North East Farmers to Benefit from World Class Research
In what is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in the UK, The University of Newcastle and George F. White are to run a series of forums which promise to give farmers access to world class cutting edge research. These events represent a unique collaboration between academic and commercial expertise which acknowledges the reputations of both The University of Newcastle’s School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development and their business partner. The keynote speaker at each will be a specialist in their field from the University.
The first, George F. White Farming Forum in Association with Newcastle University is being held at Kirkley Hall College on March 1st. It will focus on how to maximise livestock performance during the critical Spring period. Keynote Speaker will be Mrs Gillian Butler, Lecturer in Animal Science, Newcastle University. Based on research projects Gillian will present her findings on:
- Sustainable Strategies for healthy ewes and lambs: – monitoring worm counts, strategic worming and maximising feed in difficult periods.
- Targeting performance by effective worming and management: – control and management of worms and parasites in cattle at turnout to improve growth rates and performance from spring grass.
University Farms Director and Senior Lecturer in Farm Business Management Dr. Philip Cain explains why he is keen to be part of this initiative: “Our aim at the University is to be involved in rural issues in the region at a practical level. We are a “Centre of Excellence”for research for agriculture and the rural environment and are one of the few universities with active research farms, farming in the region of 800 hectares. We have had a close working relationship with George F. White for many years and these innovative forums are the perfect way for us to disseminate the results of our research to a much wider audience.”
The other topical presentations at this forum will include:-
Simon Hunt, Novartis Animal Health UK Ltd who will cover management of worm resistance in the UK Sheep Flock and the implications of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus in the cattle herd.
Mr Andrew Clark, Agri Lloyd will talk about the benefits of trace element management in the performance of ewes pre lambing and lambs throughout the growing season to increase performance and returns. And the need for trace element management pre-calving and the benefits of trace elements for cattle at turnout. Striking a balance to improve performance and returns from spring grass.
Mr Louis Fell, a Partner of George F. White will round up the evening by informing farmers of the importance of maximising the physical and financial performance of your ewes & sucklers.
George F. White are one of the most progressive firms of rural business practitioners in the UK and like Newcastle University their business is about maximising value and investing in the rural economy. Andrew Jamieson Rural Business Consultant at George F. White tells us why they are very excited to be working with Newcastle University:
“These forums mean that North East farmers will be some of the first, to access the latest research and world thinking on rural issues. I would urge anyone who is interested in improving the performance of their business to attend. Our intention is to hold a futher two forums in association with the University this year, one will focus on Arable issues and the other, to be scheduled for October will focus on Winter housing.”
Newcastle University is a leading centre in agriculture-related research and teaching. It’s expertise extends from ‘farm to fork’, covering food security, crop production systems, animal production systems, food quality and safety, the rural environment, rural society, agricultural economics and agri-business. The faculty has two research farms at Nafferton and Cockle Park and includes The Centre for Rural Economy, which hosts the £25 million Rural Economy and Land Use research programme.
The first seminar will be held on held on 1st March 2011, Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 0QA at 6.30pm. Places are free but must be reserved in advance by contacting Paul Young on 01665 600164, or emailing [email protected].
