Search

In response to growing concerns about biodiversity loss in agriculture, SEFARI scientists are evaluating the environmental impacts of antiparasitic treatments used in UK livestock farming. These essential veterinary medicines, whilst critical for animal health and welfare, can adversely affect non-target species such as dung beetles, soil and aquatic fauna. Insects contribute to healthy farm ecosystems including nutrient cycling, soil health, pest suppression and serving as a food source for wildlife.  Working in collaboration with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and industry groups (SCOPS and COWS), SEFARI scientists are generating evidence to inform best practice guidance on the use and disposal of antiparasitics. This work supports the Scottish Government’s Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) initiative and aligns with priorities set by the Agricultural Reform and Implementation Oversight Board (ARIOB). We have helped establish the SCOPS/COWS Environmental Working Groups and developed accessible resources and messaging to promote sustainable parasite control. The newly formed SEFARI Environmentally-friendly Livestock Farming (ELF) group is now shaping future research and policy, ensuring animal health strategies support environmental and regulatory goals.

Team members of the SRP-funded Healthy Soils for a Green Recovery project are supporting a transition towards Regenerative Agriculture in Scotland. Working with leading experts, practitioners, and using data from SRP-funded projects such as Healthy Soils, team members led the writing of and contributed to an influential evidenced-based British Ecological Society report and a UK government POSTNote on Regenerative Agriculture. Primary impact was achieved through report outcomes being clearly reflected in the 2025 Scottish Government Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture. Additional impact was generated through invited presentations, for example, to the EU Climate Mission, RESAS, and Greenbank Investments; press coverage in over 400 media articles (sectoral and general); and radio and television interviews. Moreover, team members contributed to a CxC report on Understanding Metrics for Effective Environmental Measures under the Agricultural Reform Programme for Scotland that will enable trajectories of Regenerative Agriculture outcomes to be measured.

Cattle Tracing System (CTS) data analysis underpins a series of evidence papers to policymakers. Initial analysis informed a conceptual paper on opportunities for the introduction increased conditionality in the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme.  Bespoke analysis was then undertaken for the SSBSS Reform Stakeholder Group in helping it form advice on scheme design to officials and Ministers.  Analysis on payment rates linked CTS data with RPID data, and further analysis on mortality and seasonality was undertaken in response to industry concerns following Cabinet Secretary announcement of the 410-day calving interval eligibility criteria from 2025.  Presentations were made to officials, stakeholder groups, industry and ARIOB.  Further analysis forms the evidence for a small herd derogation that was announced by the Minister.  Analysis continues to inform the Livestock Genetics Group, the Strategic Advisory Group on the National GHG Inventory for the Scottish Beef Sector, and informs the annual Climate Change Plan monitoring report.

Integrated technologies are used to improve livestock productivity and welfare, making it easier for farmers to track individuals and individual responses. Two different systems are being developed: one using in abattoir real-time imaging technologies to assess carcass traits and quality, giving moderate-high accuracy and the second one based on a calf ear-tag sensor combined with environmental and automatic feeder data. Different models and algorithms are being built and tested to (1) remove subjectivity from the carcass grading process and (2) build a comprehensive system to predict calf disease. These technologies will improve cattle health, farm management and industry efficiency.

The statistical design of a soil monitoring framework influences the questions that it may be able to answer and the magnitude of change that will need to have taken place before a trend is detectable. We are developing options for how best to use valuable legacy data to underpin a monitoring framework and methodologies for the integration of data collected through different sampling schemes and at different spatial scales. This will allow a range of policy questions to be addressed by providing a better overall understanding of soil condition and change and the associated uncertainties