10:30am
Room 3, Foyer upper floor
Join us for an insightful session designed for aspiring goat farmers & hobbyists. This talk will cover the essential aspects of rearing goats, from initial setup to daily care routines including:
- Introduction to Goat Rearing: Understanding the benefits & challenges of keeping goats, & how they can fit into various farming systems.
- Selecting the Right Breed: An overview of popular goat breeds, their characteristics, & how to choose the best breed for your needs, whether for milk, meat, fibre, or companionship.
- Housing & Fencing: Guidelines for designing & building safe, comfortable, & secure housing & fencing to keep your goats healthy & protected.
- Nutrition & Feeding: Basics of goat nutrition, including dietary needs, feed types, & tips for maintaining a balanced diet to ensure optimal health & productivity.
- Health & Veterinary Care: Common health issues in goats, preventive measures, & when to seek veterinary assistance.
- Breeding & Kidding: An introduction to goat breeding practices, managing pregnancy, & caring for newborn kids.
- Daily Care & Management: Essential daily tasks & management practices to keep your goats happy & thriving.
- Sustainable & Regenerative Practices: Incorporating environmentally friendly & regenerative farming techniques in goat rearing to improve soil health, increase biodiversity and minimise inputs.
Jillian McEwan, Lunan Bay Farm
Jillian McEwan of Lunan Bay Farm, a specialist in goats since 2016, is at the forefront of producing regenerative Scottish Cashmere, a first in Scotland in over 30 years. Jillian has been breeding Boer, Cashmere, and Pygmy goats, with expertise in embryo transfer and artificial insemination.
Her high health status farm is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices, using goats to enhance soil health, promote biodiversity and support conservation efforts.
Jillian also engages in farm education projects with schools and colleges. Additionally, she has extensive experience in producing and selling meat and other saleable products from goats, directly to restaurants, retailers, and the local community.