Articles
Tax Update – Spring Statement 2026
In Brief The 2026 Spring Statement was not a farming Budget. It contained few direct announcements for Scottish agriculture and no major new tax measures aimed specifically at the sector. …
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Build Resilience In Any Farming System Using Organic Principles
We are increasingly recognising the vulnerability of our food production systems to external shocks – escalating input costs, changing consumer patterns and more extreme weather events. Organic systems, with their…
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Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm
With Scotland traditionally being thought of as a ‘wet’ country, we often take water for granted. However, as our climate is changing, water is no longer a ‘free’ and plentiful resource, and many…
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Understanding Portable Soil Moisture Meters
We recently published an article on in-situ moisture sensors here. But, for those wanting to experiment before taking the leap, portable meters remain a useful entry-level option. These handheld devices…
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Soil Moisture Monitoring: Technology for Modern Irrigation Management
This document gives an overview of soil moisture monitoring technologies for farmers and growers. This isn’t a complete review. This field is growing fast, with new products and methods showing…
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Managing and Preventing Udder Oedema
Successfully transitioning heifers into the milking herd is essential for achieving a strong performance in the first lactation, and there are several things to keep an eye out for when…
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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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