Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast
716 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago -Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable.
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Episodes
New Entrants - Andrew Jardine
June 18, 2020 08:30 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBListen to our latest podcast interview with Andrew Jardine, who along with his family gained a tenancy at New Farm, Moffat in August 2019. Andrew speaks about their journey, including the application and interview process, their first 10 months in business and their plans for the future.
S1: Focus on Crofts - Dyslexia and Resilience
June 17, 2020 12:30 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBOn this Farm Advisory Podcast, we speak to Sandy Murray a crofter from Strathhalladale, Sutherland who has with his family diversified the crofting business. As Sandy grew up he struggled with reading and writing, though excelled in practical projects. It was not until he was older that it was suggested that he was dyslexic, and it became clearer to him though he has not been formally diagnosed. Dyslexia has not stopped Sandy, especially with his ideas and gives him the drive to make them ...
Focus on Crofts - Dyslexia and Resilience
June 17, 2020 08:30 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBOn this Farm Advisory Podcast, we speak to Sandy Murray a crofter from Strathhalladale, Sutherland who has with his family diversified the crofting business. As Sandy grew up he struggled with reading and writing, though excelled in practical projects. It was not until he was older that it was suggested that he was dyslexic, and it became clearer to him though he has not been formally diagnosed. Dyslexia has not stopped Sandy, especially with his ideas and gives him the drive to make them ...
S1: New Entrants: Scottish Land Matching Service
June 15, 2020 14:22 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBOur latest podcast interview is with Ian Davidson OBE from the Scottish Land Matching Service. Ian explains the role of the service for both those seeking and offering opportunities as well as tips to make joint venture opportunities work, including trust, communication and relationships.
New Entrants: Scottish Land Matching Service
June 15, 2020 10:22 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBOur latest podcast interview is with Ian Davidson OBE from the Scottish Land Matching Service. Ian explains the role of the service for both those seeking and offering opportunities as well as tips to make joint venture opportunities work, including trust, communication and relationships.
S1: North East Organic Discussion Group: Rotational Grazing
June 10, 2020 20:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this podcast, Agricultural Consultant Malcolm MacDonald chats to Alastair Wilson who farms at Upper Wheedlemont Farm near Rhynie, and Senior Consultant with SAC Consulting, Ewan Johnstone. Alistair talks about his farming system and his experiences of rotational grazing. Ewan outlines the key principals of grass management and some of the advantages of rotational grazing.
North East Organic Discussion Group: Rotational Grazing
June 10, 2020 16:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this podcast, Agricultural Consultant Malcolm MacDonald chats to Alastair Wilson who farms at Upper Wheedlemont Farm near Rhynie, and Senior Consultant with SAC Consulting, Ewan Johnstone. Alistair talks about his farming system and his experiences of rotational grazing. Ewan outlines the key principals of grass management and some of the advantages of rotational grazing.
S1: New Entrants - Michelle Stephen: Meikle Tillyeve Farm, Aberdeenshire
June 04, 2020 12:43 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBListen to our latest podcast interview with Michelle Stephen, A new entrant farmer at Meikle Tillyeve, Ellon. Michelle speaks about how she got started with the farm, taking it from a mainly arable unit into a sheep farm with almost 500 breeding ewes in only 3 years, educating the public and organising sheep dog training events. You can subscribe to her Instagram @Insta_glamb
New Entrants - Michelle Stephen: Meikle Tillyeve Farm, Aberdeenshire
June 04, 2020 08:43 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBListen to our latest podcast interview with Michelle Stephen, A new entrant farmer at Meikle Tillyeve, Ellon. Michelle speaks about how she got started with the farm, taking it from a mainly arable unit into a sheep farm with almost 500 breeding ewes in only 3 years, educating the public and organising sheep dog training events. You can subscribe to her Instagram @Insta_glamb
S1: Breacan-Beithe croft – feeding the local community
May 15, 2020 16:26 - 9 minutes - 8.51 MBListen to our latest podcast interview with new crofter, Catherine Mitchell, owner of Breacan-Beithe Croft. In this podcast, Catherine recalls how she got started in crofting and the help she received from her Farm Advisory Service supported mentor, Liz – including developing a business plan, help with growing, and practical advice on selling and pricing.
Breacan-Beithe croft – feeding the local community
May 15, 2020 12:26 - 9 minutes - 8.51 MBListen to our latest podcast interview with new crofter, Catherine Mitchell, owner of Breacan-Beithe Croft. In this podcast, Catherine recalls how she got started in crofting and the help she received from her Farm Advisory Service supported mentor, Liz – including developing a business plan, help with growing, and practical advice on selling and pricing.
S1: Neil Wilson - Brexit, Coronavirus and Forward Thinking
May 11, 2020 19:05 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBJust before the UK ‘lockdown’ SAC Consultant Chloe McCulloch spoke to Neil Wilson, formerly Head of Agriculture at HSBC and now an independent consultant and director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland. The discussion was scheduled to be about Brexit and its impact on farmers, however by the time the podcast was due to be recorded a new challenge was becoming clear – covid 19.
Neil Wilson - Brexit, Coronavirus and Forward Thinking
May 11, 2020 15:05 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBJust before the UK ‘lockdown’ SAC Consultant Chloe McCulloch spoke to Neil Wilson, formerly Head of Agriculture at HSBC and now an independent consultant and director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland. The discussion was scheduled to be about Brexit and its impact on farmers, however by the time the podcast was due to be recorded a new challenge was becoming clear – covid 19.
S1: North East Organic Discussion Group: Marketing
April 20, 2020 09:59 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this podcast, Malcolm MacDonald speaks to Food and Drink consultant Kerry Allison about marketing and the wider food and drink industry. Kerry outlines the scale of the Scottish food and drink industry and how important it is to the rural economy. Kerry then provides some top tips on marketing and building a brand for rural businesses, and new trends in consumer behaviour they should be aware of.
North East Organic Discussion Group: Marketing
April 20, 2020 05:59 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this podcast, Malcolm MacDonald speaks to Food and Drink consultant Kerry Allison about marketing and the wider food and drink industry. Kerry outlines the scale of the Scottish food and drink industry and how important it is to the rural economy. Kerry then provides some top tips on marketing and building a brand for rural businesses, and new trends in consumer behaviour they should be aware of.
S1: Understanding Nutrient Interactions with Mark Tripney
March 29, 2020 13:51 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBMark Tripney, ISoils Ltd, returned as a guest speaker at the second meeting of the Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network. The topic for the meeting was 'Understanding Nutrient Interactions' and those who attended heard how nutrient balance is crucial for the economics of crop production but also ensuring the soil is not being depleted. After the event, we took some time with Mark to capture the topics which were discussed in most detail during the meeting and hear more about the importance ...
Understanding Nutrient Interactions with Mark Tripney
March 29, 2020 09:51 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBMark Tripney, ISoils Ltd, returned as a guest speaker at the second meeting of the Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network. The topic for the meeting was 'Understanding Nutrient Interactions' and those who attended heard how nutrient balance is crucial for the economics of crop production but also ensuring the soil is not being depleted. After the event, we took some time with Mark to capture the topics which were discussed in most detail during the meeting and hear more about the importance ...
S1: Employing People
March 23, 2020 19:30 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBEmploying People in agriculture is becoming an increasingly complex situation. Many farms employ people on a self-employed basis to provide valuable extra resources at busy times – for example relief milking and tractor driving. In this podcast, Agricultural Consultant Mhairi Dalgleish looks at the actions you as an employer should be taking to ensure you stay the right side of HMRC when employing people.
Employing People
March 23, 2020 15:30 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBEmploying People in agriculture is becoming an increasingly complex situation. Many farms employ people on a self-employed basis to provide valuable extra resources at busy times – for example relief milking and tractor driving. In this podcast, Agricultural Consultant Mhairi Dalgleish looks at the actions you as an employer should be taking to ensure you stay the right side of HMRC when employing people.
S1: Women in Agriculture: Becci Barr, Easter Bavelaw Farm
March 21, 2020 20:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBWe spoke to Becci Barr, a farmer in Midlothian about her experiences as a new entrant farmer, what she learned from her time on the Rural Leadership Programme and a spell of illness, and how she now focusses on what makes her happy and resilient.
Women in Agriculture: Becci Barr, Easter Bavelaw Farm
March 21, 2020 16:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBWe spoke to Becci Barr, a farmer in Midlothian about her experiences as a new entrant farmer, what she learned from her time on the Rural Leadership Programme and a spell of illness, and how she now focusses on what makes her happy and resilient.
S1: Agroforestry in Scotland
March 20, 2020 16:13 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBForestry consultant Stephen Adlard chats to Dr Fritha Langford, a researcher from SRUC. They discuss the wider benefits of integrating trees and agriculture, and Fritha explains how silvopastoral systems have the potential to allow Scottish farmers to produce sheep and beef to some of the highest possible welfare standards. Later in the podcast, we hear from Prof. Davy McCracken, Head of Hill & Mountain Research Centre at Kirkton & Auchtertyre. Davy chats to Environment consultant, Seamus...
Agroforestry in Scotland
March 20, 2020 12:13 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBForestry consultant Stephen Adlard chats to Dr Fritha Langford, a researcher from SRUC. They discuss the wider benefits of integrating trees and agriculture, and Fritha explains how silvopastoral systems have the potential to allow Scottish farmers to produce sheep and beef to some of the highest possible welfare standards. Later in the podcast, we hear from Prof. Davy McCracken, Head of Hill & Mountain Research Centre at Kirkton & Auchtertyre. Davy chats to Environment consultant, Seamus...
S1: Kim Walker - Personal resilience
March 20, 2020 02:24 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThe Farm Advisory Service has run a number of meetings on Personal Resilience with Kim Walker over the last few months, and we spoke to her about what it means to be resilient, and some of the topics we have been covering in our resilience campaign.
Kim Walker - Personal resilience
March 19, 2020 22:24 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThe Farm Advisory Service has run a number of meetings on Personal Resilience with Kim Walker over the last few months, and we spoke to her about what it means to be resilient, and some of the topics we have been covering in our resilience campaign.
S1: Beef Efficiency Scheme - Genomics ft Eileen Wall
March 17, 2020 17:29 - 14 minutes - 13 MBIn this podcast, Eileen Wall, Head of Research at SRUC, provides an overview of the genomics work she is involved in – looking at genetics data and tissue samples recorded by farmers on the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES). Through the genomics project, Eileen and her team hope to develop genetic and genomic evaluations that could be beneficial for farmers looking to develop specific traits within their livestock, to improve production and/or profitability.
Beef Efficiency Scheme - Genomics ft Eileen Wall
March 17, 2020 13:29 - 14 minutes - 13 MBIn this podcast, Eileen Wall, Head of Research at SRUC, provides an overview of the genomics work she is involved in – looking at genetics data and tissue samples recorded by farmers on the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES). Through the genomics project, Eileen and her team hope to develop genetic and genomic evaluations that could be beneficial for farmers looking to develop specific traits within their livestock, to improve production and/or profitability.
S1: Alternative bedding: Compost by-products
February 28, 2020 19:30 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBIn our latest podcast on alternative bedding, Beef Consultant Sarah Balfour discusses the merits of various alternative bedding products. In this episode she visits Keenan Recycling in Aberdeenshire to discuss the use of green compost. Our previous episode looking at woodfines as an alternative bedding can be found here.
Alternative bedding: Compost by-products
February 28, 2020 15:30 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBIn our latest podcast on alternative bedding, Beef Consultant Sarah Balfour discusses the merits of various alternative bedding products. In this episode she visits Keenan Recycling in Aberdeenshire to discuss the use of green compost. Our previous episode looking at woodfines as an alternative bedding can be found here.
S1: North East Organic Discussion Group: Knock Farm
February 28, 2020 02:15 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode of the podcast, Agricultural Consultant Malcolm MacDonald chats to Roger Polson who farms at Knock Farm near Huntly, and Dairy and Nutrition Consultant Lorna MacPherson. Roger outlines the farming system at Knock and Lorna discusses the different issues to be aware of when rationing cows over the winter and in the run-up to calving.
North East Organic Discussion Group: Knock Farm
February 27, 2020 22:15 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode of the podcast, Agricultural Consultant Malcolm MacDonald chats to Roger Polson who farms at Knock Farm near Huntly, and Dairy and Nutrition Consultant Lorna MacPherson. Roger outlines the farming system at Knock and Lorna discusses the different issues to be aware of when rationing cows over the winter and in the run-up to calving.
S1: The Cloud
February 21, 2020 19:06 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBAsk any farmer about ‘the cloud’ and very often the response is that they don’t really understand it, nor do they use it. However the reality is very different – lots of information about you and your business is already on the cloud, and it’s increasing daily. In this podcast we’re talking to two people from agriculture-specialist cloud software companies – their working lives effectively exist in the cloud and they talk to us about the benefits of the cloud, and the things farmers should...
The Cloud
February 21, 2020 15:06 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBAsk any farmer about ‘the cloud’ and very often the response is that they don’t really understand it, nor do they use it. However the reality is very different – lots of information about you and your business is already on the cloud, and it’s increasing daily. In this podcast we’re talking to two people from agriculture-specialist cloud software companies – their working lives effectively exist in the cloud and they talk to us about the benefits of the cloud, and the things farmers should...
S1: Farming & Biodiversity in Argyll & Lochaber (episode 2 of 2)
February 20, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBThis is the second of a 2 part series podcast, which is brought to you from Argyll & Lochaber, in the west coast of Scotland. The focus of this series, is Biodiversity and farming. In the first episode, we heard from conservation consultant Helen Bibby, who explained, not only the principles of Biodiversity, but also highlighted the role that conventional farming can play in enhancing biodiversity and the habitats in which it exists. She also provided some advice and useful tips on how fa...
Farming & Biodiversity in Argyll & Lochaber (episode 2 of 2)
February 20, 2020 15:00 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBThis is the second of a 2 part series podcast, which is brought to you from Argyll & Lochaber, in the west coast of Scotland. The focus of this series, is Biodiversity and farming. In the first episode, we heard from conservation consultant Helen Bibby, who explained, not only the principles of Biodiversity, but also highlighted the role that conventional farming can play in enhancing biodiversity and the habitats in which it exists. She also provided some advice and useful tips on how fa...
Farming & Biodiversity in Argyll & Lochaber (episode 1 of 2)
February 19, 2020 18:45 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBThis is the first of a 2 part series podcast, which is brought to you from Argyll & Lochaber, in the west coast of Scotland. The focus of this series is 'Biodiversity and Farming'. There is no doubt that Agriculture has attracted a lot of attention recently, particularly centred on greenhouse gas emissions and new ideas that conventional food production will eventually be replaced by laboratories. What is often forgotten about, is the role that agriculture plays in maintaining landscapes ...
S1: Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network: Getting back to basics with soil management
February 18, 2020 20:27 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBMark Tripney from iSoils and Gavin Elrick from SAC Consulting were the guest speakers during the first meeting of the Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network. In this podcast we hear their key recommendations about how farmers can go back to basics with soil management to improve productivity and increase their sustainability. Find out more about the Soil & Nutrient Network and our host farms on our website at https://www.fas.scot/soil-nutrient-network-host-farms/
Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network: Getting back to basics with soil management
February 18, 2020 16:27 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBMark Tripney from iSoils and Gavin Elrick from SAC Consulting were the guest speakers during the first meeting of the Inverness Soil & Nutrient Network. In this podcast we hear their key recommendations about how farmers can go back to basics with soil management to improve productivity and increase their sustainability. Find out more about the Soil & Nutrient Network and our host farms on our website at https://www.fas.scot/soil-nutrient-network-host-farms/
S1: North East Organic Discussion Group: Mains of Thornton
February 14, 2020 15:08 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this podcast, the first of four from our North East Organic Discussion Group, Malcolm MacDonald chats to Murray Cooper who farms at Mains of Thornton, and SRUC Research Agronomist Dr Robin Walker. Robin discusses some of the research he has done on intercropping and crop mixtures and how they can be used in organic systems. Murray outlines his farming system and also discusses the practicalities and challenges of using inter-cropping and crop mixtures on a commercial scale.
North East Organic Discussion Group: Mains of Thornton
February 14, 2020 11:08 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this podcast, the first of four from our North East Organic Discussion Group, Malcolm MacDonald chats to Murray Cooper who farms at Mains of Thornton, and SRUC Research Agronomist Dr Robin Walker. Robin discusses some of the research he has done on intercropping and crop mixtures and how they can be used in organic systems. Murray outlines his farming system and also discusses the practicalities and challenges of using inter-cropping and crop mixtures on a commercial scale.
S1: Lifestyle Balance
February 05, 2020 14:27 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBMaintaining a balanced life is becoming increasingly more important for your personal health and well-being in a fast-paced, modern world. Ross Mackenzie of SAC consulting speaks to partners Ian MacLean and Robbie Pancic who made the bold step to move from their hectic working life in the City, to a balanced lifestyle on their croft on the Isle of Skye. He also chatted to Sandra Mackenzie from Drumnadrochit who changed her working life to suit running her small farm, and building for the f...
Lifestyle Balance
February 05, 2020 10:27 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBMaintaining a balanced life is becoming increasingly more important for your personal health and well-being in a fast-paced, modern world. Ross Mackenzie of SAC consulting speaks to partners Ian MacLean and Robbie Pancic who made the bold step to move from their hectic working life in the City, to a balanced lifestyle on their croft on the Isle of Skye. He also chatted to Sandra Mackenzie from Drumnadrochit who changed her working life to suit running her small farm, and building for the f...
S1: Women in Agriculture: Primrose Beaton of Lawrie & Symington
January 09, 2020 20:45 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBAs part of our work on Women in Agriculture, we went to meet Primrose Beaton of Lawrie & Symington at Lanark Auction Mart. Primrose is head of cattle sales and Lawrie & Symington, and gave us a colourful and entertaining insight into her work and life in farming. Mary-Jane Lawrie of SAC Consulting chatted to Primrose about her early career, educating the public about where their meat comes from and choosing local produce, with some interesting anecdotes thrown in along the way.
Women in Agriculture: Primrose Beaton of Lawrie & Symington
January 09, 2020 16:45 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBAs part of our work on Women in Agriculture, we went to meet Primrose Beaton of Lawrie & Symington at Lanark Auction Mart. Primrose is head of cattle sales and Lawrie & Symington, and gave us a colourful and entertaining insight into her work and life in farming. Mary-Jane Lawrie of SAC Consulting chatted to Primrose about her early career, educating the public about where their meat comes from and choosing local produce, with some interesting anecdotes thrown in along the way.
S1: Alternative bedding: Woodfines
December 26, 2019 14:15 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIn our latest podcasts, join Beef Consultant Sarah Balfour as she discusses the merits of various alternative bedding products. The main focus of this podcast is Woodfines.
Alternative bedding: Woodfines
December 26, 2019 10:15 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIn our latest podcasts, join Beef Consultant Sarah Balfour as she discusses the merits of various alternative bedding products. The main focus of this podcast is Woodfines.
S1: Agriscot 2019 podcast
December 25, 2019 02:18 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIn this episode of the podcast we talk to Alex Pirie, an Agricultural Consultant about people he spoke to at AgriScot 2019 covering the state of farming and how attendees thought Brexit would affect the future of their businesses.
S1: Online safety
December 25, 2019 00:05 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBWe've been running events looking at digital security for your agricultural business. After one of the events, Seamus Murphy sat down with Chloe McCulloch and Alex Pirie who were running the event to go over topics covered and how you can take simple steps to protect your business online
Agriscot 2019 podcast
December 24, 2019 22:18 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIn this episode of the podcast we talk to Alex Pirie, an Agricultural Consultant about people he spoke to at AgriScot 2019 covering the state of farming and how attendees thought Brexit would affect the future of their businesses.
S1: Brexit and fertiliser
December 24, 2019 20:56 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBMany producers know and understand where their output goes downstream in the supply chain but what about upstream and the suppliers there? In this episode, Chloe McCulloch speaks to Matthew Everett of Origin Fertilisers about where our fertiliser comes from and how Brexit will affect supply.