Native Aberdeen Angus Cattle & Regenerative Agriculture
Despite strong beef prices in recent years, profitability in beef farming remains under constant pressure from rising costs. Machinery, fuel, fertiliser, electricity, veterinary medicines, labour and the many other costs associated with running a farm have all increased.
The old saying that “turnover is vanity, profit is reality” feels particularly relevant. For many beef producers, the opportunity therefore lies not simply in achieving higher sale prices, but in finding ways to reduce inputs while continuing to produce a high-quality product.
At the same time, agriculture is being challenged to farm in a way that works more closely with nature: improving soil health, reducing reliance on purchased inputs and leaving productive land in better condition for the next generation.
The growth of regenerative farming
The increasing interest in regenerative agriculture is difficult to ignore.
Groundswell has become an important meeting place for farmers interested in regenerative and more nature-friendly farming systems. One particularly encouraging feature is the number of younger farmers engaging with the event and exploring how these principles might be applied commercially.
There is no single definition of regenerative agriculture, nor should there necessarily be one system that every farm is expected to follow. What works on one farm may be entirely inappropriate for another.
Land type, climate, labour, capital, existing infrastructure and, importantly, the interests and skills of the farmer all have to be considered. Nevertheless, the general direction is clear: improving soil health, making better use of natural resources and reducing unnecessary inputs while maintaining a productive and profitable farming business.
The role of cattle in regenerative agriculture
Ruminant livestock have an important role to play in many regenerative farming systems.
Cattle can utilise land best suited to permanent grassland while also forming part of mixed farming rotations, helping return organic matter and fertility to arable soils.
This naturally raises another question: what type of cattle are best suited to a regenerative or low-input farming system?
We believe this is where traditional Native Aberdeen Angus cattle have a particularly interesting role to play.
The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society attended Groundswell for the first time this year, with Sascha Grierson representing the Society. Sascha commented on the level of interest from farmers looking at Angus cattle for regenerative farming systems.
It is encouraging to see the Society engaging directly with this growing part of British agriculture and promoting the qualities that have made Aberdeen Angus cattle such an enduring part of our farming heritage.
Why Native Aberdeen Angus?
At Drumphin Farm, our interest is specifically in Native Aberdeen Angus genetics.
The traditional characteristics of the breed lend themselves naturally to the type of farming system many regenerative farmers are trying to develop: cattle capable of converting grass and forage into high-quality beef without requiring an intensive, high-input system.
For farmers looking to reduce purchased inputs and make greater use of extensive grazing, the ability of cattle to perform from grass becomes increasingly important.
Native Aberdeen Angus cattle also offer the maternal characteristics, fertility and functionality required in a commercial suckler herd, alongside the ability to produce the eating quality for which Aberdeen Angus beef is known.
These characteristics make the breed relevant not only to traditional beef producers, but also to farmers considering regenerative agriculture, rotational grazing, mixed farming and lower-input grass-based beef systems.
Native Aberdeen Angus cattle at Drumphin Farm
At Drumphin Farm in Perthshire, Scotland, we are continuing to develop our herd of Native Aberdeen Angus cattle, with a focus on functional cattle suited to a commercial grass-based farming system.
Our breeding priorities include fertility, maternal ability, sound conformation, ease of management and the ability to thrive from forage.
As our herd develops, we aim to make selected Native Aberdeen Angus breeding cattle for sale, including females and breeding stock suitable for farmers looking to introduce or expand Native Angus genetics within their own herds.
We are particularly interested in speaking to farmers considering Native Aberdeen Angus cattle as part of regenerative, extensive or grass-based farming systems.
Looking ahead to Groundswell 2027
Following the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society's involvement this year, we are planning to attend Groundswell 2027 ourselves.
We are interested to learn more from farmers already implementing regenerative systems, particularly those integrating cattle into arable rotations and low-input grazing systems.
There is rarely a single answer in farming, and regenerative agriculture will inevitably mean different things on different farms. However, if the direction of travel is towards producing high-quality food from healthier soils with fewer purchased inputs, we believe Native Aberdeen Angus cattle have an important role to play.
We look forward to continuing that conversation at Groundswell next year.
Interested in Native Aberdeen Angus cattle?
If you are looking to buy Native Aberdeen Angus cattle, bulls, heifers, or other Native Aberdeen Angus breeding stock, or would simply like to discuss the breed and our approach at Drumphin Farm, please get in touch.