Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss what Farmers & Crofters can do to put the best foot forward in the New Year, to give themselves a good chance of a successful 2025.  Related Resources  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Whole Farm Plan full guidance Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Balbirnie Farms manager David Aglen along with Professor Fiona Burnett, an applied plant pathologist at SRUC to discuss the results from crop trials, which have been taking place at Balbirnie Home Farms as part of the AHDB strategic cereal farm Scotland project. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson 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 Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Related ResourcesStrategic Cereal Farm Scotland | AHDB

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair.  They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club.  They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive, fun environment for young people.  This episode discusses themes around mental wellbeing and suicide, please listen with care.  Resources The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC SAYFC focused on RESPECT - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs Young Farmers say ‘Leave a Light On’ - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs Mental Health Support | SAYFC Members Support | Contact Us Home - RSABI Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well Agri Culture : Farmstrong Episode Agri Culture: Stephanie Berkeley - Yellow Wellies Agri Culture: Jim Chapman - Adapting to Life After an AccidentFor more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.We're all human, fragile and fallible, accidents can occur and mistakes can be made, people can be in danger, get hurt and when that happens, be in need of first aid. The National Farmers Union reports that despite accounting for only 1% of the working population, agriculture accounts for 20% of all deaths in the workplace. In this episode, qualified First Aid Trainer and practitioner, Sean Magee discusses the importance of first aid in the farm and rural environment, including what information to provide to emergency services and the processes of seeking help, how to assess the requirements of a casualty and top tips for dealing with agricultural related incidents when they occur.  If you want to get in touch with Sean, he can be contacted at CPS Activities Ltd via email at enquiries@cpsactivities.com.Related FAS ResourcesDeveloping Safe Farming Practices - Lone WorkingOther Related ResourcesFirst Aid Training - CPS Activities Ltd

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you a sector overview of environmental developments over 2024 and we will be bringing you news on global trends and the new Scottish budget and financial update. Show Notes  00:40 News in Brief 02:06 Policy Briefs – Roundup of 2024 and looking to 2025 and beyond. 07:52 Arable- Political alliances define trading blocs, Black Sea region supplies diminishing and UK barley and oats.  12:34 Beef – 2024 market recap, Scottish suckler herd decline and 2025 beef outlook. 17:33 Sheep – 2024 – what a year! Looking forward to 2025.  22:02 Sector Focus – 2024 environmental roundup.   29:56 Milk – 2024 review: a year of two halves and 2025 dairy outlook. 35:35 Sector focus – Global trends.   47:08 Management Matters – Financial matters: a year of political change, fiscal policy and looking ahead.   FAS Resources Agribusiness News January 2025   Other Links: Farm management handbook 2024-25 www.sac.co.uk/fmh fmh@sac.co.uk Land Reform (Scotland) Bill  Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill NatureScot Website Whole Farm Plans Biodiversity Audits Plant Health Centre Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Scottish Kept Bird Register Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill Sheep and Goat Inventory Preparing for Sustainable farming portal on the Rural Payments and Services Website Farming and...

In this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native breeds of cattle to suit this system. Jock also talks about the butchery side of the business and direct selling to customers and the importance of eating quality of the meat he is selling to customers.  Jock also talks about his Nuffield Scholarship focussing on eating quality of meat which included travels to other countries to experience different systems and abattoirs.  Jock is a trustee of Farmstrong Scotland and this is something he is passionate about. This is now setup as a charity and is designed to help people with their mental health and wellbeing and encourage the creation of positive habits.  Linked resources: Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well 

Join us as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—the biodiversity and climate crises—and explore the crucial role agriculture plays in addressing them. We delve into what these crises are, how they’re interconnected, and the efforts underway to combat them. In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Dave Reay and Séamus Murphy, who share their valuable perspectives on topics ranging from global agreements like COP to the lived realities of farming. Together, we examine what these issues mean for agriculture and rural communities, unpacking the concept of a just transition, and the adoption of nature-based solutions. We also dive into the role of markets and public-private mechanisms, offering actionable steps for farmers and land managers to make a difference. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editors Kieron Sim and Robbie Campbell, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond Timestamps: 1:15 – 10:05 - Experiences of climate and biodiversity crisis0:06 – 17:27 - Global agreements and COPs 17:28 – 33:05 - How to achieve targets and implications for agriculture33:06 -46:26 - Just transition, biodiversity and nature based solutions46:27 – end - Markets, mechanisms and next stepsRelated FAS resources:   Climate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory ServiceBiodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related Resources: UN Climate Change Conference COP 29 Baku - https://unfccc.int/cop29  UN Biodiversity Conference COP 16 Columbia - https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024  Just Transition Commission - https://www.justtransition.scot/  Prof. Dave Reay - https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/davereay/   

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.Technology is always progressing, and the same is true in the uplands. New innovations mean it has never been easier to collect, measure and interpret data for the benefit of farming, nature and climate change. In this episode, Environmental Consultant, Jack Zuill discusses the potential for and realities of measuring nature, using a range of technologies, from drones and LiDAR to audio capture, speculate on the future of data gathering and the importance of having specialist input in decision-making.Want to get in touch with Jack, he can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd on 07584 526 926 or via email at jack.zuill@sac.co.uk.Related FAS ResourcesUAVs in Agriculture | Farm Advisory ServiceNatural Capital - Drones, Data and Decision Making | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss all relevant schemes and deadlines, and look ahead to Christmas in the Farming Community.  FAS Resources Mental Health and Wellbeing | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service fas.scot/downloads/mental-health-and-wellbeing/ Other Resources  Home - RSABI Christmas and mental health - Mind Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well Preparing for sustainable farming - gov.scot Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (Mainland and Islands) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Home | ScotEID For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Borders Farmer Neil Ramsay along with Prof Roger Sylvester-Bradley, Principal Research Scientist and Head of Crop Performance at ADAS; to discuss grain analysis and the benefits it can have when tailoring nutrition. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson 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 Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Linked ResourcesThe Yield Enhancement Network | YENNutri-Check Network

Welcome to In Conversation With… hosted this month by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs (Principal Consultant) and Kirsten Williams (Senior Sheep and Beef Consultant). On today’s episode Mark and Kirsten reflect on their highlights from 2024 and are joined by David Ross (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting) to discuss integrating livestock and arable. They explore options for integrating livestock, share top tips and farmers experience as well as the benefits this can bring to both the arable and livestock farmer. Episode Timestamps  00.45 Kirsten’s 2024 highlights 01.24 Mark’s 2024 highlights 05.15 Integrating sheep into arable systems 06.42 Grazing cover crops and catch crops 09.09 Pest management and drawing moisture out of the soil 12.20 Biodiversity benefits 16.58 Soil compaction and deep rooting crops 21.00 Opportunities and new entrants 22.35 Things to be aware of (possible issues) 27.50 Temporary grass leys 31.55 Farmers’ experience 34.46 Grazing winter cereals 42.48 Marks top tips 44.05 Kirsten's closing thoughts FAS Resources Sheep grazing winter crop - what you need to know Winter grazing cereals - an alternative forage source  Whitriggs - winter grazing of crops   Practical guide - use of cover crops Regenerative agriculture integrating livestock The benefits of grass leys in arable rotations    Other Resources  Grass leys for the arable rotation - AHDB An introduction to cover crops - AHDB Cover crops for additional forage | AHDB    Outwintering Strategies The benefits of sheep in arable...

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews The Trump Effect and HerdPlan. We will also be bringing you news on Calving Intervals and Carbon & Biodiversity credits. Show Notes  00:39 News in Brief 02:30 Policy Briefs – Preparing for sustainable farming, woodburning stoves, vacant crofts, climate change bill, proposed new national park, launch of Scotland’s Natural Capital Market Framework. 06:49 Arable- Slow Europe export pace  10:48 Beef – Record beef prices 14:53 Sheep & Turkeys – Christmas costs  18:51 Sector Focus – The Trump effect   24:46 Milk - Production data, farm-gate prices, dairy commodities and market indicators, new export market, Arla farmers to trial Bovaer 29:51 Sector focus – HerdPlan   33:51 Inputs – Calving Interval – Herd fertility    39:00 Management Matters – Carbon & Biodiversity credits   FAS Resources Agribusiness News December 2024   Other Links:  Building (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2024 Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill  A Proposed New National Park in Scotland - Have Your Say | NatureScot  Natural Capital Market Framework - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)  HerdPlan  herdplan@sruc.ac.uk  UK Government Principles for Voluntary Carbon and Nature Market Integrity  QMS - guide to improving suckler herd fertility (Graph 1, page 8)   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: 

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Kenneth Bone from Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran. Kenneth Bone farms Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran with his family.  They won the Diversified Farm of the year award at last year’s Scottish Agriculture Awards, as well as taking home the Champion of Champions trophy.  The business has an impressive portfolio, from the farming business to hydro scheme, pub, equestrian centre and housing.  Kenneth tells us where it all began, and how the business diversified to be the success it is today. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about the various projects on Arran that we mentioned you can find links in the show notes.  This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.ResourcesGlenkiln Farm - Champion of Champions - AgriScot - Your Farm Business EventThe Drift Inn |Lamlash Isle Of ArranWelcome to VisitArranArran Trust | welcome to the beautiful island of arranRural and Islands Housing Funds - More homes - gov.scotFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

In this podcast we hear from Bruce Wyper, Stockperson at SRUC Easter Howgate. He talks about some of the projects have been going on at Easter Howgate including GreenCow and Green Shed. He also discusses the move to running the herd more commercially than it has been previously although it is still a farm used for research projects. He talks about the challenges the herd has faced including Johnes and fertility issues and how dynamic health planning has helped them to improve the performance of the herd.

In this podcast we hear from Jan Vos, Agronomist from Agrovista & Lorna Galloway SAC Consultant from SAC Stranraer Office. They talk about soil health, agronomy, and sustainable practices to get the desired outcome – healthy crops and effective weed management. They also talk about the best way to establish and keep clover in the sward and a clover-safe herbicide that is undergoing trials and should be available to use soon. Rushes and bracken control is also discussed.Linked resources: GrassCheck - HOME - GrassCheck GB

Fungi, the often-overlooked kingdom of life, runs mostly undetected under out feet, forming intricate networks that support ecosystems in extraordinary ways. Mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship where fungi connect with plant roots, enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients in exchange for energy the plant obtains from sunlight.Rhizocore Technologies specialise in producing locally-adapted mycorrhizal fungi to boost tree planting success. By working with native fungi, they’re accelerating woodland regeneration, improving forest productivity, and creating sustainable solutions to combat climate change. In this episode, we’re joined by Toby Parkes, founder and CEO, and Franziska Scott, European Business Development Manager at Rhizocore Technologies. Together, we’ll explore the untapped potential of fungi in agriculture and forestry, the opportunities for shaping the future of sustainable land management and the vital role of fungi in fostering resilient, productive ecosystems.Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Robbie Campbell, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond.Related FAS resources:   FAS Sounds Natural Capital - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/ Technical note 721 – soil biodiversity and soil health https://www.fas.scot/publication/technical-note-tn721-soil-biodiversity-and-soil-health/ Farm woodlands - https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/farm-woodlands/ Other Related Resources: Rhizocore Technologies - https://www.rhizocore.com/ SPUN article - https://www.spun.earth/articles/carbon-paperTimestamps: 2:18 – 14:47 – What is fungi and what does it do?14:48 – 27:19 – Categorising and identifying types of fungi27:20 – 43:39 – Woodlands and Rhizopellets43:40 – END – Biodiversity, carbon and other natural capital benefits 

Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills.Love them or hate them, geese are a recurring feature on farms across Scotland. Views differ on the benefits of having them, some see them as a pest species, others as a necessary component of a larger biodiversity network. In this episode we sit down with Rae Mackenzie for a broad discussion on geese and goose management in Scotland. We cover their ecology and nature value, look at the international efforts being made to promote the species and the ins and outs of Scotland's own goose management support scheme.  Got questions on goose management, contact your local NatureScot office for advice and signposting in the first instance.Related FAS ResourcesNatural Capital - Islay Geese | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceGoose Management in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceUnderstanding Goose Control Law in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related ResourcesManaging geese | NatureScot

Welcome to In Conversation With… hosted this month by Senior Sheep and Beef Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Willie Budge (Senior Consultant, SAC Consulting) and Kythe Mackenzie (Veterinary Investigation Officer, SRUC). They will discuss trends from the year, what’s coming into the labs, tips on preparing for sheep inspections and how to keep meaningful records. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government.Episode Timestamps 01.42   2024 health highlights – using them to plan for next year04.14   Top tips for sheep inspections08.20  Tagging records14.00   Using records to review performance15.19    What’s coming into the vet labs21.16     Funded Animal Health and Welfare interventions (PSF)24.00  Notifiable diseases and the risks to Scottish flocks28.08  Biosecurity and quarantine30.58  Nutrition, winter budgeting and housing34.48   Kythe’s top tip for winter stocktake35.58 Willie – Animal Health and Welfare Plan and benefits of up to date records FAS ResourcesRecord Keeping Growing and finishing lambs in autumn and winterPreparing for Sustainable Farming full guidance (Animal Health and Welfare Interventions) Cull Ewe ScreeningIce-berg Diseases in Sheep - Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) (youtube.com)Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep - Maedi Visna (MV) (youtube.com)Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep - Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD) (youtube.com)Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep – Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA) (youtube.com)Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep - Border Disease (BD) (youtube.com)Iceberg Diseases In Sheep | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Iceberg diseases of ewes | AHDBOther Resources Livestock identification and traceability guidance pages sheep and goats (gov.Scot) Ruminant Health & WelfareBluetongue Virus - RuminanHealth & WelfareIceberg diseases of ewes | AHDBFor more information,...

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant & Agri-Economics lead at SAC Consulting and Andrew Coalter Senior Consultant & Chartered Accountant at SAC Consulting who discuss the implications of the Autumn Budget for the Agricultural Industry and dive into detail on the inheritance tax update, and why you should start thinking about Succession, sooner rather than later. FAS ResourcesSuccessionPlanning | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceSuccessionPlanning – Crofting | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Resources AutumnBudget 2024 – HC 295For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Angus Farmer & Managing Director of Soil Essentials, Jim Wilson to discuss soil health and the types of tests arable farmers should be considering.  Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson 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 Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Related ResourcesSoilEssentials | Precision Farming Solutions By Farmers for FarmersSoil sampling - SoilEssentialsGreat news for GREATsoils: AHDB issues Soil Health Scorecard guidance | AHDBTechnical Note (TN721): Soil Biodiversity and Soil Health | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service