Focusing on improving upland businesses

Several “focus farms” in Yorkshire have been chosen to be centres of discussion on improving efficiency for upland beef and sheep businesses.

The idea is to look at the problems and opportunities facing the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and South Pennines, through a series of on-farm events and workshops discussing best practice in breeding, nutrition, health and fertility, costings, animal selection and marketing.

Announcing the programme this week, Steve Dunkley, EBLEX regional manager for the North East, said: “This initiative is part of a new series of EBLEX Better Returns Programme activities addressing the unique challenges faced by upland beef and sheep producers.

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“Yorkshire and the Humber encompasses several upland areas with a large farming population who are heavily reliant on livestock, so the partners in this project are well-placed to offer them support and expertise.”

David Lyth, from ADAS, said: “The focus farm concept gives producers the opportunity to see a number of interesting farm businesses and how they are adapting to changing situations.

“We are hoping to demonstrate how an integrated approach to improving animal health and technical husbandry can lead to a more sustainable financial performance.”

Sophie Throup, from Bishopton Vets, said: “We’re looking forward to being involved and sharing the learning from this project with our clients in the wider region.”

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The first meetings have been fixed for the evenings of Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6, and are free to EBLEX levy payers. The July 5 meeting will be at successful beef and sheep farmer Richard Findlay’s base, at Quarry Farm, Westerdale, near Whitby, YO21 2DE, 6pm for a 6.30 start and an expected 9pm finish.

Topics will include a collaboration with an arable farm for winter grazing and fertiliser purchasing.

Mr Findlay also has experience to pass on with the Easycare breed of sheep – and as a honey producer.

The second meeting will be at the same time on July 6, with beef producer David Lumley and his guest speakers at Highfield Grange, Aislaby, Pickering,

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It was a Farm of the Week profile on these pages in October last year, angled on the advantages Mr Lumley had gained from resiting and redesigning his farm centre and investing in new cattle housing with adjustable ventilation.

Other farmers in the focus group are Jack Graham, Haver Close, Lofthouse, Nidderdale, and Rachel Hallas, Beeston Hall, Ripponden, near Sowerby Bridge.

How to register for farm talks

THIS initiative will be operated jointly by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX), the Bishopton Veterinary Group, at York, and ex-government farm consultancy ADAS, supported with funding from Yorkshire Forward, the Rural Development Programme for England and training organisers Lantra and Landskills. To register for the farm talks, or for more information, call Hellen or Sandra at EBLEX on 0870 609 1840 or email [email protected]/