Downland has announced the appointment of a new franchisee, Agri Input Direct, who will be distributing Downland solutions to farms across Dumfries & Galloway.

Downland chief executive Sophie Smith said: “Downland is committed to the delivery of unbiased advice and support to farmers through our network of family-owned independent businesses, and Agri Input Direct are a fantastic addition to this network.

“Independents account for something in the order of 65% of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country.”

Agri Input Direct have been an established supplier to livestock farmers across Dumfries & Galloway for 24 years, operating a fleet of HGVs delivering feed, and with a VMD Registered retail premises on site near Newton Stewart.

Managing director Judith Galloway said: “We are delighted to be representing Downland across this beautiful part of South West Scotland; as a family owned business, it is a real strength for us to be able to work with similar businesses across the UK, harnessing the buying power and expertise of a national network, but being able to provide local independent advice to our farmer customers.”