After this experience in Scotland, what (e.g., knowledge, attitude, networks) will you take back to the U.S. with you? by Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth

Tyler Nessmith

2024-06-28 15:24:08 UTC

Adrian with the cattle operation keeping all the males intact and feeding them out as bulls, instead of steers. Also the information that he has “better” numbers and such.

Ryan Reddish

2024-06-28 15:28:51 UTC

One thing I’ve noticed and appreciate about Scottish culture from our gracious hosts is the laid back pace of life and their love of what they do. In America I feel like we can get caught up in the “rat race” easily and lose sight of what makes us love the work we do. I want to take some of that culture back home with me. I have also been impressed with the locals’ knowledge about Scotland’s heritage and history. It is obvious their country means a lot to them!

Forestry and Ag- a collaborative opportunity

2024-06-28 15:31:15 UTC

Scotlands rich history and vast array of landscapes provide an opportunity to collaborate and combine resources that would greatly increase each others impacts. The environmental focus that Scotland has, has offered us a front row seat into the future of sustainability.

Rawley Hicks

2024-06-28 15:32:21 UTC

That we are all dealing with the same issues like labor, cost, and the lack of knowledge amongst policymakers.

Fascinating experience with The Tater Daddy! He knows his customer, what they expect for service and products, and not afraid to ask the right questions.

Royal Highlands Show was a wonderful way to show many in our class all the things production ag can do/ contribute to Scotland’s agricultural.

All of the historical and cultural experiences were amazing! I think there was a good balance between AG/Forestry content and cultural/historical.

Jed DeZelle

2024-06-28 15:47:59 UTC

I am leaving Scotland with a better understanding of the global market related to Forestry and Agriculture. The global economy is impacting their businesses in the same way that it is ours. There also seems to be more of a division between forestry and agriculture and laws related to conversion impacts their willingness to reforest new areas. I was especially interested in F&W’s ownership of Fountains Forestry and enjoyed visiting with Jody about managing timberland in other countries.

I learned that you have to learn and understand other cultures and not be judgemental because it is different than ours. This was apparent with crofting and right-to-roam. We value private property rights so it is hard to understand, but much more tolerated as normal in Scotland based on a long history of land usage.

I was very impressed with Adrian Ivory and understand why he has been recognized as an outstanding farmer. He is a smart businessman and recognizes the value for him to be in an office, more than on a tractor. He keeps meticulous records and data to monitor trends and evaluate decisions. As he said, “you have to grow what your customer wants, not what you like to look at.”

Finally, I can appreciate the Scottish people’s willingness to walk and utilize public transportation much more than ours. We are so dependent on our vehicles to get everywhere quickly.

Liz Maddux

2024-06-28 16:05:51 UTC

One thing I think of when I think of our time in Scotland is heritage and understanding where you came from and more so being proud of it! I know Scotland is a much older country so there is more history to recollect but I’ve really loved getting to hear our hosts tell their stories about their families and their legacies and seeing how passionate and proud they are of it!! I think it’s a good reminder for us to be proud of ours too!

Andy Paul

2024-06-28 16:42:54 UTC

My highlight of the week was the hike up to Highland Boundary. The owners were so kind to us, but I had the best conversation with the new employee, Ross, for the last half of our walk.

He told me about a tradition on New Years where they light a beacon at the top of the hill and it can be seen by the cities in the area.

It made me reflect that someone has to be willing to hike up the mountain every year so that someone at the bottom can see the light from the top.

I’m thankful today for those who were willing to hike so I could see their light.

There’s so much more I learned from this short interaction that I think I could fill a book.

Vontice Jackson

2024-06-28 16:56:13 UTC

I felt welcomed in Scotland. It feels like a melting pot, and I don't get the sense of being judged by others. Scotland cares about its people, particularly its women. I was impressed by how many restrooms (toilets) had feminine products in them. They are environmentally minded (using low-flow toilets, water stations, and wooden cutlery). Scotland is a wonderful place, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit, and I'm really grateful to have my sister with me for the trip.

Ryan Phillips

2024-06-28 16:56:49 UTC

I will remember the pride the locals have for their culture. Every place we visited had a lot of passion for their business and local community. It was awesome to see Catherine’s ancestral home this morning and listen to her tell the story of her family estate!

From a forestry perspective, I was reminded of the blessings we have in Georgia, having native, commercial tree species that thrive in our climate along with policies more conducive for business.

I really enjoyed the tatties tour! The family was a great host, and I liked learning of how his potato operation came to life to fill a market need.

Zack Murphy

2024-06-28 17:00:53 UTC

I had no clue what to expect for Scotland. Hands down in no particular order My top three destinations were the Royal Highland Livestock Show, the bull farm, and the potato farm/ processing lines. These farmers truly think outside the box. The amount of team members and stakeholders that come into play with these farming operations/decision making was nothing short of amazing. Working in Ag finance for 15 plus years I have only come across maybe 3-5 farming operations in Georgia and Indiana that run in such great detail as the bull farm. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to join the trip!

Robert McLeod

2024-06-28 17:18:03 UTC

On this trip, I grew more connected to my heritage which in turn helped me understand myself a little better. I got a small glimpse into what life would have been like for my ancestors here. I learned about the eviction of the crofters and mass migration of those native Highlanders to the US and Australia. It was around that same time my ancestors sailed into North Carolina, which begs the question if my family went through that experience. Those thoughts focused my mind on the farmers of this land. They are more similar than different than ours in Georgia. I really enjoyed learning how they overcome obstacles like the landscape and government regulation. For example, the use of mint to help stop growth of potatoes in cold storage. All in all, it’s a country that still honors the land and Agriculture which has my utmost respect.

Will Hinson

2024-06-28 17:27:06 UTC

The opportunity to visit with all of these farmers has been amazing. These people are constantly innovating and trying out new practices. I’m not sure how much would translate directly to high production American agriculture, but being exposed to all the different schools of thought has opened my mind a lot. It has been a great experience for Shane and Gordon as well. The Scottish people are super accommodating to breast feeding mothers and babies in restaurants, bars, etc. Our tour of Megginch Castle was a great way to wrap up the trip with such in depth history told to us by humble and gracious hosts.

Brett Davis

2024-06-28 18:17:35 UTC

Def great time with the AGL Fam.

The resourcefulness of the Scottish farmers is inspiring. Either continuing to put out a premium product and finding the market, or finding a way to tell their story to the locals and tourists, and taking the risks to pivot and then thrive.