Our Story
Explore our farm's history, from humble beginnings to a thriving community hub. Learn about our commitment to sustainable farming and all the characters along the way.
APRIL 2009
FIRST LAMBS ARRIVE ON THE FARM
In April 2009, Elchies Farm welcomed its first lambs, marking the first milestone in our journey. The lambs not only symbolised the beginning of our sheep farming endeavours, but their arrival was also a heartwarming moment, bringing life and energy to the farm and establishing a strong foundation for our livestock operations.
December 2009
FIRST ALPACAS ARRIVE ON THE FARM
By the Winter of 2009, Elchies Farm expanded its family with the arrival of our first alpacas. Known for their protective nature and luxurious fleece, these alpacas added diversity to our livestock. Their presence not only enhanced the farm's charm but also offered protection to our livestock against predators.
DECEMBER 2009
TRYING TO STOP THE COLLAPSE OF THE OLD BARN
Elchies Farm faced one of the snowiest winters on record, and the old barn was not handling it well. Amidst a flurry of heavy snowfall, the team found themselves trying to rescue the collapsing barn by shovelling snow off its roof while the snow continued to fall around them. The unexpected weather signalled an urgent need to invest in structures that could withstand the harsh Speyside winters.
October 2010
NEW BARN FOOTINGS COMMENCE
Elchies Farm began laying the footings for a new barn following a near collapse of the old barn in December 2009. This crucial upgrade aimed to ensure a reliable space for both animals and operations. The new barn helped to better accommodate our livestock, improve storage capabilities, and support various farm activities.
February 2011
MAIN BARN IS BUILT
After over a year of hard work, the main barn at Elchies Farm was completed. Following the challenges of the old barn's near collapse, there was a sense relief as the new structure stood ready, just in time for the early spring arrivals. It marked a fresh start for the farm, welcoming new life and signalling the return of growth that spring brings.
MAY 2011
FIRST PYGMY GOATS ARRIVE ON THE FARM
In May 2011, we introduced our first pygmy goats to the farm. These small, friendly goats quickly became a favourite among visitors and staff alike. Their playful nature and unique personalities added joy and amusement to the farm.
OCTOBER 2011
FIRST BOER GOATS ARRIVE ON THE FARM
The arrival of our first Boer goats marked another exciting addition to the Elchies family. Renowned for their meat quality, these goats helped us expand our livestock offerings. Their hardy nature and adaptability made them a perfect fit for their new environment, enhancing our commitment to producing high-quality, sustainable meat.
NOVEMBER 2012
THE ARRIVAL OF MABEL THE TRACTOR
A year later, we welcomed Mabel, our first tractor, to the farm. In addition to revolutionising our farming operations, Mabel demonstrates our dedication to modern farming techniques and quickly became an integral part of the family.
APRIL 2015
HAYBARN IS BUILT
The completion of the haybarn in April 2015 was a significant step towards improving our operational efficiency. This new structure provided a dedicated space for storing hay, ensuring that our livestock would have access to quality feed throughout the year.
APRIL 2018
OUR FIRST TWO POLYTUNNELS ARE BUILT
We constructed the first two polytunnels on the farm, designed specifically to house our male goats. These structures provided a safe and comfortable environment for the goats, ensuring their well-being and allowing for better management of our breeding program. The polytunnels enhanced our ability to care for these animals, promoting healthy growth and social interactions.
JUNE 2018
FIRST OPEN FARM SUNDAY EVENT
June 2018 saw the launch of Elchies' Open Farm Sunday. This event was a celebration of local agriculture, inviting the community to meet the animals, tour the farm and purchase fresh produce directly from the farm. It fostered connections between the farm and the community and has continued to be an event everyone looks forward to every year.
July 2018
THE ARRIVAL OF ANDREW THE AVANT
Elchies Farm welcomed a new member to the team: Andrew the Avant loader. This versatile machine quickly became indispensable for moving hay, feeding livestock, and tackling various farm tasks. With its bright colour and nimble design, Andrew brought a fresh energy to the farm, making work easier and more efficient, and just like Mabel, has become an essential part of the Elchies family.
NOVEMBER 2018
FIRST SPEYSIDE PRODUCERS MARKET AT THE FARM
A few months later, we hosted the first Speyside Producers Market at Elchies Farm, showcasing local producers and their goods. This event not only supported local agriculture but also provided a platform for artisans and farmers to connect with consumers and champion their produce.
AUGUST 2019
POLYTUNNEL #3 IS BUILT
The addition of a third polytunnel in August 2019 further expanded our facilities for the goats. This new space allowed us to accommodate more animals, improving their living conditions and enabling us to manage our herd more effectively. The polytunnels play a crucial role in our commitment to animal welfare, providing shelter and protection from the elements.
AUGUST 2019
ELCHIES WINS TWO GREAT TASTE AWARDS
That same month, we celebrated a proud moment for Elchies Farm as we received two coveted Great Taste Awards: a 3-star award for our Hauch of Ryeland mutton and a 2-star award for our Boer goat shanks. These accolades recognised our dedication to quality and flavour, elevating our reputation in the culinary community and encouraging us to continue striving for excellence in our produce.
APRIL 2021
24HR FARM SHOP OPENS
We proudly opened our 24-hour farm shop, providing access to fresh produce and local goods around the clock. This initiative reflected our commitment to convenience and community, allowing visitors to purchase high-quality products at their convenience. The shop has become a vital resource for locals and tourists alike.
APRIL 2022
FEED HOPPER ARRIVES
The arrival of our feed hopper a year later welcomed an important upgrade in our livestock management practices. This equipment streamlined our feeding process, enhancing efficiency and ensuring that our animals receive the best possible nutrition.
MAY 2023
BUILDING OF THE NEW EVENT SPACE COMMENCES
In 2023, we began construction on a new event space at Elchies Farm, designed to host a variety of community gatherings and special events. This space aims to provide a welcoming environment for private and public celebrations and events alike, further deepening our connection with the community.
JUNE 2024
BUTCHER ARRIVES
With the erection of our onsite butchery operations, we welcomed a dedicated butcher to enhance our farm-to-table offerings. This addition allows us to provide customers with expertly processed meats from our livestock, ensuring quality and transparency in our food production. It represents our commitment to ethical practices and supporting local economies.
MAY 2024
FIRST GOAT YOGA
In an exciting new venture, we introduced goat yoga, combining wellness with the joy of interacting with our friendly goats. This unique experience not only promotes relaxation and mindfulness but also draws visitors to the farm, showcasing our innovative approach to community engagement and animal husbandry.