Farming

Farmers are being urged to be vigilant following the theft of 450 sheep from a farm in Moffat earlier this week.

Detectives in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing for information following this large-scale theft of around 450 in-lamb cheviot ewes valued at £60,000.

The deadline for submitting Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) applications has been extended to Monday April 25 2016.

The original application deadline was close of play today (Wednesday April 20 2016). However, during the weekend some people may have experienced technical issues whilst reviewing the Schedule of Works or uploading supporting documents. These issues have now been resolved.

Soil, muck & money event

A practical event looking at soil, grassland management, making best use of FYM and slurry, for optimum production.

Speakers include James Bretherton, AgScope and Iain Eadie, Germinal UK Ltd.

The event will be run in the morning (10.00am -1pm) and repeated in the afternoon from (2pm – 5pm).

Booking is required, so lunch & packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn on 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org.

 Event kindly supported by William Shearer.   

Soil Muck & Money Event

A practical event looking at soil, grassland management, making best use of FYM and slurry, for optimum production.

Speakers include James Bretherton, AgScope and Iain Eadie, Germinal UK Ltd.

The event will be run in the morning (10.00am -1pm) and repeated in the afternoon from (2pm – 5pm).

Booking is required, so lunch & packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn on 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org.

 Event kindly supported by William Shearer.     

SOIL: Knowing what you’ve got & making it work for you

A practical ifnormative meeting with James Bretherton, Agscope looking at the most vital asset on your farm - soil. Discussing soil analysis, physical soil assessment, taking appropriate remedial action & answering your soil related questions.

The event includes a Bring-Your-Own soil & soil analysis hands on session.

Horticulture: a one-day course for crofters and other small producers

A practical one-day event looking at soils, fertilisers and rotations for horticultural crops.

The day will include outdoor practical sessions including soil physical assessment, crop rotations for polytunnels, and placement of windbreaks and shelters.

Speakers include Audrey Litterick (Audrey Litterick Consulting) and Donald Murdie (Gatrigill), authors of Horticulture: A Handbook for Crofters.  

Booking is required for catering purposes.

Trees: a crop with multiple benefits - managing & planting for improved livestock & arable production

A practical day looking at the benefits of agroforestry:

  • how to manage existing woodland for livestock
  • planting for optimum arable production
  • funding sources
  • an introduction to the Woodland Trust.

Speakers include Stephen Briggs, Abacus Organics; Mike Strachan, Forestry Commission Scotland and Woodland Trust.

Trees: a crop with multiple benefits - managing & planting for improved livestock & arable production

A practical day looking at the benefits of agroforestry:

  • how to manage existing woodland for livestock
  • planting for optimum arable production
  • funding sources
  • an introduction to the Woodland Trust.

Speakers include Stephen Briggs, Abacus Organics; Mike Strachan, Forestry Commission Scotland and Woodland Trust.

Grassland: managing soils & weeds

This event will look at practical soil management and sustainable weed control.

The day will include a visit to a croft followed by a Bring-Your-Own soils workshop and question and answer session.

Speakers include independent consultant, Ian Cairns.

Booking is required for catering purposes.

Contact David on 0131 666 2474 or dmichie@soilassociation.org for more info.

Farm diversification event

An event hosted by Kelvin Valley & Falkirk LEADER on farm diversification. This event aims to raise awareness in farm diversification opportunities for farmers in the local area.

There will be presentations from local farming businesses that have successfully diversified along with an opportunity to find out more about how to apply for support for farm diversification from the LEADER programme- grants of up to £25,000 are available for eligible activities. Sandwiches, tea and coffee will be served. 

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