Date: Wednesday 5 November
Time: 10:30am to 2:30pm
Location: Easter Howgate Farm, Midlothian
Hosted by: Farmstrong Scotland in partnership with SRUC and SAC Consulting
Cost: Free (supported by The National Lottery Community Fund)
Get off the farm, stretch your legs and have a blether
We know how hard it can be to step away from the day-to-day, but taking time out to connect, learn and share ideas can do you and your business the world of good.
Our next Farmstrong Walk and Talk takes place at Easter Howgate Farm, part of SRUC’s beef and sheep research facility near Edinburgh. With thanks to the SRUC and SAC Teams, we’ll spend the day walking, talking and exploring how both livestock and people can stay well and resilient in a changing world.
What to expect
Join us from 10:30am for a cuppa and chat before we kick off at 11:00am.
The day will include three interactive sessions, lunch from Over Hot Coals, and plenty of opportunity for conversation and questions along the way.
SRUC: The Herd and the Future
Take an open-book tour of the farm with Bruce Wyper, Head Stocksperson, and George Baikie, SRUC Farms Director.
We’ll look at the full breeding programme, including the use of artificial insemination and sexed semen, and discuss what’s changed over recent years to improve the beef suckler herd. Expect honest conversations about what has worked, what hasn’t, and where the biggest gains have been made.
SAC Consulting: Markets, Margins and What’s Next
Gavin Hill, Senior Beef Specialist, will share insights on the current beef trade, short and long-term trends, and what can be done now to maximise profitability.
Alongside him, Craig Bothwell, Area Manager, will provide an update on greening rules, carbon audits, and subsidy changes for 2026, including how to maximise the use of current funding for soil sampling and sustainability planning.
Farmstrong Scotland: You and Your Wellbeing
Hosted by Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist for Farmstrong Scotland.
Clare will lead a conversation on what Farmstrong means to you, and how you can apply some of our wellbeing tools and ideas in your own life.
It’s a chance to reflect, share experiences and pick up practical tips on how to build resilience and stay well, both personally and professionally.
Lunch
We’ll break for a freshly cooked lunch from Over Hot Coals, a firm favourite from the summer show circuit, so come hungry.
Why come along?
This event is the perfect chance to:
- Take a few hours off the farm or your usual routine.
- Learn directly from experts and peers in the beef and sheep sector.
- Catch up with others over good food and honest conversation.
- Get ideas for keeping yourself, your animals and your business in good shape for the future.
Finish up
We’ll wrap up around 2:30pm after a final Q&A and round-up of the day.
Register now
This free event is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, but spaces are limited.
