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Thrill Of The HillHill Farming In Scotland Author: Farm Advisory Service
This is a podcast about hill farming in Scotland, brought to you by the Scottish Farm Advisory Service. Scotlands Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable. Language: en Genres: Business, Nature, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Counting Carbon - Auditing the Uplands with James Orr
Episode 9
Thursday, 15 January, 2026
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 ResourcesRural Roundup - 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds) | FASRural Roundup - 2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics) | FASRural Roundup - 3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV) | FASRural Roundup - 4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two) | FASRural Roundup - 5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator) | FASRural Roundup - 6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation | FASFAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland
