Organisers of Grassland and Muck 2011 (18 & 19 May) have announced a programme of seminars and demonstrations that will run at the event.

The event, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, will include topical seminars which will aim to help producers secure better livestock margins.

Six seminars will run on both days on stand 300, featuring a range of expert speakers providing concise, up-to-the-minute advice across a range of livestock production issues.

Topics are:

* Importance of measuring grazing (10.30am)
* Economics and practicalities of contracting out (11.00am)
* Buffer feeds at grazing (11.30am)
* Forage harvester technology to maximise silage quality (01.00pm)
* Reseeding – when, what with and how to manage new leys (01.30pm)
* Making more of muck (02.00pm)

The programme also includes a headline debate on the first day (at midday) to consider what the next decade holds for UK livestock production.

The hour-long headline debate, Future-proofing UK livestock production, will assess the challenges and opportunities for the livestock sector over the next decade and beyond, and features an impressive panel.

This includes EBLEX board member Mike Powley, whose farm is ASDA’s Beef Training and Educational Farm, and policy and market expert Richard King of farm management consultant Andersons.

It will also involve Dr Jonathan Scurlock, NFU chief adviser for Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Mark Tucker, Yara UK’s head of agronomy, and Dick Sibley who is principal of West Ridge Veterinary Practice whose 13 vets look after livestock health across mid Devon.

“Anyone who is serious about a future in livestock production will need to address a whole series of economic, political and technical challenges over the next few years,” said RASE event manager Kate Rider.

“But there will also be opportunities for those who prepare, so if this debate encourages both dairy and livestock farmers to start future-proofing their business, then it will have done its job.”

Tickets can be booked via the website for £13 for a standard adult ticket, a £3 saving on the gate price. Student tickets, priced £12, are only available online.

* To book advance tickets or find out more about Grassland & Muck 2011.