Meet the Farmers

The Evolution of a Dairy and Pigs Business - with Rory Christie

Episode Summary

Ben is joined by dairy farmer Rory Christie who farms 100 cows in south west Scotland.

Episode Notes

Rory Christie, a dairy, pigs, and beef farmer from Dumfries and Galloway, shares the history and evolution of his family farm. They have a 200-sow pig business and an 1100-cow dairy enterprise. Rory discusses the use of genetic testing, AI, and embryo transfer to improve the health and performance of their herd. He also talks about his involvement in the Milk Suppliers Association, a dairy co-op that supplies milk to the creamery at Stranraer. Rory emphasizes the importance of paying farmers for the environmental goods they provide and the challenges of labor shortage and compliance in the industry.

Takeaways

Rory Christie's family farm in Dumfries and Galloway has a 200-sow pig business and an 1100-cow dairy enterprise.
They use genetic testing, AI, and embryo transfer to improve the health and performance of their herd.
Rory is involved in the Milk Suppliers Association, a dairy co-op that supplies milk to the creamery at Stranraer.
He emphasizes the importance of paying farmers for the environmental goods they provide and highlights the challenges of labor shortage and compliance in the industry.

Image credit: Rory Christie

Meet the Farmers is produced by RuralPod Media, the only specialist rural podcast production agency.

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About Ben and RuralPod Media

Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. He is also a freelance rural affairs and agricultural journalist. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk

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