Exploring Organics in Scotland Case Studies
Whether you’re considering conversion to organic farming or you’re looking at introducing a different enterprise on your organic farm, the case studies on this page look at different organic farming businesses and how they are managed.
Case Studies
Organic Arable Silage at Kirwaugh Farm, Wigtown
At Kirwaugh Farm near Wigtown in the Machars peninsula, Andrew Robinson has been running his dairy farm organically for over 17 years. As part of his crop rotation and weed control, grass reseeds are established with an undersown arable mix. This helps with weed management, in particular dock which are common in the local area. This case study will explore the benefits and challenges of this method. Read more >>
From Conventional to Organic - A Farmer's Reflections at Marshill, South Draffan and Southfield
The Stewart family farms 700 acres across three fully organic units, Marshill, South Draffan and Southfield. Converting to organic in 2020, the business runs 390 Holstein Friesians. In this article, Andrew Stewart provides some insight into the process of converting to organic production and his top tips for anyone considering conversion. Read more >>
Established to Exceptional: Refining an Organic System with Anderson Brothers
Anderson Brothers is a farming partnership run by brothers Matthew and Philip Anderson alongside their respective wives Becky and Mary. The business has developed a profitable and resilient organic system designed around the realities of upland farming. By focusing on soil health, forage utilisation, genetic suitability and simplified management, the business has reduced reliance on purchased inputs while improving its ability to withstand weather variability and price volatility. Read more >>
Exploring Organics in Scotland Videos
The case study videos listed below were selected to highlight different organic farming enterprises and show the diversity of enterprises and marketing methods of organic produce in Scotland. All three farms have been organic for more than ten years, and run successful businesses.
Growing Organic Vegetables for a Box Scheme – Bridgefoot Organics
Bridgefoot Organics is a long established organic vegetable growing business that grows a wide variety of vegetables for customers in North East Scotland. Matthew Touche explains the background to the business, and how they provide a range of seasonal vegetables for 50 weeks of the year, overcoming problems such as weeds, pests and diseases. Read more >>
Managing a Mixed Farming Enterprise Organically – Knock Farm
Roger Polson & Tom Mutter explain how the farm at Knock has been managed organically for the last 15 years, and explain why they became organic, and how it put a whole new challenge into farming. Read more >>
Direct Retailing from a Poultry, Dairy, Beef, Sheep & Arable farm – Lower Mill of Tynet Farm
Gordon & June Whiteford are 1st generation farmers, who have built up their farming business over the last 10 years at Lower Mill of Tynet. Their story is an inspiring one of continual investment into building up a sustainable farming business, that has taken Gordon around the world as a Nuffield Farming Scholar to learn more about poultry farming, and the benefits of rearing white feathered hens. Read more >>
Lower Mill of Tynet Farm Case Study
In this case study we look at Lower Mill of Tynet Farm and how it blends traditional farming practices with direct-to-customer strategies, marketing produce from the farm gate. Read more >>
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