To Niall Jeffery, livestock farming is the best job in the world. With his team of five, Niall produces Scotch Beef at Bielgrange Farm, but when the whole supply chain is accounted for, that team becomes far more than five.
As a fourth-generation farmer, Niall understands farming’s interconnectedness. His 450 cattle produce manure that supports soil health and reduces the reliance on imported artificial fertiliser for his 500 hectares of arable land, which produces cereals for the Scottish distilling industry. Nothing operates in isolation.
“I don’t think people realise the network of businesses and towns throughout Scotland that are involved in the beef sector. My calves are born and reared here before moving to farms in Kelso, North Berwick and Ellon and then moving on to processing in Ayr, Perth and Portlethen.”
That network includes hauliers, vets, feed suppliers, accountants, auctioneers and land agents, to name a few. Their contribution demonstrates why a thriving beef sector reaches beyond the boundary fence. “The beef sector contributes jobs and income as well as providing hugely important things like identity and social backbone across rural Scotland.”
The supply chain also relies on sustaining livestock numbers. As climate pressures persist, Scotland risks dropping below the critical mass needed to maintain the people, skills and infrastructure surrounding red meat production.
Niall’s concern is simple: “If we drop below critical mass, we are at risk of losing jobs and income in rural areas that would have a knock-on effect across the country…If we don’t have the people, we don’t have Scotch beef.”
The future of the sector depends not only on confidence in numbers right across the supply chain, but also on policymakers pulling in the same direction. “What we need from politicians is support, understanding and championing for the industry.”
Support means recognising productive farming and practical policies that allow businesses to invest, adapt and play their part in Scotland’s future. “If we get this right, in ten years’ time, a thriving beef sector will contribute to Scotland’s health, wealth and economy.”