Exchange ideas, learn from others and help shape future support for remote and small farm businesses across southwest Scotland.

Small farms and family livestock businesses are an important component of farming across southwest Scotland. While they may not operate at the same scale as larger enterprises, they play a vital role in producing quality breeding stock, supporting sustainable land management, maintaining traditional livestock systems and contributing to the resilience of rural communities.

This Scottish Farm Advisory Service (FAS) event, is one of a three-part series taking place across southwest Scotland. New to sheep or cattle? The meeting will explore how best to get your start with livestock in small and Less Favoured Area (LFA) settings, understand basics and best practice, from terminology to breeds and purpose, condition scoring and safe handling for high welfare.

The session will include:

An introduction to beef and sheep enterprises for new and aspiring entrants to farming, guided by local and specialist input.

An opportunity to share experiences of farming in southwest Scotland and discuss the challenges and opportunities unique to this region.

A simple, confidential benchmarking exercise to help participants compare their own business with published Scottish benchmark data and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

Livestock systems, handling, health and welfare demonstrations.

Whether you keep a small suckler herd, manage a hill flock or run a mixed livestock enterprise, this informal discussion will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from others and help shape future support for remote and small farm businesses across southwest Scotland.

Booking is essential for catering purposes.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.