Scotland's Monitor Farms Programme
There are currently seven livestock Monitor Farms operating in Scotland, including one Organic Monitor Farm in Perthshire. In addition there are two new dairy Monitor Farms co-ordinated by DairyCo and two arable, co-ordinated by HGCA. Scotland’s Monitor Farms were the subject of a report to the Scottish Government (by ADAS in 2008). which highlighted the benefits of Monitor Farms to the Scottish Economy (a £6.50 benefit for every £1 of funding), their use as a vehicle for Knowledge Transfer and the widespread awareness (c.80%) of their purpose by the farming community. Nearly 10% of 500 farmers surveyed had been influenced by the programme to make business changes
Introduction
The monitor farms are a platform for one farm in an area, supported by a community group, to look at the productivity and profitability of the whole farm business over a three year period. The Monitor Farmer seeks to improve farm profitability through a process of peer review and advice, specialist input and support from the Monitor Farm facilitator. Information on the livestock farms is publically available through regular Monitor Farm reports, posted on the QMS website. Topics covered include profitability of individual farm enterprises, the aspirations of the farmer and community group, crop management, cattle handling, organic farming and many others.
This section of the website provides information on individual Monitor Farms including reports on recent meetings. There is also information for current and potential facilitators.
Facilitation
Each livestock Monitor Farm is supported by a facilitator, under contract to QMS. The facilitator is responsible for advertising and co-ordinating 6 meetings and one open day annually. They produce meeting reports, annual reports for QMS and press articles. Facilitators are responsible for organising speakers for each meeting, arranging sampling (e.g. soils, silage, bloods) and for the smooth running of the community group and topical sub-groups between meetings.
Environment
The Monitor Farms Programme offers a unique opportunity for farmers to explore management and investments that combine environmental considerations with business performance. Managing conservation habitats, improving the use of energy and reducing inputs on the farm can have a positive impact on the environment while making sense from a business perspective. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is working with several Monitor Farmers and facilitators on initiatives that aim to explore the potential for farming businesses to deliver economic, environmental and wider public benefits.
Click here to see more on environmental baseline surveys, the new publication on efficiency and individual projects.
Farm Features
Agricultural journalist Claire Powell will be visiting each of the livestock monitor farms over the course the coming year. She has been highlighting the topics being discussed at each project that have releavance to livestock farms throughout Scotland. Click here to read the articles.
Funding and sponsorship
The livestock and dairy Monitor Farms are funded through the Scottish Government’s Skills Development Scheme and by QMS, DairyCo, Scottish Enterprise and SAOS. In 2009 several local businesses have contributed to the Monitor Farms through sponsorship, providing valuable funds and also evidence of wider industry interest in the Monitor Farms Programme.
Consultants
Visiting consultants are a vital part of the Monitor Farms Programme, bringing expertise, technical knowledge, advice and alternative views to the Monitor Farm and to the Community Group of farmers who attend the meetings. If you are interested in becoming a consultant to the programme, click here for more info.
Latest Reports
17 Aug 2010
Upcoming Farm Meetings
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