In this episode, host, Jane Craigie catches up with Jimmy McLean, Chair of RSABI and John Scott, Chair of Farmstrong Scotland to talk about the two charities, how they support Scotland's farmers and crofters and the importance of talking and taking care of yourselves.

In the latest AgriScot podcast, Jane speaks to Al Christie at Galbraiths, a partner, valuer and expert in financing for farming businesses. Bringing a human approach to the serious business of farming, Al talks about the different ways of borrowing to suit each business and the importance of planning and strategy. He brings experience from his own farming background, as well as succession planning, and discusses how to look at diversification and new income streams and the importance for young people of building business skills as they come back to the farm.

If you know someone who should enter the Business Skills competition, share this link.

This month's podcast focus is on renewables with two farmers talking about how they have integrated green energy to grow their businesses.

Welcome to Talking Business, brought to you by AgriScot. In this short six-episode series we will be discussing the important topics that impact every business from succession and land ownership, to financial management, diversification, health and wellbeing, and energy and renewables.

In this second episode, Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), Stephen Young, talks about his role as a two-way translator between policy makers and land business managers and supporting the diverse needs of rural Scotland and its interrelated communities and businesses.

Welcome to Talking Business, brought to you by AgriScot. In this short six-episode series we will be discussing the important topics that impact every business from succession and land ownership, to financial management, diversification, health and wellbeing, and energy and renewables. In this first episode, we caught up with guest Heather Wildman, an expert farm business consultant to talk about succession, leadership and the sometimes complex issues of family businesses. Heather won the Advisor of the Year at the Scottish Agriculture Awards in 2023.

In our latest podcast, we speak to Jack Young, winner of the 2022 AgriScot Business Skills award. An agricultural graduate from SRUC Barony and Oatridge, he works full-time on the family farm as well as playing an active role in Carluke YFC. He shares his thoughts on farming, the competition, working with mentors, and why encouraging future leaders into the sector is vital. The award came with a £1000 cash prize, kindly supported by sponsors NFU Mutual. Our podcasts are available on all the usual channels including Spotify, Apple and Google so you can listen away while you work.

In our fourth episode of the AgriScot podcast, host Claire Taylor catches up with the organiser behind the big day, Martin Dare, to hear what has been going on behind the scenes. With AgriScot just around the corner, final preparations are underway and after three years away, the team making it all happen are excited to be back on the ground and delivering it at last. Martin explains what goes in to planning a major agricultural event and why AgriScot is so unique in its offering, bringing together lots of exhibitors and advice at a key time of year in the farming calendar, and all for free. He reflects on how the event has changed over the last couple of decades, expanding its portfolio and footprint to accommodate more exhibitors, sponsors, seminars, and awards categories – priding itself on having something of interest for everyone and across all sectors.

In our third episode of the AgriScot podcast, host Claire Taylor catches up with John MacInnes, who farms on the Isle of Iona and is also the trade stand manager, responsible for all the exhibitors at AgriScot.

With over 230 exhibitors lined-up for this November, John explains that there is something to suit every business and recalls how the event has changed over the years, to cater for all farming sectors.

AgriScot is one of the main business events in the UK where farmers can meet face-to face with suppliers, all in one place and the range of expertise on offer, coupled by the array of new product offerings, make it a huge draw on the day.

With rising costs impacting farm businesses across the board, this year's event will be primarily focused on what exhibitors can offer farmers, to help cut down on costs and increase overall farm efficiency.

In our second episode of the AgriScot podcast, host Claire Taylor speaks with Louise Nicoll of Newton Farm Holidays, who together with her husband Graeme, picked up the inaugural award for AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year in 2021.

Louise explains that diversifying their farming business into farm tours, has been key to their survival and believes that this may be the case for many others who are facing soaring price pressures, across the board.

Building strong relations with members of the public and giving them an insight into farming life, is at the heart of what they do, and they have been delighted with the support they have received from the local community.

The podcast delves into some of the different ways in which farmers are diversifying to futureproof their businesses and Louise shares why she thinks the AgriScot Diversified Award process is a brilliant opportunity for farmers to reflect on their business journey. Our thanks go to SAC Consulting for supporting and sponsoring the 2022 award.

In our first ever episode of the brand-new AgriScot podcast, host Claire Taylor travels to the Scottish Borders to visit Robert Neill of Upper Nisbet Farm, to hear about his journey from AgriScot Beef Farmer of the Year winner in 2012, to his current position as Chair.

The new series will shine a light on the AgriScot awards and will feature a different farmer every month, sharing their journey through the experience and the impact it has had on their business.

Each episode will be short and snappy, getting to the heart of some of the big talking points on the minds of many in the industry.

In this first episode, Robert touches on the hesitance of farmers to put themselves forward for the awards and appeals to them to become ambassadors for the sector at a time where farming champions are needed more than ever.

Grab a cuppa, sit back and join us as we head on-farm with Robert.