GORDON MP Richard Thomson has met with officials from Quality Meat Scotland and local farmers at Upper Ingliston Farm, Inverurie, to see for himself why Scotland is renown globally for its quality cattle and sustainable farming practices.
During the visit, Richard was introduced to the Monitor Farm Scotland programme being managed by QMS and saw it in action with a tour of the farm conducted by local farmer Duncan Morrison, and stockman, Alex Clark. QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Miller, explained that the Monitor Farm Scotland programme is managed by QMS with support from the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board with funding from the Scottish Government with the aim of improving the profitability, productivity, and sustainability of participating Scottish farm businesses through a range of key themes.
Commenting on the visit, QMS Chief Executive Sarah Miller said:
“Duncan embodies the principles of the QMS and is one of a number of innovative farmers, working hard to improve the standard and quality of their stock in an environmental and sustainable manner. Scotland is a good social operator – and we export that quality world-wide.”
Duncan explained to Richard Thomson that he used a rotation system of grazing to raise grass-fed cattle which almost totally eliminated the need for fertiliser or weedkiller. This resulted in a wide variety of grasses, clover and wildflowers providing a high-protein diet for his cattle – to say nothing of a large population of bees and other insects.
Keith Stewart, Chair of the Deeside Monitor Farm Management Group added:
“Finishing farms are the cornerstone of the Scottish beef industry. Many other areas see North east Scotland as a centre of excellence and a large proportion of Scottish cattle are brought here for finishing. We also buy stock from smaller enterprises which in turn helps their viability”.
Commenting on the issues facing Scottish farmers, Richard Thomson MP said:
“Scottish farmers are facing a great many challenges post-Brexit and it is important that we do all that we can to support our farming industry. They are also the custodians of the land, and we need to be alert to the threats of cheap imports and lower standards.
“The QMS Monitor Farm Management programme provides for the sharing of that experience and expertise to help to help improve the quality and sustainability in all that they do.”
