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Compiled by Dr Ioanna Akoumianaki, Policy and Impact Officer, SEFARI Gateway.

An impact assessment on a fellowship that has shifted thinking but not yet reshaped policy.

Authors: Nicola Lambe & Claire Morgan-Davies (SRUC)

Experiments held at SRUC Hill & Mountain Research Centre with 239 and 392 lambs showed that 1) lamb body weight can help predict feed intake, and lamb feeding behaviour traits (feeding events, feeding frequency, feeding times) is a promising proxy to feed intake, and that 2) efficient lambs show different feeding behaviours.

For more information, visit the project page: Data driven innovations for improved sustainability of ruminant productions systems | SEFARI

Author: Claire Morgan-Davies (SRUC)

Regularly weighing ewes with EID-linked technologies has the potential to improve on farm sheep management and welfare monitoring. Work carried out at SRUC Hill & Mountain Research showed that ewe survival was strongly linked to ewe weight at weaning (August) and stockdraw (October). Regularly weighing ewes at those points should allow farmers to enhance animal performance and welfare of their flock.

For more information visit the research page: Data driven innovations for improved sustainability of ruminant productions systems | SEFARI

Food banks remain the dominant response to food insecurity in the UK but are widely recognised as inadequate and undignified. Social supermarkets (SSMs) have emerged as a potential alternative, offering discounted food in a retail setting that restores choice and reduces stigma. This study provides the first quantitative evidence in the UK on low-income users’ preferences for SSMs. A discrete choice experiment with 1,000 participants found that affordability and food quality, particularly access to fresh food, are the most important features. Overall, the most preferred model combines high discounts (above 50%), a wide range of fresh food, direct non-food support, and a commercial delivery model. While promising, challenges around sustainability and supply remain.

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This study examines low-income households’ experiences of food support and their views on the Cash-First approach, a key Scottish Government strategy to reduce reliance on food banks. All respondents are from low-income households (≤£20,000), making them the group most likely to use food aid and cash-based support. Using survey data from 1,019 participants, the findings show low awareness of Cash-First but strong preferences for flexible, accessible schemes delivered via bank transfers that cover broader living costs. Respondents value combining cash with support services. While promising, improving awareness, access, and sustainable funding is essential to maximise impact.

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