Specialist projects

Our farm advisers and specialist consultants are continuing to help famers and land managers become more carbon conscious, protect the environment and increase biodiversity on and around their holding, whilst maintaining a profitable and sustainable business.

We are currently working with farmers as part of four key initiatives:

Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC)

FFBC provides practical support to benefit the farm and help reduce our impact on the climate. Taking action as a sector, both to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to a changing climate, will secure farm viability for future generations.

FFBC is run by SRUC on behalf of the Scottish Government. We combine ideas trialled by our volunteer Climate Change Focus Farms and information from up-to-the-minute scientific research.

We offer practical advice to help you choose the most relevant measures to improve both your farm performance and resilience to future climate change effects.

Learn more on the FFBC website

Farming and Water Scotland

Working in partnership with SEPA and with funding from Scottish Government, SAC Consulting are helping farmers and land managers protect and improve water quality around the farm.

Some of this is accomplished by making the best use of water resources whilst reducing pollution risk.

Learn more on the Farming and Water Scotland website

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS)

FAS is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which is funded by the Scottish Government, providing information and resources aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts.

Grant support, a full programme of events, a subscription service for crofts and small farms, and a range of articles and publications form the core of this service which is designed to provide integrated advice for farmers and crofters across Scotland.

Learn more on the FAS website

Farm Carbon Storage Network

This project seeks to raise awareness of the value of carbon stored on farms through the establishment of a Farm Carbon Storage Network. Funded by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF), 5 farms have been selected to participate in this phase. The carbon stock on each representative farm will be estimated by combining soil testing and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) aerial surveys. This information shared from this network will enable farmers across the country to estimate their own carbon storage and to ignite ideas for increasing carbon sequestration on farms.

Learn more

New resources to help farmers manage land with beavers

The Farm Advisory Service has published new resources to help farmers learn about managing land with beavers.

FAS issues body conditioning scoring tips amid reports of more caesareans

The importance of managing body conditioning scores has been highlighted following reports of an increased number of caesarean sections in calving cows.

SAC Consulting celebrates its first cohort of Carbon Literate citizens

SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) is taking significant steps to enhance its Carbon Literacy credentials.

New FAS TV show for farmers

A new agricultural show which recreates traditional on-farm visits is being launched by the Farm Advisory Service (FAS).

All sustainability news

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Climate change

SAC Consulting provides advice and guidance on topics ranging from energy use and renewables to improving nutrient use and better livestock management on farms, helping to improve performance while also lowering your carbon footprint.

Renewable energy

SAC Consulting expert, impartial support covers a wide range of renewable energy technologies, from wind energy, hydropower, heat pumps, biomass, anaerobic digestion, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic.

Soil, water, air & waste

SAC Consulting supports protecting our soil, water, air and managing our waste as key ways to minimising the risk of causing pollution while protecting our natural resources.