A BORDERS farming project is holding a panel discussion this month to talk about farming agreements.

The Roxburghshire Monitor Farm project at Cowbog, near Morebattle, has invited the local farming community to join a panel discussion on farming agreements at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells next week.

The event on Wednesday, February 21 will begin with Roxburghshire Monitor Farmer Robert Wilson updating the audience on his journey so far and his business aims for this year and beyond.

The panel will also feature specialists and farmers involved with farming agreements who will share how different options work and what may work for Borders businesses.

Robert said: “With changes coming to agreements over some of the land we farm, we've benefited from being able to discuss how best we might approach these, within our Monitor Farm management group.

"We're delighted to welcome farmers to share their story about how different approaches to partnerships and agreements have been utilised.

"This will help others navigate change and hopefully provide thoughts on an alternative point of access to those looking to develop within the agricultural sector.”

Speakers will included farmers Annabel Hamilton, Robert Playfair-Hannay, and Ali Freeland-Cook as well as David Michie from the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS).

Annabel Hamilton and her family manage 2,700 acres of land on the East Berwickshire coast, and operates mainly under contract farming agreements.

Robert Playfair-Hannay has a beef, sheep, and arable enterprise he shares with his parents in the Borders. The operation covers 4,300 acres and employs two full time staff as well as three to four seasonal staff. The family also has a 750 acre arable unit in Fife.

And Ali Freeland-Cook oversees six farms with a range of contract farming agreements, as well as managing a machinery contracting businesses.

SAOS co-op development manager David Michie helps to develop co-op businesses, and supports farmers with knowledge transfer.

Chairing the panel discussion will be Jack Frater, a member of the Cowbog Monitor Farm and an agricultural consultant at Edwin Thompson.

As part of his role with the Monitor Farm he oversees the management and administration of contract farming agreements, financial planning, and estate management.

Monitor Farm regional advisor Maura Wilson said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for the farming community to join.

"It will be great to hear from speakers with such experience and I encourage farmers to attend and to get involved and ask as many questions as you can.”

To book a place at the meeting on Wednesday, February 21 at 7pm, visit: farmingagreements.eventbrite.co.uk, the Monitor Farm Scotland website, or contact Maura Wilson by calling 07721677556 or emailing monitorfarm@qmscotland.co.uk