Succession planning, farm safety and watercourse management are among the subjects of the new series of FAS TV, which is returning after a summer break.
A five-episode summer special begins on Monday 23 August, with each episode going live at 7pm every evening on the FAS Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme which is co-funded by the EU and Scottish Government, providing information and resources aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts.
FAS TV is delivered by SAC Consulting (part of Scotland’s Rural College).
Topics in the summer special include:
- Protecting corncrakes on Skye
- Adding value to farm produce and engaging with consumers
- Succession planning and how to approach it with your family
- Conservation and biodiversity on a Highland Estate
- Targeting the early lamb market
- Farm safety
- New entrants into crofting
- Watercourse management
Following the summer special episodes, FAS TV will return to its regular fortnightly slot on Friday evenings at 7pm. Its regular contributions from SRUC’s Helen Carty, Veterinary Centre Manager in Auchincruive, and Professor Fiona Burnett, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, will continue to provide viewers with timely updates on livestock and crop health matters.
Dr Cara Campbell, FAS TV producer from SAC Consulting, said: “We have all missed getting out and about, attending farm walks, tours and group meetings throughout the pandemic.
“FAS TV is produced entirely with farmers and crofters in mind to help fill this gap in knowledge sharing that used to happen pre Covid-19 restrictions. FAS TV is your opportunity to watch a farm tour and get technical advice from other farmers and crofters across Scotland from the comfort of your home.”
The FAS TV team has visited more than 30 farmers and crofters across Scotland who have shared their knowledge, experiences and changes that they have made to their businesses.
Topics covered so far include:
- Safety at calving using equipment to increase safety and efficiency while lone working
- Robotic milking and calving outdoors
- Women in agriculture, sharing their experiences and passion for farming
- Winter grazing of cereals
- When to intervene at calving time
- Feed efficiency and slurry management
- Soil and grassland management
- Advice to one’s younger self – accepting when things wrong, learning from your mistakes, supporting the next generation, and grasping new opportunities
- Adding value to farm produce and farm assets – from making artisan gin, to on-farm vending machines, and growing pumpkins to increase profit margins, and connect with consumers
These episodes, and more from FAS, are available by following the Farm Advisory Service on YouTube www.youtube.com/fas-scot.
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