Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams.  On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Dr Basil Lowman who has been a beef specialist with SAC Consulting for 55 years. Kirsten describes Basil as a legend in the beef industry. We hear about Basil’s varied career, his passion for the industry, how he thrives on challenge and is a pioneer of new ideas.  Episode Timestamps  01.37 Let’s go back in time 09.13 Body condition scoring of cattle 16.38 The development of silage and straw-based rations 24.24 The Green Shed 29.43 Beef farming in 10 years’ time  Related FAS Resources   Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Body Condition Scoring - Maintaining condition (FAS)   Other Related ResourcesThe Benefits of Cow Condition Scoring - Part 1 (QMS) The Benefits of Cow Condition Scoring - Part 2 Greenshed Graphic - SRUC  GreenShed video - SRUC - YouTube   For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”. In this episode Calum Johnston sits down one on one with James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems. In the previous five episodes we heard from Farmers from five different beef and dairy farms in South West Scotland about their “Unsung Heroes”. Technology, Data, Biodiversity, Machinery and Efficiency. These Farmers and their Farms evidence that livestock farming in Scotland, has been constantly evolving, improving their practices not only for better profitability, better resilience, better output and better lives, but by doing these things, and making changes big or small, they are reducing their impact on the planet day, by day.  James is going to tell us more about some of his other “Unsung Heroes” not just for Beef & Dairy Farms, but applicable to any agricultural system, and also give us his view on Agriculture’s current position in the climate change conversation.  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.Related FAS ResourcesClimate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory ServiceFarming for a Better Climate | 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

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Alex Marshall and Heather Dyet at Haggs Farm where 3 generations of the family are currently farming, including Heather’s grandmother, Mother Janice, brother Alex, and her father Alex, who also joins us on this episode. They tell us about their recent upgrade to a slurry separator. Through speaking to both Heather and dad Alex it was clear that on their family dairy farm, their unsung hero is machinery.  Their slurry separator has improved farm efficiencies, grass and soil health, so much so they call it “liquid gold”. One of the efficiencies is applying two thirds less fertiliser which has a massive carbon footprint reduction.    Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems, will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS ResourcesApplicability of Slurry Separation and Acidification | Farm ScotlandMilk Manager News July 2022 – Why Invest in a Slurry Separator? | Helping farmers in ScotlandSlurry Lagoon Storage and Construction | 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

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Douglas Frame at Birks Farm where they discussed Calving at two. Through speaking to Douglas it was clear that on his family beef farm, their unsung hero is efficiency and despite climate change not being his primary driver, Douglas talks about the reduction he’s seen in his carbon audits.  Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related FAS ResourcesCalving Heifers Vlog Series | Helping farmers in ScotlandCalving Heifers at 2 Case Study | Helping farmers in ScotlandOptimising Livestock Productivity | Helping farmers in ScotlandA Guide to Calving Heifers | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFor more information, visit   Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  On this episode Calum Johnston visits Glen Neilson at Park Farm Dairy where they discussed introduction of Solar PV. Through speaking to Glen it was clear to me that on his family’s dairy farm, their unsung hero is technology – whilst introducing solar PV was a substantial upfront investment, the ability to run the dairy, the bottling plant, and in future make a good financial return by selling into the grid- from a shed roof that otherwise wasn’t doing anything, is a benefit to the farm, the business, and the environment.  Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems tells us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS ResourcesTechnical Note (TN682): Solar Photovoltaics (PV)Renewables FAQ's | Helping farmers in ScotlandFarm Scale Renewables Energy GuideImproving Energy Efficiency on the Dairy Farm | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceRobotics: An Insiders Guide to Starting out with AMS WebinarFor more information, visit   Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits James Strang at Temples Farm where they discussed Genomics. Through speaking to James Strang, it was clear that on his dairy farm, their unsung hero is data. Data is allowing them to input into their mating programme – selecting best performing cattle for the job from the best part of the herd.  Later in the episode, James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems, will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS Resources  Stock Talk: Dairy Genomics | FASDairy Herd Management | Helping farmers in ScotlandMMN January 2025 - Should You be Using Genomic Testing? | Helping farmers in ScotlandFor more information, visit   Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Heather Close at Littleton farm where they discussed outwintering and rotational grazing. Through speaking to Heather, it was clear that on her beef farm, their unsung hero is biodiversity – many farmers would be aghast at the thought of weeds on their farm, but thistles and nettles are the unsung heroes for Littleton Farm.  Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Unsung Hero of biodiversity, the benefits, things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm, croft, and on the planet!  Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!   If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.  This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related FAS Resources  Biodiversity | Helping farmers in ScotlandBiodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in ScotlandClimate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory ServiceFor more information, visit  www.fas.scotTwitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: 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. Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a climate where winters can be long, wet and increasingly unpredictable. In-wintering cattle offers farmers greater control over nutrition, health management, and environmental conditions. Housing cattle can reduce exposure to harsh weather, support targeted feeding strategies, and make it easier to monitor body condition and wellbeing, particularly in youngstock or higher-value animals. For many farms, in-wintering also helps protect vulnerable soils, reducing poaching and allowing fields to rest during the wetter months. Out-wintering, whether on deferred grass, forage crops, or purpose-designed out-wintering pads, comes with its own advantages. Lower housing and machinery costs, reduced slurry handling, and the potential for improved cow fitness are significant attractions. Many farmers also value the labour efficiencies of out-wintering systems. When well-managed and matched to land capability, out-wintering can help reduce input costs and support more nature-friendly grazing practices — though careful attention to ground conditions, shelter and welfare is essential. In this episode, we sit down with Beef and Sheep Specialist, Lorna Shaw for a broad discussion on the options available to farmers and crofters while considering whether to in or out-winter cattle and how to balance key management considerations, like land capability, infrastructure and performance targets. At the same time we'll cover how best to work with the landscape, protect from environmental damage and blend practicality with innovation and sustainable land management. Want to get in touch with Lorna? You can get a hold of her via telephone on 01738 505069 or by email at lorna.shaw@sac.co.uk. Related ResourcesStock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | FAS

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie are joined by Andrew Coalter to discuss what the recent Autumn Budget means for farming.  Timestamps02:05 Upcoming deadlines04:51  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) 06:35  Greening 202607:34  Introduction to Andrew Coalter09:45 Autumn budget - overall summary 11:47 Autumn budget – Relief (APR & BPR) 14:08 Autumn budget - Practical Advice  22:54 Autumn budget – Personal tax 26:45 Autumn budget – National living wage 28:38 Autumn budget – Capital allowances 33:01 Autumn budget - Other changes 35:10 Making tax digital 37:20 Upcoming eventsFAS Resources Business and Policy December 2025 - Management Matters - Autumn Budgethttps://www.fas.scot/article/business-and-policy-december-2025-management-matters-autumn-budget/Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/ FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/  For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Andrew Milne and Nick Hobson of United Oilseeds. We hear how the co-operative is structured, review 2025 OSR harvest and look ahead to prospects for 2026. They also discuss physical movements of the crop and market pricing mechanisms, so for all things OSR, enjoy listening to this very interesting conversation.  Andrew Milne – United Oilseeds Area Manager (Scotland) Nick Hobson – United Oilseeds Trading Manager Timestamps  00.55 Introducing Andrew and Nick from United Oilseeds 02.39 United Oilseeds – the company, it’s history and the area it covers  09.52 Varieties  12.15 Harvest 2025 18.43 Looking ahead to 2026 23.47 Movement of rape beyond the store 30.07 Different contract options and storage options  37.44 Key market watchpoints  41.43 Independent analysis of oil content  43.51 OSR Reboot  47.33 Andrews take home message  Related FAS Resources    Crops and soils | Helping farmers in Scotland How to Get Oilseed Rape off to a Good Start | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Related Resources    United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape | Buy Seed | Sell crops OSR-Reboot | United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape Winter oilseed rape recommended and candidate lists | AHDB For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett to look back at some of the key developments in agronomy which have taken place over her 33-year career, along with discussion about those which will shape the future. Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC adviser, 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. Timestamps02:00 Fiona Background 05:00 Developments in crop rotation 07:00 Yield (change in mindset)  10:29 Using multi-site chemistry 16:28 New technology & Chemistry 18:00 Biostimulants  20:40 IPM Planning 24:14 Changes in regulations 29:30 BASIS training 31:50 Quality Assurance 33:45 The future of agronomy 35:40 Managing inputs for the season ahead38:05 Seed dressings 39:50 Reducing application rates 41:30 The challenge of resistance 43:40 Three top tips  Related FAS ResourcesFAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/ 

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 Anna Wylie and Jack Munro. Anna and Jack met when they both attended the Tesco Future Farmer programme for young farmers run through Harper Adams university.  The programme gave them the opportunity to meet other farmers from all backgrounds across the UK, to learn from each other and to attend in person meetings, webinars and farm business visits.  They talk about what they both enjoyed about the course, how it shaped their own plans for their futures, and how important they both feel it is to be involved in the farming community, learning and making time for personal development. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about the Future Farmer Programme or if you would like to contact Anna to learn more about the World Food Forum, 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.   Resources: Future Farmer Programme | School of Sustainable Food and Farming Anna Wylie | LinkedIn Jack Munro | LinkedIn  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 the UK Autumn Budget and its impacts on Scottish Agriculture.  Show Notes  00:41 News in Brief 06:33 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme, Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, Scotland’s Climate Change Plan to 2040, Council Tax Reforms, QMS Cattle and Sheep Assurance Scheme Standards 15:15 Cereals – latest arable news and market update  23:24 Beef – latest beef news and market update  27:05 Sheep – latest sheep news and market update 32:26 Milk – Milk Production Data, Farm-gate Prices, Dairy Commodities and Market Indicators, Dairy Exports, Winter Lighting Systems, Organic Milk 40:48 Sector focus – overview of the UK Autumn Budget and its impacts on Scottish Agriculture. 47:07 Further articles – FAS 12 Days of Christmas, Achieving Net Zero in Beef Farming (FAS TV) and Looking After Yourself (FAS Podcast)  Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service   Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) SRUC’s research (how to improve the lives of animals) Climate Change Plan to 2040 A consultation on the Draft Climate Change Plan Future of council tax in Scotland: consultation - gov.scot QMS Cattle and Sheep Standards Cattle and Sheep Assurance scheme - what's changed Sheep Producers Intentions Survey - Meat and Livestock Australia Tesco Christmas Trend Report for 2025 Office for Budget Responsibility’s report The 12 Days of Christmas | Helping farmers in Scotland FAS TV Series - Net Zero on Beef Farms 

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams.  On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by two industry experts to discuss the beef industry. It’s a lively discussion covering many topics, including: replacement strategies, where the market is it at just now, sustainability and the future of the Scottish herd.  Gavin Hill is a Senior Beef Specialist with SAC Consulting and Robet Gilchrist is Chief Executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Society.  Episode Timestamps  02.30 Cattle replacement strategies  10.03 Where should the end price be? 13.26 Changing eating behaviours and changes in the industry 17.05 Future of the Scottish herd  27.45 Cow of the future  43.08 Matching the sire  50.07 What will the Scottish beef industry look like in the next 10-20 years  Resources    Livestock resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Sustainable Beef Systems | Helping farmers in Scotland  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot 

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature.  In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recovery Manager Dr Anna Griffin and Natural Capital Officer Jonathan Olandi to explore the work of the Biosphere and introduce their new project, OPIN (On-farm Plans Integrated with Nature). This initiative will recruit 12 farms across the Biosphere in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in a five-year programme focused on whole-farm planning and farming resilience. We discuss how land managers can get involved, the benefits of participation, and the support available, including access to a robust suite of tools, data, and capital grant funding, that will help implement strategic land management actions that are good for natural capital and good for business.  Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps: 1:04 – 9:00 Intro to speakers and Biosphere 9:00 – 14:30 Reasons for the designation and previous projects delivered 14:30 – 30:30 The OPIN project 30:30 – 50:00 Benefits for land managers and how to get involved Related FAS resources:   Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/  Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/    Other Related Resources: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/  To apply or for more information: https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/contact-us/  Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal: https://www.borderlandsgrowth.com/ 

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Edward Jones, who is a Sustainable Farming Advisor at Frontier Agriculture to discuss cover crops.  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 codes 04:13 Definitions of green manure, cover crops & catch crops 09:14 Potential benefits 12:24 New species available 14:15 Different species for different areas 20:03 Considerations when choosing a crop 24:14 Greening 2026 28:40 Establishment 33:46 Potential uses with livestock 36:00 Seeds suitable for broadcasting 39:19 Three top tips Linked FAS Resources  FAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/  EFA Greening 2026 https://www.fas.scot/preparing-for-the-future/Other Linked ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-jones-931725133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app  Clinkstone – Companion Crops & autumn cover crops in a min-till system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5xnHdsaEw  Cover Crop Guide: https://covercropsguide.co.uk/ 

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.   Organic farming is woven through Scotland’s landscapes, from the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire to the upland pastures of Argyll. Rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and local resilience, organic systems work with nature rather than against it—building fertility through crop rotations, clover leys and composts, and managing pests with balance instead of chemicals. The result is more than just food without synthetic inputs; it’s a way of farming that supports wildlife, protects water and strengthens rural communities. From certified producers under the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) to advisory work led by the Soil Association, organic farming in Scotland continues to evolve, combining tradition, innovation and environmental stewardship to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.   In this episode, we sit down with two special guest speakers, Debs Roberts joins us from SOPA and David MacKay joins us from the Soil Association to walk us through the benefits of going organic, the process and how the market is developing in Scotland and further afield - in a conversation that is more collaboration than clash of the titans. We also talk about the announced return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and David reflects on his time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit.    Want to get in touch with Debs or David? Contact SOPA via telephone at 0300 7729795 or email at info@sopa.org.uk. Contact Soil Association via telephone at 0131 3708150 or email at contact@soilassociation.org. Related FAS ResourcesOrganics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory ServiceRelated Other ResourcesScottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)Soil Association

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss men’s health month with RSABI hut coordinator Rebecca Mackie and Health Hut nurse, Irene Scott. Time Stamps00:26 What’s going on with George & Mary-Jane 03:10 Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS) 05:30 Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Reminder 08:45 Leaving winter stubbles 14:44 Upcoming events 17:28 RSABI Health hut FAS Resources RSABI Health huts: Health Huts - RSABI FAS Events: https://www.fas.scot/events/ Rural Payments, all scheme guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/ Other Resources  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot 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 is joined by Barbara McLeod. Barbara owns and runs Cruciferous Croft in the Lochinver area of North West Scotland.  She took on a croft herself, renovating an old building to live in, and has since started growing vegetables, finding most success with cabbages.  This gave her the idea to start fermenting them into sauerkraut to add value.  She now sells her products at food festivals and fairs.  She tells us about what it was like getting started in crofting, and discusses heritage practices such as using seaweed for fertiliser, and following chemical free growing practices.  She also tells us about the various sources of funding and support she has used to get her business up and running.  If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Cruciferous Croft, the Farm Advisory Service mentoring scheme, the HIE food and drink tech hub, or the other sources of support that Barbara mentioned, 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.   Related ResourcesHome - Cruciferous Croft Website Food and drink TechHUB | HIE FAS Mentoring Support Available | 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 dairy technology.  Show Notes  00:39 News in Brief 05:49 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme, Agri-environment Climate Scheme Update, June Agricultural Census 2025 Results, Rodenticides, Muirburn Licence Update, Ecological Focus Areas, Suckler Beef Support Scheme, Small Scale Woodlands, Key Dates. 16:58 Cereals – latest arable news and market update  25:23 Beef – Festive Demand, Consumer Demand, Price Rewards, Store Trade, Cull Cow Trade, Breeding Cattle.  34:02 Sheep – October Trade Round-Up, European and UK Lamb, Global Prices. 38:58 Milk – Milk Production Data, Farm-gate Prices, Dairy Commodities and Market Indicators, How Clean Is Your Water   46:03 Sector focus – Dairy Technology – Where can it benefit your business?  55:31 Further articles – Tech Savvy Dairy Farming, Slatted flooring for sheep, Greening changes, Arable Farm Finances, Upcoming deadlines, Herd Advance Stockman system, Making Succession a Success  Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service   BASIS PROMPT BPCA 2(British Pest Control Association) Registered CRRU Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) - Think Wildlife Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Rodent Management - Lantra The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill Delayed implementation of the muirburn provisions | Scottish Parliament Website The Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 Small woodlands | Scottish Forestry Pneumonitor - environment monitoring for your pen Farm-twin - Digital Dairy Chain  SRUC Major projects | Digital Dairy Chain Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Dairy Calf  a...