Crofting Matters

Getting a croft isn't easy, whether you are new to agriculture or have been working in crofting all your days. In this episode, Siobhan Macdonald and Graham Fraser discuss how to get a croft, types of tenure, what to be aware of and how to keep a croft.    We cover:   How much does a croft cost?   What is the difference between assignation of a tenancy and buying an owner occupied c...

Selling livestock this autumn and winter? We have some wise words from Sarah Balfour on what to think about and how to navigate the auction mart system. This is the time of year for sales of breeding and store cattle and sheep. Sarah and Siobhan discuss the current beef and sheep markets and tips on presentation. Siobhan also speaks to John William Gillies of the North Rasaay Sheep Stock Club...

If you are a new crofter, or new to buying livestock, we have some wise words from Sarah Balfour on what to think about and how to navigate the auction mart system. This is the time of year for sales of breeding cattle and sheep.  Sarah and Siobhan discuss disease risk, how to bid, different terms used, buying in guineas, how the auction mart works, and how to prepare.  Linked FAS resour...

No matter the size of your herd, choosing the correct suckler replacements is important to ensure yearly, trouble free calvings and avoid nights spent calving or coaxing calves that refuse to suckle! Or worse, pets! 

Crofting regulation, which covers what you can do with your croft land and how, is a tricky subject, full of acronyms and references to various Acts of Parliament.  For most crofters, the day-to-day croft work is unaffected by legislation.  It’s often only when crofts change that attention to the legislation is needed.  In this podcast, we discuss some of the most common scenarios.&...

Growing Grass    How can we make the best use of our grassland?  What is the difference between rotational, mob, deferred and set stocking?  What are the benefits of liming?     For many crofters, low soil pH and rushes reduce the productivity of grassland.  In this episode, Poppy Frater discusses how to control rushes, increase growth of better grasses, reseeding, soil he...

With many Crofters across Scotland currently putting their bulls out, it is a good time to consider your current bull management practices. From pre-breeding examinations and diet, to the Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme, Crofting Matters discusses key points for Crofters to be thinking about with Sarah Balfour. Sarah works out of the SAC Elgin office and is a Beef Consultant for the SAC Livesto...