BOOKING OPEN
Booking is now open for the BGS Grassland Farmer of the Year Winner’s Farm Walk. This will be hosted by Robert Black, the winner of the competition in 2023.
Robert farms at Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton, Peeblesshire, running a herd of 120 Stabiliser suckler cows and flock of 1000 Highlander ewes. The cattle herd is currently being expanded, with home-bred heifers calving at two years of age. Bull calves are left entire, and finished at 12-14 months of age on a total mixed ration made up of home-grown forage and cereals.
Both the cows and the ewes are outwintered on deferred hill grazing. Bales of second cut silage are placed in these areas, and no concentrates are fed. Lower areas of the farm are part of a six-year rotation that includes forage rape and barley.
Topics covered will include:
- Deferred grazing and hill pasture improvement
- Cattle and sheep breeding
- Grassland management
- Finishing young bulls
The farm tour will start at 11 am prompt, and will be followed by a light lunch at 1 pm.
The event is FREE to attend, but booking is ESSENTIAL.