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 advic...

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 health Heather a...

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 th...

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 th...

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 pe...

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...

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 energ...

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 ques...

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 proj...

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...

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!...

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 produc...

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