Grass to Grill

June is show month – with local and national Agricultural shows making the best of a quieter time on the farm and the chance of sunshine. The Royal Highland Show is the pinnacle of livestock showing with Cameron and Kieran  parading some of the Lincoln Red cattle in the ring. Delighted to say that the team returned from the 4 day show with a handful of ribbons and a cup for Junior Lincoln Red Champion.

From the Highland to Groundswell in Hertfordshire where regenerative agriculture is the theme and a two day festival of speakers, demonstrations and an overwhelming enthusiasm for change is evident.

Back up to Fife for Go Falkland where Falkland estate have brought the principles of Groundswell to the north. Another excellent mix of discussion topics and lots of positive people.

Pitch-up! Our new partnership with Kingsclere Estate in Hampshire was launched at both Groundwell and Go Falkland. An opportunity for the estates to match their land, buildings, rotation, primary product and even by-products with enthusiastic new business entrepreneurs who just need space to grow their ideas. If you are interested to see what this can do – check out our website.

With the academic year ending, our new intake of placement students have arrived – all on one year’s working placement from Harper Adams University in Shropshire. The compulsory placement year is a fantastic opportunity for students to put into practice what they have learned and for Balcaskie to benefit from their energy. Welcoming Izzy Scott from Fearn Farm in Ross Shire, who will be taking on a new role in marketing and business administration to mirror her degree course. Iestyn Richards and Reece Howells who are both Agriculture students and will be integral in the farming enterprises.

There were a few tears from colleagues when Kieran McIntyre completed his placement with us last week and a BBQ held to celebrate his time here. Kieran is off to Cupar to further hone his skills and so will not be a stranger. We wish him all the very best and look forward to seeing what he achieves.

 

July will see our first Grass to Grill event where we open up Balcaskie to people who have an interest in the way we manage land and produce food. The tractor/trailer ride will take guests through the estate to see the cattle being mob grazed, pigs doing what they like and lambs doing their best to escape. All of this will be followed by a BBQ on our new trailed King BBQ Grill with meat from Butchery at Bowhouse and a beer or two. If you are keen to join – be quick and check on Eventbrite.