Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

S1: Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity? - Rearing

Andy McGowan of the Scottish Pig Producers gives an overview of the Scottish pig industry.

Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity? - Rearing

Andy McGowan of the Scottish Pig Producers gives an overview of the Scottish pig industry.

S1: Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity? - Breeding

Janette Sutherland speaks to Ross MacKenzie about his work in the pig industry and setting up breeding units. 

Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity? - Breeding

Janette Sutherland speaks to Ross MacKenzie about his work in the pig industry and setting up breeding units. 

S1: Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity?

Ross MacKenzie speaks about the opportunities for rearing pigs as a commercial venture.

Ever Thought Of Pigs As A Commercial Opportunity?

Ross MacKenzie speaks about the opportunities for rearing pigs as a commercial venture.

S1: Feeding for Fertility

Listen to farmer Andrew Houstoun from Glenkilrie farm, Glenshee and vet Graeme Richardson from Thrums Veterinary Group in Kirriemuir chat about the importance of nutritional management in the suckler herd. Andrew and Graeme discuss their involvement in the KTIF Scottish Government Funded Project “Feeding for Fertility in the Suckler Herd”.  Andrew talks through their farming system, moving from two block calvings to all spring calving and calving heifers at two years of age. Graeme discusses...

Feeding for Fertility

Listen to farmer Andrew Houstoun from Glenkilrie farm, Glenshee and vet Graeme Richardson from Thrums Veterinary Group in Kirriemuir chat about the importance of nutritional management in the suckler herd. Andrew and Graeme discuss their involvement in the KTIF Scottish Government Funded Project “Feeding for Fertility in the Suckler Herd”.  Andrew talks through their farming system, moving from two block calvings to all spring calving and calving heifers at two years of age. Graeme discusses...

S1: Forward Thinking Farmers: Adam from Oink

A brief summary of this episode

Forward Thinking Farmers: Adam from Oink

S1: Women In Agriculture- Lesley Mitchell

A brief summary of this episode

Women In Agriculture- Lesley Mitchell

S1: Forward Thinking Farmers: Neil Thomson

A brief summary of this episode

Forward Thinking Farmers: Neil Thomson

S1: Beef Supply Chain

A brief summary of this episode

Beef Supply Chain

S1: Predator Control For the Conservation of Ground-Nesting Birds

Predator control for the conservation of ground-nesting birds can sometimes be a controversial issue.  In this podcast,  Senior Conservation Consultant at SAC Consulting, Paul Chapman, discusses the practicalities with NatureScot’s Alastair MacGugan and hears about an alternative approach to predator-prey conflicts in the Cairngorms Connect project, from Kenny Kortland of Forestry and Land Scotland.

Predator Control For the Conservation of Ground-Nesting Birds

Predator control for the conservation of ground-nesting birds can sometimes be a controversial issue.  In this podcast,  Senior Conservation Consultant at SAC Consulting, Paul Chapman, discusses the practicalities with NatureScot’s Alastair MacGugan and hears about an alternative approach to predator-prey conflicts in the Cairngorms Connect project, from Kenny Kortland of Forestry and Land Scotland.

S1: Multi-species Grassland Management for Productivity

In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down with farm manager and regenerative agriculture enthusiast, Iain Graham. With the need to balance the demands of farming in a more sustainable manner and drive efficiencies across sectors, multi-species grassland offers win win potential. As someone who is only recently new to the benefits of multi-species grassland, Iain discusses the motivations for change across his farming system, the biodiversity conservation impacts, resource managemen...

Multi-species Grassland Management for Productivity

In this podcast the Farm Advisory Service sits down with farm manager and regenerative agriculture enthusiast, Iain Graham. With the need to balance the demands of farming in a more sustainable manner and drive efficiencies across sectors, multi-species grassland offers win win potential. As someone who is only recently new to the benefits of multi-species grassland, Iain discusses the motivations for change across his farming system, the biodiversity conservation impacts, resource managemen...

S1: What's Stopping You? - Barbara Girvan

Barbara Girvan’s enthusiasm shines through as she describes her recent new enterprise of a pumpkin patch in the Highlands, providing entertainment for school holidays and raising funds for charity. Her family took a bit of persuading, but enjoyed it so much that the enterprise is continuing, and Barbara has been inspired to start growing sunflowers and cut flowers. Barbara explains the mishaps and teething problems with the pumpkins, as well as her experience on the Rural Leadership Programm...

What's Stopping You? - Barbara Girvan

Barbara Girvan’s enthusiasm shines through as she describes her recent new enterprise of a pumpkin patch in the Highlands, providing entertainment for school holidays and raising funds for charity. Her family took a bit of persuading, but enjoyed it so much that the enterprise is continuing, and Barbara has been inspired to start growing sunflowers and cut flowers. Barbara explains the mishaps and teething problems with the pumpkins, as well as her experience on the Rural Leadership Programm...

S1: Nutrient Strategy - Green Manures

Find out more about nutrient management and cover crops from the Farm Advisory Service website. In this episode George Gauley is joined by David Fuller - Shapcott from Sweethope Farm, near Kelso along with Audrey Litterick from Earth care technical. David uses a low tillage system alongside a winter – spring rotation as a method of improving soil health and organic matter. Over the years David has also had experience with integrating green manures into his system. Audrey has over 25 years...

Nutrient Strategy - Green Manures

Find out more about nutrient management and cover crops from the Farm Advisory Service website. In this episode George Gauley is joined by David Fuller - Shapcott from Sweethope Farm, near Kelso along with Audrey Litterick from Earth care technical. David uses a low tillage system alongside a winter – spring rotation as a method of improving soil health and organic matter. Over the years David has also had experience with integrating green manures into his system. Audrey has over 25 years...

S1: Nutrient Strategy - Compost

For further detail on soil organic matter & composting please visit the Farm Advisory Service's Kerchesters Farm webpage. In this episode George Gauley is joined by Jim McFarlane from Edrington Estate & Audrey Litterick from Earth care technical. Jim runs a non-livestock, arable system and has been using a min till establishment for the last 20 years. His focus is to preserve soil organic matter and improve soil microbial activity. Audrey has over 25 years’ experience as a crop and enviro...

S1: Animal Health is Wealth

Following on from Animal Health is Wealth webinar, James Orr talks to The Woodlands Trust Scotland farmer Janet Pringle and her vet, Rhona Anderson of Forth Valley Vets, about their experience of hands on practical Health Planning. Covering the barriers, challenges that they faced and the benefits that they have seen from undertaking proactive Animal Health Planning. 

Nutrient Strategy - Compost

For further detail on soil organic matter & composting please visit the Farm Advisory Service's Kerchesters Farm webpage. In this episode George Gauley is joined by Jim McFarlane from Edrington Estate & Audrey Litterick from Earth care technical. Jim runs a non-livestock, arable system and has been using a min till establishment for the last 20 years. His focus is to preserve soil organic matter and improve soil microbial activity. Audrey has over 25 years’ experience as a crop and enviro...

Animal Health is Wealth

Following on from Animal Health is Wealth webinar, James Orr talks to The Woodlands Trust Scotland farmer Janet Pringle and her vet, Rhona Anderson of Forth Valley Vets, about their experience of hands on practical Health Planning. Covering the barriers, challenges that they faced and the benefits that they have seen from undertaking proactive Animal Health Planning. 

S1: Sheep management in coastal areas

Sheep and Grassland Specialist Poppy Frater talks to Richard Briggs of Briggs Shetland Lamb – a company which sells Shetland lamb across the country from London to Lerwick.  We discuss the importance of small-scale abattoirs, the value of coastal lamb to lamb eating quality and consumer health and access to a UK wide market.  Richard remains optimistic about the future of good quality lamb post-COVID disturbance and with a resurgence of the conscientious consumer asking about where their mea...

Sheep management in coastal areas

Sheep and Grassland Specialist Poppy Frater talks to Richard Briggs of Briggs Shetland Lamb – a company which sells Shetland lamb across the country from London to Lerwick.  We discuss the importance of small-scale abattoirs, the value of coastal lamb to lamb eating quality and consumer health and access to a UK wide market.  Richard remains optimistic about the future of good quality lamb post-COVID disturbance and with a resurgence of the conscientious consumer asking about where their mea...

S1: Common Grazing Finances

Common Grazing finances can be bewildering – but they don’t have to be!  Listen to Arthur MacDonald explain what committees need to do and tools and resources that are available to help them.  #crofting #commongrazing   Further resources   Common Grazings Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Common Grazings | Crofting Commission (scotland.gov.uk) Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Common Grazing Finances

Common Grazing finances can be bewildering – but they don’t have to be!  Listen to Arthur MacDonald explain what committees need to do and tools and resources that are available to help them.  #crofting #commongrazing   Further resources   Common Grazings Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Common Grazings | Crofting Commission (scotland.gov.uk) Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

S1: Woodlands Maintenance

For more information about Woodland Creation & Management visit the Farm Woodlands section on our website. In this podcast, Forestry Consultant Ben Law discusses woodland maintenance with Eric Boyd, a forestry contractor with over 42 years of experience in planting and maintaining Scotland’s trees.    Topics discussed include:  control of weeds on woodland creation and restock sites maintenance planning from the outset of a woodland creation scheme weevil control on restock sites the ...

Woodlands Maintenance

For more information about Woodland Creation & Management visit the Farm Woodlands section on our website. In this podcast, Forestry Consultant Ben Law discusses woodland maintenance with Eric Boyd, a forestry contractor with over 42 years of experience in planting and maintaining Scotland’s trees.    Topics discussed include:  control of weeds on woodland creation and restock sites maintenance planning from the outset of a woodland creation scheme weevil control on restock sites the ...

S1: Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – Business Resilience and Markets

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 we're joined David Doodle and Anthony Spate from the Market Intelligence Department at AHDB

S1: Livestock Monthly: Beef

The first in our monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting.  The series will bring together specialists and vets to discuss topical trends and themes on health topics and diseases which are cause for concern at that time and provide technical and management advice on reducing the risk of such diseases.  This month Robert talks to Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of ...

Winter Agronomy Digital Roadshows – Business Resilience and Markets

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 we're joined David Doodle and Anthony Spate from the Market Intelligence Department at AHDB

Livestock Monthly: Beef

The first in our monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting.  The series will bring together specialists and vets to discuss topical trends and themes on health topics and diseases which are cause for concern at that time and provide technical and management advice on reducing the risk of such diseases.  This month Robert talks to Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of ...

Animal Health Monthly: Beef

The first in our monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting.  The series will bring together specialists and vets to discuss topical trends and themes on health topics and diseases which are cause for concern at that time and provide technical and management advice on reducing the risk of such diseases.  This month Robert talks to Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of S...

S1: Soil & Nutrient Network - Lanarkshire

Find out more about the Soil & Nutrient Network on our website. Most farmers understand the importance of applying lime however how many are applying regularly, at the correct rate and the correct type? In this podcast, part of the Lanarkshire Nutrient Network we are joined by Mark Tripney from I-Soils to discuss all things liming.

Soil Nutrient Network - Lanarkshire

Soil & Nutrient Network - Lanarkshire

Find out more about the Soil & Nutrient Network on our website. Most farmers understand the importance of applying lime however how many are applying regularly, at the correct rate and the correct type? In this podcast, part of the Lanarkshire Nutrient Network we are joined by Mark Tripney from I-Soils to discuss all things liming.

S1: Living off the land: expert help to support self-sufficient croft

Listen to our latest podcast interview with Mark Foxwell, a successful crofter based in Sutherland who applied for business development support through FAS to improve his crofting business.    Mark and his wife moved to their croft up in the highlands in 2018 to become more self-sufficient. As part of their crofting business, they manage a smallholding of livestock including cows, sheep, pigs and chickens, run a thriving horticultural business and produce tree planting stock, in addition t...

Living off the land: expert help to support self-sufficient croft

Listen to our latest podcast interview with Mark Foxwell, a successful crofter based in Sutherland who applied for business development support through FAS to improve his crofting business.    Mark and his wife moved to their croft up in the highlands in 2018 to become more self-sufficient. As part of their crofting business, they manage a smallholding of livestock including cows, sheep, pigs and chickens, run a thriving horticultural business and produce tree planting stock, in addition t...

S1: The Thrill Of The Hill - Research & Policy

Research and development within Scottish agriculture will be key to a successful green recovery, building an efficient and sustainable rural economy and mitigating against the threats posed by climate change. In this special bonus episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is fortunate to talk to Prof Davy McCracken, Head of the Hill & Mountain Research Centre about innovations in agriculture, as specifically the uplands. Topics include driving efficiency and be...

The Thrill Of The Hill - Research & Policy

Research and development within Scottish agriculture will be key to a successful green recovery, building an efficient and sustainable rural economy and mitigating against the threats posed by climate change. In this special bonus episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is fortunate to talk to Prof Davy McCracken, Head of the Hill & Mountain Research Centre about innovations in agriculture, as specifically the uplands. Topics include driving efficiency and be...

S1: The Thrill Of The Hill - Enhancing Peatlands

Scotland’s land and topography presents challenges for upland farmers across the country, but in many ways, it is also a blessing in disguise. Peatland, while not conventionally productive, provides important habitat and ecosystem services for farmers and the wider general public, retaining water, capturing carbon and providing important niche habitat for national priority species. Sustainable management of peatland will contribute to Scotland’s climate goals and mitigate against biodiversit...

The Thrill Of The Hill - Enhancing Peatlands

Scotland’s land and topography presents challenges for upland farmers across the country, but in many ways, it is also a blessing in disguise. Peatland, while not conventionally productive, provides important habitat and ecosystem services for farmers and the wider general public, retaining water, capturing carbon and providing important niche habitat for national priority species. Sustainable management of peatland will contribute to Scotland’s climate goals and mitigate against biodiversit...

Thrill Of The Hill - Enhancing Peatlands

S1: 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...