Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast

In this episode of Field Talk, the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Lauren Porteus (Zoetis), and Chris Barclay (Stabiliser Cattle Company) discuss the integration of genetics and genomics in livestock farming, particularly focusing on heifer selection within the Monitor Farm programme. They explore the challenges and benefits of transitioning from traditional phenotype assessments to genomic data, the importance of cost management in suckler cow farming, and key learnings from the project that aim to enhance profitability and efficiency in farming practices. This conversation delves into the advancements in cattle breeding through genomic testing, focusing on the importance of tissue sampling over traditional hair sampling, the collaborative efforts among farmers, and the future potential of genomic technology in improving livestock traits.
 The discussion highlights the significance of the breeding process and the ongoing monitoring of genetic progress to enhance cattle performance and profitability.

This week on Field Talk, our host Wallace is joined by Matthew Blyth. 

Matthew is an experienced innovator within the sheep and beef industry and is the founder of Blyth Livestock Advisory Services – BLAS.

With his keen attention for detail and focus on continuous improvement, Matthew identified ways for measuring and monitoring grass performance to optimise livestock nutrition levels, and for monitoring livestock performance to improve farm profitability. He was one of the first farmers to embrace EID technology to collect key livestock data, engages a targeted approach to managing parasite challenges, and operates a rotational grazing system with a small herd of cattle. This holistic approach to managing the farm has proven that collecting and using data can improve decision-making and profitability. 
 

Virtual Fencing is still a novel technology for many Scottish Farmers but there is increasing interest. Four of the Monitor Farmers are trialling this technology to look at cost benefit analysis; potential labour savings and opportunities to get cows back to areas of ground previously ungrazed due to lack of fencing and ability to monitor cattle. The project is aiming to delve into the people and financial elements of these systems. Wallace is joined by two of our project partners to discuss! 

Ann Elinor Aasen has the fantastic job title of ‘Head of Farmer Success’ with Monil, a virtual fencing supplier. 

Dr Tony Waterhouse is a virtual fencing expert and is the independent consultant on the podcast.  

Islay has been a strong farming island, known particularly for cattle, for many years. However, it's not without its challenges – namely 47,000 geese and cost and logistics of haulage onto and off the island. Craig Archibald of Craigens Farm discusses how they have been making changes on their farm to benefit the farm profitability and the environment. 

The Andrews of Rowanston Farm are a busy multi-enterprise business with cattle, sheep and cropping. David Andrew joins the podcast to discuss how the Monitor Farm Programme has helped them put some data behind the decision making with the ultimate goal of optimising the inputs to make marginal gains across all enterprises. 

The McNicol Family have diversified their business portfolio into Agritourism over the years. Through the Monitor Farm programme they have refocussed on the technical and financial performance of the core arable enterprise. Cover crops have been part of this. Stuart McNicol is joined by Ollie Johnson, Head of Engagement and Agronomy at AHDB to discuss the role of cover crops in the farming system at Castleton Farm. 

The Stirling Monitor Farm is a real family affair with 3 generations involved in the business. The family have been looking closely at business figures to optimise marketing of stock and making management changes to boost performance and allow for the next generation to come into the business. Bruce Duncan is joined by daughter Rebecca to discuss how they are adapting this multi-generational business.  

Auchernack is an 800ac farm in Strathspey. The family have farmed here since 1936. Today, it is run by Malcolm Smith. He farms alongside his sons Calum, who is employed full-time, and Hamish, who works part-time.  Sammie, Malcolm’s wife is also a partner in the business and she runs a successful self-catering business. 

Farming in the Cairngorms, the Smith family are no strangers to change over the generations. From tenant farmers, to owner occupiers and milking cows to beef production, Malcolm Smith chats through how their farming business has adapted over the years and how the family plan for the next generation to take the lead. 

At the Dumfries Monitor Farm we have been investigating into lamb survival and we are bringing you the headlines! This episode, Wallace chats to Katie Denholm, University of Glasgow and Ali Haggerty, Stewartry Vets about best practice in the lead up to and at lambing time. They chat through the interesting results found at the Dumfries Monitor Farm including:

• Ewe Body Condition Score and Nutrition
• Colostrum Quality
• Passive Transfer in Lambs
• The importance of Hygiene

Richard McCornick farms at Barnbackle Farm, Lochfoot and is the Dumfries Monitor Farm. During the Monitor Farm programme, the family have transitioned through succession and now looking to fine tune the system to optimise grass growth and have the right livestock to maintain output in this system. Listen now to hear how putting pen to paper has helped Richard put figures behind that 'farmers feel'. 

Join us next week for a bonus episode, and part 2 of this episode, where we will be joined by Katie Denholm, University of Glasgow and Ali Haggerty, Stewartry Vets talking all things lamb survival.