DairyCo

Monitor farms - get involved

Published 28 June 10

DairyCo works with a number of monitor farms across the country.  Kate Cross, Product Manager at DairyCo, explains what they are and their value to local producers.

"Monitor farms are all commercial farms, chosen by farmers, typical of their local area and run by farmers dedicated to improving profitability and performance," says Kate. "By sharing their figures, information and experience they prompt discussion within farmer community groups.

"Subjects covered at meetings can be as diverse as grassland management, water conservation and what to do with your bull calves.  However, all of the farms operate on the same principle, that is, encouraging best practice by providing the opportunity for farmers to learn from other farmers and industry experts. 

"DairyCo extension officers tend to work as facilitators within the monitor farm structures and this spring has seen some really interesting well attended events across the country."

Dairy Monitor Farms:

Scotland - funded by the Scottish Government as part of the QMS monitor farms project

• Lockerbie- Willie Fleming, Hillhead, Kirkpatrick-Fleming DG11 3NQ

Contact Heather Wildman, DairyCo extension officer: 07876706391 heather.wildman@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk for more information

• Angus- Sandy Milne, East Pitforthie, Brechin DD9 7PQ

Contact Sophie Kinnear, DairyCo extension officer: 07717500877 sophie.kinnear@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk for more information

For further information about Monitor farm projects, upcoming meetings and meeting reports visit:  www.qmscotland.co.uk

South West, run in conjunction with Milk Link:

• Cornwall, Glubhole Farm, near Launceston

Contact: Rachael Grigg, DairyCo extension officer, tel: 07976 980759

North West Development Agency monitor farms:

• Cumbria, Hesket Farm, Dane, near Penrith
• Lancashire, Mason House, Bashall Eaves, Clitheroe

More info: www.livestocknw.co.uk
Contact: Robert Burrow, 01768 868615

• Cheshire, Clive Hall Farm

More info: www.livestocknw.co.uk
Contact: Lesley Innes, 01270 625 131