About
The Ralston family have been farming at the Rhoin Farm since 1949. Rhoin – is gaelic for ‘crest of the hill’. The farmhouse is set in 200 acres of mainly arable farmland.
The long valley below the farm was once part of the Atlantic Forest. During the last ice age – the melting glaciers swept down the valley towards Campbeltown flattening all the trees in its wake. When we used to plough this land, we would find pieces of petrified wood known locally as ‘bog oak’. You will see examples of it around the farm and as features in the raised garden.
In 2003 we changed over from traditional dairy farming to commercial beef and sheep farming. We pride ourselves on producing high quality Scottish beef and lamb in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
Around 60% of our farm is peatland which is ideal for sequestrating carbon though it does mean we have to winter our cattle inside during the wetter months to avoid damage to the fields. We grow grass and barley in the warmer months and turn the grass into silage for winter feeding. We now practice minimum tilling of the land to improve soil health and structure, keep nutrients in the soil and reduce the need for fertiliser.
Our ewes come inside to lamb during the month of February but are outside for the rest of the year.
We also provide livery for local horses and you may see our very own Clydesdale – Alex at the front of the farm taking notice of all the passers-by.
We have an ongoing commitment to the environment and the property now has Solar PVs fitted to reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint.
