Toplines and Tales

172 - Special Announcement of a wonderful new book on the history of Aberdeen-Angus cattle

I may have been quiet on the podcast front for a while as I have been very busy writing. We can now announce that we have just competed a 2 and half year project writing the History of Aberdeen-Angus in the US, UK and worldwide. In this episode, Dr Bob Hough and I discuss what you can expect in this coffee-table styled book, as well as how it came together and the challenges this 540 page tome presented. You can find more about it at www.angushistorybook.com 

4 - Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz - Quiz number 4

Welcome to our fourth Toplines and Tales Podquiz. 4 more rounds this week, which include sports people in livestock, a new special livestock Music round, plus a final round on the history of livestock.
So go on, pitch in with your livestock knowledge, just for fun. Answers at the end. #quiz #quizzing #sheepquiz #cattlequiz 

171 - Characters in Livestock - Jim McMillan snr

Another great guest in this series about characters in the livestock scene, again a man who needs no introduction, top stockman Jim McMillan. Having just had his 90th birthday, Jim tells of his start with showing fatstock and his great successes at Smithfield, as well as his days with Seawell charolais and the unrivaled show cow, Kilkenny Celia. We also hear about his highly successful stint at Moston Muir with Angus and Galloways. 
Photo courtesy TSF

2 - Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz - Quiz number 2

Welcome to our second Toplines and Tales Podquiz. Only 4 rounds this week and a much more international flavour to suit some of our listeners around the world
So go on, pitch in with your livestock knowledge, just for fun. Answers at the end. #quiz #quizzing #sheepquiz #cattlequiz 

3 - Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz - Quiz number 3

Embark on an enlightening journey through the diverse world of livestock with the "Top Lines and Tales Livestock Quiz". This intriguing trivia session will challenge your knowledge on a variety of subjects related to sheep, cattle breeds, sale locations, diseases, and much more!
Decode the language of sheep, identify the origins of different breeds, and feed your curiosity with astounding facts about the sheer number of sheep in Australia and unravel the mysteries behind the infamous foot rot disease. Dive into the broad diversity of livestock across geographical boundaries and crack industry-specific acronyms as you enjoy these enthralling episodes.
Extend your understanding with questions about cattle breeds, their origins, and their characteristics. Take a closer look at breeds such as the stabiliser, the Dexter, and many more. Conclude this farmyard voyage by shedding light on the myostatin gene and the origins of the Pinsgauer cattle.
With this quiz, you won't just be testing your knowledge, but immersing yourself into an educational and intriguing exploration of the heart of the livestock world. Prepare for the ultimate challenge and brace yourself for a bountiful discovery. Tune in to "Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz" now!
This was written by a robot! 

170 - Characters in Livestock - John Cameron

John Cameron CBE is a man that needs no introduction. From being Scotland’s largest sheep farmer, running 800 suckler cows, a beef cattle contract with Waitrose and a herd of pedigree Hereford cattle, we chat live at his farm in Fife about his incredible career in agriculture. We also have a fun a great chat about his other passion, trains, hearing some superb stories from the great man in this unmissable episode!  

169 - Characters in Livestock - Neil Wattie

Neil Wattie from Aberdeenshire runs one of the top herds of Aberdeen-Angus in Britain. Talking us through the beginnings and the initial families in his Tonley herd, it is not hard to see why he and his son Mark are now consistently at the forefront of the breed in UK. We also hear about his ‘day job’ as head of a large agricultural machinery dealership and a few ventures into other breeds but is his passion for the Angus characteristics that definitely shine through in this informative chat.

1 - Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz - Quiz number 1

Try your luck on the Toplines and Tales Livestock Quiz, hosted by Andy Frazier. Our very first quiz this week has 5 rounds, although one of those is visual. This quiz is mainly UK and Ireland based questions although future quizzes will include questions from the rest of the world.
Round 3, Logos round can be found here https://andyfrazier.wixsite.com/ttquiz

168 - Characters in Livestock - Sally Crowe

Welcome to an engaging episode of 'Toplines and Tails' featuring Sally Crowe, a renowned and inspiring crofter from Caithness renowned for her efforts in wool wrapping and diversification in agriculture. Sally, a single mother inheriting a 25-acre croft, is a shining example of women empowerment in the field of agriculture. Follow along with her intriguing journey which spans from her cattle and sheep rearing, to remote working, global travels, wool handling show participation, and striving in the face of debilitating illness.
With resilience unmatched, Sally, even after falling victim to Q fever, continued with the extensive farming tasks, working uphill towards recovery. In this episode, you learn how adversity fostered creativity and brought about sustainable farming practices. Delve into the insights of an energetic, single parent balancing work and family while also care-taking elderly parents.
Gain a unique perspective on managing responsibilities while maintaining optimism. Learn about the intriguing parts of farm life, including rotational grazing, legislating regenerative agriculture, and being part of a fascinating Irish cow breed society. Based far north of Inverness, Sally successfully navigates these daily chores with a sense of humour and determination.
Turn up the volume as we explore Sally's progressive journey, who emerged successful despite odds. Starting from a humble, small-scale farmer, she is now leveraging social media to broaden her farming business while establishing direct consumer connections. This episode also delves into the intricate relationship between environment-friendly farming practices, carbon audits, and sustainability.
Dive into discussions as Sally discusses her success using social platforms extending from Facebook to TikTok. Disproving misconceptions about digital technology among farming communities, Sally's use of social platforms is indeed a journey not to be missed.
In the last part of the episode, Sally shares her insights on the quintessence of farming, discussing financial aspects, environmental issues, crucial farm data and emergency planning from her wealth of experience. Revealing how emergency planners strengthen families and the farming community, she also touches upon challenges and learnings from her journey.
Tune into this riveting dialogue to get an exceptional perspective into farming and the potential for innovative and worthwhile business opportunities within the industry, offered by the inspiring Sally Crowe.
BTW, an AI machine wrote this text! Pretty good eh?

167 - Characters in Livestock - Esmor Evans

Often referred to as the Welsh Wizard, Esmor Evans needs no introduction, being one of the nations leading cattle breeders for a number of decades. As well as the successes of his top herd of Maerdy Charolais cattle, we chat about his other herds/flocks along with his business as a full-time vet in this highly interesting episode.