Turn Your Cover Crops into Profit with Store Lambs
Environmental schemes have changed the face of modern arable farming. Whether through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)in England or the continued expansion of cover cropping and arable greening initiatives in Scotland, many businesses are now carrying significantly more green cover over the autumn and winter months.
The challenge is how to extract maximum value from that investment. Increasingly, sheep are providing the answer.
Grazing cover crops converts surplus forage into a saleable product while helping recycle nutrients, improve soil biology and reduce cultivation costs. It is an excellent way of integrating livestock into an arable system without the long-term commitment of keeping a breeding flock.
Farm Stock Scotland is encouraging arablefarmers to consider grazing store lambs this autumn and is already working withsheep producers to secure suitable stock.
Every farm is different, and selecting the right sheep is key to making the system work. Depending on grazing period, cover crop mix and marketing objectives, some farms are better suited to native breeds, while others will benefit from faster-growing continental lambs. Likewise, some businesses require a short keep, whereas others are looking to graze lambs right through the winter.
Where required, Farm Stock Scotland can potentially source lambs that are electric fence trained, fully vaccinated and appropriately treated before arrival, helping ensure a smooth transition onto farm.
Nikki Gilbertson, Assistant Procurement Manager (Farm-to-Farm Trading) at Farm Stock Scotland, said: "We're finding that more and more arable farmers are recognising the value sheep can bring to their farming system. Every cover crop is different, and every farm has different objectives, so it's important to source the right type of lambs from the outset.
"Our role is to take the guesswork out of the process. Whether you're looking for a short keep or a longer grazing period, native or continental lambs, we can help match the right stock to your system. We work closely with both sheep producers and arable farmers to ensure both parties benefit, and where required we can potentially source electric fence-trained, vaccinated and treated lambs to give buyers confidence from day one."
If you have cover crops, SFI land,environmental stewardship land or winter grazing available this season, FarmStock Scotland would be delighted to discuss the options available.
To find out more, contact Nikki Gilbertson, Assistant Procurement Manager (Farm-to-Farm Trading) and discover how sheep can add value to your arable rotation this autumn.
