Profiting from improved efficiency: Ross-shire Farm Opens its Doors to Ideas. A livestock farming family at Muir of Ord are collaborating with two other Highland families in a Scottish Government funded programme aimed at improving farm efficiency and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. As Climate Change Focus Farmers Stephen and Sheena MacKenzie at Auchmore Farm, Muir of Ord, are hosting their first, free, farmers meeting on Tuesday 30th September at 10.00. As those who attend will discover, the Government’s Focus Farm programme has the support of NFUS and is delivered by experts from Scotland’s Rural College. Over three years, the four farms involved in the first pilot project saved almost £60,000 between them, whilst two of the businesses reduced their carbon footprint by at least 10%. This new, three year programme, involves eight units reaching from Ayrshire into the north of Scotland. As before each farm will be the focus for a volunteer group of like-minded people keen to exchange ideas and try out local solutions to the challenges. This time though the MacKenzies will be part of a network of Highland farms. They will work with the Ballantynes at Clynelish, Brora and the Girvan Family at Corrimony, Glenurquhart, exploring locally sustainable ways to reduce each farm’s energy bills, consider the potential for renewables, optimise nutrient use and maximise livestock performance. “We see this as a development from previous work where we can take forward suggestions that seem practical for this unit, says Stephen Mackenzie. “It is also an opportunity to test our business and ideas against others in a similar position.” Speaking earlier this summer, at the launch of the new programme, Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Food, Rural Affairs and the Environment, said: “Our climate is changing and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to do what we can to mitigate its negative impact. The Scottish Government is firmly committed to tackling climate change and lowering overall emissions in Scotland, of which approximately a fifth is from our agriculture industry.” According to Inverness based Jenny McCallum, the SAC Consultant who will guide the project, many of the efficiencies needed to lower emissions also improve profitability. “Through the Highland Farming Efficiency Network a large number of Highland farmers will be able to benefit from the measures tried and tested on the Climate Change Focus Farms, improving their balance sheet and reducing the carbon footprint.” Stephen and Sheena farm the 500 Hectare Auchmore in partnership with his brother Donald. They have 85 autumn calving Shorthorn and Saler cattle, 250 Cheviot ewes and finish 800 to 1000 lambs. In addition they have a wind turbine with plans for a second and a joint micro hydro project under construction. Also at the free meeting will be David Houstoun a former Focus Farmer from Glenkilrie in Perthshire who saved £11,000 and cut his carbon footprint by 10%. Speaking at the event will be SRUC experts Jimmy Hyslop (beef production), David Lawson (grassland), Kirsten Williams and local vet Graeme Swanson (improving flock performance) , Simon Amor and Nick Forrest who is managing the hydro installation ( energy and renewables) While the event is free it would help with organising catering if those planning to attend booked their place with Nicola McLeod, via [email protected] or 01463 233266. For more information about the initiative, see farmingforabetterclimate.org, follow us on Twitter @sacfarm4climate or find us on Facebook
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:12:52 +0000
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