R2Kast 288 - Ben Lowe on Farming, Nuffield, and Closing the Loop

Ben Lowe’s journey into agriculture is nothing short of inspiring. From having no farming background to managing a diverse enterprise in Aberdeenshire, Ben has proved that determination and innovation can lead to incredible success. 🌱

Starting with a passion for farming fostered by visits to his grandad, Ben’s early career saw him working on farms, building a sheep flock, and even gaining equity in a farm shop. But it was his time at Edinburgh’s SRUC, studying agriculture, that laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to farming. 🐑

Now, Ben is managing a successful joint-venture farm in Aberdeenshire, selling approximately 300 pigs a week directly to the processor. The farm is a mix of pigs, arable crops, and environmental schemes. His focus on sustainability and creating a self-sufficient system exemplifies his forward-thinking ethos. He’s even coined the term “Five-Mile Pig” for his ambition to produce pork using resources sourced entirely within five miles of his farm. 🐖

As Ben embarks on his Nuffield Scholarship, his project—“Closing the Loop in Pig Production”—aims to integrate energy efficiency, alternative protein sources, and waste management. His plans include exploring global practices in countries like Japan, New Zealand, and the USA to ensure the long-term sustainability of his farm. 🌎

Enjoy!

Thanks to Howden Rural for their support.

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