Stock Talk
Latest Episode:
In this podcast we will hear from Martin Beard from the Rare Breed Survival Trust. Martin tells us about what the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) does and the importance of genetic diversity within species. He also talks about the importance of marketing and the supply chain working well. Read more >>
Previous Episodes:
In this podcast we will hear from Michael Shannon from Damn Delicious. Michael tells us his story from working in the seed business to where he is today running his mixed farm and has diversified his business to include Damn Delicious which direct sells his homegrown produce. Michael talks about his business goals and the influence New Zealand systems had on him and his business. Michael is passionate about food production and gives his opinion on its future in the UK. A relatively new enterprise he speaks about is the Christmas turkeys. He talks about the challenges running that enterprise and the satisfaction he gets from feedback on his produce. Read more>>
In this podcast we will hear from Nicola Lambe and Claire Morgan-Davies, who are based at SRUC Hill & Mountain Research Centre, Kirkton & Auchtertyre Farms. They talk about the projects they are involved in. One of Nicola’s projects is a breeding program at Kirkton where they are crossbreeding sheep to maximise efficiencies and with the aim of creating a composite breed. Claire is involved in EU projects EuroSheep looking at issues in sheep farming across the EU and working on solutions to overcome these issues, the SMART project which is looking at technologies in sheep farming and the Take Care project. They both highlight the importance of hill farming and are fairly positive about its future in the industry. Read more>>
In this podcast we will hear from Paddy Jack, DLF Business Manager in Scotland. Paddy talks about the pros and cons of different forage crops, clover, and different grazing systems. The importance of growing crops which suit your farm type as well as type of stock grazing it was also discussed. With high input costs involved in keeping stock over the winter, there’s opportunities to outwinter stock to reduce costs. Read more>>
In this podcast we will hear from Jack Munro, Farm Manager from The Buffalo Farm. The Buffalo Farm run by Steve Mitchell in Kirkcaldy, is the largest Buffalo Farm in Scotland. Jack will tell us about how the buffalo herd got established and the progress and changes they have made along the way, including introduction of the dairy buffalo herd to make mozzarella. Jack also discusses opportunities for other farmers that are interested in going into buffalo dairy farming. Read More >>
In this podcast we will hear from Cameron Wilson from The Sheep Game. Cameron Wilson was a policeman for many years before going full-time in agriculture, between sheep pregnancy scanning, shearing sheep, as well as looking after his own flock of sheep and running his YouTube Channel and social media pages ‘The Sheep Game’. Read More >>
In this podcast we will hear from the director of the Venison Advisory Service (VAS), Alan Sneddon, and the Estate Manager from Glenrinnes Estate, Alister Laing. They will both tell us about their background and share their knowledge and experience of deer farming. Alister will talk about the establishment of the deer enterprise at the estate which included capturing wild deer in a large enclosure. Alan will provide valuable advice and top tips to people who are considering going into deer farming. Read More >>
In this podcast we hear from SRUC Barony’s Head Shepherd Perry Parkinson, who will tell us a bit about his background and his work at SRUC Barony including the changes they have made to the sheep system. Read More >>
In this podcast we hear from SAC Sheep and Grazing Specialist Poppy Frater, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for sheep producers. Poppy will also talk about her PHD on grazing strategies and carbon sequestration as well as her opinion on the outlook of the sheep farming industry. Read More >>
In this podcast we hear from SAC Consultant George Chalmers, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for pig producers. Read More >>
In this podcast we hear from SAC Dairy Specialist Lorna MacPherson, Kite Consulting’s Senior Dairy Specialist David Keiley and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Colin Mason who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for dairy producers. Read More >>
In this podcast we hear from SAC Beef Specialist Lesley Wylie and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Timothy Geraghty who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for beef producers. Read More >>
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