Biogas and free range egg enterprises will form two of the main features within Diversifarm at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, in September.

Diversifarm, which is staged by RABDF and sponsor the Country Land and Business Association, will provide information as well as advice and support on biogas production from anaerobic digestion and the potential income from free range egg enterprises.

Incentives for a farm biogas installation have never been greater, says CLA director North, Douglas Chalmers. "The power generated can meet farmers' own high requirements and equally important any surplus can be sold to the national grid. The operation reduces slurry handling and waste management requirements, while remaining digestate can be used as a nutrient rich bio-fertiliser and replace increasingly expensive nitrogen based fertiliser."

"The second major initiative will be to examine the option of free range egg production. With the market growing at 8% a year, a free range enterprise could be an alternative for dairy farmers, providing regular income form grassland.

RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington adds "Diversifarm is once again being staged in response to dairy producer's intensions. Research at the previous dairy event showed 34% of farmers were planning to diversify in the future."