The Venison Advisory Service (VAS) and Chartered Surveyors Bell Ingram, have teamed up to stage two Introduction to Deer Farming days in Scotland, one in Perthshire on Thursday 26 July, and a second in the north in September.
The demonstration days will provide the opportunity to hear from professionals and experts in deer farming, on subjects including herd management and stocking, fencing and equipment requirements, finance and land management.
The Perthshire day, for which bookings are now being accepted, takes place at the village hall, Kinloch Rannoch and at Innerhadden Deer Farm. Speakers in the morning will include Malcolm Taylor of Bell Ingram, Alan Sneddon and John Fletcher of VAS, and Richard Barclay of Innerhadden. There will be a guided visit to the Innerhadden deer farm in the afternoon.
Venison is an increasingly available alternative to other red meats and is prized for its health qualities although venison imports to the UK from New Zealand have reduced in the last two years.
Dick Playfair, Director, The Venison Advisory Service Ltd, says:
“With New Zealand prioritising other markets in Europe and elsewhere over the UK as well as having reduced its herd size, albeit this is now being rebuilt, there is a real opportunity for UK producers to get their foot even more firmly in the door. Coupled with this, and following Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing’s venison summit earlier this year, a strategic plan is currently being prepared for all Scottish Venison which will fit with Scotland Food and Drink’s Ambition 2030. These are exciting times for the venison sector and we are pleased to be teaming up with Bell Ingram to spread the word.”
Malcolm Taylor, Partner, Bell Ingram, says:
“We are delighted to be involved with the Venison Advisory Service and help promote deer farming in Scotland, especially at such an opportune time for the sector. Deer farming provides a real opportunity for new entrants and existing farmers who are looking to diversify and offers an alternative use for upland farms. As agents for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, we are looking forward to seeing if we can assist with financing for new deer farms.”
VAS will be joining Bell Ingram on their stand at the RHS on Thursday 21 June, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair on Friday 29 June and Moy Game Fair on Friday 3 August. Everyone is welcome to come along and ask any questions they may have, whilst enjoying a drink and some nibbles.
Places for the Introduction to Deer Farming day at Kinloch Rannoch are limited and are available on a ‘first come’ basis. To book a place contact Charlotte Gilfillan at Bell Ingram, Tel: 01307 462516
E: charlotte.gilfillan@bellingram.co.uk
More about Bell-Ingram here: www.bellingram.co.uk
Latest information from the Scottish Venison Partnership about the UK venison market here: http://www.scottish-venison.info/index.php?page=venison-market-update