Mob grazing expert, Scottish borders
Consultant Bio
Stuart Mitchell is Stuart Mitchell and his family run Whitriggs Farm, a 442ha mixed organic farm near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Stuart took over the running of the farm in 2018. Previously run as a conventional mixed cattle, sheep and arable farm there has been big changes in the last 7 years with the move from sheep to red deer and conversion of the whole farm to organic status.
Qualifications
- BSc Agriculture
Stuart's background
Grazing management has been adapted to allow cattle to be outwintered with deferred grass and bale grazing. Mob grazing with daily moves over the summer allows for a stock pile of grass and the cattle are PFL certified. Whitriggs was Scotland's Sustainable farm of the year in 2023 and won a Silver Technical Innovation Award at the Royal Highland Show for the Whitriggs Bale Unroller.
The farm has 3 main enterprises: a 140 suckler cow herd, 300 red deer and 50ha of cereals. Stuart advocates a back to basics approach to farming. Combining efficiency with a low input system allows for a good output, healthy profit and better work life balance without fighting against nature.
