Next Generation
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…
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…
Mentoring in Autumn
As autumn sets in over Scotland, farming and crofting activity shifts in preparation for the colder months, Calving begins, machinery is out working the land to prepare soil for next year’s crops, and herbicide applications may be underway on cereal fields. This season offers a chance to pause and plan. For new farmers and crofters,…
What New Entrants are Saying About the FAS Mentoring Grant
Have you started or taken over a farming or crofting enterprise within the past five years? You may be eligible for fully funded mentoring through the Farm Advisory Service. This programme offers up to four days of tailored support from an experienced mentor whose expertise aligns with your business goals. Mentors located throughout Scotland can…
Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Scheme
Are you 16 to 21 years old and seeking employment opportunities in Scotland’s land-based sector? If so, the land-based pre-apprenticeship scheme could be for you. The scheme has recently been expanded to take on 400 participants across the catchment of Ringlink Scotland, Tarff Valley and Borders Machinery Ring. No qualifications are required, and applicants can…