Andrew McFadzean

Dalchomie Farm, Maybole, Ayrshire

  • Farm size: 285ha split across three units
  • Annual rainfall: 1,016mm
  • Soil type: Upland 100-280m, mostly

Cushioning the business from volatile input prices is a primary focus for Andrew McFadzean. His strategy includes plans for solar energy and, with the two biomass boilers currently in place, he is already generating income from the Renewable Heat Incentive as well as powering hot water, heating and grain drying requirements. Expansion of the beef herd will see 100 head more come through a new rearer-finisher unit and paddock-grazing system, which gives cattle access to better quality grass with high digestibility.

Transition goals: 

  • Increase cattle numbers and slash finishing time
  • Reduce dependence on inputs with renewable energy
  • Improve grassland and access
 

All articles featuring Andrew McFadzean

PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS

Scottish agricultural support scheme changes: What we know

The Scottish government has provided further detail on its post-Brexit farm support policy. Here consultants and policy experts give an insight into this summer’s update and their views on the…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Transition Farmer: Bigger beef herd improves cashflow

Transition farmers are striving to secure a better future for their businesses. We catch up with Andrew McFadzean on his beef enterprise in Scotland. Increasing cattle numbers by 10% has…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

How ag Inflation is affecting farm inputs

The latest figures from the AgInflation Index - fertiliser costs have jumped by 133.8% -  demonstrates the growing financial pressure that farm businesses are under.  We look at the current…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Transition Farmer update: Cattle numbers up in Ayrshire

Progress has been made towards increasing cattle numbers on beef and arable producer Andrew McFadzean’s Ayrshire farm. The aim to increase the herd size is a key transition target to…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

How a beef-arable farm plans to combat volatile input costs

Increasing cattle numbers, improving grassland and the arable rotation while reducing reliance on bought-in energy are key targets for Andrew McFadzean. After a career in the grain trade, the Ayrshire…

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