Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Shetland Islands

Crofting: The Heart of Shetland Agriculture

Agriculture in the Shetland Islands is defined by crofting, a distinctive system of small-scale land tenure that combines individual holdings with shared common grazings. Most crofts are small, and many crofters combine farming with other employment. Yet crofting remains vital to island life, maintaining the landscape, supporting rural communities and preserving native breeds found nowhere else.

Shetland's harsh climate, thin soils and exposure to wind make arable farming difficult, so livestock dominates. Native Shetland sheep, Shetland cattle and the famous Shetland pony are at the heart of island agriculture. This guide highlights ten farming organisations and businesses that play a central role in supporting Shetland's crofters and livestock producers.

How We Selected These Organisations

We considered contribution to island agriculture, support for crofters and native breeds, market access, advisory services and long-term community impact.

The Top 10 Farming Companies in Shetland Islands

1. Shetland Livestock Marketing Group

The Shetland Livestock Marketing Group operates the islands' livestock mart, providing a vital marketplace for crofters to sell sheep and cattle. Its auctions connect island producers with buyers from across Scotland and support fair prices for Shetland stock.

2. Shetland Abattoir Co-operative

The Shetland Abattoir Co-operative allows crofters to have livestock processed locally, avoiding stressful long-distance transport. It enables island lamb and beef to be sold locally and adds value to Shetland produce.

3. Jamieson and Smith (Shetland Wool Brokers)

Jamieson and Smith buys wool directly from crofters, offering an important income stream and supporting the use of native Shetland wool in the textile industry.

4. Shetland Flock Book Trust

The Shetland Flock Book Trust maintains breed standards and records for the native Shetland sheep within the islands, protecting the genetic heritage and quality of this distinctive breed.

5. Shetland Sheep Society

The Shetland Sheep Society promotes the breed across the UK, supporting breeders, maintaining registrations and celebrating the sheep's fine wool and hardy nature.

6. Shetland Cattle Herd Book Society

The Shetland Cattle Herd Book Society works to conserve and promote Shetland cattle, a hardy, docile native breed once close to extinction. Its efforts have helped the breed recover and gain recognition for its quality beef and suitability for conservation grazing.

7. Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society

The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society is one of the oldest breed societies in Britain. It maintains pedigree records and promotes the world-famous Shetland pony, a powerful symbol of the islands.

8. SAC Consulting

SAC Consulting provides agricultural advice to crofters and farmers, including support with grants, animal health, grassland management and business planning. Its local office in Lerwick offers island-specific expertise.

9. NFU Scotland

NFU Scotland represents farmers and crofters, including members in Shetland, campaigning on policy, support payments and issues affecting island agriculture. Its local branch gives Shetland producers a voice at national level.

10. Scottish Crofting Federation

The Scottish Crofting Federation advocates for crofters and crofting communities, offering training, advice and representation. Its work helps safeguard the crofting system and its future in Shetland.

Native Breeds and Their Value

Shetland's native breeds have adapted over centuries to the islands' tough conditions. Shetland sheep thrive on rough grazing and produce fine, soft wool in a range of natural colours. Shetland cattle are hardy and efficient, producing flavourful beef. The Shetland pony, renowned for its strength relative to its size, has become an international icon. Protecting these breeds preserves genetic diversity and supports premium, provenance-led products.

Challenges Facing Shetland Agriculture

Crofters face high transport costs for feed, fertiliser and livestock, volatile market prices and changing agricultural support policies. An ageing population and the challenge of attracting young people into crofting are also concerns. Yet there are opportunities too, including growing demand for local food, environmental schemes rewarding sustainable land management and interest in native breed products.

Farming Trends in Shetland

• Environmental land management: Support schemes increasingly reward biodiversity, peatland restoration and carbon storage.
• Local food demand: Shetland lamb and beef are gaining recognition for quality and provenance.
• New entrants: Initiatives aim to help young people and newcomers take on crofts.
• Wool value: Rising appreciation for natural fibres is improving prospects for Shetland wool.
• Diversification: Crofters are combining farming with tourism, crafts and renewable energy.

Supporting Shetland's Crofters

Consumers and businesses can support island agriculture by choosing Shetland lamb, beef and wool products, visiting crofts that offer tourism experiences and backing local food initiatives. Restaurants that highlight island produce help raise its profile and sustain demand.

The Crofting Calendar

The rhythm of the year shapes every Shetland croft. Lambing takes place in spring, often in cold and unpredictable weather that demands long hours and careful attention. Summer brings the traditional caa, when neighbours work together to gather sheep from the hills for clipping. Hay and silage are made whenever dry spells allow. Autumn is the busiest marketing season, when lambs are sold at the mart in Lerwick. Winter brings feeding, maintenance and planning for the year ahead. This shared calendar strengthens community ties and keeps traditional skills alive.

Conclusion

Farming in the Shetland Islands is a way of life deeply connected to landscape, heritage and community. The ten organisations on this list help crofters market their livestock, protect native breeds and adapt to changing conditions. Together they keep Shetland's agricultural traditions alive while building a sustainable future for island farming.