February Update: Cumbria Farmer Groups and Monitor Farms

Thursday 25 February 2010

THE following information is an update on the livestock programme farmer group work and monitor farms organised by Cumbria Farmer Network

Croglin with Kate Gascoyne

The recent meetings with Nander Robertson from Glenside Soil Systems on minerals for maximum grass growth and stock health, created plenty of discussion with the farmers who attended both the Croglin meeting and the one at the Robin Hood Pub, Shap. It gave an insight into what was happening within soils, the changes in Ph and possible solutions for improving grassland performance.

The meeting on March 9^th, Rowcliffe House vets will talk about minerals, trace elements and blood profiling.

Broughton in Furness with Dorothy Wilkinson

The next meeting on stock selection in conjunction with Eblex has been arranged for 11^th March, this will feature what the market requires when farmers select lambs for slaughter, and the damage that can be done to the carcass by poor animal welfare when administering drugs and handling the animals.

Seathwaite and Langdale with Dorothy Wilkinson

The meeting on improving grassland performance with Jim Bretherton from AgScope, went very well, with the group now considering jointly buying equipment, including a sward lifter which would then be used between group members.

For further information on any aspects of farmer group meetings, including the opportunity to develop a new group in your area contact Cumbria Farmer Network on 01768 868616

Fellside House, Beef and Sheep Monitor Farm with Sally Dixon

20 farmers attended the recent meeting with Lesley Stubbins who discussed the performance of the sheep at Fellside House, highlighting the need to produce quality forage for feeding to in-lamb ewes. Showing the importance if they were grouped according to body condition, along with the number of lambs they were carrying would reduce the reliance on expensive concentrate feed, and improve the overall gross margin.

Hesket Farm, Dairy Monitor Farm with Robert Burrow

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 20^th April, when the focus will be on the nutrition of the dairy cows, including planning the grazing for the coming season.