Daniel Fleming works full time on Govals Farm, which is owned by his grandmother Lily Cooper and uncle, David Cooper, and is situated just outside Forfar. Growing up he was exposed to work on the farm from an early age. “I grew up off-farm, but I spent as much time on the farm as was possible. My grandfather would bring me up to the farm when I was young and encouraged my interests at every opportunity,” said Daniel.

“I spent summers and holidays working there too. My interest in farming came from that really.”

After school Daniel went on to pursue a career in agriculture. He first completed an apprenticeship before going on to study agriculture at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone campus. After getting his degree Daniel travelled to New Zealand for several months where he worked during the silage season.

The farm is a mixed system consisting of 130 Texel cross ewes, 150 Limousin cross and Simmental cross cows and arable crops. All the Limousins go to a Limousin or British Blue bull and the Simmentals to a Charolais. The family have also bought another Charolais bull this year.

Daniel said: “The Charolais bull we bought is supposed to be easy calving so we are trying him on a number of stock this year.”

Govals Farm consists of arable land including rotational grass grazing. “We are quite a typical plough and one-pass sow farming system with the exception of the oilseed rape which we have established through minimum tillage for a number of years now with great success,” said Daniel.

“We grow winter barley, wheat, oil seed rape, spring barley and this year we grew forage rye for whole cropping. Land is also rented out for potatoes.”

He added: “David, my uncle, likes to produce well-shaped cattle and that has always been his passion, producing an excellent carcase. For that reason we have always chosen the continental breeds for that extra bit of growth, carcase weight and shape.”

Gaining more experience

When thinking about his future plans, Daniel said: “I am really happy working full time on the farm. I look after most of the tractor work, assisting with the stock whenever I can, but I’d love to see myself moving up the ladder in terms of farm management.

“I’m in no rush as I want to gain as much experience as I can and take on more responsibility so that I am more than capable of taking on a farm management position when the time comes. I’m happy where I am for the moment and I’m optimistic about where I’m heading.”

Embracing technology

When looking to the future it is obvious technology will play a big part in the running of farms and agricultural businesses according to Daniel. He said: “Recently we have tried implementing variable rate spreading for P and K with sectional control and auto-shut off on the farm, which has helped reduce fertiliser overlaps and has put the fertiliser where it is required the most within the field.

Daniel hopes the trip to California this winter will allow him to see if there are different farming practices that could be implemented with the farming system on his family farm. “I am really looking forward to seeing what the agri study tour to California will have to offer. Aside from my trip to New Zealand I haven’t travelled much and I’ve never been to America before. If there are enterprises or different methodologies that we could implement back here it would be great,” he added.

Seizing future opportunities

Daniel is positive that there is enough interest in agriculture going forward. He said: “Everyone acknowledges that it’s hard to get good staff nowadays, but for new entrants into the industry the only way they can up skill themselves is by gaining experience.

“The opportunities do exist for people who want to learn and I believe there are people keen and willing to learn. There are a lot of young farmers out there eager to own their own farm but as I’ve gained experience I realised for me it’s not the be-all and end-all.

“There are opportunities out there if both sides are willing to take them.” In Daniel’s spare time he enjoys showing cattle, taking part in ploughing matches, he has a love of machinery and also plays football and tug of war through the Young Farmers.

Young Farmers

Daniel has been part of the young Farmers since 2009. He was chair of Forfar last year and has been on the committee for the last six. He was recently appointed to the agri rural affairs committee.

He said: “Joining the Young Farmers was the best thing I’ve ever done, it helped me develop a lot growing up, and there is definitely a change in me now compared to when I was younger.

“Young Farmers has so many opportunities and provided you are prepared to put the work in you can get a huge amount out of it.

“Last year, for example I was runner up in Member of the Year, reached the national finals of the speechmaking, football and cabaret as well as applying for and being successful in obtaining a place on this trip to California. I have also been successful in obtaining a place on the Cultivating Leaders programme which was extremely beneficial.”

“I am really looking forward to being part of the agri and rural affairs committee this year, there has been a building interest in the events organised in the last year so it will be great to see it continue to grow,” Daniel added.