Open day looks at carbon footprint

Cost-effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be showcased at a free event in Milnathort on Monday.

Farmer Mark Thomson will demonstrate how he and his family manage more than 300 hectares at Tillyrie, from its lower cropping land to the higher ground where he keeps his herd of Luing beef cows and cross-bred breeding ewes.

Experts from SAC Consulting will also be on hand to discuss livestock performance, soil condition, animal health issues and explain the carbon footprinting process.

The event is part of a programme organised by the Scottish Government’s recently launched Farming Advisory Service.

Rebecca Audsley of Scotland’s Rural College said her team had worked alongside producers to help them find ways of farming more efficiently.

“We have measured farm carbon foot- prints to help us identify where the greatest benefits can be achieved, such as lowering energy use and its costs or producing more kilos of beef a year from the same resources,” she said.

“Farmers are learning that efficiencies like that add value to their businesses as well as helping the climate.”

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham, who will visit the event, said around a quarter of Scotland’s emissions came from agriculture, and work was required to meet environmental challenges.

“That’s why I want to ensure farmers and crofters get the support they need to ensure they can build successful businesses, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

“But it is possible to reduce those emissions by improving livestock health, while cutting fertiliser bills and increasing yields through better soils.

“Access to the most up-to-date advice will enable famers to play their full part in the fight against climate change, which is already resulting in more extreme weather conditions more often.”

The event at Tillyrie Farm on Monday runs from 11am to 2.30 pm.

Mark Thomson is hosting a free event with carbon footprinting to the fore.