Spring is definitely in the air with spring greens and spring onions appearing in my veg patch. I'm looking forward to rhubarb appearing at the end of the month too.
One of our very first OnFARM Podcasts, over five years ago now, was with Suzanne Mulholland aka the Batch Lady (you can listen here). Perhaps you've seen her alongside Joe Swash on Channel 4's Batch From Scratch? Suzanne has a recipe on her website for cheesy chorizo and pepper sauce, which goes well with seasonal leafy greens like spinach, kale and chard. Be sure to use a Scottish cheese like Connage's organic, vegetarian cheddar!
The James Hutton Institute has been awarded £100,000 from the Novo Nordisk Foundation for a three-year project, led by the Innovation Centre for Organic Agriculture in Denmark and working in collaboration with Nordic Genebank (NordGen) and Aarhus University in Denmark, to identify nutritionally superior and yield-stable oat varieties through a combination of experimental and on-farm field trials across a range of diverse environments and organic management systems.
The Institute also recently announced that Professor Tim George has been appointed as the new Director of the International Barley Hub, replacing Professor Robbie Waugh. More on both news items at: hutton.ac.uk/news-stories
As the UK livestock industry looks for more sustainable, cost-effective, home-grown protein alternatives, beans are emerging as an excellent option for dairy, beef and sheep. With increasing concerns about exposure to fluctuating global protein markets, the environmental impact of relying on imported protein like soya and the declining supply of UK distillery co-products, British-grown beans can offer a practical and sustainable solution. Read more here.
Scene & Herd now offer Rural marketing mentorship and coaching! Download this outline of the various packages we can offer, each of which will significantly help you to improve your PR and marketing.
The John Muir Trust has launched a redesigned John Muir Award, with submissions now open. The award encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. Find out how you can get involved: johnmuirtrust.org/award
The United Pig Cooperative (UPC), a ground-breaking merger between three marketing groups – Scottish Pig Producers, Scotlean Pigs and Thames Valley Cambac – formally launched at the beginning of March. Read more in SAOS Update Spring '25 hutton.ac.uk/news-stories
Alex Paterson will become the new CEO of The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) following the resignation of Alan Laidlaw, who stepped down in October.
Missed the Scottish Land Commission's webinar on Land for Rural Housing? Catch up now on YouTube and hear how the public sector can unlock land to deliver homes, tackle depopulation, and support rural growth. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=-lxRY4LTGJE
Alan Cleaver's Postal Paths unveils a forgotten slice of British social history by tracing the routes of rural postmen and women who, for over 200 years, braved all terrains to deliver mail from the Outer Hebrides to Cornwall. Inspired by a farmer's remark, Cleaver explored these networks of lanes and footpaths, revealing not just scenic landscapes, but the remarkable dedication of individuals like Hannah Knowles, who served for 62 years with minimal absence, and a one-legged WW1 veteran, highlighting their crucial role in connecting communities, one letter at a time. Postal Paths will be published on 24 April.
octopusbooks.co.uk/titles/alan-cleaver/the-postal-paths/9781800962248/
Researchers from the University of the West of Scotland would like to speak with dairy farmers who use, have used, or plan to use wearable technology (e.g. biosensors) for cows. If you're interested, you can contact cameron.inglis@uws.ac.uk. More info is in the image above.
Some business awards you or your clients may be interested in:
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May bursts with life, offering a fertile ground for engaging social media content. As the natural world awakens, so does your audience's interest in connection and community. From celebrating local agriculture to raising awareness for vital environmental causes, May provides a rich tapestry of opportunities to nurture your brand and deepen relationships with your followers. Let's cultivate a content calendar that blossoms with impactful ideas.
Sowing Seeds of Community and Connection
This May, we're not just posting; we're planting seeds of engagement. We're focusing on content that celebrates the natural world, fosters community spirit, and educates our audience on important awareness initiatives. By aligning with key dates and events, we can create content that resonates deeply and sparks meaningful conversations.
May's Key Dates: A Content Gardener's Guide
Here's a curated list of May awareness dates, along with content ideas to help your brand flourish:
Cultivating Quality Content: A Strategic Approach
Remember, the goal is to cultivate meaningful connections, not just accumulate likes. Focus on:
Harvesting Social Media Success: Let's Collaborate
Ready to make May your most fruitful month yet? We're here to help you develop a tailored social media strategy that yields tangible results. Contact us today to find out how you can cultivate a thriving online presence for your rural business.
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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