Contract farming is just one of four subjects up for discussion at next month’s Highland Sheep event.
The event, which takes place on Tuesday June 9, will be held at Fearn Farm, Tain, Ross-shire, courtesy of John Scott.
It will feature two seminars, chaired by National Sheep Association (NSA) Scotland development officer George Milne, at 11am and 1pm.
Each seminar will feature four speakers, each giving a 15-minute presentation.
Agri-consultant Andrew Macdonald from the Laurence Gould Partnership will discuss contract farming opportunities for farmers and new entrants, while Margaret Campbell from accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael will give advice on how to ensure your flock is passed on to the family and not the taxman.
The two other speakers are breeding consultant Dewi Jones from Innovis, who will discuss breeding sheep which are fit for the future, and Quality Meat Scotland’s head of economics, Stuart Ashworth, who will discuss the lamb market.
NSA Scotland chairwoman, Sybil MacPherson, said: “This is shaping up to be a great event for the sheep industry in Scotland and is sure to attract a large gathering of sheep farmers from all over the north and west of Scotland as well as from the north-east and central Scotland, and further south.”
She said a key attraction on the day will be farm tours, allowing visitors to view the Scott family’s flock of 4,000 ewes of various breeds, as well as its 60-strong pedigree herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle.
Presentations will be made at various stop-off points during the tour.
These include one with SAC consultant Derek Hanton, who will give an overview of the farming operation. Grassland expert Charlie Morgan will discuss the importance of soil and how to avoid compaction, while Quality Meat Scotland knowledge transfer specialist Michael Blanche will discuss how to make the most of grass.
There will also be machinery demonstrations from McLaren Tractors of Dingwall – the company plans to showcase a pan buster and a vredo drill.
Other features on the day include trade stands and breed displays by all the major sheep breed societies, as well as the young shepherd of the year competition, educational exhibits, a stockjudging competition, sheepdog trial and demonstration of sheep shearing.
The day will conclude with a special show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs of various breeds.
A class for cross bred ewe hoggs has been added and the closing date for entries is May 29.
The event runs from 9am to 5pm and admission is £12 or £6 for NSA members and students.