Scotland's Farm Advisory Service Podcast

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Duncan Shell from Bushelhill farm in the Lammermuir hills. Duncan runs 1500 easy care breeding sheep and a herd of 200 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows with no hired labour on his 1800 acre farm. He runs a low input organic system with zero purchased feed and makes the most from grazing management such as rotational grazing in the summer, and outwintering. Duncan talks about why he was driven to convert to organic back in the late 1980s. He is passionate about improving his livestock and having them suit his system. He talks about the challenges of being organic and how he deals with these challenges. Duncan also talks about the importance of a work : life balance and the importance of looking after your mental health.

Resources

Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting.

This is the final episode in this series and we’re going to round off our Shetland focussed episodes in style – discussing the islands’ most famed and celebrated agricultural and cultural product – Wool! We’re going to delve into all things woolly with Louise Grains of Jamieson’s of Shetland, the only fleece to garment mill in the isles and Donna Smith of Donna Smith Designs a crofter, yarn producer, tutor, and knitwear designer.

Shetland is famous the world over for wool and knitwear and now also for its iconic week-long festival Shetland Wool Week, which has just celebrated its 17th year. We’re joined today by two of the powerhouses behind the modern wool and knitwear industry in Shetland!

If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you’ll find links in the show notes.

If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters, please do subscribe to make sure you catch the first episode of the new series next May when we’ll be hearing more inspiring stories from all over the Crofting Counties. While we’re away, why not have a look through our back catalogue or tune into some of the other Farm Advisory Service podcasts.

For now, many thanks to our producer Kerry Hammond, our editor Keiron Sim, and thanks above all to you for tuning in.

This podcast was produced in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources:

Shetland Wool, Yarn and Knitting Accessories – Jamieson's Of Shetland

Donna Smith Designs – Knitting Patterns & Yarn in the Shetland Isles

Shetland Wool Week

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson are joined by Professor Steven Thomson to discuss the rural support plan for Scotland, along with any key updates and reminders for October.

Timestamps

00:21 How are things with Tiffany & George

02:45 Bluetongue

03:48 EFA

06:40 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme

07:29 Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme

07:57 Meetings/Events

08:47 Steven Thomson – Agricultural Route map

12:50 Steven Thomson -Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme

14:00 Steven Thomson – Whole Farm Plan

15:31 Steven Thomson – The Rural Support Plan

18:58 Steven Thomson – CPD for Farmers

21:25 Steven Thomson – Enhanced Greening

Resources

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

Bluetongue Latest updates can be found here: Gov.uk latest BTV updates

Bluetongue Clinical signs in sheep are usually more pronounced than in cattle but can be very variable. A range of photos can be found here: https://ahdb.org.uk/clinical-signs-of-bluetongue.

Suspect cases should be reported to APHA Scotland on 03000 600 704.

FFIS 2026 Update https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/future-farming-investment-scheme-2026-announced.html

Greening guidance 2027: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance/

Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/

Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

In this episode Tiffany is joined by Angus Elder from Chapel Organics, to discuss his business, which is built around the production of high-quality vegetables. Angus discusses his crop rotation, marketing of fresh produce, challenges with organic farming, his use of technology and his role with SOPA.

This episode was presented by Tiffany Stephenson, produced by George Gauley, edited by Cameron Waugh, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood & Kerry Hammond.

Timestamps

01:34 Introduction to Angus Elder

03:13 Crop rotation?

05:42 How has the business coped with the dry summer?

09:00 Integration of livestock?

10:00 Reducing the weed burden

13:20 Marketing

18:27 Grass in the rotation

20:15 Use of organic manures?

23:31 Potential changes to the rotation?

25:50 Packing vegetables

26:48 Farm labour

29:48 Technology use on farm?

36:00 Anything else in the pipeline?

38:30 Role with SOPA?

42:01 Advice to someone turning organic?

Resources

https://www.chapelfarmorganics.co.uk/

Contact Angus at [email protected]

SOPA: https://www.sopa.org.uk/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

In this episode, Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Katja Williams. Katja is an Australian farmer, podcaster, founder, homesteader, and author. Her life is built around Australian agricultural community and creating practical resources that help women to thrive on the farm. Through podcasting, she takes the opportunity to share stories of her own family farm, opinion pieces and good news about the industry. Through ‘The Ultimate Farmer’s Wife’ podcast she connected with women sharing their stories which inspired her to launch her not for profit organisation, ‘Harvest Her Power’. We discuss farming life in Australia, how she juggles the demands of farm work, her own business goals and running a national conference whilst raising a young family.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about, Katja, Harvest Her Power, or The Ultimate Farmer’s Wife Podcast check out the links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources:

The Ultimate Farm Wife Website

The Ultimate Farm Wife - Instagram

Katja Williams - The Ultimate Farm Wife Podcast - YouTube

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

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 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]

Hello and welcome to Crofting Matters, hosted by Osla Jamwal Fraser where we discuss topics that matter in crofting.

Today we’re speaking with Chartered Surveyor and Senior Agricultural Consultant with SAC Consulting, Fergus Russell.

Wherever you may be in the Crofting Counties there are lots of new and different types of land-based development going on from renewables to data centres and everything in between. If you or your community are affected, it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice and support. Fergus specialises in exactly this area so today we are going to be taking a look at what you need to know if your area is involved in large-scale development projects.

If you would like to find out more about anything we discussed today, you’ll find links in the show notes.

If you enjoyed this episode of Crofting Matters, please do subscribe to make sure you hear the next episode when we’ll be discussing all things wool! We’ll be hearing about the last fleece to garment mill in Shetland and learning more about the quiet revolution happening in how Shetland perceives and promotes the importance of its own knitwear heritage.

Many thanks to our producer Kerry Hammond, our Editor Keiron Sim, and thanks to you for tuning in.

This podcast was produced in association with the Scottish Government

Resources:

Scottish Land Commission: Making more of Scotland's land - Scottish Land Commission

Your local NFUS branch may be able to answer questions on access to support

RICS - Rights over land for electricity infrastructure - Code of practice

The Electricity Act 1989 which provides the legislation around new and existing developments: Electricity Act 1989

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Before FAS, Farming for a Better Climate helped put practical climate action firmly on the agenda for Scottish agriculture. At its heart was a focus on practical change. The programme encouraged farmers and crofters to look at areas including energy and fuel use, renewable energy, soil carbon, fertiliser and manure management and livestock efficiency. Rather than approaching climate change as an issue separate from everyday farm management, Farming for a Better Climate sought to demonstrate where better use of resources could reduce costs, strengthen the business and lower emissions at the same time.

In this episode Rebecca Audsley joins Alex to look back over the life of Farming for a Better Climate and consider its impacts. More than fifteen years on from the programme's beginnings, they also consider what comes next.

This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond.

Timestamps

01.35 Introducing Rebecca Audsley

02.37 Where are we in terms of climate change, landscape management and lower carbon farming

05.42 Farming For a Better Climate (FFBC) initiative

08.37 Where did FFBC operate across the country & 5 key action areas

12.53 FFBC outputs and learning from others

14.48 A Policy Pathfinder

17.10 Emission reductions and associated financial benefits

19.17 What problem did FFBC identify that is less of an issue now

22.22 A good healthy soil – PLANT YOUR PANTS!

Climate change: are we moving in the right direction?

Farming & Water Scotland

30.14 Getting in touch & what's next for Rebecca

Resources

Farming For a Better Climate

Scottish Forestry Integrating Trees Network

Farming & Water Scotland

Climate Smart Advisors

Climate Week | Net Zero Nation

Previous episode of interest: Thrill Of The Hill - Climate Change Catch up with Seamus Murphy

Previous episode of interest: Thrill Of The Hill - COP26 One Year On

Get in touch with Rebecca [email protected]

Get in touch with the show [email protected]

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

We’re joined by Derek Robeson from the Tweed Forum to explore their catchment-scale action across the River Tweed and the surrounding landscape and communities. We discuss their various projects including Eddleston Water and Destination Tweed and cover topics including natural flood management, working with landowners and economic drivers, to showcase what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into practical, beneficial action on the ground.

Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn Blackwood

Key Timestamps:

0:59 – 14:54 Intro to Tweed Forum, its activities and Eddleston Water project.

14:55 – 24:49 Destination Tweed, other projects and drivers.

24:50 – 33:40 Catchment scale approach, funding and logical solutions

33:40 – end How to get involved and find out more

Resources:

Tweed Forum: https://tweedforum.org/

Tweed Foundation: https://rivertweed.org.uk/tweed-foundation/

Borders Forest Trust: https://bordersforesttrust.org/

Southern Uplands Partnership: https://sup.org.uk/

FAS Water Management: https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/

River Catchment Management at Landscape-Scale:

https://www.fas.scot/article/river-catchment-management-at-landscape-scale/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie. In this episode, recorded on 17th September 2026, we discuss the Bluetongue Virus. It's important to note to listeners that the spread of the Bluetongue Virus, the control zones and restrictions is a constantly changing situation, and listeners should ensure that they check the Scot Gov website for the latest up to date information. This Podcast is intended to provide information about the Bluetongue Virus itself, how it is spread, risk factors, clinical symptoms, vaccinations, and testing.

Resources

Scot Gov:

Latest situation - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot

Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot

APHA map:

Bluetongue Cases and Zones

AHDB:

Vaccination cost calculator launched to help Battle Bluetongue | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (dairy) | AHDB

BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB

Ruminant Health & Welfare website:

Home - Ruminant Health & Welfare

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: [email protected]