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
S2 Ep3: CropCast – Disease Control for Spring Barley, Winter Oilseed Rape and Potatoes Along with Tips for Planting Forage Crops
May 19, 2022 09:25 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBWelcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by SAC crop consultant Peter Lindsay to discuss upcoming disease management str...
S2 Ep3: Thrill of The Hill: Talking Timber
May 11, 2022 16:14 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBConsider sooner rather than later where integrated farm forestry could benefit your agricultural business, and seek professional, impartial advice at the earliest opportunity- it takes time to develop a new woodland creation, and with high demand/limited resources in market at present, it’s worth starting this process as early as possible. Farm forestry doesn’t have to be about planting whole farms in trees, and it isn’t a bad thing- integrated farm forestry can improve the productivity of...
S2 Ep2: Stock Talk – Beef – Spring Update
April 29, 2022 20:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this podcast we hear from SAC Beef Specialist Lesley Wylie and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Timothy Geraghty who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for beef producers.
S2 Ep1: CropCast – Winter crop disease management for 2022
April 28, 2022 20:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBWelcome to Cropcast, bringing you all the on crops and soils. Each month, SAC Consulting advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates and the latest research to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett & Dr Neil Havis from to discuss winter crop disease management. In this episode we discuss both T1 & T2 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray progra...
S2 Ep1: CropCast – Winter crop disease management for 2022
April 28, 2022 16:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBWelcome to Cropcast, bringing you all the on crops and soils. Each month, SAC Consulting advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates and the latest research to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett & Dr Neil Havis from to discuss winter crop disease management. In this episode we discuss both T1 & T2 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray progra...
S1: Your route to Net Zero
April 04, 2022 10:08 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBAchieving net zero is one of the key targets of Governments and companies around the world, with targets of achieving it by 2030-50 depending on the company or country. With these targets set it is now time for these countries and companies to begin to act, government will use policy and companies will try to influence their supply chains. But what is net zero in terms of Scottish agriculture? What role does the individual farmer play in helping countries and companies achieve net zero? In t...
Your route to Net Zero
April 04, 2022 06:08 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBAchieving net zero is one of the key targets of Governments and companies around the world, with targets of achieving it by 2030-50 depending on the company or country. With these targets set it is now time for these countries and companies to begin to act, government will use policy and companies will try to influence their supply chains. But what is net zero in terms of Scottish agriculture? What role does the individual farmer play in helping countries and companies achieve net zero? In t...
S1: Alternative Protein for Small Scale Pig Producers
April 02, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBThere is much discussion across social media on feeding pigs natural diets to improve perceived welfare, improve meat quality and reduce overall feeding costs. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and using alternative feeds this can be at risk.
Alternative Protein for Small Scale Pig Producers
April 02, 2022 06:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBThere is much discussion across social media on feeding pigs natural diets to improve perceived welfare, improve meat quality and reduce overall feeding costs. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and using alternative feeds this can be at risk.
S1: Livestock Monthly: Sheep (Recorded March 2022)
April 01, 2022 17:10 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBInflation in costs is a major challenge for sheep producers across the country. Optimising livestock performance will never have been more important than it is this year. In this podcast, Robert Ramsay talks to SRUC vet Fiona Crowden about spring management of sheep, giving key information to maximise flock performance and ensure 2022 is as profitable as it can be.
Livestock Monthly: Sheep (Recorded March 2022)
April 01, 2022 13:10 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBInflation in costs is a major challenge for sheep producers across the country. Optimising livestock performance will never have been more important than it is this year. In this podcast, Robert Ramsay talks to SRUC vet Fiona Crowden about spring management of sheep, giving key information to maximise flock performance and ensure 2022 is as profitable as it can be.
S1: Thrill of the Hill - Great Yellow Bumblebee
March 29, 2022 17:32 - 41 minutes - 38 MB2017 saw the start of Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy, now in 2022 and half way through a ten-year plan, the role and importance of pollinators has only become more significant. Pollinators play an important role in the provision of ecosystem services across the country, impacting on biodiversity and productive farming in equal measure. In episode twenty-five of the Thrill of the Hill series, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Katy Malone about conse...
Thrill of the Hill - Great Yellow Bumblebee
March 29, 2022 13:32 - 41 minutes - 38 MB2017 saw the start of Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy, now in 2022 and half way through a ten-year plan, the role and importance of pollinators has only become more significant. Pollinators play an important role in the provision of ecosystem services across the country, impacting on biodiversity and productive farming in equal measure. In episode twenty-five of the Thrill of the Hill series, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Katy Malone about conse...
S1: Livestock Monthly: Beef (Recorded February 2022)
March 14, 2022 22:30 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of SAC Consulting. (Recorded February 2022)
Livestock Monthly: Beef (Recorded February 2022)
March 14, 2022 18:30 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of SAC Consulting. (Recorded February 2022)
S1: An Introduction to Geo Parks
March 04, 2022 17:05 - 28 minutes - 27 MBThe idea of land receiving designations or protections often gets a visceral reaction from farmers, crofters and landowners, with the threat of limitations and restrictions of activities, however these can also present opportunities. In episode twenty-four of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Arran Geo Park and Arran Access Trust member, Malcolm Wilkinson about the process of attaining Geo Park status. We talk about what a geo park is, how it compares to ...
An Introduction to Geo Parks
March 04, 2022 13:05 - 28 minutes - 27 MBThe idea of land receiving designations or protections often gets a visceral reaction from farmers, crofters and landowners, with the threat of limitations and restrictions of activities, however these can also present opportunities. In episode twenty-four of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Arran Geo Park and Arran Access Trust member, Malcolm Wilkinson about the process of attaining Geo Park status. We talk about what a geo park is, how it compares to ...
S1: Making Sheep Systems Sustainable: Controlling Liver Fluke
February 04, 2022 18:44 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBDaniel Stout speaks with Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun Research Institute about liver fluke in sheep. Resistance to triclabendazole, the only flukicide effective against all stages of immature fluke, is on the rise so it’s essential that we develop our understanding of the fluke lifecycle, treatment options at different stages and diagnostics tools to combat this and maintain effective control.
Making Sheep Systems Sustainable: Controlling Liver Fluke
February 04, 2022 14:44 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBDaniel Stout speaks with Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun Research Institute about liver fluke in sheep. Resistance to triclabendazole, the only flukicide effective against all stages of immature fluke, is on the rise so it’s essential that we develop our understanding of the fluke lifecycle, treatment options at different stages and diagnostics tools to combat this and maintain effective control.
S1: Encouraging Croppping - Machair
January 26, 2022 21:01 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBIn this podcast we hear from Johanne Ferguson of NatureScot about the importance of cropping on the Uist Machair. We discuss what the machair is and what it is designated for, as well as how the traditional cropping practices used on the Uist machair benefit the wildlife.
Encouraging Croppping - Machair
January 26, 2022 17:01 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBIn this podcast we hear from Johanne Ferguson of NatureScot about the importance of cropping on the Uist Machair. We discuss what the machair is and what it is designated for, as well as how the traditional cropping practices used on the Uist machair benefit the wildlife.
S1: Livestock Monthly: Dairy (Recorded December 2021)
January 12, 2022 21:15 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk dairy with specialist Lorna MacPherson and Colin Mason of SRUC Vets. What are the seasonal challenges dairy farmers are facing and what's the best strategy to get you through the season with the risk of respiratory disease on the rise.
Livestock Monthly: Dairy (Recorded December 2021)
January 12, 2022 17:15 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk dairy with specialist Lorna MacPherson and Colin Mason of SRUC Vets. What are the seasonal challenges dairy farmers are facing and what's the best strategy to get you through the season with the risk of respiratory disease on the rise.
S1: Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Parasites
January 05, 2022 15:33 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBWelcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Dr Fiona Kenyon and Dr Philip Skuce, research scientists from the Moredun Research Institute. In this episode we delve into parasites, particularly focusing on roundworm and liver flu...
Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Parasites
January 05, 2022 11:33 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBWelcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Dr Fiona Kenyon and Dr Philip Skuce, research scientists from the Moredun Research Institute. In this episode we delve into parasites, particularly focusing on roundworm and liver flu...
S1: Encouraging Cropping - Farmland Birds
December 29, 2021 22:31 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this podcast we hear from Chris Bailey RSPB Scotland about the importance of cropping areas for many farmland birds. We discuss the nature and climate emergencies and the need for partnership working with crofters and farmers to help tackle these.
Encouraging Cropping - Farmland Birds
December 29, 2021 18:31 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this podcast we hear from Chris Bailey RSPB Scotland about the importance of cropping areas for many farmland birds. We discuss the nature and climate emergencies and the need for partnership working with crofters and farmers to help tackle these.
S1: Health is your Wealth - Doug Avery, The Resilient Farmer
December 29, 2021 16:09 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this episode of the Farm Advisory Service podcast, we're focussing on mental health and well being. We're really lucky to be joined by a man who is now a bit of a celebrity, and synonymous with resilience and mental health all around the world - Doug Avery.
Health is your Wealth - Doug Avery, The Resilient Farmer
December 29, 2021 12:09 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this episode of the Farm Advisory Service podcast, we're focussing on mental health and well being. We're really lucky to be joined by a man who is now a bit of a celebrity, and synonymous with resilience and mental health all around the world - Doug Avery.
S1: Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode – Post-mortem
December 27, 2021 19:02 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBWelcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Iain McCormick and Connie Rafferty and follows a post-mortem during the podcast. Gain an insight into what a vet checks when carrying out a post-mortem as well as how thoroughly an a...
Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode – Post-mortem
December 27, 2021 15:02 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBWelcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Iain McCormick and Connie Rafferty and follows a post-mortem during the podcast. Gain an insight into what a vet checks when carrying out a post-mortem as well as how thoroughly an a...
S1: Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Dairy Calf
December 22, 2021 17:48 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIn this episode, Tiffany Mactaggart and George Gauley are joined by Professor Marie Haskell and Dr David Bell at Crichton Royal Farm, a dairy research and innovation centre in Dumfries. Hear about the latest research in dairy calf health, climatic housing and early disease predictors for respiratory diseases.
Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Dairy Calf
December 22, 2021 13:48 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIn this episode, Tiffany Mactaggart and George Gauley are joined by Professor Marie Haskell and Dr David Bell at Crichton Royal Farm, a dairy research and innovation centre in Dumfries. Hear about the latest research in dairy calf health, climatic housing and early disease predictors for respiratory diseases.
S1: Thrill of The Hill - Hen Harrier Management
December 20, 2021 20:54 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBA national priority species and apex predator, the hen harrier is a unique and important bird within the farmed upland environment. Despite this, historic bad practices, burning and lack of predator control have placed increased pressure on a vulnerable population. In episode twenty-three of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to RSPB officer Daniel Brown about the importance of hen harrier, their function within the uplands and the beneficial management pract...
S1: Co-Operation and Collaboration
December 20, 2021 18:48 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBFood & Drink specialist consultant, Kerry Hammond facilitates an hour with some of Scotland ( & Ireland’s) most enthusiastic collaborators. Featuring Anna Robertson the Co-Op and training manager at SAOS, Hector Munro from Foulis Farm (Black Isle) , Caroline Black Director of Black’s Agri-services (Angus), Jim Booth Head of CoOp Development at SAOS, Donald Ross (from Rhynie Farm Tain) & Director of Scottish Agronomy, and TJ Flanagan, our international speaker, CEO of ICOS the Irish Coopera...
Thrill of The Hill - Hen Harrier Management
December 20, 2021 16:54 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBA national priority species and apex predator, the hen harrier is a unique and important bird within the farmed upland environment. Despite this, historic bad practices, burning and lack of predator control have placed increased pressure on a vulnerable population. In episode twenty-three of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to RSPB officer Daniel Brown about the importance of hen harrier, their function within the uplands and the beneficial management pract...
Co-Operation and Collaboration
December 20, 2021 14:48 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBFood & Drink specialist consultant, Kerry Hammond facilitates an hour with some of Scotland ( & Ireland’s) most enthusiastic collaborators. Featuring Anna Robertson the Co-Op and training manager at SAOS, Hector Munro from Foulis Farm (Black Isle) , Caroline Black Director of Black’s Agri-services (Angus), Jim Booth Head of CoOp Development at SAOS, Donald Ross (from Rhynie Farm Tain) & Director of Scottish Agronomy, and TJ Flanagan, our international speaker, CEO of ICOS the Irish Coopera...
S1: Plugging the Protein Gap
December 19, 2021 22:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBHosted by Kerry Hammond, ‘Plugging the Protein’ talks to Food and Drink Industry consultants Alistair Trail and Ceri Ritchie, chef lecturer Mark Barker, and product development chef and restaurateur Morag Hamilton. This podcast digs deep on he trends and influences around plant-based protein, the industry view on category growth, and lab-based meats, while also highlighting the opportunities available to Scottish Farmers.
Plugging the Protein Gap
December 19, 2021 18:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBHosted by Kerry Hammond, ‘Plugging the Protein’ talks to Food and Drink Industry consultants Alistair Trail and Ceri Ritchie, chef lecturer Mark Barker, and product development chef and restaurateur Morag Hamilton. This podcast digs deep on he trends and influences around plant-based protein, the industry view on category growth, and lab-based meats, while also highlighting the opportunities available to Scottish Farmers.
S1: Animal welfare and farmer wellbeing
December 17, 2021 14:38 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBAnimal welfare and farmer wellbeing – the holistic benefits of improving animal housing with John Imrie In this episode of the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) podcast John Imrie from Hillhead Farm talks to us about his experience of receiving specialist advice for animal welfare. In this conversation, John discusses his ambition of making his farm a more comfortable place for animals and people. John also talks about the importance, as a farmer, of taking care of your health and making sure ...
Animal welfare and farmer wellbeing
December 17, 2021 10:38 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBAnimal welfare and farmer wellbeing – the holistic benefits of improving animal housing with John Imrie In this episode of the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) podcast John Imrie from Hillhead Farm talks to us about his experience of receiving specialist advice for animal welfare. In this conversation, John discusses his ambition of making his farm a more comfortable place for animals and people. John also talks about the importance, as a farmer, of taking care of your health and making sure ...
S1: Thrill of The Hill - A Wilder Scotland?
December 16, 2021 14:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBFor many farmers, crofters and landowners in Scotland rewilding is a new and intimidating frontier, the prospect of rewilding and reintroduction of species previously native to Scotland presents challenges, concerns and opportunities. In episode twenty-two of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to rewilding advocate and Executive Director for Scotland: The Big Picture, Peter Cairns about how rewilding and reintroductions can be part of the answer to Scotland’s...
Thrill of The Hill - A Wilder Scotland?
December 16, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBFor many farmers, crofters and landowners in Scotland rewilding is a new and intimidating frontier, the prospect of rewilding and reintroduction of species previously native to Scotland presents challenges, concerns and opportunities. In episode twenty-two of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to rewilding advocate and Executive Director for Scotland: The Big Picture, Peter Cairns about how rewilding and reintroductions can be part of the answer to Scotland’s...
S1: Thrill of The Hill - Opportunities in Agroforestry
December 15, 2021 21:57 - 35 minutes - 33.5 MBWoodland creation and management is only one of the many avenues Scotland is taking to tackle the climate emergency and woodland has a proven link to increasing carbon capture on the farm. Agroforestry allows farmers, crofters and landowners the chance to maintain agricultural output, with options for woodland grazing and intercropping, meaning productive activity can be promoted at the same time as tree planting. In episode twenty one of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Servi...
Thrill of The Hill - Opportunities in Agroforestry
December 15, 2021 17:57 - 35 minutes - 33.5 MBWoodland creation and management is only one of the many avenues Scotland is taking to tackle the climate emergency and woodland has a proven link to increasing carbon capture on the farm. Agroforestry allows farmers, crofters and landowners the chance to maintain agricultural output, with options for woodland grazing and intercropping, meaning productive activity can be promoted at the same time as tree planting. In episode twenty one of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Servi...
S1: Thrill of The Hill - Natural Flood Management
December 13, 2021 21:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBChanges brought on by climate change will set new challenges for farmers and landowners, with periods of intense heat and dry conditions being followed by milder and wetter winters. At the same time, Scotland is renowned for its lochs and catchments, that contribute to Scotland’s natural capital. In episode twenty of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Scot advisor, Ian Cornforth about the state of Scotland’s water environment, the need for water ret...
S1: Crofters and Smallholders – Horticultural Question Time
December 13, 2021 19:47 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBHorticultural Question Time - in this podcast we posed the questions asked by you the FAS listeners to horticultural expert Audrey Litterick. Lots of topics were covered from the difference between growing medium and compost, watering and growing potatoes on the machair to many more! We hope you enjoyed the podcast with Audrey Litterick. If you want to learn more, please see the materials on the FAS website https://www.fas.scot/downloads/composts-growing-media-the-facts/ The SCF handb...
Thrill of The Hill - Natural Flood Management
December 13, 2021 17:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBChanges brought on by climate change will set new challenges for farmers and landowners, with periods of intense heat and dry conditions being followed by milder and wetter winters. At the same time, Scotland is renowned for its lochs and catchments, that contribute to Scotland’s natural capital. In episode twenty of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Scot advisor, Ian Cornforth about the state of Scotland’s water environment, the need for water ret...
Crofters and Smallholders – Horticultural Question Time
December 13, 2021 15:47 - 57 minutes - 53.2 MBHorticultural Question Time - in this podcast we posed the questions asked by you the FAS listeners to horticultural expert Audrey Litterick. Lots of topics were covered from the difference between growing medium and compost, watering and growing potatoes on the machair to many more! We hope you enjoyed the podcast with Audrey Litterick. If you want to learn more, please see the materials on the FAS website https://www.fas.scot/downloads/composts-growing-media-the-facts/ The SCF handb...
S1: Thrill of The Hill - Sustainable Principles
December 10, 2021 13:11 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBManaging Scotland’s landscapes sustainably is what all farmers, crofters and landowners seek to achieve. For years now there has been a steady increase in the number of land managers turning to organics, and regenerative practices are gathering momentum; at the same time the idea of farming holistically is also on the rise. In episode nineteen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to beef and business consultant, Robert Ramsay and head of the Farm Business Su...