Agriculture students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise have undertaken a study tour to Scotland focused on modern and progressive farming systems.
The students, who are completing the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture, visited a range of livestock enterprises. CAFRE said the trip gave them exposure to innovative practice across different systems, including dairy, beef and sheep production.
The first visit was to Myremill Farm near Maybole in Ayrshire, farmed by the Lowrie family. The multi-generational dairy business supports around 300 Holstein and pedigree Ayrshire cows alongside 300 youngstock, and has recently installed a robotic milking system.
At Myremill, students examined how automation is being used in dairy production. Kevin Lowrie highlighted herd management technology for monitoring health, fertility and performance, as well as investment in housing and ventilation to support cow comfort.
The group also visited Darnlaw Farm in Ayrshire, where the Sloan family manage a 190-cow Holstein-Friesian herd. The herd is milked using robots and housed year-round, with attention given to genetics, selective breeding and pedigree registration. Robert Sloan discussed the use of sexed semen to produce pedigree heifer calves for sale and showing.
On the second day, students travelled to Parkend Farm near Cowdenbeath in Fife, run by Brian Weatherup. The farm supports about 160 Holstein cows and has moved to robotic milking to address labour challenges and improve work-life balance, while maintaining an emphasis on breeding, genetics and show performance.
The tour continued to Over Finlarg, an upland farm near Dundee managed by Robert and Hazel McNee. The 1,200-acre enterprise includes 1,100 breeding ewes and a 200-cow suckler herd, with land improvements including reseeding, drainage, fencing and infrastructure development.