Flaming June! – well, in the weather sense, let's hope it is this year! June is always a very busy month for Team Scene & Herd, not least because we usually have the Highland Show to occupy us and enjoy. This year, sadly, that is not the case, however, we wish RHASS all good luck in their online Showcase endeavours (and on that subject, please do listen in to this week's - 14th June - OnFARM podcast talking all things Showcase and Young Farmers with a special guest from SAYFC).
The other thing that occupies time and indeed head-space in June is sheep. Keeping sheep on their feet and parasite free is the main concern, at least until the dosing and fly spraying and clipping is all complete – easier said than done when its raining cats and dogs; so yes – we wish you a “flaming June” in the best sense of the word!
The Scene & Herd Team have committed to undertaking 'Random Acts of Wildness' throughout June as part of #30DaysWild. So far, this has included leaving out water for wildlife, sowing wildflower seeds (we recommend Scotia Seeds for native Scottish wildflower and meadow mixes) and taking a book outside.
On the subject of books, we LOVED receiving your non-fiction recommendations after our recent newsletter. Could this be the start of a Scene & Herd Business Book Club?! We couldn't include all of your comments but shown below are suggestions from John Gray, Managing Director, Angus Soft Fruits Ltd:
News
Independent Estate Management and Rural Property Consultancy, Stanley Wright, is continuing recent growth with the exciting appointment of a new Director. Gordon Kerr, who joins the business from Savills. Read more. We've previously mentioned the importance of entering awards and would urge you to enter or nominate a farm business - irrespective of size - for The British Farming Awards which showcase the diversity and adaptability of the UK’s farming community. Entry is free and you can enter as many of the 12 categories as you wish. Nominations close Friday, June 25, 2021. More info at britishfarmingawards.co.uk.
Our OnFARM (Food, Agricultural & Rural Matters) podcast will shortly be taking a break for the summer, returning mid-August. It's a perfect opportunity to catch up on any episodes you may have missed. Last week's episode focused on SPARC, a multi-agency partnership with the aim of protecting rural communities from the increasing threat posed by 'OCGs' (organised crime gangs). In an episode packed with tips to avoid being a victim of rural crime, we learn how technology is winning the battle. You can listen to all episodes, for free, at www.podfollow.com/OnFARM
July dates for your social promotions:
Have you considered taking part in a month-long challenge such as Plastic Free July? You can demonstrate your commitment to sustainable business practices and share your progress using #ChooseToRefuse.July is also Independent Retailers Month. Use #indieretail to promote independent retail stores, unite your community and remind consumers of the benefits of shopping local.
3rd July - International Day of Cooperatives - We've said it before but we really believe that farmers can be the heroes of the climate change battle and working together is the key as set out in this Scotsman interview with Jim Booth, Head of Co-op Development at SAOS, Scotland’s farming and food industry collaboration experts. Share your stories about cooperative working using the hashtag #RebuildBetterTogether.
17th July - World Emoji Day - Use this frivolous observance to engage with your followers in a light-hearted way. How about asking them to post about their day using only emojis? Or have a 'Guess the town' quiz? And why isn't there a haggis emoji?!
19th - 23rd July - Farm Safety Week 2021 - You’re 18 times more likely to lose your life farming than in the average UK workplace. Cutting out farm-related deaths and life-changing accidents has to be a priority for us all. Please help by sharing our podcast episode which includes an interview with James Chapman who lost his left arm in a tractor accident.
23rd July - Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Tokyo - One name you will hear a lot of during the summer of 2021 is ‘Miraitowa’ – the name given to the mascot of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – which is derived from the Japanese words mirai (future) and towa (eternity). This name was chosen to promote a future full of eternal hope in the hearts of people all over the world.
Wishing you a happy and hopeful 'flaming' June!
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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