A prominent figure within Perthshire’s farming landscape, celebrated agricultural reporter and Crieff farmer, Patsy Hunter, has received significant recognition for her enduring commitment to the industry. The prestigious Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has bestowed upon her a distinguished award, acknowledging her profound impact and unwavering passion for Scottish agriculture over many years.
Patsy, who alongside her husband Ian Hunter, manages their renowned Dalchirla farm near Crieff, dedicated an impressive 32 years to full-time reporting for a leading agricultural publication. While she now contributes as a freelancer, her extensive career has seen her traverse the length and breadth of the country, meticulously documenting the nuances and developments within the farming community. A Lifetime Immersed in Agriculture
Patsy’s deep roots in agriculture trace back to her upbringing on a hill and upland unit at Cuil, close to Newton Stewart in the south west of Scotland. This early immersion fostered a lifelong affinity for farming, particularly for the hardy Blackface sheep breed, which would later become a cornerstone of her family’s success. This passion flourished further when she married Ian Hunter, one of the UK’s most respected Blackface sheep breeders, firmly establishing her in the heart of Perthshire’s vibrant farming scene.
The Hunter family at Dalchirla has achieved remarkable success, especially within the fiercely competitive Blackface sheep sales circuit. Their exceptional breeding programmes have led to numerous accolades, including the sale of several tups commanding six-figure prices, notably setting a breed record at an astonishing £200,000. These achievements underscore their pivotal role in shaping and advancing the breed’s standards. Unparalleled Journalism: ‘Professional, Knowledgeable and Down-to-Earth’
Beyond her contributions on the farm, Patsy’s agricultural reporting has been lauded for its distinctive quality and profound influence. Her colleagues and industry peers describe her livestock reporting as ‘legendary,’ highlighting her consistently ‘positive manner’ and her ‘uniquely high standard of professional, knowledgeable and down-to-earth journalism’ that genuinely ‘hits the spot with the working farmer.’
Her work transcended mere event coverage; it delved deeply into the heart of farm businesses. Patsy was renowned for her meticulous on-farm interviews, crafting detailed features that brought to life the stories behind thousands of agricultural enterprises. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the essence of current industry trends and present them with clarity and insight.
One citation praised Patsy’s commitment to exploring the full narrative behind individual animals at pedigree sales. She meticulously researched parentage, previous sales performances of siblings, and even the motivations and intended uses of new purchases. This diligent and ‘friendly and informative manner’ of reporting resonated deeply with her audience, providing them with invaluable context and understanding.
Throughout her career, Patsy cultivated a network of ‘great memories and friends.’ She recalls the ‘old days’ with fellow reporters, embarking on multiple feature assignments, and vividly remembers her inaugural trip to the Swaledale tup sale at Kirkby Stephen, a journey of discovery into the broader Scottish farming community. Acknowledged and Appreciated
Patsy has expressed being ‘completely overwhelmed’ and ‘extremely grateful’ for this recognition. Her humility reflects the genuine spirit of dedication that has characterised her work. The award serves as a testament to the respect and admiration she has garnered from across the agricultural sector.
The annual RNAS awards lunch, where Patsy will be formally celebrated, is scheduled for Friday, November 7, at the Leonardo Hotel in Aberdeen. This event will bring together agricultural leaders and enthusiasts to honour outstanding contributions to the industry, with Patsy Hunter standing as a beacon of excellence from our very own Perthshire community.
Patsy, who alongside her husband Ian Hunter, manages their renowned Dalchirla farm near Crieff, dedicated an impressive 32 years to full-time reporting for a leading agricultural publication. While she now contributes as a freelancer, her extensive career has seen her traverse the length and breadth of the country, meticulously documenting the nuances and developments within the farming community. A Lifetime Immersed in Agriculture
Patsy’s deep roots in agriculture trace back to her upbringing on a hill and upland unit at Cuil, close to Newton Stewart in the south west of Scotland. This early immersion fostered a lifelong affinity for farming, particularly for the hardy Blackface sheep breed, which would later become a cornerstone of her family’s success. This passion flourished further when she married Ian Hunter, one of the UK’s most respected Blackface sheep breeders, firmly establishing her in the heart of Perthshire’s vibrant farming scene.
The Hunter family at Dalchirla has achieved remarkable success, especially within the fiercely competitive Blackface sheep sales circuit. Their exceptional breeding programmes have led to numerous accolades, including the sale of several tups commanding six-figure prices, notably setting a breed record at an astonishing £200,000. These achievements underscore their pivotal role in shaping and advancing the breed’s standards. Unparalleled Journalism: ‘Professional, Knowledgeable and Down-to-Earth’
Beyond her contributions on the farm, Patsy’s agricultural reporting has been lauded for its distinctive quality and profound influence. Her colleagues and industry peers describe her livestock reporting as ‘legendary,’ highlighting her consistently ‘positive manner’ and her ‘uniquely high standard of professional, knowledgeable and down-to-earth journalism’ that genuinely ‘hits the spot with the working farmer.’
Her work transcended mere event coverage; it delved deeply into the heart of farm businesses. Patsy was renowned for her meticulous on-farm interviews, crafting detailed features that brought to life the stories behind thousands of agricultural enterprises. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the essence of current industry trends and present them with clarity and insight.
One citation praised Patsy’s commitment to exploring the full narrative behind individual animals at pedigree sales. She meticulously researched parentage, previous sales performances of siblings, and even the motivations and intended uses of new purchases. This diligent and ‘friendly and informative manner’ of reporting resonated deeply with her audience, providing them with invaluable context and understanding.
Throughout her career, Patsy cultivated a network of ‘great memories and friends.’ She recalls the ‘old days’ with fellow reporters, embarking on multiple feature assignments, and vividly remembers her inaugural trip to the Swaledale tup sale at Kirkby Stephen, a journey of discovery into the broader Scottish farming community. Acknowledged and Appreciated
Patsy has expressed being ‘completely overwhelmed’ and ‘extremely grateful’ for this recognition. Her humility reflects the genuine spirit of dedication that has characterised her work. The award serves as a testament to the respect and admiration she has garnered from across the agricultural sector.
The annual RNAS awards lunch, where Patsy will be formally celebrated, is scheduled for Friday, November 7, at the Leonardo Hotel in Aberdeen. This event will bring together agricultural leaders and enthusiasts to honour outstanding contributions to the industry, with Patsy Hunter standing as a beacon of excellence from our very own Perthshire community.