Machinery must go
Machinery must go
ALL the machinery at Pitmaduthy and Newmore is due to be sold before the farm take-over. But Mr Robb says it is likely his establishment method would have remained the same as it has for 10 years.
"Various people have tried to convert me to minimal tillage, but the plough, cultivate and combine-drill system works well on our range of soils." Some fields contain both pure sand and heavy clay, others are mainly peat – all over sand about 1.2m (4ft) down.
"Besides, with returns from cereals as they are, I simply could not justify laying out £20,000 or more for new min-till equipment."
Most of the current tackle, including a home-modified combination cultivator and an MF510 4m air-drill, has more than paid for itself but still functions perfectly well, he reasons.
Nitrogen and phosphate down the spout to get winter cereals off to a good start is nearly as important as seed rate, he believes. "Last year we used 1.5cwt/acre of MAP 12:52:0." *
Dealing with redundancy
Come December Mr Robb and his team of Hugh Murray and Ross Forsyth will be redundant.
"Its sad for all three of us, but personally I have mixed feelings. I now have a chance to start on farming my own, and intend to split my income three ways. I am negotiating to buy the farmhouse and the steading buildings at Pitmaduthy.
"The new owner has offered me 200 acres of LFA grass at Newmore where I expect to run some sheep."
A keen Land Rover enthusiast, Mr Robb has also built a new workshop close by where he anticipates good demand for his services including engine conversions and general improvements.
"I am also half-way through a course to become an approved driving instructor."