The first of a series of free workshops aimed at boosting sheep profitability takes place near Lauder next Thursday (January 28).
The practical and interactive sessions are designed to add value, reduce waste and develop a more competitive and profitable Scottish sheep sector say organisers.
A spokesperson from one of the funders, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) said the local group will hold seven meetings to take forward findings from a supply chain study done during the 2012/13 lamb marketing season. “This work identified that every link of the supply chain - from farmers to hauliers, processors and retailers – is struggling to deliver a margin due to the absence of an integrated, collaborative supply chain,” she said.
Speakers at next Thursday’s meeting at The Lodge, Carfraemill, include SAC Consulting’s Iain Riddell who will cover the main findings of the chain supply report. Galashiels farmer Andrew Elliot of Blackhaugh, haulier Derek Armstrong of Wm Armstrong, Longtown, processor and retailer David Evans from Woodheads/Morrisons and QMS’s Ian MacDougall.
They will outline issues facing their businesses and make suggestions for improvement before a discussion on the main issues to be tackled.
The sessions are funded by QMS, marketing co-operative Farm Stock (Scotland) Ltd and the Scottish Government Skills Development Scheme and facilitated by SAC Consulting. To book to attend the session starting at 12 noon including a free lunch, contact QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk.