New project to give lift to upland farmers

Upland farmers in Yorkshire and the Humber are set to benefit from a new initiative which aims to reduce their costs while improving performance and profitability.

The project will focus on five farms in the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the South Pennines, through a series of on-farm events and workshops looking at breeding, nutrition, health and fertility, costings, selection and marketing.

EBLEX regional manager for the north east, Steve Dunkley, said: “This initiative is part of a new series of EBLEX Better Returns Programme activities addressing the unique challenges faced by upland beef and sheep producers.

“Yorkshire and the Humber encompasses several upland areas with a large farming population who are heavily reliant on livestock, so the partners in this project are well-placed to offer them support and expertise.”

David Lyth from ADAS said: “We are hoping to demonstrate how an integrated approach to improving animal health and technical husbandry can lead to a more sustainable financial performance.”

Sophie Throup from Bishopton Vets added: “Successful farm herd health schemes are all about working in partnership with the farmer, vet consultants and industry specialists to get the best result for each farm and their stock.”

The initiative is operated jointly by EBLEX, Bishopton Veterinary Group and ADAS. It is supported by Yorkshire Forward, RDPE, Lantra and Landskills.