Enhanced Greening and Bluetongue preparation at the Strathspey Monitor Farm

QMS is the public body responsible for promoting the Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb brands in the UK and GI labelled Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb branded products abroad, and for promoting Scottish pork products under the Specially Selected Pork logo.

Quality Meat Scotland

EFA and Bluetongue preparation are vital for Highland Farms. Discuss with specialists, farmers and vets how you can minimise your risks.

Carrbridge Hotel

The Smith Family, farming at Auchernack, Grantown on Spey and the<a href="https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/farm/strathspey-monitor-farm/" title="https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/farm/strathspey-monitor-farm/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> Strathspey Monitor Farmers</a>, know that changes are coming to their business due to the increased risk of Bluetongue disease and new Enhanced Greening (EFA) requirements.There will be a buffet, tea and coffee available from 6.30pmBLUETONGUE<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-ganser-brulisauer-5b55529a/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-ganser-brulisauer-5b55529a/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Antonia Brulisauer</a>, APHA vet will discuss the history, current status, diagnosis and implications of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue" title="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Bluetongue</a> in sheep, cattle and deer.Louise Pearce of Strathspey Vets. will explain how the disease spreads and the options farmers in the Highlands have to protect their livestock.Abbie Robertson, <a href="https://saos.coop/what-we-do/data/myherdstats" title="https://saos.coop/what-we-do/data/myherdstats" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">MyHerdStats</a>, will show how a farmer can record vaccinations for cattle and sheep for bluetongue with ScotEID. She’ll explain why this is required by Scottish Government. There are benefits too from recording the information; for forward sales and your own personal records.EFAMany more mixed farms will be affected by ‘<a href="https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/blog/enhanced-greening--changes-for-2026but-its-bigger-than-that" title="https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/blog/enhanced-greening--changes-for-2026but-its-bigger-than-that" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Enhanced Greening</a>’. It’ll cover anybody who has arable land defined as temporary grass and cover crops. Farmers such as the Smiths, who can grow fodder crops and rotate grass regularly, may be caught up in the EFA regulations.Speaker <a href="https://www.nfus.org.uk/about-nfus/regional-managers/highlands.aspx" title="https://www.nfus.org.uk/about-nfus/regional-managers/highlands.aspx" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Ian Wilson</a>, Farmer and NFUS Regional Manager says, ‘You don’t want to get to the 15th May 2026 and find that you’re not EFA compliant. Not being compliant could cost up to 1/3 of your BPS payment!'<a href="https://www.scotland.lantra.co.uk/contact/jenny-mccallum" title="https://www.scotland.lantra.co.uk/contact/jenny-mccallum" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jenny McCallum</a>, rural consultant and shepherd, will discuss the decisions that need to be made on the Strathspey Monitor Farm and the impacts of EFA on the business. Jenny and Ian will explain the wider implications for farms in the area and take questions from the audience.The history, current status, diagnosis and implications of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue" title="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Bluetongue</a> in sheep, cattle and deer will be discussed by Louise Pearce of Strathspey Vets. She’ll explain how the disease spreads and the options farmers have to protect their livestock in the Highlands.Abbie Robertson, <a href="https://saos.coop/what-we-do/data/myherdstats" title="https://saos.coop/what-we-do/data/myherdstats" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">MyHerdStats</a>, will show how a farmer can record vaccinations for cattle and sheep for bluetongue with ScotEID. She’ll explain why this is required by Scottish Government. There are benefits too from recording the information; for forward sales and your own personal records.