May 2026: Policy, cereal, beef, sheep and milk updates and a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS)

Along with our regular monthly updates on policy, cereals, beef, sheep and milk, in this edition we also have a spotlight on the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS). Time Stamps: 01:56 News in Brief 05:52 Policy Briefs – Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme 2025 payments, Groceries Code Adjudicator moves to Defra, Crofting and Scottish Land Cout Bill, Cairngorms National Park Fire Management Byelaw 10:26 Cereals – Latest news and market update 21:28 Beef – Latest news and market update 28:05 Sheep – Latest news and market update 32:42 Milk – Latest news and market update 40:08 Sector focus –Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) 45:37 Further Interest – Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple (article), Setting up a new grass ley for success (article), PCN and water scarcity (podcast). FAS Resources: Newsletters – Business & Policy Edition – Farm Advisory Service advice@fas.scot Other Resources: Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill Cairngorms Fire Management Byelaw Rural Roundup Podcast AECS Scoring Criteria Thrill of the Hill podcast – Where Policy Meets Pasture: The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David Brown Slatted Sheep Housing Made Simple – article Setting up a New Grass Ley for Success – article PCN & Water Scarcity – CropCast Podcasthttps://www.fas.scot/article/the-journey-of-a-soil-sample/ Publications: Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – latest update Monthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat production Labour Market Trends: April 2026 – gov.scot African swine fever in Europe – latest update The Environment Strategy for Scotland Rural Support Plan Consultations: Installation and maintenance licences for heat networks Communications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayers For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot