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. 10h ago

    Cropcast - Field to Fork with Kettle Produce

    Field to Fork with Kettle Produce: in this episode Mark is joined by Finlay Ross (Crop Manager) and Andrew Orr (Head of Agriculture) from Kettle Produce Ltd. Kettle Produce are a market leader for the provision of fresh and prepared vegetables, with over 5,000 hectares of crops grown in Scotland and around the world. Listen to this episode to hear about the background to Kettle Produce, regions farmed, crops grown, rotational demands, agronomic and climatic challenges, technical innovations in the field, labour and market trends. This episode was presented by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Cameron Waugh, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood & Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 02.08 Introducing Andrew Orr (Head of Agriculture at Kettle Produce) 04.18 Introducing Finlay Ross (Crop Manager at Kettle Produce) 06.51 Scale, set up of the business and crops grown 10.06 Crop rotation and working with a pool of growers 12.42 Cover crops 14.18 Farming calendar for broccoli and cauliflower 18.08 Vegetable agronomy 27.18 Adapting to extreme weather conditions 33.46 Crop trials 34.46 Labour requirements and graduate scheme 39.20 Market trends and demand for vegetables 42.28 Andrews take home message 43.50 Finlays take home message Resources Kettle Produce Ltd Contact: mail@kettle.co.uk Mark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Cropcast - Field to Fork with Kettle Produce

  2. 5d ago

    Thrill of The Hill - Beef, Business and Beyond

    The beef industry in Scotland is resilient and adaptable, whether it’s changing markets and cost of production pressures, policy developments or the new entrant bottleneck. To help us navigate these topics and many more, today we are joined by Senior Beef Specialist Gavin Hill to discuss the outlook for the beef sector. 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 01.48 Introducing Gavin Hill 02.58 What’s topical in the beef sector at the moment 10.57 Factors impacting price movements 15.32 Impact of international conflicts on the industry 16.36 Policy and regulatory changes 19.11 Outlook for cattle numbers 25.00 Labour 27.55 The world situation can change all the time 29.50 Scotch Beef is a unique product 31.40 Farmers responding to environmental policy 34.18 Outlook for the industry, short and longer term 36.47 Risks that we should be prepared for 39.38 Opportunities for the sector 41.20 Gavins take home message Resources Livestock resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Thrill Of The Hill RSS Feed (Virtually Stock Proof 21.10.22, Virtual fencing 24.09.20) Gavin.Hill@sac.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Thrill of The Hill - Beef, Business and Beyond

  3. 6d ago

    Business and Policy News Audio July 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology

    Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology. Timestamps and links for Show Notes 00:45 News in Brief 06:50 Policy Briefs – New EU rules on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025. Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture. Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27. Latest estimates for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions 15:48 Cereals – Latest news and market update 23:53 Beef – Latest news and market update 30:14 Sheep – Latest news and market update 36:15 Milk – Latest news and market update 44:32 Sector focus – potato markets and optical grading technology 53:52 Further articles – Planning and Preparing for Water Scarcity (webinars). Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm (article). Precision Weed Control Powered by Artificial Intelligence (FAS TV). The Use Of AI In Poultry (podcast). Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service advice@fas.scot New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture (ADM report) Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27 Scottish Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Nitrogen Use 2024–25 statistics Water Scarcity - YouTube Planning and preparing for water scarcity - NE Scotland - recorded webinar Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm Precision Weed Control Powered by Artificial Intelligence The Use Of AI In Poultry Publications: Scottish National Adaptation Plan Annual Report 2025-2026 - gov.scot Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease Classical swine fever: how to spot and report the disease Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease SEPA Water scarcity levels and reports Consultations: NatureScot - General Licensing Review National Strategy for Community Justice: review of 2022 strategy - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space 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 July 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology

  4. 6d ago

    Rural Roundup - 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

    Rural Roundup - One Foot In, One Foot Out: Getting Started & Succession

  5. Jul 14

    Agri Culture - "Finding Your Tribe” Rural Neurodivergent Network : Ren Fisher

    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. Today’s episode isn’t being hosted by Mary-Jane as normal, but by Kerry Hammond. Usually, Kerry sits in the producer’s chair behind the scenes. Today’s episode focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the agricultural community. As a neurodivergent individual, and a neurodivergence-informed coach, Kerry jumped at the opportunity to grab the mic for one episode only, to have an incredible conversation with Ren Fisher. Ren is also Neurodivergent, she works for The Soil Association as Head of Wales – Farming and Land Use, and Ren also has her own business providing neurodivergent coaching, training and advocacy. That business is called ‘Harvesting Potential’. Ren co-founded the brand new ‘Rural Neurodivergent Network’, a nationwide WhatsApp group to facilitate individuals diagnosed, suspecting, or supporting those who are neurodivergent, to “Find Their Tribe!”. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about Neurodivergence, the rural Neurodivergent Network, or to contact Ren Fisher directly, you can find links and her direct email address in the show notes. This episode was produced and presented by me Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources Agri Culture - Liz Haines: Levelling The Field, Neurodiversity in Agriculture | FAS Ren Fisher - Harvesting Potential - Instagram Ren Fisher - Harvesting Potentials: Overview | LinkedIn Join the Network Email: harvesting.potentials@outlook.com What is Neurodiversity :: Keeping Well For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Agri Culture - "Finding Your Tribe” Rural Neurodivergent Network : Ren Fisher

  6. Jun 30

    Natural Capital - CREW Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning

    In this episode, we are joined by Lorna Cole, Louise Bond and Alistair McVittie to discuss their collaboration on the newly published CREW report; Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning, and what its findings could mean for the future of Scotland’s water environment and land use. We explore the report's recommendations, including taking a whole-catchment, natural capital approach to river basin management, to consider the wider landscape and the many benefits healthy ecosystems provide. The conversation covers the evidence behind nature-based solutions as well as the opportunities, trade-offs and challenges associated with implementing them at scale. We also examine the economic implications of changing land use, how the value of environmental improvements can be measured, and what future funding models, including public and private investment, blended finance, and emerging environmental markets could mean for farmers and land managers. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 0:53 – 3:44 intros to speakers and CREW 3:45 – 9:08 The report, its recommendations, 5 key elements and why this research is crucial 9:09 – 17:05 Different nature-based solutions, co-benefits, and trade-offs 17:06 – 21:06 how to quantify costs and value of managing land for wider societal good and future markets 21:07 – 32:40 Nature based solutions at scale, stakeholders, and mechanisms Resources: FAS Water management resources for farmers: https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/ FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ CREW Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning - Protecting and Improving Scotland’s Water Environment: https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications/natural-capital-and-rbmp FIRNS - The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/firns-facility-investment-ready-nature-scotland Scottish Forum on Natural Capital: https://naturalcapitalscotland.com/ Nature Finance Exchange: https://naturefinancex.nature.scot/ Farming & Water Scotland: https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Natural Capital - CREW Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning

  7. Jun 26

    Stock Talk - Changing the Mark: New Technology in Lamb Marking

    Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie, and farmers Ewan Runciman and Scott Fraser. Today we're looking at one of the most important management practices carried out on sheep farms every spring - lamb marking. For many sheep producers, this includes procedures such as castration and tail docking. These are routine husbandry practices, but they're also areas where there has been increasing focus on animal welfare and reducing pain. In recent years, new technologies have emerged to help farmers carry out these procedures more effectively and with improved welfare outcomes. Our three guest speakers have first-hand experience of using some of these innovations. First, we will hear from veterinarian Kythe about why farmers castrate and tail dock lambs, the legal requirements in Scotland, and the importance of pain management. Then we'll hear from Ewan, who uses Numnuts, a system that combines ring application with local anaesthetic delivery. And finally, we'll hear from Scott, who has experience using ClipFitter, another technology designed to improve welfare during lamb marking. Related FAS Resources Lamb Castration & Tail Docking: Alternative Methods Other Resources ClipFitter - Kinder castration and tailing Numnuts – Numnuts For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

    Stock Talk - Changing the Mark: New Technology in Lamb Marking

  8. Jun 23

    Crofting Matters - Shetland Black Aets: Preserving an Ancient Land Race, and Heritage Straw Crafts

    Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting. Over the next few episodes, we will be bringing you Crofting Matters from Shetland. Today we are joined by two fascinating guests! Eve Eunson who was born and raised on her family’s Croft in Fair Isle and who is now a designer and maker of Fair Isle Straw-backed chairs. We’re also joined by Ewen Balfour who is a crofter, quantity surveyor and also a master craftsman in Shetland basket making. We’re going to hear from them about work that they are part of to preserve Shetland’s endangered straw crafts and one of our ancient landraces – Shetland black oats – referred to locally as ‘aets’. If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters please do subscribe to hear the next episode when we’ll be joined by crofters who work in aquaculture in Shetland to discuss the connections between crofting, fisheries and aquaculture in our Island communities. If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you’ll find links in the show notes. This episode was produced by Kerry Hammond, and Edited by Keiron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Eve Eunson Heritage Crafts Ewen Balfour - The Kishie Maker’s Year | Woven Communities SASA (Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture) | Small Oat/Shetland Oat & Common Oat The Red List - Heritage Crafts | Shop — Lois Walpole - Kishie's and Cuddies Book Contact the Shetland Straw Society : shetlandstrawsociety@gmail.com 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 Black Aets: Preserving an Ancient Land Race, and Heritage Straw Crafts
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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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