‘At the 2018 Challenge Sheep Partner’s meeting, Matthew delivered three sessions to farmers, consultants, veterinarians and AHDB staff. The first was an extremely informative talk on FARMAX, how it has benefited farms, and how others could use the software themselves. This was followed by two workshops: the first on collecting EID data and the second a FARMAX ‘drop-in’ session. These sessions are vital for disseminating knowledge through the industry – with the mixed audience present, the messages delivered could be circulated to a wide range of producers via other farmers and through industry experts. Delivery of these messages by an end user such as Matthew is highly effective in motivating others to adopt new practices.’
Hayley King
AHDB Challenge Sheep Project Manager
——
‘As a lecturer at Harper Adams University, I am able to invite outside specialist speakers to enhance student learning. Matt Blyth has, through many meetings and on-farm demonstrations, shown his extensive skills using precision farming techniques in beef and sheep farming. His grasp of EID technology, data handling, analysis, interpretation and subsequent integration of findings into modern day sheep farming is exceptional. He was therefore well qualified to discuss the application of these techniques with the next generation of sheep and beef farmers. He prepared a comprehensive presentation, covering body condition scoring and weighing, monitoring soil temperatures and grassland, budgeting through FARMAX and overall performance monitoring of stock. His lectures were practical and set at the appropriate level for foundation degree and BSc students, as well as being interactive and enjoyable.
Kate Phillips
Consultant and Lecturer at Harper Adams University