‘Chewing the Cud Over Grazing and Managing our Time’ are the two key topics of this summer’s Argyllshire Monitor Farm open meeting, with booking now open for the event at Killinallan Farm on Islay on Thursday 25 July.
Visitors to the event at the Archibald family’s farm will hear from grass guru and podcast professional Michael Blanche. Following a visit to the Islay unit in May, Michael will be taking a look at the new paddock grazing system set up for the suckler cows at Killinallan: Is it working, and what have been the learning points? What are the other grazing options available to the Archibald family for their livestock when migratory geese arrive on Islay increasing the pressure on the livestock still at grass.
As well as being a farm consultant and livestock farmer, Michael takes a keen interest in how we can make the best use of the time, having recently dedicated six episodes of his podcast ‘The Pasture Pod’ to this subject. He will be discussing whether, as farmers, can we manage the infinite amount of time we have in a better way.
Monitor Farm Regional Adviser, Christine Cuthbertson says: “This promises to be a practical and interesting meeting on the new paddock grazing system and what the Archibalds think about it. The discussion on making better use of time is something I think we all need to think about, especially in farming when the weather has such an impact on what we can do, and when.”
The meeting runs from 3-7pm, with a farm walk and BBQ at the Oyster Shed; booking is essential to secure a space. Foot passenger transport can be arranged from Port Ellen but must be confirmed when booking your place. Car parking is limited, so car share if possible. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing, and clean vehicles, footwear, and clothing before attending for biosecurity. No children under 16 or dogs are allowed.
Argyllshire Monitor Farm summer meeting – Thursday 25 July, 3pm–7pm at Killinallan Farm, Isle of Islay, Argyllshire, PA44 7PW. Book here: https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/event/chewing-the-cud-over-grazing-and-managing-our-time-with-michael-blanche/