Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast
Welcome to Field Talk, the Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast. Each episode will follow one of the nine farms chosen to take part in the four-year programme. The Monitor Farm Scotland programme is farmer led and farmer driven, with support from specialists and experts to assess farm performance, explore opportunities, and develop solutions to the challenges farmers face. Our host, Wallace Currie, will speak with farmers about what they've been implementing on their farms, sharing both their successes and the challenges they've faced. We’ll also bring in industry experts to dive deep into key topics and offer valuable insights.
Field Talk: A Monitor Farm Scotland Podcast
Series 2 Episode 7: The Hidden Numbers Behind Herd Success (Identifying Profitability Markers in Cattle)
In this episode, we sit down with Lorna Shaw, Ruminant Nutritionist at SAC Consulting, to explore how farmers can identify and act upon key profitability markers within their herds. Lorna breaks down the essential starting points for assessing herd performance—from understanding feed efficiency and weight gain to calving intervals and cow productivity.
We delve into real-world examples from the Monitor Farms in Islay and South Ayrshire, where data-driven decisions have led to measurable improvements in herd health and farm profitability. Lorna shares how tools like regular weight monitoring, body condition scoring, and digital record-keeping can transform raw data into actionable insights.
Whether you're just starting to track herd metrics or looking to refine your current system, this episode offers practical advice and resources to help you make informed decisions and boost your bottom line.