Net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 was a target Minette Batters backed at the NFU conference in England.

A target which Scottish farmers and our Government have shied away from, for good reason.

However, if English farmers believe they can hit zero emissions, then UK government targets won’t be far behind.

With the current technology, the only realistic option to get to net zero is a dramatic increase in tree planting, which can damage fragile farming areas if not done sensitively.

The conference also talked about the high standards of our food production which will help grow exports and prevent imports.

However, speaking to some American representatives about hitting UK specifications they are quite relaxed about it, stating that if the market is here then they can set up a supply chain to fit. They are clearly taking this opportunity seriously.

Next week Neil Parish MP, who chairs the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, is flying to Washington for the farming outlook conference.

Time for a strong NSA

The new chair of National Sheep Association in Scotland, Jen Craig, will have lots to get her teeth into, building on the hard work of outgoing chair John Fyall.

As a real hill farmer who knows what it’s like to be rearing lambs in Lanarkshire, she will speak with authority on the challenges in the industry.

With Brexit less than 900 hours away, there has never been such a critical time for lamb producers.