Argyllshire farmers Neil and Hazel McCorkindale will showcase the benefits of running a low-input mixed livestock system at a special meeting next week.
The couple, who run 70 Luing suckler cows and 350 Blackface ewes on 1,100 acres at Scammadale farm, just south of Oban, are holding a meeting as part of the Planning for Profit initiative.
The scheme, which is supported by NFU Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the government’s skills development scheme, is aimed at helping farmers make decisions to boost their business’ profitability.
It is being delivered by SAOS, SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) and 2 Mennie Cooks.
The McCorkindales cross their Luing cattle with a Simmental bull to produce Sim-Luing heifers for breeding, with all bull calves sold store.
The family run a tight calving period which has resulted in high fertility with 96% calves reared on average per year.
Sheep are also run on a low-input system making best use of the rough hill ground on the farm, and achieving around 85% lambing.
The McCorkindales are set to big losers under Common Agricultural Policy reform but say their low-input system should be readily adaptable to adjust to new subsidy payment rates.
To attending the meeting on Thursday October 2, which takes place between 1.30pm and 5pm, contact Kirsty at QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk.