Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

In this fortnight’s edition of the Rural Roundup, we get the latest news from Tiffany Mactaggart and we speak to Sascha Grierson and Mark Bowsher-Gibbs about the benefits of the new Quick FAS tool, as well as how to get the best outcome for your crop. We bring you a highlight from the latest Natural Capital podcast, where Stan Phillips and Helen Bibby discuss Scotland's Rainforests. Finally, we speak to Iain Boyd and ask him 'What's on your desk?' Related FAS resources: Natural Capital podcast Series:https://feeds.captivate.fm/natural-capital/https://open.spotify.com/show/3RonMCZhbF92rSxI97VnpK Alternatives to Land Ownership - North Region Event (24th September) https://www.fas.scot/events/event/alternatives-to-land-ownership-north-region/ Marketing the Crop - Getting the Best Outcome for Your Crop | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Related Other Resources: Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) - Information for Applicants - Guidance for funding applicants | NatureScot Iain Boyd | LinkedIn For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Craig Bothwell, a senior consultant with SAC Consulting to discuss how to best utilise manures.Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.Related FAS Resources Video: Making the most of digestate applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Real time manure analysis and variable rate application of slurry | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Technical note (TN736): Optimising the application of livestock farmyard manures and slurries | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

In this podcast we will hear from the director of the Venison Advisory Service (VAS), Alan Sneddon, and the Estate Manager from Glenrinnes Estate, Alister Laing. They will both tell us about their background and share their knowledge and experience of deer farming. Alister will talk about the establishment of the deer enterprise at the estate which included capturing wild deer in a large enclosure. Alan will provide valuable advice and top tips to people who are considering going into deer farming.Related FAS resources:Podcast: The Thrill of The Hill - Deer Farming & Management | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Advice & Grants | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice Hub:Phone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

In episode two of this Natural Capital Series we discuss and raise the awareness about Scotland’s Rainforests. What are Scotland’s rainforests, why are they special, what are the threats and how do we look after them? Recorded on site at Tanish National Nature Reserve with Helen Bibby Senior Conservation Consultant SAC Consulting and Stan Phillips from NatureScot. Helen Bibby is a Senior Conservation Consultant with SAC Consulting based in Oban, Argyll. Her work focuses on management advice to famers, crofters and other land managers to support farming and biodiversity. This is a varied job and ranges from grant scheme advice to best practice information to support different species and habitats as well as raising awareness on the importance of Biodiversity within the farmed landscape. Stan Phillips is an Operations Officer for NatureScot based in Argyll. His work includes biodiversity management advice to landowners and land managers, particularly those on designated sites, many of which are woodlands. Stan is involved in a number of projects for Scottish rainforest, the restoration and enhancement of which could neatly help address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The Earth's soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie we will explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future. Hosted by Rachel Smillie, produced by Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond. Timestamps Scotland’s National priority species : 2:55 – 3:45What are Scottish rainforests, do we have rainforests? : 3:50 – 10:00What makes our rainforest so special? : 10:08 – 13:25Measure to protect and pressures on Scottish rainforest : 18:08 – 28:00Farming benefits, looking after and managing rainforests : 28:01 – 35:03 Related FAS ResourcesScotland’s National Priority Species: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/scotlands-national-priority-species/ FAS Sounds: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/ FAS Environment Pages: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ Other Related ResourcesAlliance for Scotland’s Rainforest: www.savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk Follow Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest on Twitter: @ASRainforest Alliance for Scotland's Rainforest farmer on Mull video: https://savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk/people/farmer Taynish Nature Reserve: https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/taynish-national-nature-reserve

Show Notes Tiffany McTaggart - Rural Roundup 0:22.697 Margo McGill 18:28 Other great podcasts from the Farm Advisory Service 13:44.468 Robert Ramsay & George Chalmers - Calf sales and Harvest 2:4 Related FAS resources: Deer Farming Meeting - Innerhadden Estate | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Virtual Fencing Tech Roadshow - Highlands | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Chris Dyer, Garths Croft - Crofting History & Culture | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Supporting documents - Delivering our vision for Scottish agriculture - proposals for a new Agriculture Bill: consultation - gov.scotRelated Other Resources: Lockharts / Law. Meet The Team. (lockhartslaw.com) Rural Payments and Services For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, you can subscribe to all episodes of Agri Culture here. Our second episode with Chris Dyer from Garths Croft is available to listen to here.

No matter the size of your herd, choosing the correct suckler replacements is important to ensure yearly, trouble free calvings and avoid nights spent calving or coaxing calves that refuse to suckle! Or worse, pets!

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Chris Dyer of Garths Croft, Bressay about how an Archaeologist from the South of England found himself owning a croft on Shetland. He discusses some of the fascinating archaeology of the Shetland Islands, how he started out volunteering on farms, and what his life is like as a crofter. Chris tells us about starting his croft, the livestock he owns, and how he has now opened up his croft to visitors, giving them a truly unique insight into crofting life and the history and archaeology of the local area.

In this fortnight’s edition of the Rural Roundup we get the latest news from Tiffany Mactaggart, we speak to George Chalmers and Robert Ramsay about harvest progress and how the dry weather has affected crops and grass. Sascha Grierson and Findlay Ross introduce us to the new Quick FAS feature and we speak to Hamish Logan from Savills to ask him what’s on his desk?

Thrill of the Hill is back! Season 3 #4 – Sea Eagle Management & Mitigation. In this episode we hear from SRUC Head of Research at Kirkton & Auchentyre, Dr Davy McCraken about the reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle to Scotland, how the species is adapting to the Scottish landscape, the case for rewilding in Scotland and managing conflicts when they occur. As Scotland endeavours to meet the challenges of biodiversity decline, the reintroduction of lost species is an enticing prospect, particularly when there are gaps in the biodiversity hierarchy. The reintroduction of species that were previously resident in Scotland offers economic benefits too, tourism and heritage interests can drive members of the general public to seek out these species and in doing so enrich themselves and rural economies. However it cannot all be positives and we must recognise that the reintroduction of species will place pressures on the farmed landscape, and in some cases and in some places, these species can threaten the viability of farming entirely. This is no doubt a contentious issue, with a lot of very invested parties on both sides – but hopefully Davy and I can highlight some positives, some negatives, some compromises and a way forward for all!

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Julian Bell, a Principal Consultant with SAC Consulting along with James Bolesworth, managing director of CRM Agri commodities in Gloucestershire to discuss grain markets and effective marketing strategies, which will ultimately allow you to sell your grain for the best price.Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.Linked Resources How should I sell my grain? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Agri business news (Available on the FAS website) - https://www.fas.scot/downloads/agribusiness-news-june-2022/ AHDB - https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets (@) CRM Agri on twitter Daily report: https://www.graintab.com/blog/ Academy: https://www.graintab.com/academy/ www.crmagri.comFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

In this podcast we hear from SRUC Barony’s Head Shepherd Perry Parkinson, who will tell us a bit about his background and his work at SRUC Barony including the changes they have made to the sheep system. Related FAS resources: Breeding And Feeding For Sustainable Sheep Systems | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Using Estimated Breeding Values In Sheep | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub: Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

The Earth's soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie we will explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future. In our premier episode, we are joined by Dr Hannah Rudman who is co-director of the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre at SRUC. Her work focuses on how digital and data innovations can help the natural economy sector address the Grand Challenges of climate change, food safety and security and loss of biodiversity. Hosted by Rachel Smillie, produced by Iain Boyd, editor Ross Mackenzie, executive producer Kerry Hammond.

Show Notes 00:18 - Rural Roundup with Tiffany MacTaggart04:05 - This years harvest discussion with Robert Ramsay and George Chalmers13:35 - Other great podcasts from the Farm Advisory Service16:10 - What's On Your Desk? With Brady StevensRelated Resources FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in ScotlandCrofting Matters - Bull Management | FASPeter Eccles - Success out-with succession | FASCropCast - Winter Crop Disease Management for 2022 | FASBrady Stevens LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/brady-stevens-3790a590 For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScot National Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

Crofting regulation, which covers what you can do with your croft land and how, is a tricky subject, full of acronyms and references to various Acts of Parliament. For most crofters, the day-to-day croft work is unaffected by legislation. It’s often only when crofts change that attention to the legislation is needed. In this podcast, we discuss some of the most common scenarios. Is there anything you need to do now or be prepared for? Linked FAS resources: Webpage on succession planning with a succession tool -https://www.fas.scot/succession-planning-crofting/ Webpage with cartoon videos explaining crofting legislation - https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/crofts-small-farms/crofting-legislation/

In this podcast we hear from SAC Sheep and Grazing Specialist Poppy Frater, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for sheep producers. Poppy will also talk about her PHD on grazing strategies and carbon sequestration as well as her opinion on the outlook of the sheep farming industry. Linked FAS resources: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=giles+henry+grazing For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub: Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

In this fortnight’s edition of the rural roundup we get the latest news from Tiffany Mactaggart and we speak to George Chalmers and Robert Ramsay about regenerative agriculture and organics. We hear about the latest instalment of the personal development book club from Janette Sutherland and find out about a brand new Dragon’s Den imitative for new entrants to farming. Finally, we speak to Rosanna Fraser from Bidwells to find out what’s on their desk. Linked FAS resources:Aberdeen and Angus Women in Agriculture Group | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)How to Establish a Successful Farm Business: Make Your Mark | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Linked Other resources:Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) Sustainable Farming Survey Open (ruralpayments.org)beef_sector_strategy_2030.pdf (qmscotland.co.uk) https://homes.bidwells.co.uk/https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rosanna-fraser-24b584100For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScot National Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

Thrill of the Hill is back! Episode #27 – Renewed Interest. In this episode we hear from Senior Renewables Consultant John Farquhar about the impacts of the Ukrainian conflict, how that is changing mindsets around energy security here in Scotland, including a discussion on the most popular renewable options for the uplands, costs around construction and some of the pitfalls to watch out for! Catch up on our previous renewables episode with Senior Consultant Iain Boyd here https://www.fas.scot/publication/podcast-the-thrill-of-the-hill-renewables/ and for more information on farm scale renewable options, check out Farming for a Better Climate here https://www.farmingforabetterclimate.org/improving-farm-profitability/developing-renewable-energy/.

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by senior SAC agricultural consultant Donald Dunbar and Dr Robin Walker, a senior researcher focusing on low input cropping systems to discuss the benefits & potential uses of cover crops & green manures. Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.Related ResourcesRead FAS webinar summary – Cover crops & green manures https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/ Listen to podcast – Nutrient strategy – Green manures https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/ Further information on cover crops (AHDB)https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops Webinar – The role of legumes & cover crops and their impacts on EFA compliance. https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/ Cover crops & green manures https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/ Nutrient strategy – Green manures https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/ Cover Crops (AHDB) https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops The role of legumes & cover crops and their impacts on EFA compliance. https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/ AECS guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/stubbles-followed-by-green-manure-in-an-arable-rotation/ EFA Guidance Greening guidance (2022) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

This fortnight's roundup features news updates on the Basic Payment Scheme, avian influenza and agri-environment schemes. Janette Sutherland is back with the second instalment of her personal development bookclub. We learn about lead poisoning and its causes, calving heifers and finally, we speak with Tom Rust, a land agent from Bell Ingram and ask him what's on his desk. 00:00 Rural Roundup with Tiffany McTaggart 03:27 Talking Local Shows With Robert Ramsay & George Chalmers 12:20 Self Improvement Bookclub With Janette Sutherland 15:29 News & Events 15:45 Lead Poisoning & the Causes 17.05 Are You Calving Your Heifers At The Right Age? Calving at 2 Calving at 2.5 Calving at 3 18:25 Asulam Emergency Authorisation 19:23 22nd July Event: Nature Restoration Fund Taking the Plunge - Pond Creation for Wildlife | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) 20:21 Whats On Your Desk: Tom Rust For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Catherine Collins, at Croft 11, Clovullin near Fort William, shares how mentoring through FAS has given her the right start to crofting and helped her integrate into the community. Catherine tells how her long-term interest in creating species rich meadows has finally come to fruition and how mentoring helped her create a strategy for developing her own meadow and connected her with the right people in the crofting community. This podcast highlights how helpful mentoring can be for people new to crofting who don’t have an agricultural background.

This fortnight's roundup features updates on the Cereal, Wool, and Pig market. As well as a warning about increased tick burdens in sheep and cattle. Janette Sutherland is back with the first instalment of her personal development bookclub, and we speak with Agricalc and Agricultural consultant Anna Sellars to find out more about her and what’s on her desk. Show Notes 0:24 – Rural Roundup with Tiffany McTaggart 3:55 – Personal Development Bookclub with Janette Sutherland 6:23 – 13th of June Women in Agriculture Event ‘Get The Most Out Of Your Soil’ 7:48 – 30th June – Wedding Venues & Diversification at Cairns Farm 8:34 – 21st July – Farming Organically at West Moss Farm 8:48 - 5th July – Arable Scotland Is Back! 10:20 – ‘What’s On Your Desk’ with Anna Sellars 16:18 – How to like and subscribe for more For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: [email protected]

Growing Grass - How can we make the best use of our grassland? What is the difference between rotational, mob, deferred and set stocking? What are the benefits of liming? For many crofters, low soil pH and rushes reduce the productivity of grassland. In this episode, Poppy Frater discusses how to control rushes, increase growth of better grasses, reseeding, soil health and fertilisers.

Thrill of the Hill is back! Season 3 #2 – Spawning Success. In this episode we hear from Ayrshire River Trust’s Stuart Brabbs and Struan Candlish about the quality of Scotland’s water environment, factors impacting this quality, the successes of the Nature Restoration Fund and the need for a holistic approach to managing riparian habitats. Farming & Water Scotland is a joint initiative between SAC Consulting and SEPA, focusing on the provision of practical advice around the protection of the water environment that can be implemented at farm level. Resources vary from advice and information on how to manage water around the steading to field drainage, natural flood management and improving your farm for biodiversity. In this episode, Stuart references improvements in slurry storage and application and its impact on the farmed water environment, for more information on this, check out the Managing Slurry for Folks in a Hurry series here: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/livestock-arable/livestock-slurry-based-systems/managing-slurry-for-folks-in-a-hurry-webinar-series/ and for a summary of the most recent changes to regulations on slurry storage and handling here: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/know-the-rules/.Water margins play a hugely important role in the farmed environment, a blue string tying together different farmland habitats and is massively important in terms of natural capital – think flood management, biodiversity value and even capacity for renewable energy production. In our autumn 2020 series, Water Margin Management in a Changing Climate, FAS explored water margins management for ecological and conservation benefit as well as provided practical advice of ditching and draining, all of which can be found here https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/water-margins-2/.

*NOTE* *NOTE* This podcast was published in April 2022. To keep up to date with the latest in the livestock industry, subscribe to our Business and Policy and Livestock newsletters. More information can be found at www.fas.scot/newslettersIn this podcast we hear from SAC Consultant George Chalmers, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for pig producers. George’s consultancy work includes technical advice on livestock, nutrient management, fertiliser usage, crop agronomy as well as animal health and welfare advice. George has a special interest in the pig sector having facilitated the North East Pig Monitor Farm Project, as well as providing regular pig health and sector updates. Linked FAS resources: Link to Pigs section on the FAS website: Pig resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) FAS ILMP & Specialist Advice: Advice & Grants | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot

Peter Eccles is a farm manager from East Lothian. He started out as an agricultural consultant with SAC, before taking on the farm manager job at Saughland Farm, Midlothian. There he changed the farming system quite dramatically and went on to win the Farmers Weekly farm manager of the year and farmer of the year, and AgriScot Sheep farm of the year. He recently moved jobs to Dalmunzie Estate, and upland farm estate in Perthshire

With many Crofters across Scotland currently putting their bulls out, it is a good time to consider your current bull management practices.From pre-breeding examinations and diet, to the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, Crofting Matters discusses key points for Crofters to be thinking about with Sarah Balfour.Sarah works out of the SAC Elgin office and is a Beef Consultant for the SAC Livestock Team. As well as running an upland commercial suckler herd, Sarah and her family also have three pedigree herds and produce Limousin, Angus and British Blue bulls. Relevant Resources:Information note about the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, tips for custodians, common problems and optionsCrofts and small farms – A season with cattle webinar recording on the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish GovernmentIn this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by senior SAC agricultural consultant Hugh Ironside to discuss some of his recent work looking at projected gross margins at differing grain and fertiliser prices.Tiffany will also be joined by SAC principal consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs to discuss the upcoming cereal variety trials open evening on the 30th June at Ormiston Mains farm and why growers can benefit from visiting these trial sites.Linked FAS ResourcesGross Margins· Gross Margins For Combinable Crops At Different Grain & Fertiliser Priceshttps://www.fas.scot/publication/gross-margins-for-combinable-crops-at-different-grain-fertiliser-prices/· FAS Business Tools https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/· AHDB Farmbench - https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench· Improve Your Farming Finances in 30 mins https://www.fas.scot/publication/improve-your-farm-finances-in-30-minutes-2/SRUC Crop Trials · Scottish recommended variety list https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/44293035/SRUC_Cereals_Recommended_List_2022_Tables_Final_Ver1.pdf· Crop Trials Event 30th June 2022 https://www.fas.scot/events/event/crop-trials-tour-lothians/For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScot

2017 saw the start of Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy, now in 2022 and half way through a ten-year plan, the role and importance of pollinators has only become more significant. Pollinators play an important role in the provision of ecosystem services across the country, impacting on biodiversity and productive farming in equal measure. We talk to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Katy Malone about conservation efforts around the national priority species, great yellow bumblebee. We discuss the historic decline of the species, the current status of the species and the actions farmers can take to enhance their farms for biodiversity.Also up for discussion is the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and use of insecticides.Related FAS ResourcesThe Great Yellow Bumblebee | Helping farmers in Scotland

This fortnight's roundup features information on The Official Controls (plant protection products) Register 2020, The 2022 Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation grant, and some timely information on the agri-environmental climate scheme inspections taking place for 2023 applications. We hear from Janette Sutherland about the new FAS personal development book club, kicking off soon, and hear from Malcolm MacDonald to ask him What's on his desk? On this episode: 0:23 – Rural Roundup with Tiffany McTaggart 2:34 – Personal Development Bookclub with Janette Sutherland 6:36 – Introducing the Crofting Matters Podcast https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7b6cef6e-c9c4-476f-a4ea-84d8c2853c8a 7:39 – June 2022 Agribusiness News https://www.fas.scot/publication/agribusiness-news-june-2022/ 8:15 – Carbon Audit Webinar with the Perthshire Women in Agriculture Group https://www.fas.scot/events/event/perthshire-women-in-ag-what-are-carbon-audits-and-why-all-the-chat/ 8:40 – FAS At the Highland Show 9:04 – Introducing FAS Connect https://www.fas.scot/connect/ 9:57 – ‘What's On Your Desk’ with Malcolm Macdonald 19:18 – How to like and subscribe for more For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

*NOTE* This podcast was published in May 2022. To keep up to date with the latest in the dairy industry, subscribe to our Business and Policy, Dairy and Livestock newsletters. More information can be found at www.fas.scot/newslettersIn this podcast we hear from SAC Dairy Specialist Lorna MacPherson, Kite Consulting’s Senior Dairy Specialist David Keiley and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Colin Mason who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for dairy producers.Linked FAS resources:FAS page dedicated to grassland and forage holds numerous valuable resources:Grassland and Forage | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)FAS Milk Manager News is a bi-monthly publication which contains up to date information relating to the dairy industry:Milk Manager News | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

With many Crofters across Scotland currently putting their bulls out, it is a good time to consider your current bull management practices. From pre-breeding examinations and diet, to the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, Crofting Matters discusses key points for Crofters to be thinking about with Sarah Balfour. Sarah works out of the SAC Elgin office and is a Beef Consultant for the SAC Livestock Team. As well as running an upland commercial suckler herd, Sarah and her family also have three pedigree herds and produce Limousin, Angus and British Blue bulls. Relevant Resources: Information note about the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, tips for custodians, common problems and options Crofts and small farms – A season with cattle webinar recording on the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme

The Rural Roundup is Scotland's Farm Advisory Service's regular Podcast, hosted by Kerry Hammond, featuring a roundup of the latest news, information and opinions from some of our other Podcast show hosts. Listen to find out what new information, events and resources are available through the FAS website, and get to know someone working in Industry with our short segment "What's on your desk?" For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161Email: [email protected]

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by SAC crop consultant Peter Lindsay to discuss upcoming disease management strategies for spring barley, how winter oilseed rape is progressing along with tips on desiccation. Tiffany will also be joined by SAC potato consultant Kyran Maloney to discuss potato blight spray programmes for the season ahead. Tiffany will also be joined by beef & sheep consultant Kirstin Williams to discuss forage crop planning for the winter ahead.For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScot

Consider sooner rather than later where integrated farm forestry could benefit your agricultural business, and seek professional, impartial advice at the earliest opportunity- it takes time to develop a new woodland creation, and with high demand/limited resources in market at present, it’s worth starting this process as early as possible.Farm forestry doesn’t have to be about planting whole farms in trees, and it isn’t a bad thing- integrated farm forestry can improve the productivity of your land, improve resilience, offer new income opportunities, and protect your holding from a changing climate.Even if you are considering growing trees to offset your own emissions, absolutely consider registering your project with the Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) before planting starts. If you later have carbon units surplus to your needs, these can’t be sold via the WCC if the project has not been registered prior to planting. It doesn’t cost a lot to register/validate, but could cost you a fortune in lost opportunities if you miss the deadline to register before planting starts

*NOTE* This podcast was published in April 2022. To keep up to date with the latest in the beef industry, subscribe to our Business and Policy and Livestock newsletters. More information can be found at www.fas.scot/newslettersIn this podcast we hear from SAC Beef Specialist Lesley Wylie and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Timothy Geraghty who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for beef producers.

*NOTE* This podcast was published in April 2022. To keep up to date with the latest in the arable industry, subscribe to our Business and Policy and Crops & Soils newsletters. More information can be found at www.fas.scot/newslettersWelcome to Cropcast, bringing you all the on crops and soils. Each month, SAC Consulting advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates and the latest research to help you make decisions in the field.In this episode Tiffany is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett & Dr Neil Havis from to discuss winter crop disease management. In this episode we discuss both T1 & T2 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray programme.SpeakersProfessor Fiona Burnett is Head Knowledge Exchange and Impact at SRUC. Fiona is an applied plant pathologist with focus on plant health and sustainable and integrated crop production.Dr Neil Havis is a senior plant pathologist with SRUC and leads the crop protection team.For more information, visit www.FAS.scot,Twitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScot

Achieving net zero is one of the key targets of Governments and companies around the world, with targets of achieving it by 2030-50 depending on the company or country. With these targets set it is now time for these countries and companies to begin to act, government will use policy and companies will try to influence their supply chains. But what is net zero in terms of Scottish agriculture? What role does the individual farmer play in helping countries and companies achieve net zero? In this podcast environment consultant Séamus Murphy speaks with Agricultural Consultant Alex Pirie and Renewables Consultant John Farquhar to discuss what the challenges are and what is needed to achieve the targets over the next few years

There is much discussion across social media on feeding pigs natural diets to improve perceived welfare, improve meat quality and reduce overall feeding costs. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and using alternative feeds this can be at risk.

Inflation in costs is a major challenge for sheep producers across the country. Optimising livestock performance will never have been more important than it is this year. In this podcast, Robert Ramsay talks to SRUC vet Fiona Crowden about spring management of sheep, giving key information to maximise flock performance and ensure 2022 is as profitable as it can be.

2017 saw the start of Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy, now in 2022 and half way through a ten-year plan, the role and importance of pollinators has only become more significant. Pollinators play an important role in the provision of ecosystem services across the country, impacting on biodiversity and productive farming in equal measure. In episode twenty-five of the Thrill of the Hill series, the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s Katy Malone about conservation efforts around the national priority species, great yellow bumblebee. We discuss the historic decline of the species, the current status of the species and the actions farmers can take to enhance their farms for biodiversity. Also up for discussion is the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and use of insecticides.

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Tim Geraghty of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Nutritionist, Karen Stewart of SAC Consulting. (Recorded February 2022)

The idea of land receiving designations or protections often gets a visceral reaction from farmers, crofters and landowners, with the threat of limitations and restrictions of activities, however these can also present opportunities. In episode twenty-four of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Arran Geo Park and Arran Access Trust member, Malcolm Wilkinson about the process of attaining Geo Park status. We talk about what a geo park is, how it compares to national park status, UNESCO support and other Scottish success stories. Also up for discussion is the role that farmers and landowners have in promoting public access and the need to control invasive and non-native species.

Daniel Stout speaks with Dr Philip Skuce from Moredun Research Institute about liver fluke in sheep. Resistance to triclabendazole, the only flukicide effective against all stages of immature fluke, is on the rise so it’s essential that we develop our understanding of the fluke lifecycle, treatment options at different stages and diagnostics tools to combat this and maintain effective control.

In this podcast we hear from Johanne Ferguson of NatureScot about the importance of cropping on the Uist Machair. We discuss what the machair is and what it is designated for, as well as how the traditional cropping practices used on the Uist machair benefit the wildlife.

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk dairy with specialist Lorna MacPherson and Colin Mason of SRUC Vets. What are the seasonal challenges dairy farmers are facing and what's the best strategy to get you through the season with the risk of respiratory disease on the rise.

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Dr Fiona Kenyon and Dr Philip Skuce, research scientists from the Moredun Research Institute. In this episode we delve into parasites, particularly focusing on roundworm and liver fluke which can have major implications on the health and wellbeing of animals. Understanding the problem can help you to manage the burden, listen in as we explore the clinical signs to look out for, testing, treatments, anthelmintic resistance and most importantly, methods of reducing the burdens whilst reducing the use of anthelmintics. (Photo courtesy of University of Georgia)

In this podcast we hear from Chris Bailey RSPB Scotland about the importance of cropping areas for many farmland birds. We discuss the nature and climate emergencies and the need for partnership working with crofters and farmers to help tackle these.

In this episode of the Farm Advisory Service podcast, we're focussing on mental health and well being. We're really lucky to be joined by a man who is now a bit of a celebrity, and synonymous with resilience and mental health all around the world - Doug Avery.

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts. Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare, with the aim of providing you an insight into the latest strategies which are being both developed & implemented. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Iain McCormick and Connie Rafferty and follows a post-mortem during the podcast. Gain an insight into what a vet checks when carrying out a post-mortem as well as how thoroughly an animal is examined, and the different samples taken to go for further testing. A post-mortem is an opportunity to gain an understanding of what issues are present and not present on your farm which can feed into your health plan.