Quality Meat Scotland Podcast

The world's attention was on Glasgow for 2 weeks while the COP26 conference took place. The final agreement fell short of the aspirations of many, who felt the proposals didn ot go far enough to address climate change. However, progress has been made. But, how will Scottish Agriculture contribute to meeting these targets? Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, joins the podcast to discuss COP26 from the inner zone and the wider impact Scottish farmers will face in years to come.

Reducing global emissions and greenhouse gases was a fundamental aim of the COP26 conference in Glasgow this month. Ruminants produce methane which is a fact the red meat sector cannot escape. However, there is research developing in Scotland which could help to reduce methane and greenhouse gas emissions in the farming sector. Listen now to find out more...

Youth and Public empowerment was a key theme at the COP26 conference in Glasgow over the last 2 weeks. Listen now to hear how young people such as John McCulloch and SAYFC have tried make their voices heard.

In the run up to COP26, environmental sustainability is at the top of everyone's agendas. As a country we are working towards Net Zero. This podcast series looks at how the Scottish Farming industry can contribute to this. David Barron of Nether Aden Farm is current chair of the Scottish Beef Association and a former 'Farming for a Better Climate' Monitor Farmer. David joins the podcast to discuss the introduction of a hydrogen electroliser to his machinery as one of the steps he has taken to reduce his farm emissions. 

Nature and the environment are high up on the agenda at the COP26 conference. Jim Simmons of Ruthven Farm on the Glenlivet Estate strongly believes farming productively and enhancing the environment and biodiversity can go hand in hand. Listen now to hear what changes Jim has made in the last 15 years to the traditional upland farm to receive the accolades of Cairngorms Nature Farm Award in 2016 and RSPB Nature of Farming Award in 2017.

COP26 is the latest UN Conference for Climate Change taking place in Glasgow from 31st October to 12th November. The event will bring together scientists, politicians and campaigners form around the world to map out decisions which will likely have a great impact on the Scottish Agriculture industry. Sarah Millar, Director of Market Intelligence and External Affairs for QMS is joined by Laura Ryan, CEO of Lavenpark Consultancy and Global Chair of Meat Business Women to discuss what work is going on in the industry ahead of COP26 and what we can expect from the conference. 

The Monitor Farm Legacy project has revisited 6 previous Monitor Farmers to look at what has changed since their involvement in the project. Andrew Booth of Savock Farm, Aberdeenshire was a monitor farmer from 2011 to 2015. Peter Chapman of South Redbog Farm, Strichen was chairman of the Monitor Farm community group. Listen now to hear how the Monitor Farm impacted not only Andrew’s business but the wider community group during and after the initial project 

Farmers have faced unpredictable and more extreme variations in weather in recent years. The ‘Beast from the East’ was one to remember but this year has had its challenges with a cold, dry Spring followed by a very dry summer. The unpredictability of the weather adds an extra layer of complexity for Scotland’s farmers. Listen now to hear how Kenny Adams of Torhouskie Farm has managed his livestock and land this growing season. Robert Ramsay, beef specialist from SAC Consulting joins us to suggest some strategies to help plan ahead but flexibility to this plan is key. 

Fodder beet has becoming increasingly popular for outwintering livestock. Robbie Newlands of Cluny Farm, outwinters his cows and this year for the first time will be finishing lambs on fodder beet. Kirsten Williams, beef and sheep specialist at SAC Consulting, has been involved in a number of trials for growing the crop across the country. Listen now to hear Robbie’s experience and some tips for growing fodder beet including optimal growing conditions and how to transition stock onto the crop.