Climate change in the spotlight
April 16, 2007
Hot sheep? Climate change at farm level will be up for discussion at NSA North Sheep 2007, the northern region's biennial one day event to be staged on Wednesday, 6 June at North Hanging Wells, Eastgate in Weardale, Bishop Auckland by kind permission of M W Skidmore Ltd.
Findings from research on the potential effects of climate change on UK sheep farms will be revealed at The George F White Climate Change Forum supported by Farmers Weekly. Hugh Fell and Richard Garland from the event's major sponsor, George F White will explain how they believe climate change will impact on sheep producers and offer advice on how they can adapt.
"Virtually every farmer I talk to has noticed distinct changes in the weather," says Richard Garland. "To some extent only time will tell whether these are natural variability or the first common observations of climate change. Our seminar will focus on allowing farmers to demystify the issues and to make their own informed decisions. We will also outline the predicted changes for the region's climate and examine potential impacts on farming businesses and the ways in which those operations may be able to adapt to and indeed possibly take advantage of the predicted changes."
Farmers Weekly livestock editor, Jonathan Long adds: "With the climate changing on an almost yearly basis farmers should do all they can to equip themselves with the knowledge to ensure their farms are profitable in future. The longer, dryer summers experienced by much of the UK in recent years are an emerging symptom of the changing climate and while welcomed by some, they are a fresh challenge to many livestock farmers, impacting on summer forage production and hence animal growth rates. Additionally, the climate is leading to novel animal health challenges, with Bluetongue now a real threat to UK sheep production."
NSA North Sheep 2007 organiser, Julie Sedgewick comments: "We are pleased to offer all visitors the opportunity to find out more about climate change and its likely impact on their businesses. Climate change is a new and real issue for all farmers to consider and they will need all the help they can get in order to make informed decisions. This forum is designed to assist them to do just that."
For further information on NSA North Sheep 2007 please contact event organiser, Julie Sedgewick on 01388 664496. www.northsheep.org.uk
-ends-
Further information from Julie Sedgewick on 01388 664496
Issued by Liz Snaith Agricultural Communications on 01743 344986 / 07974 678833
Findings from research on the potential effects of climate change on UK sheep farms will be revealed at The George F White Climate Change Forum supported by Farmers Weekly. Hugh Fell and Richard Garland from the event's major sponsor, George F White will explain how they believe climate change will impact on sheep producers and offer advice on how they can adapt.
"Virtually every farmer I talk to has noticed distinct changes in the weather," says Richard Garland. "To some extent only time will tell whether these are natural variability or the first common observations of climate change. Our seminar will focus on allowing farmers to demystify the issues and to make their own informed decisions. We will also outline the predicted changes for the region's climate and examine potential impacts on farming businesses and the ways in which those operations may be able to adapt to and indeed possibly take advantage of the predicted changes."
Farmers Weekly livestock editor, Jonathan Long adds: "With the climate changing on an almost yearly basis farmers should do all they can to equip themselves with the knowledge to ensure their farms are profitable in future. The longer, dryer summers experienced by much of the UK in recent years are an emerging symptom of the changing climate and while welcomed by some, they are a fresh challenge to many livestock farmers, impacting on summer forage production and hence animal growth rates. Additionally, the climate is leading to novel animal health challenges, with Bluetongue now a real threat to UK sheep production."
NSA North Sheep 2007 organiser, Julie Sedgewick comments: "We are pleased to offer all visitors the opportunity to find out more about climate change and its likely impact on their businesses. Climate change is a new and real issue for all farmers to consider and they will need all the help they can get in order to make informed decisions. This forum is designed to assist them to do just that."
For further information on NSA North Sheep 2007 please contact event organiser, Julie Sedgewick on 01388 664496. www.northsheep.org.uk
-ends-
Further information from Julie Sedgewick on 01388 664496
Issued by Liz Snaith Agricultural Communications on 01743 344986 / 07974 678833