Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisors Tiffany Stephenson and Mark Bowsher-Gibbs will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. The CropCast series alternates monthly between regular technical updates with host Tiffany Stephenson and CropCast Conversations with host Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. Producers George Gauley and Heather Stuart, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable.
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54 recent
June 16, 202637 min
Crop Trials & Innovation
In this episode Tiffany Stevenson is joined by Simon Oxley to discuss Arable innovation along with Dr Neil Havis to discuss what growers can expect to see at the upcoming SRUC Crop trial events, which take place on the 23rd & 25th June 2026.With increasing pressure on margins, rising input costs and more challenging growing conditions, arable innovation and making the right variety and crop protection decisions has never been more important.The upcoming crop trial events provide a valuable opportunity to see current and upcoming Winter Wheat and Spring Barley varieties performing under local conditions and hear directly from researchers, industry specialists and fellow farmers about what is looking promising for the seasons ahead.Timestamps 0:10 Introduction to Neil & Simon2:32 What does Innovation mean?6:27 Where is the most potential for innovation?10:48 How are crops looking this season?15:14 Changes to crop varieties?17:28 What to expect at the upcoming crop trial events?26:14 Impact of climate change on arable production?27:50 How can growers make the best decisions?For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot
May 18, 202642 min
Scottish Quality Crops - Under The Bonnet of SQC
Welcome to Cropcast Conversations. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Teresa Dougall (Managing Director SQC) & John Hutcheson (Chair, SQC).Scottish Quality Crops is the quality assurance body that sets the standards for food safety and good practice for crops grown in Scotland. This gives confidence to buyers across the world and creates market opportunities for Scotland’s growers.SQC has 3,100 voluntary members, covering more than 90% of Scotland’s crops.The board is a cooperative of eight organisations from across the supply chain. Audits are carried out by an independent certification body, Food Integrity Assurance, who conduct assessments and certification.SQC standards are formed by and for growers and grain buyers.Listen to this episode to hear how SQC works with the supply chain to place Scotland’s combinable crops at the premium end of the UK and European markets.Time Stamps01.16 Introducing Teresa Dougall and John Hutcheson (SQC)05.32 SQC as a cooperative organisation08.18 SQC history and where it all began14.41 Annual review structure & what the market wants in terms of assured products25.19 Interaction with Scottish Government29.36 Recognising our unique and diverse landscape in Scotland31.14 Representing a high standard product34.05 Importing / exporting grain40.11 Closing thoughts from Teresa and JohnResourceshttps://www.sqcrops.co.uk/Contact:info@foodassurance.co.ukMark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.ukFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot
April 21, 202643 min
PCN & Water Scarcity
In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Consultants Kerry Leslie & Gavin Prentice, to discuss results from PCN Action Scotland along with the new CREW water scarcity guidance.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.Timestamps01:42 Introduction to Kerry Leslie02:27 Who does PCN impact?03:32 What is PCN?06:08 What is the PCN yield penalty?09:43 How do we know if there is PCN in a field?12:27 Variety choice16:42 The impact of other crops on PCN18:40 The impact of ground keepers20:50 PCN Action Scotland24:50 Next steps for PCN action Scotland28:50 Introduction to Gavin Prentice31:19 Water scarcity project33:20 Key project outcomes34:40 Identifying water scarcity risks37:50 Easy wins for farmersRelated FAS ResourcesTechnical Note (TN30): Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN)Planning for Water Scarcity - New Practical Guide for Farmers and Growers in Scotland | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesPCN Action ScotlandCREW Planning for Water Scarcity:https://www.crew.ac.uk/news/arable-futures-new-guidance-supports-scottish-farmers-plan-water-scarcityPlanning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers | CREW | Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters
February 17, 202639 min
Conversations - Hemp - The Crop in Waiting?
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 textile production, before it became more economic to import, to make ropes and sails for ships. It has recently attracted interest as a new arable crop as more uses for hemp become viable, including fibre/shiv for insulation and boarding in house construction and seeds used for cold pressed oil and food health products, plus many other uses. Hemp has also been shown to improve soil structure and quality, store CO2 and improve biodiversity and could play an important role in reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. There is potential for this highly versatile crop to be a profitable break crop for farmers as demand increases for biobased materials to replace products derived from fossil fuels.Industrial hemp is used across sectors such as agriculture, automotives, bio-energy, construction, food and beverages, furniture, paper, personal care, recycling and textiles. Several years field crop experience in Angus and the Borders, and hemp crop trials in Scotland in 2024 has confirmed that the crop grows well in our climate.Episode Timestamps 01.23 Introducing Iain Riddell02.50 Potential uses for hemp as an industrial crop03.46 What do we mean by ‘industrial hemp’05.45 Historical context10.45 Growing hemp for fibre12.17 Hemp – what’s currently going on in the UK17.09 What we learned from growing hemp in the rotation22.48 Retting process28.32 Emerging hemp markets and potential uses33.42 Hemp seed industry35.26 Phytoremediation and the advantage of deep tap roots37.23 Biodiversity benefitsResources The Potential of the Hemp Crop in Scotland | Helping farmers in ScotlandAdvancing a sustainable Scottish supply chain for industrial hemp and co-productsBritish Hemp AllianceIndiNature – Natural fibre construction insulationhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-hemp-licensing-guidance/industrial-hemp-licensing-factsheetThe Rowett Institute | The University of AberdeenContact:Mark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.ukGraystonesconsulting308@gmail.com (Iain Riddell)For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot
January 21, 202657 min
Knowing Your Numbers
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 11:12 AHDB Farmbench 13:44 2025 Winter Wheat 19:20 2025 Oilseed Rape 24:50 2025 Spring Barley 28:32 2025 Winter Barley 30:58 Variations between farm 32:55 Projections for Winter Wheat 38:27 Projections for Oilseed Rape 2026 42:04 Projections for Barley 2026 45:35 Alternative crops for 2026 53:30 Key messages Related FAS ResourcesCrops and soils | Helping farmers in ScotlandOther Related ResourcesFarmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDBAgricultural Reform Route Map
December 16, 202549 min
Conversations - United Oilseeds
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 history and the area it covers 09.52 Varieties 12.15 Harvest 2025 18.43 Looking ahead to 2026 23.47 Movement of rape beyond the store 30.07 Different contract options and storage options 37.44 Key market watchpoints 41.43 Independent analysis of oil content 43.51 OSR Reboot 47.33 Andrews take home message Related FAS Resources Crops and soils | Helping farmers in Scotland How to Get Oilseed Rape off to a Good Start | Helping farmers in Scotland Related FAS Resources United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape | Buy Seed | Sell crops OSR-Reboot | United Oilseeds | Oilseed Rape Winter oilseed rape recommended and candidate lists | AHDB For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
December 16, 202545 min
Agronomy Past, Present & Future
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 Government. Timestamps02:00 Fiona Background 05:00 Developments in crop rotation 07:00 Yield (change in mindset) 10:29 Using multi-site chemistry 16:28 New technology & Chemistry 18:00 Biostimulants 20:40 IPM Planning 24:14 Changes in regulations 29:30 BASIS training 31:50 Quality Assurance 33:45 The future of agronomy 35:40 Managing inputs for the season ahead38:05 Seed dressings 39:50 Reducing application rates 41:30 The challenge of resistance 43:40 Three top tips Related FAS ResourcesFAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/
November 25, 202541 min
Cover Crops
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 09:14 Potential benefits 12:24 New species available 14:15 Different species for different areas 20:03 Considerations when choosing a crop 24:14 Greening 2026 28:40 Establishment 33:46 Potential uses with livestock 36:00 Seeds suitable for broadcasting 39:19 Three top tips Linked FAS Resources FAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/ EFA Greening 2026 https://www.fas.scot/preparing-for-the-future/Other Linked ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-jones-931725133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Clinkstone – Companion Crops & autumn cover crops in a min-till system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5xnHdsaEw Cover Crop Guide: https://covercropsguide.co.uk/
October 21, 202541 min
Conversations - The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain
Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Julian South, Executive Director of The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB). MAGB are the trade association of the UK malting industry and represent over 98% of UK malt production, buying around 2 million tonnes of UK malting barley, to make about 1.6 million tonnes of malt. Mark and Julian discuss harvest 2025, barley varieties, tariffs and trade deals and opportunities for the industry. Episode Timestamps 01.38 Background and structure of MAGB 04.43 What is malt? 06.59 Distilling malts and brewing malts 07.50 Harvest 2025 round up 16.12 Evaluating and approving new barley varieties for malting 23.31 International Barley Hub 26.00 Biggest challenges for the malting barley industry 29.47 International trade 33.25 Tariffs and trade deals 35.04 Peat as a flavouring for malt 37.10 Finding out more: www.ukmalt.com 38.25 The malt industry in 10 years time Resources The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain Malting Barley Committee - The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain Contact: Julian South: 07967452838, julian@magb.org.uk SRUC - Soils & plants - Recommended lists SAC Recommended Lists for Cereals 2025-26 International Barley Hub - The James Hutton Institute Mycotoxins - The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 21, 202533 min
Arable Farm Finances
In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Senior Consultant and Chartered Accountant Andrew Coalter to discuss Arable Farm Finances, particularly cash flow challenges, investment and capital allowances for arable farms. 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. Related FAS Resources Cash Flow Forecasting: https://www.fas.scot/article/building-good-financial-habits-with-cash-flow-forecasting/ Budgeting & Financial Planning https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/budgeting-and-financial-planning/ Finance & Funding https://www.fas.scot/whats-stopping-you-finance-funding/
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