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Caithness Beef Group Get Up to Speed on Production Efficiency

17th July 2006

The change in farm support away from direct headage payments means that livestock
producers need to improve efficiencies in production and not rely on the single farm
payment to prop up the business.

Learning new ideas and implementing these ideas is the way forward. And, for
members of the Caithness and Sutherland Beef Group there was an opportunity to do
just that on 12th July at Rattar Mains near Dunnet, Caithness.

The group met at the farm, by kind permission of the Mackay family and, on a farm tour,
they discussed various aspects of efficient suckled calf production. The discussion was
led by the SAC Area Adviser, Bob Tosh, and the newly appointed Beef and Sheep
Specialist for Northern Scotland, Ian Pritchard.

New members are welcome to join the group which meets on a regular basis to
exchange ideas. Their meetings are mainly on farms and different topics are chosen for
discussion. Details of how to join can be obtained from the SAC office, Strathbeg
House, Clarence Street, Thurso. Tel. 01847 892719

In the near future a sheep group will be established and producers interested in
attending should contact David Brewster at the above address.

 

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