Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today's episode, Kirsten is joined by Ross Robertson, a Farm Technology Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Ross collaborates with a network of farms to create practical solutions and demonstrate use of technology on farm to increase productivity. Ross draws on his practical farming experience and knowledge gained through visiting systems in other countries to bring about innovative change at a farm level here in the UK. Episode Timestamps 00.20 Introducing Ross Robertson, Farm Technology specialist and sheep farmer 04.34 Sector technology: dairy, arable robotics and precision farming, pig and chicken technology and animal health 09.00 Return on investment 10.36 Understanding how to handle and understand the data – the importance of training 13.32 Applying dairy technology to the beef sector 15.41 Main driver for introducing technology: labour, cost saving, health monitoring, increasing productivity 19.11 Ross's background 24.28 Biodiversity sensors 27.42 LoRaWAN – Long Range Wide Area Network 30.15 Connectivity - a barrier to the uptake of technology? 32.01 ONE AgriTech survey – broadband, apps and expert help 43.30 What motivates Ross Resources The UK Agri-Tech Centre | farming & food innovation Ross Robertson contact: 07858309293, ross.robertson@ukagritechcentre.com Opportunity North East (ONE) The University of Edinburgh - The Power of Data in Farm Animal Practice For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Insurance for Crofters and Common Grazings. Welcome back to Crofting Matters! In this episode, Siobhan is joined by Jonathan Hogg, a rural insurance expert from NFU Mutual's Dingwall branch. Johnny has an agricultural background, works in a crofting area and understands the issues that crofters and grazing committees face with access, theft and weather-related incidents. We remove the ambiguity surrounding the need for Public and Employer's liability cover, and what to do if the bull can outrun humans. We discuss: Whether a small crofting business needs insurance, and what kind? The need for Public Liability insurance. Livestock – minimising the risk. Wording on signs. When to cover machinery and livestock for theft and loss. Employer's liability when you may not think of yourself as an employer! Common Grazings and Sheep Stock clubs – cover required. FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/news/common-grazings-and-sheep-stock-clubs-liability/

In this episode of Natural Capital, Harry Fisher and Alex Pirie reflect on their time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. The summit explored how to scale nature-friendly farming to deliver for people, nature and climate and brought together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and environmental leaders to discuss how Scotland can build a resilient, nature-positive farming future. The summit addressed how nature and profitability are not opposites and showed how the path to a thriving, nature-friendly farming future is already taking shape. Harry and Alex explore the main themes from the day, from farmers as stewards of the land, how profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand and set the scene on biodiversity loss, climate pressures, and the need to de-risk nature-based solutions. The episode also looks at the future of funding, how current and new payment systems can reward environmental outcomes and discusses some of the key messages and announcements made on the day. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Related FAS resources: FAS Environment - https://www.fas.scot/environment/ NC LENs episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/natural-capital-landscape-enterprise-networks-leven-lens/ NC John and Louise Seed Woodend episode - https://www.fas.scot/podcast/arable/ Thrill of the Hill - https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/ Other Related Resources: Nature Friendly Farming Network - https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Minister for Agriculture speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/minister-for-agriculture-speech-nature-friendly-farming-network-summit/ RSPB article on summit - https://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/news/nature-friendly-farming-summit-scotland AECS announcement - https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/ministers-have-confirmed-the-2026-round-of-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme--aecs-.html Alex Pirie - https://www.sruc.ac.uk/all-unearthed-posts/meet-the-consultant-alex-pirie/ Timestamps: 0:56 – 6:10 Intro to summit, nature friendly farming and setting the scene 6:11 – 25:26 Range of different farmers, organisations and messages from speakers and exhibitors 25:27 – 29:10 Policy, government messages and funding announcements 29:10 – 35:04 Landscape scale initiatives and LENs 35:05 – end. Summing up and main takeaways.

Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today's episode Mark is joined by Julian South, Executive Director of The Maltsters' Association of Great Britain (MAGB). MAGB are the trade association of the UK malting industry and represent over 98% of UK malt production, buying around 2 million tonnes of UK malting barley, to make about 1.6 million tonnes of malt. Mark and Julian discuss harvest 2025, barley varieties, tariffs and trade deals and opportunities for the industry. Episode Timestamps 01.38 Background and structure of MAGB 04.43 What is malt? 06.59 Distilling malts and brewing malts 07.50 Harvest 2025 round up 16.12 Evaluating and approving new barley varieties for malting 23.31 International Barley Hub 26.00 Biggest challenges for the malting barley industry 29.47 International trade 33.25 Tariffs and trade deals 35.04 Peat as a flavouring for malt 37.10 Finding out more: www.ukmalt.com 38.25 The malt industry in 10 years time Resources The Maltsters' Association of Great Britain Malting Barley Committee - The Maltsters' Association of Great Britain Contact: Julian South: 07967452838, julian@magb.org.uk SRUC - Soils & plants - Recommended lists SAC Recommended Lists for Cereals 2025-26 International Barley Hub - The James Hutton Institute Mycotoxins - The Maltsters' Association of Great Britain 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 SAC Senior Consultant and Chartered Accountant Andrew Coalter to discuss Arable Farm Finances, particularly cash flow challenges, investment and capital allowances for arable farms. 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. Related FAS Resources Cash Flow Forecasting: https://www.fas.scot/article/building-good-financial-habits-with-cash-flow-forecasting/ Budgeting & Financial Planning https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/budgeting-and-financial-planning/ Finance & Funding https://www.fas.scot/whats-stopping-you-finance-funding/

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. Bats are a defining—if often unseen—part of Scotland's working landscapes. From the edges of upland pasture to lowland hedgerows, shelterbelts and farm ponds, these nocturnal insect-eaters weave through dusk and darkness, helping to regulate moths, midges and beetles while signalling the health of our wider environment. Species like the common and soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat and Daubenton's bat use farms for roosting, commuting and feeding, linking woodlands, water and field margins into living networks. Yet changes in building use, loss of hedgerows, brighter yard lighting and reduced insect abundance can make life harder for these protected mammals and the benefits they bring. In this episode, ecologist and environmental consultant Harry Fisher from SAC Consulting Ltd walks us through practical, farm-ready actions: keeping and restoring hedgerows as flight corridors; creating or managing ponds and wetlands; planning yard lighting to reduce glare and skyglow; timing roofing and renovation work to protect roosts; and planning activities through the calendar year. We'll also look at simple additions like bat boxes, how to spot signs of bat activity, where to find advice, and how agri-environment options and local projects can help with costs and guidance. Want to get in touch with Harry? Contact him via telephone at 01292 525090 for advice on surveys, roost considerations during building works, and habitat improvements suited to your farm.Related FAS ResourcesBats and Biodiversity | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesHome - Bat Conservation Trust

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

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 Wallace Currie. Wallace may be familiar to you as he runs his own podcast R2Kast as part of his brand Rural 2 Kitchen, which started during lockdown as a way to share his farming life. Later he became a lecturer at SRUC and has since gone on to do a Nuffield Scholarship on pathways into agriculture through education, youth groups and consumer engagement. He talks to us about his farming background, his thoughts on how agriculture should be woven into our education system, and his work with the Young Farmers and Farmstrong Scotland. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about R2Kast, Young Farmers, Nuffield Scholarships, or Farmstrong Scotland 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: Rural2Kitchen - YouTube R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In - Hosted by Wallace Currie Rural2Kitchen | Facebook Wallace Currie MSc (@rural2kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC Agricultural Studies | Nuffield Farming Scholarships Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well 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 farm-scale renewables. Show Notes 00:32 News in Brief 05:15 Policy Briefs – Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme, New rules for applying waste to land, Improving Biosecurity on Pig Farms, Compulsory Purchase Reform, Bluetongue BVT-3 - Changes to restrictions in Scotland, Muirburn Licence, Key dates 15:21 Cereals – latest arable news and market update 22:46 Beef – Finished beef prices, Store Cattle Trade, Dairy Beef calf numbers rising 28:44 Sheep – September Trade Round-Up, New Zealand Outlook 2025-26, Australian Lamb, Global Prices 32:56 Milk – Milk production data, Farm-gate prices, Dairy commodities and market indicators, UK sexed semen use, Global milk outlook  39:32 Sector focus – Viability and profitability of farm-scale renewables 45:06 Further articles – Renewable Energy, Sheep records and tagging, Benefits of whole milk for calves, New regulations for the application of waste to land, Talking Turkey, NFUS Policy Manager Lucy McGillvary Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service Farming Profitability Review Cows painted with zebra-like striping can avoid biting fly attack PF22 - Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme claim form Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme full guidance Soil improvement using waste | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Compulsory Purchase Reform in Scotland - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space Bluetongue Movement checker DEFRA - General licence for the movement of animals from a bluetongue restricted zone - General licence EXD662 (E) Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today's episode Kirsten is joined by Jilly Duncan Grant, Founder & CEO of Herd Advance Ltd. Jilly has a real love for agriculture and her varied career led to a focus on data driven decision making and developing Herd Advance with her husband to improve herd performance, profitability and wellbeing.  Episode Timestamps 00.42 Introducing Jilly Duncan Grant – a Jill of all trades! 09.18 What is Herd Advance? 23.49 The family farm – managing ‘boom and bust' fluctuation in the marketplace 27.55 QMS board member role 31.03 What motivates Jilly to keep pushing forward FAS Resources Data Driven Decision Making for Finishing Cattle | Helping farmers in Scotland Data Driven Decision Making for Suckler Herds | Helping farmers in Scotland FFBC_Case_Study_Improving_weight_data_capture_Glenkilrie_ Other Resources Herd Advance For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode, we sit down with Angus Buchanan-Smith, Co-Founder and Director of The Free Company, an organic farm and restaurant guided by regenerative methods, at the foot of the Pentland Hills. We explore the history of the business, the transition to organic farming and the various complimentary enterprises they operate, from their onsite restaurant, to veg boxes, pigs and engaging with their local community. With a deep respect for the land and experimenting with what works for them to ensure a resilient future, they share their ethos, the practices they use and how they are producing food that feeds both their local community and their on-site restaurant. We explore how they create meaningful links between food and place, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic. Whether you're a grower, eater, or someone curious about the future of food, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at how farming with nature can nourish people, planet, and community Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 0:56 – 15:29 Intro to the Free Company, transitioning to organic farming and finding out what worked for them. 15:30 – 27:06 Getting the most out of the land, a regenerative approach and benefits to biodiversity, soil and carbon. 27:07 –40:24 Local food production, customer experiences and their various enterprises. 40:25 – end. Challenges, recommendations for others and future plans. Related FAS resources: Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Organics: https://www.fas.scot/organics/ Other Related Resources: The Free Company: https://www.the-free-company.com/ Pasture for Life: https://www.pastureforlife.org/

Welcome back to Crofting Matters. On today's episode, Siobhan is joined by Graham Fraser (SAC Lerwick) to discuss an often asked question – how to start up a croft, smallholding or farming business. The Farm Advisory Service has an Advice Line – free to call or email for advice. Every year the team receives lots of questions about starting up a farming business. It can be tricky to get a croft, but tenancies and purchases do come up so if you are looking for an opportunity, then this will help you understand the process when it happens.Graham and Siobhan talk about setting up an agricultural business with particular emphasis on crofting and chat through some of the questions they have received through the advice line.Timestamps: 01.07 Starting up in crofting – things to consider03.09 Owner occupier, tenancy and assignation explained 05.14 Land that goes with a croft08.39 Common grazing shares10.05 The 3 duties of a crofter12.39 Common grazing responsibilities13.45 Subsidies and grants that a new crofter could be eligible for 18.13 Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF)19.33 Applying for BPS (Basic payment Scheme) & LFASS (Less Favoured Area Support Scheme)20.31 Getting a BRN (Business Refence Number)27.36 Numbers of livestock on a common grazing 29.23 Keeping livestock for the first time30.56 Getting your own flock/herd number33.01 Getting registered and set up – the order of eventsFAS ResourcesFAS - New Entrants -Getting StartedFAS Introduction to crofting - Gaelic FAS -Introduction to crofting - English Other Resources Highlands and Islands Enterprise(business support)Scottish Enterprise(business support) CroftingRegister Welcome| Crofting CommissionRuralPayments and ServicesAnimaland Plant Health Agency - GOV.UKPreparingfor Sustainable Farming For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: 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. The water environment is one of the defining features of the Scottish landscape, shaping both its character and its ecological richness. Rivers, lochs, wetlands and coastal waters weave through glens and straths, carving valleys, feeding fertile soils and sustaining a remarkable variety of wildlife. They provide vital habitats for species such as salmon, trout and eels, which have long been part of Scotland's natural and cultural heritage, while also supporting birds, mammals and plants that thrive in and around freshwater. But historic practices meant to improve productive activity and improve our management of water has proven detrimental some species, obstructive them from travel up and downstream, meaning that overtime, our rivers have become less dynamic and alive. In this episode Struan Candlish from the Ayrshire Rivers Trust talks us through the actions needed to restore our rivers and the benefits and incentives for farmers, crofters and land managers. Want to get in touch with Struan? She can be contacted at Ayrshire Rivers Trust via email enquiries at struan@ayrshireriverstrust.org.Related FAS ResourcesScotland's Priority Catchments | Helping farmers in ScotlandAlternative watering for field grazed livestock | Helping farmers in ScotlandWater Margins | Helping farmers in Scotland

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. 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

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Robert Meadley to discuss some of the considerations which should be made when deciding to replace or invest in a piece of machinery. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS ResourcesGetting Started In Arable Agriculture - Machinery Appraisal | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related ResourcesRobert Meadley LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-meadley-85652223/?originalSubdomain=uk Machinery costing calculator | AHDB

Content Warning: The following episode mentions pregnancy loss. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Eilidh Verstage from Arngask Home Farm. Eilidh and her husband Lloyd are new entrants, who purchased Arngask 4 years ago. They have rare breed pigs and this year have just started growing chemical free vegetables to sell wholesale, at markets and locally in weekly veg boxes. They have also branched out into running events with a neighbouring farm. Community is at the heart of what they do, and this evident from the volunteers who support the veg enterprise, the local community, frequenting their honesty horse box, and the vibrant digital community that Arngask Home Farm have built on social media. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about Arngask Home Farm, the Oxford sandy and black pig foundation, or the rare breed survival trust, 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: ABOUT | Arngask Home Farm Arngask Home Farm (@arngaskhomefarm) • Instagram photos and videos Arngask Home Farm - Facebook Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs - Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity Ooooby | Ecommerce for small farms, veg boxes, food hubs, CSA's and craft food. 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 economic cost of infertile gimmers. Show Notes 00:34 News in Brief 04:05 Policy Briefs – Payment rates for BPS and Greening 2025, Sustainable and Regenerative Agricultural Practices amongst LFA Farmers and Crofters, Electronic Cattle Tagging Update, Building Climate Resilience, Organic Farming, Community Right to Buy, Key Dates. 13:36 Cereals – latest arable news and market update 19:41 Beef – Consumer demand, imported beef, finished prices, store cattle demand, Cull cow trade 25:27 Sheep – August trade roundup, global position, EU outlook 31:01 Milk – Milk production data, Farm-gate prices, Dairy commodities and market indicators, Great British Calf Week, Heat stress  36:42 Sector focus – The economic cost of infertile gimmers 41:16 Further articles – How are your cows coping in the warm weather? In the face of adversity, try diversity! Is organic farming in your future? Stock Talk - Livestock Health: Laying it All Out. FAS TV: Improving Efficiencies in Sheep Systems. FAS TV: Gaelic Culture, Tradition & Heritage on Uist. FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service Other Links: LFA Farmers and Crofters - sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices - Report Nature30 Nomination Form - Nature Scot Email nomination form to: 30x30@nature.scot Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 Community right to buy: review - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space Community right to buy consultation – Gaelic version: Leriche's air Còir-cheannaich Coimhearsnachd co-chomhairle AHDB - GB calf week Heat stress on fertility traits in dairy cows - Journal of Dairy Science Dairy cows - warm weather Beef cows and heat stress Reducing Heat Stress in Calves |...

Please note: We recorded this episode while out at an event, therefore the audio quality varies throughout.Interviewees:Prof Sally ShorthallKaris BeattieHaley ShepherdThe Grass Ceiling is an EU-funded project that helps rural women become leaders in innovation—especially in farming and sustainable rural development. It runs from 2023 to 2025 and supports women across Europe through ‘Living Labs' where they test ideas, get training, and connect with others. The aim is to help women to drive real change in rural communities—whether it's through eco-tourism, smart farming, or green energy projects. In short: it's about lifting the “grass ceiling” so women in rural areas can grow, lead, and shape the future. The Scotland Living Lab is based in the Highlands and Islands, working with eight rural women innovators connected to crofting communities. It's a partnership led by NICRE (National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise) and the Centre for Rural Economy (Newcastle University), in collaboration with the Scottish Crofting Federation. The Lab officially launched with a workshop in Ullapool in June 2023, bringing together women from across the Highlands & Islands. Women share practical rural innovations, such as livestock rearing, croft diversification, wildflower seed sales, water sports ventures, and creative uses for wool. Related ResourcesWomen in Agriculture (FAS.scot)https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/women-in-agriculture/Glass Ceiling - The Living Labhttps://www.grassceiling.eu/living-labs/scotland/?utm_source=chatgpt.comDiversification on a Shoestringhttps://www.fas.scot/article/diversification-on-a-shoestring/ Croftworks podcastCroftwork Podcasts - Scottish Crofting FederationBusiness support from https://www.hie.co.uk/ and https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today's episode Kirsten is joined by Turkey Farmer Paul Kelly. In 1971, Paul's parents started the family business, known today as ‘Kelly Turkeys' and ‘Farmgate Hatcheries'. The cycle starts with eggs going into incubators in April for 28 days. When they hatch, they go into brooding sheds, then by 5 weeks of age they are ready to go to the woodland where they roam freely. At Kelly Turkeys they have complete control over the whole production cycle, making them very unique in the industry and one of a kind in the UK. The business has developed resilience to deal with issues like Brexit, labour, marketing and work by the motto ‘change is the name of the game'. Episode Timestamps 00.31 Introducing Paul and the turkey cycle 02.41 Inseminating vs running with stags 03.24 Genetics and breeding lines 09.43 Hatchery business: 1.8 million chicks a year 12.48 Kelly turkeys: 100,000 turkeys reared through to Christmas 18.38 Split between whole turkeys, crowns and butterflies 27.36 Bringing resilience into the business 33.32 Avian influenza (bird flu) 37.44 Markets, trends and online sales 39.09 Weighing turkeys, sources of protein (acorns!) and organic 44.36 Succession 46.50 Marketing and celebrity chefs! FAS Resources Poultry | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Resources Kelly Bronze Turkeys   Farmgate Hatcheries New GB avian influenza wildlife interactive map and data dashboard launched | SRUC Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode, we catch up with Amelia Heath (Co-Director, Forth Rivers Trust), Clara Schade-Poulsen (Leven LENs Project Officer), and Tom Brown (Senior Programme Manager, LENs Scotland) to explore how the Leven LENs is taking shape following its launch. We discuss what LENs really means on the ground: how farmers and businesses are partnering to fund environmental improvements, what actions are being supported, and what's next for this innovative approach in Scotland and beyond. This episode offers practical insight into how collaborative, place-based solutions are helping unlock environmental outcomes at scale to the mutual benefit of those living and operating in a landscape. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood.Timestamps: 0:50 – 4:56 Intro to speakers, LENs and recent developments 4:56 – 19:44 Leven LENs , who is involved, motives and drivers 19:44 – 29:25 How to get involved and farmer perspective 29:25 – 40:26 Consensus and feedback so far 40:26 – end: LENs elsewhere, sharing benefits and more info Related FAS resources: Natural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Landscape scale conservation: https://www.fas.scot/article/landscape-scale-conservation/ Specialist advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/ Other Related Resources: Landscape Enterprise Networks LENs: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/ LENs Impact Report: https://landscapeenterprisenetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LENs_impact_report_2024.pdf Leven Catchment Collective: https://catchmentcollective.scot/ Leven LENs funding announcement: https://www.3keel.com/news-lens-leven-funding-july-2025/ FIRNS: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/firns-facility-investment-ready-nature-scotland

Welcome to CropCast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today's episode Mark is joined by two guests. Grant James (Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil) discusses an organic soil improver product from Sea2Soil. Grant provides an explanation of the biological mechanisms at play in the product, how it works on-farm and what to expect from applications. Steve Townsend brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of Regenerative Agriculture. Steve advises farmers all over the UK and Europe on how No-Till can improve their business. Steve is passionate about helping farmers reduce their fixed costs, increase their crop yields and weed control whilst repairing their soils. Episode Timestamps 00.55 Harvest 2025 feedback 03.03 Steve & Soil First Farming 04.04 Grant & Sea2Soil 06.01 What is fish hydrolysate? 06.46 Feeding the soil biology 11.04 Practices to build up soil biology 20.20 Measuring soil biology 27.47 How different crop sectors are responding to regenerative agriculture 32.04 Nitrogen use efficiency 34.56 Albrecht theory 38.40 Getting the magnesium ratio right 41.15 Grant's take home message 42.00 Steve's take home message FAS Resources Regenerative Agriculture | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Resources Organic Soil Improver - Make soil healthier & more productive | Sea2Soil Grant James: grant.james@pelagia.com, 07976 879646 Soil First Farming Steve Townsend: steve.townsend@soilfirstfarming.co.uk, 07989 402112 For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot 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. Scotland's upland farms and crofts are home to hardy cattle and sheep breeds, producing high-quality meat and supporting rural communities in some of our most challenging environments. Yet, feeding and nutrition in these landscapes can be complex, with variable forage quality, harsh weather and limited grazing options influencing livestock health, fertility and productivity. Getting nutrition right is key to maintaining body condition, improving breeding success and ensuring the long-term sustainability of hill farming systems. In this episode Dr Cara Campbell from SAC Consulting Ltd discusses the fundamentals of upland nutrition for cattle and sheep, and offers practical advice on feeding strategies around bulling and tupping to help farmers achieve the best results for their herds and flocks. Want to get in touch with Cara? She can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd via email enquiries at cara.campbell@sac.co.uk.Related FAS ResourcesBeef Nutrition:https://www.fas.scot/livestock/beef-cattle/beef-nutrition/Sheep Nutrition:https://www.fas.scot/livestock/sheep/nutrition/

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Kristina Grenz, Senior Cereal Product Quality Scientist at AHDB, to discuss ergot, which proved to be a significant problem for many growers during harvest 2024. In this episode we discuss the ergot life cycle, symptoms as well as top management tips. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. Related ResourcesAHDB – Ergot management guidance for cereals - https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-management-guidance-for-cereals-strengthened-by-review AHDB – An introduction to Ergot & its management in cereals https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/an-introduction-to-ergot-and-its-management-in-cereals FAS – Ergot – What is it and how to prevent it? https://www.fas.scot/article/ergot-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/ AHDB- Ergot in harvest 2024 https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-in-harvest-2024-cereals-a-pathologist-s-paradise-a-supply-chain-challenge AIC – Ergot in cereal crops https://www.agindustries.org.uk/resource/ergot-in-cereal-crops-contracts-legislation-and-effective-management-frequently-asked-questions-faqs.html

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

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Liz Haines to talk about her lived experience of being neurodivergent and working in agriculture. Liz tells us about her background in farming and how she and her husband became new entrants to agriculture. Liz shares some of her systems and process that help her run their successful dairy farm since being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. This diagnosis led her to pursue a Nuffield scholarship. She has travelled the world to study neurodiversity in agriculture, and she shares with us her learnings, and how we can help and support neurodiverse people in our agricultural industry. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about the ‘Level The Field' campaign, you can find more information in the show notes. You may also want to listen to the two Agri Culture podcast episodes on dyslexia. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources Level the field - Farmers Weekly BBC Two - Inside Our Minds Agricultural Studies | Nuffield Farming Scholarships Agri Culture - Cathy Magee: Delving into Dyslexia | FAS Agri Culture - Pete Black: The Superpower of Dyslexia | FAS 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 Selling Your Farm: what you need to have in place.Show Notes 00:38 News in Brief04:16 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), Community right to buy, Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund (KTIF), Peatland Training Fund, Next Generation Practical Training Fund, Agricultural Household Survey, Key Dates.13:56 Cereals – latest arable news and market update 22:37 Beef –Beef prices and supply, Store cattle demand and supply, Cull cow trade27:13 Sheep – New season lamb trade, Imports and Exports30:23 Milk – Milk production data, Farm-gate prices, Dairy commodities and market indicators, Grass growth and quality, How do you measure up? 35:54 Sector focus –Selling Your Farm – the benefits of doing some ground work before looking to sell your farm. 41:16 Further articles – Tax and Succession Planning, Challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry, Dairy – How do you measure up?, Rural Roundup – Inheritance Tax and Succession planning. FAS Resources:Newsletters- Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service Other Links:AHDB - predicting beef demand as retail prices riseFuture Farm Investment Scheme full guidance Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016Community right tobuy: review - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen SpaceLeriche's air Còir-cheannaich Coimhearsnachd co-chomhairleKnowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund - Rural Payments and ServicesPeatland Training Fund- Skills Hub ScotlandPeatland Training Fund | Lantra - ScotlandNext Generation Practical Training Fund - Skills Hub ScotlandKingshay -...

Thinking of diversification projects on the croft? Hear from two entrepreneurs who have set up shops, campsites and tours in Uist, and are managing to bring in tourists and have a healthy footfall. They discuss the issues with funding on croftland, ferries, finishing animals, abattoirs, Instagram posts, Scottish Agritourism, and Enterprise agency support. Anne MacLellan runs Balranald Campsite, the Dunes Cabin, a catering business, a new self-service vending machine with fresh veg and fish, and a self-catering cottage and a pod. Lyndsay Robertson and DJ run Long Island Retreats, with a shop of local and islands produce and offer immersive tours of the croft and machair to UK and international travellers. Related FAS ResourcesDiversification on a Shoestring | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesBusiness support from Supporting businesses & communities | HIE and Support and advice for businesses in Scotland | Scottish Enterprise

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today's episode Kirsten is joined by Colin Mason (Veterinary Centre Manager, SRUC). This episode focuses on livestock health and covers BVD eradication, show biosecurity, dairy beef calves, TB, Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. Episode Timestamps 00.44 BVD eradication (phase 6) 10.08 Top tips for biosecurity of show animals 16.20 Health of dairy beef calves 18.23 Colostrum management 20.45 Blood tests for calves 25.05 Weight for age and average DLWG 27.29 Lung scanning 28.53 Tuberculosis (TB) 31.42 Bluetongue 35.36 Schmallenberg 40.23 Managing calf groups to reduce disease risk FAS Resources BVD Eradication Scheme Update (YouTube.com)Other Resources BVD Guidance | ScotEID GOV.scot - bovine viral diarrhoea - bvd Dairy beef booklet - SAC Consulting GOV.uk - bluetongue information and guidance for livestock keepers Bluetongue Virus Hub - Ruminant Health & Welfare Schmallenberg virus - GOV.UK ibTB - Mapping bovine TB (bTB) in England and Wales   For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode, we dive into how Natural Capital is reshaping land use, farming, and business decisions with our guest, Dr Kerry Waylen. She shares her insights and working examples, to explore how land managers, farmers, and policymakers measure nature's value, access carbon markets, and plan for long-term sustainability.We discuss topics including a just transition, the risks of greenwashing, the need for fair systems, and how supply chains—from food production to whisky—are adapting. Practical, grounded, and future-focused, this episode highlights the real opportunities and challenges in putting nature at the heart of decision-making. Kerry Waylen is a senior social researcher in the Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) department at the James Hutton Institute, and Deputy Director of the International Land Use Study Centre (ILUSC). She builds understanding of how to achieve more 'joined up' approaches to natural resource management and studies when and how different types of knowledge – including ideas of ‘natural capital' get used in decision-making - and how to put abstract ideas for nature management into practice. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond.Timestamps: 0:59 – 5:52 Intro to speaker and topic background 5:53 – 18:59 Galvanising change via natural capital project 19:00 – 24:53 Ecosystem services, measuring natural capital, farming practices and easy wins 24:54 – 36:34 Paying for carbon, natural capital markets, opportunities and risks 36:35 – 44:50 Just Transition in land use and future of natural capital Related FAS resources: Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceStock Talk - The 5-Mile Pig! | FASWhat is the Woodland Carbon Code? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceUnderstanding Natural Capital Markets | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related Resources: Ecosystem services - nature's benefits | NatureScotGalvanising Change via Natural Capital - James Hutton InstituteNatural Capital Protocol – Capitals CoalitionNatural Capital Market Framework - gov.scot Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper - gov.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Donald Dunbar and Alan Bruce to discuss changes to EFA options under the Scottish Government's enhanced greening measures for 2026, and how farmers might go about integrating some of these options into their own farming systems. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS Resources Greening guidance (2026)Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

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. Often overlooked and easily mistaken for its more common relatives, the Northern Brown Argus butterfly is a small but significant species found in parts of Scotland. Closely tied to very specific habitats and entirely dependent on the rock rose plant for survival, its presence is a clear indicator of healthy, species-rich grassland. In this episode Harry Fisher, host of the Natural Capital Podcast sheds light on the efforts to protect this elusive butterfly, we explore the unique ecology of the Northern Brown Argus, why it matters, and what its story tells us about biodiversity, land use, and conservation challenges in Scotland — and why saving a single species can sometimes mean saving a landscape. Want to get in touch with Harry? He can be contacted at SAC Consulting Ltd via email enquiries at harry.fisher@sac.co.uk. Related FAS ResourcesTechnical Note (TN712): Land Management for ButterfliesMonitoring Pollinators On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

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

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Josh Barton from Brose Oats. Josh tells us about the company, Brose Oats, and their oat milk products, telling us the story of how the company grew from an idea in a small kitchen, to distributing Scottish oat milk across the Lothians and beyond. He also talks about the importance of sustainability, both in terms of food production, but also in terms of societal sustainability and how important it is to create local jobs for local people. We also discussed how we can make work more accessible for those who maybe have found it challenging to gain and retain employment. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about Brose Oats, resources for food and drink entrepreneurs, and the UK government's access to work programme for those with disability or long term health conditions, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources Brose Oats | Scottish oat drinks from East Lothian Josh Barton | LinkedIn Brose Oats Facebook Page Brose Oats (@broseoats) • Instagram photos and videos THRIVE Programme | Scottish Centre for Food Development Innovation | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK 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 Scottish Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emission and Nitrogen Use. Show Notes 00:40 News in Brief 04:08 Policy Briefs – The Future Farming Investment Scheme, Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme, Single Application Form Changes for 2026, Scottish Government Bills Update, Bluetongue (BTV) Virus Update. 14:03 Cereals – UK Feed Wheat Futures attempt Rebound Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Weather Risks. Global Supply Tightens, but Exportable Stocks Hold Steady. UK Market Faces Headwinds from Biofuel Uncertainty. Oilseeds Market Strengthens on Energy-Led Support. 19:59 Beef – What a difference a month can make, Market confidence waivers, Beef support, Store cattle, Are prices reflecting consumer demand? Australia drops their 2030 Carbon Neutral Target. 23:59 Sheep – India Trade Agreement, Lamb trade, Australian Intentions Survey, Mutton. 28:22 Milk – Milk production data, Farm-gate prices, Dairy commodities and market indicators, Global demand for butter, Falling producer numbers but production rising, Heat stress research.  36:02 Sector focus – Scottish Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emission and Nitrogen Use report 2023-24. 42:48 Further articles – Crofting Legislation, Greenhouse Gasses, Nitrogen Use and Benchmarking, Muirburn, Natural Capital Podcast on measuring and accounting for biodiversity, FAS TV episode on Outwintering and Virtual fencing. FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service Other Links: No cuts to cows: Scottish ministers side with farmers - FarmingUK News Future Farm Investment Scheme full guidance The Future of Agricultural Support - Enhanced Greening Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill NatureScot website The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 Bluetongue - GOV.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today's episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Ben and Harriet Lowe. HB Farms in Aberdeenshire consists of Newseat of Dumbreck, an arable farm on tenancy and Pitmillan Farm which is home to 450 breeding sows and a finishing unit. In addition to grass, forestry and land for environmental schemes, they grow 397ha of crops, with the grain used as feed for the pigs whilst manure is recycled back onto the fields. Soil health, circular agriculture and long-term biodiversity are priorities for HB Farms. Episode Timestamps 01:05 Introducing Ben and Harriet Lowe 05:38 Farm stats 06:38 Pigs, from breeding to finishing and managing a weekly system 09:15 Knowledgeable staff 10:46 Creating a circular farm 11:36 Saving on inputs due to pig FYM 14:04 Ration changes throughout the cycle 15:53 Data driven decision making 19:19 Genetics and feed conversion 21:14 Target carcase weight and spec 23:36 Processing pig meat 26:13 Managing cashflow 27:31 Protein in the pig diet33:18 Nuffield: closing the loop in pig production: the 5-mile pig 39:30 LEAF demonstration farm 41:09 Resilience in the business 47:35 Advice for New Entrants FAS Resources FAS Case Studies - Gaining A Tenancy As A New Entrant Other Resources Instagram - HB Farms Nuffield scholar - Ben Lowe Leaf demonstration farms - HB Farms For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) grant scheme is a new scheme in 2025, allowing crofters and farmers to invest to improve business efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming. The FFIS offers flexible capital grants to support investments with tiered levels of funding available. There are other changes affecting crofters, such as a simplified Crofting Agricultural Grants Scheme, which offers grants towards infrastructure; and changes to Greening rules which will affect crofters with more than 15ha of arable land. The Preparing for Sustainable Farming scheme is available this year, for the last time, and can help with the Carbon audit and Soil elements of the Whole Farm Plan. For 2026, the Whole Farm Plan requirements are for 2 elements out of the five choices: Carbon Audit, Animal Health Plan, Biodiversity audit, Soil Analysis and Integrated Pest Management. This episode covers many schemes! For background, have a listen to the previous podcasts on Subsidy and Support Changes for Crofting, and Subsidy Future and Current Schemes, to find out more about the structure of support for the agricultural sector. Related FAS ResourcesPreparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceCrofting Agricultural Grant Scheme (CAGS) | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

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

Measuring and accounting for biodiversity across farmlands is becoming increasingly important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) involves collecting genetic material from environmental samples like water and soil to detect what species are present. It is a tool that is growing in popularity, that can give insights into the range and distribution of species found across a landscape, assess ecosystem health, and track biodiversity changes over time. We discuss the role this technology can have in biodiversity baselining with Kevin Fennelly and George Muscatt from NatureMetrics. NatureMetrics is a global nature intelligence technology company who pioneer the use of innovative methods for biodiversity monitoring. We assess how eDNA works and the role this technology could have across diverse landscapes, including its benefits and limitations, and how it can help understand and manage biodiversity. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 1:11 – 7:55 intros to speakers and what is eDNA 7:56 – 25:38 what can it discover and how does it work 21:37 – 36:18 what is driving demand and nature based risks 36:19 – 47:46 benefits for farms, companies and food production Related FAS resources: Biodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceHabitat And Landscape Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related Resources: eDNA Biodiversity Monitoring Case StudieseDNA & Biodiversity Monitoring for Regenerative AgricultureKevin Fennelly - kevin.fennelly@naturemetrics.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.In this episode outreach adviser Charlie Owen from the Woodland Trust discusses the MOREwoods scheme set up by the Woodland Trust. The scheme is there to allow land owners to access partial funding and advice which may will lead to planting trees on their land. Set up in 2010 the MOREwoods Scheme has supported 3000 landowners achieve their goal of planting more trees. Feeling inspired and want more info please visit the Woodland trust website and head to the Plant trees section to find out more. Plant Trees on Your Land with MOREwoods - Woodland Trust Related FAS ResourcesFarm Woodland resources for farmers from Farm Advisory ServiceOther Related ResourcesPlant Trees on Your Land with MOREwoods - Woodland Trust

Welcome to CropCast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today's episode Mark is joined by James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities) to discuss how grain markets are looking for 2025 and in part 2 Mark is joined by George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC Professor, Crop Pathology) to update us on how crops are looking in Scotland. Episode Timestamps 00.00 PART 1 – James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities) 03.30 Wheat price movements over winter and early spring 06.14 Why has there been a steeper decline in grain price over the last few months? 09:20 Carryover stocks: current position and going into next season 12.58 Trump and tariffs: impact on food commodities and the grain market 16.33 Crop conditions and predicted reduction in production and output 19.55 Selling new crop: looking at opportunities to smooth the curve of volatility 23.00 PART 2 – George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC, Professor of Crop Pathology) 24.17 How crops are looking in Scotland 32.51 Yellow Rust and YR15 37.19 Choosing wheat varieties to grow this autumn 38.20 Spring barley update 42.30 Ramularia: the late season disease FAS Resources Yellow rust - FAS New yellow rust strain confirmed - FAS June Crop Update - FAS FAS Newsletters - Crops & Soils Edition Crop Trials Evening - Lothians Crop Trials Evening - Aberdeenshire Crop Trials Evening - Lanark Other Resources CRM AgriCommodities jbolesworth@crm-group.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by George Chalmers to discuss grain storage and the importance of making sure stores are ready for harvest. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS ResourcesCrops and Soils Bulletin June 2023 - Grain Store Hygiene Ahead of Harvest | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceEnsuring Safe Storage for Wet Malting Barley | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther ResourcesAHDB (2023) Grain Storage Guide

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on farm business diversification. Show Notes 00:33 News in Brief 05:08 Policy Briefs – Programme for Government 2025-2026, 2025 Climate Change Committee Report, Next Generation Farming – Apprenticeships, Bluetongue (BTV) Virus Vaccine, Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS), Key Dates. 15:33 Cereals – Global Supply Risks Mount, Demand-Side Developments, Malting Barley & Feed Barley, Rapeseed Mixed Market, Oats, Overall Outlook. 22:13 Beef – Young bull numbers impacting on prices, Strong demand for manufacturing beef, Store Cattle Trade Back, Room for more? 29:02 Sheep – UK EU Strategic Partnership, Sheep Trade, Export Market, Protein Consumption 33:18 Milk – Production data, Farm-gate prices, Dairy commodities and market indicators, Antimicrobial resistance in calves, Rabobank global outlook  39:22 Sector focus – Farm Diversification. 51:05 Further articles – Croft Diversification, Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Scottish Dairy Farms, A couple more cows per herd each year would realise Scotland's economic potential by 2030, Grain Marketing Podcast, Bluetongue, Bee Health Awareness Day FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - FAS Other Links: The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill Scotland's Carbon Budgets Report 2025 Lantra Scotland - land based pre-apprenticeship scotland@lantra.co.uk Report your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine - GOV.UK GOV.uk - Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers GOV.WALES The Scottish Government - gov.scot QMS article: two more cows per herd per year The Cargill 2025 Protein Profile Report Scottish Farm Business Income: Annual Estimates for 2023-2024

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by James Logan, the current chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. This episode was recorded in the lead up to the Royal Highland Show 2025, and James tells us about changes at the Society and what he is looking forward to about this year's show. He talks about his life in agriculture and how he got involved with RHASS. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about RHASS you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Beef and Sheep Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today's episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Craig and Claire Grant who run a mixed farming enterprise across 1,300 acres arable and 400 acres grass (owned and rented) along with their team of 20 full and part time employees. The business has poultry across five sites with a total of 225,000 laying hens, in addition to 330 bulling heifers that are sold privately with high health off farm to producers throughout Scotland. Craig and Claire regularly engage with the public, sharing information about where food comes from. Episode Timestamps 00.35 Introducing Craig and Claire Grant 04.30 Business components, systems and staff 07.44 Finding and retaining labour 11.20 Enriched colonies and free-range birds 14.50 Egg markets and Kindrought Egg Hoosie 19.03 Cooperation in farming 21.37 Audits 23.47 Cattle: marketing on farm, scoring charts, high health, certification packages 32.10 Buying young stock 35.57 Building relationships and trust 37.05 An award-winning business (Young Farmer of the Year, Mixed Farm of the Year, Overall Farm of the Year) FAS Resources Contract Farming Agreements Explained | Farm Advisory Service Business planning and financial management: An introduction | Farm Advisory Service Other Resources C J Grant | Facebook For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

A game changer for sheep on hill grazings? It's very tricky to castrate and tail lambs within 7 days unless lambs are born inbye. Could two new techniques, that allow castration and tailing up to 3 months of age, not only reduce pain levels in lambs, but allow better and easier management on commons and hills? The all-important intake of colostrum and bonding of ewe and lamb can be disrupted by tailing and castrating. Changing timings, so that one or other is carried out when the lamb is older, perhaps alongside other treatments such as vaccination or worming, reduces mismothering, and could be more efficient. The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) report on tail docking and castration of lambs (2022) recommends that effective anaesthesia and analgesia should be used routinely for castration and tail docking of lambs, when the methods used are likely to cause significant pain. In recent years new equipment that can reduce the pain associated with tailing and castrating have been developed. Numnuts and Clipfitter are now more widely available and have been shown to have welfare benefits when used for tailing and castrating. In Scotland, the Government has allowed these techniques to be used beyond 7 days of age. Here we discuss the two products: techniques, benefits and drawbacks, costs and practicalities for use with lambs and calves. Subscribe to hear more about the project when we report on crofter's experiences of using the products. Related Resources:Watch our webinar recording where we look at how three farmers are using different methods and approaches to tail docking and castration Webinar - Sustainable Sheep Systems - Tail Docking and CastrationTechnical Note (TN679): Castration and Tail Docking of Lambs Using clipfitter in practice:Using Clips for Castration and Tails (YouTube)FAS TV - Tail Docking and Castration in Lambs

Linear features like hedgerows, ditches and drystone dykes are symbolic of our countryside, providing boundaries and unique habitats. From their history as a form of ancient enclosure, to their importance for nature, we go on a journey with John Wright to discuss these fascinating ecosystems, their natural and cultural significance and what they can tell us about our landscape. John Wright is a naturalist, fungi expert, forager and author who has written many books covering Britain's countryside, its history and value to us past and present. John shares his knowledge on the history of the British countryside, why we should value and look after our linear habitats and the abundance of biodiversity they support. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 1:07 – 8:27 Intro to John and the early history of linear features 8:27 – 19:22 Hedgerows decline, focus on biodiversity and landscape pressures 19:23 – 33:39 Species in hedgerows and importance of different habitats 33:40 – 39:07 The biodiversity on stonewall dykes 39:07 – End Management and advice to support biodiveristy Related FAS resources:   Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceProtecting Scotland's Peatlands Woodland, and Hedgerows | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceTechnical Note (TN738): Hedges – Carbon, Conservation & Compliance Other Related Resources: A Natural History of the Hedgerow - Profile BooksJohn Wright - Profile BooksDr Rob Walton Life in a Hedge (researchgate.net)

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

In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward.Welcome to Cropcast, your go-to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops.Each month, SAC advisor Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.Linked FAS Resources Six steps for virus management doc https://www.sasa.gov.uk/sites/default/files/The_6_Steps_to_Effective_Virus_Management_in_Potato_Crops.pdf The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/our-expert-teams/knowledge-networks/potato-services/

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by John Ferguson, founder and CEO of Sisaltech Ltd, a Scottish company which produces sustainable building insulation from natural sisal fibres and Scottish wool. In this episode John shares his unique story on how he got started, his sustainable business goals and his top tips for business success. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about John and Sisaltech you can find links in the show notes.  This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Linked ResourcesSisaltech https://www.sisalwool.com/ John Ferguson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisaltech/?originalSubdomain=uk