Farmers and crofters in the west are invited to attend the final meeting of the Lochaber Monitor Farm project next week.
Project hosts Chris Cameron and his father Malcolm will outline how changes made at their 3,000-acre Strone Farm have resulted in an increase in profitability and efficiency.
The farm carries a 520-head flock of North Country Cheviot ewes and a 50-cow herd of Limousins.
“Our main aim at Strone has always been to maximise value of stock leaving the farm, and the best way to do this was to grow more grass,” said Chris.
“During the project we continued to move our ewes and lambs to summer in Inverness and took on a new tenancy locally, which led to more summer grazing.
“This has resulted in year-on-year improvements, with lamb weaning percentage peaking at over 100% in 2019 for the first time.”
He said the extra grass had also allowed a 20% increase in cow numbers.
“The monitor farm project has allowed me to learn new techniques, find new grass seed mixes and discover different technologies to help drive the business forward,” added Chris.
Project facilitator Niall Campbell, from SAC Consulting, urged farmers to attend the final meeting.
He said: “The Monitor Farm programme has brought the local farming community together and provided access to experts and knowledge that will prove useful in driving their farming businesses forward.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in improving their farm business to attend the final meeting, which will cover the highlights and lessons learned throughout the three-year project.”
The meeting takes place on February 20 at Strone Farm, near Banavie, Fort William, from noon.
Places are free but must be booked in advance by contacting SAC Consulting on 01631 563093 or frbsoban@sac.co.uk