CAITHNESS AND Sutherland’s first monitor farm is actually a ‘double first’ in the history of Scotland’s monitor farm programme – not only is it the first for the area, it is also the first in Scotland to be backed by sponsorship from local businesses, in addition to funding from Quality Meat Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Three farm businesses were short-listed to be the area’s first monitor farm for the next three years, with Westfield Farm, Thurso, run by John MacKenzie and step-son, Gary Elder, coming out on top. Sitting 100 metres above sea level, Westfield extends to 223ha, comprising 23ha cereals, 109ha temporary grass, 60ha permanent grass and 31ha of rough grazing. A further 410ha is rented on a seasonal basis.

The unit currently runs 280 suckler cows with a further 40 in-calf heifers. The progeny are sold as stores from 300-450kg, with the farm retaining its own replacements.

Westfield, which has been in the MacKenzie family for more than 70 years, also has a flock of 460 North Country Cheviot hill ewes, with the lambs sold both store and finished. Spring barley is grown for use as on-farm feed.

The farm successfully applied for funding under the Rural Development Contract for an innovative slurry system, comprising of an underground network of pipes delivering the slurry directly to the fields required. A new slatted system and above ground slurry storage facility will also be constructed this summer.

“Westfield will provide an excellent opportunity for farmers, both locally and further afield, to consider options to improve their businesses and step up production efficiency and profits from their livestock enterprises,” said QMS technical projects manager, Peter Beattie.

“We look forward to working with John and Gary over the next three years.”

n Farmers in Moray and Nairn are being given the opportunity to improve their farm’s performance by becoming that region’s latest monitor farm.

A new livestock monitor farm in the area is being sought by QMS, NFUS and the Scottish Government. Interested farmers have an opportunity to hear more about what is involved and the benefits on offer, at an open meeting at the Golf View Hotel in Nairn starting at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 11.

“A livestock monitor farm is a three-year commitment for a farmer, supported by a facilitator, and a community group of engaged, local farmers,” said Mr Beattie.

“The farmer works with the facilitator to study the financial and performance figures of the business and find out what the long-term aims of the farm are. Some of this information is then shared and discussed at monitor farm meetings, held every two months or so.”