The Rural Roundup

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode I’m joined by George Chalmers, Robert Ramsay and Tiffany Stephenson who discuss the recent bout of wet weather, and the implications of this on our agricultural businesses. We also talk about beef enterprise efficiencies. I’m later joined by Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting and Project Lead for the Scottish Farm Business Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government. Sascha tells us the latest findings from the Scottish & Farm Business Survey, and provides some figures for industry performance. If you want to sign up for the farm business survey please email Sascha.grierson@sac.co.uk FAS Resources Stock Talk - Performance in Beef Herds | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast - Spring Fertiliser Applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Whole Farm Benchmarks Tool 2022-23 | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources  Agricultural Reform Route Map (ruralpayments.org) Supporting documents - Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2022-2023 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Scot’s Pine and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alan Crawford from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Scot’s Pine on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Oak.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot  

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Oak and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alasdair Firth from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Oak on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Yew and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Iona Hyde from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Yew on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot  

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Birch and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Viv Halcrow from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Birch on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Oak and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org)http://woodlandcrofts.org/?page_id=552    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Celebrating-Birch-by-Greg-Wright/9781565233072 https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Birch-by-Anna-Lewington/9781789140118   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot  

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss, in detail, all the things we need to focus on for Spring, including the Single Application Form (IACS), the Agri-Environment Scheme (AECS), and advice pertinent to calving, lambing, cropping and grass for Spring.  FAS Resources Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast - Spring Fertiliser Applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources  Basic Payment Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 20th Feb 2024 and all information considered correct to this date. On today’s episode Robert, Tiffany and George are joined by Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre. They discuss the potential future landscape of funding, common grazings & small holders, policy and pressures around GHG emissions, and value chain need for reduced emissions and increased biodiversity. Discussion touches on the next generation of farmers, and how policy can encourage young people into the industry.  Other Resources  Agricultural Reform Route Map (ruralpayments.org) Agricultural Reform What will Future Support Look Like?  (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode I’m joined by George Chalmers as he fills me in on the headlines from the inaugural FAS Connect Conference. Remember for PSF options completed in 2023, the claim window runs from 1st March 2023 to 29th February 2024. FAS Resources FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFAS Connect Conference | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Resources  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode Robert, Tiffany and George discuss the impact of the recent wave of bad weather across Scotland. Whether managing flooded soils or staying safe around fallen trees it’s all worth taking a moment to consider best practice and the current advice out there.  FAS Resources Forestry Information Note: Forestry Update – Felling Permission and Windblown Trees | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Mitigating Extreme Rainfall: October 2023 Flooding | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources  The Forestry (Exemptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 (legislation.gov.uk) Scottish Forestry - Felling permission for wind blow Guide to Natural Flood Management (farmingandwaterscotland.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George & Robert think about what Rabbie Burns would have to say about Farming today. They reflect on the similarities, and the massive changes that agriculture has seen since the Poet was working a plough.  We are also joined by Phil Knott a crofter from Skye, the Vice-Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network and facilitator of two farmers networks. Phil also discusses the value of looking back to a traditional way of farming, not for conservation, but to ensure that farmers are getting the best out of their land and their enterprises. He tells us about his own crofting innovations and brings us news of a network of Crofters in Caithness and Sutherland, crofting in a nature friendly way.  FAS Resources FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Connect Conference Tickets, Wed 31 Jan 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite Other Resources  Agroecology: strengthening livelihoods - Nourish Scotland NFFN Scotland launches new crofting group for Sutherland and Caithness | Nature Friendly Farming Network, NFFN BBC - Robert Burns - The Ploughman For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George, Robert & Tiffany discuss collaboration and partnerships, looking at examples like The Scottish Pig Producers, and investigating how technology could facilitate collaboration. We are also joined by Tara Wight from The Landworker’s Alliance discussing their work in bringing people together, and the benefit of Farmer’s networks.  FAS Resources Cooperation & Collaboration Resources (fas.scot) Other Resources  Landworkers' Alliance Homepage (landworkersalliance.org.uk) SCOTTISH PIG PRODUCERS - Home (scottishpigs.coop)  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George, Robert & Tiffany chat about the run up to Christmas, how the public get interested in farms, farming, and local food at this time of year, and how we could make more of this for the rest of the year.  FAS Resources Positive PR | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Positive PR Infographic | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) fas.scot/downloads/creating-a-social-media-campaign-fact-sheet/ Women in Agriculture Conference | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George & Robert are joined by Lorna Galloway, a senior consultant at SAC Consulting to discuss developments in agricultural technology, opportunities for efficiencies and what tech might look like in the future.  FAS Resources Thrill of the Hill - Virtually Stockproof | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Podcast: The Thrill of The Hill - Virtual Fencing | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) The FAS Companion App | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Virtual Fencing | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George & Robert discuss the recent extreme weather events and the opportunities for farmers through PSF (Preparing for Sustainable Farming). We are also joined by Dr Annie Williams to discuss optimum mineral supplementation for cows and sheep.  FAS Resources Mitigating Extreme Rainfall: October 2023 Flooding | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) fas.scot/downloads/water-management-on-your-farm-resilience/ Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) - An Overview | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Mineral Supplementation for Sheep Webinar - YouTube Mineral Supplementation for Cattle Webinar - YouTube Cattle Mineral Supplementation | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Other Links  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) RSABI Launches £100,000 Flooding Fund for Farmers - RSABI Fundraiser by John Morrison : Brechin Community Assistance Fund (gofundme.com) Guide to Natural Flood Management (farmingandwaterscotland.org)  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, George & Robert are joined by Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre to shine a spotlight on what’s happening currently with rural and agricultural policy.    For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George & Tiffany chat about the Scottish Agricultural awards, AECS 2024 and the Nature Restoration Fund.  FAS Resources Borders Vet Lab Visit | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Farmyard Pollution, Farmer Solution | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Links  Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot Scottish Agricultural Awards | RHASS  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot  

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode George & Tiffany bring you some good news about the Basic Payment Scheme, The Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme, and an Organic success story. Tiffany Stephenson also tells us about another podcast she hosts, called CropCast, and tells us what we can expect to hear in those episodes.  FAS Resources Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Organics podcasts | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Stock Talk | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Peatland Restoration Event - Stornoway | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Culteuchar Grazing for Profit and Biodiversity | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Links  Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) Basic Payment Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Welcome | Scottish Organic Milk Farm Resilience Programme - The Royal Countryside Fund Scottish Smallholder Festival October 2023 - Scottish Smallholder Festival  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, George & Robert are joined by Iain Boyd, Senior Environmental Consultant at SAC Consulting, to give our quarterly Environmental update. The guys discuss water quality and scarcity, Carbon offsetting & insetting & a look at current issues with invasive species.  FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/ https://www.nonnativespecies.org/ https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/invasive-species/ https://www.fas.scot/events/event/choosing-financial-software-for-your-farm-business/ https://www.fas.scot/events/event/sustainable-sheep-systems/ https://www.fas.scot/events/event/mineral-supplementation-for-sheep-webinar/  Other Links  https://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/water-scarcity/ Bathing Waters: Homepage (sepa.org.uk) Know the Rules - Diffuse Pollution Information Sheets - Farming and Water Scotland https://www.fas.scot/downloads/mind-the-gap-2-m-and-10-m-buffer-strips-near-watercourses-information-note/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/03/carbon-insetting-vs-offsetting-an-explainer/ https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/invasive-non-native-species/identify-and-report-invasive-non-native-species   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

*Content Warning* This podcast discusses accidents, injuries, and fatalities, some of which involve children. Though there is no gore, and this is discussed in a factual manner, please consider if you are able to listen to this episode safely. * Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode Tiffany, George & Robert are joined by Kathy Gostick, Health & Safety Inspector for HSE to discuss Farm Health & Safety in-depth.   HSE Links & Guidance: Stats: It’s time for farmers to ‘think differently about safety’ says regulator | HSE Media Centre  Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 (hse.gov.uk)  Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2023 (hse.gov.uk)  Recent Campaigns: HSE Agriculture ebulletin: It's time for farmers to 'think differently about safety' Work Right Agriculture Campaign - 'Your Farm Your Future'  Welcome to the 10th Annual Farm Safety Week - YellowWellies.org  Vehicles: Safe workplace transport - Agricultural - HSE   Safe Stop for workplace transport  Maintenance - Agriculture - HSE  Cattle: Handling and housing cattle AIS35 (hse.gov.uk) HSE AIS17 EW Cattle and public access in England and Wales (hse.gov.uk) HSE AIS17 S Cattle and public access in Scotland (hse.gov.uk) The Countryside Code - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) OHPLs: Agriculture: Electricity (hse.gov.uk)  General:

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode Tiffany, George & Robert catch up with Jennifer Mitchell and Emma Newlands to find out what they have been getting up to on their summer placements with SAC Consulting. For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot