Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Hosted by Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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614

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

June 16, 202637 min

Cropcast - 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

June 10, 202650 min

Business and Policy News Audio June 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025.Timestamps00:37 News in Brief06:17 Policy Briefs – Red Diesel Duty, Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme 2025 payments, New strategy for swine fever, Scotland’s New Rural Affairs Secretary, Food tariffs.11:11 Cereals – Latest news and market update19:44 Beef – Latest news and market update25:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update32:41 Milk – Latest news and market update40:35 Sector focus – Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-202546:44 Further articles – Crop update video, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus article & FAS TV episode on Future Planning & SuccessionFAS Resources:Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service advice@fas.scotOther Resources:Red Diesel Duty To Be Cut By One-ThirdScottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) 2025 paymentsNew Strategy Launched To Protect Pig Sector Against Swine FeverGillian Martin Appointed Scotland’s New Rural Affairs SecretaryFood Tariff ReductionsBluetongue movement restrictions - from 1 June 2026Publications:Agricultural profit estimates and milk production statisticsBluetongue – latest situationConsultations:Scotland’s Peatland Standard – Consultation draftStock Talk - The Use Of AI In Poultry | FASScottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025 - gov.scotWhole Farm Benchmarks Tool 2024-25 | Helping farmers in Scotlandscottishfarmbusinesssurvey@sac.co.ukLatest Crop Update for Scotland’s FarmersClimate Change and the Escalating Risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV)Future Planning & SuccessionFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

June 10, 202644 min

Agri Culture - Glenkilrie, From Land to Larder : Lauren Houstoun

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 Lauren Houstoun from Glenkilrie Larder who tells us about her farming business, Glenkilrie Farm, which she runs with her husband Andrew and in-laws David and Morag Houstoun. They farm cattle, sheep and deer, and started selling their produce directly to their consumers through farmers markets. Lauren is passionate about producing high quality, local food, and this passion led her to campaign to improve the quality of food available in local schools. She showcases the provenance of their seasonal produce through the Glenkilrie Cook School, demonstrating cooking techniques, the history and heritage of the family and their commitment to sustainable farming practices. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about Glenkilrie Larder you can find the link in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Glenkilrie Larder - From Land to Larder For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

May 29, 202656 min

Stock Talk - The Use Of AI In Poultry

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by David Speller from OptiFarm. David is a poultry farmer who had lots of data and not enough time to analyse it. David will tell us about the AI tool he developed to help him make better informed decisions, which attracted the eyes of investors leading to his company OptiFarm. David explains how the tool works and the benefits of using AI in livestock systems including the use of real-time data to be proactive in terms of livestock management and welfare, and how this can improve livestock performance and profitability. Resourceshttps://www.fas.scot/livestock/poultry/ Website address: optifarm.co.uk Optifarm email: info@optifarm.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

May 27, 202640 min

Crofting Matters - A View From Shetland

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Siobhan Macdonald, and this is the Farm Advisory Service series where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. For this episode, we’re heading north to the wild and windswept Shetland isles to explore the unique world of island crofting and the remarkable resilience of Shetland’s crofters. Join Siobhan Macdonald and Osla Jamwal Fraser as they dive into the opportunities and challenges of farming on the archipelago — from the advantages of geographic isolation for maintaining high-health livestock schemes, to the realities of costly transport links and long ferry crossings. With Osla at the helm of the series for 2026, we will uncover some of Shetland’s most fascinating agricultural stories and industries, including its iconic Shetland sheep, world-famous wool, native ponies, and even the surprising rise of spaceports among the islands’ rugged landscapes. This is a journey into innovation, tradition, and life at the edge of the North Sea. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Crofting Matters. If you’d like to find out more about you can find the link in the show notes. This episode was presented by Siobhan Macdonald produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources: Scottish Land Matching Service Shetland Livestock Marketing Group Crofting Commission For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

May 26, 202645 min

Natural Capital - NatureScot Natural Capital Tool

In the first episode of the new series, we speak with Donya Davidson and Sophie Manson from NatureScot about their Natural Capital Tool and find out what it is, the challenges it addresses, and how it supports land managers in Scotland. We have a walk through showing how the tool works in practice and how it allows decision makers to identify strategies that maximise positive outcomes. The Natural Capital Tool is a free, easy-to-use spatial decision support tool designed to enable a natural capital approach to land management. Considering the full range of benefits and ecosystem services nature provides, it helps users plan land use in ways that deliver multiple benefits for both people and the environment. Developed by NatureScot in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University and EOLAS Insight, it is tailored specifically to Scotland’s landscapes and needs. Host Harry Fisher, Producers Iain Boyd & Fiona Salter, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kirstyn Blackwood & Kerry Hammond Key Timestamps: 1:06 – 6:59 intro and background to the tool 7:00 – 18:34 the data, functions and design of the tool 18:35 – 35:30 how to use it and target audiences 35:30 – 44:19 run through of tool and next steps Resources: FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/ FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Natural Capital Tool: https://natcaptool.nature.scot/ Natural Capital Tool | NatureScot: https://www.nature.scot/doc/natural-capital-tool Biodiversity Audits for Whole Farm Plan | Helping farmers in Scotland: https://www.fas.scot/article/biodiversity-audits-for-whole-farm-plan/ Farm Biodiversity Scotland: https://biodiversity.scot/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

May 21, 202646 min

Thrill of The Hill - A Damming Conclusion? Part III

Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. This is the third and final episode in our series exploring beaver reintroduction in Scotland. Across the last two episodes, we’ve looked at the challenges, concerns, and practical realities beavers bring to land management.Today, we’re joined by farmer and rewilding advocate Tom Bowser from Lerrocks farm and we’ll be focusing on the other side of the story — the ecological case for beavers, the benefits they can bring, and what a future with more beavers in Scotland might look like. Timestamps02.28 Introducing Tom Bowser07.28 Why are beavers worth having back in Scotland?08.36 Beavers: ecosystem engineers and keystone species12.40 Beavers, the most controversial animal that we have at the moment?14.10 Practical benefits of beavers22.03 Biodiversity and hairy bottomed handstands!27.23 Balancing the benefits with the challenges32.49 NatureScot beaver team and available assistance37.04 Where are we likely to see beavers in the future?43.08 Food production and nature restoration, not always opposing forces FAS ResourcesThrill of the Hill Episode 12: A Damming Conclusion?https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a1a41750-26db-4341-8783-2aa9443a34c3Thrill of the Hill Episode 2: A Damming Conclusion? Part IIhttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/34096505-af92-46c9-8a66-6ee445383126 FAS - Rewilding BeaversFAS Farm Wildlife Walk Other Related ResourcesArgaty Red Kites – Rewilding Experiences in the Heart of ScotlandTom Bowser – Nature Writer, Journalist, Public SpeakerBeavers in Scotland | NatureScot For more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

May 20, 202641 min

Rural Roundup - Scottish Agri Tourism

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss upcoming events and updates, while Kerry Hammond chats to Linda McAllister from visit Scotland to discuss opportunities for Agri tourism. Timestamps00:30 Welcome back Tiffany02:15 IACS Deadline02:55 Enhanced Greening08:28 Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS)10:42 AECS12:26 Events13:18 Funding for specialist advice19:27 Linda McAllister from visit ScotlandFAS ResourcesVisit Scotland https://www.visitscotland.org/tourism-events-industry/strategies/agritourismFAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/FAS Specialist advice https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/Other ResourcesFuture Farming Investment Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/ffis/Agri – Environment Climate Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/For more information, visit www.FAS.scotTwitter: @FASScotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot

May 18, 202642 min

CropCast - 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

May 8, 202648 min

Business and Policy News Audio May 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS).Time Stamps:01:56 News in Brief 05:52 Policy Briefs – Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 2025 payments, Groceries Code Adjudicator moves to Defra, Crofting and Scottish Land Cout Bill, Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaw 10:26 Cereals – Latest news and market update 21:28 Beef – Latest news and market update 28:05 Sheep – Latest news and market update 32:42 Milk – Latest news and market update 40:08 Sector focus –Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) 45:37 Further Interest – Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple (article), Setting up a new grass ley for success (article), PCN and water scarcity (podcast). FAS Resources:Newsletters – Business & Policy Edition – Farm Advisory Serviceadvice@fas.scotOther Resources:Scottish Suckler Beef Support SchemeCrofting and Scottish Land Court BillCairngorms Fire Management ByelawRural Roundup PodcastAECS Scoring CriteriaThrill of the Hill podcast – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David BrownSlatted Sheep Housing Made Simple – articleSetting up a New Grass Ley for Success – articlePCN & Water Scarcity – CropCast Podcasthttps://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/Publications:Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – latest updateMonthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat productionLabour Market Trends: April 2026 – gov.scotAfrican swine fever in Europe – latest updateThe Environment Strategy for ScotlandRural Support PlanConsultations:Installation and maintenance licences for heat networksCommunications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayersFor more information, visit www.FAS.scotFacebook: @FASScotNational Advice HubPhone: 0300 323 0161Email: advice@fas.scot