Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

S1: Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – Crop Selection and Variety Performance

The Winter Agronomy Roadshows this year will be delivered on-line as a combination of technical lectures, podcasts and interactive discussion sessions. In this podcast, we talk to Peter Lindsay, a crops specialist from SAC Consulting and Will Hamilton, a farmer from Borders who specialises in combinable crops.

Thrill Of The Hill - Wildcats

The Thrill Of The Hill - Wildcats

Listen to field manager, Keri Langridge about the new Saving Wildcats project when she chats with agricultural and conservation consultant, Alex Pirie in the sixth episode of our Thrill of The Hill series. Functionally extinct in Scotland, the Scottish wildcat is an important species on several fronts, ecological, historical, and cultural. However, the species has seen decades of persecution which has led to population decline and now with the new threat of hybridisation the species is on t...

Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – Crop Selection and Variety Performance

The Winter Agronomy Roadshows this year will be delivered on-line as a combination of technical lectures, podcasts and interactive discussion sessions. In this podcast, we talk to Peter Lindsay, a crops specialist from SAC Consulting and Will Hamilton, a farmer from Borders who specialises in combinable crops.

S1: The Thrill Of The Hill - Common Grazings for Common Good

Common Grazings – and crofting counties more broadly – have a crucial and unique role to play in tackling the decline of biodiversity in Scotland. Because of the mosaic of small distinct habitats in close proximity, coupled with expansive rough grazings and heath, many crofts are microcosms of the habitats across Scotland. This in tandem with the typically more extensive, low input management systems makes crofts and Common Grazings hugely important for biodiversity. In this episode of the T...

Thrill Of The Hill - Common Grazings

The Thrill Of The Hill - Common Grazings for Common Good

Common Grazings – and crofting counties more broadly – have a crucial and unique role to play in tackling the decline of biodiversity in Scotland. Because of the mosaic of small distinct habitats in close proximity, coupled with expansive rough grazings and heath, many crofts are microcosms of the habitats across Scotland. This in tandem with the typically more extensive, low input management systems makes crofts and Common Grazings hugely important for biodiversity. In this episode of the T...

S1: The Thrill Of The Hill - Deer Farming & Management

Deer farming in Scotland and across Britain is a growing sector with huge potential, whether it is wild deer on the uplands or lowland domesticated units. In the face of threats like climate change and biodiversity decline deer offers a resilient alternative to beef and sheep. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Dick Fairplay, John Fletcher and Allan Sneddon of the Venison Advisory Service. Topics covered include; a review of the domestic...

Thrill Of The Hill - Deer

The Thrill Of The Hill - Deer Farming & Management

Deer farming in Scotland and across Britain is a growing sector with huge potential, whether it is wild deer on the uplands or lowland domesticated units. In the face of threats like climate change and biodiversity decline deer offers a resilient alternative to beef and sheep. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Dick Fairplay, John Fletcher and Allan Sneddon of the Venison Advisory Service. Topics covered include; a review of the domestic...

TheThrill Of The Hill - Deer Farming & Management

Deer farming in Scotland and across Britain is a growing sector with huge potential, whether it is wild deer on the uplands or lowland domesticated units. In the face of threats like climate change and biodiversity decline deer offers a resilient alternative to beef and sheep. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Dick Fairplay, John Fletcher and Allan Sneddon of the Venison Advisory Service. Topics covered include; a review of the domestic ...

S1: The Thrill Of The Hill - Lime & Soil Health

The ability to improve your land is crucial at a time when productivity and efficiency are informing future policy and business resilience. The hills and uplands have a reputation for being difficult to improve, and declining agricultural activity means that these areas are reverting back to a less productive natural state. Liming and control of soil pH offers the opportunity to improve the condition of your soil and can be done sustainably.  In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series ...

The Thrill Of The Hill - Lime & Soil Health

The ability to improve your land is crucial at a time when productivity and efficiency are informing future policy and business resilience. The hills and uplands have a reputation for being difficult to improve, and declining agricultural activity means that these areas are reverting back to a less productive natural state. Liming and control of soil pH offers the opportunity to improve the condition of your soil and can be done sustainably.  In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series ...

Thrill Of The Hill - Lime & Soil Health

S1: Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – IPM planning

The Winter Agronomy Roadshows in January for this year will be delivered on-line as a combination of technical lectures, podcasts and interactive discussion sessions. In this podcast, Professor Fiona Burnett of Scotland's Rural College talks research and the practical approaches of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with Dr Henry Creissen (SRUC) and David Bell, a farmer from East Fife and IPM champion.

Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – IPM planning

The Winter Agronomy Roadshows in January for this year will be delivered on-line as a combination of technical lectures, podcasts and interactive discussion sessions. In this podcast, Professor Fiona Burnett of Scotland's Rural College talks research and the practical approaches of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with Dr Henry Creissen (SRUC) and David Bell, a farmer from East Fife and IPM champion.

S1: Slurry - Wet Weather Contingency Planning

This podcast was first recorded in Winter 2020 but still provides usual information from SEPA for wet weather and mitigation planning for slurry based systems. With Stephen Field, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down with unit manager for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Stephen Field. With changing and more dramatic weather patterns, increasing periods of wet weather and poor ground conditions, having ample slurry...

Slurry - Wet Weather Contingency Planning

With Stephen Field, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down with unit manager for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Stephen Field. With changing and more dramatic weather patterns, increasing periods of wet weather and poor ground conditions, having ample slurry storage on farm is crucial. What is just as important is having a plan or process for when you find your storage stretched to the limit. As part of our series o...

S1: Supporting agriculture in Scotland post-Brexit

In this podcast SAC Principal Consultant Chloe McCulloch talks to Davy McCracken, Head of SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre, about the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agricultural policy-development post-Brexit. The discussion focusses on the importance that payments for public goods delivery and maintenance of natural capital are likely to play in the future. Chloe and Davy also consider how existing World Trade Organisation regulations will limit the ability of the UK to ...

Supporting agriculture in Scotland post-Brexit

In this podcast SAC Principal Consultant Chloe McCulloch talks to Davy McCracken, Head of SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre, about the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agricultural policy-development post-Brexit. The discussion focusses on the importance that payments for public goods delivery and maintenance of natural capital are likely to play in the future. Chloe and Davy also consider how existing World Trade Organisation regulations will limit the ability of the UK to ...

S1: Converting to Organics - David Younie

In this podcast Malcolm Macdonald spoke to retired SAC consultant David Younie. David was SAC Consulting’s senior organic consultant and at the forefront of providing advice to farmers who were organic or planning to convert. David talks about how he moved into organics, the work he was involved in and what he sees as some of the most challenging aspects of organic farming systems.

S1: Organic Market Trends and Outlook

In this podcast Malcolm Macdonald spoke to Sophie Kirk who is the head of business development with soil association accreditation. Sophie talks about how the organic market has fared over the past year, how Covid-19 has affected sales, and what  the outlook  going into 2021 is like. 

Converting to Organics - David Younie

In this podcast Malcolm Macdonald spoke to retired SAC consultant David Younie. David was SAC Consulting’s senior organic consultant and at the forefront of providing advice to farmers who were organic or planning to convert. David talks about how he moved into organics, the work he was involved in and what he sees as some of the most challenging aspects of organic farming systems.

Organic Market Trends and Outlook

In this podcast Malcolm Macdonald spoke to Sophie Kirk who is the head of business development with soil association accreditation. Sophie talks about how the organic market has fared over the past year, how Covid-19 has affected sales, and what  the outlook  going into 2021 is like. 

S1: Focus on Crofts - Echoes From The past

A brief summary of this episode

Focus on Crofts - Echoes From The past

S1: Focus on Crofts - Crofting Community and Cancer

A brief summary of this episode

Focus on Crofts - Crofting Community and Cancer

S1: Hedges - Cultivating Cutting and Carbon Capture

As linear landscape features, hedges bring with them an array of benefits, whether it is in the context of climate change, biodiversity decline or improved productivity. However, these benefits are reliant on good overall management. In this podcast, a part of the Hedges – Cultivating, Cutting & Carbon Capture series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nigel Adams, Countryside Management about all things hedges. Topics of discussion include current condition of Britain’s hedges, advice ...

Hedges - Cultivating Cutting and Carbon Capture

As linear landscape features, hedges bring with them an array of benefits, whether it is in the context of climate change, biodiversity decline or improved productivity. However, these benefits are reliant on good overall management. In this podcast, a part of the Hedges – Cultivating, Cutting & Carbon Capture series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nigel Adams, Countryside Management about all things hedges. Topics of discussion include current condition of Britain’s hedges, advice ...

S1: AgriScot Across The Airwaves

2020 has been a year that has seen all industries and sectors within agriculture have to adapt to a new normal, and this has extended to shows and large events. AgriScot is a staple in the Scottish agricultural calendar, an opportunity to showcase new and innovative technologies, promote good practice and highlight quality livestock. In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down for a dialog with Martin Dare, one of the chief organisers for the event to discuss the shift to a virtual p...

AgriScot Across The Airwaves

2020 has been a year that has seen all industries and sectors within agriculture have to adapt to a new normal, and this has extended to shows and large events. AgriScot is a staple in the Scottish agricultural calendar, an opportunity to showcase new and innovative technologies, promote good practice and highlight quality livestock. In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down for a dialog with Martin Dare, one of the chief organisers for the event to discuss the shift to a virtual p...

S1: Helping Farmers Adapt to Climate Change - Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay

In this episode, we speak to beef specialist Robert Ramsay about the practicalities of adapting agriculture to climate change. Focussing on livestock systems we look at the challenges livestock farmers may face in the future and how to make their businesses more resilient to a changing climate.

Helping Farmers Adapt to Climate Change - Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay

In this episode, we speak to beef specialist Robert Ramsay about the practicalities of adapting agriculture to climate change. Focussing on livestock systems we look at the challenges livestock farmers may face in the future and how to make their businesses more resilient to a changing climate.

S1: Meeting Market Demand - Net Zero Arran

Building resilient businesses and identifying the weaknesses within your business is crucial as Scotland moves into a period of great uncertainty. At a time when farmers are being asked to balance the demands of climate change and biodiversity decline, they must also contend with market instability and change public perceptions of farming. In the first of two podcast for the Meeting Market Demand series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to agricultural consultant, Alexander Pirie (SAC) a...

Meeting Market Demand - Net Zero Arran

Building resilient businesses and identifying the weaknesses within your business is crucial as Scotland moves into a period of great uncertainty. At a time when farmers are being asked to balance the demands of climate change and biodiversity decline, they must also contend with market instability and change public perceptions of farming. In the first of two podcast for the Meeting Market Demand series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to agricultural consultant, Alexander Pirie (SAC) a...

S1: What's Stopping You - Jen Craig

What’s stopping You?  In this podcast Jen Craig farmer @sheepfarmer782, NSA Scotland Chairwoman and NFUS Clydesdale branch Chairwoman tells us about her journey getting involved with Agri-Politics.  We discuss her farming life and balancing this with her committee roles.  We discuss the biodiversity and community benefits that hill farming brings.  

What's Stopping You - Jen Craig

What’s stopping You?  In this podcast Jen Craig farmer @sheepfarmer782, NSA Scotland Chairwoman and NFUS Clydesdale branch Chairwoman tells us about her journey getting involved with Agri-Politics.  We discuss her farming life and balancing this with her committee roles.  We discuss the biodiversity and community benefits that hill farming brings.  

S1: Embracing technology to improve sustainability - EID

In this episode, Daniel Stout of SAC Consulting speaks with Harriet Wishart from SRUC's Kirkton & Auchtertyre Research Farm about the different EID and data recording technology now available and how they can be implemented on farm to make more informed breeding and management decisions to improve farm efficiency and profitability, whilst making cross compliance easier and reducing labour requirements of certain tasks.   

Embracing technology to improve sustainability - EID

In this episode, Daniel Stout of SAC Consulting speaks with Harriet Wishart from SRUC's Kirkton & Auchtertyre Research Farm about the different EID and data recording technology now available and how they can be implemented on farm to make more informed breeding and management decisions to improve farm efficiency and profitability, whilst making cross compliance easier and reducing labour requirements of certain tasks.   

S1: Technology for Improved Animal Welfare - EID's and sensors

“In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi Centre.   This is the second podcast in the series, focusing on the advancements in technology and how the use of sensors, cameras and remote diagnostics are being used to help with early detection of illness and disease in all cattle.”

Technology for Improved Animal Welfare - EID's and sensors

“In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi Centre.   This is the second podcast in the series, focusing on the advancements in technology and how the use of sensors, cameras and remote diagnostics are being used to help with early detection of illness and disease in all cattle.”

S1: Turning Livestock Record Data in useful information

All businesses must strive to become more efficient. This means making better use data that you have on the farm, whether it be soil data, crop data or livestock data. Information is key to moving your business forward.   This podcast looks at what data you can extract from your livestock records whether cattle or sheep with some simple targets to help make your livestock enterprises more efficient.

Turning Livestock Record Data in useful information

All businesses must strive to become more efficient. This means making better use data that you have on the farm, whether it be soil data, crop data or livestock data. Information is key to moving your business forward.   This podcast looks at what data you can extract from your livestock records whether cattle or sheep with some simple targets to help make your livestock enterprises more efficient.

S1: Technology for Improved Animal Welfare - The South West Dairy Development Centre

In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi Centre.  In podcast 1, Duncan explains the unique features of the South West Dairy Development Centre and how the great work that is being carried out is benefitting not only the dairy industry but the wider beef sector. The 2nd podcast is focusing on the advancements in technology and how the use of sensors, cameras and remote diagnostics are being...

Technology for Improved Animal Welfare - The South West Dairy Development Centre

In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi Centre.  In podcast 1, Duncan explains the unique features of the South West Dairy Development Centre and how the great work that is being carried out is benefitting not only the dairy industry but the wider beef sector. The 2nd podcast is focusing on the advancements in technology and how the use of sensors, cameras and remote diagnostics are being...

S1: Livestock Health Planning Over The Winter

Agricultural Consultant Malcolm Macdonald spoke to beef and sheep specialist Robert Ramsay and SRUC Vet Colin Mason about livestock health planning over the winter. Colin talked through what issues he has seen coming into the SAC vet labs and what to be on the look out for. Fluke, pneumonia, lungworm, and host of other topics are covered.

Livestock Health Planning Over The Winter

Agricultural Consultant Malcolm Macdonald spoke to beef and sheep specialist Robert Ramsay and SRUC Vet Colin Mason about livestock health planning over the winter. Colin talked through what issues he has seen coming into the SAC vet labs and what to be on the look out for. Fluke, pneumonia, lungworm, and host of other topics are covered.

S1: New Entrant Case Study - Rhys Williams

A brief summary of this episode

New Entrant Case Study - Rhys Williams