The farms extend to almost 1,300 hectares, the majority of which is owned by the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Agricultural College.
Additional land is leased.
There is a wide range of slopes, soil types, aspects and terrain. The annual rainfall is relatively low at 800-1200 mm. The Estate exists and is managed to achieve the multiple objectives of commercial farming and provision of resources for research and development, teaching and extension work. In addition the Estate runs a commercial Feed Mill. A system of allocating costs for all resources ensures that the farms continue to operate on an economically viable basis.