RNAS celebrates good farming practice in the north-east
One of Scotland’s premier farming organisations has celebrated some of the best of north-east agriculture thanks to its latest round of good farming practice awards.
The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has named Mackintosh Farms at Longside near Peterhead as the winner of its 2022 Good Farming Practice award.
Runner-up in this year’s awards is W S Stronach & Partners from Berryleys, Grange, Keith.
Sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council, the awards were launched in 2005 and are decided following on-farm visits to nominated businesses by an independent judge.
Entries are assessed against a range of criteria including stock, crops, equipment, environmental management, enterprise and general impression.
Headed by father and son partnership, James and Fraser Mackintosh, Mackintosh Farms incorporate 1200 acres of arable and 500 of grassland, having diversified into producing equestrian and farming products under the Ugie Valley Feeds brand.
With everything done in-house from growing to delivery, products include hay, straw, haylage and straw pellets which are distributed throughout Scotland, including the Northern Isles.
A desire for improved public access has seen nine kilometres of footpaths constructed around the farm, with another four kilometres under construction.
During more than 35 years, W S Stronach & Partners have expanded their family farm from 200 acres and now look after some 750 acres.
The mixed farm is run by fourth generation Stewart Stronach Jnr with partner Fiona, son Michael and Stewart’s parents.
The business includes 200 suckler cows and 300 breeding ewes with all lambs finished on grass.
At the forefront of the family’s enterprise is the renowned pedigree Islavale Simmental herd which also keeps Stewart’s four daughters busy, and which regularly successfully features in Society shows and sales.
Speaking at the presentation of prizes, Aberdeenshire Provost Judy Whyte said: “Our land-based sector continues to face an unrelenting array of challenges to business continuity and profitability.
On their own, sharply increasing input costs and volatile markets are tough enough.
"That these and other issues must be addressed while transitioning to meet net zero and biodiversity objectives really raises the bar.
“But while change brings challenges, it also creates opportunities and our high performing finalists are well placed to grasp new opportunities, leading by example and inspiring others.”
This year’s judge was Murray Mitchell of Castleton Farm, Fordoun whose business is a previous winner of the accolade.
He added: “The high standard of entries made judging difficult because every farm is completely unique and hard to compare, so it was a close-run thing.
“At Mackintosh Farms I was impressed by the many ways in which they innovate and market their main products and how they have embraced environmental projects with minimal impact on day-to- day business. They have an excellent operating structure which means that different strands of the business integrate very well with each other and allow it to look forward to the future.
“It was a pleasure to visit the Stronachs’ well-run, traditional family unit which they have worked hard to build up over time, making very best use of their farm.
"I was extremely impressed with the closed herd and flock they have, and I will be watching with interest how they get on at the forthcoming bull sales, having been treated to viewing such an excellent line-up of stock during our judging visit.”
The next event on the RNAS calendar is the annual awards lunch which will take place at the Jury’s Inn, Aberdeen Airport on Friday, November 4th .
To book tickets, priced at £37 each, email secretary@rnas.info or call (07593) 227847.
