Fergus Ewing MSP opens Scottish Beef Event at Dalswinton, Dumfries

9:00 Event opens to the public

10:15-10:30 Opening Ceremony, Fergus Ewing MSP – Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy from 2016 to 2021; Brian Richardson – head of agriculture Virgin Money and Paul Ross – Scottish Beef Association chair

10:45-11:45 Agricultural support beyond 2023 – Chair – Michael Walker, Drumbuie Farms, Dumfriesshire with Steven Thomson, Scotland's Rural College, predictions for future policy;

Brian Richardson, head of agriculture Virgin Money, financial support and professor John Gilliland, director of Agriculture and Sustainability

12:00-13:00 Sustainable Farming in Theory – Chair – Robert Gilchrist, ceo Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, with Ian Hamilton, director Vytelle on breeding for sustainability; Dr Tom McNeilly, Moredun head of science on cattle health planning, reducing emissions and costs and Emma Kerr of Scottish Woodlands on treed and peat and their role in carbon sequestration

14:00-15:00 Sustainable farming in practice – Chair – Paul Ross – Chair Scottish Beef Association with Steven Sandison on Orkney Realistic KPI's in suckler cows; Jamie Leslie, Shetland on cost reduction and improving profits and Matt Griffin, Peebles on the effect of regenerative practices

All Day

Demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day on various exhibition stands.

Speakers Corner sponsored by Galbraith

Farm tour of Dalswinton estate which will provide an opportunity to view the farming enterprise of Dalswinton, situated in the heart of the Nith Valley on the outskirts of Dumfries.