The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fifer named arable farmer of the year
The Scottish Arable Farmer of the Year is John Weir of Lacesston Farm, Gateside, Fife.
The award, announced at Agriscot, recognises farmers who make the most of their farms by focusing on soil health and making best use of innovation and technology.
Mr Weir said he was surprised and honoured to be nominated and did not expect to win.
He added: “I know the other two finalists well and we are all part of a benchmarking group so I’m sure the result was very close.”
Mr Weir farms 300ha where he grows cereals, potatoes and also has a cattle finishing enterprise.
The 60ha of pre-pack potatoes is the main focus of the business and he has successfully deployed technology to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
As well as regular soil sampling and targeted chemical, lime and fertiliser applications using GPS, benchmarking has been a valuable tool to help him control his costs.
He has also made use of a wind turbine and solar panels to reduce potato storage costs and his carbon footprint.
He impressed judges Donald Ross of Rhynie, Tain, (the 2018 winner) and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Board member Andrew Moir, who farms at Thornton Mains, Laurencekirk, with his use of resources and renewables.”
Andrew said: “Lacesston is a family farm which many arable farmers in Scotland can identify with but I believe most could also learn from John.
Donald said: “John is a very canny farmer; every decision is analysed and he understands and controls his costs. It is not the easiest farm to manage, at 400 feet with a relatively high rainfall, but the soils were in very good heart, despite the difficult autumn we have just had.”
The other finalists in the category were also from Fife; David Aglen, manager at Balbirnie Home Farms, Freuchie, and Craig Peddie, Cornceres at Anstruther.
The Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year is Ernespie, Castle Douglas, the Scottish Beef Farm of the Year is Kingan Farms, New Abbey, Dumfries, and Sharpitlaw Farm at Kelso took the title of Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year.