Guest blog: Mary-Jane Lawrie - Connecting and learning through winter

Mary-Jane Lawrie, Senior Agricultural Consultant with SAC Consulting, Edinburgh office explains why discussion societies are still so popular across Scotland…

On weekday evenings through winter, farmers and those working in the industry gather in pubs and village halls across rural Scotland. They're there for Agricultural Discussion Society meetings. A simple, practical way to stay connected through the winter months - regular meetings where you can catch up with others, hear something interesting, and remember you're part of a wider community

I'd never heard of Agricultural Discussion Societies until I joined SAC Consulting back in 2011 and went to my first meeting. I was still in Young Farmers at the time, and it struck me how important these regular catchups are - not just for learning, but for staying connected with people who understand farming life.

Young Farmers is brilliant for that. Some folk are at multiple events a week, building friendships and networks that last for years. But when you age out, it can leave quite a gap. When I first started attending discussion societies, it was mostly older farmers in the room. Now you'll see everyone from teenagers right through to retired farmers - proof that we all benefit from regular connection, whatever age we are.

There are discussion societies right across Scotland, each with their own style. Some are formal affairs with committees and structured programmes, while others take a more relaxed approach. Most organise a winter syllabus of monthly indoor meetings, and many add in day trips or evening visits to farm businesses, wool processing facilities, distilleries, seed merchants or auction marts.

I spoke to some of my SAC colleagues who run some of these societies across Scotland to find out what makes them work and why farmers keep coming back…

Connecting with others - Farmstrong's first step to wellbeing

Jennifer Struthers, Senior Consultant and Area Manager for SAC Consulting, helped run the Lanarkshire Agricultural Discussion Society for over 10 years. She says the real value happens after the formal part of the evening: "People come along for the speaker and to learn, but the main benefit is the chat afterwards. Once the speaker's finished, people often settle in for the rest of the evening with a cuppa. It's a chance to catch up with folk they otherwise wouldn't see."

George Gauley, Senior Consultant with SAC in St Boswells and secretary for the Kelso Agricultural Discussion Society, runs meetings that regularly draw around 50 people of different ages and backgrounds. "It's a chance for people to come together during the winter months. People catch up with others from the area and hear from a speaker on something topical. It's a good opportunity for farmers to network, get new ideas and think outside the box. Our meetings are farmer-led and topics aren't too technical. It's very informal and relaxed, often with a pint and a bit of craic afterwards."

Keep learning - another step to wellbeing

The topics covered at these societies range from practical farming matters to broader industry issues. Recent meetings have included discussions on renewable energy, agro-forestry, farm safety and security talks, debates on current issues, and visits to agricultural businesses. It's learning that doesn't feel like a formal course - just interesting speakers and conversations with people who understand farming.

Social wellbeing opportunity

Senior Consultant and Area Manager for SAC, Jack Munro, along with farmer James Rankin, set up a new society in Stirling in 2024. Jack explains: "There hasn't been a discussion society in the area for many years. James approached me with the idea to set one up. We've got active Young Farmers clubs locally, but this gives us scope to bring everyone from across the industry together. It's a nice social event. We've got our winter meetings planned, including 'how I farm' nights, farm safety talks - including one from the Scottish Air Ambulance - and some debate nights coming up. I'm looking forward to it."

Finding your local society

There's no central register of Agricultural Discussion Societies, and many aren't online, but they're not hard to track down. There is a list of the ones we know of at the end of this blog. If you know of one not listed, you can email hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk and it will be added to the list.

Your local SAC Consulting office is a good contact point - consultants are often involved in running local societies. Many societies now organise through WhatsApp, Facebook groups or send meeting invitations by email.

Give it a try

Agricultural Discussion Societies are a practical way to put two of Farmstrong Scotland's five steps to wellbeing into action: connect and keep learning. The format is simple - turn up, hear from a speaker, and stay for a chat if you want to. Most are drop-in with no commitment needed.

With meetings running through the winter months, there's plenty of opportunity to give it a go. Whether you come for the speaker, the conversation, or both - it's a straightforward way to connect with others and get new ideas. Your local society would be glad to see a new face, so have a look for your nearest one and go along!

Useful Information

Want to find your local society?

1. Search online for ‘agricultural discussion society’ in your area.
2. Contact your local SAC Consulting office
3. Ask neighbouring farmers if they attend meetings

What to expect:

• Most societies meet monthly on weekday evenings
• Usually minimal cost – examples £15pp for the season
• Usually food or refreshments included – one less thing to think about before you leave the house
• Dress code typically casual (though a few are more formal)
• Up to two speakers for 30-45 minutes each, then informal chat
• No pressure to stay the whole evening or attend every meeting

Groups we know of and the regions they cover