Farming

Atholl Estates has two in-hand farms, Milton of Tulliemet and Balanloan, (home farm to Blair Castle). Both the farms follow the principles of regenerative agriculture to improve the soil health of the ground, the natural health of our animals and the biodiversity of the holding.  We want our farms to be as full of life as possible, and to be a key part of life within the workings of Atholl Estates.

Regenerative Farming

We prioritise natural soil health by the removal of chemical fertilisers and the promotion of natural productivity and fertility.  We achieve this by continually rotating our grazing animals through our fields of mixed herbal lays and long grass, letting the animals trample, forage and fertilise as they graze and move.  The trampled long grass acts as a ‘thatch’, it keeps the ground warm and extends our growing season in the harsh highland climate.  Instead of cutting the grass for hay or sileage in the summer to feed to animals in sheds in winter, we have reduced our need for machinery and diesel consumption by leaving the grass standing in the fields.  The small amount of hay we do cut is left out as bales and fed to the cows via ‘bale grazing’ in the fields if they need it in the winter.

By reducing chemical and veterinary inputs, following organic practices and restoring the soil’s health we have maintained profitability, are producing purely pasture-fed, delicious meat and are restoring biodiversity across the landscape.

Unlike the majority of beef farming around the world, we do not feed our animals any bought in food or grains.  We do not use grain to fatten or finish our animals, and therefore do not use fossil fuels in producing and shipping these crops.  Our beef and lamb is completely, and only, pasture-fed.

Pasture-fed animals are less stressed, live longer and are more fertile than those farmed intensively.’ (Source: The Soil Association).

To aid the positive effect of intense migratory grazing we are planting new hedgerows of natural fruit trees (rowan, crab apples, berries, sloes etc) and larger trees within the park landscapes around Blair Castle and Tulliemet House that will create shelter and forage for the animals and homes for birds and insects.  In a sense it feels like we are taking the farms back in time to aid the future.

Farming can play a meaningful and positive role in the fight against climate change.  Our grazing practices and removal of chemical inputs allows the soil to regenerate and hold onto nutrients and carbon while keeping our burns and rivers clean.   The removal of pesticides and the reduction in the use of wormers have allowed insects and spiders to thrive.  In turn, this has fed and multiplied the number of songbirds and birds of prey that are visible and audible in the area.

Balanloan Home Farm

Extends to approximately 30,000 acres and includes the iconic area of Glen Tilt. Currently the farm has around 800 Blackface ewes and 145 spring calving cows. The focus is on introducing more native bloodlines back into the primarily Aberdeen Angus herd to produce productive, hardy animals.  We have also recently re-introduced a small highland cow herd to regenerate the tougher environment on the hill.

Milton of Tulliemet

The Tulliemet farm extends to approximately 5,000 acres and includes part of the designated Forest of Clunie SSSI. We have been farming regeneratively at Tulliemet for three years and are seeing the positive effects of this method of farming in the surrounding natural environment and animal health. Currently the farm has over 600 Blackface sheep and a breeding herd of over 100 strong and hardy Aberdeen Angus cows who roam and forage outside all year in the fields and hills around Tulliemet. We are a member of Pasture for Life, and we run occasional talks and tours to interested farming groups.  Please do get in touch if you would like to join an upcoming tour.

Atholl Estates also operates a number of traditional farm holdings run by family businesses ranging in size and extent. We regularly host farm tours for our neighbours and other farmers and private farm tours can also be arranged. Farming is an integral part of Highland life and we are proud to support our farms as they improve the nature on their land whilst providing us with food.