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Mike Duxbury’s passion for farming goes back to his childhood on a family farm, a connection that remained strong despite losing his sight to glaucoma at the age of six. Told early on that a career in agriculture was out of reach, Mike described this as “a red rag to a bull,” fueling his determination to prove otherwise. He went on to earn a degree in animal nutrition and establish a farm in Bedfordshire. Now 57, Mike is spearheading a new project in Aberdeenshire, creating a farm designed specifically to help young people with disabilities engage with agricultural work.
Growing up in Worcestershire, Mike faced many challenges, including limited acceptance from educational institutions, with only one agricultural college offering him a place. Speaking to BBC Scotland News, he reflected on the impact of that experience: “I had a wonderful time. I was no longer that isolated blind individual, I was Mike. That changed my life, finally I knew I was normal.” After completing his studies, Mike worked in a diversity role before returning to farming. Alongside his wife Ness, he built an inclusive farm from the ground up in Bedfordshire. An opportunity to speak about diversity in agriculture at the 2023 Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh led to overwhelming interest in establishing a similar venture in Scotland.
Mike was subsequently offered a 22-acre site at Newton of Drummy, Tarland, by the MacRobert Trust, known for supporting charitable causes across the UK. Although the farm was initially in a run-down condition, significant improvements have been made. What sets this project apart is the innovative way the farm’s main building was designed—first conceived as a model using Lego bricks. The final structure, constructed by Rothienorman firm RPD, measures approximately 105 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 15 feet high. Mike explained, “They took photographs of my model and together we have done it. The floor plan is what the builders have built from.” The company even donated a ram to support the initiative. Mike commented appreciatively on the collaboration, noting, “It shows how someone blind can work together with someone to create something.”
The farm is built with accessibility in mind, featuring widened paths, smooth floors, and handrails to assist those with disabilities in navigating the space confidently. Currently, the livestock include beef cattle and a small flock of sheep, with plans to introduce pigs, chickens, goats, and smaller animals such as rabbits. A polytunnel equipped with adjustable-height workstations caters to wheelchair users and children. Mike shared his vision: “If the site and equipment is accessible it is an opportunity for everyone. It is a space that can be used all year round.” Earlier this year, the farm gained charity status and continues to seek around £70,000 to support the project. Fundraising events have taken place in nearby communities like Ballater and Clatt, emphasizing that while the farm is not a care facility, it aims to provide better futures through agriculture.
The farm is already making an impact. Seventeen-year-old William from Cumbria, who is visually impaired, is the first long-term residential student and has quickly gained confidence feeding sheep and cattle independently. He remarked, “Most people do not understand, it would be handy for more people to know we are more capable than they think we are.” Mike praised William’s determination: “I am on his level. William has grabbed the opportunity. We are very proud of him. His attitude has made it, he has overcome things.” Other students, including one from Stonehaven attending weekly sessions and an American visitor interested in agriculture, have also benefited from the farm’s inclusive environment. Mike stressed the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering community, saying, “It’s good to pass on knowledge.”
Support from organizations endorses the value of Mike’s work. NFU Scotland expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Initiatives like this open doors for people with visual impairments and other disabilities to experience and pursue careers in farming—opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.” Additionally, Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, described the project as “excellent” and noted interest from schools and other organizations in training and placement opportunities. Mike summed up his aspirations for the farm: “We are here to help everybody who wants help with agriculture or independence. The biggest breakthrough is getting everybody to communicate. You have got to learn to have conversations and be part of a team. The seeds have been sown, this is just a start. Disability will never go away, let’s embrace it, because everybody has something to contribute.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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