Mull monitor farmer Iain MacKay
Improvements to the productivity of in-bye land by Iain MacKay, the Quality Meat Scotland Isle of Mull monitor farmer, has created options to add value to his hill sheep enterprise on the 7,600 acre Torloisk, located on the island’s west coast.
Date:
Wed, 19 Oct 2011
Source:
Quality Meat Scotland
Quality Meat Scotland:
Website
Mr MacKay has a five-year short limited duration tenancy on this rugged and extensive unit, which has a range of land types, including steep cliffs, high moorland and rocky outcrops.
There are approximately 380 acres below the hill dyke, where some of the land is ploughable, while other areas are quite marginal. Prior to becoming the tenant, Mr MacKay had contract-farmed Torloisk since 2004, developing his flock of 850 ewes – 400 Scottish Blackfaces, 400 Cheviot X Blackface and 50 stud stock Cheviots.
In addition, there is a herd of 50 Highland cattle. The work is done mainly by Mr MacKay, with help from his veterinary surgeon wife Helen, plus contractors for silage and gathering.
A new entrant, Mr MacKay has only been able to afford a small Single Farm Payment entitlement.
More information:
Read the QMS press release.
General information on Monitor Farms, plus detailed reports of meetings.
More news for Scottish farmers.