Call for monitor farm to be made

Efforts are underway to establish a so-called monitor farm as part of a major plan aimed at helping farms and crofts become more profitable and productive.

A farmer who previously ran a monitor farm in Orkney over three years will visit the isles to talk about his experiences.

Steven Sandison will address interested farmers and crofters at The Shetland Hotel on Wednesday night.

Nine new monitor farms are being set up across Scotland as part of a three year programme.

The initiative is funded by £1.25 million secured by the Scottish government and the EU.

Organisers say the aim is to establish farms, typical of their area, as monitor farms to help improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of producers.

Practical demonstrations, the sharing of best practice, and the discussion of up-to-date issues all play a part in monitor farms.

Mr Sandison said: “I am very glad to have gone through the monitor farm experience and I have learnt that you can never stop improving.”