New dairy farm contractor hails ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’

A 23-year-old from Carlisle has taken on the role of contract farmer at SRUC’s Acrehead dairy farm after a competitive selection process.

The symbolic handover took place at a special event where Scotland’s Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, officially welcomed Jordan Duddy to the role by presenting her with a traditional milk churn.

Jordan’s appointment is part of SRUC’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of farming leaders.

Jordan said: “Acrehead Farm has huge potential to become a thriving dairy business – it just needs someone to care for it. The land is ideal for grazing, and I plan to make the most of its ability to grow quality grass.

“Long-term, I aim to transition to a smaller, grazing-suited breed and establish an autumn block-calving herd. While that develops, I’ll continue looking after the existing cows, which the Barony, Acrehead, and Crichton teams have worked hard to develop.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break into farming. I’m excited to get started and make a positive impact on the herd, the land, and the business.”

With over six years of hands-on experience in all aspects of dairy farming, from animal health and grazing systems to field work and milk production, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering consistent yields and high herd welfare standards.

Jordan will contract manage the day-to-day operations of Acrehead, receiving a share of the milk cheque dependent on farm performance. SRUC will retain responsibility for the land and legal compliance and will provide the dairy herd and farm machinery.

SRUC researchers and teaching staff will also continue to receive valuable data from the dairy herd.

The position includes access to a nearby farmhouse and is offered as a five to ten-year opportunity.

During his visit, Mr Fairlie said: “I am delighted for Jordan in securing the contract farming opportunity at Acrehead and am excited to see all she achieves. I would also like to congratulate SRUC for providing this land and – more importantly – the opportunity for a new farmer on publicly owned land.

“This government is focussed on delivering new opportunities for young farmers. We have to encourage all of those considering a career in the agricultural sector and SRUC knows how vitally important it is to also provide them with support and access to building skills to nurture the next generation. I cannot wait to see what Jordan and the college achieve here.”

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, added: “This is a unique opportunity and one we are proud to offer. By making SRUC land available in this way, we are investing in the future of farming and creating meaningful ways for young people to step into leadership roles in agriculture. It also supports our broader mission to support the dairy industry’s future by embracing innovation, reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering economic growth.”

The opportunity was advertised through the Scottish Land Matching Service, which plays a key role in connecting aspiring farmers with landowners across Scotland.

Also speaking at the visit, Henry Graham, Chair of Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE), said: “This is exactly the kind of opportunity FONE was established to encourage. Through the Scottish Land Matching Service, we are helping tomorrow’s farmers, like Jordan, take significant steps forward in their careers. It’s fantastic to see SRUC leading by example in creating practical routes into farming, backed by infrastructure, innovation, and mentoring.”

Acrehead’s reopening under a contract farming model comes as SRUC continues to focus its academic dairying activities at nearby Barony campus, which recently welcomed the opening of the Digital Dairy Chain and Dairy Nexus.

The famous Langhill Herd, the world’s longest continuously running livestock experiment and the focus of SRUC’s first Queen’s Anniversary Prize, has also moved to Barony, continuing its vital scientific role in dairy genetics and productivity.

Posted by SRUC on 30/09/2025