OnFARM Scottish farming podcast

As final preparations are made for Europe's biggest tup sale at Kelso in the Borders, Monty revisits 23-year-old Andrew Hutcheson, a young auctioneer who first stepped up to the big league at Kelso this time last year. While the sale itself is a frenetic day, Monty hears how Andrew and others spend the weeks ahead of Kelso 'canvassing' farmers to win business. Thanks to auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington 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

We return to Ness, on the north tip of the Hebridean island of Lewis, with crofter and TV presenter Domhnall Macsween, - known to most as Sweeny. We join Sweeny and OnFARM's Dave Howard up on the peat moors, amongst eagles, corn crakes, and Sweeny's herd of cattle. This is the second of two episodes featuring Sweeny, and is kindly supported by the Scottish Rural Network, part of the Scottish Government's Scottish Rural Development Programme.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

Lewis crofter and presenter of BBC Alba's An Lot (The Croft) Domhnall Macsween - known to most as 'Sweeny' - takes OnFARM producer Dave Howard on a tour of his community of Ness, on the island’s most northerly tip. Just don't call it 'remote' (as Dave learns the hard way!) This is the first of two episodes featuring Sweeny, and is kindly supported by the Scottish Rural Network, part of the Scottish Government's Scottish Rural Development Programme.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

Borders beef farmer Giles Henry regularly does soil sampling and carbon testing on his farm, and has done for many years. He tells Monty what he gets out of it, and how it feeds in to his business planning. In April 2022, a Scottish Government incentive scheme was launched - to provide farmers and crofters with funds to support carbon audits and soil sampling.Called Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) – it aims to help farmers and crofters to better understand their carbon emissions and sequestration, identifying recommendations that can lower these emissions and increase efficiencies.PSF is a straightforward ‘self-service’ with no registration or pre-approvals required. For full guidance and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf-/This episode is produced in partnership with the Scottish Rural Hub.  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 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show was also a welcome return to the RHET Discovery Centre at Ingliston. In this episode, Anna chats with RHET education manager Katrina Barclay, and a host of volunteers and supporters helping children to learn more about the working Scottish countryside. We also hear from Alan White and Amy Eakin from law firm Gillespie Macandrew, who are big supporters of RHET, and who are kindly partnering with us for this episode. For more on RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust), visit https://www.rhet.org.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

Were you there? Did you have fun? After a long wait, the 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show arrived with gusto - and what a weekend it was. The perfect blend of work and pleasure, there’s no doubting the Highland Show is a world-beating event, that most of us would be lost without. In this episode Anna, Monty, and producer Dave are joining in the fun. We visit Scotland's first autonomous tractor with Soil Essentials, pop in to trade stands including Scottish Land and Estates and Scottish Organic Milk Producers, check out some of the competitions, and blether with old friends and new faces.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

Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Inverness, with Go Rural Scotland. Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. This time, Emily Esson visits Edinvale Farm, Fearn Farm, Castlecraig Farm, and Bogrow Farm. These attractions and many more can be found at goruralscotland.comMentioned 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

Calum Clark has been farm manager of the Rattray Estate near Peterhead for six years, working closely with estate owner James. The farm has recently converted to organic. Calum describes how that transition has taken place, and shares his enthusiasm for farming in general, and particularly for his herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle. On a glorious sunny day, Anna had a tour of the estate and a fascinating blether with Calum. Episode produced in partnership with SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association: https://www.sopa.org.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

Michael Medlock recently returned from Dubai - where he had a lucrative career in oil and gas – to run his family’s organic farm near Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire. The enterprise is primarily organic gluten-free oats, but they are building up a business rearing chicken and ducks. For an episode in partnership with SOPA (the Scottish Organic Producers Association), Anna visited Michael for a chat and a tour of his farm. Find SOPA online here: https://www.sopa.org.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

"If we had lost this show, I would have presumed I was jinxed - but, all being well, we're looking at a barnstormer". RHASS chairman Bill Gray has been sharing his thoughts and feelings ahead of the 200th Royal Highland Show this June. Bill's chairmanship has been a rollercoaster ride through the Covid period, but he looks set to end his tenure on a high. We also revisit an episode from 2020, when Bill and Monty explored the history and heritage of RHASS on a tour of Ingliston House. We hear in this episode:Farming journalist and writer Andrew ArbuckleKen Fletcher, editor of the Scottish FarmerA short clip from an episode of BBC Scotland's Landward, which can be seen in full at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10Mentioned 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 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are now open to nominations - with a deadline of 18th July 2022. The awards recognise the role of estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals in helping rural Scotland to thrive - whether that's through providing affordable rural housing, supporting local businesses, or working with schools to support rural skills.Sarah-Jane Laing and Lucy Laidlaw from Scottish Land and Estates, and Ronnie MacRae from the Communities Housing Trust join Anna to talk about the awards. We also hear from Robbie Kernahan, Director of Green Economy at awards sponsors NatureScot.Details of the Helping It Happen Awards: https://scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happenMentioned 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

Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Glasgow, with Go Rural Scotland. Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. This time, Leeanne Coyle visits Kilmacolm Farm Tours, the Round House at Craigmaddie Muir, Errington Cheese, and Forth's Wee Farm Distillery. These attractions and many more can be found at goruralscotland.comMentioned 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

As we gear up for the 2022 Royal Highland Show - the first to take place in-person since the start of Covid - we are resharing an episode, created in partnership with RHASS in 2020. It is all about the value of the Show for supporting social connection and supporting our mental wellbeing. Anna is joined by Nina Clancy from RSABI, and Professor Sarah Skerratt, who has done academic research on mental health in rural 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

Gareth Baird was visibly emotional on receiving the 2022 SAOS Ed Rainy Brown Memorial Award. He was given the honour after a career of exceptional service to co-operation and collaboration in farming, food, and rural Scotland. Moredun Foundation chairman Gareth has been described as “quite simply one of the greatest co-operators of our age". We find out why in 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

Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Edinburgh, with Go Rural Scotland. Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Jac Phillimore visits Balfour Stewart at the Bus Stop at Bankrugg Farm, Jo and Stewart McNicol from Drift Cliff Edge Café, Kirsteen Sinclair of Craigies Farm, Katie Roberts from Craigduckie near Dunfermline, and Emma Niven at Lochleven’s Larder.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

How can more younger farmers get involved in shaping Scotland’s future agricultural policy? What more can be done to tackle rural housing problems, improve diversity and mental health in rural communities, support new entrants, and a host of other issues? This episode is a chat between 4 members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP. From SAYFC: Amy Jo Reed, Ben McClymont, Jillian Kennedy, John McCulloch.Episode produced in partnership with the Scottish Rural Hub.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

When Gloucestershire-based arable farmer James Wilson of H.A. Day and Sons needed to tackle a bad case of black-grass, he turned to innovative drone technology from Angus-based precision-farming experts Soil Essentials. Monty's been speaking with James, and also SoilEssentials' Jim Wilson (always helpful when your two guests have virtually the same name!) Episode produced in partnership with Soil Essentials: www.soilessentials.com 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 focus on one of the benefits available to NFU Scotland members who are entitled to 20 minutes of free legal advice (helpline number 0131 271 8585). OnFARM producer Dave Howard visited law firm Gillespie Macandrew, whose Land and Rural Business team manages this service. Episode created in partnership with 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

Go Rural Scotland are seeking to get more people engaged in visits and experiences on Scottish farms, which inevitably means more people being out and about in rural areas. The arrival of warmer spring weather makes this a good time for a chat about enjoying rural areas responsibly. Monty visits Go Rural's Caroline Millar, and her neighbour Euan Baird.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

Virgina Osborne runs a sustainable organic mixed farm near Kirriemuir in Angus, with her parents and siblings. They breed organic pure-bred Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cross cattle and have a small organic sheep herd. Virginia also tells Anna about her love of Highland Ponies and how they are a critical tool in managing the farm. Episode supported by SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association.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

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. However, we bet you didn't know about his time as a champion pole vaulter... 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 whistle-stop tour of farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Dundee, with Go Rural Scotland. Go Rural's 'Days Out on Your Doorstep' campaign encourages people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Monty visits Anna Lamotte at Guardswell Farm, Louise Nicoll of Newton Farm, Stephen Melville of Cuplahills Farm, and Caroline Bruce-Jarron of Ogilvy Distillery. 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 are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the second of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists. 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 are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the first of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists. 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

Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer run Lynbreck Croft in the Cairngorm National Park. The pair took on Lynbreck Croft when it was semi-derelict in March 2016 "with a dream to live closer to the land". Their book is called 'Our Wild Farming Life'. Lynn talks to Anna about their ethos of farming with nature, and how they've built a profitable business and fulfilling lifestyle. 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

Joanna MacGregor and Donald Fraser are tenant farmers at Farm Ness, on the Dochfour Estate, outside Inverness. Joanna left behind a geography teaching career to join Donald on the farm. Series 5 of BBC Scotland's This Farming Life charts their efforts to open a farm shop.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

Doddie Aid 2022 is in full swing, with folk all across Scotland and beyond walking, running, and cycling en masse, to raise funds to help cure Motor Neuron Disease. Monty chats with Paralympic silver and bronze medalist (and Borders farmer's daughter) Sammi Kinghorn, co-captain of the South Doddie Aid team, and Bruce Aitchison, host of the Happiness is Egg Shaped podcast and the Doddie Aid weekly Wednesday live streams.Episode kindly sponsored by Fearn Farm Holiday Cottages: www.fearnfarm.com/holidaysMentioned 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

2022 already looks like being a challenging year for farming. There are huge unanswered questions over support policies and mechanisms, and concerns over big increases in cheap imported food due to Brexit. The UK DEFRA Secretary George Eustice recently said that farmers must do more to “stand up to supermarkets” over prices – but he was short on practical suggestions for how many might do that. Helping to find a path through this difficult terrain is going to be a big focus for OnFARM in 2022, and we start by revisiting a conversation with Galloway dairy farmer Rory Christie.  Rory has great advice on giving yourself the best chance in negotiations – not just with supermarkets and other buyers, but with landlords, and even spouses!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

Leicestershire mixed farmer and Farm To Fork author Joe Stanley wants more consumers and householders to better understand where their food comes from, and the work that goes on on British farms. Joe sits down with Anna to talk about some of the ways this could happen.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

SAYFC members undertook a series of farm visits at the start of December, as part of the organisation's 7th agriculture and rural affairs conference. OnFARM's Monty tagged along for one of the visits, to Learielaw Farm in Broxburn near Edinburgh. This episode is kindly supported by 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

An in-person AgriScot event is coming soon! The farm business event is returning to the Royal Highland Showground on Weds 9th Feb. In this episode Monty hears from AgriScot chairman Robert Neill, while Anna re-visits the last AgriScot event that took place, back in 2019.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

Angus Elder is a third-generation organic veg and cereals farmer at Chapel Organics in East Lothian. Anna visited Angus at his farm for a tour and a chat, to learn about his farm enterprise growing crops and produce, primarily for veg box schemes. Angus is also a SOPA (Scottish Organic Producers Association) board member - this episode is made in partnership with SOPA.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

Anna explores the benefits of collaboration in Scottish food and farming - meeting representatives from cheese producers, flower growers, and apple growers, who have all formed collaborative groups, with the help of Scottish farming's co-op umbrella organisation SAOS. Guests: Valerie Orr from Blooming Bees and the Flowers Grown in Scotland groupCatherine Drummond-Herdman at Megginch Castle and the Scottish Apple Producers groupJane Stewart of St Andrews Farm House Cheese Company and Fine Cheesemakers of ScotlandEpisode produced in partnership with SAOS.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

Scottish agritourism faces “the opportunity to become world renowned”, according to Visit Scotland’s Vicki Millar. In this episode, Monty also meets Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Agritourism lead Caroline Millar and many others, at the launch of Scotland’s ambitious new agritourism growth strategy. This packed episode is kindly supported by Ledingham Chalmers.Contributors:Cabinet Secretary Mairi GougeonScottish Agritourism’s Caroline MillarVisit Scotland’s Vicki MillarAlan Laidlaw from RHASSThe Scotsman newspaper’s Brian HendersonThe Scottish Farmer’s political editor Claire TaylorLinda Tinson of Ledingham Chalmers solicitors Agritourism businesses:Stuart and Jo McNicol from DriftJasmine and Fenwick Jackson from Jacksons at JedburghJohn Scott of Fearn FarmHelen Smith from Byres FarmSarah Johnson of Bowbridge Alpacas ScotlandNikki Storrar of Ardross Farm ShopRobert and Lucy Wilson of Wilson’s Farm and KitchenWith thanks to: The Scotland Starts Here podcast from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA)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

Anna and Monty are sharing exciting news! The OnFARM family is expanding. In January 2022, we launch the OnFARM Academy, offering training programmes and modules for all aspects of rural life and business. Some modules already live, and available to OnFARM listeners half-price until launch. Find OnFARM Academy at https://training.onfarmacademy.com/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 should be Scottish farming's response to COP26? As the summit gets underway in Glasgow, Anna is spending time with SAOS chairman John Hutcheson, and Emma Patterson-Taylor, SAOS's climate change and sustainability manager.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 farmhouse kitchen blether between Anna and three brilliant women, each with perspectives as women in agriculture. Amy Geddes is a 4th-generation farmer at Wester Braikie Farm near Arbroath. Aylett Roan farms alongside her husband at Barnbarrock farm in Dumfries and Galloway, and also runs a doorstep milk-delivery business. Lois Newton is an associate in the land and rural department at Gillespie Macandrew. We are grateful to Gillespie Macandrew 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

Tebay services and farm shop in Westmorland is a staple of many people's north-south car journeys, with food and facilities several cuts above most motorway stop-offs. Monty meets farm manager Bob Day and Tebay head of butchery David Morland, and follows the Tebay journey from farm to fork - a distance of about 3 miles door-to-door. Luing cattle are among the breeds favoured at Tebay - and this is the second of two OnFARM episodes produced with the Luing Cattle Society.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

Agriculture faces many profitability and sustainability challenges, not least in suckler beef production where margins are tight and environmental impact questions are constantly raised. In the first of two episodes supported by the Luing Cattle Society, Monty finds out how the Luing breed is meeting these challenges head-on, and driving a profitable business for first-generation farmer Giles Henry. We also hear how the breed was designed and developed by the Cadzow brothers, and how their aims for the breed ring true with many of today’s farming systems. Find more about Luing online at https://luingcattlesociety.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

Equi-Scotia have, since the start of the pandemic, been running horse-facilitated learning and psychotherapy - to groups, individuals, businesses and youth groups. OnFARM's resident horse-lover Anna has been finding out more about their work from founder Julie-Anne Griffith.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

Anna and Monty discuss the incredible response to last week's episode - when Monty spoke with Jamie Brand, the brother of East Lothian farmer Grant Brand, who very sadly took his own life back in February. Anna is then joined by Morna Ronnie and Kirsty Ritchie from 'Be Your Best Self' - a fully-funded personal development programme currently on offer to women in agriculture in Scotland. Be Your Best Self helps participants to grow confidence and resilience, identify their strengths, and understand how and when to work with others. It also offers mental health and wellbeing support, and a network of like-minded women that can last for the long-term. For more on Be Your Best Self, visit https://thepeopleportfolio.co.uk/category/beyourbestself/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

Content Warning: Suicide, Mental Health >>> The news in February that East Lothian farmer Grant Brand had taken his own life left many in Scottish farming shocked and upset – and, of course, sending heartfelt good wishes to Grant’s family. This episode pays tribute to Grant, hearing memories and thoughts from his brother Jamie Brand. We also hear how Grant’s death prompted OnFARM's Monty and his friend Scott Brown to create the ‘We All Need a Farmer’ short film, that has now been shared hundreds of times on social media. This episode of OnFARM discusses suicide and mental health. Any time you need to speak to someone about your own mental health, please talk to someone you trust. You can call your GP, contact the Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/), or – if you are in Scottish farming – the RSABI (https://rsabi.org.uk/). You can watch the We All Need a Farmer film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbWDC6CWc8Mentioned 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

Monty goes in search of a new breeding tup at Europe's largest ram auction - while OnFARM producer Dave nearly buys one by accident. We also follow a young auctioneer getting his first opportunity on the big stage, and speak to Border Union Agricultural Society chief executive Dan Withall. The Kelso Ram Sales, held annually by BUAS, had an electric atmosphere from the outset - as one of the first major 'in person' agricultural events after Covid restrictions were loosened. Big thanks to the Border Union Agricultural Society 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

Christopher Trotter, the food writer who once ran a Michelin-starred kitchen, and Fife food ambassador, wants us all to eat more varied and sustainably sourced Scottish fish. His new book is called Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook. Christopher speaks to OnFARM's Sarah Anderson, in the first episode of our new series.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

Malting barley producers face a difficult and uncertain summer, after one of Scotland's biggest grain merchants fell into administration. Many fear they will lose large sums of money as a result of Alexander Inglis and Son's closure. An already limited set of grain purchasers is now even smaller, making it harder for producers to negotiate a price. Perhaps most urgently - many now face having nowhere to dry and store this summer's harvest. It's a tough situation, so Monty is searching for solutions - with Ally Brunton of the SAYFC agri affairs committee, Donald Ross, an ex chairman of Highland Grain, and dairy and pig farmer Rory Christie, of the Milk Supply Association and SAOS.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 summary of the themes discussed more indepth in 5 recent OnFARM episodes with SAOS, discussing themes around climate change, farming, and the value of cooperation.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

In what should be Royal Highland Show week 2021, Monty speaks with SAYFC's Hamish Logan on how Young Farmers have made the best of a difficult and isolated time in lockdown. SAYFC members are gearing up to take centre stage at the Royal Highland Showcase, a series of virtual and online events replacing this year’s Show. We also look back on last year’s 14-part special OnFARM series with RHASS, celebrating the Royal Highland Show and all the Society achieves.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

Highly organised criminal gangs are targeting Scotland's farms, and using the latest technology including overhead drones to overcome security measures. It may sound like Line Of Duty, but Inspector Alan Dron heads up Police Scotland's Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). He's been sharing details of recent arrests and operations with Anna.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’re 18 times more likely to lose your life farming than in the average UK workplace. Cutting out farm-related deaths and life-changing accidents has to be a priority for us all. Anna's guests are Stephanie Barclay from the Farm Safety Foundation, James Chapman, who lost his left arm in a tractor accident and is now an FSF trustee, and George Noble from SAOS. OnFARM producer Dave Howard visits Willie Harper in Renfrewshire, to hear about his narrow escape from being butted and stamped on the spine by a cow with calf. Thanks to the Scottish Rural Network 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

How Scottish salmon has innovated and used technology to become the UK's biggest food export. Monty and producer Jac Phillimore also how the industry is increasingly focused on farming more sustainably. This is the second of two episodes in partnership with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).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