Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

In this episode, Tiffany Mactaggart and George Gauley are joined by Professor Marie Haskell and Dr David Bell at Crichton Royal Farm, a dairy research and innovation centre in Dumfries. Hear about the latest research in dairy calf health, climatic housing and early disease predictors for respiratory diseases.

A national priority species and apex predator, the hen harrier is a unique and important bird within the farmed upland environment. Despite this, historic bad practices, burning and lack of predator control have placed increased pressure on a vulnerable population. In episode twenty-three of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to RSPB officer Daniel Brown about the importance of hen harrier, their function within the uplands and the beneficial management practices farmers and landowners can take to improve and enhance habitat for them. Also up for discussion is the role of livestock grazing and predator control in the uplands.

Food & Drink specialist consultant, Kerry Hammond facilitates an hour with some of Scotland ( & Ireland’s) most enthusiastic collaborators. Featuring Anna Robertson the Co-Op and training manager at SAOS, Hector Munro from Foulis Farm (Black Isle) , Caroline Black Director of Black’s Agri-services (Angus), Jim Booth Head of CoOp Development at SAOS, Donald Ross (from Rhynie Farm Tain) & Director of Scottish Agronomy, and TJ Flanagan, our international speaker, CEO of ICOS the Irish Cooperation Organisation Society. Understand about different types of collaborative working, the value in formal co-ops and the models they can take, and hear first hand about the successes, and lesson learned along the way by those doing it on the ground.

Hosted by Kerry Hammond, ‘Plugging the Protein’ talks to Food and Drink Industry consultants Alistair Trail and Ceri Ritchie, chef lecturer Mark Barker, and product development chef and restaurateur Morag Hamilton. This podcast digs deep on he trends and influences around plant-based protein, the industry view on category growth, and lab-based meats, while also highlighting the opportunities available to Scottish Farmers.

Animal welfare and farmer wellbeing – the holistic benefits of improving animal housing with John Imrie In this episode of the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) podcast John Imrie from Hillhead Farm talks to us about his experience of receiving specialist advice for animal welfare. In this conversation, John discusses his ambition of making his farm a more comfortable place for animals and people. John also talks about the importance, as a farmer, of taking care of your health and making sure farming is an attractive prospect for future generations.

For many farmers, crofters and landowners in Scotland rewilding is a new and intimidating frontier, the prospect of rewilding and reintroduction of species previously native to Scotland presents challenges, concerns and opportunities. In episode twenty-two of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to rewilding advocate and Executive Director for Scotland: The Big Picture, Peter Cairns about how rewilding and reintroductions can be part of the answer to Scotland’s biodiversity crisis. We talk defining rewilding, success stories, managing conflicts. Also up for discussion is the idea of rewilding people and the need for mindset change within the general public.

Woodland creation and management is only one of the many avenues Scotland is taking to tackle the climate emergency and woodland has a proven link to increasing carbon capture on the farm. Agroforestry allows farmers, crofters and landowners the chance to maintain agricultural output, with options for woodland grazing and intercropping, meaning productive activity can be promoted at the same time as tree planting. In episode twenty one of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Woodland Creation Officer, Virginia Harden Scott about agroforestry opportunities in Scotland and the progress made towards net zero emissions. Also up for discussion is role of agroforestry in promoting natural capital and enhancing biodiversity. Visit our Farm Woodland webpages to find out more about forestry opportunities, and for more information about the number of carbon units generated per hectare and the price per tonne for carbon units visit the Woodland Carbon Code webpage.

Changes brought on by climate change will set new challenges for farmers and landowners, with periods of intense heat and dry conditions being followed by milder and wetter winters. At the same time, Scotland is renowned for its lochs and catchments, that contribute to Scotland’s natural capital. In episode twenty of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Scot advisor, Ian Cornforth about the state of Scotland’s water environment, the need for water retention, green engineering and nature-based solutions to aid good management of our watercourses. Also up for discussion is the introduction of beavers and managing their impacts on the farmed water environment. Find our more - visit https://fas.scot and www.farmingandwaterscotland.org

Horticultural Question Time - in this podcast we posed the questions asked by you the FAS listeners to horticultural expert Audrey Litterick. Lots of topics were covered from the difference between growing medium and compost, watering and growing potatoes on the machair to many more! We hope you enjoyed the podcast with Audrey Litterick. If you want to learn more, please see the materials on the FAS website https://www.fas.scot/downloads/composts-growing-media-the-facts/ The SCF handbook mentioned Horticulture Handbook - Scottish Crofting Federation

Managing Scotland’s landscapes sustainably is what all farmers, crofters and landowners seek to achieve. For years now there has been a steady increase in the number of land managers turning to organics, and regenerative practices are gathering momentum; at the same time the idea of farming holistically is also on the rise. In episode nineteen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to beef and business consultant, Robert Ramsay and head of the Farm Business Survey, Sascha Grierson about farming organically, using regenerative practices and taking a holistic view of your business. Also up for discussion is the role of ruminant livestock and their importance as conservation grazers.

In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks soils and soil health with Joanna Cloy who is a Soil Scientist and Researcher at SRUC, Paul Hargreaves who is a Soil Scientist and Grassland Researcher also with SRUC and David Ross who is a senior Consultant with SAC Consulting in the North East

Potatoes are an important crop in the Crofting Counties with many crofters growing for home consumption whereas other crofters may sell their potatoes at farmers markets or in vegetable boxes. In this podcast Janette Sutherland interviews Innes Jessieman SRUC potato expert to get his advice and top tips throughout the growing cycle.

In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Neil Havis who heads up Crop Protection at SRUC, Crops Consultant Peter Lindsay and Pierre and Alain Bouffandeau who is the Crops Trials Manager at SRUC.

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 the first part of the episode George Gauley will be joined by SRUC’s monogastric research scientist, Dr Salvatore Galgano, to discuss his breakthrough trial, which looks at using Peracitic acid as a way of finding an alternitive to antimicrobials In the second part of the episode, George will be joined by senior behaviour and welfare scientist Dr Victoria Sandilands to discuss her work, which is addressing the need to improve housing systems for the welfare of laying hens. She also discusess the challenges facing the industry going forward.

Taking on a farm or croft for the first time is an exciting opportunity but as New Entrants there can be challenges along the way. We speak to Trudi Cueto from Carfrae Farm to discuss their diversification journey and the wide range of exciting activities available to the public on the farm.

In this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Kirsten Williams and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Fiona Crowden. The podcast covers, latest problems presenting at vet labs and what are the big issues sheep specialists are being asked at the moment.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that aims to maximise profit whilst also aiming to minimising the negative impacts of crop production on the environment.That's the technical definition, but what does it mean in practice?In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Dr Henry Creissen who is research lead on integrated Pest Management at SRUC.

In this podcast, Ben Graham, Managing Partner at Kirkland in Dumfries and Galloway talks to us about his experience of applying for an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP) to reflect on how he runs the enterprise. In the interview, Ben details his reasons for applying for an ILMP and how this fits into the long term plan for the business. He also discusses on wanting to leave the business in a healthy, profitable state for the person who will take over from him, which recommendations he’s turned into actions and the importance of farmers always being prepared to change.

Janette Sutherland SAC Consulting Portree interviews Zero Waste Scotland’s Dr William Clark about a new type of farming – insect farming. The podcast covers a wide variety of topics from why we need to produce more protein and rely less on soya and how also we protect the welfare of farmed insects. We gain good get insights into the legalisation and how the markets are likely to develop in the future. We also discuss research on consumer reactions to moving towards insect farming for various sectors including hens and fish. For further information please see https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Alwyn Jones of SRUC Veterinary Services and Livestock Specialist, Lesley Wylie of SAC Consulting. (Recorded October 2021)

In this podcast we hear from Richie Walsh who organised the Oats So Simple Brewing trail using oats grown on a croft in Lismore. We discuss his vision of craft ales being a catalyst for supporting small scale heritage cropping in the Crofting counties and beyond and all the benefits to nature and sustainability that could bring. Were you inspired by listening to the podcast. Interested in getting involved in the aim or using heritage gains to help boost wildlife in the Crofting Counties. See various resources below or contact Richie Walsh Email: [email protected] Seed Sovereignty Programme in Scotland https://www.seedsovereignty.info/ https://www.seedsovereignty.info/events/seed-gathering-2021/ https://www.facebook.com/Scotseedsov https://twitter.com/ScotlandSeedSov https://www.instagram.com/scotseedsov/ Scottish Craft Brewers https://scottishcraftbrewers.org/ https://scottishcraftbrewers.org/?page_id=2144 https://www.facebook.com/groups/scottishcraftbrewers

Net Zero is a phrase that we hear all the time, but what does the journey to net zero look like for cropping systems.In this Cropcast, Prof Fiona Burnett of SRUC talks to Prof Bob Rees who is the Professor of Agriculture and Climate Change at SRUC and Julian Bell who leads the Agrecalc which is a carbon footprint tool developed by SAC Consulting together with SRUC researchers.

In this episode of the Thrill of The Hill podcast, host Alex Pirie chats to Patrick Laurie from Working For Waders. They discuss the decline of waders in Scotland, the practical steps that farmers can take to counter the biodiversity crisis as well as reflect on good practice, the trees versus waders debate amongst other topics. Find out more about how to manage farmland for waders on the FAS website at: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/how-to-provide-for-wading-birds/

In the shadow of COP26 Scotland prepares to host the world as we agree common targets and policies to combat climate change, equally important is the biodiversity crisis. In episode seventeen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to Nature Friendly Farming Network coordinator, Phil Knott about how Scotland is addressing biodiversity decline, the need for a conservation calculator and the effectiveness of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS). Also up for discussion is crofting’s contribution to biodiversity enhancement and our hopes for a future potential outcomes based environmental scheme.

As part of the Health is your Wealth series we chatted with Anna Groom, registered dietician, nutritionist and farmers wife. With Anna we discuss why nutrition is important and how those working in rural industries can improve their health and overall wellbeing through better informed decisions about nutrition.

Scotland is host to the largest concentration of heather moorland in the world with huge biodiversity interest and carbon holding potential. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series Alex Pirie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to British Moorlands advisor, Dick Bartlett about the state of Scotland’s moorlands, with conversation ranging from hot topics like burning, as well as swiping and grazing for heather management, the carbon holding potential of peat and biodiversity value of these unique habitats. Also up for discussion is the potential for rewilding and the outlook of gamekeepers and land managers at a time of transition.

Ramularia has established itself as one of hardest of all pathogens to manage in our barley crops. Symptoms are unpredictable and severity varies hugely site to site and season to season. At its worst it damages yield and quality and has evolved resistance to many fungicide groups. This podcast discusses the latest research and lays bare ramularia’s complicated lifecycle. With trial results just in, leading Ramularia expert Neil Havis form SRUC discusses the latest findings and the practical management messages.

In this podcast, Agricultural Consultants Julian Bell and Mark Bowsher-Gibbs review the 2021 growing season along with a few market predictions going forward. Expectations at sowing and following the cold Spring weren't high, so where are we now and what can be done?

In this podcast Janette Sutherland chats to Mary McAndrew who is a project officer with the Pearl Mussel Project in Ireland. Ireland and Scotland have rivers in their High Nature Value farmland areas with populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussels. Mary discusses the lifecycle of this species and how their success is connected to farming practices. Mary then tells us how their project with a Result Based payment has shifted the mindsets of the farmers she works with.

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes, this month hosted by Malcolm MacDonald 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 whether you're partially housed or still at grass. Colin and Lorna talk about the animal health and nutritional challenges for the coming months.

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 Spiridoula Athanasiadou. Spiridoula discusses research which is being carried out to find ways to reduce anthelmintic use and reliance, by using natural alternatives including grazing livestock on chicory and heather.

Janette Sutherland SAC Portree interviews Catherine Matheson, Flùraichean le Gaol, Skye. Flùraichean le Gaol means flowers with love in Gaelic and Catherine discusses growing cut flowers in Skye, starting a new business and incorporating her Gaelic heritage into her company branding. Find Flùraichean le Gaol on Instragram and Facebook to follow Catherine’s growing journey.

Daniel Stout speaks with Professor Laura Green OBE and Poppy Frater about the latest research on mastitis, the pathogens involved and how we can refine management and nutrition in sheep systems to reduce mastitis risk. If mastitis is a real issue in your flock this podcast is one to listen to.

In this livestock podcast, Agricultural Consultant Robert Ramsay speaks to SAC Consulting sheep specialist Poppy Frater and to SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Heather Stevenson. The podcast covers, among other things, parasites, health planning and pre tupping management.

Janette Sutherland, SAC Portree, interviews Skye’s RSPB Corncrake project officer Shelagh Parlane. They discuss how partnership working with farmers and crofters is key to this bird’s breeding success in Scotland. They discuss the collaborative work done by the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership. They also talk about an exciting new initiative called Corncrake Calling that has started in 2021 made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to Lottery players. Other FAS resources mentioned in the podcast are available on the Corncrakes webpage.

Agricultural Consultant Daniel Stout speaks with Professor Laura Green OBE about how best to get on top of footrot and reduce lameness in the flock. Laura has been involved in a great deal of hugely influential research on lameness, the impact of foot trimming and effective treatment and control of footrot so if you’re struggling with lameness in your flock this podcast is one to listen to

The focus of this episode is pesticide filling and handling areas - the pollution risks, the legislation, design considerations and the safe disposal of pesticide solutions. Agricultural Consultant George Chalmers chats with SEPA's Pete Wright and D & H Direct's Dan Fentiman. Pete gives an insight into the pollution risks and the legislation that surrounds the safe use of pesticides. Dan has extensive experience in the supply and installation of pesticide handling areas across the country and shares some of his expertise. Related information on our website includes: Pesticide Information Note: Buffer zones & Pesticide Information Note: Pesticide containers - cleaning and disposal.

Cropcast continues. This month Prof Fiona Burnett, Dr Philip Burgess and Dr Ruairidh Bain talk about potato blight management.

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with George Baikie, Head of SRUC Farms.

Join SRUC's Prof Fiona Burnett as she talks to Donald Dunbar from SAC Consulting and Dr Steve Hoad from SRUC.  In this episode of the podcast they talk about up-and-coming varieties things to note as we get towards harvest.

Farming as with all other industries has been set the challenge of operating more efficiently and sustainably in the face of climate change. To achieve a roadmap for the future Scottish Government and other special interest groups have been investigating and evaluating options to improve the green credentials of farming generally. In this episode of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to dairy farmer and contributor to the 1.5 Degrees in Agriculture report, John Smith about Scotland’s response to the climate crisis and the untapped potential of the farmed environment. Also up for discussion is biodiversity decline and public perception of farming as an industry.

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk dairy with Colin Mason of SRUC Vets and Hugh McClymont of the SRUC Barony.

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts episodes. 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 Joanne Conington and Professor Cathy Dwyer to discuss genetics and lambing time. Joanne discusses the latest findings in genetics looking at genomes which improve the accuracy of identifying offspring traits. Cathy considers lambing time and the ewes ability to rear triplets and ewe lambs ability to lamb at a year old. Before discussing painful procedures and the alternatives to castration.

In this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the subject of Natural Capital, what this term means: how does it differs from Environmental Goods and Biodiversity, why it is important and what opportunities it can provide for rural businesses.

In this podcast from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS), Colin Strang Steel, owner of Threepwood Farm in The Scottish Borders, shares his experience of applying for biodiversity specialist advice in order to have a more integrated mixed livestock farm. In the interview, Colin shares his reasons for getting in touch with FAS, which include concerns around the quality of soil and wanting to learn what more he can do to benefit the wildlife on his farm. He also comments on the process of applying for the funding through FAS and the support he received from helpline staff.

In this podcast Malcolm MacDonald speaks to Donald Barrie, farm manager at Glensaugh research farm, and Lorna Macpherson of SAC’s livestock team about grazing management and how to make the best quality silage. Donald outlines his grazing management on the farm and gives us his recipe for top quality silage. Lorna discusses the key principles of rotational grazing, the benefits of silage additives and quantifies how better quality silage can save on concentrate feed.

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 Gemma Miller and Dr Jenna Bowen. Gemma discusses greenhouse gas emissions in cattle including considering feed additives to reduce emissions and livestock precision technology for weighing and condition scoring cows. Jenna discusses current research looking at detecting disease in calves and using the new UHF cattle tags which are to become compulsory and how they can be used to help animal traceability.

Cropcast is back! This month we're exploring spring Barley disease management with Prof Fiona Burnett, Peter Lindsay and Dr Neil Havis. 

Beef finishing has long been seen as an inherently intensive activity, however finishing beef cattle at grass can be a productive use of time, while contributing to good habitat management and a lower input, more sustainable system. In episode fourteen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to beef specialist Lesley Wylie (SAC Consulting) about the challenges faced by the beef sector and some of the practical steps that can be overcome them. Also up for discussion is the responsibility of the beef sector generally to tackle the issues of climate change and biodiversity decline.

Calving is one of the busiest times of the year for those in the beef sector and a crucial time for things to go right! A successful calving has huge business and climate impacts as well as of health, welfare and farmer mindset. In episode thirteen of the Thrill of the Hill series the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) talks to returning contributor and beef specialist Robert Ramsay (SAC Consulting) about the sector’s state of play post Brexit, top tips for calving success and the importance of keeping safe while working with cattle. Also up for discussion is the successes in the SACGS comparing Scottish agriculture to international contemporaries.