The Rural Roundup

Hosted by Farm Advisory Service

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Rural RoundUp is Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service’s regular Podcast, hosted by Kerry Hammond, featuring a roundup of the latest news, information and opinions from some of our other Podcast show hosts. Listen to find out what new information, events and resources are available through the FAS website, and get to know someone working in Industry with our short segment “What’s on your desk?” 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 21, 202634 min

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

September 16, 202644 min

Bluetongue, Cost of Production & Feed Budgeting

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson are joined by practice vet and SRUC veterinary investigation officer Andrew Robinson to discuss Bluetongue, along with any key updates and reminders for September. Resources 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/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

August 19, 202632 min

Planning for Autumn

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss Bluetongue, updates to greening guidance for 2027 and updates to the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), as well as other key considerations for Autumn 2026. Timestamps How are things in the borders? 00:27 Bluetongue 03:30 Greening guidance for 2027 06:25 Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) 16:00 EFA Hedge cutting guidance 22:17 NVZ closed period dates 23:46 Taking stock of what you have before winter feeding. 27:11 Soil sampling 28:49 Managing grass for tupping 29:47 FAS Resources Farming in Water Scarcity https://www.fas.scot/news/farming-in-water-scarcity/ Other Resources 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. The Ruminant Health and Welfare website has various Bluetongue resources for vets and farmers including a vaccination decision maker tool ( Battle Bluetongue vaccination decision maker tool ) 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/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

July 15, 202634 min

One Foot In, One Foot Out: Getting Started & Succession

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss opportunities for those looking to enter Agriculture, though apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship schemes, The Scottish Land Matching Service, and funded mentoring services, whilst also talking about Succession for those who may be ready to think about passing on the reigns, identifying specialist advice funding and resources to support people on their journey wherever they may be. They bring you all of this alongside the latest industry updates. FAS Resources Agri Culture - Lawrence Martin: Opportunities Through Apprenticeships | FAS New Entrants resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Mentoring for new farmers and crofters | Helping farmers in Scotland Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland (Succession Planning) FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Scheme | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Resources Scottish Land Matching Service | Opportunities in Scottish Farming Future Farming Investment Scheme Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Study at SRUC | Apprenticeships For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

June 17, 202630 min

Farm Woodlands

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson are joined by SAC Consulting forestry consultant David Eadie to discuss farm woodlands, as well as bringing you the latest industry updates. 00:35 How are things with George & Tiffany? 02:21 Upcoming events? 04:00 Important deadlines to be aware of 06:18 The World Cup 10:23 Introduction to David Eadie 10:50 Why might a farmer consider woodlands? 12:45 Specialist advice available for woodlands 14:58 Woodland creation 15:57 Is scoring for woodland creation competitive? 17:30 What does the maintenance grant cover 20:39 What is the optimum site for planting? 22:09 Thinning & felling 24:30 Process of obtaining felling permission? 25:27 Harvesting & processing grants? 26:50 What are the signs of woodland disease? FAS Resources RSABI Keepie Uppy challenge https://www.rsabi.org.uk/rsabi-social-challenge-takes-off-as-excitement-builds-towards-farmer-football-tournament/ FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ FAS Specialist advice https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/ Future 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/ Forestry Grant Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/forestry-grant-scheme/ Scottish Forestry https://www.forestry.gov.scot/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

May 20, 202641 min

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. Timestamps 00:30 Welcome back Tiffany 02:15 IACS Deadline 02:55 Enhanced Greening 08:28 Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) 10:42 AECS 12:26 Events 13:18 Funding for specialist advice 19:27 Linda McAllister from visit Scotland FAS Resources Visit Scotland https://www.visitscotland.org/tourism-events-industry/strategies/agritourism FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ FAS Specialist advice https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/ Other Resources Future 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.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

April 15, 202637 min

AECS & Updates

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) along with other relevant updates. Timestamps 04:14 Single Application Form (IACS) 08:40 Fuel & Fertiliser prices 14:08 Food processing, Marketing & Cooperation Grant 16:33 Future Farming Investment Scheme 17:00 Agri – Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) FAS Resources FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ AECS Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/ Other Resources For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

March 18, 202644 min

Policy Update

Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie get a policy update from SRUC Professor Steven Thomson. Timestamps 03:05 EFA Management for 2026 04:48 Entitlement transfer & SAF 2026 09:47 Steven Thomson 09:50 Main policy changes for 2026. 12:40 Why are we having policy changes? 23:40 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 25:30 Future Farm Investment Scheme 26:05 Rural Support Plan 33:00 LFASS 37:10 Future Farm Investment Scheme 40:00 Other capital grants 42:20 Continued Professional Development FAS Resources FAS Events https://www.fas.scot/events/ Other Resources For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

March 3, 202629 min

Spotlight: Crofting Through The Seasons - Autumn & Winter

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 Gould & Jake Sayles about their Croft in Skye, where they finish their own Pork, Hebridean Mutton, use their wool for felt accessories, and utilise seasonal fruit and berries. Kieron then visits the Shetland Isles in Winter, first speaking with Brendon Smith a Crofter from the Southern part of Shetland who breeds, trains and sells sheepdogs, runs a system of Shetland Sheep, produces Mussels and also ensures every sheep that comes to Shetland is run through the community dip. Finally Kieron heads to the Northernmost Isle of Unst in Shetland, to speak with Richard Spence who has Crofted in Unst for his whole life and tells us how the new Saxavord Space Port has changed how he Crofts. Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter. You can find part 1 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Spring & Summer right now. wherever you normally listen. This episode was hosted by Kerry Hammond and was produced and edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government. FAS Resources Crofting Matters - Crofting Through the Seasons: Spring/Summer | FAS https://www.fas.scot/podcast/crofting-matters-crofting-through-the-seasons-spring-summer/ Other Resources SaxaVord - The Place for Space https://saxavord.com/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

February 26, 202625 min

Spotlight: Crofting Through The Seasons - Spring & Summer

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 Service Learning Journey, funded by the Scottish Government, which supported 55 Scottish Crofters (over two trips) to learn about Irish systems, and how Irish farmers make a living from small units. Thanks for listening to this special two-part edition, Crofting Through the Seasons, Spring & Summer. You can find part 2 of Crofting Through The Seasons, Autumn & Winter right now. wherever you normally listen. This episode was hosted and produced by Kerry Hammond and was edited by Kieron Sim as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, in association with the Scottish Government. For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot