Livestock health and profitability will be up for discussion at a meeting in Ross-shire next week.
The free meeting, which has been organised by SRUC and funded by the Scottish Government, takes place on Wednesday, at Auchmore Farm, Muir of Ord.
Farmers and crofters attending the event will be given advice on how to optimise animal health.
Harbro livestock nutritionist David MacKenzie will outline how winter nutrition can help maximise livestock returns. There will also be a hands-on demonstration of livestock foot trimming from Graeme Swanson, of Conon Vets, using a new crush that lays cattle on their side. SAC Consulting’s Ann McLaren will demonstrate a similar crush for sheep.
Derek Hanton, who manages SAC Consulting’s office in Inverness, said: “This is an important event for farmers and crofters to attend as it focuses on livestock care now that we are coming into the winter months. Vet Graeme Swanson will also discuss general livestock health issues related to housing at this time of year, including important vaccines to consider.”
The host farm is run by Stephen and Sheena Mackenzie in partnership with Stephen’s brother, Donald. It stretches across 750 acres of mainly grass and hill, carrying a herd of 85 autumn-calving Shorthorn and Salers cattle, a flock of around 250 pure Cheviots as well as around 1,000 lambs which are bought in to finish.
The farm is one of three climate-change focus farms in the Highlands taking part in the government’s Farming for a Better Climate scheme. The meeting at Auchmore runs from 10.30am to 3pm. Farmers and crofters wishing to attend must register with SAC Consulting in Inverness by phone on 01463 233266 or e-mail on fbsinverness@sac.co.uk