The importance of maximising soil health to boost grass production is the focus of next week’s Sutherland Monitor Farm meeting.
The meeting on Tuesday, March 13, takes place at the host farm for the project – Clynlelish Farm, near Brora.
The 300-acre farm is run by Jason Ballantyne and his wife, Vic, in partnership with Jason’s dad Murdo.
It is one of nine farms taking part in the three-year Monitor Farm Scotland programme being run by Quality Meat Scotland and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds.
Visitors to next week’s meeting will hear from leading soil specialist Mark Hodkinson who will explain the properties that make up good soil.
He will also outline ways in which farmers and crofters can improve their own soil management and nutrition in order to maximise grass production and animal health.
Jason Ballantyne said: “We, like all livestock farmers, need our soil to be as healthy and fertile as possible in order to grow the best grass we can to get optimal stock performance.
“Hopefully Mark will provide an insight into how we can manage and improve our soil to help us achieve that.”
The meeting, which is free to attend, begins at 10.30am.
