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Stewartry Farm Opens the Campaign for a Better Climate

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N65
Published: 06 Sep 2010

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Stewartry farmers Ross and Lee Paton accepted a real challenge when they told SAC they were volunteering to join the pioneer group of 4 Focus Farmers involved in the Scottish Government funded “Farming for a Better Climate“ initiative. On Wednesday 15th September, at a farm open day, organised by SAC, they will speak for the first time about the plans they have for their 420ha organic dairy unit at Torr farm near Castle Douglas.

The three year, Farming for a Better Climate initiative is designed to find practical ways of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from farms that will not only reduce their carbon footprint but make real financial gains for farming businesses. The idea of the Focus Farm, where the farmer is joined by a support group of like minded neighbours, is to look at ways of turning theory into practice that best suits the area and farm type. SAC staff will provide the group with expert guidance and administrative assistance. 

While Torr Farm is organic, Ross and Lee Paton believe the messages about reducing electricity and fuel bills, using the nutrients in slurry and manure better, or considering renewable energy are equally relevant for conventional farms. They would welcome farmers of all types as a member of what they want to be a lively focus farm group.

Ross Paton will explain why he volunteered for the hot seat while a number of SAC experts will address issues like getting the best out of grass, improving nutrient use and developing on-farm renewable potential. Alan Crichton of NFUS will explain why the union are supporting the Farming for a Better Climate initiative and urging farmers to get ahead of the game.

While the event is free, including lunch, the organisers ask those planning to attend to register by Monday 13th September. This will confirm numbers for the catering. Contact Sandra Macrae in the SAC Dumfries Office 01387 261172. Sandra.macrae@sac.co.uk.

Event details

Event: Open day, “Farming for a Better Climate Focus Farm”.   
Date: 10.45am to 2.45pm, Wednesday 15th September, 2010.
Location: Torr Farm, Castle Douglas DG7 1QN.

Further information on the open day.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Ms Rebecca Audsley
Climate Change Manager
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Consulting, Environment & Design, J F Niven Building, Auchincruive,
Ayr
KA6 5HW
TelWork 01292 525089
MobileWork 07786 313885
Fax 01292 525146

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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