Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for upland and hill farmers across Scotland. As climate targets, evolving support schemes and market expectations continue to shape the future of agriculture, farmers are being asked not only to produce food from some of the country’s most challenging landscapes, but to do so in ways that recognise and enhance their role in climate mitigation. In these extensive systems, decisions around livestock management, soils, grassland and habitats all influence a farm’s overall carbon footprint and long-term resilience.

Upland and hill farms are often characterised by low inputs, permanent pasture and semi-natural habitats, meaning they already deliver significant environmental value. However, understanding where emissions arise — and where carbon can be stored — is key to making informed, practical changes. From improving animal efficiency and grazing management to protecting peatland and making targeted investments, there are opportunities for farmers to reduce emissions while strengthening business performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Senior Consultant and Lead on the Carbon Dynamics Knowledge Network, James Orr from SAC Consulting to explore what carbon reduction really looks like in upland and hill farming systems. James shares his perspective on the actions farmers can take now, the investments most likely to deliver benefits, and how measuring and understanding carbon footprints can support better decision-making. He also speaks passionately about the impacts of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange and together, we discuss how hill farmers can work with their land, build resilience into their businesses, and ensure they are recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s climate solution.

Want to get in touch with James? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01292 525010 or by email at james.orr@sac.co.uk.

Related FAS Resources

Rural Roundup - 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds) | FAS

Rural Roundup - 2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics) | FAS

Rural Roundup - 3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV) | FAS

Rural Roundup - 4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two) | FAS

Rural Roundup - 5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator) | FAS

Rural Roundup - 6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation | FAS

FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a climate where winters can be long, wet and increasingly unpredictable.

In-wintering cattle offers farmers greater control over nutrition, health management, and environmental conditions. Housing cattle can reduce exposure to harsh weather, support targeted feeding strategies, and make it easier to monitor body condition and wellbeing, particularly in youngstock or higher-value animals. For many farms, in-wintering also helps protect vulnerable soils, reducing poaching and allowing fields to rest during the wetter months.

Out-wintering, whether on deferred grass, forage crops, or purpose-designed out-wintering pads, comes with its own advantages. Lower housing and machinery costs, reduced slurry handling, and the potential for improved cow fitness are significant attractions. Many farmers also value the labour efficiencies of out-wintering systems. When well-managed and matched to land capability, out-wintering can help reduce input costs and support more nature-friendly grazing practices — though careful attention to ground conditions, shelter and welfare is essential.

In this episode, we sit down with Beef and Sheep Specialist, Lorna Shaw for a broad discussion on the options available to farmers and crofters while considering whether to in or out-winter cattle and how to balance key management considerations, like land capability, infrastructure and performance targets. At the same time we'll cover how best to work with the landscape, protect from environmental damage and blend practicality with innovation and sustainable land management.

Want to get in touch with Lorna? You can get a hold of her via telephone on 01738 505069 or by email at lorna.shaw@sac.co.uk.

Related Resources

Stock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | FAS

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment.

Organic farming is woven through Scotland’s landscapes, from the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire to the upland pastures of Argyll. Rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and local resilience, organic systems work with nature rather than against it—building fertility through crop rotations, clover leys and composts, and managing pests with balance instead of chemicals. The result is more than just food without synthetic inputs; it’s a way of farming that supports wildlife, protects water and strengthens rural communities. From certified producers under the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) to advisory work led by the Soil Association, organic farming in Scotland continues to evolve, combining tradition, innovation and environmental stewardship to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.

In this episode, we sit down with two special guest speakers, Debs Roberts joins us from SOPA and David MacKay joins us from the Soil Association to walk us through the benefits of going organic, the process and how the market is developing in Scotland and further afield - in a conversation that is more collaboration than clash of the titans. We also talk about the announced return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and David reflects on his time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit.

Want to get in touch with Debs or David? Contact SOPA via telephone at 0300 7729795 or email at info@sopa.org.uk. Contact Soil Association via telephone at 0131 3708150 or email at contact@soilassociation.org.

Related FAS Resources

Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service

Related Other Resources

Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)

Soil Association