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The next open meeting at South Mains, Sanquhar, is on Thursday, 10th September at 1.30 pm.  As well as offering the opportunity to see how the cattle have done since the first meeting, visitors can learn about managing the grazing for ewes and lambs prior to weaning. There will also be a chance to assess how this year’s reseeded fields have progressed and to discuss an overall grazing strategy for the farm going into autumn and winter, so that stock requirements are met and grass is available in spring.

At the first, introductory, meeting in July, farmers were shown how hard a ewe has to graze to meet her daily feed requirements and how foot rot or teeth problems can affect her grazing ability.  It was also emphasised that grass kept short and leafy is of better quality so the ewe need not eat as much. Stress was placed on the importance of good grass management if it is not to get away from the stock and lose quality.

This year the store cattle on the farm have been managed on a rotational grazing system which involved monitoring grass growth and cattle intake.  Cattle move on to the next paddock when they have grazed the previous one down to the required level.  It ensures better re-growth of the grass, yet still means a good liveweight for the cattle.  It is all about attention to detail.

Anyone interested in attending the September 10th meeting should call Sheep & Beef Specialist Rhidian Jones at SAC Dumfries.