March 2023

At the time of writing, warnings have been issued for snow and ice by the Met Office so we hope this finds you well and warm.  When we say we understand the pressures of rural life, we really mean it! Apart from making rural businesses be seen and heard, the farmers in the team have been preparing for lambing and sowing.

News

A panel of experts involved in the development and distribution of the first autonomous tractors to come to the UK market hosted a webinar last week.  Joris Hiddema from AgBot manufacturer, AgXeed, was joined by Graham Ralston, SoilEssentials and Will Mumford, ASC Autonomy - the two AgXeed distribution & service partners in the UK. A recording will be available via the SoilEssentials website.

The Farmers Weekly Awards which recognise farmers’ achievements across the country are open for nominations.  Enter your agricultural business or nominate one here before 30 April.

Do you enjoy reading books on food, farming and the natural world?  If so, you might like to join the Fieldwork Book Club whose members discuss their chosen monthly book with the author.

SEDA Land is a cross-sectoral forum for the discussion of ideas to improve land use in Scotland to achieve both a healthy ecology and a dynamic social economy.  Their next event, Building Futures in Rural Scotland, takes place online on Tuesday 18 April 4 - 6 pm. More info & booking here.

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is open to applications. Farmers, crofters and agricultural businesses in Scotland have until 7 June to submit applications for Agri-Environment and Organic options and until 24 March for Slurry Stores. More info tinyurl.com/3wu2dmkx

After a short break for half-term, the OnFARM podcast returned with a two-part chat with James Oswald, Fife farmer and best-selling crime writer.

Last week, Anna met with Barbara Girvan who sells fresh seasonal flowers grown on her family's Highland farm in the heart of Glenurquhart, near Inverness. You can set up a subscription to get monthly bouquets delivered direct to your door. Something to think about with Mother's Day just around the corner!

Catch up on all episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm‍

April dates for your Social Media Marketing

1 - April Fools Day - from carrots that whistle when they're cooked to Marmite-flavoured lip balm, savvy brands love using 1st April to prank their customers with a new product or service.  

9 - Easter Sunday - have you considered running an egg decorating competition on Instagram?  If you are able to 'shell' out a little more, how about hosting a virtual egg hunt on your website (which encourages visitors to look at pages they might not otherwise have viewed) with % off codes as prizes?

15 Kilmaurs Show *

23 - 30 - Great British Beef Week - #GBBW2023 is focusing on recognising and highlighting British beef farmers and the work they do to support sustainable production practices on their farms.  Visit the website for promotional resources.

26 - Stop Food Waste Day - Take the Stop Food Waste Day pledge and share it across your social media platforms using #StopFoodWasteDay.  The website has more ideas.

29 Dundonald Show *

* Always check with organisers before travelling to an event.  With your help, we'd like to put together a listing of 2023 Scottish rural events and county shows.  If you know of any events that are going ahead, please send us the details and we'll include them in our monthly round-up.

‍