OnFARM rural podcast: Recent Episodes
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Telling rural stories from Scotland and beyond. OnFARM showcases rural enterprise, community, creativity, and so much more. We will champion the producers, grafters, and innovators who put food on our tables and keep our countryside green and beautiful for all. OnFARM: Food, Agricultural and Rural Matters in Scotland. New episodes every Monday, presented by Anna Davies and Ross Montague.
The late great Andrew Arbuckle was a well kent name in Scottish farming.
The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer was a big supporter of RSABI, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the charity with proceeds from his books.
Sadly, Andrew passed away in December 2025.
In tribute to him, and to pay our respects, OnFARM are re-visiting a conversation that we first published in 2022.
As you'll hear in this episode, he was a real character, a true gentleman, and full of brilliant stories.
Farmstrong Scotland is a brilliant wellbeing programme for farmers and crofters, sharing peer-to-peer tips and advice.
Their excellent podcast is called 'Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland'.
Each month, farmers and crofters share stories with host Sarah Stephen, and reflect on what they do to support their own wellbeing.
Sarah's most recent guests (January 2026) were none other than OnFARM's Anna and her husband, arable farmer Willie Thomson.
In this episode, we've got their conversation in full. You can hear:
- how Anna and Willie juggle farming, family and other commitments - and occasionally manage a holiday here and there
- how the recent onset of arthritis has prompted Willie to reconsider his priorities - and has brought a fresh approach to work-life balance
- the importance in their household of a properly-made bed!
Once you've listened, please subscribe to Farmstrong's podcast alongside OnFARM, so that new episodes pop up on your device when they are published.
If you're online, you can also check out Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Towards the end of 2025, we sadly lost Christopher Trotter, a well-known Fife chef, food writer, and ambassador for local and seasonal produce. He died at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.
In tribute to him, and to pay our respects, OnFARM are re-visiting a conversation that Christopher recorded with Sarah Anderson from our team - to mark the publication of his book Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook.
As you'll hear in this episode, he was a real gentleman, and a big advocate for eating varied and sustainable Scottish produce.
If you're looking for Christmas present inspiration, look no further!
This week's guest is Arabella Harvey from Raven Botanicals, the Scottish skincare brand known for its nature-led products.
Arabella shares how she and her sister Charlotte built the business - drawing on botanical knowledge, creativity, and a strong connection to the landscape.
She and Anna chat about the realities of growing a rural brand, from sourcing ingredients to staying sustainable.
Ara also tells a lovely story about the family pet which inspired the name of the business…
We hope you enjoy this episode. It's only possible thanks to our brilliant sponsors Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
Lorna Dawson was a student in Edinburgh in 1977, when 17-year-olds Helen Scott and Christine Eadie were murdered after a night out at the World's End pub.
Decades later, she helped to convict the women's killer - using pioneering techniques to identify soil samples that had been taken and retained from Helen Scott's bare feet.
Lorna has since reported and advised on over 150 court cases, as professor and head of soil forensics at the James Hutton Institute.
She also talks to Anna - in this fascinating episode of OnFARM - about how soil forensics can be used to help fight rural crime such as machinery or metal theft.
Huge thanks to episode sponsors, Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Further links:
The James Hutton Institute
SEFARI Gateway - Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
Most of us in farming - unfortunately - know someone who’s been in an argument or a dispute.
It could be between relatives over an inheritance, over a business relationship, or any number of different circumstances that have led to conflict.
You may not realise you can call on support from professional mediators - or even, in some cases, offer to step in as a mediator yourself.
This episode is all about the power of mediation – hearing from Gillespie Macandrew's dispute resolution team lead Fiona Cameron, and Gordon Davies, a mediator working for - among others - rural support charity RSABI. (Full disclosure: Gordon is also OnFARM host Anna's dad!)
This is a repeat of an episode from June 2023 - hosted by Monty, who it's good to hear on the pod again.
Tick-borne virus Louping-ill has been spreading across Scotland since a vaccine was withdrawn. The disease is fatal to sheep and red grouse, though it can also infect and by carried by cattle, horses, dogs, and humans.
Now, the Moredun Research Institute and industry partner Kernfarm has developed a new-generation vaccine - and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring it to manufacture and production.
Beth Wells from the Moredun joins Anna to discuss both the crowdfunder work and the vaccine.
Donate to the Moredun's Louping Ill vaccine crowdfunder here.
Beth and Anna mentioned BBC Scotland's episode of Landward featuring Moredun's research on Louping Ill - find it here.
See news on the Scottish Government's £100,000 match-funding pledge for a Louping-ill vaccine here, with a call for industry backing.
Other bodies and organisations involved in developing the Louping-ill vaccine include:
Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), National Sheep Association, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, Sheep Veterinary Society, Sandhill Vets and The Moredun Foundation.
Well over 70,000 children in Scotland benefit each year from the work of RHET - the Royal Highland Education Trust.
RHET take children onto farms, and bring farmers into schools, to help young people aged 3 to 18 to understand more about where our food comes from.
In an interview first recorded in 2020, Anna joins John Sinclair, owner of Craigies Farm Shop and Cafe, leading children on a RHET tour. Also taking part in this episode are primary school teacher Emmie Petrie, and RHET learning and development coordinator Sara Smith.
You can donate to support the work of RHET here: https://rhet.org.uk/how-to-help/#donate
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
The inaugural RSABI Great Scone Palace Challenge was a joyous 'It's a Knockout' event, raising over £80,000 to support people in Scottish agriculture.
Teams took part from across rural Scotland - and actors from ITV's Emmerdale were on hand to add a big serving of stardust.
OnFARM's Anna and Dave caught up with competitors and organisers, as well as Mark Charnock - Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle.
Both the RSABI Great Scone Palace Challenge itself and this episode of OnFARM are sponsored by Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.
For more on the challenge, check out RSABI's news pages.
Congratulations to the Challenge winners:
- 1st place: Blackhall & Powis – Cameron Finnie, David Tyler, Ross McWilliams, Lenz Bartelt
- 2nd place: Dalscone (Keeping Up with the Cowdashians) – Kyle McKellar, Connor Cairns, Ben Best, Joe Best, Kristoff Henderson
- 3rd place: Algo – Kelly Strachan, Scott Cameron, Craig Nixon, Louise Nixon, Daryn Jolly
Special recognition goes to the team at Dalscone, who raised a phenomenal £24,000 plus Gift Aid, making them the top fundraising team.
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
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:
Podcast producers Bespoken Media
All episodes of OnFARM are produced and edited by Scottish podcast production specialists Bespoken Media. Find Bespoken at www.bespoken.media
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.uk
Those looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
These 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.uk
Those looking to record stories and memories from family members privately, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
This 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 SkyeSkyns
SkyeSkyns 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 Forres
- Jo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafe
- Jackie 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.uk
Those 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.uk
Those 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 and 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 Show
Anna 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.uk
Those 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.
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.uk
Those 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.uk
Those 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.uk
Those 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 Forres
- Jo McNicol from North Berwick's Drift cliff edge cafe
- Jackie 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.uk
Those 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 Scotland
To 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 SkyeSkins
SkyeSkins 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 SkyeSkins 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 SkyeSkins
SkyeSkins 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 SkyeSkins 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 SkyeSkins
SkyeSkins 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 SkyeSkins 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.
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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 on AMR research group at the Moredun Research Institute
Dr 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
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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 John 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 Institute
Gordon McDougall, and Dr Valeria Montano, both of the John Hutton Institute
Barley, wheat, oilseed rape... Should hemp be considered alongside these as viable crops for Scottish growers?
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute are championing hemp as a healthy and sustainable food crop. It's a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, and other healthy fats and minerals.
So, should hemp be your next diversification?
For this episode, Anna and producer Dave visit Barns of Airlie Farm near Kirriemuir to meet Hemp It Up! founders Alison and John Easson, alongside the Rowett Institute's Dr Madalina Neacsu and Dr Graham Horgan from BIOSS (Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland).
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This is the first of 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.
Since we first aired this wonderful interview with Willie Logan from East Lothian, the 91-year old East Lothian farmer has been adopted as a 'poster boy' for RHASS's new 240 Years of Stories campaign.
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.
In this episode, Willie shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture.
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.uk
Those looking to record private stories and memories from family members, outside of this project, can find out more at www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Seven months after suffering a seizure, and being diagnosed with brain cancer, Monty and his wife Moira chat with Anna and producer Dave about how things have been. This episode has heaps of gratitude for helpful and supportive people, from Monty's friends, family and neighbours, to the wonderful rural charity RSABI - and even OnFARM's sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, aka The Black Farmer, describes his difficult start to life in the UK, before starting work for the BBC and discovering a passion for food. He left TV to start a food and drink marketing company, which gave him the opportunity to realise his dream of owning a farm. 'The Black Farmer' is now a successful brand selling sausages, deli items and other produce. Wilfred tells Mary-Jane Lawrie from the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) about his life and his determination to become a farmer, and how the danger of playing it safe can hold us back.
https://www.theblackfarmer.com/
FAS have kindly agreed to share episodes from their podcasts to help OnFARM out while Monty is receiving treatment for brain cancer. We are hugely grateful for their support.
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. In this second part of their chat, recorded back in 2020, there's talk of Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There is decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming.
Thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for support for this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Jim Smith's comedy career has come on in leaps and bounds since Anna first spoke to him in the springtime of 2020. He is also a staunch supporter of Scottish farming charities particularly the RSABI's #keeptalking campaign. He says farming will always be his number one passion. When Anna went to visit him at his Perthshire farm, they talked about his comedy roots; trying to relieve the boredom of roguing tatties, then writing pantomime scripts for his beloved Bankfoot YFC. We only meant to record one episode with Jim, but he was such good craic, we split the chat into two parts. So this is part 1 of 2. Enjoy!
Thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for support for this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Fly-tipping is something all too many farmers and landowners will be aware of. If "extreme" fly-tipping is new to you, we're talking about bigger things being dumped, like caravans or vehicles. Anna is joined by Elaine Kennedy-Walton and Conner McConnell from our wonderful sponsors, Gillespie MacAndrew to offer information and advice.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Thanks to the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) for sharing this Stock Talk episode on farming in Argentina. Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron talks with presenter Robert Ramsay about cropping and beef production, as well as the importance of soil health, and the need for increased production. The episode is produced by Kirsten Blackwood.
FAS have kindly agreed to share episodes from their podcasts to help OnFARM out while Monty is receiving treatment for brain cancer. We are hugely grateful for their support.
After lots of lovely feedback on last week's episode with 91-year-old East Lothian farmer Willie Logan, and the launch of OnRECORD to capture memories of Scottish agriculture, we are re-sharing this chat from our archive.
Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer has raised over £100,000 for the RSABI with proceeds from his books. What's less well-known about Andrew is that he is also a champion pole vaulter...
To find out more about OnRECORD, and how you can book the team to capture precious memories for posterity, please visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Willie Logan from East Lothian shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture.
This conversation between Willie and Anna marks the launch of our exciting new OnRECORD project. With OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.
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.
Find out more at: www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Introducing OnFARM's exciting new sister project - OnRECORD. Thanks to OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings.
Perhaps you'd like us to record the memories and stories of one of your family members, a long serving member of your farm team, or an outgoing office-bearer in your organisation?
Whatever stories and voices you want to be able to preserve, to treasure, and to return to in future, please just get in touch. Find out more at: www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Nick Thomson and James Fairlie from the 'Farming Funny' podcast join Anna for a good blether about life, farming, and podcasting - and why James always has something, in every episode, to get angry about.
Find Nick, Jim and Sandy on Farming Funny in podcast players here.
Huge thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for sponsoring this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Carol McLaren chats with Anna about her time so far as CEO of Scottish farming support charity RSABI. There is some discussion of mental ill health - including feeling suicidal - in this episode.
Find RSABI online at www.rsabi.org.uk or call them on 0808 1234 555.
We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Jock Wilson is a busy guy! In this episode, producer Dave visits Jock to learn about the various projects and enterprises he's involved in - from beef and sheep farming at Edinvale Farm in Moray, to running Macbeth's butcher and game dealer. Jock is also leading on introducing wellbeing and resilience initiative FarmStrong in Scotland, and is about to embark on a Nuffield Farming Scholarship focused on meat eating quality.
We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
This short episode reflects on 4 years (so far) of the OnFARM podcast - and looks at ways businesses and organisations can come on board to sponsor or partner with OnFARM, to keep the podcast going into the future.
We produce episodes in partnership with RHASS, the Moredun Research Institute, law firm Gillespie Macandrew, rural business specialists Bell Ingram, and others. We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to join that list.
The OnFARM podcast is a great opportunity to get your messages out to people in rural Scotland, and to play a part in championing and sharing the sector's stories.
Just get in touch to find out more: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm trucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace, Keith Dawson, as well, as charity supporter Nicola Alexander from Cupar in Fife.
For more information, or to donate vehicles or supplies, contact pickupsforpeace@memus.com or make a donation on justgiving.com.
We are repeating this episode as it's one of Monty's favourites from this year - to mark the midway point of his chemo and radiotherapy treatment.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain over 3 miles of fungus - if stretched out end-to-end. That's just one of the fascinating fungi facts shared in this episode - as Anna goes foraging with East Lothian mycologist Neville Kilkenny.
Neville offers guided forays, talks and events, and teaches identification workshops at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens (RBGE). Find him online at the very aptly-named fungi.co.uk.
Huge thanks to sponsors Bell Ingram for their support of this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Behind the scenes insight, as Anna and producer Dave chat with Hayley Hayes, host of the Radio Academy podcast, about the making on OnFARM.
The Radio Academy is the UK radio and audio industry charity. They promote excellence in UK radio and audio (so it is only natural they would want to speak to the makers of the very excellent OnFARM!).
Truth be told, this is a wee bit of a stopgap while we make some changes in light of Monty's illness. We'll be back soon with more of the usual OnFARM fodder - but we thought you'd enjoy this in the meantime.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Elspeth and Paolo Berardelli farm the Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Spean Bridge. They have a wide spread of enterprises on the farm, ranging from sheep and cattle, to deer stalking, and renewable energy. They also are custodians of an important site of special scientific interest of species-rich Nardis grassland at Glencoe. Elspeth has also recently started welcoming children on to the farm from local schools, to help build their confidence and support their resilience and mental health.
With thanks to episode sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
You may have noticed that Monty's voice has been absent from recent episodes of OnFARM. Unfortunately, this is because he has been receiving medical treatment for a brain tumour. He begins a six-week course of intensive chemo and radiotherapy today (mid-November 2023), so it's a good time to give our first official update on Monty's health.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Despite being a fourth-generation crofter, Robert Mackenzie has been on a steep learning curve since he took over Lochbuie Croft in Newtonmore five years ago. He and his partner Jenni MacDonell have not been shy of a challenge - inviting BBC Scotland's 'This Farming Life' to film their life and work, and starting alpaca trekking alongside the beef and lamb enterprises. They're chatting in this episode with OnFARM's Dave Howard.
Huge thanks to Bell Ingram for supporting this episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
As eagle numbers grow in parts of Scotland, so do farmers' concerns over livestock predation. At Rothiemurchus falconry outside Aviemore, Jonny Ames believes he might have an answer. He is training two Italian Maremma 'guardian dogs' - called Luigi and Peaches - to live 24/7 in fields with livestock, to guard sheep from birds-of-prey. He is looking to find volunteer farmers keen to trial the dogs in coming months.
Thanks as ever to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for supporting this episode of OnFARM.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
All things ploughing – ahead of the 59th Scottish Ploughing Championships taking place in Ayrshire on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October. Producer Dave is joined by Hugh Currie, Derek MacIver, and Lizzy Baxter, all from the Scottish Ploughing Championships 2023 organising committee.
The championships are taking place at Monktonhill Farm, Prestwick, Ayrshire, KA9 1UL, and there will be lots of stalls, stands and activities for anyone that comes along.
Find more information at the Scottish Ploughing Championships website.
Picture credit: Five K Photography
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Celebrations have been taking place in Caithness to mark 100 years since the Young Farmer’s movement got underway in Scotland. The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs - SAYFC - wasn’t formed until 1938, but the first ever club was set up at a rural school house near Thurso in 1923.
Centenary events have included a tractor rally, a quiz night, a forthcoming dinner and dance, and - most recently - the unveiling of a commemorative stone at the site of the first meeting.
OnFARM's Dave Howard was there.
This episode, which is supported and made possible by RHASS, is the result of OnFARM's 'Pitch a Pod' competition, when we challenged people at the Royal Highland Show to tell us stories they thought we should tell in future episodes of the podcast.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Patrick Laurie is an upland farmer and conservationist from Dalbeatie in Dumfries and Galloway. He talks to Monty of his pride in his herd of traditional Riggit Galloway cattle, and his growing concern for the plight of wildlife - particularly the birds that he says are disappearing from the landscape around him. He is the author of several books including Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape, a Times bestseller that was also shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize.
Huge thanks to Scottish law firm Gillespie MacAndrew for supporting this episode of OnFARM.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
East Lothian upland farmer Kelvin Pate is a relatively recent convert to bird conservation; he first started paying closer attention to the birds on his farm during Covid lockdown. He tells Anna about changes he's made on his farm to support birds, and shares his views on how people and policy can work better to protect wildlife.
Thanks to sponsors Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for making this episode possible.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
Fife food ambassador, writer and chef Christopher Trotter once ran a Michelin-starred kitchen. In this chat with OnFARM's Sarah Anderson, which we are re-releasing to mark Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, he talks widely about sustainable and locally sourced produce, and particularly Scottish fish. He has recently published Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook.
Mentioned in this episode:
For more info on preserving precious memories via OnRECORD visit www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
The number of adults receiving ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) prescriptions in Scotland has increased seven-fold in the last decade, according to recent headlines. Will Evans and Domhnall Macsween are both well known farmers who have both been diagnosed with ADHD. Will is chair of the Oxford Farming Conference and host of the Rock and Roll Farming podcast. Domhnall is a crofter on Lewis in the Western Isles and presenter of BBC Alba's An Lot (The Croft). Both men believe that undiagnosed ADHD may be prevalent in UK agriculture.
Our thanks to episode sponsors rural business specialists Bell Ingram.
The unique Great Glen Challenge sees teams compete in cycling, kayaking, walking, and running between Fort Augustus and Fort William, covering a 49 km route. The event is a fundraiser for Scotland's rural charity RSABI - and this year, Monty and producer Dave were along for the action.
Please consider donating to the RSABI Great Glen Challenge fundraising effort here.
This episode has been produced in partnership with the headline sponsors of 2023 The Great Glen Challenge, Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Joanna MacGregor is the driving force behind a farm shop and play area at Farm Ness, on the Dochfour Estate outside Inverness. Joanna and her husband Donald Fraser are tenant farmers, and starred in series 5 of BBC Scotland's This Farming Life.
Listen to Anna's January 2022 episode of OnFARM, recorded with both Joanna and Donald from Farm Ness: https://pod.fo/e/108b85
In amongst the action at the 2023 SAYFC Tug of War championships - this episode's got grit, glory, excitement, and controversy. We hear from competitors, fans, tearful relatives, and SAYFC national vice chair Ally Brunton. Huge congrats and respect to all the competitors. Episode supported by Bell Ingram.
Rider Pilates Club is a rider-specific exercise plan, to help people sit straighter, stronger and easier in their saddle. It was created by Bristol-based Jess Rudkin, after she found that Pilates eased her own riding aches and pains. As Jess says in this episode, her aim is to "keep riding until lunchtime on the day of my funeral" - and she wants to help others to do the same.
To find out more about Rider Pilates Club - here are links to both their website and a Facebook group.
Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm trucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace, Keith Dawson, as well, as charity supporter Nicola Alexander from Cupar in Fife.
OnFARM's 150th episode! To celebrate this milestone, we gave Highland Show go-ers the chance to pitch us their ideas for future podcast subjects. Hear our shortlist of the ideas that we heard, and find out which lucky winner will get their own future episode, to be sponsored by our partners Bell Ingram.
Who will get their own future OnFARM episode? Contenders include:
100 years of the Highland Pony Society
100 years since the first Scottish Young Farmers' Club was founded, in Caithness
Stranraer Show
Vertical farming with The Rowett Institute
Sustainable seafood with the Rowett Institute
Pickups for Peace, a farmer-led charity taking trucks and supplies in convoy to Ukraine
The Perthshire team making and exporting lifesize plastic cows around the world
Episode kindly supported by Bell Ingram
Eagle populations have been boosted in the South of Scotland to their highest numbers for decades, thanks to The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), a collaborative project between land managers and conservationists. Rick Taylor joins Anna to talk about their work.
We also hear from Freddie Ingleby from Caledonian Climate Partners - an environmental service and consultancy firm working with landholders, communities and businesses to revitalise Scotland’s peatlands.
Both organisations were winners in the 2022 Scottish Land and Estates 'Helping It Happen' Awards. This is the final episode in our three-part mini-series in partnership with SLE, hearing from 2022 winners how awards recognition has helped them. We also hear in each episode from SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing.
The 2023 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are open for nominations here (but be quick!).
From the cattle ring, to the Highland Hall and the machinery lines and everywhere inbetween, Monty and Dave catch up with the Sheep Game's Cammy Wilson, celebrate the Highland Pony Society's centenary with president Sylvia Ormiston, and check in with veteran Kelso stockman Keith Redpath, ahead of his prestigious task of judging the beef interbreed teams.
To listen to last week's Golden Shears 2023 World Shearing Championships episode, and all previous episodes featuring the Highland Show, RHASS, or RHET, please select this link.
We'll publish an episode soon specifically on SAYFC action from the Highland Show. Please be patient for that one - it'll be great when it arrives!
To fill in the SAOS butchery and abattoirs survey mentioned at the end of the episode, go to this link.
This episode of OnFARM is kindly supported by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.
The Golden Shears world sheep shearing championships are hosted in 2023 by the Royal Highland Show.
The competition's first return to Scotland in over 20 years has teams from 30 countries competing in machine shearing, hand shearing, and wool handling categories.
Competitors gathered earlier this week for a last-minute training session at Crookston Farm in the Borders. OnFARM's Monty and producer Dave were there too.
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To fill in the SAOS butchery and abattoirs survey mentioned at the end of the episode, go to this link.
This episode of OnFARM is kindly supported by Lawrie and Symington.
RHET chairman and Dumfries and Galloway farmer Alistair Marshall is midway through a cross-Scotland cycling challenge fundraiser, when he hopes to visit primary schools in all 13 RHET regions in the run-up to the Royal Highland Show.
The aim is to raise £10,000 to support RHET to continue to provide free educational activities and experiential learning for young people aged 3 -18 years.
OnFARM's Anna Davies was one of a group of riders who joined Alistair for the first leg of his trip, setting out from Stobhill Primary School in Midlothian.
To support Alistair's RHET cycle challenge visit the JustGiving page here.
To fill in the SAOS butchery and abattoirs survey mentioned at the beginning of the episode, go to this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ML9QN56
Anna attended the recent national conference of SOPA – Scottish Organic – at the Royal Highland Showground. It was a brilliant forward-thinking day; in fact the theme of the event was “The Road Ahead”. Organic is still quite a small part of the total food and farming economy, but it is growing, and there is huge potential for the future.
This episode is packed with inspiring and insightful conversations recorded over the course of the day, including with:
Deb Roberts, SOPA manager
Bryce Cunningham of Mossgiel Farm
Jennifer Brodie of Undo Carbon
Fiona Richmond of Scottish Food and Drink
Jane Jones, from Argyll and Bute council
Tom Wood, food exporter at Robin Appel Ltd.
Murray Cooper, Aberdeenshire organic rapeseed oil grower
To fill in the SAOS butchery and abbatoirs survey mentioned at the beginning of the episode, go to this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ML9QN56
Most of us in farming - unfortunately - know someone who’s been in an argument or a dispute. It could be between relatives over an inheritance, or over a business relationship, or whatever it might be. You may not realise you can call on support from professional mediators - or even, in some cases, offer to step in as a mediator yourself.
This episode is all about the power of mediation – hearing from Gillespie Macandrew's dispute resolution team lead Fiona Cameron, and Gordon Davies, a mediator working for - among others - rural support charity RSABI. (Full disclosure: Gordon is also OnFARM host Anna's dad!)
We are alongside the main arena at Fife Show, courtesy of OnFARM partners and sponsors Gillespie McAndrew. Guest co-presenters are Carol McQuillan and Sam Connington from GM's Land and Rural Business Team. They check in with RSABI's Carol MacLaren about their upcoming fundraiser The Great Glen Challenge. We also hear from Jenn Stewart at Johnston Carmichael, and NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy tells us about his recent London trip, for a 'food summit' at 10 Downing Street.
Sign up to take part in RSABI's Great Glen Challenge here: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/event/rsabi-great-glen-challenge-2023/
A follow-up to our episode on the restoration of Braemar Castle in Royal Deeside. We are with Bell Ingram team volunteers, senior architect Iain Cram, and expert Scottish thatcher Brian Wilson, as they gather sheaves of heather to redo the roof of a folly - or 'fog house' - in the castle grounds.
Braemar Castle in Royal Deeside has been under scaffolding for many months - as it is being lovingly restored by a team led by the local community, with architecture support from specialists at Bell Ingram. In this episode - the first of two recorded at Braemar Castle - Monty meets vice chair of Braemar Community Ltd. Doreen Wood, director of stonemasonry at Harper and Allen masonry Steven Harper, and Iain Cram, senior architect and partner at Bell Ingram.
The 2023 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are open for nominations here. In this mini-series in partnership with SLE, Anna meets the 2022 winners, to find out how the recognition has helped them or given their work a boost. We also hear in each episode from SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing.
Helping it Happen 2022 award-winners showcased in this second episode:
Tourism & Visitor Management Award: The Fairy Pools Car Park and Off-Grid Toilets Development, Isle Of Skye – finding a solution to the huge increase in visitor numbers to one of Scotland’s most popular rural destinations.
Rural Business Award, sponsored by Shepherd & Wedderburn: Skyeskyns - the sole remaining commercial woolskin tannery in Scotland producing some of the most beautiful and handcrafted sheep skins, leather and woollen goods.
Innovation in Farming Award, sponsored by Douglas Home & Co: FastBreeders - a collaborative project involving four pasture dairy farms, using data to enable precise genomic selection decisions to maximise the health and efficiency of crossbred dairy cows.
The 2023 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are now open for nominations here. In this mini-series in partnership with SLE, Anna meets the 2022 winners, to find out how the recognition has helped them or given their work a boost. We also hear in each episode from SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing.
Helping it Happen 2022 award-winners showcased in this first episode:
Housing award: Strathcathro Estates - Hugh Campbell Adamson
Education: The Be Your Best Self programme - Kirsty Ritchie
Working with Communities award: Countryside Learning Scotland - Ian Robertson
The first ever SAOS Growing Tomorrow's Leaders cohort have recently completed their training. Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme has been designed to help Scotland's rural sector cope better with its many and growing challenges, including climate change, sustainability and supply chain issues. OnFARM's Anna took part in the training herself - and recorded this episode at their recent graduation event.
Find out more about upcoming 2023/24 programme at: https://saos.coop/events-and-training/growing-tomorrows-leaders-training
There has never been more sheep scab in Scotland than there is at the moment, according to advisors at the Moredun animal health research institute. Monty visits one farm struck by its first ever scab outbreak, and hears about the welfare, economic and mental anguish of dealing with the aftermath. There is also expert advice from the Moredun's Stewart Burgess and Scott Brown.
This episode is sponsored by Gold Fleece sheep dip. It's recommended as a response to sheep scab but must be used responsibly, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and with all pertinent legislation.
Will Evans and Domhnall Macsween have both recently been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Will, who is chair of the Oxford Farming Conference and host of the Rock and Roll Farming podcast, shares thoughts with BBC Alba presenter Domhnall and OnFARM host Anna Davies. Both men believe that undiagnosed ADHD may be prevalent in UK agriculture.
Our thanks to episode sponsors rural business specialists Bell Ingram.
Horse racing will make a welcome return to the hills above Galashiels next month (Sunday 16th April) when the Lauderdale point-to-point takes place at Mosshouses.
The race meeting, the first since 2019, will celebrate 75 years of racing at the scenic course.
Monty caught up with two members of the organising committee, Charlotte Dun and Tony Hogarth, to find out more about the sport and the history of racing at Britains highest race course.
Barbara Girvan sells fresh seasonal flowers grown on her family's Highland farm in the heart of Glenurquhart, near Inverness. You can set up a subscription to get monthly bouquets delivered direct to your door. Something to think about with Mother's Day just around the corner!
Barbara's flower business 'The Wild Acre': https://corrimonyfarm.co.uk/contact-us
Thanks as always to episode sponsor Scottish law firm Gillespie McAndrew: https://www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk/
A second visit to the home of farmer and Sunday Times-bestselling author James Oswald. Monty's a big fan of James' supernatural crime books, especially the Edinburgh-based Inspector Tony McLean series. This is the second of two episodes recorded at James' home.
(Episode photo credit: David Cruickshanks)
James Oswald is the Sunday Times-bestselling author of dozens of books including the Edinburgh-based Inspector Tony McLean series of supernatural crime novels. He's also a Fife farmer, and particularly proud of his breeding herd of Highland cattle. Monty's a big fan of James' books, and jumped at the chance to pay him a visit for the podcast. This is the first of two episodes recorded at James' home.
(Episode photo credit: David Cruickshanks)
Something a bit different this week: Anna was recently interviewed by Mary Jane Lawrie for the FAS Sounds Agri Culture podcast, so we thought we'd bring you that interview in full as a behind-the-scenes peek at life at Scene and Herd and OnFARM.
If you enjoy what you hear, do go and check out the FAS Sounds stable of podcasts at fas.scot/sounds
Agri Culture is one of six different shows under the FAS Sounds banner. Among others, they have a 'Rural Round-up', 'Stock Talk', 'CropCast', and 'Crofting Matters' shows. They are all delivered under the banner of the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service, or FAS for short.
The Farm Advisory Service offers advice to farmers on almost any topic: www.fas.scot
Following last week's episode when Monty got to try a Dynescan portable semen quality analyser, we're hearing from a livestock vet who offers Dynescan tests to clients. Tom Oxtoby is from the George Farm Vets practice in Malmesbury in Wiltshire. The Dynescan ensures that vets can provide speedy and reliable advice to farmers looking to improve productivity and profit margins.
Find out more about Dyneval at their website. The George Vet Group are online here.
Created in Scotland: a game-changing portable pen-side semen quality analyser for livestock industries. The Dynescan was developed at Edinburgh University's Roslin Innovation Centre and provides accurate semen quality results within minutes. Its developers say anyone can use it. It helps farms to be more profitable, improving fertility management and reducing carbon emissions. Monty's been speaking with one of the technology's inventors Dr Vincent Martinez. Find out more about Dyneval at their website.
In February 2021, Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, was a guest on OnFARM, launching a fundraising drive to find a cure for Equine Grass Sickness. The mysterious disease is almost always fatal to horses, and, in recent years, had killed 5 prized Highland ponies on Her Majesty the Queen's Balmoral estate. Efforts to find a treatment are being led by Dr Beth Wells of Edinburgh’s Moredun Research Institute, while fundraising is spearheaded by RHASS director and equine vet Anne Logan. In this episode, Anna speaks with Beth and Anne for an update on their important work.
For more on funding and supporting a cure for Equine Grass Sickness, isit: www.grasssickness.org.uk
We are grateful to Horselyx for supporting this episode: www.horslyx.com
Hannah and Danny Gallagher - better known to many on social media as The Red Shepherdess and Danny the Farrier - share their delight and excitement at not one but two pieces of life-changing news; they have just taken on their first farm in their own names, and - after three miscarriages - have their first baby on the way. The couple talk to Monty about sharing their lives on social media, and how they hope to open up their farm to more visitors in 2023.
Huge thanks to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for supporting this episode.
Image credit: Ryan Day Photography
For our final episode of 2022, Monty, Anna and Dave look back on the year's highlights. Huge thanks to everyone who's been involved in helping make OnFARM a success this year - especially our series sponsors Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll be back with new episodes on 2023.
Rising costs, increasing uncertainty and a squeeze on prices are all contributing to a "full blown crisis" for Scottish fruit growers, according to Angus Soft Fruit's James Porter. James has been speaking to OnFARM's Dave Howard - and has issued a plea for greater support from UK and Scottish governments, farming unions, and anyone else with influence to change things.
Scottish agritourism faces “the opportunity to become world renowned”, according to Visit Scotland’s Vicki Millar. Monty also meets Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Agritourism lead Caroline Millar and many others, in this episode recorded at the 2021 Scottish Agritourism conference.
Contributors:
Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon
Scottish Agritourism’s Caroline Millar
Visit Scotland’s Vicki Millar
Alan Laidlaw from RHASS
The Scotsman newspaper’s Brian Henderson
The Scottish Farmer’s political editor Claire Taylor
Linda Tinson of Ledingham Chalmers solicitors
Agritourism businesses:
Stuart and Jo McNicol from Drift
Jasmine and Fenwick Jackson from Jacksons at Jedburgh
John Scott of Fearn Farm
Helen Smith from Byres Farm
Sarah Johnson of Bowbridge Alpacas Scotland
Nikki Storrar of Ardross Farm Shop
Robert and Lucy Wilson of Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen
With thanks to: The Scotland Starts Here podcast from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA)
We are all adjusting to life without Doddie Weir - Scotland and Lions rugby legend, Motor Neuron Disease campaigner, and Borders farmer. In this OnFARM edition, recorded around Christmas 2019, Monty visited his friend and farming neighbour for a coffee and blether. The pair recall Doddie's early days in eventing and his time at the SAC agricultural college (now SRUC), and talk about Doddie's determination to raise funds for MND research. You can support the MyName'5 Doddie Foundation at www.myname5doddie.co.uk/support-us
Midlothian mum Rachel Moyes broke her back in four places after being flung from a horse's back in a remote location. Ambulance workers used the What3Words app to find quickly Rachel, and take her to hospital for treatment. Monty hears Rachel's story, and also speaks with What3Words' Albe Pereira.
If you spend time in remote areas, whether for work or for leisure activities like riding, biking, or walking, please consider installing What3Words to your phone. It is free, easy to use, and endorsed by organisations like the NFU and Police Scotland. Find out more here.
Denise Walton trained as an ecologist, but has spent 30 years alongside family and business partners building up Peelham Farm, and expanding into butchery and charcuterie. Denise is Scotland chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and is passionate about how farming can be part of solutions to both climate change and biodiversity - while still being productive. Thanks to this episode's sponsors, Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew.
Links
Peelham Farm: peelham.co.uk
Nature Friendly Farming Network: nffn.org.uk
What needs to happen to prices and ways of working, to enable farming and food production to meet carbon reduction targets? A year on from world leaders amassing in Glasgow to discuss climate change action, and with COP27 underway in Egypt, we're revisiting Anna's chat from this time last year with SAOS chairman John Hutcheson, and Emma Patterson-Taylor, SAOS's climate change and sustainability manager.
A chat with Scotland's only Savory Institute-trained holistic management educator. Anna spends time with William Houstoun, who works with farms, estates and other organisations to support transitions to becoming more holistically-managed and regenerative. William's website is here: https://www.land.scot/ (https://www.land.scot/) Find out more about the work of the Savory Institute here: https://savory.global/ (https://savory.global/)
Amanda Owen, 'The Yorkshire Shepherdess', is one of the UK’s most famous famers. She chats with Anna about her hill farm, and her life as a shepherd, sheepdog trainer, mum-of-9, and best-selling author. Find Amanda's latest book 'Celebrating the Seasons' at her website here: https://www.yorkshireshepherdess.com/books/ (https://www.yorkshireshepherdess.com/books/)
Anna speaks with some of the shortlisted teams and winners at the recent Scottish Land and Estates 'Helping It Happen' awards. The awards recognise the role of estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals who are helping rural Scotland thrive.More here: https://scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen (https://scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen)
Four rural communities from around Scotland have been shortlisted for up to £50,000 of Scottish Government funding to support climate change solutions - administered by Firstport, Scotland's agency for start-up social entrepreneurs. Anna speaks with Firstport's Carmen Paputa-Dutu about the shortlisted projects, and funding for similar projects in years to come. This episode is supported by Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew. Read about the shortlisted projects here: https://www.firstport.org.uk/news/social-innovation-challenge-introducing-the-shortlist-and-panel/ (https://www.firstport.org.uk/news/social-innovation-challenge-introducing-the-shortlist-and-panel/)
A wander around the 2022 Tillage Live event held at Dunbar in East Lothian, and organised by the https://aea.uk.com/ (Agricultural Engineers Association). Monty and producer Dave talk to exhibitors and punters, and narrowly avoid getting run over by some big shiny kit. Episode kindly supported by https://cefetra.co.uk/ (Cefetra).
Advice and support for anyone looking to maximise the impact of social media to support your rural business. Anna is joined by social media expert Pam Newby, to make sense of the sometimes intimidating world of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Pam is a farmer's daughter, and passionate about helping rural businesses. Pam has created some fantastic content for the OnFARM Academy which provides bite-sized online training courses: find out more at: http://www.training.onfarmacademy.com/ (www.training.onfarmacademy.com)
Rodney Blackhall and Emma Cheape describe how they both - independently of each other - organised moving rural tributes to Her Majesty the Queen as she was carried by cortège from Balmoral to Edinburgh. Rodney brought together over 40 tractors to stand guard as the convoy passed through Aberdeenshire. Down the road in Perthshire, Emma was standing by with over 30 riders on horseback. Helicopter images of both gatherings have since travelled around the world. Our thanks to Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew for supporting this episode of OnFARM.
As final preparations are made for Europe's biggest tup sale at Kelso in the Borders, Monty revisits 23-year-old Andrew Hutcheson, a young auctioneer who first stepped up to the big league at Kelso this time last year. While the sale itself is a frenetic day, Monty hears how Andrew and others spend the weeks ahead of Kelso 'canvassing' farmers to win business. Thanks to auctioneers Harrison and Hetherington for supporting this episode.
We return to Ness, on the north tip of the Hebridean island of Lewis, with crofter and TV presenter Domhnall Macsween, - known to most as Sweeny. We join Sweeny and OnFARM's Dave Howard up on the peat moors, amongst eagles, corn crakes, and Sweeny's herd of cattle. This is the second of two episodes featuring Sweeny, and is kindly supported by the Scottish Rural Network, part of the Scottish Government's Scottish Rural Development Programme.
Lewis crofter and presenter of BBC Alba's An Lot (The Croft)Domhnall Macsween - known to most as 'Sweeny' - takes OnFARM producer Dave Howard on a tour of his community of Ness, on the island’s most northerly tip. Just don't call it 'remote' (as Dave learns the hard way!) This is the first of two episodes featuring Sweeny, and is kindly supported by the Scottish Rural Network, part of the Scottish Government's Scottish Rural Development Programme.
The UK Government has committed to installing 50GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. How feasible is that as a target, and what can be done to ensure there is a community benefit? Fraser, Becky and (newly minted Professor!) Matt are joined by Grace Millman, Energy Analyst at Regen, and Dr Claire Haggett, Senior Lecturer of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh. Find us at www.localzeropod.com
Borders beef farmer Giles Henry regularly does soil sampling and carbon testing on his farm, and has done for many years. He tells Monty what he gets out of it, and how it feeds in to his business planning. In April 2022, a Scottish Government incentive scheme was launched - to provide farmers and crofters with funds to support carbon audits and soil sampling. Called Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) – it aims to help farmers and crofters to better understand their carbon emissions and sequestration, identifying recommendations that can lower these emissions and increase efficiencies. PSF is a straightforward ‘self-service’ with no registration or pre-approvals required. For full guidance and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf-/ (https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/preparing-for-sustainable-farming--psf-/) This episode is produced in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.
The 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show was also a welcome return to the RHET Discovery Centre at Ingliston. In this episode, Anna chats with RHET education manager Katrina Barclay, and a host of volunteers and supporters helping children to learn more about the working Scottish countryside. We also hear from Alan White and Amy Eakin from law firm Gillespie Macandrew, who are big supporters of RHET, and who are kindly partnering with us for this episode. For more on RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust), visit https://www.rhet.org.uk/ (https://www.rhet.org.uk/)
Were you there? Did you have fun? After a long wait, the 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show arrived with gusto - and what a weekend it was. The perfect blend of work and pleasure, there’s no doubting the Highland Show is a world-beating event, that most of us would be lost without. In this episode Anna, Monty, and producer Dave are joining in the fun. We visit Scotland's first autonomous tractor with Soil Essentials, pop in to trade stands including Scottish Land and Estates and Scottish Organic Milk Producers, check out some of the competitions, and blether with old friends and new faces.
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Inverness, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. This time, Emily Esson visits Edinvale Farm, Fearn Farm, Castlecraig Farm, and Bogrow Farm. These attractions and many more can be found at goruralscotland.com
Calum Clark has been farm manager of the Rattray Estate near Peterhead for six years, working closely with estate owner James. The farm has recently converted to organic. Calum describes how that transition has taken place, and shares his enthusiasm for farming in general, and particularly for his herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle. On a glorious sunny day, Anna had a tour of the estate and a fascinating blether with Calum. Episode produced in partnership with SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association: https://www.sopa.org.uk/
Michael Medlock recently returned from Dubai - where he had a lucrative career in oil and gas – to run his family’s organic farm near Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire. The enterprise is primarily organic gluten-free oats, but they are building up a business rearing chicken and ducks. For an episode in partnership with SOPA (the Scottish Organic Producers Association), Anna visited Michael for a chat and a tour of his farm. Find SOPA online here: https://www.sopa.org.uk/ (https://www.sopa.org.uk/)
"If we had lost this show, I would have presumed I was jinxed - but, all being well, we're looking at a barnstormer". RHASS chairman Bill Gray has been sharing his thoughts and feelings ahead of the 200th Royal Highland Show this June. Bill's chairmanship has been a rollercoaster ride through the Covid period, but he looks set to end his tenure on a high. We also revisit an episode from 2020, when Bill and Monty explored the history and heritage of RHASS on a tour of Ingliston House. We hear in this episode: Farming journalist and writer Andrew Arbuckle Ken Fletcher, editor of the Scottish Farmer A short clip from an episode of BBC Scotland's Landward, which can be seen in full at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10)
The Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are now open to nominations - with a deadline of 18th July 2022. The awards recognise the role of estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals in helping rural Scotland to thrive - whether that's through providing affordable rural housing, supporting local businesses, or working with schools to support rural skills. Sarah-Jane Laing and Lucy Laidlaw from Scottish Land and Estates, and Ronnie MacRae from the Communities Housing Trust join Anna to talk about the awards. We also hear from Robbie Kernahan, Director of Green Economy at awards sponsors NatureScot. Details of the Helping It Happen Awards: https://scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Glasgow, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. This time, Leeanne Coyle visits Kilmacolm Farm Tours, the Round House at Craigmaddie Muir, Errington Cheese, and Forth's Wee Farm Distillery. These attractions and many more can be found at goruralscotland.com
As we gear up for the 2022 Royal Highland Show - the first to take place in-person since the start of Covid - we are resharing an episode, created in partnership with RHASS in 2020. It is all about the value of the Show for supporting social connection and supporting our mental wellbeing. Anna is joined by Nina Clancy from RSABI, and Professor Sarah Skerratt, who has done academic research on mental health in rural communities.
Gareth Baird was visibly emotional on receiving the 2022 SAOS Ed Rainy Brown Memorial Award. He was given the honour after a career of exceptional service to co-operation and collaboration in farming, food, and rural Scotland. Moredun Foundation chairman Gareth has been described as “quite simply one of the greatest co-operators of our age". We find out why in this episode...
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Edinburgh, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural encourage people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Jac Phillimore visits Balfour Stewart at the https://www.thebusstop.scot/find-us (Bus Stop at Bankrugg Farm), Jo and Stewart McNicol from https://www.driftalong.co.uk/ (Drift Cliff Edge Café), Kirsteen Sinclair of https://craigies.co.uk/ (Craigies Farm), Katie Roberts from https://www.craigduckie.co.uk/ (Craigduckie )near Dunfermline, and Emma Niven at https://www.lochlevenslarder.com/ (Lochleven’s Larder).
How can more younger farmers get involved in shaping Scotland’s future agricultural policy? What more can be done to tackle rural housing problems, improve diversity and mental health in rural communities, support new entrants, and a host of other issues? This episode is a chat between 4 members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP. From SAYFC: Amy Jo Reed, Ben McClymont, Jillian Kennedy, John McCulloch. Episode produced in partnership with the Scottish Rural Hub.
When Gloucestershire-based arable farmer James Wilson of H.A. Day and Sons needed to tackle a bad case of black-grass, he turned to innovative drone technology from Angus-based precision-farming experts Soil Essentials. Monty's been speaking with James, and also SoilEssentials' Jim Wilson (always helpful when your two guests have virtually the same name!) Episode produced in partnership with Soil Essentials: www.soilessentials.com
A focus on one of the benefits available to NFU Scotland members who are entitled to 20 minutes of free legal advice (helpline number 0131 271 8585). OnFARM producer Dave Howard visited law firm Gillespie Macandrew, whose Land and Rural Business team manages this service. Episode created in partnership with Gillespie Macandrew.
Go Rural Scotland are seeking to get more people engaged in visits and experiences on Scottish farms, which inevitably means more people being out and about in rural areas. The arrival of warmer spring weather makes this a good time for a chat about enjoying rural areas responsibly. Monty visits Go Rural's Caroline Millar, and her neighbour Euan Baird.
Virgina Osborne runs a sustainable organic mixed farm near Kirriemuir in Angus, with her parents and siblings. They breed organic pure-bred Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cross cattle and have a small organic sheep herd. Virginia also tells Anna about her love of Highland Ponies and how they are a critical tool in managing the farm. Episode supported by SOPA, the Scottish Organic Producers Association.
Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author and farmer has raised over £100,000 for the RSABI with proceeds from his books. However, we bet you didn't know about his time as a champion pole vaulter...
A whistle-stop tour of farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Dundee, with https://www.goruralscotland.com/ (Go Rural Scotland). Go Rural's 'Days Out on Your Doorstep' campaign encourages people in Scotland’s towns and cities to get out into nearby countryside for farm experiences, short breaks, and food and drink days out. For this episode, Monty visits Anna Lamotte at https://www.guardswell.co.uk/ (Guardswell Farm), Louise Nicoll of https://newtonfarmholidays.co.uk/ (Newton Farm), Stephen Melville of Cuplahills Farm, and Caroline Bruce-Jarron of https://ogilvyspirits.com/ (Ogilvy Distillery).
What are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the second of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists.
What are the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish agriculture, in today's uncertain business environment? To help fill the void left by the absence of an in-person AgriScot in 2022, Monty chairs a wide-ranging chat with former Aldi executive Marion MacCormick, SAOS vice-chair Rory Christie, The Sheep Game YouTuber Cammy Wilson, and Berwickshire arable farmer Neil White. This is the first of 2 episodes featuring our four brilliant panelists.
Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer run Lynbreck Croft in the Cairngorm National Park. The pair took on Lynbreck Croft when it was semi-derelict in March 2016 "with a dream to live closer to the land". Their book is called 'Our Wild Farming Life'. Lynn talks to Anna about their ethos of farming with nature, and how they've built a profitable business and fulfilling lifestyle.
Joanna MacGregor and Donald Fraser are tenant farmers at Farm Ness, on the Dochfour Estate, outside Inverness. Joanna left behind a geography teaching career to join Donald on the farm. Series 5 of BBC Scotland's This Farming Life charts their efforts to open a farm shop.
Doddie Aid 2022 is in full swing, with folk all across Scotland and beyond walking, running, and cycling en masse, to raise funds to help cure Motor Neuron Disease. Monty chats with Paralympic silver and bronze medalist (and Borders farmer's daughter) Sammi Kinghorn, co-captain of the South Doddie Aid team, and Bruce Aitchison, host of the Happiness is Egg Shaped podcast and the Doddie Aid weekly Wednesday live streams. Episode kindly sponsored by Fearn Farm Holiday Cottages: http://www.fearnfarm.com/holidays (www.fearnfarm.com/holidays)
2022 already looks like being a challenging year for farming. There are huge unanswered questions over support policies and mechanisms, and concerns over big increases in cheap imported food due to Brexit. The UK DEFRA Secretary George Eustice recently said that farmers must do more to “stand up to supermarkets” over prices – but he was short on practical suggestions for how many might do that. Helping to find a path through this difficult terrain is going to be a big focus for OnFARM in 2022, and we start by revisiting a conversation with Galloway dairy farmer Rory Christie. Rory has great advice on giving yourself the best chance in negotiations – not just with supermarkets and other buyers, but with landlords, and even spouses!
Leicestershire mixed farmer and Farm To Fork author Joe Stanley wants more consumers and householders to better understand where their food comes from, and the work that goes on on British farms. Joe sits down with Anna to talk about some of the ways this could happen.
SAYFC members undertook a series of farm visits at the start of December, as part of the organisation's 7th agriculture and rural affairs conference. OnFARM's Monty tagged along for one of the visits, to Learielaw Farm in Broxburn near Edinburgh. This episode is kindly supported by law firm Gillespie Macandrew.
An in-person AgriScot event is coming soon! The farm business event is returning to the Royal Highland Showground on Weds 9th Feb. In this episode Monty hears from AgriScot chairman Robert Neill, while Anna re-visits the last AgriScot event that took place, back in 2019.
Angus Elder is a third-generation organic veg and cereals farmer at Chapel Organics in East Lothian. Anna visited Angus at his farm for a tour and a chat, to learn about his farm enterprise growing crops and produce, primarily for veg box schemes. Angus is also a SOPA (Scottish Organic Producers Association) board member - this episode is made in partnership with SOPA.
Anna explores the benefits of collaboration in Scottish food and farming - meeting representatives from cheese producers, flower growers, and apple growers, who have all formed collaborative groups, with the help of Scottish farming's co-op umbrella organisation SAOS. Guests: Valerie Orr from Blooming Bees and the Flowers Grown in Scotland groupCatherine Drummond-Herdman at Megginch Castle and the Scottish Apple Producers groupJane Stewart of St Andrews Farm House Cheese Company and Fine Cheesemakers of ScotlandEpisode produced in partnership with SAOS.
Scottish agritourism faces “the opportunity to become world renowned”, according to Visit Scotland’s Vicki Millar. In this episode, Monty also meets Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Agritourism lead Caroline Millar and many others, at the launch of Scotland’s ambitious new agritourism growth strategy. This packed episode is kindly supported by Ledingham Chalmers.Contributors:Cabinet Secretary Mairi GougeonScottish Agritourism’s Caroline MillarVisit Scotland’s Vicki MillarAlan Laidlaw from RHASSThe Scotsman newspaper’s Brian HendersonThe Scottish Farmer’s political editor Claire TaylorLinda Tinson of Ledingham Chalmers solicitors Agritourism businesses:Stuart and Jo McNicol from DriftJasmine and Fenwick Jackson from Jacksons at JedburghJohn Scott of Fearn FarmHelen Smith from Byres FarmSarah Johnson of Bowbridge Alpacas ScotlandNikki Storrar of Ardross Farm ShopRobert and Lucy Wilson of Wilson’s Farm and KitchenWith thanks to: The Scotland Starts Here podcast from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA)
Anna and Monty are sharing exciting news! The OnFARM family is expanding. In January 2022, we launch the OnFARM Academy, offering training programmes and modules for all aspects of rural life and business. Some modules already live, and available to OnFARM listeners half-price until launch. Find OnFARM Academy at https://training.onfarmacademy.com/ (https://training.onfarmacademy.com/)
What should be Scottish farming's response to COP26? As the summit gets underway in Glasgow, Anna is spending time with SAOS chairman John Hutcheson, and Emma Patterson-Taylor, SAOS's climate change and sustainability manager.
A farmhouse kitchen blether between Anna and three brilliant women, each with perspectives as women in agriculture. Amy Geddes is a 4th-generation farmer at Wester Braikie Farm near Arbroath. Aylett Roan farms alongside her husband at Barnbarrock farm in Dumfries and Galloway, and also runs a doorstep milk-delivery business. Lois Newton is an associate in the land and rural department at Gillespie Macandrew. We are grateful to Gillespie Macandrew for supporting this episode.
Tebay services and farm shop in Westmorland is a staple of many people's north-south car journeys, with food and facilities several cuts above most motorway stop-offs. Monty meets farm manager Bob Day and Tebay head of butchery David Morland, and follows the Tebay journey from farm to fork - a distance of about 3 miles door-to-door. Luing cattle are among the breeds favoured at Tebay - and this is the second of two OnFARM episodes produced with the Luing Cattle Society.
Agriculture faces many profitability and sustainability challenges, not least in suckler beef production where margins are tight and environmental impact questions are constantly raised. In the first of two episodes supported by the Luing Cattle Society, Monty finds out how the Luing breed is meeting these challenges head-on, and driving a profitable business for first-generation farmer Giles Henry. We also hear how the breed was designed and developed by the Cadzow brothers, and how their aims for the breed ring true with many of today’s farming systems. Find more about Luing online at https://luingcattlesociety.co.uk/ (https://luingcattlesociety.co.uk/)
Equi-Scotia have, since the start of the pandemic, been running horse-facilitated learning and psychotherapy - to groups, individuals, businesses and youth groups. OnFARM's resident horse-lover Anna has been finding out more about their work from founder Julie-Anne Griffith.
Anna and Monty discuss the incredible response to last week's episode - when Monty spoke with Jamie Brand, the brother of East Lothian farmer Grant Brand, who very sadly took his own life back in February. Anna is then joined by Morna Ronnie and Kirsty Ritchie from 'Be Your Best Self' - a fully-funded personal development programme currently on offer to women in agriculture in Scotland. Be Your Best Self helps participants to grow confidence and resilience, identify their strengths, and understand how and when to work with others. It also offers mental health and wellbeing support, and a network of like-minded women that can last for the long-term. For more on Be Your Best Self, visit https://thepeopleportfolio.co.uk/category/beyourbestself/ (https://thepeopleportfolio.co.uk/category/beyourbestself/)
Content Warning: Suicide, Mental Health >>> The news in February that East Lothian farmer Grant Brand had taken his own life left many in Scottish farming shocked and upset – and, of course, sending heartfelt good wishes to Grant’s family. This episode pays tribute to Grant, hearing memories and thoughts from his brother Jamie Brand. We also hear how Grant’s death prompted OnFARM's Monty and his friend Scott Brown to create the ‘We All Need a Farmer’ short film, that has now been shared hundreds of times on social media. This episode of OnFARM discusses suicide and mental health. Any time you need to speak to someone about your own mental health, please talk to someone you trust. You can call your GP, contact the Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/) (https://www.samaritans.org/)), or – if you are in Scottish farming – the RSABI (https://rsabi.org.uk/) (https://rsabi.org.uk/)). You can watch the We All Need a Farmer film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbWDC6CWc8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lbWDC6CWc8)
Monty goes in search of a new breeding tup at Europe's largest ram auction - while OnFARM producer Dave nearly buys one by accident. We also follow a young auctioneer getting his first opportunity on the big stage, and speak to Border Union Agricultural Society chief executive Dan Withall. The Kelso Ram Sales, held annually by BUAS, had an electric atmosphere from the outset - as one of the first major 'in person' agricultural events after Covid restrictions were loosened. Big thanks to the Border Union Agricultural Society for supporting this episode.
Christopher Trotter, the food writer who once ran a Michelin-starred kitchen, and Fife food ambassador, wants us all to eat more varied and sustainably sourced Scottish fish. His new book is called Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook. Christopher speaks to OnFARM's Sarah Anderson, in the first episode of our new series.
Malting barley producers face a difficult and uncertain summer, after one of Scotland's biggest grain merchants fell into administration. Many fear they will lose large sums of money as a result of Alexander Inglis and Son's closure. An already limited set of grain purchasers is now even smaller, making it harder for producers to negotiate a price. Perhaps most urgently - many now face having nowhere to dry and store this summer's harvest. It's a tough situation, so Monty is searching for solutions - with Ally Brunton of the SAYFC agri affairs committee, Donald Ross, an ex chairman of Highland Grain, and dairy and pig farmer Rory Christie, of the Milk Supply Association and SAOS.
A summary of the themes discussed more indepth in 5 recent OnFARM episodes with SAOS, discussing themes around climate change, farming, and the value of cooperation.
In what should be Royal Highland Show week 2021, Monty speaks with SAYFC's Hamish Logan on how Young Farmers have made the best of a difficult and isolated time in lockdown. SAYFC members are gearing up to take centre stage at the Royal Highland Showcase, a series of virtual and online events replacing this year’s Show. We also look back on last year’s 14-part special OnFARM series with RHASS, celebrating the Royal Highland Show and all the Society achieves.
Highly organised criminal gangs are targeting Scotland's farms, and using the latest technology including overhead drones to overcome security measures. It may sound like Line Of Duty, but Inspector Alan Dron heads up Police Scotland's Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). He's been sharing details of recent arrests and operations with Anna.
You’re 18 times more likely to lose your life farming than in the average UK workplace. Cutting out farm-related deaths and life-changing accidents has to be a priority for us all. Anna's guests are Stephanie Barclay from the Farm Safety Foundation, James Chapman, who lost his left arm in a tractor accident and is now an FSF trustee, and George Noble from SAOS. OnFARM producer Dave Howard visits Willie Harper in Renfrewshire, to hear about his narrow escape from being butted and stamped on the spine by a cow with calf. Thanks to the Scottish Rural Network for supporting this episode.
How Scottish salmon has innovated and used technology to become the UK's biggest food export. Monty and producer Jac Phillimore also how the industry is increasingly focused on farming more sustainably. This is the second of two episodes in partnership with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).
2021 marks 50 years since the start of Scottish commercial salmon farming. It's a half century that has seen the industry rise from very humble beginnings to being the UK's number one food export, globally recognised for its high quality, and a major provider of jobs in the Highlands and Islands. This is the first of two OnFARM episodes in association with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO). Monty hears how a pioneering spirit brought success to Scotland's very first salmon farmers.
The theme for 2021's Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May) is 'nature'. Whether it's Anna’s own passion of sea-swimming, or mountain biking, forest-bathing, or walking the John Muir Way, this episode is packed with tips on making the most of being outdoors. It is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.
Monty is looking ahead to the 2021 AgriScot event this autumn with event chairman Robert Neill. This episode also marks the official launch of AgriScot's Farm of the Year awards - including an exciting new 'Diversified Farm of the Year' category. To enter or nominate a farm business, visit http://www.agriscot.co.uk (www.agriscot.co.uk)
Sheep farmers like Monty have finished lambing, and we are all - thankfully - slowly coming out of COVID lockdown. We can start to think about getting out and about, and maybe having a bit of fun with the family. So we're handing this episode over to the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, to give you some day trip inspiration. We're playing out in full their recent Scotland Starts Here 'Rural Heritage' podcast episode, talking up all things food and agritourism in the south of Scotland.
Thanks to COVID, bookings for UK holidays went up 300% in 2020. It's led many farm businesses to consider new agritourism enterprises. But what do you need to know before you open up your farm gates to tourists and visitors? Joining Anna are Sheryl Macaulay from Douglas Home & Co Chartered Accountants, and David Seed from specialist rural surveyors and land agents FBRSeed.
We look back on 30 years of LEADER grants and funding for development projects in rural Scotland. Anna speaks with Peter Ross, who has been involved with LEADER from its very beginning in 1991, about its grassroots partnership approach to funding, and about the hundreds of communities that have benefitted. We also hear from four different projects around Scotland that have been LEADER-funded, and ask what post-Brexit future there might be for EU-funded LEADER. Music in this episode is from 17-year old Katie Nicoll, part of LEADER-funded DD8 Music in Angus. Find her work online at https://linktr.ee/Katienicmusic (https://linktr.ee/Katienicmusic). This episode is made in partnership with the Scottish Rural Network.LEADER-funded projects featured include:The Smiddy, a multi-purpose Heritage and Community Hub in the Glenkens area of Galloway.Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath, a horticulture-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. They grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area.TrixPix Media, a multimedia production house with adjoining croft in South Uist.Kirrie Connections, a dementia care project in Kirriemuir in Angus.DD8 Music, a studio and youth work facility also in Kirriemuir in Angus.
How effective leadership can encourage those with a stake in rural sustainability to engage with mitigating climate change. In this fifth and final episode looking at climate change challenges with SAOS, Anna speaks with: Mark Brooking - sustainability director for dairy farmers' cooperative FirstMilk Tim Wilson - CEO of supply co-op Aspatria FarmersJim Booth - SAOS head of co-op development
Will Evans of the Rock and Roll Farming podcast passes on tips to Anna, a relative newcomer on the rural podcast scene. The pair also discuss mental health, family life on Will's farm near Wrexham, as well as his Scottish connections.
Climate change has brought with it more unpredictable weather patterns which, in turn, has meant significant upheaval for Scottish farmers. For episode 4 of our series with agri-coop umbrella organisation SAOS, Anna hears about measures that can be taken to mitigate unpredictable weather, and even to reap any potential benefits. Guests: David Aglen, who farms livestock, vegetables and combinable crops in FifeGraham Lofthouse, a livestock farmer in the BordersGeorge Noble, SAOS data and digital project manager based in Fraserburgh.
The fourth Scottish Rural Parliament is in full swing as we publish this episode. Previous gatherings have taken place in different parts of Scotland - Oban in 2014, Brechin in 2016 and Stranraer in 2018. This time, due to the ongoing Covid situation, the event is taking place entirely online. The aim of the assembly is to bring together people who live and work in rural and island Scotland, to ensure that issues they care about are brought to the attention of decision-makers and influencers. Anna's been taking part, hearing from other attendees, and speaking with one of the organisers, acting chair of Scottish Rural Action Theona Morrison.(This episode is made in association with The Scottish Government and the Scottish Rural Network.)
Rock on Soils is a project exploring whether spreading crushed rock onto agricultural land can capture large quantities of carbon in the ground. Taking carbon out of the air is a key part of the fight against climate change, and the rock that's used is a by-product of quarrying, so it's an exciting prospect. The EU-funded project is being led by the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), and a range of academic and farming partners. To find out more, Anna is speaking with Dunkeld beef and sheep farmer Alex Brewster, Doug Christie, who's got a partly-organic mixed farm in Leven in Fife, and Ehsam Jorat, a senior lecturer in geo-technical engineering at Abertay University.
Gordon Davidson is the Scottish Farmer news and online editor. He joins Anna to share stories of his years at the paper, and to give tips on how best to interest him in your news item or story. We also hear in this episode about how you can get involved with the upcoming Scotland Rural Parliament.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially launches a research drive to study Equine Grass Sickness, an often fatal disease of horses. The Moredun Foundation and The Equine Grass Sickness Fund have joined forces to launch a three-year research Fellowship, bringing together a partnership of horse owners and scientists. HRH The Princess Royal is patron for both charities.
Her Majesty the Queen's Balmoral estate lost 5 Highland ponies in less than a year to Equine Grass Sickness. The disease is almost always fatal to horses, and seems to affect Scotland worse than other parts of the UK. Sylvia Ormiston, who manages Her Majesty's Balmoral stud, recalls the five losses, and describes how it prompted her to get more involved in searching for a cure. We also meet Grass Sickness fundraiser Yvonne Maclean, while Beth Wells from the Moredun Research Institute details new efforts to find a cure. For more on funding and supporting a cure for Equine Grass Sickness, please visit: http://www.grasssickness.org.uk (www.grasssickness.org.uk)
Climate-friendly farming can be a more efficient and profitable way to run your business. That's the key message of episode 3 of our series with agri-coop umbrella business SAOS. Anna hears about tools, methods, and processes you can implement on your farm to help Scotland meet its 2045 carbon 'net zero' target.Guests: Mark Clark - SAOS chairman and managing director of Grampian Growers Ltd.Andrew Moir - contract farmer, chairman Scottish Quality Crops, who also heads up the Climate Change Group for Arable and Horticulture Rory Christie - dairy farmer, SAOS director and chairman of Milk Supply Assoc.
We're asking for your help. Simply by listening to OnFARM and telling others about us, you can help secure our future. As we approach our 50th podcast, Monty and Anna break from normal episodes to share some thoughts about the future of the show. Would you be interested in sponsoring us or partnering with us to get your brand associated with our work? Talk to the team any time.
Rob Wainwright is the Doddie Gump fundraising founder, former Scotland Rugby captain and British Lion, and now a beef and cattle farmer on the Hebridean Isle of Coll. Rob joined the SAYFC's Lianne and Ally Brunton for a 'Sofa Chat' over Facebook Live. We've given over this OnFARM episode to the SAYFC, to hear Rob and the Bruntons chat about farming, rugby, and #DoddieAid.
How can the supply chains to Scottish food and drink businesses be made more climate-friendly? Scotland's target is to have net zero carbon emissions by 2045. This is part 2 in our series with agri-co-op organisation SAOS, looking at the challenges and opportunities for Scottish farming and growing as it works to meet that climate change challenge. Joining Anna this time are:Robert Logan - SAOS project manager focusing on climate changeGary Catto - Highland Grain malting barley cooperativeAndy McGowan - Scottish Pig Producers
Brexit "fury" among fish landers, a "frustrating" seed potato export ban, and costly red tape for businesses that rely on immigrant labour. Monty partners with law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn to bring you expert and industry insight at this crucial and confusing time. Guests: Tavish Scott from the Scottish Salmon Producers OrganisationArchie Gibson of leading seed potato breeder and merchant Agrico UK Ltd George Frier, Shepherd and Wedderburn partner and food and drink leadJacqueline Moore, Shepherd and Wedderburn immigration law lead
It is exactly one year since we published our first ever OnFARM episode - a recording with kids on a (pre-Covid) farm visit with the food and farming education charity RHET. To mark our first birthday, we've updated this very first episode with a new interview with RHET chief executive Katrina Barclay.You'll also hear John Sinclair, owner of Craigies Farm Shop and Cafe, primary school teacher Emmie Petrie, and RHET learning and development coordinator Sara Smith.Thanks for being so supportive of OnFARM in our first year. Here's to many more birthdays to come!
We're rounding off 2020 by eavesdropping on a chat between the Moredun Foundation's outgoing chairman Ian Duncan Millar, and his successor Gareth Baird. Ian chose to retire at the end of 2020 so he could end on the high point of a year of centenary festivities. Alas, this was not to be. But we hope this episode (particularly a surprise right at the end) will be a nice memento. From all at OnFARM, happy retirement Ian, and best of luck Gareth!
You're on the guest list for a (virtual) drinks reception to celebrate 100 years of Scotland's Moredun Research Institute. Just press play to attend, enjoy the (virtual) free booze and canapes, and mingle with the great and the good of livestock science.Joining Monty for this episode are:Sheila Voas, Scotland's chief vetNigel Miller, former NFU Scotland president and co-chair of Farming for 1.5 DegreesPhil Stocker, chief executive of the UK National Sheep AssociationKatrina Barclay, RHET executive officer and RHASS board memberBridget Taylor, Cheshire veterinary partner and Moredun Foundation Board MemberRachel Hall, recent recipient of a Moredun Foundation grant to study veterinary science in the USA
Succession planning is a nettle that all farming families need to grasp. You just never know what is around the corner. But it's a sensitive subject, fraught with legal, technical and emotional difficulties - so Monty has enlisted law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn to talk through the issues.Guests this time:Hamish Lean - Shepherd and Wedderburn Head of Rural PropertyGillian Campbell - Shepherd and Wedderburn private client partnerMartin Kennedy - Perthshire beef and sheep hill farmer and NFU Scotland vice presidentNina Clancy - chief executive of farming charity RSABI
The Moredun Research Institute has come a long way since it was set up by Scottish farmers in 1920, in a bid to cut devastating livestock losses. Monty hears how its latest breakthrough has revolutionised farming practices as far away as South Africa and Australia - and how researchers are even playing a crucial role in the fight against Covid-19.Guests this time:Al Nisbet - head of Moredun's vaccines and diagnostics departmentTom McNeilly, Moredun's head of disease controlMara Rocchi - head of Moredun's virus surveillance unitJessica Allport - merino sheep farmer in New South Wales, Australia
In 1920, a visionary group of Scottish farmers came together to work out how to cut alarmingly high rates of livestock losses. Together, they formed ADRA - the Animal Diseases Research Association. These days, it is still owned and run by farmers, but is better known as the Moredun Research Institute for animal health. Many of the vaccines and treatments now routinely used on UK sheep and cattle were developed by Moredun scientists. In its hundredth year, OnFARM's Monty is learning about the history and heritage of this little-known Scottish success story. This is the first of four OnFARM episodes to mark the Moredun's centenary 1920 - 2020.Guests this week:Prof Julie Fitzpatrick - Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun FoundationMungo Guthrie - Ayrshire sheep farmer and Moredun board memberProfessor Lee Innes - Moredun director of communicationsDr Lynsey Melville - early career post-doc researcher at MoredunDr David Smith - early career post-doc researcher at Moredun
All too often, farmers and food producers are portrayed as villains on climate change. While there is work to do, the industry's positive stories too often go untold. The co-op umbrella organisation SAOS say it is time to change that. They also want to spearhead an industry-wide collaborative push to cut emissions and ramp up sequestration. For the first of a number of climate change episodes with SAOS, Anna is joined by:Tim Bailey - SAOS chief executiveEmma Patterson Taylor - SAOS policy manager focused on climate change. Angela Porchez of the fruit growers co-op Angus GrowersJonny Williams from meat marketing co-op Farmstock
Rory Christie farms in Wigtownshire alongside his brother, and is on the boards of both the Milk Suppliers Association (MSA) and the co-op umbrella organisation SAOS. He strongly advocates investing in becoming as good at negotiation as whoever is on the other side of the table - whether that is a big corporate buyer, your farm landlord, or even your spouse or kids! Anna and Rory sat down for a wide ranging chat, that also takes in farming's response to climate change and fears over farm subsidies in a Brexit future.
What does it take to convert from conventional to organic farming? What are the benefits and pitfalls of making the switch, and what really captures people’s passion along the way?For this edition of OnFARM, Anna is joined by Debs Roberts of the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), and Phil Swire, an Aberdeenshire farmer who is midway through converting to organic.
Organic oilseed rape is often said to be impossible to grow. Aberdeenshire feed manufacturer Norvite are at the centre of trials hoping to prove that claim wrong - and to offer Scottish-grown organic cold-pressed rapeseed oil as a premium product for restaurants and wholesale. They also hope to offer organic animal feed - a counterpart to their soya-free, local, yet conventional dairy ration NeoLac. Dave Howard finds out more, for the first of a new series of onFARM.
Anna is munching delicious broccoli crisps this week! She's in Cupar in Fife, at the headquarters of Growers Garden. They make crisps from vegetables that would otherwise not have made the grade for supermarket shelves. Growers Garden are part of a farmer-owner co-operative called East of Scotland Growers. It is a brilliant example of individual farmers working together to benefit each other as a group - under the larger Scottish umbrella group for co-operatives, the SAOS.OnFARM repeating this episode before taking a short break - while we work behind the scenes to make a raft of new episodes with partners -- including SAOS! We'll have a number of episodes in our new series looking at examples of Scottish farm co-ops taking on the challenge of climate change.Listen to all episodes of OnFARM at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
Social media star Suzanne Mulholland AKA The Batch Lady shows Anna her methods for making the most of your freezer and kitchen storage. Her online videos and bestselling books show you how you can feed your household delicious and healthy meals, with a single one-hour cooking session each week. In this second part of the chat, Suzanne also gets Anna to try batching for herself! All episodes can be heard at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
As COVID-19 continues to impact lives and businesses, and new lockdown rules are implemented across Scotland, Gail Ellis from rural HR specialists Greenburn returns to onFARM. Gail shares practical tips for employers and employees, as well as those facing redundancy and looking for new roles.
Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an annual celebration, running from 5th to 20th September 2020. It shines a light on the incredible work of Scotland's farmers, growers, producers and suppliers. This whole onFARM episode is a widespread and indepth chat with Scotland Food and Drink CEO James Withers. He and Anna discuss the Fortnight, the impact of COVID-19, Brexit, and the future of food and drink.
The Batch Lady, aka Suzanne Mulholland, is a global social media sensation, publishing regular videos sharing her method of modern batch cooking. Her bestselling books show you how to "Shop Once, Cook Once, Eat Well All Week". She creates all her content in her Scottish Borders farmhouse. This episode hears some of Suzanne's best tips for making the most of the food in your freezer. It was recorded at her home during lambing season for many Scottish farmers, and as Coronavirus was starting to become a serious UK issue. (Part 1 of 2)
Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. This time, the pair take Jim's truck up to the sheep fields at the very top of his ground. There's chat about Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There's also some decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming. This is part 2 of Jim's chat with Anna, so go back to find the first half in your podcast feed if you haven't heard it already. If you are enjoying On Farm, please rate, review and subscribe to us - and please share this episode with anyone you think might like it. Thank you - and thanks as ever for listening!
The OnFARM podcast is a positive voice for farming, agri-food, and rural enterprise, both in Scotland and the wider UK. We give rural areas, people, organisations and charities a strong voice and a platform from which to share their stories. We perform in the top 25% of podcasts globally, and we are much listened to (and talked about!) across rural communities. Would your business or brand benefit from becoming a sponsor to OnFARM? To discuss partnership opportunities, please email anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Perthshire's Jim Smith is Scotland's Stand Up Farmer. His Back to the Teuchter live show and his social media Farm Diaries have earned him worldwide social media fame (as well as no shortage of female admirers!)He is also a regular on BBC Scotland's Breaking The News. But he says farming will always be his number one passion. This is part 1 of 2 episodes recorded with Jim, which we are re-releasing as we take a short break from recording new podcasts. Enjoy!
Bill Gray and Alan Laidlaw say they will "move heaven and earth" to put on a 2021 Royal Highland Show despite ongoing Covid uncertainty. The RHASS chairman and chief executive also reflect on weathering 2020's 'perfect storm', and look back on their favourite moments from the last 14 weeks of OnFARM episodes.
This episode is one big THANK YOU to those people across rural Scotland, and the food and drink economy, who’ve gone above and beyond during Covid lockdown. We speak to people who have scrambled to keep their communities fed, given an extra push for charities, or just continued their vital jobs in difficult circumstances.There are 6 stories in the episode - all people we wanted to say thanks to. It’s not even the tip of the iceberg of people who deserve praise. So please tweet the people you'd like to say thanks to in rural Scotland, using #unsungheroes. Our thanks to RHASS for partnering with us on this series. This episode hears from:Veterinary surgeon Kath Dun of Galedin VetsKerry Roberts of Ian Roberts HaulageEllie Sinclair of VegCo and the volunteer-staffed North East Food HubAnn Redpath, author of Lockdown and Lambing - Recipe Book and MemoriesKenny Hope of Pratt Brothers Edinburgh electriciansLorraine Cavan at RSABI
We look back at the Highland Society’s history all the way back to 1784, on a tour of Ingliston House with RHASS chairman Bill Gray. It's Bill's first visit to the Society's boardroom since the momentous decision to cancel the 2020 Royal Highland Show due to Coronavirus. For this episode, Monty also speaks to:Farming journalist and writer Andrew ArbuckleKen Fletcher, editor of the Scottish FarmerThere is a short clip of an episode of BBC Scotland's Landward, which is all about RHASS, and can be seen in full at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k75v/landward-2020-episode-10)
Equestrian events attract some of the biggest crowds at the Royal Highland Show, with top show jumpers, displays of Clydesdales, Shetlands and other breeds, as well as the frenetic and joyful activity of the Pony Club Games! In this episode of OnFARM with RHASS, Anna delves into all things equestrian, and hears from breeders, judges and competitors at the very top of their discipline.Contributors:RHASS director Anne LoganCatriona Willison from the Pony ClubWelsh pony breeder Tom Best from the Waxwing StudHighland Pony competitor, steward and judge Jo JackAngus and Stephen Lohoar from Drumcarrow EquestrianClydesdale breeder Ronnie Black from Newton of Collessie FarmFarrier Ruaraidh Robb
There is so much time, passion, and painstaking commitment that goes into getting a beast ready for the ring at the Royal Highland Show. It can be the culmination of a life's work and ambition. For those men and women who dedicate their lives to showing stock, there is no feeling to match your animal winning its class. This edition of OnFARM with RHASS hears what it is like firsthand, from some of Scotland's best stockmen and women.This episode features:Tracey Nicol from Balthayock FarmsDavid Tennant, RHASS Competitions ManagerColin and Alastair LairdThe Runciman family - Rocket, Amanda, Lewis and Libby
The Countryside Area is the section of the Royal Highland Show reserved for heritage crafts and traditional skills. It is quieter, and slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of the main showground. You can stop to soak in the sights and experiences, and try your hand at some of the crafts. In this episode of OnFARM with RHASS, Anna meets some of the artisans that exhibit in the Countryside Area, and hears their passion for keeping traditional skills alive.This episode hears from:Martin Dare of Rural ProjectsBen Wilde from Archipelago Folk School Rosie Hazleton from Wild Rose EscapesBen Potter from Birds of Prey Displays
Ever since it got its Royal Charter in 1784, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has been committed to helping individuals and organisations that improve, encourage, benefit, or otherwise advance rural Scotland. It does this through grants, scholarships, awards and other support. This work is funded in large part from money raised at the Royal Highland Show, and through events and venue hire on the showground at Ingliston. In this episode of OnFARM, Monty explores the scope of this charitable work. He also asks what RHASS needs from its supporters after the 2020 Show's cancellation, and loss of millions of pounds due to Coronavirus.This episode hears from:Alan Laidlaw, RHASS chief executiveMatthew Lambert, sales director of Lambert and Dyson LtdWill Charlton, Arable Marketing Manager at Limagrain UKPenny Montgomerie, Nuffield Farming Scholar and SAYFC chief execGeordie Dun and Willie Hill from Campbell of Oxton hauliersProfessor Lee Innes from the Moredun Research Institute for animal health
We are marking the start of what would have been the 2020 Royal Highland Show by hearing from Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP. In a wide ranging conversation with RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw, the Cabinet Secretary:- praises the Royal Highland Show as "the fulcrum of rural life in Scotland"- describes his pride in Scotland's rural communities for their response to Coronavirus, saying farmers "have risen to the occasion"- urges the UK government to protect farmers against "the flooding of cheaper imports" that would be illegal to produce here.The first day of the Royal Highland Show, Thursday 18th June, is also National #KeepTalking Day from RSABI. This episode finishes with a call from RHASS president Bill Gray to #phone5 people, stressing the importance to all of staying socially connected, even though you won't see people in person at this year's Show.
It is Royal Highland Show week! Or it would be in more normal times. In The View From Town, OnFARM explores ways people not directly connected to agriculture still connect and relate to food, farming and the countryside. Anna also speaks with Marks and Spencer's head of agriculture Steven Maclean, and hears from a family of urban visitors to the Royal Highland Show. What draws them back to Ingliston year after year?=====================#keeptalking is a national campaign from RSABI, supported by RHASS, OnFARM and others. It is set to culminate with a National #KeepTalking Day on June 18th, which was due to be the first day of the Royal Highland Show. The ask on the day is simple: pick up the phone, and phone 5 people you haven't spoken to in the past six months. Then show you're supporting the campaign by sharing posts and pictures on social media with the hashtags #keeptalking and #phone5. Chances are both you and the people you call will feel better as a result.This episode hears from:Caroline Miller from GoRuralMarks and Spencer Head of Agriculture Steve McLeanMargaret Gilmour from Food For Life Scotland / The Soil Association
If you are looking for the very best in food and drink, from the finest Scottish producers, the Royal Highland Show is clearly the place to be. The food hall - more properly ‘Scotland’s Larder Live’ - is always one of the Show’s biggest draws. In the absence of a 2020 Show, we have the next best thing. We’ve brought together food and drink experts Wendy Barrie and Charlotte Maberly, with a host of top producers who exhibit and trade at the show. Why does it matter that the Highland Show exists as a food and drink showcase and spectacle?The Very Best of Food and Drink is episode 5 in our OnFARM series in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).This episode also features:Steve Mitchell from the Buffalo FarmValentina Black from Alanda’s Gelato and SeafoodDavid Equi from Equi’s ice creamJill Witheyman from Angus Soft FruitStuart Hood from Hood’s HoneyPlease tweet us @On_FarmUK with your thoughts and stories, and please share OnFARM with anyone you think might be interested. All episodes are available at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
Is there any feeling quite like seeing the gates open on day one of the Royal Highland Show? As a visitor, you have so many trade stands, businesses and people you want to see and hear from. There are never enough hours in the day to get round all the attractions. This episode of OnFARM seeks to replicate that busy day. It's packed full of voices, including some very well known names in Scottish agriculture. We were keen to speak with as many businesses as possible, from machinery sales and estate agency to gin, vodka, seeds and banking. OnFARM's Ross Montague hears Highland Show stories from rural Scotland's business community, and asks how traders are coping during Covid-19 lockdown. There is also exciting news of a 'virtual' Scottish agricultural show taking place later in the summer.'Taking Care of Business' is episode 4 in our OnFARM series in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). Taking part are: Royal Bank of Scotland, Watsons Seeds, Dales Agricultural Services, Galbraiths Property Consultancy, Ogilvy Spirits, The Gin Bothy, Macbeths Butchers, and Countryside Refreshments. We also hear from Nuffield Scholar Aled Rhys Jones.Please tweet us @On_FarmUK with your thoughts and stories, and please share OnFARM with anyone you think might be interested. All episodes are available at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
Anna speaks with Katrina Barclay from the Royal Highland Education Trust. Since the start of COVID-19, RHET's work has quickly adapted, to focus on supporting parents, families and teachers to deliver lockdown home-schooling. But while the delivery method has changed, the charity's purpose is just as it has been for over 20 years: to help children and young people in Scotland to understand where the food on their plate comes from, as well as the importance of healthy eating.=====================RHET is the education charity of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, who are OnFARM's partners in producing this summer series of podcasts. Please get in touch if you'd like to feature in future episodes. Please tweet @On_FARMUK.
For many, the Royal Highland Show is their one big chance each year to get together with friends, and to re-connect with people they don't otherwise manage to see. This time, OnFARM is exploring the importance of those 4 summer days at Ingliston for social connection and mental wellbeing. Anna is joined by Nina Clancy from RSABI, and Professor Sarah Skerratt, who has done lots of academic research on mental health in rural communities. This is episode 2 of an OnFARM series in partnership with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).=================================Please get in touch if you'd like to feature in future episodes. Are you using RHET online resources to help with your family's home-schooling under lockdown? We are also looking for stories of rural or farm-based businesses who have adapted to Coronavirus. We'd love to hear from you. Please tweet @On_FARMUK.
Have you got a Highland Show-shaped gap in your life? This summer, OnFARM are teaming up with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) to bring you a celebration of rural Scotland, and all that we'll miss now that the show is sadly cancelled. In weeks to come, we'll hear from regular visitors, businesses, competitors, and many others. But in this first episode in the series, chairman Bill Gray and chief executive Alan Laidlaw re-live the difficult decision to cancel this year's Highland Show.=================================We want your stories for future episodes. Do you have a special memory of the Highland Show, or a particular friend you'll miss seeing this year because you only meet once a year at Ingliston? We are also looking for inspiring stories of rural communities and businesses who have adapted to life under Coronavirus lockdown. Please tweet @On_FARMUK. We'd love to hear from you.
How do you help your rural business to survive – and even thrive – in these phenomenally difficult times? Julia Latto runs Scotland's Rural Leadership Programme, and spoke to #OnFARMHelps about how to adapt, innovate, and plan for a recovery. This episode is packed with great advice for helping Scottish rural businesses to adapt and innovate in the light of Covid-19. The Rural Leadership Programme is delivered by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. There is also support available at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/ (https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/)
Much livestock feed is made with imported soya and palm oil. These ingredients, usually sourced from South America and countries like Indonesia, are blamed for rainforest deforestation and the destruction of orangutan habitat. Aberdeenshire feed producer Norvite have developed an exciting alternative livestock feed product called NEOLac. It is proven to be just as protein-rich as other brands, but is primarily made from locally-sourced and sustainable rapeseed oil. For this repeated edition of OnFARM, Anna visits Norvite manufacturing plant to meet company MD Ed Smith. Together, they also visit Bruce Mackie at Middleton of Rora, a dairy farm where successful trials of NEOLac have taken place.
With Coronavirus still impacting our lives and businesses, we need a massive injection of positivity. So we've re-published our episode with amazing Doddie Weir. Doddie is a Scotland and Lions rugby legend, a brave campaigner raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease, and a Borders farmer. In this edition, first published earlier this year, the big man welcomes OnFARM's Ross 'Monty' Montague to his home for a coffee and chat. The pair recall Doddie's early days in eventing and his time at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) college (later renamed Scotland’s Rural College, or SRUC). Doddie also hails the "unbelievable" support of Scotland's farming community for his MyName5Doddie fundraising campaign, and has brilliant tips about staying positive in difficult times. If you can, please lend Doddie your support at http://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/support-us (www.myname5doddie.co.uk/support-us)
Coronavirus lockdown and relentless bad news is taking its toll on all of our mental health. For this edition of #OnFARMHelps, Anna speaks to Jim Hume, Scottish Borders farmer, former MSP, and convenor of Scotland's National Rural Mental Health Forum (https://ruralwellbeing.org (https://ruralwellbeing.org)). Whether you are an individual in need of help, or you want resources to offer wellbeing support to your team or community, Jim is happy to hear from you. Email jhume@supportinmindscotland.org.uk or tweet @Rural_Wellbeing. All episodes of OnFARM are available at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
“One toot and your order is oot”! Multi-award winning cheese-makers Connage Highland Dairy’s response to Coronavirus has been to ask customers to honk their horns to get their order brought out to their car. They’ve also put more of their products online, and are doing local doorstep deliveries. It's just one example of Scottish food and drink businesses innovating in response to difficulties posed by Covid-19. For this episode of OnFARM, Anna is with Connage's Jill Clark.
Coronavirus HR and management support for rural businesses. Since the start of Covid-19, there have been numerous and significant changes to how we operate businesses and manage staff. Gail Ellis from HR consultancy Greenburn talks to Anna about staffing questions, from furlough planning and managing holiday leave, to performance management during home-working, and much more. OnFARM Helps is here to support rural and food-based businesses to survive and even thrive during lockdown and beyond. Please contact us on Twitter @On_FarmUK if you have suggestions for future episodes. All our podcasts are available at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
With the UK in continuing Covid-19 lockdown, The Batch Lady's methods are invaluable for making the most of your freezer and kitchen storage. Her social media videos and best-selling book show you how you can feed your household delicious and healthy meals, with just one hour-long cooking session each week. In this episode, Suzanne Mulholland also gets Anna to try some batching for herself. This is the second of two OnFARM editions recorded at Suzanne's Scottish Borders farmhouse. All episodes can be heard at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
Covid-19 support and information for your farm or rural business. This new mini-series is OnFARM's response to Coronavirus, and the uncertainty and upheaval it brings to all our lives and businesses. #OnFARMHelps offers tips and advice to help your rural enterprise cope and even thrive in these unprecedented times. In episode 1, OnFARM hosts Anna and Monty share some of their own PR, marketing, and resilience tips. Find all our podcasts at http://www.podfollow.com/onfarm (www.podfollow.com/onfarm)
The Batch Lady, aka Suzanne Mulholland, is a global social media sensation, publishing regular videos sharing her method of modern batch cooking. Her recently published first book shows you how to "Shop Once, Cook Once, Eat Well All Week". She creates all her content in her Scottish Borders farmhouse. This episode was recorded at her home during lambing season for many Scottish farmers, and as Coronavirus was starting to become a serious UK issue. So it's a timely look at how to make the most of the food in your freezer. (Part 1 of 2)
He's the upland Perthshire farmer who once described himself as VEGAN (V-ery E-nthusiastically G-rowing A-nimals N-aturally). Martin Kennedy is also NFU Scotland's vice-president, and has built a name for himself through widely-shared Facebook posts that debunk farming myths and take a common-sense approach to promoting the industry. In this episode, Anna visits Martin on his farm to talk about the future of farming, positive ways forward on climate change, and a shared love of social media.
Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. This time, the pair take Jim's truck up to the sheep fields at the very top of his ground. There's chat about Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There's also some decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from Anna on Jim's impending parenthood, and a general blether about life and farming. This is part 2 of Jim's chat with Anna, so go back to find the first half in your podcast feed if you haven't heard it already. If you are enjoying On Farm, please rate, review and subscribe to us - and please share this episode with anyone you think might like it. Thank you - and thanks as ever for listening!
Perthshire's Jim Smith is well-known to comedy audiences as Farmer Jim the Stand-up Farmer. His Back to the Teuchter tour sold out to audiences across Scotland. His Farm Diaries have earned him worldwide social media fame - and no shortage of female admirers! He's also a regular on BBC Scotland's Breaking The News. But he says farming will always be his number one passion. He talks to Anna about his comedy roots, trying to relieve the boredom of roguing tatties, then writing pantomime scripts for his beloved Bankfoot YFC. We only meant to record one episode with Jim, but he was such good craic, we split their chat into two parts. So this is part 1 of 2. Enjoy!
What can farmers do to reduce climate-changing emissions? What is the science around farming's impact on global warming? And how can Scottish agriculture better share its message that it is part of the solution on emissions, rather than the problem? For this OnFARM edition, Anna speaks indepth with Ruth Taylor, NFU Scotland's first ever Climate Change Policy Manager, as well as the two co-chairs of the 'Farming for 1.5 Degrees' group, Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) chief exec Mike Robinson, and former NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller. It was recorded at NFU Scotland's annual conference in February 2020.
It's a rare visit to the big city this week for onFARM, with Anna in Glasgow for the NFU Scotland annual conference. There's an indepth interview with president Andrew McCornick. It was also an ideal chance to find out the different issues concerning farmers across Scotland and beyond. Topics include seasonal workers, climate change, veganism, problem geese in Shetland, and much more!
One Scottish farmer didn't speak to anyone for 6 weeks, until RSABI arranged for him to get regular phone calls to alleviate his loneliness. Another was struggling with debt - but RSABI discovered he was owed £18,000 in unclaimed entitlements. These are just two examples of people in Scotland's agricultural sector who've been helped by the RSABI - Scotland's farming charity, providing emotional, practical and financial support to individuals and families. In this episode of onFARM, Anna hears how to recognise signs if someone is struggling, the help that's on offer, and how you can support, either financially or by giving your time as a volunteer. Taking part are RSABI welfare manager Mags Grainger, chief executive Nina Clancy and chairman Ewan Pate, as well as farming husband and wife Colin and Lynne Lowrie (thanks to Lynne for the tea and cake!)To reach RSABI: http://www.rsabi.org.uk (www.rsabi.org.uk) or on the helpline: 0300 111 4166
Doddie Weir - Scotland and Lions rugby legend, MND campaigner, and Borders farmer - welcomes onFARM's Ross 'Monty' Montague to his home for a coffee and blether. The two men, who have long been friends and farming neighbours, recall Doddie's early days in eventing and his time at the SAC college (later renamed the SRUC). Doddie also hails the "unbelievable" support of Scotland's farming community for his MyName5Doddie fundraising campaign. We thought it was fitting to publish Doddie as episode 5 in the onFARM series. We hope you enjoy it - and find out how to lend your support at http://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/support-us (www.myname5doddie.co.uk/support-us)
AgriScot, held annually at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre, is one of the biggest events in Scottish farming's calendar - with visitors coming from all over Scotland and the world. This episode of onFARM was recorded at AgriScot back in November. Anna Davies spent the day exploring the show site, and finding out thousands of people love to attend the event. She also hears from AgriScot organiser Martin Dare.
Anna is munching delicious broccoli crisps this week! She's in Cupar in Fife, at the headquarters of Growers Garden. They make crisps from vegetables that would otherwise not have made the grade for supermarket shelves. Growers Garden are part of a farmer-owner co-operative called East of Scotland Growers. It is a brilliant example of individual farmers working together to benefit each other as a group - under the larger Scottish umbrella group for co-operatives, the SAOS.
Aberdeenshire animal-feed producer Norvite have an innovative new product called NEOLac - a protein-rich livestock feed made primarily from locally-sourced and cold-pressed oilseed rape. It's an exciting development for anyone who recognises that importing soybean and palm oil is unsustainable and even potentially unethical. For this edition of OnFARM, Norvite's Ed Smith talks Anna through the process of manufacturing NEOLac at his processing plant. Ed and Anna also visit Bruce Mackie at Middleton of Rora, a dairy farm where successful trials of NEOLac have taken place.
70,000 children in Scotland benefit each year from the work of RHET - the Royal Highland Education Trust. RHET take children onto farms, and bring farmers into schools, to help young people aged 3 to 18 to understand more about where our food comes from. For this first ever edition of OnFARM, Anna Davies joins John Sinclair, owner of Craigies Farm Shop and Cafe, as he leads children on a RHET tour. Also taking part in this episode are primary school teacher Emmie Petrie, and RHET learning and development coordinator Sara Smith.
OnFARM is coming very soon. A brand new podcast showcasing the very best of Scottish rural life. Full episodes every Monday from 6th Jan. You'll be able to find us by searching for 'OnFARM' wherever you get your podcasts. For now, you'll just have to content yourself with this short taster of what we've been working on.