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Chicory Tups At International Ram Workshop
Chicory plot (opens in new window)
The benefits of chicory will be highlighted at a new SAC Knowledge Exchange workshop on Ram Feeding and Management planned for 14th July this year.
Held at the Moredun Institute on the Pentland Science Park, the programme includes New Zealand specialist Murray Rohloff. The event follows a highly successful meeting focussing on ewe feeding and nutrition held at the end of 2009 and resulting in the publication of a keenly sought brochure combining science and practical tips for farmers.
In a recent progress report SAC Sheep Specialist John Vipond, who is organising the event with Tom McEvoy and Colin Morgan, outlined why he is so interested in chicory crops which, despite the severe winter have survived, and although late, are a welcome addition to feed supplies. John reported that farmers in Dumfriesshire are already stocking crops with late-born ewes and twins to avoid worm problems.
Crops on the Perthshire organic monitor farm at Blair Atholl are coming away with further fields being identified for reseeding to help get rotational grazing system going. In Northumberland, Lilburn estates have had a successful lambing from rams brought out on chicory at much reduced feed cost. This system will feature at the forthcoming workshop.
For John, chicory also has a role in getting rams working. He believes rams need to be sexual athletes not couch potatoes. Allowing them to graze on chicory keeps them fit rather better than eating concentrates and lying down. The current practice some breeders have of bringing rams out in over-fat condition for the sales has attracted comment. Buyers complain that the rams do not last and lose condition when brought home.
These issues and all the latest feeding, management and selection ideas from the UK and NZ will be covered. To book your place e-mail or write to Val Angus by the end of June.