Stock Talk

In this podcast we hear from Rhona McAlister who is Precision Animal Health Commercial Manager (genomics specialist) with Zoetis.  Rhona speaks about the role of genomics and how it can accelerate genetic progress. Breeding decisions can be made with more confidence and data driven.  

In this podcast we hear from David Whiteford who has drastically changed his farming system over the past few years. He used to have a traditional system of sheep grazing on the hill and cattle housed over the winter period. Nowadays, he has crossbred sheep on the in-bye land and leaves his hill to grow grass over the summer to be utilised by the cows as deferred winter grazing.  This reduces...

In this podcast we hear from Lorna MacPherson, SAC Dairy Consultant, and Jimmy Goldie, Technical Manager at Carrs Billington. They speak about the dairy market outlook for the winter season including milk price and input costs. They discuss the importance of nutrition rationing dairy cows and trying to get the best value diet without compromising on performance. They also speak about sustainabilit...

In this podcast we hear from Hugh Grierson who runs an organic farm and butchery business, direct selling his meat to customers.  Hugh tells us about how his organic business has developed over the years.  Linked FAS resources:   Hugh Grierson Organic | High quality organic meats delivered to your door   Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

In this podcast we hear from SAC Veterinary Investigation Officer Megan Fergusson. Megan talks to us about how to give your flock the best chance of a successful lambing next year as we discuss issues that lead to barren ewes and how to prevent them. During this podcast we discuss enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis; trace elements; ewe body condition scores; and tups including tup power required.

In this episode we hear from a well-known face and voice, Michael Blanche.  Michael is a first generation farmer and consultant with a passion for pasture and low-input livestock systems.  In recent years, Michael has developed the PasturePod, a series of podcasts that is not to be missed. Related Materials The Pasture Pod on Apple Podcasts

In this podcast we hear from Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron. Allan talks to us about farming in Argentina including cropping and beef production. He covers the importance of soil health and the need for increased production to feed the increasing population. Government policy and climate change are also discussed with the differences in the farming industry between the UK and Argentina. Linked F...

In this podcast we hear from SAC’s livestock ruminant nutritionists Lorna Shaw and Karen Stewart. They discuss beef and sheep nutrition from grazing at grass through to planning winter rations and the silage you should be aiming to make for your class of livestock. They discuss opportunities to reduce concentrate feed use and the importance of prioritising classes of stock at certain times of the...

In this podcast we will hear from Graeme Parker aka the Hoof GP. Graeme tells us his story about his background and how his ‘Hoof GP’ online social media business has expanded alongside his cattle foot trimming work. His main aim is to share his knowledge of cattle foot health through these social media videos to farmers to allow them to make more informed choices around foot health.   H...

In this podcast we will hear from Martin Beard from the Rare Breed Survival Trust. Martin tells us about what the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) does and the importance of genetic diversity within species. He also talks about the importance of marketing and the supply chain working well. He highlights the RBST conference which will be held on the 23rd March. Linked Resources: Rare Breeds Surviva...

In this podcast we will hear from Michael Shannon from Damn Delicious. Michael tells us his story from working in the seed business to where he is today running his mixed farm and has diversified his business to include Damn Delicious which direct sells his homegrown produce. Michael talks about his business goals and the influence New Zealand systems had on him and his business. Michael is passio...

In this podcast we will hear from Nicola Lambe and Claire Morgan-Davies, who are based at SRUC Hill & Mountain Research Centre, Kirkton & Auchtertyre Farms. They talk about the projects they are involved in. One of Nicola’s projects is a breeding program at Kirkton where they are crossbreeding sheep to maximise efficiencies and with the aim of creating a composite breed.  Claire is in...

In this podcast we will hear from Paddy Jack, DLF Business Manager in Scotland. Paddy talks about the pros and cons of different forage crops, clover, and different grazing systems. The importance of growing crops which suit your farm type as well as type of stock grazing it was also discussed. With high input costs involved in keeping stock over the winter, there’s opportunities to outwinter stoc...

In this podcast we will hear from Jack Munro, Farm Manager from The Buffalo Farm. The Buffalo Farm run by Steve Mitchell in Kirkcaldy, is the largest Buffalo Farm in Scotland. Jack will tell us about how the buffalo herd got established and the progress and changes they have made along the way, including introduction of the dairy buffalo herd to make mozzarella. Jack also discusses opportunities f...

In this podcast we will hear from Cameron Wilson from The Sheep Game. Cameron Wilson was a policeman for many years before going full-time in agriculture, between sheep pregnancy scanning, shearing sheep, as well as looking after his own flock of sheep and running his YouTube Channel and social media pages ‘The Sheep Game’.   Cameron has experienced livestock worrying from the Police’s p...

In this podcast we will hear from the director of the Venison Advisory Service (VAS), Alan Sneddon, and the Estate Manager from Glenrinnes Estate, Alister Laing. They will both tell us about their background and share their knowledge and experience of deer farming. Alister will talk about the establishment of the deer enterprise at the estate which included capturing wild deer in a large enclosure...

In this podcast we hear from SRUC Barony’s Head Shepherd Perry Parkinson, who will tell us a bit about his background and his work at SRUC Barony including the changes they have made to the sheep system.  Linked FAS resources: Breeding And Feeding For Sustainable Sheep Systems | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)     Using Estimated Breeding V...

In this podcast we hear from SAC Sheep and Grazing Specialist Poppy Frater, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for sheep producers. Poppy will also talk about her PHD on grazing strategies and carbon sequestration as well as her opinion on the outlook of the sheep farming industry.  Linked FAS resources:   https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=giles+henry+g...

In this podcast we hear from SAC Consultant George Chalmers, who will discuss current issues, opportunities and options for pig producers.  George’s consultancy work includes technical advice on livestock, nutrient management, fertiliser usage, crop agronomy as well as animal health and welfare advice. George has a special interest in the pig sector having facilitated the North East Pig Monit...

In this podcast we hear from SAC Dairy Specialist Lorna MacPherson, Kite Consulting’s Senior Dairy Specialist David Keiley and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Colin Mason who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for dairy producers. Linked FAS resources:   FAS page dedicated to grassland and forage holds numerous valuable resources:  Grassland and Forage | Helping farm...

In this podcast we hear from SAC Beef Specialist Lesley Wylie and SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Timothy Geraghty who discuss current issues, opportunities and options for beef producers.