The Rural Roundup

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 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 reminder 12:54 PSF reminder 15:25 AECS reminder 16:03 Inheritance tax update 19:12 Women In Agriculture conference 24:52 FAS Conference FAS Resources FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ NVZ Rules Refresher https://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.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 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 

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 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

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss the aftermath of storm Amy, speak to Gilmour Lawrie ahead of the much-anticipated AgriScot 2025 and talk about upcoming deadlines including EFA green cover, PSF, SSBSS and SUSS. FAS Resources AgriScot 2025: https://agriscot.co.uk/ FAS Events: https://www.fas.scot/events/ Rural Payments, all scheme guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/ 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. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie highlight what’s happening in Scottish agriculture and are then joined by Peter Lang from SEPA to discuss new regulations for the application of waste to land, which will come into effect on 1st November 2025. FAS Resources Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Resources  Use of waste on land - changes to regulations | SEPA Contact us - SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (Mainland and Islands) full guidance Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme full guidance  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. On today’s episode George Chalmers introduces Mary-Jane Lawrie, who will be sitting in for Tiffany Stephenson, while on maternity leave. Topics of discussion include, extreme weather, FFIS updates and cross compliance reminders, which includes useful tips on hedge management. FAS Resources FAS Website – Responding to changing weather https://www.fas.scot/responding-to-changing-weather/ FFIS Scheme Guidance - https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/ffis/future-farm-investment-scheme/  Other Resources  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 Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson discuss the new Future Farming Investment Scheme, which will open for applications on 14th July 2025 and close on 22nd August 2025. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Future Farm Investment Scheme full guidance Future farming Investment Scheme - gov.scot Other ResourcesHow to Complete your FFIS ApplicationFor 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 Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk to Professor Steven Thomson about the Enhanced Greening conditional changes which will come into effect from 1st January 2026. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Events | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceGreening Guidance 2026 (ruralpayments.org)Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Resources  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. On today’s episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk about the upcoming AECS deadline and the pressing issue of water scarcity. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Water Scarcity - Farming and Water ScotlandEvents | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service 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 Roundup. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Becka Henderson, a Farm Business Analyst from SAC Consulting to talk about results from the Farm Business Survey and headlines from the spring statement.  FAS Resources Whole farm benchmarks | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceContact: ScottishFarmBusinessSurvey@sac.co.uk Scottish farm business income (FBI) - gov.scot Other Resources  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 Roundup. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who talk headlines and deadlines. We talk about the Single Application Form (IACS) window, AECS, and changes to both. We also discuss “Fair work first” and what that means for farmers & crofters undertaking an AECS.  Related Resources  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Claims and payments  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. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who bring us their Spring Update, with information on the “New Deal for Agriculture”, NVZ, claim deadlines for PSF & AECS Capital claims, an update on h5n1, and a market update.  Related ResourcesPreparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot Claims and payments 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. 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