation, infrastructure, and management.

After lunch at The Winnock Hotel, Drymen and an update from the Duncans on projects and progress on the Monitor Farm, the afternoon will see consultant Emily Grant from Forrit Consultancy discuss cattle target growth rates. Working with Duncans, Emily and attendees will discuss why they want to set a target growth rate, their goals and how to manage that growth for success, along with managing risks.

Monitor Farm regional adviser Christine Cuthbertson says: “This will be a very practical meeting, from being in the fields looking at forage crops in the morning, to discussing how to drive value from those crops in beef and sheep enterprises. I look forward to welcoming everyone along and hearing from the Duncans, Graham, Andrew and Emily.”

Booking is essential for catering purposes, and car parking is very limited so please car share if possible. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy/waterproof footwear and clean vehicles, footwear and clothing before attending for biosecurity. Sorry, no children under 16 or dogs allowed.

• What are you feeding for? - Stirlingshire Monitor Farm open meeting on Tuesday 27 January, 10:30-14:00 at Lands of Drumhead Farm, Balfron Station G63 0NH. Lunch included. Book here: https://Stirling.eventbrite.co.uk