Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on how a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture.

Show Notes

00:35 News in Brief

05:42 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), National Islands Plan, Securing Homes in Rural and Island Communities, Upcoming Grant Funding, Lamb Castration Consultation, Key Dates, Consultations and Publications.

14:19 Cereals – Latest news and market update

20:42 Beef – Latest news and market update

27:48 Sheep – Latest news and market u...

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Autumn & Winter last year, where Kieron Sim visited both the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Isles, to speak with four local crofters about their enterprises, the challenges and benefits of Island Living, and how Seasonality uniquely impacts their businesses throughout Autumn and Winter.

On the Isle of Skye, Kieron visits Crofter Phil Knott to talk about his Orchards, and how agroforestry has brought not only biodiversity benefits but also economic benefits to his croft, Kieron also speaks to Aiofe Goul...

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Autumn & Winter last year, where Kieron Sim visited both the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Isles, to speak with four local crofters about their enterprises, the challenges and benefits of Island Living, and how Seasonality uniquely impacts their businesses throughout Autumn and Winter.

On the Isle of Skye, Kieron visits Crofter Phil Knott to talk about his Orchards, and how agroforestry has brought not only biodiversity benefits but also economic benefits to his croft, Kieron also speaks to Aiofe Goul...

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode we hear from James Orr who will be taking over from Kirsten Williams’s role as the host on Stock Talk. James talks about his career highlights as an agricultural consultant at SAC Consulting, his key areas of expertise and Kirsten reflects of some of her favourite projects from the past 20 years.

James looks to continue Stock Talk with more interesting farming stories as well as discussing more technical aspects.

Resources

Livestock Resources -

https://www.fas.scot/livestock/

Poul...

In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast, Harry Fisher and Iain Boyd discuss the new report from the Scottish Government; The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – A Regional Analysis. The report estimates that Scotland’s natural capital underpins at least £40 billion of economic output (14% of the total economy) and supports 260,000 jobs.

The discussion highlights the sectors of the economy heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems, and explores how reliance varies across regions, the areas most dependent and how to manage the risks. We discuss the many ecosystem services provided which are irreplaceable, the importance of va...

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Spring/Summer last year, where Ross Mackenzie visited the Staffin Sheepdog Trials, a hugely popular event in Trotternish, on the Isle of Skye. Sheepdog trials are deeply rooted in crofting culture, normally held during the summer months, these trials are a significant part of the identity of crofting over the last century. Also in this episode, Ross joins a group of 30 Crofters who travelled to Wicklow, (south of Dublin) in Ireland last Spring, on the second trip of a Scottish Farm Advisory Serv...

In this special two-part edition of Crofting Matters, “Crofting Through the Seasons”, we take you back to Spring/Summer last year, where Ross Mackenzie visited the Staffin Sheepdog Trials, a hugely popular event in Trotternish, on the Isle of Skye. Sheepdog trials are deeply rooted in crofting culture, normally held during the summer months, these trials are a significant part of the identity of crofting over the last century. Also in this episode, Ross joins a group of 30 Crofters who travelled to Wicklow, (south of Dublin) in Ireland last Spring, on the second trip of a Scottish Farm Advisory Serv...

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

At Scotland's First Nature Friendly Farming Summit, Minister Jim Fairlie announced the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme for a 2026 funding round and a commitment to continue the scheme through to 2030. This announcement brought a degree of certainty to the policy landscape and has allowed farmers and crofters to plan for the future and how the industry continues to embed and build nature into their...

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss all things Farm Insurance with NFU Mutual’s Douglas Schreiber.

Time Stamps

03:56 Deadlines and Grant updates

07:35 Introduction to Douglas Schreiber

08:25 Starting point for insurance renewal discussions

09:51 Things farmers should think about ahead of renewal?

12:19 The impact of staff qualifications on premiums?

14:50 What are the factors which really impact the price of a policy?

18:23 Anything people can do to reasonably do to reduce premiums related to storm damage?

Welcome to CropCast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddell. Iain was a consultant and project manager with SAC Consulting for 45 years, before becoming self-employed and operating under Graystones Consulting. Iain’s work focuses on agricultural supply chains and his main interest is industrial hemp, which will be the focus of this episode. The global market for hemp is expected to quadruple by 2030 and as markets here evolve, there is great potential for Scotland’s farmers to reap the benefits.

Hemp was actually grown in Scotland in the Middle Ages for rope and textil...

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Bertie Troughton, Hugh Chamerlain and Laura McDonald of Atholl Estates. They join us to talk about how in recent years they have started to move towards regenerative farming practices, a big shift in focus for the farms and the staff who work there. They share what has worked well for them, balancing agricultural productivity, with biodiversity and sustainability goals. It...

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on promoting your farm or croft online.

Show Notes

00:33 News in Brief

04:35 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF), Drivers over 70, Agri Wages Board Minimum Wage Proposal, Protection of Tenants, Rural and Island Communities

19:05 Cereals – Latest news and market update

26:20 Beef – Latest news and market update

30:04 Sheep – Latest news and market update

34:00 Milk – Latest news and market upd...

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Gordon Whiteford who farms at Lower Mill of Tynet in Banffshire. In 2012, Gordon and June Whiteford began Lower Mill of Tynet Farm. They built an egg business, then a micro-dairy in 2020, selling milk and now ice cream directly from their 24-hour farm shop. They have brought together traditional farming practices with innovative direct-to-consumer strategies and are proud to have won Sustainable Farm of the Year 2024.

Timestamps

01.10 How it all started for Gordon

10.23 Organic hens and starting out with poultry

13.14 Lo...

We are joined by environmental historian Dr Ian Maclellan as we wind the clock back through Scotland’s long history of land use change: from the ice age to the Romans, clearances, industrialisation and modern pressures. Along the way, we unpack how humans have been part of the landscape – managing it for food, livelihoods and leisure, and the consequences this has had on nature and biodiversity.

Scotland’s landscapes are often seen as wild and timeless, but people and the land have shaped one another over thousands of years. We discuss this and how understanding yesterday can help u...

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Consultant David Ross, to discuss crop margins from 2025 and predictions for 2026.

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers 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 Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.

Time Stamps

1:12 Introduction to David Ross

5:00 Impact of weather on 2025 yields <...

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss the upcoming FAS Women in Agriculture Conference, which takes place on the 11th February. They are also joined by Siobhan Macdonald to discuss the agenda for the upcoming FAS Conference, which takes place on the 19th February.

Time Stamps:

05:45 NVZ reminder

12:54 PSF reminder

15:25 AECS reminder

16:03 Inheritance tax update

19:12 Women In Agriculture conference

24:52 FAS Conference

FAS Resources

FAS Events

https://www.fa...

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for upland and hill farmers across Scotland. As climate targets, evolving support schemes and market expectations continue to shape the future of agriculture, farmers are being asked not only to produce food from some of the country’s most challenging landscapes, but to do so in ways that recognise and enhance their role in climate mitigation. In...

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

Welcome to part two of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their...

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

Welcome to part one of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their...

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on geopolitics and global agricultural trends.

Show Notes

00:36 News in Brief

03:24 Policy Briefs – Muirburn licencing, Sheep and Goat Inventory, PSF claims, slurry storage regulations, visitor levies, key dates, newly released publications.

13:47 Cereals – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

20:13 Beef – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

31:20 Sheep – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

36:06 Milk – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

42:54 Sector focus – Geopolitics and global a...

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams.  On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Dr Basil Lowman who has been a beef specialist with SAC Consulting for 55 years. Kirsten describes Basil as a legend in the beef industry. We hear about Basil’s varied career, his passion for the industry, how he thrives on challenge and is a pioneer of new ideas.  

Episode Timestamps  

01.37 Let’s go back in time 

09.13 Body condition scoring of cattle 

16.38 The development of silage and straw-based rations 

24.24 The Green Shed 

29.43 Beef farming in 10 years’ time  <...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”. In this episode Calum Johnston sits down one on one with James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems. In the previous five episodes we heard from Farmers from five different beef and dairy farms in South West Scotland about their “Unsung Heroes”. Technology, Data, Biodiversity, Machinery and Efficiency. These Farmers and their Farms evidence that livestock farming in Scotland, has been constantly evolving, improving their practices not only for better profitability, better resilience, better output and...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Alex Marshall and Heather Dyet at Haggs Farm where 3 generations of the family are currently farming, including Heather’s grandmother, Mother Janice, brother Alex, and her father Alex, who also joins us on this episode. They tell us about their recent upgrade to a slurry separator. Through speaking to both Heather and dad Alex it was clear that on their family dairy farm, their unsung hero is machinery.  Their slurry separator has improved farm efficiencies, grass and soil health, so much so th...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Douglas Frame at Birks Farm where they discussed Calving at two. Through speaking to Douglas it was clear that on his family beef farm, their unsung hero is efficiency and despite climate change not being his primary driver, Douglas talks about the reduction he’s seen in his carbon audits.  

Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Unsung Hero...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  On this episode Calum Johnston visits Glen Neilson at Park Farm Dairy where they discussed introduction of Solar PV. Through speaking to Glen it was clear to me that on his family’s dairy farm, their unsung hero is technology – whilst introducing solar PV was a substantial upfront investment, the ability to run the dairy, the bottling plant, and in future make a good financial return by selling into the grid- from a shed roof that otherwise wasn’t doing anything, is a benefit to the farm...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits James Strang at Temples Farm where they discussed Genomics. Through speaking to James Strang, it was clear that on his dairy farm, their unsung hero is data. Data is allowing them to input into their mating programme – selecting best performing cattle for the job from the best part of the herd.  

Later in the episode, James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems, will tell us more about this Unsung...

Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Heather Close at Littleton farm where they discussed outwintering and rotational grazing. Through speaking to Heather, it was clear that on her beef farm, their unsung hero is biodiversity – many farmers would be aghast at the thought of weeds on their farm, but thistles and nettles are the unsung heroes for Littleton Farm.  

Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Un...

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a...

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie are joined by Andrew Coalter to discuss what the recent Autumn Budget means for farming.  

Timestamps

02:05 Upcoming deadlines

04:51  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) 

06:35  Greening 2026

07:34  Introduction to Andrew Coalter

09:45 Autumn budget - overall summary 

11:47 Autumn budget – Relief (APR & BPR) 

14:08 Autumn budget - Practical Advice  

22:54 Autumn budget – Personal tax 

26:45 Autumn budget – National living wage 

28:38 Autumn budget – Capital allowances 

33:01 Autumn budget - Other changes 

35:10 Making tax digital <...

Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Andrew Milne and Nick Hobson of United Oilseeds. We hear how the co-operative is structured, review 2025 OSR harvest and look ahead to prospects for 2026. They also discuss physical movements of the crop and market pricing mechanisms, so for all things OSR, enjoy listening to this very interesting conversation.  

Andrew Milne – United Oilseeds Area Manager (Scotland) 

Nick Hobson – United Oilseeds Trading Manager 

Timestamps  

00.55 Introducing Andrew and Nick from United Oilseeds 

02.39 United Oilseeds – the company, it’s his...

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett to look back at some of the key developments in agronomy which have taken place over her 33-year career, along with discussion about those which will shape the future. 

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC adviser, George Chalmers 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 Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish G...

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.  On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Anna Wylie and Jack Munro. Anna and Jack met when they both attended the Tesco Future Farmer programme for young farmers run through Harper Adams university.  The programme gave them the opportunity to meet other farmers from all backgrounds across the UK, to learn from each other and to attend in person meetings, webinars and farm business visits.  They talk...

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the UK Autumn Budget and its impacts on Scottish Agriculture.  

Show Notes  

00:41 News in Brief 

06:33 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme, Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, Scotland’s Climate Change Plan to 2040, Council Tax Reforms, QMS Cattle and Sheep Assurance Scheme Standards 

15:15 Cereals – latest arable news and market update  

23:24 Beef – latest beef news and market update  

27:05 Sheep – latest sheep news and market update 

32:26 Milk – Milk Production Data, F...

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams.  On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by two industry experts to discuss the beef industry. It’s a lively discussion covering many topics, including: replacement strategies, where the market is it at just now, sustainability and the future of the Scottish herd.  

Gavin Hill is a Senior Beef Specialist with SAC Consulting and Robet Gilchrist is Chief Executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Society.  

Episode Timestamps  

02.30 Cattle replacement strategies  

10.03 Where should the end price be? 

13.26 Changing eating behaviours and changes in the industry 

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire is Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere which promotes a balanced relationship between people and the natural environment. Built on partnership, community action, innovation and learning, the Biosphere supports thriving, sustainable communities living in harmony with nature.  

In this episode, we’re joined by Nature Recovery Manager Dr Anna Griffin and Natural Capital Officer Jonathan Olandi to explore the work of the Biosphere and introduce their new project, OPIN (On-farm Plans Integrated with Nature). This initiative will recruit 12 farms across the Biosphere in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in a five-year programme focused on who...

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Edward Jones, who is a Sustainable Farming Advisor at Frontier Agriculture to discuss cover crops.  

Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers 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 Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government. 

Time codes 

04:13 Definitions of green manure, cover crops & catch crops 

09...

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.   

Organic farming is woven through Scotland’s landscapes, from the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire to the upland pastures of Argyll. Rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and local resilience, organic systems work with nature rather than against it—building fertility through crop rotations, clover leys and composts, and managing pests with balance instead of chemicals. The result is more than just food without synthetic inputs...

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss men’s health month with RSABI hut coordinator Rebecca Mackie and Health Hut nurse, Irene Scott. 

Time Stamps

00:26 What’s going on with George & Mary-Jane 

03:10 Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS) 

05:30 Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Reminder 

08:45 Leaving winter stubbles 

14:44 Upcoming events 

17:28 RSABI Health hut 

FAS Resources 

RSABI Health huts: Health Huts - RSABI 

FAS Events: https://www.fas.scot/events/ 

Rural Payments, a...

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.  On today’s episode Mary-Jane is joined by Barbara McLeod. Barbara owns and runs Cruciferous Croft in the Lochinver area of North West Scotland.  She took on a croft herself, renovating an old building to live in, and has since started growing vegetables, finding most success with cabbages.  This gave her the idea to start fermenting them into sauerkraut to add value.  She now sells her products at food f...

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on dairy technology.  

Show Notes  

00:39 News in Brief 

05:49 Policy Briefs – Future Farming Investment Scheme, Agri-environment Climate Scheme Update, June Agricultural Census 2025 Results, Rodenticides, Muirburn Licence Update, Ecological Focus Areas, Suckler Beef Support Scheme, Small Scale Woodlands, Key Dates. 

16:58 Cereals – latest arable news and market update  

25:23 Beef – Festive Demand, Consumer Demand, Price Rewards, Store Trade, Cull Cow Trade, Breeding Cattle.  

34:02 Sheep – October Trade Round-Up, European and UK Lamb, Global Price...