Farming

Efficient grassland management is one of the most important factors determining the profitability of beef and sheep farms across the UK. In a recent study conducted by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), it was shown that improving pasture usage by one tonne per hectare is worth an additional £204 profit per hectare per year to a beef farm.

Scotland’s farm safety record is of a considerably lower standard in comparison with the rest of the UK. To bring Scotland up to par, the Farm Safety Partnership Scotland (FSPS) has launched a new initiative in an effort to encourage farmers and crofters to prioritise their safety.

More than three-quarters (76%) of farmers feel fairly or very optimistic about their business prospects in the next six months – despite the obvious challenges caused by a lack of summer rain.

That’s according to the Farming Sentiment Index, conducted in July by Farmers Weekly.

In the longer term, optimism is tempered by uncertainty no doubt linked to the general expectation that input costs are expected by most to increase over the next 12 months (89%), with fewer farmers (51%) anticipating any improvement in the price they are paid for their outputs.

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

The search is on to find beef and sheep farms around Scotland worthy of receiving one of two high profile awards.

The AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards are sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Each year they set out to find, and reward, Scottish farms which showcase the best in beef cattle and sheep production.

There has in recent years been a growing realisation that, in northwest Europe (and in other parts of the world too), numbers of the Eurasian Curlew have fallen drastically.

Following a flood of entries at the Royal Highland show and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Game Fair, Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) has extended the entry deadline for its Helping it Happen awards until 20th July.

Stirling’s successful online local food market has vowed to continue following the shock announcement that The Food Assembly will be pulling out of the UK in September.