Huntly’s Hairst has been running for a number of years. Organised by a group of community volunteers and supported by local organisations Huntly Development Trust (HDT) and Deveron Projects, it’s a celebration of local food, farming and community. Its strapline is ‘Celebrating Rural Life Together.”
When the rural area you live in has been the bedrock of your family for generations, it can be difficult to break free of the mould that people expect you to fit. In contrast, newcomers to rural places can find it intimidating to navigate the social dynamics that are found in tight-knit communities.
Love him or loathe him, Jeremy Clarkson is doing what many have tried to do for years. Clarkson’s Farm is showing the reality of farming in the UK and in doing so is connecting the public to the agricultural community. The good and the bad, the vast range of skills required, the extensive use of technology and science, the high costs, the importance of health and safety, and the complexity of managing the farming calendar, to name just a few topics that have been covered in the first few episodes.
Regenerative agriculture is a concept that is captivating many UK farmers as the sector plans for a greener emphasis for farming support payments. ‘Regen Ag’ focuses on soil regeneration, minimum tillage and mixed farming. Many ‘Regen’ advocates also place importance on the regeneration of communities as well as the land itself. It fascinates me to see how farmers are taking to social media, field events and asking for advice, aimed at making wholesale changes to their farm practices that are focused on environmental improvement and wider community engagement.
The Rural Youth Project, in partnership with Smart Village Scotland continues to develop the pioneering world-first youth centric Smart Village and are seeking five enthusiastic young people to join their team of Digital Champions. The voluntary role, which will be active from May to August 2021, will see the five new digital champions join a core team of ten young people who are driving the development of the platform. The new digital champions will receive personal and professional support as well as a contribution of £530 during the placement.
For centuries Britain held a strong position as world traders, but for the last 50 years, our trade has taken place predominantly across a narrow stretch of water between UK ports and the European trading block.
RSABI has launched a new programme to encourage young people to get involved with the organisation’s board. The charity, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is now accepting applications from people aged 18 to 30 for its Trainee Trustee programme.
Launched in March 2021, The YoungStock is aimed at any budding young farmer, or child interested in farming and the countryside. Packed full of stories and activities, the 32-page publication celebrates the environment, food production and seasonality. Founded by...
I’m from a really small village. When I say small, I mean it. Within the village of Rydal, which is located atop of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, Australia, there is a population of just 50 (depending on how many of my family are visiting).
Last week, it was with a very heavy heart that I sent out a press release for the Turriff Show committee announcing its cancellation for the second year in a row. It was a hard, but the right decision given the uncertainty Covid-19 is still creating for us all. Agricultural shows are such an iconic part of our farming sector, giving space and time to share the stories about our local foods, farmers, heritage and communities.