Stock Talk - Sam Parsons, Balcaskie Estate Scotland's Farm Advisory Service podcast

32:09

In this podcast we hear from Kirsten Williams who will be taking over Robert Ramsay’s role as the host on Stock Talk. Kirsten talks about her farming system at home as well as her interests at work. Robert mentions some of his favourite Stock Talk podcasts and how they can develop into something bigger (e.g. the deer farming podcast has now turned into a FAS Deer Farming Group). Kirsten wishes to continue Stock Talk with more farming stories as well as discussing more technical aspects. Related FAS Resources Kirsten Williams: Let your determination grow stronger | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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Natural Capital - Biodiversity Funding on Farms 41:19

9 days ago41:19

41:19

We take a deep dive on the various sources of biodiversity funding opportunities that are available to farmers in 2025 and beyond. Covering Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes, Nature Restoration Funds, and biodiversity audits. In this episode we are joined by agricultural consultant Alex Pirie, to share updates on environmental funding opportunities for farmers in 2025 - including going over what the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) is, Nature Restoration Fund opportunities and biodiversity audits as part of the Whole Farm Plan. We discuss changes and example projects farmers are undertaking, and links with future tiers of agricultural support. Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood Timestamps: 2:39 – 16:52 AECS, what support is available and changes to previous years. 16:53 – 27:01 NRF, what it supports and updates for the year ahead. 27:02 – 33:11 Whole Farm Plan, biodiversity audits and how this links with funding. 34:51 – 40:01 Collaboration and landscape approaches, future opportunities and next steps. AECS Deadlines Agri-Environment Management : Applications are open from February 3, 2025, to June 12, 2025. Organic Conversion and Maintenance (Standalone Applications ): The application window is from February 3, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Pre-Application Consultations: Deer Management : If you're considering applying for deer management support, you must contact a NatureScot Wildlife Management Officer before applying. The deadline for requesting pre-application advice is April 30, 2025. Peatland Management : Applicants are strongly advised to consult with NatureScot at least one month before the application deadline to discuss proposals. Related FAS Material Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Thrill of the Hill | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service Other Related Resources: Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Whole Farm Plan full guidance…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

1
Thrill Of The Hill - Staggeringly Good: Raising The Profile of Venison in Scotland 27:57

13 days ago27:57

27:57

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. Venison, an underappreciated meat in Scotland? Despite the abundance of deer in Scotland, farmed and wild, venison has never been a staple of the Scottish diet, certainly not in the same way as beef or lamb. Scottish Government reports that the amount of farmed venison in Scotland increased by around 4.9% on the last five year average, making up 16,000 animals. That figure might sound impressive, but the Venison Advisory Service suggests that accounts for only 3% of national production, with the remainder coming from wild venison. Scottish Government reports that around 3,500 tonnes of wild venison is produced in Scotland each year and The Times suggest that around two thirds of that is used in the domestic and wider UK markets. But with such plentiful supplies of venison on our hills, could we be making more of it? In this episode Anona Gow discusses the virtues of venison, its nutritional value, cooking options, perception of the sector and reflects on her new book, The Venison Kitchen. Want to get in touch with Anona? She can be contacted at The Venison Kitchen via email enquiries at hello@thevenisonkitchen.co.uk Related FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/publication/podcast-the-thrill-of-the-hill-deer-farming-management/ https://www.fas.scot/publication/thinning-herds-thicken-forests/ Related External Resources The Venison Kitchen by Anona Gow Cook Book Events — Pitscandly Farm Venison Events and Farmers Markets…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

1
Rural RoundUp -Spring Update, Avian Flu & a “New Deal for Agriculture” 38:55

15 days ago38:55

38:55

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 bring us their Spring Update, with information on the “New Deal for Agriculture”, NVZ, claim deadlines for PSF & AECS Capital claims, an update on h5n1, and a market update. Related Resources Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot Claims and payments For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

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CropCast - Tom Scrope, Nuffield Scholar 2025 35:47

16 days ago35:47

35:47

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Tom Scrope to talk about his 2025 Nuffield Scholarship, in which he is exploring new ways of farmer knowledge exchange to secure stronger soils. Tom is also the Co-founder of soil benchmark, an online platform which can be used to create bespoke soil management plans. 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. Linked Resources Nuffield Farming Scholarships: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2024/tom-scrope Soil benchmark: https://www.soilbenchmark.com/#features Tom Scrope, Linked in: Tom Scrope on LinkedIn: 🤔 🇦🇺 🪱 Why do Aussie farmers share soil-y ideas BETTER and FASTER than… | 70 comments…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

1
Agribusiness News Audio February 2025: A spotlight on breeding bulls, pigs, the benefits of Co-operatives and how Whole Farm Plans will affect landlords 47:23

23 days ago47:23

47:23

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 on breeding bulls, pigs, the benefits of Co-operatives and how Whole Farm Plans will affect landlords. Show Notes 00:41 News in Brief 03:10 Policy Briefs – Foot and Mouth Disease and Avian Flu, heating grant, area monitoring pilot, national flood advisory service, new housing planning hub. 08:18 Arable- US tariff uncertainty, Sterling weakens through January, barley, oilseeds and oats. 13:04 Beef – Short supply and records prices continue. 17:31 Sheep – Shoppers trends, Christmas trends, markets and Australia. 21:49 Sector Focus – Breeding bulls. 26:40 Milk – production data, farm-gate prices, dairy commodities and market indicators, Mullers carbon reduction programme, a glass of milk a day! 31:38 Sector focus – Pigs. 37:27 Inputs: The role of Co-operatives in supporting agribusiness in Scotland. 42:09 Management Matters – Landlords and the 2025 SAF Whole Farm Plan requirements FAS Resources Agribusiness News February 2025 Other Links: The Paris Agreement | UNFCCC Foot and mouth disease Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services Office RSABI Help For Heating National Flood Resilience Strategy The National Bovine Data Centre (NBDC) NBDC beef cattle type classification guide Aberdeen-Angus Linear Assessment Explanatory Doc Animal Health & Welfare plan Integrated Pest Management Plan Nature Scot - Biodiversity Audit Rural Payments website - Whole Farm Plan guidance For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot…

Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

10 weeks ago59:06