Delegates impressed at summer meeting

Well, Shropshire did us proud, even if the British weather tried to put a dampener on at least the first day of the summer meeting.

Seven farms showcasing a variety of farm types and managements, alongside a tour of the grassland-related research at the county’s own Harper Adams University kept around 150 delegates over three days entertained and interested.

Even torrential rain during the visit of the Harper facilities didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the delegates, with groups taking longer than planned at each station, such was the discussion.

Throw in some great local food, and a farm evening with local beers, ciders, juices and cheeses accompanying the meal, as well as welly-wanging and skittles, and there was fun amongst the learning.

If you were amongst the visitors, we hope you enjoyed it and will come again, if not – well, join us next year to explore County Durham.

Hot on the heels of the summer meeting comes the final stages of the BGS Grassland Farmer of the Year competition. Pressure is mounting now as the judges consider the written entries submitted by the winners of the regional rounds.

There was a great response this year, with a fabulous eight entries from a possible ten regions, some of them being very hotly contested as to who would go through.

Now it gets even harder, with the judges having to choose three finalists from the eight; having read through all of the entries it’s a teleconference that will have much discussion and some tough decisions.

I’ve been a judge and this year I’m perhaps relieved that I will be just an observer.

The final three will be decided next week, with the visits to determine the winner being later in the month.

The winner will be announced in an awards evening in Aberaeron hosted by the local society of last Year’s winner Eurig Jenkins, date to be finalised but probably early September.

It’s always interesting to see how the farms are managed in numerous slightly different ways, but all with the goal of achieving cost-effective production alongside some great grass management, as well as having a life too.

The factor that always comes to the fore is attention to detail – we say it very year, but even though most people aim to have a simple system, it still needs to be done well.

It’s the management equivalent of “look after the pennies and pounds will look after themselves” and perhaps more vital. Good luck to all of the regional winners, and well done for reaching this stage.