Agriculture

Study looks at impact of ferrying livestock
The impact of ferry journeys on livestock being transported between the Northern Isles and the mainland will be assessed as part of a new project aiming to maximise animal welfare while avoiding significant constraints on this important trade.…
- SRUC
- 22/02/2023

New research to tackle cattle methane emissions in Africa
Together with the International Livestock Research Institute, SRUC has been awarded £1.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help develop a selection index for the smallholder dairy system in the hopes of breeding a more environmentally friendly dairy cow.…
- SRUC
- 13/02/2023

Drainage guru recognised for work to improve sustainability
An agricultural consultant with more than 30 years’ experience of advising farmers has been recognised for his work to improve the sustainability of land use.…
- SRUC
- 06/02/2023

Raising a glass to climate change mitigation on vineyards
Led by scientists at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), researchers are investigating what the French viticultural sector are doing to mitigate climate change.…
- SRUC
- 31/01/2023

Agrecalc appoints first CEO
In a major step towards becoming a spin-out company, Agrecalc, the award-winning and market-leading carbon footprint tool developed by SAC Consulting together with SRUC researchers, has appointed its first chief executive.…
- SRUC
- 23/01/2023

Is growing potatoes sustainable and profitable?
Potatoes are an amazingly versatile food and an important part of our culture in Scotland. But is growing potatoes sustainable and profitable?…
- Dr Phil Burgess
- 23/01/2023

Farmers urged to benchmark carbon footprint
SAC Consulting has again been awarded the government contract to conduct a nationwide survey which helps farms to save money while also benchmarking their carbon footprint and nitrate. Farms completing the Scottish Farm Business Survey will be given a full carbon footprint measurement using Agrecalc, SAC Consulting’s award-winning farm carbon calculator.…
- SRUC
- 11/01/2023

Potato conference seeks to boost growers’ confidence amid global challenges
The ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine and the pressure of reducing carbon footprints will be on the agenda when Scotland’s biggest potato conference returns in the new year.…
- SRUC
- 19/12/2022

Pine needles offer key energy solution
A real Christmas tree is the centrepiece of many households’ festive decorations but apart from filling the room with a woody fragrance, pine needles have a key role to play in addressing challenges relating to energy.…
- SRUC
- 15/12/2022

Agriculture Bill provides just transition opportunity, but only if we embrace innovation
I see opportunity, particularly for rapid growth in our natural economy – but only if we take steps to act quickly, decisively and with ambition.…
- Prof Wayne Powell, Principal and CEO, SRUC
- 13/12/2022

Diversification guide outlines steps to starting a new business
SAC Consulting – part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has created a Land-based tourism toolkit outlining different types of businesses, recommended skills and relevant course providers. The toolkit, which was funded by the University Innovation Fund, is divided into six sections which can be downloaded for free from SRUC’s website.…
- SRUC
- 08/12/2022

Drones take carbon project to next level
Environmental specialists at SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), are using drone-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors to estimate above-ground carbon storage in hedges and trees.…
- SRUC
- 06/12/2022