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This week's podcast discusses some of the operational changes post EU Exit and highlights how businesses are adapting. 

Tom Gibson, Director of Market Development at Quality Meat Scotland is joined by Jill Barber, Head of EU Exit at Scottish Government.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Accountants are busy meeting the deadline of 31st January for tax returns, but their remit is wider than auditing annual accounts. Jane Mitchell, Business Advisory Director & Rural Specialist for Johnston Carmichael, joins the podcast to discuss the accountant’s role as a business advisor. Infusing resilience into a farming business’ is vital for long term viability. By meeting her accountant regularly, Anne Macpherson of Blackford Farm, Nairn, has a better handle of her costs and is able to make more informed business decisions.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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On 24th December 2020, a deal was signed meaning there are no tariffs for products of UK origin being exported to the EU. However, businesses have had to adapt to changes in paperwork and legislation. While market prices have been strong since leaving the EU on 1st January 2021, many challenges lie ahead. David Thomson, CEO of Food and Drink Federation Scotland and Iain Macdonald, Senior Economics Analyst for QMS discuss the difficulties that industries have faced and those that still lie ahead. Building strong relationships with customers will be key to future-proofing businesses.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Days are soon becoming hours as the clock ticks down to the UK leaving the EU. This podcast focuses on what facts we know ahead of Brexit and potential challenges we may face as an industry from 1st January 2021. Iain MacDonald, Senior Economics Analyst, gives a brief review of the market over the past 12 months highlighting the impact the Covid19 pandemic has had. Andy McGowan, president of SAMW and chair of Scottish Pig Producers, discusses some of the operational challenges the industry has faced. Download now for an update on what scenarios we could face come the turn of the New Year.

The QMS podcast will be back with a new series and format on 18 January 2020 with the first theme focusing on Business Resilience.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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QMS, alongside the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland (IAAS), and the National Sheep Association Scotland (NSAS), is supporting United Auctions’ campaign to put Scotch Lamb PGI on the menu by encouraging consumers to Make It Scotch Lamb this St Andrew’s Day. George Purves, managing director at United Auctions, is one the founders of the campaign. This campaign would not be able to operate without the producers on the ground rearing the lambs. John Whiteford, Overkellie farm, buys store lambs in the Autumn and carries them through the winter to finish in the Spring. Hear how John utilises the finishing lambs to compliment his beef enterprise and the service the auctioneer offers in making this possible.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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There are multiple elements to consider when planning cattle nutrition through the winter. The first step is to assess what’s available on farm and contrast this to what the various groups of livestock require. Discussion with a nutritionist to form a feed budget and build rations from this can help to use resources efficiently. 

Robert Gilchrist is a project advisor with the KTIF funded Aberdeen and Northern Marts/Farmers Journal Scotland Farm Profit Programme. As a former nutritionist with Keenan, Robert discusses some practicalities of diet formulation. 

Alan Smith, Gladhill farm in Morayshire has various ages of livestock that require targeted nutrition. Alan Smith works in partnership with his father and brother. He has been trialling outwintering livestock on kale and stubble turnips.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Creating the right environment for pigs is key to boosting performance and welfare. Tim Miller, pig environment specialist for ARM buildings, shares his expertise on keeping pigs in their thermoneutral zone through ventilation and the use of technology. Fraser Shaw, Dryfeholm Farm expanded his pig enterprise in partnership with his father, brother and uncle and erected a range of new buildings with ARM. Joins us now to learn how the Shaw family has embraced technology to advance the business.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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This week’s #QMSPodcast highlights how EID can be a useful tool in increasing the profitability and performance of livestock businesses.

Listen to David Kerr, ScotEID who details what regulations will mean to farmers. David is joined by Hazel Laughton, SAC Consulting and Iain Green of Corskie Farm who discuss the many management benefits of EID.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Matching the right bull to the right cow takes skill from talented stockpersons. EBVs are a useful tool to aid in this management decision process. 

John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, has been selecting bulls on a balance between phenotype and EBVs for several years in his Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Shorthorn herds to great success. 

Cogent UK’s beef programme manager, Boomer Birch, has seen demand for EBVs and data behind cattle surge as focus on productivity and efficiency has stepped into the limelight. 

Listen now for tips on what to look out for when buying a bull, use of EBVs and management of bulls post purchase.

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast

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Planning ahead is key to successful Autumn and Winter grazing strategies. 

Michael Blanche, farmer and consultant from Perthshire discusses the importance of budgeting for the year ahead. Michael is joined by Orcadian farmer, Willie Harcus, who has introduced a managed grazing system and increased homegrown feed availability on farm as a result. 

Listen now to hear how two systems are making the most from their pastures. 

Here is a link to all episodes of QMS's podcast https://qmscotland.co.uk/news-media/qms-podcast