Farmers win for their innovations
Top prizes awarded at Royal Highland Show
A pair of farmers from Blairgowrie have scooped a top prize which was presented at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.
Yesterday, the M&S Farming for the Future Awards were handed to Andrew Houstoun who is based at Blacklunans and Matthew McIntyre of Wester Essendy.
The High Street retailer’s awards recognise efforts to boost sustainability and innovation in the industry.
Mr Houstoun (26), who works in partnership with his father and mother, David and Morag, at Glenkilrie Farm in Blacklunans, took home the Young Producer award.
He impressed judges with his commitment to farming in balance with the local environment and implementing new ideas to improve the long term sustainability of the family farm.
His farm consists of 160 suckler cows and more than 1,000 breeding ewes.
And Mr McIntyre, who works in partnership on his family’s farm in Wester Essendy, grows 120 acres of fruit, including 30 acres of cherries, which are supplied to M&S through Berry Gardens Limited. He took home the Outstanding Producer award due to his commitment to using new cherry varieties to extend the growing season.
As a result of planting later fruiting varieties, the McIntyres are now able to supply cherries to M&S into October.
Andrew Houstoun said: “Taking inspiration from farming practices overseas, we are working hard to optimise grazing efficiency and adopt low maintenance genetics into our beef herd. We are delighted to have been recognised for our efforts.”
Matthew McIntyre, who used Canadian cherry varieties to suit the Scots climate, said: “We are
Andrew Houstoun impressed judges from M&S in the Young Producer category
Matthew McIntyre won the Outstanding Producer award due to his commitment to using new cherry varieties over-the-moon to have received an award at the show.”
Steve McLean of M&S said: “Both Andrew and Matthew are very worthy winners who have both demonstrated innovative thinking, commercial success and social responsibility in the way that they manage and execute their businesses.”