Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast

In this episode, we step behind the scenes of the Monitor Farm Programme to hear directly from the people driving progress on the ground — our Regional Advisers. From facilitating discussions and navigating group dynamics to helping farm businesses explore new ideas, Regional Advisers play a crucial role in shaping positive change across Scotland’s farms.  We explore the realities of advising in d...

In this episode speak with Rich Young about his role in the Strathspey Monitor Farm, the lessons learned over three years, and what the final chapter holds for the group. Rich reflects on key projects, the unique dynamics of the Strathspey group, and what he hopes to achieve in the final year of the programme. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Kay Wilson of Lennox of Lomond to explore how her involvement in the Monitor Farm Programme is shaping both the business she helps lead today and her thinking for the future. Kay reflects on when and why she chose to get involved, the unique challenges and opportunities of farming beside Loch Lomond, and how collaboration, benchmarking and open discussion have infl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Keith Stewart, previous Chair of the Deeside Monitor Farm Management Group, to explore how his involvement in the programme is shaping both his own farm and the wider Morrison’s enterprise. Keith talks us through when and why he stepped into the role, what farming in the North East looks like today, and how he balances the demands of a young family with a growing,...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Marchant, former Nithsdale Monitor Farmer from Clonhie Farm, to explore how his earlier three‑year Monitor Farm journey shaped the business he runs today. Andrew reflects on when and why he got involved with the programme, how data helped build confidence in decision‑making, and the practical changes he made — from soil and grassland improvement to grazing i...

In this episode, we sit down with farmer David Whiteford, who has turned tradition on its head by flipping his grazing system—moving sheep onto the in‑bye ground and returning cows to the hill. This bold shift has helped him cut wintering costs, improve grass use, and build a more resilient, low input farming system.  David shares the mindset change behind rethinking a long established model, the...

In this episode, we head to Islay to explore what it takes to farm successfully on Scotland’s western edge. Scott McLellan shares his experience of balancing tradition with innovation in a challenging environment shaped by isolation, logistics, and weather extremes. From livestock management to soil health and community collaboration, Scott offers practical insights into building resilience and ad...

What makes farming in Banff and Buchan unique? In this episode, we sit down with Becky MacAngus to explore her journey from industry leadership to chairing the Monitor Farm management group. Becky shares insights on the region’s challenges and opportunities, the power of collaboration, and how curiosity and innovation are shaping livestock management and diversification. Discover how peer-to-peer...

Join us for a special roundup episode of Discuss the Undiscussabull, where we reflect on the powerful conversations that took place across Scotland this November. From succession planning to tackling tough family dynamics, these workshops brought farmers together to share experiences, build communication skills, and prepare for the future. Hear key insights from our guest experts, stories from the...

What does a successful farm transition really look like? How do you balance tradition with fresh ideas while keeping family relationships strong? In this episode,  host Mark Stephen speaks with Annabel Hamilton and Allan Bowie — two Scottish farmers who’ve navigated the challenges of farm succession from different generational viewpoints. Together, they share honest reflections on what it means to...

Conflict in farming families is more common than we talk about—and more solvable than we think.  In this episode, we speak with experienced mediator Gordon Davies about how mediation can help farm families navigate succession, business transitions, and relationship breakdowns. From entrenched positions to shared solutions, Gordon shares how mediation creates safe, structured spaces for difficult c...

Ever wondered how coaching can unlock clarity, confidence, and meaningful change in farming families and rural businesses? In this episode, Heather Wildman shares her approach to coaching—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it helps people move forward. We cover:  ✅ Succession planning & leadership transitions  ✅ Family and business conflict resolution  ✅ Building confidence, resilience &amp...

Season 3 is now here!! These are the conversations farming families often avoid, but they are the ones that matter most.  In this special episode, we dive into the heart of farm family dynamics with Canadian experts Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, ahead of the November workshop tour with Monitor Farm Scotland. From succession planning and conflict resolution to mental wellbeing and business cul...

What is the impact of your farm’s carbon footprint—and how can knowing it help your business? In this episode of Field Talk, we break down the QMS and AHDB Environmental Baselining Project in plain terms. You’ll hear about how measuring things like soil carbon and livestock emissions can assist decision making to ultimately improve profitability, sustainability, and prepare for the future.  Whethe...

In this episode of Field Talk we dive into the smaXtec bolus project, a cutting-edge innovation trialled and implemented through the Monitor Farm Programme.  Hear from Helen Hollingsworth and Ewan Jamieson as they discuss how this innovative technology is transforming herd health management by detecting illness early, predicting calving, and reducing antibiotic use with the ultimate outcome of imp...

In this episode of Field Talk we discover how the Strathspey Monitor Farm has transformed cattle nutrition by fine tuning rations to boost performance in suckler cows and growing stock. Karen Stewart, SAC Consulting and Jane Harley (Strathspey Veterinary Centre) discuss how feed budgeting, forage analysis, and health management, especially around pneumonia, can drive herd efficiency and profitabil...

In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Shaw, Ruminant Nutritionist at SAC Consulting, to explore how farmers can identify and act upon key profitability markers within their herds. Lorna breaks down the essential starting points for assessing herd performance—from understanding feed efficiency and weight gain to calving intervals and cow productivity.  We delve into real-world examples from the M...

In this episode, we dig into the fundamentals of grazing management and explore why it's become a key focus for the Monitor Farm network. With expert guidance from John Ritchie, Montalt Farm, Perthshire and Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Grassland Manager of the Year, we uncover how tailored grazing strategies are helping farms boost productivity, improve soil health, and build resilience. Learn...

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Kirsten Williams (Sheep and Beef Consultant, SAC Consulting) and Alex Stephen (dairy and sheep farmer, Edzell)  discuss the intricacies surrounding the implementation and management of forage crops. They explore the challenges posed by climate variability, the selection of appropriate crops for livestock, and the ongoing findings from...

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace hears from Chris Clark (Nethergill Associates) and Angus Walton (Peelham Farm) all about Maximising Sustainable Output and how to find the 'sweet spot' when dealing with economic and environmental resilience on farm. They explore why it is important to consider the balance between business, nature and energy to ultimately lead...

In this episode of Field Talk, the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Lauren Porteus (Zoetis), and Chris Barclay (Stabiliser Cattle Company) discuss the integration of genetics and genomics in livestock farming, particularly focusing on heifer selection within the Monitor Farm programme. They explore the challenges and benefits of transitioning from traditional phenotype assessments to genomi...

This week on Field Talk, our host Wallace is joined by Matthew Blyth.  Matthew is an experienced innovator within the sheep and beef industry and is the founder of Blyth Livestock Advisory Services – BLAS. With his keen attention for detail and focus on continuous improvement, Matthew identified ways for measuring and monitoring grass performance to optimise livestock nutrition levels, and for mon...

Virtual Fencing is still a novel technology for many Scottish Farmers but there is increasing interest. Four of the Monitor Farmers are trialling this technology to look at cost benefit analysis; potential labour savings and opportunities to get cows back to areas of ground previously ungrazed due to lack of fencing and ability to monitor cattle. The project is aiming to delve into the people and...

Islay has been a strong farming island, known particularly for cattle, for many years. However, it's not without its challenges – namely 47,000 geese and cost and logistics of haulage onto and off the island. Craig Archibald of Craigens Farm discusses how they have been making changes on their farm to benefit the farm profitability and the environment. 

The Andrews of Rowanston Farm are a busy multi-enterprise business with cattle, sheep and cropping. David Andrew joins the podcast to discuss how the Monitor Farm Programme has helped them put some data behind the decision making with the ultimate goal of optimising the inputs to make marginal gains across all enterprises.