Sheep open day
Sheep open day
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), in conjunction with Cairngorms National Park Authority, is offering sheep producers the opportunity to attend a free open day on Wednesday 18 September at Balliefurth Farm, Grantown on Spey.
The open day will focus on hoof and the hook as a means of ensuring a viable red meat industry. Producers will be able to network with other farmers, take a look at the overall supply chain and discuss areas that could help their business for the year ahead.
Kathy Peebles, QMS Livestock Development Manager, said: “Now is the perfect time for store producers and lamb finishers to examine their businesses and identify where money can potentially be saved.
“This open day is an ideal opportunity for store producers to have an insight in to what the supply chain requires and perhaps identify new markets for the stock they produce.
“For lamb finishers, this is very much an interactive day and a chance for them to hone their lamb grading skills before the bulk of lambs go to the abattoir.”
Topics covered at the event will include how to grade lambs for the different market requirements, how EID tags can help producers have a handle on their flock’s performance and, how new innovative technologies can help reduce on-farm costs. The afternoon session will focus on how the difference in specification of finished lambs can make an impact to a producer’s return, followed by a butchery demonstration looking at the best way to maximise value from a lamb carcase.
Bruce McConachie, Land Management Adviser with the Cairngorms National Park said: “Sheep have grazed in the Cairngorms National Park for hundreds of years and the area produces some of the best extensive hill sheep flocks in the country.
“At a time when markets are unpredictable and margins seem to be getting tighter, it makes sense to look at your business to ensure that it is as efficient as it can be.
“Working with QMS helps us provide an opportunity for our farmers to do just that, as well as a chance to explore new ways to manage and improve their flocks and help them to carry on the fantastic work they do in maintaining the countryside, communities and the local economy.”
The open day starts at 10.30am and finishes at 3.30pm and as there is a free lunch on offer we would advise that farmers book their place by contacting Kirsty at QMS on 0131 472 4040 or e-mailing [email protected]
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 26 July at 8pm
Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Park Authority, shares an update from the scene of the wildfire in Nethy Bridge.
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 25 July at 11am
A brief update on the Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update - 24 July at 8.30pm
A major incident has been declared as residents of Nethy Bridge are evacuated.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Due to the this wildfire incident, the following paths and routes are closed:
- All the paths around Loch Morlich, Glenmore and Badaguish are closed.
- The Ryvoan pass is closed, this includes all access to the Green Lochan (Lochan Uaine).
- Routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’Bhuachaille, Strath Nethy and Bynack more should be avoided.
- The Abernethy Forest area to the south of Forest Lodge and towards Ryvoan bothy is closed.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 24 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Friday 24 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.