Where have the seasons gone? South Ayrshire Monitor Farm meeting tackles animal health and nutrition in a changing climate

Farmers attending the South Ayrshire Monitor Farm winter meeting this February will gain practical guidance on managing animal health and nutrition as weather patterns continue to change. From grazing and silage decisions in increasingly unpredictable seasons to planning parasite control in warmer, wetter conditions, the evening will focus on real-world learning to help cattle and sheep systems remain productive and resilient.

The winter open meeting will take place at The Coo Shed, Ayr, on Wednesday 11 February 2026, from 6pm to 8.30pm, bringing together Monitor Farmers John and David Andrew and SAC Consulting specialists to explore how changing seasons are impacting farm performance and decision-making.

Held under the theme “Where have the seasons gone? Animal health and nutrition planning in changing weather patterns,” the meeting will examine the practical challenges and opportunities facing livestock farmers as seasonal patterns become less predictable.

The evening will begin with supper at 6pm, followed by an update from John and David Andrew on current performance at the South Ayrshire Monitor Farm and the key issues they are seeing on-farm as weather patterns continue to shift.

Lorna Shaw, Ruminant Nutritionist with SAC Consulting, will discuss balancing cattle and sheep nutrition in changing weather patterns. She will cover what to consider when grazing in dry conditions such as spring 2025, how rotational grazing decisions can affect performance, silage-making considerations in very wet or very dry summers, and the value of silage analysis – including when to sample and how to interpret results. She will also highlight the importance of seeking professional advice to correctly balance rations.

Marion McMillan BVMS MRCVS, SAC Consulting adviser and practising vet, will then discuss planning for cattle and sheep parasite and health challenges in changing weather patterns. Topics will include parasite lifecycles in relation to grass growth on permanent and rotational grazing, the impact of warmer and wetter weather on parasite and disease risk – including the emergence of previously uncommon species such as barber’s pole worm – and the role of dynamic, test-and-treat health planning for flocks and herds.

The formal programme will conclude with a look ahead to the final year of the Monitor Farm programme and an open Q&A session, before the evening rounds off with tea, coffee and traybakes and time for informal discussion.

South Ayrshire Monitor Farm winter meeting
Wednesday 11 February 2026
6pm – 8.30pm
The Coo Shed, Ayr, KA6 6BX

Booking is essential:
https://SouthAyrshire.eventbrite.co.uk
https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/event/where-have-the-seasons-gone/