Upland challenges in the spotlight at focus farm meetings
Grassland productivity, suckler herd fertility and soil health are among the areas being covered at a series of upland focus farm meetings taking place in the north of England next week.
The events are part of a programme of upland activity being delivered by EBLEX and ADAS under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Skills and Knowledge Transfer Framework, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union.
The focus farms, which are located in Derbyshire, North Yorkshire and the Lake District, have been selected to highlight subjects of particular relevance to those farming in the Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA). As well as outlining best farming practices and showcasing innovative approaches to production in the uplands, the events will also give the host farmers the opportunity to share their experiences of managing an upland farm business.
EBLEX north east regional manager, Steve Dunkley, said: “Focus farms enable us to take a very practical and detailed approach to examining particular challenges for upland livestock producers.
“As well as learning from expert speakers, visiting farmers will be able to reflect on their own situation and compare their performance information with that of the focus farm.
“We are also running a number of on farm trials and investigations, such as reseeding and alternative forage crop options and investigating health related issues.”
Details of the focus farm meetings are as follows:
• 7 August, 16:30-20:00: Improving Suckler Cow Output, Fertility Soil Health; Heathcote Grange, Heathcote, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 0AY
• 7 August, 12:00–15:30: Optimising Grassland Productivity within an Agri Environment Scheme; Tongue House Farm, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6EE
• 7 August, 17:30-21:00: Optimising Grassland Productivity and reseeding options; The Eagle Child, Kendal Road, Staveley, LA8 9LP
• 8 August, 16:30-20:00: Better Lamb Performance from Improved Soil Fertility and Grassland Renovation; Leighton Hall Farm, Healey, HG4 4LS
The meetings are free for EBLEX levy payers. For more information or to book a place, call EBLEX on 01904 771212 or email: brpevents@eblex.ahdb.org.uk.
