Press Releases

Livestock entries strong for the return of Turriff Show 2023

Livestock entries strong for the return of Turriff Show 2023

Organisers of Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural event have confirmed high numbers of livestock entries for the Turriff Show’s 1,554 classes which range from best cattle, sheep, and horses, through to dogs, rabbits and cavies.  Turriff Show, which will take place...

Back to basics: crop rotations key to soil group success

Back to basics: crop rotations key to soil group success

Crop rotations have proved critical to improving soil structure and reducing weed burden for five northeast farmers, who have come to the end of a five-year knowledge exchange programme, looking at enhancing farm soils.   The Soil Regenerative Agriculture Group (SRAG)...

Regan family acquires Lawrence J Betts

Regan family acquires Lawrence J Betts

Laurence J Betts Ltd (LJ Betts), grower of premium salads since 1930, has been acquired by the Regan family who are the owners of Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd, a neighbouring berry growing business in Kent, and of Blaise Plants Ltd, a plant propagator. Stephen Betts will step...

Change of leadership team for BASF UK and Ireland

Change of leadership team for BASF UK and Ireland

Joel Johnson has been appointed Agricultural Solutions Business Director for the UK and Ireland. The role was formally managed by Neil Kay, who was promoted to Vice President for Agricultural Solutions for EMEA West earlier this year. Joel joined BASF in 2006 as an...

Groundswell Festival drives progressive change in agriculture

Groundswell Festival drives progressive change in agriculture

The UK’s only two-day on-farm regenerative agriculture conference, Groundswell, sold out for another year, attracting over 6500 attendees, with 75% either directly farming or involved in a farming enterprise.    With over 100 sessions and 200 speakers, from across the...

Science of food & drink series draws scientific community centre stage

Science of food & drink series draws scientific community centre stage

Following a successful showcase at the Royal Highland Show which culminated with a celebration of the RHASS Presidential Initiative’s ‘The Science of food & drink’ series, the team have reflected on the ten brilliant case studies which have been uncovered over the...

Nature’s got this

Nature’s got this

When it comes to creating a healthy ecosystem rich in biodiversity with fully functioning soils, nature nails it. So why do we fight her? When I first started farming, I had a ‘low capital approach’. Simply put, I couldn’t afford a to buy a farm and spend lots of...

A new approach to regenerating a family estate

A new approach to regenerating a family estate

Last year I headed to Groundswell Festival, searching for tips on how to sustain and regenerate the family farm I’ve been involved in for 40 years. I’d known of this popular regenerative agricultural festival for years but Hertfordshire is a long way from Fife. When I...

The role of agroforestry in sustainable and regenerative farming

The role of agroforestry in sustainable and regenerative farming

Amidst the ongoing debate on future agricultural and land use in Scotland, integrating trees on farms is a topic that is receiving increasing attention. There are many great examples of farmers and crofters who are leading the way, from Fife to Highland Perthshire,...