Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast
  • 4.9 (14)
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Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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.

  1. Stock Talk - Sam Parsons, Balcaskie Estate

    5 DAYS AGO

    Stock Talk - Sam Parsons, Balcaskie Estate

    In this podcast we hear from Sam Parsons from Balcaskie. He talks about the organic farming system and the use of regenerative agriculture practices at Balcaskie and how it has helped reduce costs. He also talks about meat eating quality in their choice of cattle as they sell their beef direct to customers through the butchery. They are using Lincoln Red bulls across the herd.  Sam talks about the challenges he has faced with changing his system from 6-7 months winter housing cattle to outwintering them most of the year. He also discussed with Robert the importance of young people coming into the industry.  You can contact Sam by emailing sparsons@balcaskie.com  Related FAS Resources Stock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

    56 min
  2. Natural Capital - Combating Nature Loss: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy

    28 JAN

    Natural Capital - Combating Nature Loss: Scottish Biodiversity Strategy

    The loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to the planet that requires urgent, collaborative and transformative solutions. We are in a biodiversity crisis, with 1 in 9 Scottish species facing extinction and declines in numbers and ranges of many plants, birds and animals. There is a need for action and Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 sets out a clear ambition - For Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.   We are joined by Professor Davy McCracken to discuss the newly published Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and delivery plans to 2045 and his involvement with it. We go through what is included in the strategy and what it means for farmers and land managers in Scotland going forward.   Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood  Timestamps: 0:55 – 9:20 The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, it’s purpose and history  9:21 – 20:41 Outcomes, goals and six main objectives within the strategy  20:42 – 36:24 What it means for the rural sector going forward  36:25 – 43:39 investment in nature, who is paying for it and shifting baselines  Related FAS resources:    Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources:  Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 - gov.scot Davy McCracken | SRUC Scotland's Biodiversity | NatureScot Scotland - State of Nature

    48 min
  3. Rural Roundup - First Footing Forward: Planning for the Year Ahead

    22 JAN

    Rural Roundup - First Footing Forward: Planning for the Year Ahead

    Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode, we’re joined by George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson who discuss what Farmers & Crofters can do to put the best foot forward in the New Year, to give themselves a good chance of a successful 2025.   Related Resources   Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF)  Agri-Environment Climate Scheme  Whole Farm Plan full guidance  Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot    For more information, visit www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    21 min
  4. CropCast - Balbirnie Home Farms: Thinking Outside of the Box

    21 JAN

    CropCast - Balbirnie Home Farms: Thinking Outside of the Box

    In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Balbirnie Farms manager David Aglen along with Professor Fiona Burnett, an applied plant pathologist at SRUC to discuss the results from crop trials, which have been taking place at Balbirnie Home Farms as part of the AHDB strategic cereal farm Scotland project.  Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson 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 Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related Resources Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland | AHDB

    53 min
  5. Agri Culture - SAYFC Respect

    16 JAN

    Agri Culture - SAYFC Respect

    Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair.  They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club.  They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive, fun environment for young people.  This episode discusses themes around mental wellbeing and suicide, please listen with care.   Resources  The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC  SAYFC focused on RESPECT - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs  Young Farmers say ‘Leave a Light On’ - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs  Mental Health Support | SAYFC Members Support | Contact Us  Home - RSABI  Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well  Agri Culture : Farmstrong Episode  Agri Culture: Stephanie Berkeley - Yellow Wellies Agri Culture: Jim Chapman - Adapting to Life After an Accident For more information, visit www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    38 min
  6. Thrill of the Hill - First Aid on Farm with Sean Magee

    16 JAN

    Thrill of the Hill - First Aid on Farm with Sean Magee

    Thrill of the Hill returns for season 5, with an exciting line-up on new and returning guest speakers and specialists in their fields and on their hills. We're all human, fragile and fallible, accidents can occur and mistakes can be made, people can be in danger, get hurt and when that happens, be in need of first aid. The National Farmers Union reports that despite accounting for only 1% of the working population, agriculture accounts for 20% of all deaths in the workplace. In this episode, qualified First Aid Trainer and practitioner, Sean Magee discusses the importance of first aid in the farm and rural environment, including what information to provide to emergency services and the processes of seeking help, how to assess the requirements of a casualty and top tips for dealing with agricultural related incidents when they occur.   If you want to get in touch with Sean, he can be contacted at CPS Activities Ltd via email at enquiries@cpsactivities.com. Related FAS Resources Developing Safe Farming Practices - Lone Working Other Related Resources First Aid Training - CPS Activities Ltd

    42 min
  7. Agribusiness News Audio January 2025: A Spotlight on 2024 Environmental Developments, Global Trends, the New Scottish Budget and Financial Update

    8 JAN

    Agribusiness News Audio January 2025: A Spotlight on 2024 Environmental Developments, Global Trends, the New Scottish Budget and Financial Update

    Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we are also bringing you a sector overview of environmental developments over 2024 and we will be bringing you news on global trends and the new Scottish budget and financial update.  Show Notes   00:40 News in Brief  02:06 Policy Briefs – Roundup of 2024 and looking to 2025 and beyond.  07:52 Arable- Political alliances define trading blocs, Black Sea region supplies diminishing and UK barley and oats.   12:34 Beef – 2024 market recap, Scottish suckler herd decline and 2025 beef outlook.  17:33 Sheep – 2024 – what a year! Looking forward to 2025.   22:02 Sector Focus – 2024 environmental roundup.    29:56 Milk – 2024 review: a year of two halves and 2025 dairy outlook.  35:35 Sector focus – Global trends.    47:08 Management Matters – Financial matters: a year of political change, fiscal policy and looking ahead.     FAS Resources  Agribusiness News January 2025     Other Links:  Farm management handbook 2024-25  www.sac.co.uk/fmh  fmh@sac.co.uk  Land Reform (Scotland) Bill   Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill  NatureScot Website  Whole Farm Plans  Biodiversity Audits  Plant Health Centre  Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill  Scottish Kept Bird Register  Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill  Sheep and Goat Inventory  Preparing for Sustainable farming portal on the Rural Payments and Services Website  Farming and...

    52 min
  8. Stock Talk - Jock Gibson

    27/12/2024

    Stock Talk - Jock Gibson

    In this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native breeds of cattle to suit this system. Jock also talks about the butchery side of the business and direct selling to customers and the importance of eating quality of the meat he is selling to customers.  Jock also talks about his Nuffield Scholarship focussing on eating quality of meat which included travels to other countries to experience different systems and abattoirs.  Jock is a trustee of Farmstrong Scotland and this is something he is passionate about. This is now setup as a charity and is designed to help people with their mental health and wellbeing and encourage the creation of positive habits.   Linked resources:  Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well

    1h 9m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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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