The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Farm duo takes flu action to protect turkeys before Xmas
BThat’s the thing about farming, lots of it is out of your control. You have just got to go with the flow
ecky Perry and Ian Stuart, who farm at Ledmacoy, near Strathdon, have decided to voluntarily house their flock of 300 free-range turkeys.
Scotland’s chief vet, Sheila Voas, does not believe the evidence points to following the lead of England, which ordered all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from November 7, but Ledmacoy is less than an hour away from the avian flu outbreak at Huntly and its 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone.
The turkeys are “high welfare” and the target is the lucrative Christmas market, which was the main reason the couple felt they couldn’t run the risk of an outbreak when they are so close to the slaughter date of December 4.
Becky and her husband diversified into farming turkeys in 2018 to make use of polytunnels that were only used for lambing for two months of the year, and they sell direct to customers.
Becky said: “We felt there was a gap in the market as there were no other turkey farmers within an hour of here, and it has worked out really well. Our customers can follow the birds’ progress on social media, and know what they are eating.”
This year, they have sold more than two-thirds of their Great Taste awardwinning turkeys, despite increasing prices due to rising costs.
“They’ve got tonnes of room, and we feed them apples and cabbages daily as treats and hang CDs up for them to peck,” she said.
“We’ve heard from other turkey farmers in Norfolk, who have had 10,000 birds culled. We are lucky in a way that it is not our only income.”
Robert Thompson, the chair of NFU Scotland’s poultry working group, believes a universal policy should be adopted.
He said: “We don’t agree with the stance that the Scottish Government has taken on this. We completely object to it and will be pushing very hard to be on an equal footing with our colleagues in England.”
Becky agrees but adds: “I think each farmer needs to do what they feel is right for their turkeys and their business. Every year we seem to have a housing order but this year is unprecedented. That’s the thing about farming, lots of it is out of your control. You have just got to go with the flow and try not to worry.
“Turkeys are a lovely addition to the farm, they’re friendly and inquisitive, but happiest out eating grass and insects. We all need to be aware of the dangers of avian flu and take minor precautions that will hopefully stop it from spreading.”
Ledmacoy has some turkeys available to order for the festive season, and they also work with other local suppliers to provide customers with everything they need for Christmas dinner.
Becky said: “We are supporting other farmers and showcasing what Aberdeenshire has to offer.”