SAC Consulting

Crop Updates (8 August 2024): Many spring barleys are still very green so some way off harvest

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them.…

SAC Consulting
12/08/2024

SRUC to host prestigious international agriculture conference

Hosted by SRUC, the continent’s largest agricultural consultancy conference is coming to Scotland for the very first time.…

SRUC
07/08/2024

Crop Updates (18 July 2024): Yellow rust has infected wheat crops where spray timing were challenged by a lack of weather windows

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them.…

SAC Consulting
18/07/2024

A marathon not a sprint: creating a new food & drink enterprise

Building your own business is a marathon not a sprint. In this marathon, there will be times when you are running fast and times when you are walking. Persevering, and managing your pace is essential. …

Ceri Ritchie
11/07/2024

Crop Updates (20 June 2024): Ear disease is likely to be more prevalent in wet conditions

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them.…

SAC Consulting
20/06/2024

Reducing pesticide usage without risking yield

Nested within regenerative and lower input systems are the integrated pest management practices which reduce the risks of pest and disease outbreaks and yield losses. Sustainable and stewarded use of pesticides is integral to our current crop production systems, where they are used to protect yields and, by extension, food security.…

Fiona Burnett
19/06/2024

Harnessing nature for more resilient agriculture

Healthy ecosystems that support a diversity of species are more effective at recycling nutrients, at providing pollination services, and at regulating pests. In arable systems, focus is typically on actions to improve soil health; cover crops, livestock integration, reduced tillage, incorporating organic matter and reducing synthetic inputs.…

Lorna Cole
17/06/2024

Crop Updates (6 June 2024): Despite late start, rapid crop growth in spring barley

Our regular round up of the issues affecting crops around Scotland, summarises how crops are developing and what weather and other issues are affecting them. The update provides information on the progress with key field work activities as well as news on the pest, weed and disease problems being noted in crops. The health issues being seen in crops are a key part of the topical update and lets growers and agronomists adjust management practices appropriately.…

SAC Consulting
06/06/2024

Turning the Climate Tide: The Integral Role of Sustainable Livestock Practices

Given its significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, livestock farming finds itself in a critical role. Understanding these emissions’ biogenic nature and shorter atmospheric lifespan not only presents a challenge, but also outlines a pathway for effective mitigation efforts.…

Poppy Frater
04/06/2024

From grain to glass: addressing Scope 3 emissions

The carbon footprint of the drinks industry extends beyond the brewery and distillery gates. While direct emissions are often under scrutiny, the indirect Scope 3 emissions, particularly those associated with agricultural supply chains like barley, wheat and hop cultivation, tend to be overlooked. With growing demand for transparency and sustainable practices, addressing and mitigating these Scope 3 emissions is vital to meet global climate change targets.…

Iain Boyd
24/05/2024

Nature and biodiversity strategies: ‘Bio-washing’ in the corporate sphere

England’s new policy on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been introduced this February. Industries aiming to develop land will have to provide 10% net gain in biodiversity, maintained for at least 30 years. The goal? For development to contribute to nature recovery and be nature positive. It may only be a matter of time before Scotland and Wales adopt similar policies as well.…

Tushaani Naudi
24/05/2024

Are cows killing the planet?

“Cows are killing the planet”. This statement is something that is increasingly heard from farmers who believe that this narrative is widely accepted by environmentalists, climate scientists and the…

Séamus Murphy
24/05/2024