FARMING IN ORKNEY
Orkney’s heritage is rooted in all things agricultural, with traditions spanning over 5,000 years, across our rolling hills and fertile fields. At a time of crisis facing most industry sectors, thankfully it was largely business as usual for Orkney’s farmers last year. Certainly the pandemic brought challenges, and there was the loom of Brexit uncertainty — but a deal was finally reached, and farming remains healthy.
That is according to Steven Sandison, chairman of Orkney branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in Scotland. Discussing the importance of agriculture in the county, as well as its challenges and promising future, he says: “Agriculture plays a huge part in Orkney’s economy. Due to the climate, Orkney can grow a lot of grass, meaning it’s ideally suited for cattle and sheep.
“The combination of long daylight, plenty of grass and cows which are beef bred means Orkney beef is well known for its quality.”
Steven farms in partnership with his wife Lorraine at Millburn in Harray.
He left school at 16, and went to work for the Paterson family at Nessbreck. After ten years , he left to become his own boss.
Steven said: “At that time we owned less than three acres, and rented land for our 20 cows. Not long after, we were fortunate to get the chance to buy a farm, and since then we have been able to buy another two blocks of land, meaning we are now farming 380 acres.”
Travelling across Orkney, visitors and locals alike will never be far from a farm, and will be met with an abundance of livestock in the fields wherever they go. Black Aberdeen-angus cross cows, British Shorthorns, Limousin crosses, and of course the signature reddish-brown and hairy Highland cow can be spotted among the locally kept livestock. Orkney has a healthy supply of sheep, be it Texels, Suffolks of Cheviots, which also adorn the county’s green rolling fields, as do plenty of horses.
Venture further north, and folk will find the virtually exclusive, seaweed-eating sheep of North Ronaldsay, an ancient breed which is vital to the island’s economy, and whose meat is highly sought after by top chefs.
Orkney beef, lamb, cheese and more are highly sought after, and numerous hospitality businesses the world over consider our produce among the very finest available.
Farming is more than just business, though — it provides community and social opportunities. The county’s three Young Farmers Clubs are based in Harray, the East Mainland, and Sandwick. These clubs regularly meet for socials, livestock competitions, drama performances and much more.
Island life does however present challenges for farmers. Orkney has unique terrain and changeable weather. Other pressures include the transporting of livestock and feed, which incurs heavy costs — and the burden of greylag geese, which are an ever-present danger to barley, creating huge costs for landowners.
All of these challenges are met head on by experienced and hardy local farmers, who coped well under the duress of the COVID crisis — but things may be on the turn, according to Steven.
“Brexit has been hanging over our industry for a few years now”, he says.
“It was very good that a deal was finally reached. Cattle and sheep prices are decent at the moment and we hope that this continues.
“When COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place, there were some problems with certain supplies. Thankfully, most supplies are back to normal again.”
However, problems with supplies weren’t the only implication of the pandemic. Social events and gatherings have also taken a hit. Orkney Auction Mart can currently only let people in who are buying or selling, but Steven looks forward to a time when folk can get back in to view the sales up close.
“The mart plays a really important role socially in the farming community, as well as business,” he adds.
Foremost on many people’s minds come summer is perhaps the highlight of the Orkney calendar — the agricultural shows! Orkney hosts six shows across one week. They take place in the East Mainland, Shapinsay, Sanday, St Margaret’s Hope, and Dounby, before the grand finale, the County Show in Kirkwall. These community cornerstones bring together the best of farming livestock and produce for judging, as well as fairground rides, local businesses, food, drink, and good cheer.
Sadly, all six were cancelled in 2020, and at the time of going to press, the Dounby and County events had annoucned they will not be going ahead this August.
“The shows are another great social event for farmers”, says Steven. “It is disappointing, but completely understandable that some of the shows have been cancelled again.”
Looking to the future, he added: “I think we will all need to make a special effort to support the shows more once they return, to give them a boost to try and make up for some of what has been lost during lockdown.”
There is still hope for some of the other shows to go ahead this year. Despite all the challenges of recent times, Steven believes agriculture in Orkney has a bright future, as vibrant as its long-standing history.
“Land values are good, which is a sure sign that farming is doing well. It’s great to see young folks leaving school, college or jobs in other industries to work in agriculture. Only farming can give you the chance to work with livestock, crops, driving, building work and mechanical work. Sometimes all in the same day!”