Where can you go to get hands on experience of pig agility, how to show and dress cattle, learn how to lasso and manoeuvre farmer obstacle courses and take part in various other farm-based activities, complete with a first-class home cooked meal in some of the most scenic countryside in the Borders?

Answer: Fluffy Moos.

While the livestock training side of this unique diversification venture is ideally suited to Young Farmers and novice breeders looking for a few top tips on how to bring out the best in their animals, the project is also proving a huge hit with various businesses, providing corporate days out and individuals looking for that something extra special for stag/hen ‘do’s’.

The brain child of Robert and Lucy Wilson, who were looking to diversify but felt the more traditional farm shops/holiday cottages/contracting scene was not for them; they looked at their already well-known, quiet pedigree Hereford cattle herd and the public’s enthusiasm to get up close up and personal with livestock.

Add to that Robert’s ability to clip and show cattle to national competition level and Lucy’s fantastic first class home cooking skills with local produce and the seeds were sown.

A year down the line and with assistance from Scottish Borders Leader funding to restore and upgrade the old 1900-style stables into a suitable conference/dining/kitchen facility and a separate area for training, with support from Robert’s parents, Ronald and Joan Wilson, and Fluffy Moos was launched.

Well known for their Romany Hereford cattle herd – which has only just won the breed’s coveted annual herd’s competition – it was clipping and showmanship that the couple thought would most appeal most to those new to the pedigree livestock industry and those looking to extend their skill's base, after Robert travelled throughout much of Canada and America to see at first hand the various techniques and products used in bringing out cattle.

Fluffy Moos also works with expert trainers in the industry, thereby allowing a range of alternative techniques and the most comprehensive tuition, if required, with all work done on their own quiet Hereford cattle.

While the cattle clipping training days have already proved a huge hit, it is nevertheless the corporate days out that have proved the real star attraction for those from outwith the agricultural industry, many of whom, welcome the insight into where their food comes from.

“We can basically tailor the day to whatever groups of people want whether it’s demonstrations on cattle and or sheep up to fun entertainment mornings on the farm or full days out for up to 20 people,” said Robert.

“Everyone wants to see how a farmer lives and works and we can provide that depending on what is happening on the farm at that time. And, we can make it as fun or as competitive as people want – we’ve already staged corporate days’ of Farming Olympics, to include pig obstacle courses, lassoing and cattle preparation,” he said adding that a lot depends on the experience of the individuals involved.

Each visit starts with a quick safety briefing over a cup of tea or coffee with visitors then transformed into a farmer for the day, complete with Fluffy Moos boiler suit and wellies.

Split into teams, there are then a range of competitions with a prize giving ceremony and highly sought after awards for the winning team at the end of the day.

Each activity starts with an overview of the animals in question with the opportunity to ask questions too, thereby educating the public into the bargain.

The Stables area is also available for hire for private events and is already proving ideal for parties, wedding breakfasts, dinners, exhibitions and meetings in the Scottish Borders.

At present it is capable of seating up to 40 adults for sit-down events with more standing room if required available in the adjoining horse stalls.