Welcome to the 'Sticky' issue!
There is a Kenyan proverb that goes along the lines "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable". Here at Scene & Herd, we know that together, we are more than the sum of our parts.
Similarly, many of our clients are strengthened by their membership of cooperatives such as SOPA, Scottish Organic Producers Association, or SAOS, Scotland's experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration (who are having their annual conference on 26 January).
Whether you're a member of Scotland Food & Drink, NFU or your local chamber of commerce, the support you get from being part of a wider group is invaluable. Here at Scene & Herd, we are passionate about helping the rural sector flourish - whether you're a client or not (yes, really!).
One year ago, we launched a brand-new initiative, the OnFARM Academy, offering online training specifically designed and curated for rural and food and drink-related businesses.
Born out of a recognition that not all in-person training is geographically accessible, that not all businesses and organisations can afford personalised bespoke training and that much current online training is not tailored towards rural business, the OnFARM (which stands for Food, Agriculture and Rural Matters) Academy is designed by rural business, for rural business.
Paid-for courses start from only £35 plus VAT and some courses on the platform will be free of charge. The OnFARM Academy training can be accessed at: https://training.onfarmacademy.com/
Veganuary
All too often we read in the press and on social media that eating healthily and saving the planet must involve cutting out meat. It's a sticky subject and not always easy to articulate the farming side of the debate.
We’ve listed here a few articles and opinions which resonate with us and which provide some useful information and statistics which support Scottish food and farming:
The OnFARM Podcast
Three years ago, when we launched the OnFARM podcast, our aim was simple: to give rural areas a stronger voice and a new platform from which to share their wonderful and inspiring stories. Today, OnFARM would be performing in the top 2% of 2.8M benchmarked podcasts by Listen Notes!
You can listen to all of the OnFARM episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm and if your organisation is interested in sponsoring an episode, let us know.
Thanks for 'sticking' with us so far!
This To That
Do you need to stick something to something else but are not sure what will do the job? This To That is a great online tool to help you choose the right glue for your bonding requirements. thistothat.com
Be Your Best Self
Ladies, are you stuck in a rut? Need a lasting confidence boost, new skills and networking opportunities? The 'Be Your Best Self' programme for women in agriculture finishes in June. The next cohort starts in February so don’t delay. Visit www.beyourbestself.site to learn more and apply!
School Strikes
At the time of writing, it is likely that industrial action by Scotland's largest teaching union is likely to mean further school closures in the coming weeks. Just a reminder to our clients that if your child needs you when we're on a video call, we will happily wait or rearrange. Juggling is hard. Childhood is fleeting. Let's support each other!
(You might like to to download a 20 Things To Do With Sticks activity pack)
February dates for your Social Media Marketing
2 - World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is the ideal time to increase people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems. This year's theme is Wetland Restoration and the website has plenty of resources to share online.
3 – 19 - Big Farmland Bird Hunt
This annual initiative offers a simple means of recording the effects of conservation schemes currently being undertaken by landowners. Recording a short video is a great way for farmers and gamekeepers to share their activity with the non-farming public. Register and find out more here.
13 - 17 Mind Your Head 2023
The Yellow Wellies website has several farm safety resources including their publication 'The Little Book of Minding Your Head'
14 - Valentine's Day
How about asking existing customers to 'spread the love' and leave a review of your product or service? You could team up with other businesses to create a Valentine's Day competition prize. And, if you're buying flowers this Valentine's Day, make sure they are Flowers Grown in Scotland!
17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
A light-hearted day where you can get imaginative! There are some ideas over on the Random Acts of Kindness Website. Whatever you decide to do, share on social media using #MakeKindnessTheNorm, #RandomActsofKindnessDay & #RAKDay.
Get in touch if you need any assistance with your social media.
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Company Registration Number: SC448325. VAT Registration Number: 162173427