Next Generation
Getting Started with Sheep – Equipment List
Having the right equipment from the start can make a big difference to the ongoing ease of managing your flock. Below is a list of equipment that is essential for handling a small flock (less than 10 ewes). Use it to check you have everything you need. Getting Sheep In and Handled First Aid and…
Beginners Guide to Vaccination & Dosing Sheep
Vaccination and dosing are fundamental skills for every sheep farmer. While the process may seem complicated at first, following a few basic principles can make a big difference. Store medicines correctly, use the right equipment, follow manufacturer instructions and maintain good hygiene at all times. Most importantly, seek advice from your vet if you are…
Honest Conversations, Better Farm Businesses
I’m Kerry, I’ve been a Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting for ten years, and I own and operate a couple of rural tourism businesses with my family outside of my day job. I am no stranger to difficult conversations, whether at work, with a client, and often with family about how we run our business. Over the last ten years I’ve become…
Adding A New Enterprise Through Succession – A Case Study
James MacIver, now 27, has returned to the family business after leaving school at 16. In that time he worked several other mixed livestock and dairy farms, as well as a pedigree livestock unit before moving to the USA to join a harvest team for the season. When his plans to continue on to New Zealand didn’t line…
Rural Roundup – One Foot In, One Foot Out: Getting Started & Succession
Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today’s episode George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss opportunities for those looking to enter Agriculture, though apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship schemes, The Scottish Land Matching Service, and funded mentoring services, whilst also talking about Succession for those who may be ready to think about passing on the reigns, identifying…
Mentoring Support for New Entrants: Learn from Experience and Build with Confidence
Starting out in farming or crofting can be both rewarding and challenging. New entrants often face a steep learning curve as they balance practical land management with business planning, regulation, finance and everyday decision making. Having access to the right support at the right time can make a significant difference to how confidently and sustainably…
Grow, Learn & Thrive with FAS Support for New Entrants
Starting a farming or crofting business is exciting, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. As a new entrant, you may experience a range of challenges, from understanding your land and resources to navigating business planning, finance, regulations, and the day‑to‑day realities of running an agricultural enterprise. Building confidence, gaining experience and making sound decisions in those early years can be…
Unsure about Mentoring? Hear from Those Who’ve Benefitted
Starting out in farming or crofting can feel overwhelming, but support is available to help you build confidence and make informed decisions. Through FAS new entrants can receive practical, tailored guidance to help you succeed. Not sure how you can benefit from the support? Here’s what others who’ve taken up the support have to say:…
Autumn Insights for New Entrants to Farming
If you’re a new entrant to crop farming, November is an ideal time to observe soil preparation techniques for the upcoming growing season. Farm vehicles are actively working the land, and winter wheat drilling may still be underway. For those new to livestock farming, most cattle intended for overwintering will now be housed indoors and…
Access the Highly Rated Government-Funded Mentoring Programme
If you’ve launched or taken charge of a farming or crofting enterprise within the last five years, the Farm Advisory Service offers up to four days of fully funded, one-to-one mentoring designed to help you succeed. Working with an experienced mentor gives you access to practical insights, tailored advice, and industry knowledge that can make…