Nestled on the rugged north coast of Scotland, Joyce Bannerman Campbell and her husband Ian manage their sprawling 5,500-acre family-run farm, Armadale Farm, home to a flock of North Country Cheviot Hill ewes, cattle, and two holiday cottages. Joyce has seen farming methods evolve dramatically since taking the reins from her grandparents, who first worked the land in the 1960s. However, the modern workhorses that have proved most indispensable are her Suzuki ATVs.

 

Low impact, high efficiency powerhouses
Joyce owns three limited-edition Suzuki quads – two 500XPZ True Timber Kanati models and a 750XPZ Matt Rocky Grey model. “These are the only machines we use every day on our farm,” she says.

 

“From shepherding and cattle feeding to fencing and repairs, the ATVs handle it all. The 750 is a powerhouse – with a tipping trailer we carry heavy equipment and feed, or logs and supplies to the farm’s holiday cottages – and even the farm’s eight sheepdogs (known as the 'quad squad’).”

 

The ATVs are also proving essential for the farm’s ongoing 990-hectare peatland restoration project. The farmland is part of UNESCO-recognized special peatlands on The Flow Country and restoring vital peatland to generate the hills back to their natural state will prevent flooding, reduce carbon emissions, improve biodiversity and encourage a healthier ecosystem.

 

The ATVs can cover sensitive peatland terrain without causing damage as the low ground pressure of the tyres avoids imprints. This low impact is also essential for maintaining the farm’s special scientific interest areas, supporting bird populations unique to the area.

 

Comfort and safety in challenging conditions
Winter farming in northern Scotland means facing tough, hard terrain and freezing conditions. However, Joyce says, “we can easily access the hills using the Suzuki ATVs and they feel really stable whatever the state of the ground, which is important when you’re a long way from the farmhouse. Their T-shaped seat and well-angled seating position give an extremely smooth ride, while the electric power steering makes them light and easy to manoeuvre, even on rocky or boggy areas."

 

Versatile tools for every task
As bracken spraying is no longer allowed, the quads are also used to control its growth by moving the cattle around to feed on rough areas of bracken, while keeping the herds out of the farm’s regenerating woodland area.

 

“We so rarely use a car that the builder who helped us renovate one of the cottages thought we only drove quads! In fact, the only time a quad has been replaced out on the hills to check on the sheep is with a highland pony and trap,” Joyce says.

 

Proactive maintenance for year-round reliability
Joyce’s key advice for winter farming with ATVs? "Control the controllables. Keep your quads well-serviced, especially before lambing and calving seasons. Check your tyres in September, imagining how they'll handle a wet, cold January. It's a small investment that prevents big problems."

 

Dependable dealer support
Joyce credits her local Suzuki dealer, W & A Geddes, with keeping her ATVs in top shape. She states, "They service our quads and provide excellent support. They're a family-run business like ours, offering machinery and feed as well as quads, and they’re always happy to help, whether at their base in Wick or right here on the farm. Plus, they provide really good warranty on Suzuki ATVs."

 

Security and peace of mind
The topic of security is always a concern for farmers. But, with the Datatag system and Datatool Stealth S5+ tracker and immobiliser – a combination of security systems unique to Suzuki – Joyce has peace of mind. “It's also reduced our insurance premiums, which is a nice bonus," she adds.

                                              

Future-proofing the farm business
As agriculture faces significant change and increasing demands, farms like Joyce’s are adapting to be managed differently. Working closely with the Flow Country Partnership, the RSPB, local stakeholders and the wider community, Joyce is ensuring that her farm will remain productive and environmentally resilient for generations to come. 

 

“We’re future-proofing our business through sustainable land management practices and diversification into holiday lets,” Joyce says. “My Suzuki ATVs are playing a massive part in being able to achieve all of this.”

 

You can read more about Joyce’s peatland restoration here: https://bit.ly/3EU9utD

 

For more information about Suzuki ATVs and to discover the range, visit: https://atv.suzuki.co.uk