A large arable farm, in the heart of livestock country, using minimum tillage techniques to protect soils, while working with the environment to deliver sustainable farming and business operations.
Farmer: Lord David Kennedy and Estate Factor, Chris Savage
Address: Culzean, By Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8LB
The Farm
An arable unit extending to approximately 620 hectares, close to Turnberry in South Ayrshire.
Crops for food
All crops grown on the farm are grown for specific, well researched markets or specific customers. Most crops are grown for the livestock feeding market, making the most of the fact that the farm is in a predominantly livestock producing area, thereby reducing food miles. Crops are also grown for a local anaerobic digester.
Current cropping includes (wheat, barley, field beans, maize, fodder beet, hybrid rye and arable silage)
Community
The farms are part of a larger estate and as such we have regular and active engagement with local communities.
On larger projects, we will consult with local community councils and obtain their support/endorsement before progressing.
Conservation
We consider the environment in all our farming operations. We have extensive areas managed for biodiversity including species rich grassland, unharvested crops, wetlands, water margins and hedges, all of which form a rich tapestry of habitats and contribute to a wider Farmland Bird Initiative which was established with some neighbouring farmers. In 2016, we were also accepted for Wildlife Estates Level 2 accreditation. We also neighbour the National Trust for Scotland property, Culzean Castle and Country Park, with whom we work closely on conservation and education initiatives.
Visits
We are always happy to host visits that allow us to share our experience and knowledge. We recognise that our minimum (strip) tillage is relatively unique, particularly in these parts. We regularly host visits for school parties through the Royal Highland Education Trust, as well as for college students and farmer groups.
Please email [email protected] to arrange a visit to this LEAF Demonstration Farm.
Visit this farm
Click here to arrange a visit to this LEAF Demonstration Farm.