25 August 2015

2 minute read

Europe

The calculation has been made by a senior consultant at SAC Consulting, who says the 341 hectare beef and sheep operation will be part of a project to better apply manure.

Rumbletonrig has 250 sheep and 300 beef cows and has hosted the first in a series of “Farming for Better Climate” events which will be rolled out across the country as part of the Scottish government’s Climate Change Focus farms

The team at Scotland’s Agricultural College (SAC) is communicating the message that old habits need to be broken when thinking about manure to increase farm profit and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.

SAC Consultant Donald Dunbar said: “Too often farmers see slurry and manure as a waste product they need to get rid of.

“We know that used correctly it can reduce the need for fertiliser which will save money, and of course reduce the pollution risk. However while many farmers will spread their manure on their fields they still add a normal application of bag fertiliser as well, seeing the manure as little more than a bonus treatment.”

SAC Consultant Chris McDonald, who valued the manure at Rumbletonrig, said: “We will be working with John and son Stephen to work out where best to apply the manure, when to apply to manure and how much to apply to get the valuable phosphate and potash nutrients back where they’re needed most.

“That way he can save on his purchased fertiliser which will help both his bottom line and the natural environment.”

TheCattleSite News Desk