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Scottish government to establish dairy brand
Milk
"This will help to deliver the support our dairy farmers need to face the future with confidence and certainty in the face of the changing price of milk.” 
Plan to boost the profile of Scottish products

A Scottish dairy brand to promote products at home and overseas will be launched this year, the Scottish government have announced.

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament's committee yesterday, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said that he will shortly publish a detailed dairy action plan.

The plan will contain a proposal for a dairy brand and a showcase for retailers and overseas buyers to boost the profile of Scottish products, as well as a range of other measures reflecting Mr. Lochhead's discussion with the Committee.

“Here in Scotland we can produce some of the best cheese, butter and other dairy products around. I want to make it easier for consumers to choose Scottish products first – providing much needed support to local farmers and boosting the Scottish economy. I also want to help our dairy farmers capitalise on the proud reputation of Scottish food and drink and access more export opportunities.

“Establishing a dairy brand will help consumers recognise the Scottish option and promote Scottish produce to overseas buyers. Our planned showcase will put the spotlight firmly on our fantastic produce for retailers in Scotland and buyers from around the globe.

“The support does not end there. I will shortly publish an action plan to help ensure a more sustainable future for the industry. This will help to deliver the support our dairy farmers need to face the future with confidence and certainty in the face of the changing price of milk.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.