Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, In this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews on straw & muck and Scottish sheep meat. We will also be bringing you news on why you should invest in your vet and future proofing your retirement. Show Notes  00.45:- News in Brief 02.43:- Policy Briefs - Spring Budget, New Bills, Farm Business Survey results 2022/23 07.00:- Arable- Will crops be keeping us cozy in the future? 14.17:- Wet weather tempering demand for grazing store cattle  16.16:- Sheep - Global events bolstering UK lamb price. 19.22:- Sector Focus – Straw & muck star players in an increasingly cyclical economy. 22.22 :-Milk - Volumes rising but demand remains sluggish. 27.11:- Sector focus – Scottish sheep meat – simply Baa-rilliant ! 32.29:- Inputs - Why you should invest in your vet 38.21:- Management Matters - Future Proofing your Retirement FAS Resources Agribusiness News April 2024 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Other Links: Land Maintenance Form Rural Payments and Services website The new Land Reform (Scotland) Bill Scottish Farm Business Survey New Agricultural Wages Order Bioenergy 12 week consultation period Tolerable and Repairing Standards Energy Performance Certificate Jennifer Galloway on Jennifer.galloway@sac.co.uk and Tel 01776 702649  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

THRILL OF THE HILL | An iconic Scottish species and of high conservation interest, the mountain hare has a lot going for it. Years of hard work to create the managed uplands we know have also contributed to the betterment of the species and a combination of predator control and careful heather management means that it has found a home in our hill expanses. In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Robert Raynor from NatureScot and Scott Newey from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust for a discussion on the species, its place in the uplands, conservation initiatives and the outlook for the uplands in general.Related ResourcesProtected species: hares | NatureScotMountain hares - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)

In this podcast we hear from SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officers Megan Fergusson and Tim Geraghty. They talk about the importance of good husbandry and top tips to save time and to prevent disease spreading at lambing and calving time. They also talk about health planning and how recording lamb and calf losses can help when reviewing these losses and how to improve survival rates in the future.Linked FAS resources:Lambing | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Calving Heifers Vlog Series | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Losses at Calving – should I investigate? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Maximising Calf Survival | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that ensures habitats for wildlife are left in ameasurably better state than they were before development. In England, BNG is mandatory;developers must demonstrate and deliver an increase in biodiversity followingtheir development of 10%. In the last episode of this series, we hear from ecological consultant and future host ofthis podcast, Harry Fisher. We discuss his experience of BNG and how it works,including biodiversity metrics, valuing nature, opportunities for Scotland and whathe is looking forward to as the future host of Natural Capital. If you have an idea for future episodes, or want to provide feedback on the series, we wouldlove to hear from you. Visit: https://www.fas.scot/sounds-comments-and-suggestions/ Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor RossMackenzie.Related FAS resources:  FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/ Previous Natural Capital episodes: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/ Emerging biodiversity markets in Scotland, a source of alternative funding: https://www.fas.scot/article/emerging-biodiversity-markets-in-scotland-a-source-of-alternative-funding/ Other Related Resources:Understanding biodiversity net gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain Defra statutory biodiversity metric tools and guides: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-biodiversity-metric-tools-and-guides Research into approaches to measuring biodiversity in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/research-approaches-measuring-biodiversity-scotland/ Timestamps:Intro to episode and our new host Harry: 0:00 – 5:10What is BNG and its use: 5:11 – 13:13Actions to increase biodiversity: 13:14 – 19:12Impact and use of BNG on farms:  19:13 – 25:10Defra tool, metrics and valuing nature: 25:11 – 33:43

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Andy Cunningham, a Field Technical Manager at Syngenta to discuss Vixeran, a new biostimulant which is now available to growers in the UK. Cropcast is your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Related ResourcesVIXERAN - Biostimulant | SyngentaThe Role of Biostimulants in IPM | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Click here to listen to CropCast Natural Products Part 1 - Elicitors

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Neil Havis, a Senior Plant Pathologist at SRUC to discuss natural products with a focus on elicitors.  Cropcast is your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.Related ResourcesStrategic Cereal Farms | AHDBTechnical note (TN725): Integrated pest management | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Click here to listen to CropCast Natural Products Part 2 - VIXERAN (Biostimulant)

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Scot’s Pine and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alan Crawford from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Scot’s Pine on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Oak.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/  For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Oak and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Alasdair Firth from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Oak on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Yew and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Iona Hyde from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Yew on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Birch and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org) https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode is part of a spotlight mini-series titled Trees of the Gaelic World. This episode is all about Birch and will explore the Gaelic language and lore surrounding the species with scholar Dr Mìcheal Newton, and advice from Viv Halcrow from The Woodland Trust on the best conditions for the species, and how to manage or establish Birch on our land in the current day. You can find three more episodes in this series on the Rural Roundup Podcast, we also cover, Yew, Oak and Scot’s Pine.  Dr Mìcheal Newton was awarded a Ph.D. in Celtic Studies from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 for his dissertation The Tree in Scottish Gaelic Literature and Tradition.  Music Credit: Our sincere thanks go to composer David Bertrand for providing the folk music interludes in this episode. https://www.davidbertrandmusic.com/ Resources  Tree Planting Advice - Plant Trees - Woodland Trust Michael S Newton - Academia.edu  Home (hiddenglenfolk.org)http://woodlandcrofts.org/?page_id=552    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2023/01/trees-for-the-crofting-community/ https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Celebrating-Birch-by-Greg-Wright/9781565233072 https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Birch-by-Anna-Lewington/9781789140118   For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. 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.  FAS Resources Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) CropCast - Spring Fertiliser Applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Resources  Basic Payment Scheme (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, In this edition we are also bringing you sector overviews on forestry and how the changing climate affects Scottish farms. We will also be bringing you news on optimising grassland management and fertiliser usage & costs.  Show Notes  00.43:-News in Brief 02.38:-Policy Briefs - AECS, energy efficiency standards, visitors levy. 07.18:-Arable- Increased cost of shipped grain imports, tighter domestic cereal supply.. 11.47:-Beef - Demand for finished cattle, straw shortage. 15.27:-Sheep - Smaller 2024 flock keep prices high. 18.56:- Sector Focus – Forestry – updates to FGS and timber markets. 23.02 :-Milk - Characteristics of top performing dairy farms, prices update. 27.22:- Sector focus – How will changing climate affect Scottish farms? 32.06:- Management Matters - Optimising grassland management. 35.34:- Input costs - Fertiliser cost and usage update. Related FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/publication/agribusiness-news-march-2024/  Other Links: National good food nation plan Rural Payments Website Delivering Net Zero for Scotland’s Buildings Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill: Consultation Briefing Note 45- December 2023 Briefing Note 46- February 2024 Timber Price Indices from Forest Research Characteristics of top performing farms in the UK 2024-dairy.pdf For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook:

THRILL OF THE HILL | Fire can be an effective management tool in the Scottish uplands, and if controlled and utilised responsibly, can be helpful in rejuvenating our upland heaths. However, fire can also be devastating for many rural businesses and with a number of factors at play, including, climate change, water scarcity, public access and total accidents, wildfires can and do happen, with ever greater intensity. In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Bruce Farquharson from Scottish Fire and Rescue and discuss prevention of wildfires, the role of muirburning and the benefits of having a fire action plan should the worst happen!Related FAS MaterialsPreventing Wildfires on Agricultural Land | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Are you looking for funding for projects to promote conservation and tackle climate change? In this episode of Natural Capital we discuss Scotland's Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). AECS is the main mechanism used to support farmers wanting to implement sustainable land management practices such as improving water quality, managing flood risk or mitigating and adapting to climate change. We discuss what AECS has to offer with consultants Dr Paul Chapman and Alex Pirie to find out everything about AECS, how to apply and the opportunities it presents to create, restore and enhance natural capital assets.  Host Rachel Smillie, Producer Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, Editor Ross Mackenzie Related FAS resources:   FAS Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/  FAS Specialist Advice: https://www.fas.scot/specialist-advice/  Thrill of the hill: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/  Other Related Resources: Woodland Trust MOREhedges: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morehedges  Woodland Trust MOREwoods: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/morewoods/  Nature restoration fund: https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects/scottish-government-nature-restoration-fund-nrf  Rural Payments AECS: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/   Timecodes:  What is AECS and how it has developed 2:26 – 11:16  Alternative funding and collaboration 11:17 – 15:17 The application process 15:18 – 19:20  What’s included in this year's AECS 19:21 - 26:08 Deadlines, useful info and advice for new applicants 30:28 - 35:07

In this podcast we hear from Sascha Grierson, SAC Consultant and Economist, and Colin Mason, SAC Veterinary Investigation Officer. They talk to Robert Ramsay about improving productivity and efficiency in beef herds and also talk about grant support to aid this improvement. Related FAS ResourcesCattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FASAgribusiness News February 2024 - Inputs: Calf Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)Beef Technical Toolkit | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 20th Feb 2024 and all information considered correct to this date. 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.  Other Resources  Agricultural Reform Route Map (ruralpayments.org) Agricultural Reform What will Future Support Look Like?  (ruralpayments.org) Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Peter Lindsay, an Agricultural Consultant at SAC Consulting and Professor Ian Bingham, a Plant & crop physiologist at SRUC, to discuss spring fertiliser applications for the season ahead. Cropcast is your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government. Linked FAS ResourcesTN685 - Sulphur Recommendations for Crops TN732-Nitrogen Recommendations for Cereals, Oilseed Rape & Potatoes TN715 – TN718 Phosphate & Potash recommendations for crops

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up hosted by me, Kerry Hammond. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government. 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. FAS Resources FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceFAS Connect Conference | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory ServiceOther Resources  Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) (ruralpayments.org) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot  National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy briefs, arable, beef, sheep and milk, In this edition we are also bringing you a sector overviews on farm economic data and Soil management. We will also be bringing you news on the importance of calf management in the dairy sector and applying for farm tenancy. Show Notes  00.44:-News in Brief 02.35:-Policy Briefs - BVD Eradication Scheme & Small Producers Pilot Fund 07.24:-Arable Wheat markets under pressure. 11.28:-Beef - Cull cows coming into their own. 14.28:-Sheep - Antipodean trading – who to watch out for. 18.26:- Sector Focus – Data - Why is what the EU does still important? 23.12 :-Milk - Tough times ahead 28.11:- Sector focus – Soils - Do you pass the pH test? 32.57:- Input costs - Calves are the future of the dairy sector 37.50:- Management Matters – Applying for a Farm Tenancy FAS Resources Agribusiness News February 2024 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Other Links: Preparing for Sustainable Farming portal on Rural Payments and Services Website.   Rural Support (Simplification and Improvement) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 BVD online consultation Small Producers Pilot Fund Steering Group - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)Good Food Nation online consultation https://www.fas.scot/article/post-purchase-bull-management/ Farm Accounts Data Network to Farm Sustainability Data Network Scottish Agriculture emissions data and nitrogen usage Dairy Herd Benchmarking Data The Scottish Land Matching Service

In this podcast we hear from Sean Cursiter who has featured on BBC’s ‘This Farming Life’ program. Sean Cursiter farms at Laga Farm, Orkney with his dad and his uncle. Due to his dad and uncle still being relatively young and fit to farm Laga, Sean decided to buy a farm for himself and his family’s future; Arwick Farm, Orkney. Sean tells us about his story and strong work-ethic which led to him being able to buy a farm. Although Sean still helps out at Laga, he now has his own farm business at Arwick and has aspirations to improve the farm and breed sustainable low-input livestock.  He also speaks about the wintering systems they employ at Laga (sheep slats) and at Arwick (feeding silage in the hill) to help the sheep get through the long Orkney winters. Linked resources: The Sheep Game slatted shed videos: These SHEEP got a NEW SHED (youtube.com) £70,000 UPGRADE to this SHEEP SHED - YouTube