Volatility in the upland sheep sector has led SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College, to organise a free event in Ballater on 3 November offering producers an opportunity to discuss key issues for success.
SAC Consulting Beef & Sheep expert Kirsten Williams explained: “Sheep prices have fluctuated in both live and dead markets over the last year, partly due to the EU market that is open to vulnerable exchange rates. Finished lamb prices have been below par this summer and this has dented confidence in the sector. As we go into autumn it is opportune to consider practical management issues and the outlook for the months ahead.
“Income and profits will depend on attention to detail, technical efficiency and using up to date information - these topics will be the focus of our event.”
The day will start at 10.30am on the Finnie family’s successful, large scale upland Bush Farm (Crathie, Ballater, AB35 5UP). The Finnies run 2,400 ewes and 150 suckler cows. The sheep enterprise consists of 1,600 Scottish Blackface ewes and 800 cross ewes. The majority of the Blackface ewes are kept pure with 400 being crossed to the Border Leicester ram for replacement greyface ewes. Meatlinc, Suffolk and Texel rams are used to produce finished lambs which are sold deadweight.
On the farm, visitors will hear from SRUC/SAC Consulting and industry specialist speakers who will discuss health, nutrition, new technology as an aid to efficiency and cost benefits of away wintering hogs.
The event will later move to Crathie Hall for lunch followed by “The Great Sheep Debate”. This will involve an expert panel of key industry figures chaired by SRUC Chairman Pat Machray and include Laurent Vernet (QMS), Alan McNaughton (McIntosh Donald, part of the 2 Sisters Food Group), Ian Duncan Millar and Rod McKenzie. Questions from the floor will be encouraged.
