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The Courier
4 days ago
- General
- The Courier
More food and farming day fun for kids in Fife and Kinross-shire
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) food and farming days have been a big hit with youngsters across Scotland this spring. The aim is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside. RHET says this will create a better understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland. Recent events in Perth & Kinross and Fife saw hundreds of primary school pupils enjoying a day on the farm. There were nearly 200 getting some valuable hands-on learning experience at Tillyochie Farm near Kinross. Local schools taking part included Arngask, Fossoway, Portmoak, Kinross, Milnathort, Goodlyburn, and Cleish. RHET's Perth & Kinross team, supported by host farmers the Smith family, delivered sessions on topics including soil health, livestock care, food production and biodiversity. The event also had the support of 21 volunteers, including people from the local community, as well as representatives from organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland and the Kilted Christmas Tree Company. RHET Perth & Kinross project co-ordinator Tara Clark said: 'These kinds of experiences leave a lasting impression on pupils. 'They help children form early connections with where their food comes from and the people who produce it – something that's more relevant than ever these days.' Portmoak Primary School pupil Sylvie said: 'The trip made me feel happy because I got to find out a bit about cows.' Tanvi said she 'learned lots of new facts about animals', while Gaia said: 'Now I know how pine trees grow. It was a great experience.' Meanwhile, Jacob said he was particularly impressed by the hens, adding: 'Not even the strongest man in the world could break an egg with two fingers.' Sophia and Mimi loved seeing the 'cute' sheep and their lambs, while Phoebe was amazed to find out horses need groomed at 5am every day. The farm's Clydesdale horses found a new friend in Duncan, while the sheepdogs were a big hit with Sam. Meanwhile, there were 135 younsgsters from three Fife primaries – Canmore and St Leonards RC in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay – at a RHET food and farming day at Droverhall Farm, Crossgates, Hosted by the Adam and Collier families and supported by a wide range of people and organisations,the educational sessions at Droverhall covered topics including beekeeping, vegetables, farm machinery, sheep shearing, beef cattle and cereals.
STV News
08-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Beef shortages could be seen in Scotland amid cattle decline
Beef shortages could be seen in Scotland as cattle numbers continue to decrease across the country. Around 80,000 more cows are needed by 2030 to meet demand, according to a new report from Quality Meat Scotland. It comes after the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) warned in January that beef supplies are reaching a 'critical point' in January. The number of cattle in Scotland has seen a downward trend, dropping by 10% over the past decade. STV News Around 80,000 more cows are needed by 2030 to meet demand. Farmers say an increase in costs and aging workforce is behind the reduction. Aberdeenshire farmer, Gary Christie, said the reduction in cattle 'really accelerated' when the price of beef collapsed around seven years ago. 'Recently we've seen the price of beef rise, but then our costs rose too so a lot of people weren't able to get back into the sector,' the 59-year-old told STV News. STV News Aberdeenshire farmer, Gary Christie. Latest figures suggest that by 2030, the UK would collectively need to produce 278,000 tonnes of beef on top of what it is currently projected to produce to achieve full self-sufficiency. For Scotland to bridge this gap, this equates to around an additional 22,000 tonnes of beef, requiring approximately 79,000 additional cows at the current national average reproduction rate. This data takes into account people eating less red meat in the coming years which is a decrease of 0.3% per person per year. STV News The number of cattle in Scotland has dropped by 10% over the past decade. Kate Rowell, chair of QMS, said that if the UK is unable to plug the production gap it will mean more beef imports from other countries. 'If we do that we don't have any control over cattle's welfare and environmental standards, and we see an opportunity here to add to the Scottish Herd, by just a few cows each year that's what we're asking farmers to do,' she added. The demand for Scotch Beef worldwide is also growing, with the Scottish Association for Meat Wholesalers saying they were turning buyers away due to a lack of product earlier this year. Ms Rowell added: 'The worldwide sector is really booming which provides us with a really good opportunity here in Scotland if we can meet the demand.' However, adding more cattle to herds is not always an easy job for farmers. Mr Christie said it can take between 24 to 26 months 'from conception to plate', adding that it's a long time before farmers see a return in profit. 'It's okay for a herd like ours possibly to add a few more but for many they won't be able to do that,' he said. He added: We need to have more confidence to grow from the Scottish Government that they support us. Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said the Scottish Government understands the need to maintain critical mass in the livestock sector to ensure a viable supply chain. 'In stark contrast to the UK Government, we have committed to continue to provide reformed direct support to farmers in recognition of the unique challenges facing our farming and crofting communities,' he said. 'This includes our £40m Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) as we know how economically, socially and environmentally important Suckler herds are. These direct payments will become part of the future framework in 2027, demonstrating our continuous support. He added: 'We are taking action now through the SSBSS to offer stability and sustainability as we fully recognise that if we do not act now then livestock producers will face further pressure down the line from buyers, processors and retailers to reduce emissions. 'We will continue to work closely with QMS and other stakeholders to secure a positive future for the sector. ' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Trade group says extra north and north-east coos can boost Scottish economy
A couple more cows per farm in Aberdeenshire and Moray each year, plus an extra pair of cattle on every croft in the Highlands and Islands will deliver a huge boost to the Scottish economy, a new report claims. It could be worth as much as £76 million annually to the nation in gross value added (GVA) terms, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) says. The same investment on farms across Angus, Perth & Kinross, Stirlingshire and other parts of Scotland can also contribute to this level of growth, the trade body suggests. Its latest economic modelling for the red meat sector estimates six to eight more cows per herd in total over three to four years could generate an additional £281m in output. The figures are based on the current reproduction rate for cattle north of the border. And the report goes on to forecast what may happen if UK beef production does not grow. Net imports will likely increase by around 124,000 tons by 2030, QMS warns. The red meat marketing group also highlights that beef processing capacity in Scotland is currently underused, operating at just 69–73%. Launching the report, published today, QMS chairwoman Kate Rowell said: 'Our evidence centre points to a clear growth opportunity by servicing domestic demand which, if we don't seize, others certainly will through imports. 'We want the Scottish herd to grow by close to 80,000 cattle.' This equates to an 'attainable' couple more cows per herd each year, Ms Rowell said. She added: 'Nationally, this goal would see the herd return to the levels seen in the mid-2010s. With the strength in our beef prices at the moment, now is the ideal time to invest. If our production continues to decline, it will intensify adverse knock-on effects across the supply chain.' Kate Rowell, QMS 'Scotland has the infrastructure to support this growth, with the processing sector currently operating at only 69-73% capacity. 'If our production continues to decline, it will intensify adverse knock-on effects across the supply chain from feed, haulage and auctioneers to processors, butchers, retailers and, finally, consumers.' Key research findings in the QMS report include: QMS also warns a rise in global demand for UK beef could further exacerbate supply issues domestically, requiring even greater import volumes to balance the market. Its report adds: 'Given that UK beef production is typically more efficient and lower in emissions than international alternatives, increasing imports contradicts global sustainability goals, including commitments under the Paris Agreement.' According to Ms Rowell, there is 'no one silver bullet solution' to reversing the decline in the national beef herd and increasing productivity in the sector. But it would be 'utterly perverse' from a security, quality and environmental perspective to risk losing a critical part of the national food system and accept an increase in overseas red meat imports, she said. In the coming months QMS will be 'working with partners to raise awareness, engage with and support producers and traders, politicians and decision-makers, and consumers to boost confidence in our at-home market opportunity and encourage action'.
