A North Lanarkshire farmer has been announced as the regional winner of this year’s Low Impact Award in the M&S Select Farm Awards.
As the Low Impact award winner for Scotland, Alex Bankier and his nephew, Alan, who also works on Fernieshaw Farm in Cleland near WIshaw, were invited to receive the award during the M&S Select Farm Awards ceremony at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
The judges commended Alex and Alan for their outstanding efforts and setting a high standard for others in the industry to follow.
Alex, operating a 600-acre dairy farm with a herd of 170 cows, has embraced a low impact farming ethos. With a strong emphasis on forage, Alex dedicates significant resources to cultivating high-quality grass and silage, carefully selecting the ideal grass varieties and seed mixtures.
This commitment to forage excellence has been a cornerstone of the farm since Alex’s father’s tenure in the 1960s and 70s.
Focusing on the environment and sustainability, Alex has taken remarkable strides to reduce his farm’s impact.
“We are currently planning to install 250 acres of solar panels on the farm,” said Alex.
“Our long-term vision is to establish a carbon-neutral robotic system, where our ultimate goal is to achieve complete sustainability using a robotic system fully powered by renewable energy.”
Beyond his own farm, Alex actively contributes to the community by hosting workshops with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).
Additionally, his dedication to the agricultural industry extends to his role as a director of The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, where he advocates for progressive farming practices and the well-being of the farming community.
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “Every day, our Select Farmers and suppliers go to extraordinary lengths to deliver great quality M&S food, while demonstrating best-in-class innovation, animal welfare, sustainability, and biodiversity.
“M&S Select Farmers are renowned leaders in promoting low impact farming. Alex has wholeheartedly embraced this ethos for a long time, and his continued commitment to these standards should be truly admired.”
As the regional winner of the Low Impact Award, Alex and Alan received a certificate and M&S hamper at the M&S stand during this year’s Royal Highland Show.
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