The redesigned work programme at QMS will see, quite literally, more attention paid to grass roots activity.
Production from grass is the key to maximising efficiency and profitability, and a new industry development team has been assembled to spread the message.
Blairgowrie farmer and former QMS staff member Johnny Mackey has rejoined the organisation and will be engaging producers in what has become known as knowledge transfer.
“The objective is quite simply to reach a point where there is sufficient profitability in livestock rearing to reverse the prolonged decline in livestock numbers,” he said.
The development team working with Mr Mackey will include Alan Ward (pigs), Robert Gilchrist (beef) and Michael Blanche (sheep).
Some methods of engagement used, such as the Monitor farm network, will be familiar but there will also be initiatives including a grazing project.
It will be based on four farm sites around the country and operate on the simple premise of increasing the kilograms per meat produced per hectare of grass.
This is subtly different from earlier programmes which sought to improve the genetic potential of individual animals, although that remains a key target.
“There is huge potential for efficiencies in red meat production by refining our grassland management,” said Mr Mackey.
“Currently only 50-60% of the grass we grow ends up in the rumen.
“Grassland can be a major asset to all sheep and cattle producers and, by bringing together groups of enthusiastic, positive farmers, we will have a fantastic opportunity to look at better grass utilisation through improved grazing management which will, in turn, impact positively on the bottom line.”
Each of the farm groups will have about 20 members, and there will be a network of new grass measurement stations set up around the country.
Grassland experts from Ireland, Wales and New Zealand have been lined up to speak to the groups, and a central Scotland grassland event is planned for May 30.
The Planning for Profit programme has been met enthusiastically, with roadshows attracting good numbers.
This project, which caters for large numbers, will continue.
At the same time there will also be Focus on Figures groups set up, each with 10-12 members.
“These will take a really hard look at financial and physical performance. For some farmers, increasing livestock numbers will be the answer as they seek to make their fixed costs work harder, “ said QMS chairman Jim McLaren.
Mr Mackey added: “There are always a percentage of farmers who are early adopters of new technology and systems, but at the same time there is a big proportion ready to follow, and we want to encourage this wherever possible.”