Scottish Natural Heritage
Resource use efficiency on
arable and livestock businesses
Information pack for Monitor Farms
and Farming Communities
Foreword
Making better use of resources can
be a win-win solution for both farming
businesses and the environment. With
rising costs of inputs, increasing the
efficiency of energy and agro-chemical
consumption is now seen as a crucial
way to improve a farm business’s
bottom line. Scottish Government
aims to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions of 80% by 2050. As farming
is currently estimated to contribute
13% of greenhouse gas emissions in
Scotland, Scottish farmers can make
a difference in mitigating climate
change. Climate change is not only a
public concern but is also predicted
to have a direct impact on Scottish
farming. Likewise, resource use
efficiency measures such as targeting
fertiliser and pesticide use may also
have a positive impact on wildlife and
water quality.
This information pack collates existing guidance on
resource use efficiency on arable, livestock and mixed
farms. It is primarily directed at monitor farms and
monitor farm communities but can be used more widely
as a source of general information on measures and
technologies to improve resource use efficiency in farming
businesses.
The pack presents a wide range of tips, best practice and
technological solutions to evaluate and rationalise the use
of inputs on the farm. It provides a general overview of
available sources of information as well as links to more
detailed information and should help monitor farmers and
communities to:
– Carry out a basic assessment of resource use
efficiency on the farm.
– Identify issues and opportunities for improving
efficiency and making cost savings.
– Be aware of the potential business and environmental
benefits and costs of changing practice or equipment.
– Locate relevant sources of information to implement a
specific project.
The pack is divided in thematic sections that will be issued
between 2010 and 2011. The first release presents an
introduction to measuring, monitoring and benchmarking,
and information on energy saving and renewable energies.
This pack has been produced by Ecodyn Ltd.,
Quality Meat Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Contacts
Ecodyn Ltd.
Fliskmillan Steadings
Newburgh
KY14 6HN
Tel: 0 133 787 0249
Fax: 0 133 787 0279
Email: [email protected]
Quality Meat Scotland
The Rural Centre
West Mains, Ingliston
Newbridge
EH28 8NZ
Tel: 0 131 472 4117
Fax: 0 131 472 4038
Email: [email protected]
Scottish Natural Heritage
Great Glen House
Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW
Tel: 0 146 372 5000
Fax: 0 146 372 5067
Email: [email protected]