Free soil health seminars for farmers

Soil Association Scotland are holding a series of seminars in coming weeks with renowned soil expert Jo Scamell, from Ground Level Nutrition Ltd.

The events are free for farmers and land managers and will offer practical advice on improving efficiencies and increasing farm profitability.

The dates and venues for the seminars are:

• Aviemore - 28 September
• Inverurie - 29 September
• Dumfries - 5 October
• South Queensferry - 6 October

Jo Scamell said:

"There are some key actions all farmers can take to address soil health that they may not have thought about, but that can be easily adopted to increase profitability. We need to alter our thinking pattern so that we can enhance the resources on farm and maximise efficiency. We should look at soil as the key to efficient production, disease resistance, and the whole financial cycle of the farm.

"Whether you’re a livestock or arable farmer, to get the most from your farm, you’ve got to get to grips with the soil. With healthy and thriving soil as a foundation, you’re free to maximise efficiency and profits; without it, you’ll never realise the potential of your business.

 "The key is seeing soil as a living thing, It’s not just about phosphate and nitrogen levels. It’s about the living things in there, from microbes and nematodes to worms."

Emily Grant, Grassland Co-ordinator at Quality Meat Scotland (who are providing some funding for Jo’s time in Scotland), said:

"For livestock producers, maintaining healthy grassland soils will support better plant growth with better forage quality helping to drive profitability. We’re delighted Jo is in Scotland to support farmers in exploring the potential soil health can provide for their businesses."

For more information and to book your place at an event contact Lyn White on 07899 791 748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org.