Farm walks show innovation in region’s vital farming community

Farm walks held as part of Dumfries and Galloway’s business week have shown the dedication and innovation that ensures farming remains a central plank of the region’s economy.

The events were hosted by the Fleming family at South Milton, Glenluce and the Roan family at Barnbarroch, Dalbeattie.
At South Milton, visitors saw a progressive grassland-based beef and sheep enterprise running across three farms. The Flemings have 200 high health spring calving Aberdeen Angus cows, 60 pedigree Roussin ewes and run up to 800 store cattle. The Flemings host an innovative Forage iFarm program, utilising best practice agronomy, forage management and paddock grazing to future proof the farming business.

The Roan family have been in the dairy farm business at Barnbarroch since 1898. The business includes a 140-cow herd milked by two robotic milking machines at Barnbarroch and a further 200 cows milked through a parlour at nearby Boreland of Colvend. With the development of Roan’s Dairy, they process and deliver their own milk to households, local shops, restaurants and hotels. Additional income is generated through a 9-hole golf course and seasonal tearoom.

NFU Scotland’s Regional Chairman for Dumfries and Galloway, Rupert Shaw said: “With farming and rural business at the heart of the regional economy in Dumfries and Galloway it has been important for NFU Scotland to support Dumfries and Galloway Business Week in recent years.  

“Business Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase businesses in the region whilst supporting individuals and providing networking opportunities.  It is important to ensure that the farming community remains part of this and those who visited South Milton and Barnbarroch have seen that farming in the region continues to move forward and innovate.

“These events also provided NFUS members with a platform to come together and discuss current issues and opportunities including Brexit, access to rural broadband and agri tech.”
 
Notes to Editors

• More details on NFU Scotland’s involvement in Dumfries and Galloway Business Week available from Regional Manager Teresa Dougall on 07718 425053 or email: Teresa.dougall@nfus.org.uk
• Photographs of delegates at both Barnbarroch and South Milton farms are available on request from media@nfus.org.uk

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006