AS PART of NFU Scotland's COP26 activities, the Kerr family of Woodhead Farm, Newmilns, Ayrshire, showed Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon around their dairy business to demonstrate how they are farming for a better climate.

During the visit, John Kerr, chair of the union's Kilmarnock Branch, spoke about the steps the business has taken to reduce emissions during and since Woodhead’s time as a Climate Change Focus Farm from 2014 to 2018.

The farm has employed on regenerative farming techniques to make the most from grass and its carbon sequestering properties, using a dribble bar for slurry applications, more efficient milk cooling systems and much more.

“Whilst all eyes have been on the COP26 climate change conference taking place in the city of Glasgow, we were delighted to meet the Cabinet Minister and show first-hand how Ayrshire’s dairy and livestock farmers are taking action on climate change," said Mr Kerr. "We are minimising our impact on the environment, sequestering carbon in our pastures, all whilst continuing to produce nutritious food and underpinning the local economy.”

Ms Gougeon said: “Agriculture has an important role to play in tackling the climate crisis and it is hugely encouraging to see how, at Woodhead Farm, the Kerrs are demonstrating that what is good for the environment can also be sound business practice.

“Through engagement with our Farming for a Better Climate initiative it is estimated that John and Anne have reduced their farm’s carbon footprint by around 6% and saved £63,000, with no loss of production. They also received a grant through the pilot Sustainable Agricultural Grant Scheme for a Dribble Bar slurry spreading attachment."

Read more: Glasgow's COP26: was it a whole lot of hot air?