DEFA’s Agriculture Advisory Service has arranged a programme of talks for Manx farmers, beginning a week on Thursday, November 8.

The speakers come from different parts of the UK and the aim of the meetings is to give Manx farmers the opportunity to gain an insight into how other farmers are making a success of their businesses.

The speakers have been asked to explain what they are doing in their farming businesses, why they have chosen their farming systems and what their future plans are.

Details of the meetings are: Thursday, November 8: Beef & Sheep. Three speakers from Wales, Ireland and the Lake District will cover a variety of topics reflecting their farming experiences including: using Electronic Identification, improving forage and pasture utilisation for sheep and cattle, the challenges of sheep farming in an area of high rainfall and high altitude and the evaluation of breeds for beef production.

Thursday, November 15: Dairy. Three speakers will focus on how they are making a success of milk production, covering topics such as animal health, cow fertility and grass production.

The meetings, at the Glen Helen Hotel, are free and open to all and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers.