NFU Scotland played host recently to another successful Farming for the Future event on Orkney. The series of events, organised in conjunction with SAC, have all been part funded through the European Social Fund and Highlands & Islands Partnership Programme.

The most recent event, at Hermisgarth Farm on Sanday, courtesy of Alistair Muir, was the fourth in the series in the Farming for the Future course and concentrated on the production of store cattle.

While some factors influencing the profitability of store cattle remain outside individual farmers’ control, there are many management decisions taken on farm that can dramatically affect returns from store cattle production. This course examined many of those factors and equipped attendees with skills that will help them to improve the physical and financial performance of their own farms.

The day was divided into four sections which consisted of an island tour, exploring Sanday’s unique system of out-wintering with presentations from George Brown of Colligarth Farm and George Baikie from SAC. Attendees also heard from Michael Shannon of British Seed House on grassland management. In addition, Gavin Hill of SAC, Jim Linklater of Orkney Auction Mart and Thomson Wilson, an Aberdeenshire finisher, together presented on how the store producer can best meet market requirements.

Stewart Wood, Orkney & Shetland Regional Board Chairman, said:

“Once again we have seen a hugely successful Farming for the Future event, this time with an attendance of over 50 farmers.

“The attendance levels and feedback we have received after all the events are extremely encouraging and prove that the aims of the project are being achieved and that Farming for the Future is really making a difference to NFUS members and their businesses.

“I think that one of the key elements is that we are able to provide input from practising farmers as well as industry professionals which gives attendees a broad and relevant knowledge base.

“Discussions are already underway in other parts of Scotland to expand the Farming for the Future project and tailor it to different areas of the country and so this again demonstrates the success of the project and the benefits that it can deliver.”

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