Sheep farmers invited to discover new ideas at comprehensive technical event

Organised by SAC Consulting and hosted by upland farmers David and Susan Johnstone, the event is set to take place on 4^th July and will provide delegates with information on combatting OPA in flocks, addressing drought resilience in upland sheep systems and will stress the importance of getting records right.

One of the huge draws of the day will be a first-time look at the Portable Accumulation Chambers (PAC) which are currently being used by SRUC researchers, with delegates having the opportunity to hear first-hand about the latest in GHG emissions technology and to discuss what this may offer to the future of sheep farming.

Throughout the morning, there will be interactive stations for farmers to visit and industry specialists available for discussions and networking.

During lunch, there will be an opportunity to take part in stock judging and to hear more about Ballindalloch’s relatively new but fast-growing flock of sheep, as well as their well-established and famous Aberdeen Angus cattle herd, which is one of the oldest in the world.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion hosted by chair of SAC Consulting’s Commercial Board and Scottish entrepreneur Denis Overton will be exploring the question ‘How does the Scottish sheep industry prepare for the future?’.

The line-up of experts panellists will include former head of Market Intelligence at QMS Stuart Ashworth, SRUC’s head of Integrated Land Management Davy McCracken, and well-known sheep farmers Rod McKenzie and Amy-Jo Reid.

SAC Consulting’s Kirsten Williams, who will be overseeing the event, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming farmers to Speyside and to seize this opportunity to share some short and long-term practical tips, knowing how unstable the marketplace can be and the importance of futureproofing the industry.

“There will be invaluable conversations on the day, aimed specifically at those farming in the uplands, everything from ensuring producers are ready for sheep inspections – what pitfalls to avoid – to better understanding losses on the hill and combatting OPA, which is such a huge challenge to many of our flocks.

“It is also very exciting to have the PAC technology on the farm, as it is so important to demonstrate what research is happening within the GHG emissions space and how this will translate to farmers on the ground.”

A venue with a history

Ballindalloch farm is part of the 6,700ha Ballindalloch Highland Estate, which is owned by the Macpherson Grant family. Farm managers David and Susan ventured into sheep in 2017 and have since built up their flock to include 550 breeding ewes. The flock consists of mainly Cheviot mules and Texel crosses, with some progeny kept as replacements and the rest sold as gimmers.

Ahead of the event, Susan commented: “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Ballindalloch this summer for the ‘Sheep in the uplands event’ and we hope farmers will take the opportunity to pick up some new ideas and techniques they can take home to their own flocks.

“It will also be some light relief for farmers to get together after a long late spring and it is an exciting opportunity for us to shine a light on the sheep side of our business, as most people will know us for our Aberdeen Angus cattle. We have been building the flock over the last six years, with plans to increase numbers again this year and look forward to sharing some of our journey on the day.”

The event is free to attend and will take place between 10.15 and 15.30 on Tuesday 4^th July and is funded by the University Innovation Fund from the Scottish Funding Council.

Interested participants are urged to register for catering purposes by phoning SAC Consulting Elgin on 01343 548 787 or can book online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sheep-in-the-uplands-tickets-620603179817