Dumfries Farm

Aberdeen Angus Dumfries Farm

This time it is North of the border, to a Dumfries Farm. They are a beef producer and favour the Aberdeen Angus cattle. Because of the wet and exposed nature of the location they feel it is good to have a breed that are used to the conditions. The farmer has 2000 acres of lovely lowland countryside. With views over to the sea.

He is third generation and is in partnership with his brother. Both of their sons have joined them so it will now be going into its fourth generation. I always admire the heritage that comes with being a farmer. It is not just a job. You are in fact defining how our landscape looks and evolves. A heavy responsibility. With modern pressures for quantity at low cost it must be very hard to balance the protection of the countryside against the demands from the markets.

The last three years have been hard for these farmers and their margins are tight. But you can see the pride and connection they have with their enviroment and livestock. He says that the best part of his job is his office, ie. the lovely landscape, fresh air and freedom that comes with working in Dumfries and Galloway. But this is also the worst part of his job. Having to get up and out in the dark to check on live stock with freezing wind and rain.

The day we turned up there was a strong wind. so despite the sunshine it was very cold. So you can imagine what it would be like in the full grip of Winter. We had a lovely day chasing cattle around several fields. They were very wary of us at first but soon curiosity took over and we managed to get some lovely shots.

If you want to find out more about Aberdeen Angus cattle here is their website http://www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk/