The Rural Roundup

Latest Episode:

In this episode, Kerry is joined by George Chalmers, Robert Ramsay and Tiffany Stephenson who discuss the recent bout of wet weather, and the implications of this on our agricultural businesses. We also talk about beef enterprise efficiencies. I’m later joined by Sascha Grierson, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting and Project Lead for the Scottish Farm Business Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government. Sascha tells us the latest findings from the Scottish & Farm Business Survey, and provides some figures for industry performance.. Read more>>

Mini-series

This mini-series entitled Trees of the Gaelic World explores the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the Birch, Yew, Oak and Scot's Pine species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton. Iona Hyde from The Woodland Trust advises on the best conditions for each species, and how to manage or establish these trees on our land in the current day.

Previous Episodes:

In this episode, George Chalmers and Tiffany Stephenson discuss, in detail, all the things we need to focus on for Spring, including the Single Application Form (IACS), the Agri-Environment Scheme (AECS), and advice pertinent to calving, lambing, cropping and grass for Spring. Read more>>

On today’s episode Robert, Tiffany and George are joined by Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre. They discuss the potential future landscape of funding, common grazings & small holders, policy and pressures around GHG emissions, and value chain need for reduced emissions and increased biodiversity. Discussion touches on the next generation of farmers, and how policy can encourage young people into the industry. Read more>>

On today’s episode I’m joined by George Chalmers as he fills me in on the headlines from the inaugural FAS Connect Conference. Remember for PSF options completed in 2023, the claim window runs from 1st March 2023 to 29th February 2024. Read more >>

On today’s episode Robert, Tiffany and George discuss the impact of the recent wave of bad weather across Scotland. Whether managing flooded soils or staying safe around fallen trees it’s all worth taking a moment to consider best practice and the current advice out there. Read more >>

On today’s episode of Rural Roundup, George & Robert think about what Rabbie Burns would have to say about farming today, including what similarities and massive changes that agriculture has seen since the Poet was working a plough. We also speak to Phil Knott the Vice-Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network as he discusses the value of looking back to a traditional way of farming, not for conservation, but to ensure that farmers are getting the best out of their land and their enterprises. Read more >>

On today’s episode George, Robert & Tiffany discuss collaboration and partnerships, looking at examples like The Scottish Pig Producers, and investigating how technology could facilitate collaboration. We are also joined by Tara Wight from The Landworker’s Alliance discussing their work in bringing people together, and the benefit of Farmer’s networks. Read more >>

On today’s episode George, Robert & Tiffany chat about the run up to Christmas, how the public get interested in farms, farming, and local food at this time of year, and how we could make more of this for the rest of the year. Read more >>

On today’s episode George & Robert are joined by Lorna Galloway, a senior consultant at SAC Consulting to discuss developments in agricultural technology, opportunities for efficiencies and what tech might look like in the future. Read more >>

The Rural Roundup