First FAS Connect Conference a success!

Nearly 200 farmers and speakers from across Scotland gathered at Murrayfield to discuss the future of farming at the first FAS Connect conference on 31^st January. 

The key take-home messages included: build your farming system around your life and business aims – not the other way around; don't wait for disaster to start building a resilient farming system; and take time away from day-to-day tasks to work on the business as a whole.

FAS Connect groups bring farmers and crofters together to tackle the big problems with shared experience, ideas and knowledge. The group members work closely with a dedicated facilitator to tailor content to topics decided by the members - from beef to organics.

The event brought together members of the 45 FAS Connect groups for the first time to hear panel discussions covering the global outlook for agriculture, time and technology, and carbon and sustainability.

Jennifer Struthers who organised the event said: “I’m delighted that the first FAS Connect Conference was a sell-out event. There were some great discussions and a brilliant buzz in the room, and we’ve already had excellent feedback from participants who thoroughly enjoyed their day.”

Attendee Robbie Meikle, member of the FAS Connect group Sustainable Dairy Lanarkshire, said: “The diversity of the speakers was fantastic so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to come and hear their opinions.” 

Anyone interested in joining a FAS Connect group can visit www.fas.scot/connect to find out more.