The Wood Family on Farming, Family and Fendt

For the Wood family of Milrig Farm, farming is far more than a business. It is a way of life that has been passed down through generations since 1928. Today, brothers Graham and Iain Wood continue to run the family farm together, alongside Graham’s son, Callum, combining decades of experience with a progressive outlook for the future.

From left to right: Graham, Callum and Iain

Situated near Kirkliston, Edinburgh, Milrig Farm is a busy mixed enterprise with beef, sheep and arable operations all playing a vital role. The family runs around 60 breeding Limousin suckler cows alongside a Charolais and Limousin bull, a 100 flock of Lleyn sheep and arable ground that produces wheat, winter barley, spring barley and oilseed rape.

Like many modern farming businesses, the Woods have adapted over the years to meet changing demands. The farm previously sold milk through retail but increasing pressures and changing legislation encouraged the family to refocus their efforts on what they do best. Today, efficiency, operator comfort and reliable machinery are more important than ever, which is why the family continues to place its trust in Hamilton Ross Group and Fendt.

That is where Hamilton Ross Group has played a key role.

The Wood family’s relationship with Hamilton Ross Group stretches back decades through previous partnerships with Farmec, Reekie Ltd, R&R Machinery and now Hamilton Ross Group. Graham has dealt with his Hamilton Ross Group area sales manager, Ivan Wheater, since 2010 and the family’s connection with the business dates all the way back to the 1970s through Farmec.

The Wood family have dealt with HRG’s Ivan Wheater since 2010

“It’s been a good bunch of guys over the years,” Graham explained. “We like the staff and that’s why we deal with them.”

The family has operated Fendt tractors within the business for a few years now, including the popular Fendt 720 Vario Power+, with the reliability, comfort and overall driving experience helping to build strong confidence in the brand over time.

Recently, the family introduced a Fendt 618 Vario Power+ into the business and it has quickly become one of the most important tractors on the farm. From spraying and ploughing to a wide range of cultivation work, the tractor has proven itself to be an ideal fit for the business and the variety of work carried out throughout the year.

The Woods were immediately impressed from the moment the tractor arrived.

“The first week we had it, we knew it was brillIaint,” Callum commented. “The comfort and visibility are superior and the technology in the cab is excellent. You can tell Fendt has really thought carefully about the operator when designing the tractor.”

The Fendt 618 Vario’s manoeuvrability and dynamic performance have also stood out on the farm, particularly when working across a variety of implements and field conditions.

“We probably needed a slightly smaller tractor and the 618 has been a really good fit for us,” Callum explained. “It handles different jobs with ease and the turning circle is amazing.”

The family also highlighted the visibility and driving experience as major advantages during long working days, particularly through busy seasonal periods when efficiency matters most. The excellent sloping bonnet and cab design have significantly improved visibility during fieldwork, while the intuitive controls and operator-focused technology have made the tractor a pleasure to drive day after day.

The Wood family have a Fendt 720 Vario Power+ and a Fendt 618 Vario Power+

At Milrig Farm, every season brings a different focus. Winters are often quieter with livestock feeding taking priority, while spring quickly becomes one of the busiest times of year as calving begins and fieldwork ramps up. Having a versatile and dependable tractor within the fleet is essential during these demanding periods and the Fendt 618 Vario has quickly established itself as a key part of the operation alongside the farm’s trusted Fendt 720 Vario Power+.

Despite the challenges that modern farming presents, the Woods remain passionate about the future of the business.

“We want to keep improving efficiency and continue moving forward,” Graham said. “It’s not always easy with rising costs and the challenges facing agriculture but farming is what we do and we are determined to keep progressing.”

Having dependable support behind the scenes is something the family values highly and they know they can rely on Hamilton Ross Group whenever they need assistance.

“If we ever urgently need someone, there’s always somebody there to help,” they said. “That backup is important to us and we know someone will be there right away when required.”

Looking ahead, Callum will continue to drive the business forward to evolve the farm’s future, with ongoing efficiency being his top priority.

Alongside their passion for farming, the family remains close-knit away from work too, with a healthy competitive streak shown through their daily Apple Watch step counts!

For the Wood family, farming is built on hard work, trust and long-standing relationships. With the backing of Hamilton Ross Group and the performance of their Fendt fleet, including their impressive Fendt 618 Vario Power+, the family is confident it has the machinery and support needed to keep Milrig Farm progressing for generations to come.

“The first week we had it, we knew it was brilliant.”