Borders hosts flagship sheep event in 2014

A BORDERS farm has been confirmed as the venue for Scotland’s biennial national sheep event next year.

NSA Scotsheep 2014 will be held on the Berwickshire farm of Quixood, Grantshouse, courtesy of the Macfarlane family, on Wednesday, 4 June.

Quixwood is base for a large-scale farming enterprise extending to 2,500 acres which includes 1,730 breeding sheep and 750 suckler cows with all progeny, apart from replacement hoggs and heifers, finished on the farm.

Arable cropping comprises 600 acres of combineable crops, including a contract arrangement on 200 acres on a neighbouring farm.

“We are greatly honoured to have been asked to host NSA Scotsheep next year and look forward to welcoming sheep farmers from throughout Scotland and south of the Border to see what we do here,” said John Macfarlane, who runs the farming enterprise with his son, Iain.

Quixwood is situated close to the main A1 Edinburgh–Berwick road at Grantshouse and the farm is highly regarded for the production of high-quality sheep and cattle.

“We are indebted to John and Iain for kindly agreeing to host our flagship event, NSA Scotsheep,” said Sybil Macpherson, chairman of the Scottish region of the National Sheep Association, organisers of the event.

“The reputation of Quixwood goes before it and it will be a great venue for Scotsheep.”

The Macfarlane’s have farmed at Quixwood since November, 1998, and have built up an extensive farming enterprise which includes 500 Mule ewes crossed with the Texel and 800 Texel cross ewes crossed with the Suffolk.