The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
North-eastarableunitreapsleadingaward
An Aberdeenshire arable unit was crowned cream of the crop at yesterday’s AgriScot event.
South Redbog Farm at Strichen was crowned winner of the inaugural Scottish Arable Farm of the Year award.
The farm, which is run by Peter Chapman jun, beat off competition from four other finalists to win the new accolade run by AgriScot and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds with support from Brechin-based precision farming company SoilEssentials.
Gavin Dick, from AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, said: “Our independent assessors were immediately impressed by the entry form submitted by Peter Chapman from South Redbog. Not so much because of what it detailed, but because it was immediately apparent that here was someone who, by his own admission does not have the best, most productive land in the country, but is certainly working to make the most of what he has.”
“At the on-farm visit, the assessors were very impressed by the attention to detail shown by Peter in all aspects of the business.
“He is extremely focused on improving crop yields, keeps a very close eye on, and benchmarks costs of production, is passionate about maintaining soil fertility and is an avid adopter of precision techniques.”
Mr Chapman said he was delighted to win the award.
The 1,050-acre farm carries 850 acres of cropping, a herd of 70 suckler cows, and four 800kW wind turbines.
The cropping comprises winter barley, winter oilseed rape, winter wheat and spring barley – all destined for feed.