First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced £200,000 of new funding to support Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS)2018 Scotch Lamb PGI promotional campaign. The sheep sector plays a significant part in Scotland’s red meat industry, which is worth £892m to Scotland. The First Minister confirmed the funding as she barbecued Scotch Lamb at the Turriff Show with young farmers and local butchers. She said: “The food and drink sector plays an important part in Scotland’s economy so it is important we promote our premium produce.
“The strength of our farming industry would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the farmers who work tirelessly to produce high-quality meat.
“That hard work and premium product is recognised by the protection given by the EU to the Scotch Lamb brand and we will be working hard to continue that protection in the future.
“I’m pleased we could support this year’s campaign which will help encourage consumers to buy Scotch Lamb as part of their regular shopping.”
Jim McLaren, QMS chair, said: “Today’s announcement by the First Minister is fantastic news for the Scottish sheep industry and it’s a great boost for our producers.
“This additional funding will enhance our comprehensive marketing and public relations Scotch Lamb PGI campaign, which is due to launch at the end of August.
“The eight-week campaign will spread the word to Scottish consumers about the quality, taste and versatility of Scotch Lamb – the perfect mid-week meal.”
Free workshops focus on flock breeding potential
A series of practical workshops to assist sheep producers in making the most from genetics and management to improve flock performance, is being held across Scotland in the coming weeks by QMS.
The six farmer-focused workshops will be hands-on and practical. They will guide participants through identifying the best rams for flocks, ewe selection, ram MOTing, ewe body condition scoring, flock health and ewe nutrition pre- and post-tupping.
The workshops will be led by sheep veterinary consultant Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health, a specialist in sheep health and production who works closely with veterinary surgeons, farmers, processors and retailers in both the UK and abroad. Dr Lovatt is also involved in a number of sheep breeding projects, including AHDB Beef and Lamb’s Ram Compare and Challenge Sheep.
Dr Lovatt will be joined by vet Dr Graham Baird, also a specialist in sheep health and production. Dr Baird has worked in mixed practice, as a small ruminant specialist for Zoetis and in SAC’s VI Centres in Inverness, St Boswells and Perth where he was involved in disease surveillance and health schemes.
QMS’s enterprise profitability publication shows that better financial returns for breeding sheep enterprises are closely linked to production performance. For example, more lambs weaned per ewe and at heavier weights.
Whilst each farm will have an environmental limit to production, improvements in flock performance can be achieved when the right genetics are combined with good ewe and tup management before and after mating.
Emily Grant, QMS knowledge transfer specialist said the workshops will also offer a valuable opportunity for sheep farmers to get to grips with EBVs and how they can benefit their businesses.
“Even though the 2018 lamb crop is still largely on the ground, as ewes are weaned and ram sales approach, we’re heading to the sheep equivalent of New Year,” said Ms Grant.
“Whilst the sales offer the opportunity to select the best new genetics, early preparation up until, and just after, mating sets the ewe’s production potential for that next crop.
“Given the challenging spring and summer and low forage availability, getting ewe condition right during this period will be crucial to next year’s performance.”
The workshops start at 10.30am with coffee, followed by a mix of practical sessions and presentations to cover the key topics. Lunch will be provided, and booking is essential. Please note that clean clothing and disinfectable footwear must be worn. Please visit: www.qmscotland.co.uk/events to book a space.
Workshop details: