Richard McCornick, Barnbackle, Dumfries Monitor Farm

More than 60 farmers, advisers and industry reps were introduced to the new Dumfriesshire Monitor Farm, at Barnbackle, Lochfoot near Dumfries. The meeting was hosted by Richard and Craig McCornick, supported by QMS and AHDB, and funded by the Scottish Government through the 2022-26 Monitor Farm programme.

Barnbackle is a 500-acre beef and sheep farm run by Richard McCornick and his partner Hayley, alongside Richard’s parents, Andrew and Janice. Richard’s brother Craig and his wife Michelle also farm, and the two brothers help each other as and when needed.

The family runs 150 spring and autumn-calving Sim-Luing suckler cows, 20 store cattle, and 700 Texel cross Mule ewes at Barnbackle. Most calves are sold as suckled with only a small number kept through winter, and lambs are sold off grass. Richard also runs a small herd of pedigree Charolais cattle, supplying local farmers with bulls to meet their requirements. Some of the cattle are out-wintered on kale, as are the sheep which also have access to swedes.

One highlight of the visit was Craig McCornick's farm's data collection system on a handheld attachment for a mobile phone, that collects a wide variety of data. However, such data is not always used in decision-making, he said which in turn sparked discussion among attendees about the potential to focus on utilising the data in future.

There was also a strong emphasis on soil health, with the family keen to gain a deeper understanding of the farm’s soil types and structures, and to look at whether there is more opportunity for rotational grazing and growing different crops.

“The environment and soil is a big part of farming. If we don’t look after it, we won’t be able to the grow crops or rear livestock. It’s one of the best investments to be made for a greater return in the future,” said Richard.

Attendees discussed potential changes and improvements for the cattle enterprise, such as using shed space for diversification opportunities, changing the balance between autumn and spring calving in favour of springtime, and running more stock outside. Monitor Farm visitors also discussed possibilities for the sheep enterprise, such as lambing outside, recording more data and reducing ewe size.

Richard says his main aim through the Monitor Farm programme is to find ways to develop the business, making it more profitable and sustainable. “I’d like to reduce inputs such as fertiliser and feeds and make the most of what I’ve got.”

A number of attendees volunteered to be part of the Management Group, which will meet later this month to discuss these possibilities and set meeting topics for the year.

Barnbackle is also working with two other Monitor Farms in the South of Scotland cluster – Cowbog in Roxburghshire and Castleton in East Lothian. As part of this there will be a South of Scotland cluster meeting open to all before mid-March.

Maura Wilson, Monitor Farm regional advisor says: “The Monitor Farm project is a great opportunity for farm businesses to join the Management Group and provide their own data, information, and ideas which will lead to change and better resilience for the Monitor Farmer and themselves. Individuals can also join the wider Community Group to keep in touch with the project and receive event invites.”

Richard adds: “On the social side, we all seem so busy working these days that we don’t get to see the neighbours and farming communities much. By opening our doors I’m hoping that the local network will get stronger. Personally, it’s outside of my comfort zone, but I’m looking forward to new developing skills through the programme and having a driving force that makes me get my head into the figures and makes me more confident in my decision-making ability.”

For more details on future meetings, see www.monitorfarms.co.uk or contact regional advisor Maura Wilson at mwilson@qmscotland.co.uk or email monitorfarm@qmscotland.co.uk