[Rosemary]

Dear all,
Please see below details of our forthcoming events which are FREE to farmers, crofters and other land managers to attend. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries or would like to book a space. If appropriate we would be really grateful if you could circulate these to your networks, include in any newsletters and on website events sections.
Many thanks for your help,
Lyn, Colleen and Alison
 
Field Lab: Anaerobic Digestion – Wednesday 21st May, Cream o’Galloway, Gatehouse of Fleet
This will be the second open meeting of the AD field lab. We will look at applying home-produced digestate to silage fields and compare the differences in cost, practicality and environmental impact between a conventional surface broadcaster and modern bandspreader. Please note you do not have to have attended the first meeting to come to the second one. Call Colleen on 0131 666 2474 or email [email protected] With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme, Duchy Originals, Forestry Commission Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland
 
AssureWel Awareness Event, 12.00 - 3.30, Thursday 22nd May, Edinburgh
You are invited to an introduction to AssureWel, a collaborative initiative between Soil Association, RSPCA and Bristol University, which is developing a practical system of welfare outcome assessment for the major farm animal species. To attend this informative event please contact Lyn or call 0131 666 0847. We will be providing a light lunch. Please book early as places are limited.
 
Soil Muck & Money Event, Wednesday 28th May, Durness
A practical day looking at soil and grassland management and making best use of inputs. Speakers include James Bretherton, AgScope and Iain Eadie, Germinal Seeds GB Ltd. The day will also include a visit to Keoldale Farm.  For further information please call Lyn on 0131 666 0847 or email [email protected] With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme & QMS
 
Field Lab: Feeding Silage to Pigs – Tuesday 10 June, 1pm-4:30pm, Peelham Farm, Berwickshire
This is the first meeting of a new Field Lab which will look at feeding silage to pigs; especially the potential to maintain good liveweight gain, increase carcase quality, improve gut health, and also reduce the cost and environmental impacts associated with feeding imported soya. For more info call Colleen on 0131-666-2474 or email [email protected] With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme, Duchy Originals, Forestry Commission Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland
 
Enhancing Soil Productivity:  Managing Structure and Fertility to Improve Performance, Thursday 12th June, 9.30am – 1pm, Whitmuir Farm, Peeblesshire
This practical morning event will focus on managing soil structure and fertility, and will cover a number of topics including the benefits of using green manures and the potential merits of soil additives like biochar. Call Colleen on 0131 666 2474  or email [email protected] 1.00 – 1.30pm: Organic Catch-up  (All welcome) There will also be an optional open session after the main event, for a chance to share your thoughts on the organic sector in Scotland and to highlight current news, including updates from the recent Organic Market Report and the Scottish Organic Forum. With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme, Duchy Originals, Forestry Commission Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland
 
Paddock Grazing 4 Profit, Tuesday 8th July, Forgandenny, Perthshire
A practical introduction to paddock grazing and the benefits it can bring, optimising animal performance from pasture. The importance of functional genetic traits will also be discussed. Speakers include Murray Rohloff, NZ sheep/grazing consultant and Robyn Hulme, Easyrams. The day will also include a visit to Culeuchar Farm courtesy of Michael Blanche. For further information please call Lyn on 0131 666 0847 or email [email protected] With support from SRDP’s Skills Development Scheme & QMS
 
Organic Dragon’s Den Event for New Organic Product Design
Soil Association Scotland is pleased to offer Scottish organic businesses the opportunity to enter new organic product ideas to a panel of expert judges. The top entrants will be asked to briefly present their product to the judges, ALL top entries will receive feedback and the winning product/idea will be publicised by Soil Association Scotland during Organic September. All product ideas are welcome! More details will follow in the next newsletter…Call Alison on 07557127610 or email [email protected]