Quality Meat Scotland Podcast

Send us a textHere is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, we're joined by RNAS President as we look ahead to the very first Beef Tech event, hosted on 28th May at Home Farm, Kininmonth, Peterhead – a new event showcasing innovation and technology in the beef sector.We also catch up with QMS Chair Kate Rowell, who shares reflections on lambing and calving season, the challenges and rewards of this busy time of year, and how the recent good weather is helping farmers across the country.And as always, Iain Macdonald brings his expert insight into current market trends and prices, giving you the latest on livestock and trade developments.It's a packed episode full of practical insight, forward-thinking ideas, and a look at what's driving change in Scottish agriculture.Follow us on social media and join the conversation!Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a textIn this month's episode of the QMS Red Meat Podcast, we're joined by Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, for an exclusive deep dive into the latest Scottish Government policies impacting the industry.We'll discuss:✅ The future of Scotland's red meat sector amidst evolving agricultural policies✅ Government strategies to support farmers, butchers, and processors✅ Balancing food security, biodiversity, and climate goals✅ The challenges and opportunities for the sector over the next five years✅ What makes Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork stand out globallyWe also get a personal insight from the Cabinet Secretary on her favourite Scottish red meat dish!Plus, we'll hear updates from Sarah Millar on industry developments and Iain Macdonald on the latest market trends across cattle, sheep, and pig sectors.Don't forget to subscribe for more expert discussions each month!

Send us a textIn this month's episode of the QMS Red Meat Podcast, we catch up with Martin Kennedy to reflect on his time as President of NFU Scotland. He shares the highlights and defining moments of his presidency, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Scottish agriculture.We also hear from Kate Rowell, who updates us on her work with the development of industry-led groups and their role in shaping the future of farming.Abby Tong brings positive news from the red meat sector, discussing the growing importance of provenance and quality in the food service industry and what it means for producers meeting consumer demands.Tune in for an insightful episode on the future of Scottish agriculture and the opportunities ahead!Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of the QMS Red Meat Podcast, we welcome James Withers, a seasoned expert in economic development, strategy, skills, public affairs, and communications. With a distinguished career in agri-food, drink, and tourism, James offers an invaluable perspective on the UK Farm Assurance Review.James breaks down the key findings of the report, highlighting how farm assurance systems are evolving across the UK and how they impact farmers. This episode also dives into how farmers can collaborate on common issues and best practices to improve the industry. Whether you're a farmer, business leader, or stakeholder, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of farm assurance and the role it plays in shaping UK agriculture.Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of the QMS Podcast, our host Claire Taylor is joined by a fantastic line-up of guests. First, QMS Chair, Kate Rowell provides a New Year's update and greetings to the audience, while Iain Macdonald, QMS Market Intelligence Manager, offers valuable insights into market trends and what to expect in the year ahead.The highlight of this episode is our special guest, Dr. Carrie Ruxton, a renowned dietitian with over 20 years of experience. Carrie dives deep into the myths surrounding red meat, providing expert clarity on its role in a balanced diet. With a rich background consulting for food companies, serving on the Meat Advisory Panel, and contributing to Food Standards Scotland, Carrie's knowledge and rural Scottish roots offer a unique perspective on nutrition and farming.Tune in for a mix of industry trends, health insights, and a closer look at the 2025 Toolkit to support the positive narrative around Scotland's red meat.To access the toolkit visit the QMS website!Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore two exciting topics; Rugby and A World Without Cows. First, to kick off the episode, we have Sarah Millar Chief Executive of QMS reflecting on the year and the exciting work QMS has taken on.We are then joined by Aileen Marchant discussing the unique QMS rugby partnership, the upcoming development days, and why rugby is helping to highlight the role of sustainable red meat.We also dive into A World Without Cows, a documentary exploring the global agricultural debate. Filmmakers Brandon Whitworth and Michelle Michael share stories from their travels, highlighting the crucial role of livestock in combating climate change.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, partnerships, and the future of sustainable agriculture.Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Send us a textIn this episode, host Jane Craigie hears what the QMS team has been up to lately, which includes attending the World Steak Challenge in Amsterdam, visiting London to explain the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork credentials to more than 100 of the best butchers, and working with MP's to raise awareness of the Scottish red meat industry.  Abby Tong gives an in-depth market insight and Emma Heath along with Multiply's Graeme Clark, discuss what makes Scotch so special, and why red meat consumers should opt for this premium brand.We hope you enjoy listening to this episode.Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a Text Message.At the beginning of August Turriff Show brought many people from the farming world together in North East Scotland, including Quality Meat Scotland's Kate Rowell and Iain Macdonald, who in this podcast talk to Jane Craigie about the latest statistics and wide opportunities for the red meat sector. Deeside Monitor Farmer Duncan Morrison explains what he's learning through, and enjoying about, being a part of the Monitor Farm Programme with his suckler beef enterprise. We hope that you enjoy listening to this episode.  Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we catch up with Professor John Gilliland about the QMS/AHDB about an Environmental Baselining programme based on the success of a similar scheme in Northern Ireland. This industry-led pilot aims to recruit 170 farmers and growers in Scotland and England to understand and improve their environmental performance. John explains the learnings from NI and the hopes for Scotland. Host Jane Craigie also catches up with QMS CEO, Sarah Millar, on the team's high-impact presence at the Highland Show, which included a three-way briefing from First Minister, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, on the QMS stand. Jane also spoke to QMS's Iain Macdonald about the market outlook for red meat, and how the Scotch Premium works in practice.We hope that you enjoy listening to this episode. Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Working with farmers and influencing policy is key for QMS. In this episode Kate Rowell explains how QMS is doing this important work alongside other industry stakeholders and Scotch farming ambassadors, to promote the Scotch red meat sector.  The QMS team will be at the Royal Highland Show and Kate explains what to look out for, including steak tasting.  Abby Tong is QMS Category Specialist, she explains her fascinating role, higher than normal Easter red meat sales, beef and lamb promotions, consumer behaviour, and the summer outlook. Saltire Hospitality has been catering at the Royal Highland Show for 24 years now, sourcing local, quality Scotch products as much as possible. Bran Jankovic is their Culinary Director and explains the scale of their work at the Show, and his passion for sourcing Scotch. Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

In this episode, we speak to John Ritchie about grassland management - he's very inspiring and infectiously enthusiastic! Also to Alix Ritchie about Farmstrong Scotland and the events coming up in their calendar for farmers and crofters to join and hear how others are investing in their wellbeing. Iain Macdonald, QMS's Market Intelligence Manager,  talks about the beef, sheep and lamb markets, and the outlook for demand and supply for the spring and summer, and to Sarah Millar, QMS CEO, about her win and all she's been doing to support the red meat sector. Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcastHere is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

In this episode, we speak to Wayne Godfrey, Chief Executive of Brown Brothers, about their vision to add £100 million in retail sales of Specially Selected Pork via the family's investment in the Brechin processing facility.  Iain Macdonald, QMS's Market Intelligence Manager,  talks about the beef, sheep and lamb markets, and the outlook for demand and supply. And, ahead of starting lambing Kate Rowell gave a round up of the industry engagement she has been involved in over recent months. Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

In this episode we look at developing red meat markets in Scotalnd, the wider UK and internationally. Guests are Tom Gibson, QMS's Business Development Director and Emma Heath, who is the new Marketing Director at QMS. Tom talks athrough his role - discovering, developing and building new market opportunities, both in the UK and abroad, with new export business continually coming on board. Supplying lamb as part of Lamb for St. Andrew's Day was a huge success, with sensational Scotch lamb being served at a COP 28 dinner, in Dubai, coinciding with the opening market opportunities for export to the Middle East.  Emma Heath joins the conversation, explaining her vision for the Make It Scotch brand and why it's so important that we tell the world about our wonderful red meat products.  Hear all about it, and more, in this podcast with host, Jane Craigie.  Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

This episode is all about pork, following the successful month of 'Porktober', during October, when QMS, and butchers all over Scotland, celebrated Scotland's pig farmers and Specially Selected Pork.Conversations are with Bruce McConachie from QMS who talks about disease surveillance and controlling Scotland's feral pigs, and with two butchers - Jordan McCaughan, a young butcher at Hugh Black & Sons and Gary Raeburn, who has a very successful butcher's shop in Huntly. Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

Ensuring Scotland's school children know where their food comes from,  and the nutrition it offers, is part of the role for QMS Health and Education Managers, Jen Robertson and Alix Ritchie, who promote Scotch Beef, Lamb and Specially Selected Pork in schools.  In this episode, Jen talks about their work with all of Scotland's local authorities, and the creative ways of encouraging red meat inclusion in school dinners and cookery classes. The initiatives, including in class education sessions, cookery demonstrations and food and farming events, reached over 2,500 of Scotland's primary aged pupils from 80 different schools and 320 secondary schools during the 2022-23 academic year, with the Meat Voucher Scheme giving schools cash to buy Scotch Lamb, Beef or Specially Selected Pork from Scotch Assured butchers. 

QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Millar and QMS board Chair, Kate Rowell, explain the three key pillars of QMS's five-year strategy - provenance, profitability and productivity, planning and place, and what getting this right means to Scotland's red meat sector. 

In this episode, the conversation focuses on meat eating quality. The discussions are with Bruce McConachie, QMS's Head of Industry Development and Dan Gilmour, a third generation butcher from East Lothian.  For the red meat sector to be able to meet the challenges of a global marketplace improving the eating quality and consistency of our red meat is essential. This podcast gives a great insight into QMS's Meat Eating Quality report, which is encouraging the red meat sector to discuss how Scotland might change its determining the consistency of how meat tastes, eats and cooks. The work was carried out by Birnie Consultancy and points to a number of key themes that affect the eating quality of a piece of meat, and why it matters.

Farmers are having to look at all aspects of their business to try to control costs and one of the areas that they can do this is by focussing on the forage that they grow for their livestock.Tune in to this week's podcast to hear from Andrew Houstoun, who farms Glenkilrie Farm near Blairgowrie and Charles Murray, seed merchant and agronomist, who runs Clyde Agriculture (Seeds) Ltd.  They discuss grazing and forage requirements and what can be done to extend the grazing season to in order to minimise winter feeding costs.

Farmers and their workers are the most important asset on any farm.Now an initiative founded in the farming community in New Zealand has made it's way to Scotland.  Farmstrong aims to help farmers and their workers live well, to farm well. Tune in to this weeks podcast with John Scott of Fearn Farm and is leading FarmStrongs introduction to Scotland, Gerard Vaughan is Farmstrong's project lead and spokesperson in NZ. He helped design and establish the programme in 2015 and oversees its research and education initiatives.  Listen in to hear how the Farmstrong Scotland programme is progressing and how it will help farmers and farm workers improve their wellbeing so they can cope better with the ups and downs of farming.

Data is power. By collecting and measuring data it can help to make informed management decisions on farm. There are multiple platforms you can use to help gather this data, one of which is AgriWebb. Lawrence Martin, Farm Manager at Carbeth Home Farm in Stirlingshire, has a particular passion for technology and using it to drive sustainable and efficient business practices within the livestock industry.  Lawrence is joined on the podcast by John Fargher, who's background in farming and commercialising technology put him in a perfect position to be one of the founders of AgriWebb. 

As part of the post-covid engagement strategy, QMS staff have been out at shows and events to engage with members, levy payers and consumers. In this episode Mark catches up with Sarah Millar, Chief Executive and Kate Rowell, Chair at Turriff Show. Have a listen to hear an update on QMS activity.

Stuart Mitchell, Whitriggs Farm joins the podcast to discuss how they have dramatically reduced the winter feed bill by moving to outwintering. Through the Monitor Farm Scotland Programme the Mitchell's calculated the cost to feed a cow through the winter. Colin MacPhail of MacPhail Consulting was one of the facilitators for the Borders Monitor Farm at Whitriggs and was heavily involved in the discussions and changes which Stuart made to his farming business during the Monitor Farm Programme. Listen now to for insight into the changes which Stuart and the Mitchell family have made to the farming business at Whitriggs and also offer some thoughts on the challenges farmers face with increasing wintering costs.        

Beth Alexander, cattle and sheep specialist at QMS, is joined by quests at the QMS stand live from the 200th Royal Highland Show. 

Barry and Gordon discuss the continued personal development and skills requirements as you move up through the business into management/shop ownership. 

Sonia and Gordon discuss the challenges faced by the processing sector and the training and opportunities available within the sector. 

Dr Jonathon Wilkin, Abertay University, discusses the importance of New Product Development (NPD) and innovation to the future sustainability of the red meat industry and the skills and attributes required to work in this field from farm to the finished product on shop shelves.

Sion and Andrew discuss the benefits of work-based learning to both the student and the employer and the on-farm logistics of taking on a trainee.Sion and Andrew discuss the benefits of work-based learning to both the student and the employer and the on-farm logistics of taking on a trainee.

Mark talks to Dr Jan Connell and Jeremy Taylor from SRUC to find out how Further and Higher Education is equipping it's students to adapt to the technological and data driven revolution taking place in agriculture. 

This introductory podcast discusses the skills challenges facing livestock farmers in Scotland and the range of opportunities for new entrants and existing farmers to develop the skills they require in an ever-changing landscape. 

This series has focused on animal health from fertility to colostrum quality. Yet there is one important aspect of animal welfare we have not discussed – human health. At one of the busiest times of the year for Scotland's livestock farmers, it is easy to prioritise animal health and forget to look after ourselves. Chris McVey, Welfare Manager at RSABI and psychotherapist, Hannah MacIntosh join the podcast to discuss some practical strategies to manage stress. RSABI provide emotional, practical and financial support to individuals and their families across the agricultural sector including farming and crofting. To contact RSABI call their helpline on 0300 111 4166.

Colostrum is the key to healthy lambs and calves, delivering a boost of energy and vital protection against disease.  With spring around the corner many farmers will be thinking about storing colostrum, when and how much to give, and whether to use replacements. Colin Mason, Centre Manager at SRUC Veterinary Services in Dumfries, and Fiona Lovatt, European Recognised Specialist in Sheep Health and Production, join us to share essential advice and practical tips on colostrum management.Colostrum is the key to healthy lambs and calves, delivering a boost of energy and vital protection against disease.  With spring around the corner many farmers will be thinking about storing colostrum, when and how much to give, and whether to use replacements. Colin Mason, Centre Manager at SRUC Veterinary Services in Dumfries, and Fiona Lovatt, European Recognised Specialist in Sheep Health and Production, join us to share essential advice and practical tips on colostrum management.

Nutrition is vital for ewes and cows pre lambing and calving. Analysing forage and building a ration to suit the animal's needs is instrumental but how do you know if the ration is performing as required? Metabolic profiling is another tool in the box which can tell us how the animal is responding to the ration. Jill Hunter, beef and sheep nutritionist from Harbro and Ed Hill, director at Thrums Veterinary Group join the podcast to share their advice on getting the adequate nutrition into stock ahead of the busy season ahead.

In the run up to lambing and calving we can see pregnancy losses which are disappointing for all famers. In this week's podcast, Cici Corbett, a Veterinary Investigation Officer for SRUC joins us to discuss abortion in cattle and sheep and the importance of follow up investigation to inform management decisions in future years.

The Neonatal Survival Project, jointly funded by QMS, AHDB and HCC, set out to build a structured plan to improve survival rates across the industry. There is strong research to understand the biology of survival but how do we put this into practice? Dr Alex Corbishley, a farm animal vet, currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Practice at the University of Edinburgh, joins the podcast to discuss the findings of this project and steps the industry can take to move forward.

Health planning is a key aspect to good herd and flock health which can lead to improved performance. Health planning is not just necessary to adhere to quality assurance standards but is a fantastic opportunity to take stock of past animal health and performance and discuss with your vet what preventative methods and measures can be put in place going forward. Tim Geraghty, manager of the SRUC Aberdeen disease surveillance hub at Craibstone, joins Eilidh Corr, Animal Health Specialist at QMS to discuss how health planning can be incorporated to give practical solutions for farm businesses.

The world's attention was on Glasgow for 2 weeks while the COP26 conference took place. The final agreement fell short of the aspirations of many, who felt the proposals didn ot go far enough to address climate change. However, progress has been made. But, how will Scottish Agriculture contribute to meeting these targets? Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, joins the podcast to discuss COP26 from the inner zone and the wider impact Scottish farmers will face in years to come.

Reducing global emissions and greenhouse gases was a fundamental aim of the COP26 conference in Glasgow this month. Ruminants produce methane which is a fact the red meat sector cannot escape. However, there is research developing in Scotland which could help to reduce methane and greenhouse gas emissions in the farming sector. Listen now to find out more...

Youth and Public empowerment was a key theme at the COP26 conference in Glasgow over the last 2 weeks. Listen now to hear how young people such as John McCulloch and SAYFC have tried make their voices heard.

In the run up to COP26, environmental sustainability is at the top of everyone's agendas. As a country we are working towards Net Zero. This podcast series looks at how the Scottish Farming industry can contribute to this. David Barron of Nether Aden Farm is current chair of the Scottish Beef Association and a former 'Farming for a Better Climate' Monitor Farmer. David joins the podcast to discuss the introduction of a hydrogen electroliser to his machinery as one of the steps he has taken to reduce his farm emissions. 

Nature and the environment are high up on the agenda at the COP26 conference. Jim Simmons of Ruthven Farm on the Glenlivet Estate strongly believes farming productively and enhancing the environment and biodiversity can go hand in hand. Listen now to hear what changes Jim has made in the last 15 years to the traditional upland farm to receive the accolades of Cairngorms Nature Farm Award in 2016 and RSPB Nature of Farming Award in 2017.

COP26 is the latest UN Conference for Climate Change taking place in Glasgow from 31st October to 12th November. The event will bring together scientists, politicians and campaigners form around the world to map out decisions which will likely have a great impact on the Scottish Agriculture industry. Sarah Millar, Director of Market Intelligence and External Affairs for QMS is joined by Laura Ryan, CEO of Lavenpark Consultancy and Global Chair of Meat Business Women to discuss what work is going on in the industry ahead of COP26 and what we can expect from the conference. 

The Monitor Farm Legacy project has revisited 6 previous Monitor Farmers to look at what has changed since their involvement in the project. Andrew Booth of Savock Farm, Aberdeenshire was a monitor farmer from 2011 to 2015. Peter Chapman of South Redbog Farm, Strichen was chairman of the Monitor Farm community group. Listen now to hear how the Monitor Farm impacted not only Andrew's business but the wider community group during and after the initial project 

Farmers have faced unpredictable and more extreme variations in weather in recent years. The ‘Beast from the East' was one to remember but this year has had its challenges with a cold, dry Spring followed by a very dry summer. The unpredictability of the weather adds an extra layer of complexity for Scotland's farmers. Listen now to hear how Kenny Adams of Torhouskie Farm has managed his livestock and land this growing season. Robert Ramsay, beef specialist from SAC Consulting joins us to suggest some strategies to help plan ahead but flexibility to this plan is key. 

Fodder beet has becoming increasingly popular for outwintering livestock. Robbie Newlands of Cluny Farm, outwinters his cows and this year for the first time will be finishing lambs on fodder beet. Kirsten Williams, beef and sheep specialist at SAC Consulting, has been involved in a number of trials for growing the crop across the country. Listen now to hear Robbie's experience and some tips for growing fodder beet including optimal growing conditions and how to transition stock onto the crop.

The Monitor Farm programme provides an environment for farmers to try new ideas and concepts and evaluate how they affect the livestock and the wider business. Back in 2012 as Monitor Farmers, Kate and Ed Rowell were involved in a study to change the feeding of pregnant ewes in the run up to lambing time. They used a more natural diet of good quality silage and added protein in the last few weeks of pregnancy. The trial compared soya to a protected soya product named Sopralin. The key to this feeding regime is good quality silage as Poppy Frater, sheep and grassland specialist at SAC Consulting, explains. The Monitor Farm Legacy project revisited this project and incorporated a new by product of rapeseed oil named Neolac. Listen now to hear how the trial was carried out and the results. 

Continuing the theme of last weeks podcast we Focus on how arable farming can be productive while delivering for the environment and public goods. Hugh Broad, Woodhead Farm, was one of the first monitor farmers in Scotland. He has worked hard to deliver environmental goods as well as improving his yields. Bill Gray is a farm manager for Prestonhall Estate, another past monitor farm that has focused on the benefit of livestock in an arable rotation. 

This series we are visiting Monitor Farm Legacy farmers to discuss the long lasting impact the project had on their business and community. Political and social pressure is looking to farmers to do more than produce food. There is a growing desire for the farming industry to deliver wider environmental benefits and public goods. Joining the podcast to discuss how hill farming is part of this solution is previous Monitor Farmer Iain Mackay and NFUS President Martin Kennedy.

New Zealanders amongst the world leaders in sheep production. Sharon McIntyre, Genetics Technical Manager from Sheep Improvement Limited, New Zealand, joins the podcast to discuss how farmers have adopted genetic evaluation and performance recording to revolutionise sheep production.