A RARE opportunity has emerged to take over the running of a long-established dairy farm in the region.
Prospective dairy farmers are invited to submit an application to manage the SRUC’s 130-hectare Acrehead farm at the Crichton.
It comprises highly productive grasslands, with outputs reaching 12t/ha DM, along with sufficient buildings and infrastructure to support a herd of approximately 210 cows. Overwintering facilities, milking parlour and associated plant form part of the offer, along with a house nearby.
This is a five to ten-year proposal, which has been created as part of wider SRUC aims to support the future of the industry by prioritising forward-looking issues such as reduced emissions, biodiversity, human health and economic growth.
And the position will come with minimal upfront expenses, and will benefit from SRUC’s experience and support.
Following the submission of a successful business plan, the contractor will receive a share of the milk cheque dependent on the performance of the plan, while running the farm and taking part in knowledge exchange activities. SRUC will maintain responsibility for the condition and legal compliance of the farm and, furthermore, will provide the herd and machinery.
The successful applicant will benefit from proximity to a world-leading nucleus of dairy research; Barony is home to the SRUC-led Digital Dairy Chain and Dairy Nexus innovation hub which opened last month. Barony will also soon house the famous Langhill Experiment.
Professor Wayne Powell, chief executive of SRUC, said: “This new venture is a unique opportunity and we’re proud to be able to support the future of farming by making SRUC land available to the farmers of tomorrow.
“If you’re a knowledgeable farming entrepreneur seeking a new opportunity, or a farmer early on in their career, ready to take on the rarely available chance of a next step up, we would like to hear from you.”
To find out more, go to www.slms.scot/acrehead-dairy by midnight on Sunday 11 May. SRUC is hoping to announce the successful contractor at this year’s Royal Highland Show on June 19.
