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 Gil...
Sep 15, 2022•19 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns Sk...
Sep 05, 2022•26 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSk...
Aug 29, 2022•40 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors...
Aug 22, 2022•34 min
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 seq...
Jul 04, 2022•38 min
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 Ed...
Jun 30, 2022•34 min
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 Orga...
Jun 27, 2022•41 min
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Inverness, with 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 Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors Skye...
Jun 20, 2022•43 min
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 Ass...
Jun 13, 2022•56 min
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/ Mentioned in this episode: M...
Jun 06, 2022•51 min
"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 ...
May 30, 2022•47 min
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...
May 23, 2022•34 min
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Glasgow, with 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 Ment...
May 16, 2022•36 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns ...
May 09, 2022•36 min
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... Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and h...
May 02, 2022•34 min
Our latest 'Days Out On Your Doorstep', takes in farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Edinburgh, with 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 Bus Stop at Bankrugg Farm , Jo and Stewart McNicol from Drift Cliff Edge Café , Kirsteen Sinclair of Craigies Farm , Katie Roberts from Craigduckie n...
Apr 25, 2022•36 min
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, Joh...
Apr 11, 2022•34 min
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 Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSky...
Apr 04, 2022•35 min
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. 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...
Mar 28, 2022•23 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business...
Mar 21, 2022•34 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and...
Mar 14, 2022•45 min
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... 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 an...
Mar 07, 2022•32 min
A whistle-stop tour of farm visitor experiences within easy reach of Dundee, with 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 Guardswell Farm , Louise Nicoll of Newton Farm , Stephen Melville of Cuplahills Farm, and Caroline Bruce-Jarron of Ogilvy Distillery . Mentioned in this e...
Feb 28, 2022•34 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsor...
Feb 21, 2022•31 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors...
Feb 14, 2022•46 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home ac...
Feb 07, 2022•43 min
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. 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 w...
Jan 31, 2022•32 min
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: www.fearnfarm.com/h...
Jan 24, 2022•38 min
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, a...
Jan 17, 2022•36 min
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. 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 ...
Dec 20, 2021•36 min
