More than 1,000 farmers from across the country are set to descend on Dalswinton Estate on Tuesday for the first Scottish Beef Event in four years.
With a focus on sustainability, the major gathering will be officially opened at 10.15am by Fergus Ewing MSP, who was the rural economy minister from 2016 to 2021.
The event is an opportunity for those involved in the beef industry to discuss the unprecedented challenges it is facing today – a combination of climate change and biodiversity loss coming at the same time as Brexit and the repositioning of farm subsidies.
The day is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, with the attractions including 80 trade stands; 18 breed societies with a great show of cattle; Speakers’ Corner, a farm tour of Dalswinton and demonstrations covering crops and grassland. .
The event is an opportunity to view the farming enterprise of Dalswinton which is sited in the heart of the Nith Valley.
The 5,000-acre estate supports a suckler herd of 550 Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cross suckler cows producing yearling calves.
The breeds consist of Blue Greys, Luings, and Shorthorn. All progeny are either finished on the farm or sold as forward stores, depending on market conditions and available space.
Cows are crossed with mainly Charolais but also Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn bulls to breed replacements.
Dalswinton benefits from fertile land running up to the River Nith through to hill ground on the edge of the catchment.
This has historically provided the ideal ground for a beef herd but with the farming landscape changing, like many farmers, they are looking to see how to make the most of its land.
During the 2022-2023 season, the estate’s calf rearing percentage was 92 per cent.
The estate also has areas of amenity woodland and a wind farm, prioritising sustainability and encouraging biodiversity across all its activities.
Estate owner, Peter Landale, is very open about the herd’s viability as well as the various diversifications, and farm manager, Andy Williamson, will also be on hand to answer any questions.
They have created a booklet about Dalswinton which can be read in advance of the Beef Event at www.flipsnack.com/juinpublish/dalswinton-festival-booklet-june.
Peter said: “This is a critical time for the beef sector. In 2028 the subsidy regime will be changing. The cost of goods and materials is volatile.
“There is the new order of carbon mitigation and reducing biodiversity loss playing out. As a farmer and particularly a beef farmer it is very difficult to navigate a course for the beef enterprise.”
He has revealed that in 2022/23 the input costs of fertiliser, diesel and contracting fees resulted in an £81 loss per cow at the estate.
This, combined with the subsidy regime planning to be changed in 2026, requires Dalswinton to look carefully at its farming system but in particular how the land is utilised for cropping.
Peter added: “It is predicted that in 2026 the subsidy for agriculture will change from an area-based subsidy to an environmental type of payment.
“Therefore, a key question is how do we best utilise the land on the estate and most importantly how do we look after it for future generations while making it productive and, at the same time, sustainable?
“As the political landscape changes and the policy politicians are applying to land use evolves, Dalswinton has to evaluate its own agricultural systems.
“By analysing our current farming system and comparing it with other land use options, we are forming an opinion as to what is a sustainable system for the future.
“It is still early days and there is much to learn, but by measuring what we are doing today, comparing it with other options, we will define a route to sustainable farming practices. We do require leadership from Government and other agricultural bodies.
“We are delighted that Galbraith is supporting Speakers’ Corner at the Beef Event. It is by talking and listening we will learn and hopefully arrive at a place where we can set the sails of our businesses for a while.”
Rose Nash, a rural surveyor with Galbraith, said: “It’s great to be able to get together again for the first time following the pandemic, to share best practice and support farmers from across Scotland.
“Farmers are facing a period of unprecedented change as the agricultural sector transitions away from previous land-based subsidies to new schemes expected to focus on biodiversity, habitat creation and nature-friendly farming.
“In Scotland we lead the way in sustainable meat production, using marginal land unsuitable for many crops to produce the highest quality beef. It’s encouraging that the carbon footprint of home-grown, naturally grazed beef is starting to be properly understood – along with the benefits of selective grazing and natural soil fertilization.
“We hope the Scottish Government will set out measures to support sustainable Scottish beef and its benefits for our environment.”
More details and how to book early bird tickets at £12.50 are online at scottishbeefassociation.co.uk/scotlands-beef-event/.
