May 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

July 2026: Business and Policy News Audio July 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on potato markets and optical grading technology. Timestamps and links for Show Notes 00:45 News in Brief 06:50 Policy Briefs – New EU rules on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025. Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture. Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27. Latest estimates for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions 15:48 Cereals – Latest news and market update 23:53 Beef – Latest news and market update 30:14 Sheep – Latest news and market update 36:15 Milk – Latest news and market update 44:32 Sector focus – potato markets and optical grading technology 53:52 Further articles – Planning and Preparing for Water Scarcity (webinars). Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm (article). Precision Weed Control Powered by Artificial Intelligence (FAS TV). The Use Of AI In Poultry (podcast). Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service [https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/] advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot] New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) [https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/new-genomic-techniques_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-agricultural-supply-chain-adjudicator-asca-making-a-complaint/statutory-guidance-for-the-fair-dealing-obligations-pigs-regulations-2025] Growing Consumer Awareness of Regenerative Agriculture (ADM report) [https://www.adm.com/globalassets/sustainability/2023-landing/2023-policies-and-reports/adm_regen-ag-report-2025_final.pdf] Forestry Grant Scheme budget increased for 2026/27 [https://www.forestry.gov.scot/sites/default/files/pub-documents/PDF_Grants_and_Funding_Briefing_Note_52_FGS_Budget_Update_01062026_V1.0.pdf] Scottish Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Nitrogen Use 2024–25 statistics [https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-agriculture-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-nitrogen-use-2024-25/] Water Scarcity - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKXH2gqRwdXo] Planning and preparing for water scarcity - NE Scotland - recorded webinar [https://youtu.be/6_WTR8ap2yY] Ensuring A Resilient Water Supply For Your Farm [https://www.fas.scot/article/ensuring-a-resilient-water-supply-for-your-farm/] Precision Weed Control Powered by Artificial Intelligence [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZZ9t4YHQZU] The Use Of AI In Poultry [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/stock-talk-the-use-of-ai-in-poultry/] Publications: Scottish National Adaptation Plan Annual Report 2025-2026 - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-national-adaptation-plan-annual-report-2025-2026/] Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease [https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/] Classical swine fever: how to spot and report the disease [https://www.gov.scot/publications/classical-swine-fever/] Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease [https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/] SEPA Water scarcity levels and reports [https://beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/] Consultations: NatureScot - General Licensing Review [https://generallicensingreview.commonplace.is/] National Strategy for Community Justice: review of 2022 strategy - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space [https://consult.gov.scot/justice/national-strategy-community-justice-2022-review/] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot [http://www.fas.scot/] Facebook: @FASScot [https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/] National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 [tel:03003230161] Email: advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot]

June 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025. Timestamps 00:37 News in Brief 06:17 Policy Briefs – Red Diesel Duty, Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme 2025 payments, New strategy for swine fever, Scotland’s New Rural Affairs Secretary, Food tariffs. 11:11 Cereals – Latest news and market update 19:44 Beef – Latest news and market update 25:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update 32:41 Milk – Latest news and market update 40:35 Sector focus – Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025 46:44 Further articles – Crop update video, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus article & FAS TV episode on Future Planning & Succession FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service [https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/] advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot] Other Resources: Red Diesel Duty To Be Cut By One-Third [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-protects-drivers-and-businesses-from-rising-fuel-costs] Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) 2025 payments [https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme--susss--2025-payments.html] New Strategy Launched To Protect Pig Sector Against Swine Fever [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-ramps-up-plans-to-protect-britains-pig-sector-against-african-and-classical-swine-fever] Gillian Martin Appointed Scotland’s New Rural Affairs Secretary [https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/cabinet-secretary-for-climate-action-and-rural-affairs/] Food Tariff Reductions [https://www.nfuonline.com/news/chancellor-announces-cost-of-living-measures/] Bluetongue movement restrictions - from 1 June 2026 [https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/movement-restrictions-from-1-june-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR78UNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBNTWJwRE5UMkUweEJGTlRpc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiycCjxYGbFN2RHX6u-3W6mC52hKTMB01IZ9hrHf9-cxxhnAXUOF-JaDfVWy_aem_dpkzgHOXE51BSgL28m1pFQ] Publications: Agricultural profit estimates and milk production statistics [https://www.gov.scot/publications/total-income-from-farming-estimates-2025/] Bluetongue – latest situation [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation] Consultations: Scotland’s Peatland Standard – Consultation draft [https://www.nature.scot/doc/scotlands-peatland-standard-consultation-draft?ref=ed_direct] Stock Talk - The Use Of AI In Poultry | FAS [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/stock-talk-the-use-of-ai-in-poultry/] Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025 - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-farm-business-income-annual-estimates-2024-2025/] Whole Farm Benchmarks Tool 2024-25 | Helping farmers in Scotland [https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/whole-farm-benchmarks-tool/] scottishfarmbusinesssurvey@sac.co.uk [scottishfarmbusinesssurvey@sac.co.uk] Latest Crop Update for Scotland’s Farmers [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1TJr2ghufA] Climate Change and the Escalating Risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1TJr2ghufA] Future Planning & Succession [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ThEVObRZ3M] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot [http://www.fas.scot/] Facebook: @FASScot [https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/] National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 [tel:03003230161] Email: advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot]

May 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS). Time Stamps: 01:56 News in Brief 05:52 Policy Briefs – Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 2025 payments, Groceries Code Adjudicator moves to Defra, Crofting and Scottish Land Cout Bill, Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaw 10:26 Cereals – Latest news and market update 21:28 Beef – Latest news and market update 28:05 Sheep – Latest news and market update 32:42 Milk – Latest news and market update 40:08 Sector focus –Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) 45:37 Further Interest – Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple (article), Setting up a new grass ley for success (article), PCN and water scarcity (podcast). FAS Resources: Newsletters – Business & Policy Edition – Farm Advisory Service [https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/] advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot] Other Resources: Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme [https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme-full-guidance/] Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill [https://www.gov.scot/news/crofting-and-scottish-land-court-bill/] Cairngorms Fire Management Byelaw [https://cairngorms.co.uk/our-work/wildfire-management] Rural Roundup Podcast [https://www.fas.scot/sounds/rural-roundup/] AECS Scoring Criteria [http://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/agri-environment-climate-scheme-scoring-criteria/] Thrill of the Hill podcast – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David Brown [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/thrill-of-the-hill-where-policy-meets-pasture-the-agri-environment-climate-scheme-with-david-brown/] Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple – article [https://www.fas.scot/article/slatted-sheep-housing-made-simple/] Setting up a New Grass Ley for Success – article [https://www.fas.scot/article/setting-up-a-new-grass-ley-for-success/] PCN & Water Scarcity – CropCast Podcast [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/cropcast-pcn-water-scarcity/]https://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/ [https://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/] Publications: Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – latest update [https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/] Monthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat production [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cattle-sheep-and-pig-slaughter/monthly-uk-statistics-on-cattle-sheep-and-pig-slaughter-and-meat-production-statistics-notice-data-to-february-2026] Labour Market Trends: April 2026 – gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/labour-market-trends-april-2026/] African swine fever in Europe – latest update [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69e7506a47e9787c2d71ffc2/ASF_in_Europe_40_April_2026.pdf] The Environment Strategy for Scotland [https://www.gov.scot/publications/environment-strategy-scotland/pages/2/] Rural Support Plan [https://www.gov.scot/publications/rural-support-plan-rsp/] Consultations: Installation and maintenance licences for heat networks [https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/installation-maintenance-licences-heat-networks/] Communications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayers [https://consult.gov.scot/tax/modernising-revenue-scotlands-tax-admin-framework/] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot [http://www.fas.scot/] Facebook: @FASScot [https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/] National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 [tel:03003230161] Email: advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot]

April 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on Maker Space, a Digital Dairy Chain project

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on Maker Space, a Digital Dairy Chain project. Time Stamps: 00:36 News in Brief 05:45 Policy Briefs – Food and Drink Processing Scheme, Community Right to Buy, Funding for Gleylag Geese on Uist, Help for Households Using Heating Oil, Electronic Identification for Cattle, Key Dates. 17:14 Cereals – Latest news and market update 25:22 Beef – Latest news and market update 31:53 Sheep – Latest news and market update 39:27 Milk – Latest news and market update 46:49 Sector focus – Maker Space, a Digital Dairy Chain project 51:40 Further articles – FAS TV ‘After Winter: Crop Performance and the Season Ahead’, FAS podcast ‘Rural Roundup Policy Update’ and FAS article ‘Agronomy for Ecological Focus Area Herb and Legume Rich Swards’ FAS Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service [https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/] advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot] Other Resources: ScotGov - Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2024-2025 [https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-farm-business-income-annual-estimates-2024-2025/pages/key-points/] Food and Drink Processing Scheme - Intro & Guidance [https://copilot.formstack.com/start-workflow/5fedcd9d-5412-4b00-a038-f8056a55da74] Community rights to buy review - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/community-rights-buy-review/] Energy Grants Assistance | Energy Advice | energyadvice.scot [https://energyadvice.scot/knowledge-centre/energy-grants-assistance/] Scottish Government Consultations: Accelerating Home-building in Scotland [https://consult.gov.scot/planning-architecture/penalties-incentives-to-speed-up-housing-delivery/] Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 [https://consult.gov.scot/justice/scottish-law-commission-report-section-53-title-co/] Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications under The Electricity Act [https://consult.gov.scot/planning-architecture-and-regeneration/electricity-act-thresholds/] Publications: Short-term lets: regulation information - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/short-term-lets/] Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture: consultation analysis report - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-scotlands-transition-land-use-agriculture-consultation-analysis-report/] Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance [https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications/planning-for-water-scarcity] The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator: Milk Sector Survey 2026 [https://defragroup.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HNlCoLZFIOQ2IC] Further choices: After Winter: Crop Performance and The Season Ahead [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF_VfFq0j-I] Rural Roundup - Policy Update [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfv5ZjeLRYw] EFA Herb and Legume Rich Swards [https://www.fas.scot/article/agronomy-for-efa-herb-and-legume-rich-swards/] New Technologies & Renewable for Dairy Farms [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk3rB4UpDfM] Crofting Through the Seasons - Spring & Summer [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/rural-roundup-spotlight-crofting-through-the-seasons-spring-summer/] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot [http://www.fas.scot/] Facebook: @FASScot [https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/] National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 [tel:03003230161] Email: advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot]

March 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on how a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on how a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture. Show Notes 00:35 News in Brief 05:42 Policy Briefs – Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS), Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), National Islands Plan, Securing Homes in Rural and Island Communities, Upcoming Grant Funding, Lamb Castration Consultation, Key Dates, Consultations and Publications. 14:19 Cereals – Latest news and market update 20:42 Beef – Latest news and market update 27:48 Sheep – Latest news and market update 30:50 Milk – Latest news and market update 37:45 Sector focus – How a turbulent global trading environment is shaping the outlook for Scottish agriculture 47:26 Further articles – ‘Preparing for calving (FAS TV), ‘All things insurance’ (podcast) and ‘Alternative Protein Crop Overview’ (FAS article) FAS Links and Resources: Newsletters - Business & Policy Edition - Farm Advisory Service [https://www.fas.scot/newsletters/] advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot] Other Links and Resources: Agritourism Investment Scheme 2026 (FAS) [https://www.fas.scot/news/agritourism-investment-scheme-ais-2026/] Agritourism Investment Scheme contact [Rural%20Payments:%20Agritourism%20Investment%20Scheme%20(AIS)] Management Options [https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/management-options-and-capital-items/] Capital Items [https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/capital-items/] Fair Work First [https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/agri-environment-climate-scheme-full-guidance-menu/aecs-fair-work-first/] National Islands Plan - gov.scot [https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-islands-plan-2/] Affordable Housing Supply Programme [https://www.gov.scot/policies/more-homes/affordable-housing-supply/] Rural and Island Housing Fund [https://www.gov.scot/policies/more-homes/rural-housing-fund/] Lamb Welfare: Consultation [https://consult.defra.gov.uk/on-farm-animal-welfare-future-farming-policy/lamb-castration-and-tail-docking/consultation/subpage.2025-11-26.6906763319/] Accelerating Home-building in Scotland (closing date 30.04.26) [https://consult.gov.scot/planning-architecture/penalties-incentives-to-speed-up-housing-delivery/] Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (closing date 15.05.26) [https://consult.gov.scot/justice/scottish-law-commission-report-section-53-title-co/] Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications (closing date 27.05.26) [https://consult.gov.scot/planning-architecture-and-regeneration/electricity-act-thresholds/] Short-term lets: regulation information - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date) [https://www.gov.scot/publications/short-term-lets/] Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture - gov.scot (25.02.26 publication date) [https://www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-scotlands-transition-land-use-agriculture-consultation-analysis-report/] Scottish farm business income - gov.scot (2024-25 link available from 27.03.26) [https://www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-farm-business-income-fbi-annual-estimates/] Is whisky tourism on the rocks? - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6v3ngz630o] Scotch whisky production slows as tariffs and weak demand bite | EasternEye [https://www.easterneye.biz/scotch-whisky-production-slows-as-tariffs-and-weak-demand-bite/] What the India tariffs deal means for Scotch whisky - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxex8yekn5o] Chinese whisky tariff cut to come into force - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g54xzzze0o] Impact.economist.com/key-findings [https://impact.economist.com/key-findings] FAS TV Series 5 Ep 27 - Preparing for Calving [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHoYh4T0lA0&t=11s] All things Insurance - FAS (Rural Roundup podcast) [https://www.fas.scot/podcast/rural-roundup-farm-insurance/] Alternative Protein Crop Overview [https://www.fas.scot/article/alternative-protein-crops-overview/] For more information, visit www.FAS.scot [http://www.fas.scot/] Facebook: @FASScot [https://www.facebook.com/FASScot/] National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 [tel:03003230161] Email: advice@fas.scot [advice@fas.scot]