Southern Belle

The tour then took a short stroll into the heart of Edinvale’s pasture. Fiona took the lead and spoke fondly of her flock of Shetland sheep. Given that the tour landed itself in the middle of the field, it didn’t phase one individual within the flock, who made herself quite known amongst the members of the group! At this point of the tour, we took the opportunity, given our surroundings, to discuss grassland management on Edinvale farm. Discussion opened and there was a fantastic conversation amongst the group, comparing and contrasting systems, concluding what works for one farm, may not always work for everyone else! Another key point was Jock and Fiona’s emphasis on their final product, beef. They measure the carbon release within Edinvale farm, with the ultimate aim to eliminate emissions for the beef you would buy within their shop - a hot topic with consumers and producers.

The discussion then turned to work-life balance, mental health and succession. Three enormous subjects that are rarely mentioned however they’re are important to the success and wellbeing of farming families. This was a fantastic opportunity to introduce Farmstrong to a number of the members on the tour. Originating from New Zealand, Farmstrong is an online platform providing material to help promote farmer wellbeing and stimulate discussion on these important topics.

With the sun beating down and conversation in full flow we decided to move down to the Dallas Hall, where lunch and refreshments were provided by local caterer, Myra Sutherland and her team. It was another fantastic chance to network with the rest of the group over a hearty bowl of soup and sandwiches, followed by the most impressive selection of traybakes!

Leaving Dallas Hall fed, watered and full of cake, we made the journey through to Forres to have a tour of Macbeth’s butchery. For many of the members of the group, this was their chance to experience a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the premises. Jock kindly gave us all an insight into the process, the cuts and the variety of products that they prepare and sell through their butchery shop. The butchery was bought by Jock’s parents in the mid 80’s as an outlet to sell their awardwinning beef. Fast-forward to 2022 and the butchery now has a substantial online presence, and this has enabled them to develop and grow their product offering. Macbeth’s butchery shop is most definitely worth a visit to see the outstanding range of products available!

Finally, the Women in Agriculture Scotland committee would like to sincerely thank Jock and Fiona for hosting us and being so hugely accommodating. In addition, our thanks must also go ScotAgri for lending us a Honda UTV for access around the more inaccessible areas of the tour. And last, but definitely not least, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who travelled from near and far to attend the event and make it such a roaring success.

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FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out July 2022 Subscription page 123 Southern Belle

The arrival of the swallows is one on my annual highlights and I find myself checking their favourite electricity wire, for their imminent arrival. The giant wind chimes, which have been house for the winter, are now back in the garden, bonging away like a Himalayan temple and doubtless driving the neighbours mad, although they all say they love them.

The summer is on its way and we can switch off the lights and the heating, hang the washing out and save on the rising electricity bills, like we always do.

I listened with interest to the radio this morning, where man was bemoaning the fact that things were so bad financially that he had to buy from “the shelf with the yellow labels.” He had in fact been reduced to the reduced shelf. What’s wrong with the reduced shelf? It feeds my family like it always has.

The village “girls”, are all gadding about in “Vinted” gear bought online or from the reduced shelf in M & S. My entire “new” outfit for my birthday dinner cost me £5 for the dress and £12 for a pair of once worn Hobbs shoes, bought second hand, like I often do.

Paired with one of the many shawls that one of the girls knitted during lock down (I also have matching socks but not appropriate on this occasion) and I felt great in my new gear, like I always do.

She was also excited to tell me, she is now knitting bunting for the Queen’s Jubilee! Like no one has done ever!

Show season is nearly here but now you have to buy your Highland tickets in advance and can’t decide, depending on work or weather on the day, like we’ve always done.

Despite the changes over the last two years, principals have remained the same for most of us. Try and save money where we can, don’t waste either food or fabric, share what you have with your neighbours (including your wine stash and the 300 tomato plants you’ve grown) and be grateful for your lot.

It’s the Easter season and time to rejoice at new beginnings – like we always do – so here’s to another great year!