How best to cope with drought conditions on a mixed arable and livestock farm will be discussed at the next meeting of the Moray monitor farm.
Corskie Farm, at Garmouth, near Fochabers, is one of nine farms across Scotland taking part in the three-year Monitor Farm Scotland programme.
It is run by Iain Green in partnership with his parents and his two eldest daughters, Laura and Jemma.
The extensive business comprises a wide range of arable and livestock enterprises including the renowned pedigree herd of Corskie Simmental cattle.
The next meeting of the Moray monitor farm will focus on farming in dry conditions. It takes place at the farm on Tuesday, May 30, from 1.30pm to 5pm.
Iain Green said finding crops that thrive in dry conditions was vital for the Moray area.
“Up here, whether you are a livestock or arable farmer, you need to tailor your decision making to the potential for drought conditions for much of the year. At the moment we have a number of spring and winter barleys being trialled on farm including Laureate, Fairing and Bazooka, none of which have been irrigated, so I’m sure seeing how they are faring will be of great interest to those attending on the day,” said Mr Green.
“We are also looking at grass mixtures which should do better in drier soils with Paddy Jack from DLF Seeds. He’ll be able to discuss options with the livestock farmers on what will be of most benefit both in terms of making silage and grazing.”
Other speakers at the meeting include Andrew Linscott from Alltech, who will discuss a UK-wide biostimulants trial the farm is taking part in, and Brian Mathieson and Mark McCallum from the Black Isle Monitor Farm, who will talk about their experience of business groups and benchmarking.
Mr Green will also tell farmers and crofters about pelvic measuring of heifers at Corksie – a process he has just been through to help him decide which heifers should stay in the herd. As well as 380 commercial Simmental crosses, the farm has 200 pedigree Simmental cows.
“Basically we have tried to keep on more heifers with larger pelvises, as that should make calving less risky for the calves and stress free for both. On the day I will talk about how the procedure works and then next spring we will be able to judge how successful it has been,” said Mr Green
Next week’s meeting is free to attend but farmers are advised to book in advance by contacting Samantha Stewart on 01343 548 787 or by email to samantha.stewart@sac.co.uk
The Monitor Farm Scotland programme, which has been funded by a £1.25million grant from the Scottish Government, is being delivered jointly by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds.
