Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

In this episode we talk to Isla Mackenzie – raised on a dairy farm on the Isle of Lewis and now working perfecting parts for the cars that Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell drive at Grand Prix around the world for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS. 

Host Sarah Stephen finds out more about what farming and F1 have in common and Isla’s career in motorsport, including her own journey to get behind the wheel and race.

Isla tells us about the barriers she’s faced and how wellbeing plays a vital part in ensuring she is mentally and physically ready for the track.

We find out what it was like growing up on the Isle of Lewis and how Isla felt about moving for university and her job, now living near Northamptonshire, and why she made an effort to go out and join a local football club even though she admits to being no good at it!

Race along and give it a listen!

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more.

Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

In the latest episode of Blether Together, kindly supported by The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, host Sarah Stephen talks with Michael Blanche on his journey to becoming a first-generation farmer, and how he stayed tenacious and resilient through the knock-backs and challenges. 

It all started in 2003 when Michael went to buy ten sheep but returned with 50, purchased on a credit card so in his own words he actually started with nothing. Over the years he rented 150 acres over seven holdings, all on short-term lets, whilst trying to secure his own tenancy. After seven attempts, this was finally possible and now farms at Culteuchar, near Forgandenny in Perthshire.  

Sarah asks Michael how he stayed motivated to continue with his dream and what advice he has for those starting up. They discuss imposter syndrome and how he overcame it, and, like many in farming, monetary constraints continue to be the biggest worry he faces. 

And of course, we couldn’t not touch on his own podcast, The Pasture Pod, which was inspired by Will Evans from Rock and Roll Farming, and has been a constant source of positive relief from the hardship that can be faced in farming.  

More recently, he has recorded a documentary podcast series focused on time management, supported by the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust. During his conversations with farmers, crofters, researchers and advisors, he investigates how to make the most of the 12 seasons he has left before retirement, and what we can all do to meet the 80-20 rule - you can get 80% of the benefits from 20% of the input. Michael explains “we think hard work is the answer, and for many it may be, but for lots, it is not. You might be doing things right, but are we doing the right things?” 

Full of laughs and meaningful insights, the episode finishes off with Michael describing why he supports Farmstrong Scotland and believes in the benefits of connecting with other people. He tells us about his daily meditation, and how a simple list of tasks can help him focus on what is important. 

Take 30-minutes out from your day to sit back and listen to our next podcast, or why not tune in while you work away…there is even a terrible attempt at an Australian accent and a confession about the very first podcast Michael recorded!  

And to enjoy Michael’s full time management series, click here.

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more.

Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

Rory Christie is a partner in the Dourie Farming Company Ltd., a dairy and piggery business that he runs with his brother Gregor in Wigtownshire, Southwest Scotland. Rory, founder of the co-operative The Milk Suppliers Association (MSA), oversees the dairy farm where 1100 dairy cows calve in February and March each year and spend the majority of the year outside. Gregor takes care of the pig side of the operation which is an indoor Danish-like system. 

A family business started by their grandfather and now stretching 70 years in operation, there have been many ups and downs over those years with significant challenges impacting Rory. This podcast finds out more about the business and is a very honest and open account delving into how Rory defines success and how he copes with and has managed the stress he encounters.

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more.

Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

In the first episode, Sarah meets up with fourth-generation farmer John Scott, who farms at Fearn Farm, with his wife Fiona and their four children. The family’s mixed enterprise includes 3,500 breeding ewes, 250 beef cattle, renewables, malted barley, meat boxes and holiday cottages. 

Many will know John as the chairman of Farmstrong Scotland but what we delve into in the podcast is why he is personally so passionate to get the movement set up. During this first blether, you join a very honest discussion of the ups and downs of John's farming life. 

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more.

Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123