FARMERS in West Devon this month have the chance to learn from a sheep specialist at an on-farm meeting near Okehampton. The advice on practical systems of sheep production will come from Dr John Vipond, who is the Scottish Agricultural College?s sheep specialist and has studied sheep systems throughout the world. The challenge to farmers is to improve flock performance and produce profitable lambs without subsidy payments. The meeting is on February 23 at 12 noon at a large-scale sheep unit at Taw Green and has been organised by the Agricultural Business Information Point, whose staff will be on hand to answer any questions on the Single Payment Scheme which is now in operation. Refreshments will be provided and there is not charge to attend, although there will be paperwork to complete. The meeting has been funded by the European Social Fund through the Learning Skills Council. For more details or to book a place contact freephone 0800 592872. Agri-BIP organises a wide range of training events and workshops to help farmers improve their business profitability, including computer skills, butchery training and personal effectiveness. Contact the above number for more information.
