Event: Wigtownshire Dairy Conference – Profitable Farming in a Changing Climate
Date: 10.00 am -3.30 pm, Thursday 5th March, 2015
Location: Green Valley Golf Range, Castle Kennedy, New Luce Rd., DG9 8SQ.
While dairy farmers may presently feel powerless over the milk price they are receiving there are things they can do to improve the efficiency of their business and add more to their bottom line. That is the focus of a free conference planned for the Green Valley Golf Range at Castle Kennedy outside Stranraer on Thursday 5th March.
Organised by staff from Scotland’s Rural College the event will stimulate practical ideas and tips that farmers can take home and adapt for their own use. Well respected speakers from the SAC Consulting arm of SRUC will focus on the key areas within a dairy business which a farmer can influence to increase profitability.
The conference is funded by the Scottish Government’s “Farming for a Better Climate Initiative” which has involved groups of farmers who have looked hard at making savings in energy use and other inputs. During the initiative Galloway dairy farmer Ross Paton at Torr Farm saved £37,000 and reduced his farm’s carbon footprint by 11%.
According to Senior Consultant Seamus Donnelly there is no one simple answer. Savings come from making small improvements across a range of dairy farming activities.
“Dairy farmers work hard and are always looking to improve their businesses,” he says. “But it can be a lonely task and a meeting like this allows them to discuss ideas with people who understand the business and its pressures. For example better disease control leads to better fertility and more efficient calving patterns. Controlling the cost of energy, or other inputs like fertilisers and medicines can make a real difference.”
Amongst those joining Seamus are vet Colin Mason, Senior Dairy Consultant David Keiley and Alison Clark. The Conference begins at 10.00 am and closes at 3.30 pm in time for the afternoon milking.
While the event is free a soup and sandwich lunch will be provided. It would help those organising the catering if anyone planning to attend could register by phoning the SAC Consulting office in Stranraer on 01776 702649.
For more information on Farming for a Better Climate, see www.farmingforabetterclimate.org, follow us on Twitter @sacfarm4climate or find us on Facebook
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