OnFARM Scottish farming podcast

The late great Andrew Arbuckle was a well kent name in Scottish farming.The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer was a big supporter of RSABI, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the charity with proceeds from his books.Sadly, Andrew passed away in December 2025.In tribute to him, and to pay our respects, OnFARM are re-visiting a conversation that we first published in 2022.As you'll hear in this episode, he was a real character, a true gentleman, and full of brilliant stories.

Farmstrong Scotland is a brilliant wellbeing programme for farmers and crofters, sharing peer-to-peer tips and advice.Their excellent podcast is called 'Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland'.Each month, farmers and crofters share stories with host Sarah Stephen, and reflect on what they do to support their own wellbeing.Sarah's most recent guests (January 2026) were none other than OnFARM's Anna and her husband, arable farmer Willie Thomson.In this episode, we've got their conversation in full. You can hear:how Anna and Willie juggle farming, family and other commitments - and occasionally manage a holiday here and therehow the recent onset of arthritis has prompted Willie to reconsider his priorities - and has brought a fresh approach to work-life balancethe importance in their household of a properly-made bed!Once you've listened, please subscribe to Farmstrong's podcast alongside OnFARM, so that new episodes pop up on your device when they are published.If you're online, you can also check out Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.

Towards the end of 2025, we sadly lost Christopher Trotter, a well-known Fife chef, food writer, and ambassador for local and seasonal produce. He died at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. In tribute to him, and to pay our respects, OnFARM are re-visiting a conversation that Christopher recorded with Sarah Anderson from our team - to mark the publication of his book Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook.As you'll hear in this episode, he was a real gentleman, and a big advocate for eating varied and sustainable Scottish produce.

If you're looking for Christmas present inspiration, look no further!This week's guest is Arabella Harvey from Raven Botanicals, the Scottish skincare brand known for its nature-led products. Arabella shares how she and her sister Charlotte built the business - drawing on botanical knowledge, creativity, and a strong connection to the landscape.She and Anna chat about the realities of growing a rural brand, from sourcing ingredients to staying sustainable. Ara also tells a lovely story about the family pet which inspired the name of the business…We hope you enjoy this episode. It's only possible thanks to our brilliant sponsors Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Lorna Dawson was a student in Edinburgh in 1977, when 17-year-olds Helen Scott and Christine Eadie were murdered after a night out at the World's End pub. Decades later, she helped to convict the women's killer - using pioneering techniques to identify soil samples that had been taken and retained from Helen Scott's bare feet.Lorna has since reported and advised on over 150 court cases, as professor and head of soil forensics at the James Hutton Institute.She also talks to Anna - in this fascinating episode of OnFARM - about how soil forensics can be used to help fight rural crime such as machinery or metal theft. Huge thanks to episode sponsors, Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew. Further links: The James Hutton InstituteSEFARI Gateway - Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Most of us in farming - unfortunately - know someone who’s been in an argument or a dispute. It could be between relatives over an inheritance, over a business relationship, or any number of different circumstances that have led to conflict. You may not realise you can call on support from professional mediators - or even, in some cases, offer to step in as a mediator yourself.This episode is all about the power of mediation – hearing from Gillespie Macandrew's dispute resolution team lead Fiona Cameron, and Gordon Davies, a mediator working for - among others - rural support charity RSABI. (Full disclosure: Gordon is also OnFARM host Anna's dad!) This is a repeat of an episode from June 2023 - hosted by Monty, who it's good to hear on the pod again.

Tick-borne virus Louping-ill has been spreading across Scotland since a vaccine was withdrawn. The disease is fatal to sheep and red grouse, though it can also infect and by carried by cattle, horses, dogs, and humans.Now, the Moredun Research Institute and industry partner Kernfarm has developed a new-generation vaccine - and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring it to manufacture and production. Beth Wells from the Moredun joins Anna to discuss both the crowdfunder work and the vaccine.Donate to the Moredun's Louping Ill vaccine crowdfunder here.Beth and Anna mentioned BBC Scotland's episode of Landward featuring Moredun's research on Louping Ill - find it here.See news on the Scottish Government's £100,000 match-funding pledge for a Louping-ill vaccine here, with a call for industry backing.Other bodies and organisations involved in developing the Louping-ill vaccine include:Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), National Sheep Association, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, Sheep Veterinary Society, Sandhill Vets and The Moredun Foundation.

Well over 70,000 children in Scotland benefit each year from the work of RHET - the Royal Highland Education Trust. RHET take children onto farms, and bring farmers into schools, to help young people aged 3 to 18 to understand more about where our food comes from. In an interview first recorded in 2020, Anna joins John Sinclair, owner of Craigies Farm Shop and Cafe, leading children on a RHET tour. Also taking part in this episode are primary school teacher Emmie Petrie, and RHET learning and development coordinator Sara Smith.You can donate to support the work of RHET here: https://rhet.org.uk/how-to-help/#donateMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

The inaugural RSABI Great Scone Palace Challenge was a joyous 'It's a Knockout' event, raising over £80,000 to support people in Scottish agriculture. Teams took part from across rural Scotland - and actors from ITV's Emmerdale were on hand to add a big serving of stardust.OnFARM's Anna and Dave caught up with competitors and organisers, as well as Mark Charnock - Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle.Both the RSABI Great Scone Palace Challenge itself and this episode of OnFARM are sponsored by Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.For more on the challenge, check out RSABI's news pages. Congratulations to the Challenge winners:1st place: Blackhall & Powis – Cameron Finnie, David Tyler, Ross McWilliams, Lenz Bartelt2nd place: Dalscone (Keeping Up with the Cowdashians) – Kyle McKellar, Connor Cairns, Ben Best, Joe Best, Kristoff Henderson3rd place: Algo – Kelly Strachan, Scott Cameron, Craig Nixon, Louise Nixon, Daryn JollySpecial recognition goes to the team at Dalscone, who raised a phenomenal £24,000 plus Gift Aid, making them the top fundraising team.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Care leaver Danielle McKinnon runs Eat Sleep Ride, a social enterprise in Lamberton, East Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders. Her work, with horses focuses on empowering young people and amplifying often unheard voices, especially from low-income and rural communities. Find Eat Sleep Ride online here.This episode is sponsored by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

A less typical episode of OnFARM this week, as we chat with fashion designer and keeper of two clothing stores - one for gents and one for ladies - Christine Ann De Agostini.However, it will become more than clear why we are spotlighting Christine's work and business - her two clothes store businesses are located in Forres in rural Morayshire, and cater to a broad range of fashionable country living folk!Visit Logie Steading, where Christine's two fashion stores are located near Forres, at this link. For more on how the RBS Business Accelerator supports small businesses like Christine's, find info here. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Maddie Thomson learned her skills in digital communications in London - but has returned to Scotland, to create a new future for her family's Perthshire fruit farm. Maddie tells Anna how her farm - Thomsons of Blairgowrie - is a blank canvas, and that she is being encouraged by her family to dream big! Find Maddie's business Thomas Thomson in Blairgowrie here.For more on how the RBS Business Accelerator supports small businesses like Thomsons of Blairgowrie, find info here. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

The second half of our kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukThese editions of OnFARM was edited and mixed by Antonia Gospel, a 2024 Fellow of the MultiTrack audio fellowship.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

A kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukThis episode of OnFARM was edited and mixed by Antonia Gospel, a 2024 Fellow of the MultiTrack audio fellowship.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Something a bit different this week... We're pleased to share a recent episode of the Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast, presented by Scotland's Makar (National poet) Kathleen Jamie and co-host Alistair Heather. The theme of the episode is 'Place' with readings in Scots and Doric from Aberdeenshire's Shane Strachan and Hugh McMillan from Dumfries and Galloway.If you enjoy the episode, find the entire series of 12 episodes here or by searching 'Lantern Scottish Poetry' in your podcast player.The Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast is made by OnFARM producers Bespoken Media, and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

At East Lothian's picturesque Balgone Estate, Anna meets David Grant-Suttie and Alex Humphreys, young entrepreneurs driving Balgone's diversification into pumpkins, sunflowers and events.David and Alex show Anna around the sunflower maze, pumpkin patch, and brand new Herd cafe. They share their challenges and triumphs so far, and explain how this diversification is supporting the rest of the farm – and vice-versa.Many thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

The last of three episodes from the Royal Highland Show that we are resharing as they were published over the summer holidays. This time, three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories. Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:Jock Gibson of Macbeth's butchers and Edinvale Farm in ForresJo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafeJackie McCreery of Yester Farm Dairies, who is also a RHASS director and a legal advisor at Scottish Land & Estates.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

We're republishing this episode for folk that might have missed it over the summer. It's part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative, and the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist: Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

With the kids back at school, we (and you?) are back into a podcast listening routine. So we thought we'd re-share these packed and fun-filled episodes recorded at the 2024 Royal Highland ShowAnna and producer Dave set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!To support the amazing My Name5 Doddie Foundation cyclists featured in this episode, please visit their JustGiving page. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative. This is the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist: Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Anna and producer Dave have set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!To support the amazing cyclists riding from Lands End to John O'Groats for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, please visit their JustGiving page. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Meet Russell and Catriona Brown, a brother and sister from Bonnington Farm near Peebles, in our latest OnRECORD partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories.21-year-old Russell and Catriona, 25, share stories of working together alongside their parents on the family farm. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record private stories and memories from family members, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories. Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:Jock Gibson of Macbeth's butchers and Edinvale Farm in ForresJo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafeJackie McCreery of Yester Farm Dairies, who is also a RHASS director and a legal advisor at Scottish Land & Estates.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Meet the nutritionist team behind the first ever Scottish Eatwell Guide. The guide is designed to reflect how foods grown and produced in Scotland fit into a healthy balanced diet. It is co-produced by Scottish Regional Food Tourism Ambassador Dr Laura Wyness and Suzanne Fletcher of community nutrition social enterprise Nutrition Scotland.Laura has also written a book called Eating Well for Menopause, so the chat also delves into how diet and nutrition can support women living through menopause.To download the Scottish Eatwell Guide: Scottish Eatwell Guide | Nutrition ScotlandTo find out about becoming a Scottish Eatwell Guide Partner: Scottish Eatwell Guide Partner Contact Form (office.com)To find Dr Laura Wyness's Eating Well for Menopause book: Eating Well for Menopause Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

What is needed to keep Scottish farming competitive, and who should lead on that work? Alison Milne co-owns Crafty Maltsters, a barley malting plant on her family's farm in Fife. This episode starts as a chat with Alison about her work, and ends with this big question, that faces the whole industry and sector. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Falkirk-based Rebecca Smith's first book is called Rural: The Lives of the Working-Class Countryside. As a forester's daughter, Rebecca grew up in tied housing on a Lake District estate, then became a journalist, broadcaster and author. Rural is an often personal, always unflinching, exploration of life in today's UK countryside. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Barley is by far Scotland's most important crop, and the world's fourth most important cereal crop. Anna hears about Dundee's new International Barley Hub, a centre for research excellence within the James Hutton Institute. We also meet Alison Milne who grows and malts barley at Crafty Maltsters in Auchtermuchty, and Professor Wendy Russell at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute. ===============This is the final episode in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series showcasing the world-leading work of SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

AMR - anti-microbial resistance - is the name for the growing number of infections that are becoming difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. It affects livestock, wildlife, and humans alike.It's a global concern - considered by the World Health Organization and others to be among the world's top public health threats.In this episode, Anna speaks with:Dr Nuno Silva - who leads the AMR research group at the Moredun Research InstituteDr Eleanor Watson - also at the Moredun, studying transmission of AMR within wildlife populations Professor Karen Scott - a microbiologist at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute, studying carriage of AMR in gut microbiota. ===============This is the third in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series in partnership with SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

We all know Scottish soft fruits are good for us - but in this OnFARM, experts explain exactly how and why Scottish berries have such brilliant health benefits - including some we are still learning about. From potential to combat diabetes and dementia, to helping with obesity, researchers from the Rowett and James Hutton Institutes share some very exciting findings. There is also an update on new soft fruit varieties to help growers cope with the challenges of climate change, and tips for anyone looking to market soft fruit's health benefits to consumers. Joining Anna are: Dr Fiona Campbell from the University of Aberdeen's Rowett InstituteGordon McDougall, and Dr Valeria Montano, both of the James Hutton Institute===============This is the second in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series in partnership with SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Barley, wheat, oilseed rape... Should hemp be considered alongside these as viable crops for Scottish growers? Researchers at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute are championing hemp as a healthy and sustainable food crop. It's a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, and other healthy fats and minerals. So, should hemp be your next diversification? For this episode, Anna and producer Dave visit Barns of Airlie Farm near Kirriemuir to meet Hemp It Up! founders Alison and John Easson, alongside the Rowett Institute's Dr Madalina Neacsu and Dr Graham Horgan from BIOSS (Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland). ===============This is the first of a 4-part OnFARM mini-series in partnership with SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Since we first aired this wonderful interview with Willie Logan from East Lothian, the 91-year old East Lothian farmer has been adopted as a 'poster boy' for RHASS's new 240 Years of Stories campaign. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.In this episode, Willie shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture. Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected] looking to record private stories and memories from family members, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Seven months after suffering a seizure, and being diagnosed with brain cancer, Monty and his wife Moira chat with Anna and producer Dave about how things have been. This episode has heaps of gratitude for helpful and supportive people, from Monty's friends, family and neighbours, to the wonderful rural charity RSABI - and even OnFARM's sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, aka The Black Farmer, describes his difficult start to life in the UK, before starting work for the BBC and discovering a passion for food. He left TV to start a food and drink marketing company, which gave him the opportunity to realise his dream of owning a farm. 'The Black Farmer' is now a successful brand selling sausages, deli items and other produce. Wilfred tells Mary-Jane Lawrie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) about his life and his determination to become a farmer, and how the danger of playing it safe can hold us back.https://www.theblackfarmer.com/FAS have kindly agreed to share episodes from their podcasts to help OnFARM out while Monty is receiving treatment for brain cancer. We are hugely grateful for their support.For more information, visit www.FAS.scotMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. In this second part of their chat, recorded back in 2020, there's talk of Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There is decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming. Thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for support for this episode. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Jim Smith's comedy career has come on in leaps and bounds since Anna first spoke to him in the springtime of 2020. He is also a staunch supporter of Scottish farming charities particularly the RSABI's #keeptalking campaign. He says farming will always be his number one passion. When Anna went to visit him at his Perthshire farm, they talked about his comedy roots; trying to relieve the boredom of roguing tatties, then writing pantomime scripts for his beloved Bankfoot YFC. We only meant to record one episode with Jim, but he was such good craic, we split the chat into two parts. So this is part 1 of 2. Enjoy!Thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for support for this episode. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Fly-tipping is something all too many farmers and landowners will be aware of. If "extreme" fly-tipping is new to you, we're talking about bigger things being dumped, like caravans or vehicles. Anna is joined by Elaine Kennedy-Walton and Conner McConnell from our wonderful sponsors, Gillespie MacAndrew to offer information and advice. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Thanks to the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) for sharing this Stock Talk episode on farming in Argentina. Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron talks with presenter Robert Ramsay about cropping and beef production, as well as the importance of soil health, and the need for increased production. The episode is produced by Kirsten Blackwood.FAS have kindly agreed to share episodes from their podcasts to help OnFARM out while Monty is receiving treatment for brain cancer. We are hugely grateful for their support.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

After lots of lovely feedback on last week's episode with 91-year-old East Lothian farmer Willie Logan, and the launch of OnRECORD to capture memories of Scottish agriculture, we are re-sharing this chat from our archive.Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer has raised over £100,000 for the RSABI with proceeds from his books. What's less well-known about Andrew is that he is also a champion pole vaulter...To find out more about OnRECORD, and how you can book the team to capture precious memories for posterity, please visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Willie Logan from East Lothian shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture. This conversation between Willie and Anna marks the launch of our exciting new OnRECORD project. With OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell, or a voice to treasure.Find out more at: www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Introducing OnFARM's exciting new sister project - OnRECORD. Thanks to OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.Perhaps you'd like us to record the memories and stories of one of your family members, a long serving member of your farm team, or an outgoing office-bearer in your organisation? Whatever stories and voices you want to be able to preserve, to treasure, and to return to in future, please just get in touch. Find out more at: www.onrecordmemories.co.ukMentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Nick Thomson and James Fairlie from the 'Farming Funny' podcast join Anna for a good blether about life, farming, and podcasting - and why James always has something, in every episode, to get angry about. Find Nick, Jim and Sandy on Farming Funny in podcast players here.Huge thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for sponsoring this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Carol McLaren chats with Anna about her time so far as CEO of Scottish farming support charity RSABI. There is some discussion of mental ill health - including feeling suicidal - in this episode. Find RSABI online at www.rsabi.org.uk or call them on 0808 1234 555.We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Jock Wilson is a busy guy! In this episode, producer Dave visits Jock to learn about the various projects and enterprises he's involved in - from beef and sheep farming at Edinvale Farm in Moray, to running Macbeth's butcher and game dealer. Jock is also leading on introducing wellbeing and resilience initiative FarmStrong in Scotland, and is about to embark on a Nuffield Farming Scholarship focused on meat eating quality. We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

This short episode reflects on 4 years (so far) of the OnFARM podcast - and looks at ways businesses and organisations can come on board to sponsor or partner with OnFARM, to keep the podcast going into the future.We produce episodes in partnership with RHASS, the Moredun Research Institute, law firm Gillespie Macandrew, rural business specialists Bell Ingram, and others. We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to join that list. The OnFARM podcast is a great opportunity to get your messages out to people in rural Scotland, and to play a part in championing and sharing the sector's stories. Just get in touch to find out more: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm trucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace, Keith Dawson, as well, as charity supporter Nicola Alexander from Cupar in Fife. For more information, or to donate vehicles or supplies, contact [email protected] or make a donation on justgiving.com.We are repeating this episode as it's one of Monty's favourites from this year - to mark the midway point of his chemo and radiotherapy treatment.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain over 3 miles of fungus - if stretched out end-to-end. That's just one of the fascinating fungi facts shared in this episode - as Anna goes foraging with East Lothian mycologist Neville Kilkenny. Neville offers guided forays, talks and events, and teaches identification workshops at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens (RBGE). Find him online at the very aptly-named fungi.co.uk.Huge thanks to sponsors Bell Ingram for their support of this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Behind the scenes insight, as Anna and producer Dave chat with Hayley Hayes, host of the Radio Academy podcast, about the making on OnFARM. The Radio Academy is the UK radio and audio industry charity. They promote excellence in UK radio and audio (so it is only natural they would want to speak to the makers of the very excellent OnFARM!). Truth be told, this is a wee bit of a stopgap while we make some changes in light of Monty's illness. We'll be back soon with more of the usual OnFARM fodder - but we thought you'd enjoy this in the meantime.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

You may have noticed that Monty's voice has been absent from recent episodes of OnFARM. Unfortunately, this is because he has been receiving medical treatment for a brain tumour. He begins a six-week course of intensive chemo and radiotherapy today (mid-November 2023), so it's a good time to give our first official update on Monty's health. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Elspeth and Paolo Berardelli farm the Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Spean Bridge. They have a wide spread of enterprises on the farm, ranging from sheep and cattle, to deer stalking, and renewable energy. They also are custodians of an important site of special scientific interest of species-rich Nardis grassland at Glencoe. Elspeth has also recently started welcoming children on to the farm from local schools, to help build their confidence and support their resilience and mental health.With thanks to episode sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media

Despite being a fourth-generation crofter, Robert Mackenzie has been on a steep learning curve since he took over Lochbuie Croft in Newtonmore five years ago. He and his partner Jenni MacDonell have not been shy of a challenge - inviting BBC Scotland's 'This Farming Life' to film their life and work, and starting alpaca trekking alongside the beef and lamb enterprises. They're chatting in this episode with OnFARM's Dave Howard. Huge thanks to Bell Ingram for supporting this episode. Mentioned in this episode:Podcast producers Bespoken MediaAll episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media