Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast

In this episode, we step behind the scenes of the Monitor Farm Programme to hear directly from the people driving progress on the ground — our Regional Advisers. From facilitating discussions and navigating group dynamics to helping farm businesses explore new ideas, Regional Advisers play a crucial role in shaping positive change across Scotland’s farms. 

We explore the realities of advising in different regions, the challenges and opportunities farmers are facing, and how benchmarking, peer learning and honest conversations help build confidence and resilience. Our guest shares practical lessons, memorable moments, and reflections on what makes the Monitor Farm approach so effective. 

A grounded, insightful look at how advisers support learning, leadership and forward motion on farms across Scotland. 

In this episode speak with Rich Young about his role in the Strathspey Monitor Farm, the lessons learned over three years, and what the final chapter holds for the group. Rich reflects on key projects, the unique dynamics of the Strathspey group, and what he hopes to achieve in the final year of the programme. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Kay Wilson of Lennox of Lomond to explore how her involvement in the Monitor Farm Programme is shaping both the business she helps lead today and her thinking for the future. Kay reflects on when and why she chose to get involved, the unique challenges and opportunities of farming beside Loch Lomond, and how collaboration, benchmarking and open discussion have influenced her decision‑making. 

She also shares the practical changes and mindset shifts inspired by the programme — from navigating environmental pressures and weather extremes to balancing family life with the demands of a modern, multifaceted farm business. Kay discusses how the experience has strengthened resilience across the team, the insights most relevant to farmers in the West of Scotland, and what she sees coming next for Lennox of Lomond and the wider industry. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Keith Stewart, previous Chair of the Deeside Monitor Farm Management Group, to explore how his involvement in the programme is shaping both his own farm and the wider Morrison’s enterprise. Keith talks us through when and why he stepped into the role, what farming in the North East looks like today, and how he balances the demands of a young family with a growing, evolving farm business. 

Keith reflects on the practical changes and mindset shifts inspired by the Monitor Farm Programme — from peer learning and benchmarking to navigating new ideas and pressures within his own system. He shares the value he’s found in open discussion, collaboration with specialists, and leading a group that’s driving change across the region. 

We also look ahead to what’s next for Keith, the Deeside group, and the Morrisons, and hear his perspective on where North East farming is heading in the years to come. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Marchant, former Nithsdale Monitor Farmer from Clonhie Farm, to explore how his earlier three‑year Monitor Farm journey shaped the business he runs today. Andrew reflects on when and why he got involved with the programme, how data helped build confidence in decision‑making, and the practical changes he made — from soil and grassland improvement to grazing innovation and livestock system adjustments. 

Andrew also discusses how the programme strengthened his business resilience, the similarities and differences he sees between the previous and the current Monitor Farm Programme, and the insights he believes are most relevant to farmers today. He shares what’s changed on his own farm as a result, and with the benefit of hindsight, what would have helped him most during his time as a Monitor Farmer.  

In this episode, we sit down with farmer David Whiteford, who has turned tradition on its head by flipping his grazing system—moving sheep onto the in‑bye ground and returning cows to the hill. This bold shift has helped him cut wintering costs, improve grass use, and build a more resilient, low input farming system. 

David shares the mindset change behind rethinking a long established model, the breed choices that now fit his land and management goals, and the practical adjustments that make the system workday to day. 

In this episode, we head to Islay to explore what it takes to farm successfully on Scotland’s western edge. Scott McLellan shares his experience of balancing tradition with innovation in a challenging environment shaped by isolation, logistics, and weather extremes. From livestock management to soil health and community collaboration, Scott offers practical insights into building resilience and adapting to change. 

What makes farming in Banff and Buchan unique? In this episode, we sit down with Becky MacAngus to explore her journey from industry leadership to chairing the Monitor Farm management group. Becky shares insights on the region’s challenges and opportunities, the power of collaboration, and how curiosity and innovation are shaping livestock management and diversification. Discover how peer-to-peer learning drives progress, why the Monitor Farm Programme matters, and how it can help shape vision for the future of farming in the northeast. 

Join us for a special roundup episode of Discuss the Undiscussabull, where we reflect on the powerful conversations that took place across Scotland this November. From succession planning to tackling tough family dynamics, these workshops brought farmers together to share experiences, build communication skills, and prepare for the future. Hear key insights from our guest experts, stories from the road, and practical takeaways to keep the dialogue going on your farm. Monitor Farm Scotland are incredibly grateful to all attendees for their open minded approach and willingness to participate. If you missed out and would like to hear more, please get in touch with any of the Monitor Farm Team—who will be more than willing to help point you in the right direction for support.

What does a successful farm transition really look like? How do you balance tradition with fresh ideas while keeping family relationships strong?

In this episode,  host Mark Stephen speaks with Annabel Hamilton and Allan Bowie — two Scottish farmers who’ve navigated the challenges of farm succession from different generational viewpoints. Together, they share honest reflections on what it means to hand over responsibility, build trust, and plan for the future.

Expect practical advice, personal stories, and real-world lessons on:

• How to start meaningful conversations about change
• Managing shifting roles and responsibilities
• Approaching family conflict with understanding and openness
• Planning for a shared vision of the future

This episode offers reassurance that transition is possible — and that challenges can be worked through with the right conversations and support.

👉 Want to explore this topic further?
Join our Discuss the Undiscussabull workshops this November with Canadian facilitator Lydia Carpenter, exploring communication, change, and succession in family farming.

Workshop Dates:

• North: 3 November – Mansefield Hotel, Elgin
• West: 5 November – Radstone Hotel, Larkhall
• East: 7 November – RHASS Pavilion, Ingliston

Free to attend — to register, contact [email protected]
or WhatsApp 07353 102229.

🎧 Real stories. Honest conversations. Practical advice for farm families planning their future together.