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Organic farming funding support in Scotland
Farmers and growers in Scotland have the opportunity to apply for organic conversion and organic maintenance payments, until the extended deadline of 20th April 2016. Find out more here.
 
Best Soil in Show 2016: ready, steady, dig! - Closing date 22nd April
Once again we’re joining the hunt to find the ‘Best Soil in Show’ for the Royal Highland Show, alongside the James Hutton Institute, NFU Scotland and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs. More information here.
 
Grassland: managing soils & weeds; a one-day course for crofters, Tuesday 10th May, Portree, Isle of Skye, 10.30am-3pm
We will look at practical soil management and sustainable weed control.  The day will include a visit to a croft followed by a BYO soils workshop and Q&A session.  Speakers include independent consultant, Ian Cairns.  Free to land managers; £40 + VAT to others.  Booking is required for catering purposes.  Contact David on 0131 666 2474 or dmichie@soilassociation.org for more info.
 
Horticulture: a one-day course for crofters and other small producers, Wednesday 11th May, Glendale, Isle of Skye, 9.30am-4pm
A practical one-day event looking at soils, fertilisers and rotations for horticultural crops.  The day will include outdoor practical sessions including soil physical assessment, crop rotations for polytunnels, and placement of windbreaks and shelters.  Speakers include Audrey Litterick (Audrey Litterick Consulting) and Donald Murdie (Gatrigill), authors of Horticulture: A Handbook for Crofters.  Free to land managers; £40 + VAT to others.  Booking is required for catering purposes.  Contact David on 0131 666 2474 or dmichie@soilassociation.org for more info.
 
Trees: a crop with multiple benefits
Managing & planting for improved livestock & arable production
Thursday 26th May, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
Friday 27th May, Newburgh, Fife
A practical day looking at the benefits of agroforestry:  how to manage existing woodland for livestock; planting for optimum arable production; funding sources and an introduction to the Woodland Trust. Speakers include Stephen Briggs, Abacus Organics; Mike Strachan, Forestry Commission Scotland and Woodland Trust. Thursday’s event includes a visit to Bolfracks Estate where we will look at long established silvopastoral grazing systems. Friday’s event includes a visit to Parkhill Farm where we will discuss how the farmer is planning to establish alleyway planting of apple trees in his arable fields to increase production along with planting native trees to provide shelter for livestock. Come along and find out from those practicing agroforestry, what the multiple benefits are. Free of charge to farmers and land managers & £40.00 plus VAT to others. Booking is required so lunch & packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org
 
Soil Muck & Money Event, Wednesday 1st June, Beaquoy Farm, Dounby, Orkney - Event kindly supported by William Shearer   
A practical event looking at soil, grassland management, making best use of FYM and slurry; for optimum production. Speakers include James Bretherton, AgScope and Iain Eadie, Germinal UK Ltd. Free of charge to farmers and land managers and £40.00 plus VAT to others. The event will be run in the morning (10.00am -1pm) and repeated in the afternoon from (2pm – 5pm). Booking is required, so lunch & packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn on 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org
 
SOIL: Knowing what you’ve got & making it work for you. Thursday 2nd June, 10.30 – 3.30  Chalmersquoy, Westray, Orkney
Practical hands-on day with James Bretherton, Agscope, includes BYO soil & soil analysis session
A practical informative  meeting with James Bretherton, Agscope looking at the most vital asset on your farm SOIL. Discussing soil analysis, physical soil assessment, taking appropriate remedial action & answering your soil related questions. The event includes a BYO soil & soil analysis hands on session. Free of charge to farmers and land managers & £40.00 plus VAT to others. Booking is required, so lunch & packs can be provided. For further information please call Lyn 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org
 
Funded by The Scottish Government & The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with partner funding from QMS, Forestry Commission Scotland, Innovative Farmers & The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation.
 
If you would like further information or would like to a book place on one of our events please don’t hesitate get in touch.