How are your New Year's Resolutions going? Unsurprisingly, January is the worst time to set new goals owing to a combination of post-festive exhaustion, short days and cold weather. April, on the other hand, is the very epitome of re-birth with hedgehogs coming out of hibernation, blossom emerging and of course lambs and calves in the fields.
In short, Springtime is the perfect time to revisit those plans, kickstart your business objectives and meet your lifestyle targets. If your plans include marketing, let us know if we can help (or head over to training.onfarmacademy.com for bite-size, affordable online training, specially created for rural businesses).
As we've mentioned previously, there is a lot to gain from entering and being shortlisted for prestigious business awards. From simply supplying you with some useful and engaging social media content to securing coverage in key publications, the benefits are numerous. Here are some awards you may wish to enter:
The inaugural SAOS Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme, supported by NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual and delivered by The Leadership Factory, wrapped up in Dundee recently with a day to celebrate the success of the first cohort and share learnings and feedback prior to the launch of the 2023/24 programme. Read more
Looking for something special for your wedding day? Connage Highland Dairy can arrange tasting sessions at the Cheese Pantry and help to pick the perfect flavour combinations for an unforgettable Wedding Cheese Tower.
A ground-breaking hybrid conference looks at how we can integrate trees into the farmed landscape and build relationships between farming and forestry. Connecting Trees, Farmers and Foresters takes place on 25 & 26 April: https://www.charteredforesters.org/event/national-conference-2023-connecting-trees-farmers-and-foresters
A relatively mild winter means that the risk of tick bites when out and about is likely to increase. Info and self-help guide: Tick bites | NHS inform
The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has launched a call for views on measures to address wildlife crime, tackle raptor persecution and manage grouse moors in Scotland, as it considers the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill. The Call for Views is open until 5 May 2023.
We love showcasing the rural sector's success stories on our OnFARM podcast. We also share the realities and challenges of working and living in rural Scotland. The past few episodes are no exception - we cover serious topics but you can expect a few laughs along the way too!
Listen to all episodes at podfollow/Onfarm
May Diary Dates
The big event is, of course, the Coronation of King Charles III but it's not the only thing happening...
6 Coronation, Catrine Show & Neilston Show
From 6 - 14 May, Keep Scotland Beautiful is holding a week of action. Why not organise your own litter pick or reward local litter pickers? 8 - 14 May is National Hedgerow Week - a chance to show off your hedgerows and explain their importance.
13 Ayr Show & Kilmalcolm Show
15 - 21 May is Invasive Species Week and the website has lots of ideas on how to get involved.
18 Outdoor Classroom Day
20 Fife Show & World Whisky Day
27 Drymen Show, Lesmahagow Show & Stewarton & Dunlop Show
Whatever you do during May, be sure to share on your social media, newsletters and websites - and if you need help, let us know.
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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