David Wilkie
West Bank, near Dundee and Netherton, near Perth
550 acres, plus a further 500 rented.
David has been farming all his life. West Bank was the family farm his grandfather took on after the First World War, which they bought in 1982. Then Netherton Farm became part of the business 10 years ago, so that there would be room for David’s two sons in the business.
“We expanded potato production 10 years ago (from 30 acres) because cereal prices were so low and we were looking for a cash crop to grow the business. Today we grow about 500 acres of potatoes; the rest is cereal."
“Since we joined the Branston Producer Group 4 years ago business has been very good. It gives me the confidence to put the crops in the ground, the Branston technical service is very good and the QC is handy. But the relationship works the other way – when Branston asked me at five to five on a Friday to provide two extra loads that were needed urgently, I was able to oblige."
“The fact that Branston is investing heavily in the Abernethy site gives me added confidence that I’ll be needed and that means I can invest in my business.”
