Articles
Business and Policy June 2026 – Policy Brief
Red Diesel Duty To Be Cut By One-Third The UK government has announced a temporary cut to red diesel fuel duty to help farmers and other industries cope with high fuel costs. Red diesel duty will fall from 10.18p/litre to…
Read More > about Business and Policy June 2026 – Policy Brief
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. …
Read More > about Tax Update – Spring Statement 2026
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…
Read More > about Build Resilience In Any Farming System Using Organic Principles
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…
Read More > about Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm
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…
Read More > about Understanding Portable Soil Moisture Meters
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…
Read More > about Soil Moisture Monitoring: Technology for Modern Irrigation Management
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…
Read More > about Managing and Preventing Udder Oedema
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…
Read More > about The Future Climate-Ready IPM Strategy for BYDV Control in Scotland’s Barley Production
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…
Read More > about Climate Change and the Escalating Risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in Scottish Barley Systems
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…
Read More > about Castration in CattleSign up to the FAS newsletter
Receive updates on news, events and publications from Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service