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Bush Farms
Farms of the Bush Estate
The Bush Estate lies eight miles south of the centre of Edinburgh, adjacent to the A701 and A702 roads, and beside the Pentland hills. The main sets of buildings are at Boghall, Woodhouselee, Easter Howgate and Castlelaw, with additional land at Glencorse and House O’Muir.
The land ranges in altitude from the hills, which peak at 500 metres above sea level, down to the arable areas at 150 - 200 metres. There is a wide range of slopes, soil types, aspects and terrain.
The total farms area of 1,013 ha (approx. 2,500 acres) consists of:
- Hill: 300 - 500 m; 656 ha (55 ha improved)
- Upland: 250 - 300 m; (152 ha improved)
- Lowground: 150 - 250 m; (205 ha improved)
These variations are valuable for research, teaching and demonstration purposes, so that research, student practicals and visits can be seen within the context of a range of realistic farming enterprises. Annual rainfall is 800 - 1200 mm.
| Total grass area | 939 ha |
| Arable crops | 74 ha |
| Woodlands | 25 ha |
| Suckler cows | 200 |
| Beef cattle | 200 |
| Breeding hill ewes | 1000 |
| Lowland ewes (Mules) | 700 |
| Lowland ewes (Texel, Suffolk) | 350 |
There are two shepherds, two people concerned mainly with cattle and one tractor driver. The pig unit has a staff of two and the sheep unit has an additional shepherd to assist with recording work. Increasing use is made of contractors and the local machinery ring.
The Estate exists and is managed to achieve the multiple objectives of commercial farming and provision of resources for research & development, teaching and extension work.
Boghall Beef, Lamb And Pork
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Arable
On the best land, largely around Boghall Farm, there is an intensive arable crop rotation which includes winter wheat, winter and spring barley, set-aside and grass.