NSA Eastern Region (and other interested parties) farm walk

NSA Eastern Region hosted a farm walk on Thursday 18th June. The very impressive 3324-acre (1345ha) enterprise of Percy Gilman, Rutland, was the setting for this well attended farm walk. Around 70 members and non-members listened to talks from the farm shepherds, Lesley Stubbings - the farm sheep adviser and Laura Eyles – Signet. Gilman farms are renowned for producing performance recorded rams of Suffolk and Texel mix.

Forage rape and beet tops are grown for the ewes, and an arable rotation of barley, wheat, oil seed rape, triticale and beans, make up the rest of the farm production.

The 4200-ewe commercial flock was at the heart of discussions throughout the afternoon.  North Country Mule ewes are put to their home bred performance recorded rams to produce a fast-growing lamb for the food chain.

The farm walk was rounded off with a BBQ and social.

Nerys Wright Regional Manager comments: “The Eastern Region, along with others, was thrilled with the excellent turnout at the farm walk hosted by T.P. Gilman this week. The weather was glorious - if a little warm for my liking! - and it highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by this year’s lack of rainfall. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Percy and his team for organising such a fantastic event, and to NSA Eastern Region committee members, John Gent and Lesley Stubbings, along with Laura Eyles from Signet, for their valuable contributions. A big thank you also goes to Haygates for kindly supporting the event with delicious lamb burgers and refreshing cold drinks - we truly appreciate their continued support of NSA events.”