This November, Propagate again collaborated with the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere and NFU Scotland, organising the second Farming for the Future Conference, this time in Cumnock.

The conference aims to foster peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and explore how farming can be good for both the environment and the farm business.

‘Farming for the Future: Planning for Profit and Nature’ was chaired by Dumfriesshire farmer and former NFUS President Andrew McCornick and the programme of speakers included Cora Cooper (Sheep Farmer of the Year 2023), Denise Walton (Nature Friendly Farming Network), Nic Renison (Renison’s Farm), Colin Russell (Ramstane Farm), and others. On the agenda were a variety of presentations and discussion looking at the economics and practice of farming for nature, including a ‘speed round’ for people to share how they are farming and why, and break-out sessions on improving soil carbon and biodiversity.

Antoine Lemaire, the GSA 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.”

Abi Mordin, Co-Director of Propagate, said: “It was fantastic to build on the successes of our February conference by growing the event, the audience and the discussions. The ‘fully immersive learning experience’ (quote from Denise Walton) included presentations on profitable organic cow with calf dairy systems, right through to deep dives on healthy soil biology. Feedback has been excellent so far with lots of attendees enjoying the pace and flow of the event as much as the content. We’re looking forward to growing our collaboration with the Biosphere and NFUS as we start thinking about our next event – watch this space!”

Mhairi Dawson, NFUS’ Regional Manager for D&G, 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. My favourite quote of the day was from our NFUS Ayrshire members Cora Cooper who told us to never underestimate how much change one small step can make. So for me, the take away message is “Start small, but do start.” I’m excited to see where our third conference in 2025 takes us!”