Climate change is bringing about a new set of challenges and opportunities for agriculture. While global warming may lead to extended crop growing seasons, it could also lead to unpredictable weather, new pests and diseases, and a requirement for farmers to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.

Soil Association Scotland has announced it is running a skills development programme to help farmers and growers improve their business sustainability, cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and increase resilience to climate change. The association has released a case study on Balkemback Farm, Tealing which outlines possible renewable ventures for farmers to consider.

Balkemback is a 740 acre mixed farm. The land rises from 150m to 450m above sea level giving a mixture of soil types from good quality arable ground to permanent pasture. There are 160 sucker cows, Simmental X and Aberdeen Angus X and 300 Suffolk Mule ewes. The farm uses a three-year arable rotation of barley-barley-oats, or barley-potatoes-wheat followed by at least three years in grass. All forage is home grown. Red clover, introduced at the start of conversion has given good results. After a staggered conversion the farm gained full organic status in April 2009.

Renewable energy can replace energy sources generated from fossil fuels and thus reduce a farm’s carbon footprint although it also makes good economic sense. Energy costs on farms are rising significantly so in generating their own electricity, Balkemback Farm is not only reducing their costs, but also generating electricity which they can sell to bring in extra income. The study on Balkemback is available here.