Soils and drains top the discussion list at Stirlingshire Monitor Farm

Soil pH, field drainage and implementing a new grass and grazing plan were key topics at the Stirlingshire Monitor Farm summer meeting. At an information-packed gathering, visitors also discussed stock health and nutrition and heard more about what the host farmers had been doing since their first meeting six months ago.

The Stirlingshire Monitor Farm, at Lands of Drumhead, is farmed by the Duncan family. Three of Bruce and Shona Duncan’s children - Sally, Rebecca, and Gregor - are becoming increasingly involved in running the farms and the family’s diversified agri-tourism enterprises, which include glamping pods and selling home-grown lamb, hogget and mutton direct from the farm.

It is one of nine Monitor Farm across Scotland taking part in the programme run by Quality Meat Scotland and AHDB, and funded by Scottish Government. This aims to help to farms reach full economic, social, and environmental sustainability by optimising production. Over the next four years, other farmers and experts will be brought together to help the Duncans assess farm performance, explore opportunities, and develop solutions to the challenges they face.

Situated on the boundary of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the farm runs over 540ha (1,335 acres), with 165 suckler cows and 1,100 ewes with most progeny sold store.

As part of the Monitor Farm programme, soil sampling and analysis was undertaken by SoilEssentials, which was explained by precision agronomy manager Catriona McLean. This highlighted the need for lime across Lands of Drumhead; an active liming programme is needed to improve soil pH to 5.8 on permanent pasture and 6.2 on temporary grass and re-seeds. This will provide the greatest return on investment, according to soil specialists.

Use of lime has been constrained by access issues, as the farm sits on a very narrow back road which is a struggle for bulk artic lorries - the only delivery method for lime, explained regional adviser Christine Cuthbertson. “On seeing the soil analysis results, the family have realised the importance of trying to get the soil pH up. As a result, Bruce has invested time into making a hard pad to provide a tipping area for bulk lime.”

Rebecca Duncan added: “Already we’ve put on quite a bit of lime. We’ve prioritised the silage ground because that’s where our fertiliser use is the most, so that’s the first obvious saving we can make to get more grass in those fields and hopefully reducing fertiliser input.”

The importance of soil pH was echoed by grazing specialist Graham Lofthouse. He advised making a 10-year grassland plan for the farm, looking at pH in particular. “Low pH is the principal factor in grassland performance locking up macro and micronutrients.”

Sward management is also important, he said. “Measure species composition to understand sward quality and potential, and vary stocking rate of both sheep and cattle to manage grazing efficiency. The sward stick is a valuable tool – use it, and focus on keeping the grass as vegetative as possible – the leaf is the powerhouse.”

Fixing small drainage issues in the farm’s heavy clay fields is another important step to better productivity, said drainage specialist Jamie Dick. “The drainage system in the field we are looking at is there and still operating, but needs some maintenance where there are sook [sink] holes. Get those small maintenance things done and make sure outlets are okay then after that, management of the soils you have, field by field, is key.”

Attendees saw how the Aerworx Aerator, demonstrated by Agricar, could help. Its blades penetrate and shatter the hard pan in soils without the risk of soil erosion, helping to improve rooting and nutrient uptake.

Besides the focus on soils and grassland, the Duncans have also been discussing specialist plans on nutrient management and reseeding, sheep nutrition, and have implemented a new strategy to tackle lameness in sheep, as well as receiving input on disease management in calves and on cow nutrition.

Christine added: “We have had a fantastic day at the this summer meeting with a 40degC differential in temperature from the launch meeting in December. Not only has the temperature risen, but so has the activity by our Monitor Farmers, and it’s great to see them embracing change and advice from the plans and testing that have been undertaken.

“The social part of the programme is vital, and today attendees have been able to share their concerns over the continuing dry weather. It’s always good to know you are not alone when going through challenging times, and we were also delighted to have RSABI join us.”

For more information about future meetings and to join the Stirlingshire Monitor Farm Community Group, visit www.monitorfarms.co.uk or contact Monitor Farm regional adviser Christine Cuthbertson at ccuthbertson@qmscotland.co.uk tel 07769 366671.