CropCast: Recent Episodes
Farm Advisory Service
Welcome to Cropcast, bringing you all the on crops and soils. Each month, SAC Consulting advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates and the latest research to help you make decisions in the field.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Robert Meadley to discuss some of the considerations which should be made when deciding to replace or invest in a piece of machinery.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related FAS Resources
Getting Started In Arable Agriculture - Machinery Appraisal | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Related Resources
Robert Meadley LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-meadley-85652223/?originalSubdomain=uk
Machinery costing calculator | AHDB
Welcome to CropCast Conversations hosted by Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by two guests. Grant James (Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil) discusses an organic soil improver product from Sea2Soil. Grant provides an explanation of the biological mechanisms at play in the product, how it works on-farm and what to expect from applications. Steve Townsend brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of Regenerative Agriculture. Steve advises farmers all over the UK and Europe on how No-Till can improve their business. Steve is passionate about helping farmers reduce their fixed costs, increase their crop yields and weed control whilst repairing their soils.
Episode Timestamps
00.55Harvest 2025 feedback
03.03Steve & Soil First Farming
04.04Grant & Sea2Soil
06.01What is fish hydrolysate?
06.46Feeding the soil biology
11.04Practices to build up soil biology
20.20Measuring soil biology
27.47How different crop sectors are responding to regenerative agriculture
32.04Nitrogen use efficiency
34.56Albrecht theory
38.40Getting the magnesium ratio right
41.15Grant’s take home message
42.00Steve’s take home message
FAS Resources
Regenerative Agriculture | Helping farmers in Scotland
Other Resources
Organic Soil Improver - Make soil healthier & more productive | Sea2Soil
Grant James: grant.james@pelagia.com, 07976 879646
Soil First Farming
Steve Townsend: steve.townsend@soilfirstfarming.co.uk, 07989 402112
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: advice@fas.scot
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Kristina Grenz, Senior Cereal Product Quality Scientist at AHDB, to discuss ergot, which proved to be a significant problem for many growers during harvest 2024. In this episode we discuss the ergot life cycle, symptoms as well as top management tips.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related Resources
AHDB – Ergot management guidance for cereals - https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-management-guidance-for-cereals-strengthened-by-review
AHDB – An introduction to Ergot & its management in cereals https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/an-introduction-to-ergot-and-its-management-in-cereals
FAS – Ergot – What is it and how to prevent it? https://www.fas.scot/article/ergot-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/
AHDB- Ergot in harvest 2024 https://ahdb.org.uk/news/ergot-in-harvest-2024-cereals-a-pathologist-s-paradise-a-supply-chain-challenge
AIC – Ergot in cereal crops https://www.agindustries.org.uk/resource/ergot-in-cereal-crops-contracts-legislation-and-effective-management-frequently-asked-questions-faqs.html
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Donald Dunbar and Alan Bruce to discuss changes to EFA options under the Scottish Government’s enhanced greening measures for 2026, and how farmers might go about integrating some of these options into their own farming systems.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Related FAS Resources
Greening guidance (2026)
Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Welcome to Cropcast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities) to discuss how grain markets are looking for 2025 and in part 2 Mark is joined by George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC Professor, Crop Pathology) to update us on how crops are looking in Scotland.
Episode Timestamps
00.00PART 1 – James Bolesworth (CRM AgriCommodities)
03.30Wheat price movements over winter and early spring
06.14Why has there been a steeper decline in grain price over the last few months?
09:20Carryover stocks: current position and going into next season
12.58Trump and tariffs: impact on food commodities and the grain market
16.33Crop conditions and predicted reduction in production and output
19.55Selling new crop: looking at opportunities to smooth the curve of volatility
23.00PART 2 – George Chalmers (SAC Consulting) and Neil Havis (SRUC, Professor of Crop Pathology)
24.17How crops are looking in Scotland
32.51Yellow Rust and YR15
37.19Choosing wheat varieties to grow this autumn
38.20Spring barley update
42.30Ramularia: the late season disease
FAS Resources
Yellow rust - FAS
New yellow rust strain confirmed - FAS
June Crop Update - FAS
FAS Newsletters - Crops & Soils Edition
Crop Trials Evening - Lothians
Crop Trials Evening - Aberdeenshire
Crop Trials Evening - Lanark
Other Resources
CRM AgriCommodities
jbolesworth@crm-group.co.uk
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: advice@fas.scot
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by George Chalmers to discuss grain storage and the importance of making sure stores are ready for harvest.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
FAS Resources
Crops and Soils Bulletin June 2023 - Grain Store Hygiene Ahead of Harvest | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Ensuring Safe Storage for Wet Malting Barley | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
Other Resources
AHDB (2023) Grain Storage Guide
In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
- Six steps for virus management doc https://www.sasa.gov.uk/sites/default/files/The_6_Steps_to_Effective_Virus_Management_in_Potato_Crops.pdf
- The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/our-expert-teams/knowledge-networks/potato-services/
Welcome to the first episode of Cropcast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddel (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting). They discuss growing sugar beet in Scotland and cover sugar beet trial work, sites, varieties, farmer group feedback and conclusions from trial work.
Episode Timestamps
00.32Introducing Iain Riddell
01.49Background to sugar beet in Scotland
05.05Rural Innovation Support Service project
10.12Biorefining hubs
11.35 Farmers feedback on practicalities of sugar beet in the rotation
15.43 Harvesting sugar beet
18.40Storing sugar beet
19.35Trials of different varieties at different locations
29.40IBiolC Conference take-home messages
31.30 Iain’s closing thoughts
FAS Resources
Field Trialling Sugar Beet in Eastern Scotland
Other Resources
IBiolC (Organisation that connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market)
IBiolC annual conference (March 2025)
Sugar Beet: A Just Transition for the Chemicals Sector and a Net Zero Solution for Manufacturing.
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 Edward Scaman and Chris McClymont to talk about herbicides. How is the current season progressing and what is the best practice advice when it comes to applying products.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
YouTube - Bayer Weed Screen
Find your local Bayer technical manager
FAS - Herbicides
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Tom Scrope to talk about his 2025 Nuffield Scholarship, in which he is exploring new ways of farmer knowledge exchange to secure stronger soils. Tom is also the Co-founder of soil benchmark, an online platform which can be used to create bespoke soil management plans.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Resources
Nuffield Farming Scholarships: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2024/tom-scrope
Soil benchmark: https://www.soilbenchmark.com/#features
Tom Scrope, Linked in: Tom Scrope on LinkedIn: 🤔 🇦🇺 🪱 Why do Aussie farmers share soil-y ideas BETTER and FASTER than… | 70 comments
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Balbirnie Farms manager David Aglen along with Professor Fiona Burnett, an applied plant pathologist at SRUC to discuss the results from crop trials, which have been taking place at Balbirnie Home Farms as part of the AHDB strategic cereal farm Scotland project.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Resources
Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland | AHDB
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Borders Farmer Neil Ramsay along with Prof Roger Sylvester-Bradley, Principal Research Scientist and Head of Crop Performance at ADAS; to discuss grain analysis and the benefits it can have when tailoring nutrition.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Resources
The Yield Enhancement Network | YEN
Nutri-Check Network
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Angus Farmer & Managing Director of Soil Essentials, Jim Wilson to discuss soil health and the types of tests arable farmers should be considering.
Welcome to CropCast, 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 Resources
SoilEssentials | Precision Farming Solutions By Farmers for Farmers
Soil sampling - SoilEssentials
Great news for GREATsoils: AHDB issues Soil Health Scorecard guidance | AHDB
Technical Note (TN721): Soil Biodiversity and Soil Health | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Ruth Wade and Professor Pippa Chapman from the University of Leeds, along with Dr Joseph Martlew from NIAB, to discuss Regenerative Agriculture and the trials which have been taking place in Yorkshire.
Welcome to CropCast, 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 Resources
University of Leeds Farm - Fix Our Food
How to assess soil structure | AHDB
The Six Principles of Regenerative Farming: Why are they important? - AgriCaptureCO2
Regenerative-in-a-Nutshell.pdf (LEAF)
Farm-Scale Regenerative Agriculture | H3
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Steve Hoad, team leader in agronomy, physiology & genetics at SRUC, to provide an update on how Spring cereal varieties have been performing during the 2024 variety trials, along with his top variety picks.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
For the most recent Scottish Recommended list 24/25
https://www.sruc.ac.uk/media/4qybv20b/sruc-cereals-recommended-list-2024-tables-winter-edition-w1.pdf
Full variety data sets collected are available on the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds website https://ahdb.org.uk/rl
Lothian crop trials webinar 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74muZHiI9w
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Steve Hoad, team leader in agronomy, physiology & genetics at SRUC, to provide an update on how winter cereal varieties have been performing during the 2024 variety trials, along with his top variety picks.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources
For the most recent Scottish Recommended list 24/25
https://www.sruc.ac.uk/media/4qybv20b/sruc-cereals-recommended-list-2024-tables-winter-edition-w1.pdf
Full variety data sets collected are available on the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds website https://ahdb.org.uk/rl
Lothian crop trials webinar 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74muZHiI9w
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett, an applied plant pathologist at SRUC to discuss the performance of fungicides during the challenging growing season, that has been 2024.
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 Resources
Lothian Crop Trials Webinar - YouTube
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by David Brown, an Environmental Consultant at SAC Consulting to discuss pollinators, beneficial insects and biodiversity on arable farms.
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 Resources
How to increase wild pollinators on your farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Improving Biodiversity on Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
FAS – Specialist advice – Funding for a biodiversity, habitat and landscape management plan of your farm
Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
IPM (Integrated pest management) is set to become a key feature of the Scottish agricultural reform route map from 2025. In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Phil Jarvis & Amy Geddes from the voluntary initiative to discuss IPM. What is it and how do farmers go about getting started.
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 Resources:
VI Page on IPM
AHDB – IPM Hub
NFU – IPM Plan
Plant health centre – IPM for arable crops or grass, also horticultural.
Scottish Agricultural Reform Route Map
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 Resources
Strategic Cereal Farms | AHDB
Technical 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)
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 Resources
VIXERAN - Biostimulant | Syngenta
The 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 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 Resources
TN685 - Sulphur Recommendations for Crops
TN732-Nitrogen Recommendations for Cereals, Oilseed Rape & Potatoes
TN715 – TN718 Phosphate & Potash recommendations for crops
Welcome to CropCast, 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.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Neil White, from Greenknowe Farm to discuss his journey, switching from a plough-based system to strip tillage, almost 10 years ago. Neil was recently awarded Farmers weekly, arable farmer of the year 2023.
Linked FAS Resources
Profiting From Reducing Tillage and Lowering Emissions - Neil White, Greenknowe Farm (youtube.com)
Profiting From Reducing Tillage and Lowering Emissions - John Muir, Freelands Farm - YouTube
Profiting from Reducing Tillage and Lowering Emissions - Hew Hunter, Broachrigg Farm - YouTube
Profiting from Reducing Tillage and Lowering Emissions - John Davidson, Penicuik Estate (youtube.com)
Profiting from Reducing Tillage and Lowering Emissions - John McCluskey, Lea Farm (youtube.com)
Technical Note (TH553): Minimum Tillage
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by SAC Agricultural Consultant’s Donald Dunbar, Mark Bowsher–Gibbs and Iain Riddell to discuss the potential for alternative crops such as Rye, Hemp and Sugar beet in the Scottish arable rotation.
Linked FAS Resources
Rye
Growing winter Rye in Scotland
Growing Winter Rye in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) | AHDB
South of Scotland Enterprise Report - Alternative Crops Case Study
Hemp & Sugar beet
South of Scotland Enterprise Report - Alternative Crops Case Study
Hemp -30
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett from SRUC to discuss the results of this year’s fungicide performance trials.
Professor Fiona Burnett is Head of Knowledge Exchange and Impact at SRUC and an applied plant pathologist with a focus on plant health and sustainable and integrated crop production.
Linked FAS Resources
AHDB - Trial Results for 2024 https://ahdb.org.uk/recommended-lists-for-cereals-and-oilseeds-rl-harvest-results-commentary
AHDB Agronomy Roadshow 9TH Jan – 16th Jan https://www.fas.scot/events/
FAS Crops & Soils bulletin https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/crops-and-soils-bulletin/
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by John Skea, an organic farmer based at East Mains Farm, Auchterhouse to find out, what makes his organic system work. During his conversation with Tiffany, John covers a range of important discussion points including crop rotation, building soil fertility, weed control, and organic markets.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding more about what makes a successful organic system work.
Linked FAS Resources
Organic video series looking at three different organic businesses https://www.fas.scot/organics-in-scotland-series/
Getting started with organic farming https://www.fas.scot/article/getting-started-with-organic-farming-is-organic-for-me/
Organic farming Technical notes https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/agricultural-production/technical-notes/#organic
Subscribe to the Crops & Soils Bulletin here.
Welcome to Cropcast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Iain Wilson from Stracathro estates who is a strong advocate for the using sheep to graze cereals.
Tiffany is also joined by Dr Robin Walker, a senior researcher focusing on low input cropping systems to discuss trials he has been involved in and the potential benefits of winter grazing cereals for both the arable farmer and the livestock farmer.
Related Resources
Mixed Project – (4th year of the project) – Winter grazing cereals with sheep Home (au.dk)
Farmers Guardian article Grazing sheep on cereals does not reduce yields, Scottish trials find | Farm News | Farmers Guardian
Whitriggs – Winter grazing of crops Whitriggs - Winter Grazing of Crops | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)
Welcome to CropCast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Donald Dunbar, a senior agricultural consultant at SAC consulting, along with Dr Steve Hoad, a team leader in agronomy, physiology & genetics at SRUC, to discuss the latest Scottish variety trial results, which will help growers to choose the best winter and spring barley varieties for harvest 2024.
Linked Resources
For the most recent Scottish Recommended list 23/24 https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/en/publications/scottish-recommended-lists-for-cereals-202324
Welcome to CropCast, 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Donald Dunbar, a senior agricultural consultant at SAC consulting, along with Dr Steve Hoad, a team leader in agronomy, physiology & genetics at SRUC, to discuss the latest Scottish variety trial results, which will help growers to choose the best winter wheat varieties for harvest 2024.
Linked FAS Resources
For the most recent Scottish Recommended list 23/24 https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/en/publications/scottish-recommended-lists-for-cereals-202324
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Julie Clark, senior knowledge exchange manager at AHDB, to discuss the importance of benchmarking and how it can ultimately allow you to make better decisions.
Tiffany is also joined by Olivia Bonser, a Market intelligence analyst at AHDB, to discuss current and longer-term market forces and how these are likely to impact cost of production going forward.
Linked FAS Resources
Farmbench - a farm business comparison tool | AHDB
Farmbench results: past, present and future | AHDB
Tools | AHDB
Cereals and Oilseeds markets | AHDB
GB fertiliser prices | AHDB
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Dr Henry Creissan an applied plant pathologist at SRUC and Professor Adrian Newton, a cereal pathologist/ Agroecologist at the James Hutton Institute, to discuss their work, which is looking at the impact of reduced tillage on integrated pest management (IPM) and how farmers can practically incorporate IPM into their own businesses.
Linked FAS Resources
- The Centre for Sustainable Cropping is: https://csc.hutton.ac.uk/
- Hutton’s IPM website: https://ipm.hutton.ac.uk/
- Grieve’s House Tillage Platform: https://ghplatform.hutton.ac.uk/ and virtual tour: https://virtualtours.hutton.ac.uk/grieveshousetour/
- Arable Scotland: https://www.arablescotland.org.uk/
- Groundswell Scotland is this: https://www.fwi.co.uk/regenerative-agriculture/falkland-estate-to-host-new-regenerative-farming-event-in-scotland
- Bayer open day at Boghall trial site. https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/events/bayer-field-day-edinburgh/
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Iain Lindsay, area Manager at Syngenta UK to discuss low drift nozzles & closed transfer systems.
Related Resources
Spray Assist App to aid application on target | Syngenta
Collaborative closed transfer system for UK evaluation | Syngenta
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Adam Christie, Managing Director at Scottish Agronomy and Professor Fiona Burnett to discuss winter and spring barley disease management (For winter wheat, please see episode 11).
We also discuss T0,T1, T2 & T3 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray programme.
Linked FAS Resources
SRUC Crop protection report Crops | SRUC
Scottish Agronomy Homepage - Visit Scottish Agronomy For More Information
Scottish Recommended lists for cereals 2023/24 SAC RL centre pages 2010 (sruc.ac.uk)
AHDB – Fungicide programmes for Barley https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/fungicide-programmes-for-barley
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Adam Christie, Managing Director at Scottish Agronomy and Professor Fiona Burnett to discuss crop disease management in winter wheat.
We also discuss T0,T1, T2 & T3 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray programme.
Linked FAS Resources
SRUC Crop protection report Crops | SRUC
Scottish Agronomy Homepage - Visit Scottish Agronomy For More Information
Scottish Recommended lists for cereals 2023/24 SAC RL centre pages 2010 (sruc.ac.uk)
AHDB – Fungicide programmes for Wheat Fungicide programmes for wheat | AHDB
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Natalie Wood, agronomy operations manager at YARA UK & Ireland along with George Chalmers, a senior agricultural consultant at SAC Consulting, to discuss best practice for applying nitrogen efficiently this coming season.
Related FAS Resources
Technical Note (TN731) Nitrogen for Cereals, Rapeseed & Potatoes (fas.scot)
Other Related Resources
Fertiliser application and spreading advice | Yara UK
Agronomy podcasts | Grow the future | Yara UK
Nitrogen-Use Efficiency | Grow the Future | Yara UK
Yara UK on Twitter: "Our latest podcast is available! 🎧✔️ Yara agronomist Natalie Wood talks to Ken Rundle about the role micronutrients play in crop establishment and how they are no less important than macronutrients.🌱💧 Listen here 👉 https://t.co/S8cvADqc3T https://t.co/Bs0V9sI5Fe" / Twitter
Natalie Wood - Agronomy Operations Manager - Yara International | LinkedIn
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Gordon Whiteford from Lower Mill of Tynet farm, who uses intercropping as a technique to produce crops to produce feed for his Banffshire based business, Highland Eggs.
Tiffany is also joined by Dr Robin Walker, a senior researcher focusing on low input cropping systems to discuss his research and the potential benefits of intercropping to both arable and mixed farmers.
If you are in Scotland and interested in taking part of the intercrop VALUES project, which Robin is involved in, please contact Robin robin.walker@sruc.ac.uk.
Linked Resources
The current intercropping project SRUC and SAOS are involved with is the EU funded Intercrop VALUES project. (https://twitter.com/IntercropVALUES; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088203159247; https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercropvalues/posts/?feedView=all)
If you are a farmer, maltster or craft brewer in Scotland and are interested in being a part of the Intercrop VALUES project, Robin would be keen to hear from you. Robin & team plan to explore potential problems and solutions within the value chain of high-quality craft beer made from barley that has been produced using intercrops, e.g., barley undersown with grass-clover, or barley grown in a mixture with a grain legume such as pea. Please contact robin.walker@sruc.ac.uk.
There is a range of intercropping information already available from some of SRUC’s previous projects, such as the ReMIX brochure (PDF) and the YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRxVldHWHJAoU8xHNZ0efCQ/videos). These will soon be transferred across to the Intercrop VALUES YouTube channel (IntercropVALUES - YouTube) and website once fully up and running as the project progresses. For further information, please contact robin.walker@sruc.ac.uk.
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by David Mathewson from the Scottish government land inspections team, along with Neil Melville, senior Consultant with SAC Consulting, to discuss ecological focus areas (EFA’s). What is the purpose of them? what are the options and how can you make the most of them?
Related Resources
Greening guidance
https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/
Local SGRPID office
https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/contact-us/
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 Mactaggart is joined by David Ross, a senior Agricultural consultant from SAC consulting along with Audrey Litterick, director of Earth Care Technical, to discuss soil health. What is a healthy soil? What components can be tested and most importantly, what can we do about the results?
Related Resources
Farm Advisory service (Healthy soils) https://www.fas.scot/article/evaluating-soil-quality-and-testing-for-soil-health-status/
National Testing Scheme Guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf-/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf--full-guidance/
Earthcare Technical http://earthcaretechnical.co.uk/
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Craig Bothwell, a senior consultant with SAC Consulting to discuss how to best utilise manures.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked FAS Resources https://www.fas.scot/publication/making-the-most-of-digestate-applications/ (Video: Making the most of digestate applications | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot))
https://www.fas.scot/publication/real-time-manure-analysis-and-variable-rate-application-of-slurry/ (Real time manure analysis and variable rate application of slurry | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot))
https://www.fas.scot/publication/technical-note-tn736-optimising-the-application-of-livestock-farmyard-manures-and-slurries/ (Technical note (TN736): Optimising the application of livestock farmyard manures and slurries | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot))
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)
National Advice Hub: Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by Julian Bell, a Principal Consultant with SAC Consulting along with James Bolesworth, managing director of CRM Agri commodities in Gloucestershire to discuss grain markets and effective marketing strategies, which will ultimately allow you to sell your grain for the best price.
Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked Resources
https://www.fas.scot/article/how-should-i-sell-my-grain/ (How should I sell my grain? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)) Agri business news (Available on the FAS website) https://www.fas.scot/downloads/agribusiness-news-june-2022/ (https://www.fas.scot/downloads/agribusiness-news-june-2022/)
AHDB https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets (https://ahdb.org.uk/cereals-oilseeds-markets)
(@) CRM Agri on twitter Daily report: https://www.graintab.com/blog/ (https://www.graintab.com/blog/) Academy: https://www.graintab.com/academy/ (https://www.graintab.com/academy/) http://www.crmagri.com/ (www.crmagri.com)
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)
National Advice Hub: Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by senior SAC agricultural consultant Donald Dunbar and Dr Robin Walker, a senior researcher focusing on low input cropping systems to discuss the benefits & potential uses of cover crops & green manures. Producer George Gauley, Editor Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
Linked Resources
Read FAS webinar summary – Cover crops & green manures https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/ (https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/) Listen to podcast – Nutrient strategy – Green manures https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/ (https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/) Further information on cover crops (AHDB)https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops (https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops) Webinar – The role of legumes & cover crops and their impacts on EFA compliance. https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/ (https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/) Cover crops & green manures https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/ (https://www.fas.scot/downloads/thainstone-soil-nutrient-network-1st-meeting-presentation-slides-used-by-gavin-elrick-cover-crops-green-manures/) Nutrient strategy – Green manures https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/ (https://www.fas.scot/publication/nutrient-strategy-green-manures/) Cover Crops (AHDB) https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops (https://ahdb.org.uk/cover-crops) The role of legumes & cover crops and their impacts on EFA compliance. https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/ (https://www.fas.scot/environment/climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change/adapting-to-climate-change-crop-and-soil-management/) AECS guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/stubbles-followed-by-green-manure-in-an-arable-rotation/ (https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/stubbles-followed-by-green-manure-in-an-arable-rotation/) EFA Guidance https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance-2022/ (Greening guidance (2022) (ruralpayments.org))
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)
National Advice Hub: Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by senior SAC agricultural consultant Hugh Ironside to discuss some of his recent work looking at projected gross margins at differing grain and fertiliser prices.
Tiffany will also be joined by SAC principal consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs to discuss the upcoming cereal variety trials open evening on the 30th June at Ormiston Mains farm and why growers can benefit from visiting these trial sites.
Linked FAS Resources Gross Margins Gross Margins For Combinable Crops At Different Grain & Fertiliser Prices https://www.fas.scot/publication/gross-margins-for-combinable-crops-at-different-grain-fertiliser-prices/ (https://www.fas.scot/publication/gross-margins-for-combinable-crops-at-different-grain-fertiliser-prices/) FAS Business Tools https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/ (https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/) AHDB Farmbench - https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench (https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench) Improve Your Farming Finances in 30 mins https://www.fas.scot/publication/improve-your-farm-finances-in-30-minutes-2/ (https://www.fas.scot/publication/improve-your-farm-finances-in-30-minutes-2/)
SRUC Crop Trials Scottish recommended variety list https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/44293035/SRUC_Cereals_Recommended_List_2022_Tables_Final_Ver1.pdf (https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/44293035/SRUC_Cereals_Recommended_List_2022_Tables_Final_Ver1.pdf) Crop Trials Event 30th June 2022 https://www.fas.scot/events/event/crop-trials-tour-lothians/ (https://www.fas.scot/events/event/crop-trials-tour-lothians/)
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)
Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart 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 Iain Boyd, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.
In this episode Tiffany Mactaggart is joined by SAC crop consultant Peter Lindsay to discuss upcoming disease management strategies for spring barley, how winter oilseed rape is progressing along with tips on desiccation.
Tiffany will also be joined by SAC potato consultant Kyran Maloney to discuss potato blight spray programmes for the season ahead.
Tiffany will also be joined by beef & sheep consultant Kirstin Williams to discuss forage crop planning for the winter ahead.
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)
Welcome to Cropcast, bringing you all the on crops and soils. Each month, SAC Consulting advisor, Tiffany Mactaggart will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates and the latest research to help you make decisions in the field. In this episode Tiffany is joined by Professor Fiona Burnett & Dr Neil Havis from to discuss winter crop disease management. In this episode we discuss both T1 & T2 spray timings and what you need to consider for this year's spray programme.
Professor Fiona Burnett is Head Knowledge Exchange and Impact at SRUC. Fiona is an applied plant pathologist with focus on plant health and sustainable and integrated crop production.
Dr Neil Havis is a senior plant pathologist with SRUC and leads the crop protection team.
For more information, visit http://www.fas.scot/ (www.FAS.scot), Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASScot (@FASScot) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/ (@FASScot)