Smallholder news
Farm visit for West Fife smallholders
Members of Forth Valley and West Fife Smallholders Association enjoyed the first of a planned series of farm visits during March.
The newly formed organisation hopes such activities will help raise awareness and boost membership during 2008.
Dry and bright weather conditions, combined with a warm welcome from hosts, Hilary and Bernard Barker, of Barkers Highland Beef made for a most informative and enjoyable afternoon out.
High points of the trip to Mid Torrie Farm, by Callander, included the chance to get up close and personal' with some Highland bulls as well as the opportunity to have a go' at bottle feeding and ringing' some week-old lambs.
The opportunity to learn about Highland cattle as a breed as well as Hilary and Bernard's own experiences of showing stock and building up the Barkers Highland Beef brand also went down well.
Not surprisingly, the chance to sample some Barkers delicious steak and gravy and mince pies, outside in the spring sunshine, was heartily enjoyed by all.
Hilary and Bernard Barker are suppliers of prime quality Highland Beef. They have been breeding pedigree Highland cattle for several years and started selling the beef under the Barkers Highland Beef label eight years ago. The couple sell through local farmers markets, special events and via Mail Order.
Anyone who is a smallholder, or has an interest in smallholding, is welcome to join the group or attend the events. Individual membership is £10 per year.
To join, or for further information, please log on to the website www.smallholders.info
For further information on Barkers Highland Beef visit the website www.scottish-highland-beef-cattle.co.uk or see them at the Stirling Farmers Market which runs on the second Saturday of each month in Maxwell Place.
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