Farm Report
from Rothiemurchus Farmer Grant Mackenzie

Last winter was mild and the cattle wintered well. We have created a new winter feed area for the breeding cows which is drier underfoot and will benefit the soil structure, keep the ground fertile and reduce the need for fertiliser. The young cattle meanwhile enjoyed winter rations – all grown on Rothiemurchus or within a 2-mile radius. Calving went well, with settled early spring weather helping to produce lots of strong calves.

Harvest season was challenging, with few real breaks in the rain. Nevertheless, we had terrific yields overall. An exceptional Spring barley harvest broke all recent Rothie records!

The no-fence collar forest grazing project is progressing well. The cows help break up the heather and deep moss dominated field layer, which positively impacts many species, including capercaillie – in this case by improving the habitat where they’ll breed. It also encourages new growth, helping plants thrive which otherwise would be overpowered by dense vegetation. Both the Ranger and Maintenance teams provided vital farm support through the year. Ranger Millie joined us over winter, helping with machinery and spring calving. She’ll return 3 days a week this winter. Paul’s help was also invaluable on cattle movement days, silage preparation and harvest.

When my beloved John Deere combine harvester suffered a mishap mid-harvest, Paul and I joined forces for a successful, emergency in-field repair!

Winter routine has now resumed, the spring calves are weaned and housed in their winter quarters. I’ve pregnancy-scanned the cows and the results predict another busy calving season in 2025!