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The Herald Scotland

First-generation Orkney farming couple target further growth

Their farm, A&M Jenkins, now manage 200 ewes across 180 acres and has recently completed its busiest lambing season yet, welcoming 300 new additions this spring. This has been possible after taking on additional land last year and loan support from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme. Alex, who spent more than 20 years as a gamekeeper in Aberdeenshire, didn't grow up on a farm but spent his youth around farming families and working with livestock and machinery on sporting estates, sparking an ambition for a career in agriculture. He and Marie are now part of a growing group of first-generation farmers, with a recent study by the University of Exeter finding that around 13% of UK farmers have entered the sector without a family background in it. 'We'd talked about starting our own farm for years, but it always felt out of reach," Alex said. "Our love for Orkney led us to originally buy the croft as a holiday home, but over time, we realised it had the potential to be something much bigger. "It's been tough at times – there's a lot to learn, and no two days are the same – but we've built it together and that makes it really rewarding. The funding for the tractor was a huge help and it's already making a big difference – it's one of those investments that saves you time, labour, and money all at once.' As well as running the farm business, Alex has been contracting for other farms on the island, including fencing and shearing work. The couple hope to eventually introduce cattle and continue growing the business, with the aim of potentially purchasing a larger farm on the island in the future. Price pledge as Glasgow's £300m heating scheme takes shape Construction of the South Clyde Energy Centre is under way in Glasgow (Image: Gren)