Updates on the arable sector and its future will be some of the key discussions at the East Lothian Monitor Farm open summer meeting on Wednesday 22 July, which is now open for booking.
The meeting, which runs from 4pm to 7pm at Castleton Farm, North Berwick, will explore key issues shaping the future of farming. It is the final summer meeting at the farm as part of the four-year Monitor Farm Scotland programme which has been running since 2022.
Iona Smith, Monitor Farm regional adviser says: “We will hear from industry experts about workforce development, business planning, crop policy, and market influences, and there will be an open discussion, followed by dinner provided by Drift, the farm’s clifftop eatery.”
A Monitor Farm update from host farmer Stuart McNicol will include a discussion about learnings from the programme, including practical changes that have improved resilience, efficiency, and business performance.
Another speaker at the event, Gillian McFadyen from Borders College, will discuss apprenticeships, future career pathways in agriculture, and how businesses can access and recruit skilled staff through the college. Attendees will learn about the opportunities available to both young people entering the industry and to employers looking to strengthen their workforce.
Agronomists Stevie Gray and Greg Dawson from Scottish Agronomy will give an update on profitability and fertiliser prices, and how current market conditions could influence future farm planning and business decision-making.
Attendees will also have a crop policy update, along with his views on the future outlook for the sector and what it could mean for arable businesses from Davie Michie, head of food and farming policy at NFU Scotland.
Iona adds: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the East Lothian Monitor Farm on Wednesday 22 July. It’s a valuable opportunity to hear from industry specialists, gain practical insights, and take away ideas to help future-proof your own farming business.”