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
Thrill of The Hill - Sustainable Principles
December 10, 2021 09:11 - 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...
S1: Cropcast: Soil Health Tech Talk
December 03, 2021 02:23 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks soils and soil health with Joanna Cloy who is a Soil Scientist and Researcher at SRUC, Paul Hargreaves who is a Soil Scientist and Grassland Researcher also with SRUC and David Ross who is a senior Consultant with SAC Consulting in the North East
Cropcast: Soil Health Tech Talk
December 02, 2021 22:23 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks soils and soil health with Joanna Cloy who is a Soil Scientist and Researcher at SRUC, Paul Hargreaves who is a Soil Scientist and Grassland Researcher also with SRUC and David Ross who is a senior Consultant with SAC Consulting in the North East
S1: All about potatoes!
November 30, 2021 03:47 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBPotatoes are an important crop in the Crofting Counties with many crofters growing for home consumption whereas other crofters may sell their potatoes at farmers markets or in vegetable boxes. In this podcast Janette Sutherland interviews Innes Jessieman SRUC potato expert to get his advice and top tips throughout the growing cycle.
All about potatoes!
November 29, 2021 23:47 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBPotatoes are an important crop in the Crofting Counties with many crofters growing for home consumption whereas other crofters may sell their potatoes at farmers markets or in vegetable boxes. In this podcast Janette Sutherland interviews Innes Jessieman SRUC potato expert to get his advice and top tips throughout the growing cycle.
S1: Cropcast: Crop Trials
November 28, 2021 15:17 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Neil Havis who heads up Crop Protection at SRUC, Crops Consultant Peter Lindsay and Pierre and Alain Bouffandeau who is the Crops Trials Manager at SRUC.
Cropcast: Crop Trials
November 28, 2021 11:17 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Neil Havis who heads up Crop Protection at SRUC, Crops Consultant Peter Lindsay and Pierre and Alain Bouffandeau who is the Crops Trials Manager at SRUC.
S1: Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Poultry Special
November 28, 2021 01:19 - 51 minutes - 47.3 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 the first part of the episode George Gauley will be joined by SRUC’s monogastric research scientist, Dr Salvatore Galgano, to discuss his breakthrough trial, which looks at using Peracitic acid as a way of finding an alternitive...
Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Poultry Special
November 27, 2021 21:19 - 51 minutes - 47.3 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 the first part of the episode George Gauley will be joined by SRUC’s monogastric research scientist, Dr Salvatore Galgano, to discuss his breakthrough trial, which looks at using Peracitic acid as a way of finding an alternitive...
S1: Capitalising on Assets
November 26, 2021 20:30 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBTaking on a farm or croft for the first time is an exciting opportunity but as New Entrants there can be challenges along the way. We speak to Trudi Cueto from Carfrae Farm to discuss their diversification journey and the wide range of exciting activities available to the public on the farm.
Capitalising on Assets
November 26, 2021 16:30 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBTaking on a farm or croft for the first time is an exciting opportunity but as New Entrants there can be challenges along the way. We speak to Trudi Cueto from Carfrae Farm to discuss their diversification journey and the wide range of exciting activities available to the public on the farm.
S1: Livestock Monthly: Sheep (November 2021)
November 26, 2021 15:45 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Kirsten Williams and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Fiona Crowden. The podcast covers, latest problems presenting at vet labs and what are the big issues sheep specialists are being asked at the moment.
Livestock Monthly: Sheep (November 2021)
November 26, 2021 11:45 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Kirsten Williams and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Fiona Crowden. The podcast covers, latest problems presenting at vet labs and what are the big issues sheep specialists are being asked at the moment.
S1: Cropcast: Integrated Pest Management
November 26, 2021 03:14 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIntegrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that aims to maximise profit whilst also aiming to minimising the negative impacts of crop production on the environment. That's the technical definition, but what does it mean in practice? In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Henry Creissen who is research lead on integrated Pest Management at SRUC.
Cropcast: Integrated Pest Management
November 25, 2021 23:14 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBIntegrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that aims to maximise profit whilst also aiming to minimising the negative impacts of crop production on the environment. That's the technical definition, but what does it mean in practice? In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Henry Creissen who is research lead on integrated Pest Management at SRUC.
S1: Taking stock – the long-term benefits of an Integrated Land Management Plan
November 25, 2021 16:13 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBIn this podcast, Ben Graham, Managing Partner at Kirkland in Dumfries and Galloway talks to us about his experience of applying for an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP) to reflect on how he runs the enterprise. In the interview, Ben details his reasons for applying for an ILMP and how this fits into the long term plan for the business. He also discusses on wanting to leave the business in a healthy, profitable state for the person who will take over from him, which recommendations he’...
Taking stock – the long-term benefits of an Integrated Land Management Plan
November 25, 2021 12:13 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBIn this podcast, Ben Graham, Managing Partner at Kirkland in Dumfries and Galloway talks to us about his experience of applying for an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP) to reflect on how he runs the enterprise. In the interview, Ben details his reasons for applying for an ILMP and how this fits into the long term plan for the business. He also discusses on wanting to leave the business in a healthy, profitable state for the person who will take over from him, which recommendations he’...
S1: Future Applications of Insect Protein for Agriculture
November 10, 2021 14:50 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBJanette Sutherland SAC Consulting Portree interviews Zero Waste Scotland’s Dr William Clark about a new type of farming – insect farming. The podcast covers a wide variety of topics from why we need to produce more protein and rely less on soya and how also we protect the welfare of farmed insects. We gain good get insights into the legalisation and how the markets are likely to develop in the future. We also discuss research on consumer reactions to moving towards insect farming for ...
Future Applications of Insect Protein for Agriculture
November 10, 2021 10:50 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBJanette Sutherland SAC Consulting Portree interviews Zero Waste Scotland’s Dr William Clark about a new type of farming – insect farming. The podcast covers a wide variety of topics from why we need to produce more protein and rely less on soya and how also we protect the welfare of farmed insects. We gain good get insights into the legalisation and how the markets are likely to develop in the future. We also discuss research on consumer reactions to moving towards insect farming for ...
S1: Livestock Monthly: Beef
November 09, 2021 02:41 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Alwyn Jones of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Specialist, Lesley Wylie of SAC Consulting. (Recorded October 2021)
Livestock Monthly: Beef
November 08, 2021 22:41 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Alwyn Jones of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Specialist, Lesley Wylie of SAC Consulting. (Recorded October 2021)
S1: The Oats-So-Simple Brewing Trial
November 05, 2021 20:02 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBIn this podcast we hear from Richie Walsh who organised the Oats So Simple Brewing trail using oats grown on a croft in Lismore. We discuss his vision of craft ales being a catalyst for supporting small scale heritage cropping in the Crofting counties and beyond and all the benefits to nature and sustainability that could bring. Were you inspired by listening to the podcast. Interested in getting involved in the aim or using heritage gains to help boost wildlife in the Crofting Counties....
The Oats-So-Simple Brewing Trial
November 05, 2021 16:02 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBIn this podcast we hear from Richie Walsh who organised the Oats So Simple Brewing trail using oats grown on a croft in Lismore. We discuss his vision of craft ales being a catalyst for supporting small scale heritage cropping in the Crofting counties and beyond and all the benefits to nature and sustainability that could bring. Were you inspired by listening to the podcast. Interested in getting involved in the aim or using heritage gains to help boost wildlife in the Crofting Counties....
S1: Cropcast: The Journey To Net Zero
November 05, 2021 03:53 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBNet Zero is a phrase that we hear all the time, but what does the journey to net zero look like for cropping systems. In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Prof Bob Rees who is the Professor of Agriculture and Climate Change at SRUC and Julian Bell who leads the Agrecalc which is a carbon footprint tool developed by SAC Consulting together with SRUC researchers.
Cropcast: The Journey To Net Zero
November 04, 2021 23:53 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBNet Zero is a phrase that we hear all the time, but what does the journey to net zero look like for cropping systems. In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Prof Bob Rees who is the Professor of Agriculture and Climate Change at SRUC and Julian Bell who leads the Agrecalc which is a carbon footprint tool developed by SAC Consulting together with SRUC researchers.
S1: Thrill of The Hill - Working for Waders
October 29, 2021 16:34 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIn this episode of the Thrill of The Hill podcast, host Alex Pirie chats to Patrick Laurie from Working For Waders. They discuss the decline of waders in Scotland, the practical steps that farmers can take to counter the biodiversity crisis as well as reflect on good practice, the trees versus waders debate amongst other topics. Find out more about how to manage farmland for waders on the FAS website at: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/how-to-provide-for-wading-birds/
Thrill of The Hill - Working for Waders
October 29, 2021 12:34 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIn this episode of the Thrill of The Hill podcast, host Alex Pirie chats to Patrick Laurie from Working For Waders. They discuss the decline of waders in Scotland, the practical steps that farmers can take to counter the biodiversity crisis as well as reflect on good practice, the trees versus waders debate amongst other topics. Find out more about how to manage farmland for waders on the FAS website at: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/how-to-provide-for-wading-birds/
S1: Thrill of The Hill: Nature Friendly Farming Network
October 22, 2021 13:03 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBIn the shadow of COP26 Scotland prepares to host the world as we agree common targets and policies to combat climate change, equally important is the biodiversity crisis. In episode seventeen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Friendly Farming Network coordinator, Phil Knott about how Scotland is addressing biodiversity decline, the need for a conservation calculator and the effectiveness of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme...
Thrill of The Hill: Nature Friendly Farming Network
October 22, 2021 09:03 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBIn the shadow of COP26 Scotland prepares to host the world as we agree common targets and policies to combat climate change, equally important is the biodiversity crisis. In episode seventeen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Friendly Farming Network coordinator, Phil Knott about how Scotland is addressing biodiversity decline, the need for a conservation calculator and the effectiveness of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme...
S1: Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition with Anna Groom
October 14, 2021 13:25 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAs part of the Health is your Wealth series we chatted with Anna Groom, registered dietician, nutritionist and farmers wife. With Anna we discuss why nutrition is important and how those working in rural industries can improve their health and overall wellbeing through better informed decisions about nutrition.
Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition with Anna Groom
October 14, 2021 09:25 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAs part of the Health is your Wealth series we chatted with Anna Groom, registered dietician, nutritionist and farmers wife. With Anna we discuss why nutrition is important and how those working in rural industries can improve their health and overall wellbeing through better informed decisions about nutrition.
S1: Thrill of the Hill: Heather management
October 12, 2021 20:17 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBScotland is host to the largest concentration of heather moorland in the world with huge biodiversity interest and carbon holding potential. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to British Moorlands advisor, Dick Bartlett about the state of Scotland’s moorlands, with conversation ranging from hot topics like burning, as well as swiping and grazing for heather management, the carbon holding potential of peat and biodiversity v...
Thrill of the Hill: Heather management
October 12, 2021 16:17 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBScotland is host to the largest concentration of heather moorland in the world with huge biodiversity interest and carbon holding potential. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to British Moorlands advisor, Dick Bartlett about the state of Scotland’s moorlands, with conversation ranging from hot topics like burning, as well as swiping and grazing for heather management, the carbon holding potential of peat and biodiversity v...
S1: Cropcast: Ramularia
October 12, 2021 15:56 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBRamularia has established itself as one of hardest of all pathogens to manage in our barley crops. Symptoms are unpredictable and severity varies hugely site to site and season to season. At its worst it damages yield and quality and has evolved resistance to many fungicide groups. This podcast discusses the latest research and lays bare ramularia’s complicated lifecycle. With trial results just in, leading Ramularia expert Neil Havis form SRUC discusses the latest findings and the practical...
Cropcast: Ramularia
October 12, 2021 11:56 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBRamularia has established itself as one of hardest of all pathogens to manage in our barley crops. Symptoms are unpredictable and severity varies hugely site to site and season to season. At its worst it damages yield and quality and has evolved resistance to many fungicide groups. This podcast discusses the latest research and lays bare ramularia’s complicated lifecycle. With trial results just in, leading Ramularia expert Neil Havis form SRUC discusses the latest findings and the practical...
S1: Crop Trials Research into Practice
October 11, 2021 02:44 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this podcast, Agricultural Consultants Julian Bell and Mark Bowsher-Gibbs review the 2021 growing season along with a few market predictions going forward. Expectations at sowing and following the cold Spring weren't high, so where are we now and what can be done?
Crop Trials Research into Practice
October 10, 2021 22:44 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIn this podcast, Agricultural Consultants Julian Bell and Mark Bowsher-Gibbs review the 2021 growing season along with a few market predictions going forward. Expectations at sowing and following the cold Spring weren't high, so where are we now and what can be done?
S1: The Surprising Life of Freshwater Pearl Mussels
October 01, 2021 19:06 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this podcast Janette Sutherland chats to Mary McAndrew who is a project officer with the Pearl Mussel Project in Ireland. Ireland and Scotland have rivers in their High Nature Value farmland areas with populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussels. Mary discusses the lifecycle of this species and how their success is connected to farming practices. Mary then tells us how their project with a Result Based payment has shifted the mindsets of the farmers she works with.
The Surprising Life of Freshwater Pearl Mussels
October 01, 2021 15:06 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this podcast Janette Sutherland chats to Mary McAndrew who is a project officer with the Pearl Mussel Project in Ireland. Ireland and Scotland have rivers in their High Nature Value farmland areas with populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussels. Mary discusses the lifecycle of this species and how their success is connected to farming practices. Mary then tells us how their project with a Result Based payment has shifted the mindsets of the farmers she works with.
S1: Livestock Monthly: Dairy (September 2021)
September 30, 2021 09:30 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Malcolm MacDonald 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 whether you're partially housed or still at grass. Colin and Lorna talk about the animal health and nutritional challenges for the coming months.
Livestock Monthly: Dairy (September 2021)
September 30, 2021 05:30 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIn the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Malcolm MacDonald 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 whether you're partially housed or still at grass. Colin and Lorna talk about the animal health and nutritional challenges for the coming months.
S1: Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Natural alternatives to reduce reliance on anthelmintics.
September 29, 2021 03:01 - 20 minutes - 18.7 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 Spiridoula Athanasiadou. Spiridoula discusses research which is being carried out to find ways to reduce anthelmintic use and reliance, by using natural alternatives including gra...
Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: Natural alternatives to reduce reliance on anthelmintics.
September 28, 2021 23:01 - 20 minutes - 18.7 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 Spiridoula Athanasiadou. Spiridoula discusses research which is being carried out to find ways to reduce anthelmintic use and reliance, by using natural alternatives including gra...
S1: Growing cut flowers in Skye
September 23, 2021 19:21 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBJanette Sutherland SAC Portree interviews Catherine Matheson, Flùraichean le Gaol, Skye. Flùraichean le Gaol means flowers with love in Gaelic and Catherine discusses growing cut flowers in Skye, starting a new business and incorporating her Gaelic heritage into her company branding. Find Flùraichean le Gaol on Instragram and Facebook to follow Catherine’s growing journey.
Growing cut flowers in Skye
September 23, 2021 15:21 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBJanette Sutherland SAC Portree interviews Catherine Matheson, Flùraichean le Gaol, Skye. Flùraichean le Gaol means flowers with love in Gaelic and Catherine discusses growing cut flowers in Skye, starting a new business and incorporating her Gaelic heritage into her company branding. Find Flùraichean le Gaol on Instragram and Facebook to follow Catherine’s growing journey.
S1: Sustainable Sheep Systems – Mastitis
September 10, 2021 18:22 - 40 minutes - 37 MBDaniel Stout speaks with Professor Laura Green OBE and Poppy Frater about the latest research on mastitis, the pathogens involved and how we can refine management and nutrition in sheep systems to reduce mastitis risk. If mastitis is a real issue in your flock this podcast is one to listen to.
Sustainable Sheep Systems – Mastitis
September 10, 2021 14:22 - 40 minutes - 37 MBDaniel Stout speaks with Professor Laura Green OBE and Poppy Frater about the latest research on mastitis, the pathogens involved and how we can refine management and nutrition in sheep systems to reduce mastitis risk. If mastitis is a real issue in your flock this podcast is one to listen to.
S1: Livestock Monthly: Sheep (August 2021)
August 31, 2021 09:30 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBIn this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Poppy Frater and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Heather Stevenson. The podcast covers, among other things, parasites, health planning and pre tupping management.
Livestock Monthly: Sheep (August 2021)
August 31, 2021 05:30 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBIn this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Poppy Frater and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Heather Stevenson. The podcast covers, among other things, parasites, health planning and pre tupping management.
S1: Crofting and Corncrakes
August 28, 2021 03:30 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBJanette Sutherland, SAC Portree, interviews Skye’s RSPB Corncrake project officer Shelagh Parlane. They discuss how partnership working with farmers and crofters is key to this bird’s breeding success in Scotland. They discuss the collaborative work done by the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership. They also talk about an exciting new initiative called Corncrake Calling that has started in 2021 made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to Lottery players. Other FA...