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Fans Farm Herd the Focus of Attention – SAC Beef Farming Event at Earlston

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N05
Published: 11 Jan 2011

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Beef farmers from the Borders and beyond will be in Earlston on Tuesday January 25th at an SAC organised event featuring an outstanding local beef unit and the control of costly cattle diseases. While disease affects the health and welfare of farm animals it also costs Scotland’s livestock industry millions of pounds. The well known Stewart family, of Fans Farm, are hosting the SAC event which is part of an important programme funded by Scottish Government.

Fans Farm, rented from the Mellerstain Estate, is the base of the Stewart family’s farming operation which also includes cereals and seed potatoes. However it is their herd of 400, mainly Aberdeen Angus, beef cows which the visitors will want to see. Since 2001, as part of their disease control strategy the Stewarts have bred all their herd replacements at home. Only the pedigree bulls are bought in from outside.

As members of the SAC run Premium Cattle Health Scheme the Stewarts support the new Scottish Government initiative to eradicate BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea). It is a move estimated to be worth £50-80m to the industry over the next ten years. Details of a scheme to help farmers with the cost of screening their herds for BVD will be given at the open day, as well as information on other hidden diseases like Johne’s. Visitors to Fan Farm will learn about how the Stewarts tackle disease control and receive additional guidance from SAC experts.

Starting at 11.00 am the day begins on the farm at Earleston. Speakers from SAC will highlight key approaches to management of the Fan herd. All the calves are born in the spring, sired by bulls selected for their ability to pass on good growth rates, temperament, milk yield and mobility. Attention is paid to good herd hygiene with newly calved cows kept clean on straw, in well drained buildings. Factors like this help reduce the spread of any infection.

Lunch will be provided at the Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso and afterwards other SAC specialists will answer farmer’s questions about key issues surrounding the eradication of BVD and the control strategies for other invidious diseases like Johne’s. Those wishing to book a place should contact SAC, St Boswells  01835 823322. 

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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