OnFARM Scottish farming podcast

2021 marks 50 years since the start of Scottish commercial salmon farming. It's a half century that has seen the industry rise from very humble beginnings to being the UK's number one food export, globally recognised for its high quality, and a major provider of jobs in the Highlands and Islands. This is the first of two OnFARM episodes in association with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO). Monty hears how a pioneering spirit brought success to Scotland's very first salmon farmers.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 theme for 2021's Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May) is 'nature'. Whether it's Anna’s own passion of sea-swimming, or mountain biking, forest-bathing, or walking the John Muir Way, this episode is packed with tips on making the most of being outdoors. It is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.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

Monty is looking ahead to the 2021 AgriScot event this autumn with event chairman Robert Neill. This episode also marks the official launch of AgriScot's Farm of the Year awards - including an exciting new 'Diversified Farm of the Year' category. To enter or nominate a farm business, visit www.agriscot.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

Sheep farmers like Monty have finished lambing, and we are all - thankfully - slowly coming out of COVID lockdown. We can start to think about getting out and about, and maybe having a bit of fun with the family. So we're handing this episode over to the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, to give you some day trip inspiration. We're playing out in full their recent Scotland Starts Here 'Rural Heritage' podcast episode, talking up all things food and agritourism in the south of 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

Thanks to COVID, bookings for UK holidays went up 300% in 2020. It's led many farm businesses to consider new agritourism enterprises. But what do you need to know before you open up your farm gates to tourists and visitors? Joining Anna are Sheryl Macaulay from Douglas Home & Co Chartered Accountants, and David Seed from specialist rural surveyors and land agents FBRSeed.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 look back on 30 years of LEADER grants and funding for development projects in rural Scotland. Anna speaks with Peter Ross, who has been involved with LEADER from its very beginning in 1991, about its grassroots partnership approach to funding, and about the hundreds of communities that have benefitted. We also hear from four different projects around Scotland that have been LEADER-funded, and ask what post-Brexit future there might be for EU-funded LEADER. Music in this episode is from 17-year old Katie Nicoll, part of LEADER-funded DD8 Music in Angus. Find her work online at https://linktr.ee/Katienicmusic. This episode is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.LEADER-funded projects featured include:The Smiddy, a multi-purpose Heritage and Community Hub in the Glenkens area of Galloway.Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath, a horticulture-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. They grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area.TrixPix Media, a multimedia production house with adjoining croft in South Uist.Kirrie Connections, a dementia care project in Kirriemuir in Angus.DD8 Music, a studio and youth work facility also in Kirriemuir in Angus.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 effective leadership can encourage those with a stake in rural sustainability to engage with mitigating climate change. In this fifth and final episode looking at climate change challenges with SAOS, Anna speaks with: Mark Brooking - sustainability director for dairy farmers' cooperative FirstMilk Tim Wilson - CEO of supply co-op Aspatria FarmersJim Booth - SAOS head of co-op developmentMentioned 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

Will Evans of the Rock and Roll Farming podcast passes on tips to Anna, a relative newcomer on the rural podcast scene. The pair also discuss mental health, family life on Will's farm near Wrexham, as well as his Scottish connections.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

Climate change has brought with it more unpredictable weather patterns which, in turn, has meant significant upheaval for Scottish farmers. For episode 4 of our series with agri-coop umbrella organisation SAOS, Anna hears about measures that can be taken to mitigate unpredictable weather, and even to reap any potential benefits. Guests: David Aglen, who farms livestock, vegetables and combinable crops in FifeGraham Lofthouse, a livestock farmer in the BordersGeorge Noble, SAOS data and digital project manager based in Fraserburgh.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 fourth Scottish Rural Parliament is in full swing as we publish this episode. Previous gatherings have taken place in different parts of Scotland - Oban in 2014, Brechin in 2016 and Stranraer in 2018. This time, due to the ongoing Covid situation, the event is taking place entirely online. The aim of the assembly is to bring together people who live and work in rural and island Scotland, to ensure that issues they care about are brought to the attention of decision-makers and influencers. Anna's been taking part, hearing from other attendees, and speaking with one of the organisers, acting chair of Scottish Rural Action Theona Morrison.(This episode is made in association with The Scottish Government and the Scottish Rural Network.)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

Rock on Soils is a project exploring whether spreading crushed rock onto agricultural land can capture large quantities of carbon in the ground. Taking carbon out of the air is a key part of the fight against climate change, and the rock that's used is a by-product of quarrying, so it's an exciting prospect. The EU-funded project is being led by the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), and a range of academic and farming partners. To find out more, Anna is speaking with Dunkeld beef and sheep farmer Alex Brewster, Doug Christie, who's got a partly-organic mixed farm in Leven in Fife, and Ehsam Jorat, a senior lecturer in geo-technical engineering at Abertay University.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

Gordon Davidson is the Scottish Farmer news and online editor. He joins Anna to share stories of his years at the paper, and to give tips on how best to interest him in your news item or story. We also hear in this episode about how you can get involved with the upcoming Scotland Rural Parliament.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

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially launches a research drive to study Equine Grass Sickness, an often fatal disease of horses. The Moredun Foundation and The Equine Grass Sickness Fund have joined forces to launch a three-year research Fellowship, bringing together a partnership of horse owners and scientists. HRH The Princess Royal is patron for both charities.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

Her Majesty the Queen's Balmoral estate lost 5 Highland ponies in less than a year to Equine Grass Sickness. The disease is almost always fatal to horses, and seems to affect Scotland worse than other parts of the UK. Sylvia Ormiston, who manages Her Majesty's Balmoral stud, recalls the five losses, and describes how it prompted her to get more involved in searching for a cure. We also meet Grass Sickness fundraiser Yvonne Maclean, while Beth Wells from the Moredun Research Institute details new efforts to find a cure. For more on funding and supporting a cure for Equine Grass Sickness, please visit: www.grasssickness.org.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

Climate-friendly farming can be a more efficient and profitable way to run your business. That's the key message of episode 3 of our series with agri-coop umbrella business SAOS. Anna hears about tools, methods, and processes you can implement on your farm to help Scotland meet its 2045 carbon 'net zero' target.Guests: Mark Clark - SAOS chairman and managing director of Grampian Growers Ltd.Andrew Moir - contract farmer, chairman Scottish Quality Crops, who also heads up the Climate Change Group for Arable and Horticulture Rory Christie - dairy farmer, SAOS director and chairman of Milk Supply Assoc.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're asking for your help. Simply by listening to OnFARM and telling others about us, you can help secure our future. As we approach our 50th podcast, Monty and Anna break from normal episodes to share some thoughts about the future of the show. Would you be interested in sponsoring us or partnering with us to get your brand associated with our work? Talk to the team any time.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

Rob Wainwright is the Doddie Gump fundraising founder, former Scotland Rugby captain and British Lion, and now a beef and cattle farmer on the Hebridean Isle of Coll. Rob joined the SAYFC's Lianne and Ally Brunton for a 'Sofa Chat' over Facebook Live. We've given over this OnFARM episode to the SAYFC, to hear Rob and the Bruntons chat about farming, rugby, and #DoddieAid.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 the supply chains to Scottish food and drink businesses be made more climate-friendly? Scotland's target is to have net zero carbon emissions by 2045. This is part 2 in our series with agri-co-op organisation SAOS, looking at the challenges and opportunities for Scottish farming and growing as it works to meet that climate change challenge. Joining Anna this time are:Robert Logan - SAOS project manager focusing on climate changeGary Catto - Highland Grain malting barley cooperativeAndy McGowan - Scottish Pig ProducersMentioned 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

Brexit "fury" among fish landers, a "frustrating" seed potato export ban, and costly red tape for businesses that rely on immigrant labour. Monty partners with law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn to bring you expert and industry insight at this crucial and confusing time. Guests: Tavish Scott from the Scottish Salmon Producers OrganisationArchie Gibson of leading seed potato breeder and merchant Agrico UK Ltd George Frier, Shepherd and Wedderburn partner and food and drink leadJacqueline Moore, Shepherd and Wedderburn immigration law leadMentioned 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

It is exactly one year since we published our first ever OnFARM episode - a recording with kids on a (pre-Covid) farm visit with the food and farming education charity RHET. To mark our first birthday, we've updated this very first episode with a new interview with RHET chief executive Katrina Barclay.You'll also hear John Sinclair, owner of Craigies Farm Shop and Cafe, primary school teacher Emmie Petrie, and RHET learning and development coordinator Sara Smith.Thanks for being so supportive of OnFARM in our first year. Here's to many more birthdays to come!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're rounding off 2020 by eavesdropping on a chat between the Moredun Foundation's outgoing chairman Ian Duncan Millar, and his successor Gareth Baird. Ian chose to retire at the end of 2020 so he could end on the high point of a year of centenary festivities. Alas, this was not to be. But we hope this episode (particularly a surprise right at the end) will be a nice memento. From all at OnFARM, happy retirement Ian, and best of luck Gareth!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 on the guest list for a (virtual) drinks reception to celebrate 100 years of Scotland's Moredun Research Institute. Just press play to attend, enjoy the (virtual) free booze and canapes, and mingle with the great and the good of livestock science.Joining Monty for this episode are:Sheila Voas, Scotland's chief vetNigel Miller, former NFU Scotland president and co-chair of Farming for 1.5 DegreesPhil Stocker, chief executive of the UK National Sheep AssociationKatrina Barclay, RHET executive officer and RHASS board memberBridget Taylor, Cheshire veterinary partner and Moredun Foundation Board MemberRachel Hall, recent recipient of a Moredun Foundation grant to study veterinary science in the USAMentioned 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

Succession planning is a nettle that all farming families need to grasp. You just never know what is around the corner. But it's a sensitive subject, fraught with legal, technical and emotional difficulties - so Monty has enlisted law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn to talk through the issues.Guests this time:Hamish Lean - Shepherd and Wedderburn Head of Rural PropertyGillian Campbell - Shepherd and Wedderburn private client partnerMartin Kennedy - Perthshire beef and sheep hill farmer and NFU Scotland vice presidentNina Clancy - chief executive of farming charity RSABIMentioned 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 Moredun Research Institute has come a long way since it was set up by Scottish farmers in 1920, in a bid to cut devastating livestock losses. Monty hears how its latest breakthrough has revolutionised farming practices as far away as South Africa and Australia - and how researchers are even playing a crucial role in the fight against Covid-19.Guests this time:Al Nisbet - head of Moredun's vaccines and diagnostics departmentTom McNeilly, Moredun's head of disease controlMara Rocchi - head of Moredun's virus surveillance unitJessica Allport - merino sheep farmer in New South Wales, AustraliaMentioned 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 1920, a visionary group of Scottish farmers came together to work out how to cut alarmingly high rates of livestock losses. Together, they formed ADRA - the Animal Diseases Research Association. These days, it is still owned and run by farmers, but is better known as the Moredun Research Institute for animal health. Many of the vaccines and treatments now routinely used on UK sheep and cattle were developed by Moredun scientists. In its hundredth year, OnFARM's Monty is learning about the history and heritage of this little-known Scottish success story. This is the first of four OnFARM episodes to mark the Moredun's centenary 1920 - 2020.Guests this week:Prof Julie Fitzpatrick - Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun FoundationMungo Guthrie - Ayrshire sheep farmer and Moredun board memberProfessor Lee Innes - Moredun director of communicationsDr Lynsey Melville - early career post-doc researcher at MoredunDr David Smith - early career post-doc researcher at MoredunMentioned 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

All too often, farmers and food producers are portrayed as villains on climate change. While there is work to do, the industry's positive stories too often go untold. The co-op umbrella organisation SAOS say it is time to change that. They also want to spearhead an industry-wide collaborative push to cut emissions and ramp up sequestration. For the first of a number of climate change episodes with SAOS, Anna is joined by:Tim Bailey - SAOS chief executiveEmma Patterson Taylor - SAOS policy manager focused on climate change. Angela Porchez of the fruit growers co-op Angus GrowersJonny Williams from meat marketing co-op FarmstockMentioned 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

Rory Christie farms in Wigtownshire alongside his brother, and is on the boards of both the Milk Suppliers Association (MSA) and the co-op umbrella organisation SAOS. He strongly advocates investing in becoming as good at negotiation as whoever is on the other side of the table - whether that is a big corporate buyer, your farm landlord, or even your spouse or kids! Anna and Rory sat down for a wide ranging chat, that also takes in farming's response to climate change and fears over farm subsidies in a Brexit future.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 does it take to convert from conventional to organic farming? What are the benefits and pitfalls of making the switch, and what really captures people’s passion along the way?For this edition of OnFARM, Anna is joined by Debs Roberts of the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), and Phil Swire, an Aberdeenshire farmer who is midway through converting to organic.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

Organic oilseed rape is often said to be impossible to grow. Aberdeenshire feed manufacturer Norvite are at the centre of trials hoping to prove that claim wrong - and to offer Scottish-grown organic cold-pressed rapeseed oil as a premium product for restaurants and wholesale. They also hope to offer organic animal feed - a counterpart to their soya-free, local, yet conventional dairy ration NeoLac. Dave Howard finds out more, for the first of a new series of onFARM.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 is munching delicious broccoli crisps this week! She's in Cupar in Fife, at the headquarters of Growers Garden. They make crisps from vegetables that would otherwise not have made the grade for supermarket shelves. Growers Garden are part of a farmer-owner co-operative called East of Scotland Growers. It is a brilliant example of individual farmers working together to benefit each other as a group - under the larger Scottish umbrella group for co-operatives, the SAOS.OnFARM repeating this episode before taking a short break - while we work behind the scenes to make a raft of new episodes with partners -- including SAOS! We'll have a number of episodes in our new series looking at examples of Scottish farm co-ops taking on the challenge of climate change.Listen to all episodes of OnFARM at www.podfollow.com/onfarmMentioned 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

Social media star Suzanne Mulholland AKA The Batch Lady shows Anna her methods for making the most of your freezer and kitchen storage. Her online videos and bestselling books show you how you can feed your household delicious and healthy meals, with a single one-hour cooking session each week. In this second part of the chat, Suzanne also gets Anna to try batching for herself! All episodes can be heard at www.podfollow.com/onfarmMentioned 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 COVID-19 continues to impact lives and businesses, and new lockdown rules are implemented across Scotland, Gail Ellis from rural HR specialists Greenburn returns to onFARM. Gail shares practical tips for employers and employees, as well as those facing redundancy and looking for new roles.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 Food & Drink Fortnight is an annual celebration, running from 5th to 20th September 2020. It shines a light on the incredible work of Scotland's farmers, growers, producers and suppliers. This whole onFARM episode is a widespread and indepth chat with Scotland Food and Drink CEO James Withers. He and Anna discuss the Fortnight, the impact of COVID-19, Brexit, and the future of food and drink.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 Batch Lady, aka Suzanne Mulholland, is a global social media sensation, publishing regular videos sharing her method of modern batch cooking. Her bestselling books show you how to "Shop Once, Cook Once, Eat Well All Week". She creates all her content in her Scottish Borders farmhouse. This episode hears some of Suzanne's best tips for making the most of the food in your freezer. It was recorded at her home during lambing season for many Scottish farmers, and as Coronavirus was starting to become a serious UK issue. (Part 1 of 2)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 Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. This time, the pair take Jim's truck up to the sheep fields at the very top of his ground. There's chat about Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There's also some decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming. This is part 2 of Jim's chat with Anna, so go back to find the first half in your podcast feed if you haven't heard it already. If you are enjoying On Farm, please rate, review and subscribe to us - and please share this episode with anyone you think might like it. Thank you - and thanks as ever for listening!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 OnFARM podcast is a positive voice for farming, agri-food, and rural enterprise, both in Scotland and the wider UK. We give rural areas, people, organisations and charities a strong voice and a platform from which to share their stories. We perform in the top 25% of podcasts globally, and we are much listened to (and talked about!) across rural communities. Would your business or brand benefit from becoming a sponsor to OnFARM? To discuss partnership opportunities, please email [email protected] 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

Perthshire's Jim Smith is Scotland's Stand Up Farmer. His Back to the Teuchter live show and his social media Farm Diaries have earned him worldwide social media fame (as well as no shortage of female admirers!)He is also a regular on BBC Scotland's Breaking The News. But he says farming will always be his number one passion. This is part 1 of 2 episodes recorded with Jim, which we are re-releasing as we take a short break from recording new podcasts. Enjoy!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

Bill Gray and Alan Laidlaw say they will "move heaven and earth" to put on a 2021 Royal Highland Show despite ongoing Covid uncertainty. The RHASS chairman and chief executive also reflect on weathering 2020's 'perfect storm', and look back on their favourite moments from the last 14 weeks of OnFARM episodes.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 episode is one big THANK YOU to those people across rural Scotland, and the food and drink economy, who’ve gone above and beyond during Covid lockdown. We speak to people who have scrambled to keep their communities fed, given an extra push for charities, or just continued their vital jobs in difficult circumstances.There are 6 stories in the episode - all people we wanted to say thanks to. It’s not even the tip of the iceberg of people who deserve praise. So please tweet the people you'd like to say thanks to in rural Scotland, using #unsungheroes. Our thanks to RHASS for partnering with us on this series. This episode hears from:Veterinary surgeon Kath Dun of Galedin VetsKerry Roberts of Ian Roberts HaulageEllie Sinclair of VegCo and the volunteer-staffed North East Food HubAnn Redpath, author of Lockdown and Lambing - Recipe Book and MemoriesKenny Hope of Pratt Brothers Edinburgh electriciansLorraine Cavan at RSABIMentioned 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 look back at the Highland Society’s history all the way back to 1784, on a tour of Ingliston House with RHASS chairman Bill Gray. It's Bill's first visit to the Society's boardroom since the momentous decision to cancel the 2020 Royal Highland Show due to Coronavirus. For this episode, Monty also speaks to:Farming journalist and writer Andrew ArbuckleKen Fletcher, editor of the Scottish FarmerThere is a short clip of an episode of BBC Scotland's Landward, which is all about RHASS, and 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

Equestrian events attract some of the biggest crowds at the Royal Highland Show, with top show jumpers, displays of Clydesdales, Shetlands and other breeds, as well as the frenetic and joyful activity of the Pony Club Games! In this episode of OnFARM with RHASS, Anna delves into all things equestrian, and hears from breeders, judges and competitors at the very top of their discipline.Contributors:RHASS director Anne LoganCatriona Willison from the Pony ClubWelsh pony breeder Tom Best from the Waxwing StudHighland Pony competitor, steward and judge Jo JackAngus and Stephen Lohoar from Drumcarrow EquestrianClydesdale breeder Ronnie Black from Newton of Collessie FarmFarrier Ruaraidh RobbMentioned 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

There is so much time, passion, and painstaking commitment that goes into getting a beast ready for the ring at the Royal Highland Show. It can be the culmination of a life's work and ambition. For those men and women who dedicate their lives to showing stock, there is no feeling to match your animal winning its class. This edition of OnFARM with RHASS hears what it is like firsthand, from some of Scotland's best stockmen and women.This episode features:Tracey Nicol from Balthayock FarmsDavid Tennant, RHASS Competitions ManagerColin and Alastair LairdThe Runciman family - Rocket, Amanda, Lewis and LibbyMentioned 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 Countryside Area is the section of the Royal Highland Show reserved for heritage crafts and traditional skills. It is quieter, and slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of the main showground. You can stop to soak in the sights and experiences, and try your hand at some of the crafts. In this episode of OnFARM with RHASS, Anna meets some of the artisans that exhibit in the Countryside Area, and hears their passion for keeping traditional skills alive.This episode hears from:Martin Dare of Rural ProjectsBen Wilde from Archipelago Folk School Rosie Hazleton from Wild Rose EscapesBen Potter from Birds of Prey DisplaysMentioned 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

Ever since it got its Royal Charter in 1784, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has been committed to helping individuals and organisations that improve, encourage, benefit, or otherwise advance rural Scotland. It does this through grants, scholarships, awards and other support. This work is funded in large part from money raised at the Royal Highland Show, and through events and venue hire on the showground at Ingliston. In this episode of OnFARM, Monty explores the scope of this charitable work. He also asks what RHASS needs from its supporters after the 2020 Show's cancellation, and loss of millions of pounds due to Coronavirus.This episode hears from:Alan Laidlaw, RHASS chief executiveMatthew Lambert, sales director of Lambert and Dyson LtdWill Charlton, Arable Marketing Manager at Limagrain UKPenny Montgomerie, Nuffield Farming Scholar and SAYFC chief execGeordie Dun and Willie Hill from Campbell of Oxton hauliersProfessor Lee Innes from the Moredun Research Institute for animal healthMentioned 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 are marking the start of what would have been the 2020 Royal Highland Show by hearing from Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP. In a wide ranging conversation with RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw, the Cabinet Secretary:- praises the Royal Highland Show as "the fulcrum of rural life in Scotland"- describes his pride in Scotland's rural communities for their response to Coronavirus, saying farmers "have risen to the occasion"- urges the UK government to protect farmers against "the flooding of cheaper imports" that would be illegal to produce here.The first day of the Royal Highland Show, Thursday 18th June, is also National #KeepTalking Day from RSABI. This episode finishes with a call from RHASS president Bill Gray to #phone5 people, stressing the importance to all of staying socially connected, even though you won't see people in person at this year's Show.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

It is Royal Highland Show week! Or it would be in more normal times. In The View From Town, OnFARM explores ways people not directly connected to agriculture still connect and relate to food, farming and the countryside. Anna also speaks with Marks and Spencer's head of agriculture Steven Maclean, and hears from a family of urban visitors to the Royal Highland Show. What draws them back to Ingliston year after year?=====================#keeptalking is a national campaign from RSABI, supported by RHASS, OnFARM and others. It is set to culminate with a National #KeepTalking Day on June 18th, which was due to be the first day of the Royal Highland Show. The ask on the day is simple: pick up the phone, and phone 5 people you haven't spoken to in the past six months. Then show you're supporting the campaign by sharing posts and pictures on social media with the hashtags #keeptalking and #phone5. Chances are both you and the people you call will feel better as a result.This episode hears from:Caroline Miller from GoRuralMarks and Spencer Head of Agriculture Steve McLeanMargaret Gilmour from Food For Life Scotland / The Soil AssociationMentioned 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 you are looking for the very best in food and drink, from the finest Scottish producers, the Royal Highland Show is clearly the place to be. The food hall - more properly ‘Scotland’s Larder Live’ - is always one of the Show’s biggest draws. In the absence of a 2020 Show, we have the next best thing. We’ve brought together food and drink experts Wendy Barrie and Charlotte Maberly, with a host of top producers who exhibit and trade at the show. Why does it matter that the Highland Show exists as a food and drink showcase and spectacle?The Very Best of Food and Drink is episode 5 in our OnFARM series in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).This episode also features:Steve Mitchell from the Buffalo FarmValentina Black from Alanda’s Gelato and SeafoodDavid Equi from Equi’s ice creamJill Witheyman from Angus Soft FruitStuart Hood from Hood’s HoneyPlease tweet us @On_FarmUK with your thoughts and stories, and please share OnFARM with anyone you think might be interested. All episodes are available at www.podfollow.com/onfarmMentioned 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

Is there any feeling quite like seeing the gates open on day one of the Royal Highland Show? As a visitor, you have so many trade stands, businesses and people you want to see and hear from. There are never enough hours in the day to get round all the attractions. This episode of OnFARM seeks to replicate that busy day. It's packed full of voices, including some very well known names in Scottish agriculture. We were keen to speak with as many businesses as possible, from machinery sales and estate agency to gin, vodka, seeds and banking. OnFARM's Ross Montague hears Highland Show stories from rural Scotland's business community, and asks how traders are coping during Covid-19 lockdown. There is also exciting news of a 'virtual' Scottish agricultural show taking place later in the summer.'Taking Care of Business' is episode 4 in our OnFARM series in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). Taking part are: Royal Bank of Scotland, Watsons Seeds, Dales Agricultural Services, Galbraiths Property Consultancy, Ogilvy Spirits, The Gin Bothy, Macbeths Butchers, and Countryside Refreshments. We also hear from Nuffield Scholar Aled Rhys Jones.Please tweet us @On_FarmUK with your thoughts and stories, and please share OnFARM with anyone you think might be interested. All episodes are available at www.podfollow.com/onfarmMentioned 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 speaks with Katrina Barclay from the Royal Highland Education Trust. Since the start of COVID-19, RHET's work has quickly adapted, to focus on supporting parents, families and teachers to deliver lockdown home-schooling. But while the delivery method has changed, the charity's purpose is just as it has been for over 20 years: to help children and young people in Scotland to understand where the food on their plate comes from, as well as the importance of healthy eating.=====================RHET is the education charity of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, who are OnFARM's partners in producing this summer series of podcasts. Please get in touch if you'd like to feature in future episodes. Please tweet @On_FARMUK.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

For many, the Royal Highland Show is their one big chance each year to get together with friends, and to re-connect with people they don't otherwise manage to see. This time, OnFARM is exploring the importance of those 4 summer days at Ingliston for social connection and mental wellbeing. Anna is joined by Nina Clancy from RSABI, and Professor Sarah Skerratt, who has done lots of academic research on mental health in rural communities. This is episode 2 of an OnFARM series in partnership with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).=================================Please get in touch if you'd like to feature in future episodes. Are you using RHET online resources to help with your family's home-schooling under lockdown? We are also looking for stories of rural or farm-based businesses who have adapted to Coronavirus. We'd love to hear from you. Please tweet @On_FARMUK.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