We are alongside the main arena at Fife Show, courtesy of OnFARM partners and sponsors Gillespie MacAndrew. 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...
May 29, 2023•26 min
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. 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 crofter...
May 22, 2023•27 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM ...
May 15, 2023•39 min
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 ...
May 08, 2023•42 min
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 - K...
Apr 24, 2023•35 min
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/grow...
Apr 03, 2023•24 min
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 podcast is sponsored by Bimeda, makers of Gold Fleece Gold Fleece Sheep Dip, 608 mg/ml concentrate for Dip Emulsion....
Mar 27, 2023•47 min
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 . Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSky...
Mar 20, 2023•39 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSky...
Mar 13, 2023•35 min
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/ Mentioned in this episode: M...
Mar 06, 2023•30 min
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) 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 ...
Feb 27, 2023•38 min
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) Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeS...
Feb 20, 2023•45 min
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 'Crofti...
Feb 06, 2023•47 min
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 . Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnF...
Jan 30, 2023•23 min
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 w...
Jan 23, 2023•32 min
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 episo...
Jan 16, 2023•42 min
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 Gillespi...
Jan 09, 2023•45 min
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. 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 co...
Dec 19, 2022•32 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home acc...
Dec 12, 2022•26 min
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 poli...
Dec 05, 2022•45 min
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.myna...
Nov 30, 2022•32 min
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...
Nov 28, 2022•31 min
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 Farm...
Nov 21, 2022•54 min
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. Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery,...
Nov 14, 2022•35 min
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/ Find out more about the work of the Savory Institute here: https://savory.global/ This episode was edited by Bespoken Media's Carys Wall with support from MultiTrack Fellow Stephen Maguire. Ment...
Nov 07, 2022•30 min
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/ 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 a...
Oct 31, 2022•42 min
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 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 loo...
Oct 24, 2022•23 min
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....
Oct 10, 2022•25 min
A wander around the 2022 Tillage Live event held at Dunbar in East Lothian, and organised by the 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 Cefetra . 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...
Oct 03, 2022•34 min
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: www.training.onfarmacademy.com Mentioned in...
Sep 26, 2022•45 min
