Thursday, April 29, 2010
Got a forage question? Ask some grassland society members
BGS's Scotgrass stand on May 11th will offer visitors the chance to quiz to four members of the South West Scotland Grassland Society, who are willing to share their own practical experiences on a range of forage topics -from organic red clover to finishing beef on maize.
South West Scotland Grassland Society timetable for Scotgrass
The following SWSGS members will spend an hour on the British Grassland Society stand in the event's Knowledge Transfer area to share their experiences with visitors on their respective interests:
11am-12: Dr Stewart Jamieson, organic dairy farmer, Dumfries
Organic for seven years, Stewart's 215-cow herd averages 8300 litres a cow. High quality winter forage is important to the system. His main interests are:
12-1pm Michael Kyle, dairy farmer, Dumfries
A computerised grazing management program is used by Michael to manage his 700 spring-calving cows run on a low input system. His main interests are:
1pm-2pm Andrew Nelson, beef and sheep farmer, Castle Douglas
Growing kale for winter feeding and grazing grass down tightly during the spring and summer has been practised by Andrew for many year on his farm stocked with 150 sucklers and 500 ewes. His main interests are:
2pm-3pm Sam Carlisle, beef and sheep farmer, Dumfries
In addition to progeny from the 320 cow suckler herd, Sam purchased 300 plus stores to finish on a mixed ration which includes maize. He also outwinters suckler cows and runs 250-ewes. His main interests are:
Scotgrass, organised by AEA, is being held at SAC's farm, at Crichton Royal, Dumfries on May 11th, from 10am to 4pm. Entry costs £10 a car or £40 a coach. See www.scotgrass2010.co.uk for more information.
BGS is a membership organisation which acts as a communication forum, through events and publications, for the profitable and sustainable use of grass and forage.