Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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. 1d ago

    Stock Talk - Organics in the Uplands with Duncan Shell

    Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Duncan Shell from Bushelhill farm in the Lammermuir hills. Duncan runs 1500 easy care breeding sheep and a herd of 200 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows with no hired labour on his 1800 acre farm. He runs a low input organic system with zero purchased feed and makes the most from grazing management such as rotational grazing in the summer, and outwintering. Duncan talks about why he was driven to convert to organic back in the late 1980s. He is passionate about improving his livestock and having them suit his system. He talks about the challenges of being organic and how he deals with these challenges. Duncan also talks about the importance of a work : life balance and the importance of looking after your mental health. Resources Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Stock Talk - Organics in the Uplands with Duncan Shell

  2. 3d ago

    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

    Crofting Matters - Shetland Wool: Threads of Heritage, Innovation, & Community Life

  3. Oct 21

    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

    Rural Roundup - The Rural Support Plan

  4. Oct 20

    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

    Cropcast - Growing, Roguing and Marketing at Chapel Organics

  5. Oct 15

    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

    Agri Culture - Harvest Her Power: Katja Williams

  6. Oct 9

    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

    Business and Policy News Audio October 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on Regenerative Agriculture.

  7. Oct 5

    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

    Crofting Matters - Big Projects, Local Communities - Navigating Development Proposals

  8. Oct 1

    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

    Thrill of The Hill - Policy Pathfinder: Farming for a Better Climate
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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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