Scotland’s Monitor Farm Programme launches ‘Field Talk’ podcast with recognisable new host

At AgriScot on 13 November 2024, the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) managed Monitor Farm Programme has launched ‘Field Talk’, a new podcast series dedicated to broadcasting the initiative which aims to help improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Scottish farm businesses. This monthly podcast, hosted by food and farming vlogger, Wallace Currie (also known as ‘Rural2Kitchen’), offers an in-depth, farmer-led look into the experiences, challenges, and innovations happening across Scotland’s nine Monitor Farms.

On the launch, Beth Alexander, Monitor Farm Programme Manager, said: “Field Talk brings the Monitor Farm Scotland Programme to life in a unique and accessible way, amplifying farmer voices to discuss the real progress and challenges on Scottish farms. Each episode allows us to dive into farm business strategies, explore challenges, and highlight the tools and knowledge that support Scottish farming in a fast-changing landscape.”

Each episode will follow one of the nine farms participating in the four-year Monitor Farm Programme, with Wallace Currie and industry experts exploring topics like farm performance, data-driven decision-making, and strategic business planning. The programme is designed to empower Scottish farmers by focusing on practical, on-the-ground problem-solving, supported by expert insights.

In the podcast’s introductory episode, Beth Alexander discusses the vision behind the Monitor Farm Programme and its value to Scotland’s farming community. Subsequent episodes will feature each Monitor Farmer in turn, beginning with Duncan Morrison from Meikle Maldron, the Deeside Monitor Farmer.

In addition, QMS is revamping the QMS Podcast with new monthly host Claire Taylor, an experienced, global agriculture commentator and Nuffield Farming Scholar. Raised on a beef farm in south-west Scotland, Claire brings over a decade of media experience across TV, radio, and print, enriched by insights from her travels researching global farming practices.

In her debut episode from SIAL Paris, Claire speaks with QMS’s Chair, Kate Rowell, Market Intelligence Manager, Iain Macdonald, and Director of Business Development, Tom Gibson, covering market trends and upcoming campaigns like ‘Lamb for St’ Andrew’s Day’. The QMS Podcast offers listeners an engaging look into Scotland’s red meat sector, connecting producers, consumers, and industry stakeholders.

Listeners can tune in to both Field Talk and the QMS Podcast on their favourite platforms, including Spotify. For the latest updates from Monitor Farm Scotland, visit monitorfarmscotland.co.uk and follow their social media channels.