Each month we ask a young farmer for their views on farming and rural youth. This month we caught up with Meghan Bremner from Caithness
Name: Meghan Bremner
Age: 22.
Club: Halkirk Young Farmers.
Where do you stay? North Calder Farm, near Thurso, Caithness.
Do you hold any office-bearer roles? Club chairwoman and district stock judging convener.
Tell us about your background in agriculture: I have grown up on a family farm where we run a closed herd of suckler cows and a flock of breeding ewes, growing all our own fodder. I have always enjoyed helping on the farm as much as possible.
What do you do as an occupation? I’m a trainee primary school teacher.
What sparked your interest in agriculture? I have always been encouraged to be as involved as I can be with the farm. My parents are both progressive in their views towards agriculture and have allowed both myself and my brother, as we got older, to try out new ideas to improve productivity at home. Having these opportunities has developed my passion and interest in agriculture.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in the farming industry? At home I am gaining more responsibility on the sheep side of our business which is where my main interest lies. We are trying to develop our flock to be “easy care” and have been focusing on improving the genetics. Seeing positive changes in our lamb crop has been hugely rewarding and hopefully this trend will continue into the future.
As rural youth, do you think there is something we should be doing additionally or differently within the agricultural sector? I think, as the next generation of farmers, we should be taking far more advantage of the opportunities that are available to us. At a local and national level there are many courses and training opportunities aimed at developing rural practices. Farming is, arguably, the most important industry in Scotland and we have a responsibility to be progressive in our outlook and embrace new technologies. This will ensure we can compete on the global playing field and exploit emerging markets. I believe knowledge is key to a progressive Scottish farming industry.
Where do you see Scottish agriculture in 10 years’ time? From a mainly beef and sheep perspective, I do believe the future for Scottish agriculture is optimistic. With increasing globalisation I think we should be looking towards the emerging Asian powerhouses for our target markets. I attended a talk recently where it was said that people in China consume an average of 3kg of lamb a year. When you multiply this number by the population of China, there would appear to be tremendous opportunity for the Scottish sheep industry if it could capture this market. In our Scottish sheep and beef sector we are producing premium products. With the correct marketing I firmly believe the sector will have a bright future.
If you could pass on a piece of advice to those looking to get into the sector what would it be? Always be willing to learn from those around you and say yes to as many opportunities as you can. You only regret the chances you turn down as you learn from every experience, good and bad.
We can’t end the interview without talking about Young Farmers so tell us about your experience. Why did you join? After growing up listening to tales of Young Farmers antics I couldn’t wait to join and did so after being invited along to a meeting.
What do you enjoy most about Young Farmers?
How do you feel Young Farmers has impacted your life? The skills that are developed through the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) are vastly undervalued – my confidence and interpersonal skills have definitely been enhanced through being a member. I have met most of my closest friends through Young Farmers and I would be at a loss without this organisation.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to join?