North East Organic Discussion Group: Second Meeting – event summary

This was the second meeting of the NE Organic  Farming Group. It was hosted by Alastair Wilson, Upper Wheedlemont, Rhynie – an excellent example of a well established organic farm.

The main focus of the meeting was on the production and utilisation of grass/clover. Through the introduction of paddock grazing Alastair has been able to increase the production from his grass/clover, carry his stock on a smaller area and release surplus grass/clover for silage.

The importance of knowing your soil, its pH and nutrient status and how to assess it  was discussed.

Ways of organically growing successful neep and forage crop mixes was discussed and a relatively high seed rate seems key.  Pictures of Alastair’s crops will be taken later in the season so that we can follow their performance.

Grant Ireland from McIntosh Donald gave an insight into the current organic red meat market and demand seems strong.

Presentation from the day can be found below whilst the handouts in delegate packs were as follows: factsheet-grassland-productivity-for-livestock, Healthy-grassland-soils, Oversowing Clover into Existing Grass Swards and The Importance of Rotations and soil pH