THE second annual Farming for the Future conference in Cumnock was a sell-out success.

Organised by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership, in collaboration with Propagate and NFU Scotland, the event was held on November 27.

The conference aimed to encourage the exchange of knowledge among peers and explore how to integrate environmental considerations into farm businesses.

It was chaired by Dumfriesshire farmer and former NFU Scotland President, Andrew McCornick.

The programme of speakers featured Cora Cooper, Sheep Farmer of the Year 2023, Denise Walton from the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Nic Renison of Renison’s Farm, Colin Russell from Ramstane Farm, and others.

Former NFU Scotland president, Andrew McCornick, chaired the event (Image: GSAB)

Antoine Lemaire, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’s nature recovery officer, said: "It was a privilege to be hosting the farming conference again in 2024 after a successful launch in Newton Stewart last year.

"Demands on Scotland’s farmers are as high as ever and there are very few opportunities to gather in one place to share experiences and ideas.

"Our focus is how to balance profitability with nature-friendly practice and make peer-learning more accessible to all, and we were delighted to welcome so many who recognise the benefits of being part of this conversation."

The agenda included presentations and discussions on the economics and practice of nature-friendly farming, a 'speed round' for attendees to share their farming methods, and breakout sessions on improving soil carbon and biodiversity.

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a registered Scottish charity, supported by core funding from South of Scotland Enterprise and local councils.

It works across the 9,720 km² UNESCO-designated region, delivering collaborative projects aimed at achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including various initiatives supporting farmers and land managers.

Earlier this year, the partnership completed a 12-month development project supported by UNESCO and the abrdn Charitable Foundation, which produced a new audit methodology for measuring natural capital on farms.

The organisation is also managing the Ayrshire Small Scale Tree Planting Programme for 2024/25, supporting the expansion of native woodlands.

The conference was organised by the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership (Image: GSAB) Abi Mordin, co-director of Propagate, said: "It was fantastic to build on the successes of our last conference by growing the event, the audience and the discussions.

"This 'fully immersive learning experience', as the conference was described by the Scotland Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, included presentations on profitable organic cow-with-calf dairy systems, right through to deep dives on healthy soil biology."

Mhairi Dawson, NFU Scotland regional manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "Our second conference was a huge success and it was great to see many new faces in the audience.

"Our speakers had such a broad range of size, scale, story and business types, there really was something for everyone.

"I think we all appreciated the acknowledgement was given to the human aspect of our agricultural businesses and how important knowing yourself and looking after your mental health was."