Climate Change
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 under a changing climate will require a transition from reactive, field-by-field control to a more coordinated, system-based integrated pest management (IPM) programme (Figure 3). The…
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 and the grain aphid, the virus infects a wide range of cereals and grasses. In barley, early infection can be particularly damaging with symptoms which…
Precision Farming in Practice – Spot Spraying And Variable Rate Nitrogen
Precision methods help farmers to reduce input waste while maintaining output, which are two priorities for Scottish agriculture as costs rise and environmental expectations tighten. This article focuses on Variable Rate Nitrogen (VRN) and green‑on‑green spot spraying as examples of technologies that help farmers apply inputs only where they deliver a return. You will learn…
Balmaud Farm & Distillery – A Journey to Net Zero
This case study shows how Balmaud Farm and Balmaud Distillery treat soils, energy and by‑products as a single, practical system to cut emissions and control costs while maintaining quality. The aim is to provide practical steps other farms and producers can trial, and to show how grain‑to‑glass traceability supports product quality and a more resilient…
Rural Roundup – 6. Unsung Heroes – Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation
Welcome to this special episode of the Rural Roundup, one of a six-part series called “Unsung Heroes”. In this episode Calum Johnston sits down one on one with James Orr an Agricultural Advisor with a special interest in the carbon footprint of livestock systems. In the previous five episodes we heard from Farmers from five different beef and dairy farms…
Funding for Water Resilience and Climate Adaptation on Farms
As experienced by many Scottish farmers and crofters this year, climate change is driving warmer and drier summers. Ensuring reliable water access will require farmers and crofters to adopt forward-looking strategies to sustain their businesses in the years ahead. The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) provides tailored one-to-one support to help land managers plan and implement…
Journey to Net Zero Emissions on Mixed Farms
Benchmarking carbon emissions against kilograms of agricultural output sold provides a standardised and practical way to measure and compare environmental impact. This approach normalises emissions data, accounting for differences in farm size, production systems, and types of agricultural activities. By linking emissions to output, such as meat, or wool sold, it becomes possible to evaluate…
Journey Towards Net Zero Emissions as an Upland Sheep Farmer
Benchmarking carbon emissions against kilograms of agricultural output sold provides a standardised and practical way to measure and compare environmental impact. This approach normalises emissions data, accounting for differences in farm size, production systems, and types of agricultural activities. By linking emissions to output, such as meat, or wool sold, it becomes possible to evaluate…
Combat Drought and Heat Stress with Funded Support from FAS
Scotland’s changing climate means that farmers and crofters will have to adapt to drier summers and higher temperatures, creating numerous challenges. The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) offers one-to-one support to help you tackle water scarcity and make long-term plans to build resilience to drought. Drought and heat can seriously impact livestock and arable farms, but…
Farm Peatland Restoration At Leadloch Farm, A Case Study and Guide
Peatland restoration projects can be complex, with many moving parts. This case study of a year-long peatland restoration project aims to give readers an overview of how farmers and landowners in Scotland are successfully managing and completing these projects. This case study was produced in partnership with The Future Forest Company (FFC): Natural capital company…