Experts have used research and data to show sheep farmers’ labour demands and costs can be reduced at the same time as improving work life balance by following some simple steps. Working smarter was the take-home message from a webinar entitled ‘Reducing Flock Input...
Press Releases
Scottish Ministers approve an increase in QMS’ levy rates
Following extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and dialogue with QMS levy payers at a series of winter workshops, the QMS board requested that Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, approve an increase in QMS'...
Butchery apprenticeships transforms lives
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, running from March 4th to March 8th, is poised to celebrate the invaluable contributions of apprenticeships to individuals, employers, and Scotland's economy. The annual event serves as a platform to champion the merits of work-based...
Carrots are the tops: British Carrot Growers Association launches National Carrot Awareness Day
Celebrating - and safeguarding the future - of the UK-grown carrot is behind the decision to hold a National Carrot Day on 3 October 2024. Chair of the British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA) and York-based carrot farmer Rodger Hobson says: “It’s time to make a bit...
Limus leads the way in Velcourt nitrogen use efficiency trials
Rules coming into force this year restrict the use of uninhibited urea COFCO and Velcourt trials showed Limus protected granular urea performed at least as well as ammonium nitrate (AN) and better than untreated urea Limus protected urea increases nitrogen recovery...
QMS celebrates record success at Anuga 2023: £22.9 million in new business opportunities
Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork will benefit from a record-breaking £22.9 million in new export business opportunities as a result of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) attendance at last October’s Anuga trade show. The German event forms a key part...
Lamb market at record high for the time of year
After a firm end to 2023, the lamb market has risen further, reaching record levels for the time of year. This month, hoggs have averaged well above 300p/kg lwt at Scottish marts, and averaged around 315p/kg in the second and third weeks of February. Price rises have...
Tom Martin reveals commonwealth conference inspired him to create Farmer Time
Farmer Tom Martin - founder of the hugely successful Farmer Time project - has revealed how he would never have launched the initiative if it hadn’t been for the “jump start, leg up and inspiration” he received at a commonwealth agricultural conference eight years...
Sheep farmers advised to keep a watchful eye on the grass growing under their flock’s feet
Grassland management and natural aids to worm control can hold a key to keeping costs down, a webinar entitled Reducing Flock Input was told. The online audience at the event, organised by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College, learnt how proactive pasture...
Manage silage quality for better milk margins and carbon footprint
Now is the time to look ahead to managing this year’s silage quality, advises dairy expert, Lorna MacPherson, at SAC Consulting, to reduce input costs as well as the farm’s environmental footprint. Lorna is part of the Farming for a Better Climate initiative run by...