Strathspey Monitor Farm meeting to look at managing BPS and bluetongue risks

Farmers are being invited to sign up for the latest Strathspey Monitor Farm meeting, which will cover two topics set to affect many farms; new ‘enhanced greening’ requirements and the risk of bluetongue disease.

The Smith family who run the Strathspey Monitor Farm at Auchernack, Grantown on Spey, know that both topics will mean changes to their business.

Many mixed farms will be affected by ‘enhanced greening’ or Ecological Focus Area (EFA) rules in 2026 as it will cover anybody who has arable land defined as temporary grass and cover crops. Farmers such as the Smiths, who grow fodder crops and rotate grass regularly, may be caught up in the EFA regulations.

The meeting, from 6.30-9pm on Thursday 13 November at Carrbridge Hotel, will hear from Ian Wilson, farmer and NFUS regional manager, and Jenny McCallum who is a rural consultant and shepherd. They will explain the importance of planning EFA areas now to avoid a reduction in BPS greening payments, while the Smiths will explore how EFA requirements might affect their own farm.

Ian warns: “You don’t want to get to 15 May 2026 and find that you’re not EFA compliant. Not being compliant could cost up to one third of your BPS payment.”

Jenny and Ian will discuss the decisions that need to be made on the Strathspey Monitor Farm and the impacts of EFA rules on the business. They will explain the wider implications for farms in the area and take questions from the audience.

With bluetongue continuing to be a worry for livestock farmers, the history, current status, diagnosis and implications of bluetongue in sheep, cattle and deer will be discussed by Louise Pearce of Strathspey Vets. She will explain how the disease spreads and the options farmers have to protect their livestock in the Highlands.

Abbie Robertson from MyHerdStats will show how to record bluetongue vaccinations for cattle and sheep with ScotEID. She will explain why this is required by Scottish Government and the benefits of recording the information for forward sales and your own records.

Peter Beattie, Monitor Farm regional adviser says: “This evening meeting will be very timely and is aimed at helping anyone who might be affected by either of these issues. It will be a practical discussion, with plenty of time for questions.”

• Strathspey Monitor Farm meeting - Understanding and preparing for EFA and bluetongue. Thursday 13 November 6.30-9pm, with food provided, at Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge, PH23 3AB. Sign up: https://EFA-Bluetongue.eventbrite.co.uk