New dairy farm contractor hails 鈥榦nce-in-a-lifetime opportunity鈥�
A 23-year-old from Carlisle has taken on the role of contract farmer at 抖阴直播鈥檚 Acrehead dairy farm after a competitive selection process.
The symbolic handover took place at a special event where Scotland鈥檚 Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, officially welcomed听Jordan Duddy to the role by presenting her with a traditional milk churn.
Jordan鈥檚 appointment is part of 抖阴直播鈥檚 commitment to cultivating the next generation of farming leaders.
Jordan said: 鈥淎crehead Farm has huge potential to become a thriving dairy business 鈥� it just needs someone to care for it. The land is ideal for听grazing, and I plan to make the most of its ability to grow quality grass.
鈥淟ong-term, I aim to transition to a smaller, grazing-suited breed and establish an autumn block-calving herd. While that develops, I鈥檒l continue听looking after the existing cows, which the Barony, Acrehead, and Crichton teams have worked hard to develop.
鈥淭his is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break into farming. I鈥檓 excited to get started and make a positive impact on the herd, the land, and听the business.鈥�
With over six years of hands-on experience in all aspects of dairy farming, from animal health and grazing systems to field work and milk听production, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering consistent yields and high herd welfare standards.
Jordan will contract manage the day-to-day operations of Acrehead, receiving a share of the milk cheque dependent on farm performance. 抖阴直播 will听retain responsibility for the land and legal compliance and will provide the dairy herd and farm machinery.
抖阴直播 researchers and teaching staff will also continue to receive valuable data from the dairy herd.
The position includes access to a nearby farmhouse and is offered as a five to ten-year opportunity.
During his visit, Mr Fairlie said: 鈥淚 am delighted for Jordan in securing the contract farming opportunity at Acrehead and am excited to see all she听achieves. I would also like to congratulate 抖阴直播 for providing this land and 鈥� more importantly 鈥� the opportunity for a new farmer on publicly听owned land.
鈥淭his government is focussed on delivering new opportunities for young farmers. We have to encourage all of those considering a career in the听agricultural sector and 抖阴直播 knows how vitally important it is to also provide them with support and access to building skills to nurture the next听generation. I cannot wait to see what Jordan and the college achieve here.鈥�
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of 抖阴直播, added: 鈥淭his is a unique opportunity and one we are proud to offer. By making 抖阴直播听land available in this way, we are investing in the future of farming and creating meaningful ways for young people to step into leadership roles in听agriculture. It also supports our broader mission to support the dairy industry鈥檚 future by embracing innovation, reducing emissions, enhancing听biodiversity, and fostering economic growth.鈥�
The opportunity was advertised through the Scottish Land Matching Service, which plays a key role in connecting aspiring farmers with landowners听across Scotland.
Also speaking at the visit, Henry Graham, Chair of Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE), said: 鈥淭his is exactly the kind of opportunity听FONE was established to encourage. Through the Scottish Land Matching Service, we are helping tomorrow鈥檚 farmers, like Jordan, take significant听steps forward in their careers. It鈥檚 fantastic to see 抖阴直播 leading by example in creating practical routes into farming, backed by infrastructure,听innovation, and mentoring.鈥�
Acrehead鈥檚 reopening under a contract farming model comes as 抖阴直播 continues to focus its academic dairying activities at nearby Barony听campus, which recently welcomed the opening of the Digital Dairy Chain and Dairy Nexus.
The famous Langhill Herd, the world鈥檚 longest continuously running livestock experiment and the focus of 抖阴直播鈥檚 first Queen鈥檚 Anniversary听Prize, has also moved to Barony, continuing its vital scientific role in dairy genetics and productivity.
Posted by 抖阴直播 on 30/09/2025
