Farming

Four young farmers and crofters have been appointed to champion a cultural and behavioural shift towards low-carbon, environmentally sustainable farming in Scotland.

The Young Farmer Climate Change Champions will work through peer-to-peer learning to highlight how farmers can improve efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs, and enhance the sustainability of their businesses.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon made the announcement, which was a Programme for Government commitment, while visiting one of the champions’ croft in the Cairngorms.

The free annual event, which is being held at the BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Tuesday 26 February, will feature presentations from a range of speakers, including Rebecca McEwen, who gave up a career in film and TV to run Arnprior Pumpkins on her husband’s family farm.

Smallholding Scotland Conference 2019

The Smallholding Scotland Conference is a one-day conference dedicated to those working on and interested in small-scale agriculture and horticulture in Scotland. The 2019 conference takes place on Friday 15th February at Pitcairngreen near Perth.

It is an all-day event with refreshments and lunch included in the ticket price of £25 (£40 including 12 months membership of Smallholding Scotland (effective from 15th February for new members and 1st April for existing members through to 31st March 2020)).

The Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) has teamed up with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the National Farmers’ Union Scotland to invite farmers to three free lunchtime events showcasing the help available for them to make the most out of their upland farm business.

They will also be able to discuss their business ideas and challenges with industry representatives and other farmers. 

Anyone with an interest in farming, rural tourism and food and drink is invited to come to the launch event for the new agritourism monitor farm programme taking place on at 

Getting Greener Grass

Tuesday 26th February, Jurys Inn, Inverness, 10am–1pm, including lunch – book here

Tuesday 26th February, Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Inverurie, 7–10pm – book here

How to Plant Trees on Your Farm

A practical day event exploring the benefits of planting and managing trees on your land, including the chance to have a go at planting. Includes:

  • Visit to Tulluch Tea croft (225) to look at planting trees and hedges for better land management
  • Visit to Migdale Woods to find out how to get more out of the trees you have
  • Hands-on planting demonstration
  • Funding information from Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland

Healthy Land, Healthy People, Healthy Profits

Come along to hear Canadian farmer and educator Tony McQuail explain how this ‘whole farm’ approach to management made his business more productive and profitable, whilst helping the family feel that the farm was 'working for them'. He will explain key Holistic Management principles such as goal-setting, decision-making, planned grazing, infrastructure planning and soil monitoring. He will share how they impacted on his own family satisfaction, farm sustainability and planning for succession.​

Launch & Information Event for new Agritourism Monitor Farmers

Two farming families are being sought to become Scotland's next agritourism monitor farmers.

If you're interested in finding out more, the new agritourism monitor farm programme will launch at Briarlands Farm, Blairdrummond, by Stirling on 28 January from 3 to 6pm. Anyone with an interest in farming, rural tourism and food and drink is invited to the launch event.

The next round of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) has opened for applications today (17 January).

AECS is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It supports environmentally-friendly land management practices that aim to safeguard and improve Scotland's natural heritage and help businesses adapt to climate change.

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