Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast

In this episode, we step behind the scenes of the Monitor Farm Programme to hear directly from the people driving progress on the ground — our Regional Advisers. From facilitating discussions and navigating group dynamics to helping farm businesses explore new ideas, Regional Advisers play a crucial role in shaping positive change across Scotland’s farms. We explore the realities of advising in different regions, the challenges and opportunities farmers are facing, and how benchmarking, peer learning and honest conversations help build confidence and resilience. Our guest shares practical lessons, memorable moments, and reflections on what makes the Monitor Farm approach so effective. A grounded, insightful look at how advisers support learning, leadership and forward motion on farms across Scotland. 

In this episode speak with Rich Young about his role in the Strathspey Monitor Farm, the lessons learned over three years, and what the final chapter holds for the group. Rich reflects on key projects, the unique dynamics of the Strathspey group, and what he hopes to achieve in the final year of the programme. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Kay Wilson of Lennox of Lomond to explore how her involvement in the Monitor Farm Programme is shaping both the business she helps lead today and her thinking for the future. Kay reflects on when and why she chose to get involved, the unique challenges and opportunities of farming beside Loch Lomond, and how collaboration, benchmarking and open discussion have influenced her decision‑making. She also shares the practical changes and mindset shifts inspired by the programme — from navigating environmental pressures and weather extremes to balancing family life with the demands of a modern, multifaceted farm business. Kay discusses how the experience has strengthened resilience across the team, the insights most relevant to farmers in the West of Scotland, and what she sees coming next for Lennox of Lomond and the wider industry. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Keith Stewart, previous Chair of the Deeside Monitor Farm Management Group, to explore how his involvement in the programme is shaping both his own farm and the wider Morrison’s enterprise. Keith talks us through when and why he stepped into the role, what farming in the North East looks like today, and how he balances the demands of a young family with a growing, evolving farm business. Keith reflects on the practical changes and mindset shifts inspired by the Monitor Farm Programme — from peer learning and benchmarking to navigating new ideas and pressures within his own system. He shares the value he’s found in open discussion, collaboration with specialists, and leading a group that’s driving change across the region. We also look ahead to what’s next for Keith, the Deeside group, and the Morrisons, and hear his perspective on where North East farming is heading in the years to come. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Marchant, former Nithsdale Monitor Farmer from Clonhie Farm, to explore how his earlier three‑year Monitor Farm journey shaped the business he runs today. Andrew reflects on when and why he got involved with the programme, how data helped build confidence in decision‑making, and the practical changes he made — from soil and grassland improvement to grazing innovation and livestock system adjustments. Andrew also discusses how the programme strengthened his business resilience, the similarities and differences he sees between the previous and the current Monitor Farm Programme, and the insights he believes are most relevant to farmers today. He shares what’s changed on his own farm as a result, and with the benefit of hindsight, what would have helped him most during his time as a Monitor Farmer.  

In this episode, we sit down with farmer David Whiteford, who has turned tradition on its head by flipping his grazing system—moving sheep onto the in‑bye ground and returning cows to the hill. This bold shift has helped him cut wintering costs, improve grass use, and build a more resilient, low input farming system. David shares the mindset change behind rethinking a long established model, the breed choices that now fit his land and management goals, and the practical adjustments that make the system workday to day. 

In this episode, we head to Islay to explore what it takes to farm successfully on Scotland’s western edge. Scott McLellan shares his experience of balancing tradition with innovation in a challenging environment shaped by isolation, logistics, and weather extremes. From livestock management to soil health and community collaboration, Scott offers practical insights into building resilience and adapting to change. 

What makes farming in Banff and Buchan unique? In this episode, we sit down with Becky MacAngus to explore her journey from industry leadership to chairing the Monitor Farm management group. Becky shares insights on the region’s challenges and opportunities, the power of collaboration, and how curiosity and innovation are shaping livestock management and diversification. Discover how peer-to-peer learning drives progress, why the Monitor Farm Programme matters, and how it can help shape vision for the future of farming in the northeast. 

Join us for a special roundup episode of Discuss the Undiscussabull, where we reflect on the powerful conversations that took place across Scotland this November. From succession planning to tackling tough family dynamics, these workshops brought farmers together to share experiences, build communication skills, and prepare for the future. Hear key insights from our guest experts, stories from the road, and practical takeaways to keep the dialogue going on your farm. Monitor Farm Scotland are incredibly grateful to all attendees for their open minded approach and willingness to participate. If you missed out and would like to hear more, please get in touch with any of the Monitor Farm Team—who will be more than willing to help point you in the right direction for support.

What does a successful farm transition really look like? How do you balance tradition with fresh ideas while keeping family relationships strong?In this episode,  host Mark Stephen speaks with Annabel Hamilton and Allan Bowie — two Scottish farmers who’ve navigated the challenges of farm succession from different generational viewpoints. Together, they share honest reflections on what it means to hand over responsibility, build trust, and plan for the future.Expect practical advice, personal stories, and real-world lessons on:How to start meaningful conversations about changeManaging shifting roles and responsibilitiesApproaching family conflict with understanding and opennessPlanning for a shared vision of the futureThis episode offers reassurance that transition is possible — and that challenges can be worked through with the right conversations and support.👉 Want to explore this topic further? Join our Discuss the Undiscussabull workshops this November with Canadian facilitator Lydia Carpenter, exploring communication, change, and succession in family farming.Workshop Dates:North: 3 November – Mansefield Hotel, ElginWest: 5 November – Radstone Hotel, LarkhallEast: 7 November – RHASS Pavilion, InglistonFree to attend — to register, contact [email protected] or WhatsApp 07353 102229.🎧 Real stories. Honest conversations. Practical advice for farm families planning their future together.

Conflict in farming families is more common than we talk about—and more solvable than we think. In this episode, we speak with experienced mediator Gordon Davies about how mediation can help farm families navigate succession, business transitions, and relationship breakdowns. From entrenched positions to shared solutions, Gordon shares how mediation creates safe, structured spaces for difficult conversations. 

Ever wondered how coaching can unlock clarity, confidence, and meaningful change in farming families and rural businesses? In this episode, Heather Wildman shares her approach to coaching—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it helps people move forward.We cover: ✅ Succession planning & leadership transitions ✅ Family and business conflict resolution ✅ Building confidence, resilience & emotional intelligence ✅ Prioritising wellbeing & mental healthHeather also offers practical tools and reflective questions listeners can use to start their own coaching journey. Perfect for farmers, rural business owners, and anyone looking to strengthen both business and family relationships. Don’t miss the November Monitor Farm Scotland workshops with Heather and Lydia Carpenter.  More details to follow soon

Season 3 is now here!!These are the conversations farming families often avoid, but they are the ones that matter most.  In this special episode, we dive into the heart of farm family dynamics with Canadian experts Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, ahead of the November workshop tour with Monitor Farm Scotland. From succession planning and conflict resolution to mental wellbeing and business culture, we explore the challenges farming families face and the tools they need to overcome them. 

What is the impact of your farm’s carbon footprint—and how can knowing it help your business? In this episode of Field Talk, we break down the QMS and AHDB Environmental Baselining Project in plain terms. You’ll hear about how measuring things like soil carbon and livestock emissions can assist decision making to ultimately improve profitability, sustainability, and prepare for the future. Whether you're already involved or just curious, this episode gives you a clear picture of what the project means for your farm - and how it could help you stay ahead in an ever changing industry. 

In this episode of Field Talk we dive into the smaXtec bolus project, a cutting-edge innovation trialled and implemented through the Monitor Farm Programme.  Hear from Helen Hollingsworth and Ewan Jamieson as they discuss how this innovative technology is transforming herd health management by detecting illness early, predicting calving, and reducing antibiotic use with the ultimate outcome of improving herd health, productivity, and sustainability. 

In this episode of Field Talk we discover how the Strathspey Monitor Farm has transformed cattle nutrition by fine tuning rations to boost performance in suckler cows and growing stock. Karen Stewart, SAC Consulting and Jane Harley (Strathspey Veterinary Centre) discuss how feed budgeting, forage analysis, and health management, especially around pneumonia, can drive herd efficiency and profitability. The Strathspey Monitor Farm shows how a strategic approach to forage and health can drive performance and profitability via practical steps and forward planning to make the most of home grown feed and forage. 

In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Shaw, Ruminant Nutritionist at SAC Consulting, to explore how farmers can identify and act upon key profitability markers within their herds. Lorna breaks down the essential starting points for assessing herd performance—from understanding feed efficiency and weight gain to calving intervals and cow productivity. We delve into real-world examples from the Monitor Farms in Islay and South Ayrshire, where data-driven decisions have led to measurable improvements in herd health and farm profitability. Lorna shares how tools like regular weight monitoring, body condition scoring, and digital record-keeping can transform raw data into actionable insights. Whether you're just starting to track herd metrics or looking to refine your current system, this episode offers practical advice and resources to help you make informed decisions and boost your bottom line. 

In this episode, we dig into the fundamentals of grazing management and explore why it's become a key focus for the Monitor Farm network. With expert guidance from John Ritchie, Montalt Farm, Perthshire and Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Grassland Manager of the Year, we uncover how tailored grazing strategies are helping farms boost productivity, improve soil health, and build resilience. Learn about the nuts and bolts of getting started: infrastructure essentials like fencing, water, and energy, plus the mindset shift required for success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your system, this episode is packed with real-world advice and actionable practical insights to help you make the most of your pasture. 

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Kirsten Williams (Sheep and Beef Consultant, SAC Consulting) and Alex Stephen (dairy and sheep farmer, Edzell)  discuss the intricacies surrounding the implementation and management of forage crops. They explore the challenges posed by climate variability, the selection of appropriate crops for livestock, and the ongoing findings from the Monitor Farm Programme. The importance of adaptability in farming practices and the quest for optimal crop solutions in diverse agricultural systems are pivotal to successfully feeding livestock in Scotland. This episode delves into the intricacies of forage crop management, focusing on the benefits of outwintering cattle, the diverse methods employed across different farms, and the importance of measuring livestock nutrition. 

In this episode of the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace hears from Chris Clark (Nethergill Associates) and Angus Walton (Peelham Farm) all about Maximising Sustainable Output and how to find the 'sweet spot' when dealing with economic and environmental resilience on farm. They explore why it is important to consider the balance between business, nature and energy to ultimately lead to farming systems which are fit for the future.

In this episode of Field Talk, the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Wallace, Lauren Porteus (Zoetis), and Chris Barclay (Stabiliser Cattle Company) discuss the integration of genetics and genomics in livestock farming, particularly focusing on heifer selection within the Monitor Farm programme. They explore the challenges and benefits of transitioning from traditional phenotype assessments to genomic data, the importance of cost management in suckler cow farming, and key learnings from the project that aim to enhance profitability and efficiency in farming practices. This conversation delves into the advancements in cattle breeding through genomic testing, focusing on the importance of tissue sampling over traditional hair sampling, the collaborative efforts among farmers, and the future potential of genomic technology in improving livestock traits. The discussion highlights the significance of the breeding process and the ongoing monitoring of genetic progress to enhance cattle performance and profitability.

This week on Field Talk, our host Wallace is joined by Matthew Blyth. Matthew is an experienced innovator within the sheep and beef industry and is the founder of Blyth Livestock Advisory Services – BLAS.With his keen attention for detail and focus on continuous improvement, Matthew identified ways for measuring and monitoring grass performance to optimise livestock nutrition levels, and for monitoring livestock performance to improve farm profitability. He was one of the first farmers to embrace EID technology to collect key livestock data, engages a targeted approach to managing parasite challenges, and operates a rotational grazing system with a small herd of cattle. This holistic approach to managing the farm has proven that collecting and using data can improve decision-making and profitability.  

Virtual Fencing is still a novel technology for many Scottish Farmers but there is increasing interest. Four of the Monitor Farmers are trialling this technology to look at cost benefit analysis; potential labour savings and opportunities to get cows back to areas of ground previously ungrazed due to lack of fencing and ability to monitor cattle. The project is aiming to delve into the people and financial elements of these systems. Wallace is joined by two of our project partners to discuss! Ann Elinor Aasen has the fantastic job title of ‘Head of Farmer Success’ with Monil, a virtual fencing supplier. Dr Tony Waterhouse is a virtual fencing expert and is the independent consultant on the podcast.  

Islay has been a strong farming island, known particularly for cattle, for many years. However, it's not without its challenges – namely 47,000 geese and cost and logistics of haulage onto and off the island. Craig Archibald of Craigens Farm discusses how they have been making changes on their farm to benefit the farm profitability and the environment. 

The Andrews of Rowanston Farm are a busy multi-enterprise business with cattle, sheep and cropping. David Andrew joins the podcast to discuss how the Monitor Farm Programme has helped them put some data behind the decision making with the ultimate goal of optimising the inputs to make marginal gains across all enterprises. 

The McNicol Family have diversified their business portfolio into Agritourism over the years. Through the Monitor Farm programme they have refocussed on the technical and financial performance of the core arable enterprise. Cover crops have been part of this. Stuart McNicol is joined by Ollie Johnson, Head of Engagement and Agronomy at AHDB to discuss the role of cover crops in the farming system at Castleton Farm. 

The Stirling Monitor Farm is a real family affair with 3 generations involved in the business. The family have been looking closely at business figures to optimise marketing of stock and making management changes to boost performance and allow for the next generation to come into the business. Bruce Duncan is joined by daughter Rebecca to discuss how they are adapting this multi-generational business.  

Auchernack is an 800ac farm in Strathspey. The family have farmed here since 1936. Today, it is run by Malcolm Smith. He farms alongside his sons Calum, who is employed full-time, and Hamish, who works part-time.  Sammie, Malcolm’s wife is also a partner in the business and she runs a successful self-catering business. Farming in the Cairngorms, the Smith family are no strangers to change over the generations. From tenant farmers, to owner occupiers and milking cows to beef production, Malcolm Smith chats through how their farming business has adapted over the years and how the family plan for the next generation to take the lead. 

At the Dumfries Monitor Farm we have been investigating into lamb survival and we are bringing you the headlines! This episode, Wallace chats to Katie Denholm, University of Glasgow and Ali Haggerty, Stewartry Vets about best practice in the lead up to and at lambing time. They chat through the interesting results found at the Dumfries Monitor Farm including:Ewe Body Condition Score and NutritionColostrum QualityPassive Transfer in LambsThe importance of Hygiene

Richard McCornick farms at Barnbackle Farm, Lochfoot and is the Dumfries Monitor Farm. During the Monitor Farm programme, the family have transitioned through succession and now looking to fine tune the system to optimise grass growth and have the right livestock to maintain output in this system. Listen now to hear how putting pen to paper has helped Richard put figures behind that 'farmers feel'. Join us next week for a bonus episode, and part 2 of this episode, where we will be joined by Katie Denholm, University of Glasgow and Ali Haggerty, Stewartry Vets talking all things lamb survival.

Robert Wilson is a tenant farmer at Cowbog Farm in the Borders. Farming in partnership with his father Ron, the Wilson's have been looking at balancing productivity with profitability to find that 'sweet spot' in their business. Listen to hear from the Roxburghshire Monitor Farmer.

The Irvine Family are steeped in history at Sauchentree with nine generations farming there for 250 years.Bruce Irvine discusses how during the Monitor Farm Programme he has focussed on the productivity of the sheep flock and boosted performance through good hygiene at lambing time and investigating ewe health. Listen to hear more about the Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm.

Meet Duncan Morrison, the Deeside Monitor Farm, who farms at Meikle Maldron near Torphins. Alongside wife Claire, the young couple are described as fourth generation farmers with a first generation business. They have built up a spring calving herd to 250 head and the new addition of a sheep flock. Data is at the centre of every decision, listen now to hear how they have progressed the business.

Series 1 Episode 1: Introducing 'Field Talk': The New Farmer Led, Farmer Driven Podcast 🎙️🔥 At AgriScot 2024, Monitor Farm Scotland supported by QMS, proudly launches Field Talk, a brand-new podcast series dedicated to showcasing the invaluable insights of the Monitor Farm Scotland Programme. This initiative, designed to enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of Scottish farm businesses, provides a platform for real-world, farmer-led discussions about the challenges, successes, and innovations shaping Scotland's farming landscape.In this debut episode, Beth Alexander, Monitor Farm Programme Manager, introduces the podcast and discusses the programme’s purpose. The series goes beyond theory, focusing on real-world farm operations and the tools farmers can use to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural environment.Hosted by Wallace Currie (aka Rural2Kitchen), a renowned food and farming vlogger, Field Talk offers a unique, in-depth look at the experiences of farmers participating in the four-year Monitor Farm Programme. Each month, Wallace will visit one of the nine farms, engaging in conversations with farmers, industry experts, and thought leaders about pressing topics..Field Talk is the perfect resource for anyone in the farming community looking to stay ahead of the curve and connect with the insights that drive the future of Scottish agriculture.