THE next Borders Monitor Farm meeting, at host farm Whitriggs on Wednesday, August 9, will focus on costs of production and soil health.
At the meeting, Mark Hodkinson, from Soils4Life, will lead an infield session looking at the soil makeup at Whitriggs.
Mr Hodkinson, a soil agronomist from Nottingham, will highlight what the attendees should look for in their own soil as well as commenting on the structure and fertility of the soils at Whitriggs. He will also look at the requirements of soil for scenarios of cropping, grass and intensive paddock grazing.
The Mitchells currently have 140 suckler cows which are a combination of Beef Shorthorn cross and Aberdeen-Angus cross. At the meeting, the Mitchells will lead a discussion about the carrying capacity of the farm and look at potential opportunities to increase output.
The family will also share the costs of production for both the beef and sheep enterprises, for the group to comment on.
There will be a BBQ lunch with Scotch Beef burgers and the meeting is expected to finish by 2.30pm. All are welcome and the event is free.
For catering purposes, those interested in coming along on August 9 should confirm attendance with Stephen Young, one of the project facilitators, on 07502 339613 or email stephen.young@saos.coop.
For more information about the monitor farm programme visit www.qmscotland.co.uk