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Blairgowrie Farming Couple Search for Ways of Cutting Carbon

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N82
Published: 06 Oct 2010

David and Morag Houstoun accepted a real challenge when they told SAC they were volunteering to join the pioneer group of 4 Focus Farmers in the Scottish Government funded "Farming for a Better Climate" initiative. On Wednesday 13th October, at an open farm meeting, organised by SAC, they will speak for the first time about the plans they have for their 960ha beef and sheep unit at Glenkilrie near Blairgowrie.

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 turning theory into practice in ways that best suits the area and farm type. SAC staff will provide the group with expert guidance and administrative assistance.

David and Morag believe that there are a number of benefits that come from managing carbon, or energy, as they prefer to look at it. Saving energy saves money so there can be a win for the environment and a win for the business. They would welcome farmers of all types as members of what they hope will be a lively focus farm group, sharing ideas.

David Houstoun will explain why he volunteered for the hot seat while invited speaker Jimmy Hyslop, SAC Beef and Sheep Consultant, will address issues around winter feeding, condition scoring and forage analysis and how this can affect both greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of producing beef on the farm.

Increasingly it is being found that efficient farming is lower carbon farming.

While the event is free, the organisers ask those planning to attend to register by Monday 11th October. Contact Peter Lindsay in the SAC Perth Office, 01738 636611, email Peter.Lindsay@sac.co.uk.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Mr Peter Lindsay
Senior Agricultural Consultant (Area Manager)
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Consulting, Sandpiper House, Ruthvenfield Road, Inveralmond Industrial Estate,
Perth
PH1 3EE
TelWork 01738 636611
Fax 01738 627860

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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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