In addition to the farm units which are leased, the Estates manage two farms in-hand. One is the home farm at Blair Castle and the second is at Tulliemet to the west of Ballinluig. Both are stock farms producing in the region of 350 beef cattle and 3000 fat lambs each year.

The cattle are produced from hardy hill breeds of suckler cow such as the Luing which are capable of thriving outside through the full year and produce youngstock which can fatten off grass. Calves are born in the spring and suckle off their mothers for the first summer. After two years and having spent the second summer grazing, the calves are considered in prime condition for market.

The sheep flock are mainly traditional blackface ewes living and breeding off the hill and a smaller flock of crossed park ewes to maintain the lowground and policy fields surrounding Blair Castle. Lambs are spring born in April and finished during their first season with most sales in the late autumn and early winter.

The combination of cattle and sheep grazing the hill, uplands and lowground fields is an essential land management tool. With careful stewardship the rough grasses are kept under control by the cattle while the sheep maintain the pastures and prevent the growth of many toxic weeds. Controlled grazing of many conservation areas is required for their preservation.The farming operation is a vital component of integrated land use which maintains the designed landscape and supports the local economy, particularly tourism.

Our management also places a high priority on animal welfare. We practice this by employing highly skilled stockmen and by working in balance with nature. Both farms are accredited organic and at the forefront of trials to promote best practice in integrated land management.

LATEST NEWS
Balanloan Home Farm has been selected as a Monitor Farm as part of a project funded by Quality Meat Scotland, the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Scottish Organic Producers Association. There are ten monitor farms in Scotland. Follow the farm’s progress here