NFU Scotland is continuing its autumn roadshow of Renewable Development Initiative (RDI) on farm events with the next visit to Balring Farm, Mintlaw on Tuesday 27 October.
This is the third and final time the RDI will visit Hamish Watson’s farm and members will be able to see the work carried out since the last event there. This has included Hamish investing in a new drying floor and gasification system.
Hamish’s biomass and gasification system is one of the most innovative farm-based renewable energy systems in Scotland, and there will be the chance to speak to the designers and installers behind the system and see the plant in operation.
Balring Farm extends to 325 hectares of arable land and comprises 400 acres of winter barley, 200 acres of spring barley, 100 acres of wheat and 100 acres of rapeseed. The farm also supports 100 suckler cows and Hamish recently purchased a 100 acre wood.
Further details on the Renewable Development Initiative can be found at: www.renewableenergyonfarms.co.uk
Ends
Notes to Editors
• The Union’s three-year RDI project is designed to provide sound, independent advice to farmers and land managers across Scotland on renewable energy.
Through a programme of on-farm events, co-ordinated by Thomas McMillan of Savills Smiths Gore, the initiative has already shown hundreds of Scottish farmers and land managers energy projects that are contributing to farm businesses or are at the planning stage.
• These events are free to farmers and land managers to attend. If you would like to book a space or join the mailing list, email jennifer.grosset@savills-smithsgore.co.uk or call 0131 344 0888.
• For media who would like to attend contact media@nfus.org.uk
• The next events for the NFUS RDI are as follows:
o Anaerobic Digestion (CHP) – 12 November
Iain Service, East Knockbrex Newton Stewart, DG8 6QE
Since the first visit all of the 600 head of dairy cows are now in place at the farm and the 150kW Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant is operational having been energised in October 2014. As with all AD plants there have been teething problems and this open day will give attendees an opportunity to see a system that has been operational for a year. As with previous events Iain Service will provide a “warts and all” discussion on the challenges he has faced since the last visit in December 2014.
o Hydro Harlaw Community Scheme (near Balerno) – w/c 23 November
This is an opportunity to see the community-owned hydro project on the edge of Edinburgh. The project is predicted to generate over £1M of benefit to the local community. More details to follow soon.
o Anaerobic Digestion (Gas to Grid) and Biomass – 8 December
Ross Forster – Peacehill Farm, Wormit, DD6 8PJ
This project is currently under construction and is the first gas to grid AD project in Fife. The AD plant covers a two hectare site and is fed from cereal and vegetable stock and managed by the production of a three year crop plan to match the expected output of the AD plant.
In addition to the AD plant, Peacehill Farm has two biomass boiler systems which supply heat to a series of chicken sheds.
In addition to creating a new income for the farm the biomass boilers have also improved the quality and survival rates of the chickens.
For more information contact Ruth McClean: ruth.mcclean@nfus.org.uk or call 0131 472 4108.