Building resilience – for farms and anyone in farming – is the theme for the Roxburghshire Monitor Farm summer meeting, being held jointly with Farmstrong Scotland. Booking for the event, on Thursday 18 July, is now open.
Farmers are invited to come along and hear the latest from Monitor Farmer Robert Wilson about progress at Cowbog, which he farms with his wife Lucy and his parents. They run 70 pure-bred Hereford suckler cows plus followers and a sheep flock, as well as growing arable and forage crops. Robert will be focussing on resilience and what it means to his business.
Visitors will also hear from Gerard Vaughan, programme director of Farmstrong in New Zealand, who is currently visiting the UK and spending time working with Farmstrong Scotland. He will be sharing tips about how to improve personal wellbeing and resilience, and discussing the impact that the Farmstrong programme has had in New Zealand.
Alix Ritchie, programme director of Farmstrong Scotland added: “Gerard will be looking at the practical steps everyone in farming can take to help build resilience to cope with some of the changes we are facing such as unpredictable weather, policy changes and fluctuating input costs and commodity prices. He’ll be encouraging attendees to consider their own personal resilience and to invest in the number one asset on their farms – themselves.”
Stuart Johnson from West Wharmley Farm near Hexham, will discuss his focus on building a resilient farming business. He will talk about how he has spent the last decade focussing on reducing his reliance on fertiliser, chemicals and other external inputs, while increasing the farm’s resilience to fluctuations in the weather and economy.
Visitors will also hear from Eric Anderson from Scottish Agronomy about future weather patterns and building resilient soils.
Maura Wilson, Monitor Farm regional adviser, said: “With many challenges facing farmers, resilience is becoming something we all talk about much more. This Monitor Farm and Farmstrong meeting will look at how farmers and farms can develop a more resilient approach, with some really great practical examples for discussion. We will be aiming to help everyone think about what resilience might mean for them and their businesses.”
The meeting starts at 10.30am, and lunch is included. Booking is essential. Car parking is limited – car share if possible, please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy/waterproof footwear and ensure good biosecurity – clean vehicles, footwear and clothing before attending. Children under 16 and dogs are not permitted.
Roxburghshire Monitor Farm summer meeting Thursday 18 July 10.30am-2.30pm at Cowbog Farm, Morebattle, Kelso TD5 8EH. Booking: https://buildingresilienceonfarm.eventbrite.co.uk