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,...
Jan 29, 2024•7 min
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: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories busines...
Jan 22, 2024•37 min
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: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories busine...
Jan 15, 2024•30 min
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 suppo...
Dec 18, 2023•37 min
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 o...
Dec 11, 2023•16 min
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 pic...
Dec 04, 2023•43 min
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 i...
Nov 27, 2023•35 min
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 ...
Nov 20, 2023•24 min
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 than...
Nov 13, 2023•40 min
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: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle...
Nov 13, 2023•6 min
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...
Nov 06, 2023•33 min
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 episod...
Oct 30, 2023•31 min
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 Plou...
Oct 16, 2023•36 min
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...
Oct 09, 2023•36 min
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 fi...
Oct 02, 2023•50 min
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: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a trad...
Sep 25, 2023•34 min
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: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and hom...
Sep 18, 2023•28 min
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 un...
Sep 11, 2023•37 min
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 Gil...
Sep 01, 2023•49 min
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 Mentioned in this episode: Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home acce...
Aug 28, 2023•34 min
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. 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 fo...
Aug 21, 2023•45 min
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 . Mentioned in thi...
Aug 07, 2023•38 min
Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm jtrucks 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 pi...
Jul 31, 2023•41 min
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...
Jul 10, 2023•46 min
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 - an environmental service and consultancy firm working with landholders, communities and businesses to revitalise Scotland’s peatlands. Both organisations were win...
Jul 03, 2023•40 min
From the cattle ring to the Highland Hall, the machinery lines and everywhere inbetween, Monty and Dave cover as much of the action at Ingliston as can be crammed into one episode of OnFARM. Among many others, we 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 ...
Jun 29, 2023•45 min
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. This episode of OnFARM is kindly supported by Lawrie and Symington....
Jun 21, 2023•35 min
RHET chairman and Dumfries and Galloway farmer Alistair Marshall is midway through a cross-Scotland cycling fundraiser. His e hopes to visit schools in all 13 RHET regions in the run-up to the Royal Highland Show. The aim is to raise over £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 Stobhil...
Jun 19, 2023•26 min
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 Cunningh...
Jun 12, 2023•32 min
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...
Jun 05, 2023•39 min
