Crofting

Four Agriculture Champions have been appointed by the Scottish Government.

The Agriculture Champions will help develop an Agriculture Strategy to guide the long-term sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.

The four Agriculture Champions are:

The deadline for applications to the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) is Thursday 2 February 2017.

KTIF is designed to support projects that increase farmers’ skills and knowledge by delivering training, coaching, courses and farm visits, and by supporting on-the-ground improvements in competitiveness, efficiency and sustainability.

A €2 million European Union (EU) project to increase lamb survival rates, funded under Horizon 2020, has been announced.

Scottish farmers and researchers will work with people in Spain, Romania, Italy, France, Ireland  and Turkey to reduce lamb deaths.

Between 2 to 6 million lambs in the UK die every year before they are three days old.[1] 

Are you planning on doing any agri-environmental management in 2017?

This could be part of an Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) scheme, a greening measure, or just a desire to do something different. Want to know if your management makes a difference? Soil Association Scotland can help you find out! 

Forres: Polytunnel Growing Course

Introduction to Polytunnel Growing Course

A course for those interested in growing undercover in Moray. Participants will learn about the different types of tunnels available, choosing a site, ground preparation, irrigation, ventilation, humidity control, pest and disease control. 
We’ll discuss how to lay out your beds, how to manage your soil, how to select the best watering method. We will look at techniques to avoid mould and look at clever techniques of how to reduce frost and how to make best use of space.

North Uist: Trees for the Croft Course

Trees for the Croft Course

A practical outdoor day with a short introductory indoor session. Suitable for potential contractors and hands-on planters.
All you need to know about:
Planting design and know-how.
Ground preparation.
Planting technique.
Protection and aftercare.

Tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches provided.
Please bring a spade, a strong bag or bucket, a lump hammer
and gloves. And come prepared for the weather!

Local Course Director: Viv Halcrow

Skye: Lambing Course

Introduction to Lambing Course

A practical course that will look into all aspects of lambing including:

Preparation for Lambing including ewe nutrition; Lambing Management including disease prevention and control; The mothering ewe including condition scoring; Practical Session including medication administration.

Wellies and Waterproofs essential!

Local Course Director: Janette Sutherland

Email training@crofting.org to book your place!

Lewis: Trees for the Croft Course

Trees for the Croft Course

A practical outdoor day with a short introductory indoor session. Suitable for potential contractors and hands-on planters.
All you need to know about:
Planting design and know-how.
Ground preparation.
Planting technique.
Protection and aftercare.

Tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches provided.
Please bring a spade, a strong bag or bucket, a lump hammer
and gloves. And come prepared for the weather!

Local Course Director: Viv Halcrow

Balmacara: Croft Ground Back into Work Course

Bringing Croft Ground Back into Work Course

This course is very practical with a demonstration of Groundclear Ltd Robocut machine to cut brambles, gorse and rushes. Interpreting soil analysis from the croft and lime and fertiliser requirements.  Weed control chemical and mechanical will be discussed.  The grants available for this work will also be covered.

Local Course Director: Janette Sutherland

Email training@crofting.org to book your place!

Ullapool: Practical Lambing Course

Practical Lambing

A one day course covering:
Ewe management, lambing presentations, Outdoor and Indoor lambing systems,
care of the ewe and the lamb, ailments and diseases, basic veterinary treatments.

Local Course Director: Gwen Jensen
Tutor: Alistair McNab

Contact: training@crofting.org to book your place!

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