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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October 28, 202657 min
Crofting Matters - Shetland Wool: Threads of Heritage, Innovation, & Community Life
Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. This is the final episode in this series and we’re going to round off our Shetland focussed episodes in style – discussing the islands’ most famed and celebrated agricultural and cultural product – Wool! We’re going to delve into all things woolly with Louise Grains of Jamieson’s of Shetland, the only fleece to garment mill in the isles and Donna Smith of Donna Smith Designs a crofter, yarn producer, tutor, and knitwear designer. Shetland is famous the world over for wool and knitwear and now also for its iconic week-long festival Shetland Wool Week, which has just celebrated its 17th year. We’re joined today by two of the powerhouses behind the modern wool and knitwear industry in Shetland! If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you’ll find links in the show notes. If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters, please do subscribe to make sure you catch the first episode of the new series next May when we’ll be hearing more inspiring stories from all over the Crofting Counties. While we’re away, why not have a look through our back catalogue or tune into some of the other Farm Advisory Service podcasts. For now, many thanks to our producer Kerry Hammond, our editor Keiron Sim, and thanks above all to you for tuning in. This podcast was produced in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Shetland Wool, Yarn and Knitting Accessories – Jamieson's Of Shetland Donna Smith Designs – Knitting Patterns & Yarn in the Shetland Isles Shetland Wool Week For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 21, 202634 min
Rural Roundup - The Rural Support Plan
Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson are joined by Professor Steven Thomson to discuss the rural support plan for Scotland, along with any key updates and reminders for October. Timestamps 00:21 How are things with Tiffany & George 02:45 Bluetongue 03:48 EFA 06:40 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 07:29 Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme 07:57 Meetings/Events 08:47 Steven Thomson – Agricultural Route map 12:50 Steven Thomson -Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme 14:00 Steven Thomson – Whole Farm Plan 15:31 Steven Thomson – The Rural Support Plan 18:58 Steven Thomson – CPD for Farmers 21:25 Steven Thomson – Enhanced Greening Resources CPD Consultation: Give your views Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space Bluetongue Latest updates can be found here: Gov.uk latest BTV updates Bluetongue Clinical signs in sheep are usually more pronounced than in cattle but can be very variable. A range of photos can be found here: https://ahdb.org.uk/clinical-signs-of-bluetongue . Suspect cases should be reported to APHA Scotland on 03000 600 704. FFIS 2026 Update https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/future-farming-investment-scheme-2026-announced.html Greening guidance 2027: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance/ Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/ Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 20, 202643 min
Cropcast - Growing, Roguing and Marketing at Chapel Organics
In this episode Tiffany is joined by Angus Elder from Chapel Organics, to discuss his business, which is built around the production of high-quality vegetables. Angus discusses his crop rotation, marketing of fresh produce, challenges with organic farming, his use of technology and his role with SOPA. This episode was presented by Tiffany Stephenson, produced by George Gauley, edited by Cameron Waugh, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood & Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 01:34 Introduction to Angus Elder 03:13 Crop rotation? 05:42 How has the business coped with the dry summer? 09:00 Integration of livestock? 10:00 Reducing the weed burden 13:20 Marketing 18:27 Grass in the rotation 20:15 Use of organic manures? 23:31 Potential changes to the rotation? 25:50 Packing vegetables 26:48 Farm labour 29:48 Technology use on farm? 36:00 Anything else in the pipeline? 38:30 Role with SOPA? 42:01 Advice to someone turning organic? Resources https://www.chapelfarmorganics.co.uk/ Contact Angus at veg@chapelfarmorganics.uk SOPA: https://www.sopa.org.uk/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 15, 202638 min
Agri Culture - Harvest Her Power: Katja Williams
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. In this episode, Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Katja Williams. Katja is an Australian farmer, podcaster, founder, homesteader, and author. Her life is built around Australian agricultural community and creating practical resources that help women to thrive on the farm. Through podcasting, she takes the opportunity to share stories of her own family farm, opinion pieces and good news about the industry. Through ‘The Ultimate Farmer’s Wife’ podcast she connected with women sharing their stories which inspired her to launch her not for profit organisation, ‘Harvest Her Power’. We discuss farming life in Australia, how she juggles the demands of farm work, her own business goals and running a national conference whilst raising a young family. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about, Katja, Harvest Her Power, or The Ultimate Farmer’s Wife Podcast check out the links 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: The Ultimate Farm Wife Website The Ultimate Farm Wife - Instagram Katja Williams - The Ultimate Farm Wife Podcast - YouTube For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 9, 202651 min
Business and Policy News Audio October 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on Regenerative Agriculture.
Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Regenerative Agriculture. Timestamps: 00:42 News in Brief 07:47 Policy Briefs – New CPD consultation, Scottish Government consults on price caps for essential food, new taskforce looks at getting more Scottish food into schools and hospitals, a look at the Latest Agricultural Price Indices and funding opportunities for training and qualifications. 14:11 Cereals – Latest news and market update 24:38 Beef – Latest news and market update 30:09 Sheep – Latest news and market update 35:52 Milk – Latest news and market update 44:34 Sector focus – Regenerative Agriculture 47:59 Further articles – Do I need to reseed? Bluetongue – What you need to know. EnviroCow article FAS Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service: https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/ FAS podcasts: FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/ advice@fas.scot Other Links and Resources: The Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/agricultural-reform-programme/the-code-of-practice-on-sustainable-and-regenerative-agriculture/ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space: https://consult.gov.scot/agriculture-and-rural-economy/continuing-professional-development-cpd-tier-4/ Price controls on essential food items: consultation paper: https://www.gov.scot/publications/price-controls-essential-food-items-consultation-paper/ Price controls on essential food items - take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/business-and-better-regulation/price-controls-on-essential-food-items-draft-legis/ Latest Agricultural Price Indices: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/agricultural-price-indices/agricultural-price-indices-united-kingdom-july-2026 Funding opportunities for training and qualifications: https://lantra.co.uk/scotland/scotland-training-funds/ Lantra - funding opportunities for training and qualifications: https://lantra.co.uk/scotland/scotland-training-funds/ Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme-full-guidance/ Grassland section: https://www.fas.scot/grassland/ Do I Need to Reseed? | Helping farmers in Scotland: https://www.fas.scot/article/do-i-need-to-reseed/ Blutongue: What You Need to Know: https://www.fas.scot/podcast/stock-talk-bluetongue-what-you-need-to-know/ EnviroCow Index Yielding Results: https://www.fas.scot/article/envirocow-index-yielding-results/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 5, 202637 min
Crofting Matters - Big Projects, Local Communities - Navigating Development Proposals
Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. Today we’re speaking with Chartered Surveyor and Senior Agricultural Consultant with SAC Consulting, Fergus Russell. Wherever you may be in the Crofting Counties there are lots of new and different types of land-based development going on from renewables to data centres and everything in between. If you or your community are affected, it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice and support. Fergus specialises in exactly this area so today we are going to be taking a look at what you need to know if your area is involved in large-scale development projects. If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you’ll find links in the show notes. If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters, please do subscribe to make sure you hear the next episode when we’ll be discussing all things wool! We’ll be hearing about the last fleece to garment mill in Shetland and learning more about the quiet revolution happening in how Shetland perceives and promotes the importance of its own knitwear heritage. Many thanks to our producer Kerry Hammond, our Editor Keiron Sim, and thanks to you for tuning in. This podcast was produced in association with the Scottish Government Resources: Scottish Land Commission: Making more of Scotland's land - Scottish Land Commission Your local NFUS branch may be able to answer questions on access to support RICS - Rights over land for electricity infrastructure - Code of practice The Electricity Act 1989 which provides the legislation around new and existing developments: Electricity Act 1989 For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
October 1, 202632 min
Thrill of The Hill - Policy Pathfinder: Farming for a Better Climate
Before FAS, Farming for a Better Climate helped put practical climate action firmly on the agenda for Scottish agriculture. At its heart was a focus on practical change. The programme encouraged farmers and crofters to look at areas including energy and fuel use, renewable energy, soil carbon, fertiliser and manure management and livestock efficiency. Rather than approaching climate change as an issue separate from everyday farm management, Farming for a Better Climate sought to demonstrate where better use of resources could reduce costs, strengthen the business and lower emissions at the same time. In this episode Rebecca Audsley joins Alex to look back over the life of Farming for a Better Climate and consider its impacts. More than fifteen years on from the programme's beginnings, they also consider what comes next. This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 01.35 Introducing Rebecca Audsley 02.37 Where are we in terms of climate change, landscape management and lower carbon farming 05.42 Farming For a Better Climate (FFBC) initiative 08.37 Where did FFBC operate across the country & 5 key action areas 12.53 FFBC outputs and learning from others 14.48 A Policy Pathfinder 17.10 Emission reductions and associated financial benefits 19.17 What problem did FFBC identify that is less of an issue now 22.22 A good healthy soil – PLANT YOUR PANTS! Climate change: are we moving in the right direction? Farming & Water Scotland 30.14 Getting in touch & what's next for Rebecca Resources Farming For a Better Climate Scottish Forestry Integrating Trees Network Farming & Water Scotland Climate Smart Advisors Climate Week | Net Zero Nation Previous episode of interest: Thrill Of The Hill - Climate Change Catch up with Seamus Murphy Previous episode of interest: Thrill Of The Hill - COP26 One Year On Get in touch with Rebecca Rebecca.Audsley@sac.co.uk Get in touch with the show advice@fas.scot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
September 29, 202637 min
Natural Capital - Tweed Forum
We’re joined by Derek Robeson from the Tweed Forum to explore their catchment-scale action across the River Tweed and the surrounding landscape and communities. We discuss their various projects including Eddleston Water and Destination Tweed and cover topics including natural flood management, working with landowners and economic drivers, to showcase what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into practical, beneficial action on the ground. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood Key Timestamps: 0:59 – 14:54 Intro to Tweed Forum, its activities and Eddleston Water project. 14:55 – 24:49 Destination Tweed, other projects and drivers. 24:50 – 33:40 Catchment scale approach, funding and logical solutions 33:40 – end How to get involved and find out more Resources: Tweed Forum: https://tweedforum.org/ Tweed Foundation: https://rivertweed.org.uk/tweed-foundation/ Borders Forest Trust: https://bordersforesttrust.org/ Southern Uplands Partnership: https://sup.org.uk/ FAS Water Management: https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/ River Catchment Management at Landscape-Scale: https://www.fas.scot/article/river-catchment-management-at-landscape-scale/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
September 23, 202654 min
Stock Talk - Bluetongue: What You Need to Know
Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie. In this episode, recorded on 17th September 2026, we discuss the Bluetongue Virus. It's important to note to listeners that the spread of the Bluetongue Virus, the control zones and restrictions is a constantly changing situation, and listeners should ensure that they check the Scot Gov website for the latest up to date information. This Podcast is intended to provide information about the Bluetongue Virus itself, how it is spread, risk factors, clinical symptoms, vaccinations, and testing. Resources Scot Gov: Latest situation - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot APHA map: Bluetongue Cases and Zones AHDB: Vaccination cost calculator launched to help Battle Bluetongue | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (dairy) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB Ruminant Health & Welfare website: Home - Ruminant Health & Welfare For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
September 17, 202635 min
Thrill of The Hill - Organic Outlook: Planning for Conversion
Organic farming in Scotland is entering a period of renewed growth. The latest Scottish Government statistics show that, in 2025, 168,200 hectares of Scottish agricultural land were either fully organic or undergoing conversion — an increase of 28% on 2024 and 62% since 2021. Of this, 115,800 hectares were fully organic, while 52,400 hectares were in conversion, around double the area recorded the previous year. Organic and in-conversion land now accounts for 3.3% of Scotland’s agricultural area. For businesses considering making the change, organic conversion is about considerably more than simply replacing conventional inputs. The conversion period provides an opportunity to examine the whole farming system — including rotations, soil fertility, nutrient management, grass and clover production, livestock management, markets and the financial implications of operating within organic standards. A well-developed conversion plan is central to understanding whether organic farming is both practically achievable and financially sustainable for an individual business. In this episode of Thrill of the Hill, we are joined by Ewan Johnston, Principal Consultant with SAC Consulting and the Farm Advisory Service Topic Lead for Organics. Based at Thainstone in Aberdeenshire, Ewan has more than 25 years of agricultural consultancy experience, having worked in Shetland and Moray before moving to the North East. His career has given him experience across a broad range of Scottish farming systems, from crofting, hill and upland livestock enterprises through to intensive lowland arable businesses. Growing demand for organic advice led Ewan to complete an MSc in Organic Farming, and he has since developed particular expertise in organic production, soil and nutrient management, grassland and clover-based systems, alongside wider crop, livestock and farm business management. He is BASIS, FACTS and FBAASS accredited, sits on the Scottish Organic Producers Association technical advisory committee and teaches organic farming to students at SRUC. As FAS Topic Lead for Organics, Ewan is also working to broaden the conversation beyond farms already committed to certification, looking at how principles and practices associated with organic farming can be integrated into conventional and regenerative systems. In this episode, we discuss what farmers and crofters need to consider before beginning an organic conversion, what goes into preparing an organic conversion plan, where the potential opportunities and challenges lie, and why planning the farming system as a whole is so important before taking the first step towards certification. This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 00.57 Introducing Ewan Johnston 03.26 Where are we at now in Scotland with organic conversions 04.19 What goes into the organic conversion plan 08.14 The conversion plan is a live document 09.50 Timeline for the conversion process 11.18 Standard conversion and simultaneous conversion 12.58 Be clear in your own mind why you want to go organic 14.35 Information to include in a conversion plan 18.00 How should seasonal grazing be viewed 18.50 Partial conversion & parallel production 20.55 Nutrient management 24.06 Stocking rates and forage demand 25.40 Dispelling the myth – animal health in organic systems 28.10 Record keeping 31.06 Common mistakes in conversion plans 33.45 Ewan's take home message Resources Access a range of FAS Organic information and guides here Organic Information | Helping farmers in Scotland Rural Payments and Services: Organic Farming: Conversion Soil Association Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) Get in touch with Ewan Ewan.Johnston@sac.co.uk Get in touch with the show advice@fas.scot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
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