OnFARM Scottish farming podcast

Care leaver Danielle McKinnon runs Eat Sleep Ride, a social enterprise in Lamberton, East Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders. Her work, with horses focuses on empowering young people and amplifying often unheard voices, especially from low-income and rural communities. Find Eat Sleep Ride online here.This episode is sponsored by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.

A less typical episode of OnFARM this week, as we chat with fashion designer and keeper of two clothing stores - one for gents and one for ladies - Christine Ann De Agostini.However, it will become more than clear why we are spotlighting Christine's work and business - her two clothes store businesses are located in Forres in rural Morayshire, and cater to a broad range of fashionable country living folk!Visit Logie Steading, where Christine's two fashion stores are located near Forres, at this link. For more on how the RBS Business Accelerator supports small businesses like Christine's, find info here.

Maddie Thomson learned her skills in digital communications in London - but has returned to Scotland, to create a new future for her family's Perthshire fruit farm. Maddie tells Anna how her farm - Thomsons of Blairgowrie - is a blank canvas, and that she is being encouraged by her family to dream big! Find Maddie's business Thomas Thomson in Blairgowrie here.For more on how the RBS Business Accelerator supports small businesses like Thomsons of Blairgowrie, find info here. Mentioned in this episode:Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkynsSkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:Skye Skins

The second half of our kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukThese editions of OnFARM was edited and mixed by Antonia Gospel, a 2024 Fellow of the MultiTrack audio fellowship.

A kitchen table chat about RHASS and how the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support Scottish agriculture.Anna speaks with RHASS director Louise Elder, and Ally Caulfield and Annie Wheeler from the staff team.We also hear about RHASS's investment in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. Throughout 2024, OnFARM has partnered with RHASS to celebrate the charity's 240th year.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.ukThis episode of OnFARM was edited and mixed by Antonia Gospel, a 2024 Fellow of the MultiTrack audio fellowship.

Something a bit different this week... We're pleased to share a recent episode of the Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast, presented by Scotland's Makar (National poet) Kathleen Jamie and co-host Alistair Heather. The theme of the episode is 'Place' with readings in Scots and Doric from Aberdeenshire's Shane Strachan and Hugh McMillan from Dumfries and Galloway.If you enjoy the episode, find the entire series of 12 episodes here or by searching 'Lantern Scottish Poetry' in your podcast player.The Lantern Scottish Poetry podcast is made by OnFARM producers Bespoken Media, and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Mentioned in this episode:Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkynsSkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:Skye Skins

At East Lothian's picturesque Balgone Estate, Anna meets David Grant-Suttie and Alex Humphreys, young entrepreneurs driving Balgone's diversification into pumpkins, sunflowers and events.David and Alex show Anna around the sunflower maze, pumpkin patch, and brand new Herd cafe. They share their challenges and triumphs so far, and explain how this diversification is supporting the rest of the farm – and vice-versa.Many thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.

The last of three episodes from the Royal Highland Show that we are resharing as they were published over the summer holidays. This time, three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories. Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:Jock Gibson of Macbeth's butchers and Edinvale Farm in ForresJo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafeJackie McCreery of Yester Farm Dairies, who is also a RHASS director and a legal advisor at Scottish Land & Estates.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

We're republishing this episode for folk that might have missed it over the summer. It's part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative, and the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist: Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

With the kids back at school, we (and you?) are back into a podcast listening routine. So we thought we'd re-share these packed and fun-filled episodes recorded at the 2024 Royal Highland ShowAnna and producer Dave set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!To support the amazing My Name5 Doddie Foundation cyclists featured in this episode, please visit their JustGiving page. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

Part 2 of Anna and producer Dave's challenge to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show. This is part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories initiative. This is the second of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.All past episodes recorded at the Highland Show, or with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, are in this playlist: Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

Anna and producer Dave have set themselves a challenge: to record 50 stories from the 2024 Royal Highland Show, as part of RHASS's 240 Years of Stories project. This is the first of two episodes (because we couldn't make all 50 stories fit into just one!)Huge thanks to Bespoken Media's Katie Revell, who took on the mammoth task of editing these stories together!To support the amazing cyclists riding from Lands End to John O'Groats for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, please visit their JustGiving page. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

Meet Russell and Catriona Brown, a brother and sister from Bonnington Farm near Peebles, in our latest OnRECORD partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories.21-year-old Russell and Catriona, 25, share stories of working together alongside their parents on the family farm. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record private stories and memories from family members, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

Three stories of food and farm businesses about how they connect with consumers - our latest partnership with RHASS's 240 Years of Stories. Recorded live in the 2024 Royal Highland Show 'Food for Thought' cookery theatre, Anna hears from:Jock Gibson of Macbeth's butchers and Edinvale Farm in ForresJo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafeJackie McCreery of Yester Farm Dairies, who is also a RHASS director and a legal advisor at Scottish Land & Estates.240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in agricultural communities. We are working with RHASS through our OnRECORD Memories initiative which focuses on recording stories and memories from rural Scotland.Get in touch if you’d like us to record with one of your family members, a long-serving staff member, or anyone else with a great story to tell or a voice to treasure.Those wishing to share other rural stories with RHASS are encouraged to get in touch at stories@rhass.org.ukThose looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk

Meet the nutritionist team behind the first ever Scottish Eatwell Guide. The guide is designed to reflect how foods grown and produced in Scotland fit into a healthy balanced diet. It is co-produced by Scottish Regional Food Tourism Ambassador Dr Laura Wyness and Suzanne Fletcher of community nutrition social enterprise Nutrition Scotland.Laura has also written a book called Eating Well for Menopause, so the chat also delves into how diet and nutrition can support women living through menopause.To download the Scottish Eatwell Guide: Scottish Eatwell Guide | Nutrition ScotlandTo find out about becoming a Scottish Eatwell Guide Partner: Scottish Eatwell Guide Partner Contact Form (office.com)To find Dr Laura Wyness's Eating Well for Menopause book: Eating Well for Menopause Mentioned in this episode:Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkynsSkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:Skye Skins

What is needed to keep Scottish farming competitive, and who should lead on that work? Alison Milne co-owns Crafty Maltsters, a barley malting plant on her family's farm in Fife. This episode starts as a chat with Alison about her work, and ends with this big question, that faces the whole industry and sector. Mentioned in this episode:Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkynsSkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:Skye Skins

Falkirk-based Rebecca Smith's first book is called Rural: The Lives of the Working-Class Countryside. As a forester's daughter, Rebecca grew up in tied housing on a Lake District estate, then became a journalist, broadcaster and author. Rural is an often personal, always unflinching, exploration of life in today's UK countryside. Mentioned in this episode:Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkynsSkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:Skye Skins

Barley is by far Scotland's most important crop, and the world's fourth most important cereal crop. Anna hears about Dundee's new International Barley Hub, a centre for research excellence within the James Hutton Institute. We also meet Alison Milne who grows and malts barley at Crafty Maltsters in Auchtermuchty, and Professor Wendy Russell at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute. ===============This is the final episode in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series showcasing the world-leading work of SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.

AMR - anti-microbial resistance - is the name for the growing number of infections that are becoming difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. It affects livestock, wildlife, and humans alike.It's a global concern - considered by the World Health Organization and others to be among the world's top public health threats.In this episode, Anna speaks with:Dr Nuno Silva - who leads the AMR research group at the Moredun Research InstituteDr Eleanor Watson - also at the Moredun, studying transmission of AMR within wildlife populations Professor Karen Scott - a microbiologist at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute, studying carriage of AMR in gut microbiota. ===============This is the third in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series in partnership with SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.

We all know Scottish soft fruits are good for us - but in this OnFARM, experts explain exactly how and why Scottish berries have such brilliant health benefits - including some we are still learning about. From potential to combat diabetes and dementia, to helping with obesity, researchers from the Rowett and James Hutton Institutes share some very exciting findings. There is also an update on new soft fruit varieties to help growers cope with the challenges of climate change, and tips for anyone looking to market soft fruit's health benefits to consumers. Joining Anna are: Dr Fiona Campbell from the University of Aberdeen's Rowett InstituteGordon McDougall, and Dr Valeria Montano, both of the James Hutton Institute===============This is the second in a 4-part OnFARM mini-series in partnership with SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions), a partnership of six globally renowned institutions providing research and expertise to Scotland's agriculture, environment and food communities.