Walk & Talk: ‘Future-proofing your agri-business’ at Saughland Farm, Pathhead, Midlothian

Join us for this Walk & Talk, which will include lunch for those in attendance!

With reduced government support, how can agri-businesses survive? This vital question has been at the forefront of Saughland Farm’s activity, which has helped develop the farm into a well-diversified business. Saughland has been incredibly proactive and progressive in their farming practices, prioritising diversification whilst being sustainable and environmentally sensitive; ‘We are striving to produce the highest quality produce on-farm and make profits which allows us to enjoy what we are doing while looking after our environment.’

Saughland has been owned by the Callander family for over 200 years, with Richard Callander being the current custodian. Saughland farm is a mixed upland farm producing Scottish beef, lamb and malting barley and is situated 10miles south of Edinburgh near Pathhead, Midlothian.  Saughland Farm consists of 123 acres of arable land, 593 acres of grassland and 98 acres of woodland and hedgerows.

More recently, Saughland Farm was a monitor farm for Quality Meat Scotland and they were keen to get involved with RamCompare at the start of phase III due to their interest in performance recording and productive sheep systems in the UK. They have 1,500 ewes using Romney and Aberfield genetics with everything recorded from birth. They are developing a new pedigree Suffolk flock with purchases from high index flock dispersals. Their aim is to produce an easy lambing, vigorous flock without compromising carcase quality and growth using CT Scanning, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and rigorous selection.

During the event we will hear from Richard Callander (Owner of Saughland Farm), Ben McClymont (Farm Manager) and Owen Gray (Livestock Manager).

The event will look at:

• The RamCompare project
• The intensive rotational grazing approach being used. Grass is measured fortnightly through grazing season to impact grazing decisions and future land management plans.
• Vineyard business centre (office space to let)
• The Lothian Larder (Farm shop vending machine)
• The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and new hedging planted
• Renewables and the installation of solar panels
• Holiday cottages

Details of the full agenda will be confirmed very shortly.

Other information: Much of this event will take place outdoors, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.