PREPARING FOR 2023 CROPPING: MONITOR FARMS TO BE SAMPLED AND OTHERS URGED TO FOLLOW SUIT

Farmers across Scotland are being urged to have their soils tested and analysed in the face of continuing high input prices and ahead of changes to Scottish agricultural support schemes. Angus-based, SoilEssentials – which has recently been tasked with sampling soils across Scotland’s new network of 9 monitor farms - is encouraging farmers to book soil sampling now, ahead of the establishment of spring crops.

Packed AgriScot Soil Seminar

Catriona McLean, who heads the 9-strong Scotland-wide soil-sampling team for SoilEssentials, leading a packed seminar (jointly hosted by Agri-Epi) at last week’s AgriScot. Seminar delegates heard about the ScotGov National Test Programme which gives financial support to farmers to have their soils sampled.

New knowledge network for organic farmers growing combinable crops in Scotland

Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) and AHDB are launching a new network of organic cereals and combinable crop growers in Scotland. The network will focus on several meetings per year in a hybrid format, where growers can exchange experience, knowledge and skills. Organic growers are invited to attend the online launch on 29th November at 12.30 pm, where David Cunningham, bio-agronomist from Dods of Haddington, will speak about how a biological focus on soils and plant nutrition is the future of organic yields.

SOPA Appoints New Chairman

After five years as the Chairman at SOPA, Edward Smith stepped down from the helm in August 2022. Edward has had a significant influence on the organic co-operative, bringing about financial stability, new staff to supplement to existing Membership Services offered and a strategic plan giving clear direction for the next five years. Edward will remain on the SOPA board as Director.

Winners from Skye down to the South of Scotland crowned in the Helping It Happen Awards 2022

With winners covering many parts of Scotland, from Skye to the South of Scotland and many places in between, the Helping It Happen Award 2022 have once again congratulated some of Scotland’s most innovative, diverse and imaginative rural businesses. The Helping It Happen Awards, supported by headline sponsor NatureScot, enjoyed an in-person ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh this week, for the first time since 2019. Hosted by member organisation Scottish Land & Estates which runs the Awards, the evening was compered by Bruce Aitchison, creator of the Happiness is Egg Shaped brand.

Two New Appointments at the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)

This month two new faces join the SOPA team based in Scotland. Jo Barron (Member Services Co-ordinator – Policy Lead) and Becky MacAngus (Member Services Co-ordinator- Comms Lead) have been appointed to boost the current team of Debs Roberts and Joanna Sinclair and work closely with the SOPA Membership.

‍Consistently Reliable, Colourblind Guidance Covers UK

‍EssentialsNetRTK, the highly accurate signal correction network for tractor and implement guidance systems is being lauded by farming users as the most reliable system of its kind. Graham Ralston, a Director of Angus-based SoilEssentials, the firm behind EssentialsNetRTK explains more:“We are delighted with the feedback we received from a survey of users of our EssentialsNetRTK; 100% of them rated it as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.”

Remaining Finalists Announced For Top Rural Awards

The Helping it Happen Awards 2022, run by Scottish Land & Estates, have announced the finalists within the remaining four of their nine categories. Each of these categories focuses on rural businesses and how these businesses interact with their local communities and with visitors – highlighting how rural areas are underpinned by the business operating within them. The overall focus of the Helping it Happen Awards is on recognising the role estates, farms and rural businesses play in enabling and supporting success in rural conservation, rural enterprise and rural landscapes.

Shortlist Announced For Prestigious Rural Awards

The Helping it Happen Awards 2022, run by Scottish Land & Estates, have announced the finalists within five of their nine categories today. Each of the categories focuses on an area in which rural businesses are positively impacting Scotland’s economy and environment. The overall focus of the Helping it Happen Awards is on recognising the role estates, farms and rural businesses play in enabling and supporting success in rural communities, rural businesses and rural landscapes.

Precision Tech Parade at Potatoes in Practice

Precision farming will take centre stage at the renowned Potatoes in Practice event near Dundee next week. Angus-based tech specialists, SoilEssentials, will use the event to showcase hardware and software developed specifically to benefit potato growers in Scotland and beyond.

Press Release