Workshop Timetable

Workshop Area 1 - Building 2

“The British Stratified Sheep Group - A proven system, for a sustainable future!”

Derek Hall, Chair of the British Stratified Sheep Group and Jonathan Hodgson, Chairman of NEMSA will explain how Hybrid Vigour in sheep production the most forgotten about natural growth and production efficiency enhancer. The more diverse the breeds that you cross the higher the benefits are to the subsequent generation. The stratified sheep system exploits this phenomenon to its maximum. This goes beyond “emissions” it looks at sequestration, biodiversity and the circular economy in well managed hill, upland and lowland sheep production. The principle is simple native breeds in their natural surroundings, the right sheep the right place, maximising carbon capture, making the most of grass, our most abundant and low-cost feed source. Supporting remote rural communities to survive and thrive. Offering a sustainably produced lamb that gives the consumer the peace of mind that the lamb they are buying is good for the planet, naturally produced healthy and is consistent in taste texture and eating quality

“The Agrimin Advantage - a bolus for every system”

David Bell and Ieuan Davies from Agrimin will discuss the market leading erosion technology of the Agrimin range of boluses and why trace elements are vitally important to flock and herd health.  As well as hearing how these fully researched and trialled products can benefit your stock, you will also witness, through a practical demonstration, how simple and easy it is to bolus a ewe. 

“Join the March – managing sheep lameness in 5 Steps”

What are the risk factors for lameness on your farm? What 5 practical steps can you take to reduce and prevent lameness? Discussion on Footvax, THE vaccine for footrot in sheep by Dr Katharine Baxter-Smith BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, Sector Veterinary Advisor in the Ruminant Business section of MSD Animal Health.

“Cattle breeding policy at Aikengall”

Workshop and live demonstration with cattle by Gavin Hill, Head of Knowledge Networks at SRUC and James Hamilton, host farmer.

“Prime lamb selection”

Alistair McSporran from Dunbia will do a combined workshop/ live demonstration on prime lamb selection. Final details still to be provided.

“Value added carcase- Shows the versatility of the lamb and what can be produced from its carcase”

Butchery demonstration/workshop presented by Gordon Newlands, Brands Development Manager at QMS along with a young butcher (Name TBC)

Elanco Workshop

Theme & Speakers still to be decided.    

“OPA and actual scanning of sheep”

Dr Chris Cousens and Phil Scott from Moredun will present a combined workshop/demonstration on OPA and actual scanning of sheep.

“The British Stratified Sheep Group - A proven system, for a sustainable future!”

(Repeat of morning session)

“The Agrimin Advantage - a bolus for every system”

(Repeat of morning session)

“Join the March – managing sheep lameness in 5 Steps”

(Repeat of morning session)

“Cattle breeding policy at Aikengall”

(Repeat of morning session)

“Prime lamb selection”

(Repeat of morning session)

“Value added carcase- Shows the versatility of the lamb and what can be produced from its carcase”

(Repeat of morning session)

Elanco Workshop

(Repeat of earlier session)

“OPA and actual scanning of sheep” (Repeat of earlier session)

(Repeat of earlier session)

Workshop Area 2 - Building 4 - Sponsored by Innovis Ltd

“Reducing production costs and the carbon footprint of your flock.”

Chaired by Dewi Jones, CEO, of Innovis with two farmer panellists, Robert Black of Drochil Castle Farm and Ed Munt, Head Shepherd at Mains of Murthly, will explain how flock efficiency can be improved and production costs lowered by using specifically selected genetics and tweaking systems to be more forage based.   The two farmers will explain and demonstrate in practical terms the measures they have taken to achieve their goals. Topics discussed will include changing grazing system, creating feed budgets and dealing with disease risk and worm control. Key topics such as reducing labour costs, setting selective culling policies and choosing the right rams for the system will also be covered. Dewi will outline how these changes are impacting the carbon footprint of their flocks and their implications for the future.

“Investing in your wellbeing bank account.”

Farmstrong Scotland, a rural wellbeing programme for the farming and crofting community, sharing peer-to-peer tips and advice to help those within the sector to live well, to farm and croft well. Alix Ritchie, Programme Director and Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist for Farmstrong Scotland will be delivering this interactive workshop, encouraging attendees to take the time to think about themselves and to share with others what they do to boost their own wellbeing bank account. Research shows many farmers and crofters are great at looking after their equipment and livestock, but, like many other sectors, they can neglect their own wellbeing. As an industry, we can’t afford to let these pressures reach the point where they damage productivity and affect the lives of families. It can be something as simple as making time for a walk or a catch-up with friends, noticing the small things or even building Lego. We look forward to hearing about those small steps, that make a big difference to you.

Community Windpower Workshop

Theme and speakers to be confirmed.

“Net zero: an opportunity not a limitation”

Gemma Wark and Emma McGowan from QMS will give a presentation on -  Net Zero definition and QMS work on commission in a roadmap to achieve it. Scotch lamb is a highly sustainable product set to sustainably feed a growing global population. Parts of the world cannot sustainably produce lamb for themselves to meet their demand so our market opportunity is in exports were QMS is promoting market access and getting a substantial ROI. The mitigation measures to achieve net zero scotch lamb are things that are practicable on farm today.

"Halal sheep meat marketing and the opportunities available in the UK and globally"

By Rizvan Khalid, managing director of the family business Euro Quality Lambs.

Island Green Energy Workshop

Theme and speakers to be decided.

“Winter Grazing/Forage Crops”

Kirsten Williams, Team Leader and Sheep and Beef Consultant at SRUC

“Reducing production costs and the carbon footprint of your flock”

(Repeat of morning session)

“Investing in your wellbeing bank account.”

(Repeat of morning session)

Community Windpower Workshop (Repeat of morning session)

(Repeat of morning session)

“Net zero: an opportunity not a limitation”

 (Repeat of morning session)

"Halal sheep meat marketing and the opportunities available in the UK and globally"

(Repeat of morning session)

Island Green Energy Workshop

(Repeat of earlier session)

“Winter Grazing/Forage Crops”

(Repeat of earlier session)