Stock Talk

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Duncan Shell from Bushelhill farm in the Lammermuir hills. Duncan runs 1500 easy care breeding sheep and a herd of 200 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows with no hired labour on his 1800 acre farm. He runs a low input organic system with zero purchased feed and makes the most from grazing management such as rotational grazing in the summer, and outwintering. Duncan talks about why he was driven to convert to organic back in the late 1980s. He is passionate about improving his livestock and having them suit his system. He talks about the challenges of being organic and how he deals with these challenges. Duncan also talks about the importance of a work : life balance and the importance of looking after your mental health. Resources Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie. In this episode, recorded on 17th September 2026, we discuss the Bluetongue Virus. It's important to note to listeners that the spread of the Bluetongue Virus, the control zones and restrictions is a constantly changing situation, and listeners should ensure that they check the Scot Gov website for the latest up to date information. This Podcast is intended to provide information about the Bluetongue Virus itself, how it is spread, risk factors, clinical symptoms, vaccinations, and testing. Resources Scot Gov: Latest situation - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot APHA map: Bluetongue Cases and Zones AHDB: Vaccination cost calculator launched to help Battle Bluetongue | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (sheep) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (dairy) | AHDB BTV-3 vaccination finance calculator (beef) | AHDB Ruminant Health & Welfare website: Home - Ruminant Health & Welfare For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Alice Lennox from the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST). Alice tells us all about what the RBST does and gave us some insight to some of the rare breeds on the ‘at risk’ watchlist. Alice and James discuss the role of these rare breeds including conservation grazing, conservation of livestock genetics and the inclusion of native rare breeds in commercial systems, for example to produce a low input suckler cow that can be outwintered. Resources RBST website: Right breed, Right place, Right system Link to training courses: Conservation Grazing - RBST Email: enquiries@rbst.org.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Dick Playfair from the Venison Advisory Service and Janet Keith from Tullynessle Deer Farm. Dick gives us a market overview of venison, tells us about how the wild deer cull influences deer farming and about the importance of provenance when selling venison direct to consumers. Then we speak to Janet, who runs Tullynessle Deer Farm with her husband Willie. Janet tells us their story of how they got into deer farming and how the business has evolved to diversify into direct selling her venison and running farm tours. Janet also tells us the about the meat itself, venison cooking options and how nutritional this meat is. Resources Tullynessle Deer Farm website: Buy Scottish Farmed Venison online or at our family farm Janet’s mobile number: 07827279241 Email address: tullynessledeerfarm@gmail.com Venison Advisory Service website: venisonadvisory.co.uk Dick’s email address: richard@venisonadvisory.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie, and farmers Ewan Runciman and Scott Fraser. Today we're looking at one of the most important management practices carried out on sheep farms every spring - lamb marking. For many sheep producers, this includes procedures such as castration and tail docking. These are routine husbandry practices, but they're also areas where there has been increasing focus on animal welfare and reducing pain. In recent years, new technologies have emerged to help farmers carry out these procedures more effectively and with improved welfare outcomes. Our three guest speakers have first-hand experience of using some of these innovations. First, we will hear from veterinarian Kythe about why farmers castrate and tail dock lambs, the legal requirements in Scotland, and the importance of pain management. Then we'll hear from Ewan, who uses Numnuts, a system that combines ring application with local anaesthetic delivery. And finally, we'll hear from Scott, who has experience using ClipFitter, another technology designed to improve welfare during lamb marking. Related FAS Resources Lamb Castration & Tail Docking: Alternative Methods Other Resources ClipFitter - Kinder castration and tailing Numnuts – Numnuts For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by David Speller from OptiFarm. David is a poultry farmer who had lots of data and not enough time to analyse it. David will tell us about the AI tool he developed to help him make better informed decisions, which attracted the eyes of investors leading to his company OptiFarm. David explains how the tool works and the benefits of using AI in livestock systems including the use of real-time data to be proactive in terms of livestock management and welfare, and how this can improve livestock performance and profitability. Resources https://www.fas.scot/livestock/poultry/ Website address: optifarm.co.uk Optifarm email: info@optifarm.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode we hear from James Orr who will be taking over from Kirsten Williams’s role as the host on Stock Talk. James talks about his career highlights as an agricultural consultant at SAC Consulting, his key areas of expertise and Kirsten reflects of some of her favourite projects from the past 20 years. James looks to continue Stock Talk with more interesting farming stories as well as discussing more technical aspects. Resources Livestock Resources - https://www.fas.scot/livestock/ Poultry Resources - https://www.fas.scot/livestock/poultry/ FAS Connect - https://www.fas.scot/connect/ For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Gordon Whiteford who farms at Lower Mill of Tynet in Banffshire. In 2012, Gordon and June Whiteford began Lower Mill of Tynet Farm. They built an egg business, then a micro-dairy in 2020, selling milk and now ice cream directly from their 24-hour farm shop. They have brought together traditional farming practices with innovative direct-to-consumer strategies and are proud to have won Sustainable Farm of the Year 2024. Timestamps 01.10 How it all started for Gordon 10.23 Organic hens and starting out with poultry 13.14 Lower Mill of Tynet 15.40 Nuffield Scholarship – Organic 22.16 Brown vs white hens 31.49 Micro dairy – milk and ice cream 48.46 What’s next for Gordon Related FAS Resources Organics in Scotland - Lower Mill of Tynet Case Study | Helping farmers in Scotland Getting Started with Organic Farming – How to Convert to Organic | Helping farmers in Scotland Managing Grassland Under Organic Systems | Helping farmers in Scotland Getting Started Growing and Grazing with Organics | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Related Resources Lower Mill Of Tynet.co.uk Direct Retailing from a Poultry, Dairy, Beef, Sheep & Arable farm – Lower Mill of Tynet - FAS Video For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Dr Basil Lowman who has been a beef specialist with SAC Consulting for 55 years. Kirsten describes Basil as a legend in the beef industry. We hear about Basil’s varied career, his passion for the industry, how he thrives on challenge and is a pioneer of new ideas. Episode Timestamps 01.37 Let’s go back in time 09.13 Body condition scoring of cattle 16.38 The development of silage and straw-based rations 24.24 The Green Shed 29.43 Beef farming in 10 years’ time Related FAS Resources Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Body Condition Scoring - Maintaining condition (FAS) Other Related Resources The Benefits of Cow Condition Scoring - Part 1 (QMS) The Benefits of Cow Condition Scoring - Part 2 Greenshed Graphic - SRUC GreenShed video - SRUC - YouTube For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by two industry experts to discuss the beef industry. It’s a lively discussion covering many topics, including: replacement strategies, where the market is it at just now, sustainability and the future of the Scottish herd. Gavin Hill is a Senior Beef Specialist with SAC Consulting and Robet Gilchrist is Chief Executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Society. Episode Timestamps 02.30 Cattle replacement strategies 10.03 Where should the end price be? 13.26 Changing eating behaviours and changes in the industry 17.05 Future of the Scottish herd 27.45 Cow of the future 43.08 Matching the sire 50.07 What will the Scottish beef industry look like in the next 10-20 years Resources Livestock resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Cattle resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service | FAS Sustainable Beef Systems | Helping farmers in Scotland For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode, Kirsten is joined by Ross Robertson, a Farm Technology Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Ross collaborates with a network of farms to create practical solutions and demonstrate use of technology on farm to increase productivity. Ross draws on his practical farming experience and knowledge gained through visiting systems in other countries to bring about innovative change at a farm level here in the UK. Episode Timestamps 00.20 Introducing Ross Robertson, Farm Technology specialist and sheep farmer 04.34 Sector technology: dairy, arable robotics and precision farming, pig and chicken technology and animal health 09.00 Return on investment 10.36 Understanding how to handle and understand the data – the importance of training 13.32 Applying dairy technology to the beef sector 15.41 Main driver for introducing technology: labour, cost saving, health monitoring, increasing productivity 19.11 Ross’s background 24.28 Biodiversity sensors 27.42 LoRaWAN – Long Range Wide Area Network 30.15 Connectivity - a barrier to the uptake of technology? 32.01 ONE AgriTech survey – broadband, apps and expert help 43.30 What motivates Ross Resources The UK Agri-Tech Centre | farming & food innovation Ross Robertson contact: 07858309293, ross.robertson@ukagritechcentre.com Opportunity North East (ONE) The University of Edinburgh - The Power of Data in Farm Animal Practice For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Jilly Duncan Grant, Founder & CEO of Herd Advance Ltd. Jilly has a real love for agriculture and her varied career led to a focus on data driven decision making and developing Herd Advance with her husband to improve herd performance, profitability and wellbeing. Episode Timestamps 00.42 Introducing Jilly Duncan Grant – a Jill of all trades! 09.18 What is Herd Advance? 23.49 The family farm – managing ‘boom and bust’ fluctuation in the marketplace 27.55 QMS board member role 31.03 What motivates Jilly to keep pushing forward FAS Resources Data Driven Decision Making for Finishing Cattle | Helping farmers in Scotland Data Driven Decision Making for Suckler Herds | Helping farmers in Scotland FFBC_Case_Study_Improving_weight_data_capture_Glenkilrie_ Other Resources Herd Advance For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Turkey Farmer Paul Kelly. In 1971, Paul’s parents started the family business, known today as ‘Kelly Turkeys’ and ‘Farmgate Hatcheries’. The cycle starts with eggs going into incubators in April for 28 days. When they hatch, they go into brooding sheds, then by 5 weeks of age they are ready to go to the woodland where they roam freely. At Kelly Turkeys they have complete control over the whole production cycle, making them very unique in the industry and one of a kind in the UK. The business has developed resilience to deal with issues like Brexit, labour, marketing and work by the motto ‘change is the name of the game’. Episode Timestamps 00.31 Introducing Paul and the turkey cycle 02.41 Inseminating vs running with stags 03.24 Genetics and breeding lines 09.43 Hatchery business: 1.8 million chicks a year 12.48 Kelly turkeys: 100,000 turkeys reared through to Christmas 18.38 Split between whole turkeys, crowns and butterflies 27.36 Bringing resilience into the business 33.32 Avian influenza (bird flu) 37.44 Markets, trends and online sales 39.09 Weighing turkeys, sources of protein (acorns!) and organic 44.36 Succession 46.50 Marketing and celebrity chefs! FAS Resources Poultry | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Resources Kelly Bronze Turkeys Farmgate Hatcheries New GB avian influenza wildlife interactive map and data dashboard launched | SRUC Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Colin Mason (Veterinary Centre Manager, SRUC). This episode focuses on livestock health and covers BVD eradication, show biosecurity, dairy beef calves, TB, Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. Episode Timestamps 00.44 BVD eradication (phase 6) 10.08 Top tips for biosecurity of show animals 16.20 Health of dairy beef calves 18.23 Colostrum management 20.45 Blood tests for calves 25.05 Weight for age and average DLWG 27.29 Lung scanning 28.53 Tuberculosis (TB) 31.42 Bluetongue 35.36 Schmallenberg 40.23 Managing calf groups to reduce disease risk FAS Resources BVD Eradication Scheme Update (YouTube.com) Other Resources BVD Guidance | ScotEID GOV.scot - bovine viral diarrhoea - bvd Dairy beef booklet - SAC Consulting GOV.uk - bluetongue information and guidance for livestock keepers Bluetongue Virus Hub - Ruminant Health & Welfare Schmallenberg virus - GOV.UK ibTB - Mapping bovine TB (bTB) in England and Wales For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Ben and Harriet Lowe. HB Farms in Aberdeenshire consists of Newseat of Dumbreck, an arable farm on tenancy and Pitmillan Farm which is home to 450 breeding sows and a finishing unit. In addition to grass, forestry and land for environmental schemes, they grow 397ha of crops, with the grain used as feed for the pigs whilst manure is recycled back onto the fields. Soil health, circular agriculture and long-term biodiversity are priorities for HB Farms. Episode Timestamps 01:05 Introducing Ben and Harriet Lowe 05:38 Farm stats 06:38 Pigs, from breeding to finishing and managing a weekly system 09:15 Knowledgeable staff 10:46 Creating a circular farm 11:36 Saving on inputs due to pig FYM 14:04 Ration changes throughout the cycle 15:53 Data driven decision making 19:19 Genetics and feed conversion 21:14 Target carcase weight and spec 23:36 Processing pig meat 26:13 Managing cashflow 27:31 Protein in the pig diet 33:18 Nuffield: closing the loop in pig production: the 5-mile pig 39:30 LEAF demonstration farm 41:09 Resilience in the business 47:35 Advice for New Entrants FAS Resources FAS Case Studies - Gaining A Tenancy As A New Entrant Other Resources Instagram - HB Farms Nuffield scholar - Ben Lowe Leaf demonstration farms - HB Farms For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Beef and Sheep Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Craig and Claire Grant who run a mixed farming enterprise across 1,300 acres arable and 400 acres grass (owned and rented) along with their team of 20 full and part time employees. The business has poultry across five sites with a total of 225,000 laying hens, in addition to 330 bulling heifers that are sold privately with high health off farm to producers throughout Scotland. Craig and Claire regularly engage with the public, sharing information about where food comes from. Episode Timestamps 00.35 Introducing Craig and Claire Grant 04.30 Business components, systems and staff 07.44 Finding and retaining labour 11.20 Enriched colonies and free-range birds 14.50 Egg markets and Kindrought Egg Hoosie 19.03 Cooperation in farming 21.37 Audits 23.47 Cattle: marketing on farm, scoring charts, high health, certification packages 32.10 Buying young stock 35.57 Building relationships and trust 37.05 An award-winning business (Young Farmer of the Year, Mixed Farm of the Year, Overall Farm of the Year) FAS Resources Contract Farming Agreements Explained | Farm Advisory Service Business planning and financial management: An introduction | Farm Advisory Service Other Resources C J Grant | Facebook For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this podcast we hear from Kirsten Williams who will be taking over Robert Ramsay’s role as the host on Stock Talk. Kirsten talks about her farming system at home as well as her interests at work. Robert mentions some of his favourite Stock Talk podcasts and how they can develop into something bigger (e.g. the deer farming podcast has now turned into a FAS Deer Farming Group). Kirsten wishes to continue Stock Talk with more farming stories as well as discussing more technical aspects. Related FAS Resources Kirsten Williams: Let your determination grow stronger | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

In this podcast we hear from Sam Parsons from Balcaskie. He talks about the organic farming system and the use of regenerative agriculture practices at Balcaskie and how it has helped reduce costs. He also talks about meat eating quality in their choice of cattle as they sell their beef direct to customers through the butchery. They are using Lincoln Red bulls across the herd. Sam talks about the challenges he has faced with changing his system from 6-7 months winter housing cattle to outwintering them most of the year. He also discussed with Robert the importance of young people coming into the industry. You can contact Sam by emailing sparsons@balcaskie.com Related FAS Resources Stock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

In this podcast we hear from Jock Gibson who is a farmer and butcher. He talks about his farming system at home and how his cattle are certified with Pasture for Life. This means they are on a grassland and forage diet and are therefore slower to reach finished weights than conventional finishing systems which feed concentrate feed. Jock has native breeds of cattle to suit this system. Jock also talks about the butchery side of the business and direct selling to customers and the importance of eating quality of the meat he is selling to customers. Jock also talks about his Nuffield Scholarship focussing on eating quality of meat which included travels to other countries to experience different systems and abattoirs. Jock is a trustee of Farmstrong Scotland and this is something he is passionate about. This is now setup as a charity and is designed to help people with their mental health and wellbeing and encourage the creation of positive habits. Linked resources: Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well

In this podcast we hear from Bruce Wyper, Stockperson at SRUC Easter Howgate. He talks about some of the projects have been going on at Easter Howgate including GreenCow and Green Shed. He also discusses the move to running the herd more commercially than it has been previously although it is still a farm used for research projects. He talks about the challenges the herd has faced including Johnes and fertility issues and how dynamic health planning has helped them to improve the performance of the herd.