Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Welcome to the first episode of In Conversation With… hosted this month by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Gary Catto (Head of Merchanting at Scotgrain Agriculture, part of Bairds Malt Ltd) and Robin Barron (General Manager at East of Scotland Farmers). They provide business insights and discuss grain marketplace, how the last 12 months have been, grain quality, supply and demand and what does 2024 look like as a trading environment. Episode Timestamps 00.00 Introduction – background and business operations 04:26 Increasing demand for malting barley 05:15 Steps in the supply chain 06:29 Global whisky sales and investment at malting level 08:29 Procuring grain and how a cooperative works 09:52 Grain varieties 10:33 Current planting situation and growers aommitments 11:30 Grain storage and movement throughout the year 15:10 Do end users drive when processing occurs and tonnage targets? 17:39 Dealing with variable grain quality 20:42 Expectations for 2024 23:14 New varieties on the horizon 26:33 Supply chain – priorities for the next 24 months 30:29 Lower carbon barley 33.01 Next month – Kirsten Williams discusses sheep health and welfare FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/ www.fas.scot/problem-solver/all-arable/ https://www.fas.scot/article/agribusiness-news-april-2023-cereals-and-oilseeds/ Other Resources www.scotgrain.co.uk www.bairds-malt.co.uk www.eosf.co.uk https://feeds.captivate.fm/fas-in-conversation-with/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot Credits: Hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs Guests; Gary Catto (Bairds Malt) & Robin Barron (East of Scotland Farmers) Produced by Heather Stuart Edited by Cameron Waugh Executive Producer Kerry Hammond

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode I’m joined by George Chalmers, Robert Ramsay and Tiffany Stephenson who discuss the recent bout of wet weather, and the implications of this on our agricultural businesses. We also talk about beef enterprise efficiencies. I’m later joined by Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting and Project Lead for the Scottish Farm Business Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government. Sascha tells us the latest findings from the Scottish & Farm Business Survey, and provides some figures for industry performance. If you want to sign up for the farm business survey please email Sascha.grierson@sac.co.uk FAS Resources Stock Talk - Performance in Beef Herds | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast - Spring Fertiliser Applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Whole Farm Benchmarks Tool 2022-23 | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources Agricultural Reform Route Map (ruralpayments.org) Supporting documents - Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2022-2023 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, In this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews on straw & muck and Scottish sheep meat. We will also be bringing you news on why you should invest in your vet and future proofing your retirement. Show Notes 00.45:- News in Brief 02.43:- Policy Briefs - Spring Budget, New Bills, Farm Business Survey results 2022/23 07.00:- Arable- Will crops be keeping us cozy in the future? 14.17:- Wet weather tempering demand for grazing store cattle 16.16:- Sheep - Global events bolstering UK lamb price. 19.22:- Sector Focus – Straw & muck star players in an increasingly cyclical economy. 22.22 :-Milk - Volumes rising but demand remains sluggish. 27.11:- Sector focus – Scottish sheep meat – simply Baa-rilliant ! 32.29:- Inputs - Why you should invest in your vet 38.21:- Management Matters - Future Proofing your Retirement FAS Resources Agribusiness News April 2024 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Links: Land Maintenance Form Rural Payments and Services website The new Land Reform (Scotland) Bill Scottish Farm Business Survey New Agricultural Wages Order Bioenergy 12 week consultation period Tolerable and Repairing Standards Energy Performance Certificate Jennifer Galloway on Jennifer.galloway@sac.co.uk and Tel 01776 702649 For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

THRILL OF THE HILL | An iconic Scottish species and of high conservation interest, the mountain hare has a lot going for it. Years of hard work to create the managed uplands we know have also contributed to the betterment of the species and a combination of predator control and careful heather management means that it has found a home in our hill expanses. In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Robert Raynor from NatureScot and Scott Newey from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust for a discussion on the species, its place in the uplands, conservation initiatives and the outlook for the uplands in general. Related Resources Protected species: hares | NatureScot Mountain hares - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)

In this podcast we hear from SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officers Megan Fergusson and Tim Geraghty. They talk about the importance of good husbandry and top tips to save time and to prevent disease spreading at lambing and calving time. They also talk about health planning and how recording lamb and calf losses can help when reviewing these losses and how to improve survival rates in the future. Linked FAS resources: Lambing | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Calving Heifers Vlog Series | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Losses at Calving – should I investigate? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Maximising Calf Survival | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory; developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity following their development of 10%. In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consultant and future host of this podcast, Harry Fisher. We discuss his experience of BNG and how it works, including biodiversity metrics, valuing nature, opportunities for Scotland and what he is looking forward to as the future host of Natural Capital. If you have an idea for future episodes, or want to provide feedback on the series, we would love to hear from you. Visit: https://www.fas.scot/sounds-comments-and-suggestions/ Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie. Related FAS resources: FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/ Previous Natural Capital episodes: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Emerging biodiversity markets in Scotland, a source of alternative funding: https://www.fas.scot/article/emerging-biodiversity-markets-in-scotland-a-source-of-alternative-funding/ Other Related Resources: Understanding biodiversity net gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain Defra statutory biodiversity metric tools and guides: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-biodiversity-metric-tools-and-guides Research into approaches to measuring biodiversity in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/research-approaches-measuring-biodiversity-scotland/ Timestamps: Intro to episode and our new host Harry: 0:00 – 5:10 What is BNG and its use: 5:11 – 13:13 Actions to increase biodiversity: 13:14 – 19:12 Impact and use of BNG on farms: 19:13 – 25:10 Defra tool, metrics and valuing nature: 25:11 – 33:43

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Neil Havis, a Senior Plant Pathologist at SRUC to discuss natural products with a focus on elicitors. Cropcast is 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 Farms | AHDB Technical note (TN725): Integrated pest management | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Click here to listen to CropCast Natural Products Part 2 - VIXERAN (Biostimulant)

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Andy Cunningham, a Field Technical Manager at Syngenta to discuss Vixeran, a new biostimulant which is now available to growers in the UK. Cropcast is 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 VIXERAN - Biostimulant | Syngenta The Role of Biostimulants in IPM | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Click here to listen to CropCast Natural Products Part 1 - Elicitors

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Scot’s Pine and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alan Crawford from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Scot’s Pine on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Oak. Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition. Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Oak and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alasdair Firth from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Oak on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine. Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition. Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Yew and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Iona Hyde from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Yew on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine. Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition. Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Birch and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Viv Halcrow from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Birch on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Oak and Scot’s Pine. Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition. Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu Home (hiddenglenfolk.org)http://woodlandcrofts.org/?page_id=552 https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Celebrating-Birch-by-Greg-Wright/9781565233072 https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Birch-by-Anna-Lewington/9781789140118 For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss, in detail, all the things we need to focus on for Spring, including the Single Application Form (IACS), the Agri-Environment Scheme (AECS), and advice pertinent to calving, lambing, cropping and grass for Spring. FAS Resources Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast - Spring Fertiliser Applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources Basic Payment Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, In this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews on forestry and how the changing climate affects Scottish farms. We will also be bringing you news on optimising grassland management and fertiliser usage & costs. Show Notes 00.43:-News in Brief 02.38:-Policy Briefs - AECS, energy efficiency standards, visitors levy. 07.18:-Arable- Increased cost of shipped grain imports, tighter domestic cereal supply.. 11.47:-Beef - Demand for finished cattle, straw shortage. 15.27:-Sheep - Smaller 2024 flock keep prices high. 18.56:- Sector Focus – Forestry – updates to FGS and timber markets. 23.02 :-Milk - Characteristics of top performing dairy farms, prices update. 27.22:- Sector focus – How will changing climate affect Scottish farms? 32.06:- Management Matters - Optimising grassland management. 35.34:- Input costs - Fertiliser cost and usage update. Related FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/publication/agribusiness-news-march-2024/ Other Links: National good food nation plan Rural Payments Website Delivering Net Zero for Scotland’s Buildings Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill: Consultation Briefing Note 45- December 2023 Briefing Note 46- February 2024 Timber Price Indices from Forest Research Characteristics of top performing farms in the UK 2024-dairy.pdf For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook:

THRILL OF THE HILL | Fire can be an effective management tool in the Scottish uplands, and if controlled and utilised responsibly, can be helpful in rejuvenating our upland heaths. However, fire can also be devastating for many rural businesses and with a number of factors at play, including, climate change, water scarcity, public access and total accidents, wildfires can and do happen, with ever greater intensity. In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Bruce Farquharson from Scottish Fire and Rescue and discuss prevention of wildfires, the role of muirburning and the benefits of having a fire action plan should the worst happen! Related FAS Materials Preventing Wildfires on Agricultural Land | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood risk or mitigating and adapting to climate change. We discuss what AECS has to offer with consultants Dr Paul Chapman and Alex Pirie to find out everything about AECS, how to apply and the opportunities it presents to create, restore and enhance natural capital assets. Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie Related FAS resources: FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/ FAS Specialist Advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/ Thrill of the hill: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/ Other Related Resources: Woodland Trust MOREhedges: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morehedges Woodland Trust MOREwoods: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morewoods/ Nature restoration fund: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/scottish-government-nature-restoration-fund-nrf Rural Payments AECS: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/ Timecodes: What is AECS and how it has developed 2:26 – 11:16 Alternative funding and collaboration 11:17 – 15:17 The application process 15:18 – 19:20 What’s included in this year's AECS 19:21 - 26:08 Deadlines, useful info and advice for new applicants 30:28 - 35:07

In this podcast we hear from Sascha Grierson, SAC Consultant and Economist, and Colin Mason, SAC Veterinary Investigation Officer. They talk to Robert Ramsay about improving productivity and efficiency in beef herds and also talk about grant support to aid this improvement. Related FAS Resources Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Agribusiness News February 2024 - Inputs: Calf Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Beef Technical Toolkit | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 20th Feb 2024 and all information considered correct to this date. On today’s episode Robert, Tiffany and George are joined by Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre. They discuss the potential future landscape of funding, common grazings & small holders, policy and pressures around GHG emissions, and value chain need for reduced emissions and increased biodiversity. Discussion touches on the next generation of farmers, and how policy can encourage young people into the industry. Other Resources Agricultural Reform Route Map (ruralpayments.org) Agricultural Reform What will Future Support Look Like? (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Peter Lindsay, an Agricultural Consultant at SAC Consulting and Professor Ian Bingham, a Plant & crop physiologist at SRUC, to discuss spring fertiliser applications for the season ahead. Cropcast is 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. Linked FAS Resources TN685 - Sulphur Recommendations for Crops TN732-Nitrogen Recommendations for Cereals, Oilseed Rape & Potatoes TN715 – TN718 Phosphate & Potash recommendations for crops

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. On today’s episode I’m joined by George Chalmers as he fills me in on the headlines from the inaugural FAS Connect Conference. Remember for PSF options completed in 2023, the claim window runs from 1st March 2023 to 29th February 2024. FAS Resources FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service FAS Connect Conference | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Resources Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot