Agriculture

Professor Honoured with RHASS Special Medal

Professor Mike Coffey, Head of Animal Breeding & Genomics at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has been awarded the RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) Special Medal for his excellence and contribution to science in the field of animal genetics.…

SRUC
24/07/2024

Key Scottish sectors warned of doubling of drought events by 2050

Key Scottish industries are being encouraged to do more to adapt to climate change after a study commissioned by SRUC and partners found that the number of water scarcity events in Scotland could double by 2050.…

SRUC
24/07/2024

Royal Agricultural Society honours SRUC professors

Professor Jamie Newbold and Professor Christine Watson have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Agricultural Society (FRAgS) in recognition of their outstanding and continuing individual contributions to the understanding, efficiency and wellbeing of UK agriculture. …

SRUC
22/07/2024

Report highlights unique role of agriculture in Scottish island life

A new report produced by SRUC has highlighted the unique role agriculture plays in island life and calls on Government to use this new evidence in policy decisions.…

SRUC
16/07/2024

Catriona named Fordyce Maxwell Award winner

A former SRUC student who works as a competitions and livestock executive at RHASS (Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland) has won this year’s Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications.…

SRUC
04/07/2024

Veterinary Diagnostics Company MI:RNA Raises $4 million Series A Funding

MI:RNA, the veterinary diagnostics company which originally spun out of SRUC, has secured $4 million in Series A funding. The capital will be used to continue global growth plans and revolutionise animal health testing, improving diagnosis and wellness among the pet, agriculture and equine sectors.…

SRUC
03/07/2024

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

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