Climate change programme
About the Climate change programme
Climate change is bringing about a new set of challenges and opportunities for agriculture. While global warming may lead to extended crop growing seasons, it could also lead to unpredictable weather, new pests and diseases, and a requirement for farmers to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.
This is a three year skills development programme, which will equip 500 farmers and growers from 150 businesses with the skills and knowledge to both improve business sustainability and reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The programme runs from November 2008 to October 2011 and comprises:
- Training events and farm walks
- Ongoing advice and support
- Fact sheets and case studies
In year one, the programme will look at soil management. In years two and three, the programme will be demand-led but is likely to look at topics including:
- Home-grown feed
- Protected cropping
- Management of crops and livestock to suit changing weather patterns
- Renewable energy
Programme of activities for 2010
Optimum manure management
The technical session in the morning will include presentations from SAC & SGRPID. They will look at storage & handling, when, where and how much to apply, putting a nutrient value on FYM/slurry, benefits to production, role & benefits of composting and the funding options under SRDP. The New Deer event will include a visit to D & E Smith, Mains of Inkhorn, Ellon and the Auchincruive event a visit to Messrs WP Kerr & Sons, Low Dallars Farm, Riccarton. To discuss how these principles can be put into practice. With support from SRDP Skills Development Scheme and The Robertson Trust
5 May 2010 – New Deer
The cost is £40.00 plus VAT
To book for any of these events, please contact Erika Martin
E: emartin@soilassociation.org
T: 0131 666 2474
For further technical information, please contact Lyn Matheson, Agricultural Development Officer
E: lmatheson@soilassociation.org
T: 0131 666 0847
Past events:
Soil management training course
Four Soil Management training events were delivered on 13 August at Mid Coul Farms (Inverness), 16 September at Rainton Farm (Castle Douglas), 24 September at Great Glen Cattle Ranch (Spean Bridge), 1 October at Craibstone Estate (Aberdeen). In all, six Soil Management training events were delivered in 2009.
The programme involves a day long training course looking at how to improve soil structure and fertility, reduce dependence on inputs, and increase carbon sequestration. Techniques covered include nutrient budgeting, use of FYM, and conservation of soil organic matter.
Materials from course
On the day, course participants will receive a pack containing a range of useful technical guides on soil management. Supplementary resources can be viewed in the course Reference Documents folder or online:
Anaerobic digesters
This event was held in December 2009. The technical session in the morning looked at how Anaerobic digesters (AD) worked; understanding planning and cost issues; setting up joint-venture AD co-operative plants; and selling to the grid and funding. With presentations from SAC, WRAP & SGRPID.
Materials from course
On the day, course participants will receive a pack containing a range of useful technical guides on anaerobic digestion. Supplementary resources can be viewed in the course Reference Documents folder or online:
Developing on-farm renewables
This event was held on 8 December, 2009, in Forfar. As it was so popular and oversubscribed, two further sessions were held in January and February 2010.
The morning sessions looked at understanding how renewables work; installing and funding for renewables; what is available; generating returns from renewables. Speakers included Maitland Mackie, the Forestry Commission and Atmos Consulting. The events also included farmers practical perspective of commissioning a 11Kw Gaia wind turbine and looking into further renewable options including hydro and solar on their farm. A farm visit was included in the afternoon.
Materials from courses
On the day, course participants will receive a pack containing a range of useful technical guides on renewable energy. Supplementary resources can be viewed in the course Reference Documents folder or online:
For further technical information, please contact Lyn Matheson, Agricultural Development Officer
E: lmatheson@soilassociation.org
T: 0131 666 0847