The Rural Roundup

Farm Advisory Service
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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.

  1. 23/12/2025

    6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”. In this episode Calum Johnston sits down one on one with James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems. In the previous five episodes we heard from Farmers from five different beef and dairy farms in South West Scotland about their “Unsung Heroes”. Technology, Data, Biodiversity, Machinery and Efficiency. These Farmers and their Farms evidence that livestock farming in Scotland, has been constantly evolving, improving their practices not only for better profitability, better resilience, better output and better lives, but by doing these things, and making changes big or small, they are reducing their impact on the planet day, by day.   James is going to tell us more about some of his other “Unsung Heroes” not just for Beef & Dairy Farms, but applicable to any agricultural system, and also give us his view on Agriculture’s current position in the climate change conversation.   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Related FAS Resources Climate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Farming for a Better Climate | Helping farmers in Scotland   For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    34 min

  2. 23/12/2025

    5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator)

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Alex Marshall and Heather Dyet at Haggs Farm where 3 generations of the family are currently farming, including Heather’s grandmother, Mother Janice, brother Alex, and her father Alex, who also joins us on this episode. They tell us about their recent upgrade to a slurry separator. Through speaking to both Heather and dad Alex it was clear that on their family dairy farm, their unsung hero is machinery.  Their slurry separator has improved farm efficiencies, grass and soil health, so much so they call it “liquid gold”. One of the efficiencies is applying two thirds less fertiliser which has a massive carbon footprint reduction.     Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems, will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related FAS Resources Applicability of Slurry Separation and Acidification | Farm Scotland Milk Manager News July 2022 – Why Invest in a Slurry Separator? | Helping farmers in Scotland Slurry Lagoon Storage and Construction | Helping farmers in Scotland   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    32 min

  3. 23/12/2025

    4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two)

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Douglas Frame at Birks Farm where they discussed Calving at two. Through speaking to Douglas it was clear that on his family beef farm, their unsung hero is efficiency and despite climate change not being his primary driver, Douglas talks about the reduction he’s seen in his carbon audits.   Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.   Related FAS Resources Calving Heifers Vlog Series | Helping farmers in Scotland Calving Heifers at 2 Case Study | Helping farmers in Scotland Optimising Livestock Productivity | Helping farmers in Scotland A Guide to Calving Heifers | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit    Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    29 min

  4. 23/12/2025

    3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV)

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  On this episode Calum Johnston visits Glen Neilson at Park Farm Dairy where they discussed introduction of Solar PV. Through speaking to Glen it was clear to me that on his family’s dairy farm, their unsung hero is technology – whilst introducing solar PV was a substantial upfront investment, the ability to run the dairy, the bottling plant, and in future make a good financial return by selling into the grid- from a shed roof that otherwise wasn’t doing anything, is a benefit to the farm, the business, and the environment.   Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems tells us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related FAS Resources Technical Note (TN682): Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Renewables FAQ's | Helping farmers in Scotland Farm Scale Renewables Energy Guide Improving Energy Efficiency on the Dairy Farm | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Robotics: An Insiders Guide to Starting out with AMS Webinar For more information, visit    Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    38 min

  5. 23/12/2025

    2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics)

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits James Strang at Temples Farm where they discussed Genomics. Through speaking to James Strang, it was clear that on his dairy farm, their unsung hero is data. Data is allowing them to input into their mating programme – selecting best performing cattle for the job from the best part of the herd.   Later in the episode, James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems, will tell us more about this Unsung Hero, the benefits, the things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm or croft, and on the planet!   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Related FAS Resources   Stock Talk: Dairy Genomics | FAS Dairy Herd Management | Helping farmers in Scotland MMN January 2025 - Should You be Using Genomic Testing? | Helping farmers in Scotland For more information, visit    Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    33 min

  6. 23/12/2025

    1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds)

    Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”.  In this episode Calum Johnston visits Heather Close at Littleton farm where they discussed outwintering and rotational grazing. Through speaking to Heather, it was clear that on her beef farm, their unsung hero is biodiversity – many farmers would be aghast at the thought of weeds on their farm, but thistles and nettles are the unsung heroes for Littleton Farm.   Later in the episode James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems will tell us more about this Unsung Hero of biodiversity, the benefits, things to know if you’re considering it, and the positive impact it could have on your farm, croft, and on the planet!   Thanks for joining us for this special episode of the Rural Roundup. Check out the other five episodes of the Unsung Heroes series, all available to listen wherever you normally do, right now!    If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about anything we discussed in the Podcast, head to the show notes.   This episode was presented by Calum Johnston, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.   Related FAS Resources   Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland Biodiversity On Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland Climate Change resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit  www.fas.scot Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    39 min

  7. 17/12/2025

    Autumn Budget 2025

    Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie are joined by Andrew Coalter to discuss what the recent Autumn Budget means for farming.   Timestamps 02:05 Upcoming deadlines 04:51  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF)  06:35  Greening 2026 07:34  Introduction to Andrew Coalter 09:45 Autumn budget - overall summary  11:47 Autumn budget – Relief (APR & BPR)  14:08 Autumn budget - Practical Advice   22:54 Autumn budget – Personal tax  26:45 Autumn budget – National living wage  28:38 Autumn budget – Capital allowances  33:01 Autumn budget - Other changes  35:10 Making tax digital  37:20 Upcoming events FAS Resources  Business and Policy December 2025 - Management Matters - Autumn Budget https://www.fas.scot/article/business-and-policy-december-2025-management-matters-autumn-budget/ Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme  https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/  FAS Events  https://www.fas.scot/events/   For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    40 min

  8. 19/11/2025

    Men’s Health Month – Blood Pressure & Baler Twine

    Welcome back to the Rural Roundup. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Mary-Jane Lawrie discuss men’s health month with RSABI hut coordinator Rebecca Mackie and Health Hut nurse, Irene Scott.  Time Stamps 00:26 What’s going on with George & Mary-Jane  03:10 Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS)  05:30 Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Reminder  08:45 Leaving winter stubbles  14:44 Upcoming events  17:28 RSABI Health hut  FAS Resources  RSABI Health huts: Health Huts - RSABI  FAS Events: https://www.fas.scot/events/  Rural Payments, all scheme guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/  Other Resources   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot  Twitter: @FASScot  Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub  Phone: 0300 323 0161  Email: advice@fas.scot

    42 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Farm Advisory Service
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Farm Advisory Service
  • Show Website
    The Rural Roundup