Agri Culture

Atholl Estates – Regenerative Farming at the Heart of Community

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Bertie Troughton, Hugh Chamerlain and Laura McDonald of Atholl Estates. They join us to talk about how in recent years they have started to move towards regenerative farming practices, a big shift in focus for the farms and the staff who work there. They share what has worked well for them, balancing agricultural productivity, with biodiversity and sustainability goals. It’s clear that community resilience is important to them as they refer to the longer-term initiatives such as peatland restoration and woodland planting, in hand with shorter term wins such as sward diversity and enjoying the flora and fauna now found on Atholl Estates.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about Atholl Estates, you can find links in the show notes. If you are interested in regenerative farming practices, you may also want to listen to the Farm Advisory Service natural capital podcast.

This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources:

Atholl Estates in Pitlochry | Scottish Highland Estate in Perthshire

Natural Capital | Helping farmers in Scotland

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Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up – Steading & Co Family (Part 2)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

Welcome to part two of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their farm in Scotland. The family have come together after time spent working in different careers, with the common goal of running a sustainable farming business. They are focussed on the benefit of regenerative practices to improve soil health, food quality, nutrition and health.

If you missed the first part of this episode series, you can catch it right now, wherever you normally listen. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Steading and Co, you can find links in the show notes.

This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Part 1: Agri Culture - Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up: Steading & Co Family (Part 1) | FAS

Resources:

Discover Sustainable Farming Practices at Steading & Co. - Enhance Soil Health & Wellness

Steading&Co (@steadingandco) • Instagram photos and videos

About - Soil Food Web School - Regenerating Soil

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National Advice Hub

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Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up – Steading & Co Family (Part 1)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

Welcome to part one of a two-part episode series about Steading and Co and the family. Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Phillip, Konrad, Symone and Alex, a multigenerational family running a regenerative farming business in Fife. They talked about their journey from a dairy farm in Ireland to an arable farm in Canada, and now building a life of health from the ground up on their farm in Scotland. The family have come together after time spent working in different careers, with the common goal of running a sustainable farming business. They are focussed on the benefit of regenerative practices to improve soil health, food quality, nutrition and health.

Make sure you catch the second part of this episode series right now wherever you normally listen. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Steading and Co, you can find links in the show notes.

This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Part 2: Agri Culture - Building A Life Of Health From The Ground Up: Steading & Co Family (Part 2) | FAS

Resources:

Discover Sustainable Farming Practices at Steading & Co. - Enhance Soil Health & Wellness

Steading&Co (@steadingandco) • Instagram photos and videos

About - Soil Food Web School - Regenerating Soil

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

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Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

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Future Farmer: Jack Munro & Anna Wylie

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Anna Wylie and Jack Munro. Anna and Jack met when they both attended the Tesco Future Farmer programme for young farmers run through Harper Adams university. The programme gave them the opportunity to meet other farmers from all backgrounds across the UK, to learn from each other and to attend in person meetings, webinars and farm business visits. They talk about what they both enjoyed about the course, how it shaped their own plans for their futures, and how important they both feel it is to be involved in the farming community, learning and making time for personal development.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to find out more about the Future Farmer Programme or if you would like to contact Anna to learn more about the World Food Forum, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. 

Resources:

Future Farmer Programme | School of Sustainable Food and Farming

Anna Wylie | LinkedIn

Jack Munro | LinkedIn

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Barbara McLeod: Cruciferous Croft

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

On today’s episode Mary-Jane is joined by Barbara McLeod. Barbara owns and runs Cruciferous Croft in the Lochinver area of North West Scotland. She took on a croft herself, renovating an old building to live in, and has since started growing vegetables, finding most success with cabbages. This gave her the idea to start fermenting them into sauerkraut to add value. She now sells her products at food festivals and fairs. She tells us about what it was like getting started in crofting, and discusses heritage practices such as using seaweed for fertiliser, and following chemical free growing practices. She also tells us about the various sources of funding and support she has used to get her business up and running.

If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Cruciferous Croft, the Farm Advisory Service mentoring scheme, the HIE food and drink tech hub, or the other sources of support that Barbara mentioned, you can find links in the show notes.

This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Related Resources

Home - Cruciferous Croft Website

Food and drink TechHUB | HIE

FAS Mentoring Support Available | Helping farmers in Scotland

For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot

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Wallace Currie: Rural 2 Kitchen

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond.

On today’s episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Wallace Currie. Wallace may be familiar to you as he runs his own podcast R2Kast as part of his brand Rural 2 Kitchen, which started during lockdown as a way to share his farming life. Later he became a lecturer at SRUC and has since gone on to do a Nuffield Scholarship on pathways into agriculture through education, youth groups and consumer engagement. He talks to us about his farming background, his thoughts on how agriculture should be woven into our education system, and his work with the Young Farmers and Farmstrong Scotland.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about R2Kast, Young Farmers, Nuffield Scholarships, or Farmstrong Scotland you can find links in the show notes.

This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources:

Rural2Kitchen - YouTube

R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In - Hosted by Wallace Currie

Rural2Kitchen | Facebook

Wallace Currie MSc (@rural2kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC

Agricultural Studies | Nuffield Farming Scholarships

Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well

For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

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Eilidh Verstage, Arngask Home Farm: Growing a Community

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Content Warning: The following episode mentions pregnancy loss.

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Eilidh Verstage from Arngask Home Farm. Eilidh and her husband Lloyd are new entrants, who purchased Arngask 4 years ago. They have rare breed pigs and this year have just started growing chemical free vegetables to sell wholesale, at markets and locally in weekly veg boxes. They have also branched out into running events with a neighbouring farm. Community is at the heart of what they do, and this evident from the volunteers who support the veg enterprise, the local community, frequenting their honesty horse box, and the vibrant digital community that Arngask Home Farm have built on social media.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Arngask Home Farm, the Oxford sandy and black pig foundation, or the rare breed survival trust, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources:

ABOUT | Arngask Home Farm

Arngask Home Farm (@arngaskhomefarm) • Instagram photos and videos

Arngask Home Farm - Facebook

Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs - Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity

Ooooby | Ecommerce for small farms, veg boxes, food hubs, CSA's and craft food.

For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot

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National Advice Hub

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Liz Haines: Levelling The Field, Neurodiversity in Agriculture

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Liz Haines to talk about her lived experience of being neurodivergent and working in agriculture. Liz tells us about her background in farming and how she and her husband became new entrants to agriculture. Liz shares some of her systems and process that help her run their successful dairy farm since being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. This diagnosis led her to pursue a Nuffield scholarship. She has travelled the world to study neurodiversity in agriculture, and she shares with us her learnings, and how we can help and support neurodiverse people in our agricultural industry.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about the ‘Level The Field’ campaign, you can find more information in the show notes. You may also want to listen to the two Agri Culture podcast episodes on dyslexia. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources

Level the field - Farmers Weekly

BBC Two - Inside Our Minds

Agricultural Studies | Nuffield Farming Scholarships

Agri Culture - Cathy Magee: Delving into Dyslexia | FAS

Agri Culture - Pete Black: The Superpower of Dyslexia | FAS

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

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National Advice Hub

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Brose Oats: Cream of the Crop

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Josh Barton from Brose Oats.

Josh tells us about the company, Brose Oats, and their oat milk products, telling us the story of how the company grew from an idea in a small kitchen, to distributing Scottish oat milk across the Lothians and beyond. He also talks about the importance of sustainability, both in terms of food production, but also in terms of societal sustainability and how important it is to create local jobs for local people. We also discussed how we can make work more accessible for those who maybe have found it challenging to gain and retain employment.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about Brose Oats, resources for food and drink entrepreneurs, and the UK government’s access to work programme for those with disability or long term health conditions, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources

Brose Oats | Scottish oat drinks from East Lothian

Josh Barton | LinkedIn

Brose Oats Facebook Page

Brose Oats (@broseoats) • Instagram photos and videos

THRIVE Programme | Scottish Centre for Food Development Innovation | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

James Logan: Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by James Logan, the current chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. This episode was recorded in the lead up to the Royal Highland Show 2025, and James tells us about changes at the Society and what he is looking forward to about this year’s show. He talks about his life in agriculture and how he got involved with RHASS.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about RHASS you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

John Ferguson: Thinking Outside the Box

Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by John Ferguson, founder and CEO of Sisaltech Ltd, a Scottish company which produces sustainable building insulation from natural sisal fibres and Scottish wool. In this episode John shares his unique story on how he got started, his sustainable business goals and his top tips for business success.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about John and Sisaltech you can find links in the show notes.  This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. 

Linked FAS Resources

Sisaltech https://www.sisalwool.com/

John Ferguson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisaltech/?originalSubdomain=uk

SAYFC Respect

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Ally Brunton chair of SAYFC and Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice chair. They both talk about their time in young farmers and the experiences and benefits of being in the club. They also tell us about the SAYFC Respect campaign which was launched at the Highland Show in 2024, which aims to allow every member to contribute to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive, fun environment for young people. This episode discusses themes around mental wellbeing and suicide, please listen with care.

Resources

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC

SAYFC focused on RESPECT - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Young Farmers say ‘Leave a Light On’ - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Mental Health Support | SAYFC Members Support | Contact Us

Home - RSABI

Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well

Agri Culture : Farmstrong Episode

Agri Culture: Stephanie Berkeley - Yellow Wellies

Agri Culture: Jim Chapman - Adapting to Life After an Accident

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Kenneth Bone: Diversifying for a Thriving Island Community

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Kenneth Bone from Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran.

Kenneth Bone farms Glenkiln Farm on the Isle of Arran with his family. They won the Diversified Farm of the year award at last year’s Scottish Agriculture Awards, as well as taking home the Champion of Champions trophy. The business has an impressive portfolio, from the farming business to hydro scheme, pub, equestrian centre and housing. Kenneth tells us where it all began, and how the business diversified to be the success it is today.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about the various projects on Arran that we mentioned you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources

Glenkiln Farm - Champion of Champions - AgriScot - Your Farm Business Event

The Drift Inn |Lamlash Isle Of Arran

Welcome to VisitArran

Arran Trust | welcome to the beautiful island of arran

Rural and Islands Housing Funds - More homes - gov.scot

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

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National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Jim Chapman: Adapting to Life After an Accident

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Listener Advisory Note : This episode contains a mention of suicide, please listen with care.

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Jim Chapman, farmer and farm safety ambassador. Jim talks openly about the farm accident that changed his life when he lost his arm in a PTO shaft. He talks about the impact that had on him, and how he got through the dark times. He tells us how important the support he received from friends, family and young farmers was to him. He went on to do a Nuffield scholarship on farm safety and is now an ambassador for the Farm Safety Foundation.

If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about the topics we mentioned you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources

Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

Farm-Emergency-Plan-Template_1020.pdf (yellowwellies.org)

LittleBookOfMindingYourHead_10YearEdition_0424.pdf (yellowwellies.org)

Farmstrong-Scotland-Leaflet-Five-Steps-to-Wellbeing-FINAL.pdf (farmstrongscotland.org.uk)

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK

Hear our other Farm Safety episode with Stephanie Berkeley from Yellow Wellies

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Stephanie Berkeley: Yellow Wellies

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation

Stephanie Berkeley is Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, which you might know also as Yellow Wellies. The Farm Safety Foundation was established in 2014 with the aim of improving farm safety in the UK. The Foundation runs successful campaigns such as Farm Safety week and educates young farmers across the UK in colleges and young farmer clubs. Stephanie talks to us about the importance of the charity, and resources available to all farmers.

If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about The Farm Safety Foundation and sources of support you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie edited by Cameron Waugh and produced by Kerry Hammond, in association with the Scottish Government.

Resources

Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

LittleBookOfFarmSafety_1stEdition_0624.pdf (yellowwellies.org)

Build your Own Health & Safety Policy Digital Tool (yellowwellies.org)

Farm-Emergency-Plan-Template_1020.pdf (yellowwellies.org)

LittleBookOfMindingYourHead_10YearEdition_0424.pdf (yellowwellies.org)

Farmstrong-Scotland-Leaflet-Five-Steps-to-Wellbeing-FINAL.pdf (farmstrongscotland.org.uk)

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK

Hear our other episode on Farm Safety, 'Jim Chapman: Adapting to Life After an Accident' here

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Cathy Magee: Delving into Dyslexia

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Cathy Magee from Dyslexia Scotland.

Cathy Magee is the chief executive of Dyslexia Scotland. We talked about what dyslexia is, how it can affect you, and how to go about getting an assessment. Dyslexia Scotland have a range of resources available to support people with dyslexia. Cathy also tells us about the technologies and adaptations that might be helpful for people with dyslexia. RSABI have partnered with Dyslexia Scotland to offer free dyslexia assessments to farmers and crofters. We also talked about the ways that dyslexia might make some aspects of farming challenging but also has some benefits in the way that people think and work in different ways.

Resources

To arrange a free assessment, which typically costs around £500, people involved in farming or crofting in Scotland should contact RSABI’s 24-hour freephone helpline - 0808 1234 555.

Dyslexia Scotland Helpline: 0344 800 84 84

Assessing dyslexia in adults (youtube.com)

Library | Dyslexia Scotland - Dyslexia Scotland

Post-assessment pack for adults | Dyslexia Scotland -Dyslexia Scotland

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For more information,

visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Pete Black: The Superpower of Dyslexia

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Pete Black of Collessie Feeds and Newton of Colessie Farm.

Pete Black farms at Newton of Collessie with his parents and brother. They run a successful diversified farming business with arable, commercial cattle, pedigree sheep and Clydesdales, alongside Collessie Feeds. We chatted about the farm business and the various enterprises and the family’s time on This Farming Life. Whilst appearing on This Farming Life Pete mentioned that he had dyslexia which led to him becoming an ambassador for RSABI to help them promote their dyslexia in farming campaign. Pete talks openly about how dyslexia affects his day-to-day life and how he has adapted to find ways to make running his business easier.

To arrange a free dyslexia assessment, which typically costs around £500, people involved in farming or crofting in Scotland should contact RSABI’s 24-hour freephone Helpline - 0808 1234 555

Resources

Collessie Feeds - Pro-Equine Ltd

To arrange a free dyslexia assessment, which typically costs around £500, people involved in farming or crofting in Scotland should contact RSABI’s 24-hour freephone Helpline - 0808 1234 555 Home - RSABI

Dyslexia ScotlandDyslexia Scotland - Empowering people with dyslexia to reach their full potential

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Fred Swift & Stella Stewart: From Sheep to Shop - Increasing the Value of Wool.

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Fred Swift from South Clunes Farm and Highland Clip, and Stella Stewart from Anta.

Fred Swift farms South Clunes Farm near Inverness in the Highlands with his wife Sofi and his father. They run a traditional upland farm with cattle and sheep. Fred and his family have transformed the farm over the last 40 years, increasing biodiversity and introducing mob grazing. He was looking for an opportunity to add value to the wool from his sheep, and together with Scottish luxury brand Anta, they established the Highland Clip. The Highland Clip is working to add value to wool, whilst also creating a fully traceable product, which is important to Anta. Stella Stewart, a director of Anta, tells us why traceable wool and working with South Clunes is important to their business.

Resources

FAS TV: S2 E9 –South Clunes Farm Cluster (youtube.com)

History of the farm | South Clunes Farm | Inverness

Luxury Home Furnishings & Gifts Made in Scotland | ANTA

Protecting Highland Wool – ANTA

For more information, visit www.fas.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Lesley Mitchell: Building a thriving family business, the importance of work life balance and converting to organic

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie visits Whitriggs Farm in the Scottish Borders to speak to Lesley Mitchell. They chat about the family farm and how it has evolved over the years, their openness to challenges and change, and how that has allowed Lesley and her family to build a business that supports the family whilst also allowing a good work life balance. Once key change has been converting the business to organic and following a more regenerative agriculture approach, which has required a change in mindset. The farm now runs cattle and deer alongside their organic arable enterprise, making the most of their skills, time and farm assets. Lesley also talks about how she personally makes time for learning, which recently resulted in a trip to Antartica.

FAS Resources

Organics

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Claire Taylor : Positive perceptions of Agriculture

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

I'm Mary-Jane Lawrie, and in this episode I’m joined Claire Taylor. Claire is a journalist and describes herself as an agricultural communicator. She has recently finished her travels as part of her Nuffield Farming Scholarship and is now in the process of compiling all the information from her travels. We talk about her career and how that led her to applying for the scholarship, what she learned from it, and how we, as farmers, can work together to engage with the public to tell positive farming stories. She shares with us some of her amazing experiences from her travels and gives us a real insight into what farming is like in other countries.

Warning: This episode contains themes of political unrest, suicide, gender-based violence and murder. Listen with caution.

Resources

Nuffield Farming Scholarships - https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/

Claire Taylor Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-taylor-4135714a/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Jenn Stewart: Successful Succession

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Jenn Stewart. Jenn Stewart, partner & Head of Rural and Landed Estates at Johnston Carmichael, joined the company in 2019. Jenn has extensive experience in advising owner managed businesses and provides counsel to a wide-ranging portfolio of clients across multiple sectors. Jenn was brought up in her own family farming business and is now involved in her husband’s farming business. Jenn talks to us about the topic and theme of succession. A succession plan provides a level of certainty for everyone to ensure the ongoing sustainability and financial sustainability of the business, therefore the earlier this topic is brought to the table the better.

Related FAS Resources

You can get funding for succession planning through FAS. See Specialist Advice | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Resources

Johnston Carmichael | Chartered Accountants

Jenn Stewart LinkedIn Jenn Stewart - Partner, Head of Rural & Landed Estates & Dundee Office Head - Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers | LinkedIn

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Kirsten Williams: Let your determination grow stronger

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Kirsten Williams. Kirsten is a livestock specialist with SAC Consulting and she also runs a farm business on Ranna Farm in Aberdeenshire with her husband Ross. They have sheep, cattle, and a turkey enterprise on their rented farm. They were new entrants, working hard to secure a tenancy and build up their business to support them and their family. Kirsten has a really positive outlook on life and she tells us how determination and hard work have helped them succeed.

FAS Resources

Women in Agriculture (WiA) Discussion Group at Farm Advisory Scotland (fas.scot)

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Glenrinnes Estate: A Tapestry of Tales

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by some of the team at Glenrinnes Estate at the foot of Ben Rinnes in Moray. Estate manager Ali Laing tells us about the estate as a whole, and we are joined by head keeper Gordon Aitchison, distillery manager Martin Peroni, trainee farm worker Alex Shearer and head gardener Damon Powell. They all share their stories of working on Glenrinnes Estate and how their skills and enthusiasm come together to help run a successful community focused Scottish Estate.

Other Resources

Glenrinnes Organic Estate

Eight Lands Organic Spirits (eight-lands.com)

Pre-Apprenticeship | Ringlink Scotland

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email:  advice@fas.scot

John Scott and Jock Gibson: Farmstrong Scotland

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to John Scott and Jock Gibson from Farmstrong Scotland. Farmstrong Scotland is a new initiative which is inspired by Farmstrong New Zealand and Doug Avery’s visit to Scotland a couple of years ago. John and Jock tell us what Farmstrong is, why they want to be involved in it, what wellbeing means to them, and give examples of how they implement Farmstrong’s five steps to wellbeing in their own lives.

FAS Resources

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

What's Stopping You - Wellbeing | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Resources

Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well

Step-Guide.pdf (farmstrongscotland.org.uk)

For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Lawrence Martin : Opportunities through Apprenticeships

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Lawrence Martin who was a new entrant to farming. After doing an HNC in agriculture at college, he started an apprenticeship with Lantra and SRUC. The apprenticeship gave him the opportunity to get out on farm and ultimately became a farm manager. He tells us of his farming journey, how the apprenticeship scheme works and how you can get involved in the scheme.

FAS Resources

Managing People | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Resources

Carbeth Home Farm – an an adventure in ecology, agriculture and tourism

From apprentice with no farming background to farm manager | The Scottish Farmer

Apprenticeships - Lantra

Study at SRUC | Apprenticeships

Modern Apprentice Lawrence Martin tells us how much he enjoys his career in farming - YouTube

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Lucy Mitchell: Young Farmers

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Lucy Mitchell. Lucy was an active member of Young Farmers from her early twenties and went on to become national chair of SAYFC from 2022 to 2023. Lucy has recently handed over this role, and she tells us about what Young Farmers is, what sort of opportunities it gives young people, and what her year as national chair was like.

Related Resources:

Lucy Mitchell | LinkedIn

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC

You searched for lucy mitchell - Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (sayfc.org)

Scottish Rural Leadership Programme | Elevator UK

Challenge of Rural Leadership - Worshipful Company of Farmers (farmerslivery.org.uk)

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Ana Allamand: Culture and Connection

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Ana Allamand. Ana grew up in Chile before moving to Scotland. She tells us about agriculture in Chile and her work over here with the Soil Association. Ana works to bring farmers together to learn from each other and foster innovation, and has great knowledge about how culture and agriculture fit together.

FAS Resources

FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Other Resources

Agreocology project series:

Facilitating the Transition; Enabling the Transition; Strengthening Livelihoods.

Soil Association Scotland

Our Work In Scotland (soilassociation.org)

Twitter: Soil Association Scotland (@SoilAssocScot) / X (twitter.com)

Soil Association (UK wide)

Soil Association

Twitter: Soil Association (@SoilAssociation) / X (twitter.com)

Other organisations Ana mentioned:

Nourish

Nature Friendly Farming Network

Landworkers Alliance

Pasture Fed Livestock Association

Scottish Crofting Federation

Parkhill Farm

Aipple cider

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

The Black Farmer: Jeopardy – The danger of playing it safe

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, aka The Black Farmer. Wilfred is of the Windrush Generation and describes his difficult start to life in the UK, before he eventually found his chance working at the BBC, where he found his passion for food. He left television to start his own food and drink marketing company which gave him the opportunity to finally realise his dream of owning his own farm. The Black Farmer is now a successful brand which sells a range of products including sausages and deli products. Wilfred tells us about his life and his determination to become a farmer, and how the danger of playing it safe can hold us back from success.

https://www.theblackfarmer.com/

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Sir Charlie Burrell : Wilding

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Charlie Burrell, a farmer and environmentalist, farming 3,500 acres at Knepp Estate, in West Sussex. Over the last twenty years, he has transformed the farm from an intensively managed dairy and arable unit into a rewilded biodiversity hotspot. He has recently co-authored a book “The Book of Wilding: A Practical Guide to Rewilding, Big and Small” with his wife, award-winning author, and environmentalist, Isabella Tree.

FAS Resources

https://www.fas.scot/publication/natural-capital-highlands-rewilding/

Other Resources

Knepp - Rewilding Pioneers

The Book of Wilding: A Practical Guide to Rewilding, Big and Small: Amazon.co.uk: Tree, Isabella: 9781526659293: Books

Host Farmers - Groundswell Groundswell (groundswellag.com)

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Cream O Galloway: A Dairy Story

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to David and Wilma Finlay from Rainton Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet. They are authors of the book “Our Dairy Story”, in which they tell their farming story from traditional farming, through various diversification projects, to starting a cow with calf dairy system, which they call The Ethical Dairy. They are forward thinking and not afraid to take on new challenges, and they openly talk about their business and their personal goals.

FAS Resources

Stock Talk | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Resources

Ethical Dairy Website. Welcome to The Ethical Dairy | The Ethical Dairy

Amazon book link. A Dairy Story eBook : Finlay, David and Wilma: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

This episode was hosted by Mary-Jane Lawie, produced by Kerry Hammond, Executive Producer Kerry Hammond, edited by Ross MacKenzie, in association with The Scottish Government.

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

Mike Duxbury, the Blind Farmer - Making Agriculture Inclusive

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Mike Duxbury, the Blind Farmer, about his life in agriculture, and how he set up the Inclusive Farm, a working farm with the aim of making agriculture accessible to all. Mike tells us about how he was knocked back by all the agricultural colleges he applied to, apart from one, and how that one chance has given him the knowledge, skills and opportunity to help others into farming. He eventually realised his dream of owning his own farm when he started the Inclusive farm on an acre of rented ground in 2021. Since then, he has opened up his farm to students with disabilities, to give them the chance to learn about farming in an inclusive environment.

FAS Resources

Developing Safe Farming Practices | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Health & Safety [BE.RA.HS] | Helping farmers in Scotland | FAS

Other Resources

Inclusive Farm | Cultivating Ideas for Growth | Home

Nigel Owens International Rugby Referee - From Pitch to Pasture

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

*Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners*

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Nigel Owens, a Welsh former international rugby union referee, who retired in December 2020 after a 17-year career. He currently holds the world record for the most test matches refereed and is one of five international referees listed as professional within the Welsh Rugby Union. Nigel has recently purchased his own farm and has started a pedigree Hereford herd. He talks about his early involvement in agriculture, his rugby career, his mental health struggles and his sexuality, and what he enjoys about farming.

FAS Resources

Health is Your Wealth: Physical and Mental Resilience | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Resources

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

RSABI: Home Page

Stonewall

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Richard and Fiona Lamb - Try, Diversify, Try Again

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Richard and Fiona Lamb of Fordhead Farm, Kippen, about how they have diversified their farming business and how they have adapted to the many challenges that starting new ventures has thrown at them. Richard and Fiona Lamb are the definition of ‘give it a go’. From exiting the Metropolitan Police and dipping toes, (and losing part of a finger) in their entry to farming, Fiona and Richard have faced more than their fair share of hurdles. One thing that has always been consistent in their business endeavours, is that if they don’t give it a try, they’ll never know what could happen. From camping sites, to woodlands, grass trials, firewood, farm accommodation, tea growing, Gin production, Farm shop and café, insect farming, and hemp production, the Lambs have been there, done it and learned lessons along the way.

Related FAS Resources

Engaging with Consumers - Part 1 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Engaging With Consumers - Part 2 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Adding Value | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Grant Support For Croft Woodland Creation: A Comparison | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Related Resources

The Woodhouse Kippen

Ginti- The Scottish Tea Gin (gintigin.co.uk)

Forth Valley Leader :: Case Study "Tea Plantation at Fordhead Farm" (fvl.org.uk)

Matthew Lamb of Fordhead Farm tells us a bit about their venture into growing tea in the Forth Valley! | By Forth Valley & Lomond CLLD | Facebook

From holiday lets, to gin, to tea and more - diversification paying for Stirlingshire family farm - Insights - Farmers Guardian (fginsight.com)

Anna Davies: Agricultural Storytelling ONFarm

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Anna Davies about the importance of great storytelling in agriculture and gets an insider's view from this journalist on how the media could cooperate and celebrate Scotland’s farming successes and the people who create them.

FAS Resources

https://www.fas.scot/publication/positive-pr-infographic/

https://www.fas.scot/new-entrants/positive-pr/

https://www.fas.scot/publication/writing-a-marketing-plan/

https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/crofts-small-farms/alternative-enterprises/selling-your-own-produce/marketing-development/

Other Resources

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/OnFARM-rural-podcast-Podcast/B08JK2B3B2?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare

https://www.sceneandherdpr.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-davies-thomson-3852a719/

Sammi Kinghorn - Thriving Through Adversity, and Promoting Diversity

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined this week by Sammi Kinghorn MBE. Sammi is a farmer’s daughter and Team GB wheelchair racer from the Scottish Borders. We spoke the week after she was back from the Commonwealth games where she won bronze in the 1500m. We chatted about her childhood on the farm, the accident that left her paralysed and how she got into wheelchair racing. She has such a special bond with her Dad, who instilled a love of nature and farming into her at a young age, and now he supports her with her career.

Related Resources FAS Resources

https://www.fas.scot/sounds/thrill-of-the-hill/

https://www.fas.scot/sounds/crofting-matters/

Related External Materials

https://www.sammikinghorn.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sammikinghorn/?hl=en

http://www.bromakin.co.uk/

Chris Dyer, Garths Croft - Crofting History & Culture

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Chris Dyer of Garths Croft, Bressay about how an Archaeologist from the South of England found himself owning a croft on Shetland. He discusses some of the fascinating archaeology of the Shetland Islands, how he started out volunteering on farms, and what his life is like as a crofter. Chris tells us about starting his croft, the livestock he owns, and how he has now opened up his croft to visitors, giving them a truly unique insight into crofting life and the history and archaeology of the local area.

Peter Eccles - Success out-with succession

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Peter Eccles is a farm manager from East Lothian. He started out as an agricultural consultant with SAC, before taking on the farm manager job at Saughland Farm, Midlothian. There he changed the farming system quite dramatically and went on to win the Farmers Weekly farm manager of the year and farmer of the year, and AgriScot Sheep farm of the year. He recently moved jobs to Dalmunzie Estate, and upland farm estate in Perthshire