Agriculture in Scotland has long centred around mixed farming, with cereals and livestock coexisting across the nation.

Integrating livestock and arable production benefits the soil, environment, and the production of quality food and drink. To celebrate this tradition, the Scottish Agriculture Awards has introduced a new Mixed Farm category sponsored by Thorntons to honour the best farm in the country that manages both crops and livestock.

We invite farms that employ complementary strategies to achieve overall success in their farming enterprises, enhancing productivity while also fulfilling environmental stewardship roles.

Studies consistently show that traditional mixed farming can build resilient businesses that support both food production and biodiversity. In recognition of this, we are calling for nominations of farms that operate a mixed system, so we can highlight the best of Scottish agriculture.

Kenneth Mackay, partner and head of land and rural business at Thorntons, sponsors of this brand new category said: “We have been representing farmers for more than 150 years and our clients are based across Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders.

READ MORE | The Scottish Agriculture Awards is open for entries for the 2024 event

“We act for a diverse range of farming businesses including mixed farms, which have long been a cornerstone of Scottish agriculture and, as farmers seek to diversify their income, continue to be an important model for the industry. By combining arable with livestock production, mixed farms help to tackle the risk of crop failure, promote soil health, and encourage a mixed range of habitats that supports wildlife and a diverse ecosystem.

“At a time of greater emphasis on environmental land management, it is extremely rewarding to recognise the contribution of mixed farms to the rural economy, and we commend the hard work of the wider sector.

“Thorntons is a full-service law firm, enabling our land and rural business team to offer complete legal advice and support to the farming community, ranging from estate matters to business structures and succession planning.

“We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients and making the law understandable for them as part of our commitment to excellent service.”

More information on how to enter this category and to find out more about our other Scottish Agriculture Awards categories visit: https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/agriawards/