Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie get a policy update from SRUC Professor Steven Thomson. Timestamps03:05 EFA Management for 2026 04:48 Entitlement transfer & SAF 2026 09:47 Steven Thomson 09:50 Main policy changes for 2026. 12:40 Why are we having policy changes? 23:40 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 25:30 Future Farm Investment Scheme 26:05 Rural Support Plan 33:00 LFASS 37:10 Future Farm Investment Scheme 40:00 Other capital grants 42:20 Continued Professional Development FAS Resources FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ Other Resources For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on how a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture.Show Notes 00:35 News in Brief05:42 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), National Islands Plan, Securing Homes in Rural and Island Communities, Upcoming Grant Funding, Lamb Castration Consultation, Key Dates, Consultations and Publications.14:19 Cereals – Latest news and market update20:42 Beef – Latest news and market update27:48 Sheep – Latest news and market update30:50 Milk – Latest news and market update37:45 Sector focus – How a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture47:26 Further articles – ‘Preparing for calving (FAS TV), ‘All things insurance’ (podcast) and ‘Alternative Protein Crop Overview’ (FAS article)FAS Links and Resources:Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service advice@fas.scotOther Links and Resources:Agritourism Investment Scheme 2026 (FAS)Agritourism Investment Scheme contactManagement OptionsCapital ItemsFair Work FirstNational Islands Plan - gov.scotAffordable Housing Supply ProgrammeRural and Island Housing FundLamb Welfare: ConsultationAccelerating Home-building in Scotland (closing date 30.04.26)Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (closing date 15.05.26)Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications (closing date 27.05.26)Short-term lets: regulation information - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date)Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date)Scottish farm business income - gov.scot (2024-25 link available from 27.03.26)Is whisky tourism on the rocks? - BBC NewsScotch whisky production slows as tariffs and weak demand bite | EasternEyeWhat the India tariffs deal means for Scotch whisky - BBC NewsChinese whisky tariff cut to come into force - BBC NewsImpact.economist.com/key-findings FAS TV Series 5 Ep 27 - Preparing for CalvingAll things Insurance - FAS (Rural Roundup podcast)Alternative Protein Crop OverviewFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Autumn & Winter last year, where Kieron Sim visited both the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Isles, to speak with four local crofters about their enterprises, the challenges and benefits of Island Living, and how Seasonality uniquely impacts their businesses throughout Autumn and Winter. On the Isle of Skye, Kieron visits Crofter Phil Knott to talk about his Orchards, and how agroforestry has brought not only biodiversity benefits but also economic benefits to his croft, Kieron also speaks to Aiofe Gould & Jake Sayles about their Croft in Skye, where they finish their own Pork, Hebridean Mutton, use their wool for felt accessories, and utilise seasonal fruit and berries. Kieron then visits the Shetland Isles in Winter, first speaking with Brendon Smith a Crofter from the Southern part of Shetland who breeds, trains and sells sheepdogs, runs a system of Shetland Sheep, produces Mussels and also ensures every sheep that comes to Shetland is run through the community dip. Finally Kieron heads to the Northernmost Isle of Unst in Shetland, to speak with Richard Spence who has Crofted in Unst for his whole life and tells us how the new Saxavord Space Port has changed how he Crofts. Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter. You can find part 1 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Spring & Summer right now. wherever you normally listen. This episode was hosted by Kerry Hammond and was produced and edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS ResourcesCrofting Matters - Crofting Through the Seasons: Spring/Summer | FAShttps://www.fas.scot/podcast/crofting-matters-crofting-through-the-seasons-spring-summer/Other Resources SaxaVord - The Place for Space https://saxavord.com/For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Autumn & Winter last year, where Kieron Sim visited both the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Isles, to speak with four local crofters about their enterprises, the challenges and benefits of Island Living, and how Seasonality uniquely impacts their businesses throughout Autumn and Winter. On the Isle of Skye, Kieron visits Crofter Phil Knott to talk about his Orchards, and how agroforestry has brought not only biodiversity benefits but also economic benefits to his croft, Kieron also speaks to Aiofe Gould & Jake Sayles about their Croft in Skye, where they finish their own Pork, Hebridean Mutton, use their wool for felt accessories, and utilise seasonal fruit and berries. Kieron then visits the Shetland Isles in Winter, first speaking with Brendon Smith a Crofter from the Southern part of Shetland who breeds, trains and sells sheepdogs, runs a system of Shetland Sheep, produces Mussels and also ensures every sheep that comes to Shetland is run through the community dip. Finally Kieron heads to the Northernmost Isle of Unst in Shetland, to speak with Richard Spence who has Crofted in Unst for his whole life and tells us how the new Saxavord Space Port has changed how he Crofts. Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter. You can find part 1 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Spring & Summer right now. wherever you normally listen. This episode was hosted by Kerry Hammond and was produced and edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS ResourcesCrofting Matters - Crofting Through the Seasons: Spring/Summer | FAShttps://www.fas.scot/podcast/crofting-matters-crofting-through-the-seasons-spring-summer/Other Resources SaxaVord - The Place for Space https://saxavord.com/For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode we hear from James Orr who will be taking over from Kirsten Williams’s role as the host on Stock Talk. James talks about his career highlights as an agricultural consultant at SAC Consulting, his key areas of expertise and Kirsten reflects of some of her favourite projects from the past 20 years. James looks to continue Stock Talk with more interesting farming stories as well as discussing more technical aspects. ResourcesLivestock Resources -https://www.fas.scot/livestock/Poultry Resources -https://www.fas.scot/livestock/poultry/FAS Connect - https://www.fas.scot/connect/For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast, Harry Fisher and Iain Boyd discuss the new report from the Scottish Government; The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – A Regional Analysis. The report estimates that Scotland’s natural capital underpins at least £40 billion of economic output (14% of the total economy) and supports 260,000 jobs.The discussion highlights the sectors of the economy heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems, and explores how reliance varies across regions, the areas most dependent and how to manage the risks. We discuss the many ecosystem services provided which are irreplaceable, the importance of valuing, looking after and investing in nature and how our natural capital assets are fundamental to economic resilience, rural livelihoods and long-term prosperity.If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about what we have discussed, you can find links in the show notes.This episode was presented by Harry Fisher, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government.Timestamps:1:11 – 6:36 Overview of report and our valuable assets.6:37 – 16:30 Impact on specific sectors, the role of technology, irreplaceability and risks16:31 – 24:30 Regional analysis and economic reliance24:31 – 33:10 Main takeaways and the importance of valuing and protecting our natural capitalFAS Resources:FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/Related Other Resources:Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – Regional Analysis: https://www.gov.scot/publications/importance-natural-capital-scottish-economy-regional-analysis/National Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-securityFor more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Spring/Summer last year, where Ross Mackenzie visited the Staffin Sheepdog Trials, a hugely popular event in Trotternish, on the Isle of Skye. Sheepdog trials are deeply rooted in crofting culture, normally held during the summer months, these trials are a significant part of the identity of crofting over the last century. Also in this episode, Ross joins a group of 30 Crofters who travelled to Wicklow, (south of Dublin) in Ireland last Spring, on the second trip of a Scottish Farm Advisory Service Learning Journey, funded by the Scottish Government, which supported 55 Scottish Crofters (over two trips) to learn about Irish systems, and how Irish farmers make a living from small units. Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting Through the Seasons, Spring & Summer. You can find part 2 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter right now. wherever you normally listen. This episode was hosted and produced by Kerry Hammond and was edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government. For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Spring/Summer last year, where Ross Mackenzie visited the Staffin Sheepdog Trials, a hugely popular event in Trotternish, on the Isle of Skye. Sheepdog trials are deeply rooted in crofting culture, normally held during the summer months, these trials are a significant part of the identity of crofting over the last century. Also in this episode, Ross joins a group of 30 Crofters who travelled to Wicklow, (south of Dublin) in Ireland last Spring, on the second trip of a Scottish Farm Advisory Service Learning Journey, funded by the Scottish Government, which supported 55 Scottish Crofters (over two trips) to learn about Irish systems, and how Irish farmers make a living from small units.Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting Through the Seasons, Spring & Summer. You can find part 2 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter right now. wherever you normally listen.This episode was hosted and produced by Kerry Hammond and was edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government.For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. At Scotland's First Nature Friendly Farming Summit, Minister Jim Fairlie announced the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme for a 2026 funding round and a commitment to continue the scheme through to 2030. This announcement brought a degree of certainty to the policy landscape and has allowed farmers and crofters to plan for the future and how the industry continues to embed and build nature into their businesses. Fresh off the release of the approval lists for the 2025 funding round, in this episode we sit down with Environmental Consultant and Lead on the Ecology Knowledge Network, David Brown from SAC Consulting to discuss the successes of the scheme historically and look forward to what this new round will bring. We cover changes to eligibility criteria, spatial targeting, scoring and more – stressing the importance of getting the right advice and getting it early. David also speaks passionately about his involvement with the Farm Wildlife Walks initiative and the willingness of farmers and crofters to meet the challenge of nature decline head on. Want to get in touch with David? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01835 342919 or by email at david.brown@sac.co.uk. FAS ResourcesAgri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) - FAShttps://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/agri-environmental-climate-scheme-aecs/ Other Related ResourcesAgri-Environment Climate Schemehttps://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss all things Farm Insurance with NFU Mutual’s Douglas Schreiber.Time Stamps03:56 Deadlines and Grant updates07:35 Introduction to Douglas Schreiber08:25 Starting point for insurance renewal discussions09:51 Things farmers should think about ahead of renewal?12:19 The impact of staff qualifications on premiums?14:50 What are the factors which really impact the price of a policy?18:23 Anything people can do to reasonably do to reduce premiums related to storm damage?21:56 How important is it to get your farm valued?24:14 Cyber Security on insurance policies26:31 Trackers and dashcams30:32 What to do in the event of an accident on the road?31:37 Areas of policies which often get overlooked?FAS Resources FAS Eventshttps://www.fas.scot/events/Agritourism Investment Schemehttps://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agritourism-investment-scheme--ais-/For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to CropCast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddell. Iain was a consultant and project manager with SAC Consulting for 45 years, before becoming self-employed and operating under Graystones Consulting. Iain’s work focuses on agricultural supply chains and his main interest is industrial hemp, which will be the focus of this episode. The global market for hemp is expected to quadruple by 2030 and as markets here evolve, there is great potential for Scotland’s farmers to reap the benefits. Hemp was actually grown in Scotland in the Middle Ages for rope and textile production, before it became more economic to import, to make ropes and sails for ships. It has recently attracted interest as a new arable crop as more uses for hemp become viable, including fibre/shiv for insulation and boarding in house construction and seeds used for cold pressed oil and food health products, plus many other uses. Hemp has also been shown to improve soil structure and quality, store CO2 and improve biodiversity and could play an important role in reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. There is potential for this highly versatile crop to be a profitable break crop for farmers as demand increases for biobased materials to replace products derived from fossil fuels. Industrial hemp is used across sectors such as agriculture, automotives, bio-energy, construction, food and beverages, furniture, paper, personal care, recycling and textiles. Several years field crop experience in Angus and the Borders, and hemp crop trials in Scotland in 2024 has confirmed that the crop grows well in our climate. Episode Timestamps01.23 Introducing Iain Riddell 02.50 Potential uses for hemp as an industrial crop 03.46 What do we mean by ‘industrial hemp’ 05.45 Historical context 10.45 Growing hemp for fibre 12.17 Hemp – what’s currently going on in the UK 17.09 What we learned from growing hemp in the rotation 22.48 Retting process 28.32 Emerging hemp markets and potential uses 33.42 Hemp seed industry 35.26 Phytoremediation and the advantage of deep tap roots 37.23 Biodiversity benefits Resources The Potential of the Hemp Crop in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland Advancing a sustainable Scottish supply chain for industrial hemp and co-products British Hemp Alliance IndiNature – Natural fibre construction insulation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-hemp-licensing-guidance/industrial-hemp-licensing-factsheet The Rowett Institute | The University of Aberdeen Contact: Mark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.uk Graystonesconsulting308@gmail.com (Iain Riddell) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Bertie Troughton, Hugh Chamerlain and Laura McDonald of Atholl Estates. They join us to talk about how in recent years they have started to move towards regenerative farming practices, a big shift in focus for the farms and the staff who work there. They share what has worked well for them, balancing agricultural productivity, with biodiversity and sustainability goals. It’s clear that community resilience is important to them as they refer to the longer-term initiatives such as peatland restoration and woodland planting, in hand with shorter term wins such as sward diversity and enjoying the flora and fauna now found on Atholl Estates. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about Atholl Estates, you can find links in the show notes. If you are interested in regenerative farming practices, you may also want to listen to the Farm Advisory Service natural capital podcast. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Atholl Estates in Pitlochry | Scottish Highland Estate in Perthshire Natural Capital | Helping farmers in Scotland For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on promoting your farm or croft online. Show Notes 00:33 News in Brief 04:35 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF), Drivers over 70, Agri Wages Board Minimum Wage Proposal, Protection of Tenants, Rural and Island Communities 19:05 Cereals – Latest news and market update 26:20 Beef – Latest news and market update 30:04 Sheep – Latest news and market update 34:00 Milk – Latest news and market update 39:27 Sector focus – Promoting your farm or croft online 50:40 Further articles – ‘Preparing for lambing’ (FAS TV), ‘New Year, New Kit?’ (FAS TV) and ‘Who will milk the cows tomorrow?’ (FAS article) FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service Other Links and Resources: Visitor Levy Amendment Bill published - gov.scot Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot Sheep scab notifications - gov.scot Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 148) Agritourism Investment Scheme (AIS) AECS - Management Options page AECS - Capital Items page AECS - Targeting tool AECS - Seeking Endorsement Fair Work First Preparing for Sustainable farming portal Renew your driving licence if you're 70 or over - GOV.UK SAWB@gov.scot The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 Rural & Islands Insight Report 2025 Slaughter lamb classification (GOV.UK) Wix - website builder Squarespace - website builder IONOS - website builder Mailchimp (email marketing) FAS TV Series 5 Ep 24 - Preparing for Lambing Who will milk the cows tomorrow? FAS TV Series 5 Ep 23 - ONE AgriTech CropCast - Knowing Your Numbers| FAS For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Gordon Whiteford who farms at Lower Mill of Tynet in Banffshire. In 2012, Gordon and June Whiteford began Lower Mill of Tynet Farm. They built an egg business, then a micro-dairy in 2020, selling milk and now ice cream directly from their 24-hour farm shop. They have brought together traditional farming practices with innovative direct-to-consumer strategies and are proud to have won Sustainable Farm of the Year 2024.Timestamps 01.10 How it all started for Gordon10.23 Organic hens and starting out with poultry13.14 Lower Mill of Tynet15.40 Nuffield Scholarship – Organic22.16 Brown vs white hens31.49 Micro dairy – milk and ice cream48.46 What’s next for GordonRelated FAS ResourcesOrganics in Scotland - Lower Mill of Tynet Case Study | Helping farmers in ScotlandGetting Started with Organic Farming – How to Convert to Organic | Helping farmers in ScotlandManaging Grassland Under Organic Systems | Helping farmers in ScotlandGetting Started Growing and Grazing with Organics | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesLower Mill Of Tynet.co.ukDirect Retailing from a Poultry, Dairy, Beef, Sheep & Arable farm – Lower Mill of Tynet - FAS VideoFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

We are joined by environmental historian Dr Ian Maclellan as we wind the clock back through Scotland’s long history of land use change: from the ice age to the Romans, clearances, industrialisation and modern pressures. Along the way, we unpack how humans have been part of the landscape – managing it for food, livelihoods and leisure, and the consequences this has had on nature and biodiversity.Scotland’s landscapes are often seen as wild and timeless, but people and the land have shaped one another over thousands of years. We discuss this and how understanding yesterday can help us make better decisions for the future. Challenging us to have more nuanced, informed conversations about land restoration and management today - recognising complexity, positive outcomes, unintended consequences, and the realities of climate, culture and history.Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn BlackwoodTimestamps1:25 – 13:38 Introductions and high-level walkthrough of Scotland’s natural history13:38 – 31:00 Management of land and our relationships with it31:00 – 43:55 Our perceptions and misconceptions of the land and challenges for the future43:55 – end. Final comments and where to get more infoRelated FAS resourcesNatural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/Other Related ResourcesProf T C Smout: Nature Contested Environmental History in Scotland and Northern England since 1600: https://www.nhbs.com/nature-contested-bookUniversity of Stirling Environmental History and Heritage: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/arts-humanities/history-politics/history-research/environmental-history-and-heritage/Prof R Oram: Where Men No More May Reap Or Sow: The Little Ice Age: Scotland 1400–1850: https://birlinn.co.uk/product/where-men-no-more-may-reap-or-sow/Ichnos Heritage: https://ichnosheritage.com/

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Consultant David Ross, to discuss crop margins from 2025 and predictions for 2026. Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. Time Stamps 1:12 Introduction to David Ross 5:00 Impact of weather on 2025 yields 11:12 AHDB Farmbench 13:44 2025 Winter Wheat 19:20 2025 Oilseed Rape 24:50 2025 Spring Barley 28:32 2025 Winter Barley 30:58 Variations between farm 32:55 Projections for Winter Wheat 38:27 Projections for Oilseed Rape 2026 42:04 Projections for Barley 2026 45:35 Alternative crops for 2026 53:30 Key messages Related FAS ResourcesCrops and soils | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesFarmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDBAgricultural Reform Route Map

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss the upcoming FAS Women in Agriculture Conference, which takes place on the 11th February. They are also joined by Siobhan Macdonald to discuss the agenda for the upcoming FAS Conference, which takes place on the 19th February.Time Stamps:05:45 NVZ reminder12:54 PSF reminder15:25 AECS reminder16:03 Inheritance tax update19:12 Women In Agriculture conference24:52 FAS ConferenceFAS ResourcesFAS Eventshttps://www.fas.scot/events/NVZ Rules Refresherhttps://www.fas.scot/publication/nvz-rules-refresher/NFUS: Summary of IHT changes (23rd Dec 2025) https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/campaigns/inheritance-tax-iht.aspx#:~:text=After%2014%20months%20of%20relentless,and%20business%20property%20per%20individual.For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for upland and hill farmers across Scotland. As climate targets, evolving support schemes and market expectations continue to shape the future of agriculture, farmers are being asked not only to produce food from some of the country’s most challenging landscapes, but to do so in ways that recognise and enhance their role in climate mitigation. In these extensive systems, decisions around livestock management, soils, grassland and habitats all influence a farm’s overall carbon footprint and long-term resilience. Upland and hill farms are often characterised by low inputs, permanent pasture and semi-natural habitats, meaning they already deliver significant environmental value. However, understanding where emissions arise — and where carbon can be stored — is key to making informed, practical changes. From improving animal efficiency and grazing management to protecting peatland and making targeted investments, there are opportunities for farmers to reduce emissions while strengthening business performance. In this episode, we sit down with Senior Consultant and Lead on the Carbon Dynamics Knowledge Network, James Orr from SAC Consulting to explore what carbon reduction really looks like in upland and hill farming systems. James shares his perspective on the actions farmers can take now, the investments most likely to deliver benefits, and how measuring and understanding carbon footprints can support better decision-making. He also speaks passionately about the impacts of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange and together, we discuss how hill farmers can work with their land, build resilience into their businesses, and ensure they are recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s climate solution. Want to get in touch with James? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01292 525010 or by email at james.orr@sac.co.uk. Related FAS ResourcesRural Roundup - 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds) | FASRural Roundup - 2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics) | FAS Rural Roundup - 3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV) | FAS Rural Roundup - 4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two) | FAS Rural Roundup - 5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator) | FAS Rural Roundup - 6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation | FAS FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.Welcome to part two of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their farm in Scotland. The family have come together after time spent working in different careers, with the common goal of running a sustainable farming business. They are focussed on the benefit of regenerative practices to improve soil health, food quality, nutrition and health.If you missed the first part of this episode series, you can catch it right now, wherever you normally listen. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Steading and Co, you can find links in the show notes.This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.Part 1: Agri Culture - Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up: Steading & Co Family (Part 1) | FASResources: Discover Sustainable Farming Practices at Steading & Co. - Enhance Soil Health & WellnessSteading&Co (@steadingandco) • Instagram photos and videosAbout - Soil Food Web School - Regenerating SoilFor more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.Welcome to part one of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their farm in Scotland. The family have come together after time spent working in different careers, with the common goal of running a sustainable farming business. They are focussed on the benefit of regenerative practices to improve soil health, food quality, nutrition and health.Make sure you catch the second part of this episode series right now wherever you normally listen. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Steading and Co, you can find links in the show notes.This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.Part 2: Agri Culture - Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up: Steading & Co Family (Part 2) | FASResources:Discover Sustainable Farming Practices at Steading & Co. - Enhance Soil Health & WellnessSteading&Co (@steadingandco) • Instagram photos and videosAbout - Soil Food Web School - Regenerating SoilFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot