March News

When we say we understand the pressures of rural life, we really mean it! The farmers in the team have put away the snow shovels (hopefully they won’t be needed again this side of December) and have been preparing for lambing and sowing.

News

The refreshed strategy for the Scottish Dairy sector was launched online on 2nd March. ‘Scotland’s Dairy Sector – Rising to the Top 2030’, sets out a new vision for the sector and five key priority areas for sustainable growth. The work led and championed by the Scottish Dairy Growth Board has built on the lessons and the success of the previous activity ‘Ambition 2025’ which commenced in 2014. The new strategy is available at www.scottishdairy.com/brochure

‍Coming Soon! Quality Assured Scottish Farmed Venison available to buy online! There will only be a limited number of venison boxes available in the first batch so to avoid missing out, register interest at the website: https://thevenisonfarm.co.uk

‍'Rural Scotland Key Facts 2021', a report comparing and contrasting statistics on key policy topics such as Communities, Services and Economy, was published on 24th February. Find out more here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/rural-scotland-key-facts-2021/

A group of Scottish flower growers, including Grampian Growers, have formed to promote and raise awareness of the availability of Scottish cut flowers. We were delighted to work with Flowers Grown in Scotland on their brand identity. Look out for them on Twitter and Instagram.

‍SOPA (The Scottish Organic Producers Association) say that there has never been a better time than now to convert to organic farming.  At present, as the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) application deadline looms on 30th June, markets are growing, and Scottish Government funding is supporting both organic conversion and maintenance. Read more here.

As you will know, Scene & Herd created the OnFARM podcast because we wanted to share a positive and accurate picture of rural life in Scotland. Over the last year, we have told numerous stories about how businesses have thrived, how individuals have triumphed over adversity, how rural Scotland showcases both talent and tenacity and how science and farming are working together to solve serious challenges.

• Last month, we were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal when she joined OnFARM presenter Monty to officially launch an exciting new research drive to find a cure for Equine Grass Sickness, an often fatal disease of horses. The Moredun Foundation and The Equine Grass Sickness Fund have joined forces to launch a three-year research Fellowship, bringing together a partnership of horse owners and scientists. HRH The Princess Royal is patron of both charities.
• Earlier this month, Anna spoke to Gordon Davidson, Scottish Farmer news and online editor. He shared stories of his years at the paper and gave tips on how best to interest him in your news item or story. (You can read some more tips on getting coverage in print media here)
• Last week, in an episode titled 'Carbon capture on farm with Rock on Soils and SOPA', Anna spoke with Dunkeld beef and sheep farmer Alex Brewster, Doug Christie, who's got a partly-organic mixed farm in Leven in Fife, and Ehsan Jorat, a senior lecturer in geotechnical engineering at Abertay University about Rock on Soils - a project exploring whether spreading crushed rock onto agricultural land can capture large quantities of carbon in the ground.

You can listen to all episodes, for free, at www.podfollow.com/OnFARM.Tell us your news and we'll share it in the next newsletter.

Online Reviews

In this month's newsletter, we take a look at the importance of online reviews. In recent years, online reviews have become a vital part of the consumer’s decision-making process.

• Let your customers know that your business uses review sites and actively solicit reviews from your customers in your after-sales communications.
• Respond to reviews, good and bad. it's a great opportunity to let customers know about any current offers or new services or improvements in the pipeline (remember that potential customers reading reviews will also be reading your responses).
• If you spot a review that is in some way inaccurate or breaches the rules of the review platform, you can request its removal.
• Remember to share your positive reviews online!

First impressions hugely influence journalists, investors & customers. The opinions they form – and share – quickly become your reputation. Scene & Herd can nurture your reputation, make you stand out from the crowd, and give you a competitive edge – get in touch for an informal chat.

April dates for your social promotions:

1 - April Fools Day4 - Easter Sunday6 - Tartan Day22 - Earth Day24 - World Veterinary Day26 - 2 May - National Gardening Week28 - Stop Food Waste Day30 - World Landrover Day