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SAC Pass the HRH Quality Test at Dumfries House Conference

There was royal recognition for the work SAC consultants and researchers are doing in collaboration with supermarket chain Morrisons at Dumfries House in Ayrshire. The aim is to develop a sustainable enterprise for sheep and beef production and there was a chance to show the progress so far to HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay.

Prince Charles became involved with the project following his interest in the future of Dumfries House itself.  Built in the 16th century it is one of the finest examples of its kind, containing and invaluable collection of furniture.  However it faced being broken up until a Trust, led by the Duke of Rothesay,  was formed to rescue it and the surrounding thousand acres.

Morrisons became involved as a partner, making a substantial investment in the farming project, with the aim of promoting sustainable livestock farming, based on Scotch Mules cross Suffolks and Shorthorn and Angus cattle. SAC is supplying research and knowledge exchange expertise to enable the farm to illustrate best practice to the industry.  The ambition is to develop an economically viable farming system, effective environmental protection, high standards of livestock welfare and production and conservation of landscapes.

At a conference - Farming for Sustainable Food Production - in Dumfries House SAC was able to showcase its work and plans for future research. Professor Bill McKelvey was one of the speakers in a line up that included The Duke of Rothesay, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland, Dalton Philips, Chief Executive, Wm. Morrison Supermarkets plc and Jim McLaren, President NFUS.

Following the presentations there was a visit to the new farm steading, for discussions on more detailed aspects of the programme of work.  SAC's Dr Mike Coffey and Dr Dave Ross were on hand to describe the latest developments in genetic improvement in livestock and techniques for assessing meat quality. It was a topic Prince Charles and Morrisons showed a great deal of interest in.

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