Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast

Conflict in farming families is more common than we talk about—and more solvable than we think. 

In this episode, we speak with experienced mediator Gordon Davies about how mediation can help farm families navigate succession, business transitions, and relationship breakdowns. From entrenched positions to shared solutions, Gordon shares how mediation creates safe, structured spaces for difficult conversations. 

Ever wondered how coaching can unlock clarity, confidence, and meaningful change in farming families and rural businesses? In this episode, Heather Wildman shares her approach to coaching—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it helps people move forward.

We cover:
 ✅ Succession planning & leadership transitions
 ✅ Family and business conflict resolution
 ✅ Building confidence, resilience & emotional intelligence
 ✅ Prioritising wellbeing & mental health

Heather also offers practical tools and reflective questions listeners can use to start their own coaching journey. Perfect for farmers, rural business owners, and anyone looking to strengthen both business and family relationships.

 Don’t miss the November Monitor Farm Scotland workshops with Heather and Lydia Carpenter.  More details to follow soon

Season 3 is now here!!

These are the conversations farming families often avoid, but they are the ones that matter most.  In this special episode, we dive into the heart of farm family dynamics with Canadian experts Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, ahead of the November workshop tour with Monitor Farm Scotland. From succession planning and conflict resolution to mental wellbeing and business culture, we explore the challenges farming families face and the tools they need to overcome them. 

What is the impact of your farm’s carbon footprint—and how can knowing it help your business? In this episode of Field Talk, we break down the QMS and AHDB Environmental Baselining Project in plain terms. You’ll hear about how measuring things like soil carbon and livestock emissions can assist decision making to ultimately improve profitability, sustainability, and prepare for the future. 

Whether you're already involved or just curious, this episode gives you a clear picture of what the project means for your farm - and how it could help you stay ahead in an ever changing industry. 

In this episode of Field Talk we dive into the smaXtec bolus project, a cutting-edge innovation trialled and implemented through the Monitor Farm Programme.  Hear from Helen Hollingsworth and Ewan Jamieson as they discuss how this innovative technology is transforming herd health management by detecting illness early, predicting calving, and reducing antibiotic use with the ultimate outcome of improving herd health, productivity, and sustainability. 

In this episode of Field Talk we discover how the Strathspey Monitor Farm has transformed cattle nutrition by fine tuning rations to boost performance in suckler cows and growing stock. Karen Stewart, SAC Consulting and Jane Harley (Strathspey Veterinary Centre) discuss how feed budgeting, forage analysis, and health management, especially around pneumonia, can drive herd efficiency and profitability. The Strathspey Monitor Farm shows how a strategic approach to forage and health can drive performance and profitability via practical steps and forward planning to make the most of home grown feed and forage. 

In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Shaw, Ruminant Nutritionist at SAC Consulting, to explore how farmers can identify and act upon key profitability markers within their herds. Lorna breaks down the essential starting points for assessing herd performance—from understanding feed efficiency and weight gain to calving intervals and cow productivity. 

We delve into real-world examples from the Monitor Farms in Islay and South Ayrshire, where data-driven decisions have led to measurable improvements in herd health and farm profitability. Lorna shares how tools like regular weight monitoring, body condition scoring, and digital record-keeping can transform raw data into actionable insights. 

Whether you're just starting to track herd metrics or looking to refine your current system, this episode offers practical advice and resources to help you make informed decisions and boost your bottom line. 

In this episode, we dig into the fundamentals of grazing management and explore why it's become a key focus for the Monitor Farm network. With expert guidance from John Ritchie, Montalt Farm, Perthshire and Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Grassland Manager of the Year, we uncover how tailored grazing strategies are helping farms boost productivity, improve soil health, and build resilience. Learn about the nuts and bolts of getting started: infrastructure essentials like fencing, water, and energy, plus the mindset shift required for success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your system, this episode is packed with real-world advice and actionable practical insights to help you make the most of your pasture. 

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Kirsten Williams (Sheep and Beef Consultant, SAC Consulting) and Alex Stephen (dairy and sheep farmer, Edzell)  discuss the intricacies surrounding the implementation and management of forage crops. They explore the challenges posed by climate variability, the selection of appropriate crops for livestock, and the ongoing findings from the Monitor Farm Programme. The importance of adaptability in farming practices and the quest for optimal crop solutions in diverse agricultural systems are pivotal to successfully feeding livestock in Scotland. This episode delves into the intricacies of forage crop management, focusing on the benefits of outwintering cattle, the diverse methods employed across different farms, and the importance of measuring livestock nutrition. 

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace hears from Chris Clark (Nethergill Associates) and Angus Walton (Peelham Farm) all about Maximising Sustainable Output and how to find the 'sweet spot' when dealing with economic and environmental resilience on farm. They explore why it is important to consider the balance between business, nature and energy to ultimately lead to farming systems which are fit for the future.