The Grazing Group
The Grazing Group is a farmer-led initiative for anyone interested in improving their grazing practices, trying new ideas, or learning from others facing similar challenges.
It’s a chance to come together with other farmers to share experiences, discuss what’s working (and what’s not), and learn from each other, with access to outside expertise and practical support where useful.
Following conversations with local farmers, Jamie Jack and the Leven Catchment Farmer Network heard there was an appetite for a space where farmers could get together to talk openly about grazing, share ideas and learn from one another. The Grazing Group has been created in response to that interest.
How it Works
The current plan is for the group to meet every other month for around two hours, hosted on different member farms. Each meeting will focus on a topic, challenge or idea chosen by the group, such as improving grass growth, grazing planning, reducing housing costs, infrastructure and fencing and much more. Where helpful, external speakers or specialists can be brought in to add to the discussion.
The group is intended to be practical, informal and shaped by the farmers involved. The first meeting will be in late September / early October to:
- Explore an initial grazing topic together
- Identify the key topics, challenges and ideas farmers want to focus on
- Agree what format, timing and frequency works best for the group going forward
Depending on the needs of the group, practical farm-specific support and funding to help trial or implement new ideas may also be available.
The group will have a Lead Farmer, a role currently held by Jamie, with the option to rotate it over time. The Lead Farmer acts as the main point of contact between the grazing group and the facilitators of the Farmer Network, helping to shape meeting topics and ensure the group continues to reflect farmers' priorities.
Jamie Jack
(Current Lead Farmer)
Jamie Jack is a sheep farmer across Clackmannshire, West Fife and Kinross. Before setting up his own enterprise, Jamie worked as Assistant Livestock manager at Rotmell working with cattle.
Quote of why the grazing group
Who is it for?
The Grazing Group is open to any livestock farmers interested in grazing and keen to learn alongside others.
You do not need to be based within the Leven Catchment to take part. Meetings will likely happen across Kinross-shire, Central Fife, West Fife & Clackmannshire - locations will depend on who joins the group. Anyone who wants to join is welcome as long as they aren't so far away that travel becomes impractical.
Express Interest
Interested to be looped in and find out more?
Fill in your details below and we’ll keep you updated as plans for the first meeting are confirmed. If you’d prefer, you can also text your name, farm name and postcode to: 07548 980 926