Farming

A new funding round for the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) has been announced by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham at the Royal Highland Show.

Agri-Environment, Diffuse Pollution and Organic schemes will open in January 2018, with a round for Improving Public Access expected to open in March.

The National Council of Rural Advisers has been annnounced by Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The new Council will cover all aspects of future rural development, including appropriate financial support beyond 2022.

It will provide advice on the potential implications of Scotland leaving the European Union as part of the UK, and make recommendations on future policy and support, with the aim of ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and productive rural economy.

Announcing the new group ahead of the Royal Highland Show, Mr Ewing said:

Buzzing About Grassland

Species rich grassland meadows are an important part of our farming landscape, providing habitats for birds, pollinators, and areas of nutritionally low fodder to manage sheep condition on.

How can we better utilise these areas within our farming systems - and what revenue is available for managing these areas through AECS?

Grazing expert Michael Blanche will take us through the grazing systems, detailing how we can make the most of the grass that we have, before moving outside into the fields to look at different types of grassland and how they can be managed.

Field Lab: Good Green Manures

Green manures should be good for your crops and your soil. But do they make enough of a difference to justify their cost?  And which ones work best?

This field lab is comparing different green manure mixes, looking at their benefits on the soil, and importantly on the yield of the following crop.

Going Undercover: Profiting From Green Manures

Green manures have long been used at Stonelaw’s to build soil fertility, increase biodiversity, improve water quality and provide a valuable source of winter fodder for store cattle.

Join us for this practical morning session covering topics on:
• How to select different types of green manure to suit your farming system;
• How you can incorporate green manures and cover crops into AECS and Greening,
• How to maximise farm output from green manures.
• Why green manures- what are the benefits?

Paddock grazing 4 profit

A practical day discussing  paddock grazing and the benefits it can bring, optimising animal performance from pasture.

The importance of functional genetic traits will also be discussed.

Speakers include Murray Rohloff, NZ sheep/grazing consultant and Robyn Hulme, Easyrams.

The day will also include  a visit to Montalt Farm courtesy of the Ritchie family.

Free of charge to farmers and land managers and £40 + VAT to others.

Worming your way to profit

A practical workshop on a hill farm looking at effective ways of treating fluke and worms. It will cover diagnosis, control, different treatments, and pasture management. 

Can you change things to improve health and productivity, and maybe even save a bit of cash? Practical demonstrations will show the principles in action – with handling, weighing, and faecal egg counts. 

LEADER information session at Royal Highland Show

Members from across the LEADER community are holding an information session during the Royal Highland Show.

Representation from across the 21 Local Action Groups as well as previous beneficiaries will be on hand to discuss how to access the substantial funding pot for rural Scotland. LEADER provides funding opportunities for farmers and a wide range of rural businesses.

Members from across the LEADER community are holding an information session during the Royal Highland Show.

Representation from across the 21 Local Action Groups as well as previous beneficiaries will be on hand to discuss how to access the substantial funding pot for rural Scotland. LEADER provides funding opportunities for farmers and a wide range of rural businesses.

Fluffy Moos
Name of organisation/business: 
Fluffy Moos
Funding: 
Scottish Borders LEADER: £37,243.11

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