Agri Awards: Robert Forrest Ltd, Mixed Farm of the Year

Today, the 569-hectare farm, which is a combination of owned, tenanted and contract-farmed land in Duns in the Scottish Borders, is managed by Rob and Lucy Forrest and their son, Bob. They operate on a mixed-farming system, blending livestock and arable production to bring balance to the business, and maximise the land’s potential, sustainably.

“It’s the old saying: up horn, down corn – and vice versa,” says Rob. “The mixed model has worked well for us. If the grain prices fall, cattle prices often go up, so we’re not dependent on one revenue stream. It’s been the backbone of our resilience over the years.”

The farm is currently home to a 380-head suckler beef herd, primarily of Simmental and Aberdeen Angus cross breeds, complemented by arable rotations and sheep for management purposes. The family has moved from a traditional finishing system to breeding store cattle for sale at 12 months old, a shift that increased cow numbers and net margin per cow.

The farm has gone from a traditional finishing system to breeding stores that go to market at 12 months old “We decided no-till was the way forward, especially with climate conditions becoming more extreme,” he says. “It’s about improving the soil, increasing organic matter, and cutting down on inputs like chemicals and fuel, which were becoming a huge burden. We used to burn much more fuel per hectare. Now, with no-till, we’re down to just six to 10 litres on establishment costs. That’s a massive saving in both costs and carbon emissions.”

Bob, who has been at the forefront of this change, adds: “No-till helps us avoid soil disturbance and improves structure over time.

“It’s not easy – the soil takes a few years to adjust, and it requires a lot of patience. But we’ve started to see real benefits, with worm counts increasing the activity in the soil and enabling ground conditions to handle extreme conditions both wet and dry.”

The family introduce a no-til policy five years ago, now crop is drilled to minimise soil disturbance Rob explains the strategy: “It is about concentrating our efforts. Breeding from our own heifers to bulls selected for good EBVs allows us to improve the herd each year, aiming for higher calf weights and efficiency.”

While the cows and calves are paddock grazed in groups of 35-40 on the farm’s higher ground, the arable land is reserved for cereal and silage crops, not only capitalising on the topography, but creating a cyclical system where livestock and crop production enhance each other.

With a goal to keep the land productive and balanced, the family introduced a no-till policy five years ago. Bob explains that this transition, while unconventional in their area, aligns with a long-term vision for the farm.

Preston Farm is home to a 380 head suckler beef herd consisting of Aberdeen Angus and Simmental crosses They’ve also integrated cover cropping into their rotation at Preston, using a diverse mix of species like clovers, radishes, and stubble turnips to maintain soil cover, prevent nutrient leaching, and improve biodiversity. They are all grazed off with lambs before spring cropping.

The farm’s focus on regenerative techniques also extends to composting all farmyard manure (FYM), which is then spread every two years at 10 tonnes per hectare.

“By composting, we break down the FYM to a third of its original volume, apply it more evenly, and make it readily available to the plants,” says Bob. “We’ve managed to completely eliminate purchased P&K, which is a huge financial and environmental benefit.”

Preston Farm utilises cover crops such as clovers, radishes, and stubble turnips to maintain soil cover But Preston Farm’s success isn’t just in its soil. It’s in its people. Bob explains: “It’s a unique situation, for sure. Dad has another career as a rural surveyor that keeps him busy, but he’s always here for input and support when I need it. I have the freedom to make decisions, but I also have his experience to back me up. It’s a healthy relationship that works really well for us.”

While the drive to innovate comes from Bob, there’s an undeniable respect for the family legacy. Rob’s father, who recently passed away, left a significant mark on the farm.

“My father would have been proud,” Rob says. “He, himself, was forward-thinking and he understood the need for change and supported what we were doing. It’s good to think he’d be smiling in our direction now, especially with our recent award.”

But Rob owes the success to the dedication of the whole team, saying: “The award is for everyone and to recognise the effort they put in, not just this year, but all the years leading up to now.”

The team includes long-time employee Richard Stanbury, who has been with them full time for 30 years, and Ryan Bates, now on a Modern Apprenticeship scheme, who joined Preston 18 months ago.

Ryan, a local lad with no farming background, showed up one Sunday and asked for a job. Since then, he’s been learning the ropes under Richard’s guidance.

“Richard is the backbone of the farm,” says Rob. “He’s been key to everything we’ve implemented here. And Ryan – he had no experience, but he had the interest and ambition. It’s rare to see that kind of initiative these days, and it’s paid off. We’re thrilled to have them both with us.”

And the whole operation wouldn’t be possible without the support of Lucy. Rob explains: “She is very much in charge of quality control, whether it be form-filling, record-keeping, overseeing the let cottages or getting animals ready for sale – she is a key member of the team.”

The shift to no-till also led to operational changes when they lost a valued employee to cancer a few years ago. “It was a turning point for us,” Rob recalls. “Instead of hiring more labour, we decided to streamline the operation. Now, with two main tractors and fewer heavy machines, we’re more efficient. It’s amazing how much we’ve been able to simplify.”

Robert and Bob Forrest farm at Preston Farm, Duns To further improve efficiency, they’ve integrated technology throughout the farm. They use cloud-based systems for cattle and arable records, accessible via smartphone, allowing the team to streamline everything from registrations to input tracking. “Having real-time access to records makes a world of difference, especially when you’re out in the field making decisions,” says Bob.

Their commitment to advancement extends to collaborations with neighbouring farms, sharing machinery to reduce costs and maximise resources. “It’s great when you can help each other out,” says Bob. “For instance, at harvest time, we’ll work on each other’s fields based on crop ripeness, which ensures everything comes in at the right moisture content.”

Winning the Mixed Farm of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Thorntons Law, is both a validation and a motivator for the family.

For Bob, it’s a testament to the farm’s mission: “We’ve been working hard to implement these changes, and it’s great to see it recognised. This award isn’t just a one-off – it’s something we hope will continue to drive us forward.”

Rob adds: “To win the award and to be recognised by your peers at such a prestigious awards evening, among the great and the good of the industry, is the ultimate honour.”

In terms of what’s next for Preston Farm, goals include expanding cattle numbers to 400 head, fully transitioning to no-till across the entire farm and hopefully sourcing more land.

They’re also continuing carbon audits, tracking their improvements in emissions and productivity.

“We want to stay ahead of the game,” says Rob. “With government targets on climate and carbon, it’s crucial for us to be proactive. We’re already doing regular carbon audits, which have shown promising improvements.

“We’re looking forward to being at AgriScot to receive our plaque. It was a special night at the awards ceremony, and it’ll be even better to celebrate as a family, with the whole team knowing they’ve been a part of it.”