[Rosemary]

The organisers of the Scottish Smallholder and Growers Festival are considering staging a conference type event probably in February and possibly in Perth, aimed at smallholders. Speakers on current topics of interest to smallholders and from a smallholders' perspective; a few stands; nice lunch and a chance to network with other smallholders and folk in the smallholding life.
 
 Is this something folk would be interested in?

[doganjo]

Definitely!

[Fleecewife]

Sounds good 

[Womble]

Yup! 
 
February and Perth also sound like good ideas!

[mojocafa]

Count me in

February     

Perth.         


What day? 

[bloomer]

just yes!!!!

[Anke]

Yes - except bad  weather may prevent some people from travelling at that time of year... but definitely interested. (I am kidding as from end of February though..)

[bigchicken]

Could be interesting so it's a yes from me.

[Rosemary]

If there are any particular topics you'd like covered, please let me know. WE're thinking something on CAP as applied to smallholders. If you are actively farming 3ha, which doesn;t have to be in one block of land, you will probably be eligible to apply for Basic Premium. Folk get put off because they read big farmers moaning in teh farming press about how hard it is but for a small grassland unit, it's much simpler. I think.

Also neonatal care; small scale renewables ie not 50m towers; worming; but other suggestions welcome.

Must go for a shower 

[benandjerry]

Yes - except bad  weather may prevent some people from travelling at that time of year... but definitely interested. (I am kidding as from end of February though..)

As above less Kidding, and any good for wannabee's and depends on what day, for getting time off. 

[Womble]

How about some of the following topics? (i.e. a braindump of my current thoughts!):

• Grassland Management
• Demo of how to do / interpret your own FECs
• Latest scientific thoughts on worming etc
• Lambing for the terrified
• EBVs and how they work
• An intro to doing movement forms online
• Sheep / Poultry shows etc: What the judges are really looking for
• Trimming / shearing workshop (though perhaps not in Feb!  )
• Business Planning *
• Sales & Marketing for microbusiness *
• Websites for smallholders and small businesses
• Felting workshop
• Sausage making
• Improving biodiversity
• Maximising returns from your orchard
• The basics of home brewing
• Financial Aspects (e.g. what business structure is best, should you register for VAT?)
• Discussion forum: Five people each do 5 minutes entitled "What I wish I'd known before I started doing xxxx".
• Stick making demo
• 15 things to do with excess cats

(* perhaps a rep from Business Gateway / Scottish Enterprise could be roped in for these?)

[Rosemary]

How about some of the following topics? (i.e. a braindump of my current thoughts!):

• Grassland Management
• Demo of how to do / interpret your own FECs
• Latest scientific thoughts on worming etc
• Lambing for the terrified
• EBVs and how they work
• An intro to doing movement forms online
• Sheep / Poultry shows etc: What the judges are really looking for
• Trimming / shearing workshop (though perhaps not in Feb!  )
• Business Planning *
• Sales & Marketing for microbusiness *
• Websites for smallholders and small businesses
• Felting workshop
• Sausage making
• Improving biodiversity
• Maximising returns from your orchard
• The basics of home brewing
• Financial Aspects (e.g. what business structure is best, should you register for VAT?)
• Discussion forum: Five people each do 5 minutes entitled "What I wish I'd known before I started doing xxxx".
• Stick making demo
• 15 things to do with excess cats

(* perhaps a rep from Business Gateway / Scottish Enterprise could be roped in for these?)

Thank you!

[Daisys Mum]

If there are any particular topics you'd like covered, please let me know. WE're thinking something on CAP as applied to smallholders. If you are actively farming 3ha, which doesn;t have to be in one block of land, you will probably be eligible to apply for Basic Premium. Folk get put off because they read big farmers moaning in teh farming press about how hard it is but for a small grassland unit, it's much simpler. I think.

Also neonatal care; small scale renewables ie not 50m towers; worming; but other suggestions welcome.

Must go for a shower 

Would definately be interested  as I have no idea where to start with CAP

[oor wullie]

Yes.

Get a vet (or someone who knows) to do a crash course on animal health and diseases.  Ideally a separate seminar for cows, pigs and sheep.

[Rosemary]

Get a vet (or someone who knows) to do a crash course on animal health and diseases.  Ideally a separate seminar for cows, pigs and sheep.

There will only be eight slots but we'll do our best