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Advice on offer for wannabe farmers

The scheme is designed to support sheep farmers in remote areas
The scheme is designed to support sheep farmers in remote areas

Breaking down the barriers facing new entrants to farming will be the focus of a conference next month.

The event, which is organised by SRUC as part of the Scottish Government’s new entrants to farming programme, will provide advice to current and would-be new entrants on issues such as finance, land and opportunity.

The line-up for the event includes inspirational young farmers who will share their own stories about how they overcame difficulties to run successful businesses.

“The overall aim of the programme is to help ensure that those who have just joined the agricultural industry and plan to do so are aware of the breadth and depth of exciting opportunities within farming and are equipped with the skill set and knowledge to achieve their success” says SAC consultant Kirsten Williams.

“Finance is often the largest barrier to aspiring young farmers, be it buying land, raising capital for purchasing livestock and machinery or reserves of working capital. That’s why we will be joined by Royal Bank of Scotland’s chairman of agriculture, Jimmy McLean, who will speak about sourcing finance, the importance of budgeting and market outlooks.”

Other speakers include John Campbell, of Glenrath, which is one of the largest egg producing companies in the UK, and young farmer Gordon Caldwell who has established and operates a vegetable-growing business.

New-entrant deer farmer Rupert Shaw will give an overview of his business which also includes solar and wind energy, while Andrew Tullie, who recently won a farm tenancy, will talk about his work as a contract farmer.

The event takes place on Tuesday, February 9, at the Perth Racecourse from 10.45am to 3pm.

It is free to attend but those interested in attending must register first by contacting Ms Williams at Kirsten.williams@sac.co.uk or on 01888 563 333.