Ross-shire WIA – Managing Grassland and Soil Health

This is a Women in Agriculture event.

Join us to discuss how multi-species swards, herbal leys, cover crops and green manures could fit within your farming system and support greening compliance. Integrating these diverse mixtures into your system improves soil structure, builds drought resilience, boosts livestock performance, and increases biodiversity.

Led by grassland specialist Lorna Galloway, this practical session will cover:

Sward Performance: Maximising grass yields and general pasture management.

Soil & Crop Health: Utilising green manures, establishing cover crops, and building soil life.

Species-Rich Mixtures: Choosing the right varieties for livestock and land health.

EFAs: We will also provide a clear update on the Enhanced Greening measures introduced on January 1st, 2026. If you farm more than 15 hectares of arable land, including temporary grassland, these changes may affect how your land is managed and whether adjustments are needed to existing Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) or if EFA requirements apply to your business for the first time. Further changes are anticipated into 2027 and beyond. The session will provide practical guidance and management options to help you understand the changes and identify workable solutions to fulfil EFA requirements.

Key takeaways for attendees include:

• Practical strategies to improve soil health and pasture resilience
• Greater understanding of species-rich systems and their farm benefits
• Guidance on adapting to new greening and EFA requirements
• Ideas to support productivity, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability
• Opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with an experienced specialist and fellow farmers

Meet at Balvattie Farm, Muir of Ord, at 10.30am for tea and welcome.

Lunch is provided, so booking is essential.

What3Words location: Balvattie Farm.