Join us at Whitriggs Farm near Denholm for a candid, practical day focused on peer-to-peer learning and herd management. We will explore how thoughtful genetic selection and herd refinement can produce hardy, profitable beasts tailored to low-input, nature-friendly systems.

The day begins in the field with host Stuart Mitchell, who will share how his Hereford/Angus herd is integrated into the farm's landscape. We’ll walk the ground, view the cattle, and look closely at how matching stock to natural land capacity drives farm resilience. Following the field walk, we will take a scenic stroll into Denholm for a hearty lunch at The Fox and Hounds Inn, warm hospitality provided by Christine.

Over lunch and a relaxed afternoon drink, the three herdsmen will take the floor to share their honest stories of change.

Each speaker will trace their herd's evolution; where they started, the realities that forced a change of direction, where their stock sits today, and their visions for future refinement.

This event is an open space for constructive challenge, shared questions, and practical ideas on moving past conventional boundaries to farm profitably alongside nature. If you are looking to refine your own herd, reduce reliance on inputs then this event will have something useful.

This farm walk and discussion is part of the Upscaling Agroecology series from the Scottish Agroecology Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government's Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund.

Speakers:

Stuart Mitchell (Whitriggs Farm)
Stuart manages a Hereford and Angus cross herd designed to fit the natural carrying capacity of his land. Focused on reducing reliance on imported inputs, Stuart uses targeted breeding and grazing to align his livestock with his farm’s available resources. His approach challenges high-input models, proving that matching herd scale to the environment builds long-term business resilience and farm profitability. 

Angus Walton (Peelham Farm)
Angus has spent years refining Peelham's Aberdeen Angus herd for low-input, organic performance. By taking a unique risk, he focused on integrating his own set of KPIs that deliver a productive, landscape-suitable phenotype that builds natural capital and commercial outcomes. Angus brings a perspective on moving past standard supply chain pressures to create a self-sustaining, nature rich livestock system.  

Matthew Anderson

Managing a commercial Cross Angus herd, Matthew offers a practical, candid look at adapting traditional commercial cattle to modern economic and environmental realities. He has shifted his herd's genetic direction to reduce corrective variable costs while maintaining animal performance. His journey highlights the honest and unnerving decisions required to transition commercial herds toward long-term profitability and weather market volatility.