The AgriScot 2024 seminar programme is a cornerstone of the farm business event in November, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, technical updates, and innovative solutions.
Alongside the main ring demonstrations, competitions and extensive trade exhibition - featuring over 240 stands – the seminars exist to provide farmers and stakeholders with useful insights to help navigate the future of Scottish farming.
A hallmark of the programme is the panel debate and Q&A session with NFUS president Martin Kennedy and the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform, and islands, Mairi Gougeon. Scheduled for the earlier time of 10am this year, this debate consistently draws a large crowd, offering the chance for direct dialogue on the pressing issues affecting Scotland’s farming sector.
Read on to find out more about the full seminar programme
Seminar Room 1: Engaging debates and industry insights
NFU Scotland: head-to-head debate and Q&A session – 10:00am to 11:00am
The keynote session is the much-anticipated debate between Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon and NFUS President Martin Kennedy, facilitated by AgriScot Chair, Robert Neill. This session encourages robust discussion on critical industry matters, such as policy developments, climate adaptation and market pressures. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the Q&A, voicing their concerns and questions to these two leading figures in Scottish agriculture.
Commenting on the event, Mr Kennedy said: "NFU Scotland is proud to support the AgriScot Farm Business Event and contribute towards the seminar programme while providing the audience with the opportunity to participate and put their questions to the panel."
Finance for Farms: Future-proof your farm: alternative finance options when mainstream funding falls short – 11:30am to 12:30pm
With access to mainstream banks and lending becoming increasingly restricted, farmers face mounting challenges in accessing the financial support needed to grow or diversify their operations. In this session, Charlie Craddock of Finance for Farms (Shire Leasing’s agricultural finance division) will provide a market overview before presenting alternative financing options. He’ll dispel myths and discuss how finance can be used to invest in assets beyond just land and machinery - like livestock and diversification projects - to unlock the full potential of your farm and secure a sustainable future.
“We’re excited to be back at AgriScot, showcasing how our tailored finance solutions can help farmers tackle financial challenges and affordably pursue new growth opportunities,” says Mr Craddock.
“It’s a fantastic event for connecting with the farming community, and I’m looking forward to catching up with both new and familiar faces.”
The Scottish Dairy Hub and Kite Consulting: Dairy panel debate – 1:00pm to 2:00pm
The ever-popular Scottish Dairy Hub and Kite Consulting panel returns, focusing on the opportunities and challenges within Scotland's dairy sector. Co-chaired by David Keiley of Kite Consulting and Tracey Roan of NFU Scotland Dairy Policy & Scottish Dairy Hub, the session offers a critical outlook on the short and long-term prospects for dairy farmers.
Ms Roan shares: “As in previous years, there will be an opportunity for dairy farmers and stakeholders to bring along their probing questions for the panel and listen to the latest market intel, something we feel is an integral part of the session.”
With dairy markets in constant flux, this panel discussion will provide an essential forum for farmers to discuss market trends, supply chain issues, and strategies for maintaining profitability.
QMS and AHDB: Environmental baselining project – 2:15pm to 3:15pm
Recognising that agriculture can lead the way in environmental sustainability, this session will see Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) introduce their pioneering Environmental Baselining Project. The “industry-first” initiative aims to measure the positive environmental impact of Scottish farms, and farms across the UK, providing essential data on emissions, soil health, and carbon storage so ultimately farmers can gain the full value and integrity of their environmental work.
Providing further insight on what to expect, head of industry development at QMS, Bruce McConachie explains: “Our Environmental Baselining project will work with the scientific community and producers to build an understanding of the potential of farms and how farming businesses deliver environmental good, alongside productive, profitable businesses.”
The James Hutton Institute: Deluge and drought: climate change, water scarcity and excess variability – 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Climate change is shifting Scotland’s weather patterns, with more variable rainfall and higher temperatures. Future projections suggest increased risks of both ‘deluge and drought,’ even within the same season. This session will explore the implications of these changes for Scottish agriculture, focusing on spring and summer water scarcity, winter flooding risks, and saturated soils. Using visual data, the presentation will provide insights into Scotland’s future water balance and climate extremes, offering a ‘Science of Foresight’ approach to help farmers plan and adapt to these challenges.
Dr. Rivington remarks: “It’s a privilege to present to the farming community through AgriScot, showcasing research that can help farmers adapt to climate change and secure their supply chains.”
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Seminar Room 2: A closer look at emerging issues
Farmstrong Breakfast: Work-Life balance in farming – 8:30am to 9:30am
Kicking off the seminars in Room 2 is an early morning session focused on the personal side of farming. John Kerr and Nicola Wordie will share their experiences in managing the highs and lows of farm life, providing valuable advice on achieving a healthier work-life balance. This session will resonate with those looking for routes to improve mental and physical well-being in the demanding and often all-consuming agricultural world.
Agrii: Maize in Scotland – An untapped resource? – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Could maize become a viable crop for Scottish farmers, now and in the future? This session, led by Agrii’s Ben Lowe, explores the potential for maize as a homegrown forage crop, taking into account changing weather patterns and advancements in plant breeding. The session will explore how maize could fit within your farming system, the environmental considerations and rotational benefits, as well as variety selection and crop management.
Lowe notes: "We are proud to be supporting AgriScot once again and the growers we work with on a daily basis. I believe the seminar will provide yet another thought-provoking opportunity to ‘look outside of the box’ together. Maize won’t be an option for everyone but could be a solution for many."
AHDB: Grain market outlook at AgriScot: Malting barley markets – a look ahead – 12:15pm to 1:15pm
In this first-of-its-kind session, AHDB, Boortmalt, and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) will share the latest market outlook for key Scottish combinable crops. AHDB analysts will present market trends, while Boortmalt will discuss the potential for future ‘green premiums’ on malting barley. SQC will provide an overview of the assurance landscape, emphasising the importance of collaboration between growers, supply chains, processors, and assurance bodies to ensure that standards benefit everyone involved.
D&R: Electrical infrastructure upgrades: essential guide to protecting your land and business – 1:30pm to 2:30pm
As the drive towards net-zero accelerates, farmers will increasingly encounter challenges related to electrical infrastructure upgrades on their land. As the NFU Scotland affinity partner for Utilities and Infrastructure projects, D&R have been supporting farmers in engaging with and claiming against the statutory undertakers, and most importantly, guiding farmers on how to best protect their businesses from the impact of the electrical upgrade works. In this seminar, D&R will deliver their essential guide to protecting your land and business when you find out that you’ll be impacted.
Moredun Foundation: Challenges and possible solutions for dealing with cryptosporidiosis in cattle and sheep – 2:45pm to 3:45pm
Cryptosporidiosis continues to be a significant challenge for livestock farmers. In this session, Dr. Frank Katzer from the Moredun Research Institute, with support from Sara Robson, a veterinarian from MSD, will share the latest research on controlling the disease in cattle and sheep. With practical advice on diagnostics, treatments, and the launch of a new Cryptosporidium vaccine in the UK, this session is invaluable for farmers seeking to manage neonatal diarrhoea in their herds.
Katzer adds: “Attending AgriScot is an excellent opportunity for us to engage with farmers and to highlight our practical research outputs, generated by scientists at Moredun, which will help farmers to reduce the impact of infectious diseases for their herds and flocks.”
With live-streaming and watch-back options available, the seminars ensure that the valuable knowledge shared at AgriScot is accessible to all who wish to benefit from it.
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