In this podcast we hear from Vic and Jason Ballantyne, who are tenant farmers on the edge of Brora. They talk about their forage based farming system and the importance of their low input system to achieve a good a work-life balance. Vic and Jason are continually trying to improve the genetics in their livestock through a strict culling policy. They currently run 100 suckler cows and 400 ewes of their own plus they contract farm a further 230 ewes.  Related FAS Resources Livestock resources...

In this episode, host Robert Ramsay speaks to Graham Lofthouse, beef and sheep farmer from Bankhouse Farm, in the Scottish Borders, and winner of the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farmer of the Year award 2016. Robert and Graham discuss the strategies and challenges of rotational grazing systems, lamb growth, flock efficiency, genetics and how Graham established his wool-shedding flock. [email protected] mobile 07708060236 Related FAS Resources Selecting the Right Ram for the Job | Helping...

In this podcast we hear from Andrew Marchant. He started on his tenanted farm, Clonhie Farm, with 12 ewes and worked off-farm in order to maximise income for the farm in the initial years to allow him to purchase stock and build up numbers on the farm quicker. As well as building up stock numbers he explored different enterprises, now having a herd of 65 pure Luing and Aberdeen Angus cross Luing cows, a flock of 850 ewes, 200 Aberdeen Angus cross dairy stores (purchased as weaned calves), and...

In this podcast we hear from David Kerr, ScotEID’s Technical Manager. He speaks about cattle EID tags and their importance in the future for traceability for food safety and disease control. David tells us about the technology and the differences between Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tags which will be used for cattle tags, and Low Frequency (LF) tags which are used in sheep tags. David explains the minimal affect this will have on beef farmers once compulsory EID tagging of cattle comes into...

In this podcast we hear from James Biggar who has drastically changed his farming system in recent years. His main aim is to reduce the cost of production with his beef herd which includes the use of forage crops and deferred grazing with bales to outwinter cows. 120 of his cows are kept outside 365 days a year. James talks about the importance of options and having a Plan B in case of a crop failure in his system, this is why he spreads the risk by growing different types of forage crops and...

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...

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 Resources Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Agribusiness News February 2024 - Inputs: Calf Management | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot) Beef Technical...

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...

In this podcast we hear from Rhona McAlister who is Precision Animal Health Commercial Manager (genomics specialist) with Zoetis.  Rhona speaks about the role of genomics and how it can accelerate genetic progress. Breeding decisions can be made with more confidence and data driven.  

In this podcast we hear from David Whiteford who has drastically changed his farming system over the past few years. He used to have a traditional system of sheep grazing on the hill and cattle housed over the winter period. Nowadays, he has crossbred sheep on the in-bye land and leaves his hill to grow grass over the summer to be utilised by the cows as deferred winter grazing.  This reduces wintering costs for the cattle. He has changed his breeds of cattle and sheep along the way to suit...

In this podcast we hear from Lorna MacPherson, SAC Dairy Consultant, and Jimmy Goldie, Technical Manager at Carrs Billington. They speak about the dairy market outlook for the winter season including milk price and input costs. They discuss the importance of nutrition rationing dairy cows and trying to get the best value diet without compromising on performance. They also speak about sustainability of the dairy industry and the role of carbon auditing. The future of the dairy industry is...

In this podcast we hear from Hugh Grierson who runs an organic farm and butchery business, direct selling his meat to customers.  Hugh tells us about how his organic business has developed over the years.  Linked FAS resources:  Hugh Grierson Organic | High quality organic meats delivered to your door  Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

In this podcast we hear from SAC Veterinary Investigation Officer Megan Fergusson. Megan talks to us about how to give your flock the best chance of a successful lambing next year as we discuss issues that lead to barren ewes and how to prevent them. During this podcast we discuss enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis; trace elements; ewe body condition scores; and tups including tup power required.

In this episode we hear from a well-known face and voice, Michael Blanche.  Michael is a first generation farmer and consultant with a passion for pasture and low-input livestock systems.  In recent years, Michael has developed the PasturePod, a series of podcasts that is not to be missed. Related Materials The Pasture Pod on Apple Podcasts

In this podcast we hear from Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron. Allan talks to us about farming in Argentina including cropping and beef production. He covers the importance of soil health and the need for increased production to feed the increasing population. Government policy and climate change are also discussed with the differences in the farming industry between the UK and Argentina. Linked FAS resources: Finishing Options for Beef Cattle Cover crop information note Sustainable Beef...

In this podcast we hear from SAC’s livestock ruminant nutritionists Lorna Shaw and Karen Stewart. They discuss beef and sheep nutrition from grazing at grass through to planning winter rations and the silage you should be aiming to make for your class of livestock. They discuss opportunities to reduce concentrate feed use and the importance of prioritising classes of stock at certain times of the year who require a higher level of nutrition for maintenance and production.    Linked FAS...

In this podcast we will hear from Graeme Parker aka the Hoof GP. Graeme tells us his story about his background and how his ‘Hoof GP’ online social media business has expanded alongside his cattle foot trimming work. His main aim is to share his knowledge of cattle foot health through these social media videos to farmers to allow them to make more informed choices around foot health.   Hosted by Robert Ramsay, edited by Malcolm MacDonald, Produced by Kirstyn Blackwood, Executive Producer...

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. He highlights the RBST conference which will be held on the 23rd March. Linked Resources: Rare Breeds Survival Trust (rbst.org.uk)

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...

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...

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.  Linked FAS resources:  Forage Crops | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm...

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.    Related...

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’.   Cameron has experienced livestock worrying from the Police’s perspective and also from a farmer’s perspective. He will tell us about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to...

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...