Business & Policy News Audio

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Regenerative Agriculture.

Timestamps:

00:42 News in Brief

07:47 Policy Briefs – New CPD consultation, Scottish Government consults on price caps for essential food, new taskforce looks at getting more Scottish food into schools and hospitals, a look at the Latest Agricultural Price Indices and funding opportunities for training and qualifications.

14:11 Cereals – Latest news and market update

24:38 Beef – Latest news and market update

30:09 Sheep – Latest news and market update

35:52 Milk – Latest news and market update

44:34 Sector focus – Regenerative Agriculture

47:59 Further articles – Do I need to reseed? Bluetongue – What you need to know. EnviroCow article

FAS Links and Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service:

https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/

FAS podcasts: FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland:

https://www.fas.scot/sounds/

[email protected]

Other Links and Resources:

The Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture:

https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/agricultural-reform-programme/the-code-of-practice-on-sustainable-and-regenerative-agriculture/

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space:

https://consult.gov.scot/agriculture-and-rural-economy/continuing-professional-development-cpd-tier-4/

Price controls on essential food items: consultation paper:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/price-controls-essential-food-items-consultation-paper/

Price controls on essential food items - take part in the consultation:

https://consult.gov.scot/business-and-better-regulation/price-controls-on-essential-food-items-draft-legis/

Latest Agricultural Price Indices:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/agricultural-price-indices/agricultural-price-indices-united-kingdom-july-2026

Funding opportunities for training and qualifications:

https://lantra.co.uk/scotland/scotland-training-funds/

Lantra - funding opportunities for training and qualifications:

https://lantra.co.uk/scotland/scotland-training-funds/

Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme:

https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme-full-guidance/

Grassland section:

https://www.fas.scot/grassland/

Do I Need to Reseed? | Helping farmers in Scotland:

https://www.fas.scot/article/do-i-need-to-reseed/

Blutongue: What You Need to Know:

https://www.fas.scot/podcast/stock-talk-bluetongue-what-you-need-to-know/

EnviroCow Index Yielding Results:

https://www.fas.scot/article/envirocow-index-yielding-results/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Greening changes for 2027 and changes to muirburn legislation.

Timestamps:

00:48 News in Brief

06:07 Policy Briefs – Bluetongue update, Future Farming Investment Scheme, BSE in Scotland, Organic farming sector continues to grow, Payment rates for Basic Payment Scheme and Greening.

14:47 Cereals – Latest news and market update

26:39 Beef – Latest news and market update

32:36 Sheep – Latest news and market update

38:40 Milk – Latest news and market update

48:06 Sector focus – Greening changes for 2027

52.08 Specialist Article – Getting Ready for Muirburn Licensing

55:49 Further articles –Soil structure and compaction, Biodiversity auditing in Scotland, Are you tick aware? Get Livestock updates via WhatsApp channel.

FAS Links and Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

FAS podcasts: FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland

Other Links and Resources:

Bluetongue - how to spot and report the disease

APHA Bluetongue interactive disease map

Scottish Government - declaration of a Temporary Control Zone (Bluetongue) document

AHPA bluetongue case map

APHA animal disease alert subscription service

Bluetongue: latest situation - GOV.UK

Bluetongue movement restrictions: 1 June - 9 September 2026

Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Movement licence information - gov.scot

The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) contact number - 03000 600 704

Future Farming Investment Scheme

BSE in Scotland

BSE: how to spot and report the disease

Organic Farming in Scotland: 2025 - gov.scot

Payment rates set for Basic Payment Scheme and Greening 2026

Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme

Scottish Pig Producers Support Scheme

Basic Payment Scheme - including links to Greening Guidance

Getting Ready for Muirburn Licensing | Helping farmers in Scotland

NatureScot - Muirburn Licensing - Check your land for a muirburn application

FAS - Muirburn info, link to NatureScot & link to webinar

FAS - soil structure and compaction.

TOTH Podcast - Beyond the Hedgerow, Biodiversity Auditing in Scotland

FAS TV Series 6 Ep 9 - Are You Tick Aware?

FAS Livestock updates – WhatsApp:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDCFdy0gcfPkJONju3v

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the pig sector.

Show Notes:

00:34 News in Brief

06:09 Policy Briefs – Scottish Pig Producers Support Scheme, New calls to boost Scotland’s wildfire response, Scotland bans glue traps, Cracks appear over the future of brown eggs.

11:29 Cereals – Latest news and market update

20:11 Beef – Latest news and market update

25:56 Sheep – Latest news and market update

31:24 Milk – Latest news and market update

40:05 Sector focus – Pig sector

46:25 Further articles – Soil Moisture Monitoring (FAS articles), Mains of Errol: From Field to Punnet (FAS TV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (FAS Video).

FAS Links and Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

Other Links and Resources:

www.ruralpayments.org

Rural Priorities - Greening Introduction and updates

Scottish Pig Producers Support Scheme

Scottish Pig Producers Support Scheme: how to apply - gov.scot

[email protected]

Wildfires Strategic Action Plan

Scotland bans glue traps

Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024

Publications:

Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease

Swine fever: how to spot and report the disease

Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease

SEPA Water scarcity levels and reports

Island Resilience Fund 2026-2027 Online Sessions

Bluetongue movement restrictions: 1 June - 9 September 2026

https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/agricultural-census-2026.html

Soil Moisture Monitoring: Technology for Modern Irrigation Management

Understanding Portable Soil Moisture Meters

Mains of Errol: From Field to Punnet

Disease Surveillance Part 4 - Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Agri Culture podcast - Finding Your Tribe

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

[email protected]

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: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025.

Timestamps

00:37 News in Brief

06:17 Policy Briefs – Red Diesel Duty, Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme 2025 payments, New strategy for swine fever, Scotland’s New Rural Affairs Secretary, Food tariffs.

11:11 Cereals – Latest news and market update

19:44 Beef – Latest news and market update

25:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update

32:41 Milk – Latest news and market update

40:35 Sector focus – Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025

46:44 Further articles – Crop update video, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus article & FAS TV episode on Future Planning & Succession

FAS Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

Other Resources:

Red Diesel Duty To Be Cut By One-Third

Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) 2025 payments

New Strategy Launched To Protect Pig Sector Against Swine Fever

Gillian Martin Appointed Scotland’s New Rural Affairs Secretary

Food Tariff Reductions

Bluetongue movement restrictions - from 1 June 2026

Publications:

Agricultural profit estimates and milk production statistics

Bluetongue – latest situation

Consultations:

Scotland’s Peatland Standard – Consultation draft

Stock Talk - The Use Of AI In Poultry | FAS

Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025 - gov.scot

Whole Farm Benchmarks Tool 2024-25 | Helping farmers in Scotland

[email protected]

Latest Crop Update for Scotland’s Farmers

Climate Change and the Escalating Risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV)

Future Planning & Succession

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS).

Time Stamps:

01:56 News in Brief

05:52 Policy Briefs – Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 2025 payments, Groceries Code Adjudicator moves to Defra, Crofting and Scottish Land Cout Bill, Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaw

10:26 Cereals – Latest news and market update

21:28 Beef – Latest news and market update

28:05 Sheep – Latest news and market update

32:42 Milk – Latest news and market update

40:08 Sector focus –Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

45:37 Further Interest – Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple (article), Setting up a new grass ley for success (article), PCN and water scarcity (podcast).

FAS Resources:

Newsletters – Business & Policy Edition – Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

Other Resources:

Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme

Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill

Cairngorms Fire Management Byelaw

Rural Roundup Podcast

AECS Scoring Criteria

Thrill of the Hill podcast – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David Brown

Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple – article

Setting up a New Grass Ley for Success – article

PCN & Water Scarcity – CropCast Podcasthttps://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/

Publications:

Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – latest update

Monthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat production

Labour Market Trends: April 2026 – gov.scot

African swine fever in Europe – latest update

The Environment Strategy for Scotland

Rural Support Plan

Consultations:

Installation and maintenance licences for heat networks

Communications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayers

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Maker Space, a Digital Dairy Chain project.

Time Stamps:

00:36 News in Brief

05:45 Policy Briefs – Food and Drink Processing Scheme, Community Right to Buy, Funding for Gleylag Geese on Uist, Help for Households Using Heating Oil, Electronic Identification for Cattle, Key Dates.

17:14 Cereals – Latest news and market update

25:22 Beef – Latest news and market update

31:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update

39:27 Milk – Latest news and market update

46:49 Sector focus – Maker Space, a Digital Dairy Chain project

51:40 Further articles – FAS TV ‘After Winter: Crop Performance and the Season Ahead’, FAS podcast ‘Rural Roundup Policy Update’ and FAS article ‘Agronomy for Ecological Focus Area Herb and Legume Rich Swards’

FAS Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

Other Resources:

ScotGov - Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025

Food and Drink Processing Scheme - Intro & Guidance

Community rights to buy review - gov.scot

Energy Grants Assistance | Energy Advice | energyadvice.scot

Scottish Government Consultations:

Accelerating Home-building in Scotland

Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003

Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications under The Electricity Act

Publications:

Short-term lets: regulation information - gov.scot

Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture: consultation analysis report - gov.scot

Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance

The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator: Milk Sector Survey 2026

Further choices:

After Winter: Crop Performance and The Season Ahead

Rural Roundup - Policy Update

EFA Herb and Legume Rich Swards

New Technologies & Renewable for Dairy Farms

Crofting Through the Seasons - Spring & Summer

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on how a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture.

Show Notes

00:35 News in Brief

05:42 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), National Islands Plan, Securing Homes in Rural and Island Communities, Upcoming Grant Funding, Lamb Castration Consultation, Key Dates, Consultations and Publications.

14:19 Cereals – Latest news and market update

20:42 Beef – Latest news and market update

27:48 Sheep – Latest news and market update

30:50 Milk – Latest news and market update

37:45 Sector focus – How a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture

47:26 Further articles – ‘Preparing for calving (FAS TV), ‘All things insurance’ (podcast) and ‘Alternative Protein Crop Overview’ (FAS article)

FAS Links and Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

[email protected]

Other Links and Resources:

Agritourism Investment Scheme 2026 (FAS)

Agritourism Investment Scheme contact

Management Options

Capital Items

Fair Work First

National Islands Plan - gov.scot

Affordable Housing Supply Programme

Rural and Island Housing Fund

Lamb Welfare: Consultation

Accelerating Home-building in Scotland (closing date 30.04.26)

Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (closing date 15.05.26)

Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications (closing date 27.05.26)

Short-term lets: regulation information - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date)

Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date)

Scottish farm business income - gov.scot (2024-25 link available from 27.03.26)

Is whisky tourism on the rocks? - BBC News

Scotch whisky production slows as tariffs and weak demand bite | EasternEye

What the India tariffs deal means for Scotch whisky - BBC News

Chinese whisky tariff cut to come into force - BBC News

Impact.economist.com/key-findings

FAS TV Series 5 Ep 27 - Preparing for Calving

All things Insurance - FAS (Rural Roundup podcast)

Alternative Protein Crop Overview

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on promoting your farm or croft online.

Show Notes

00:33 News in Brief

04:35 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF), Drivers over 70, Agri Wages Board Minimum Wage Proposal, Protection of Tenants, Rural and Island Communities

19:05 Cereals – Latest news and market update

26:20 Beef – Latest news and market update

30:04 Sheep – Latest news and market update

34:00 Milk – Latest news and market update

39:27 Sector focus – Promoting your farm or croft online

50:40 Further articles – ‘Preparing for lambing’ (FAS TV), ‘New Year, New Kit?’ (FAS TV) and ‘Who will milk the cows tomorrow?’ (FAS article)

FAS Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

Other Links and Resources:

Visitor Levy Amendment Bill published - gov.scot

Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks - gov.scot

Sheep scab notifications - gov.scot

Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 148)

Agritourism Investment Scheme (AIS)

AECS - Management Options page

AECS - Capital Items page

AECS - Targeting tool

AECS - Seeking Endorsement

Fair Work First

Preparing for Sustainable farming portal

Renew your driving licence if you're 70 or over - GOV.UK

[email protected]

The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026

Rural & Islands Insight Report 2025

Slaughter lamb classification (GOV.UK)

Wix - website builder

Squarespace - website builder

IONOS - website builder

Mailchimp (email marketing)

FAS TV Series 5 Ep 24 - Preparing for Lambing

Who will milk the cows tomorrow?

FAS TV Series 5 Ep 23 - ONE AgriTech

CropCast - Knowing Your Numbers| FAS

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on geopolitics and global agricultural trends.

Show Notes

00:36 News in Brief

03:24 Policy Briefs – Muirburn licencing, Sheep and Goat Inventory, PSF claims, slurry storage regulations, visitor levies, key dates, newly released publications.

13:47 Cereals – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

20:13 Beef – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

31:20 Sheep – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

36:06 Milk – Review of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026

42:54 Sector focus – Geopolitics and global agricultural trends

50:21 Further articles – Ledmacoy free-range bronze turkeys (FAS TV), Organics at Bowhouse (FAS TV) and Agronomy Past, Present & Future (FAS Podcast)

FAS Links and Resources:

Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service

Other Links and Resources:

National Flood Advisory Service

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill

Glyphosate Renewal Group

Next Generation Practical Training Fund

Peatland Training Fund

Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) 2018

Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024

Sheep and Goat Inventory

Farming and Water Scotland - Slurry and Manure Storage

Antimicrobial resistance

Rural Scotland data dashboard 2025: data tables

Livestock identification and traceability: guidance

The First National Good Food Nation Plan

The First National Good Food Nation Plan (Gaelic)

FAS TV Series 5 Ep 21 - Ledmacoy Turkeys - YouTube

FAS TV Series 5 Ep 20 - Organics at Bowhouse

CropCast - Agronomy Past, Present & Future | FAS

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]