LIVESTOCK FARMERS looking for an introduction to deer farming are being invited to Scottish demonstration days where they can hear from experts on subjects including deer herd management and stocking, fencing and equipment requirements, finance and land management.
The first event, organised by the Venison Advisory Service and Bell Ingram, will be held in Perthshire on Thursday, July 26, at the village hall, Kinloch Rannoch and at Innerhadden Deer Farm.
Speakers in the morning will include Malcolm Taylor of Bell Ingram, Alan Sneddon and John Fletcher of VAS, and Richard Barclay of Innerhadden. There will be a guided visit to the Innerhadden deer farm in the afternoon. A second event will be held in the north in September on a date still to be finalised.
VAS director, Dick Playfair, said: “With New Zealand prioritising other markets in Europe and elsewhere over the UK as well as having reduced its herd size, albeit this is now being rebuilt, there is a real opportunity for UK producers to get their foot even more firmly in the door.
"Coupled with this, and following Scottish Government cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing’s venison summit earlier this year, a strategic plan is currently being prepared for all Scottish Venison which will fit with Scotland Food and Drink’s Ambition 2030. These are exciting times for the venison sector and we are pleased to be teaming up with Bell Ingram to spread the word.”
Bell Ingram's Mr Taylor said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Venison Advisory Service and to help promote deer farming in Scotland, especially at such an opportune time for the sector. Deer farming provides a real opportunity for new entrants and existing farmers who are looking to diversify and offers an alternative use for upland farms. As agents for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, we are also looking forward to seeing if we can assist with financing for new deer farms.”
To book a place for the Kinloch Rannoch event, contact Charlotte Gilfillan at Bell Ingram, Tel: 01307462516, or charlotte.gilfillan@bellingram.co.uk
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