Delving into crucial topics impacting UK farming businesses is the focus of a new podcast series launched this month by AgriScot.

Talking Business is a short six-episode series to build on some of the valuable business insights enjoyed at the UK’s largest indoor farm business event held every November.

Released monthly between June and November, industry-leading experts will share insights on different topical subjects, from succession and land ownership to financial management and wellbeing.

AgriScot chair Robert Neil says the Talking Business podcast series is part of AgriScot’s commitment to inspire and stimulate the progress and sustainability of farming businesses in Scotland:

“We are looking forward to rolling these episodes out for farmers and agriprofessionals to enjoy in the lead up to the event on 13th November.”

The first in the series talks succession with guest Heather Wildman, a highly respected adviser who guides family farming businesses and individuals through change.

Heather, who was awarded Advisor of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Agriculture Awards last year, was brought up on a hill farm before working in industry and is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit which took her to Australia to study succession as well as to undertake a Nuffield Scholarship.

“I am fascinated by the people side of succession, not just something that is driven by tax,” she explains. “Succession gets bad press and can seem scary. My advice would be, regardless of who you are in the business, or at what stage of your career, start that conversation; know where everyone wants to be, then do the numbers; and have ideas, but be open to others. At the moment, we are seeing real worry and disenchantment within agriculture that is wreaking havoc on finances and emotions, even in the most together of families. It’s important to start and navigate the tricky conversations.”

The six episodes, each hosted by agricultural communicator Jane Craigie, will be released monthly from May to October 2024, leading up to AgriScot’s main event on November 13, 2024, where they can further explore these topics through seminars, trade stands, and demonstrations.

The next episode is with Stephen Young of Scottish Land & Estates.

You can listen to the podcast at https://sites.libsyn.com/430122/2024