10:30am
Room 3, Foyer upper floor
Choosing the right livestock is one of the most important decisions for any smallholder, whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your holding. In this session, Alice Lennox, Scottish Coordinator for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), will guide you through the key considerations to help match the right breed to your land, resources, and long-term goals.
The talk will cover practical aspects such as land type, climate, and forage availability, alongside wider factors including breed temperament, welfare needs, productivity, and market opportunities. Alice will highlight the unique strengths of native and rare breeds, showing how their adaptability, resilience, and heritage value can make them an excellent fit for smallholders across Scotland.
You’ll also learn how to assess what you want from your livestock—whether meat, milk, fibre, conservation grazing, or simply the joy of keeping animals—so that your choice supports both your lifestyle and your land.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which breeds could work best for you, and how thoughtful choices can support biodiversity, sustainability, and the future of our native breeds.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Alice Lennox, Scottish Co-Ordinator
Alice Lennox is the Scottish Coordinator for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), supporting the conservation and promotion of the UK’s native and rare livestock breeds. Based in Scotland, Alice works closely with breeders, smallholders, and agricultural organisations to strengthen networks, provide guidance, and encourage best practice in the management of rare breeds. She also oversees RBST Scotland, a vibrant community that champions native breeds through events, agricultural shows, and outreach. Passionate about heritage livestock and sustainable farming, Alice plays a key role in connecting people with the breeds that are vital to Scotland’s rural culture and biodiversity.