New podcast series to focus on building business resilience within Scotland’s red meat industry

The third season of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) podcast will commence on Tuesday 19 January and will focus on business resilience, when facing uncertainty, to ensure the continuation of a productive and profitable livestock industry.

The six-week series will welcome farmers, industry leaders and market experts alongside QMS staff to discuss the impact the dual disruptions of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic has had on Scotland’s red meat industry and how businesses can adapt to build resilience.

Speaking about the new podcast season QMS Chair, Kate Rowell, said:

“Over the past several months, Scotland’s red meat industry has grappled with the challenging and often unpredictable course chartered by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Whether you’re a livestock farmer, processor, auction mart, haulier, feed merchant, butcher or retailer, in many ways, we’re all reappraising how our businesses operate. Now is the time to listen to those who have specialist knowledge on how we can continue to contribute to a profitable and productive red meat supply chain and strengthen our own businesses.”

The first episode will welcome David Thomson CEO of the Scottish Food and Drink Federation who will join Iain Macdonald, QMS Senior Economic Analyst, to discuss the EU exit and trade implications, post-Brexit market update, and a festive period analysis across Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.

Beth Alexander, QMS Cattle and Sheep Specialists who produces the podcast, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the first two seasons of the QMS podcast and in 2021 we plan to continue to involve our listeners in shaping what topics are discussed.

“Our aim with the business resilience series is that it will provide people within our industry access to clear advice, an understanding of the impact that current issues have on our industry as a whole, and signpost the help available. We will have financial, business and industry professionals joining the series, alongside farmers, with a view that they can utilise this practical advice to adapt and become resilient and can weather challenges that may come next.”

Released every Tuesday from 19 January, the podcast will be available for download from Apple podcasts, Spotify, BuzzSprout and via the QMS website.