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Focus on Livestock Productivity at Auchencairn - Efficiency the Watchwords at Torr Farm Climate Change Meeting

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N132
Published: 31 Oct 2011

An open farmers meeting focussed on efficient dairy and beef production takes place at Torr Farm, Auchencairn on Thursday November 10th. As one of Scotland’s Climate Change Focus Farms Torr farm is playing a key role in helping identify local solutions to a global problem. One sure fire way of reducing any farms carbon foot print is to maximise the number of kilos of meat or milk produced for every litre of Methane emitted.

Since they volunteered to join the Scottish Government’s “Farming for a Better Climate” initiative brother and sister Ross and Lee Paton, who farm at Torr, have seldom been out of the headlines, meeting Ministers or hosting farmer events. Their organic unit at Auchencairn is one of 4 national tests beds where, with interested neighbours and experts from SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) they look at their farming methods and seek ways of improving them so they can help their industry meet tough Government targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The planned meeting will focus on improving key areas of productivity, both for the dairy and beef finishing cattle. Ross and Lee Paton are committed to improving their farming system efficiency. Ross commented:

“Given the increasing cost of inputs like feed and fertiliser we must take a critical look at whether we are making the best use of them. For example the correct feeding of dairy cows has the greatest influence on fertility, longevity and the productivity of the herd”.

Rhidian Jones, SAC Sheep and Beef Specialist, will lead discussions on the efficient winter feeding of beef cattle that are either sold “store” for others to fatten, or finished on the farm they were born on.

“With such an expensive item it is crucial to analyse the nutritional quality of your silage, hay or straw and plan ahead so performance can be optimised and costs reduced. For example store cattle that will be turned out to grass in the spring need not be pushed as hard as those that are being fattened inside”.

Rhidian will also outline some basic principles of managing grass in winter so cattle can be turned out earlier in spring.

David Keiley, SAC Dairy Specialist, based in Dumfries will explain how cow behaviour can tell a lot about how a herd is being managed. According to David:

“The challenge is to create a system which reduces the carbon foot print by increasing efficiency. For example, getting heifers fit to have their first calf at two years old depends on good steady growth rates and feeding through those early years. It is attention to detail that will pay off in stock that lives longer and stays healthier, producing more calves in their lifetime”.

The meeting starts at 11.00 am and finishes at 1.30 pm. A warm lunch will be provided. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to contact SAC Consultant David Keiley on 01387 261172 to help with catering arrangements.

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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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