By Stuart Gillespie

Copyright dailyrecord

A 23-year-old woman has been handed a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to take over a dairy farm on the outskirts of Dumfries . Jordan Duddy from Carlisle is taking on the role of contract farmer at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)’s Acrehead farm near the Crichton. Jordan’s appointment, which follows a competitive selection process, is part of SRUC’s efforts to growing the next generation of farming leaders. She 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.” Jordan has more than six years of hands-on experience in all aspects of dairy farming and 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. To mark the appointment, Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie presented Jordan with a traditional milk churn. He 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 know 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.” SRUC is focusing its academic dairying activities at its Barony campus near Parkgate, where the digital dairy chain and dairy nexus recently opened. It is also now home to SRUC’s Langhill Herd. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. Principal and chief executive of SRUC, Professor Wayne Powell, said: “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.”