Stock Talk

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Duncan Shell from Bushelhill farm in the Lammermuir hills. Duncan runs 1500 easy care breeding sheep and a herd of 200 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows with no hired labour on his 1800 acre farm. He runs a low input organic system with zero purchased feed and makes the most from grazing management such as rotational grazing in the summer, and outwintering. Duncan talks about why he was driven to convert to organic back in the late 1980s. He is passionate about improving his livestock and having them suit his system. He talks about the challenges of being organic and how he deals with these challenges. Duncan also talks about the importance of a work : life balance and the importance of looking after your mental health. ResourcesOrganics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie. In this episode, recorded on 17th September 2026, we discuss the Bluetongue Virus. It's important to note to listeners that the spread of the Bluetongue Virus, the control zones and restrictions is a constantly changing situation, and listeners should ensure that they check the Scot Gov website for the latest up to date information. This Podcast is intended to provide information about the Bluetongue Virus itself, how it is spread, risk factors, clinical symptoms, vaccinations, and testing. ResourcesScot Gov: Latest situation - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot APHA map: Bluetongue Cases and Zones AHDB: Vaccination cost calculator launched to help Battle Bluetongue | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (dairy) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB Ruminant Health & Welfare website: Home - Ruminant Health & Welfare For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Alice Lennox from the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST). Alice tells us all about what the RBST does and gave us some insight to some of the rare breeds on the ‘at risk’ watchlist. Alice and James discuss the role of these rare breeds including conservation grazing, conservation of livestock genetics and the inclusion of native rare breeds in commercial systems, for example to produce a low input suckler cow that can be outwintered. Resources RBST website:Right breed, Right place, Right system Link to training courses: Conservation Grazing - RBST Email: [email protected] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Dick Playfair from the Venison Advisory Service and Janet Keith from Tullynessle Deer Farm. Dick gives us a market overview of venison, tells us about how the wild deer cull influences deer farming and about the importance of provenance when selling venison direct to consumers. Then we speak to Janet, who runs Tullynessle Deer Farm with her husband Willie. Janet tells us their story of how they got into deer farming and how the business has evolved to diversify into direct selling her venison and running farm tours. Janet also tells us the about the meat itself, venison cooking options and how nutritional this meat is. Resources Tullynessle Deer Farm website:Buy Scottish Farmed Venison online or at our family farm Janet’s mobile number: 07827279241 Email address: [email protected] Venison Advisory Service website: venisonadvisory.co.uk Dick’s email address: [email protected] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie, and farmers Ewan Runciman and Scott Fraser. Today we're looking at one of the most important management practices carried out on sheep farms every spring - lamb marking. For many sheep producers, this includes procedures such as castration and tail docking. These are routine husbandry practices, but they're also areas where there has been increasing focus on animal welfare and reducing pain. In recent years, new technologies have emerged to help farmers carry out these procedures more effectively and with improved welfare outcomes. Our three guest speakers have first-hand experience of using some of these innovations.First, we will hear from veterinarian Kythe about why farmers castrate and tail dock lambs, the legal requirements in Scotland, and the importance of pain management. Then we'll hear from Ewan, who uses Numnuts, a system that combines ring application with local anaesthetic delivery. And finally, we'll hear from Scott, who has experience using ClipFitter, another technology designed to improve welfare during lamb marking. Related FAS ResourcesLamb Castration & Tail Docking: Alternative MethodsOther ResourcesClipFitter - Kinder castration and tailingNumnuts – NumnutsFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]