Organic Farming
Killochries Fold farms 380 Ha of organic land. Full organic status for both Highland Cattle and land was achieved in 2003 entitling Killochries produced highlander beef to be branded with the prestigious Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) label.
Organic
methods suit our philosophy but do require more accurate farming and the
good application of agricultural science. As very little feeding is bought
in any important mineral deficiency in the soil will be quickly reflected
in animal health and grass management errors cannot easily be rectified
by the application of artificial nitrogen.
The ground at Killochries is shallow and stony so we prefer to rotavate rather than plough sowing oats in the first year and oats under planted with high clover grass seed in the second year. After the first oat crop the stubble and self seeded grass provides an excellent field for wintering calves.
Soil
testing is on going with deficiencies being corrected by the application
of seaweed extracts and regular topping to promote clover and control
weeds. Good grass growth is encouraged by slitting /spiking to aerate
the ground and shatter the pan.
Breed
Characteristics
The standards
for the perfect Highlander as stated by the Highland Cattle Society of
Scotland in 1884.
Organic Farming
Killochries Fold farms
380 Ha of organic land with full organic status for both land and cattle.