Interviews of Kelvin Pate

In this interview, Kelvin Pate (b. 1967, Haddington) talks about his life as a farmer. Kelvin was brought up on Stobshiel Farm and then took on Akieside Farm (the adjoining farm) which he still runs today and is a 6th generation farmer. In this short, detailed interview Kelvin talks about some of the challenges facing farmers and farming and talks about the difficult decisions around food production and environmental targets which need to be addressed.

Issues discuss include: the solidary nature of farming and mental health issues; the consequences of the Brexit decision; the complexity of concerns around methane production and carbon credits; subsides; protecting the quality of farm land; agricultural courses as part of the Curriculum for Excellence; the consequences of relying on external producers and the disintegration of the farming infrastructure; rural crime; the importance of practical training and the role of the Scottish Agricultural College and the National Farmers' Union, both of which - along with local politics - he has been involved with over the years.

One of the concerns expressed by Kelvin is that so many people, in both the general population and within politics, have no connection to the land and food production and he seeks to encourage this through his own teaching. He also advocates for young people learning farm skills as a way of enabling them to earn money to travel and as a skill they can turn to as necessary. Despite all the challenges, Kelvin said he has loved his life in farming and wouldn't change that. Whilst disappointed that none of his sons looked likely to come into farming, he was happy that they should pursue their own goals and find the work that they would be happy with.