For Graze Debate 2022 we are visiting farmers across Scotland to understand livestock production practises that deliver for the business whilst benefiting the environment.

The finale sees us at the SRUC Hill and Mountain Research Farm, a 2,200 ha estate near Crianlarich in the west Highlands of Scotland. The site is set within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and ranges from productive low ground fields to high altitude (over 1,000 metres above sea level) semi-natural habitats of high nature conservation value. The livestock enterprise, like much of the highlands of Scotland, is concentrated on hill sheep, with currently more than 1,600 sheep (ewes, hogs and gimmers), and a small herd of Aberdeen Angus cross cattle.

When established, agroforestry offers great benefits to livestock and the environment; shade and shelter is becoming more pertinent to grazing flocks and herds, the carbon stored in the soil and tree biomass will help reduce greenhouse gases and the added diversity will benefit wildlife. The farm now hosts 0.5 ha of agroforestry in the form of 100 individually protected trees in rows within the sheep grazing area. Other examples of agroforestry include wood pastures with tree boxes and shelter belts. Wildlife benefits have included habitat for the spotted flycatcher, barn owls and, controversially, the return of beavers.

Join us with the SRUC ecologists and production researchers, Professor Davy McCracken, Dr John Holland and Dr Nicola Lambe to see this all in action and discuss the environmental and productivity implications . SAC Consulting's Lesley Wylie and Poppy Frater are facilitating discussions.

Agenda:

10.30 Arrive - refreshments

11.00 Farm walk

13.00 Lunch

13.30 Indoor discussion - an honest review of what they do and how they might do better

14.30 A review of lessons learnt during Graze Debate 2022

15.00 Close

Directions:

Auchtertyre Farm and Strathfillan Wigwams are 5.5 km north of Crianlarich. As you head north from Crianlarich towards Tyndrum on the A82 you will drive past the SRUC Kirkton entrance on the right (green SRUC Hill & Mountain Research Centre sign at the entrance) continue along the A82 for another kilometre and take the first right at the entrance to Auchtertyre and Strathfillan Wigwams (there is a Strathfillan Wigwams sign at the entrance). Go along the entrance road and park in the area in front of the hay shed (on your right after about 250 m) or the adjacent walkers car-park which is before the bridge. Walk over the bridge in to the yard and we will meet you there.

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements and remember to bring waterproofs and clean footwear.

Graze Debate 2022 Finale - SRUC Hill and Mountain Research Centre