Many farmers will look with trepidation at the plans for English farm support: cutting direct payments, running no upland support or beef calf scheme, while focusing efforts onto environmental reward, is a sharp change from what many of us are used to.

But we shouldn’t judge too hastily, as further detail is still to emerge. Environmental payments could be heavily linked to grazing livestock, and grants for improved productivity could see a wave of new sheds spring up on farms.

However, this will not be as simple as the revenue funding model currently deployed through the Basic Payment Scheme and Less Favoured Area Support Scheme. Weaning farms off direct support by 2027 will be painful, with the retirement option of a lump sum appealing to many.

Scotland needs a rural payment plan soon, to provide clarity. The Scottish Government’s Stability and Simplicity consultation aims to maintain production and the rural economy, which many farmers should welcome.

However, the UK Government and other devolved administrations will be uncomfortable if our plans are seen to distort the UK market. Since food production has largely been left out of the Agriculture Bill, explicit reference to it in Scotland could be a flash point.

But just like disagreements on family farms, it’s best to talk it through sooner rather than letting it fester. Therefore, Fergus Ewing needs to quickly bring out solid proposals on how Scottish farmers will be supported, so a grown-up discussion can take place on how two different schemes can sit harmoniously on our islands in the Atlantic.

Kate is great

I’d like to congratulate Kate Rowell in her appointment as chair of Quality Meat Scotland. It’s a tough act to follow Jim McLaren, but I know Kate will do an excellent job at the top. With fewer than 200 days until Brexit, there is no shortage of challenges ahead.