MEET THE FARMERS

John Mackay

Our family have been farming Fletcherfield for six generations, and have been growing potatoes for over 100 years.

From our farm in Kirriemuir in Angus, we have been supplying Bartletts with potatoes for the last three seasons. On our farm we grow numerous varieties and have the pleasure in supply Bartletts with Harmony, Estima, Osprey, Annabelle, King Edward, Maris Piper and of course the Albert Bartlett "Rooster".

Fletcherfield Farm has a 9 year rotation which includes two years of grass, which improves the quality and improves skin finish. The other crops we grow on the farm by rotation are as follows:- Silage, grass, spring barley, potatoes, barley, peas, wheat, turnips/carrots/broccoli, spring barley undersown.

The farm carries 400 fattening cattle which are finished on the farm, supplemented by surplus crop produce, therefore reducing waste. We also have a suckler herd of approx. 100 cows which are grazed in the hills of Angus in less favoured areas, which in turn helps the economy of hill farms.

We are also involved in the Rural Stewardship Scheme, Countryside Premium Scheme and have received an award from FWAG, for the creation of wetland sites. As farmers we have a huge interest in maintaining the wide diversity of plant, animal and bird life on our farm which has many natural sites of interest.