A Muir of Ord farming family, along with two other families in the Highlands, is set to open its doors as part of a government-funded farm efficiency scheme.
Stephen and Sheena MacKenzie of Auchmore Farm, Muir of Ord will host their first farmers meeting on September 30 as part of the Climate Change Focus project.
Aimed at improving farming efficiency and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, the three-year programme, which is delivered by SRUC – Scotland’s Rural College, looks to draw upon collective ideas and find local solutions to challenges faced by farmers.
It follows on from a pilot programme that has, over the past three years, saved almost £60,000 between the four farms involved. Two of the businesses in the programme also reduced their carbon footprint by over 10%.
The MacKenzies, along with fellow Highland farming families the Ballantynes at Clynelish, Brora and the Girvans at Corrimony, Glenurquhart, will look for locally sustainable ways to tackle challenges such as livestock performance and energy bills.
The MacKenzies farm nearly 1,000-acres in partnership with Stephen’s brother Donald. The enterprise comprises 85 autumn-calving Shorthorn and Saler cattle, 250 Cheviot ewes and 800-1,000 lambs are finished every year. They also have a wind turbine and plans for a second, as well as a joint micro hydro project under construction.
“We see this as a development from previous work where we can take forward suggestions that seem practical for this unit,” said Stephen Mackenzie. “It is also an opportunity to test our business and ideas against others in a similar position.”
The scheme is backed by government funds at a time when Scottish farmers are being encouraged to explore more energy efficient options.
Speaking earlier this summer, at the launch of the new programme, farm minister Richard Lochhead said: “Our climate is changing and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to do what we can to mitigate its negative impact.
“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to tackling climate change and lowering overall emissions in Scotland, of which approximately a fifth is from our agriculture industry.”
The Climate Change Focus event takes place between 10am and 2.45pm on Tuesday September 30 at Auchmore Farm, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire. IV6 7XB.
To book a place contact Nicola McLeod on fbsinverness@sac.co.uk or 01463 233266.
