May 2023

Despite the dreich weather, summer is most definitely on the way!  The blossom that was so prevalent last month is being replaced by bluebells and the emergence of buff-tailed bumblebees.

Are you taking part in No Mow May?  Perhaps you've been enjoying some seasonal fare such as asparagus, purple sprouting broccoli or leeks?

Our lovely clients Connage Highland Dairy have a quick and easy recipe for a Spinach Salad:

125g Connage Gouda
125g Baby spinach leaves
375g Can cannellini beans, drained
1/2 Cucumber, chopped
4 Tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp Chopped flat leafed parsley
2 tsp Olive oil
2 tsp Lemon juice
2 tsp Capers
Cracked black pepper

Divide the spinach, beans, cucumber, tomatoes, capers and parsley among the serving plates. Using a vegetable peeler shave the cheese into strips and scatter over the salad. Combine the oil, lemon juice and pepper and pour over the salad Serve with warm crusty bread.

Serves 4

Following two successful years, THRIVE 2023 will return in September and October offering participants the chance to gain entrepreneurial skills and network with other business people in Scotland’s food, drink and rural sectors.  READ MORE

Established in 1995, the annual Scottish Bar and Pub Awards (formerly the DRAM Awards) is Scotland's first and foremost licensed trade award ceremony.  Voting closes on 30 June.  READ MORE

From 1 July 2023, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will no longer attend automatic fire alarm (AFA) callouts to commercial business and workplace premises, such as factories, offices, shops and leisure facilities unless a fire has been confirmed.  READ MORE

SOPA is organising The Road Ahead for Scottish Organics - a National Conference inspiring the Organic Food and Farming Sector in Scotland on
31st May 2023 at Ingliston.  Click for more info

SAOS is running a two-part online training session on The Art of Being an Effective Chairperson which is open to non-members- more info here).
(Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration are also recruiting for a new Co-op Development Manager to support the development and delivery of a programme of activities for agriculture and rural co-ops.  READ MORE)

Our OnFARM podcast usually has a new episode each Monday during term time however, owing to various public holidays, there are fewer episodes than usual:

• SAOS: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders
• Helping It Happen awards from SLE (3 parts)

Listen to all episodes at podfollow/Onfarm

June Diary Dates

30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge where they ask everyone to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June - it makes for great social media content so do share your activities online.

1 - In 2023, World Milk Day will focus on showcasing how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods.

2 - National Fish & Chip Day

3 -  Campsie, Gargunnock, Houston, Newmilns & West Fife shows

5 - World Environment Day

6 - Scotland's Beef Event 2023

10 - Angus & Stirling shows

11 - LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2023

17 - Alyth show

17 - 25 - National Picnic Week 2023

22 - 25 - Royal Highland Show 2023

30 - Scottish Game Fair

Whatever you do during June, be sure to share on your social media, newsletters and websites - and if you need help, let us know.

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