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Launch of New Research Programme for Kirkton/Auchtertyre

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N127
Published: 18 Oct 2011

Kirkton & Auchtertyre Glens (opens in new window)

A joint SAC/industry initiative to develop a new research strategy for SAC’s hill farms at Kirkton and Auchtertyre by Crianlarich has been launched with the full backing of the SAC Board and NFU Scotland. Speaking on behalf of the SAC Board and Management at a press briefing in Stirling, Henry Graham said,

“This is the start of a journey, but the Board are right behind this new strategy for future research on the farms. We have committed money and appointed staff and will support the work of the new Advisory Group. They will help guide the research programme and act as a link between the industry and scientists as they seek a viable way forward for sheep and cattle in the hills and mountains. There is increasing confidence in the sector but there are still a lot of issues to address”.

The new Advisory Group, which met for the first time after the press briefing, will carry on the work of a Strategy Group, set up by SAC Board and NFUS. It consisted of four hill farmers, three SAC staff, and one each from QMS and the National Park Authority. Their plan involves rebuilding the full sheep stock, introducing a small hill cow herd, and using these to study and identify the economic possibilities of hill farming. 

There will be particular focus on the role of sheep genetics, particularly with ewe health and longevity. Researchers will seek to understand more about the interaction of sheep and cattle – on each other, on their, and the whole farm, carbon footprints. In addition to updating the systems involved and economic performance of extensive management of hill farms there will be attention to the environmental issues of a hill farm.

The warm welcome for the new plan given by hill farmer Ian Duncan-Millar, who had chaired the original Strategy Group was echoed by NFUS President Nigel Miller.

“I am excited by this initiative. It is a new period for Kirkton/Auchtertyre and positive for the industry. The recent prices mean this is the best period for the sheep industry in my lifetime. It is still tough for hill farms but an excellent opportunity to think ahead”.

Paying tribute to SAC for supporting industry involvement in the plans Nigel Miller said the industry must build new layers on the research presently funded by Scottish Government. He promised to help find additional resources from industry.

Earlier economist Steven Thomson from SAC’s Rural Policy Centre, used information gathered as part of a forthcoming revision of the SAC document “Retreat from the Hills”. His “Response from the Hills” outlined how breeding sheep numbers in Scotland during 2010 were at their lowest for over a century. However that coincided with some of the best market prices for sheep in a generation. Despite rising input costs this is moving lowland and many upland producers with crossbred ewes into profit, leaving money to invest in the future.

The situation in the hill and mountain areas remains less bright, with stock still being shed in some areas. However Steven Thomson believed the evidence suggested the decline was flattening out and even showing signs of an upturn in some parts of the country. With the CAP reform proposals just announced by the EU Commission this was an ideal time to explore and develop systems of farming sheep in the hills that would be robust enough to cope with market and input price volatility and still offer a future for the sector.

Dalmally hill farmer Sybil Macpherson, who will Chair the new Advisory Group, said there were many ways the new initiative could contribute. She was interested in exploring ways Kirkton/Auchtertyre could help develop the people and skills hill farming needed. Training was a vital role. She was equally enthusiastic about plans to address a disease known as Plochteach or Yellowses.

“It may not be known about in some parts of the country but in the north and west it can be a serious cause of lamb losses. It is associated with poisons from the Bog Asphodel which sensitise the skin, leading to severe sunburn or death in lambs. But there seem to be genetic reasons why some sheep suffer most. I am delighted that the Moredun research Institute is adding its weight to the SAC programme”.

“This initiative is a new opportunity to redevelop the farms which are of significant importance to the industry. We need to get the messages out and share our experiences with the rest of the industry”.

Dr Tony Waterhouse, SAC’s Head of Hill and Mountain Research explained that knowledge exchange and demonstration would be key activities at Kirkton/Auchtertyre.

Dr Waterhouse can be contacted on 01838 400524, or (m) 07887 794881.

SAC acknowledges the support of Scottish Government for its research and advisory activities.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Tony Waterhouse
Team Leader
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, Hill & Mountain Research Centre, Kirkton & Auchtertyre, Crianlarich, Perthshire AND Beef Research Centre, Bush Estate, Penicuik
TelWork 01786 824540
MobileWork 07887 794881

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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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