Skip to content

New Resources For Next Generation Farmers & Crofters

19 April 2023

Next Generation Newsletter

This article is produced as a part of the FAS Next Generation Newsletter. Subscribe now to receive the full report in your inbox quarterly.

Since our last edition we have continued to develop our suite of materials for next generation farmers.

The new entrants calendar concluded with videos on getting stared with rotational grazing and a year in review. You can watch back the full series here:
https://www.fas.scot/new-entrants-calendar/

Isle of Mull Cheese is a traditional farming business adding value to milk producing artisan cheese. In our case study video  we hear Chris Reade, the first generation, and third generation Lily Reade reflect on the changes of the business over the years since moving to the island in the 1980s to milking 130 cows to sell cheese across the UK and their plans for the future.

We have featured a further three new entrant farmers who have shared how they got into farming.

Twenty-eight year old William McHarrie from Glen Luce, near Stranraer, started dairy farming 10 years ago in a joint venture with his aunt and uncle who were looking for a succession plan. William shares his story including the challenges he has face along the way and his advice for any new entrant considering joint ventures as a route into the industry here.

 

Third generation crofter Ian Angus Macleod started crofting in his own right after inheriting a 4.5 ha land locked croft from a neighbour on the Isle of Harris, In this video he shares his experience of crofting with 50 ewes, applying for grant and schemes (including getting a road built through CAGS) and top tips for fellow new entrants.

 

Gemma and Bruce McWilliam bought Nether Backieley, Aberchirder in Aberdeenshire in 2019 after viewing 10 other farms and Gemma shares their highs and lows from that journey including setting up their sheep flock, self-catering lodge, and letting out sheds for cattle B&B.

Sign up to the FAS newsletter

Receive updates on news, events and publications from Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service