80 Years of Farm Research

Available for over a year

It's 80 years since Glensaugh, a 1000-acre hill farm in the foothills of the Grampians, complete with forestry, rivers and peatland, became a major centre for agricultural research in Scotland. Not surprisingly, the initial post-war focus was on maximising production from marginal acres. Over the ensuing decades researchers launched deer farming in the UK and introduced species such as cashmere goats as a diversification from traditional upland farming. However, 21st century priorities have led the land's owners, the James Hutton Institute, to switch the priority at Glensaugh to finding sustainable solutions to environmental concerns. It means climate-positive agriculture is now at the centre of a raft of projects which aim to help Scotland achieve net-zero or even negative carbon emissions in agriculture. The flagship project is Hydro Glen, a green hydrogen-powered scheme which aspires to supply all the energy needs of the farm as well the seven homes on the land with 100% renewable-generated electricity. Nancy Nicolson enjoys a guided tour from the farm manager, Donald Barrie, who introduces her to the scientists who direct the direction of his daily regime and hints at some of the challenges in balancing research and food production. Produced and presented by Nancy Nicolson