On Thursday December 5, the Roxburghshire Monitor Farm panel is hosting a discussion evening at the Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells, to tackle the question ‘Regen farming: Hope or hype?’.

Open to all farmers, the event will feature a lively debate from 7pm, with booking now open.

The evening will explore whether regenerative farming is a solution to modern agricultural challenges or simply a passing trend. The panel of four farmers, each with diverse businesses and experiences, will discuss whether regenerative agriculture needs a rebrand to shake off perceived negativity among some farmers.

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The Panel

  • Sam Parsons, farm manager of Balcaskie Estate in Fife. Sam’s 1300ha farm transitioned to organic in 2016, focusing on improving soil health and biodiversity while reducing costs. The estate incorporates beef, sheep, arable and pigs, with mob grazing a key component of its organic system.
  • Stuart Johnston, mixed farmer at West Wharmley Farm, Hexham. Stuart has spent a decade reducing reliance on fertilisers and chemicals while enhancing farm resilience to economic and weather fluctuations. A previous winner of Soil Farmer of the Year, he began his journey with strip-tillage and has built a business model centred on sustainable inputs.
  • Sally Williams, dairy farmer at Clackmae, Scottish Borders. Sally’s 340-cow herd is managed with cutting-edge technology, including robotic milking systems. She actively engages the public and industry with her work through events like LEAF open days, RHET visits and Go Rural Scotland videos.
  • Colin McGregor, director of McGregor Farms, Coldstream Mains. A leader in precision farming, Colin has used yield mapping since 1996. His business grows winter wheat, barley, and oilseed rape, alongside break crops such as vining peas and potatoes. McGregor Farms also offers contracting services and operates Contract Farming Agreements.

Monitor Farm regional adviser Maura Wilson said: “There has been lots of discussion about regenerative farming at Monitor Farm meetings, and this evening will be a great opportunity to hear both sides of the debate, and for people to ask the panel for their opinions.

“Sam and Stuart will talk from more of a regen side, whereas Sally and Colin will come from the more conventional standpoint. With all four running impressive businesses, it will be great to hear their opinions and practical experiences, and it promises to be a lively evening.”

Event details

  • What: Roxburghshire Monitor Farm ‘Regenerative farming: Hope or hype?’ panel discussion.
  • When: Thursday December 5, 7pm.
  • Where: Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells, TD6 0EW.
  • Book now: https://bit.ly/RoxburghRegenPanel