Best onrecord Podcasts (2024)

1
Barley: Scotland's most valuable crop - with SEFARI's Rowett and James Hutton Institutes 37:54

1h ago37:54

37:54

Barley is by far Scotland's most important crop, and the world's fourth most important cereal crop. Anna hears about Dundee's new International Barley Hub, a centre for research excellence within the James Hutton Institute. We also meet Alison Milne who grows and malts barley at Crafty Maltsters in Auchtermuchty, and Professor Wendy Russell at the …

1
Farming and AMR (anti-microbial resistance) - with SEFARI's Moredun and Rowett Institutes 36:42

7d ago36:42

36:42

AMR - anti-microbial resistance - is the name for the growing number of infections that are becoming difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. It affects livestock, wildlife, and humans alike. It's a global concern - considered by the World Health Organization and others to be among the world's top public health threats. In this episode, A…

1
Scottish soft fruit health benefits - with SEFARI and the James Hutton and Rowett Institutes 40:15

7d ago40:15

40:15

We all know Scottish soft fruits are good for us - but in this OnFARM, experts explain exactly how and why Scottish berries have such brilliant health benefits - including some we are still learning about. From potential to combat diabetes and dementia, to helping with obesity, researchers from the Rowett and James Hutton Institutes share some very…

1
Should you be farming hemp? - with SEFARI and the Rowett Institute 42:37

7d ago42:37

42:37

Barley, wheat, oilseed rape... Should hemp be considered alongside these as viable crops for Scottish growers? Researchers at the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute are championing hemp as a healthy and sustainable food crop. It's a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, and other healthy fats and minerals. So, should hemp be your next diver…

1
Willie Logan: OnRECORD and RHASS 240 years of stories 50:57

21d ago50:57

50:57

Since we first aired this wonderful interview with Willie Logan from East Lothian, the 91-year old East Lothian farmer has been adopted as a 'poster boy' for RHASS's new 240 Years of Stories campaign. 240 Years of Stories aims to highlight and explore people's tales from living and working in the agricultural community. We will be working with RHAS…

1
Monty's brain tumour: a health update 40:18

2M ago40:18

40:18

Seven months after suffering a seizure, and being diagnosed with brain cancer, Monty and his wife Moira chat with Anna and producer Dave about how things have been. This episode has heaps of gratitude for helpful and supportive people, from Monty's friends, family and neighbours, to the wonderful rural charity RSABI - and even OnFARM's sponsors Sco…

1
'The Black Farmer' Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE (thanks to FAS Agri Culture) 38:39

2M ago38:39

38:39

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, aka The Black Farmer, describes his difficult start to life in the UK, before starting work for the BBC and discovering a passion for food. He left TV to start a food and drink marketing company, which gave him the opportunity to realise his dream of owning a farm. 'The Black Farmer' is now a successful brand selling sau…

1
Jim Smith farm tour (2 of 2, repeat) 29:43

2M ago29:43

29:43

Farmer Jim, AKA Jim Smith the Stand-up Farmer, welcomes Anna back to his home in the Perthshire hills. In this second part of their chat, recorded back in 2020, there's talk of Jim's ambitions in both farming and comedy. (Hands up who wants to see Jim on 'Live At The Apollo'?!) There is decent footballing promise shown by Floss the dog, advice from…

1
Jim Smith farm tour (1 of 2, repeat) 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

Jim Smith's comedy career has come on in leaps and bounds since Anna first spoke to him in the springtime of 2020. He is also a staunch supporter of Scottish farming charities particularly the RSABI's #keeptalking campaign. He says farming will always be his number one passion. When Anna went to visit him at his Perthshire farm, they talked about h…

1
"Extreme" fly-tipping: legal advice from Gillespie Macandrew 35:08

3M ago35:08

35:08

Fly-tipping is something all too many farmers and landowners will be aware of. If "extreme" fly-tipping is new to you, we're talking about bigger things being dumped, like caravans or vehicles. Anna is joined by Elaine Kennedy-Walton and Conner McConnell from our wonderful sponsors, Gillespie MacAndrew to offer information and advice. Mentioned in …

1
A view from Argentina (thanks to FAS Stock Talk) 41:39

3M ago41:39

41:39

Thanks to the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) for sharing this Stock Talk episode on farming in Argentina. Argentinian farmer Allan Cameron talks with presenter Robert Ramsay about cropping and beef production, as well as the importance of soil health, and the need for increased production. The episode is produced by Kirsten Blackwood. FAS have kindly …

1
Andrew Arbuckle: champion pole vaulter (repeat) 31:22

4M ago31:22

31:22

After lots of lovely feedback on last week's episode with 91-year-old East Lothian farmer Willie Logan, and the launch of OnRECORD to capture memories of Scottish agriculture, we are re-sharing this chat from our archive. Andrew Arbuckle is a well kent name in Scottish farming. The former Scotsman and Dundee Courier farming editor, ex MSP, author a…

1
OnRECORD: Willie Logan on 91 years (and counting) of farming life 55:21

4M ago55:21

55:21

Willie Logan from East Lothian shares memories of farming, horses and families, from his 91 years (so far!) living and working in Scottish agriculture. This conversation between Willie and Anna marks the launch of our exciting new OnRECORD project. With OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that …

1
Introducing OnRECORD: preserving precious memories 6:45

4M ago6:45

6:45

Introducing OnFARM's exciting new sister project - OnRECORD. Thanks to OnRECORD, you can book the OnFARM team to record and preserve precious voices and stories, that you can keep forever, with professionally captured and edited audio recordings. Perhaps you'd like us to record the memories and stories of one of your family members, a long serving …

1
Farming Funny podcast: Nick and Jim swap notes with OnFARM 36:55

4M ago36:55

36:55

Nick Thomson and James Fairlie from the 'Farming Funny' podcast join Anna for a good blether about life, farming, and podcasting - and why James always has something, in every episode, to get angry about. Find Nick, Jim and Sandy on Farming Funny in podcast players here. Huge thanks to rural business specialists Bell Ingram for sponsoring this epis…

1
RSABI's Carol McLaren speaks to OnFARM 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

Carol McLaren chats with Anna about her time so far as CEO of Scottish farming support charity RSABI. There is some discussion of mental ill health - including feeling suicidal - in this episode. Find RSABI online at www.rsabi.org.uk or call them on 0808 1234 555. We are grateful to Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew for their support of this ep…

1
Farmstrong, a Nuffield Scholarship, and Moray farming: Jock Gibson 36:04

5M ago36:04

36:04

Jock Wilson is a busy guy! In this episode, producer Dave visits Jock to learn about the various projects and enterprises he's involved in - from beef and sheep farming at Edinvale Farm in Moray, to running Macbeth's butcher and game dealer. Jock is also leading on introducing wellbeing and resilience initiative FarmStrong in Scotland, and is about…

1
OnFARM: Four more years... 15:57

5M ago15:57

15:57

This short episode reflects on 4 years (so far) of the OnFARM podcast - and looks at ways businesses and organisations can come on board to sponsor or partner with OnFARM, to keep the podcast going into the future. We produce episodes in partnership with RHASS, the Moredun Research Institute, law firm Gillespie Macandrew, rural business specialists…

1
Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace (updated episode) 42:18

6M ago42:18

42:18

Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm trucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace,…

1
"No fungi, no us": mycologist Neville Kilkenny 34:06

6M ago34:06

34:06

A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain over 3 miles of fungus - if stretched out end-to-end. That's just one of the fascinating fungi facts shared in this episode - as Anna goes foraging with East Lothian mycologist Neville Kilkenny. Neville offers guided forays, talks and events, and teaches identification workshops at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Ga…

1
Anna and Dave interviewed by the Radio Academy podcast 23:53

6M ago23:53

23:53

Behind the scenes insight, as Anna and producer Dave chat with Hayley Hayes, host of the Radio Academy podcast, about the making on OnFARM. The Radio Academy is the UK radio and audio industry charity. They promote excellence in UK radio and audio (so it is only natural they would want to speak to the makers of the very excellent OnFARM!). Truth be…

1
Monty's health: an update from the team 6:02

6M ago6:02

6:02

You may have noticed that Monty's voice has been absent from recent episodes of OnFARM. Unfortunately, this is because he has been receiving medical treatment for a brain tumour. He begins a six-week course of intensive chemo and radiotherapy today (mid-November 2023), so it's a good time to give our first official update on Monty's health. Mention…

1
The Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Spean Bridge 39:53

6M ago39:53

39:53

Elspeth and Paolo Berardelli farm the Great Glen Cattle Ranch at Spean Bridge. They have a wide spread of enterprises on the farm, ranging from sheep and cattle, to deer stalking, and renewable energy. They also are custodians of an important site of special scientific interest of species-rich Nardis grassland at Glencoe. Elspeth has also recently …

1
Cairngorm Alpacas at Lochbuie Croft 33:01

7M ago33:01

33:01

Despite being a fourth-generation crofter, Robert Mackenzie has been on a steep learning curve since he took over Lochbuie Croft in Newtonmore five years ago. He and his partner Jenni MacDonell have not been shy of a challenge - inviting BBC Scotland's 'This Farming Life' to film their life and work, and starting alpaca trekking alongside the beef …

1
Eagle predation: are 'guardian dogs' an answer? 30:23

7M ago30:23

30:23

As eagle numbers grow in parts of Scotland, so do farmers' concerns over livestock predation. At Rothiemurchus falconry outside Aviemore, Jonny Ames believes he might have an answer. He is training two Italian Maremma 'guardian dogs' - called Luigi and Peaches - to live 24/7 in fields with livestock, to guard sheep from birds-of-prey. He is looking…

1
Scottish Ploughing Championships 2023 35:31

7M ago35:31

35:31

All things ploughing – ahead of the 59th Scottish Ploughing Championships taking place in Ayrshire on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October. Producer Dave is joined by Hugh Currie, Derek MacIver, and Lizzy Baxter, all from the Scottish Ploughing Championships 2023 organising committee. The championships are taking place at Monktonhill Farm, Prestwi…

1
Caithness YFC: celebrating 100 years of Young Farmers in Scotland 35:15

7M ago35:15

35:15

Celebrations have been taking place in Caithness to mark 100 years since the Young Farmer’s movement got underway in Scotland. The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs - SAYFC - wasn’t formed until 1938, but the first ever club was set up at a rural school house near Thurso in 1923. Centenary events have included a tractor rally, a quiz nigh…

1
Patrick Laurie: Galloway farmer, conservationist, and author 49:22

8M ago49:22

49:22

Patrick Laurie is an upland farmer and conservationist from Dalbeatie in Dumfries and Galloway. He talks to Monty of his pride in his herd of traditional Riggit Galloway cattle, and his growing concern for the plight of wildlife - particularly the birds that he says are disappearing from the landscape around him. He is the author of several books i…

1
Supporting bird life in upland East Lothian: Kelvin Pate 33:49

8M ago33:49

33:49

East Lothian upland farmer Kelvin Pate is a relatively recent convert to bird conservation; he first started paying closer attention to the birds on his farm during Covid lockdown. He tells Anna about changes he's made on his farm to support birds, and shares his views on how people and policy can work better to protect wildlife. Thanks to sponsors…

1
Fife food ambassador Christopher Trotter 27:36

8M ago27:36

27:36

Fife food ambassador, writer and chef Christopher Trotter once ran a Michelin-starred kitchen. In this chat with OnFARM's Sarah Anderson, which we are re-releasing to mark Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, he talks widely about sustainable and locally sourced produce, and particularly Scottish fish. He has recently published Coasts and Waters: The…

1
ADHD in farming: Will Evans and Domhnall Macsween 37:02

8M ago37:02

37:02

The number of adults receiving ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) prescriptions in Scotland has increased seven-fold in the last decade, according to recent headlines. Will Evans and Domhnall Macsween are both well known farmers who have both been diagnosed with ADHD. Will is chair of the Oxford Farming Conference and host of the Rock …

1
RSABI Great Glen Challenge 2023 48:19

9M ago48:19

48:19

The unique Great Glen Challenge sees teams compete in cycling, kayaking, walking, and running between Fort Augustus and Fort William, covering a 49 km route. The event is a fundraiser for Scotland's rural charity RSABI - and this year, Monty and producer Dave were along for the action. Please consider donating to the RSABI Great Glen Challenge fund…

1
Visiting Farm Ness (as seen on BBC This Farming Life) 33:21

9M ago33:21

33:21

Joanna MacGregor is the driving force behind a farm shop and play area at Farm Ness, on the Dochfour Estate outside Inverness. Joanna and her husband Donald Fraser are tenant farmers, and starred in series 5 of BBC Scotland's This Farming Life. Listen to Anna's January 2022 episode of OnFARM, recorded with both Joanna and Donald from Farm Ness: htt…

1
SAYFC on the pull: Tug of War championships 2023 44:27

9M ago44:27

44:27

In amongst the action at the 2023 SAYFC Tug of War championships - this episode's got grit, glory, excitement, and controversy. We hear from competitors, fans, tearful relatives, and SAYFC national vice chair Ally Brunton. Huge congrats and respect to all the competitors. Episode supported by Bell Ingram. Mentioned in this episode: For more info on…

1
Rider Pilates Club: help to stay in the saddle 37:45

10M ago37:45

37:45

Rider Pilates Club is a rider-specific exercise plan, to help people sit straighter, stronger and easier in their saddle. It was created by Bristol-based Jess Rudkin, after she found that Pilates eased her own riding aches and pains. As Jess says in this episode, her aim is to "keep riding until lunchtime on the day of my funeral" - and she wants t…

1
Trucks and aid to Ukraine: farmer-led Pickups For Peace 40:48

10M ago40:48

40:48

Farmer-led charity Pickups For Peace collect farm jtrucks and 4x4 vehicles, pack them with aid, supplies, and equipment, and then drive them in convoy to Ukraine. The trucks are left to help in the war effort - moving people, recovering casualties, or transporting supplies. In this episode, Monty speaks with one of the founders of Pickups for Peace…

1
150th episode Highland Show 'Pitch a Pod' competition 45:40

11M ago45:40

45:40

OnFARM's 150th episode! To celebrate this milestone, we gave Highland Show go-ers the chance to pitch us their ideas for future podcast subjects. Hear our shortlist of the ideas that we heard, and find out which lucky winner will get their own future episode, to be sponsored by our partners Bell Ingram. Who will get their own future OnFARM episode?…

1
Helping It Happen awards from SLE: what it means to win (3 of 3) 39:59

11M ago39:59

39:59

Eagle populations have been boosted in the South of Scotland to their highest numbers for decades, thanks to The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), a collaborative project between land managers and conservationists. Rick Taylor joins Anna to talk about their work. We also hear from Freddie Ingleby from Caledonian Climate - an environme…

1
Royal Highland Show 2023: OnFARM round-up 45:00

11M ago45:00

45:00

From the cattle ring to the Highland Hall, the machinery lines and everywhere inbetween, Monty and Dave cover as much of the action at Ingliston as can be crammed into one episode of OnFARM. Among many others, we catch up with the Sheep Game's Cammy Wilson, celebrate the Highland Pony Society's centenary with president Sylvia Ormiston, and check in…

1
Golden Shears world shearing championships at the Royal Highland Show 35:58

11M ago35:58

35:58

The Golden Shears world sheep shearing championships are hosted in 2023 by the Royal Highland Show. The competition's first return to Scotland in over 20 years has teams from 30 countries competing in machine shearing, hand shearing, and wool handling categories. Competitors gathered earlier this week for a last-minute training session at Crookston…

1
RHET chairman's cycle challenge 25:25

11M ago25:25

25:25

RHET chairman and Dumfries and Galloway farmer Alistair Marshall is midway through a cross-Scotland cycling fundraiser. His e hopes to visit schools in all 13 RHET regions in the run-up to the Royal Highland Show. The aim is to raise over £10,000 to support RHET to continue to provide free educational activities and experiential learning for young …

1
Organic farming: 'The Road Ahead' SOPA conference 31:56

11M ago31:56

31:56

Anna attended the recent national conference of SOPA – Scottish Organic – at the Royal Highland Showground. It was a brilliant forward-thinking day; in fact the theme of the event was “The Road Ahead”. Organic is still quite a small part of the total food and farming economy, but it is growing, and there is huge potential for the future. This episo…

1
Feuds, disputes, and arguments: how mediation can help 38:33

12M ago38:33

38:33

Most of us in farming - unfortunately - know someone who’s been in an argument or a dispute. It could be between relatives over an inheritance, or over a business relationship, or whatever it might be. You may not realise you can call on support from professional mediators - or even, in some cases, offer to step in as a mediator yourself. This epis…

1
Ringside at Fife Show with the Gillespie MacAndrew team 25:19

12M ago25:19

25:19

We are alongside the main arena at Fife Show, courtesy of OnFARM partners and sponsors Gillespie MacAndrew. Guest co-presenters are Carol McQuillan and Sam Connington from GM's Land and Rural Business Team. They check in with RSABI's Carol MacLaren about their upcoming fundraiser The Great Glen Challenge. We also hear from Jenn Stewart at Johnston …

1
Heather thatching at Braemar Castle - with Bell Ingram 26:46

12M ago26:46

26:46

A follow-up to our episode on the restoration of Braemar Castle in Royal Deeside. We are with Bell Ingram team volunteers, senior architect Iain Cram, and expert Scottish thatcher Brian Wilson, as they gather sheaves of heather to redo the roof of a folly - or 'fog house' - in the castle grounds. Mentioned in this episode: For more info on preservi…

1
Braemar Castle community restoration project - with Bell Ingram 38:34

1y ago38:34

38:34

Braemar Castle in Royal Deeside has been under scaffolding for many months - as it is being lovingly restored by a team led by the local community, with architecture support from specialists at Bell Ingram. In this episode - the first of two recorded at Braemar Castle - Monty meets vice chair of Braemar Community Ltd. Doreen Wood, director of stone…

1
Helping It Happen awards from SLE: what it means to win (2 of 3) 41:47

1y ago41:47

41:47

The 2023 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are open for nominations here. In this mini-series in partnership with SLE, Anna meets the 2022 winners, to find out how the recognition has helped them or given their work a boost. We also hear in each episode from SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing. Helping it Happen 2022 award-wi…

1
Helping It Happen awards from SLE: what it means to win (1 of 3) 34:04

1y ago34:04

34:04

The 2023 Helping It Happen awards from Scottish Land and Estates are now open for nominations here. In this mini-series in partnership with SLE, Anna meets the 2022 winners, to find out how the recognition has helped them or given their work a boost. We also hear in each episode from SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing. Helping it Happen 2022 awar…

1
SAOS: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders 23:08

1y ago23:08

23:08

The first ever SAOS Growing Tomorrow's Leaders cohort have recently completed their training. Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme has been designed to help Scotland's rural sector cope better with its many and growing challenges, including climate change, sustainability and supply chain issues. OnFARM's Anna took part in the training herself - and…

1
Sheep scab 'top of the agenda' 46:10

1y ago46:10

46:10

There has never been more sheep scab in Scotland than there is at the moment, according to advisors at the Moredun animal health research institute. Monty visits one farm struck by its first ever scab outbreak, and hears about the welfare, economic and mental anguish of dealing with the aftermath. There is also expert advice from the Moredun's Stew…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Onrecord Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide