Tour Guide September 1—11 2014 2014 IFAJ Congress Great Britain
Innovations from a Small Island 1
In praise of our sponsors by Jane Craigie Without delegates making their way to our small island, we would not have an audience to tell our wonderful stories. And without our sponsors, the 2014 IFAJ Congress would not have happened at all. Over 50% of our costs to put on the Congress have been covered by monetary and in-kind sponsorship. The generosity of people and companies has been exceptional and demonstrates the great story-telling opportunity a Congress provides. Our Principal Sponsors, Massey Ferguson, Perkins and Waitrose, could not have done more to support us as a team of organisers. All three companies are huge supporters of the British Guild - our awards, our events and our communications. Not only have these three companies part-funded the Congress, they have given their time, their counsel and their resources to us. We have also got to know the outstanding professionals within their teams - it’s been fun working with you all. The same is true of our key sponsors: ANM, Harbro, Monsanto, Scottish Enterprise, Quality Meat Scotland, SRUC, Stagecoach and Yara. ANM and Harbro have been instrumental in two occasions at Congress - the Friday morning session and ANM has also given us huge inkind support for the Ceilidh evening - being held in memory of Joe Watson. Stagecoach is giving us ALL of our coach transport, for the whole five days of Congress, for nothing. They are going to all our hosts’ premises - with a coach - to check all that they need to; nothing has been too much trouble. Monsanto is our technology sponsor - funding, amongst other things, our Congress audio-visual and our website. Scottish Enterprise was one of our first sponsors to commit - it gave us funding to help us market the Congress at the outset of the planning. SRUC has given freely and generously of its time, its people and its venues - all free of charge. QMS has supported us hugely with funding for the Congress and also two bursaries. And to Yara - sponsor of the extravaganza that will be the Gala Dinner - we have a sumptuous beef dinner, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers playing - and our coup de grâce - Scotland’s First Minister speaking, 11 days before the Scottish Independence Referendum. Two additional key sponsors are Adrian and me, as Whisper.pr and Jane Craigie Marketing respectively. We have each invested close to £20,000 in our voluntary contributions of time over the past two years. Go Rural Ltd has provided event management for the Congress and sponsored the lunch at our May launch event.
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Three of the Scottish Councils have also pledged their support. Aberdeen City Council will host a Welcome to Scotland dinner for us on the opening night, Aberdeenshire Council is supporting the Saturday Ceilidh and Angus Council not only sponsored our launch event in May, but is also providing a Taste of Angus lunch on the Market Makers tour. We are indebted to six marketing agencies involved in the British Guild and agriculture - they have given their time to support us for nothing. Thank you to ABC, O’Leary PR, Pinstone, RDP, The Ad Plain and WAR. Finally, mention to all of our other supporters who have given time, food, funds and support. Your help has been invaluable and hugely appreciated. These are: Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, ABP, Alltech, Agrovista, BAT, Bekina, British Simmental Cattle Society, British Sugar, Caltech, Campbell Dallas, DeLaval, DuPont Pioneer, Forbes of Kingennie, Glenlivet Distillery, Go Rural, Highland Cattle Society, John Deere, Mackies, NFU Mutual, Philip Benzie, the Press & Journal, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Farmer, Shepherd Publishing, Rabobank, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Summer House Drinks and Taste of Grampian Producers. Please take time to meet the people representing our sponsors - many will be with us for the duration of the Congress. Without these businesses and individual believers in the British Guild and our IFAJ colleagues, we would not all be gathered here in Scotland for these five very memorable days.
Welcome Welcome to the 2014 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ World Congress. Under the title ‘Innovations from a Small Island’, this special event showcases British food and farming to the global media, with a special focus on Scotland. As a delegate, you’re promised an exhilarating, enjoyable and valuable insight into the importance and significance of our country’s agricultural industry, its place in our history and its role in our future. As well as hosting Congress, the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2014. The Chairmen of the Guild and the Congress, the whole Congress Organising Committee, and all our members bid you a hearty welcome to Scotland.
IFAJ Congress brochure editors Caroline Stocks Caroline is a freelance journalist who specialises in UK and European agri-politics. Previously deputy news editor of Farmers Weekly, she covers agricultural stories for national farming and non-farming titles. As a Nuffield Scholar, Caroline studied communication with farmers, with particular focus on how agriculture can make use of social media.
Editor Caroline Stocks
IFAJ Congress chairman Adrian Bell and British Guild of Agricultural Journalists chairman Jane Craigie
Johann Tasker Johann is a UK-based journalist specialising in rural issues, food and farming, whose work has appeared online and in print in the UK and overseas. He is currently chief reporter for Farmers Weekly, a publication he has worked for regularly since 1997. He is also the acting editor of FW’s sister publication, Crops. Johann has also appeared as a pundit on local and national media.
Editor Johann Tasker
Innovations from a Small Island 3
4 Innovations from a Small Island
Contents Itinerary and timings
6
The team behind IFAJ 2014
14
The supporters of IFAJ 2014
15
Who is speaking at IFAJ
16
A background to Scotland
22
A guide to Scotland’s government
24
Scotland: A land of food and drink
26
Enterprising Scotland
28
Scotland’s links to Europe
30
Finzean
32
Mackie’s
33
Host farms Highland Highlights — Diversification, Forestry, energy
35
Arable and whisky
38
Red meat and beef
40
Field vegetables and fruit
42
Field crops and potatoes
44
IFAJ masterclass and bootcamp
66
Professional development workshop
68
Poster display
70
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IFAJ 2014 itinerary Please note, some timing may change
Tour Option Thursday, 4th September Finzean Estate Tour organiser: Speakers for the day: Depart Hotel: 10.30 www.finzean.com
Bob Dow and Jane Craigie Hugh Duncan, The Highland Pony Society Adrian Talbot, Perkins Caroline Millar, Go Rural Return to Hotel: 16.00
For those delegates who arrive early or the night before, there is an optional visit to Finzean Estate. Finzean is a beautiful Deeside sporting estate with rich woodlands, heather hills and abundance of wildlife. It has been home to the Farquharson family for sixteen generations, including the renowned Victorian landscape painter Joseph Farquharson. The estate has farmland, moorland and forestry and is managed as an integrated family business with a keen interest in conservation and the preservation of a viable and thriving community. It also has a farm shop and tearoom, holiday cottages and sporting activities.
Running order and timings 10.30
Coach leaves Thistle Hotel, Aberdeen Airport
11.30
Coach arrives Finzean Estate — Welcome refreshments and introduction (including slideshow presentation) by Farquharson family at Finzean House
12.15
Talk on game department — Delegates to walk from Finzean House to Game Larder to meet Gamekeeeper followed by Hugh Duncan (Highland Pony Society)
12.45
Talk on farm and farm shop — Bus will depart from Finzean House to Farm Shop. Delegates will get a chance to look around the shop
13.15
Talk on low cost sites — Bus will leave shop and then en route to Forestry visit we will pass some low cost sites and the Church
13.30
Talk on forestry
14.00
Lunch at Finzean House — Speakers: Adrian Talbot and Caroline Millar
15.00
Bus leaves Finzean
16.00
Return to hotel
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Friday 5th September — Painting a strategic picture of Scotland seminars Tour organisers: Speakers for the day:
Depart Hotel: 08.00
Jane Craigie and Caroline Millar Professor Geoff Simm - SRUC Daniel Cusick – Scottish Enterprise James Withers – Scotland Food & Drink Return to Hotel: 23.00
Ken Massie – VisitScotland Emma Penny – Farmers Guardian Richard Lochhead – Scottish Government
Running order and timings 08.00
Leave hotel for Thainstone Mart
08.45
Arrive Thainstone Exchange, north-east Scotland’s largest livestock auction market
09.00
Welcome from Adrian Bell with thanks and followed by ANM Group, Introduction to the Congress and a welcome from our 3 principal sponsors: Massey Ferguson, Perkins and Waitrose
09.30
Painting a strategic picture of Scotland Seminar — This session will give delegates the background to Scotland, its rural economy, the importance of its farming, food & drink sectors, the contribution from tourism and its world-renowned scientific activities.
09.30
Introduction by chairman, Emma Penny, Editor Farmers Guardian
09.40
Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs
10.00
James Withers, CEO Scotland Food and Drink
10.20
Daniel Cusick, Scottish Enterprise
10.40
Q&A
11.10
Break for coffee
11.40
Professor Geoff Simm, Vice Principal, SRUC
12.00
Ken Massie, Regional Director, VisitScotland
12.20
Q&A
12.40
Adrian Bell introduces Massey Ferguson, Principal sponsor to speak
13.00
Lunch hosted by ANM. Delegates will also have an opportunity to photograph morning speakers and to see local cattle and sheep being auctioned in the ring and will be able to talk to auctioneers.
14.00
Adrian Bell to introduce Monsanto, Technology & Communications sponsor — Monsanto speak
14.15
Adrian Bell to introduce Masterclass and Bootcamp
14.30
Adrian Bell to outline evenings, weekend and housekeeping.
14.45
Depart Thainstone for Mackies farm
An Afternoon and evening at Mackies of Scotland 15.15
Arrive at Mackies of Scotland for the afternoon and evening (sponsored by Mackies of Scotland and Harbro) This will be farm tour featuring this low carbon dairy farm, ice cream production, innovative breeding techniques (low-lactose content A2 milk), branding success story, plus Mackies Crisps in conjunction with Taypack potatoes. There will be Workshop activity stations on the farm - delegates will be split into small groups and guided around the farm, the dairy herd and the robotic milking parlour, ice-cream production, packaging production, wind turbines and Arboretum.
18.30
BBQ hosted by Mackies and Harbro
21.00
IFAJ Band performs
23.00
Coaches depart for hotels
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Dinners at the Congress You will experience the best of Scottish food, drink and hospitality at the 2014 IFAJ Congress. Outlined below are the details for the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Thursday, 4th September
Welcome to Scotland Dinner Depart Hotel: 18.30
Return to Hotel: 23.00
The Welcome to Scotland dinner is hosted by Aberdeen City Council and will be held in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen, overlooking the sea. You will be entertained by bag pipe players (pipers) – a single piper as you arrive – and 15 pipers ‘beating the retreat’ as you leave.
Saturday, 6th September (Organiser Eddie Gillanders/Caroline Millar)
Taste of Grampian Dinner & Ceilidh – in memory of Joe Watson Depart Hotel: 18.45
Return to Hotel: shuttle busses from 23.30 until 01.00
A Taste of Grampian Dinner & Ceilidh at the Thainstone Exchange. This will be a banquet of local food supplied by local producers followed by a traditional Scottish dance - the Ceilidh. The music will be traditional Scottish fiddle music. The after dinner speaker will be Sir Brian Souter whose company, Stagecoach, has very generously sponsored all of the congress coaches. The civic reception sponsorship by Aberdeenshire Council and produce will be supplied by Taste of Grampian Producers’ Group.
Evening, Sunday, 7th September (Organiser Caroline Millar)
IFAJ Scottish Congress Gala dinner sponsored by Yara Depart Hotel: 18.15
Return to Hotel: Midnight
The IFAJ Scottish Congress Gala dinner sponsored by Yara, at Raemoir House Hotel. This will be our finale evening. We will dine on fabulous Scottish produce and finish off the night dancing to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. We hope to have the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, giving the after dinner speech. We will also have the handover to the New Zealanders who are hosting IFAJ 2015. Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, First Minister
Dress Code Smart casual throughout the Congress Exceptions Saturday Ceilidh – Kilts or smart casual Sunday Gala Dinner – Smart: suits, national dress, or black tie (evening wear)
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Tour 1 – Arable farming and the Scotch whisky connection Tour organisers: Coach guest and speakers for the day: Depart Hotel: 07.00
Ken Fletcher and Alison Mann Dr Steve Hoad - SRUC Lewis McKerrow - Agrovista Neil Shand - the British Simmental Cattle Society Return to Hotel: 17.30
Our morning visit starts the moment we get on the bus with SRUC arable expert, Steve Hoad, giving a briefing on the importance of arable crops, particularly spring barley and wheat destined for the distilling industry. Our first trip will be to the 3000-acre family business of Jimmy and Iain Green near the coast at Fochabers. The climate is particularly suited to spring barley production, with 1000 acres given over to this crop. Scotland is unique in the symbiotic nature of farming and the distilling industry, which produces a sustainable cycle of production, with barley and wheat produced on-farm going to the malting process and the by-product returned to the farm for livestock feed. Iain Green, as well as being one of Scotland’s best farmers, is also president of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Iain currently owns the British record-priced animal of the breed, Bel Dhu Capercaillie which cost 45,000gns (£47,250) in February, 2013, and we will see the first progeny from this fantastic bull at Corskie. There will be an opportunity to hear about the breed improvement benefits of using modern, tailor-made breeding indices, such as Estimated Breeding Values, from the breed’s UK Chief Executive, Neil Shand. Lunch will be at Corskie, with Simmental beef provided by the British Simmental Cattle Society. From there we move to the traditional end product for Scottish grain: Scotch whisky. Whisky is produced in the traditional way at the Glen Garioch Distillery, one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland. It is part of the Suntory Group, which also produces Auchentoshan, Bowmore, and Laphroaig whiskies and now owns Jim Beam whisky amongst many others.
Running order and timings 7.00
Bus leaves Aberdeen Airport — Steve Hoad, SRUC will lead arable discussion on the bus
8.30
Coach arrives at Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Moray
8.35
Welcome to the farm — rolls, coffee and tea, introduction by Iain Green
9.00
Split into groups for tour of farms
10.05
Talk on precision farming by Lewis McKerrow, Agrovista
10.35
Talk on Estimated Breeding Values by Neil Shand, the British Simmental Cattle Society (BSCS)
11.00
Time for interviews, photographs etc
12.00
Lunch — with Simmental beef supplied by BSCS
12.50
Board coach — travel to Glen Garioch Distillery, part of the Suntory Group
14.30
Bus arrives at Glen Garioch, party splits into three groups to experience the unique distillery and warehouse. Your tour includes a taste of the award-winning Highland Single Malt Whisky
16.00
Time to buy whisky and Glen Garioch merchandise
16.30
Bus leaves Glen Garioch
17.30
Bus arrives back at Hotel
Innovations from a Small Island 9
Tour 2 – Beef and red meat Tour organiser: Coach guests and speakers for the day:
Depart Hotel: 07.00
Eddie Gillanders Johnny Mackey, Head of Industry Development, Quality Meat Scotland Willie Thomson, Technical Director of Harbro Ltd Ron McHattie - Chief Executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Dr Jos Houdijk - SRUC sheep research George Milne - Development Officer, National Sheep Association Return to Hotel: 17.00
This tour will start with a short stop at one of Scotland’s leading deer farms operated by the current president of the British Deer Farmers Association and producer of Scottish venison, Ali Loder. Culquoich lies in the stunning Strathdon area. The tour will then make its way to Neil Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Tough, Alford. The Tonley Aberdeen-Angus herd was founded in 1993 and last November they were successful at the national AberdeenAngus calf show at Carlisle where the seven month old bull calf, Tonley Jose Enrique N957, carried off the bull calf, overall calf and male championships and went on later in the month to take the reserve bull calf championship at the Black Beauty Bonanza show at Thainstone Centre. Lunch will be the finest Aberdeen-Angus beef served at Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne courtesy of the AberdeenAngus Cattle Society. While touring, George Milne will give a run down on the Scottish sheep industry. We arrive at Wellhead, John Gordon’s traditional upland family farm near Huntly to see this innovative, commercial cattle and sheep farmer. The farm rises to 1350ft and stocking comprises 850 Blackface and Greyface ewes crossed with Suffolk and Texel rams and 230 suckler cows crossed with Charolais bulls. Wellheads was the venue for Scotland’s national sheep event in 2006.
Running order and timings 07.00
Depart Thistle Aberdeen Airport Hotel
08.00
Ali Loder, Culquoich Deer Farm, Strathdon
08.45
Depart Culquoich — Introduction to Aberdeen-Angus breed and Tonley herd en route by Eddie Gillanders and view sculpture of Aberdeen-Angus bull
09.30
Neil Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Tough, Alford — tea/coffee on arrival Speakers — Neil Wattie, Jun (welcome), Ron McHattie, Chief Executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Johnny Mackey, Head of Industry Development, QMS Farm tour
11.15
Depart Mains of Tonley — view Tillyfour Farm (original home of the Aberdeen-Angus breed) en route
12.00
Lunch — Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne. Presentation by Ken Howie (Owner of the park and Aberdeen-Angus breeder). Lunch hosted by Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society
13.00
Depart Deeside Activity Park — Introduction to Scottish sheep industry en route by George Milne, Scottish Development Officer, National Sheep Association
14.00
John Gordon, Wellheads, Huntly — tea/coffee on arrival Speakers — John Gordon (welcome), Willie Thomson, Technical Director, Harbro Ltd Dr Jos Houdijk, Reader in Animal Nutrition and Health, SRUC Farm tour — Dram and shortbread at top of hill
16.00
Depart Wellheads
17.00
Arrive Thistle Aberdeen Airport Hotel
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Tour 3 – The Market-Makers, field scale vegetables, specialist crops and fruit Tour organisers: Coach host and speakers for the day: Depart Hotel: 06.40
Jane Craigie and Steve Werblow Ewan Pate, The Courier, Andrew Faichney, East of Scotland Growers Dr Julie Graham, The James Hutton Institute Return to Hotel: 17.30
The visit will take us south into Angus, Perth & Kinross and south Aberdeenshire, starting with The McLaren family at Cronan Farm. Mike McLaren is a large arable and vegetable grower with an interest in trialling and promoting new varieties, using technologies and processing for British retailers. He is also a Scottish Enterprise Rural Leader. We will leave the McLarens and head to a near neighbour and fellow Rural Leader, Adrian Ivory of Strathisla Farms. Adrian is a progressive beef farmer and winner of a ‘Farmer of the Year’ award, with considerable cropping and produce experience. He sells his beef to the British retailer, ASDA and was co-chairman of the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference in 2014. A ‘Taste of Angus’ lunch courtesy of Angus Council will be at Strathisla Farms, in front of their stunning, historic house. The beef will be provided by ABP. After lunch we will head to The Mitchell family, fruit growers who sell to a number of British retailers. They also have a very successful farm shop called Castleton. They grow raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and cherries.
Running order and Timings 6.40
Board Bus at Aberdeen Airport
8.30
Coach Arrives – McLaren’s Cronan farm, Perthshire Welcome to the farm — coffee and tea | 5 mins Mike McLaren | 5 mins Massey Ferguson 15 mins speaker – Andrew Faichney of East of Scotland Growers plus 5 mins for QandA
9.00 – 10.15
Farm tour in 3 groups of 15
10.15
Board coach
11.00
Arrive Strathisla Farms for welcome by Adrian Ivory followed by 75 min tour of farm (in 3 groups of the same 15)
12.15
Lunch in front of the main house (or sheds if raining) — Massey Ferguson to present
13.45
Board bus
14.45
Arrive Castleton Fruit Farm — The Mitchell family
14.50
Introduction from Ross Mitchell (10 mins)
15.00
Speaker Dr Julie Graham, James Hutton (including Q&A)
15.20
Optional photo opportunity from viewing platform in packhouse
15.25 – 16.25
Farm tour in 2 groups
16.25
Thank-you and good-bye
16.30
Board coach
17.30
Coach arrives at Thistle, Aberdeen Airport Hotel
Innovations from a Small Island 11
Tour 4 – Highland Highlights - Diversification, Forestry, energy Tour organiser: Speakers:
Depart Hotel: 06:30
Bob Dow and Andy Wells Perkins Alan Laidlaw and Andy Wells – The Crown Estate Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorm National Park Return to Hotel: 17.30
The whole day will be spent at the stunning and remote Glenlivet Estate, which is owned by The Crown Estate. On arrival you will visit the Glenlivet Distillery for refreshments. We will visit three tenants on the estate and visit a farming and forestry business, a diversified farm running wildlife safaris and we will visit the new mountain bike trail - a core part of the Tomintoul Regeneration Project which is aiming to develop the area.
Running order and timings 06:30
Guests to meet in the hotel foyer to board coach
06:45
Guests promptly depart hotel for Glenlivet Estate
08:15
Guests arrive at the distillery, Glenlivet Estate – Welcome and refreshments
08:30
Guests seated for presentation – Welcome from Alan Laidlaw and Andy Wells, introduction to Glenlivet, welcome from Perkins
09:15
Guests assemble for tour in distillery car park
09:30
Guests leave for tour
09:45
Visit 1 Cairngorm Reindeer Herd – Theme: Farm diversification/tourism – Host: Tilly Smith
10:45
Travel time
11:00
Visit 2 Cairn Meilich Forest Mountain Bike Hub – Talk: Grant Moir, Chief Executive Cairngorms National Park
11:15
Guests split into 2 groups (according to colour badges) – 2 visits in rotation (30 mins per visit) Group 1 – Mountain Bike Hub (meet tenants Steve Sacks and Diane Dunlop) Group 2 – Forest Management demo (Andy Duffus Forest contractor) Each visit will take place within walking distance of the Mountain Bike Hub and guests will be escorted to each location in rotation.
12:30
Depart – travel to Distillery via Tomintoul
12:45
Stop at Tomintoul Square – Meet Lindsay Robertson, Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust Project Officer
13:15
Guests arrive back at Glenlivet distillery – working lunch
13:45
Tour of the Distillery
14:25
Guests assemble in distillery Car Park
14:30
Guest depart on bus for afternoon visit
14.45
Arrive Auchorachan Farm Glenlivet – Host: Meet Michael Durno – Farm tour
16:00
Guests depart
17:30
Guests arrive back at the hotel
Tour stops
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Alan and Tilly Smith, Inverchor Farm, Glenlivet – Owners of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, tenants of diversified farm with holiday cottage, wild boar, Soay sheep, fallow deer, reindeer and Belted Galloway cattle. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk www.wildfarmcottages.co.uk Carn Meilich plantation – Upland forestry management. Andy Duffus, forestry contractor. Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre – Steve Sacks and Diane Dunlop, Crown Estate mountain bike hub tenants. Glenlivet Distillery – Lunch. Distillery talk by Chivas plus talk from Cairngorms National Park Authority. Auchorachan Farm – Michael Durno. The Durno family have been hill farm tenants since 1953 and have prize winning pedigree and commercial cattle along with a 600-strong flock of Blackface sheep. www.glenlivetherd.co.uk
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Tour 5 – Field crops and potatoes Tour organisers: Speakers: Depart Hotel: 06.30
Emma Penny/Janelle Anderson and the late Joe Watson Stuart Wale - SRUC, and a speaker from Baxters Foods Return to Hotel: 17.15
This visit will start at Gregor Mackintosh’s farm to hear about his cold pressed rapeseed oil business www.mackintoshofglendaveny.co.uk Gregor is a young farmer who researched his business idea whilst studying for his degree in agriculture. He is now working on exporting his oil overseas and will talk about this new challenge. We will then make our way to Philip Benzie, Turriff; a 1400 acre potato growing operation. Philip is one of the largest Rooster growers in the UK under contract to Albert Bartlett. Lunch will be courtesy of Philip Benzie with beef supplied by Charlie Bruce, Bogside, Turriff, Highland cattle breeder whose son, Charlie Jnr, has researched the health benefits of eating Highland beef. The Bruce family has diversified into butchery and farm shops, with an online meat delivery service. After lunch we will go on to Charlie Bruce’ farm to photograph Bogside Highland Cattle. We will then visit Peter Maxwell, Maxwell Farms, a family-owned and run business specialising in the production and packing of quality Scottish vegetables for wholesale, retail and further processing market. This includes packing from field to table. Speciality is a Scottish favourite, neeps (turnips or Swedes), plus carrots and beetroot. We will be talking about producing high health Scottish seed potatoes, as well as renowned Scottish food company Baxters being on hand to talk about making best use of Scottish farm produce.
Running order and timings 06.30
Leave hotel
07.40
Arrive Gregor Mackintosh’s farm
09.10
Board coach
09.15
Depart Farm
10.30
Arrive Philip Benzie, Turriff
12.00
Lunch break
12.50
Board coach
13.00
Depart farm
13.15
Arrive Charlie Bruce’ farm – photograph the Highland cattle
13.45
Board coach
13.50
Depart farm
14.30
Arrive Maxwell Farms
16.00
Board coach
16.05
Depart Maxwell Farms
17.15
Coach arrives at hotel
Innovations from a Small Island 13
IFAJ 2014 committee John Cameron IFAJ 2014 President
Bob Dow Highlights of the Highlands tour and Welcome to Scotland Dinner
Communications: Caroline Stocks Tour Guide Book
Adrian Bell IFAJ 2014 Chairman
Andy Wells Highlight of the Highlands Glenlivet Estate
Johann Tasker Tour Guide Book and IFAJ 2014 website
Jane Craigie Chairman, British Guild of Agricultural Journalists BGAJ
Emma Penny Field Crops & Potatoes and Chairman of 5 September morning session
Alison Mann Twitter and Facebook
Caroline Millar Event organiser
Janelle Anderson Field Crops and Potatoes
British Guild: Lord Cameron of Dillington President, British Guild of Agricultural Journalists
Simon Haley Treasurer
Steve Werblow Market Makers and Professional Development Seminar
Virinia Strohm IFAJ 2014 Secretary
Gemma MacKenzie Mackies
Peter Hill BGAJ Communications
Aly Balsom Masterclass and Bootcamp Pre Congress
Eddie Gillanders Beef and Red Meat
Ken Rundle Masterclass and Bootcamp
Adrian Bell, Gill Norris, Tony McDougal Cedric Porter, Howard Venters Post Congress Nick Bond, Liz Snaith
Ken Fletcher Arable and Whisky
In memory of Joe Watson
Other helpers Nina Black, Beverley Allgood-Brown Rebecca Dawes, Claire Moncrieff Sandra Ramsay, Morag Pyper Agnes Smith, Helen Smith, Paul Strohm, Mike Whittall, Sheena Howden
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Sponsors Principal Sponsors
Key Sponsors
Supporters
Innovations from a Small Island 15
Speaker profiles Hugh Duncan, Highland Pony Society Council Past president of the Highland Pony Society Council, Hugh Duncan has associated with Highland Ponies since the early 60s. For several years Hugh has been on the Highland Pony Society panel of judges, judging at shows throughout Scotland and in Europe. The ‘Craignetherty’ stud prefix is spread worldwide. Exports of progeny have included to countries such as Belgium, Holland, Germany and even to USA. Although he doesn’t show very far afield, his stallion was Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show.
Caroline Millar
Alex Salmond MP. He joined the Scottish National Party while still at school in the early 1980s. Immediately prior to his election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, he worked as an economic development officer for Dundee City Council. In 1999 Richard was elected to the Scottish Parliament as a North East MSP. He stood down from his regional seat to fight and win the Moray constituency by-election in April 2006. He was SNP spokesman on Environment, Energy, Rural Affairs and Fishing. He was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in May 2007.
Danny Cusick Senior director of Food & Drink, Tourism and Textiles for Scottish Enterprise
Caroline and relatives live on the family farm at Balkello, Auchterhouse, near Dundee. The farm is a 650 acre mixed arable farm producing beef, lamb, wheat, oil seed rape and malting barley. They also farm tourists, using the natural beauty of the farmland, views of the local area, privacy, fresh air, and locally farmed food and drink to provide a unique experience to 5 star couples staying at three luxury Hideaways. The Hideaway Experience was in the national finals of the Scottish Tourism Thistle Awards for best self-service accommodation in Scotland in 2013 and aim to grow the business further. A recent Nuffield Scholar, Caroline aims to share her Nuffield experience to develop agritourism as a key sector of tourism within Scotland.
Danny Cusick is Senior Director of Food & Drink, Tourism and Textiles for Scottish Enterprise, a position he took up in July 2014. He leads three teams with overall responsibility to maximise the economic potential of the industries with a key focus in the areas which encompass high growth. To do this, he works in partnership with all key stakeholders in these communities to support the sectors’ aspirations for success. In addition, Danny has responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation of Scottish Enterprise’s operations and for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors and acts as an ambassador for Scottish Enterprise. This covers operational activity in Fife and with key businesses. Prior to taking up his current post within Scottish Enterprise, Danny headed up Scottish Development International’s (SDI) Field Operations for the Americas and was responsible for international trade and investment activities in the USA, Canada and South America.
Friday Speakers
James Withers, Scotland Food & Drink
Richard Lochead MSP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Richard Lochhead was born in 1969 in Paisley. He attended Williamwood High School in Clarkston, Glasgow College of Commerce, where he gained an HNC in Business Studies, and the University of Stirling where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Political Studies. His first job was with the South of Scotland Electricity Board and other previous posts include Office Manager for
16 Innovations from a Small Island
James Withers is the Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink. Scotland Food & Drink is an industry leadership body, established in 2007, tasked with helping the industry’s growth to £16.5 billion by 2017. Working with bodies across the sector, the organisation has 350 food and drink companies in its membership, which it supports by helping grow drive both at home and internationally.
Prior to joining the organisation, James was Chief Executive of the National Farmers Union Scotland, where he spent 12 years working for the nation’s farming industry and representing the views of rural Scotland to Government and other key decision-makers. James is a member of the Scotland 2020 Climate Group, advising Government on the achievement of its emission reduction targets.
Ken Massie, VisitScotland Ken Massie is Head of Strategic Partnerships with VisitScotland, driving improvements in the organisation’s national, regional and local relationships and services across industry support, quality and stakeholder engagement agendas. Ken joined VisitScotland in 2008 as Regional Director for Aberdeen City and Shire, having previously been Managing Director of Northsound Radio and Business Services Director at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. With a real passion for the potential of the visitor economy in Scotland, Ken and his team are striving to play a significant role in creating a positive and supportive climate to maximise the economic opportunities of 2014 and beyond.
Professor Geoff Simm, SRUC Geoff Simm is Vice Principal Research at Scotlands Rural College (SRUC). The higher education institute specialises in agricultural and rural education, research and consulting and was formed in October 2012 by the merger of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and Barony, Oatridge and Elmwood Colleges. Geoff’s background is in animal breeding and genetics research. Following a number of research management roles in SAC, he was head of SAC’s Sustainable Livestock Systems Research Group. Here he worked on animal breeding and genetics, animal behavior and welfare, animal development and livestock production systems from 2003. In his current role he leads SRUC’s research, which spans animal and veterinary science, crop and soil systems, future farming systems and land economy, environment and society. He currently chairs the Farm Animal Genetics Committee which advises UK government and devolved administrations on animal genetics issues.
Arable and Whisky Steve Hoad, SRUC Steve Hoad leads Scotland’s Rural College’s (SRUC) crop science team, based in Edinburgh. His main research interests are in cereal grain quality and crop resource use efficiency. He has a programme of research and knowledge transfer, supported with funding from the Home-Grown Cereals Authority, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the EU, the Scottish Government and industry. He participates in the UK malting barley evaluation system and provides to farmers and industry on the choices of cereal varieties. The Crop Science Team provides a breadth of skills in agronomy, plant physiology and crop genetics. SRUC delivers comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industries, founded on world-class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy.
Neil Shand, British Simmental Society Neil Shand joined the British Simmental Society as breed secretary in 2010. Neil has been instrumental in developing the breed under the motto “promoting health in breeding cattle” and also managing the transfer of the breed’s performance-recording programme in-house. Neil is always happy to share his knowledge and enjoys sourcing cattle for prospective members and commercial farmers alike. The breed has grown to be the fourth-largest beef breed in the UK and leads the way on the promotion of health in beef breeding cattle. Simmental cattle are probably the most genuine ‘dualpurpose’ breed that can be crossed successfully with any other breed and produce cows which are extremely milky, fertile, docile and with great natural mothering instincts. www.britishsimmental.co.uk
Innovations from a Small Island 17
Speaker profiles Lewis McKerrow, Agrovista
George Milne
Lewis McKrerrow is an agronomist for Agrovista and responsible for the company’s growing range of precision tools and services. During the tour, Lewis will cover soil mapping and interpretation on the farm, as well as the findings on the continuous wheat and barley land. lewis.mckerrow@agrovista.co.uk www.agrovista.co.uk
George Milne farms near St Andrews in Fife where he breeds Aberdeen-Angus cattle and North Country Cheviot sheep. He is a former chairman of the Scottish Region of the National Sheep Association and acts as the association’s development officer for Scotland. He is a passionate advocate for the Scottish sheep industry, regularly representing the industry at meetings with the Scottish Government, UK Government and European Commission in Brussels, and has led a relentless campaign against the electronic tagging of all sheep which he feels is unnecessary until sheep leave the farm for slaughter.
Red meat Dr Jos Houdijk, SRUC Dr Jos Houdijk was born and raised in the Netherlands and is a graduate of Wageningen University where he gained a degree in animal sciences with a PhD in animal nutrition. He came to Edinburgh’s Scottish Agricultural College in 1998 for two years, and is now a senior researcher and reader in animal nutrition and health at SRUC. Working with the disease systems team, Jos’ research interest is in nutritional sensitivity of sheep and pigs, animal health, disease and environmental footprint.
Willie Thomson, Harbro Technical Director A farming background and a degree in agriculture with honours in animal science led Willie Thomson to join Harbro in 1985. As Technical Director Willie has many roles, including offering on-farm advice, lecturing animal science students and advising on course content. He is also involved in product development and involvement in UK research projects. Willie is driven by a desire to develop solutions, working with farmers and vets to overcome problems and livestock health issues, and ultimately, maximise business profitability. Instrumental in the development of a patented footbath, systems to capture slaughter data to improve pig and beef finishing performance and novel feed manufacturing, Willie helps lead innovation in the sector. 18 Innovations from a Small Island
Johnny Mackey Johnny Mackey is head of industry development with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), leading a team of knowledge transfer specialists delivering a range of activities to help beef and sheep farmers improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Graduate at the Aberdeen University, Mr Mackey joined NFU Scotland as a livestock specialist after leaving university and then moved on to QMS. He returned to the family farm in Perthshire, where he runs a herd of Luing cattle with his wife, who is a vet, and at the same time acted as secretary of the Luing Cattle Society. He was appointed to his new position with QMS last November.
Ron McHattie Ron McHattie has been Chief Executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society since 1995. He was previously a development officer with Scotland’s cooperative umbrella organisation, SAOS, and managed a beef farm in Ross-shire after graduating in agriculture at university. During his tenure with the society, annual registrations of Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the UK and Ireland have more than doubled to around 16,000. He was instrumental in the introduction of the Breedplan performance recording scheme into the UK from Australia and the Society now manages recording for several beef
breed societies through its commercial subsidiary, Pedigree Livestock Services Ltd. He has also overseen the development and expansion of the Certified Aberdeen-Angus Beef scheme (CAB), which is now the leading brand of quality beef in supermarkets, and more recently has been responsible for the introduction of an initiative to collect DNA samples from every pedigree calf to authenticate the pedigrees of Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the Herd Book.
Field crops Dr Stuart Wale, SRUC Former Dean of Centre at SRUC’s Aberdeen campus and head of crop services in the college’s consulting division, Stuart Wale is now semi-retired. Currently he carries out potato research in the crop and soils research group and potato agronomy and pathology consultancy for SAC Consulting. Stuart manages large research projects with the Potato Council, including one on managing cultivations and cover crops for improved profitability and environmental benefit in potatoes, and a project on blackleg in potatoes. He also also helps secure commercial research projects. His UK potato consultancy involves supporting the SAC Association of Potato Producers. This includes day-to-day consultancy and international consultancy.
Glenlivet Andrew Wells, Head of Countryside Management for the Crown Estate Based in The Crown Estate’s Edinburgh office, Andrew Wells oversees policy and business development in relation to forestry, access, tourism, education and environment across the estate’s rural and coastal portfolio throughout the UK. He has worked for The Crown Estate for 22 years, formerly as head ranger on the award-winning Glenlivet estate, where he played a key role in the implementation of the Estate Development Project, which involved a wide range
of tourism, farm diversification, natural heritage, countryside interpretation and community projects. Formerly vice-convener of the Cairngorms National Park Outdoor Access Forum, and currently vice-convener of the Cairngorms Nature Partnership, Andrew has been closely involved in environmental resource management, education and rural economic development throughout his career. A graduate of geography from Liverpool University with an MSc in Natural Resource Management from Edinburgh University, he also holds a postgraduate Certificate of Education from Jordanhill College Glasgow.
Alan Laidlaw, Portfolio Manager Alan joined The Crown Estate in 2005 and is Portfolio Manager for Rural and Coastal for Scotland and Northern Island. Based in the Edinburgh office, his primary role is to manage the Rural and Coastal Estate across Scotland, with responsibility for management of a wide variety of interests, from Agriculture to Aquaculture, Forestry to Fishing’s, Ports, Harbours and Development. Alan leads on working with joint ventures, tenants and communities, and works with a dedicated team and local managing agents to deliver excellent customer service to communities, tenants and stakeholders. Brought up in rural East Lothian, Alan followed an interest in agriculture and went on to study Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams University College. He is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Scottish Rural College’s Consultative Committee for Rural Development and the RICS Scotland’s Rural Professional Panel, and was recently made an associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS).
Grant Moir, Cairngorms National Park Authority Grant Moir joined the Cairngorms National Park Authority as Chief Executive in March 2014. He is a graduate of Aberdeen University and worked with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority for seven years where he held the post of Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience. Prior to that he was in the Rural Affairs Department of the Scottish Executive.
Innovations from a Small Island 19
Speaker profiles Market makers
Other Speakers
Andrew Faichney, East of Scotland Growers Ltd
Sir Brian Souter
Andrew Faichney is operations manager for East of Scotland Growers (ESG), a not-for-profit farmer co-operative based in Cupar, Fife. With an annual turnover of about £12m, ESG markets 23m kg of produce from its 19 member farms each year, across 4500 acres of farmland. In exchange for a per-acre charge, the co-op provides agronomy consulting, crop production planning, twiceweekly crop inspections, technical support, marketing and logistics. ESG also has an active research and development program. Andrew started his career with ESG in 2003, while still at university. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the co-op’s crop manager. Between 2008 and 2010, he was an estate and farms manager on a privately-owned mixed farm near Stirling, where he oversaw diverse operations that included commercial and private property, an office complex, and a commercial hunting and fishing enterprise. In 2010, he returned to ESG as operations manager. He oversees a close relationship with growers, handling communications, logistics, stock control and harvest planning and coordination for the co-op.
Dr Julie Graham, James Hutton Institute Julie is involved with worldrenowned selective breeding techniques at the James Hutton Institute, an international research centre based in Scotland. Julie’s work involves finding ways to prevent factors that lead to consumer disappointment with fruit, such as poor flavour, limited shelf-life, short availability and other quality compromises that, together with high prices, discourage repeat purchase. She and her team have been responsible for gene mapping, variety development of raspberry and other fruit crops and pest and disease resistance. They have also been researching seasonality of production and fruit quality, including flavour, colour and softening. Julie.Graham@hutton.ac.uk www.hutton.ac.uk
20 Innovations from a Small Island
Sir Brian Souter is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and transport innovators. He is the co-founder and Chairman of Stagecoach Group, the international public transport operator, which runs some of the UK’s most recognised transport brands and is a market leader in delivering greener, smarter travel. Sir Brian is architect of the company’s philosophy and, along with his sister, Ann Gloag, founded the company in Perth, Scotland, in 1980. Listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1993, Stagecoach Group operates around 13,000 vehicles and rolling stock and employs around 35,000 people in the UK, United States and Canada. Sir Brian was awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2011 for services to transport and the voluntary sector. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Sir Brian has been a long-standing supporter of business in Scotland and is also a former Board member of Scottish Enterprise. Sir Brian is also Chairman of Souter Investments, his private investment vehicle. He has received a number of awards for his business acumen, his personal achievements and his significant contribution to the development of the public transport sector in the UK. Sir Brian was named UK Master Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and, in 2012, became the first public transport entrepreneur to be inducted into the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame. www.briansouter.com www.stagecoach.com
Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister, Scottish Government Alex Salmond is the fourth First Minister to lead the Scottish Parliament which has devolved powers from the UK Government, following its establishment in 1999 but his entry into full time politics came more than a decade earlier in 1987 following his election as Member of the United Kingdom Parliament for the Banff and Buchan constituency.
Aside from politics, Alex Salmond has taken a keen interest in horse racing and in football he supports Heart of Midlothian. On leaving University with a MA Hons, he became a civil servant based in Edinburgh. After two years, he left that job joining the Royal Bank of Scotland where he worked for the next seven years. During that period, he was appointed Oil Economist, a post created in recognition of the importance that oil recently found in the North Sea was to the Scottish economy. He was elected First Minister in 2007 and worked with a minority SNP Government throughout that term of office
Dr John Cameron C.B.E., FRAgS. John Cameron has represented Scottish agriculture, particularly the livestock sector, in many different parts of the world. Taking an early interest in the National Farmers Union he became Chairman of the Hill Farming Committee followed by several years as Chairman of the Livestock Committee, subsequently becoming the Union’s first long term President in 1978 at the age of 39. He was also appointed Chairman of the Meats Group of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers operating from their headquarters in Paris and attending many international functions throughout the world representing and negotiating on behalf of livestock producers. For a year he chaired the government committee set up to examine the future requirements of the sheep industry, in terms of research and development of the United Kingdom sheep industry. His farming operations are at Balbuthie near Elie in East Fife where he farmed arable, grassland and hill units located from East Fife to West Perthshire. He continues to farm in East Fife, running 250 suckler cows and a pedigree herd of Herefords. His agricultural policy and practice is based on simple low cost extensive systems of production with particular attention to the welfare of his livestock program, having adopted a comprehensive animal health plan. In 1984 he was awarded a CBE for his services to Agriculture.
Lord Cameron of Dillington Lord Cameron is a former chairman of the Countryside Agency (19992004) and the Prime Minister’s Rural Advocate (2000-2004). He was President of the Country Landowners Association (1995-97) and has lobbied on behalf of the countryside for many years. He was knighted for services to the countryside in 2003. Lord Cameron currently represents rural interests as an independent crossbench Peer in the House of Lords and sits on the Lords EU Select Committee as well as its sub-committee for Agriculture, Environment, Energy and Fisheries. He also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Agriculture, Food and Development, which promotes profitable smallholder agriculture in the developing world. He chairs the Strategy Board of the Government’s Global Food Security Programme which coordinates research into agriculture and the food chain and also runs Dillington Farms in Somerset.
Jim Walker, CBE, Managing Director Jim Walker joined Argent Energy in 2003 as vice-chairman. He became operations director in 2005 and Managing Director in 2008. He was chairman of Quality Meat Scotland from April 2003 until October 2005 following four years as president and one year as VicePresident of NFU Scotland. He continues to farm 3,500 acres in the Nith Valley in South West Scotland which carries a herd of 500 beef cows and over 2,000 sheep. In 2009 Jim led an MBO of Argent Energy funded by a consortium including Sir Brian Souter, which saw the rapid development of Argent into a world-leading highly profitable renewable energy business. In 2013 Argent was acquired by John Swire & Sons Limited and Jim remains as Managing Director leading the development of Argent into a multi-site, international division of the Swire Group.
Innovations from a Small Island 21
Farming – Scotland’s vital industry by Andrew Arbuckle Despite there being only 22,000 registered agricultural holdings, registered in Scotland farming is one of the most important industries in the country. With an annual output of around £2,300 million from our farms, only multi-faceted tourism is reckoned to have a bigger impact on the rural economy. Some 65,000 people out of the five million plus population of Scotland are directly involved in agriculture. That figure can be multiplied by three or four to cover those working in allied industries. Employment in agriculture is significant in many rural areas with up to 10% of local people working in the industry Some 85% of the 5.6 million hectares of land in Scotland under agricultural production is classified as Less Favoured with some of that as Severely Disadvantaged. Farm production in those areas, which are mostly in the North and West of the country, is limited to extensive livestock production. Because of the general poorer quality of the land, farms in Scotland are much larger than elsewhere in Europe with an average size of unit being 176 hectares; some four times the EU average. Most of the better arable land lies on the East side of the country with a wide variety of crops grown.
Financial Facts
Total net income from farming in 2013 was worth £829m. This comprised £3.7 billion of output and support, less £2.9 billion of costs. This gave farmers an average income of around about £40,000 but within that figure dairy farmers were more profitable while lowland cattle and sheep farmers were less so. Most skilled farm workers will earn more than £400 per week.
Land Ownership
About one quarter of all Scottish farms operate with a landlord letting his farms out to tenant farmers. This system means the farmer does not own the land nor the buildings leaving him/her to produce crops and livestock. A century ago this system was dominant with almost three quarters of all farms being let but now an increasing percentage are owner occupied. In the north and west of the country, a system of farming unique to Scotland takes place; crofting. Typically, this will involve the crofter farming, either owning or tenanting a small area of land (average 5 hectares) with access to much larger common grazings that belong to the township which is the term for a collection of crofts in an area.
Beef Production
Almost half of Scotland’ farmers keep beef cattle making it the most important sector in Scottish agriculture. With over 400,000 breeding beef cows Scotland has almost 24% of the UK herd of breeding cattle and 8% of the EU herd. Traditionally, many of the cattle in Scotland are bred in the north and west of the country and after calving in the Spring the offspring are brought to auction markets such as Inverurie and Stirling as store cattle. There they are bought by “finishers” as farmers who fatten them up for market are called. Most finished cattle are sold directly to large scale processors although a few are sold to local butchers through the auction market system. Since the 1970s, Continental breeds such as Limousin, Charolais and Simmental have dominated with only Aberdeen Angus of the native breeds challenging their top placings. Traditional breeds including Beef Shorthorn and Highland still hold an important niche in the market.
22 Innovations from a Small Island
Scotch produced beef has a high reputation for quality and as such it fetches a premium in the market place. Scotch Beef was awarded PGI status by the EU twenty years ago. Scotland currently exports to a large number of countries in Europe and further afield. Like almost all Scottish produce, beef comes through a Farm Assurance scheme which ensures high standards are maintained on a range of production points such as health, welfare and housing.
Sheep Production
If there is a farm enterprise that is suited to Scottish weather conditions and land capacity, it is in the production of lamb. Although, the number of sheep kept today is well below the peak of previous years, there are still more than two and a half million ewes in the country. This means that Scotland accounts for more than 20% of the UK breeding flock. On an EU basis the UK has the largest sheep flock in the EU with over a quarter of the total number of sheep kept. With those figures it is no surprise that more than half of all farmers in Scotland keep sheep and the average number of breeding ewes was 206 per holding with quite a number of the larger hill farms running over 1000 ewes Hill farms keep breeding flocks with the ewe lambs not needed as flock replacements and all the castrated male lambs being sold in the Autumn to farmers in the lowground. There they are fattened for the market often on by products of arable farming. Lowland flocks tend to benefit from the comparatively better climate, improved soil type and better grazing which combine to produce quality prime lamb. Traditionally the dominant breeds on the hills have been Blackfaces and Cheviots with Suffolks being the dominant terminal sire but this position has been challenged in recent times with Texels not only taking over as the most popular terminal sire but also being kept on lower less severe hill farms.
Dairy Production
The UK has the third largest dairy herd in the EU after France and Germany, and the largest average herd size. Within the UK, Scotland provides 10% of the milk produced and does so from just over 1,000 herds. The average herd size in Scotland is now over 170 cows with several units boasting cow numbers of over 1,000. Dairy farms tend to be concentrated in the south west of the country where long season grass growth and mild winters are conducive to lower costs of production. More than 90% of Scottish dairy farms are members of the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme which sets strict standards for farm practices. The dominant breed is the Holstein Friesian but there are still significant supporters of the Ayrshire breed, especially in its home area in the west of Scotland. The milk produced in Scotland either goes into the fresh market or to make butter and cheese. More than 50% of dairy cows are bred pure to produce replacement heifers. The rest are cross-bred with a variety of beef breeds to produce calves – some of which become breeding cattle in the beef herd.
Pig Production
The IFAJ congress is being held in the heartland of Scottish pig production; - the north east of Scotland but even in this area, the number of specialist producers has dwindled to a little over
NFU Scotland Much of the information in this article was provided by NFU Scotland, which represents 9,000 farmers, crofters, growers and other supporters the length and breadth of the country. NFU Scotland works to promote and protect the interests of its members by influencing government, the supply chain and consumers in an effort to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. For details, visit www.nfuscotland.org.uk
one hundred. Because of closures of pig processing capacity in Scotland the number of breeding sows in Scotland is now under 30,000, half what it was only a decade ago. All the Scottish pig meat production is quality assured through Quality Meat Scotland.
twenty countries with the main buyer being Egypt. Potatoes grown for consumption (ware) go to one of four big prepackers based in Scotland where they then go to the major supermarkets in the UK. There is no potato processing trade in Scotland.
Poultry Production
Fruit and Vegetables in Scotland
There are just under 15 million chickens and laying hens in Scotland. About one third of that total are egg-producing hens with the balance chickens reared for broiler meat production. The egg and poultry meat sectors are highly integrated and are committed to farm assurance through the British Egg Industry Council’s Lion Code and Assured Chicken Production. Farmers have invested heavily in promotion and provision on health issues to consumers.
Cereal Production
Cereal production in Scotland is based almost entirely in the east of Scotland where the rainfall is lower than in the west. Grain growing is dominated by Spring barley where the main demand comes from the whisky industry. In 2013, 459,000 hectares of cereals were grown in Scotland and of that total 320,000 hectares were sown with barley. Most barley is sown in the Spring with a small percentage sown in the Autumn. In a normal year, the drinks industry will take half to two thirds of the total tonnage of barley. The balance goes for animal feed. Wheat is almost entirely sown in the autumn prior to harvest is the second most important grain for Scottish arable farmers with 86,000 hectares grown last year. Wheat growers have a variety of markets from supplying the distilling industry through to poorer quality being taken up by the animal feed merchants. In recent years, some wheat has gone to feed biofuel plants in Northern England. The traditional grain grown in Scotland is oats. A fair percentage of the crop is made into porridge which has been a staple of the diet of rural Scotland for centuries. Nowadays, there are two large oat processors in Scotland plus another number of smaller mills producing this traditional food which has been boosted recently with praise from dieticians. Oilseed rape was only introduced to Scotland in the 1970s but now some 30,000 to 40,000 hectares are grown. The oil produced heads either for human consumption or for biofuel. The meal left after the oil has been extracted goes for animal feed.
Potatoes in Scotland
Two industries in one, with production split between growing seed potatoes and growing for consumption. In 2013, 29,109 hectares of potatoes were grown with just under half of that total being dedicated to seed production. Almost all the potato crop is grown in the east of Scotland and in recent years it has become a very specialised operation with under 400 producers committed to the crop. Seed potatoes have been grown in Scotland for the past century as the cooler climate here reduces the spread of disease. While the main market for seed is England, Scotland last year exported ÂŁ100 million worth of potatoes to more than
There are less than 16,000 hectares of land in Scotland dedicated to the growing of fruit and vegetables but because the crops grown are high value, they form a significant percentage of Scottish farm output. It is also a growing sector as UK buyers recognise the value of growing a percentage of their acreage in Scotland where the daylight hours are longer in summer and where the temperature is less extreme In acreage terms, vining peas are the top crop followed by carrots grown in the sandy soils of Morayshire, Angus, Fife and East Lothian. One long established crop, - turnips is next on the acreage list and it sits alongside broccoli which first made its appearance on a field scale in the 1970s. Scottish broccoli production is significant on a European level with more than 1,000 hectares. Soft fruit has been grown commercially in Scotland for more than a century with the less extreme weather and long daylight hours in summer helping crops such as raspberries and strawberries. The industry has been transformed in recent years with the arrival of polytunnels. Previously much of the fruit went to the processing sector with a number of factories in the main growing area of Perth an Angus. The arrival of covered crops and extended picking seasons along with cheap imports of processing quality fruit has encouraged the shift to growing for the fresh market. There are fewer than one hundred producers in soft fruit growing where the main crops are strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. One major deterrent to increasing production is the capital cost of polytunnel production.
The Environment
A cynical farmer commented that the environment was only invented in the 1980s as prior to that 100% attention was given to production on farms. That position has now changed partly through requirements set by environmental legislation but mainly through a changing mindset by farmers Throughout Scotland more than 4,000 farmers and crofters are now engaged in a variety of agri-environment schemes. Overall, more than 1.2 million hectares are being managed in the interests of conservation. Farmers receive financial support, funded by taxpayers. In addition, the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) funded economic, environmental and social measures worth some ÂŁ1.2 billion to develop rural Scotland from 2007-2013. The next stage of the SRDP covers the years 2014 to 2020. Like its predecessor, the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will provide funding support for farming, forestry, crofting and rural development projects. All statistics from www.scotland.gov.uk/agricstats
Innovations from a Small Island 23
Scotland’s people and government by Johann Tasker Scotland’s People and Government Scotland is growing in population and in power. It is home to more people than ever and recent years have seen its political clout increase – with devolution and then a quest for independence.
Population Scotland’s population is now at its highest ever, according to the most recent 2011 national census. There were 5,295,000 people in Scotland on the last census day (27 March 2011) – 2,567,000 men and 2,728,000 women. This represents a 233,000 increase (5%) in population compared to a decade previously – the fastest growth rate in the last century. Population density ranged from 9/km² in the rural areas of Eilean Siar and Highland to 3,395/km² in the city of Glasgow. The population increase is partly because there have been more births than deaths, but mainly because more people have moved to Scotland than have left. Taken as a whole, Scotland’s population profile is getting older. In 2011, for example, there were 293,000 children aged under five in Scotland, an increase of 6% from 2001. There were 230,000 people aged 80 and over in 2011 compared with 193,000 in 2001, an increase of 19%. In the last 10 years, there has been a decrease of 69,000 (11%) in the number of children aged five to 14. The number of people aged 65 and over increased by 85,000 (11%) since 2001 and now represents 17% of the population. Compared to 2001, the population aged 15 to 64 has increased by 200,000 (6%). Within this total the population aged 15 to 39 decreased by 32,000 (2%), while the population amongst older working ages (40 to 64) increased by 233,000 (14%). Scotland is the second most populated country in the United Kingdom, which is home to 63.2m people. This number comprises 53m people in England, 5.3m people in Scotland, 3.1m people in Wales and 1.8m people in Northern Ireland.
Government Although part of the United Kingdom, which is governed from London’s Westminster, the Scottish Parliament is able to pass laws on a range of issues. This has been the case since 1999 when the UK Parliament at Westminster devolved different powers to the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly. As well as agriculture, the Scottish Parliament is able to pass laws on education, health (the National Health Service or NHS) and justice. The Scottish Parliament also has the power to raise or lower the basic rate of income tax by up to 3%.
24 Innovations from a Small Island
The Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament). Like the UK Parliament at Westminster, the Scottish Parliament passes laws. It also scrutinises the work and policies of the Scottish Government, which is responsible for all devolved matters. Members of the Scottish Government are collectively referred to as ‘the Scottish Ministers’. All Ministers have to be MSPs, except Scotland’s Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General, who are the country’s chief legal officer and his or her deputy. After a Scottish Parliamentary election, a First Minister is formally nominated by the Parliament and appointed by the Queen. The First Minister then appoints the Scottish Ministers to make up his Cabinet with the agreement of Parliament and the approval of the Queen. The Scottish Parliament legislates for Scotland on devolved matters. The UK Parliament at Westminster continues to legislate for Scotland on reserved matters, which include issues such as foreign affairs, defence and national security. As well as the 129 MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, Scotland also has 72 MPs representing Scottish constituencies at Westminster . So as well as devolved issues, Scotland continues to have representation when it comes to reserved issues. Parliamentary elections in Scotland, initiated in 1999 when the Scottish Parliament was re-convened after a gap of almost 300 years, are held every four years. The current session which began in May 2011 will last for five years with the next election scheduled for 2016.
Areas for growth and focus Agritech The Scottish Government currently spends £30 million each year on agriculture research and knowledge exchange between government divisions, agencies, research institutes and universities. Scotland is leading the way in agricultural science and innovation thanks to Scottish Government funding, said Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, speaking when the UK government launched its agricultural technologies industrial strategy. “Scotland is, in many ways, leading the rest of the UK with regard to agricultural technology and innovation. The great work of those within the industry has led to commercial successes such as conventional crop breeding and livestock vaccine development.” Examples of how the Scottish Government funding is being spent include £4 million annually on potato disease research to protect Scotland’s seed potato industry, which was worth an estimated £68 million in 2012.
The Scottish Government currently spends £30 million each year on agriculture research and knowledge exchange It is also funding research to help eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), saving the Scottish economy an estimated £50-80 million over ten years, and exploring commercial use of seaweed as a source of sustainable food ingredients. Science and innovation were key to sustainable economic growth, said Mr Lochhead. “I encourage Scottish organisations to cooperate to make the most of any opportunities for additional funding to ensure they remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”
Seafood Some £700,000 in Scottish Government funding was announced earlier this year to back an industry action plan aimed at securing a more profitable and sustainable seafood sector The report from the Scottish Seafood Partnership, which brings together representatives from the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors, has identified six key areas to further enhance the industry’s reputation and market reach. The goal is to position Scotland as a world leading provider of premium quality seafood, identifying and capitalising on growth markets while encouraging the industry to share knowledge and information, as well as strengthening the supply chain. The strategy also aims to provide better training and career opportunities, improve access to finances so businesses can respond to commercial opportunities quickly, and develop strategies to ensure the industry develops future leaders and promotes innovation. Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland’s seafood sector is already one of our great strengths and Scottish seafood has already achieved much in building its reputation as a product renowned the world over for its pristine quality. “This plan places seafood firmly where it belongs – as an integral and central part of the success story which is Scotland’s food and drink sector. I’m confident it will build on this strong base to achieve an ever more sustainable and profitable seafood sector.”
to ensure that policies are sensitive to rural needs and circumstances, while keeping policy makers in touch with the views of the communities they serve. The Scottish Rural Development Programme is resourced by €679m of European funding (EAFRD) match funded by the Scottish Government. Spread over six years, it provides help and support to individuals and groups to help create a wealthier and fairer rural Scotland.
Quest for independence Scotland and England united to form the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. But an independence referendum on September 18 is being billed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people in Scotland to decide the future for their country. The referendum question will be: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Voters will choose yes or no. Whichever option has the most votes will win the referendum, regardless of how many people turn out to vote. If a majority of those who vote want Scotland to be independent then Scotland would become an independent country after a process of negotiations. Following the negotiations Scotland would leave the United Kingdom and become a new and separate state. If a majority of those who vote want to stay part of the UK, Scotland would remain a part of the United Kingdom, with its own devolved Parliament, although further powers would be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as a result of the Scotland Act 2012.
Rural economic growth The Scottish Government says it is committed to supporting rural life, rural communities and the rural economy – and has ‘mainstreamed’ the needs of rural Scotland within all its policies. Rather than setting rural Scotland aside as something different or a special case, the Scottish Government has encouraged all policy makers to take the needs of rural areas seriously and to adapt their policies to meet local needs and circumstances wherever possible. A number of bodies and mechanisms oversee and coordinate this approach to rural development. They aim
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Scotland: A Land of food and drink by Caroline Stocks From Scotch beef and smoked salmon to the finest malt whiskies, food and drink is one of Scotland’s most famous outputs, and one of it’s biggest success stories. Blessed with a larder of some of the best natural produce in the world, the country’s reputation for quality produce has driven the food and drink sector to record values. With a turnover of £13.1bn every year, it is hugely significant to the nation’s economy. The sectors support some 360,000 jobs, meaning that one in seven people in Scotland work in the food and drink supply chain. Much of Scotland’s fine food is enjoyed on UK shores, but £5.3bn of food and drink is exported to 100 countries every year, making it Scotland’s top export. Scotch whisky, which is exported to a staggering 200 countries, leaves these shores in the largest quantities, generating some £4.3bn a year in export revenue - a staggering £140 a second. But while these might be some impressive statistics, Scotland doesn’t want to stop there. By 2017, having already smashed its previous target to reach just over £12bn by that date, the country hopes to grow its food and drink industry to a value of £16.5bn. Furthermore, it hopes to increase exports to £7.1bn by the same date.
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The drive is being led by Scotland Food & Drink, a government-supported organisation tasked with making the country’s food and drink sector more profitable and successful. Working with producers, processors, retailers, researchers and public bodies, the organisation is driving collaboration across the entire supply chain to share resources and knowledge and drive development. In the face of more challenging market conditions, it also wants to ensure the supply chain remains profitable, consumer-focused, market-led and internationally competitive. With strong ambitions and a sector showing no signs of stopping, the country aims to be among the world’s topthree producers of premium food and drink produce by the end of the decade. At its current rate, that could well be another target Scotland meets a good few years early.
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Enterprising Scotland by Johann Tasker Scotland might be a small country, but its business leaders believe it is possible to be pioneering, innovative and international – without sacrificing sustainability. Much of what Scotland has invented is well known and used across the globe, the Commonwealth Games Business Conference was told earlier this summer. Modern living would be unrecognisable without items such as the television, the telephone and the ATM, delegates were told. Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s main economic development agency and aims to deliver a significant, lasting effect on the Scottish economy. With 1100 staff in 40 offices around the world, its role is to help identify and exploit opportunities for economic growth. The agency supports Scottish companies to compete within the global marketplace and help build Scotland’s globally competitive sectors. It also works with a range of public and private sector partners to attract investment to Scotland and create a world-class business environment. Food and farming are at the heart of the export sector. Whisky is the fastest growing export, shipping 40 bottles per second globally. “In the time it takes Usain Bolt to run his 100 metres, we will have shipped another 380 bottles,” says Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson. Whisky is a traditional product. But innovators are making their mark too. Celtic Renewables, a spin out company from Napier University in Edinburgh, attracted £1.2m of investment to develop the concept of whisky powered cars. Celtic Renewables aims to turn the by-products of whisky into biobutanol which can power vehicles without the need for engine modification. The investment is to test the concept on an industrial scale with a view to growing a brand new £100m industry. Biobutanol is produced from pot ale – the yeasty liquid that is heated during distillation – and draff, the sugar-rich kernels of barley which are soaked in water to facilitate the fermentation process necessary for whisky production. It is anticipated that work by Celtic Renewables will facilitate the production of the world’s first industrial samples of biobutanol derived from whisky production residues, allowing it to be used as a direct replacement for petrol and diesel, without the need to modify engines. Another Scottish firm receiving a lot of media interest is Glasgow-based tech company Cojengo. The company is teaming up with software giant Microsoft to provide innovative diagnostic tools and disease surveillance data for farmers in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania. Cojengo have developed the VetAfrica app, which enables vets, animal health workers and rural farmers to quickly and accurately diagnose livestock illness and identify which drugs are most effective to treat disease via smart phones. And with over 100 million farmers spread across thousands of square miles in East Africa, it is easy to see
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how a massive growth of mobile and cloud tech solutions can make a positive difference both here in Scotland and in African markets. “Cojengo and Celtic Renewables are ideal examples of how you can be pioneering, innovative and international without having to sacrifice sustainability,” says Lena Wilson, who has held a range of positions covering all aspects of economic development and worked in over 40 countries. “It is crucial that industry, business and governments learn from these companies and work collaboratively to address the challenge of creating truly sustainable economies that benefit everyone in society.” Healthy food and drink products are estimated to be worth £20bn in the UK and more than £300bn worldwide. Scottish food and drink exports have more than doubled over the past six years and are now worth £330m, making them Scotland’s third largest export market. Although the vast majority of this is whisky related, and much of it goes on to other markets in south-east Asia and further afield, food exports to Singapore are also on the rise, increasing by 20% last year with further huge potential to grow this further. This has been reflected in the new food and drink export plan, says Neil McInnes, head of Scottish Development International’s operations in South-East Asia and Australia. The plan identifies South-East Asia as a top priority market for the industry – particularly Singapore and Thailand. “Singapore is a city of foodies and eating out is a national pastime. There are more than 2,400 restaurants in Singapore and once you add in hawker centres, fast food outlets, cafes and pubs, there are over 6,600 establishments to cater for every taste imaginable.” High salaries and rising living standards for local people also mean that Singaporeans have high disposable incomes and consumer tastes are evolving, with more demand for western products which present some real opportunities for Scottish companies. “While people might be spoilt for choice in Singapore, they are increasingly looking for niche high-end products. Scottish companies offering premium products or something which is that little bit different can do extremely well.” That said, the USA remains the largest export market for Scottish goods and services. Food and drink exports to the US rose by 30% to just under £1bn in 2012. They were buoyed further by a 2013 deal to sell Scotch Beef to American consumers for the first time in nearly 20 years. It followed a decision from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to re-open its market to EU beef and other bovine products following a ban put in place in the 1990s. Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the news.
Food and drink exports to the US rose by 30% to just under £1bn in 2012 “This is a massive breakthrough and one we keenly welcome – the Scottish Government has been pushing hard for this for a number of years. Scotch Beef is among the best in the world and its provenance is unrivalled, ensuring the highest standards and quality. Mr Lochhead added: “Scotch Beef has been off the menu in the USA for far too long and the re-opening of an extremely lucrative market is a tremendous opportunity to expand our beef exports and one which I am keen for the industry to grasp.”
Recognised as being a world class product, Scottish Beef was among the first European red meat products to be awarded the coveted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status over 25 years ago by the European Union. Anne MacColl, Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, says: “The opportunity for Scotland’s beef industry is significant and we will continue to work with Scottish producers to support their growth into new markets and capitalise on global opportunities.”
Creating tomorrow’s rural business leaders The Scottish Rural Leadership Programme brings together people who are passionate about helping rural businesses create additional wealth for Scotland by being ambitious, influencing others, building effective teams and developing leadership capabilities. It does this by encouraging entrepreneurs to develop the confidence to take new steps in their business – providing information about rural economic issues that can help business owners identify and capitalise on future opportunities. To date, some 339 rural leaders have completed the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme. Benefits have included resolving family issues, forging a new direction for their business and lobbying politicians to change legislation. The programme involves 12 days of events plus three hour-long individual leadership focus sessions from October 2014 to March 2015. Participants are involved in business focused workshops to help them identify business opportunities. Entrepreneurs joining the course come from a mix of rural occupations including farmers, those involved in tourism, food and drink sectors, vets, auctioneers, estate managers, the processing sector, the supply trade, accountants, bankers and businesses supporting the rural sector.
Credit: Hatton Photography Innovations from a Small Island 29
Scotland & agri-politics by Caroline Stocks What happens in Brussels can have more of an effect on Scotland’s agriculture than the decisions its own government makes. Caroline Stocks explains how the European Union impacts on Scotland, and how its latest reforms could shape the country’s farming industry for years to come. Farming in Scotland is shaped to a large degree by decisions taken in Europe. The vast majority of financial support for agriculture comes through the European Union in the shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). With the financial assistance comes regulations that Scotlands’ farmers have to follow.
What is the CAP? The Common Agricultural policy is the European Union’s system of agricultural subsidies and programmes, covering agriculture, environmental measures and rural development. Established in 1962, the aim of the policy was to encourage farmers to increase their yields by paying for production. Currently close to £50bn of EU money goes into European agriculture every year, with nearly 200,000 UK farmers receiving payments of more than £3.3bn annually.
Why is it being reformed? Over the years, the CAP has been reformed in an attempt to adapt to the changing economic climate, the changing shape of Europe, and the needs of society.The current round of funding for the CAP came to an end in 2013, meaning a new budget needed to be agreed, and European officials took it as an opportunity to overhaul the regulations. The latest round of reforms, which are the most significant for some years, have a number of aims:
■■ to ensure better-value for taxpayers ■■ to help farmers be more sustainable and productive ■■ to be fairer ■■ to be more simple and transparent
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Proposals for the latest changes were first published in 2011 and should have come into force in 2014. However things have taken longer than expected, thanks mostly to something called co-decision. For the first time the European Commission, which proposed the reform, had to come to an agreemen t with the European Parliament over the policy - a process which delayed progress massively. The new regulations were not agreed until December 2013, so to give member states enough time to put the rules in place, it was agreed the changes would come into force in January 2015. Since then Scotland - like all other member states - has been working to find the best ways to make the changes and put the systems in place to manage them.
So what is going to happen in Scotland? The budget The UK’s direct payment budget of €25.1bn (£20.4bn) has been split between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The allocations are based on a historical formula that broadly reflects agricultural output across the UK. The latest split has resulted in a cut to the direct payment budget of 1.6% across all parts of the UK. UK ministers also had to decide whether to add additional cuts of up to 15% of the budget by transferring funds from its direct support budget (known as Pillar 1) to the rural development pot (Pillar 2). The Scottish Government decided to transfer 9.5% of its total CAP budget from its direct payment budget to its rural development programme (SRDP). The government has the option to increase how much it transfers in 2018.
Area-based payments After months of discussion, in June the Scottish Government announced exactly how it plans to implement the new CAP. The biggest change for farmers in Scotland will be a move from historic to area-based payments. This means that instead of farmers receiving payments based on subsidies paid during the 2000-2002 period, they will be paid on how much eligible land they have. To try to minimise the impact on farmers, the transition will be made over several years, from 2015 to 2019. The Scottish Government has also agreed to use 8% of its direct funding allowance to continue coupled payments in its livestock sector, which are linked to how many beef and sheep farmers produce.
The direct subsidy farmers receive - now known as the Basic payment - will be split into three categories to reflect the variations in Scotland’s farmland. Depending on the quality of the land, landowners will get between €10/ha and €200/ha.
Greening In an effort to ensure Europe’s farmers are as environmentally-friendly and sustainable as they can be, the EU has linked farmers’ Basic payments to so-called ‘greening’ measures. Under the rule, around 30% of the direct payment will only be paid if farmers comply to specific requirements. In Scotland these rules state that farmers with more than 37ha of arable land must maintain at least 5% of that land as an ecological focus area (EFA). Details of what EFAs farmers could adopt are expected to include things like buffer strips, hedges and nitrogen-fixing crops. Another significant element of the regulation is that farmers growing more than 75 acres of arable land will have to include at least three crops in their rotation. The main crop cannot account for more than 75% of the planted area and the third crop no less than 5%. Those growing between 25 and 75 acres will need to grow two crops, with the main one covering a maximum of 95% of the planted area. According to NFU Scotland, about 1000 farmers grew only one crop - spring barley for the country’s whisky industry. The final element of greening is the maintenance of permanent grassland. Under the regulation, it was initially thought farmers will be prevented from ploughing permanent grassland, which included all of Scotland’s rough grazing, but subject to Commission approval.
Active farmers To ensure support payments only go to those who are actively engaged in farming, land owners will have to meet certain criteria to be eligible. This will include measures such as proving that a certain amount of a farm business’ turnover is related directly to agriculture. The active farmer test will remove land which has no farming activity on it, which is estimated to be 600,000ha in Scotland. Sporting estates will be excluded from receiving Basic payments unless they can prove they are a genuine farm business.
Capping Under EC proposals, a reduction of 5% must be applied to all direct payments above €150,000 (£122,000), with an option to increase the reduction to 100%. In Scotland, ministers decided that Basic payments will be capped at about £400,000.
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Finzean – a family affair by Jane Craigie Sitting in Finzean Estate’s Tearoom looking out over the valley, you fully understand why the Gaelic for it is ‘the fair place’, and why so many of the residents remain to trace their ancestry back to this land and this timeless place. Nestled in the Grampian hills, eight miles from Banchory, Finzean Estate has been in the Farquharson family since 1580. Throughout its history, the family have always had an active involvement in the running of the land, which totals 4,000 hectares of farmland, hill and woodland, 40 properties - including holiday lets - and seven very longterm tenanted farms. In the 400-plus intervening years, the estate has had to evolve and modernise to make sure that it remains financially viable. Finzean is now run as a partnership consisting of two brothers Donald and Andrew Farquharson. Andrew who works on and manages the Estate, says that, common to many Scottish estates, the fortunes of the family have ebbed and flowed over the centuries but, from the mid-nineteenth century the lairds contributed greatly to the prosperity and community spirit of the valley. This sense of community is something that still drives the Finzean valley, as well as many of the estate decisions.
On their land the Farquharsons have established sheltered housing, low-cost housing sites for young people and leasing community woods and pathways as a local amenity. The estate’s award-winning Farm Shop and Tearoom also employs people from the valley. During the stalking and fishing seasons, Finzean’s hills and river beats on the Feugh and Dee are opened up to paying guests, as well as those who live and work on the estate. These managed, wild areas are home to over 120 species of birds and many other insects and invertebrates. Produce from its farms and hills supply the Farm Shop and Tearoom - and much of the other foods and gifts sold are sourced from suppliers within a 30 mile radius of its doors.
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For an off-the-beaten track location, the 200-plus customers a day is impressive, but unsurprising given the family’s foresight to include a Post Office counter, daily newspapers and have opening hours of 9am-5pm, seven days a week. It employs 24 local people. Home-produced beef from the home estate’s 165-cow suckler herd is slaughtered in Inverurie and sold through the shop and Tearoom. The herd is predominantly grass and barley-fed Simmental, Limousin or Aberdeen-Angus. Looking ahead to the estate’s future, Andrew Farquharson says that they have three core philosophies driving their decisions and management - the local community, managing and maintaining the Scottish countryside and championing Scottish food and tourism.
Mackie’s of Scotland Host: Mac Mackie Mackie’s of Scotland, Westertown, Rothienorman Aberdeenshire, AB51 8US Tel: 01467 671466 Mackie’s of Scotland is a brand synonymous with luxury dairy ice cream, and now potato crisps, which aims to become “a global Scottish brand from the greenest company in Britain created by people having fun”. Mackie’s guided tour will include a visit to the wind turbines, cows and voluntary access milking system, ice cream dairy and new product development kitchen, sweetie kitchen and packaging production with presentations on Mackie’s at Taypack joint venture in potato crisps and Mackie’s latest diversification into confectionery. You are also invited to take a walk in the arboretum. Mackie’s is a 4th generation family business managed by Mac Mackie with sisters Karin and Kirstin and 70 staff. This is a vertically integrated agri-business in Aberdeenshire, which has developed from milk retail into one of the UK’s best-selling luxury dairy ice creams –all “made from sky to scoop”. With a history of entrepreneurial flair, the company has invested in wind turbines, a robotic milking system and injection moulding machinery (making their own tubs). Mackie’s of Scotland has built an enduring place in the UK FMCG market and Mackie’s ice cream is available in all major retailers and several independents across the UK. Mackie’s Traditional ice cream is one of the top three takehome tubs of dairy ice cream in the UK with sales of over 11 million litres a year. This has established Mackie’s of Scotland brand as one of the top-15 food and drink brands in Scotland, ranked by market research experts Kantar Worldpanel. The year 2009 saw the launch of a new range of Mackie’s potato crisps, joining forces with another farming family, the Taylors, owners of Taypack, potato growers and processors. The award winning crisp range – which includes Scottish specialities like Haggis and Aberdeen-Angus flavours – already has a turnover of £4m and the crisps are available in all the major supermarkets in Scotland/UK and exported worldwide.
The Mackie family attribute the successful growth of the business to an ability to change and build on their unique resources. Many staff spend their working lives with Mackie’s, and the management team of six have over 100 years’ experience together. New staff have fitted in well, for example 12 staff from Poland and Czech Republic, many of whom have brought their families to join this rural community. Every member of staff has their own copy of the company business plan and an annual update and review. The firm celebrates achievement of targets with “celebration points” – fun rewards shared by all staff – and a performance related bonus. This year a new five-year plan is due. “No Change, No Chance” was the mantra of the late chairman Maitland Mackie, who died in May this year. Mackie’s business plans have a section devoted to finding new projects and products – with “Big Hairy Audacious Goals”. A new product development team works on continuous improvement and extension to the ice cream range but also looks for ways to further diversify and add value to the brand. Mackie’s already make some of their own inclusions for ice cream like Honeycomb, and this year plan the launch of a new range of chocolate bars. Mackie’s investment in wind energy of 2.5MW capacity helps make the company carbon positive, generating three times the amount of electricity used by the company. Other activity like zero water waste and recycling activities also help make this “ice cream made the way it should be”. The Mackie family celebrated 100 years of farming at Westertown farm in 2012. Marketing director Karin Hayhow believes that a family business can benefit by being free to make some decisions with a long-term view – looking towards future generations and some others from the heart – like looking after their environment by building an arboretum. For more on Mackie’s, visit www.mackies.co.uk
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Mackie’s of Scotland Environmental Credentials Renewable Energy Main source of renewable energy is the wind, but they have also installed 150kW of solar panels on the roof of the byre to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel even further. All the solar energy is used on site to power the byre and the milking robots, replacing the use of grid (fossil fuel) energy. Zero Waste Water Mackie’s have their own water source and recycle all the wash-down water back into the slurry lagoon for spreading back on the land. The cows also drink the clean waste water. Natural Fertiliser The slurry from the cows is pumped up to the slurry lagoon on top of the hill and mixed with the waste water. It is then used as natural fertiliser and spread on the fields via four miles of pipework on the farm. This reduces the amount of commercial fertiliser products that have to be bought and saves on the fossil fuels used to manufacture it.
Facts — Mackie’s of Scotland Ice Cream ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Established: 1912 Turnover: £22m retail value (11 million litres of ice cream) Employees: 70 Milking: 300 cows – mix of Holstein and Jerseys with Swedish Red Crossbreeding programme Land: 650ha – arable, silage production Three Vesta wind turbines 2.5 MW: Average yearly output 7,500,000 kwh. Excess power is sold to Good Energy 175 kw Solar Panels: average yearly output 145,000 kwh 5 Lely A4 robotic milking units: voluntary access milking parlour 16ha arboretum: 144 tree varieties Mackie’s ice cream is on Facebook and Twitter
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Tour 4 – Diversification, Forestry, Energy hosts Glenlivet Estate Between the Ladder and Cromdale Hills in the county of Moray lies the stunning landscape of the historic Gelnlivet estate. Comprising of over 30 let farms, 3500ha of commercial forests, and a sporting tenancy including grouse moors, salmon fishings and deer stalking, the estate has balanced traditional land-use with new activities such as tourism and recreation. An array of historic sites on the estate provide an insight into past events that have shaped the landscape and community and continue to attract visitors today. These range from ancient standing stones to the Scalan the ‘hidden’ eighteenth century Catholic seminary - and the fourteenth century Drumin Castle. Facilities and services for visitors and the local community are continually being developed, and the estate attracts some 30,000 visitors each year. The access network provides 18 marked walks and six cycle trails for visitors to explore the countryside, while local businesses offer wildlife watching, off-road tours, horse riding and skiing. A £600,000 development of purpose-built mountain bike trails on the Glenlivet estate in Moray was also launched earlier this year. The project, led by The Crown Estate, includes the development of a mountain bike centre and two new cross-country bike trails enhanced by the wilderness and stunning views. They were constructed predominately within the commercial forest area and consist of two routes (10km and 19km) using a combination of existing forest tracks and newly-built single track trails. The establishment of a ranger service at Glenlivet benefits visitors, and has enabled a strong relationship to be built over the years with the community. Glenlivet consistently puts the green agenda at the forefront of what it does, and has been awarded the Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Standard three times and in 2009 won the Green Award in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards. The estate consistently picks up awards for excellence in forestry, tourism, land management and sustainability, and is a showcase for our guiding principles of commercialism, integrity and stewardship.
Glenlivet Distillery Established in 1824, what was once a farm distillery has grown to become one of the biggest single malt distilleries in the world. Known for being the oldest legal distillery in the Highlands, today some 6m bottles of The Glenlivet single malt are produced here every year. Locals say it is the combination of the distillery’s remoteness, altitude, climate and supplies of natural spring water which create a whisky which is unique in flavour and appreciated the world over.
The process: Malting The first stage of the Glenlivet production process takes place off-site. Professional maltsters soak Scottish barley in water for several days, allowing it to germinate. Once the shoots have appeared, the barley is heated and dried. In this state, the barley is known as ‘malt’.
Milling Once the dried malt is delivered to the distillery, it is run it in batches through the malt mill, which grinds it into a coarse flour called ‘grist’, releasing the starch granules inside.
Mashing The grist is then mashed with hot spring water in a mash tun, a machine with rotating arms that stirs the mixture. Here, the enzymes developed during the malting process convert the starch in the malt into sugar. The clear, sugary liquid produced by mashing is known as ‘wort’.
Fermentation The wort is cooled and yeast is added to the solution, which converts the sugars into alcohol and flavour-imparting impurities called ‘congeners’. This process takes place in large vessels called ‘washbacks’. After two days, the wort becomes ‘wash’, a crude frothy beer that is usually around 8 to 9% alcohol.
Distillation In the first stage of distillation, the wash is heated in unique copper pot stills until the alcohol, which has a lower boiling point than water, evaporates. The width of the stills’ necks encourages maximum contact with the purifying copper. Their height ensures only the lightest vapours reach the top, where they cool, condense and become ‘low wines’ with an alcohol content of around 20 to 22%. In the second stage of distillation, the low wines are distilled in the spirit still. Once cooled, the resulting liquid is divided into three separate cuts by the stillman. He uses the spirit safe to separate the high alcohol liquid which comes out first (the ‘heads’); the desirable liquid of appropriate strength and quality (the ‘heart’); and the unusable liquid which comes out last (the ‘tails’). The heads and tails are recycled, and the heart goes into the spirit receiver.
Maturation Next, the clear ‘new-make’ spirit is taken to nearby Keith, where the alcohol content is slightly reduced and the whisky is filled into casks. Over the course of the maturation period – which may be 12 years, 25 years or even more – the whisky slowly evaporates. This ‘angel’s share’ means thousands of gallons are lost annually, but legend says the loss is worth it to appease the whisky gods. Innovations from a Small Island 35
Tour 4 – Diversification, Forestry, Energy hosts Caingorm Reindeer Host: Alan and Tilly Smith Inverchor Farm, Glenlivet www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk As owners of Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer, tenant farmers Alan and Tilly Smith are used to welcoming visitors to their farm. About 50 of the couple’s 150-head herd of tame reindeer roam the Cairngorm Mountains, while the remainder are reared at Inverchor Farm at the Glenlivet Estate about 30 miles away. The reindeer are central to the business, with the couple running daily guided visits throughout the year for tourists to get up close to the animals. They also offer them the chance to adopt their own reindeer, with membership going towards the animals’ care. The 308ha (760 acre) farm is also home to wild boar, Soay sheep - a hardy breed from the Western Isles of Scotland fallow deer and Belted Galloway cattle. The couple also rent out a luxury holiday cottage on the estate, which is four miles from Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living area, hot tub, sauna and plunge pool, the cottage is soughtafter by tourists looking for a remote location to relax and enjoy the estate’s surroundings, which includes two small lochs for fishing. In 2012 the Glenlivet Estate was chosen as one of the 60 locations to plant a Diamond Wood - part of a Woodland Trust project to plant six million trees around the UK in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Alan and Tilly donated 60 acres of their farm to help create the Diamond Wood and invited young people, local clubs and members of the public to the estate to help plant the woodland. The planting of the woodland coincided with it being 60 years since the reindeers were reintroduced to Scotland.
Pedigree Simmental and Charolais Herds Host: Michael Durno Auchorachan Farm, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Banffshire www.glenlivetherd.co.uk www.semenstore.co.uk Producing quality livestock has been the focus of the Durno family since Duncan Durno started farming at Auchorachan Farm in 1953. Taking over the tenancy on the 2863 acre Crown Estate unit, Duncan built up a strong business built around commercial cattle and sheep, which son Leslie and grandson Michael have continued through to today.
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As well as running a 600-head flock of north-type Black Faced ewes, the family have an award-winning herd of 160 suckler cattle. Their commercial calves have won them championships at all local shows as well as at the Royal Highland and Royal Northern Spring Show. Calves sold from the farm have also gone on to win championships for new owners at all the major national shows including Smithfield, the Scottish Winter Fair and the Aberdeen Christmas Classic. The Durnos also have a long-standing interest in pedigree cattle, having introduced a herd of Charolais and Limousin cattle in the 1990s and a small herd of Simmentals in 2002. The Simmentals have already achieved considerable success, having been overall champion and securing a 20,000gns top-price at the Perth Bull Sales in 2010. Michael has also specialised in supplying bull semen from top-quality stock bulls which he sells through an online semen store. The commercial herd has always been made up of homebred replacements, and the Durnos pay great attention to herd biosecurity. They are long-standing members of HiHealth Herdcare, a scheme which tests herd health and helps eliminate disease, and have been accredited free of BVD since 2004. They have also never seen a clinical case of Johnes on the farm, with the first full-herd test for this disease in 2011 proving negative.
Cairn Meilich plantation – upland forestry management Host: Andy Duffus Auhriachan Farm, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch Having been born into a farming family on Glenlivet, Andy Duffus’ connection with the estate looks like it will last a lifetime. As well as helping run Auhriachan Farm, Andy set up his own forestry contracting company, Tomintoul Harvesting, which helps manage the estate’s 3500ha of woodland. Together with his son, Sam, Andy harvests Gelnlivet’s timber which is sold on behalf of the crown Estate across the north of Scotland and to Europe. The forest at Glenlivet was established during the 1950s and 60s as part of an afforestation programme in the UK after the Second World War. Glenlivet’s woodlands were heavily influenced by the estate’s agricultural interests, with trees planted on marginal land with little farming potential, or in strips to provide shelter for livestock along field edges. The main commercial species are Lodgepole Pine and Scots Pine, together with Sitka Spruce and Larch.
The woodlands are managed commercially to produce timber which is used for a variety of purposes. Using contract labour, a long-term programme of thinning, clear-felling, replacement and continuous cover forestry is now in progress, managed closely with other estate activities. A strategic review of the forest was carried out in the 1990s to look at ways to improve tree quality, introduce more native species and create greater habitats for wildlife. Timber output from the forest has been steadily increasing and is currently in the region of 16,000 -18,000 tonnes of timber annually. All harvesting work is undertaken by contractors, with about seven full-time jobs created by forestry activities. As part of this harvesting programme over 70km of forest roads have been constructed to provide access to the woods. As well as opening up the plantations for harvesting, this has improved their potential for recreational use. The long-term forest plan aims to ensure there is a continuous output of timber, providing revenue for the estate and long-term employment in the area, while maintaining the benefits of shelter for the farms and improving the wildlife and recreational value of the countryside. Tourism, education and recreation are an important part of the estate’s management. An estate ranger service provides information to the public, educational facilities for schools and promotes and develops public access facilities. The estate has developed a network of trails which are used for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, Nordic skiing and sled dog trailing. Much of this development has been directed towards the
woodland areas, recognising their capacity to absorb visitor numbers and highlighting the added benefit of the estate’s road networks. These facilities make an important contribution to the local economy.
Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails Four miles from the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, the Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails takes advantage of the Cairngorms National Park’s rugged terrain and breathtaking views. Costing £600,000 to build, the trails, visitor centre and cafe were funded by the Crown Estate, the European Regional Development Fund, Moray Council and the Cairngorm National Park Authority. The two trails - 9km and 22km in length - were designed by a leading trail designer and take in the Glenlivet estate’s varied landscape, from moorland and forest to open countryside. The more difficult Red Trail climbs to the summit of Carn Daimh, offering panoramic views of the area, including the Cairngorm Mountains to the south. The route also includes a 6.5km descent which features black grade technical elements for expert mountain bikers. Inkeeping with the illicit whiskey distilling heritage of the area, the cafe is called the Coffee Still, and is managed by local Tomintoul couple Stephen Sacks and Dianne Dunlop. The cafe can seat 20 people, serves hot and cold snacks and is located at the trailhead. There are also bike spares for sale, an information area in the cafe, and bike hire.
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Tour 1 – Arable & whisky tour hosts Corskie Farm Host: Iain Green Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers, Morayshire www.corskiesimmentals.co.uk Corskie farm is widely recognised as being home to one of the top Simmental herds in the UK. Stretching across 3000 acres (1214ha), the arable and livestock enterprise run by Iain Green, in partnership with his parents Jimmy and Nann, consists of owned, tenanted and contracted land split into three blocks. In addition to the 722 acres at Corskie, which the main visit will be, there are 870 acres at West Mains, Duffus and just under 1500 acres at Foresterseat and Inchallon at Pluscarden. The rotation consists of 178 acres of winter barley - which is used to feed the farm’s pigs - and 1036 acres of spring barley, which is supplied to the whisky trade for malting. Some 285 acres of winter wheat are also grown for distilling or as feed, and a further 25 acres of spring oats are used as feed. Iain has both continuous wheat and barley ground on his farm. He maps his soil to aid agronomic and fertiliser decisions. The Greens have a 460-head herd of Simmentals, with 140 pedigree cows kept at Corskie and the rest at Pluscarden, 12 miles away. Calving is spread, with 50 pedigree and 120 Simmentalcross calved in the autumn (mid-August to mid-October), 20 pedigree Simmentals calved in January and the remainder (70 pedigree and 200 Simmental crosses) calved from midMarch to May. The cross cows produce yearling store calves and replacement heifers for their own closed herd, while some are sold on to other suckler cow herds. The pedigree herd is used to rear bulls for the suckler industry, and has produced many champions. Any bulls not good enough for breeding are finished at 12 months of age.
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The Greens have 500 Mule and Mule-cross Texel ewes, also grazed at Pluscarden and after crossing with Texel tups they lamb in April. All lambs are finished on the farm, wintering hoggs are kept at Corskie from October to April. The farm is also home to a 350-sow indoor breeding herd which produces breeding gilts for breeding company Rattlerow. Sows are bought as ‘grandparent’ gilts from Rattlerow, served to Rattlerow AI. Piglets are weaned at four weeks into nutringer boxes in batches of 40 for one month, when they are moved into straw yards in batches of 150-200. Boars and gilts not selected for breeding are finished and sold through a marketing co-op to a local abattoir for sale in local butchers. All pig feed is home-mixed using straights and barley, with the exception of creep feed which is bought in. Iain also feeds draft - a by-product of the distilling trade - to his cattle. Supporting local businesses is very important to the Greens, and they have organised farmer and butchery evenings with the aim of getting closer to consumers. The initiative has been very successful and has seen a 50% increase in local pork demand. A high volume of farm yard manure and slurry is produced by the farm. All land is GPS soil mapped, with slurry, manure, lime and fertiliser all applied at variable rates. The soil maps are married up to yield maps to plan rates, costs and to ensure soil fertility. The farm has its own water supply which saves a significant sum for the farm, and a planning application for a wind turbine is also in place to help the business save further costs. The farm has received both Scottish Rural Development Programme funding (EU funds) and RSS funding. These monies have been used to plant 7000 metres of hedging and 15000 metres of fencing along watercourses with the aim of improving the farm and wildlife habitats. The farm has been involved in RSPB bird monitoring programmes and has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest for over 25 years, in association with Scottish Natural Heritage.
Glen Garioch Distillery Glengarioch Distillery, Distillery Road, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie www.glengarioch.com One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly – Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the region’s ancient Doric dialect) has been making malt whiskey in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum since 1797. Produced in small batches, the malt benefits from the region’s mild climate which ensures quality barley and fresh spring water. The distillery, which originally incorporated a brewery as well, stands on the very edge of the town, with a narrow lane connecting it to the main road between Aberdeen and Banff.
The Manson brothers who founded it came from farming stock, and were respected members of the local community. Other members of the family were merchants and tanners, and an uncle had been a vintner in Oldmeldrum. In 1837, the year before co-founder John Manson died, they were joined by his son, also named John Manson (1804-1877). He took over the business, and as well as operating the distillery, opened a snuff mill, maintained the family’s interest in tanning and acquired farms in the neighbourhood. He finished life as a petty landowner, with the proud title ‘Laird of Fingask’, derived from his main farm, and married Elizabeth Blaikie, a cousin of the explorer, David Livingstone. Today some 1.4m litres of whisky is produced here each year.
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Tour 2 – Red meat & beef tour hosts Culquoich Deer Farm Ali Loder, Culquoich Deer Farm, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire Ali Loder has been farming deer in the foothills of the Cairngorms for ten years. Covering 55ha of improved land and 22ha of rough grazing, the farm is home to 155 hinds, ten stags and 122 calves. The majority of yearlings leave the unit each year for venison through First Venison, a UK producer group which markets the meat to a major retailer. Ali aims to offer the best environment so deer can live contented lives. They are free to graze on grass, clover, herbs and heather through the spring, summer and autumn, with additional home-grown silage and grain through the winter. Mineral licks are also provided through the year. As calves are naturally lean, calves and young deer are usually brought inside through the winter to protect them from the weather and give mothers a chance to recover from lactation.
Ali is constantly looking for innovative ways of improving the farm and his animals’ productivity. As well as producing the heaviest yearling stags in his producer group, he has built purpose-built handling and fencing systems.
Neil Wattie, Mains of Tonley, Alford, Aberdeenshire The Tonley herd was founded in 1993 by Neil Wattie Senior, and his son, also Neil, who is Managing Director of the local Claas dealers, Sellar Agriculture Ltd. The herd is managed on a day-to-day basis by son-in-law Gary Coutts and grandson Mark, who earlier this year made a second visit to Germany to help to prepare cattle for the annual national sale of Aberdeen-Angus imported from the UK. The herd’s successes started last November at the national Aberdeen-Angus calf show at Carlisle, where a seven month old bull calf, Tonley Jose Enrique N957, carried off the bull calf, overall calf and male championships. Later in the month it went on to take the reserve bull calf championship at the Black Beauty Bonanza show at Thainstone Centre.
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The successes continued at the Stirling bull sales in February when a 22-month-old in calf heifer, Tonley Elma M850, by Rawburn Enigma G653, won the female championship and sold for 8500gns to Harry Emslie to start a new Aberdeen-Angus herd at Kinknockie, Mintlaw, and the bull, Tonley Essex M855, realised 13,000gns. This bull was by the Australian sire, Carrington Park Time on B7, who scanned with the highest eye muscle area of any Aberdeen-Angus in Australia. Great attention is paid to Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) in the Tonley herd for calving ease, milk and muscle, as well as growth rate, in the selection of breeding stock for the herd. Bulls with below average EBVs are avoided. Two year old Aberdeen-Angus bulls were not much more than 900kg when Neil attended his first Perth bull sale 20 years ago but the target is now a tonne at just over 18 months. Neil Snr says the farm’s policy has always been to go
for size without sacrificing confirmation and calving ease to breed something to suit the commercial breeder. The herd is managed on a commercial basis and a deferred grazing system is practised with all cows and heifers outwintered on 60 acres of hill where they are fed only hay or wrapped silage. No artificial fertiliser is used on grazed grass. After weaning, calves are fed 3kg per day of a mix comprising 85% barley and 15% of Harbro’s Champion Rumitech 35 as a protein balancer up to 12 months of age or through to finish if not selected for breeding. Bulls for the pedigree market are selected out and move to a High Voltage blend of home-grown oats and barley, sugar beet pulp, Invercrombie (wheat dark grains) and High Voltage concentrate. Only the best young bulls are retained and the remainder sold as bull beef or steered and sold as stores at Thainstone Centre. Heifers are given a little bit of extra feeding so they are ready to be served at 15 months of age.
John Gordon, Wellheads, Huntly, Aberdeenshire The Gordon family has farmed at Wellheads since 1879 before John’s grandfather bought the farm in 1937. Since then the family’s reputation has grown for producing high-quality beef and lamb from the 1250 acre upland unit at the edge of the Grampian Mountains. John runs the farm with only one employee, using contractors and help from his family - including his son and wife, Fiona - when he needs extra help, such as during lambing his 860 ewe flock. John’s 230 Blackface ewes are crossed with the Border Leicester and the best ewe lambs retained as replacements for the 600 ewe flock of Greyface ewes which are crossed with Suffolk and Texel sires. As many lambs as possible are finished off on grass, with the last 300 grazed on stubble following cropping to finish as quickly as possible to preserve grass for the pregnant ewes in the spring. All lambs are away before Christmas. The other main enterprise on the farm is the suckler herd of 220 mostly black Limousin cross cows which are crossed with Charolais bulls. Yearling cross Charolais store cattle from Wellheads are sold twice a year by auction at Thainstone Centre and always attract the keen interest of buyers because of their high quality. Although 700 acres is considered ploughable, with the rest hill and rough grazing, cropping is confined to 60 acres of barley for feeding on the farm and swedes are also grown for feeding to the sheep over the winter. A feature of the farm is a number of shelter belts with trees planted by John’s father 30 years ago to provide shelter for the stock and the more recent sacrificing of less productive areas for environmental projects. The 25 acres of planting in areas of rough land and steep banks in arable fields is designed to provide shelter when the sitka spruce planted by John’s father is felled. Hardwood has also been planted in 20 metre strips alongside the existing shelter belts to provide a wildlife corridor when the shelter belts are felled.
Advantage has been taken of the Countryside Premium Scheme and Rural Stewardship Scheme to create beetle banks, water margins, three ponds and 1200 metres of hedgerows. An area has been set aside for unharvested crops and species rich grassland to support the bird population. An ongoing project is the reclamation of 40 acres of whins and thistles to provide additional grazing and help comply with CAP regulations. The farm has also benefited from the recent creation of a road through the centre of the farm to an 18-turbine wind farm on adjoining Forestry Commission land. John has also erected two 20kW turbines on the farm. Despite his busy life on the farm, John has always made a contribution to farming life in Scotland. He is a former chairman of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs and has recently completed a period as a director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, organisers of the Royal Highland Show. He is a director of the farmers’ co-operative, ANM Group Ltd (which includes Aberdeen and Northern Marts) and is currently chairman of the Huntly branch of NFU Scotland.
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Tour 3 – Market Makers tour hosts (Field vegetables and fruit) Castleton fruit farm & shop Host: The Mitchell family Castleton, Fordoun, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire www.castletonfarmshop.co.uk Ross Mitchell farms with his parents Murray and Rhoda in a family team that runs 710 acres of arable and fruit production at Castleton Farm, near Laurencekirk, North East Scotland. Originally a dairy farm, the family moved to Castleton in 1992, where they also took on a four acre ‘patch’ of strawberries: their first encounter with soft fruit. Fruit has a long history in Scotland, and a strong raspberry industry has long-existed in Perthshire. The Mitchells began expanding their own fruit operations after Ross graduated from SAC Auchincruive with a BSc in Agriculture, where did his dissertation on fruit. The family now has 220 acres of soft fruit grown in polytunnels, supplying from 4.5m punnets of soft fruit from 1 July to 1 November, mainly to retailers through a growers cooperative called Berrygardens.
The region’s summer months have very long, cool days, which give the Mitchells perfect growing conditions for berry production. They are one of the country’s most northerly berrygrowers, with 112 acres of strawberries and 22 acres of raspberries supplying multiple retailers in a season spanning May to November. They are also the most northerly blueberry growers, supplying retailers around the world. Their 70 acres of blueberries fill the seasonal gap when the main northern hemisphere production has finished, and before the southern hemisphere starts. The same is true of the Mitchell’s 20 acres of cherry orchards: their production fits the same late northern hemisphere supply slot. They also grow 22 acres of cherries under plastic.
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The Mitchells have made significant investment in the business, both in polytunnels and greenhouse technology, but also into table-top growing systems and planting. In 2010 they built a purpose-built packhorse and fridge and they also built a new farm shop to sell their produce locally. Their hard work and commitment to producing the very best berries was rewarded by them winning “Soft Fruit Grower of the Year Award” in 2009.
Mike McLaren, Cronan Farm, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie Mike McLaren farms around 3000 acres every year with his father Ian and two brothers in a family partnership. With 950 acres of owned land, 900 acres of contracted land, 700 acres of tenanted land and 500 acres on oneyear rentals, Mike’s principal role is to manage the family’s broccoli and potato production in the fertile Perthshire farmland above Dundee. Of the 360 acres of broccoli grown on Cronan Farm, 80% is sold as fresh-market broccoli and 20% is processed for sale as frozen product. In addition to conventional broccoli, Cronan Farm produces 60 acres of organic broccoli. The McLarens’ 740 acre potato operation is mainly for fresh market sale, and is graded and sorted on the farm. Potato production entered the Perthshire area from the west over the past 20 years as mechanisation improved. Cronan Farm manages a six-year crop rotation including broccoli, potatoes, three years of spring barley and a year of winter wheat. The McLarens dry and store their spring barley on the farm, playing the commodity markets to try for the best possible price. All the farms’ broccoli is marketed through East of Scotland Growers, a farmer-owned co-operative. The family’s Rooster potatoes are sold to Albert Bartlett, as they have been for the past 16 years. Alongside their arable operations, the McLarens farm 140 suckler cows and 500 sheep. They also produce renewable energy on the farm through their 180KW photovoltaic system, which provides power for their potato and broccoli refrigeration facilities.
Central to Adrian’s philosophy is maintaining strong relationships with his customers, which include leading supermarket chain Asda Adrian Ivory, Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Perthshire Adrian Ivory returned to his family’s farm after spending several year’s in London’s financial sector following university. In just a few short years, Adrian tripled the size of the farm and honed the operation’s focus to beef, breeding and cereals - commodities with which he believes Strathisla Farms can compete at a global level, and which maintain what he calls a ‘corn/horn balance’. Central to Adrian’s philosophy is maintaining strong relationships with his customers, which include leading supermarket chain Asda - which featured Adrian and his young family in its television advertising campaign. He also supplies Anglo Beef Processors. Adrian opens his books to his customers as they work together to set equitable prices for his beef. Strathisla’s high-EBV Simmental and Charolais pedigree herds represent many regional and national championships, and serve as the farm’s shop window, building both awareness and income for the farm. Current numbers are 50 pedigree Simmentals and 40 Charolais cows. The operation’s 140-cow commercial suckler herd is the foundation of Strathisla Farms’ innovative beef programme. After a detailed study of the economics and meat quality of his feeding programme, Ivory stopped fattening steers and instead fattens intact bulls.
Of the business’ 2,285 acres of land - 1358 acres of which are owned - some 1,500 acres are harvested each year. Grain sales account for 32% of the farm’s income, while cattle bring in30%. Other contracts deliver 15%, the same amount as subsidies. Adrian is a meticulous analyst of production and profitability figures, and calculates his profits both with and without subsidies. His goal is to earn a 2% return on current land values. Operating margins stand at around 27%.
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Tour 5 – Field crops & potatoes tour hosts Peter Maxwell Maxwell Farm, Auldtown of Carnoustie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire www.maxwellfarms.co.uk Maxwell Farms is an extensive farming business specialising in the production and packing of quality Scottish vegetables for wholesale, retail and processing markets in the UK and Europe. Established in 1962, the family-run enterprise began operating in 1962 as a traditional mixed farm, but started growing vegetables in the mid-1980s. Today the farm specialises in solely arable produce, growing 550ha of combinable crops, 120ha of swede and 100ha of carrots. Some 15ha of potatoes and 15ha of beetroot are also grown on-site. The farm produces both organic and conventionallygrown crops, with organic vegetables planted in separate fields. Produce is sold to some of the UK’s major retailers, including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, as well as Baxters and vegetable and fruit markets. The majority of the vegetables are packed and processed in the on-site facilities, which include a carrot and swede washer and potato grader. In 2011 the business invested in a grain drier so it could
increase its grain storage capacity, and it also plans further developments in its grain drying and storage facilities. Producing crops in a sustainable way is important to Peter, and he works to find environmentally-friendly systems which combine efficient growing methods. Growing systems are constantly reviewed to respond to customer demands to reduce pesticide use. This year, carrots are being grown conventionally without the use of nematicides. Peter has also introduced a wind turbine on his farm to produce some of the farms own energy.
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Philip Benzie Benzies, Gairneston Farm, Turriff, Aberdeenshire www.benzies.co.uk Entrepreneurial farmer Philip Benzie and his family have built up a large potato and arable operation in Gairneston, Aberdeenshire. Consisting of two owned and three rented farms across 3500 acres, the enterprise is split into 1500 acres of potatoes, 400 acres of carrots and 1500 acres of cereals. Some 1400 acres of brand-leading Rooster variety potatoes are grown for wholesalers Albert Bartlett, who are major suppliers to supermarkets across the UK. The russet red-skinned Rooster potato is a former winner of the Best Fruit and Vegetable product at the Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards and has become the UK’s favourite branded potato. The farm, which employs up to 70 people during the year, also grows two main cereal crops: spring barley and winter wheat. Philip has invested in extensive grading and packing operations, including a carrot packhorse and a 6000t cold store for potatoes. A further 6000t store is planned for the future. The packing operations, like the rest of the farm, are run on renewable energy from the farm’s own 3MW wind turbine. The farm’s environmental sustainability is also important to Philip. He has developed features including ponds to
encourage varied ecosystems and has restored habitats to encourage endangered bumblebees to the farm. The Benzie family was last year awarded the Royal Northern Agricultural Society’s annual Best Farm Practice award.
Gregor Mackintosh Mackintosh of Glendaveny, Mains of Buthlaw, Glendaveny, Peterhead www.mackintoshofglendaveny.co.uk Gregor Mackintosh is a young entrepreneur who has turned a business plan prepared for his dissertation for his agricultural degree into business reality. In just four years, Gregor Macintosh’s cold pressed rapeseed oil, produced from oilseed rape grown on the farm, has won a string of prestigious industry awards and secured supply contracts with leading supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Tesco, as well as smaller retail outlets. Following a visit to the Gulf Food Show in February 2014, Gregor won his first export order to a wholesaler in Dubai, which will see his Mackintosh of Glendaveny oil hit the shelves of supermarkets throughout the Middle East. A £250,000 investment in his state-of-the-art on-farm processing facility has increased the capacity of the bottling line to 11,500 bottles a day, making the company the largest producer of cold-pressed rapeseed oil in Scotland.
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Massey Ferguson Massey Ferguson is honoured to support the field-scale vegetables and fruit tour, which is set to be a fascinating and inspiring element of International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ (IFAJ) ‘Innovations from a Small Island’ Congress. “Delegates are in for a treat,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson’s Director, Sales Engineering and MF Brand Development. “We are delighted to help showcase the work of some of not just Scotland’s, but Europe’s leading farmers. These progressive, professional businesses have a deep knowledge of agriculture and demonstrate the finest crop and animal husbandry. “They combine this with sound business strategies – introducing innovative ideas, growing for the market, adopting best practice in every area and deftly adapting to customers’ needs – whether they are multi-national companies or the end users. These are remarkable, modern agricultural enterprises.” Massey Ferguson is also proud to demonstrate how its equipment is being employed by producers of the diverse range of crops and livestock in the north-east of Scotland, where the farms are renowned for the highest quality potatoes, fruit, berries and vegetables as well as cereals, beef and lamb. “Agriculture in this part of Scotland, is a microcosm of farming in the UK,” he continues. “There are large cereal producers that, in common with field-scale vegetable growers, require high power, technically advanced tractors and harvesters. Berry and fruit growers also need efficient and high-tech equipment but, obviously, in a smaller package. While the livestock and dairy sectors are looking for compact and manoeuvrable machines, today’s operators also demand comfortable, easy-to-use tractors with the power and features to carry out a wide range of tasks,” adds Mr Scott.
Professional farm relies on versatile tractors Adrian Ivory at Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle in Perthshire, for example, is an award-winning farmer who farms 2,285 acres and aims to compete on a global level with a business balanced on what he calls a ‘corn/horn strategy’. This entails running award-winning pedigree beef herds alongside an innovative beef programme in which he fattens intact bulls. He also grows 1,250 acres of cereals. “Mr Ivory is working right at the forefront of agricultural developments. We are proud that he is a Massey Ferguson customer and we are able to provide him with exactly the right equipment he requires for his diverse needs. His fleet includes a range of Massey Ferguson tractors, from an agile MF 5455 with MF 945 loader tractor for handling duties across both sides of the business, through to the latest MF 7619, which combines high performance and versatility with 46 Innovations from a Small Island
a great power-to-weight ratio for fieldwork and transport. Strathisla Farms is a highly professional, mixed enterprise in which each element has its own specific seasonal mechanisation needs, adds Mr Scott. “For this Mr Ivory requires a flexible fleet of tractors that will fulfil the specialist tasks, while being flexible enough to excel across all areas of the business. Mr Ivory knows he can also rely on the superb service and back-up from his dealer, the Reekie group in Perth, which has held the Massey Ferguson franchise in Scotland for 65 years.”
Solid service behind longstanding relationship Michael McLaren, from Cronan Farm, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie, is another longstanding Massey Ferguson customer who, with his father Ian and two brothers, works in a family partnership farming 3,000 acres/year. Michael McLaren manages the family’s potato and broccoli production on the fertile soils near Dundee. The business operates a six-year rotation including broccoli, potatoes, three years of spring barley and one of winter wheat. They also run a herd of 140 suckler cows and 500 sheep. “We are proud of Massey Ferguson’s longstanding relationship with the McLaren family that, I believe, is based on solid service from their dealer, the Reekie Group, and the high quality and dependable tractors that they require. The McLarens have developed an outstanding business based on their exceptional expertise in growing and marketing the highest quality produce, which they supply to leading multinational customers,” says Mr Scott. The farm’s broccoli is marketed through East of Scotland Growers, a farmer-owned co-operative, and the ‘Rooster’ potatoes have been sold to Albert Bartlett for the past 16 years. “This family-run business is exceptional. They are absolutely dedicated to not just meeting the needs of the customers, but are always pushing the boundaries and endeavouring to improve. But it’s not just about ‘business’, it’s a way of life – this innovative farming is in their DNA,” comments Campbell Scott.
we are able to provide him with exactly the right equipment he requires for his diverse needs As the family business has grown it has been able to rely on Massey Ferguson for not only providing the tractors and equipment they need, but also to meet their needs for higher performance and efficiency, greater accuracy of operations while providing the straightforward reliability on which their timely operations depend.
Specialist berry business In just over a decade Ross Mitchell, based at Castleton, Fordoun, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire has grown a 4-acre ‘strawberry patch’ into an outstanding berry business, which has innovation in production and marketing at its heart. One of the most northerly berry producers in the UK, Ross Mitchell now supplies 4.5 million punnets of soft fruit grown on 220 acres and in a vast array of polytunnels to the highest quality, which earned the farm the title ‘Soft Fruit Grower of the Year Award’ in 2009. They also sell their own and other local produce in their farm shop and café, which offers superb views across the Howe of Mearns and is conveniently located close to the main road. The 710-acre farm also runs an arable rotation including land let for growing potatoes and they have recently invested in a new MF 7600 Series mainline tractor for field work. “Ross Mitchell is the master of exploiting the region’s very long, cool days in the summer months that create the perfect berry growing conditions. He combines this climatic advantage with his immense knowledge to innovate and introduce new crops to fulfil demand in niche markets or at times when other growers cannot supply,” says Campbell
Scott. “Ross Mitchell clearly has a passion for what he does, which is backed by exceptional expertise, – probably unparalleled in Scotland. And he has developed a very sound business in a relatively short time. His attitude to the business is very similar to Massey Ferguson’s. We are equally passionate about what we do and are constantly striving to fulfil our customer’s needs - and like Ross Mitchell, often delivering innovations before the customers have asked for them!” Massey Ferguson’s heritage in vineyard and fruit tractor production stretches all the way back to the T20. Today it offers the purpose designed and built MF 3600 range, developed by specialists in Italy, which offers five different models built to meet the individual grower’s precise needs. “These provide a range of powers to suit and offer a choice of widths, heights and chassis configurations as well as with or without cabs,” adds Campbell Scott.
Innovations from a Small Island 47
Perkins Whether you want to stare in awe at the stunning scenery, catch a glimpse of the local wildlife or see first-hand the challenges of living and farming in one of Scotland’s most remote locations, then a visit to the Glenlivet Estate is sure to live up to expectations. Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, the Glenlivet Estate is owned by The Crown Estate and spans an impressive 58,000 acres. Its highland terrain and remote location may, on occasions, pose a challenge to those who live and work on the Glenlivet Estate, but innovative residents have cleverly harnessed these natural resources to establish a thriving community. Their success has been down to their willingness to embrace diversification, from the development of tourist activities to the continued growth of the ever-popular Glenlivet Distillery, and the establishment of a family forestry business to a focus on renewable energy, among other things. These businesses, both large and small, are playing a pivotal role in the regeneration of the area, including the town of Tomintoul, which lies at the heart of the Glenlivet Estate. The diversification, forestry and renewables tour, sponsored by Perkins Engines Company Limited, will enable you to immerse yourself in the daily life of The Crown Estate, from a visit to the newly established mountain bike trail which is attracting visitors from far and wide, to a diversified farm running wildlife safaris. You’ll see that no two businesses are alike, as you meet with tenants on the estate, see a family-run farming and forestry business in operation and tour around the famous Glenlivet Whisky Distillery. This ‘diversity’ has also been embraced by Perkins, a company which since, 1932, has manufactured more than 20 million diesel and gas engines for the off-highway
48 Innovations from a Small Island
market, serving sectors with a diverse range of requirements, from agricultural applications to construction machinery, and electric power generation to lifting equipment. One of the world’s leading suppliers of off-highway diesel and gas engines in the 4 – 2,000 kW (5 – 2,800 hp) market, Perkins key strength is its ability to tailor engines precisely to meet customers’ requirements, which is why its engine solutions are trusted by more than 1,000 leading global manufacturers in the agricultural, industrial, construction, materials handling, electrical power generation and marine markets. A dependable power source for the world’s tractors, combines and sprayers, to name but a few applications, Perkins engines are equally at home powering specialist vehicles including nut shakers, grape harvesters and orange gatherers. With more than 80 years of engineering expertise, Perkins engines are the trusted power source behind an estimated 130 different agricultural applications, each of which is supported by an experienced global service and aftermarket network. Our focus on the customer has led to new ways of working. The ability to work alongside our customers to integrate our engines into their machines, has enabled us to truly optimise overall performance and deliver significant benefits for the end user, including improved fuel economy. To meet our customers’ varied requirements, we offer a wide range of powers, up to 225 kW (300 hp) for our industrial products; and engines which meet the applicable emissions standards in higher, lesser and non-regulated territories. Our engines are also manufactured close to our customers from our facilities in Peterborough and Stafford in the UK, Griffin in North America, Curitiba in Brazil and
Perkins engines are the trusted power source behind an estimated 130 different agricultural applications Wuxi in China, ensuring they benefit from shortened lead times, localised components, where applicable, and easy access to applications and installation support. Our extensive experience in the agricultural sector and ability to provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of equipment manufacturers and end users has enabled Perkins to enjoy a long association with some of the world’s largest and most influential agricultural equipment brands. Perkins latest generation of engines continues their predecessors’ legacy of robust power and utmost reliability providing end users with the power and torque they require to pull, plough and harvest. Used to power agricultural equipment around the world, our 2, 3, 4 and 6 cylinder industrial engine range goes from the ultra-compact 400 Series, through to the 3.4 litre 850 Series; the mechanical and electronic options of the 1100 Series and the technology-packed 1200 Series. Our engine range is designed to add value to our customers’ machines, so each engine series comes with options to meet the specific requirements of differing agricultural applications. They are also capable of meeting the appropriate emissions standards in place, wherever the
agricultural equipment is put to work. Whether it’s the latest EU Stage IV / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final engine or a mechanical engine designed for use in a lesser regulated territory, Perkins uses the most appropriate technology solutions to meet the needs of its customers and its end users. Today, with over 4.5 million engines in operation, Perkins is providing power every second, of every day, of every year, around the world. For more information visit www.perkins.com
Innovations from a Small Island 49
Agriculture
Construction
Material Handling
Powergen
We’re working every second, minute, hour, day and year around the world. Our engines make a difference.
www.perkins.com 50 Innovations from a Small Island
Waitrose Backing innovation and excellence in agriculture and proudly supporting IFAJ Congress 2014 For further details about Waitrose, contact John Gregson on 01344 824573 or on john.gregson@waitrose.co.uk Innovations from a Small Island 51
Waitrose and innovation in farming Waitrose Director of Agriculture Heather Jenkins explains the value that Waitrose places on agricultural innovation. Mark Twain once famously said that ‘Accident is the name of the greatest of all inventors,’ and it is largely because of accident that Waitrose exists at all. Waitrose is the supermarket division of the John Lewis Partnership, one of the world’s largest employee-owned businesses. Everyone who works for the business is one of its owners and shares in the profits. We firmly believe that our business model leads to better customer service and a focus on the long term, as there are no shareholders looking to make a quick buck. However, we came about almost by accident. John Spedan Lewis, our founder, fell off his horse one day in the 1920s. While he was recuperating he had something of an epiphany when he realised that in the previous year, he, his father and brother had each earned more from the business than their entire workforce combined. In one of his later books on the topic of co-ownership, he recounts how, not long after the First World War, he could have taken more than £1million out of the business and retired… and that’s not £1million adjusted for inflation - that’s £1million at 1920 value or around £40 million in 2014 money. But Spedan had developed a conscience, so he set about creating a business model that allowed all of his colleagues to share in the success of the business.
Every Waitrose employee is a partner in the business
Spedan gave his life’s work the title Partnership for All and set about building one of the world’s largest co-owned businesses. It was in the 1950s that the Second Trust Settlements were signed, signalling the beginning of the business we know today. Rather like the USA, the John Lewis Partnership has a constitution that governs everything we do. Principle One states: “The Partnership’s ultimate purpose is the happiness of all its members, through their worthwhile and 52 Innovations from a Small Island
satisfying employment in a successful business. Because the Partnership is owned in trust for its members, they share the responsibilities of ownership as well as its rewards - profit, knowledge and power.” Only in the constitutions of the USA and Bhutan is happiness referenced in this way. One of the key phrases in the constitution is: Worthwhile and satisfying employment in a successful business. That means that we have to be good at what we do. Our Partners, as everyone who works in and owns the business is called, must feel secure and valued. But we must also work in a commercially successful business. One of the most important roles of shareholders in a listed company is to challenge management on the way they do things. In Waitrose it is our Partners who do this through a network of councils and local bodies whose role it is to challenge fearlessly those who run our operations. This means that everyone in the business is empowered and encouraged to play as large a part in our democracy as they feel able. We know through regular anonymous surveys that our people are happier and our staff turnover is lower. But as well as the way we treat our people, this long term approach extends into the way we source our food. To shamelessly steal a phrase from Professor Tim Lang of City University, we believe in Values for Money, not just value. We set out more than 30 years ago to do things differently from other supermarkets, because we wanted to ensure that we could work with our producers in 30 years, not just 30 weeks or even 30 months. This led us to set up our supplier groups. Focused on sectors, such as dairy, beef and lamb, our farmers work closely together to ensure best practice in production and business and this collaborative approach comes with an open book policy. The benchmarking of suppliers against their peers has helped them better understand their costs, increase yields, ensure quality, cut disease and maximise profit. This supports our belief that supplier sustainability and “trading fairly” actually means sensible and realistic business practice. We have also established the Waitrose Farming Partnership (WFP), an umbrella group that brings together all our farmers to share the benefits of working with Waitrose. It is the kind of network where we can all go to help us find solutions to problems and our Agriculture Strategy is the framework that underpins all of this. It is laid out under four key pillars – sustainability of Supply, Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Sustainability and Optimal Efficiency. Within this there are three parent groups: the Livestock Steering Group, the Fish Forum, and the Agronomy Group, covering livestock, aquaculture and fresh produce respectively.
Focused on sectors, such as dairy, beef and lamb, our farmers work closely together to ensure best practice in production and business This has driven some key work streams through applied science, with the sponsorship of the Waitrose Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Aberystwyth University. It has also seen the WFP land multi-million pound research projects looking at the production and sourcing of animal feed, both in ruminant and monogastric groups. I hope this demonstrates how we think the support of scientific innovation is important. Each year the UK spends approximately £450 million of public money on research in agri-food and related sciences, but during the last few decades, the UK’s 100-year lead in world agriculture has stagnated. Recently this has been addressed and the UK government’s new £160 million Agri-Tech Strategy developed by The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is expected to help bridge the gap between new research and its uptake by industry. Furthermore, a number of organisations, including the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), are working to recreate the free-to-user, public advisory and extension services that ADAS delivered before it was privatised, while the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland continue to deliver publicly-funded services. And we’re trying to do our bit too. Through our sponsorship of the Waitrose Chair; our support of work at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS, also at Aberystwyth); support from many of our suppliers; our funding, through HRH The Prince of Wales’s Charities, of the Soil Association-led Duchy Originals Future Farming Programme.
Other examples of work we have been involved in include:
■ ■ ■ ■
Developing an efficient Forage-Based System for ruminants. Fluorescent markers to identify on-line faecal contamination of carcasses. Sustainable lamb production and genetic traits. And recent media coverage with the Sureroot project which uses grass hybrids to increase resilience to drought and withstand flooding.
For details of the initiatives supported by Waitrose, see our IFAJ 2014 profile page at www.ifaj2014.com or see www.waitrose.com
Innovations from a Small Island 53
We are Yara UK Lim WHO YARA IS Yara is the Knowledge Leader in all aspects of plant nutrients - production and application - required by the major crops and farmers of the world. We are the world’s leading chemical company that converts energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products for farmers and industrial customers. Our main application is fertilizers, while industrial uses and environmental solutions are also important growth segments. We benefit from scale advantages, as the world’s largest producer of ammonia, nitrate and complex fertilizer, and with about 20% of global ammonia trade. Yara’s heritage is being a founder member of the fertilizer industry. Our business in the UK & ROI today is based in Grimsby, and when known as Fisons the Company first made fertilizer in the UK in 1843 and as Norsk Hydro in Norway in 1905. The Company today is headquartered in Oslo and has a worldwide presence with operations in more than 50 countries with sales to more than 120 countries. We are the only truly global company in our industry.
WHAT YARA DOES Yara has long been committed to delivering solutions for sustainable agriculture and the environment. Our fertilizers and crop nutrition programs help produce the food required for the growing world population. Our local sales and marketing units provide customer services and agronomical support, working with farmers worldwide to increase yields and improve crop quality and nutritional value. Our industrial products and solutions reduce emissions from industry and transport operations, improve air quality and support safe and efficient operations. Yara exercises stringent control over its part of the value chain using our Product Stewardship principles. Safety is always our top priority.
www.yara.co.uk
54 Innovations from a Small Island
Food production in the last 40 years has increased by over 150 % - with fertilizer making a large contribution to this performance. Yara is a global leading company actively responding to future global challenges.
HOW YARA RESPONDS TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES One of the biggest global challenges is to produce enough food at lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels. The world population is expected to grow to over 9 billion people by 2050, and food production has to increase by 70 percent (FAO, 2009). This must be achieved on largely the same amount of land and with less water. Climate change, energy issues and degraded agricultural soils add to the challenge of sustaining food security. Optimum use of fertilizers is the key to achieving the necessary productivity improvements. Food security is a major concern in developing regions and high on the agenda in economically developed societies including the UK. This must be achieved whilst reducing the use of resources, emissions and environmental impact whilst addressing rural development. Yara strongly advocates the improvement of agricultural productivity and increased food production. Rather than fertilizing the soil, we target the plant itself. By increasing precision we aim to maximize uptake and minimize waste, including unwanted runoffs to the environment. We believe viable profitability and growth together with safeguarding the environment are business imperatives for future competitiveness and sustainability. Improving farm productivity and profitability is a key route to reducing hunger, malnourishment and eradicating extreme poverty. Part of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to which Yara is committed.
agronomy.uk@yara.com
mited
THERE ARE 7 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY By 2050 there will be 2 billion more
Within a global sustainability context, agriculture is prominent: The sector is the largest employer and represents the largest single land use in the world, puts natural ecosystems at risk and is the cause of about one quarter of global greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions which drives global warming and loss of biodiversity. Nearly half of the sector’s emissions come from land use change (LUC) which increasing output from existing farmland helps to avoid. This is known as land use efficiency. Agricultures main task is to achieve food security by satisfying growing demand in a sustainable way. Sustainability applied to agriculture implies that key resources such as soil, nutrients and water are not consumed indiscriminately but achieve resource use efficiency. Yara aims to be a global leader in the development of sustainable agriculture through our extensive agronomic knowledge. We provide knowledge-based solutions to improve agricultural productivity, on existing farmland crucial to avoid land use change. Trials indicate the potential to reduce the carbon footprint by 10–30 percent by increasing N use efficiency. Yara has developed a catalyst technology that has greatly reduced the GHG emissions from our plants - rated among the most energy efficient in the world - which produce lowcarbon fertilizers. In some markets these are offered with a Carbon Footprint Guarantee
HOW ARE WE GOING TO FEED THEM? Our fertilizers help farmers to enjoy better harvests with less wastage. We use modern processes and pure ingredients and we work in partnership with farmers all over the world.
AGRICULTURE ALREADY USES 70% OF THE EARTH’S FRESHWATER
To correctly evaluate any achievements in terms of GHG emissions, the carbon footprint of crop production should be measured by applying life-cycle assessment (LCA), a method pioneered by Yara scientists. Yara develops crop nutrition concepts, reduces the carbon footprint of fertilizers and hence of agriculture, and we provide advice to growers to apply the right product in the right amount at the right time.
IF WE NEED TO FEED 2 BILLION MORE PEOPLE WILL THERE BE ENOUGH WATER TO GROW MORE CROPS? Yara’s solutions increase crop production and make better use of water. Our specialists visit farmers to show them new techniques developed to improve resource use efficiency.
Innovations from a Small Island 55
Monsanto At Monsanto, we are helping to develop
We welcome your feedback and critical-thinking
solutions to one of the greatest challenges we
about the issues central to the agriculture industry and
are facing – providing healthy and nutritious food
about communicating about food and farming to all
for a population that is expected to grow from 7
our fellow citizens.
billion today to nearly 10 billion by 2050. Meeting that challenge will require important innovations and many diverse stakeholders working together in new ways. Monsanto is committed to being part of this critical work. We currently provide seeds for fruits, vegetables and staples like corn and soybeans that can help fight off disease, pests and drought. We develop crop protection products to help keep crops safe. And we’re collecting and finding new ways to use data to solve day-to-day problems on the farm, such as tracking weather conditions in the fields and finding the optimal times for watering. We’re nearly 22,000 dedicated employees with a focus on making healthy, nutritious food possible.
For the first time ever, a HOLL (High Oleic Low Linolenic) winter oilseed rape (OSR) variety – V316OL
We help farmers produce nutritious, plentiful food in a
– is topping the 2014 UK Recommended List trials run
sustainable way. We think holistically about how food is
independently by the HGCA (www.HGCA.com) with
grown so farmers have the tools they need to get the most
a four year mean East & West region gross output of
out of every acre and every harvest – and so consumers
5.79 t/ha.
have access to safe, affordable food. Growing enough food for all, using resources more sustainably, all in an effort to overcome the challenges nature throws at farmers and our food systems: We know it’s a tall order, and we all need to work together to achieve these solutions. That’s why we partner and collaborate with farmers and organisations around the world, like Conservation International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Howard G Buffett Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative and the US Agency for International Development. We believe in approaching global challenges holistically and in collaboration with others to achieve the best solutions for today and tomorrow. It’s important to know how your food is produced, why it’s produced that way and how the world can produce enough to feed itself in the coming years while using resources more sustainably. We acknowledge that we need to tell our story better, more clearly and in ways more audiences beyond our customers can hear and understand.
56 Innovations from a Small Island
Added to V316OL’s premium-earning ability, the variety’s marked performance advantage over the best of today’s commodity ‘double low’ OSRs means
We’re nearly 22,000 dedicated employees with a focus on making healthy, nutritious food possible
significantly improved grower returns, stresses Monsanto UK oilseed rape breeder, Matthew Clarke, pictured opposite, who sees the rapid progress the business has made in HOLL development as a testament to the power of well-focused modern hybrid breeding. Seminis, part of Monsanto’s vegetable seed business,
produces
Beneforte®
broccoli
seed.
Now available in four north European countries and seven retail chains, Beneforte offers consumers an innovative twist on a staple vegetable. The genetics behind Beneforte were developed by UK scientists and licensed to Seminis who have bred it into elite broccoli varieties for commercial production. Read more at www.superbroccoli.info
At Monsanto, we are eager to tell you our story. We invite you to get to know us better, learn about our partnerships and how we’re helping the planet.
Learn more about us at: discover.monsanto.com
Innovations from a Small Island 57
Investment in feed innovation pays in on-farm performance By Andrew Arbuckle, Scotsman farming editor and 2012 winner of the BGAJ Netherthorpe Award An animal feed supplier selling a feed additive that reduces consumption may seem quite a contradiction, but that is exactly the position Harbro finds itself in with Rumitech. Through activating bugs in the rumen, the amount of food consumed by cattle and sheep is reduced by around 10% with no loss in productivity. In fact, beef farmers using Rumitech are reporting improvements in killing-out percentages while dairy producers are seeing increases in milk yield and improvements in fertility. Willie Thomson, Technical Director with Harbro, described Rumitech as the most exciting additive he had come across in almost 30 years in the feed supply business. “It may only have been on the market for eighteen months but it has been a real revelation. Beef producers using Rumitech have experienced better feed efficiency, with animals consuming up to 10% less feed and still getting the same energy. He estimated that despite the short time it had been available two thirds of producers in the north east of Scotland were now using Rumitech in their beef production systems. Sheep farmers can now also benefit from Rumitech as Harbro have included it in their Clover Lamb Feeder pellets and a number of other concentrates and minerals produced and sold by the company. Rumitech was originally aimed at reducing methane emissions in ruminants but the more immediate benefits have been established with the massive difference it is making to feed efficiency and improvement in killing-out percentages.
58 Innovations from a Small Island
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions may not currently be on farmers’ agenda but through using Rumitech they have a win-win situation through increased production efficiency and reduced methane emissions,” said Willie Thomson. Research carried out at Aberystwyth University has shown greenhouse gas emissions from cattle fed with Rumitech in their rations being reduced by around 25%; a figure confirmed by scientists working at other institutes in France and Belgium.
The research work has triggered an interest from producers in a number of countries and Harbro is now involved in a rapidly expanding export business with Willie Thomson saying the company was selling into France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and others. Harbro, whose company headquarters is in Turriff, has four main feed mills throughout Scotland as well as 20 Country Stores. Last year, the company turnover went over the £100 million mark. Within the farming industry the company is noted for innovation and support for animal health and welfare research and it is from its own research that they have another product with huge potential now taking off in the market. According to Willie Thomson, Maxammon will have a big impact on business. It is a grain treatment with multiple benefits ranging from raising protein levels to improving feed efficiency. It can be applied to wholecrop grain with moisture levels of up to 25%, thus widening the harvest window in areas of the country where this is a significant concern. Once mixed in the grain, Maxammon has been shown to increase available proteins by up to 4% thus reducing or even removing the need for producers to buy in protein. For those producers using barley as their main concentrate, the use of Maxammon which was produced by
It may only have been on the market for eighteen months but it has been a real revelation Harbro, almost completely removes worries about acidosis as the treated grain has an alkaline pH of 9. This is a big plus according to Thomson who has seen the negative effects acidosis can have on efficient meat and milk production. Farmers who have used it, say it has another less well known but very important attribute; that of deterring vermin from infesting treated grain. Only eighteen months after it was brought onto the market, Thomson reckons that around 100,000 tonnes of grain will be treated with Maxammon this harvest and that is just the home market as he added that Harbro was now dealing with companies in Ireland and mainland Europe who want to handle the product. While Rumitech and Maxammon are being promoted by Harbro, the company is also helping initiate research into a range of animal health and disease problems facing its customers. “Currently we are involved in projects with almost all the Scottish universities. These range from tackling liver fluke which, even although it has reduced in importance since 2012, is still a major problem for many producers. “We are also involved in research into acidosis. It was first brought to our attention by our sales manager, David MacKenzie as a major problem for farmers feeding lots of barley in their rations.
“Initially we looked at the extent of the disease in abattoirs but this has now moved on to a £1 million-plus piece of research work led by The Rowett Institute and Glasgow vet School. “This work then spawned another project on rumination and this time the research is being led by Strathclyde university and SRUC. In this, the work which again will see a sum of more than £1 million being spent, involves the electronic monitoring of cattle for acidosis.” While Harbro is supporting these top educational establishments in carrying out research the company, which had a £100 million-plus turnover last year, also has its own research department. Its work involves a number of field trials and is very much based on improving efficiencies for farmers in their livestock enterprises. Every year sees a range of field trials being carried out with the results being used to produce new products and improve effective use of existing ones.
Innovations from a Small Island 59
ANM Group ANM Group Ltd is one of the UK’s largest farmer’s co-operatives operating in the heart of the North East of Scotland and playing a major role in Scotland’s agricultural economy. The Group’s core business is livestock marketing but it is also highly diversified with interests in the land market, non-agricultural auctions, events and the catering/hospitality industry. People are key to the Group’s success. The 7000 farmer-shareholders who own the business have a direct involvement in the direction of the group through the medium of the board of directors and this is a major factor in the stability of the business. The professional and innovative management team and skilled staff ensure that ANM Group continues to develop and grow its business in line with the aspirations of its members. Continued investment in development and training is designed to provide staff with the skills needed to ensure the delivery of the high-quality service that members and customers have come to expect. With annual sales of £150m, the core operation of livestock auctions at Thainstone and Caithness
60 Innovations from a Small Island
together with online auction platforms, diversification in to non-agricultural auctions and the move in to the high quality catering and events market are examples of the innovative approach which has made ANM Group one of the most successful farmer-owned businesses in the UK. Inspired by the innovative spirit of the pioneering farmers who established the original business in 1872, ANM Group is acknowledged as one of the most dynamic and progressive businesses serving the UK farming industry.
People are key to the Group’s success. The 7000 farmer shareholders who own the business have a direct involvement in the direction of the group On behalf of the ANM Group, we extend a very warm welcome to the IFAJ and guests. It gives the Group great pleasure to play a part in the IFAJ Congress for 2014 and we hope you enjoy your time with us at the Thainstone Agricultural Centre and also enjoy your time here in Scotland. For more information, visit www.anmgroup.co.uk
Innovations from a Small Island 61
Scotland’s Rural College – Helping a Changing World As one of the UK’s leading agriculturally-focused higher education institutions SRUC offers a unique blend of research, education and consultancy.
Our vision The issues of how we produce our food, make the best use of our land while protecting our environment and resources have never been more important. Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is working in the UK and internationally to help rural communities and the land-based industries meet these demands. Our vision is to lead innovation and sustainable development through our commitment to the communication and translation of knowledge.
Local, national & international SRUC operates from six campuses with eight farms and research centres across Scotland. Our consultancy arm, SAC Consulting, supports more than 12,000 farms and rural businesses across the UK from 25 consultancy offices and eight veterinary disease surveillance centres. We were established in 2012 through the merger of Barony, Elmwood, Oatridge Colleges and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and thus have 100 years of heritage and expertise behind us. We have partners in more than 55 countries – connections built up over many years of co-operation. Our combined research, education and consultancy activities are an excellent platform for international engagement. Our international activities deepen our understanding of rural issues.
Brazil while in Malawi we are developing innovative, practical ways to ease the lives of small scale dairy farmers.
Agriculture & rural development For the last century our consultants and researchers have helped producers increase productivity and competitiveness, advising on issues like animal or plant production and health, animal welfare, business planning and marketing, agricultural economics and ecology. We work to enhance the quality of life in rural areas. We help local food producers develop new products and onfarm retailers improve marketing. We train the stockpersons, technicians, foresters and service engineers needed in rural areas. Our research into services for rural communities highlights key social issues.
Environment and rural landscape The environment and landscapes which are vital to so many rural businesses and communities are also valued by the taxpaying public. SRUC delivers programmes where farmers groups are encouraged to find innovative, practical ways to address biodiversity loss, diffuse pollution and the effects of climate change. The research-based evidence we provide often informs the wider debate and supports policymaking at Scottish, UK and EU level.
Education & skills
We play a key role in EU research networks and engage with international scientists, policymakers, land managers and commercial companies to meet key international targets on climate change, poverty alleviation and biodiversity. For example our innovative research facility for measuring methane emissions from ruminants has been duplicated in
62 Innovations from a Small Island
Out students come from all backgrounds with varying experience. SRUC’s roots lie in agriculture but we offer courses, from entry level, through degree to PhD, that reflect the diversity of the modern land-based and environmental sectors. We work to ensure our teaching is informed by the latest research and consultancy so our students enter industry with the relevant skills and an innovative attitude to problem solving. Find out more about our work at www.sruc.ac.uk
Scotland’s Rural College - the specialists in Scotland’s College thelivestock specialists • Land-basedRural education • Crop, soil-and sciencesin • Land-based education • Crop, soil and• Animal livestockhealth sciences • Environment and land economy • Environment and land economy • Animal health • Rural resource management • Food chain quality and safety • Rural resource management • Food chain quality and safety
T: 0131 535 4196 Unit Communications E: 0131 media@sruc.ac.uk T: 535 4196 E: media@sruc.ac.uk
Research Dr Mike Smith Research
6 Campuses - Aberdeen, Ayr, Cupar, Dumfries, Edinburgh and Oatridge 25 Farm Business Services Offices* 6 Campuses - Aberdeen, Ayr, Cupar, Dumfries, 8 Veterinary Disease Surveillance Centres Edinburgh and Oatridge 7 Farms 25Experimental Farm Business Services Offices* *8SAC Consulting is a Division of SRUC and Veterinary Disease Surveillance Centres operates across Scotland, the north 7 Experimental Farms of England. * SAC Consulting is a Division of SRUC and operates across Scotland, the north of England.
Head of Smith Contracts Office Dr Mike T: 0131 4074 Office Head of535 Contracts E: 0131 mike.smith@sruc.ac.uk T: 535 4074 E: mike.smith@sruc.ac.uk
Aberdeen
Education Student Recruitment Office Education T: 0800 269 453 Student Recruitment Office E: recruitment@sruc.ac.uk T: 0800 269 453 E: recruitment@sruc.ac.uk
SAC Consulting Ceri SACRitchie Consulting
Aberdeen Elmwood Oatridge
Edinburgh Elmwood
Oatridge Ayr
Edinburgh
Ayr
Barony Barony
Marketing Ceri RitchieManager T: 01224 711 049 Marketing Manager E: 01224 ceri.ritchie@sac.co.uk T: 711 049 E: ceri.ritchie@sac.co.uk Scotland’s Rural College Scotland’s Rural Leading the wayCollege in Agriculture and Leading the wayEducation in Agriculture and Rural Research, Rural Research, Education and Consulting
MountainMountain High Maps® HighCopyright Maps® Copyright © 1993 Digital © 1993 Wisdom®, Digital Wisdom®, Inc. Inc.
Media Enquiries Communications Unit Media Enquiries
www.sruc.ac.uk www.sruc.ac.uk 0131 535 4000 0131 535 4000
SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712
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SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712
Stagecoach Group – delivering greener, smarter travel Transport operator Stagecoach Group was founded in 1980 with just two buses by Perthshire-born Sir Brian Souter and his sister Ann Gloag OBE. Now, the Group is an international transport operator with bus, coach, rail and tram services across the UK and North America, delivering vital transport services for more than a billion people every year. Stagecoach is a proud Scottish company with its head office in Perth. As a major employer and a significant investor in other businesses through the supply chain, the Group plays a vital role in the economies of the countries in which it operates and provides crucial transport links to help people access employment, education, health and leisure opportunities. Stagecoach’s success is built on providing good value, high-quality and reliable bus and rail travel. The Group also takes seriously its environmental responsibilities and, under the leadership of Sir Brian Souter who was Group Chief Executive until May 2013, Stagecoach has developed a reputation for delivering innovative ideas and new transport solutions for customers. Now, with Sir Brian in the role of Chairman, and Chief Executive Martin Griffiths at the forefront of the Group’s growth strategy, Stagecoach is continuing to lead the way in the provision of greener, smarter travel. As the UK’s biggest bus operator, Stagecoach carries more than 2.5 million bus passengers each day. The Group has been independently assessed as having the best value bus fares in Britain, and research also shows that Stagecoach has the highest passenger satisfaction of any major UK bus operator. Stagecoach is also a major UK rail operator, operating South West Trains services in and out of London Waterloo, as well as the East Midlands Trains franchise between the East Midlands and London. The Group is also a partner in Virgin Rail Group which operates the West Coast Mainline between London and Glasgow. Arguably, Stagecoach’s most innovative product is megabus.com which was launched in 2003 and now offers low-cost inter-city coach services to around 15 million passengers a year in the UK, Europe and the US. Megabus.com continues to expand further with new locations recently added to its US and European networks as well as a network of overnight sleepercoach services - using vehicles with seats that convert into lieflat beds - which operate in the UK.
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Now Stagecoach Group Chairman, Sir Brian Souter is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and transport innovators. A strong advocate of businesses being an integral part of the communities they serve, Sir Brian also makes significant personal financial contributions to a wide variety of good causes through the Souter Charitable Trust. The trust provides financial support to social projects, medical research and organisations promoting spiritual welfare. Sir Brian is also Chairman of Souter Investments, his private investment vehicle. It invests in a diverse range of private equity funds, bonds, quoted and unquoted investments and commercial and residential property. A qualified chartered accountant, Sir Brian has been a long-standing supporter of business in Scotland. Sir Brian Souter said: “Stagecoach is a company with firm Scottish roots, so it is great to welcome this international event to Scotland. Transport plays a vital role in the economy of any country and at Stagecoach we fully understand the need to be innovative and creative to ensure our business can continue to grow successfully.”
Stagecoach is a company with firm Scottish roots, so it is great to welcome this international event to Scotland
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Young Leaders program develops future of IFAJ The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award recognises the leadership potential of young members from countries belonging to IFAJ, and supports their participation at an IFAJ congress. The program combines two of IFAJ’s basic tenets: professional development and youth development, says Vice-President Owen Roberts of Canada. He founded the program nine years ago with Alltech’s then-Communications Manager for North America Billy Frey, a long-time friend of IFAJ. It was developed with stimulus and input from IFAJ member Branko Vrabec of Slovenia. “The federation and Alltech believe it is important to support and nurture those who are destined to develop in the profession, to help IFAJ grow and to contribute positively to the global advancement of agricultural journalism and communications,” says Mr Roberts. The award offers 10 travel scholarship opportunities for young members of the federation. Guilds nominate candidates 35 years of age or younger for these scholarships. The key is that they must have leadership potential, most notably by having been active in their home guilds and showing interest in helping keep their guild vibrant. In 2011, this award was expanded to include a unique two-day “boot camp.” This exercise is designed to enhance their professional development skills, promote idea exchange and help the participants gain a more global perspective on agricultural communications challenges around the world.
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Instructors include top agricultural journalists and communications professionals. The program is administered and executed by several IFAJ members, including Vice-President Mr Roberts as a key faculty member, Secretary General Riitta Mustonen from Finland as the entry coordinator, Treasurer James Campbell of Ireland and Global Manager Josephine van Gelder as coordinator with the Master Class. Guest faculty this year include Enrique Yeves, Chief of Corporate Communications for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, speaking on how his organisation uses social media to communicate with journalists, as well as Alltech’s John Thornton, Sales Manager for Northern Ireland. Secretary General Mustonen says the program has shown its potential in helping young journalists be aware of global issues, while they work together with journalists from all over the world. “We have seen how these young leaders quickly build an international network using social media. “During the boot camp and following the congress they gain professional contacts and build personal friendship across borders,” she says. When the program’s 10th anniversary arrives next year, almost 100 young agricultural journalists will have benefitted from it. Read more about the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award and winners at www.ifaj.org/contests-awards/young-leaders-award
IFAJ/Agriterra Master Class perfect for strategic outreach Prior to the 2010 congress in Belgium, IFAJ and Agriterra developed their first Master Class for journalists and communicators from emerging countries. Agriterra and its Belgian colleague Trias organised a two-day class for journalists from African, Asian and Latin American countries which were not yet an IFAJ member. “Over the years, the Master Class showed to fit perfectly within the 2020 IFAJ strategy,” says Josephine van Gelder, IFAJ’s global manager and organiser of the program since the start. “It is a skill development and leadership programme for the participating journalists. “These journalists are mostly linked to the farmers organisations in their home country which means that also these organisations benefit from the skills and the network that their staff member obtains, hence the interest of Agriterra to sponsor this event in kind.” Aside from that, the programme also leads to valuable contacts in countries where the IFAJ had no contacts before. And in some cases this has already led to the establishment of a farm journalists’ guild. The Master Class is also sponsored by DuPont Pioneer and British American Tobacco. “Both sponsors have shown great interest in the programme, which means we do not only profit from
their funds, but also from their expertise,” says Josephine. The Master Class offers ten journalists and communicators a seat in the programme and participation in the IFAJ congress. “Because of the combination of our program with the Alltech Young Leaders, we will again have all continents represented, bringing tremendous dynamic to the group and leading to lots of interesting discussions on our profession,” says Josephine. “This year’s Master Class will focus on innovation, from a farmers perspective, from the industry perspective and from the journalist’s perspective. “And very cool this year will be the Q&A with the UK minister through a video conference link. I’m sure both classes will love this opportunity.”
This year’s programme will focus on innovation, from a farmers perspective
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Professional Development Professional Development Workshop, Monday 8th September 0900 – 1200 Social media During the Professional Development Workshop a parade of journalists and professional communicators will share insight from the front lines of the social media revolution around the globe. The workshop will provide practical perspective for working agricultural communicators - tools and tactics to harness the power of social media in our daily work. Among the most important will be strategies for working within the dramatic limitations of social media. After all, many social media messages are measured by the character or by seconds on the clock.
Revolutionary tools From Facebook to Twitter to Vine and beyond, social media offer unparalleled opportunities for research, trend monitoring, news gathering and sharing information. Stories become immediate, interactive and global. These revolutionary tools provide immediate opportunities for dialogue with sources, farmers, officials and the general public. They also blur the distinctions among media, adding an element of broadcast to print journalism, pushing broadcasters to write more, and weaving video, photography, audio and writing into complex multi-media presentations.
Impacts and opportunities Freelance journalist Caroline Stocks of England will share insight she gained during her international Nuffield Study research on the impact of social media on journalism. Caroline Stocks
Simon Haley
Host Lynsey Sweales of Social B, a social media marketing firm based in Cambridge, England, will share social media practices from innovators outside the agriculture industry, while her colleague Simon Haley will highlight some of the remarkable
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social media campaigns and conversations from across the UK. Johann Tasker, a Farmers Weekly writer and editor, will explain how he integrates social media into his workflow, using the vast online resources to enhance his reporting.
Deep dialogue The chance to have conversations with the public has created tremendous opportunities for governments and businesses to maintain a close watch on how voters or customers feel. Monitoring questions and posts can reveal emerging challenges in minutes. Engaging customers in dialogue can provide solutions just as quickly. Tim Price of NFU Mutual, sponsor of the Continuing Professional Development seminar, will share his company’s use of social media tools to discuss complicated insurance issues with customers. Julie Randall of Congress major sponsor Waitrose, will share how shoppers tap into social media tools to engage with the grocery chain about food and sustainability. Alaster Phillips of the Scottish Government will detail the social media dialogues between policymakers in Edinburgh and Scottish voters - a huge and nuanced conversation, especially in the months and weeks leading up to the national referendum on whether Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom.
Making messages fit Tweets from Syria, Egypt and Algeria over the past few years have demonstrated how Twitter can change the world. But Twitter’s 140-character limit can present a tremendous challenge in communicating about agriculture, a topic rich in science, policy, economics and culture. Enrique Yeves, Chief, Corporate Communications for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will teach us how he communicates about complex topics through social media. His role requires him to pack stories about hunger and food security into brief but vital dispatches to reporters and policy-makers around the world. Social media challenges us all while providing exciting new opportunities. Join us Monday morning with a pencil, a smartphone, a tablet or just an open mind - but be ready to gather a vast new set of tools to help you excel when you get home.
Lynsey Sweales, Chief Executive, Social B, Cambridge, UK Lynsey has over ten years’ experience in providing social media, online marketing training and consultancy to all sizes of businesses. She and her team have worked with a range of household names such as Santander, Emirates, O2, The United Nations and the NHS, as well as a number of agri businesses including the NFU, NFYFC and the Department of Environment & Primary Industries Victoria Australia. Lynsey regularly offers industry insights and comment to the media, including CNBC, The Guardian, BBC News and Bloomberg as well as blogging for Microsoft. She is also regularly invited to speak at conferences in the UK and overseas.
Alaster Phillips, Digital Manager, Communications Constitution and Economy, The Scottish Government, Edinburgh, UK
Enrique Yeves, Chief of Corporate Communications, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy In his long professional career, Enrique Yeves has worked for, among others, the BBC and Reuters in London and for the Spanish Television (TVE) as correspondent and special envoy to Africa, Asia and Latin America. At the United Nations he has been Chief of Media at FAO in Rome, Ddirector of the FAO Office in Madrid (Spain) and Chief of United Nations Television (UNTV) in New York as well as spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly in New York. Yeves is the author of the book The Contra: a dirty war, which was finalist for the Reporter 1990 Award. He has also been awarded several international prizes such as the prestigious “CNN World Report Award” and “Stories from the Field “of UN.
Alaster Phillips is a digital manager in the Scottish Government’s communications directorate with a responsibility for developing the use of social media as well as having a key role in the digital output surrounding the upcoming independence referendum.
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Permanent ‘Science, Innovation & Technology’ poster display at IFAJ 2014 The permanent IFAJ 2014 poster display demonstrates some examples of Britain’s agri-food innovations and projects to our visiting journalists. The poster display will be held in the Thistle Hotel Ballroom, the main hotel being used for the IFAJ 2014 Congress, from Thursday 4 September through to the close of the Congress on Monday 8 September. The content focuses on examples of science, innovation, technology or knowledge transfer. All posters have a contact for you to follow up with if you wish. Posters on show include:
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Aberdeen University
www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett
(Including The Rowett Institute)
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AHDB
www.ahdb.org.uk
BBSRC
www.bbsrc.ac.uk
BSPB
www.bspb.co.uk
Certis
www.certiseurope.co.uk
DuPont Pioneer
www.pioneer.com
East of Scotland Growers
www.eastofscotlandgrowers.co.uk
EBLEX
www.eblex.org.uk
James Hutton Institute
www.hutton.ac.uk
Harbro
www.harbro.co.uk
HGCA
www.hgca.com
Massey Ferguson
www.masseyferguson.co.uk
Perkins
www.perkins.com
QMS
www.qmscotland.co.uk
SRUC
www.sruc.ac.uk
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Thank You The organising committee of IFAJ 2014 would like to thank all sponsors and everyone else who has helped to make this event possible. Without all your time, effort and sponsorship, none of this would have been possible. We hope all delegates enjoy what promises to be a special congress in a special country – and we look forward to meeting friends old and new during our time in Scotland.
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