The Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm is set to host an information-packed open summer meeting on growing farm businesses. Booking for the event, on Friday 29 May, is now open.
Like many farmers, Bruce Irvine, the Banff and Buchan Monitor Farmer, has been asking ‘How do I grow my rural business?’ To answer this question, the Monitor Farm meeting at Sauchentree Farm, Fraserburgh will bring together seven dynamic presenters, with their suggestions. The event will feature:
The Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm management group has been highlighting the importance of the right finance for expansion, so has invited Oxbury Bank’s Fergus Rendall and Terry Butcher to discuss options.
Zach Reilly is growing his agronomy and farm business; he sees the opportunity for a foothold in farming through contract farming. He will be joined by Marc Skivington, farm business manager at Strathmore Farming Company. Marc, who manages extensive farming agreements as part of his role, will highlight opportunities for collaboration with enterprising young farmers within this historic estate.
Fochabers’ farmer Gordon Whiteford from Lower Mill of Tynet will discuss growing your brand and marketing. He has built up his business over the last 20 years from one chicken shed in Moray to his mixed livestock business and farm shop. He’ll describe his journey and his tips for business growth.
Gavin Mcintosh is an established and innovative Fraserburgh butcher and longtime supporter of the Monitor Farms. He and Gordon Newlands from QMS, who manages the Scotch Butchers Clubs and Scotch Beef Clubs and identifies new opportunities in retail and foodservice, will discuss business profitability. Looking at a beef cut, Gavin and Gordon will prepare, process and display it in a traditional way and then look at how to add value, covering cost and margin.
After the individual sessions, Terry, Zach, Gavin and Gordon will be joined by Bruce Irvine for a panel session chaired by QMS chair Kate Rowell.
With catering provided by Gavin’s business, booking is essential. He will be offering attendees one of his latest innovations – a Beef Stottie, a Scottish version of a North of England delicacy.
Monitor Farm regional adviser Peter Beattie says: “We’ll hear the ongoing story of business growth from Gordon, discover the possibilities for contract farming from Zach and Marc, gain an insight into funding business expansion with Terry and Fergus and focus on profitability and adding value with Gavin and Gordon. It’s set to be a fantastic meeting for anyone looking for inspiration or considering growing their farming business.”