A NEW fortnightly agricultural TV show is set to launch at the end of March – catering to an exclusively farming audience.

Behind the idea is the Farm Advisory Service, who hope to recreate traditional on-farm visits – lost due to the pandemic – from Stranraer to Shetland, but from the comfort of their own homes.

FAS TV – delivered by SAC Consulting – is designed for farmers and crofters to replicate the knowledge sharing that traditionally happens at local on-farm meetings and will be delivered in 30-minute episodes throughout 2021.

Each programme will deliver technical messages in a palatable and enjoyable format, with real farmers demonstrating advice in practice.

FAS TV Producer and Senior Consultant at SAC Consulting, Jennifer Struthers explained: “Lots of rural TV shows are not intended exclusively for farmer audiences. We believe there is a gap in the market for TV made from a farmer’s perspective.”

Throughout 2021, 25 episodes of FAS TV will cover a wide range of topics across sectors, as well as regular updates on regulatory and policy changes.

Consultant at SAC Consulting, Cara Campbell, added: “We’ve had some great filming days so far, in a socially distanced manner, and the farmers have all been really enthusiastic, despite the challenges of the winter weather.”

To share a flavour of what is to come, the five-episode Spring Special at the end of March will touch on economic and environmental benefits of calving at two-years-old; Utilising grazing systems when milking with robots; Protecting your soils; Advice on physical and mental health; Colostrum management at lambing time and woodland for shelter.

There will also be regular features from SRUC’s Helen Carty, Veterinary Centre Manager at Auchincruive, and Fiona Burnett, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.

You can watch FAS TV via www.youtube.com/fasscot when it launches at the end of March.