Jim welcomes Jordan

AGRICULTURE Minister Jim Fairlie has been in the region today, welcoming a new farmer. He congratulated Jordan Duddy, the new contract farmer at SRUC’s Acrehead dairy farm. Mr Fairlie said: “I am delighted for Jordan in securing the contract farming opportunity at Acrehead and am excited to see all she achieves. "I would also like to congratulate SRUC for providing this land and – more importantly – the opportunity for a new farmer on publicly owned land." Jordan, who has over six years of hands-on experience in all aspects of dairy farming, will contract manage the day-to-day operations of Acrehead. However, the SRUC will retain responsibility for the land and legal compliance and will provide the dairy herd and farm machinery. She said: “Acrehead Farm has huge potential to become a thriving dairy business – it just needs someone to care for it. The land is ideal for grazing, and I plan to make the most of its ability to grow quality grass. “Long-term, I aim to transition to a smaller, grazing-suited breed and establish an autumn block-calving herd." Above: Jordan Duddy, 3rd right, lines up with left to right: vice-principal Mary Thompson, Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie, Jordan's parents Janice and Stephen, and Principal at SRUC Wayne Powell