OnFarm - Scottish rural stories

Calum Clark has been farm manager of the Rattray Estate near Peterhead for six years, working closely with estate owner James. The farm has recently converted to organic. Calum describes how that transition has taken place, and shares his enthusiasm for farming in general, and particularly for his herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle. On a glorious sunny day, Anna had a tour of the estate and a fascinating blether with Calum. Episode produced in partnership with SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association: https://www.sopa.org.uk/

Michael Medlock recently returned from Dubai - where he had a lucrative career in oil and gas – to run his family's organic farm near Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire. The enterprise is primarily organic gluten-free oats, but they are building up a business rearing chicken and ducks. For an episode in partnership with SOPA (the Scottish Organic Producers Association), Anna visited Michael for a chat and a tour of his farm. Find SOPA online here: https://www.sopa.org.uk/ (https://www.sopa.org.uk/)

"If we had lost this show, I would have presumed I was jinxed - but, all being well, we're looking at a barnstormer". RHASS chairman Bill Gray has been sharing his thoughts and feelings ahead of the 200th Royal Highland Show this June. Bill's chairmanship has been a rollercoaster ride through the Covid period, but he looks set to end his tenure on a high. We also revisit an episode from 2020, when Bill and Monty explored the history and heritage of RHASS on a tour of Ingliston House. We hear in this episode: Farming journalist and writer Andrew Arbuckle Ken Fletcher, editor of the Scottish Farmer A short clip from an episode of BBC Scotland's Landward, which can be seen in full at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10)

The Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are now open to nominations - with a deadline of 18th July 2022. The awards recognise the role of estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals in helping rural Scotland to thrive - whether that's through providing affordable rural housing, supporting local businesses, or working with schools to support rural skills. Sarah-Jane Laing and Lucy Laidlaw from Scottish Land and Estates, and Ronnie MacRae from the Communities Housing Trust join Anna to talk about the awards. We also hear from Robbie Kernahan, Director of Green Economy at awards sponsors NatureScot. Details of the Helping It Happen Awards: https://scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen

Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Glasgow, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural encourage people in Scotland's towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. This time, Leeanne Coyle visits Kilmacolm Farm Tours, the Round House at Craigmaddie Muir, Errington Cheese, and Forth's Wee Farm Distillery. These attractions and many more can be found at goruralscotland.com

As we gear up for the 2022 Royal Highland Show - the first to take place in-person since the start of Covid - we are resharing an episode, created in partnership with RHASS in 2020. It is all about the value of the Show for supporting social connection and supporting our mental wellbeing. Anna is joined by Nina Clancy from RSABI, and Professor Sarah Skerratt, who has done academic research on mental health in rural communities.

Gareth Baird was visibly emotional on receiving the 2022 SAOS Ed Rainy Brown Memorial Award. He was given the honour after a career of exceptional service to co-operation and collaboration in farming, food, and rural Scotland. Moredun Foundation chairman Gareth has been described as “quite simply one of the greatest co-operators of our age". We find out why in this episode...

Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Edinburgh, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural encourage people in Scotland's towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Jac Phillimore visits Balfour Stewart at the https://www.thebusstop.scot/find-us (Bus Stop at Bankrugg Farm), Jo and Stewart McNicol from https://www.driftalong.co.uk/ (Drift Cliff Edge Café), Kirsteen Sinclair of https://craigies.co.uk/ (Craigies Farm), Katie Roberts from https://www.craigduckie.co.uk/ (Craigduckie )near Dunfermline, and Emma Niven at https://www.lochlevenslarder.com/ (Lochleven's Larder).

How can more younger farmers get involved in shaping Scotland's future agricultural policy? What more can be done to tackle rural housing problems, improve diversity and mental health in rural communities, support new entrants, and a host of other issues? This episode is a chat between 4 members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers and the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP. From SAYFC: Amy Jo Reed, Ben McClymont, Jillian Kennedy, John McCulloch. Episode produced in partnership with the Scottish Rural Hub.

When Gloucestershire-based arable farmer James Wilson of H.A. Day and Sons needed to tackle a bad case of black-grass, he turned to innovative drone technology from Angus-based precision-farming experts Soil Essentials. Monty's been speaking with James, and also Soil Essentials' Jim Wilson (always helpful when your two guests have virtually the same name!) Episode produced in partnership with Soil Essentials: www.soilessentials.com

A focus on one of the benefits available to NFU Scotland members who are entitled to 20 minutes of free legal advice (helpline number 0131 271 8585). OnFARM producer Dave Howard visited law firm Gillespie Macandrew, whose Land and Rural Business team manages this service. Episode created in partnership with Gillespie Macandrew.

Go Rural Scotland are seeking to get more people engaged in visits and experiences on Scottish farms, which inevitably means more people being out and about in rural areas. The arrival of warmer spring weather makes this a good time for a chat about enjoying rural areas responsibly. Monty visits Go Rural's Caroline Millar, and her neighbour Euan Baird.

Virgina Osborne runs a sustainable organic mixed farm near Kirriemuir in Angus, with her parents and siblings. They breed organic pure-bred Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cross cattle and have a small organic sheep herd. Virginia also tells Anna about her love of Highland Ponies and how they are a critical tool in managing the farm. Episode supported by SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association.

Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer has raised over £100,000 for the RSABI with proceeds from his books. However, we bet you didn't know about his time as a champion pole vaulter...

A whistle-stop tour of farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Dundee, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural's 'Days Out on Your Doorstep' campaign encourages people in Scotland's towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Monty visits Anna Lamotte at https://www.guardswell.co.uk/ (Guardswell Farm), Louise Nicoll of https://newtonfarmholidays.co.uk/ (Newton Farm), Stephen Melville of Cuplahills Farm, and Caroline Bruce-Jarron of https://ogilvyspirits.com/ (Ogilvy Distillery).

What are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the second of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists.

What are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the first of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists.

Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer run Lynbreck Croft in the Cairngorm National Park. The pair took on Lynbreck Croft when it was semi-derelict in March 2016 "with a dream to live closer to the land". Their book is called 'Our Wild Farming Life'. Lynn talks to Anna about their ethos of farming with nature, and how they've built a profitable business and fulfilling lifestyle.

Joanna MacGregor and Donald Fraser are tenant farmers at Farm Ness, on the Dochfour Estate, outside Inverness. Joanna left behind a geography teaching career to join Donald on the farm. Series 5 of BBC Scotland's This Farming Life charts their efforts to open a farm shop.

Doddie Aid 2022 is in full swing, with folk all across Scotland and beyond walking, running, and cycling en masse, to raise funds to help cure Motor Neuron Disease. Monty chats with Paralympic silver and bronze medalist (and Borders farmer's daughter) Sammi Kinghorn, co-captain of the South Doddie Aid team, and Bruce Aitchison, host of the Happiness is Egg Shaped podcast and the Doddie Aid weekly Wednesday live streams. Episode kindly sponsored by Fearn Farm Holiday Cottages: http://www.fearnfarm.com/holidays (www.fearnfarm.com/holidays)

2022 already looks like being a challenging year for farming. There are huge unanswered questions over support policies and mechanisms, and concerns over big increases in cheap imported food due to Brexit. The UK DEFRA Secretary George Eustice recently said that farmers must do more to “stand up to supermarkets” over prices – but he was short on practical suggestions for how many might do that. Helping to find a path through this difficult terrain is going to be a big focus for OnFARM in 2022, and we start by revisiting a conversation with Galloway dairy farmer Rory Christie.  Rory has great advice on giving yourself the best chance in negotiations – not just with supermarkets and other buyers, but with landlords, and even spouses!

Leicestershire mixed farmer and Farm To Fork author Joe Stanley wants more consumers and householders to better understand where their food comes from, and the work that goes on on British farms. Joe sits down with Anna to talk about some of the ways this could happen.

SAYFC members undertook a series of farm visits at the start of December, as part of the organisation's 7th agriculture and rural affairs conference. OnFARM's Monty tagged along for one of the visits, to Learielaw Farm in Broxburn near Edinburgh. This episode is kindly supported by law firm Gillespie Macandrew.

An in-person AgriScot event is coming soon! The farm business event is returning to the Royal Highland Showground on Weds 9th Feb. In this episode Monty hears from AgriScot chairman Robert Neill, while Anna re-visits the last AgriScot event that took place, back in 2019.

Angus Elder is a third-generation organic veg and cereals farmer at Chapel Organics in East Lothian. Anna visited Angus at his farm for a tour and a chat, to learn about his farm enterprise growing crops and produce, primarily for veg box schemes. Angus is also a SOPA (Scottish Organic Producers Association) board member - this episode is made in partnership with SOPA.

Anna explores the benefits of collaboration in Scottish food and farming - meeting representatives from cheese producers, flower growers, and apple growers, who have all formed collaborative groups, with the help of Scottish farming's co-op umbrella organisation SAOS. Guests: Valerie Orr from Blooming Bees and the Flowers Grown in Scotland groupCatherine Drummond-Herdman at Megginch Castle and the Scottish Apple Producers groupJane Stewart of St Andrews Farm House Cheese Company and Fine Cheesemakers of ScotlandEpisode produced in partnership with SAOS.

Scottish agritourism faces “the opportunity to become world renowned”, according to Visit Scotland's Vicki Millar. In this episode, Monty also meets Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Agritourism lead Caroline Millar and many others, at the launch of Scotland's ambitious new agritourism growth strategy. This packed episode is kindly supported by Ledingham Chalmers.Contributors:Cabinet Secretary Mairi GougeonScottish Agritourism's Caroline MillarVisit Scotland's Vicki MillarAlan Laidlaw from RHASSThe Scotsman newspaper's Brian HendersonThe Scottish Farmer's political editor Claire TaylorLinda Tinson of Ledingham Chalmers solicitors Agritourism businesses:Stuart and Jo McNicol from DriftJasmine and Fenwick Jackson from Jacksons at JedburghJohn Scott of Fearn FarmHelen Smith from Byres FarmSarah Johnson of Bowbridge Alpacas ScotlandNikki Storrar of Ardross Farm ShopRobert and Lucy Wilson of Wilson's Farm and KitchenWith thanks to: The Scotland Starts Here podcast from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA)

Anna and Monty are sharing exciting news! The OnFARM family is expanding. In January 2022, we launch the OnFARM Academy, offering training programmes and modules for all aspects of rural life and business. Some modules already live, and available to OnFARM listeners half-price until launch. Find OnFARM Academy at https://training.onfarmacademy.com/ (https://training.onfarmacademy.com/)

What should be Scottish farming's response to COP26? As the summit gets underway in Glasgow, Anna is spending time with SAOS chairman John Hutcheson, and Emma Patterson-Taylor, SAOS's climate change and sustainability manager.

A farmhouse kitchen blether between Anna and three brilliant women, each with perspectives as women in agriculture. Amy Geddes is a 4th-generation farmer at Wester Braikie Farm near Arbroath. Aylett Roan farms alongside her husband at Barnbarrock farm in Dumfries and Galloway, and also runs a doorstep milk-delivery business. Lois Newton is an associate in the land and rural department at Gillespie Macandrew. We are grateful to Gillespie Macandrew for supporting this episode.

Tebay services and farm shop in Westmorland is a staple of many people's north-south car journeys, with food and facilities several cuts above most motorway stop-offs. Monty meets farm manager Bob Day and Tebay head of butchery David Morland, and follows the Tebay journey from farm to fork - a distance of about 3 miles door-to-door. Luing cattle are among the breeds favoured at Tebay - and this is the second of two OnFARM episodes produced with the Luing Cattle Society.

Agriculture faces many profitability and sustainability challenges, not least in suckler beef production where margins are tight and environmental impact questions are constantly raised. In the first of two episodes supported by the Luing Cattle Society, Monty finds out how the Luing breed is meeting these challenges head-on, and driving a profitable business for first-generation farmer Giles Henry. We also hear how the breed was designed and developed by the Cadzow brothers, and how their aims for the breed ring true with many of today's farming systems. Find more about Luing online at https://luingcattlesociety.co.uk/

Equi-Scotia have, since the start of the pandemic, been running horse-facilitated learning and psychotherapy - to groups, individuals, businesses and youth groups. OnFARM's resident horse-lover Anna has been finding out more about their work from founder Julie-Anne Griffith.

Anna and Monty discuss the incredible response to last week's episode - when Monty spoke with Jamie Brand, the brother of East Lothian farmer Grant Brand, who very sadly took his own life back in February. Anna is then joined by Morna Ronnie and Kirsty Ritchie from 'Be Your Best Self' - a fully-funded personal development programme currently on offer to women in agriculture in Scotland. Be Your Best Self helps participants to grow confidence and resilience, identify their strengths, and understand how and when to work with others. It also offers mental health and wellbeing support, and a network of like-minded women that can last for the long-term. For more on Be Your Best Self, visit https://thepeopleportfolio.co.uk/category/beyourbestself/

Content Warning: Suicide, Mental Health >>> The news in February that East Lothian farmer Grant Brand had taken his own life left many in Scottish farming shocked and upset – and, of course, sending heartfelt good wishes to Grant's family. This episode pays tribute to Grant, hearing memories and thoughts from his brother Jamie Brand. We also hear how Grant's death prompted OnFARM's Monty and his friend Scott Brown to create the ‘We All Need a Farmer' short film, that has now been shared hundreds of times on social media. This episode of OnFARM discusses suicide and mental health. Any time you need to speak to someone about your own mental health, please talk to someone you trust. You can call your GP, contact the Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/), or – if you are in Scottish farming – the RSABI (https://rsabi.org.uk/). You can watch the We All Need a Farmer film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbWDC6CWc8

Monty goes in search of a new breeding tup at Europe's largest ram auction - while OnFARM producer Dave nearly buys one by accident. We also follow a young auctioneer getting his first opportunity on the big stage, and speak to Border Union Agricultural Society chief executive Dan Withall. The Kelso Ram Sales, held annually by BUAS, had an electric atmosphere from the outset - as one of the first major 'in person' agricultural events after Covid restrictions were loosened. Big thanks to the Border Union Agricultural Society for supporting this episode.

Christopher Trotter, the food writer who once ran a Michelin-starred kitchen, and Fife food ambassador, wants us all to eat more varied and sustainably sourced Scottish fish. His new book is called Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook. Christopher speaks to OnFARM's Sarah Anderson, in the first episode of our new series.

Malting barley producers face a difficult and uncertain summer, after one of Scotland's biggest grain merchants fell into administration. Many fear they will lose large sums of money as a result of Alexander Inglis and Son's closure. An already limited set of grain purchasers is now even smaller, making it harder for producers to negotiate a price. Perhaps most urgently - many now face having nowhere to dry and store this summer's harvest. It's a tough situation, so Monty is searching for solutions - with Ally Brunton of the SAYFC agri affairs committee, Donald Ross, an ex chairman of Highland Grain, and dairy and pig farmer Rory Christie, of the Milk Supply Association and SAOS.

A summary of the themes discussed more indepth in 5 recent OnFARM episodes with SAOS, discussing themes around climate change, farming, and the value of cooperation.

In what should be Royal Highland Show week 2021, Monty speaks with SAYFC's Hamish Logan on how Young Farmers have made the best of a difficult and isolated time in lockdown. SAYFC members are gearing up to take centre stage at the Royal Highland Showcase, a series of virtual and online events replacing this year's Show. We also look back on last year's 14-part special OnFARM series with RHASS, celebrating the Royal Highland Show and all the Society achieves.

Highly organised criminal gangs are targeting Scotland's farms, and using the latest technology including overhead drones to overcome security measures. It may sound like Line Of Duty, but Inspector Alan Dron heads up Police Scotland's Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). He's been sharing details of recent arrests and operations with Anna.

You're 18 times more likely to lose your life farming than in the average UK workplace. Cutting out farm-related deaths and life-changing accidents has to be a priority for us all. Anna's guests are Stephanie Barclay from the Farm Safety Foundation, James Chapman, who lost his left arm in a tractor accident and is now an FSF trustee, and George Noble from SAOS. OnFARM producer Dave Howard visits Willie Harper in Renfrewshire, to hear about his narrow escape from being butted and stamped on the spine by a cow with calf. Thanks to the Scottish Rural Network for supporting this episode.

How Scottish salmon has innovated and used technology to become the UK's biggest food export. Monty and producer Jac Phillimore also how the industry is increasingly focused on farming more sustainably. This is the second of two episodes in partnership with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).

2021 marks 50 years since the start of Scottish commercial salmon farming. It's a half century that has seen the industry rise from very humble beginnings to being the UK's number one food export, globally recognised for its high quality, and a major provider of jobs in the Highlands and Islands. This is the first of two OnFARM episodes in association with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO). Monty hears how a pioneering spirit brought success to Scotland's very first salmon farmers.

The theme for 2021's Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May) is 'nature'. Whether it's Anna’s own passion of sea-swimming, or mountain biking, forest-bathing, or walking the John Muir Way, this episode is packed with tips on making the most of being outdoors. It is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.

Monty is looking ahead to the 2021 AgriScot event this autumn with event chairman Robert Neill. This episode also marks the official launch of AgriScot's Farm of the Year awards - including an exciting new 'Diversified Farm of the Year' category. To enter or nominate a farm business, visit www.agriscot.co.uk

Sheep farmers like Monty have finished lambing, and we are all - thankfully - slowly coming out of COVID lockdown. We can start to think about getting out and about, and maybe having a bit of fun with the family. So we're handing this episode over to the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, to give you some day trip inspiration. We're playing out in full their recent Scotland Starts Here 'Rural Heritage' podcast episode, talking up all things food and agritourism in the south of Scotland.

Thanks to COVID, bookings for UK holidays went up 300% in 2020. It's led many farm businesses to consider new agritourism enterprises. But what do you need to know before you open up your farm gates to tourists and visitors? Joining Anna are Sheryl Macaulay from Douglas Home & Co Chartered Accountants, and David Seed from specialist rural surveyors and land agents FBRSeed.

We look back on 30 years of LEADER grants and funding for development projects in rural Scotland. Anna speaks with Peter Ross, who has been involved with LEADER from its very beginning in 1991, about its grassroots partnership approach to funding, and about the hundreds of communities that have benefitted. We also hear from four different projects around Scotland that have been LEADER-funded, and ask what post-Brexit future there might be for EU-funded LEADER. Music in this episode is from 17-year old Katie Nicoll, part of LEADER-funded DD8 Music in Angus. Find her work online at https://linktr.ee/Katienicmusic. This episode is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.LEADER-funded projects featured include:The Smiddy, a multi-purpose Heritage and Community Hub in the Glenkens area of Galloway.Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath, a horticulture-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. They grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area.TrixPix Media, a multimedia production house with adjoining croft in South Uist.Kirrie Connections, a dementia care project in Kirriemuir in Angus.DD8 Music, a studio and youth work facility also in Kirriemuir in Angus.

How effective leadership can encourage those with a stake in rural sustainability to engage with mitigating climate change. In this fifth and final episode looking at climate change challenges with SAOS, Anna speaks with: Mark Brooking - sustainability director for dairy farmers' cooperative FirstMilk Tim Wilson - CEO of supply co-op Aspatria FarmersJim Booth - SAOS head of co-op development

Will Evans of the Rock and Roll Farming podcast passes on tips to Anna, a relative newcomer on the rural podcast scene. The pair also discuss mental health, family life on Will's farm near Wrexham, as well as his Scottish connections.