OnFARM Scottish farming podcast

Care leaver Danielle McKinnon runs Eat Sleep Ride, a social enterprise in Lamberton, East Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders. Her work, with horses focuses on empowering young people and amplifying often unheard voices, especially from low-income and rural communities.

Find Eat Sleep Ride online here.

This episode is sponsored by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.

A less typical episode of OnFARM this week, as we chat with fashion designer and keeper of two clothing stores - one for gents and one for ladies - Christine Ann De Agostini.

However, it will become more than clear why we are spotlighting Christine's work and business - her two clothes store businesses are located in Forres in rural Morayshire, and cater to a broad range of fashionable country living folk!

Visit Logie Steading, where Christine's two fashion stores are located near Forres, at this link.

For more on how the RBS...

Maddie Thomson learned her skills in digital communications in London - but has returned to Scotland, to create a new future for her family's Perthshire fruit farm.

Maddie tells Anna how her farm - Thomsons of Blairgowrie - is a blank canvas, and that she is being encouraged by her family to dream big!

Find Maddie's business Thomas Thomson in Blairgowrie here.

For more on how the RBS Business Accelerator supports small businesses like Thomsons of Blairgowrie, find info here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

The second half of our kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.

Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.

We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment.

Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our...

A kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.

Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.

We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment.

Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which...

Something a bit different this week...

We're pleased to share a recent episode of the Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast, presented by Scotland's Makar (National poet) Kathleen Jamie and co-host Alistair Heather.

The theme of the episode is 'Place' with readings in Scots and Doric from Aberdeenshire's Shane Strachan and Hugh McMillan from Dumfries and Galloway.

If you enjoy the episode, find the entire series of 12 episodes here or by searching 'Lantern Scottish Poetry' in your podcast player.

The Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast is made by OnFARM producers Bespoken Media, and is s...

At East Lothian's picturesque Balgone Estate, Anna meets David Grant-Suttie and Alex Humphreys, young entrepreneurs driving Balgone's diversification into pumpkins, sunflowers and events.

David and Alex show Anna around the sunflower maze, pumpkin patch, and brand new Herd cafe. They share their challenges and triumphs so far, and explain how this diversification is supporting the rest of the farm – and vice-versa.

Many thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.

The last of three episodes from the Royal Highland Show that we are resharing as they were published over the summer holidays.

This time, three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories.

Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:

We're republishing this episode for folk that might have missed it over the summer.

It's part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative, and the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)

Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working...

With the kids back at school, we (and you?) are back into a podcast listening routine. So we thought we'd re-share these packed and fun-filled episodes recorded at the 2024 Royal Highland Show

Anna and producer Dave set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)

Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!

To support the amazing...

Part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative. This is the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)

Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural...

Anna and producer Dave have set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)

Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!

To support the amazing cyclists riding from Lands End to John O'Groats for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, please visit their JustGiving page.

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales...

Meet Russell and Catriona Brown, a brother and sister from Bonnington Farm near Peebles, in our latest OnRECORD partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories.

21-year-old Russell and Catriona, 25, share stories of working together alongside their parents on the family farm.

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.

Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your fa...

Three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories.

Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working...

Meet the nutritionist team behind the first ever Scottish Eatwell Guide. The guide is designed to reflect how foods grown and produced in Scotland fit into a healthy balanced diet. It is co-produced by Scottish Regional Food Tourism Ambassador Dr Laura Wyness and Suzanne Fletcher of community nutrition social enterprise Nutrition Scotland.

Laura has also written a book called Eating Well for Menopause, so the chat also delves into how diet and nutrition can support women living through menopause.

To download the Scottish Eatwell Guide: Scottish Eatwell Guide | Nutrition Scotland

To find out abo...

What is needed to keep Scottish farming competitive, and who should lead on that work?

Alison Milne co-owns Crafty Maltsters, a barley malting plant on her family's farm in Fife. This episode starts as a chat with Alison about her work, and ends with this big question, that faces the whole industry and sector.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native...

Falkirk-based Rebecca Smith's first book is called Rural: The Lives of the Working-Class Countryside. As a forester's daughter, Rebecca grew up in tied housing on a Lake District estate, then became a journalist, broadcaster and author. Rural is an often personal, always unflinching, exploration of life in today's UK countryside.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to...

Barley is by far Scotland's most important crop, and the world's fourth most important cereal crop.

Anna hears about Dundee's new International Barley Hub, a centre for research excellence within the James Hutton Institute.

We also meet Alison Milne who grows and malts barley at Crafty Maltsters in Auchtermuchty, and Professor Wendy Russell at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute.

===============

This is the final episode in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series showcasing the world-leading work of SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing...

AMR - anti-microbial resistance - is the name for the growing number of infections that are becoming difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. It affects livestock, wildlife, and humans alike.

It's a global concern - considered by the World Health Organization and others to be among the world's top public health threats.

In this episode, Anna speaks with:

Dr Nuno Silva - who leads the AMR research group at the Moredun Research Institute

Dr Eleanor Watson - also at the Moredun, studying transmission of AMR within wildlife populations

...

We all know Scottish soft fruits are good for us - but in this OnFARM, experts explain exactly how and why Scottish berries have such brilliant health benefits - including some we are still learning about.

From potential to combat diabetes and dementia, to helping with obesity, researchers from the Rowett and James Hutton Institutes share some very exciting findings.

There is also an update on new soft fruit varieties to help growers cope with the challenges of climate change, and tips for anyone looking to market soft fruit's health benefits to consumers.

...

Barley, wheat, oilseed rape... Should hemp be considered alongside these as viable crops for Scottish growers?

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute are championing hemp as a healthy and sustainable food crop. It's a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, and other healthy fats and minerals.

So, should hemp be your next diversification?

For this episode, Anna and producer Dave visit Barns of Airlie Farm near Kirriemuir to meet Hemp It Up! founders Alison and John Easson, alongside the Rowett Institute's Dr Madalina Neacsu and Dr Graham Horgan from BIOSS (Biomathematics...

Since we first aired this wonderful interview with Willie Logan from East Lothian, the 91-year old East Lothian farmer has been adopted as a 'poster boy' for RHASS's new 240 Years of Stories campaign.

240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.

In this episode, Willie shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture.

Seven months after suffering a seizure, and being diagnosed with brain cancer, Monty and his wife Moira chat with Anna and producer Dave about how things have been. This episode has heaps of gratitude for helpful and supportive people, from Monty's friends, family and neighbours, to the wonderful rural charity RSABI - and even OnFARM's sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders...

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, aka The Black Farmer, describes his difficult start to life in the UK, before starting work for the BBC and discovering a passion for food. He left TV to start a food and drink marketing company, which gave him the opportunity to realise his dream of owning a farm. 'The Black Farmer' is now a successful brand selling sausages, deli items and other produce. Wilfred tells Mary-Jane Lawrie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) about his life and his determination to become a farmer, and how the danger of playing it safe can hold us back.<...

Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. In this second part of their chat, recorded back in 2020, there's talk of Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There is decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming.

Thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for support for this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM...

Jim Smith's comedy career has come on in leaps and bounds since Anna first spoke to him in the springtime of 2020. He is also a staunch supporter of Scottish farming charities particularly the RSABI's #keeptalking campaign. He says farming will always be his number one passion. When Anna went to visit him at his Perthshire farm, they talked about his comedy roots; trying to relieve the boredom of roguing tatties, then writing pantomime scripts for his beloved Bankfoot YFC. We only meant to record one episode with Jim, but he was such good craic, we split the chat into...

Fly-tipping is something all too many farmers and landowners will be aware of. If "extreme" fly-tipping is new to you, we're talking about bigger things being dumped, like caravans or vehicles. Anna is joined by Elaine Kennedy-Walton and Conner McConnell from our wonderful sponsors, Gillespie MacAndrew to offer information and advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep...

Thanks to the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) for sharing this Stock Talk episode on farming in Argentina. Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron talks with presenter Robert Ramsay about cropping and beef production, as well as the importance of soil health, and the need for increased production. The episode is produced by Kirsten Blackwood.

FAS have kindly agreed to share episodes from their podcasts to help OnFARM out while Monty is receiving treatment for brain cancer. We are hugely grateful for their support.

After lots of lovely feedback on last week's episode with 91-year-old East Lothian farmer Willie Logan, and the launch of OnRECORD to capture memories of Scottish agriculture, we are re-sharing this chat from our archive.

Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer has raised over £100,000 for the RSABI with proceeds from his books. What's less well-known about Andrew is that he is also a champion pole vaulter...

To find out more about OnRECORD, and how you can book the t...

Willie Logan from East Lothian shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture.

This conversation between Willie and Anna marks the launch of our exciting new OnRECORD project. With OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.

Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell, or...

Introducing OnFARM's exciting new sister project - OnRECORD. Thanks to OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.

Perhaps you'd like us to record the memories and stories of one of your family members, a long serving member of your farm team, or an outgoing office-bearer in your organisation?

Whatever stories and voices you want to be able to preserve, to treasure, and to return to in future, please just get in touch. Find out more...

Nick Thomson and James Fairlie from the 'Farming Funny' podcast join Anna for a good blether about life, farming, and podcasting - and why James always has something, in every episode, to get angry about.

Find Nick, Jim and Sandy on Farming Funny in podcast players here.

Huge thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for sponsoring this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for...

Carol McLaren chats with Anna about her time so far as CEO of Scottish farming support charity RSABI. There is some discussion of mental ill health - including feeling suicidal - in this episode.

Find RSABI online at www.rsabi.org.uk or call them on 0808 1234 555.

We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are...

Jock Wilson is a busy guy! In this episode, producer Dave visits Jock to learn about the various projects and enterprises he's involved in - from beef and sheep farming at Edinvale Farm in Moray, to running Macbeth's butcher and game dealer. Jock is also leading on introducing wellbeing and resilience initiative FarmStrong in Scotland, and is about to embark on a Nuffield Farming Scholarship focused on meat eating quality.

We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns<...

This short episode reflects on 4 years (so far) of the OnFARM podcast - and looks at ways businesses and organisations can come on board to sponsor or partner with OnFARM, to keep the podcast going into the future.

We produce episodes in partnership with RHASS, the Moredun Research Institute, law firm Gillespie Macandrew, rural business specialists Bell Ingram, and others. We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to join that list.

The OnFARM podcast is a great opportunity to get your messages out to people in rural Scotland, and to play a part...

Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm trucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace, Keith Dawson, as well, as charity supporter Nicola Alexander from Cupar in Fife.

For more information, or to donate vehicles or supplies, contact pickupsforpeace@memus.com or make a donation on justgiving.com.

We are repeating this epi...

A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain over 3 miles of fungus - if stretched out end-to-end. That's just one of the fascinating fungi facts shared in this episode - as Anna goes foraging with East Lothian mycologist Neville Kilkenny.

Neville offers guided forays, talks and events, and teaches identification workshops at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens (RBGE). Find him online at the very aptly-named fungi.co.uk.

Huge thanks to sponsors Bell Ingram for their support of this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a...

Behind the scenes insight, as Anna and producer Dave chat with Hayley Hayes, host of the Radio Academy podcast, about the making on OnFARM.

The Radio Academy is the UK radio and audio industry charity. They promote excellence in UK radio and audio (so it is only natural they would want to speak to the makers of the very excellent OnFARM!).

Truth be told, this is a wee bit of a stopgap while we make some changes in light of Monty's illness. We'll be back soon with more of the usual OnFARM fodder - but...

You may have noticed that Monty's voice has been absent from recent episodes of OnFARM. Unfortunately, this is because he has been receiving medical treatment for a brain tumour. He begins a six-week course of intensive chemo and radiotherapy today (mid-November 2023), so it's a good time to give our first official update on Monty's health.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare...

Elspeth and Paolo Berardelli farm the Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Spean Bridge. They have a wide spread of enterprises on the farm, ranging from sheep and cattle, to deer stalking, and renewable energy. They also are custodians of an important site of special scientific interest of species-rich Nardis grassland at Glencoe. Elspeth has also recently started welcoming children on to the farm from local schools, to help build their confidence and support their resilience and mental health.

With thanks to episode sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet...