Herefordshire Grassland Society
Affiliated to The British Grassland Society
Herefordshire Grassland Society (HgS) is a membership organisation dedicated to promoting the profitable and sustainable production and use of grass and forage. Through informative winter evening talks and practical summer farm walks, the Society provides a valuable forum for sharing knowledge, ideas, and best practice.
HgS brings together farmers, advisers, researchers, and others with an active interest in the science and practical management of grassland and forage production, fostering collaboration and supporting the continued development of the sector
Winter Meetings
The Herefordshire Grassland Society (HgS) hosts a series of winter meetings from November through to February, normally held on the second Tuesday of each month.
The meetings feature informative guest speakers who cover a range of relevant and interesting topics for all members. Meetings are held at The Grange, Leominster.
Details of upcoming meetings are posted on the Hub’s What’s On page, where you can find dates, speakers and further information.
If you would like to receive information about upcoming meetings and other HgS news, please sign up to our mailing list to receive regular updates.
Competitions
The Herefordshire Grassland Society runs two annual competitions, providing members with an opportunity to showcase their grassland and forage management.
Silage Competition – Sampling takes place during November and the competition is open to Beef, Sheep, Dairy, Mixed and Arable farms, with both pit and baled silage eligible. Entry forms must be completed and returned, after which a member of the HgS committee will contact entrants to arrange a farm visit and collect samples. The samples are then sent away for testing, with the results announced at the Society’s third winter meeting in January, held at The Grange, Leominster.
Grassland Farmer of the Year – This competition takes place during May or early June. Entries are normally compiled by the HgS committee, who invite a selected number of farms to take part. Judging takes place over one day, with a member of the HgS committee accompanying the judge on visits to all the farms entered. The winner is normally announced at the Society’s summer farm walk. The Herefordshire winner then progresses to the West Midlands area competition and, if successful, goes forward to the national competition.
Join the Herefordshire Grassland Society
Membership of the Herefordshire Grassland Society (HgS) runs for 12 months from 1 February and costs £20 per year. To join, please complete the HgS membership form and set up a standing order for the annual £20 membership fee. Full payment details and instructions are included on the membership form.
Once completed, please return the membership form to the HgS Administrator. The Herefordshire Rural Hub provides the administration service for the Society. For further information or to return your completed form, please contact admin@herefordshireruralhub.co.uk.
Membership Benefits
HgS members have access to a range of events, activities and benefits throughout the year, including:
- Attend the HgS winter meetings, featuring informative speakers on relevant topics.
- Attend the annual summer farm walk, providing an opportunity to visit a local farm and share knowledge and experience with other members.
- Enter the annual Winter Silage Competition and have silage tested as part of the competition.
- Receive the BGS Grass and Forage Manager magazine four times a year.
- Vote at a BGS Annual General Meeting.
- Stand for election as a BGS Regional Representative or Trustee.
- Nominate a person as a BGS Regional Representative or Trustee.