News from the field

Image courtesy of ORganic Rapeseed oil

Rural Britain is a wonderful assortment of farms, estates, hamlets, villages, forests and moors, lochs and valleys. Our stunning scenery, close communities and wonderful rural businesses provide an idyllic lifestyle for many, but rural life can also throw up some pretty unique challenges.

The Rural Scene (the Scene & Herd rural blog and news updates) looks at what’s new, what’s relevant, what’s tasty, what’s fun and what’s challenging about life in the Great British Countryside. We offer an insider insight into rural Britain, highlighting some of the exceptional people, businesses and innovations we believe that everybody should know about.

OnFARM Podcast: The Red Shepherdess and Danny the Farrier

Hannah and Danny Gallagher - better known to many on social media as The Red Shepherdess and Danny the Farrier - share their delight and excitement at not one but two pieces of life-changing news; they have just taken on their first farm in their own names, and - after three miscarriages - have their first baby on the way.

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Key events of 2023

As we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the changes that 2023 will inevitably bring, we've summarised some of the key events and anniversaries coming up in the year ahead, many of which present great opportunities to showcase your rural business and form new partnerships. The UN has designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Dubbed “super grains”, for centuries, millets have served as an important staple in parts of Asia and Africa. Closer to home, RHET's Year of Seeds and Grains runs throughout the 2022/2023 academic year. Their website has heaps of educational resources.

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OnFARM Podcast: "Full blown crisis" for Scottish fruit growers: James Porter

Rising costs, increasing uncertainty and a squeeze on prices are all contributing to a "full-blown crisis" for Scottish fruit growers, according to Angus Soft Fruit's James Porter. James has been speaking to OnFARM's Dave Howard - and has issued a plea for greater support from UK and Scottish governments, farming unions, and anyone else with influence to change things.

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December 2022

As the end of the year grows near, our thoughts inevitably turn to what we’ve achieved...or not! It's worth remembering that we are still living with the effects of Covid and, with the shortage of food-grade co2, container port delays and labour shortages, 2022 has been every bit as challenging as 2021 for many businesses. So, if you've been thinking about tasks that remain outstanding, don't be too hard on yourself!

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OnFARM Podcast: #ScotAgConf22

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2022 is underway - Scotland's largest agritourism gathering. Check out our podcast with Go Rural Scotland: https://pod.fo/e/1546d7‍ Also have a listen to our four 'Days Out On Your Doorstep' episodes showcasing experiences near Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh & Inverness

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