Articles
The Future Climate-Ready IPM Strategy for BYDV Control in Scotland’s Barley Production
As was recently highlighted, Scotland is seeing increasingly frequent BYVD outbreaks, and therefore it is important for farmers to start giving more consideration to control of the virus. Managing BYDV…
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Climate Change and the Escalating Risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in Scottish Barley Systems
Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) should now be increasingly recognised as a climate-sensitive threat to cereal production in Scotland. Transmitted primarily by aphid species such as the bird cherry–oat aphid…
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Castration in Cattle
Castration of male calves is often a routine management procedure on many cattle farms. It is commonly carried out to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Castrating male calves allows for simpler youngstock…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS)
AECS Overview The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is a Scottish Government funded grant that aims to provide funding for management and capital items that benefit Scotland’s Environment. The scheme has existed…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Milk
Milk production data Milk production continues to rise, with GB milk deliveries increasing by 0.6% when compared to the week ending 25th April. However, they are running slightly below the…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Beef
Beef Prices Fall Below 2025 Levels Finished beef prices continue to disappoint, continuing a downwards trajectory now tracking behind 2025 prices. While prices rose sharply in spring 2025, reaching £7.20/kg…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Sheep
Steady into spring Following strong demand in March driving deadweight prices up to a peak at 867.3p pkg (w/e 28th March 2026), stemming from a tight supply and boosted by both Ramadan and Easter falling close together, we have seen prices ease again slightly going into April. Prices remain well ahead of 2025 figures at…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Arable
Market overview Nearly eight weeks after the onset of conflict, markets are increasingly factoring in the possibility of a diplomatic resolution. This shift has eased some of the extreme risk premium, particularly…
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Business and Policy May 2026 – Policy Brief
Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) 2025 payments The SSBSS 2025 individual animal payment rates have been calculated and are as detailed below: Mainland: £127.20 per animal Islands: £175.90 per animal Processing of 2025 payments has…
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Basic Farm Water Resilience Audit (Summer 2026)
A practical guide to building resilience to water scarcity and drought This document is a water resilience audit for Scottish farms – you can complete it online or it is available to download. It draws on regulatory guidance and other adaptation checklists…
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