Farming Scotland Magazine (May - June 2016)

ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW - 51 PAGE PREVIEW INSIDE

Tuathanachas Alba

magazine

Royal Highland Show Scotgrass Open Farm Sunday Scotsheep Scottish Game Fair

Flavour of Scotland Orkney Preserves

Luing Cattle Society 50th anniversary

‘Isolation Shepherd’ Part 4 of our book serialisation

Our Farm Shop Pillars of Hercules, Fife

Scottish Country Life With Linda Mellor

In Focus Blackadders Solicitors

Beatha an Eilean Life on the islands Whisky Special readers offer

World Farming Mauritius The Interview With Willie Gill Chairman of RHASS

£3.00

june 2016

Scotland’s national farming & rural lifestyle magazine

Country Woman with Lindsey Storie Plus Drovers Tales s Art s Investing in People Machinery s Lifestyle s Cars including all of our regular news sections and columns

contents

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june 2016

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MAIN FEATURES

100

10

Scotgrass

ISOLATION SHEPHERD

24

Open Farm Sunday

33

Royal Highland Show Preview

98

86

Luing Cattle Society

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE

100 Scotsheep 116 Scottish Game Fair

113 With Linda Mellor

FLAVOUR of SCOTLAND 16

BEATHA AN EILEAN 114 Life on the Islands

Orkney Preserves etc.

OUR FARM SHOP 19

Pillars of Hercules, Fife

Blackadders

Mauritius

With Willie Gill, Chairman of RHASS

ART 143 With Carole Ingram

NEWS

DROVERS TALES 93

COUNTRY WOMAN 138 Featuring Lindsey Storie

THE INTERVIEW 28

115 Special readers offer

120 With Melanie Scott

WORLD FARMING 25

WHISKY EQUINE TRIED & TESTED

IN FOCUS 20

Part 4 of our book serialisation

Diary of Ken Headspeath

EDITOR & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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Arable Potatoes

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com

116 22 23 29 32 84 88 94 103 108 109 118 121 122 123 124 125 128 140 145 147

EU News Organics Renewable Energy Environment Beef Livestock Dairy Sheep Pigs Estate Horses Future Farmer Investing in People Science & Technology Gadgets Finance Machinery Lifestyle @Home Cars

COLUMNS 6 9 15 17 18 23

Editor’s bit In my view Crofting Let’s Cook Farmers Markets Scottish Organic Producers Association 32 Farming for the Climate 85 Quality Meat Scotland 91 The Vet 97 NFU Scotland 103 NSA Scotland 107 Young Shepherd 111 Scottish Land & Estates

ADVERTISING MANAGER Barry Tweed Tel. 01738 550157 Email: barry@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

138 119 121 127 137 139 141 142 150 150

Equine Angle S.A.Y.F.C. The Money Man Farm Watch Southern Belle Rural Style R.S.A.B.I. People on the move Book Review

SUBSCRIPTION 144 Order your own copy here.

NEXT ISSUE Will be out on 1st July.

Features including: *NEW (Shooting Scotland Magazine supplement), Combines, Telehandlers, Forestry & Planting Equipment, Perth Show, Turiff Show, Livestock Haulage, Livestock Equipment, Renewable Energy, Focus.

If interested in advertising or supplying articles, please call us on 01738 639747.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Trevor Knights Tel. 01738 447378 Email: trevor.knights@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT This publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD. Contents disclaimer: FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is not responsible for any factual inaccuracies within press information supplied to us. Any concerns regarding such matters should be directed to the supplier of the materials.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd., Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747 est 1994

ISSN: 2041–918X

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arable editor's bit Home grown first

This is just a personal opinion, but I honestly have no desire to buy beef or lamb from the other side of the planet. I have even seen lamb from Peru in my local supermarket, what’s that all about?

I listen to UK Government ministers go on about the EU and cheaper imported produce and how good that is for the consumer, and I think to myself, really?

When the first thing our UK and Scottish Governments should be doing is supporting UK and Scottish farming respectively, I feel like screaming when I hear such guff about importing cheaper food.

As if that is the be all and end all of things!

Now I know many people have low budgets, and I get that, but the point should be the quality of what we all eat, and supporting our own.

With summer looming large and the weather improving (well at least as I scribble this down!!), I have plans to visit many farms shops around Scotland, they are fab.

This year the Fleming household is taking long weekend trips rather than an extended single holiday, so discovering new rural farm shops will be a joy and a pleasure.

It is a network that needs more promoting to the general public.

There are plenty of campaigns on Lamb and Beef etc, but there should also be one for Farm Shops too – on TV, Radio and Press.

It is time to get the public into farms shops and locally reared fantastic produce – that’s what I am saying here.

Slàinte, Athole.

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Should Oilseed rape feature in your 2017 crop planning?

Oilseed Rape is frequently called the “banker crop” on most arable farms, and is probably the best autumnplanted rotational break crop and entry for 1st wheats. The un-known is what its actual value might be when the crop is marketed says Colin Button, Hutchinsons seed manager, as he examines the place and importance of OSR as a crop option for UK farmers this autumn.

“This time last year, the price indicators showed wheat around £140/t and oilseed rape hovering in the low £200’s. In the face of the low potential returns and the anticipated establishment difficulties from Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) attack, many growers have decided to reduce the rape area they planted,” he says.

The AHDB autumn 2015 planted area survey figures now

shows a reduction in planted rape area of 10% to 548,000Ha (vs 2015 harvest area of 611,000Ha).

“What we now know is that wheat prices have fallen dramatically and there has been an improvement in rapeseed values which, when added to oil bonuses, makes the OSR crop

look much more attractive than could have been anticipated a year ago.”

“In fact OSR is approaching 2.5 times the value of wheat - a rule of thumb which was always said to govern where the crop price should be to justify its place in a farm’s crop rotation.”

Barenbrug launches fast growing Barspectra II Forage grass experts from Barenbrug UK today announced the availability of Barspectra II, a tetraploid westerwold ryegrass that establishes incredibly quickly and provides large bulky yields of high quality palatable grass throughout the growing season.

Ideal for silage and hay production, Barspectra II is available to UK farmers for the first time following a successful trial at Barenbrug’s Cropvale research site near Evesham in Worcestershire.

Originally listed in Italy, Barspectra II has similar growth habits to other Italian ryegrasses, making it ideal for UK use.

Delivering excellent resistance to lodging, frost and disease, Barspectra II is a good choice

for farmers that want to extend the growing season in both spring and autumn. Providing very high dry matter yields per hectare, Barspectra II produces a massive first cut but goes on to perform consistently throughout

the year, making it suitable for use in multi-cut systems. In terms of nutritional value and palatability, Barspectra II has high digestibility, crude protein content and is rich in soluble sugars.

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arable UK trials of Barspectra II began in September 2014.

The aim was to assess the growing potential of different westerwold varieties in the UK; currently there is no recommended list for westerwolds in the UK. As

well as yield the team observed characteristics such as ground cover, stem to leaf ratio and persistency.

Significant differences were observed in all aspects of the trial with yield differences reaching over 4t DM/ha. Five

cuts of Barspectra were taken over the course of the trial in March, May, June, August and October – with the May and June cuts accounting for 64.2% of the yield. Where other varieties tailed off after the third cut in June, Barspectra

II kept on yielding. Overall, results showed that Barspectra II offered a 9.1% improvement on Bartempo – which performed least well in the trial – with the potential to give 6.89t/ha FRWT more (1.38tDM worth £192 if dry matter is valued at £140/t).

BGS launches Grassland Farmer of the Year competition 2016 The ‘Grassland Farmer of the Year’ competition run by the British Grassland Society and sponsored by DLF and Yara has been launched.

The hunt is on to find the grassland champion for 2016, and is open to entries from affiliated Local Grassland Societies and BGS members in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The prize-winning farmer will be someone who demonstrates overall excellence in grassland management and who runs profitable and sustainable farming practices.

Previous winners include many of the UK’s top dairy, sheep and beef farmers. They have all demonstrated excellence in their grazing, soil and nutrient management, reseeding policy, silage-making or alternative cropping, livestock production and environmental considerations, whilst still making a profit.

The judging panel this year will consist of head judge Glasnant Morgan, who is a former competition winner and beef and sheep farmer from Powys, John Read of seeds company DLF, John Moore of fertiliser manufacturer Yara and last year’s winner Colin Boggs, a dairy farmer from Northern Ireland.

Over the coming months, Regional Council Members of the British Grassland Society will organise the judging of local society winners across their area, and inform BGS of the regional winner going through to the national stage of the competition.

The competition winner holds the title and glass trophy for a year, and also receives a cheque for £500.

Key dates for 2016 Friday 3 June – Local Grassland Societies to notify their Regional Council Member of their winner

Go early to avoid loss in maize yields Early removal of competitive weeds from maize crops is so important that, for most situations, a pre-emergence residual herbicide should be seen as a standard option, according to Maize Growers Association consultant and agronomist, Simon Draper.

Speaking at a Syngenta Fast Start for Maize Agronomy meeting, he reported growers

should always err on controlling weeds at the earliest possible opportunity, with the potential for competition and yield loss effects before the crop even reaches the four-leaf stage.

“It’s far better if weeds can be taken out with the crop at the twoleaf stage, which requires good identification skills when weeds are just coming up, combined with risk assessment of knowing

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(excluding Wales where dates are set by the Federation of Welsh Grassland Societies).

Friday 15 July – Regional Council Members to notify BGS of their regional winner.

Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 August – National judging takes place to select the overall winner for 2016. Entrants must be

available for the judges to visit the farm on one of these dates.

For full details about the competition, how to enter and a list of Regional Council Members, please visit the British Grassland Society website www. britishgrassland.com or contact Rachel Mumford at BGS on rachel@britishgrassland.com.

arable the field, expected weed burden and seasonal conditions.

“I would always advocate a pre-emergence treatment, if soil conditions allow,” he advised.

“It will significantly open up the window and the options for post emergence treatment.

“And, if the post-emergence treatment is delayed, it will crucially buy some flexibility in

the follow-up timing.” Simon pointed out that if treatment is left beyond the crop’s four-leaf stage, by the time the herbicide has taken action and the threat of competition eliminated, it could have had a serious impact on final yield.

Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Iain Hamilton, advocated pre-emergence herbicide treatment

was especially important in known weedy situations - where the huge flush of weeds would likely be too much for a single post-emergence treatment – and to offer better control of some difficult weeds.

“Dual Gold is a very good starting point for grass weeds, along with an extremely useful range of broad-leaved weeds,” he advised. “Importantly it

provides another different mode of chemistry for grass weed control, including Black grass and Barnyard grass that can be a real issue for many maize growers. “Also, getting on top of the selected broad-leaved weeds early can make a real difference in effect with the follow up post-emergence treatments to complete the weed spectrum.”

Beetle hits open wounds for Sclerotinia infection Extreme levels of Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle activity occurring in oilseed rape plants this spring could seriously increase risk for Sclerotinia infection. Damage to leaf petioles from as the larvae emerge, will leave an easy entry point for disease pathogens to get in.

A two-spray Amistar programme offers growers the best chance to protect crops from Sclerotinia attack, and to help affected plants to compensate for the lost leaf damage.

Although Sclerotinia risk has, so far, been low this season, with cool temperatures through March and early April, there is ample soil moisture for primed apothecia to produce ascospores as soon as soil temperatures rise,

warned Syngenta Field Technical Manager, James Southgate.

He highlighted that, hitherto, the relatively weak Sclerotinia pathogen has primarily relied on decaying fallen leaf petal material to generate activity to infect plants. But physical damage to stems and leaf petioles has also been recognised as potential disease infection points - which has become significantly greater with the high beetle numbers.

“Amistar will provide essential protection from the potential disease risk.

Importantly, its highly systemic activity will help assure movement of the fungicide activity to the damage points on the leaf, to prevent infection,” he advised.

SY Harnas powers away for OSR growth Oilseed rape crops have responded to longer day length and warmer temperatures, with the hybrid vigour of SY Harnas powering away with new growth.

The differences in development have been clearly evident on the northern and Scottish Syngenta Innovation Centres this week (21 March), reports the company’s Technical Manager, Dave King.

“The growth habit of SY Harnas over the winter has been compact, with most the hybrid vigour channelled into root development,” he says. “Now it is powering away and using that energy to create a plant structure and green leaf canopy that can take most advantage of 8

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the longer day length in Scotland and the north of England.”

Over the past three years, SY Harnas has consistently proven the highest yielding oilseed rape variety for Scotland and the north.

This season’s Syngenta Innovation Centre trials - which are designed to mirror real farm situations and demonstrate the practical application of pioneering new technologies - have shown 40% more growth on the SY Harnas plots sown at 50 seeds per m2, compared to conventional ‘00’ variety, DK Cabernet. At lower plant populations, from sowings of just 20 seeds per m2, the differences were even more visual.

In my view

arable

By John Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Fife

“Furthermore, the SY Harnas leaves are now significantly greener and healthier, with far less purpling or die back,” reports Dave. “They are far better placed to photosynthesise to drive yield and oil content.” Trials in Lincolnshire have also shown real promise for boosting green leaf growth with a manganese seed treatment, he adds.

Syngenta Area Manager for Scotland, Iain Lindsay, highlights that many of the oilseed crops that had gone through the winter

with very forward growth in the mild conditions, have more recently been hit by the frosty nights and cold easterly winds.

The effects have been evident on the company’s Innovation Centre at Berwick, he reports.

“The forward crops have visibly gone backwards and lost leaf area, which has proven a waste of nitrogen and growth potential,” he warns. The loss of each unit of Green Area Index from leaf die back equates to 50 kg of N per hectare.

Growth surge demands strong regulation Cereal crops checked by the cold start to spring, are expected to leap forward with the onset of warmer weather and rising soil temperatures. South West Agronomy’s, Stephen Harrison, advocates a strong PGR programme now, to help give high yielding plants the strength to stay standing through to harvest.

“Most crops have already had an initial application at GS 30-31 (final leaf four), combined with the prolonged natural growth check in the cold weather,” he advised.

“But with the warmer and wet conditions, along with the latent fertility from fertiliser applications, the expected bounce-back and growth potential means we are needing something stronger now.”

His recommendation for high yielding crops is a mix of Moddus at 0.1 to 0.2 l/ha, in tank mix with a reduced rate of chlormequat.

That is most likely to go on in combination with a fungicide at the GS 32 (final leaf three) timing.

“I believe that it really is vital to get the early PGR programme in place at the right time, even

if we then follow up with a final application, of ethephon, at GS 37 to 39 on the biggest crops,” he said.

“Trying to do it all at the final late timing really doesn’t work.”

The aim of the Moddus application now is to shorten basal internodes and overall crop height, as well as strengthening the stem to counteract the leverage of heavy yield ears later in the season. He advocated applications are based on specific crops’ vigour and growth, rather than individual varieties.

“Most of the highest yielding modern varieties, such as Evolution, Diego and Lili, for example, are all relatively tall, which are more susceptible to wind blow and lodging. We need to give them the best chance to stay standing.”

Stephen highlighted that the Moddus/chlormequat combination only counts as one component in a supported threeway tank-mix, which makes it an ideal option for a T1 application with Keystone and Bravo fungicides, for example.

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Politics and farming Ever since the late 1940’s politics have played a meaningful part of UK agriculture. In the immediate post war years when the emphasis was on increased food production to help feed a population that had suffered for a decade the effects of food shortages and food rationing successive British Governments had introduced a range of incentives to British farmers to encourage them to farm to a maximum capacity.

These measures ranged from headage payments to deficiency payments together with various forms of financial assistance for both capital grant and improvement schemes such as fencing, draining and re-seeding and the like. In due course a number of regulatory marketing boards were established – all of which had sensible mechanisms of production incentives.

The amazing and satisfying outcome was that all these incentives actually worked and production rose significantly and farmers invested heavily in their land. Because of the financial assistance being offered to farmers home produced food reached the shops at reasonable price levels to the consumers.

Incidentally – on hindsight, - the farming industry never really adequately explained to the consumers the real effect that agricultural subsidies had on keeping food prices at sustainable levels. Phrases like ‘Subsidy Junkies’ and ‘Barley Barons’ have come back to haunt us on a number of occasions! Particularly as we were by no means the only British Industry to be heavily subsidised at that time during the 60’s.

In due course the UK joined the EU in which both at that time and since agriculture was the one truly ‘common policy’ initially accounting for over

80% of the EU Budget and even today the CAP amounts to around half the present EU Budget.

So little wonder then that agricultural production continued to rise steadily with food shortages in Europe becoming a rarity. And in spite of all the increasing Brussels ‘red tape’ – and I get as frustrated as anyone – the EU agricultural Budget has until now played an important part in maintaining Scottish Farmers’ incomes.

But what of the future for agricultural support in the UK? Agriculture is now much more a global commodity and our prices are now much more subject to world levels of production as well as International Currency fluctuations. Witness the present price levels of some of our major commodities. And now – on top of all that in a few weeks’ time we as farmers as well as everyone else are being asked to take a decision as to whether or not we want to remain in the EU and to my mind the most appalling problem which is facing Scottish Farmers – or UK farmers for that matter – is that we do not have the vital information we need to make the crucial and critical decision.

We can all work out that if we leave the EU we will – in due course find that we are no longer recipients of the CAP fund. Equally importantly are we going to have continued access to the EU market and on what terms?

I find it incomprehensible that so far none of the political parties – without exception – have told us what ‘Plan B’ will be as far as replacing the current EU financial support to agriculture.

Not even the present Junior Agricultural Minister at DEFRA who is – I am told – a supporter of exiting the EU – has dared to put his head above the parapet and tell us what the future holds.

Crichton Royal plays host to ScotGrass 2016 ScotGrass 2016 is held on Wednesday 18th May and returns to Acrehead Farm at the SRUC Dairy Research Unit, Crichton Royal Dumfries.

The event is sponsored by Volac and gives farmers and contractors the opportunity to see a wide range of products on show for the first time as manufacturers put new machinery through its paces.

Event organiser Duncan Russell said: “ScotGrass 2016 is

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on course to be even bigger than the 2013 event and farm manager Hugh McClymont is reporting good grass growth and with some dry weather the site will be in excellent condition with plenty of grass for the event.”

“The event will give farmers and contractors the chance to

see new technology at work in practical farm conditions.

Alongside the working demonstrations there will be advice covering all levels of grass conservation and livestock issues as well as a full static exhibition,” added Duncan.

Volac regional product manager Jackie Bradley says, ““As well as our Ecosyl experts advising on best practice for silage-making on the forage conservation section of the event’s Knowledge Trail, our stand will also offer practical information on the latest techniques for minimising losses and maximising feed value,” she added.

This will include a focus on the importance of achieving a fast, efficient fermentation for producing consistently better silage. Meanwhile, for baled silage makers, the stand will also

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provide an opportunity to help support breast cancer research, with Volac using ScotGrass to raise the profile of its pink bale campaign.

The stand will also play host to a competition with chances to win instant prizes including silage additive, silage bale film, jackets pens and much more.

There are four stations to the Knowledge Trail, alongside Volac and AHDB there is a conservation station which will give practical help on forage and a station dedicated to Establishment Techniques which will look at best practice forage establishment.

AHDB Dairy is giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the practicality of implementing controlled traffic systems in grassland and take a look at cows managed on a cut and carry system.

Debbie McConnell, R&D Manager at AHDB Dairy says, “With an estimated 85% of the area of a field covered every year by tractor tyres, the potential impact of compaction from machinery can be significant.

Recent AHDB Dairy funded research is showing how controlled traffic farming (CTF) principles, typically used in the arable sector, can have benefits for soil structure and sward performance in grass silage operations.”

At the Knowledge Trail session farmers will be able to discuss the pro’s and con’s of managing controlled traffic systems and find out about the latest research and development activities in grass and forage science including grass breeding, precision technology, alternative forages and grass analysis techniques.

At the Cut and Carry Knowledge Trail visitors will hear about the latest findings and economics from trials comparing high yielding cows managed on cut and carry or grazing systems. The impact of cut and carry systems on grassland management and sward utilisation will also be discussed.

“As volatility in the price of purchased feedstuffs increases, fresh grass, has an important role to play in reducing feed costs. Although grazed grass remains our lowest cost feeding option for dairy cows, with high yielding animals it can often be difficult to strike a balance between maximising grass utilisation and maintaining

animal performance,” said Debbie.

AHDB Dairy can be found at Stand 202 and on the knowledge trail station in the Acre Head dairy unit.

The event is the venue for Krone UK to debut its BIG X 630 and ActiveMow. These machines will line up alongside a number of hay and forage equipment including mowers, tedders, rakes, round balers, square balers, forage wagons and forage harvesters.

One of nine models in the range, BiG X 630 is the largest powered BiG X with the narrow body and is powered by an MTU 6R 1500 15.6 l six cylinder engine. Power can be matched to crop yield using PowerSplit feature that has two operating modes Eco-Power 460hp and X-Power 596 hp.

The ActiveMow R 280 will make its debut on the working plots. A simple, robust design, the R 280 includes a side pivoting mower bed and spring suspensions which makes it ideal for small to medium farmers.

John Deere will be working its new 8000 Series selfpropelled forage harvester with HarvestLab constituent sensing.

Lining up alongside the 8000 Series will be 9.9m triple mowerconditioner and 6R Series tractor equipped with R Series front loader for high capacity silage harvesting.

“The revolutionary new design of the John Deere 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester reflects the innovative technology and functionality of

these machines,” said Professor Matthias Schönherr, a former Porsche design specialist who was mainly responsible for the design of the new forager. “Styling also plays an important role, as it expresses the brand and quality values of a machine.”

New Holland say its new FR Forage Cruiser selfpropelled forage harvesters deliver consistently high chop quality and industry-leading crop processing efficiency. This productivity is further enhanced by the performance of the new engines – with horsepower ranging from 476 to 775 – and ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR Tier 4B technology, the top model retains the 20.1 litre 824hp engine.

Lely UK will be demonstrating its complete range of grassland machinery including Splendimo mowers, Lotus tedders, Hibiscus rakes, Welger balers and Tigo loader wagons.

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Slurry handling specialist Storth Machinery is also exhibiting and has recently launched a comprehensive range of umbilical spreading equipment. It includes various types of reelers, centrifugal chopper pumps and hose applicators, as well as 65m3 or 100m3 nurse tanks & polyglass mobile tankers.

McHale will be showing the Fusion3 Plus new integrated baler wrapper for the first time along with the 5000 Series of fixed chamber balers and variable V6 range plus a full line up of traditional round and square baler wrappers as well as handling equipment.

The event takes place at Acre Head Farm, Glencaple Road, Dumfries, DG1 4AS on Wednesday 18th May. Please follow the event road signs.

Tickets are per car and costs £10 on the gate or £7.50 by pre booking on the web site – www. scotgrass.co.uk

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potatoes The latest Haith concept – the multiwash In the ever demanding vegetable packing industry companies are always looking to increase margins by reducing the amount of waste while improving the quality of the product supplied to the end user.

We at Haith they constantly working on new designs which will not only improve pack out and quality, but also give reduced energy costs lower water usage and save labour, our latest concept the Haith Muliwash ticks all the boxes and with our all in one process transfer of vegetables from one section to the next is very gentle.

Haith Multi-Wash System offers De-stoning-barrel washing and brush polishing all in one unit, the latest and important upgrade is the split barrel which allows the washing section to rotate in the opposite direction to the polishing rollers there is a separate inverter speed control on each section giving more flexibility and control over the amount of washing and polishing

required. included in the system is a waste removal tank with water recycling, the compact all in one plug and play design makes installation and set up very simple, there are a number of options and configurations available to suit your specific requirements.

There is a feature on the control to allow simple and fast emptying of the system when changing verieties.

This new vegetable washing concept combines all the proven qualities of the popular Haith Supaflume De-stoner with excellent wash quality of the Haith Semi-Submerged barrel washer whilst incorporating polishing with the tried and tested direct drive Haith Rootveg Polisher.

Vegetables are immediately introduced to water as they enter the integral de-stoner, stones and clods are removed before the crop is gently flume fed into the wash barrel. When heavy soil is present and a robust wash is required the

water level can be raised so the pintle lined wash barrel is semisubmerged in water, the rubber scroll moves the potatoes through the barrel while the high pressure spray bar works with the rubber pintle to remove engrained dirt from the eyes. The flexibility of the Multi-Wash enables the water level to be lowered, in this mode the potatoes can be sprayed with fresh water.

The next stage in the washing process, potatoes are gently transferred out of the barrel via an all new cone feeder which uses a soft rubber scroll to deliver the potatoes to brush polisher rollers, directly driven by high efficiency SEW motors, here minor skin defects can be removed and the general appearance of the crop is lifted.

Tong announces broader vegetable processing portfolio through partnership with Marcelissen Tong Engineering has announced a new range of vegetable processing equipment, to be added to the company’s existing portfolio of processing machinery.

The addition of specialist processing equipment is the latest development to the company’s

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product range, following their partnership with Netherlandsbased food processing equipment manufacturer, Marcelissen.

The new range of equipment will enable Tong to integrate additional processes within its vegetable handling lines,

including crop peeling, cutting and slicing, as well as slither removal and optical grading of peeled product.

“With the prepared produce market continuing to experience growth in-line with ongoing consumer trends towards

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convenience products, Tong has seen an increase in demand for turnkey vegetable peeling and processing installations,” explained Charles Tong, Chairman at Tong Engineering.

“With this in mind, we made the decision to identify a reliable

potatoes partner who could offer us a broader range of equipment specifically designed for the peeling and processing sector.”

“Marcelissen were a natural choice for us as we have worked with their peeling and processing equipment previously, and are now very pleased to be appointed UK distributor of their highly-respected machines,” added Charles. “From a range of vegetable peelers, to cutting machines, slither removers and optical grading equipment designed specifically for peeled crop, the new additions to our existing processing range will bring our customers even more processing options when they choose Tong.”

“Built to the highest standards, our equipment ensures the highest yields for customers, with minimal waste and exceptionally low maintenance,” said Bob Treuen, Sales Manager at Marcelissen.

“What’s more, our peelers not only enhance the finished appearance of crop, but also help

to double or even triple product shelf life.”

The vegetable peelers are suitable for use on a wide range of crop including potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips and more. The company’s drum

roller peeler gives customers a perfectly round peeled finish with minimal waste. Finished quality is controlled and finetuned within the machine’s controls, where peeling time, peeling intensity and rotation

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settings can be adjusted for the best possible results. Another popular peeling option is the knife peeler, which gives a high quality hand-peeled finish, making the peeled crop look more authentic.

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potatoes AHDB Potatoes turns to top food bloggers to boost consumption Consumers are exposed to a constant stream of messages, day and night, and as they start to ‘switch off’ from professional advice – particularly when it comes to health – food industry

marketing needs to adapt, according to AHDB Potatoes.

Nick White, head of marketing and corporate affairs at AHDB Potatoes, said: “Reports suggest that eight out of 10 people don’t

like to be told what is healthy and instead prefer to cherry pick information from their peers and trusted sources1.

Acknowledging this within the marketing efforts of the potato sector is crucial.

“That’s why, as part of our campaign ‘Potatoes: More Than A Bit On The Side’, social media and peer marketing is a major focus. We’re working with numerous high profile bloggers and vloggers (video bloggers) to share key health messages and recipe ideas that resonate rather than dictate.”

Deliciously Ella (Ella Woodward) is the latest to partner the campaign. The author and prominent food blogger2, who has 5 million social followers, believes in eating natural food so is well-placed to offer tips and advice on how potatoes can be included within a healthy diet. Ella’s exclusive potato recipes will be designed to support young women with busy lifestyles, demonstrating healthy but inspiring potato recipe ideas that can be prepared in less than thirty minutes and seamlessly fit into everyday cooking.

Ella said: “I’m really excited to cook creatively with potatoes – a healthy and versatile food that I’m keen to

PACKAGED POTATO & VEGETABLE COOLING SYSTEMS

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LT 2QD ON 7 TI ld S 71 A R ffie 99 GE he 236 I FR d, S 14 81 RE oa D 01 686 R Y 3 LE ale FIEL 4 2 D d F 1 y A 1 WITH OPTIONAL BR bbe SHE ax: 0 A l: F 9 ‘AUTO SWIVEL-HEAD AIR DISTRIBUTION e 92 T WILL FIT MOST EXISTING SYSTEMS Patent Application No 9320628.2

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encourage everyone to be more adventurous with. Potatoes are a source of natural goodness and can be used for some really diverse and delicious recipes.

potatoes New control system from Crop Systems

crofting Launched recently, Crop Systems Ltd latest innovation is SmartStor™ - a cost effective multi-crop store control system that enables users to monitor and manage their stores via their smartphone or tablet anywhere, anytime. SmartStor™ has been based on years of software design and successful commercial storage experience.

It can easily upgrade any crop store giving a “new” brain to manage your existing older storage equipment, improving air mixing and purging assisting with the new CIPC regulations.

SmartStor™ has already been installed in a number of stores enabling Crop Systems to help growers attain better storage methods.

Being software based means this new controller can be programmed to add any number of customer variables.

Winning the Certificate of Merit at Lamma 16 Innovation Awards, it gave recognition to SmartStor™ and how important it is in having a control system that can develop technology to meet future storage demands.”

Predators

By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation I received a letter from a member complaining that the SCF doesn’t like sea eagles and that he disagrees with this stance. I explained that we simply try to convey the views of the majority of our members and that whilst the release of predators is widely debated and that our position is publicised in the media and our magazine The Crofter, which goes out to over 2000 crofters, he is only the second member to have written in opposition.

But his view is allowed of course, and there is a case to protect wildlife as valid as the case to protect livestock. But we need to get a balance.

It is lambing time and many crofters and farmers are facing the ugly discoveries of lambs having been attacked by members of the crow family. It is a sickening sight. Again, many would say the population is out of control and that there should be license for crofters and farmers to protect their stock, whilst others want

the ban on shooting crows upheld. SCF is with the former on this issue; we think there are too many crows and ravens and that the licence should be extended. Again, we need a balance.

When our new government sits following the elections on May 5th we will be asking them to take action on five priorities for crofting: Target Financial Incentives Simplify Crofting Legislation Make Crofts Available Increase Affordable Housing Deliver Crofting Development Targeting financial incentives is about making sure that current and future agricultural support policies must have a positive impact on crofting and must move away from shoring-up the out-dated and unsustainable large-scale industrial model.

In other words, it must resist the predation of public money by the well-off agribusinesses and to start using this to pay for the delivery of public goods.

www.crofting.org www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

15

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Orkney Isles Preserves Orkney Isles Preserves is a small family run business based on the Orkney island of Shapinsay.

They specialise in producing fine quality jams, marmalades and chutneys using traditional recipes handed down through the generations.

The family pride themselves on using only the finest quality ingredients and, wherever possible, they try to source these in Orkney. The beetroot for the Beetroot Chutney is grown by a brother in law on the island and Rhubarb for the jam is widely available, as it grows naturally there. The tomatoes are grown in Birsay on the Orkney mainland.

Some of them are then taken to the Island Smokery, on the outskirts of Stromness, for smoking before coming to Shapinsay to be made into Smoked Tomato Chutney.

(One of their most popular in the range).

The business was launched in 1986 with just three products,

all based on old family recipes.

They started by using recycled baby food jars with hand drawn labels. These items were sold in the local craft shop. It quickly became apparent there was a market for locally produced preserves with attractive labels.

The business outgrew the family kitchen and, since 2001, Orkney Preserves have operated from a specially converted bothy on their 240 acre working farm.

They have 70 breeding cows and 40 ewes.

In 2009 they invested in a 6Kwh Wind Turbine “Tereza” She provides “Green” energy by generating the electricity to make our products. They now produce over three tonnes of jam and chutney a year, with 30 different varieties in the range. Traditional preserves are always in demand;Rhubarb, Strawberry and Raspberry Jam - also Beetroot

Chutney and various Tomato Chutneys, but the more unusual creations – such as Blueberry flavoured with the Orkney Wine Company’s Black Portent and also Chilli Jam – have proved extremely popular.

Orkney Preserves also collaborate with the Island Smokery producing Smoked Tomato Chutney and more recently Smoked Garlic Chutney.

Both products will be available on the Island Smokery Stand in the Food Hall at the Highland Show.

They supply local wholesaler James Wilson Orkney Ltd, who then distribute the products throughout the islands. They also supply Judith Glue’s Kirkwall and Inverness shops, with preserves also featuring in the firm’s range of mail order hampers and online shop.

Jolly’s of Orkney also sell their products in their 2 local shops and through their online business.

Scotland’s Fine Cheesemakers launch new group Scotland’s leading fine cheesemakers gathered yesterday (24.03.16) at the Huntingtower Hotel in Perthshire to launch and celebrate the formation of their group, the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland, which currently represents around 33 of the country’s best cheesemakers.

The group has been in discussions for a number of months now, but today’s event sees the cheesemakers come together to discuss the future of the group, which aims to represent the cheesemakers of Scotland to raise the profile and standing of the Scottish cheeseboard in Scotland, the UK and to export markets.

Speakers from SRUC, Scotland Food & Drink, the Dairy Growth Board and Napier University spoke to the group 16

about marketing and branding, innovation, and market trends.

Chef Graeme Pallister from Perth restaurant 63 Tay Street and Wendy Barrie, founder of the Scottish Cheese Trail talked about consumer demand for Scottish produce and the power of provenance.

The group has recently been awarded funding by the Community Food Fund. This money will be used to hold two industry specific workshops for the members of the group to enhance their business development through innovation and communication.

The group is supported by SAOS via Think Local and works closely with the Dairy Growth Board.

Next stages for the group include learning journeys for further networking and knowledge

transfer, working with academia on product innovation, and improving routes to market for quality Scottish cheesemakers.

Jane Stewart of the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company is

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Chair of the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland: “The Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland aims to strengthen existing and develop new markets for quality Scottish cheese both in

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND the UK and abroad. We will achieve this through collaborative learning, marketing and innovation, helping to further enhance Scotland’s global reputation for amazing produce.”

Anna Robertson from SAOS said: “SAOS is delighted to have worked with the cheesemakers to help form the organisation

and financial support from the Community Food Fund has been particularly helpful. The group are at a very exciting stage with a number of new initiatives and showcase events. Given the quality of the products and the enthusiasm of the cheesemakers, I think for the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland - it is very much watch this space!”

Barbecue Tamarind and Ginger Salmon

Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb on Video

100g of tamarind purée 2 stalks lemon grass, sliced (woody layers removed) 1 small red chilli , seeds removed and finely chopped or leave seeds in if heat wanted A thumb sized piece of ginger, grated 3 tbsp palm sugar/brown sugar or honey A small bunch mint, chopped A whole 700g piece salmon , skin on A small handful coriander, chopped

A series of weaning videos have been created to educate Scottish families about the role of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork in a healthy balanced diet, from highchair to dinner table.

As part of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) Good Family Food focus, blogger and Great British Bake Off contestant Holly Bell has created three weaning recipes, with full serves and finger food for babies, toddlers and families of four.

The quick-step recipe videos are being promoted on Quality Meat Scotland’s Good Family Food Facebook page to inspire and encourage families to introduce quality meat produce to their daily diet from a young age.

Recipe curator and author of Recipes from a Normal Mum, Holly Bell, said: “It’s great to be working with QMS on this digital campaign to promote good quality food during the weaning stage. As a mum of three myself, I’m constantly trying to create recipes which suit the whole family while providing the boys with all of the nutrients they need.

“I’ve put a fresh slant on classic dishes to suit the whole family, making use of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, with portion options from snacks and starters to sit-down dinners.”

To view the videos, please visit the Good Family Food Facebook page.

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Mix the tamarind, lemongrass, chilli, ginger, palm sugar and mint together in a small bowl.

Double up a piece of tin foil which is slightly larger than the pice of fish and grease it with a little oil. Put the salmon on a greased piece of foil and pour over a good amount of the sauce, cover all of the fish.

Place directly on to the BBQ grill and ideally if you have a hood put the hood down. If not it might just take a bit longer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the middle part of the fish is cooked. Check by inserting a fork and knife and making sure it flakes.

Serve sprinkled with coriander and if any left over, a bowl of extra marinade on the side for dipping Serves 6

Sarah Mellersh runs One Day, Two and Four Week Cookery Classes, just 10 minutes from Perth.

To find out more :

www.letscookscotland.co.uk Tel : 07932 642605

magazine Supporting

FARMERS MARKETS IN SCOTLAND Aberdeen Country Fair www.aberdeencountryfair. co.uk Alford Farmers’ Market www.spanglefish.com/ alfordfarmersmarket Argyll Country Markets katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Ayrshire Farmers’ Market www.ayrshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Balerno Farmers’ Market www.balernovt.org.uk Blairgowrie Community Market www.strathmoreglens.org Cairndow and Loch Fyne Farmers’ Market katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Campbeltown Farmers’ Market katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Clarkston Farmers’ Market enquiry@ lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Cupar Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Dundee Farmers’ Market lorna.mckenzie@dundeecity. gov.uk Dunfermline Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Edinburgh Farmers’ Market www.edinburghfarmersmarket. com Edinburgh - Stockbridge Farmers’ Market www.stockbridgemarket.com Falkirk Farmers’ Market howard.wilkinson2@btinternet. com Fencebay Farmers’ Market fencebay@aol.co.uk Forfar Farmers’ Market www.angusfarmersmarket. co.uk Glasgow Farmers’ Market Mansfield Park www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk Glasgow Farmers’ Market Queen’s Park www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk

Greenock Farmers’ Market matthewmcs2000@aol.com Haddington Farmers’ Market pjdesign@dunbar.org.uk

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

SRUC Professional Cookery Students Win Top Scholarships

Hamilton Farmers’ Market www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Hawick Farmers’ Market eg.sangster@btinternet.com Inverurie Farmers’ Market e: ronreid2@aol.com Kelso Farmers’ Market www.kelso.bordernet.co.uk Kirkcaldy Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Linlithgow Farmers’ Market forumevents@yahoo.co.uk Loch Lomond Shores Farmers’ Market forumevents@yahoo.co.uk Lochwinnoch Farmers’ Market david.oneill@clydemuirshiel. co.uk Lockerbie Farmers’ Market www.lockerbiefarmersmarket. co.uk Milngavie Farmers’ Market matthewmcs2000@aol.com Montrose Farmers’ Market www.angusfarmersmarket.co. uk Oban And Lorn Markets admin@lorn.org Overton Farm Farmers’ Market www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Paisley Farmers’ Market enquiries@ayrshiremeats.co.uk Peebles Farmers’ Market johnbolton1@btconnect.com Perth Farmers’ Market www.perthfarmersmarket. co.uk Portpatrick Farmers’ Market foodstore@auchenree.co.uk St Andrews Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Stirling Farmers’ Market StirlingFM@aol.com.

Stornoway Farmers’ Market kennylhhp@btopenworld.com

For your market to be listed mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

Four SRUC Elmwood Professional Cookery Students were recently identified as some of Scotland’s finest young talent, as they won coveted scholarships

by Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland.

Securing patisserie scholarships with Gleneagles Hotel is Elena Frizzo (22) HNC Professional Cookery from Buckhaven, and Ruth Hanlon Modern Apprenticeship level 3 student, working at the University of St Andrews, (24) from Dundee.

HNC Professional Cookery students Lee Hall (22) from Newburgh and Josh MacDonald (19) from Isle of Arran have both won work placement scholarships. Lee will be with the Three Chimneys Restaurant on the Isle of Skye - a world renowned restaurant with 5 star accommodation, and Josh will be at Scotland’s home of golf – with the St Andrews Links Trust.

Formed by dynamic leaders within Scotland’s hospitality industry, HIT aims to assist and inspire individuals to be the best they can be within Scottish hospitality – to make Scotland the greatest hospitality nation in the world. The students were among 164 scholarships awarded at the HIT Scotland Emerging Talent Conference and were delighted to receive these once in a lifetime opportunities:

Lee Hall commented: “This has been an amazing opportunity for me to be awarded the HIT Scotland Scholarship for work placement and I am looking forward to my time at the Three Chimneys restaurant.”

Elena Frizzo said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to work with the pastry team from Gleneagles, and I know I will gain a huge amount of experience from it.”

Ruth Hanlon is delighted to have overcome her initial worries when applying for the scholarship saying: “I was very nervous when I first applied for this scholarship but I am so glad I did and I am looking forward to the experience.”

Finally Josh commented: “I was overwhelmed when my name was called out at the conference and I couldn’t wait to find out where I was going - and I’m delighted to be placed at St Andrews Links Trust.”

Congratulating her students Programme Leader Hospitality, Vicki Munro, said: “All four candidates we put forward won and they have all worked extremely hard this year – they really deserve their scholarships. I am delighted with the outcome as the entries this year were of a very high standard.

“These scholarships have the potential to be life changing for our students and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

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O U R FA R M SHOP Apparently, one of the many advantages of being situated on the edge of an ancient Scottish landowner’s Estate is that you get to use the rather bizarre name that some former laird bestowed on the location. So it is with the Pillars of Hercules, previously the Falkland Estate tree nursery and now run by Bruce and Judy Bennett as an Organic farm with its’ own farm shop, cafe and camp site.

What started out as a 2 acre holding with a shed and honesty box has grown steadily over the

past thirty years and now employs over 30 staff and occupies 25 acres with a sizeable shop selling a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables, much of it grown on the farm. As Bruce explains; “ In order to to compete with the large multiple retailers we need to offer a complete shopping experience. It’s not enough to simply pick some vegetables, put them in a box and expect them to sell themselves. Like it or not, the customer who is prepared to make the journey to our shop and pay that bit extra

for organic, expects fresh, well presented produce and that is what we do. In addition we offer a full range of organic groceries, meat, chilled products and so on.

The cafe has proved to be a great attraction and , combined with the access to walks on the Estate, makes it a great destination for those folk wanting to get out into the countryside.”

As with all businesses, it is attention to detail and customer service that is so important.

Judy worked for many years for large retailers in Edinburgh, and

brings the kind of retail expertise to the business that has enabled it to flourish. She oversees the grocery side of the business as well as the producing the cut flowers and plants on sale in the shop.

For most visitors to the farm, the experience is of a rather quirky looking collection of wooden buildings and a welcoming, laid back atmosphere. This is, of course how Bruce and Judy like it, but underpinning all this is a strong organic ethos and sound business practise.

The shop is open every day 9-6pm Web site www.pillars.co.uk. Email post@pillars.co.uk.

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19

IN

Blackadders strengthens its rural team Blackadders are delighted to announce the appointment of Gillian Gibbons and the promotion of Ellen Eunson as directors in their Rural Land and Business team.

The Blackadders Rural Team. Standing, left to right: Gillian Gibbons and Petra Grunenberg. Sitting left to right: Gail Clarke, Hazel Anderson, Jennifer Douglas, Ellen Eunson

Since qualifying in 2007, Gillian has developed her legal skills in rural practice, building up considerable experience in a wide variety of rural matters including sale and acquisition of farms, estates and woodland, option agreements, security work and renewable energy projects.

Head of the Rural Land and Business team, Petra Grunenberg, commented: “We are delighted to have Gillian on board. She brings to the team considerable knowledge and experience and joins us at a very exciting time, both 20

for our team and the firm.

Her skills and experience will be invaluable and will complement the services we already offer to our rural clients.”

On her new appointment, Gillian said “I am delighted to have joined the team at Blackadders. The firm and its Rural Land and Business Team have grown significantly in recent years and I am excited to be part of its future. I look forward to working alongside a talented group of people and I am excited about the challenges ahead”.

Ellen Eunson joined the firm in June 2014 and has recently been promoted to Director.

Ellen manages a number of rural matters from the firms’ offices in Aberdeen and the Thainstone Mart, which is one of the largest livestock markets in Europe.

Petra Grunenberg continued: “Since joining the firm in 2014 as an associate, Ellen quickly became a key member of the team and has played a significant role in extending our services to our clients in the North East. We are very pleased to appoint her as a director”.

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These new appointments demonstrate the continued growth of the Rural Land and Business team at Blackadders in terms of skill and reputation, which has tripled in size over the last two years. Blackadders as a firm continues to grow with expansion and the opening of new offices over the last number of years in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Perth and most recently in Glasgow through the merger with Boyle Shaughnessy. This expansion has allowed Blackadders to attract and invest in talented lawyers and provide local contacts to their clients throughout Scotland.

IN

Petra Grunenberg on the Challenges Ahead These are challenging times for our clients who are facing a lot of issues with regard to the profitability of farming alongside a large volume of recent changes in regulation and legislation.

Anyone who is involved with rural and farming businesses will have seen the problems faced by their clients over the last 12 to 18 months, stemming from the uncertainty surrounding the CAP reform and the subsequent delays in payment of subsidies.

As a result of these issues, the legal profession and other advisors within agriculture have had no option but to tackle many problems and potential pitfalls when dealing with the transfer of entitlements. As a result, some transactions will have attracted additional risk, work and cost.

We have also seen some substantial changes to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) rules and in particular

the additional dwelling supplement charge being levied on second homes. The rules for its application are complicated but we have already encountered some cases where farm purchases (which included dwelling houses) are being caught up in this additional 3% LBTT charge.

I would encourage that careful consideration should be given to the LBTT position at the start of any transaction.

Moving forward, those clients working within agriculture or other rural businesses will have to consider the changes contained within the recently passed Land Reform Legislation. Many, particularly in the tenanted sector, will no doubt watch on with huge interest to see how the provisions relating to assignation and transfer of tenancies will be applied in practice and whether or not legislation will bring the much needed improvements that are required to this sector within farming.

Finally we have noticed that clients are becoming increasingly concerned about proposed changes to the Law of Succession. The proposals for increased legal rights claims by children and provision for spouses and unmarried partners is a cause for concern. Until the proposals progress to the legislative stage we cannot be sure as to the specifics, but it is clear that some substantial changes will be made or at least are proposed by the government to the current legislation. Once final provisions are available, a large number of clients will have to re-consider their position and assess whether provisions made and action taken in the past remains sufficient and acceptable in light of the family’s ultimate goals for protection and transfer of the farming business and its assets.

The last 12 months have been a challenge for both clients and their advisors and

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it is important that clients continue to look at proposals, consider all relevant matters at an early stage and take advice from not only their solicitors but also their land agents and accountants to ensure appropriate and comprehensive advice is taken at all times.

We are proud however that despite these challenges, the Rural team at Blackadders has achieved continued growth and success over the last 12 months and has had the opportunity to be involved in a number of exciting projects and transactions, working closely with clients and their other advisors.�

The work of the Blackadders Rural Land and Business team is recognised in the 2016 edition of Chambers & Partners - a leading guide that identifies leading law firms and lawyers.

Petra Grunenberg is also ranked as a recommended lawyer in the same publication.

21

EU NEWS

By Chris McCullough

Glyphosate herbicide backed for another seven years The herbicide glyphosate has been given a seven year reprieve by the European Parliament after MEPs voted overwhelmingly to support the re-authorisation of it for another seven years. However, it should not be approved for use in or close to public parks, public playgrounds and public gardens, they said.

MEPs also called for an independent review and the publication of all the scientific evidence that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) used to assess glyphosate.

The European Commission non-binding resolution was passed by 374 votes to 225, with 102 abstentions.

MEPs also condemned the use of glyphosate in a farming practice known as ‘green burndown’, the killing of the actual crop plant prior to harvest in order to accelerate ripening and facilitate harvesting, and deemed it “unacceptable.”

A vote will now be taken in May by members of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed

(Phytopharmaceuticals Section) to adopt or reject the Commission proposal by a qualified majority. If there is no such majority, it will be up to the European Commission to decide.

NFU Scotland has welcomed the vote in Strasbourg as further evidence of the support for its reauthorisation amongst politicians, farmers and decision-makers.

EU was net-exporter of agri-food The European Union boosted its exports of agri-food in January this year thanks to extra business with the USA, China and some countries in the Middle East. Agri-food exports rose slightly in January 2016 relative to January 2015 to 9.3 billion, according to the latest monthly statistical report.The figures show that the EU was a

net exporter in January, which is not always the case, taking the net agri-food trade surplus for February 2015 to January 2016 to around 16 billion. Highest increases in monthly export values were recorded for USA, China and some North African and Middle East countries, including Iran. The highest increases in monthly export

values were achieved for pork and vegetables. On the other hand, agri-food imports to the EU decreased slightly in January 2016 to 9.2 billion from 9.3 billion in January 2015. The EU’s trade balance for olive oil is also largely positive with exports in 2015 worth almost 2.3 billion, an increase of 6.6% on 2014 despite a 42%

drop in the 2014/15 harvest. It is the sixth successive year that the EU olive oil sector has seen a marked increase in the value of exports. The main client for EU exports is the USA, followed by Japan, Brazil and China. Global demand for olive oil is continuously growing.

EU olive oil prices were also exceptionally high in 2015.

Europe supplying 350,000 refugee Syrian children caught in crisis with free milk Around 350,000 refugee Syrian children are being supplied by free milk by the European Commission thanks to a 30 million programme to help those affected by the crisis in the region. The effort to help the children will also benefit Europe’s beleaguered dairy farmers who have suffered 22

huge financial losses in their own crisis as the milk must originate in the European Union. The funding for this latest programme is part of the 500 million support package for European farmers presented by the Commission in 2015, which represented a substantial response by the Commission to

support European farmers.

As well as supporting European farmers through the purchase of drinking milk, the 30 million programme will also contribute significantly to the major challenge posed to the EU by the refugee crisis.

The milk will be distributed to Syrian children and will

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reinforce an already operating food distribution programme for school children financed by the EU in Syria.

EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said: “This new programme will help hundreds of thousands of Syrian children in need.

organics Organic Meat

Soil Association launches new Organic Served Here award for restaurants, cafes and eateries

What the rules say about organic livestock farming It is a fallacy to assume that organic farming means farming with no inputs the soil, crops or animals.

Many products are permitted in the organic standards, it’s just that their use is controlled or restricted.

For organic livestock, some of the common substances to be avoided are avermectins and vitamins. Avermectin residues have been proven to survive in animal dung and cause harm to insects and larvae that feed and live in the dung, and it is to preserve the whole ecosystem that avermectins are not permitted. Vitamins are commonly only available in liquid form derived from a chemical manufacturing process, rather than in the preferred natural form.

It is a common belief that organic animals cannot receive veterinary medicines but this flies in the face of the high standards of animal health that are expected of organic farmers. The basic principle is that a sick animal must be treated, but the day to day management of livestock revolves around preventing disease. It is a proactive approach, rather than a reactive one.

Where the herd or flock has a known incidence of a disease, permission can be granted to use antibiotics and vaccinations on the vet’s advice. Pneumonia is a common example.

If pneumonia becomes a recurring problem the organic certifying body would ask the farmer to look at the root cause of the illness – such as make changes to housing to increase air draft.

In a sudden outbreak where pneumonia has not been an issue in the past, vet advice is taken to administer the right veterinary medicines as quickly as possible.

One final point to note about using veterinary medicines is that the legal

withdrawal period must be doubled. This is a safety net to protect the consumer from any risk of antibiotic residues in organic meat they buy.

Another important part of animal welfare that is strictly controlled is stocking density, in the field as well as in the shed. Organic animals must be given shelter so it is common for cattle to be brought inside during inclement weather. Access to pasture for the majority of their lives is also a requirement that is governed by the standards so zero grazing is not permitted. Organic animals must be given access to pasture and there are maximum limits for the number of animals per hectare. The organic standards place minimum limits on the area inside the shed for each animal of at least 1m2 per 100 kg of weight. In the Highlands and Islands many cattle sheds are built on slats. Whilst slats are permitted, the organic standards require that cattle have at least the equivalent area of slats is available as a solid-floored lie-back area.

Organic animals must be fed on a minimum of 60% forage (grass, silage and hay).

This is strictly monitored through feeding records and checked at the farm organic inspection. Ruminants must be fed 100% organic feed, so organic farmers rely on producing their own feedstuffs on the farm. Where the animal’s diet needs specialist ingredients, certified organic feeds can be sourced from UK feed companies.

All organic farms are required to keep records of their livestock management which are part of the farm inspection. Organic livestock production is based on the Five Freedoms which were developed in the UK in 1965 and are now internationally recognised minimum standards for the health and welfare of livestock.

The Soil Association has launched a new award for restaurants, cafes and eateries that use organic ingredients.

Launching initially in Scotland, Organic Served Here aims to provide chefs and restaurateurs with a way to promote their commitment to organic food, giving customers a reliable way to find establishments serving food made with certified ingredients.

Organic Served Here is the only award of its kind in the UK, highlighting eateries that serve organic. The higher the percentage of organic ingredients the award-holders commit to sourcing, the higher the number of Organic Served Here stars they hold – from one star all the way up to five stars. All restaurants, cafes and eateries that achieve the award are rigorously audited

by Soil Association Certification experts to ensure that they buy a set percentage of their food from certified organic farmers, growers and processors.

Neil Forbes, Chef Director at Edinburgh’s prestigious Cafe St Honoré, the first restaurant holding the Organic Served Here three-star award (for serving 50 – 75% organic), said: “I feel very honoured to accept the UK’s first Soil Association Organic Served Here award. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to good food, and good food starts even before the seed is planted, with our soil quality determining the quality of the food we eat.

This award encourages everyone

who prepares and sells food to think about that quality. So let’s all grow, cook, eat and learn together, and be part of a future of better food for all.”

Peter Melchett, Policy Director for the Soil Association, said: “Organic Served Here is a fantastic new way for restaurants and cafes to show their customers how much they really care about quality ingredients. Demand for organic is on the increase and it has never been easier to serve organic, thanks to the huge range of top-notch certified produce available, from meat and vegetables to essentials like flour, milk and just about everything else you can imagine. What’s more, organic food is produced to exceptionally high standards of care for the environment and animal welfare. So it’s good for business, for customers, for animals and for the world around us. ” The organic market in Scotland and across the UK is continuing to increase, with overall growth in 2015 at 4.9%, and sales worth £1.95 billion.

Organic catering in particular is particularly successful - up by 15.2% last year and now worth £64.3 million in the UK. To find out more about the award and how you can be part of it, visit www.soilassociation. org/OrganicServedHere [Live from noon, 12 April], call the Go Organic Team on 0117 914 2400 or email goorganic@ soilassociation.org.

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23

Open Farm Sunday 5th June 2016 Get involved!

According to the UK Government, agriculture in Britain uses 70% of the country’s land area employing nearly 476,000 people. However, it produces less than 60% of the food that we as nation actually consume.

Open Farm Sunday is on the hunt for farmers who can help us change this statistic! On Sunday 5th June farmers across Britain are encouraged to open their gates to tell their food and farming stories. By allowing the general public the opportunity to hear first-hand from those who rear, grow or produce the food and drink that we enjoy we hope to provide a better understanding

24

of the importance behind supporting your local farmer.

In 2015 Scotland saw 24 farms get involved at all levels and from all different backgrounds. There was the dairy farm that offered a small, exclusive visit for the local church congregation allowing the host farmer to determine the size and time of the event. There was the fruit and vegetable farm that opened for just a few hours welcoming anyone that wanted to come along for a farm walk.

An environmentally-led farm carried out woodland trails to allow families to see how many species of insects and birds they could find. And a mixed

livestock farm ran a full open day offering tractor and trailer rides, refreshments, talks and activities for several hundred visitors.

There is no right or wrong event – every host can design the event to their own requirements with support and guidance from the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) team who manage Open Farm Sunday. There is no charge to get involved but plenty of free resources just simply by signing up on the website and sharing your passion for British agriculture.

Open Farm Sunday is continuing to grow in Scotland, but we need those who are at the heart of agriculture to get

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involved so we can keep telling our farming stories.

If your business or organisation could help spread the word or support Open Farm Sunday,please get in touch. We are keen to encourage more farmers to get involved so there are farms across all areas of Scotland for the general public to visit on Sunday 5th June.

To find out more, register your Open Farm Sunday event or find your local farm to visit on Sunday 5th June go to www. farmsunday.org. To offer your support or speak to someone contact the Scottish Coordinator Rebecca Dawes via rebecca@ sayfc.org/ 07792 467730

Mauritius small but perfectly formed Fiona Sloan takes a look at the agriculture on the island of Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island of around 2000 square kms (approx.

187,000 hectares) tucked in the South West Indian Ocean, 2000 kms off the south east coast of Africa and 850 kms off the coast of Madagascar, with a population estimated to be around 1.2 million.

It is 65 km long and 45 km wide leading to the local saying “you are only one hour away from anywhere on the island”! The local language is French despite the fact the British navy beat the French in the 1800’s and it became a British colony until the 1960’s when it gained its independence. Tourism is very important in Mauritius, consequently there are many hotels dotted around the varied coastline.

Mauritius has no exploitable natural resources and therefore depends on imported petroleum products to meet most of its energy requirements. Local and renewable energy sources are biomass, hydro, solar and wind energy. Mauritius has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world, and in 2012 the government announced its intention to develop the marine economy.

Mauritius is ranked high in terms of economic competitiveness, a friendly investment climate, good governance and a free economy.

The people of Mauritius are multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual.

The island’s government is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system, and Mauritius is highly ranked for democracy and for economic and political freedom. Along with the other Mascarene Islands, Mauritius is known for its varied flora and fauna, with many species endemic to the island. The island is widely known as the only known home of the dodo, which, along with several other avian species, was made extinct by human activities relatively shortly after the island’s settlement.

Agriculture occupies around 44% of the arable land area, which is estimated at approximately 80,000 hectares. The main crop is sugar cane, accounting for 90% of agricultural production. Some of the cane is processed for sugar but an increasing amount now goes for bio-fuel. Both citrus and

WORLD FARMING soft fruits are grown together with vegetables and flowers for export and there is also tea grown in some areas. Rice is a major part of the Mauritians diet, which is varied and wholesome. Chickens are reared for eggs and meat but there are no large livestock units.

The contribution of agriculture in the economy has decreased over the years due in the main to a narrow domestic market, land scarcity and a high cost of production, which keeps rising.

However, within various existing regional economic platforms, Mauritius is looking forward to contribute toward a regional development agenda by investing in the industry.

Over the past few decades, agriculture has had to change on the island from being a Mauritian industry to become part of a global industry. Aware that agriculture, the primary process in the

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food-chain, needs an effective processing component supported by effective marketing structures, farmers, growers and fishermen have come to terms with being part of a demand oriented market and are now turning to produce what the customers want rather than what they want to produce.

With such a large part of the island economy relying on sugar production and with the future prospects for the sugar Industry in decline, it has been important for the sector to look at the varied production available from sugar cane. The islanders are very proud of their colonial heritage and are now working in conjunction with the agricultural industry to attract agri tourists to not only enjoy this island paradise but to showcase their agricultural past and future.

You can see details of Agri Trips to Mauritius at www. fieldfarmtours.co.uk

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WORLD FARMING

New partnership to bring premier genetics to the Spanish Market Renowned experts in bovine genetics, innovation and selection, Cogent Breeding Ltd and Inatega SL have teamed up to bring world-leading beef and dairy sires to farmers across Spain.

The partnership – which continues Cogent’s long-standing commitment to supply the very best in global genetics to every market in the world, will give farmers throughout Spain access to a diverse range of sires, in both sexed and conventional semen.

Based in Leon, Northern Spain, Inatega is dedicated to animal health including feeding from production and research areas. The company has also been an iconic supplier of quality semen across the country for more than twenty years. Their affiliation with

Cogent, the world leaders in sexed semen technology and breeding innovation, will result in a combined strength of proven resource efficiency and the consistent application of genetic science, best practice and cutting-edge technologies in customer herds.

Pablo Garcia Managing Director said: “We are always looking for ways to expand the services that we offer to our clients and this landmark partnership with Cogent will enable us to supply quality, global genetics to our customers.

The whole Inatega team shares the same values and visions as Cogent such as professionalism, integrity and trust and we are delighted to accept the appointment as their new, Spanish distributor.

Cogent in partnership down under

Cogent Breeding Ltd, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the specialist dairy genetics company, Universal Sires Australia. The move, which creates a major 26

new player in Australia’s bovine genetics and AI and herd improvement sectors, will see the two companies come together under the new name of Cogent Australia; creating a strong, new

platform from which to offer farmers throughout Australia quality genetics and significant new technologies.

As the world leaders in sexed semen technology,

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Cogent is continually bringing innovation to breeding programmes through resource efficiency and the application of science, best practice and precision technologies. The addition of Cogent Australia represents the latest landmark in an international growth programme and underpins the company’s ambition to become the world leader in the improvement of beef and dairy genetics.

Commenting on the combination, Cogent’s International Sales Manager for Australia, Andy Smith, said: “There are many synergies between the UK and Australian markets and we have long held similar views on the importance of genetic potential. This is a strong fit for both Cogent and Universal Sires and reinforces our strategic focus as a company. The formation of Cogent Australia opens an exciting period of opportunity and marketing initiatives for both businesses.

WORLD FARMING

Scientists issue rallying cry for wheat blast research A team of scientists in the UK and Bangladesh are turning to the combined knowledge of the global scientific community to address an emerging threat to Asian agriculture.

The target is the fearsome fungal disease wheat blast.

The pathogen was spotted in Bangladesh in February this year – its first report in Asia.

Wheat is the second major food source in Bangladesh, after rice. The blast disease has, so far, caused up to 90% yield losses in more than 15,000 hectares. Scientists fear that the pathogen could spread further to other wheat growing areas in South Asia.

The UK and Bangladeshi teams are making raw genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen available on a new website – www.wheatblast. net - and inviting others to do the same. Professor Sophien Kamoun, of The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich, who is leading the project, said that a wide cultural change is needed for scientists to optimally address new threats to food security.

“I have a beef with the way that research is typically done.

We need a fundamentally new approach to sharing genetic data for emerging plant diseases,” he said. “We need to generate and make data public more rapidly and seek input from a larger crowd because, collectively, we are better able to answer questions.”

Professor Kamoun, with colleagues at The Genome Analysis Centre and John Innes Centre in Norwich, and with Professor Tofazzal Islam’s Team of Bangabndhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in Bangladesh, is hoping that the www.wheatblast.

net website, together with an accompanying Facebook page, will provide a hub for information, collaboration and comment. They are basing the site on their successful Open Ash Dieback website, which brought scientists together in the fight against ash dieback disease.

The blast fungus normally infects rice and over 50 types of grasses. Occasionally, a blast fungus strain would jump from one host to another resulting in a new disease. Such a “host jump” to wheat has happened in Brazil in the 1980s. The wheat blast pathogen is now rife in South America, where it infects up to 3 million hectares and causes serious crop losses.

Prof Kamoun and colleagues are working with Professor Tofazzal Islam’s team, of the Department of Biotechnology of BSMRAU in Gazipur, Bangladesh. They hope that the genetic data will help determine whether the Bangladeshi wheatinfecting strain has evolved independently from local grass-infecting fungi or was somehow introduced into the country.

Professor Tofazzal Islam said “This pathogen causes a destructive disease on rice and it would be disastrous if the same situation arises now in wheat. Genomic and post-genomic research should clarify the origin of the wheat strain and guide measures for disease management. Prompt responses are needed from the scientific community and the government of Bangladesh for addressing this national crisis to ensure increasing wheat production, which is linked with future food and nutritional security of the nation.”

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New cover crop mixes on trial at Balgonie

By Dr Dave Parish Head of Scottish Lowland Research, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Scotland Balgonie Estate, Fife, is foremost an arable farm.

With help from Kingdom Farming, Kings Seeds, Scottish Agronomy and the estate, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is researching a cover crop to provide improved protection from raptors for grey partridge as well as food supplies for birds and chicks, an important factor in a hard-worked arable landscape like this.

Very little research has been done so far to ascertain what cover crops grey partridges like and we aim to develop one to be used by the birds for both food and safety, and that will also be easy for farmers to grow and manage. GWCT is often asked for guidance on growing cover crops, usually as part of a mix if they are to be in a Stewardship scheme, and we are also working on producing better guidance so that these crops can reach their full potential.

A likely threat to grey partridge populations in the south of Scotland comes from birds of prey. GWCT’s research has recorded significant levels of predation and we are particularly interested in finding ways to minimise the impact of increasing numbers of buzzards on populations of grey partridge and other farmland birds.

At Balgonie we are looking at basing a cover crop mix around chicory, a vigorous species that can grow to around two metres high. Also, chicory is perennial so it doesn’t have to be continually removed and re-sown. In 2015 at Balgonie we sowed chicory

in mixes with mustard and kale, and we are now monitoring how grey partridge and other wildlife use this habitat.

Our monitoring work includes fitting a sample of birds with radio transmitters so we can follow their movements. To do this, the birds are caught in winter or early spring using a long handled net; we then record their measurements and other information and glue a small radio tag to their backs.

This will probably fall off in the autumn, but until then we should be able to establish where the birds nest, where they raise their chicks, how long they spend in different habitats, and which habitats they prefer.

Based on our work at Balgonie we should be able to produce valuable, practical information to feed through to Scotland’s policy makers to encourage improvements to agrienvironment schemes as well as persuading more farmers to consider sowing cover crops.

GWCT’s successes in the past have included the development of conservation headlands: a manageable assemblage of weeds within cereal endriggs to support chick-food insect populations, so improving breeding success for the birds. Beetle banks, or grassy margins within large fields, support numerous insects and provide topquality nesting habitat for birds without impacting on farming operations. Brood rearing strips are another valuable resource for hatching and foraging, benefiting

IN THE BEGINNING Q1) Where were you born?

Dingwall, Ross-shire. Father was a farmer, mother was a very busy housewife.

referee rugby but either I got slower or the game got faster.

Now it is the garden, holidays which are often skiing, mediocre golf and reading.

Q2) What is your earliest memory?

Difficult one. I’ve heard so many stories that usually involved me getting into trouble, were they fact or fiction? Probably getting a row for opening the pea pods in the garden without picking them and leaving them hanging there.

Q14) How is life today for you? Great, my wife and I have three married children and eight grandchildren. It is wonderful watching them growing up and their characters developing.

Q3) How would you describe your childhood upbringing? The youngest of four, a brother and two sisters. Many happy memories of life on a farm with all the staff who used to be involved in the olden days.

Q4) How was school for you?

Well I wasn’t expelled, it was probably close though.

THE INTERVIEW up close & personal Your Name: Willie Gill Your job title: Chairman Company name: Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland What you do for the company?

They let me think I am in charge!

MOVING ON Q5) What were you into during your teenage years? Sport mostly and having fun.

Q6) Who was the first influence in your life? Firstly mother, then the farm grieve, who ruled the outside staff.

Q7) College, University or straight into work? East of Scotland Agricultural College in Edinburgh for a diploma then home to the family farm at Rosskeen, Invergordon.

Q8) Any unusual working experiences from those early years? My practical year in Fife was a great experience. Meeting new people and working in a different environment. There was a notorious practical joker on the farm who would send students for post holes or a long stand, fortunately I had already experienced most of them at home.

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Q15) What is the best advice you have been given and would like to pass on to our readers?

Do not be frightened to try new things and learn from your mistakes.

INTO BUSINESS Q16) Your current job, can you tell us a little more about what you do? As Chairman of RHASS it involves attending quite a number of meetings throughout the year, going to functions on behalf of the Society and acting responsibly.

My son came home a few years ago and he is now taking a more responsible role and I am now becoming the “gofor”. We also have a parts supply business which has a wide range of customers.

Q17) Is there a ‘dream job’ out there waiting for you? Fortunately at present I have the best of both worlds. If I had to change then being a world class sportsman would be both wonderful and very surprising.

GROWING UP Q9) What was your first car? First time driving was in the pick-up while the sheep were being thrown hay from the back. I had to get off the seat to press the pedals. First car was a Morris 1100.

Q10) Be honest now, did you pass your test first time? Sadly no, I was gutted.

Q11) Can you remember your first

love or passion? It has to be our Golden Retriever, he came when I was one and sadly departed seventeen years later LIFE & LEISURE Q12) Do you have a talent that you would like to share with us? My friends would say that it was for stirring up trouble.

Q13) Away from work, how do you like to relax? I used to

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LAST THOUGHTS Q18) If there was a single person (from today or the past) you would love to meet? That is the hardest question as there are so many. Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Ghandi but I think it would be Horatio Nelson Q19) And finally, is there one thing in the world you would like to change? People dropping litter and waste generally.

renewable energy Scotland rules hydro sector All consented projects now north of border The UK’s hydro industry is now 100% Scottish, with new research showing ALL projects with planning permission are north of the border. Twenty-seven schemes totalling 58.5MW – enough to power 42,000 homes – have planning consent, from Stirlingshire to Sutherland.

Research by Scottish Renewables ahead of the industry body’s Hydro Conference and Exhibition in Perth on May 18 shows 14 schemes (26.8MW) are under construction in the UK – all in Scotland.

They include one 1.5MW project at the iconic Falls of Bruar in Perthshire, and another on the West Highland Way near Loch Lomond.

No projects in England, Wales or Northern Ireland currently have the green light to proceed.

Cuts to support under the Feed-in Tariff last year have caused dismay in the hydro industry, which was enjoying a renaissance as organisations, many of them rural businesses,

took advantage of the homegrown, green and stable power schemes provide.

Hannah Smith, Policy Officer at industry body Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland’s terrain and rainfall mean the country is ideal for the development of hydroelectricity, but the rest of the UK has historically invested in this technology too.

“These figures show that a huge cut to support in the UK Government’s Feed-in Tariff

review in December (2015) has already caused a contraction in the number of schemes being developed and, it seems, a geographical withdrawal to hydro’s traditional heartland.

“Hydropower provides green electricity with very low environmental impacts. Properlymaintained turbines can produce power for more than 80 years, and hydro enjoys huge public support, so it was particularly galling to see cuts of 37% imposed on the sector last year.

Increase in woodfuel cuts back on carbon emissions Environment Minister, Dr Aileen McLeod, has welcomed an increase in the use of woodfuel in Scotland as excellent news for small scale rural businesses – and for Scotland’s effort to cut carbon emissions.

The 2013/14 report on ‘Woodfuel Demand and Usage in Scotland’ was commissioned by Forestry Commission Scotland.

It shows that the total of woodfuel used in 2014 rose to 1.1million oven dry tonnes (odt) - an increase of 361,000 odt on the previously reported figure for 2012. This large increase since 2012 was largely due to the introduction of six large schemes.

However, the underlying trend for smaller-scale boilers is also showing a steady increase coupled to the success of the RHI scheme.

This increase helped reduce the use of other high-carbon

energy sources and so cut CO2 emissions by 1.3 million tonnes in 2014. This is equivalent to the emissions from driving a Ford Focus (1.6) 9.6 billion km in a year.

Dr McLeod said: “Woodfuel is a fantastic resource that is delivering benefits to rural communities on several fronts.

“As well as sustaining many small-scale supplier businesses, it also makes significant fuel cost savings for those rural businesses that have installed non-domestic boilers.

“The increased use of woodfuel and the continuing shift towards greater use of renewable heat also helps to create specialist employment opportunities for maintenance engineers and improves woodland management as woodland owners aim to establish a stable, sustainable woodfuel supply.

“It makes an impressive contribution to Scotland’s effort to tackle climate change by helping to meet our renewable heat target and aiding our

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ongoing drive to cut CO2 emissions.

“I am also very heartened to note that further expansion is anticipated in the next few years.”

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renewable energy Earthmill expands with new wind turbine management division

Yorkshire-based renewables specialist, Earthmill, the UK’s largest agricultural wind turbine business, has expanded with the launch of a new division dedicated to servicing and maintaining wind turbines, to help maximise returns from wind power for farms.

The £15m turnover business, which has installed more than 250 ‘farm-scale’ turbines since it was launched out of managing director Steve Milner’s garage in 2009, has invested in new staff

and technology in response to the high demand for assistance from turbine owners whose initial service warranties have expired.

Earthmill has won more than 20 new service and maintenance contracts in the last few months and expects to have gained at least a further 50 by the end of this year.

With a 14-strong team of engineers deployed nationally, and further hires expected later this year, Earthmill has also

invested in a new on-site hightech control centre at its Wetherby head office. The technology provides a detailed, real-time report of local wind speeds and power outputs of each turbine as well as pre-empting and instantly logging any technical problems The system enables the team to react immediately to problems, either fixing issues from the Wetherby control centre or deploying their nearest engineer to the faulty turbine whatever time of day problems occur.

Earthmill managing director, Steve Milner, said: “When something goes wrong with a turbine, speed and technical expertise are essential to avoid costly downtime for turbine owners, who need their machine to be producing power at every opportunity. This investment in technology allows us to gather the levels of data necessary to ensure our clients are constantly getting the maximum out of their wind turbine investments.”

Mr Milner added: “We’ve put together a turbine management package for clients, specifically

designed to take that stress away from farmers, who have more than enough to worry about already.

“There are a lot of basic maintenance deals on the market now but we take a holistic and more proactive approach to looking after each turbine site.

While the industry average availability, or uptime, rate is 95 per cent, the rate for the turbines that Earthmill services and maintains is 98 per cent, thanks to our highly experienced team.

“Typically that extra 3 per cent means an additional £2,000 a year in revenue for hardpressed farmers who need to maximise their farm income,” said Mr Milner.

Earthmill’s turbine management package also includes managing clients’ power purchase agreements, which can achieve an average 0.5p above the standard market rate, equating to up to £3,000 in additional annual income.

The company also advises on business rates and insurance for turbines.

Tomatin Whisky Distillery Chooses Flogas for Oil to Gas Conversion In a move to significantly reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions, the Tomatin whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands has chosen Flogas Britain for a conversion from oil to LPG. The distillery, which produces over two million litres of whisky a year, is based in an off-grid location in the Monadhliath mountains. It historically relied on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and coal to meet its substantial energy requirements, 30

which made for very high fuel costs and a large carbon footprint.

With the need to reduce both, Tomatin initially introduced a biomass boiler – a fuel option previously unused in the Scottish distilling industry. However, the biomass system alone was unable to supply enough energy for the entire energy-intensive distilling process, so Tomatin was still left with an inefficient, expensive and polluting 10MW oil boiler to fulfil the shortfall.

The off-grid business was keen to find an effective, efficient and economical solution – one that would break its dependence on oil. After consulting with others in the industry, including former colleagues at the Knockdu distillery, Tomatin turned to leading supplier Flogas to convert the oil boiler to LPG. Graham Eunson, General Manager at the Tomatin Distillery, said: “We needed a replacement for our oil boiler

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that would be cheaper to run, reduce our carbon footprint and be easier to maintain. The whisky industry is not keen on change, and we like to reduce risk as much as we can, so we spoke to colleagues in the industry who had already switched from oil to LPG. Flogas were highly recommended, so it was an easy decision for us to work with them.”

Since installing the LPG system, Tomatin has seen

renewable energy Weltec Biopower Upgrades Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bavaria

financial savings of over 15% on its fuel bills. Original estimates predicted a return on investment of between 12 months and two years, but the system is now

expected to pay for itself in just one year. Tomatin is also on track to reduce its annual carbon emissions by 560 tonnes – a saving of almost 20%.

The increasing restriction of the agricultural use of sewage sludge is associated with mounting pressure on municipalities and sewage treatment providers.

Moreover, the high power needs drive up the expenses of wastewater treatment plants.

Thus, more and more sewage treatment plants decide to employ energy-saving sludge stabilisation in an anaerobic reactor and utilisation of the digestion gas for the generation of energy.

The administrative partnership Burgebrach in Bavaria, Germany, is one of the municipal organisations that have decided

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to consistently reduce the sludge volume and make use of the sewage gas. Accordingly, the technical operator SĂźdWasser GmbH has commissioned the biogas plant manufacturer Weltec Biopower as the general contractor for the setup of an anaerobic digestion unit and the utilisation of the sewage gas for the generation of energy in the combined heat and power (CHP) plant for the existing wastewater treatment plant, which serves a population equivalent of 13,000. In addition to the aerobic treatment stage, the organic material will be subjected to anaerobic treatment starting from April.

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environment Climate change drives UK wine production but not without weather shocks The idea of climate change turning the UK into a viable wine-making region may have boosted the industry in recent years. But cold snaps, sharp frosts and downpours threaten productivity – according to University of East Anglia research.

As UK wine producers prepare for what they hope will be a bumper 2016 season a study published today reveals that year-to-year climate variability and hazardous weather at key points in the growing season leave the industry highly sensitive to the elements.

It also suggests that in vogue varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir are more susceptible to UK climate variability than traditional varieties.

Over the last decade there has been a boom in English wine production. The amount of land used for viticulture (vine growing) has increased by 148 per cent – with around 1884 hectares (the equivalent of 2638 football pitches) currently devoted to the industry.

It is not just the scale of production that has grown.

Producers are receiving global recognition for their premium quality wines - in particular English Sparkling Wine, which is out-classing other more famous sparkling wineproducing regions.

Researchers from UEA studied the UK’s main grapegrowing regions and looked 32

at the relationships between temperature, rainfall, extreme weather events and yield. They also surveyed wine producers for their views on the role of climate change in the success of English wine.

By combining this data, they were able to identify opportunities and threats to the industry for the first time.

Lead researcher Alistair Nesbitt, from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences, said: “The UK has been warming faster than the global average since 1960 and eight of the warmest years in the last century have occurred since 2002. Producers recognised the contribution of climate change to the sectors recent growth, but also expressed concerns about threats posed by changing conditions.

“We wanted to see whether potential future climate change may make wine-making more viable in the UK by first analysing sensitivity to past climate variability.

“We found that while average temperatures over the growing season have been above a key minimum threshold for ‘cool-climate’ viticulture for two decades, wine yields vary considerably.”

‘Climate and weather impacts on UK viticulture’ was published in the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Production on April 1, 2016.

The research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and Chateau de Sours.

Manage on-farm energy use to maximise benefit from low tariff renewables

By Jim Campbell, Renewable Energy Team Leader, SAC Consulting.

The farming community have been at the vanguard of the country’s moves to decarbonise the energy sector. Almost all on-shore renewables technologies require at least some land for their deployment and have therefore presented opportunities to those owning or managing land. Aided by incentive schemes such as the feed-in tariff (FIT) and the renewable heat incentive (RHI) many farmers have added renewable energy to their portfolio of interests and have welcomed the diversified income stream unaffected by poor crop and livestock prices. With recent substantial cuts in tariff payments for new schemes and the prospect of these disappearing altogether in the not to distant future, what is the prospect for new on-farm renewable projects?

While opportunities to install renewables on the farm to generate power purely for export to the grid currently looks less attractive for all but a few high yielding, easy to install sites, there are still options out there for schemes designed to meet existing on site demands. With low tariffs the value of the energy produced becomes a more important factor in the equation. Saving 10 or 12 p/kWh on avoided import of electricity will pay off a turbine or solar array quicker than receiving 4.91 p/kWh, the current export rate. Generating electricity to

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waste it never has made much sense although where the largest payment was received from the generation tariff the incentive was to maximise production with less concern as to where the energy was utilised. Likewise, renewable heat incentives have not always encouraged the most efficient use of renewable heat. Changes proposed to the RHI will attempt to address this issue and discourage excessive heat generation to maximise payments.

In this climate, management of farm energy utilisation is as important as ever and a system to monitor where and when electricity and fuel are being used is essential for managing your inputs as well as optimising the benefit gained from any renewable energy assets. As part of the Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC) programme, SAC Consulting have published a practical guide and easy to use spreadsheets to encourage closer monitoring of on-farm energy use which can be downloaded from the Practical Guides section of the website See www. farmingforabetterclimate.org for other practical measures to improve farm efficiency.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @SACfarm4climate.

Farming for a Better Climate is funded by the Scottish Government as part of its Climate Change Advisory Activity.

Welcome to Farming Scotland’s Royal Highland Show preview for 2016, our 176th Show What a show!

Every year we are treated to a huge variety of things to see and do. There is truly something for everyone at the Royal Highland Show For the farming community it is a chance to meet up socially as well as conduct a lot of business throughout the whole four days of the event. A wide range of livestock competitions also add a little spice to the mix, including breed shows and even fashion shows – in fact, something for every farmer too.

Scotland’s wonderful produce also has a great role to play at the RHS every year, and for me, I always start the day of any visit with an Arbroath Smokie, simply irresistible!

Of course, the Royal Highland Show is an important showcase for Scotland’s farming and rural industry, and as such, every year the showground is packed full of all the very latest machinery, innovations and services available for the sector.

The RHS is a very serious event for the industry, but it is also a great day out for the family, and as usual I will be there, wondering about, eating, buying and enjoying the wonderful Scottish weather…. you heard that here first!!!

Slàinte.

Athole Murray Fleming Publisher/Editor Farming Scotland Magazine

David Jackson Royal Highland Show Manager

For those who haven’t been to the Royal Highland Show, the best way to sum it up is that it brings together the best of farming, food and rural life. The very best livestock, horses, goats and poultry travel from all over the UK and further afield to be part of the Show.

Some are there to compete, some are there just to be appreciated for their rareness and beauty, but all help bring the countryside to Edinburgh for four days every June.

The leading breeders of sheep, and beef and dairy cattle use the Show as their shop window, showcasing their teams of quality pedigree animals. Plus there will be 22 acres of trade exhibitor space and over 300 of the top agri-machinery manufacturers and dealers from the UK and beyond on site, with around £72million worth of equipment on display.

A key part of my role is to ensure that the Show stays true to its roots and its heritage as an agricultural show with a real relevance for farming communities. According to our research from 2015, we’re are getting this right as we saw the number of people who say they have a farming or rural background increase to 38% of the Show’s overall audience from 34% in 2014.

The Show is first and foremost about farming, in all its forms, and we need to ensure that everyone who visits recognises this and appreciate the role that farming plays in everyday life for everyone. Part of our role is to introduce urban audiences to what rural living is like. This could be through getting them get nose-to-nose with the animals, letting them see first hand some of the impressive skills that feature in farming, such as farriery and sheep shearing, but most important to recognise how important these primary producers are to their everyday lives.

So sit back and enjoy a taste of what’s in store for this year’s Royal Highland Show – we hope to see you at the Royal Highland Centre from 23 – 26 June.

David Jackson Royal Highland Show Manager

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Get Nose to Nose with the Country’s Best at the 2016 Royal Highland Show The 176th Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland’s most iconic events, is set to take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh from 23-26 June 2016.

Firmly established as one of Europe’s most impressive celebrations of farming, food and rural life, the Royal Highland Show - which last year attracted almost 190,000 visitors - showcases top quality livestock, food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, partner since 1981, continues to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.

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Royal Highland Show 2016

Scotland’s Larder One of the biggest successes of 2015 was Scotland’s Larder Live! With over 100 Scottish producers and more from around the UK and further afield, Scotland’s largest food and drink event is the ultimate celebration of Scottish produce and Scottish producers.

Visitors will be treated to live cooking experiences from top chefs and given the opportunity to take home some of the hundreds of products on sale, from the finest local meat and sustainable Scottish fish to artisan preserves and botanical gins.

This year, the Show will also host the Scottish Cheese and Scottish Ice Cream Championships. These competitions have been part

of the Show for some time as the ‘Dairy Awards’. However, given the huge public interest for cheeses and ice cream and the rise in artisan producers, the Highland is rebranding and re-launching the awards as the Scottish Championships. The championships are open to any producer from anywhere in Europe, and the crème dé la crème from both industries will be battling it out to impress the talented taste buds of the judges.

Food to go The 2016 Show will also see the continuation of the Royal Highland Show Food Charter launched in 2014.

Working alongside on-site caterers, the Show has devised a strict food charter that all food-to-go outlets must adhere to. The charter requires that only ingredients that have been locally produced and ethically sourced be served at the Show.

This ensures that quality is

high and Scottish farmers and growers are supported, wherever possible.

Outstanding livestock The Highland’s big attraction is without doubt the high quality livestock - with more than 5,000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats and horses, not to mention poultry, heading for the showground in June.

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With generations of careful breeding, years of expert husbandry and months of meticulous preparation, the animals are world class and represent the finest in Stockmen’s skills: a win at the Highland has been proven to increase demand and the value of the award-winning stock.

Hooved heaven The Royal Highland Show is

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Royal Highland Show 2016 the largest equestrian show in Scotland with almost 3,000 horses and ponies competing in classes for light and heavy horse and other disciplines, such as private driving and heavy horse turnouts. It is also a focal point for showing the best of the best in Scotland’s native breeds such as, Clydesdale horses, Highland, Shetland and Eriskay ponies.

Over 2,200 riders are expected to compete in an impressive array of equine sections and classes from top class international riders to young and emerging talent. There are 34 categories in total, including 39 much sought after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers. The Highland has been given a qualifier for the Ridden Clydesdale class therefore Scotland’s famous native breed will be represented at the inaugural British Ridden Heavy Horse Championship at HOYS. The Highland is the premier show jumping event for Scotland and the North of England with a Grand Prix with £18,000 in prize money, a challenging International Stairway, an Olympic standard all-weather surface jumping ring and a total prize fund of £50,000. There are also a number of Scottish championship finals, including Scottish junior riders, over the four days.

An agricultural shop window The vast majority of machinery and equipment manufacturers, dealers and specialists are represented at the Highland, giving everyone involved in the sector a unique opportunity to review the latest releases and developments all in one place.

All the major players agree the Show is a ‘must attend’ from a number of key business objectives. Over 90% of the 2015 agricultural trade stands exhibitors have rebooked for 2016, showing that confidence in the Show is high.

Retail therapy In 2016 the Royal Highland Show will relaunch its main indoor shopping area as the ‘13th Avenue Arcade’. Attractive and 36

distinctive branding, a fresh look and feel and a new hospitality feature will give visitors a relaxing and tempting experience.

The 13th Avenue Arcade will offer everything from luxury fashions, arts and crafts, to homewares and gardening accessories with the chance to pick up the latest country style or rural life inspired art, soft furnishings or ceramics.

Grass roots learning More than 30,000 children are expected to visit the Show this year. The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) will provide free interactive activities for school groups and the public at the RHET Education Centre.

With the help of RHET coordinators, partnership organisations and volunteers, there will be a number of interactive sessions running during each day, and on the menu will be cooking, baking, seafood tasting, science experiments and much more.

The place to do business The Highland, as well as playing a significant role in supporting the Scottish agricultural industry, has a much wider impact on the

Scottish economy generating around £46.2 million each year in additional economic benefits through visitor and exhibitor spending. It is estimated that the Show generates 7,250 bed nights and supports 155 full time equivalent jobs as well as all the direct costs related to putting on the event.

The Show is not only economically important, but also plays a key role as a forum to highlight and discuss some of the crucial issues in politics today. The first day of the 2016 Show falls on the same day as the European Referendum vote. Top political figures will be attending

the event to discuss how the outcome will affect agriculture, food and drink and business.

The Royal Highland Show… live!

2015 saw the Royal Highland Show launch its first live streaming service, with over 15,000 people in 47 countries logging on across the world to watch live coverage of the event. This year, ‘RHS Live’ will be even bigger. Viewers can log on and catch up on all of the action. There will be everything from livestock judging and show jumping to fashion shows, live cooking demonstrations and behind the scenes action.

The A-Z of the Royal Highland Show 2016

A – Agricultural equipment from not only suppliers but manufacturers – all in the one place at the one time. Greatest chance to stroll round, pop on to stands, check out the machinery, compare then stop for a chat.

B – Bars such as Stag, Heather, German and Cheers will be back this year to pump out the best brews so you can quench your thirst on roasting

hot, sunny Highland Show days – and when there’s good company around C – Crafts. “Tale and Rhymes” is the theme in the Show’s Handcrafts Competitions where fabulous results of painstaking work are on display. Elsewhere too, the giant marquees of Rural Crafts Association and 3D/2D Craft, Art & Design Marquee host large numbers

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of individual craft exhibitors with outstanding craftwork.

D – Dairy. The Scottish Ice Cream and Cheese and Butter Championships will be taking place at the 2016 Royal Highland. The crème de la crème will be fighting it out for the crown!

E – Equestrian. The Show is heaven for horse enthusiasts.

From showjumping, Pony Club games, Ridden Clydesdales class and all manner of showing classes, to the numerous equestrian shopping outlets for horse and rider.

F – Farriers. Sparks fly at the forge on Avenue 13 as registered farriers and apprentices who compete over the four days of

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the show, forging horse shoes from plain strips of metal.

– Get into Rural Activities.

Wilderness survival, Wheel wright making coach wheels, Woodworking skills including boat building and much more about the great outdoors, in the Show’s Countryside Area – Highland Hall. This is where over 900 head of cattle will be staying during the Show, and is open to visitors (apart from when they are moving cattle).

From Highlands to Herefords, Simmental to Shorthorn, bulls to (tiny) calves.

– Information. To make good decisions about anything, it helps if you are well informed. The Royal Highland Show is where many organisations provide information while others seek to get information about trends, initiatives, grants, performance, testing, equipment, breeds, food, education, opportunities and innovations.

– Jumping. Some of Britain’s top showjumpers compete for

£50,000 of big prize money in a four day programme of competition classes, held in the Jumping Ring or in the Main Ring (both have seating).

K – Kids. Not human children - but the young animals from dairy goat breeds such as

Anglo Nubians, British Alpine, Golden Guernsey, Saanen and Toggenburg that you can get close to in their special marquee in the Countryside Area.

L – Legging it up the Pole!

For the third year running, professional lumberjacks will

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attempt to take the World Record for climbing the 90 feet high Douglas Fir poles in seconds! The prize is £2000.

M – Music. Ceilidh to Country, Bands of Pipes & Drums to traditional Jazz. A full programme of music and

Royal Highland Show 2016 entertainment to stir your heart and get your foot tapping at West Stage, East Stage, Avenues & Main Ring N – New. The 13th Avenue Shopping Arcade, which includes a Prosecco bar to give you a little fizz, is where an array of luxury clothing, furnishing and jewellery retailers wait to serve you. Whatever your area of interest, you will find really good quality products at all the Shopping areas around the Show.

O – Online. This year the RHS Live Streaming TV service will be available over the four days of the Show. All you need is an internet connection to catch all the excitement from the show rings, backstage scenes and everything in between – so, if you can’t be there in person, you won’t have to miss out!

P – Planning. There really is so much to experience at the Show, that it makes good sense to plan your visit, so check out

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www.royalhighlandshow.org for answers to FAQs, Exhibitor lists, facilities and travel options.

– Queen Bee. All you need to know about honey and the importance of bees in their role as pollinators of fruit and other crops in the Honey Marquee.

– Rosettes. For livestock exhibitors, a Royal Highland rosette is a coveted prize.

There’s also a priceless array of trophies which can be viewed in the trophy room upstairs in the Highland Hall.

– Savoured. The best food and drink products can be savoured in Scotland’s Larder Live! Watch top chefs at the Cookery Theatre and take in the aromas, learn more at Tasting Talks, browse through a mouth-watering array of food and drink stands, and pick up superb new products before everyone else does!

– Turnouts. The jingle jangle of harness and the sound of

thundering hooves sums up the action in the heavy horse turnout classes, which is the best spectacle of its kind in the whole of the Europe and the UK. U – Unwind. Fuel up at one of several Food Courts where you can sit to eat, catch a coffee or some tasty treats and be entertained at the West or East Stages, or sit by the Lochan and throw down a rug to watch Birds of Prey fly past.

V – ‘Variety is the Spice of Life’!

So much variety of things to see and do – ABBA Tribute band, Lifestyle Village, Floral Walkway, Cattle lines, Forge and Farriery, Show jumping, Heavy Horse Turnouts, Bands of pipes and Drums, Sheep shearing competitions, Choirs, Cookery Theatre, Artisanal Foods and Drinks.

W – Wool! The MacRobert Theatre is the venue for some of the fastest action in the show as champion sheep-shearers

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compete to clip the wool from a sheep’s back in a matter of seconds. Fast, tough, sweaty with big cheering audiences.

X – Xcitement. There’s loads of excitement throughout the showground but it is easy to miss many great events so for all that’s going on, where and when, be sure to get a Show Programme when you arrive.

Y – Young people. The Children’s Education Centre, run by the Royal Highland Education Trust and an army of volunteers, welcomes thousands of youngsters in school parties as well as families for loads of hands-on learning activities.

Z – Zone. There is so much on offer that the Show has been laid out in zones of interest.

For example - the Motor Zone where manufacturers and dealers bring their latest models of cars, vans, pickups, commercials, 4 x 4s, quad bikes and ATVs

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Royal Highland Show 2016

Livestock at the show

Almost 7,000 examples of the finest UK livestock will be making their way to the 176th Royal Highland Show, one of the UK’s premier agricultural shows.

The Highland Hall will accommodate almost 1,000 beef and dairy cattle and over 1,900 sheep are expected to fill the large marquees located in the north of the showground.

Exhibitors from the length and breadth of the UK and NI will be arriving from the Monday of show week to settle their animals prior to the four-day event.

Sheep In 2015, 1,972 sheep exhibited at the Royal Highland Show. Over the past three years, there has been significant growth in the number of sheep across all 131 sheep classes.

Between the 2014 and 2015 Shows alone, the number rose by 9% to almost 2,000 animals.

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This is testament to the high regard which farmers and sheep breeders from across the UK and Ireland, have for the competition.

The quality of the animals coming forward was, likewise, exceptional; each year the coveted red ticket has represented the pinnacle of shepherding skills.

This year, there will be 27 classes including a new section for 2016 with the Bluefaced Leicester now being split between Traditional and Crossed animals. Also for new 2016, the number of judging rings will be reduced from six to four in order to accommodate more pens and, for those of you who don’t speak ‘sheep’, there will be live commentary throughout the sheep judging this year.

Aside from the competition, there will be plenty of sheep featuring elsewhere as part of the Show programme of events.

Sheep Shearing This extremely popular competition, with its huge entertainment value, will once again be part of the Show. Mainly taking place on the Saturday and Sunday, the international field of world class shearers will compete in the Scottish Championship in both machine and hand blade classes. Those antipodean guys can offer some stiff competition to our local talent!

Golden Fleece Developed by the British Wool Marketing Board, the Royal Highland is one of twelve nominated Shows where this new Golden Fleece competition will be held, to highlight the best of British fleeces from a variety of breeds, and the sheer versatility of wool.

NSA Fashion Show Each year the National Sheep

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Association holds catwalk fashion shows in the NSA pavilion, showing off the very best of fashions that use wool.

Of course it wouldn’t be a wool fashion show at the Royal Highland without some real sheep, and last year the catwalk featured some beautiful SwissValais-Blacknose-Sheep, some of whom had some fetching outfits of their own!

Cattle With over 900 head of the finest cattle in the competition, there is no better display of livestock anywhere in the UK. Being able to get up close to the cattle and have a quick conversation with one of the competitors is an important part of many visits.

Apart from Thursday when the hall is frequently closed to the public to allow for the moving of the cattle, the Highland Hall

Royal Highland Show 2016 is a must visit part of the Show.

17 breeds of cattle will be on display, including the famous Highland, and many of them will have calves with them, which is a real treat if you’re not used to getting nose to nose with these animals, especially if you have little ones with you.

Outside in the judging rings, Thursday and Friday are the busiest days when it comes to cattle, with the most exciting classes, the overall interbreeds, taking place on Friday and Saturday. The interbreed competitions ensure that there is friendly rivalry from the breed societies to present the best team and carry off one of the top accolades.

Horses As the countdown for the Royal Highland Show begins, organisers say they are already preparing for the return of more horses than ever in 2016.

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From the native breeds of Clydesdales, Highlands, Shetlands and Eriskays, to the vibrant light legged horse section and the high-octane show jumping classes, the equine offering provides hugely exciting entertainment over the four-day event.

Each year, the show hires in around 750 temporary stables, managed by specialist firms to ensure smooth running of the event.

Top show jumpers from over the UK are set to make the trip to Ingliston with generous prizes on offer, some £50,000 in total.

In 2015 the Show introduced its brand new allweather Olympic jumping ring.

This incredible space, one of the best jumping surfaces in Europe, means that whatever the conditions, the ring is open for business.

In 2016 the very popular Ridden Clydesdale Class will be a Horse of the Year Show qualifier. As these magnificent horses gallop past, the earth really does move. Due to its popularity and new status as a HOYS qualifier, this class has have moved into the main ring and will take place on the Thursday 23rd at 2.00pm.

The ever popular pony club games are also moving. Fast, furious, fun, and just a joy to watch with capacity crowds cheering on their favourites, the games will now be the focus of attention on Saturday evening, allowing plenty of time to play out the challenges to the end.

The heavy and light horse competitions are equally as important to the Show, especially for Scotland’s native breads. We are expecting well over 2,000 animals to take part over the four days.

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Pride of place during the Show has to be the Heavy Horse Turnouts, which are recognised as the best anywhere in the UK. The Teams of Six, as we all know, are a sight, sound and feel, through the thundering hooves, not to be missed. Even though they have exhibited for many years, it is still a one of the most thrilling experiences at any agricultural show.

Goats As well as the traditional livestock, we also have 19 classes for goats at the Show.

They are incredibly fun and active animals and, as a result, a joy to watch, which is why we’ve moved the Goat Marquee into the Countryside area of the showground. With their own judging ring, more space overall and a relaxed setting, the competition, goes from strength to strength.

Royal Highland Show 2016

QMS at the Royal Highland

The Royal Highland Show offers a great opportunity for our industry to showcase all the work, skills and dedication which goes into the production of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

The Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) team have developed a packed programme of activities on our stand at the show this year, from cookery and butchery demonstrations to health and education activities to ensure that this opportunity is maximised.

QMS will be showcasing in its cookery theatre how versatile Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork are to cook with. With the theme ‘Quick and Easy Family Food’ Lady Claire Macdonald will hold drop in cookery demonstrations on Thursday and Friday to highlight some healthy and affordable meals that busy parents can quickly rustle up and that the whole family will love. Former Masterchef the Professionals winner and Chef Jamie Scott will take over the reins at the weekend and continue the theme in his free cookery demonstrations throughout Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to our demonstration chefs, there will be a series of competitions including a Ready Steady Cook style competition on Saturday where well known faces from the farming sector will battle it out against the clock, creating delicious dishes in just 45 minutes.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to see a line-up of awardwinning butchers demonstrate their skills with Stuart McClymont and Gordon King, assessors with the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Associations, providing a lively commentary.

As always, a team of Scotch Beef brand ambassadors will be giving away goodie bags filled with tempting recipes (you’ll find more at www.scotchkitchen.com) and there will also be the chance to win the much sought after limited edition Royal Highland Show 2016 Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork t-shirts.

Over in the Discovery Centre, QMS will be working in partnership with the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) to deliver a Scotch Beef Children’s Cookery Theatre. The stand will help promote the role of red meat as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Over 1000 children will have a chance to cook simple, nutritious dishes with beef, pork and lamb over the four days of the show As well as levy payers, we also welcome numerous officials, and politicians and representatives from the retail sectors to the stand during show week to promote the red meat sector and the iconic Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Royal Highland Show 2016

Cream of the Judging Crop for 2016 Show The Royal Highland Show has a reputation for attracting the best judges in the industry, which is why the benefits of a win at the Highland go far beyond the prize money offered. When an animal takes home a ‘red ticket’, given to them by a well-respected judge, there is a positive impact in the profile of the farm and the value of stock.

As you can imagine, it’s a very serious business.

In 2016, the task of placing around 7,000 head of the country’s top cattle, sheep, horses, goats and poultry will be in the hands of 48 judges from Scotland, 50 from England, eight from Wales, six from Northern Ireland and one from the Republic of Ireland.

In the sheep rings, Cheviot Society member James Irving, of Mountbenger, Selkirk, will select the Overall Inter Breed Champion. Champion Charollais breeder Herbie Kennedy of Parkgate, Dumfries will judge the Overall Sheep Pairs Inter-

Breed Championship and Young Handlers. Meanwhile, other judges in the sheep competition include: Show Manager of the Royal Three Counties Show, Doreen Smillie-Gray, who will be looking after the Ryland category; David Jackson, Pole Farm, Lochgoilhead who will be judging the fiercely fought Blackface section and Nicholas Robinson, Hexham will be responsible for the Bluefaced Leicester (traditional type), both categories being the most popular in 2015.

In the dairy rings, the job of judging the Overall Dairy will be carried out by Edward Crank, Village Green Farm, Chester. The Davidson family is overseeing the majority of the Dairy judging line up for 2016: Keith Davidson, Halmyre, Castle Douglas will judge the Ayrshire & British Red and White; Keith’s brother, Brian J Davidson, Errolston, Gretna has the Hosteins; and Keith’s daughter, Katie Davidson, Myrtle Cottage, Haugh of Urr, will be casting her

expert gaze over Dairy Calf and Showmanship.

The mammoth task of selecting the Overall Beef Native Inter Breed Team Champion 2016 will be in the very capable hands of Irishman V J Wallace, Trinaltinagh House, Garvagh, Londonderry.

Other Inter Breed Beef judges include: Beef Breeder & Beef Junior – Michael Robertson, Fodderletter Farms, Tomintoul; Inter Breed Pairs – a member of one of Scotland’s iconic farming families, James K Goldie, Orchard Cottage, Clarencefield, Dumfries; and the Inter Breed Team and Overall Beef Inter Breed falls to a great supporter of the Show, and Simmental breeder, Gerald W Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Laurencekirk.

There will be 36 sections in 2016 for the Light Horses, nine of which are HOYS qualifiers.

All classes will be judged by some of the most experienced and well-respected individuals in the equine industry, including Chris

Hunnable, who is well known in the hunter world and who regularly shows competitively himself.

Two other top-drawer equestrian judges, David Bartram and Christ Lawton, will be taking judging responsibilities in the riding horses section.

In the heavy horses, Clydesdale judging will fall to two breeders from well known studs, Neil Christie, Dalern, Dalfoil, By Glasgow and William Clark, Pitlandie, Stanley. Linda Impey, Chelmsford, Essex and John A Reid, Inverurie, will oversee the Highland classes, both showing regularly themselves.

The Native harness class will be judged by retired Invercauld Estate gamekeeper Peter Fraser, Abergeldie, by Ballater, one the country’s leading authorities on deer.

As always, the 2016 Poultry classes will be sharply contested, with some of the UK’s top billed poultry experts judging the four categories.

With our sponsors and exhibitors, the focus is on tremendous variety at the show Strutt & Parker Strutt & Parker is an independent UK property partnership with a network of offices throughout England and Scotland, including Central London.

Strutt & Parker sponsors

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Established in 1885, when friends Edward Strutt and Charles Parker became business partners to manage large estates in the east of England, the business today provides professional

support on all matters relating to land and property – whether farm management or farms, country houses or estates, planning or development, new homes or city sales.

Strutt & Parker started exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show in 2012.

All of its professional staff including estate agents and land agents from all over Scotland, the north of England and the head office in London, attend.

Although they do have information to hand about their services, the real ‘product’ on offer at the Show is their property knowledge and expertise. They find that the people who visit them are looking for information on the market, land values and issues such as Land Reform.

However, some people are

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looking to purchase rural property and visit the stand to see what is on the market.

When asked why Strutt & Parker attends the Show, James Butler, Associate in the Edinburgh office, said: “The Highland is attended by thousands of visitors every day, some of whom are already established clients while others may be looking for property advice, either as buyers, potential sellers or land owners.

It pulls in new business and offers a significant networking opportunity in a relaxed environment.

“The Highland Show is the biggest agricultural show in the UK and gives us a wonderful chance to meet a huge number of people. We also love our stand with its view over the main ring.

Royal Highland Show 2016 It gives us tremendous profile while we in turn get a fabulous view. Having our own private garden with meeting rooms at the rear of the stand gives our visitors the opportunity to chat to us in privacy.”

When they get a break to explore the rest of the show, the Strutt & Parker team try to see as much possible. Scotland’s Larder Live! is the top of most people’s list to visit. “There is so much delicious food just waiting to be sampled and an abundance of treats to take home for supper”, James explains. “The farmers among us head straight to the livestock while equestrian enthusiasts are keen spectators of the show jumping, showing and carriage driving. The team also looks forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones.”

In 2016 Strutt & Parker will be using the Show to launch some very exciting properties from cottages, estates and

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country houses to a wide variety of farms situated throughout the country. They will also bring a love and enthusiasm for all things property as well, of course, as a warm welcome and extremely good refreshments!

Sounds like it will definitely be worth a visit, if only to window shop!

Norbrook Norbrook is a leading provider of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Based in Northern Ireland it is one of the few privately owned veterinary pharmaceutical companies in Britain.

Norbrook produce the unique product Closamectin Pour On – a topical, painless, easy-to-use treatment for internal and external parasites including liver fluke, gutworms, lungworms, mites and lice. Other products include Eprizero, Calcitrace, Noroseal, Levafas and Noromectin.

Norbrook has been a regular supporter of the Royal

Norbrook provider of veterinary pharmaceuticals

Highland Show for a number of years. Gemma Taylor of Norbrook Laboratories said: “We support the Royal Highland Show because it gives us an ideal opportunity to engage with customers old and new about our brands. This is achieved through the branding at our stand, hospitality and the sponsorship and branding of individual events as well as the follow up PR.

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“Sponsorship also gives us an opportunity to engage with existing customers, both farmers and vets, in a different environment, such as during our luncheon event and our one to one meetings.

“We were delighted with the response to Norbrook at the Royal Highland Show last year, not only from customers but also from competitors in the various categories we were involved in.

Royal Highland Show 2016

Andrew Black Haulage

We were particularly pleased to see well known rider Tim Stockdale pick up the Norbrook ‘Leading Rider’ accolade in the equestrian section.”

Andrew Black Haulage Andrew Black Haulage and Storage was founded 57 years ago by its eponymous owner, Andrew Black, and his wife Janet. The company is based in Drem, East Lothian and, as well as providing haulage and

storage services, it has an ATF test station for HGV and Class 5 & 7.

The company works with some of the largest agricultural merchants in UK, uplifting from and delivering to farms all over the country. It can accommodate the storage of whatever product is required, including ADR fertilisers.

Andrew Black, the man, has been attending the Royal Highland Show since 1948

when it was held at Inverness, the first Show after the end of WWII. A keen horseman, Andrew has spent his life working with horses, starting out driving a pair and later joint master with the Edminston Hunt: he is lifetime member of the British Show Jumping Association.

Andrew Black Haulage and Storage has sponsored the Royal Highland Show since 1993, most recently providing the prize money for the hard fought show jumping Grand Prix. Andrew said: “We sponsor the Show to say ‘thank you’ to the farming community for all the work we get from them. It also keeps our name in front of the public, ensuring great exposure to the right people.”

When asked what he looks forward to the most about the Royal Highland Show, aside from sponsoring, Andrew said: “Meeting people, visiting stands and seeing all the animals.”

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Dorothy Walsh & Pat Martin & Tim Martin Dorothy Walsh from Belfast and Pat Martin from Crossgar Co Down produce and show hunters in hand from their base in Northern Ireland. They have been friends for years after meeting when they both worked as schoolteachers. Both women shared a love of horses, so when Pat’s daughters left for university they decided to start exhibiting together and set about searching for horses.

Tim, Pat’s husband, buys their horses as foals from either breeders privately or at the foal sales in Autumn. Tim explains: “Our aim is to find quality foals that will excel in the show ring, with a future to be shown as a ridden hunter under saddle or progress into the eventing or show jumping fields. We like horses with a traditional Irish pedigree, Thoroughbred/Irish draught cross with good confirmation and a pleasing outlook.”

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Royal Highland Show 2016

Tim Walsh with Imperial Choice at 2015 RHS

Tom Thomson’s Highland Cattle

Their show team is produced and shown by Tim, with all hands to the pump to prepare horses for the ring with Pat, Dorothy and Dorothy’s husband Keith applying the finishing touches.

Tim has been a long-time supporter and fan of the show from the days when his late father, Sam Martin, judged the Light horse Hunter in Hand classes on a number of occasions at the ‘Highland’. “My father started showing horses in the early 1930’s

of their achievements include overall Hunter Champion with Diamond Choice as a 2 year old and Hunter in Hand Champion with Grand Choice and most recently, in 2015 with Imperial Choice. Tim commented: “A win at the Highland is the high light of our showing year and adds value and prestige to the horse having been successful in an international field of competitors at the top Agricultural show in the UK. Aside from exhibiting, the team enjoy having a ‘wander around’ the rest of the Show, with Dorothy and Pat indulging in a bit of retail therapy. “We love to see the changes and improvements and visit the great variety of stands!”

Pat comments. They will also meet up with friends and relatives and make a point of heading into Edinburgh for a morning.

With other agricultural shows, such as the Royal Ulster and the Royal Dublin, on their competition calendar for the year, we asked Tim what sets the Highland apart from the others. Tim replied: “The Highland gives us a lovely, lovely welcome – especially the Show team, “it is like visiting dear friends whose welcome is always warm and generous and nothing is too much bother. The showgrounds are immaculate and the organisation superb. The range of livestock, classes and exhibits on show are incomparable to any other show we visit. It gives off a real family atmosphere.”

until the late 60’s when his services were in demand throughout the UK judging young stock, Stallions and conformation sections of ridden classes” Tim explained.

“He always put the “Highland” on top of his favourite show to judge and having accompanied him to the Show I was determined to bring horses to the show some day” Tim adds.

Since they started exhibiting at the Show in 2008, the duo has been very successful. Some

Tom Thomson’s Highland Cattle Tom Thomson is the 3rd generation to farm at the family farm, Woodneuk, in East Renfrewshire. Along with his 48

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wife, Janette, his father William and his wife Margaret, as well as help from other family members, he runs the beef cattle farm.

Tom’s pedigree Highland Cattle fold was started in 1954 by his grandfather and continued

by William. It now includes over 220 Highlanders and 110 Shorthorn and Charolais crosses (excluding this year’s calves).

Tom explains: “Farming has been in my blood since I was born, which incidentally was on a dairy farm (Killoch in Neilston). We left Killoch in 1969 and moved to Woodneuk.”

The Royal Highland Show is also in Tom’s blood. He has attended it for most of his life (55 years) either as a spectator or as an exhibitor. “Members of my family have been attending The Highland Show in various locations for over a hundred years.

My Highlanders have also been the stars of various Royal Highland Show photo calls in recent years, with Alasdair the 4th of Woodneuk getting to share the stage with model Victoria Middleton at last year’s shoot.”

Tom picks his show cattle out at the beginning of the year and tries to get them ready for our the first show, which is usually Beith at the end of April or his local show, Neilston, on the first Saturday in May. “This depends on how the calving is going”, Tom adds.

Woodneuk bred cattle have won the Highland Championship on three occasions since 1992.

“We have won, overall champion twice, male champion twice and three junior championships.

My father won with a bull Jock

Royal Highland Show 2016 3rd of Woodneuk in 1992. I won in 2000 with Bachy 3rd of Woodneuk” Tom explains.

For Tom and his family, it means a lot to do well at the Show. The term ‘shop window’ is often used when describing what the Show means for exhibitors and Tom agrees. “It gives you a boost for the future.

Attending and having success at the R.H.S. has helped us to sell cattle both in the UK and abroad.

If you are lucky enough to win the championship be prepared though – as it does cost you a fortune to buy your competitors a round of drinks!”

“The year I was lucky enough to win I had a tear in my eye but could not stop smiling as it was such an honour and privilege. We usually attend 8 or 9 local shows each year – 6 of which are in the run up to the Highland. It is very important to support the local shows as they are the lifeblood of the local communities and farming industry in that area.”

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“For a Scot, the Highland is obviously the biggest and best to compete at and is always a stand out event in the agricultural year. The thing I like is the camaraderie of all the exhibitors within your breed and the help and enthusiasm shared between your competitors. I also enjoy being on our Society Stand promoting the unique qualities of Highland cattle, meeting old and new acquaintances and enjoying the social side of the show.”

In 2016 Woodneuk will be bringing a new group of cattle to the show circuit. The whole family will be attending the Show as usual, with ages ranging from 15 to 82. “I am sure they will all have a great time” Tom said. He continues “This year I am especially looking forward to the Highland as I am now president of the Highland Cattle Society. This is a great honour for me as I am the third generation in our family to hold this position.”

See you in June Mr President!

Get on the Front Row…at the Show

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Royal Highland Show 2016 Not a lot of people would associate the Royal Highland Show with fashion and catwalks, at least not of the human variety, but each year there are three fashion shows run by the National Sheep Association.

Previous models to walk the catwalk have included the likes of Miss Scotland, Ellie McKeating, and one of Scotland’s top models, Victoria Middleton. The catwalk shows will take place twice on the Friday and again on the Sunday and showcase some of Scotland’s favourite designers, such as Psychomoda, and Recipy.

The NSA’s fashion programme also incorporates a

‘Young Designer’ competition, won last year by exciting upand-coming Scottish designer, Rachel Connelly. The finalists for 2016 will be showcasing their designers throughout the event, with the winner being announced at the end of Friday’s final fashion show.

Louise Quinn, fashion event organiser from NSA, said, “We’re really excited about this year’s show. The ‘Young Designer’ competition gives us a chance to showcase new talent whilst the fashion shows themselves support incredible designers from across the country.”

Young farmers at the show - the future of farming is in safe hands!

It is fair to say you will not miss the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Club (SAYFC) at the Royal Highland Show this year. With more than 750 members taking part in twelve competitions over the four-days as well as a stage show, prize giving reception and their centre full of colour and photographs there is little chance of them going un-noticed.

Activities start the weekend before as hundreds of member’s head to the showground to setup their arts and crafts entries, catwalk couture designs, craftsmanship masterpieces and photography displays.

For the seniors (members aged 19 – 28) the theme is “Rio Carnival” requiring them to produce a handmade mask, floral arrangement with fresh flowers, poster without the use of a computer, carnival top and cake.

For the juniors (members aged 14 to 18), “Once Upon a Time” is their focused theme asking them to create a sewn soft toy, front cover for a book, and a floral arrangement with fresh flowers.

The carnival theme continues for the Catwalk Couture competition where members must

create an outfit that is bright, fun and full of creativity. Whilst the 2016 craftsmanship competitors have the challenge of designing and producing a trophy using any materials, shapes and styles that they desire.

In the photography, “Country Comes to Town” but how will the members interpret the theme and what shots will capture the eye of the judges. Members will have to wait until the Young Farmers Centre doors open on Thursday morning to find out if they were placed so come along to see if you agree with the results.

As the show commences, hundreds of members will descend upon the Young Farmers Centre to take part in the livecompetitions, support their clubs and enjoy catching up with friends and family. It is a fantastic opportunity to hear and see Young Farmers in action and the stage show outside the centre is the perfect place to start!

Cooking up a storm in the Young Farmers Cook Off will be the Ready Steady Country Cook teams who are looking to create a dish full of flavour using their technical skills and flare ensuring it has a good texture and looks

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Royal Highland Show 2016

appealing on the plate. There will be two semi-final rounds with the final taking place on Saturday but will the “chefs” be able to handle the heat.

The stage, which is supported

by Scotmid will see the retailer showcase some of Scotland’s finest food and drink as their producers run demonstrations and tastings. Children will be invited to make a strawberry tart with a donation to charity and there will be a dedicated area where families can take part in fun activities.

Bringing some drama and sound to the stage will be members singing, dancing, acting and delivering comedy sketches.

There will also be featured videos displayed on the screen including the first ever showing of the new “SAYFC Promotional Film Footage”. This will be used throughout the year to help clubs and districts promote Young Farmers aiding them with recruitment and engagement.

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Taking the entertainment factor to the cattle rings, regional teams will take on the “Farming Challenge” on Friday.

A competition designed to bring out some friendly rivalry between the associations three regions as they tackle an obstacle course that can include just about anything – straw, water, potatoes, nets, wheelbarrows and quad bike trailers all featured last year. The competitors will not know until the day so will it be the team in blue, yellow or pink that crosses the line first.

The cattle ring is also home to the atmospheric Tug of War, supported by Hoggs of Fife, which sees hundreds of spectators line up to cheer on their team as the ladies and gents dig deep and use all their strength to drag the opposition over the line.

Over on the MacRobert Shearing Pavilion, members will be challenged with shearing

Blackface and Scotch Mules ewes requiring a steady hand as the British Wool Marketing Board watch on to select their winner. Keeping with the sheep theme, the Prime Lamb dressing competition will once again take place at the show following last year’s success. Supported by NSA Scotland, competitors will “style” their animals to see if they have what it takes to be the champion.

And not forgetting the Stockmanship competition supported by Harbro. In dairy the classes will include Ayrshire, Jersey and Holstien, for the beef Saler, Simmental, Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus and for the sheep Suffolk, Border Leicester, South Country Cheviot and Beltex. After spending months training this is often the competition that is most sort after by members and generates a large crowd on Saturday night for the prize giving reception.

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There is also a special Friends of Young Farmers reception for alumni members to share some memories and catch-up with old friends. Through their membership these individuals are helping to sustain the future of SAYFC and the Royal Highland Show is a great occasion to share our thanks, and welcome potential new members.

District Participation, Recruitment and the Club of the Year are all announced during the Chairman’s reception on Friday.

And if you still have time, head into the Young Farmers Centre where the wall theme will take you through the activities, events, training and competitions that appear in the SAYFC calendar over a full year. It will provide a real insight into all the fantastic opportunities that continue to help rural youth in Scotland strive both during their time as a member and in their future careers.

Royal Highland Show 2016

RHASS Recognises Technical Innovation and Excellence in Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design

It is always good to recive recognition at the RHS

Innovation in the field

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has a historic reputation for recognising and rewarding excellence. As agriculture and rural industry has evolved, the RHASS has responded with its Technical Innovation annual awards.

Technical Innovation is pivotal to the future of Scotland’s key industries, whether in keeping with the industry, improving the environment, promoting best practice or ensuring operator safety and comfort.

RHASS is confident its Technical Innovation Awards, sponsored by Hillhouse Quarry Group, are an important and influential accolade for manufacturers, distributors, providers and inventors they provide a distinctive and prestigious means to promote new ideas, whether conceived in the farm workshop or on the test benches of multi- national manufacturers.

Designed to encourage and recognise innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and appliances which advance the 54

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effective and efficient practice of either agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy or estate services, the awards are judged and benchmarked on individual merit.

Entries for the awards must be machine, appliances, technical components or important ancillary equipment.

The equipment should have positive benefit to agriculture and/or agricultural business, horticulture, equestrian, forestry or estate services. Entries should be commercially available or be prototypes in development.

Entries are judged on an individual basis by a panel of judges from the RHASS Board.

The judging process takes into account user feedback, product features, all information and literature submitted and available as well as any sales pitch provided and observations on any working demonstrations witnessed.

Judging for this year’s awards has nearly finished and the official presentation and award ceremony will take place at the Royal Highland Show on Saturday 25th June.

Royal Highland Show 2016

Show organisers urge visitors to plan for EU Referendum vote Organisers of the Royal Highland Show are calling on those who plan on attending the first day of the event (Thursday 23rd June) to register for a postal vote for the EU Referendum, which takes place on the same day.

Given that more than 50,000 people are expected to flock to the four-day event at Ingliston

on voting day, and with many exhibitors staying over on site, organisers are urging those who can’t make it to their local polling station to register now for a postal vote to avoid losing out on the opportunity to have their say.

Commenting on the date clash, RHASS Chairman Willie Gill said: “The Royal Highland Show

is the most important four days in the country’s calendar and even a EU Referendum won’t keep showgowers away. However, it is a key vote, especially for those in the agricultural industry, and we would urge visitors who can’t vote in person to register to do it by post. That way they can come and enjoy the Show as normal.”

Register for a postal vote in England, Scotland or Wales by 8th June https://www.gov.uk/ voting-in-the-uk/postal-voting Register for a postal vote in Northern Ireland by 2nd June http://www.eoni.org.uk/Vote/ Voting-by-post-or-proxy www.royalhighlandshow.org

Future Royal Highland Show Dates

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Royal Highland Show 2016

A look at some of this years exhibitors Agrico

New Marketing Theme for Agrico Specialist potato breeder and seed supplier Agrico UK Ltd are exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show again this year.

Located on Avenue H, they will be showcasing their latest potato varieties and welcome the chance to discuss your potato needs.

It’s a busy time for the business with a series of collaborative research and development projects currently

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on the go including how to maximise the possible outlets and uses for potatoes as well as enhancing storage techniques.

The business also recently revealed their new “Say Growth” theme which will be used for the next 3 years - this replaces the previous “Say Choice” slogan. Growth represents shared growth with growers, buyers, packaging companies, retailers and consumers - for example through a good harvest and guaranteed results.

One way in which Agrico aims to achieve this growth (in addition to the right varieties) is by providing comprehensive support that allows its agents to successfully introduce these varieties. Agrico believes that fruitful, long-term partnerships make shared future growth possible.

The chosen imagery depicts potato sacks increasing in size, all carved out of potatoes.

As an international business these are recognisable in all countries and the link with potatoes is clear.

Albutt

Albutt introduce the new bale squeezer for telehandlers, loaders and wheeled loaders Albutt, the attachment specialist, has developed a new attachment for bale handling.

The new attachment will handle a wide range of bales,

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wrapped silage or straw, square or round. Developed to be used with telehandlers, loaders and wheeled loaders, its heavy duty design offers long term reliability and a flexible approach to bale handling.

The design features two heavy duty gripper arms that move horizontally, controlled by two hydraulic rams. The gripper arms feature 75mm heavy duty thick wall tube for high strength.

The arms grip the bale securely and open between 0.75m (29.5”) to 2.05m (80.7”), allowing the handling of rectangular and round bales. The gripper arms have smooth surfaces to protect bale wrap during handling.

Rectangular bales can be gripped from the side or end (depending on bale length).

An optional bolt on back frame allows more than one bale to be carried.

Royal Highland Show 2016 Handler lift capacity is 1000 kilos and comes complete with adjustable pressure relief valve, (allows adjustment of clamp pressure) and hydraulic lock valve, (locks pressure in ram, providing hose burst protection). Albutt can supply this new attachment with brackets for all types of telehandlers, tractor loaders and wheeled loaders.

For further information on this and all Albutt products, please contact Robin Normington on 01242 622904 or 07778 942138 or email: robin@albutt.co.uk or visit www.albutt.co.uk Amazone

New Cirrus 4003-2C grain and fertiliser trailed cultivator drill for the Royal Highland Show To work alongside the more traditional power harrow/ drill combination approach for sowing spring barley together with a NPK fertiliser down the spout, there is an increasing demand for both trailed passive cultivator drills and tine seeders that offer not only an increased output but also still have that fertiliser option.

The Royal Highland Show will see for the first time the new 4 m folding Cirrus-C ISOBUS sitting on the Stand together with the updated AD-P Super 3000 CC ISOBUS combined grain and fertiliser drills.

The 4m Cirrus ISOBUS features a 4,000 litre pressurised tank which is divided into two on a 60:40 split. The two halves of the tank can be calibrated to two separate application rates via push button calibration either from the tractor cab or

down at the drill via the new TwinTerminal. This offers the option of having fertiliser in one half of the tank and grain in the other or maybe sowing two varieties of cover crop at once or under-sowing spring barley with grass seed depending on the application required.

The seed is metered from the hopper into the sealed conveying system where the new, low power requirement fan transfers the seed to the all-new segmented distribution head. The segmented head means that one half of the head can be isolated from the tractor seat to able the drill to be set for half-side shut-off when starting on the headland or for doing short work in the field via SectionControl and automatic GPS shut-off.

Targeted consolidation of the seedbed to the seed row is provided by the renowned 880 mm diameter Matrix tyre which, with its radial construction and high-load

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carrying capacity, means highspeed road transport yet low ground pressure and an easy pull in the field.

BD Supplies B D Supplies has been established for over 15 years.

Originally being a supplier of Animal husbandry equipment, specialising in Hoof trimming equipment ranging from KVK Hoof Trimming crates to knives and bandages, cattle handling equipment, electronic weighing, ear tags and general agricultural supplies and farming products.

Then expanding in the last few years to incorporate Biomass Wood Pellets. Becoming fully BSL registered and offering both bagged and bulk deliveries into the domestic and commercial market.

Agriculture is still our core and we are always looking at bringing new products to the UK market and promoting products we feel have a benefit in the UK farming industry.

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Royal Highland Show 2016 At the 2016 Royal Highland show we will be showcasing all our products, offering customers, both old and new, to come onto our stand and have a look at what products may help them in their day to day running of their farming enterprise.

We pride ourselves on being different and like nothing better than being asked for a product which may have been seen abroad or is no longer common to the market place and we can research and find for our customer.

We pride ourselves on customer service and to us ‘the customer does come first’.

Bomford Turner

A leader in green maintenance technology for more than 100 years, Bomford Turner is recognised around the world for its high-performance Hedge-cutters, Boom mowers, Remote controlled flail mowers and Cultivation Machinery.

Bomford Turner prides itself on quality and innovation delivering durable and productive machines that are a firm favourite with farmers, contractors and governmental departments.

Key products include: Reach arm boom mowers, Reach arm boom mower attachments, Remote controlled, flail mowers, Flail mowers and rotary toppers, Forestry mulchers and Soil preparation machinery.

Bryce Post Drivers

As is the norm Bryce will be featuring upgrades to existing machines - plus the introduction of something different.

Over the years Bryce have won countless prestigious Awards for their post drivers, and now with a proven formula for high performance and durability, the focus is on producing post drivers that are as near bombproof as possible.

Like everything in agriculture nowadays, performance and output is the key to moving forward with efficiency. Good labour is scarce so getting more done in the shortest time with less man hours available is what it is all about. Jock says “ today we have sprayers with 40mt booms and hill men need livestock handling systems that allow high throughput of animals with speed, safety and efficiency, and that’s what we are doing with Bryce post drivers.”

Bryce have post drivers now that will drive strainers in hard ground in less than 60 seconds and press stobs in rather than hit them with multiple strokes of the hammer. Not only are these machines much quicker but they reduce wear and tear, as bigger hammers mean less strokes which of course means less wear.

One-man tracked machines are increasing in popularity amongst the contractor sector and there will come a time when these 2nd hand units will find their way into farmers’ hands.

“Everyone is looking for ways of making the job easier - but only if it doesn’t give you grief” Jock adds. It’s easy in today’s hi-tech world to get sucked into electronics and the like. That costs more money and then the big reliability factor kicks in when you may be left high and dry in the middle of nowhere with a dysfunctional machine – going down that route isn’t in the mindset of Bryce.

Cashels Engineering Ltd is based in the west coast of Ireland. Cashels design and manufacture a broad product range for the Agricultural, Construction and Environmental Sectors.

Cashels specialise in the Designing and Manufacturing of Attachments for mounting on the Front / Rear of Agricultural Tractors, Tractor Loaders and Farm Loaders. Cashels also Design and Manufacture a Range of High Security LockUps for Site Storage, a Range of Environmental Storage Equipment which includes Bunded Shelving, Bunded Lock-Ups and Bunded Fuel Bowsers.

Main Products include Single and Double Bale Handlers, Bale Cutters with Film Catcher, Bale Film Carriers, Hydraulic Fork Grabs, Hydraulic Bucket Grabs, Hydraulic Transport Boxes, Carry All’s and High Speed (ADR Certified) Bunded Fuel Bowsers.

Cashels have been in business for 35 years and their Products are Distributed throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand. While the Cashels brand is relatively new to the UK market, Cashels Products have been Distributed in the UK under the Major Logo for the past 25 years. Cashels are now looking to establish their own Dealer Network throughout the United Kingdom. For further information on Cashels Product Range, please visit our Web Site at www.cashels.net

and quality products. While they strive to deliver the best possible pricing on a premium product, they never set out to design or build the cheapest product. They believe that irrespective of where you live in the world, their customers want the best products at the best possible price.

C-dax products are all about point of difference. They have no desire to position their brand in the generic space where everything is built down to a price. The value of a C-dax product is recognised internationally.

C-dax designers are required to spend time in the field in order to understand the operating conditions and the performance standard their products must meet.

Their objective is to always exceed the expectations of our customers with their products, service and support. At the end of the day, the last thing they want is to let you the customer down.

C-dax offer not only the safest ATV mounted sprayer in the form of the Sprayrider, which is available in 50 and 80 litre versions, but also offer two different size weedwipers in the form of the Eliminator 2.3m and new 4.3m winged wiper.

If you are looking for a quality product that as the Ronseal quote says “does what it says on the tin” and will last the test of time, then the C-dax Range of Accessories is where you need to spend your hard earned money.

C-Dax Systems

Chief Industries

ATV City the European Distributor have been distributing C-Dax products for over 15 years.

C-dax pride themselves on providing their customers with innovative, functional

Team effort to retain 1000 years of harmony GL Boulden & Sons farm some 2,900 acres (1,175

Cashels Engineering

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Royal Highland Show 2016 hectares) in the Romney Marsh area of Kent.

A fire destroyed an old curved roof barn leaving the farm with no grain handling or storage.

This left the Boulden’s with no dryer and decreased capacity in a market place which was demanding good quality grain, dried to meet a tight specification, and longer term storage. A big challenge had come to this family farming business!

A long and detailed process was then undertaken with Ashford Borough council and conservation officers, the parish council and the parochial church council, to produce a scheme which would meet the Boulden's needs and be commensurate with the location adjacent to the church, which is also adjacent to an important grade 1, thousand year old, archaeological site.

With a long established team of Weald Agriculture, Rural Partners, & Chief Industries

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UK- Simon Kenny negotiated his way through the many demands and requirements of such a site to obtain planning permission for the Boulden’s.

With Chief’s wide range of dryer features & functions, a high performance continuous dryer with sound attenuation and touch screen control technology was shoe horned into the bespoke new barn.

In the following demanding harvests the patience and attention to detail has paid off handsomely, with the installation of a new intake, high capacity dryer and bulk store with in-floor aeration, all within a striking new building, which sits in its special environment very satisfactorily.

There are many aspects to consider when installing new grain drying and storage facilities. Chief has the resources and partners to work through these challenges to arrive at the best solution for all concerned.

CKD Galbraith

Demand for Scottish farm and farmland market remains strong Commenting ahead of this year’s Royal Highland Show, Scotland’s leading property consultancy, CKD Galbraith, says that the demand for good quality farms and farmland across Scotland continues to be robust whilst more marginal farms and those too small to form a standalone unit are in less of a demand. Interestingly, there is also a strong demand for upland farms which are capable of being planted for commercial timber production.

The firm, which is at the forefront of farm sales and farmland acquisitions across the

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country, believes that a good level of transactions will continue to take place this year provided that sensitivity is given to the level of the asking price. The correct pricing structure, taking into account both the local and national demand for any particular farm, is imperative to ensure successful sales.

Simon Brown, partner of CKD Galbraith, said: “The agricultural sector has had a welcome injection of cash as a consequence of the advanced payments made by the Scottish Government in the wake of the Basic Payment Scheme debacle, however, cash flows are still under significant pressure.

“In spite of this lack of cash due to both a downturn in commodity prices and later than usual distribution of the Basic Payment, farmland prices have continued to hold up well in most areas of Scotland which emphasises the fact that land prices do not generally follow the trend of commodity prices and demonstrates an

Royal Highland Show 2016 appetite for farmland as a stable investment.

“We have seen a number of headline sales in some of the prime farming regions of the East Coast such as Angus, but generally speaking farmland remains stable.

Farmland in Scotland is still available at a discount to the values in England, however, potential English purchasers have been met with strong local and regional competition for farms in Scotland as successful businesses have continued to expand.”

Claas UK

Award winning ARION 400 With power outputs from 90hp to 140hp and a wide range of specifications, the 6-model CLAAS ARION 400 reflects the broad range of tasks that tractors this size are used for.

The ARION 400 sets a new standard for tractors this size, especially when specified with the unique and striking PANORAMIC cab which features a one piece windscreen that is joined to roof pane without a crossbeam, and recently received an iF Design award.

The ARION is built around a solid cast frame with integral oil sump, so that when used with a front loader, the brackets can therefore be bolted directly on to the engine frame and transmission, and a front linkage can be fitted to the front chassis.

Under the bonnet is a powerful and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder, 4.5 litre FPT turbocharged and charge-air

cooled TIER 4 engine, on which full power is always available.

Drive to the axles is through the well-proven 16 forward/16 reverse speed QUADRISHIFT transmission with manual or QUADRACTIV automatic gear changing.

The transmission and other main operating functions are controlled using a new multifunction control lever.

This is designed so that all the gearbox functions can be controlled using a thumboperated rocker switch.

Hydraulic options include 60, 98 or a twin-pump 57/41 litre/min open centre hydraulic circuits or 110l/m load-sensing circuit with the option of Power Beyond.

A fully integrated 2.8 tonne capacity front-linkage is available, plus a 1000rpm PTO both electrical and hydraulic connections.

In addition to the new PANORAMIC cab, the ARION

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400 is also available with a conventional cab built on a 6-pillar design. The ARION 410/420 is also available with a low profile roof with or without a transparent sunroof with an overall height to the top of the cab of about 2.5m on 34 inch tyres, which is one of the lowest on the market for this size of tractor.

Dal-Bo

Dal-Bo to “system roller” While the traditional roller comprising of the Cambridge/ breaker ring and up to 18m working width still forms the main part of the Dal-Bo turnover, an increasing number of machines are being sold with front mounted cracker boards and other accessories that Dal-Bo offer.

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Royal Highland Show 2016 The hydraulic cracker board is available on the Maxiroll models up to and including 12.3m with other front mounted options restricted to the 6.3 and 8.3 machines.

This “system roller” approach allows a roller to do so much more than simply consolidate post drilling or post emergence.

The front mounted cracker board which is hydraulically adjustable, is mounted on a parallel linkage that ensures that whatever height it is set at, the angle remains constant.

Post ploughing or other primary cultivations, the cracker board achieves good levelling and breaking down of clods ahead of the actual roll sections.

For conventional rolling post drilling, one simply raises the clod boards out of work.

Dal-Bo are now in the 2nd season since the introduction of the Snowflake ring and are very pleased with customer feedback on this ring with its 6

year guarantee. This has had a very positive impact in areas of high stone content.

In addition to rolls, DalBo will be showing one or two machines from their front mounted programme of presses that are still popular in areas where the combination drills are still in favour.

DGPS4U

The DGPS, GPS tracking, guidance and security specialists!

If your looking for a reliable specialist company to handle the ‘in the field’ new technology side of your agricultural business, you could be joining

the many people who have become satisfied customers of DGPS4U. The years of successful trading, a wide knowledge of the industry and direct links to the product manufacturers and technical developers has allowed DGPS4U to develop the best equipment ranges for all budgets.

From small rugged hand held devices taken to the field in your pocket to grand large monitor GPS/Antenna guidance systems with telemetry in combines and tractors that incorporate remote monitoring direct to the farm office, there are no solutions too big or too small.

An attitude of consideration and a desire to please is always apparent, with the tailoring of equipment, installation and ongoing technical support always to the fore. If the client presents an outline brief of requirements, or is unsure about a specific or broad solution for a particular issue, DGPS4U will be the best people to find a solution if at all possible, and no matter what the budget, the personal experience offered is priceless. DGPS4U design, develop and manufacture specific equipment if necessary to improve on quality, advance technology, increase options in the marketplace and even reduce the cost of specific system parts.

So if you are looking for easy to use location, tracking, measuring or camera solutions to help improve efficiency, planning or security on and around the farm? Have need of hand held GPS systems, full multi-vehicle guidance, tracking or crop systems, multi-camera and monitor set ups - call DGPS4U or visit the website today at www.dgps4U. com . They really can help you with a wide range of technology solutions to suit your budget.

Finnie 4x4

Finnie 4x4, the long established family run business from 64

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Peterhead, Aberdeenshire will be making the annual trip to the Royal Highland Show with their unrivalled selection of motor & modular products.

4x4 Pick-up trucks from all the main manufacturers will be on display along with a selection of storage containers, toilet blocks and modular portable buildings.

The Finnie pitch is easy to find at the east end of Avenue F , if in doubt ask anyone where the wooden cow is and you will find us behind the now famous Woodina who will be proudly guarding our front gate.

Fleming Agri Products

Fleming Agri Products will be launching 4 new products for the 2016 season. *New 3 point linkage 10ft super-float Grass topper - For the first time at the Highland show Fleming will be launching their 10ft Superfloat Grass topper “TOP10SF”.

Designed by Fleming’s own in-house design team to offer a 3 point linkage, 3 rotor high performance topping capacity of 3.1m, using high tensile strength steel to reduce weight and maintaining structural strength so that it can still be operated with a minimum 100HP tractor *New 12 ton Grain and Silage trailer TR12 - A first time showing at the Highland Show is the Fleming TR12 grain and silage trailer. Using high tensile low weight steel to reduce body weight and increase payload yet maintaining the structural integrity of the trailer. The tapered body is mounted on twin axle spring bogie suspension unit with full length sprung drawbar which working in combination to reduce stress on the towing vehicle and operator. *New Muckspreader MS150 for Compact

Royal Highland Show 2016 tractor - Designed for the equine, smallholder and horticulturalist market, The Fleming MS150 has been developed to complement the existing popular and successful MiniMuck & MS450, offering a more complete and comprehensive muck spreading option for the 25-60HP compact tractor range. The MS150 is a trailed 2 cubic yard capacity machine with a reinforced 3mm body on a heavy duty 5 stud axle with 10/80/12 tyres. *New Aerator for compact tractor range AR5 - Further developing their compact tractor range of equipment, Fleming has introduced the new model AR5 Aerator for the equine, hobby farmer and horticulturalist market.

Designed on a galvanised structural box frame, with the rotor mounted on 45mm heavy duty bearings and fitted with 8mm double knife-edged boron steel blades for smooth entry and exit of the soil, leaving minimum disruption to the ground surface.

Foster Sales Foster Sales Company, a UK based manufacturer, have been at the forefront of development of scrub cutting machines built for the conditions and needs of Scottish moorland. Since the first machine was introduced in 1994, the range has been improved and now exists of two ranges with widths from 1.4m to 2.0m.

The popular RS range is aimed at farmers and lighter users with medium density growth. The heavy duty GG range is aimed at contractors and users in heavy duty conditions.

The principles in both ranges are similar with the chains or blades being fitted above a circular rotor to limit damage by boulders and rock heads. Chain cutters tend to be used in stony/rocky areas cutting gorse, bracken and heather whilst blades where stones can be seen and avoided mainly for cutting rushes.

Foster's also manufacture other high quality machinery and implements such as 66

pasture toppers, bale handling equipment, transport and livestock boxes, yard scrapers, tipping trailers and forage boxes. Contact Mike or Adam for your nearest Foster stockist or check the website for more details www. fostersalescompany.co.uk Greencrop Irrigation

weights and have a double support wheel for the hose.

The machines are available with either a single or tandem axle chassis, with a large range of tyres.

We will also be exhibiting our engine pump set with our latest digital controlled display panel, plus our 1000 litre high speed bunded fuel bowser with integral 220 litre AdBlue tank and pump unit along with our range of dirty water and slurry equipment.

Grimme

Greencrop Irrigation will be showing the new Elite irrigator from Irrimec which is a range designed with the professional grower in mind.

The drum is driven from a cut gear ring positioned on the outer diameter of the drum.

Unlike a chain drive, the hose drum is driven by a low-torque gear drive, which is positive and low wearing. Drum bearings are now fitted with an auto lube cartridge ensuring problem free reliability.

The turbine drive retains Irrimec’s patented partial flow “Turbimec” system.

The chassis’ are constructed of large steel frames using a 5mm thick box section. The hydraulic legs are 50% larger with built-in internal rams for improved weather resistance and are designed to exert a central push against the drum for added stability.

The Elite is supplied with a full hydraulic system with the control levers now mounted on its own adjustable stand at the front of the machine. This can be adjusted to the right or left hand side of the drum, therefore when turning the drum into the work position you are always in the line of sight to position the trolley in the correct row, making the machine set up easier.

The hose guide has not one but four metal bearing rollers guiding the hose onto the drum. Gun trolleys are selfpivoting, have been made 50% stronger, are fitted with wheel

Grimme are proud to remain a family business, established in Germany more than 150 years ago. Now manufacturing a complete product range covering Potato, Beet, Irrigation and Vegetable technology they are represented in over 120 countries worldwide. Grimme UK Ltd are proud to support all their products throughout the UK with an extensive Partner network.

Many machines suitable for local growers will be on display at this year’s Royal Highland Show at the Grimme UK stand. Here our team will be happy to show visitors around our products, highlighting our many “Clever Thinking” ideas. For example our latest iSystem control with full ISOBUS and GPS integration, terra depth control, visual protect, multisep and optibag are all features that are well worth checking out at this year’s event.

Making sure our customer’s get the highest level of support and back up is a main priority at Grimme. At this year’s show our aim will be to showcase our Partner network, as their aftersales support is key to ensuring growers and operators get the best performance out of their Grimme machines. With

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a little forward planning it’s possible to reduce the risk of costly in season breakdowns using services like the appraisal program. This has proved highly successful over the years to help growers maintain their machines out of season.

With this and a new 2016 pricing structure for genuine Grimme parts, with many price’s reduced across our range including stars, rollers and webs we are confident our team can help reduce your overall operating costs.

Grimme UK Ltd has been a part of the Royal Highland Show for many years, and we are once again proud to be exhibiting at this historic event, representing our entire Scottish Partners.

For more information contact Mark Addinall / Adam Johnson on marketing@ grimme.co.uk Harry West (Prees) Ltd

Harry West (Prees) Ltd can now offer the full complement of diet feeding options for your particular requirements. In our ever changing times the demand to produce more for less cost has never been more prevalent and in the dairy / beef industry this is always a very topical issue.

The range of Diet Feeders available from this North Shropshire based company cover every requirement and these include the West Diet Feeder, this paddle type mixer has won many RASE awards and is available in 12 m and 16 m capacities. This low power requirement, top quality mixing and high feed out design has been very successful and allows clamp silage to be processed to a very high standard.

For customers who require tochop material we can offer the full range of Seko machines, these top quality horizontal and vertical design machines gives us, one of The Best Unifeed on the market.

Royal Highland Show 2016 The Samurai 5 horizontal range of machines gives us capacities of 5 cu/m up to 30 cu/m in various configurations consisting of trailed, self propelled and stationary units.

The simple design consisting of 2 augers with 4 convergent windings along with stationary and auger blades give a very good chopping and mixing effect as favoured by our many customers.

The Tiger range of vertical feeders gives capacities from 9 cu/m up to 41 cu/m in either single, twin or triple auger designs, options are available on the trailed machines along with side front or rear discharge.

Harry West (Prees) Ltd commitment to product support and service parts gives you the all round package for your next purchase.

Details from James Llewellyn on 01948 840465 or John Taylor on 07753 724575 www.harrywest.co.uk

Horsch

Horsch expands the Express KR range Horsch’s 3m Express KR power harrow and drill combination, on show at the Royal Highland Show, is the first model in an expanding range. Shown for the first time in the summer, Horsch has recently announced an expansion of the range with 3.5m and 4m working width models now also available, and has added a new simple and safe calibration system.

The 3m, mounted machine features the proven drill components of Horsch’s renowned Pronto model

integrated with a powerful 10disc Kredo rotary harrow. The machine is ideal for intensive seedbed preparation even in very difficult and stony soil conditions.

The Express KR features hydraulic rams to control working and sowing depth allowing it to be easily adjusted from the tractor cab. The drill is controlled by the Horsch terminal, which is ISOBUS compatible. The frame of the Express KR is designed in such a way that the working depth of the rotary harrow does not influence the sowing depth.

Built with Pronto’s drill technology, the Express KR uses the TurboDisc 2 seed coulters to precisely follow the soil surface for consistent seed depth. These where launched on all Pronto drills for 2015. Four rubber dampers per coulter transfer a coulter pressure of up to 120 kg and guarantee a smooth coulter control even at high speeds.

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The TurboDisc seed coulters can be lifted completely on the hydraulic rams allowing the Kredo rotary harrow to work on its own or even uncoupled completely from the drill via four fixing points.

To carry out the calibration test, the operator can stand behind the machine and push the calibration bag with the integrated mechanism under the calibration flap.

JFC Agri

JFC Agri launches an innovative Tip-over Drinker Dairy Farmers are financially rewarded for low

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Royal Highland Show 2016 SCC (Somatic Cell Count) and penalised when the count is excessive. According to the National Animal Disease Information Service “High cell counts cost money. The cost of a high cell count does not just come from the penalties imposed or bonuses foregone when targets are not met; high cell count cows produce less milk than low cell count cows.

A high cell count herd will also have more clinical mastitis.

So reducing cell count can provide substantial savings - on average, reducing the bulk cell count from 250,000 to 150,000 will result in savings of around £40 per cow per year”.

The problem of high SCC on Dairy farms can be attributed to many factors but is often related to primary management practices, including milking equipment and techniques, housing, cleanliness of the environment, hygienic quality of water and feed, preventive health measures and stress.

The Farm Animal Welfare Council set out the Five Freedoms - the first Freedom from Hunger and thirst states that all cattle should have ready access to fresh water and a good diet. Poor quality drinking water can be major contributor to high SCC. Farmers are well aware of the importance of having fresh drinking water and their daily chores include cleaning their drinkers, particularly when cows are housed indoors. It is usually an unpleasant task which may have to be conducted several times a day and until now there was no drinker on the market that

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made this job simple, effective and easy.

To see the DBL9 in action follow the link https://youtu. be/2XTY4TnIKos or for more information visit www.jfcagri. com or call 01691 659226 Joskin

Every farmer, every contractor would like a machine which is reliable, efficient, strong but light, suitable for every situation... But it's simply a dream... Well, not really : Joskin manufactures them !

Always built in the highest quality of steel, mounted on a very strong and easy to pull running gear, a Joskin machine meets the customer's needs, whoever he is, thanks to more than 3000 options that can be chosen in the pricelist.

73 Joskin manufactures a vast range of products, from slurry tankers to muck spreaders, but also trailers, full hardox dump trailers, livestock trailers, multi-purpose trailers, silage trailers, scarifiers and pasture toppers, among others.106 All of the machines described are studied, drawn and then developped at Joskin and 80% of the components of their machines are made « in-house ». By which we mean that they make the spareparts as well, thanks to 5 high technology factories where you can find some mills, lathes, laser

tubes, robot welding machines, folders, etc. 162 The most popular machine remains the slurry tanker, that can vary from a single, twin, triple axle, with or without an independent chassis, with a boggie or hydraulic running gear and they can be fitted with many options. The tank is always galvanised and fitted with baffles as well as several security parts that allow Joskin to meet the requirements of the most exigent countries all over the world. This quality will be factory checked on every Joskin machine, wherever it's delivered.

Best quality on their muck spreaders as well, which become more and more popular, thanks to the eveness quality of the spreading and the strength of the floor and the body. Good news, they now introduce a 5m long contractor machine, the Tornado T5011/11V. One of them will be exhibit at the Highland Show 2016 for the first time.

Kongskilde

blue Overum is still available, Kongskilde launched a “one brand strategy” last year, so are now promoting red coloured Kongskilde ploughs here in the UK and Ireland. XLD means deeper and a wider furrow bottom to cater for today’s wider tractor tyres, but for really wide tyres on land/in furrow versions are also available. Low draft and low power requirement were two of the key features the designers wanted to achieve and thorough testing in Scotland has born this out. All Kongskilde ploughs are now delivered with the reverse side of the mouldboard painted in dark grey and the working side with a special coating, which is easily rubbed off the first time the plough is used. This new “Easy Clean” is not only fast but also environmentally friendly compared to painted surfaces.

Kongskilde ploughs start with small conventional versions through to wagon trailed types, but the most popular are the 4-6 furrow 150350hp reversible here in the UK. Slatted mouldboard versions and choices of skimmers and land wheels provide the right specification for different farming types.

Krone

Kongskilde will be showing the new XLD plough body following its launch this Spring.

This new mouldboard is the latest in a line of bodies from the famous Overum factory which is owned and operated by Kongskilde. While the original

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CHIEF AD

Royal Highland Show 2016 BiG X 630 on display Krone UK Ltd, are a leading supplier of hay and forage harvesting equipment who understand the importance of effective aftersales.

As a leader of innovation Krone UK Ltd will be exhibiting at this year’s Royal Highland Show a range of machines demonstrating their understanding of hay and forage harvesting. On display will be the recently launched BiG X 630, the largest hp model available as a part of the narrow body range of forage harvesters. Available with six feed rollers and VariStream, the new MaxFlow drum and rear wishbone suspension, the BiG X 630 has been designed with performance and comfort in mind A range of Comprima round balers will also be on display, including the V 150 XC Xtreme with tandem axle for an unparalleled smooth ride in the field and on the road whilst minimizing soil compaction. All Comprima round balers feature the Krone EasyFlow camless pick up

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providing the swiftest pick up in the field and the NovoGrip bale chamber consisting of metal slats and rubber belts to produce a bale with a perfect body.

A selection of EasyCut mowers featuring the SmartCut mower bed with SafeCut disc protection will also be on display.

Along with Krone tedders with Octolink drive, Swadro rakes with the lift tine designed to minimize crop contamination.

To find out about Krone’s special show offers or for more information on the full product range please come along and visit the Krone stand.

Kuhn Farm Machinery

KUHN Farm Machinery have a wide selection of hay and silage making equipment on display at this year’s Royal Highland Show. Being held at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston from 23rd to 26th June, KUHN will have the following machines, amongst others, on show: KUHN’s new frontmounted disc mower conditioner – the FC 3125 DF-FF – has a 3.10 m working width and features improved terrain following capabilities and variable conditioning speeds, making it ideal for use as part of a high power, high output, triple-gang setup.

The FC 3125 DF-FF uses a re-designed twin-linkage headstock and shark fin inspired-design which houses an innovative suspension set-up enabling the mower to oscillate at angles of up to 30 degrees. This improved ground contouring capability prevents crop contamination

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and preserves the quality of the remaining grass sward.

The mower’s suspension is controlled by KUHN’s LIFTCONTROL hydro-pneumatic ground pressure system which minimises crop damage and reduces wear and tear of the cutter bar by allowing the mowing unit to travel by up to 0.75 m. Two large pivoting connecting rods provide additional structural strength and stability.

The conditioning unit is fitted with KUHN’s pivoting steel fingers which adapt easily to different types of forage. Conditioning intensity is controlled by a single gear lever which selects one of two speeds: 1000 min-1 for most forage grasses or 755 min-1 for more delicate crops.

The FC 3125 DFFF uses KUHN’s reliable OPTIDISC cutter bar and PROTECTADRIVE safety system and is fitted with FASTFIT knives.

Royal Highland Show 2016 When used in combination with a rear mounted twin mower conditioner – either the FC 8830 D or FC 9530 D – a total working width of 8.73 to 9.53 metres is possible.

Landini Tractors

Royal Highland showcase for 60-113hp Landini loader and general purpose tractors The Landini exhibit at the Royal Highland Show 2016 will showcase a comprehensive range of modern 60-113hp tractors that users are finding attractive for their efficient powertrain and spacious, welldesigned cab.

“Landini tractors have a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability, especially amongst livestock farmers,” says Bob Bain, Scotland area sales manager for distributor AgriArgo UK. “The latest models retain those characteristics but with improved cab and controls, and added style.”

The new Landini 4D tractors are the smallest, with power outputs of 64hp, 69hp and 76hp from an all-new and highly fuel-efficient 2.9-litre Deutz four-cylinder engine.

A ‘Tier 3 special’ powered by a 75hp 4.4-litre Perkins is available at a very competitive price while engine stocks last.

Next come the slightly longer wheelbase Landini 4 Series tractors of 90hp, 99hp and 107hp, which come with higher flow hydraulics and increased lift capacity for the rear linkage.

There is an exceptional choice of transmission and

pto configurations to suit all applications, from a synchro shuttle 12x12 to a power shuttle 32x32 with two-speed powershift.

Latest versions of the larger Landini 5-H Series tractors have the same new spacious cab design as the 4D and 4 Series tractors, with side console mounted controls angled towards the driver for ease of use. Power shuttle response adjustment makes it possible to fine tune the mechanism’s response for different circumstances and driver preference.

Power outputs of 85hp, 95hp, 102hp and 113hp will be ideal for many applications, as will an hydraulics system uprated to the equivalent of single pump systems giving 93-litre/min output but from dedicated steering and services pumps.

The Landini 5-D tractors – successors to the popular Powerfarm – have the first

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three of those power outputs from the same modern 3.4-litre Perkins engine but with a simpler overall specification.

Lemken

Lemken extends mounted plough range Juwel 8 now also available in an M version Lemken has extended its reversible plough range with the Juwel 8 M series. Like the Juwel 7, the M and MV plough models feature a hydraulic reversing mechanism with mechanical pitch adjustment.

The reversing mechanism, which comprises a short, robust pivot axle with a diameter

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Royal Highland Show 2016 of 120 mm, ensures precise, reliable plough rotation.

The pitch of the Juwel 8 M is adjusted easily and precisely via a cap nut and stop; this adjustment can be made separately for each side. The easy-to-handle cap nuts protect threads against dirt to ensure that pitch adjustments can always be performed smoothly.

The standard equipment of the Juwel 8 M and MV includes the innovative DuraMaxx plough bodies, which are available as full or slatted bodies in steel, plastic or hybrid versions to meet a wide range of requirements.

The slats and mouldboards are made of special wear-resistant tool steel without drill or punch holes, setting a new benchmark with a 150% longer service life compared to conventional plough bodies. As DuraMaxx bodies are not bolted, but clipped to the base body, they are quick and easy to replace and can be fully utilised as wearing material.

The new Uni wheel depth and transport wheel has hydraulic suspension as standard providing reliable

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depth control and allows fast switching between the transport and working positions, as it doesn’t require a control chain or hydraulic connection to the tractor.

The Hydromatic automatic overload protection system delivers superior safety and reliability of use when ploughing in stony soils. With 3 to 7 furrows and a range of underframe and interbody clearances, there is an extensive range of models for mediumand high-performance tractors.

MacAree Engineering

Be Bio Secure, store your animal feed properly With an increasing emphasis on farm quality accreditation it is becoming more and more important

that all elements of the food chain are protected against contamination.

Protecting the feed that your livestock processes is a key part of this. It is becoming less and less acceptable to be storing animal feed in unprotected sheds. The best solution is to use a V-Mac silo which are specially designed for the protecting your feed.

Using a silo offers protection in a number of ways – fundamentally the feed is protected from the elements and from vermin. Using a silo also prevents waste – it all goes to feeding your animals not vermin.

In addition, there is no spoilage from feed getting damp, building crust or from handling.

The V-Mac silo range, designed and manufactured by McAree Engineering in Ireland offers the widest range of silos on the UK market with specific storage solutions for filling feeder wagons, auger fed systems and home mixed feed.

Peter Richardson, V-Mac Silo Marketing Manager advises “we bring over 40 years experience in every single silo we make. We have a unique

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way of making our silos from galvansied strip which results in a very strong smooth walled body. And because we only make to order we can be sure to tailor the silo to suit your specific requirements.

Paul Winder, A Winder & Son, is the Scottish and Northern England distributor of V-Mac Silos. “Our customers have found V-Mac silos to be an excellent product, the most frequent comment is that our customer love the strength of the build quality.

From the enclosed silo which fully protects the cone area and provides additional storage to the V-Mac Offset which is designed for filling snackers or loader buckets, there really is a solution for every requirement” Major Equipment

Farming some 1400 acres in Banffshire, Paul Grant and

Royal Highland Show 2016 his partner Laura George run a large beef suckler herd and a highly productive sheep unit at Auchanland Farm, near Cornhill. The farm business consists of six units, three of which are tenanted and three owned, while an additional 200 acres seasonal grazing adds to the enterprise. Soil type varies from good arable in the bottom to some rough and stony grazing areas on the hills and with it, a fair share of rushes that are of course unwanted.

Said Paul, “We have heavy demands on grazing requirements through the season and can’t afford to lose grass production through weeds and rushes, which seem to pop up everywhere. I’m a believer of regularly topping the grazing areas and especially the boundaries of fields so that we can maximise our grazing yield potential.”

Previous grassland maintenance such as topping was done with a front mounted

topper but it struggled a lot with the denser conditions, particularly with rushes. So Paul took a look at what was on the market and discussed the options with Davy Reed, salesman at Sellars of Huntley.

He wanted something that was reliable, well built and quite a bit wider than his existing topper.

Sellars of Huntley sales executive Davy Reed commented, “Paul is the kind of customer who really takes his time in choosing the right machine to get the best job.

In other words, he likes to do it right, every-time. It was obvious to me that with a lot of tough areas out on the hills, where there’s plenty of stones and rushes, Paul would be best suited in choosing a Major 4.9m (16’) Eagle Wing topper.

I would say it’s really designed to give a perfect cut and engineered to last. It’s also very heavily built. I had no hesitation in recommending the Major to

Paul, it was undoubtedly the right machine for him.”

To see the innovative and robust range of grass toppers and slurry handling equipment from Major Equipment, make sure to visit their stand at the Royal Highland Show.

McCormick Tractors

New 160hp six-cylinder model and Efficient specification expand McCormick X7 Series The Royal Highland Show will see the launch of new additions to the McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractor series, resulting in a wider choice of power outputs and specifications.

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The new McCormick X7.650 Pro Drive joins the range with 152hp from its 6.7-litre engine at rated speed, climbing to 160hp peak output for draft implements, pto work and transport operations.

It will be available in the current Premium specification, with a 40x40 creep transmission, piston pump closed centre hydraulics, electric remote valves and seatmounted control console, or to the new Efficient specification.

“We already have the lighter and highly manoeuvrable fourcylinder X7.450 Pro Drive with the same power output,” points out Ray Spinks, General Manager and Sales Director at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK. “But a lot of operators do like a sixcylinder machine at this power level, with its longer wheelbase and extra weight giving a bit more stability with heavy implements.”

The Efficient spec caters for operators who prefer manual to electric spool valves and creates a new price point for McCormick X7 Pro Drive models.

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Royal Highland Show 2016 The well-equipped Efficient models feature the same highly effective Pro Drive transmission, with its smooth, adjustable power shuttle and push-button four-speed powershift and range shifting, but three of the four spool valves are operated and adjusted manually, and main controls are located on a side console rather than a seat armrest.

Four-cylinder versions at 143hp, 160hp and 166/175hp have an 88-litre/min gear pump hydraulics system and can be equipped with a new beam axle front suspension that enhances ride comfort, especially in partnership with the cab suspension option.

McHale Engineering

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McHale will be exhibiting a wide range of machinery over the 4 days including the new McHale Pro Glide range of mowers and the new McHale Orbital High Speed Round Bale Wrapper.

McHale will be exhibiting three new products from this range; the McHale Pro Glide F3100 Front Mower, the R3100 Rear Mower. All Mowers are fitted with 3 metre cutter bars with tine conditioners and benefit from a number of novel features which result in better ground following ability and quicker reaction times to changes in ground conditions.

McHale have developed unique patented ground adaption technology which deliver 3 dimensional ground contour tracking for its Pro Glide range of rear and combination mowers which allows an arc of movement from left to right and forward and back movement adjusting to changes in the contours of the ground.

The McHale Orbital High Speed Round Bale Wrapper is the latest addition to the McHale bale wrapper range.

McHale have harnessed the proven vertical wrapping ring technology used in the McHale Fusion to deliver a high output bale wrapper which is capable of keeping up with multiple balers. Once the bale is loaded onto the bale wrapper, the high-speed vertical wrapping ring can apply four layers of film to a 1.25 metre bale in approximately 18 seconds or six layers of film in less than 25 seconds McHale will also be showcasing their latest products in the Fusion range by demonstrating the McHale Fusion 3 Plus and the McHale Fusion Vario. Also on display in Gurteen will be the F5000 Fixed Chamber Balers and V6 Variable Chamber Balers along with a selection of round and square bale wrappers. The McHale C460 range of linkage

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and trailed Straw Blowers & Bale Feeders will also be demonstrated.

McVeigh Parker McVeigh Parker was founded in 1979 and have earned a reputation for sourcing products that are both inventive and pioneering for the fencing, landscaping and agricultural markets.

McVeigh Parker brought X fence速 premium wire netting and UC4 branded pine timber posts to the market, they are constantly looking at better performing products that will offer a greater return on investment, the right product at the right price.

In 2014 McVeigh Parker launched the new revolutionary game changing innovative fencing product known as Clipex速 fencing.

These revolutionary posts save you time, money and gives you a fence that has a service life in excess of 30 years.

Royal Highland Show 2016 The company has grown significantly since its conception from the Head Office in Berkshire, to seven nationwide depots, all extensively stocked with a full range of products to supply customers immediately to suit their projects no matter how big or small.

We have our own fleet in excess of 50 vehicles ready for a fast efficient and reliable delivery. We offer an extensive range of products for a vast array of applications at very competitive prices.

Much of our client base are returning customers and new clients often come through recommendations from satisfied clients McVeigh Parker is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 Our highly knowledgeable and courteous staff are always on hand to discuss the very best options to suit the customer’s various requirements and budgets.

Merlo

Merlo's experience in innovative technology has resulted in market leading Telescopic Handlers - which allow you to multi-task on a wide range of different jobs. With over 50 years of experience in engineering and innovative design, Merlo are sure to improve your efficiency and productivity.

We have nearly 90 Telescopic Handlers in our range with 95% of the machine built in house by Merlo engineers, proving we are a

true manufacturer rather than just an assembler.

Our ranges covers an array of solutions from our ultra compact P25.6L, at a height of just 1.77m to our massive ROTO60.24MCSS slewing telescopic handler with a capacity of 6 tonnes What can we do for you?

• More versatility with over 100 interchangeable Merlo attachments including aerial work platforms, lifting equipment and bespoke solutions • Unrivalled safety with our multi award winning M CDC (Merlo Dynamic Load Control) • Leading innovation with many international patents.

Innovation is in our DNA. • World leading concepts including Side Mounted Engine, Chassis Sideshift and Hydrostatic Transmission • Improved driver comfort by being the only telescopic

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handler manufacturer to offer three different types of suspension – Cab, Boom and Axle • Specialised after sales and service support through our network of nearly 60 independently owned dealerships in the UK. Come and see for yourself why Merlo is the only choice for your materials handling solutions.

Murray Machinery Set up in 1979 Murray Machinery operates from its base in Aberdeenshire, manufacturing material handling attachments for Telescopic Handlers, Tractor Loaders and Forklifts. For the last 37 years they have been supplying Dealers throughout Scotland, UK and abroad.

With a product range of 30 different machines with numerous variations, Murray Machinery take pride in the quality and presentation of

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Royal Highland Show 2016 their products, and with the help of the latest CAD design and CNC machine tools, reliability and durability are also at the forefront.

The latest machine to be fully designed on CAD and come off the production line at Murray Machinery is the ‘Octa-Quad’ Bale handling system, which will transport 12 big round bales fully mounted on any large tractor, eight bales on the rear transporter and four bales on the front transporter.

The Octa-Quad will also transport six full sized square bales.

In 2016 Murray Machinery Ltd will have been exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show for 27 years. At the Royal Highland Show there will be approximately 20 different machines on display on avenue D along with the NEW ‘OctaQuad’ Bale Handling System.

For Murray Machinery the Royal Highland Show is an important venue to be exhibiting at, ‘not only do we do good business at the show, say’s Peter Murray, it is an excellent opportunity to show new products, to meet new customers and gain an insight to the future needs of customers, and very importantly to get feedback from customers which all goes towards creating new and better products for the future.

This is a great opportunity to buy a full-size capability quad at considerable lower cost than the comparable entrylevel price for a 400cc class quad. Taking into account what the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. has to offer in addition to the low price it’s a serious contender for any farm. You get the legendary Polaris automatic 4 x 4 system, Independent Rear Suspension and PVT Automatic Transmission. To run electrical accessories there is a 660 watt output and the ATV comes with integrated plough and winch mounts as standard.

Storage is exceptional with the Polaris Lock & Ride system on front and rear racks which let you carry masses of gear. The Sportsman 450 H.O. also offers a massive 1225lbs/557.7kg of towing capacity, Electronic Fuel Injection for flawless starting and all-wheel braking plus a foot brake for rear wheel braking. All in all, a big package for a small price, but only for a limited period as the special offer ends on 30th June 2016.

Polaris recommends contacting your nearest authorised Polaris dealer for full details. www. polaris-britain.com Tel: 0800 915 6720 Pottinger

Polaris

Polaris has announced a special introductory offer price on the new Sportsman 450 H.O. of only £4,500.00 excluding VAT. Members of the NFU, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers’ Union can enjoy the additional 5% discount available to them on the purchase of new Polaris ATVs, bringing the price down to £4,275.00 excluding VAT. 76

Pottinger Servo 45S – The new heavy duty plough generation The 2016 Royal Highland Show will see the first Scottish display of a completely new generation of mounted heavy duty reversible ploughs from Pottinger.

These new models from Pottinger offer robust design and innovative features ideally suited to high horsepower wheeled tractors and demanding Scottish conditions.

Having started producing ploughs in 1975 Pottinger is acknowledged in central European markets as an innovative producer of highly efficient and precision engineered ploughs. Today the Servo plough range starts with the diminutive Servo 25 2 furrow plough stretching right through to the range topping 9 furrow Servo 6.50 semi mounted reversible plough.

In response to the ever increasing horsepower of tractors Pottinger are proud to announce the launch of the new Servo 45S heavy duty reversible plough range for tractors up to 350hp.

These robust ploughs have been thoroughly researched and tested with extensive field testing across Europe. Couple this practical proving to a rigorous development programme in the industry leading Pottinger TIZ testing centre you can be sure you are investing a plough that is built to last.

The impressive new headstock design incorporates a turn over shaft with a market leading diameter of 6” (150mm) designed to withstand the highest torsional loads. This headstock is coupled via the Pottinger Servomatic plough settings centre to a rugged 140 x 140 x 10 mm beam. This beam is constructed from high quality “Leurit” Austrian steel and utilises the unique hidden inner beam reinforcement as found in all Servo mounted ploughs.

Available with the fully adjustable Nova hydraulic auto reset protection system, either mechanical or hydraulic variable furrow width adjustment plus a wide choice of bodies, skimmers and other accessories.

Further information on this innovative new plough range can be obtained from Pottinger UK on 01536 272220.

Powerwasher Services

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Powerwasher Services Ltd are a family business with 3 generations of the family specialising in the supply, hire and maintenance of cleaning and heating equipment throughout the North of Scotland. They have been involved in this for 32 years and pride themselves on their excellent back up service.

Any machine purchased from Powerwasher Services Ltd whether it be a pressure washer, space heater, floor sweeper, scrubber drier, industrial vacuum, compressor or generator comes with their guarantee of a quality product backed up by a service second to none. They have a team of eight service engineers on the road and offer the same or next day breakdown service.

Jack Whitecross who founded the company was a dairyman from leaving school until 1981. So he has an understanding of the agricultural market . Although the equipment has changed over the years with new technology, the pressure washers supplied

by Powerwasher Services Ltd will stand up to the daily requirements on a farm. They have a range of products to cover any market from the small croft up to the largest milking parlours, chicken or pig units and they can make bespoke units with pipelines as required.

Powerwasher Services Ltd have just secured their biggest contract with installation of pressure washers to the Quality Pork Processors Abattoir in Brechin, Angus.

These machines are specially built electrically heated units which are stainless steel and can supply hot water at a constant temperature of 80 degrees.

They are proud to say that hard work, determination and the supply of quality products backed up with their service has stood them in good stead over the years.

If you are thinking of replacing your machines give Powerwasher Services Ltd a call and they will advise you on the correct machine for your requirements.

Royal Highland Show 2016 Proctor Group

Proctors of Blairgowrie has been occupying the same site on the corner of Avenue Q and 6th Avenue at the Royal Highland Show for more than 30 years.

Over that time, like all other companies, the business has adapted to meet the prevailing market conditions and although still known by many as ‘the insulation and ventilation people’, the company has moved on and focusses now on several different sectors.

Since Proctors took over ARM, the specialist pig building and equipment company based in Staffordshire, in 1999 there has been steady growth as ARM has increased market share.

This means that pig building sales are the biggest area for Proctors. The last 15 years have seen many innovations in pig buildings but mainly concentrated on improving the quality of the buildings in terms of efficiency, ease of use and ultimately pig performance.

A joint venture by ARM with German technology company EnviTec Biogas AG saw Proctors move into renewable energy in 2007.

EnviTec Biogas UK Ltd has grown to become one of the market leaders in medium to large biogas projects in UK with 15 plants built or in construction. The first plant in Scotland, at Peacehill in Fife, began injecting biomethane into the national gas grid in June 2015.

Livestock and potato storage ventilation systems are still important to Proctors business, especially in Scotland, and many visitors to the show will be familiar with the CalfCare ‘poly tube’ which has sold so well over the years to improve ventilation for calves and older cattle.

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Potato store ventilation, although depressed for the last two or three years, like all of the potato industry, has seen a move to emphasise more positive ventilation of potato boxes by using ‘Drying Walls’.

Always open to new ideas we look forward to another Highland Show to hear from the market what is needed next!

Rancher Equipment

The company of Rancher Equipment has new owners, Clive & Jane Houldey of DCH Farm Supplies and Scotpen purchased the company on 1st July 2015.

James Robertson who launched the company 25 years ago will continue to look after the daily running of the business for the next few months at least with exciting times ahead. The premises next door have been added giving much needed extra storage and manufacturing space. More machines are being installed allowing Rancher to expand their range of products which will also include alloy welding for lightweight sheep hurdles along with other goods.

Folding, shearing and bending machinery is being added to the workshop which will make Rancher capable of manufacturing a wider range of products for their livestock farming customers across the country. Rancher will become the manufacturing arm for DCH Farm Sales The decorative ironwork side of the business has enjoyed it’s busiest season yet and we look forward to supplying many more discerning customers in future.

On the staff recruitment side a foreman is installed now with a sales person to come on soon who will be promoting DCH Farm Sales and Scotpen along with the

range of Rancher equipment.

An exciting position for an enthusiastic person.

Simple, Safe and Strong remain the Rancher moto, along with the personal individual attention we give to all our customers. We are proud of our reputation at Rancher and we look forward to welcoming many more new customers to ad to our satisfied client list.

When our product pleases we ask customers to tell their friends about us, if they have any problems we request they tell us first in order that we can rectify their problem, we aim to keep all our customers happy.

Redrock Machinery Redrock Machinery Ltd is advising farmers that they must strive to make best use of slurry as part of their commitment to driving efficiency levels forward within their businesses during 2016.

“The fundamental fact remains that slurry is a valuable fertiliser source and must be used accordingly.”

“Its proper use will allow farmers defray the ever increasing cost of bagged fertiliser."

The Redrock slurry tanker range is built to the highest quality. Rolled from 6mm steel, all the tanks are welded both internally and externally and include 4” x 2” channel rings welded inside the tank for extra strength and a longer service life. The Redrock body, wheel arches, supports and draw-bar are designed and manufactured to the most exacting standards to maintain rigidity, reliability and road-worthiness year after year. Models are available from 1100 gallons to 4500 gallons in capacity.

The Redrock slurry pump has gained a reputation for being strong, reliable and virtually maintenance free across the range. To improve mixing performance the off- set nozzle allows the slurry to be mixed in almost all directions.

For varying tank depths, the pump can be adjusted by up to 300mm. The three point linkage “quick attach” allows

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easy implement connection.

No disconnection of the PTO is required when lowering the pump into the tank.

Over and above the specification of the original Redrock slurry pump, the super flow mixes faster, agitates further and increases productivity. This has been achieved by pairing a larger capacity gearbox with a unique streamline pipe system, designed to reduce power loss at all stages, therefore increasing overall performance.

With a top fill option, an incremental diverter valve enables precise management of the slurry flow, allowing the user to agitate and top fill simultaneously if required.

Again, no disconnection of the PTO is required when lowering the pump into the tank.

Rutland Electric Fencing The market leaders in electric fencing in the UK. Their products, expertise and distribution network will ensure you obtain the best electric fence for your animal control, whether it is for farm animals, horses, wildlife, vermin or pets.

Electric fencing can provide safe and secure boundaries for permanent, semi-permanent or temporary applications at a cost lower then conventional fences.

Their extensive web site has been designed to assist you in designing your fence and selecting products from our range of Electric Shepherd energisers, posts, insulators, wire, tape and accessories.

They also offer several tips and advice for installation and maintenance of your electric fence.

See for yourself at www. rutland-electric-fencing.co.uk Same Deutz-Fahr

Royal Highland Show 2016 Same Deutz-Fahr will be exhibiting models from the full range of Deutz-Fahr Tractors, Combines and Telehandlers at the RHS 2016.

The flagship 340hp 9 Series will be on display for the first time at the event featuring the new MaxiVision2 Cab with Agrosky technology.

The 6 Series CSHIFT range has gone from strength to strength and is now offered in the lower hp range from 129hp – 6130.4 CSHIFT, and goes up to 209HP with the 6210 CSHIFT. Both 4 and 6 cylinder models will be on display in this increasingly popular range. The 6 Series TTV is becoming a great ‘all rounder’ with models now available from 118 to 193 hp, making the Deutz-Fahr TTV not only a superb arable tractor but can now offer this incredibly versatile transmission in the 100 to 120 hp sector.

Models from the 5 Series will feature at RHS 2016;

the 5 Series is becoming well established from 75 to 127 hp sector available with both mechanical and Powershuttle transmissions, with added features of Stop & Go and SDD steering, which are simply a must for yard and loader work.

This broad range offers small compact machines to TTV models with options of cab and front axle suspension Deutz-Fahr now offer the C6000 – C7000 and C9000 ranges, all of which will be working in the UK for the 2016 season; available in both 5 and 6 straw walker formats from 250 to 395 hp. The C6000 model with 6.3m header will be on display at the RHS 2016 – completing the display for the Full Line product offering is the Agrovector 37.7.

We are exhibiting models to suit all farm sizes and applications, all of which are offered with 0% retail finance packages up to 4 years.

The Deutz-Fahr Shop will

open with the new branded merchandise and with special show offers.

S.R.U.C. You may be surprised by the range of courses on offer at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Their history may be in Agriculture, but nowadays they support the whole rural sector and offer courses in subjects including countryside and environmental management, gamekeeping, horticulture, forestry, garden design, business, land-based engineering, poultry, animal and biological sciences, animal care and vet nursing!

SRUC’s courses are practical and vocational, and offer great opportunities for students. It’s no surprise that 95% of SRUC’s Higher Education graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduating. Career opportunities in the land-based industries and renewables

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are set to maintain continued growth over coming years.

At SRUC you are not only able to study undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses but also a full range of programmes at all levels from access courses and vocational studies through to PhDs. In many cases you can progress seamlessly through educational levels and qualifications. This makes them a comprehensive provider of land-based and rural education, whatever your academic starting point. Many courses offer part-time study opportunities as well as fulltime, and they also deliver some courses by distance learning.

SRUC offers study campuses at Aberdeen, Elmwood (Fife), Edinburgh, Oatridge (Broxburn), Ayr and Barony (Dumfries), as well as teaching resources, professional training courses, and additional facilities across Scotland.

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Royal Highland Show 2016 For those wishing to pursue a life less ordinary, SRUC really does offer many fascinating opportunities to study and progress in a career you can be truly passionate about. Further information can be found on the SRUC web site at www.sruc.ac.uk/education.

Storth Machinery

The tanks act as a buffer for the umbilical system and can be kept topped up by the road tankers, allowing uninterrupted spreading to be carried out. Important should you be spreading slurry onto cereal crops where interrupted spreading could lead to damage to the growing crops.

For more information and advice, farmers, contractors and AD plant managers can contact Storth on 01524 781900.

ditches, road side banks and more recently the grass areas under solar panel installations.

The machine has successfully been put through its paces by Teagle in the UK and the company has now received a number of requests for demonstrations.

Contact our sales desk on 01872 560592, or visit www.teagle. co.uk for further information.

trends in grassland maintenance and underseeding. High-quality grassland with high yield as a basis for an economic course of business is not just a matter of luck.

Pneumaticstar-Pros are available in 3, 6 & 12m widths Tey Farm Systems

Terrington Machinery

Teagle

Slurry handling specialist Storth Machinery based in Holme, Cumbria will be exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show where our expert team will be available to discuss the ideal solutions for your waste management systems.

As part of our extensive product portfolio, we offer a range of safe storage solutions which include the 3, 4 and 5 ring high quality storage tanks; made of enamelled glass coated steel for longer life with the flexibility to extend in the future, and can also be covered should this be a requirement to reduce the gas and ammonia emissions by over 95%. We can offer a full turnkey installation service, on this safer option compared to a low level alternative.

We also recently launched a range of Quality British built Mobile Nurse Tanks to aid the umbilical spreading of slurry and/ or digestate in fields which are far from the farm or biogas plant.

The new tanks are designed for efficiency of flow and personal safety.

The Nurse Tanks are constructed using Heavy Duty 5mm Profile steel walls on a 385/65R 22.5 Stub Axle, with Hydraulic brake & Lifting mechanism system, pipework at the front and rear, LED lighting Kit and beacon complete with Manway inspection hatch and Front access ladder.

The use of mobile nurse tanks to aid umbilical spreading operations has resurged in popularity. The tanks are sited in or near to the fields to be spread.

Then the slurry/digestate is transported by road in Lorries and Tankers and discharged into them.

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Verge to Hedge Teagle got it Covered Teagle Machinery, a family business based in Cornwall, has been distributing high quality Flail Mowers in the UK from Italian manufacturer Berti for over 10 years. Through a policy of continuous product development and spare parts availability Teagle now supply a substantial number of flails into agriculture, as well as catering for amenity, horticulture, forestry and other specialist applications with their range that now boasts over 30 different models.

Teagle have one of the biggest ranges of verge mowers to suit tractors from 25hp – 180hp with working widths from 1.15m – 2.5m. The TA medium duty range has established itself as a very important verge mower model in the Teagle portfolio. With an option for left or right hand operation on most models and the ability to work effectively in the horizontal or vertical plain the TA has met favour over a wide variety of applications.

Teagle have just introduced a new verge mower suited for compact tractors from 25 to 50HP. The linkage geometry of the New TAK model enables it to operate inline and offset in a horizontal and vertical configuration. The TAK is suited to mulch grass, bushes and prunings up to 2cm diameter- ideal for clearing green areas, gardens,

A grassland with a high content of nutritious and valuable grasses builds the basis for a highly productive pasture. Well-maintained grasslands achieve yields that are more than double than that of extensively worked fields.

The PNEUMATICSTARPRO-MD levels molehills, provides napping of the turf, stimulates tillering of the grass and the mounted pneumatic seeder fills in holes in the turf with energizing grasses, all in one pass. Heavy levelling boards with adjustable springs even out molehills before the support wheels pass and the springs prprotect the levelling boards from overload. They are adjusted on „hold“, which makes sure the soil is loosened and is spread into the turf.

On the weeder sections the 10mm tines are mounted in 6 rows with spacings of 2.5 cm.

They aerate the turf and stimulate tillering of the grass. The angle of the tines can be adjusted centrally per section and the sections are mounted on pivoting forks. These forks are parallel guided and are equipped with hydraulic level control and pressure control.

Therefore they ideally follow uneven soil, which ensures a uniform working of the soil over the full working width, even in difficult conditions. Thanks to the hydraulic level-control there is no rocking or vibrating of the machine. The mounted pneumatic seeder places energizing grass into the turf. Holes in the turf are filled in during every pass, which prevents weeds from emerging.

With the PNEUMATICSTAR PRO, Einböck is setting new

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Turbodan – drying made easy It’s often said the simplest solutions are the best – well it doesn’t come much simpler than drying with a Turbodan Trayler Dryer. All you need is a tractor to provide the power take off and a loader for filling the trayler …

The Turbodan trayler dryer is the simplest and most effective mobile dryer on the market. After more than a decade of importing the dryer into the UK from Denmark, Tey Farm Systems have sold numerous machines in many different markets.

“It will dry any combinable crop down from any moisture content” The basis for the Trayler Dryer is a Trailer into which a perforated false floor has been fitted. Hot air is blown up through the floor and through the grain by a fan/burner unit mounted on the front of the trailer. An agitator consisting of 3 vertical augers fitted overhead mixes the grain to give even drying.

The control panel, diesel burner and agitator are driven by a 3 phase belt driven generator mounted near the fan.

Maintenance can be done on farm and involves greasing bearings, checking the oil level in the fan gearbox, checking the fuel filter and tensioning auger drive belts. An annual burner service is required and Tey Farm Systems can provide this on a fixed price basis so long as it is booked in advance.

Tey Farm Systems also refurbish old machines and therefore keep a full stock of spares throughout the year at their base in Colchester, Essex. They also have a network of regional service engineers in the event of a

Royal Highland Show 2016 breakdown so help is never too far away.

For further information please call Tey Farm Systems on 01206 210003. Machines are currently held in stock and the Model TD15 is available from stock priced at £50,000 including delivery and commissioning based on UK Mainland orders only.

Tong Engineering

Tong broadens its range of Potato handling equipment from field to fork Tong Engineering will once again be showcasing its latest vegetable handling equipment

at this year's Royal Highland Show. Following the recent announcement of a new range of vegetable processing equipment, Tong will be meeting farmers and growers to promote its 85 year expertise in offering the complete handling solution, from handling harvested crop in the field, right through to complete packhouse processing facilities.

"Tong continuously develops its range of handling equipment to be the most advanced on the market, from our market-leading Caretaker grader, to our turnkey vegetable processing lines," explains Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. "We are dedicated to providing growers and processors with intelligent machinery that saves time, reduces labour and increases productivity; the latest additions to our range further the capabilities of our equipment in all crop situations, from dirty through to peeled."

One of the latest developments to the Tong range is the addition of specialist processing

equipment, following a partnership with Netherlandsbased food processing equipment manufacturer, Marcelissen. The new range will enable Tong to integrate additional processes within its vegetable handling lines, including crop peeling, cutting and slicing, as well as slither removal and optical grading of peeled product. The company's existing partnership with Visar optical sorting already allows Tong to offer unrivalled optical grading capabilities, removing the need for manual sorting and increasing the proportion of saleable crop.

Another new product development for the Tong range sees the introduction of a new Cleaner Loader crop transfer machine. Designed to receive crop straight from the harvester in the field, the new machine ensures more continuous operation of the harvester whilst significantly reducing unnecessary transport of crop from field to farm.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in the

agricultural area of the Royal Highland Show.

VG Energy Maximising Investments in Renewable Energy Investing in renewable energy can transform a farm or estate business, providing valuable new revenue streams and reducing energy costs. Farm businesses have been quick to recognise these benefits. They are used to thinking long-term, and in a world where margins are constantly under threat and market prices uncertain, the prospect of predictable 20-year government-backed returns is an enticing one.

Many farm businesses are also well-placed to take advantage of such technologies.

Locations can make planning simpler, while large roofs are ideal for solar installations and wind turbines benefit from open space and unobstructed air flow. More recently, biomass boilers have been installed for space heating and to provide

Ideal for: - clearing woodland rides - cutting fire breaks on moorland - contract work cutting heather Made in Britain

Foster's range of heavy duty ROTARY SLASHERS and SUPER SCRUB CUTTERS are the ideal machine for the clearance of gorse, heather, bracken and rushes.

From 40HP to 150HP+ there is a machine to suit your requirements.

- cutting rushes on wetlands

GG2000 Super Scrubcutter fitted with cutting chains and rear deflector

For your nearest dealer contact us: Office Tel: 01482 868800 email: sales@fostersalescompany.co.uk website: www.fostersalescompany.co.uk

Penning hurdles stand at 3’6”. We are the tallest.

Wheels easily removed for ground level working.

Can be used for shearing as well as all routine work.

Easily work 120 sheep as is, extra hurdles available.

NEED A WEIGHER? ASK US ABOUT THE GRIPPER. “We are leaders in Cattle Handling design”

Rancher Ltd Castle Douglas 01566 504 888 sales@rancher-equipment.co.uk

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Royal Highland Show 2016 heat for drying floors or other applications.

The availability of government incentives has, in many cases, driven the technologies being deployed but in order now to secure the best long-term returns, a more considered approach is required. That approach should focus on the real business benefits brought by renewable energy projects, the quality of the solution design and the reputation of the technology partner. Incentives are still important but maximising that income requires expertise.

VG Energy has completed more than 1,200 renewable energy projects since being founded in 2008 and has amassed considerable experience in wind, solar, biomass and biomass combined heat & power (CHP) systems. The company’s founders, farmers themselves, understand the specific needs of the industry and

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have shaped a company focused on fulfilling these customers’ requirements.

VG Energy offers impartial advice. The company is not tied to any one technology or supplier and instead focuses on creating bespoke solutions that deliver optimal results for the lifetime of the project. That solution may be a new technology.

Visit our stand in the Renewable Energy Village at the Royal Highland Show to learn more.

W. M Rose & Sons

W. M Rose & Sons Ltd is an established family run company

who have been agricultural machinery dealers in Scotland for over 40 years. Over the past few years the company has grown significantly. The franchises available have been extended meaning W. M Rose & Sons Ltd supplies machinery suitable to a whole host of industries and application. In July 2014 a second depot opened in East Linton to be of service to the East Lothian area.

The company continues to invest heavily in product training for our service personnel to complement the parts department based at both depots.

The longstanding Manitou dealership is now complimented with Gehl skid-steers, Case IH Agriculture, Polaris Utility Vehicles & ATVs and Horsch equipment.

Having been a Manitou dealer for over 40 years Manitou has a developed a whole range

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of machinery suited to material handling in the agricultural, construction and industrial markets.

W. M Rose & Sons Ltd have one of the largest stocks of Manitou parts in the UK and thanks to our cutting-edge computer system we ensure you get the very best results from your investment.

Case IH is a global leader in Tractor and Harvesting technology.

W. M Rose & Sons Ltd supply a range of industry leading Case IH Agriculture products and services, including tractors up to 620HP, the Axial-Flow Series of Combine Harvester, parts specialists and product trained engineers.

Polaris is the industry leader in off-road vehicles. W. M Rose & Sons Ltd supplies all models: from the legendary Sportsman, one of the best-selling 4x4 ATVs of all time, to the Ranger line of durable utility vehicles available in diesel, petrol and electric power.

Royal Highland Show 2016 2015

Royal Highland Show Visitor Information Showground Opening and Closing Times Thursday 7.00am – 8.00pm Friday 7.00am - 8.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 8.00pm Sunday 8.00am – 6.30pm Outdoor Stands may not be staffed after 6.00pm Conditions of Admittance 1. Persons are admitted to the Royal Highland Centre, its Car Parks and environs at their own risk and while every endeavour will be taken to ensure their safety, the Society will not (save for death or personal injury caused by breach of it’s duty) be held responsible for personal injury (whether fatal or otherwise), loss of or damage to property or any other loss, damage, costs and expenses however caused.

Directors, Stewards, Staff (identifiable by Official Badge) or by the Police. On no account may members of the public remove or climb over or past pedestrian barriers.

2. When moving between trade stands, exhibits, rings or public areas, all persons must use designated roads and avenues and must comply with the instructions of the Society’s

4. The Society reserves the right to remove from any part of the Showground any person whose behaviour is deemed to be unacceptable for any reason.

3. Persons entering livestock areas do so at their own risk.

Please ensure that you wash your hands before eating if you have been touching livestock. Under no circumstances may anyone enter the Showing Rings.

Ticket Prices (Inc Vat) Thursday All Day Adult £25.00 Senior Citizen/Student £20.00 Children (under 16) Free

Saturday All Day Adult £25.00 Senior Citizen/Student £20.00 Children (under 16) Free

4.00 – 7.00pm Adult £8.00 Senior Citizen/Student £8.00 Children (under 16) Free

4.00 – 7.00pm Adult £8.00 Senior Citizen/Student £8.00 Children (under 16) Free

Friday All Day Adult £25.00 Senior Citizen/Student £20.00 Children (under 16) Free 4.00 – 7.00pm Adult £8.00 Senior Citizen/Student £8.00 Children (under 16) Free

Sunday All Day Adult £25.00 Senior Citizen/Student £20.00 Children (under 16) Free The Following Credit Cards will be accepted: Switch, Access, Mastercard, Eurocard

Re-admission to the Showground Re-admission to the showground will be available each day during the hours the show is open to the public and will be by hand-stamp administered by Security Staff.

Membership Enrol as a member at the Membership Office beside the Members’ Pavilion

Next Year avoid the queue and book on-line!

Visit us at www. royalhighlandshow.co.uk

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beef Tom Kitchin Highlights Commitment Behind Scotch Beef PGI

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, one of Scotland’s most revered chefs, is highlighting the commitment and attention to detail of the farmers producing Scotch Beef PGI. Chef Kitchin, who has been working with Quality

Meat Scotland (QMS) as part of the on-going Scotch Beef PGI promotion campaign, visited Meikle Fieldie farm, run by the Hunter family near Glenfarg to learn more about beef production and the role of quality assurance.

The Hunters run 120 suckler cows, primarily Limousin and British Blue cross cows, on the farm which is around 480 acres and extends to 650 feet above sea level at its highest point.

Tom Kitchin, who is Chef Proprietor of The Kitchin in Edinburgh and regularly appears on Saturday Kitchen and The One Show, was shown round the farm by Alan Hunter and his daughter Jill. He said the “passion and enthusiasm” shown by the Hunters and the attention to detail evident in their cattle management was very impressive.

“With the Scotch Beef brand you know that cattle have been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland and reared to the standards required

by QMS’s quality assurance schemes.

“From a chef’s point of view animal welfare is vitally important. I want to know that cattle have been reared to a high

standard and well treated and the quality assurance behind Scotch Beef gives you that guarantee.”

During the visit, Chef Kitchin was taken on a tour in the farm’s Polaris Ranger UTV to get an understanding of the terrain and the importance of grass in Scotch Beef production.

The farm is typical of livestock units in Scotland, where 85% of Scottish agricultural land is only suitable for grass and rough grazing.

This means it is no good for vegetables and cereals but ideal for top quality beef and lamb production.

Chef Kitchin also highlighted the exceptional taste of Scotch Beef. “What sets Scotch Beef apart is that fantastic flavour you get – you don’t get that anywhere else in the world. I’ve worked in many restaurants in many different countries and there is nothing quite like Scotch Beef,” he said.

Factors Behind Seasonal Variation of Beef Premium in Scotland The continued easing of prime cattle prices is a source of concern to farmers keen to maintain cash flows, according to Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economics Services with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Recently there has seen a 2p/ kg dwt fall in the average price for steers across the whole of the UK while the heifer price has fallen more slowly - down 0.8p/ kg dwt in Scotland and by 0.4p/ kg dwt in England and Wales.

While overall current average Scottish prices are 7% - 8% lower than 12 months ago, Mr Ashworth emphasised it was important not to be misled by average prices which can disguise the nuances of the market place.

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“A look at some of the more detailed grade prices, for example, shows a lower decline in Scottish prices for R4L grade cattle, the industry benchmark, than for all steers. Indeed for some categories of heifers the price increased on the week,” said Mr Ashworth.

The reason these nuances occur, he said, is that the prices reported are the average for all the cattle in the grade or of that gender.

“This means that a lower delivery of some grades of cattle, or a change in proportion of heavier carcases from one week to another within the category, can influence the average of that group of cattle. This factor is particularly relevant given the

increased price penalties for carcases over 420 kg in recent weeks,” Mr Ashworth said.

Mr Ashworth also pointed out that seasonal variation in the Scottish premium is a normal trend. The premium can vary by as much as five percentage points over a calendar year with the lowest premium typically seen in late winter/spring and the highest in the autumn.

A review of historic data for carcase weights in Scotland and the rest of the UK shows that Scottish-slaughtered animals are generally heavier than the UK average, he observed. Carcass weights have also been increasing more quickly in Scotland than across the UK as a whole over the past five or six years.

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beef “Consequently, the average Scottish price is more likely to be influenced by the price of heavy cattle than across the UK as a whole. Indeed in late autumn the difference between a Scottish average price and the England and Wales market price widens.

“This can be explained by the switch in autumn as supplies of older heavier animals born 28 to 30 months previously run out and younger, lighter

animals, born 18 to 20 months previously, arrive at abattoirs in greater numbers,” he added.

While increased supply of cattle of different market specifications put forward for slaughter can influence the variation in average market prices, so too can retail demand.

“Kantar Worldpanel market research data shows retail demand for prime cuts of beef to be slightly lower than a year ago.

“Lawson” tops the sale at Dungannon Mart

Hereford bulls and females both sold in a sharper trade at the Elite Breeders Sale held recently in Dungannon. This new event was introduced to the sales calendar to meet the increased demand for breeding stock at this time of the year.

Topping the bull trade was Glenside Lawson from C & R Pogue from Benburb, Co. Tyrone. This big, clean growthy bull weighed in at 820 kgs at just eighteen months of age and boasted impressive figures for weight gain and carcass traits.

“Lawson” attracted keen interest from the packed gallery of customers and this was reflected in the sale ring with auctioneer Trevor Wylie fielding a flurry of bids before bringing the hammer down for the day’s top price of 2,900 guineas. Lawson’s stable

mates “Leo” and “Lawrence”, again sired by the successfull Dreemore Titanic were also in demand selling for 2,300 and 2,100 guineas respectively.

Two bulls from the Graceland herd of Robin & James Irvine were also much admired in the pre-sale parade and attracted keen buyer interest – both selling at 2,600 guineas. Both bulls were supported by excellent EBV’s with Graceland 1 Merlin eligible for the Superior Carcase Sire payment.

Selling at 2,500 guineas was Annaghbeg 1 Berlusconi from M & L Moore. This December born calf was just over 15 months of age but showed impressive growth rate and conformation and was another bull to attract favourable comment.

The 10 bulls on offer sold to average £2,425.

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Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork Star in New Weaning Videos A series of weaning videos have been created to educate Scottish families about the role of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork in a healthy balanced diet, from highchair to dinner table.

As part of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) Good Family Food focus, blogger and Great British Bake Off contestant Holly Bell has created three weaning recipes, with full serves and finger food for babies, toddlers and families of four.

The quick-step recipe videos are being promoted on Quality Meat Scotland’s Good Family Food Facebook page to inspire and encourage families to introduce quality meat produce to their daily diet from a young age.

Recipe curator and author of Recipes from a Normal Mum, Holly Bell, said: “It’s great to be working with QMS on this digital campaign to promote good quality food during the weaning stage. As a mum of three myself, I’m constantly trying to create recipes which suit the whole family while providing the boys with all of the nutrients they need.

“I’ve put a fresh slant on classic dishes to suit the

whole family, making use of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, with portion options from snacks and starters to sit-down dinners.”

Jenni Henderson, qualified nutritionist and Health and Education Executive at Quality Meat Scotland commented: “The introduction of protein rich foods, like Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork when weaning is essential for babies’ growth and development as well as being an important source of iron needed to build babies’ iron levels.

“These videos are a great way to communicate this to a wide audience and show how quick and easy it is to cook with these quality products.

Holly has produced three recipes using Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork to showcase their versatility when creating meals for children and adults alike.”

The recipe videos are supported by an introductory video and a Q&A video which will address parents’ misconceptions and concerns when it comes to weaning, helping families feel confident when introducing red meat to their children’s diet.

To view the videos, please visit the Good Family Food Facebook page.

50th ANNIVERSARY PROFILE

THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE LUING CATTLE SOCIETY 2016 will see this breed celebrating its 50th birthday

Starting on the Isle of Luing back in the sixties by the Cadzow brother.

Today it is one of the biggest pedigree beef herds in Britain, totals around 320 breeding cows, plus bulls.

The females run in six defined groups on open “hills”, each with a pedigree name, and ear tag colour coded – “Ardluing” (Red), “Ardlarach” (White), “Achafolla” (Blue), “Leccamore” (Orange), “Ballycastle” (Green) and “Bardrishaig” (Yellow). Each group has established its own territory, creating “hefts” and retained heifers stay on the “hill” where they were born and suckled.

The five foundation Luing bulls registered by the Cadzows 86

were Ardlarach Superior (Red Ear Tag), Trouper (Blue), David (Green), Callum (White) and Monarch (Yellow). Each bull represented a bull family. These bull families have been maintained and continue to run on Luing.

To ensure bulls do not encounter daughters, they work in family teams, with each team staying on one of the six “hills” for two crops before moving on. The coloured ear tags provide simple and speedy reassurance that bulls are where they should be!

All but two of the stock bulls are home-bred – (Harehead Magners) and (Drinkstone Panamar.)

Today the Cadzow Brothers are Shane (son of Shane, one of the

original three Cadzow brothers) and his wife Tooti.

Shane and Tooti, along with their three semi-fledged children – Kate, Archie and Jack, live at Ardlarach, on the west coast of Luing.

Farm Manager is Leslie Robson, who along with Linda and their two children Philippa and Stuart.

Stockman/shepherd is Bobby Campbell, a local lad who has worked for the Cadzows for many years.

Tractor man Alan Housley is in charge of winter silage feeding, and the making of it. His wife Catherine, cares for Alan and their three sons – Robert, Richard

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and Ranald, plus manages the Cadzow’s 5 Star holiday cottage.

The three multi-taskers, Leslie, Bobby and Alan, have individual responsibility for specific groups of cows and ewes, combining as a team when team effort is required.

Tooti is in charge of office administration and the farm’s finances. The administration of Luing’s extensive livestock operation which includes pedigree registrations, plus “hill” and bull family identities, is handled by Linda.

The impressive performance of the resulting Simmental X Luing females in such a challenging environment, making it one of the most sought after

50th ANNIVERSARY PROFILE

suckler cow – the Sim-Luing, a functional and productive blend of Continental and hardy, milky and meaty native cattle genetics.

“Proper” Sim-Luings, sired by pedigree Simmental bulls and out of pedigree Luing cows, are registered with the Luing Society.

“We can’t ignore the demand for Sim-Luing heifers,” explained Leslie Robson. “It’s obvious that some farmers just can’t wean themselves from Continental blood in their breeding females, and if that’s what the market wants, then we’re keen to supply it, with our Sim-Luings giving us an additional string to our marketing bow!

Also the reduction of cow numbers following the reorganisation of the Cadzow business, has given more flexibility as to how we manage the herd.

“I’ve developed a huge respect for Luings. They are definitely “Self-care” cows – tremendous mothers and great foragers, with big, broad muzzles. Even if it’s lashing with rain, instead of looking for shelter, they’re out grazing for all they’re worth.

“We rarely need to help a cow calve, usually only if the calf presentation is wrong. And the calves, born on the hill, in the often challenging early spring weather, have bags of vigour – on their feet and sucking really quickly.

In their quest to develop a profitable suckler cow, at the outset the three Cadzow brothers determinedly focussed on what they regarded at the essential commercial requirements of functionality and productivity -

fertile, long living, with correct feet, legs, foraging ability, neat udders with teats easily suckled by a new-born calf. Basically – a live calf, well reared, every year.

In the early 2000’s the Luing Society launched its Dam Classification Scheme, which evaluates and scores these basic traits. Since 2004 - the dams of all bulls forward at the Luing Society official sales have been inspected by the Society Fieldsman, who also assesses temperament, condition score and skeletal size. A similar selection policy operates with the young bull calves around midAugust, with acknowledgement that a conspicuously well grown and thriving youngster is a likely good reflection of his Mum’s milk yield and overall mothering ability “The dam’s history is seriously looked at, she needs top scores all the way through.”

In 1967, Denis Cadzow spoke at the Cambridge Cattle Breeder’s Club winter conference, where he said – “Breed Societies may sometimes have too many restrictions and smother initiative.

They should realise that where a breed is too much of one type, it will cease to evolve to meet changing demands. A certain diversity is needed if one has ever to be constructive.”

Now within the breed, as with most cattle breeds, there are various “types”, offering 21st Century cattle breeders a choice and/or the opportunity to adjust the type they are breeding, either in response to their market or the conditions of their own farm.

“The ideal cow for Luing has all the talents of the original Cadzow prototype - a cow which can rear a better calf than herself, every year, while looking after herself in all weathers.

Once the Cadzows had fixed their Luing breed, they closed the herd, which has remained closed to females ever since, giving every female on Luing half a Century of the same herd breeding behind her.

Tweaks and adjustments are made through purchased bulls.

Being surrounded by water creates logistical farming problems for the Cadzows, but on the other hand, benefits from an effective, natural biosecurity barrier. The Luing herd is Johne’s Risk Level 1, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Accredited, Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) – 4 Year Testing, Tick acclimatised and no Leptospirosis found in regular tests.

This health status is too precious to risk, so on buying

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bulls, Luing and Simmental, the first consideration is the health status of the bulls which appeal.

In 2008, the Luing Cattle Society was the first British cattle society to insist on certificated health status of entries at Society Sales.

“Bulls also need to be weather-proof. “And if possible – tick acclimatised.”

The Luing was officially recognised by the British Parliament as a breed, on 1st July 1966. Prior to that, the Cadzow brothers had spent over a decade developing the breed. In cattle breeding terms this is a short period of time, it feels really good to know that they can chart this impressive breed right back to its early seeds, sown in their own lifetime.

So on the 19th August the Luing Cattle Society will celebrate the 50th Anniversary with an Open Day back on the Isle of Luing by kind permission of the Cadzow family.

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livestock Bimeda’s Latest Product Helps Farmers Break The Fly Life Cycle Bimeda UK are pleased to announce the expansion of their parasite control range with the launch of Zero; a ready-to-use soluble granule formulation containing cyromazine 2% w/w.

Zero is applied to high risk areas such as livestock deep litter and above ground slurry stores. The product prevents the development of the fly larvae; thus preventing the emergence of adults which are key vectors of disease.

As summer approaches, flies are a key concern for many farmers, who are all too aware of the welfare and productivity implications of fly-borne diseases such as summer mastitis, pink eye, Schmallenberg and Blue

Tongue. Prevention is always better than cure and this latest parasite prevention product from Bimeda will form a key part of many farmers’ parasite control programmes this summer.

Zero is effective against diptera larvae known as true

flies, which include larvae from the following species: fruit flies, gnats, flesh flies, midges, moth flies, gall midges, blow flies and horse flies.

Zero is suitable for use in livestock units, such as rearing facilities for cattle and horses, pig sties and poultry houses.

It can also be used in manure heaps, slurry reservoirs and waste disposal sites. Zero can be applied by direct scattering of dry granules, or by spraying or pouring after dissolution in water.

We are dedicated to providing parasite control solutions to the UK farmers and Zero perfectly complements our existing range, including our Dectospot Spot On

(Deltamethrin 10mg/ml) which we launched last year. These two products used together will create a perfect dual action fly control programme at a very cost effective price.

Dectospot is licensed as a topical application for the control of lice and flies on cattle; ticks, lice, keds and established blowfly strike on sheep and lice and ticks on lambs. It is licensed for use during pregnancy and lactation and has zero milk withdrawal in cattle.’

For further information on any Bimeda product speak to your supplier or call Bimeda on 01248 725 400. Alternatively, visit Bimeda.co.uk

Parasite risk at turnout difficult to predict this year All cattle being turned out to grass this spring will be at risk from gut and lung worms.

So it’s important to have an understanding of the on-farm situation when planning control strategies.

“There is no uniform approach to parasite control and different systems, operating in different areas of the country will experience varying levels of disease risk,” says Dr Andy Forbes, COWS (Control of Worms Sustainably) technical representative and Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

“The weather over the winter period is an important factor that can have a significant effect on worm burdens the following season. However, due to the extremely variable conditions observed across the UK this past winter, it’s more difficult to predict the likely threat at turnout this year.

“It’s often thought that a hard winter will kill-off parasites, while mild and warm conditions will see them 88

multiply and thrive. But, this is not always the case. Parasites are effected by the weather in different ways.”

While the weather is an important element that must be considered at a local level, there are several other risk factors to take into account when

developing a parasite control strategy.

Dr Forbes explains that compared to beef suckler calves, dairy calves in their first grazing season are particularly vulnerable at turnout.

“As dairy calves will be weaned, their grass intake will be

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much greater than that of suckler calves, which heightens the risk of them ingesting infectious larvae. Additionally, research has indicated that milk can limit the impact of stomach worms. Dairy calves will no longer have milk in their diet, potentially making them more susceptible,” he says.

livestock Check online database of BVD-free cattle to avoid buying in PI animals With the advent of the Tag and Test ear tags and thanks to an online database of BVDfree cattle called CheckTag, farmers can avoid buying in animals that are persistently infected (PI) with the BVD virus, says vet Keith Cutler from Endell Veterinary Group.

Two years ago, XLVets set up an online database for cattle which had tested negative for BVD using the tissuesampling ear tags. Called BVD CheckTag, this was part of an initiative to help support the industry in testing for and eradicating the disease.

Already there are over 58,000 BVD-negative cattle on the database, which can be found at www.bvdcheck.co.uk. As more farmers are switching to

using the special ear tags, the dataset continues to grow.

Mr Cutler explains: “The Tag and Test tags allow farmers to identify and cull any PI animals that are born on their farm.

“The big benefit of the online database is for buyers.

It enables them to check the BVD status of animals before purchase. Farmers should of course already be quarantining newly purchased animals on arrival at the farm. However, by checking the database first, farmers can not only avoid the expense of buying in a PI animal, but also avoid exposing other quarantined cattle to the virus.”

PI animals will ultimately die prematurely from the

disease, however meantime they will shed the BVD virus and affect the health of their herd mates. In-calf cows and heifers exposed to the BVD virus may suffer abortions or give birth to a PI calf.

Exposure to the virus also has a detrimental impact on an animal’s immune defence system.

“In fact, American studies have shown that the presence of a PI animal in a pen of otherwise healthy animals depressed

feed conversion efficiencies, and more calves died from pneumonia, compared to pens with no PI animal present,” says Mr Cutler.

“Prospective buyers of cattle should always check the status of cattle which have been tagged using the Tag and Test ear tags by going to www. bvdcheck.co.uk.”

More information on the BVD virus can also be found at XLVets’ website - www.bvdfree. co.uk.

Sheep and Beef Cattle Producers Invited to ‘Rising to the Challenges’ Conference Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is hosting a free ‘Rising to the Challenges’ conference for sheep and beef farmers at Airth Castle Hotel near Falkirk on May 17th.

Scottish sheep and beef producers are invited to attend the event which will focus on rising to the challenges faced by the red meat industry as well as the opportunities which lie ahead.

The one-day event will consider the current challenges 90

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that beef and sheep farmers face due to market volatility and reduced support payments, and explore ways that producers can offset the impact of these challenges including the potential to further improve efficiency.

The morning of the conference programme will include speakers from across the supply chain who will outline the current challenges in the market place and explain

livestock

The

VET Pastures New? the factors that affect them, as well as the opportunities which lie ahead.

Among the speakers will be Laurent Vernet, Head of Marketing at QMS who will highlight the current changes in the retail and consumer markets. He will be joined by representatives from the processing and financial sectors, who will give an overview of the current market situation from their perspective.

The speakers in the afternoon will highlight some practical steps farmers can take to try and maximise their productivity and ultimately their profitability in response to the current challenges.

Soil specialist Steve Townsend from Soil First Farming and Charlie Morgan from Grassmaster will highlight how farmers can best manage their soil and grass for optimum production. They will be joined

by Donald Brown from SRUC, Scotland’s Rural College, who will discuss targeted nutritional strategies to help different cattle types meet market specification and Dewi Jones from Innovis will highlight potential strategies for improving sheep margins.

The QMS ‘Rising to the Challenges’ conference is free to attend (lunch is included).

To register for the event email info@qmscotland.co.uk or call 0131 472 4040.

How will a mild wet winter affect lactating cows this spring?

Experts from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have recently alerted farmers that due to a mild wet winter, the risk of staggers may be increased.

Although soil temperatures are expected to be a few degrees warmer than average at turn-out, the mild winter brought prolonged wet conditions, diluting grass dry matter (DM) content, and causing leaching of micro nutrition within grass.

David Thornton, Rumenco technical manager, explains how this can affect lactating cows, “Magnesium is a key requirement

for lactating cows at grass, be it suckler or dairy cows, as with every litre of milk produced, magnesium is lost from the system. If cows have a magnesium deficiency, they are at risk of staggers, also known as hypomagnesaemia.”

“For some, high potash levels will cause further problems, as potassium (K) which is the main component, locks up magnesium availability,” says David. “With magnesium not easily mobilised from stores in cows’ bodies, coupled with a low level of magnesium in circulation, they rely on a constant supply in their

By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group Out of habit I usually peruse the Jobs Vacant columns in the Vet Record and this week the post of Vet in St Helena caught my eye. 50 square miles of tropical island 1200miles from the nearest landfall in the South Atlantic – roughly the same size as Orkney except about 20 degrees warmer! Interestingly the challenge they are facing is biosecurity despite being so remote. A new and first ever airport has just opened and is expected to bring all sorts of incubating disease as well as insects carrying problems. Previously the 5-day boat journey acted as a kind of quarantine period. So putting in place protocols to keep the island disease free is one part of the job description.

The UK also needs to protect its “island” biosecurity. Recent outbreaks of Babesiosis in dogs (a protazoal disease) in Essex is thought to be due to ticks hitching a lift into the UK from Europe, and appears to be a direct consequence of relaxation of Pet Travel

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Scheme rules which used to insist on pets being treated to kill any ticks before entering the UK - but not anymore and look what’s happened.

The threat of BlueTongue coming into South East England again is thought to be a real risk and so it would seem sensible to vaccinate sheep in those areas to act as a barrier – but guess what? The French own all available vaccine at the moment and there is none available in the UK. So two recent examples where our national biosecurity looks a bit weak for keeping out diseases we previously have not had.

A good reminder to look closer to home and at the biosecurity on your own farm – make your farm your fortress – as they say!

As for jobs in pastures new I think there is probably plenty to do keeping out the new on pastures old!

However I did like one of the other vet tasks in St Helena – feeding Jonathon the 180 year old giant tortoise by hand once a week - honest, its in the job description!

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livestock Harrison & Hetherington’s – now the largest livestock auctioneers in the UK

diet. These factors combine to make it hard for grazed diets to match demands.”

The average potassium (K) levels in spring grass can vary, and as K levels increase, more magnesium is required. Data captured from over the last 10 years shows that average K levels in grass for April are around 3.21%, meaning 40g/day of magnesium is required.

“In peak grass growing season, grass is likely to be of good enough quality to sustain most herd’s needs for energy (ME)

and protein, making concentrate feeding unjustifiable. So, in order to fill in micro nutritional gaps, it’s recommended to provide a nutritional supplement supplying a full specification of minerals and vitamins such as Maxx Cattle Mag, containing 10.5% magnesium.

“Including sodium in the formulation ensures some of the negative effects of potassium are offset, increasing magnesium uptake. By providing minerals in this way, you can ensure cows are able to utilise spring grazing, without suffering any imbalances.”

Harrison & Hetherington (H&H) became the largest livestock auctioneering company in the UK, having amalgamated with John Swan & Sons to run St Boswells and Wooler marts.

H&H believe there is potential to increase the usage of the facilities at both sites. Through increasing the services offered to customers and the number of people on the ground at both St Boswells and Wooler, H&H have already begun to see an increase

in the number of livestock coming through the marts.

The primary focus is on prime stock and store sales; however the introduction of deadweight collections of cast cows and prime sheep as well as farm to farm sales offers the customer who has sought an alternative marketing route more options. All of these services are already operating successfully across their seven other marts across Cumbria and South West Scotland..

Linnodee Diagnostics Linnodee Limited was established in 1999 and manufacture and research rapid diagnostics primarily for the detection of Leptospirosis in animals. It is the sister company of Giltspur Scientific Limited responsible for the award winning Cowslips™, a plastic orthopaedic shoe designed to aid the treatment of lameness in dairy cattle.

Leptospirosis is responsible for considerable economic losses in the farming industry as a consequence of abortions, still births, reduced fertility and reduced milk production.

Infected animals generally exhibit no clinical signs of infection so regular screening is vital for disease detection, surveillance and control. Leptospirosis is an occupational zoonosis, posing a significant risk of infection to those working with infected animals.

Linnodee diagnostics are designed for the specific detection of the disease-causing serovar(s) associated with the target animal.

The most popular Linnodee diagnostics for animal care are: Linnodee Leptospira Hardjo ELISA – Quantifies only Hardjospecific antibodies in bovine 92

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serum, individual and bulk milk samples in 80 minutes.

Linnodee Leptospira Bratislava cELISA – Quantifies only Bratislava-specific antibodies in porcine serum in 180 minutes.

Linnodee Leptostick – A non-evasive, on-farm test for the rapid detection of only Hardjospecific antibodies in bovine milk (individual and bulk) in 40 minutes.

Linnodee Colostick – A nonevasive, on-farm test for the rapid identification of immune deficient newborn calves; quantifies immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) in calf mucus in 40 minutes to allow for administration of additional colostrum within absorption phase.

Linnodee welcome the opportunity to: Tailor existing diagnostics to suit customer needs Develop new antibody-based products (such as ELISA or lateral flow) to suit customer needs Collaborate For enquiries, contact Linnodee Ltd: Tel: +44 (0) 28 933 49329 Email: info@linnodee.com Web: www.linnodee.com

DROVERS TALES

At this time of year there are many farmers and farm workers who will be working all the hours they can to tend to cows calving and sheep lambing. Many will be suffering from broken sleep, wandering round blearyeyed, uncombed, perhaps unshaven and particularly scruffy as they regularly put in hours that under conventional work place employment rules would be illegal. I am not looking for sympathy and I don’t give any to anyone dealing with flood of spring’s new arrivals, it is after all their and my own career choice.

It is a great period of the year with many satisfying moments and hopefully fewer disappointments on a daily basis. I do not doubt this does affect the way one’s mind works, and I have examples of confused and tired thinking.

A few days ago I was on my daily rounds on the quad checking the cross cows that were in the hill park, one was missing and I presumed it had gone off to a quiet corner or hollow to calve. I drove round and round trying to find the missing beast with no sign of it. My search became more detailed as I checked every nook and behind every tree, I then began to think she had got out of the park so I then drove round the perimeter fence and dyke looking for holes, tracks, hair on the wires, open gates or any other sign as to where she could be. I began to wonder and doubt if there were actually 28 cows in this field in the first place. I stopped and phoned my daughter just to check that she agreed with me in that there should be 28.

Muppetry…it’s an ‘age’ thing!

By Ken Headspeath Highland Drovers & Borland Farm She did agree but mentioned, “Do you remember we took one off yesterday” and reminded me that she was in the shed as she had twins.

She was correct in calling me a Muppet!

Along similar lines, one day I went up on the hill where the pedigree Highlanders spend the winter until shortly before their calving period starts. For calving we bring them down into another hill park with an open wood, this particular incident was about a week before they were due to start calving. When I got

there I found a cow had just given birth to an early calf; it appeared to be happy enough although it had not suckled and was small. Due to this and the fact that the weather was particularly nasty with bitterly cold sleet showers and the daylight was going I decided to walk her and the newborn back down to the shed, primarily so I would get a decent night’s sleep as I would have worried about it being outside all night as the tiles on the roof rattled in the wind and what if it didn’t suckle!

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So after a slow and long walk back we arrived at the shed in darkness. I fed the calf and left the pair of them all cosy and snug in a freshly bedded pen as I headed home and eventually to my own cosy bed. In the morning when I returned all was good with both of them. I went to get the quad to start my feeding round but the quad was not in the normal place in the shed, that’s strange I thought. My initial thought was the gamekeeper has borrowed it for some reason.

A phone call later, it became clear he did not have it. It slowly dawned on me that it had been stolen overnight, it was nowhere to be seen, oh god how I wished I had locked the shed, you’re an idiot I thought to myself. I called 101 and eventually was put through to a local constable.

The first thing he asked was where did you leave it? That triggered a thought in my head and almost immediately I knew where it was...on the hill where I left it when I walked the cow down. It was a very short conversation and he saw the funny side.

I am sure I am not the only one who has stories along these lines; in fact I know I am not as I got a text from my daughter earlier today saying “Spent 30 mins trying to find the 22nd Beltie. LOL” The day before I lassoed the missing Belted Galloway cow and my daughter carried the wee calf down and into the trailer so we could take both of them back to the steading to spend the night inside cosy and warm. The calf had had a particularly rough start to life.

Holding a smug expression I texted back “Muppet” 93

dairy Automated milking to suit every dairy farm

Lely has changed its Astronaut A4 milking robot range to further support farm managers with their specific operational choices that they make for their farm. By focussing on the individual goals of each dairy farmer, the Dutch manufacturer is now offering tailor-made milking robots.

Dairy farmers can now choose which farm management activity they want to improve on when purchasing a milking robot and thereby configure their own Lely Astronaut accordingly. As well as milking the cows, the Lely Astronaut A4 offers solutions to improve the efficiency and monitoring of cow health. Farmers can combine

their choices or add extra options to the milking robot at the initial purchase or at a later stage. By taking this approach, Lely offers solutions for the farmers’ needs of today and prepares for their needs of tomorrow.

With the new choice range, pertaining to software, sensors, management support and other options, dairy farmers can fulfil their personal business goals based on their own specific needs.

The new Lely Astronaut product range is now in the countries in which the product is commercially available.

You can find more information on http://myastronaut.lely.com/en/

New Holstein indexes highlight most economic bulls

New genetic indexes for daughterproven Holstein bulls, published today (5 April) by AHDB Dairy, reflect the continuing trend towards percentage fat required for many milk contracts, which also forms an important element of the UK’s main national breeding goal, Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI).

At the top of the ranking is Gen-I-Beq Lavaman, whose PLI of £626 moves him back into the leading position he has held before.

Producers aiming to increase milk components will appreciate Lavaman’s positive fat (+0.10%) and protein (+0.15%) which he combines with outstanding daughter fertility (Fertility Index +13.5). His modern type profile includes the transmission of modest stature which reduces the maintenance cost of his daughters (Maintenance -8).

Ranking in second position with a PLI of £622 is former number one sire, Kings-Ransom Erdman.

This bull’s daughters are amongst the least cost to maintain with feed in the top 20, reflected in his Maintenance Index of -19. Erdman is also one of the breed-leading longevity transmitters (Lifespan +0.7), which he combines with an outstanding Somatic Cell Count Index (SCC-20).

New in third position with a PLI of £591 is Teemar Shamrock Alphabet (Shamrock x Ramos).

Alphabet has a very balanced breeding profile including excellent ease of calving in his daughters (maternal Calving Ease +3.0); good daughter longevity (+0.6) and high daughter fertility (+13.3). He also transmits the best resistance to bovine TB in the top 10 (TB Advantage +2.1).

New price calculator can help make most of milk Making the most of what you’ve got when margins are tight is crucial and asking basic questions could help you keep your business on track. A good start would be looking again at your production to check if your milk cheque is all it could be, says Patty Clayton, AHDB Dairy Senior Market Analyst With milk prices at their lowest for over six years, it’s more important than ever dairy farmers can achieve ‘top dollar’ for their milk.

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To assist producers do just that, AHDB Dairy has developed and launched a new AHDB website tool, the Milk Price Calculator (MPC). The MPC allows dairy farmers to input the specific details of their milk, in terms of delivery profile and quality, and check if there is potential to increase the income available from their contract. Its value lies in providing a quick and easy assessment of how a change to any aspect of their milk profile

will impact on the milk price paid.

While dairy farmers may not be able to change milk buyers at the moment, it may be possible for some to achieve higher prices for their milk by better matching what is in the bulk tank to what buyers pay the most for.

The complexities of milk contracts can make this a daunting task which is why the MPC is a handy, user-friendly tool for farmers and a ‘how to

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use’ video is available which gives a step-by-step guide to the calculator. The MPC allows you to ask the ‘what if’ questions such as ‘how would my milk price change if I managed to reduce my somatic cell counts or increased my butterfat?’ By entering the before and after farm data into the calculator, you are able to get two sets of outputs, allowing you to compare the differences and clearly see how changes impact your milk price.

dairy Cowslips from Giltspur Lameness is the third most costly disease affecting dairy cows. It decreases feed intake and mobility thus reducing milk yield and profitability. By fitting a Cowslip to the healthy claw of a lame cow, the sore claw is raised and weight is transferred off the affected area. This alleviates pain, prevents further injury and allows a rapid recovery. Feed intake and milk yield levels will return to normal.

Cowslips are available in FOUR sizes: COWSLIPS ORIGINAL – Manufactured in 100% PVC with a unique non-slip raised latticed sole, of sufficient height

to elevate a diseased digit off the ground.

Used on Jerseys, Guernseys, Ayrshires and Heifers.

COWSLIPS PLUS – Are longer and wider than the Original, with a length of 130mm. The sole is tapered with a deeper heel, designed to wear more evenly, reduce stress at the heel and take weight off the flexor tendons.

Used on Holsteins, Friesians and Beef breeds.

COWSLIPS XL – Are wider than the Plus shoe and half an inch longer. They have been ergonomically engineered with a rounded moccasin toe for extra comfort and fit.

Used on North American Holsteins and for large/abnormal claws.

COWSLIPS DOC – Are 5mm wider and 14mm longer than the XL shoe. The Doc was developed in response to market demand for a wider and longer shoe.

For enquiries, contact Giltspur Scientific Ltd: Tel: +44 (0) 28 9332 2040 Web: www. cowslips.com

Asterix makes history with unbeaten classification

One of the most influential sires to have been born and bred in Britain, Woodmarsh Asterix, has set a new record for excellence after being classified EX97.

The achievement comes just months before his tenth birthday and makes him the first UK bull to reach a score of EX97 since Supersires MagicTouch twenty years ago.

Imported as an embryo from Oseeana Holsteins in West Virginia back in 2005, the Jet Black, Picston Shottle son was born to Mick and Catherine Gould of the famed Woodmarsh Herd near Shrewsbury in 2006.

After joining Cogent’s Beachin stud in 2007, Asterix 96

Used when extra width and length is required and can be used on bulls.

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quickly captivated farmers with his world class pedigree.

As a grandson of the great TriDay Ashlyn EX96 and sired by the leading bull of the time, Picston Shottle, Asterix has inherited the style and balance of both families; making him one of the best looking bulls in the Cogent Stud.

Today, with nearly 3,800 registered progeny in the UK, Asterix’s strong characteristics including consistent production, near perfect feet and legs as well as fantastic health and fertility traits are still being passed down to generation after generation with no signs of this bull slowing down anytime soon.

Grass silage quality key to combating milk market volatility

Forage-based dairying underpinned by quality grass silage offers many mainstream UK milk producers a profitable future and a solution to volatile market conditions.

So said expert speakers representing Andersons, Ecosyl and Germinal at a recent farming industry briefing, where all agreed that opportunities to improve production from forage within current set-ups exist for many, without major investment.

Using The Andersons Centre’s Friesian Farm model to compare systems, Richard King, a partner in The Andersons Centre, demonstrated how a focus on quality silage allows significant cost reductions whilst maintaining relatively

high yields, due to greater milk production from forage.

Both Ben Wixey of Germinal and Phil Jones for Ecosyl concurred, with Mr Wixey pointing to industry figures showing that milk from forage in the UK has actually been falling.

Each therefore highlighted critical areas that could help to boost silage quality this season and allow more milk producers to reap greater benefits from their cheapest natural feed source – grass.

“First and foremost, it is vital that silage leys contain the best quality ryegrasses,” said Ben Wixey, “but whatever the state of your swards going into this current season, there is still a lot that can be done to maximise the feed value of grass silage.

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NFUScotland

dairy

Supporting the Scottish Farming Brand

By Allan Bowie, President NFU Scotland

There currently is a strong disconnect in a dysfunctional supply chain and farmers are not being rewarded for the risks they take or valued for providing high quality food of known provenance and trust.

Speaking recently at the annual conference of Scotland Food and Drink in Edinburgh, I had the opportunity of giving the closing remarks from the perspective of mu day job as a farmer.

I warned more than 350 delegates representing retailers and processors from many of the most prestigious companies in Britain that farmers are vital for their raw ingredients and unless there was a fairer share of margins within the supply chain to farmers and crofters this production could not be guaranteed.

I told them that farmers matter and, more importantly, farming matters. We need customers and buyers to appreciate the real cost of food and buy into what Scottish farming delivers.

As a farmer, I am the one who delivers the traceability, the trust, and the quality in the food they want. I am also their conscience and I make sure the cornerstone of basic food production is right but, I and all other farmers, need to get a return back and be profitable.

Farming may be considered by many to be a way of life but bankers and suppliers are not willing to finance a way of life. The stark reality is that it has to stack up for all those in the supply chain.

We have real day to day challenges facing farming the lowest agricultural prices in a decade, a flawed IT system for delivering farm payments, weather volatility and Scottish Government statistics showing that incomes have halved since 2010 and are still falling.

Prices paid for the premium raw ingredients from Scottish farms are being set by commodities grown elsewhere in the world. The globalisation of food as a commodity means that our produce is not being valued for the resources that are needed to produce it, its traceability or its provenance.

My final call to the delegates – and a key strand of our manifesto for the Scottish elections this May was for a supply chain, which had transparency and real partnerships that valued and supported Scottish farmers.

The feedback from this has been encouraging but action needs to happen, and you can help NFU Scotland structure and shape this change. Let’s not miss this chance to change business behaviour in the whole supply chain.

Thanks to five Scottish farming families that opened their farm doors and field gates in This Farming Life on BBC2, an average audience of 1.7 million now have a vivid appreciation of the trials and tribulations involved in putting food and drink on the table.

Compare this with the fictional farm names used

by Tesco to brand some of its products and you really have to question what is going on within the supply chain to genuinely recognise provenance and support real farms.

Time will tell what shoppers will do but This Farming Life has shown what Scottish farmers and crofters deliver, it is now incumbent of retailers to put it clearly on their shelves and value this effort.

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BOOK SERIALISATION

“Isolation Shepherd” March and April can be harsh months for the flocks on the Highland hills, and the lambing that follows can be particularly challenging for those who look after them. But as Iain R Thomson points out in our latest extract from his evocative memoir Isolation Shepherd, it can also be the most rewarding.

With hardy resilience, breeding ewes are able to survive the bare months of March and April when natural feeding is at its lowest ebb. The sheep’s bodies feel skeleton-like to the hand; their wool pulls out in handfuls yet they live through harsh privation to produce a healthy sturdy lamb. This surely is one of the reassuring features of the shepherd’s occupation and often affects his personal philosophy.

The will to live is central to the core of existence. Nobody sees this more clearly manifest than the hillman amongst his lambing flock.

Throughout these two hungry months, unless the weather was truly severe, Punch, a large cross Highland garron, would carry for me across his deer saddle three sacks of bruised oats the four miles west along the path to the river flats below the grasswithered slopes of Sgurr na Conbhaire. Sighting the pony in the distance was enough to bring

the ewes at a bleating run, each from her defined territory on the hill. Hunger rapidly conquers fear.

The great mass of the flock would quickly surround myself and pony, eventually to the point where it became difficult to push my way amongst them. Thrusting my crook firmly into the ground, I would tie Punch’s reins, and hunching the top bag onto my back, hurry from the path onto the flats, running ahead of the mob to pour out a thin trail of feed from my shoulder.

Rid of the milling throng as they ate, I always took a little oats back up to Punch before pouring out the remaining bags. The sheep, never content to eat at one spot, ran up and down the feed line pushing and struggling. In a few minutes the meagre rations vanished.

Many old shepherds regarded the winter feeding of ewes as being detrimental to their foraging abilities and consequent hardiness.

Latterly, I inclined towards the old timers’ view.

Certainly the flock hung about for hours after being fed, doubt¬less waiting for more.

Neither man nor beast will work

In April a load of sheep feeding goes west to Strathmore glen for the lambing ewes

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if they can avoid it. Once the flock became hooked on hand feeding then the road back to making them self-reliant was impossible without loss and death.

As the sheep ate I’d select a stone to put my back against, sit on my oilskin and take a careful look about with the indispensable telescope. If all were quiet it was time for a bite of cheese and homebaked bread. The humblest feed when eaten outdoors becomes a feast. A scrap for my watchful dog Nancy and it was time to move for home. I invariably led the pony. Riding a deer saddle lacked comfort to a degree which made walking truly a pleasure.

Once lambing commenced during the first week of May, our feeding routine would cease. The spring growth then took over the flock’s nutrition. This avoided a hungry maelstrom of lambing ewes dashing down to the flats which could only but have created mis-mothering problems as greedy mothers left young lambs away on the lambing ground.

Newly-born lambs call in piteous high tones if deserted for any reason and, often unable or unwilling to follow their mothers, they stumble into burns or holes and so perish. This hazard would

quickly negate any advantage gained from hand-feeding.

The long days at the lambing took the form of a twicedaily routine walk around the lower slopes of the glen. A cut-down sack with shoulder strap served as a lambing bag containing medicants for various requirements - oil, penicillin, milk and glucose which, together with my piece, telescope and Nancy were the marching order of the day. These hard and long duties could cover anything up to 16 miles between the two rounds.

There are few more satisfying experiences for the shepherd than to successfully deliver a living lamb from a ewe suffering the difficulties of a malpresented birth.

In order to check that the flock were lambing without problem, strategic stops at vantage points to spy the ewes were frequently required.

When all appeared well, with a snap of the glass I’d stroll westward to the next eminence.

Spotting a ewe getting to her feet with a long trail of cleansing hanging from her and then turning to lick a shaking little head lifting with its first move of life in the outside world, meant that I could pass by to leave mother and

Hungry spring. The ewes, heavy in lamb, feeding on the Strathmore river flats

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BOOK SERIALISATION lamb to cement the first bonds of their relationship. Once the bond is made - and this takes only moments - almost all mothers then know instinctively the smell and sound of their offspring amongst hundreds of other lambs no matter how they may be mixed.

Occasionally I put the glass on a ewe lying flat on her side, legs out, neck stretched and head forced up as she struggled pressing and heaving to lamb. I’d make myself comfortable behind a stone and watch for ten to twenty minutes.

Sometimes I had just spotted a normal lambing, in which case in a short matter of time with one hefty press often accompanied by a loud, long bleat, out would slip the awaited offspring. Having given enough time for the birth to be normal, or perhaps by other signs, I would recognise a case requiring attention.

Approaching a troubled ewe with great stealth, Nancy would be ordered to sit at a little distance from the distressed sheep.

Suddenly, almost instinctively, the ewe might sense my presence, pause for a second, then up and off at full speed, quite unheeding of her labouring condition. A quick word to the dog, ‘Hold her, Nancy,’ and we’d both tear after the reluctant patient. It’s not always easy to catch a bolting ewe on the open hill, I assure you.

I’d lift the captured ewe and lay her on her side, pausing to allow us both to recover our breath. Keeping an outstretched foot on her neck, I would then commence to examine the end causing the trouble. Taking my little black lambing bag in a most professional manner, with lubricating oil suitably applied, as gently as possible, I would insert my hand into her passage and commence with sensitive fingering to ascertain what problem lay within that warm slippery world.

Small but strong fingers are the shepherd’s most useful tool for this delicate operation. Feeling about carefully in order to discover which part of the lamb presented itself was necessary to determine just how the body might be lying in the sheep’s uterus. Sometimes your hand came straight upon

Reluctant pets, with Alison and Hector (Iain’s children)

the nose and mouth of a large head. Here, the trouble could be that both front legs were tucked back under the neck, not pointing forwards along with the head as is the normal presentation position.

More often, it was the head and just one leg that enquiring fingers detected.

In either case, the head had to be pressed back down the uterus and a finger locked behind the knee of the backward lying leg.

A careful pull generally sufficed to bring forward the offending limb to its required position for the correct presentation. All these manipulations were relatively simple.

‘The deep pleasure gained from leaving a ewe affectionately tending her new lamb was the most satisfying experience in shepherding’ There were, however, a number of other complications which could develop. Often just two legs could be felt. This could mean the head was turned backwards or perhaps the rear end of the lamb was towards your hand. Whatever the problem, always a degree of tension and concern exists when lambing a ewe, although saving of a life and the deep pleasure gained from leaving a ewe affectionately tending her new lamb is the most satisfying experience in

shepherding.

Occasionally our ewes succumbed to a condition known as pregnancy toxaemia, a deficiency of calcium and magnesium which left the sheep barely able to stand. Ultimately, death ensued if suitable therapy could not be applied.

Early one bright spring morning I came upon a ewe, heavy in lamb, lying on her side in a semi-conscious condition. I suspected that she was suffering from the toxaemic condition and knew death would not be long away. The sickness was easily treatable by a large injection of the deficient minerals in solution, but I didn’t have any with me.

‘With quick resolve, I grabbed a heavy stone.

One swinging blow to the ewe’s head killed her’ The ewe reached out her head, and the froth at her mouth told me she was about to die, and so too would the unborn lamb within her.

With quick resolve, I grabbed a heavy stone. One swinging blow to the ewe’s head killed her. Blood spurted from her nose, eyes took an immediate unmoving stare, and though choking breaths bubbled out blood. I knew she felt nothing.

Using my skinning knife and working with feverish speed I opened her stomach and cut into the womb. Fluid poured out. Curled inside a thin yellow membrane sack snuggled a heavy

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lamb. To my great joy it came alive in my hands as I slit open this last barrier. At once I carried him, for it was a large tup lamb, home in my lambing bag and put him straight in front of the fire. After he dried out, a drop of milk through a baby’s teat started him feeding. He lived and throve, soon running about the kitchen with gusto.

After a week I found him a ewe which, due to bad weather, had lost her own lamb. We set him onto his adopted mother in the old-fashioned way. The skin from the dead lamb he was replacing had to form a little suit for our orphan.

The knack - for there is always a knack - lay in clever skinning. The dead lamb’s skin was removed so that the neck hole and the four leg holes remained much as the sleeves of a jersey.

Skinning only took a few minutes then Rupert (as he had been christened by the children) was pushed, squirming and wriggling, into his new jacket. First over his head, and then each foot into its sleeve and with finally a smear of the new mother’s lambing waters on his head, he was ready for her inspection. Holding the ewe with my knee whilst pushing him down to her udder, I saw he lost no time in nosing under her flank in search of a teat.

Once Rupert was strongly sucking I released the ewe.

Quickly, she turned her head to his tail and sniffed the skin. I had made sure that the jacket came well down over the lamb’s tail to be sure of hiding his original smell. After several testing sniffs she stamped a foot at me. This protective action, to my great relief, indicated the ewe had taken him as her own lost lamb without any doubts.

They spent three days running about the croft before I freed Rupert from his now rather smelly jacket.

Later that morning, I set them both away out of the west gate to the open hill. The lucky chap trotted in to the ewe’s side quite the thing and didn’t look back.

This is an edited extract from Isolation Shepherd by Iain R Thomson, a new edition of which has just been published by Birlinn, price £8.99.

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The rolling hills of the Scottish Borders will be the idyllic setting for Scotland’s biennial national sheep event, NSA Scotsheep 2016, on Wednesday, June 1st.

The venue is the historic farm of Blythbank, West Linton, Peeblesshire, birthplace in 2003 of Dolly The Sheep, the world’s first cloned sheep and home of the first Texel sheep imported into the UK in 1970 by Dr John King of the Animal Breeding Research Organisation.

Today the 1300 acre farm is part of the extensive farming operation of the Campbell family’s Glenrath Farms Ltd, the UK’s largest egg producer, and home to a flock of 2000 Scotch Mule ewes, 500 replacement Scotch Mule hoggs and 700 Blackface ewes, as well as 200 Limousin cross suckler cows, a 10-cow pedigree Charolais herd, a 40-ewe pedigree Texel flock and 320,000 free-range hens.

NSA Scotsheep, organised by NSA Scotland, with Royal Bank of Scotland confirmed as major sponsor and Aldi, BWMB, Caltech Crystalyx, Campaign for Wool, Scotmin Nutrition, Shearwell Data, Texel Sheep Society and United Auctions as mainline sponsors, provides a real showcase for the Scottish sheep industry and is set to attract thousands of sheep farmers and industry professionals from throughout Scotland, Ireland and the north of England.

“Blythbank, with its renowned flocks of both commercial and pedigree sheep, is an ideal venue for the event and will be a mecca for sheep farmers on the day,” said NSA Scotland chair, Mrs Sybil Macpherson. “We are greatly indebted to the Campbell family for their willingness to host what is widely recognised as the major event for the sheep industry in 100

Scotland and our main sponsor, RBS, and all the other generous sponsors, who make NSA Scotsheep possible.”

Ms Macpherson’s comments are echoed by event chairman, Scott Somerville, of feed merchants, Galloway and Macleod Ltd and a former chairman of the rural affairs committee of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers, who describes Blythbank as the “perfect venue”.

“Blythbank will provide a superb backdrop for Scotland’s flagship sheep event which will showcase everything good about Scottish sheep farming,” he said.

Mr Somerville’s local organising committee has put together a superb programme of demonstrations and activities to whet the appetite of visitors.

Virtually every breed of sheep will be on display in the breed societies’ area with 42 breeds and breeders exhibiting and more than 150 businesses will be represented in the extensive trade stand area, featuring everything from genetics, nutrition and sheep management to marketing the end product of quality Scotch lamb.

“Bringing together all sectors of Scotland’s sheep industry on one day is an opportunity for sheep farmers to share ideas, gain perspective and catch up with old friends,” said Glenrath managing director, Ian Campbell.

It is hoped that the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs – whoever that might be following the Scottish Parliament elections – will attend and the official opening ceremony will be performed at

10.00am by Ross McEwan, chief executive of RBS. Leading industry figures have been invited to participate in three seminars which will cover the vitally important topics of health status of the national sheep flock, new opportunities and finance in sheep farming and profitable sheep production.

The farm tour by tractor and trailer is always a big attraction at NSA Scotsheep and this year’s event will be no exception.

Mr Campbell lays great emphasis on growing grass which is a priority on the farm and there’s no doubt that finishing lambs on forage is a model which many lamb finishers will be attracted to as they strive to remain profitable in the future.

“Being able to grow high quality forage allows lambs to finish quickly, meet the grades required by processors and provide the consumer with the highest quality fresh lamb,” Mr Campbell said.

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Other popular attractions will include stockjudging, sheep dog trial, sheep shearing competitions, farmers market and craft fair, and practical demonstrations of butchery, carcase grading, crook making, sheep dressing and fencing.

Another feature, which proved highly successful at the last NSA Scotsheep two years ago and the two NSA Highland Sheep events held in the Highlands, will be the show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs which will be eagerly anticipated by potential buyers.

The Campbell family run a total of 10,000 breeding ewes as part of their extensive farming business.

This includes five hill farms stocked with Scottish Blackface ewes which are put to the Blackface tup, allowing them to breed all their own replacement females for both their hill and lowland farms.

Bluefaced Leicester tups from their own flock are used on

scotsheep their lowland farms and crossed with Blackface ewes to breed all replacement Mule ewes. There is also a Suffolk flock, as well as the Texel flock at Blythbank, and the home-bred Suffolk and Texel tup lambs are then used on the Mules to breed finished lambs.

The lowland farms provide ideal conditions for finished lambs, the vast majority of which are sold in lorry loads to Woodhead Bros who supply into Morrisons supermarkets.

This integrated structure allows the Campbell’s to maintain a closed flock which in turn has a positive effect on the health status of the various flocks.

The diversification into egg production has proved highly successful over the years and Blythbank incorporates 10 free range laying sheds housing 32,000 birds each. All eggs are sold to major retailers.

The farm has also been adapted to allow for extensive environmental schemes, including

the planting of 20,000 trees and the use of reed beds.

NSA Scotsheep enthusiasts – and not least the host farming family and the organisers – will be hoping that there will no repeat of the last Scotsheep in the Borders when incessant rain throughout

the day almost caused the event to be cancelled and unfortunately curtailed the farm tour.

We will stick to the mantra that it can’t possibly happen twice and that all those attending can look forward to a magic day absorbing all the latest developments and

L to R - Kitty Campbell, Davie Wallace, John Campbell, Scott Somerville (Event Chairman) & Ian Campbell

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innovations in the sheep industry and enjoying the company of their fellow sheep farmers from throughout the country – and further afield.

Sheep Shearing Extravaganza at NSA Scotsheep 2016 and new Supershear Open Challenge A Scotland v England test match, an inter-district challenge between 10 Scottish districts and an exciting new open competition will keep sheep shearing enthusiasts enthralled at NSA Scotsheep 2016, on June 1.

The headline sponsor of the sheep shearing competitions will be animal nutrition and husbandry company, Nettex.

The new open competition for individual shearers, the NSA Scotsheep Supershear Challenge, is set to attract considerable interest with a top prize of £500. It will be open on a “first come, first served” basis to 40 individual competitors who will be required to shear one sheep. Points will be awarded for

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scotsheep speed of the shear and quality of the fleece.

The entry fee is £10 and preentry is required. Entry forms and further information available from Mary Armstrong on 01555 841218.

The test match will see the Scottish team of former world champion, Aberdeenshire’s Gavin Mutch, and his close rival, Perthshire’s Hamish Mitchell, assisted by wool handler, Leeanne Bertram, combine to take on England who will be represented by international shearers, Adam Berry and Anthony Rook, and current world wool handling champion, Hilary Bond.

Last year Gavin, now based in New Zealand, became the first non-New Zealander to lift New Zealand’s coveted Golden Shears title and with Hamish, who is based in Norway, took the Golden Shears pairs award back to Scotland.

“The sheep shearing competitions will provide an exciting spectacle for visitors

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to NSA Scotsheep 2016 and the test match between Scotland and England a real challenge for the two teams,” said Lance Armstrong, who is co-ordinating the various competitions.

The District Sheep Shearing Challenge, which was a highly successful innovation at the last NSA Scotsheep in 2014, will again be run as a team relay with the two members of each team,

who will be assisted by a wool handler, shearing both Mule and Blackface ewe hoggs to give them a real test.

Each team member will shear four hoggs of each breed in three heats with the top three teams with the lowest penalty points competing in the final when they will shear 20 Mules.

The following 10 districts have been invited to put forward

teams – Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Borders, Fife, Stirling, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Peeblesshire and Lochearnhead.

Earlier in the day, Gavin and Hamish will be giving a shearing demonstration to children from local schools who will be taking part in a Uses of Wool poster competition and shearing will also feature in the competition to find Scotland’s Young Shepherd of the Year.

Additional sponsors of the various sheep shearing competitions will include AP Supplies, Agri-Lloyd, Beltex Sheep Society, Blackface Sheep Breeders Association, British Wool Marketing Board, Broughton Ales Ltd, Glenrath Farms Ltd, Lance Armstrong, Scotch Mule Association and Scottish Shearing Association.

More detailed information is available from the website www. scotsheep.org.uk

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sheep Sheep farmers can’t afford to ignore coccidiosis The sheep industry is facing hard times, April saw AHDB Beef and Lamb record prime new season lamb SQQ total average prices fall around 6%. With farm gate prices falling, it’s hard to prioritise preventative flock health, as it’s often seen as an avoidable cost to the farm.

However, by focusing on flock health it’s possible to get lambs performing and away quicker, so tightening up margins.

Vet Will Barker, from Castle Veterinary Surgeons in Co Durham, highlights that ignoring the threat of coccidiosis following the lambing period can cause costly problems, and reduce lamb growth rates which cannot be recovered.

“Farmers know that dead lambs mean lost money. The issue is that when a farmer has coccidiosis for the first time, the first thing they tend to notice is lambs around 3 to 12 weeks old either scouring, or just ‘not doing’.

Lambs go downhill very quickly with coccidiosis, from being good healthy lambs one week, to suffering huge losses in growth rates and poor performance the next.

“By this point they have already suffered major losses that they won’t recoup; not only due to the obvious monetary loss of those that die, or have scours and other clinical symptoms, but from all the others in the group which are also affected subclinically.

“I’ve found that some farmers aren’t aware that before these obvious clinical signs, coccidiosis has already affected the lambs’ growth rates, which as a result

increases the time and nutrition needed to get them to the same weight and ‘finished’.”

Will points out that with volatile lamb prices, losses need to be reduced to ensure that margins as well as lambs are healthy. His recommendation is to be proactive and contact your vet to create robust farm-specific flock health plans.

“You have to know and understand the flock history to catch lambs before coccidiosis problems take effect. I try to encourage farmers to treat proactively rather than reactively and to get analysis done via sampling so they can really work out what they’re dealing with.

“If you notice lambs not doing so well, then contact your vet to discuss a plan of action including speciation testing to identify exactly what you’re dealing with. If sheep die, get a post mortem, these can provide valuable information for treating the other animals.

“It’s essential to work out what is happening on your farm before you start treating. Especially with prices so low, you can’t afford to waste money on ineffective treatments, wrongly timed.”

Getting the timing of treatment right for coccidiosis can be tricky, Will explains it is key to target the prepatent period of the disease. This is once lambs have had exposure to coccidiosis, so they can start building up some natural immunity, but before it starts to cause gut damage and consequently problems, such as poor growth rates.

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New report reveals wider consequences of releasing lynx in the UK countryside

By George Milne Many NSA members will be aware of the report NSA launched recently -The wider consequences of the introduction of Eurasian lynx to the UK - ahead of the Lynx Trust UK’s impending application for permission to release lynx.

The report, providing researched evidence about the potential impact of introducing the big cat to the countryside, is in response to plans by Lynx Trust UK to apply for release licences in England and/or Scotland later this year. NSA feels the debate so far has only highlighted the potential positives of such a move, overlooking the particular circumstances in the UK and the limited success of projects in other parts of Europe. NSA argues the consequences would be far greater than just a few sheep lost each year to hungry lynx.

Grassland environments, which are considered to be an attractive and desirable part of our countryside, are largely managed by sheep farming.

But conditions are tough in the sheep sector, returns are low and for some farmers the release of the lynx would be the final straw. We would lose much, much more than just sheep if these businesses cease to operate. NSA sees support for release of lynx as part of the wider unawareness of the essential function of sheep in the UK countryside.

Their complementary role includes food production, environmental and landscape management, support of species biodiversity, and sustenance of rural communities, culture and heritage. Speaking at the

launch of the report, Sybil Macpherson, NSA Scottish Region Chairman and a sheep farmer from Argyllshire, provided a working example of this. She said: “Flocks that were removed from the hills in my area of Scotland have, in some cases, been brought back in recent years, to overcome the negative impact of under-grazing on biodiversity. It is already difficult to maintain those vital sheep numbers due to predation by sea eagles, and I make a plea today to the powers that be for them to put more consideration into granting a licence to release the lynx than they did with the management of sea eagles.

Sea eagles have meant the end of profitability for many sheep farmers – add lynx to the equation and the land will become an unmanaged wilderness that is no use to man or beast, domesticated or wild.” The risk of sheep becoming a key part of the lynx diet was highlighted by Tomas Olsson, who travelled from Sweden to support the launch of the NSA report.

His comments prompted wider discussion around this not just being an economic issue for sheep farmers, but something that vastly undermines the huge amount of effort taken on farms to ensure high animal welfare.

The risk of lynx killing sheep and dragging some or all body parts away from the scene also flies in the face of steps taken by farmers to ensure full movement traceability, manage disease risk and responsibly deal with fallen stock.

sheep Blowfly Strike – Are You Prepared?

As summer quickly approaches the problem of Blowfly strike once again looms. Although last summer did not present a huge challenge, it is vital not to become complacent to the risks.

In this piece, Rachel Mallet, Professional Services Veterinarian for Bimeda, looks at how farmers can ensure they are well prepared, and also shares appropriate steps for the prevention and treatment of blowfly strike this season.

By Rachel Mallet, BVM&S MRCVS Blowflies are the most common ectoparasite of lambs and surveys suggest that every year 80% of farmers will encounter strike.

Blowfly strike is a devastating disease which impacts welfare as well as costing both time and money to counteract, so it is important that we anticipate it and protect against it.

What Is Blowfly Strike?

Once the soil temperate increases above 10oC and the air temperature is more than 17oC, flies hatch from their pupae

which survive in the soil over winter. This means the first wave of flies emerge around mid-April although it could be earlier in a particularly mild year. One adult fly can lay up to 3000 eggs in its 28 day life time!

Blowfly strike occurs when the female fly is able to land on the sheep or lamb and lay eggs.

The flies are attracted to moist, soiled fleeces and wounds. Once laid, the eggs secrete an odour which attracts other flies and rapidly exacerbates the problem.

These eggs quickly hatch in to maggots and the maggots feed on the dead skin cells and secretions. As they feed, they ‘burrow’ deeper in to the skin, creating wounds, which ‘kills the skin’, providing the maggots with more food and gradually creating bigger and bigger wounds.

If left to worsen, the wounds will increase in size, become infected and ooze. This will cause the sheep to enter a state of shock and perish. This further complicates the situation as an undetected carcass would be an excellent host for more larvae to develop and exponentially increases the number of flies in the area.

Which Animals Are Most Susceptible To Blowfly Strike?

Sheep or lambs with the following are most susceptible to blowfly strike; -faecal staining of the wool (parasite induced or dietary) -open wounds (foot rot or shearing injuries) -fleece rot.

What Is Appropriate Treatment For Blowfly Strike?

Clipping of the affected area is vital to see how far the wounds extend, to clean and to ensure that all debris which the maggots can feed

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on, have been removed. Treatment with a licensed larvicidal product such as a cypermethrin pour on is then required. The wounds may be serious and infected, causing the sheep to be systemically ill in which case veterinary intervention is vital to ensure the best outcome.

What Action Can Farmers Take To Prevent Blowfly Strike?

Prevention is always better than cure and preventative action should be taken to reduce the risk.

Good management and planning is vital, alongside preventative products, to minimise the risk of blowfly strike as far as possible.

Here are some top tips for best practice: Sheep, even after receiving preventative treatment, should be checked regularly and at least daily in periods of high risk where possible. The majority of strikes occur around the breech, where there is faecal or urine contamination of the fleece, with the remainder on the shoulders and the back. * Reduce the incidence of soiling by avoiding nutritional upsets which may cause scouring * Have a sound worm control strategy. * Dock lambs’ tails A UK study (by French et al in 1994) showed that the incidence of blowfly strike was approximately five times greater in undocked lambs. (Tail docking must be carried out only in strict accordance with the following guidelines. It must be performed by a competent, trained operator and with the use of a rubber ring, or other device, to restrict the flow of blood to the tail. It is only permitted without an anaesthetic if the device is applied during the first week of life.)

sheep * Dispose of carcases quickly to avoid them acting as a source of Blowflies * Reduce the incidence of footrot, by isolating and promptly treat any lame sheep. * Yearly shearing of ewes is critical to help prevent strike in ewes Regular dagging of the fleece It’s not enough for farmers to ensure that sheep are clean on application of the preventative product- farmers must ensure that lambs are kept clean in the weeks following treatment as faecal contamination will reduce the efficacy of all plunge and spray on products.

Open wounds should be treated and monitored until resolved.

Pour-on/Dip (e.g. cypermethrin pour ons, dicyclanil pour ons, Deltamethrin pour-ons, organophosphate dips).

Most farms now rely on pharmaceutical products to

minimise the strike affected sheep on their farm. It is important to note that products have to be correctly applied as per the pack instructions and that they have to be used in conjunction with the other management practices as outlined here.

Which Product is Most Appropriate For Your Flock?

We all know there is a thin line between profit and loss when rearing lamb so it’s vital we make economical choices when selecting which products we use for protection.

Top tips for product selection; in conjunction with the advice of your animal health advisor; Consider the withdrawal period and duration of action Lambs may be going for sale in a matter of weeks and this will be a key factor in deciding what treatment is appropriate. Consider the duration of protection you need and the cost associated with that treatment.

What do you need to treat for?

Also worth considering is whether you need to treat more than blowfly alone. Would it be beneficial to also treat for lice and ticks?

Ask you SQP/animal health advisor for a cost/treatment breakdown For adult sheep ask your SQP for a breakdown of cost/treatment

and which other parasites are covered, to help decide which product is most appropriate for you.

For further information and guidance on blowfly strike prevention speak to your local animal health advisor or SQP.

AFBI issues Nematodirus Warning The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Veterinary Sciences Division wishes to advise sheep farmers of the likely risk of Nematodirus worm infection in young lambs occurring at this time of year.

Your veterinary surgeon should be consulted at an early stage. He or she is in an ideal position to provide advice on the prevention and /or treatment strategy best suited to your

particular circumstances. As part of the Animal Disease Surveillance and Investigation service offered by AFBI’s Veterinary Sciences Division, faeces samples from sheep or cattle can be tested to determine the level of worm eggs present.

Samples should be submitted through your veterinary surgeon, with a minimum of 5 grams of faeces from each animal required for this test.

Texacloth is buying in Scotland this year for the 23rd year, and we pay in full on the day for good clean wool.

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sheep New Wool Season 2016/2017

YOUNG SHEPHERD

Lambing 2016

By James Rhys Baylis

The new wool season is here.

Texacloth are pleased to inform all of our farmer customers that we intend to lead the market & pay top prices for all wool types.

We are delighted to announce the opening of 2 new depots in Cumbria: Kevin Buckle Buckles Farm, Barras, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4ES Tel: 0779 556 6364

John Errington Contact: Alan Walsh Ladyswood House, Roundthorpe, Penrith, CA11 8RJ Tel: 0783 6547 987 These are very strong sheep areas & together we can maximise the price for your wool and with prompt payment.

We of course will welcome new farmers and assure you we appreciate your custom.

Sheep farmers urged to report any suspicion of sheep scab Sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant against sheep scab and report any suspicion of the disease.

This comes on the back of Scottish Government figures and maps, just released, detailing there have been 565 cases since 2010 in Scotland.

Sheep scab is one of the most contagious parasitic diseases in sheep and is considered to be endemic in Great Britain. It is both a highly production limiting disease and a serious welfare problem making tackling the disease a high priority for the Scottish sheep industry.

In December 2007 Scotland introduced the Sheep Scab

(Scotland) Order 2010 making it a requirement to report any suspicion of the disease, instead of waiting for confirmation. This order places reported flocks under restriction until there is evidence that they have either effectively treated/culled affected animals, or sheep scab has been ruled out.

Penny Johnston, Animal Health and Welfare Policy Manager with NFU Scotland commented: “According to the Scottish Government, there have been 565 notifications since 2010, although in the last couple of years notifications have plateaued around the low eighties annually they remain fairly widespread with identifiable hotspots.

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We knew we would regret grumbling about the fact that our sheep hadn’t started lambing on the day we predicted they would, and we were right. A week after wishing *just one* would give us a couple of healthy babies, my girlfriend went away to Edinburgh for the weekend, and on the same day, nine sheep all decided that they just couldn’t hold on until she was back to help out.

Not only that, but the eggs that we had bought, alongside an incubator, at a poultry sale in Carlisle, also thought that it would be a great idea to hatch on the same day, and so I had to add ‘mother to two Silver Laced Wyandotte chicks’ to my job description.

We had increased our flock from 16 to just under 70 over the course of the last year, and whilst this couldn’t even be considered to be a medium number, let alone a large one, it was quite a step up, especially seeing as last year was the first ever lambing we’d both been part of and had to manage.

Fortunately, it has gone relatively smoothly. As I type, we still have two very stubborn mules waiting to go into labour, and then we’re done for another year. Although we won’t be able to treat ourselves to a lie in any time soon, as we’ve got seven orphan lambs that need our time and attention now!

It would appear as well, that I am a glutton for punishment, and before our lambing has even finished, I’m heading down to Cheshire to spend 4 weeks living in a caravan lambing 1500 Texel and Suffolk ewes.

If I ever thought I was busy during our lambing of 70, I think 1500 is going to be a real shock to the system!

There are nights when you only get three hours sleep, and we often have to field questions and confused looks concerning our iodinestained hands, but there’s a real sense of achievement when you see the lambs happily gamboling about the fields. Hopefully I’ll have caught up on my sleep in time for the start of lambing 2017!

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pigs On-farm assessment provides opportunity to improve pig performance As pig producers continue to face extreme price pressure, a simple on-farm assessment could prove highly beneficial and help optimise herd performance and farm profitability.

Alltech’s Pig Assist Programme, is a free on-farm audit which evaluates factors that contribute to efficient pig production, including biosecurity, animal health, mycotoxin exposure and antimicrobial use.

“It’s vital that producers look at their business with a critical and detailed eye to ensure performance is optimised and costs are controlled,” says Lauren Dimmick, technical support advisor for pigs at Alltech.

“There’s a diverse range of pig production systems and

varying management practices, with different associated risks. It’s therefore important to undertake a farm specific assessment to create a bespoke improvement plan, while taking into consideration wider scale risks.”

Pig Assist, is a visual onfarm assessment and allows a far-reaching analysis of elements that could be contributing to performance losses that are ultimately reducing profitability.

“All aspects of production, including management and nutrition are examined, with general health and reproductive performance scored. A unique KPI assessment can then be generated and performance benchmarked against AHDB national herd statistics,

St David’s branches into antibiotic reduction in pigs Pig producers could reduce antibiotic usage and improve animal health and productivity by adopting a new approach piloted by the poultry industry.

Following tremendous success helping poultry producers to reduce antibiotic usage, St David’s veterinary team is now branching into the pig sector. The initiative, which will be launched at the British Pig & Poultry Fair, is based on improving the animals’ natural health through a combination of probiotics, organic acids and water sanitation.

Antibiotic resistance is a huge threat to human health, and livestock farmers are under increasing pressure to stop using antibiotics altogether.

“As a practice we started looking at antibiotic reduction 10 years ago, and now more than 40% of medicines we use to treat infections are not antibiotics,” says Mr Turner. “There will always be 108

situations where we have to treat with antibiotics, but in this country there hasn’t been enough time spent looking at alternative approaches.”

Amazingly, animals’ bodies comprise 90% bacteria – in effect people are only made up of 10% human cells. Through its Applied Bacterial Control (ABC) programme, St David’s looks closely at all husbandry factors that influence this microbiome, and develops a bespoke strategy to boost natural gut health and reduce the need for routine antibiotic treatments.

Central to the ABC system is clean water and the Seed, Weed and Feed approach, developed by Professor Stephen Collett from the University of Georgia, USA. This involves seeding the gut with beneficial flora, feeding them by creating the right gut environment, and weeding out unfavourable microbes.

identifying key areas for improvement,” explains Lauren.

“We then work with the producer to provide a series of practical recommendations to improve productivity and herd performance, which may encompass areas such as feeding

strategies, stocking densities and housing.

“Economic comparisons can also be made between current strategies and potential modifications, to really ensure that the farm will profit from any changes.

New brand for Farmex’s data services improve pig performance Following the increased interest by pig farmers in information communication technology and real-time monitoring on pig farms, Farmex is rebranding all its data services under the Barn Report Pro banner. It will be dropping the Guardian Action name currently used for some of its services.

Farmex offers a raft of internet-based IT services on subscription to capture data, including the recentlyintroduced — and revolutionary — GrowthSensor it developed in conjunction with ARM Buildings and Dicam Technology Ltd. This monitors the growth of finishing pigs as they grow, providing valuable information on a dayto-day basis.

Dr Sadie Douglas, who is in charge of the company’s data services said: “Real-time information helps improve the performance of pig herds by

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enabling staff to make objective decisions. Problems can be sorted out much quicker. In addition, monitoring helps to reduce energy, water and feed waste all of which can result in productivity improvements of up to 30 per cent.”

To mark this rebranding Farmex will be running a free competition at the British Pig and Poultry Fair. Everyone visiting their stand (No 69) will be given the opportunity of weighing themselves on the GrowthSensor on ARM Buildings’ nearby stand (No 63) — adapted for humans! They will then be asked to guess the average bodyweight of visitors taking part each day.

As a prize, Farmex is offering an Apple iPad, awarded to the person whose guess is nearest to the accurately-calculated average. A bottle of bubbly will be presented to the runner-up.

estate Driven shooting, Teasses Estate, Fife

By Linda Mellor Teasses estate is a commercial shooting estate situated in the rolling hills of north-east Fife, near Ceres. Teasses has a total of 28 drives over 1,000 acres.

The shooting estate was created from a blank canvas in 1996 by owner Sir Fraser Morrison with the help of head game keeper Kenny Horne. The entire estate was redesigned and shaped with roads, trees, fences and water to create a diverse shooting landscape offering shooting guests 40+ days of driven pheasant, partridge and duck.

Turning off the main road into Teasses you start to appreciate the secluded location of the estate. The landscape opens up to an enormous panoramic of distant Perthshire hills, with Schiehallion easily recognisable with its conical peak.

Hall Teasses Lodge is situated in the middle of the estate, a stone throw’s from the Bothy; the gathering point on a shoot day where a pot bellied stove keeps everyone warm throughout the season. Three Labradors are sleeping on the mat next to the stove as head keeper Kenny Horne calls his team together to deliver his plan of action, affectionately known as his sermon. Reading from his notebook, Kenny says, ‘We’re going to start at the Bomb hole moving onto Hairies hole followed by bankhead then lunch.’ The team splits up into beaters and picker-ups as they

head to the vehicles to get in position for the first drive.

After a gun safety briefing and drawing peg numbers, the 8 guests have a short journey to the first drive, the bomb hole (created by a bomb in World War II).The guns are on their designated pegs and the picker-ups, with their dogs, are in position behind the guns so they have a clear view for retrieving the shot game.

This is an eerie silence before the birds appear over the guns, suddenly, a wood pigeon flies up and over the guns and one of the guests takes aim. Someone calls out, ‘Great shot!’ as it drops out of the sky.

The beaters drive the pheasants towards the guns; the birds are coming in high and fast on the wind. Someone shouts out ‘Partridge!’ as the bird zips over the guns into the distance. One of the guns jokes about Partridge

conservation and everyone laughs.

The sound of the horn signals the end of the first drive and the picker-ups get to work retrieving the birds.

We drive to Hairies hole (Hairies is an old Scottish word for Ghost), everyone is animated and laughing as they recount the hits and misses from the first drive.

As we walk down the hill and over a stile, two roe deer appear in the field and run between the pegs, jump the fence and vanish. Not long after the guns have settled at the pegs, a distant beater shouts ‘Over!’ as the birds begin to appear high overhead.

The birds come over steadily and the guns are getting plenty sport although many birds continue to fly into the distance.

Mathieu, a 23 year old Economics student from

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Amsterdam was enjoying his first trip to Scotland; his father surprised him with a shooting trip to Teasses. ‘Waiting for the birds to fly over was very exciting. In a split second you have to aim and shoot, it was pure adrenaline but I shot my first pheasant!’ said Mathieu.

It is time for elevenses. Paul, the host, is serving hot pork sausages, mugs of Consommé and raspberry gin from the back of his vintage Rolls Royce.

Refreshed and warmed, we head to Bankhead for the final drive before lunch. Kenny asks everyone to keep their voices down and dogs close so the birds don’t get spooked. As everyone waits quietly we can hear the beaters in the distance pushing the birds forward to the trees on the ridge in front of us. A steady wave of high birds challenges the guns once more.

We return to the Bothy for a leisurely lunch then we are back out on the vehicles following Kenny’s Land Rover to the Quarry drive. Turning into the muddy field everyone takes it steady as the convoy makes its way along the edge of the stubble.

The guns are spread out across two stubble fields in a half moon shape. The birds appear by the old quarry climbing skyward before reaching the line of guns.

The guests are cheering one another as the birds fall out of the sky. The picker-ups’ dogs are kept 109

estate busy running back and forwards retrieving the shot birds. The game bags are over flowing as the birds are brought in.

The last drive of the day is the Keystone. Kenny and his team work closely to ensure the drive runs like clockwork.

Suddenly, the sky is full of birds. Pheasant, partridge and duck are driven over the line of guns. Everyone is shooting as the birds keep on coming. The keystone doesn’t disappoint, as one guest shouts out, ‘let’s do it all again!’

We drive back to the bothy; everyone is taking a guess at today’s bag. As the guests’ guns are gathered in and cleaned Kenny announces today’s game bag is a healthy 210.

Mathieu said, ‘it’s my first time in Scotland and I’m definitely

coming back, the lovely Scottish people, the scenery, the food and drinking homemade gin in a field from the back of a Rolls Royce has made this an unforgettable day.’

‘Well done everyone, it’s been a braw day!’ says Kenny the keeper.

Dumfriesshire stock rearing and finishing farm H&H Land and Property has just announced the sale of Bonshawside Farm, an excellent stock rearing and finishing farm, located close to the small hamlet of Kirtlebridge, near Lockerbie in Dumfriesshire.

Sitting in a ring fence extending to just over 125 acres, the farm has an extensive range of traditional and steel portal frame buildings, together with a spacious six bedroom farmhouse.

The farm is for sale by Private Treaty through the Carlisle office of H&H Land and Property with offers over £700,000 being invited.

All of the land at Bonshawside Farm is currently laid to grass, with some of the

fields having been reseeded in 2014. It is high quality cropping, grazing and mowing land and is split into ten fields, with the largest being 27.5 acres. With the fields bordered by a combination of hedges and fences, the land is watered by a mains water supply and benefits from a hard core road.

The land is registered for Basic Payment purposes, and the sporting and mineral rights are included in the sale. Viewings are strictly by appointment and should be arranged through the Carlisle office of H&H Land and Property on 01228 406260.

H&H Land and Property is one of the North’s largest firms of chartered surveyors

and specialist rural advisors in the region, with farming clients across southern Scotland, the North West and North East with a number of farms and parcels of

land currently on the market. In addition to its Carlisle Office, the company has a North East Office in Durham, one in Kendal and a satellite office near Penrith.

Demand for Scottish small holdings continues to grow

The return of confidence to the property market has reportedly lead to a healthy demand for small holdings and rural properties with land according to Scotland’s leading property consultancy, CKD Galbraith.

Owning a small holding is fast becoming the lifestyle of 110

choice for those keen to tap into a more relaxed rural way of life whilst having the opportunity to utilise the additional land and outbuildings by way of operating a small business from home.

Duncan Barrie, partner at CKD Galbraith, commented: “We have witnessed a resurgence

in demand for small holdings and rural properties which are accompanied by manageable areas of land since the start of this year. Buyers are quick to act when good quality houses with land appears on the open market.

“Family homes with land, ancillary accommodation, and particularly those within the central belt, are in extremely high demand as buyer confidence continues to grow within the larger urban areas. Interested parties are becoming more decisive and are increasingly less cautious when investing in a rural lifestyle property particularly when there is a potential to earn them an additional income stream.”

Currently on market through CKD Galbraith, Wester Corsehill

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is a small holding near the popular village of Thornhill in Stirlingshire. The sale includes a charming four bedroom modern property of traditional character with a separate one bedroom cottage.

The farmland extends to some 18.31 acres (7.41ha) and is a combination of pasture land, currently let to a local farmer, and several blocks of woodland.

The pond to the east of the property is a wonderful haven for wildlife and particularly peaceful spot to enjoy the surrounding countryside and views of Ben Ledi and the Trossachs.

Wester Corsehill is currently available at offers over £680,000.

estate Report reveals National Forest Estate delivers for Scotland

Land reform and moving on

By Andrew Howard, chief executive of Moray Estates, and a board member of Scottish Land & Estates

Scotland’s National Forest Estate is generating £395 million every year for the Scottish economy – that’s more than £1 million each day to support industry, jobs and many rural communities. Over 11,000 jobs, in both the forestry and timber processing and tourism industries, are also supported through activity on the Estate. Around nine million visits are made to the Estate each year, generating nearly £110 million for the visitor economy. The figures are revealed in a new Forest Enterprise Scotland report which is the first comprehensive economic assessment of the National Forest Estate. Welcoming the report, Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod said: “The National Forest Estate is certainly one of Scotland’s greatest natural assets. It is more relevant today than ever before as it provides so many different benefits to Scottish society. “The unique mix of public land assets - forests, woodlands and open habitats - delivers for industry, fights climate change and supports tourism, health and communities too. “This new report will act as a valuable baseline for further assessments of how well the Estate is working for Scotland’s people and the economy.” The National Forest Estate was formed nearly 100 years ago, with the first properties being purchased and planted with trees to build up a strategic timber reserve after the First World War. Although the need for timber for future war efforts was not needed, successive governments

continued to invest in the expansion and diversification of the National Forest Estate and the growing range of activities it hosts. Over the decades, the Estate has seen huge transformations. There has been a marked increase in timber production flowing to the wood processing sector, conservation management of iconic natural and heritage assets and landscape scale restoration projects.

More recently, there has been the development of starter farms, renewable energy projects and the investment in highly popular visitor attractions. These attractions include wildlife viewing and world famous mountain biking centres such as the 7stanes and Cuningar Loop, one of the legacies of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Estate now covers 650,000 ha (9% of Scotland’s land area) and is managed by Forest Enterprise Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Simon Hodge, Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland added: “The National Forest Estate is very much a national treasure which has changed greatly over the years.

“Nowadays, Forest Enterprise Scotland generates around 80% of its income through activities on the Estate, mainly through timber supplies but also through renewables development, venison and property sales. “We deliver economic benefits for Scotland and support key Scottish Government objectives through a variety of means, each of which adds value on a significant scale.

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Now the ink is drying on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, we can reflect on what it means for Scottish agriculture.

Many of us have been worried about the impact of having sensitive and complex agricultural holdings legislation bundled up in a wider land reform Bill. The dust will take some time to settle but there is little doubt that the changes to farm tenancy provisions will have significant ramifications for the sector.

Everyone says they want to see a vibrant tenant farming sector but politicians on all sides of the debate have echoed concerns from those of us within the industry who have predicted that the most contentious provisions in the Bill - most notably assignation of 1991 Act tenancies - will not result in the letting of more land on a long-term basis.

This then begs the question of what can future success look like? It should not be measured exclusively in terms of numbers of tenancies. There are many reasons for the reduction in the number of tenancies in the last 20 years and they include the amalgamation of tenancies to make farming

businesses more viable and tenancies being sold to tenants.

The sector, government and its agencies would surely benefit from further detailed analysis of the composition of farm tenancies and also a clearer understanding of what comprises a modern tenant farming business.

The political picture of a single holding tenant farmer is not a true reflection of the entire sector. In many cases, tenants have wider businesses interests and secondary occupations as well many owning and or contract farming land in addition to their tenancy.

There are many substantial challenges ahead with the diminishing of CAP subsidies and the pressure on farming profitability.

The past few years have been quite bruising and adversarial in the tenanted sector because of the land reform debate. Hopefully, measures in the legislation such as the amnesty for improvements and the work being undertaken by the Interim Adviser on Tenant Farming will help the healing process. Above all, there is a real need for all to move on.

For more information www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Telephone : 0131 653 5400 111

estate Scottish Land & Estates offers a cautious welcome to new land use strategy Andrew Midgley, Projects and Research Manager at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Throughout the last few years in the land reform process Scottish Land & Estates has sought to emphasise the importance of focusing on land use rather than ownership and so we are supportive of the principle of a Land Use Strategy. We have also emphasised, however, that there is a need to build bridges with land managers rather than government and managers – and public and private interests - being at loggerheads. The Land Use Strategy could be a good thing. Our members are crying out for a more strategic and joined up approach to land use. But a great deal depends

on how it is taken forward.

The Land Use Strategy could be taken forward in a way that brings people together to work to achieve positive land use or it could be taken forward in a way that alienates land managers.

“A great deal more will be achieved if the government works with land managers rather than against them and so we would urge the Scottish Government to take the Land Use Strategy forward with great sensitivity and in a way that acknowledges the legitimate interests of land managers and their land-based businesses.

“That sort of approach is, however, labour intensive; it requires people building positive relationships and that takes time

and effort. Consequently, if the government really wants to see the Land Use Strategy deliver positive outcomes it needs to devote appropriate resources to helping it happen. At present, it does not appear that the Land Use Strategy is accorded the priority status that would be required and so the government could run the risk of taking things forward in a way that drives the different interests apart rather than bringing them together.

“The development of a strategy for the uplands could be a case in point. In the uplands there are many issues that raise passions and around which there is vigorous debate.

In this context, the government and SNH will have to move forward with great care. If they

take the opportunity to develop a process that brings all interested parties together to understand one another’s point of view, they could actually achieve something useful; if the development of an uplands strategy is done on the cheap it could just further divide interest groups in an unhelpful way.

“Our headline message to Scottish Government is that the Land Use Strategy could be a real opportunity to address land use issues in a constructive way, but everything depends on how the government chooses to take it forward. We urge them to work with landowners, farmers and other land managers, rather than against them.”

Moorland group appeals for greater understanding of hare culling The Scottish Moorland Group appealed for better understanding of the culling of mountain hares which is carried out to ensure protection of species and habitat.

Legal culls have been undertaken recently but their portrayal by some as being unnecessary may have led to misunderstanding and concern amongst the public reading such reports.

Tim Baynes, director of the Scottish Moorland Group, said: “If a picture of culled hares emerges there tends to be a reaction – particularly on social media – that somehow this activity is wrong. This is an understandable conclusion particularly if a member of the public is not conversant with conservation needs and methods. We are very keen to address those concerns and provide people with accurate information.

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“We wish to reassure people that when culls are taking place there is no question of the population being ‘wiped out’.

Responsible culling of a range of species, including hares, is recognised and supported by a wide range of conservation bodies. There has been an issue raised by some about the scale of culling and it should be made clear that no responsible organisation supports indiscriminate culling.

Within moorland management voluntary restraint is exercised and hares are only culled when numbers are at a high enough level to require it. There is no point in culling hares, or indeed any desire to, if there could be any risk to their conservation status.

“Mountain hare populations move in cycles and culling is only done when numbers are high. This is still done for the purpose of keeping numbers at a sustainable level, as hares can

affect fragile habitats through grazing pressure, can spread sheep tick which also affects red grouse, and can cause the failure of tree -planting schemes. It is important that the general public are made aware of the facts rather than forming opinions on the back of often uniformed activist commentary.

“When the population is at a lower point in the cycle, no culling is carried out, that is clear and established practice. In recent years, the number of hares in parts of the Cairngorms has risen considerably and to levels which has driven the need for properly organised and humane culls, all carried out within the open season. Several estates in the Cairngorms have been involved using highly trained professional staff. Culling is done legally and in accordance with best practice, and often also because there is a duty on estates to prevent grazing pressure on

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rare flora such as juniper and sphagnum moss. Estates would be negligent if they ignored such responsibilities that are placed on them, particularly in relation to the protection of designated sites.

“Culling, as with deer management, is not done on a whim or without good information on populations.

Moorland keepers have long experience of managing hares and use a variety of methods of assessing numbers and therefore the appropriate level of sustainable cull. Culling is a time consuming operation which would generally reduce the population by a maximum of 1020%. Grouse moors, due to the way they are managed, are the best reservoirs and producers of mountain hares anywhere in the country. But the flip side of that is that they then need to be managed periodically as the population climbs to prevent overgrazing and disease problems.

by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE The springtime is beneficial to us all. It is a joy to see sunshine and the daylight stretching out as everything awakens after the dank days of winter. The improved weather conditions make life easier for the gamekeepers and the ghillies as estate work commences with vigour for the forthcoming season and anglers are drawn back to the river for the increasingly elusive springer.

River conditions have been mostly fair, proffering good water for catching salmon. On the Tay things did get off to a slow start in January with catches considerably lower than in previous years. In February the total catches were 154, a marked improvement when compared to 2015 when there were only 89 caught following on from 124 fish in 2014.

Everyone had to work hard for fish throughout March but numbers were down despite good water and the month finished up much the same as the previous year.

Erin Hunter is the river manager on the Duke of Buccleauch’s Queensberry Estate and looks after 5 beats along their 10.5 mile stretch of River Nith; the largest river in Dumfries and Galloway.

They typically land their first salmon around April/May so fishing effort is minimal up to this point. The river fishes best in the summer and the

backend of the season. He said, “We have had low water conditions of late however, we had a spate at the weekend and the water is in good shape. I hope to see more concentrated fishing activity now as a result and believe the first fish could be caught at any time. Last season was an improvement on recent years for both salmon and sea trout and I hope that this season will build upon that.”

Exploring the south west corner of Scotland is something I am looking forward to this year. Erin has invited me to the river for a ladies charity fishing day in late May. I have a day’s simulated clay shooting planned on the Raehills estate with Frank Pearson.

The 16,000 acre estate offers simulated game days

for parties of 8 guns over 5 drives. The day is set up in the same way as a game shoot, you have a peg and there are a number of drives with different shooting challenges however the targets are clays and not game birds. It is a different way to explore a version of game shooting without the live game and the gundogs. It is a great day out on a shooting estate and a very practical method of keeping your shooting skills up to scratch outside the shooting season. Additionally, you are not shooting in winter temperatures.

I adore being outdoors throughout the year and enjoy the extremes of the winter weather but these last few years I have missed the crisp, frosty mornings with air so fresh it chills

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your lungs as you breathe in. Many outdoorsmen have commented on the seasons changing.

The milder weather is having an impact on the flora and fauna by advancing the changes we normally associate with late spring or early summer. I saw evidence of this in roe deer when I was on an outing in early March with Stalker Johnny Readhead. Most of the bucks and does were loosing their winter pelage, no doubt due to the mild winter and spring. Typically, they would be shedding their coats in April to May. The weather is always a factor to consider when working outdoors, in addition to choosing the right clothing and footwear, there is also the safety aspect. A story appeared in the Scottish press in early March about a young keeper. He set off on a routine job but bad weather suddenly moved in and, as he tried to return to base, his snowmobile broke down in a remote area on Carn an Fhidhleir, some 3,000 ft above sea level.

He had to spend a night in freezing temperatures. He used the survival pack on the snowmobile and was able to get through the night before being rescued in the morning.

I am sure I am not along in hoping for long, bright spring days as we ease into the warmer summer months.

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Beatha an eilean Dh’fhaodadh gur e àite neònach airson tòiseachadh air artaigil mu chroitearachd a th’ ann am Biosphera Maya ann an Guatemala. Thadhail mi ann an toiseach às dèidh cogadh sìobhalta brùideil ann am meadhan nan 1990an. B’ e sealbh air fearann a bha aig cridhe a’ chogaidh. Air an sgiùrsadh dhen an fhearann gus àite a dhèanamh do rainisichean chruidh, thog na croitearan ar-amach, a’ cur ris an aimhreit.

Is e baile coille a th’ ann an Uaxactun a chaidh ath-lìonadh le sluagh às dèidh a’ chogaidh agus gach teaghlach le sealbh air aon phìos fearainn, air a dhleasadh air ais bho na h-oighreachdan mòra a bha fo reachdas ath-leasachaidh fearainn, a’ ceadachadh dhaibh coirce a chur agus each a chumail.

Chuidich sinne iad le aimhreitean mu dheidhinn eich a’ dol air seachran anns na h-achaidhean coirce, a’ toradh ann an crìochan a chladhach agus an uair sin an cur le craobhan driseach.

Bha cudromachd fearainn mar mheadhan air teaghlaichean a chumail ann an sgìrean dùthchail na chuspair a bha follaiseach a-rithist nam obair ann an Afganastan, Pagastan, na h-Ìnnseachan agus Afraga. Tha eisimpleir Uaxactun a’ cur nar cuimhne cho cudromach ’s a bha Achd na Croitearachd ann an ciùineachadh buaireadh sìobhalta. Tha co-thaobhaidhean eile ris an seo. An seo ann an ceann a deas an Eilein Sgitheanaich, tha coimhearsnachdan croitearachd gan lorg fhèin le àireamhsluaigh chaochlaideach agus eadar-mheasgte, a dh’fhaodadh mar Uaxactun air frionas a chruthachadh ach cothroman cuideachd. Is iad fàs agus gleidheadh air an àireamh-sluaigh na cothroman a tha a’ tilleadh a’ chrìonaidh a bh’ anns an linn mu dheireadh. Tha na teanntachdan a chithear an seo àbhaisteach ann am mòran sgìrean croitearachd, ach gu h-iomlan tha adhbhar ann a bhith dòchasach. Tha aon nì cinnteach: chan e annas taightasgaidh a th’ ann an croitearachd 114

Sgrìobhadair Uilleam Swann, Coimiseanair, Coimisean na Croitearachd ach bidh a slighe san àm ri teachd gu mòr an eisimeil eaconamachad.

Ma tha e cudromach a bhith a’ cur taic ri bith-iomadachd, cruthtìre cultarach agus cleachdadh èifeachdach air fearann ionadail, agus dhòmhsa tha e sin, mar sin bidh taic ionmhasail riatanach.

Bidh feum aig croitearachd thar gach nì eile air taic leantainneach agus dealas chroitearan ’s nan coimhearsnachdan sa bheil iad a’ còmhnaidh.

Chuir mi seachad a’mhòr-chuid de dh’ùine tràth nam dhreuchd mar lighiche-sprèidh ann an ceàrnaidhean talamh àrd iomallach sa Peak District far an robh tuathanasan beag agus a’ bheatha cruaidh. Tha a’ mhòr-chuid de na tuathanasan sin a-nis nan taighean

samhraidh no nan dachaighean dùthchail agus tha an talamh a-staigh air a dhol air ais gu talamh ionaltraidh garbh leis an talamh mòintich air a ruith le tuathanaich singilte seach le co-chomainn.

Tha a bhith a’ còmhnaidh ann an sgìre croitearachd gam fhàgail a’ faireachdainn aig an taigh ann am mòran dòighean. Tha suidheachadh slàinte bheathaichean nas fheàrr san fharsaingeachd air tacannan beaga agus tha e mar phàirt den tlachd a bhith an seo, a bhith a’ faicinn stoc a’ faighinn deagh chùraim.

Bha mo Sheanair, coltach ri mòran chroitearan eile, le aithne-sùla aige air gach aon de na caoraich aige. Cha b’ urrainn mòran de chroitearan dian-àiteachais an latha an-diugh, sin a dhèanamh.

Uilleam Swann anns a ghàrradh

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Tha e air a bhith luachmhor a bhith nam Choimiseanair Croitearachd. Tha mi an dòchas gu bheil fìorachas agus dèantanachd, feartan a chaidh ionnsachadh ann an cuid de na pàirtean as bochda air an t-saoghal, air cuideachadh leis a’ bhuidhinn ùir a stèidheachadh agus maoth-inntinneachd mhilis a lùghdachadh, a dhiùltadh àm teachdail dèantach do chroitearachd mura cuirte stad air. Tha na fìor dhùbhlain mu choinneamh an ama ri teachd air am follaiseachadh gu soilleir an seo ann an Slèite. Tha an sgìre air sorbheachas a chosnadh gu ìre, ann am pàirt fo bhuaidh na Colaiste Ghàidhlig, Sabhal Mὸr Ostaig, agus bòidhchead na cruth-tìre. Tha maoineachadh leasachaidh coimhearsnachd airson cruthachadh obraichean is goireasan ionadail, an urra ri taisbeanadh air buannachdan coimhearsnachd nas fharsainge.

Tha croitearan a’ dèanamh suas pàirt den choimhearsnachd fharsaing agus airson buannachd fhaighinn às an sin, bidh cothroman aca ann an cuideachadh leis an iarrtas a choileanadh airson taigheadas, nithean athnuadhachail agus iomairt ionadail.

Faodaidh teanntachdan èirigh a-mach à iarrtasan farpaiseach airson goireasan fearainn ach le dìon math laghail, bu chòir do chroitearan coimhead air adhart ri àm teachdail deimhinneach.

Bithear a’ tarraing asam gu math tric. Chan eil croit agam ach bha an talamh a tha ceangailte ri mo dhachaigh, na fhearanneaglais aig a’ Mhinistear gu mu fhichead blaidhna air ais. Bidh mi fhìn agus mo bhean a’ fàs a’ chuid as motha de ar glasraich agus ar measan fhìn, agus seach gun robh lios a’ Mhinisteir a-riamh air a deagh fhrithealadh le todhar agus feamainn, tha sinn a’ gabhail tlachd à bàrr a tha reusanta. Ach gun teagamh sam bith, tha sinn air ar ‘milleadh’ le talamh den t-seòrsa sin agus feumar a ràdh nach eil gin de na toraidhean an urra ris an obair chruaidh againne!

The perfect gift for farmers, whisky lovers & collectors We are delighted to announce our very own Special Limited Edition Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

Tuathanachas Alba (Gaelic: Farming Scotland)

16 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Specially selected for

Farming Scotland Magazine. £75.00* (P+P is included, UK only)

Only 76 bottles available.

Each bottle is individually hand numbered within in its own silk lined presentation box.

Hand numbered tasting notes are included to enhance your whisky experience.

*We are delighted to support the RSABI Charity.

We will donate £5 to the RSABI from every bottle sold.

TO ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION WHISKY ✂

1) Order by phone on 01738 639747.

(To reserve your order and arrange payment).

2) Or fill in the form below (enclosing your payment) Please send me

bottles of Tuathanachas Alba.

£ Payment enclosed. (UK ONLY)

Name

(Payable to Athole Design & Publishing Ltd)

Address

POSTCODE

Tel:

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Send to: Farming Scotland Magazine, Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Perth, PH2 7BU

Hive of activity awaits Scottish Game Fair enthusiasts 1-3 July 2016, Scone Parklands, Perthshire Now in its 28th year, the Scottish Game Fair (www. scottishfair.com), is run by the charity – The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) - as one of its main annual fund raisers and is a popular highlight in the Scottish events calendar, attracting over 27,000 visitors from across the UK. This year’s lively programme includes an array of Main Ring favourites such as the Dog and Duck Show, the Sheep Show, the Tug o’ War and the ever-popular Terrier Racing. There are many competitions to take part in including fly casting, gnat and clay shooting, gundogs and

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scurry and The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies.

You don’t need to compete, or even have any previous experience to enjoy the range of ‘have a go’ activities including Archery, Fly tying and casting, Clay and Gnat Shooting and much more. One of this year’s highlights is tipped to be the display of Horse Logging, which is new for 2016 and will offer a wonderful insight into this environmentally sensitive method of timber extraction.

The fantastic Food Hall and Cookery Theatre is back with the award-winning chefs including the Three Sisters Bake, who will return to the

Cookery Theatre to showcase their fantastic bakery displays, which will take place twice daily throughout the Fair.

Christopher Trotter also makes a welcome return to the Cookery Theatre. His focus this year will be on Forgotten Foods and he’ll be creating some innovative recipes to share.

The Food Hall itself features some of the best produce you’ll find and showcases Scotland’s finest food and drink producers including baked goods, meats, chocolate, seafood, condiments and whisky amongst others.

Offering unrivalled access to some of the country’s finest crafts, clothing, equipment and sporting goods, the Fair

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is delighted to welcome over 450 traders including 50 new brands for 2016, all exhibiting in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace.

The Fair received an unprecedented level of trader applications this year and visitors really can expect lots of great shopping offers to be had throughout the duration of the Fair.

An exciting development for 2016 is the new Forestry Section, generously sponsored by Scottish Woodlands.

Represented within this section will be some of the leading woodland management and service companies, tree growers, chippers, harvesters, ATVs, saw milling, tree surgery

and equipment suppliers such as Egger, Pentland Biomass, Christie Elite and RTS. Fisherman’s Row returns stronger than ever, with an especially vibrant area for fly fishermen, traders include bespoke British hand-built fly rods from Bruce and Walker and world class fishing holiday and guiding services, boats and aquatic services.

Gunmakers Row has been extended for 2016 with three new gun and rifle companies Ormiston & Co, Cheshire Gun Room and Archie Bell.

Notable clothing brands are also going to be represented such as Seeland, Harkila and John Field. Another new trader in this area is the acclaimed ‘Alos Bug Soother’ - the very latest remedy to midges and mosquitos!

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity and the GWCT Scottish Game Fair captures the very essence of Scotland’s natural heritage and presents an excellent opportunity for all to engage with the countryside and discover more about the importance of conservation, Scotland’s game and wildlife management and sports.

This year, the GWCT’s flagship stand beside the main ring is a must visit for all Fair goers: it will highlight the benefits of the Trust’s research and showcase how science can be readily translated into practical management advice that helps ensure a thriving countryside rich in game and wildlife.

The theme for this year’s central exhibit is ‘Grass to Grouse’ and the various displays aim to promote how sympathetic management of a hill edge livestock farm can be efficient and carefully integrated with sporting enterprises without loss of biodiversity.

The displays will also include an array of cover and food crops available to support land managers’ shooting and

conservation interests along with shrub choices for effective pheasant coverts.

Whilst the Fair delivers important educational and conservation messages, it offers so much appeal for families and visiting children, in addition to the many ‘have a go’ activities, the Wee Beasties Marquee is set to be a hive of activity, quite literally.

Visitors will learn all there is to know about honeybees and pollination and there will be experienced beekeepers on hand as well as a live observation hive. Fun competitions such as ‘who can spot the Queen bee’ will excite children who will also be able to have a go at making a wax candle.

Not only this but wildlife sculptor Julian Jardine and the Royal Highland Education Trust will be running a variety of free workshops offering children the chance to get their hands dirty with clay model making.

This year’s Artist in Residence is the acclaimed artist Jonathan Pointer, visitors will have the opportunity to

meet Jonathan and see him in action as he creates some of his beautiful wildlife paintings. Jonathan is inspired

by Victorian art and his work, which has been exhibited widely both nationally and internationally covers wildlife and game.

Visitors living the high life can also benefit from the Fair’s meet and transfer service from Perth Airport at Scone.

Those arriving by plane or helicopter will be met by a Fair representative with a welcome pack. Upon arrival at the Fair, visitors will alight at the entry gate and be able to enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne (passengers only!) or soft beverage in our members’ enclosure. After embracing the convivial atmosphere, first class entertainment, excellent trade stands, fabulous food and trying their hand at the many activities on offer, guests will be transported back to the airport. This VIP package must be booked in advance by contacting info@scottishfair. com / 01738 554826 by Wednesday 29 June.

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The GWCT Scottish Game Fair takes place Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July 2016 at Scone Parklands, Perthshire.

Please visit www.scottishfair. com for more information and ticket prices: Save 10% on the gate price and fast track entry by booking in advance online. Advance prices end at midnight on the 16th June. Fast track entry is available with all online ticket purchases thereafter. £19 – adult price; £17 advance £5 – children (under-5’s free); £4.50 advance £40 - family (2 adults, 2 children); £36 advance Standard car parking £4.00 on the day or Gold forward parking £15 online; £12 in advance Combined Fair and Scone Palace tickets also available

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horses Spring & Summer Horse Management As we move forward into spring and towards summer, it is important to adjust the management of your horse or pony to reflect the change in environment he is living in.

During the winter months your horse faces challenges from cold weather, the lack of nutrients available from grazing and a continued work load. As a result, your horse will tend to use more energy to meet these demands in winter and it will take more energy just to maintain his weight and condition. Rugs, shelter, extra forage and high energy feeds are all ways to help manage your horse during winter and help him to maintain his optimum body weight.

Once we get into spring many of these environmental factors should disappear. The weather gets warmer, the grass starts to grow and we tend to

see horse’s condition increasing.

For sport horses, the few hours spent grazing will provide more nutrients and be less challenging that cold, wet weather and for those horses living out 24/7, life will suddenly become a whole lot easier.

Managing this change is vital to maintain a healthy horse. It is important to allow your horse to gradually adjust from eating hay or haylage as their main forage source, to eating grass. Don’t stop feeding hay or haylage, as spring grass is low in essential fibre and his digestive tract must be given time to adjust to the change. This transition should take several weeks rather than just days as the microflora in the horses’ hind gut will need to adapt to the change in diet.

Smart Horse Nutrition is a new feed company with an overarching mission – to allow

you to take control of your horse’s diet. By providing you with the 3 essential building blocks of a balanced diet – micro nutrients (Smart Balance), macro nutrients (a Smart Museli) and fibre, every horse’s diet can be tailored exactly to its

individual needs, for the benefit of your horse’s health and your pocket.

For more information see www.smarthorsenutrition.com, call 01497 570345 or email theteam@smarthorsenutrition. com

Showjumping Team C & N look ahead Ayrshire-born Aileen Craig is one of Scotland’s leading showjumpers and has previously been ranked fifth in the Great Britain ladies points league.

Aileen and her partner Irishborn showjumper Trevor Nicholson

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are based at Hillhousehill, Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock.

They have developed the ‘Team C & N’ brand, designed by Jackie of Equiscot, to develop the coaching and training side of the business and have several riders based

permanently with them to receive regular coaching and competition support.

In 2015 after years of hard work Aileen had a great year with her own Ayrton UH, winning two Scottish Championships

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and the overall Scottish points championship. Additionally they enjoyed competing at several international shows in Europe.

However to produce horses to perform at the top is a long journey as Aileen explains: “We have recently sold some of more experienced horses with Ayrton away to Jemma Kirk who is now based permanently in France.

“I was very sad to see him go, but I couldn’t have wished for a better home for him, and I am really excited to see what the future holds for him and Jemma,” added Aileen, won the British Showjumping Coach of the Year award in 2014.

Aileen is an agent for Cyclosagge rugs and ‘Team C & N’ have just entered into a new sponsorship contract with Hickstead Horse Feeds.

“We’re delighted as we’re always keen to use top quality products for our team,” said Aileen, who has a nice group of young horses to campaign this year, including Crocodile Rock, a nineyear-old gelding by Champion For Pleasure, owned by Denise Sharpe.

horses

Equine Angle

New mesh cooler rug now available

Doing right by Scotland’s horses The Back on Track® range of high performance clothing and horse wear promotes a feeling of well-being through the use of advanced technology with foundations in ancient Chinese medicine. Developed in Sweden, Back on Track products are widely used by professional riders worldwide. The New Back on Track Mesh Cooler Rug is a versatile rug that can be used all year round, inspired by the hugely popular Back on Track

Mesh Rug. This rug is ideal during transport and after training and competition to enhance recovery. It may also be used under other rugs during colder months. The Cooler can be used as a liner providing the Back on Track effect for you horses back whilst increasing breathability, so you horse remains nice and dry as well as warm.

For more information and a list of UK stockists, visit www. backontrack.com

Riding the lite fantastic When it comes to having the edge against your competitors this season, the Childéric Lite Event Saddle brings together a new lightweight design with innovation.

Available in their popular single flap models, the new lightweight version has been remodelled to remove 4kg of weight by striping the saddle back to the bare minimum, without compromising on both horse and rider comfort and Childéric performance.

Built around the unique Childéric tree technology, the saddle also features anatomically shaped panels and has been specifically built for the crosscountry phase.

Fans of the ‘Childéric Lite’ design include top eventer Gemma Tattersall, who says: “It’s such a lovely close contact lightweight saddle and I just love riding in it. It fits the horses beautifully, but is also tailor made to fit me which helps

with my position and balance.

This combined with the fact that the horse is free and comfortable to do his job means we can perform at our very best, every time.”

As with the entire Childéric Saddle Collection, the Lite Models are entirely bespoke to both horse and rider.

Prices start at £4,200.00 www.childericsaddles.co.uk

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By Melanie Scott A recent equine welfare conference was held at World Horse Welfare (WHW) Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Belwade Farm on Royal Deeside recently, jointly organised by the British Horse Society and WHW in conjunction with the Scottish Government The event featured world renowned presenters; Dr Richard Newton, Roly Owers, Professor Natalie Waran and Dr Georgina Crossman and chaired by Professor Derek Knottenbelt. They discussed the welfare challenges facing the modern horse, hot topics included; biosecurity and avoiding disease, attitudes towards euthanasia, Britain’s horse crisis and behaviour issues.

The emotional wellbeing of the performance horse was also discussed.

Horsescotland recently presented their annual awards to recognise and reward the hard work of Scotland’s equestrian coaches, volunteers, performers, clubs, equine breeders, the equestrian business community, grooms, photographers and those that have made outstanding lifetime contributions to the equestrian community in Scotland.

The hugely deserving award winners were: Equestrian Business of

the Year (sponsored by Tannoch Stables): Loch Leven Equine Practice Equestrian Photo of the Year: Jim Crichton Groom of the Year - Rachel Gordon Equine Breeder of the Year - Jennifer Gilchrist of Rommano Stud Club of the Year -Scottish Endurance Riding Club Volunteer of the Year - John Ormiston Coach of the Year - David Gatherer Performer of the Year Joanna Barry The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Allison Fellows, Ronald Alexander and Lindsay Wilson.

With a very wet spring it has been frustrating for riders planning their competition season when many events have been cancelled at short notice.

While safety for both horse and rider has to come first it is incredibly disheartening when the event is cancelled and then the weather improves! However trying to plan ahead and find an alternative competition that matches the correct level for you and your horse so your weekend isn’t wasted can also become a juggling act!

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horses Equestrian Tried & Tested

By Melanie Scott

Toggi Castor half chaps What they say: The Castor half chap is made from natural tumbled leather which is super soft for exceptional comfort. The elasticated panel allows the Castor to offer a contoured custom fit feel and an exceptionally secure leg position. Price from £50.

Colour: black or brown leather Sizes: 8-20 Price from: £50 www.toggi.com; or Tel: 0113 270 7000.

Review: Toggi have revealed their much-anticipated new collection of half chaps and gaiters after 18 months of research. Toggi say the stylish new collection combines comfort, style, performance with exceptional value for money and I would agree. I tried a size medium in black leather and initial impressions are good with a smart leather outer that’s super soft and easily moulds to the contours of your leg and the elasticated panel gives a proper contoured, tailored fit.

It has a full length YKK zip, that’s strong and durable. I particularly liked the contoured top of the chaps with shaped edging and popper stud at the knee and especially at the ankle where it covers the zips for extra security. They were also very hardwearing and comfortable too.

During the winter I like to wear overtrousers or full length chaps to keep my legs warm and tend to switch to half chaps during better weather. I wore these for lessons and training days and they didn’t rub or slip down my leg. They offered good protection against rubbing stirrup leathers on my calf They have been well tested and I’d recommend these for anyone looking for a hardwearing pair of half chaps.

Back On Track Polo Neck Sweater What they say: Back on Track® was developed in Sweden, and all garments are made from unique Welltex® fabric with infra-red technology. Ceramic particles are fused into the fibres of the fabric and they cause long wave infra-red heat to radiate back towards the body. The body responds positively to the infra-red wave, increasing circulation, which can relieve joint tension, maximise performance and help avoid injury.

Colour: black Size: XS-XXL RRP: £48.00.

Visit www.backontrack.com/uk/home/ Review: I tested a size XS and initially I felt this was slightly looser than I expected. As an underlayer I would have preferred it to be more fitted design. However, it doesn’t ruck up when other clothes are put over the top so stays comfortable as an extra under layer of warmth. The sweater covers problem areas such as the neck, shoulders, arms, back and goes right down to cover the hips.

The company say they are designed to reflect your own body warmth and can help alleviate the pain associated with inflamed muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, by promoting blood flow to the area.

It’s easy to wash and retains its shape, elasticity and colour without shrinking. It’s longer length of back means it tucks into breeches well. I would recommend this product for anyone who feels the cold. Also it can be used as prevention and treatment of injuries and also sped up the recovery rate after strenuous exercise.

Back on Track Back Brace with Narrow Front Size: small to extra-large.

RRP: £48.00.

Visit www.backontrack.com/uk/home/ Review: On test was a medium back brace which again was generously sized. It was worn for daily activities and for several long car journeys which helped with lower back pain.

It was comfortable to wear and washed well. It came in its own clear zipped bag which was handy to store when not in use. A useful support to own and is quick and easy to put on when required.

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futurefarmer Recognition for RHET at prestigious rural awards The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) scooped the Education award at last night's Rural Awards held at Dynamic Earth Edinburgh.

Over 300 industry figures attended the glittering event that showcased the best in rural business.

Amongst the prestigious winners was RHET, The Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland's (RHASS) education charity, which takes children from the classroom into the countryside to teach them where their food comes from.

The judges paid tribute the charitys ‘inspiring learning programme, defined education outcomes and clear strategy for growth’.

Exciting times

Speaking about the award, RHET Manager, Katrina Barclay, said: “I am immensely proud of this award as it pays tribute to the incredible work of our farmer volunteers, who give their time freely to create a greater understanding and appreciation of farming in everyday life. We will continue our work with an added spring in our step knowing that what we do has been recognised for the value it brings.”

James Gunn captures Caithness Livestock Centre’s Young Farmers’ Overwintering Championship

James Gunn, from Whitefield, Wick, won this year’s first Young Farmer’s Overwintering Championship competition held at Aberdeen and Northern Mart’s Caithness Livestock Centre recently.

The champion, a one-yearold, 435kg, Limousin cross bullock – selected and purchased by judge Bruce Walker, Newton of Lewesk, Old Rayne, Insch – achieved £1,020.

The reserve champion, a oneyear-old, 436kg, Limousin cross heifer, from Greg Robertson, Robertson Crescent, Keiss, sold

for £1,120 to David Brown, Burnside of Dipple, Fochabers.

James, said: “I am delighted to see my hard work pay off and come to fruition in the form of a championship. It’s a good feeling to be selected as winner amongst such a competitive group of peers.”

The event – sponsored by Sure Calf – attracted 13 entries on the day and is the first of its kind for the Caithness Livestock Centre.

John Bremner, Manager at Caithness, said: “I am pleased with the quality of entries seen here today and the success of our first Young Farmers’ Overwintering competition. As ever, we are committed to continue giving young farmers in the region an opportunity to showcase and hone their skills. I would like to thank everyone for their commitment and efforts and look forward to next year’s competition.”

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This is always an exciting time for SAYFC as new office bearers take up their roles be this as Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer through to Bus, Sports and even Tea Convener. No one club or district is identical.

They have the freedom to run their committees as they wish empowering and encouraging them to take the lead on those all important decisions that impact the support they offer to their members. These skills will stay with them for life helping them through their careers whether it is in communications, accountancy, public speaking or time management, every aspect is beneficial.

To get their clubs and districts underway for the year, they will be busy planning their summer syllabuses full of competitions, events and talks. A number of them will be attending their local show to raise awareness as well as organising a new member’s night to welcome others to join them.

The National Office have been working on this year’s competitions and events for many months already which will commence in May with the National Rugby. The East, Grampian and Highland teams are all busy organising their up and coming rallies which have been kindly supported by ATV Services Scotland Ltd. These include

a range of competitions from arts and crafts through to a quad bike challenge and stockmanship.

The association can be seen out and about namely at Ayr Show and West Fife Show where a dedicated marquee will be full of members and information about SAYFC and how to get involved. So head along and see the members in action!

Following the success of the 2015/16 Cultivating Leaders, the business programme will be taking place once again this year with applications now open.

It has been designed to support those who want to run their own business or lead an existing one and is partly tailored to the individuals taking part. The six days take place over a four-month period in three blocks with sessions led by Saviour Associates, CKD Galbraith, RBS, Ledingham Chalmers and Campbell Dallas.

And of course there is also the Royal Highland Show so take a look at the preview feature to find out what Young Farmers will be getting up to during the four-day extravaganza – you won’t want to miss it!

To find your local club or information on our events, training programmes or competitions visit www.sayfc.org 121

Investing in

People Training is the Answer, What’s the Question?

As AHDB launches the second round of its’ Professional Manager Development Scheme: ‘I haven’t got time for training, I’m too busy doing the job,’ is the oft-heard cry within the farming industry.

But training can be the answer to freeing up more time, certainly as far as Sean King Pig Unit Manager of LKL Farming is concerned.

After completing the AHDB Professional Manager Development Scheme (PMDS), he said: “I was guilty of getting stuck in with stock tasks rather than observing and monitoring others performance therefore not allowing them to progress and also causing myself undue stress and workload issues.

“I now make time to develop individuals within the business by training, delegating and monitoring.

I prioritise and plan more which ensures time at work is productive and therefore increases my family time”.

The same is true of Ian Edwards, Operations Manager of James Coles & Sons Nurseries Ltd. He said: “The skills I learnt on the course enabled me to implement three ideas which have resulted in savings and efficiency for the company which has more than paid for my attendance. I am now a more positive and competent manager and have made good strides personally and with my team” The scheme, developed

by AHDB and delivered by

Cedar Associates, is aimed at managers from all agricultural and horticultural sectors who want to become more effective and efficient in their roles. They must also be in a position to make changes to improve their business.

Tess Howe, AHDB skills development manager said: “This scheme has been designed to challenge and develop the skills base of managers to meet the needs of the industry.

“The impact of bringing people together from across the sectors to discuss common issues has been amazing. The last group achieved savings of more than £250,000, by improving management skills which shows just how

beneficial this kind of training can be.”

AHDB levy payers will be eligible for a discount to attend the course which will cost them £850 plus VAT, including registration, tutor and hotel fees. Non levy payers can apply but will be subject to the full £3,750 plus VAT cost of attending the course should they be successful in gaining a place.

Participants, who will have to have the full support of their employer, will need to have demonstrated to the interviewing panel that they are already operating in a role with change management responsibilities.

Course details and how to apply can be found at http:// www.ahdb.org.uk/projects/ Skills.aspx

McCreath Simpson & Prentice Invest in Staff Training McCreath Simpson & Prentice (MSP), a trading division of Simpsons Malt Ltd, is demonstrating its commitment to providing expert advice to farmer growers as another member of staff has completed first stage examinations.

John Stafford (43), from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, based at the Berwick-upon-Tweed headquartered company has recently passed his FACTS examination, and is now fully qualified to give fertiliser advice to farmer customers as part of his role as Farm Trader.

MSP is involved in cereal and grass seed, fertiliser, livestock feeds and grain merchanting throughout Scotland and the North of England. Their aim is to train key staff so they can support growers from seed through all its growing stages.

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Richard Simpson, ViceChairman of Simpsons Malt Ltd, said: “Presenting well-qualified, knowledgeable staff who can advise growers correctly is one of McCreath Simpson & Prentice’s key objectives.

“Our clients have come to expect a certain level of expertise when purchasing seeds, fertiliser or weed and pest control products - they want recommendations on the best products to use and this can only come from qualified individuals who have both knowledge and experience.”

Speaking about his training experience, John said: “I have been at MSP for six years and I am constantly encouraged to improve my knowledge through training schemes. Passing my FACTS exam is the latest level of my training and I look forward to getting started on the BASIS training and exams.” www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

science & technology New IBERS research to boost grassland efficiency and improve prospects for livestock farmers Greater profitability and reduced environmental impact from livestock farming are key objectives for a new three year forage breeding research project that started in February 2016 at IBERS Aberystwyth University.

Funded by Innovate UK and sponsored by Germinal, the project will lead to the development of new varieties of perennial ryegrass and white clover that combine the best in yield and quality attributes with enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus utilisation.

Ultimately, this research will give livestock farmers the opportunity to produce quality forage with lower nitrogen and phosphate fertiliser

inputs, thereby saving costs whilst reducing any negative environmental impact caused by nutrient leaching, run-off and potential greenhouse gas emissions.

“IBERS has led the way in developing and applying innovative plant breeding techniques over the last three decades, producing many of the leading forage grasses and clovers now on the official Recommended Lists,” says Paul Billings, managing director of Germinal GB. “This latest project will build on that heritage, drawing on this established genetic material as well as new germplasm, to create new varieties with the

added advantage of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE).

“This is an example of vital near-market research that will deliver tangible benefits, not only for livestock farmers but also for the environment. Both aspects are important in the context of long term sustainable livestock farming.”

IBERS plant breeders will use a combination of conventional and innovative marker-assisted (MAS) approaches to improve the speed and precision of selecting varieties for NUE and PUE. The work will apply to both perennial ryegrass and white clover, where the potential for greater NUE and PUE has already been identified.

AB Vista video sheds new light on the positive effects of complete phytate destruction on animal nutrition A new video from AB Vista reveals details about why complete phytate destruction in the digestive tract may lead to increased growth efficiency in swine and poultry.

The video – the second in the new ‘Extraordinary Science Brought to Life’ series – explains what happens when phytic acid (IP6) is completely broken down by phytase superdosing.

“Complete IP6 breakdown leads to the production of inositol – a nutrient that seems to play a valuable role in improving growth and feed conversion,” says Dr Mike Bedford, Research Director at AB Vista. “And tests have shown that the higher the amount of phytase added, the higher the level of inositol that is generated.

“Poultry studies showed that when phytase superdosing is applied, there is a reduction in the levels of IP6 and its lower esters.

As a result there are increased levels of inositol released in the gizzard, which is then absorbed and results in better body weight gain and improved feed conversion.

We believe that inositol provision is probably responsible for approximately 30% of the total response seen from superdosing.”

These studies suggest inositol is an essential nutrient that is not supplied adequately in a typical diet, Dr Bedford says.

This video analysis of the benefits of inositol production follows the first video in the series, which looked at the importance of breaking down not only IP6,

but lower phytate esters IP5, IP4 and IP3, which can also have antinutritive effects.

“Together, the two videos highlight key research that helps to explain why applying higher levels of the right type of phytase can result in animal performance improvements.”

Dr Bedford adds that not all phytases are equally capable of doing this.

“Superdosing gets rid of the phytate ester anti-nutrients, and also provides a nutrient – inositol. In order to achieve this, the phytase has to survive hightemperature pelleting in feed production. It also has to survive the conditions of the stomach, which is where phytases work.

Most importantly, however, the

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phytase has to be able to break down IP6, IP5, IP4, IP3 and IP2, all the way down to IP1 very rapidly indeed. And this has to be done in a quantitative manner; we have to get rid of most of the IP6, IP5, IP4 and IP3, since these are anti-nutrients. But we also have to provide as much IP1 as possible, so that the animal can break that down and produce inositol.”

The new video featuring Dr Mike Bedford (‘Phytase superdosing – where are the benefits coming from? Part two: Inositol release in the animal gut’) can be viewed on the AB Vista website - www.abvista.com.

For more information, contact AB Vista on +44(0)1672 517 650 or info@abvista.com.

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GADGETS Greenlight Grower Management From Muddy Boots now available on iPhone The industry called, and Muddy Boots answered - Greenlight Grower Management is now available on iPhone! Version 2 of the company’s popular mobile platform is no longer confined to the iPad, and while the handset size has reduced, what you can do with the app has increased massively!

“We listened hard to our customers in terms of features and we’ve really taken on board their feedback,” says Greenlight Grower Management Product Owner, Julian Knight. “The new Greenlight Grower Management app now comes with significantly more sophisticated functionality.

Customers will be able to add, update and remove sites, fields, machinery, operators and cropping data management that previously wasn’t available in our old app.

The mapping functionality has also been greatly improved in that users will be able to set a pin location for sites, as well as being able to add, edit and remove field and crop boundaries.

Agronomists in particular will be pleased to know that the new app will allow them to record the locations of observations right there in the field.

This feature has proved particularly useful for Cargill,

as Agronomy Project Advisor, Janel Delage, explains. “To be able to pinpoint specifically which field we’re in and which spot we’re inspecting and then to mark that inspection geographically is really great, it gives some added peace of mind, which is really important when you consider that growers are trusting us with their most valuable commodities.”

Since using Greenlight Grower Management, the software has helped significantly speed up the way Cargill’s agronomists work both in and out of the field.

Greenlight Grower Management – available from the App Store

Grass-Guide offers one-button GPS guidance technology With farm finances tight and the cost of fertiliser a huge burden on cashflows a Belfast company, Sixty-5 Technologies Ltd, has launched a new simple to use app-based GPS guidance system to help farmers save money.

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Grass-Guide is a system that guides farmers while spreading fertiliser or applying pesticides to help eliminate overlaps and missed areas making the process more efficient.

Savings of up to 15 per cent on fertiliser costs could be achieved using GPS as testing has found that the further an operator drives from a fixed reference point, such as a hedge, the higher the pass-to-pass inaccuracy and increased wastage occurs.

Sixty-5’s software development team is based in Belfast and the company is led by John Arrell who has over 15 years experience in precision farming.

John was increasingly frustrated that entry- level products on the market were aimed towards the arable and tillage sectors and grass-based farmers were expected to adopt technology not designed primarily for their use.

With this in mind John decided to build a team of dedicated people and develop their own system.

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Grass-Guide’s number one feature is its ease of use. Once the tractor operator enters the implement width, there is only one button to press and the software takes care of everything else.

Grass-Guide displays the coverage map, guidelines and predicted direction for the operator to follow, eliminating the need for either A-B lines or a light-bar.

The system is built on an Android platform and is supplied with a seven inch Samsung tablet.

Sixty-5 can be contacted on +44 (0) 28 9053 8903 or by emailing info@sixty-5.com.

The company website is www. sixty-5.com which contains video footage of the solutions in action.

finance ANM Group unveils bright plans Leading farmer-owned cooperative, the ANM Group has announced its plans for 2016 at last night’s annual general meeting held in Thainstone Exchange at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.

The plans include a grant of £678,000 from the Scottish Government to support a knowledge transfer program in partnership with the Irish Farmers’ Journal, Scotbeef Inverurie abattoir update, a £44,000 reduction in business rates, a new integrated digital auctions/sales solution project with the University of Aberdeen and a contribution of £2,000 towards an educational trip to New Zealand for 20 young farmers from Scotland.

Pat Machray OBE, ANM Group Board Chairman, said: “As Scotland’s leading co-operative business, we are proud to be able to deliver such an exciting line up of announcements here tonight. Despite difficult market conditions, we are committed to continue providing our members with a range of benefits by being proactive in all areas of the business as we remain fit for the future.”

The highlight of the night was the Group’s announcement that it has secured the financial support of the Scottish Government to deliver an ambitious knowledge transfer programme. This joint project, over a 4-year period, will be led by ANM and the Irish Farmers Journal. The objective is to improve the technical performance and profitability of livestock farmers in the region through dissemination of best practice, with the vision to lead a livestock revival in the North and North East of Scotland, to be a source of technical information and innovation and to help livestock producers grow and prosper. The launch event is planned for the 30th May and is open to all interested members, customers and stakeholders.

John Gregor, Executive Director of the ANM Group, said: “We are very excited about this pioneering project

and how ANM Group as a leading farmers’ co-operative will play a significant part in the improvement of livestock farming in the North and North East.”

The new abattoir development, in partnership with Scotbeef Inverurie and part of the wider expansions of the Thainstone Centre by ANM Group, has seen a significant amount of work taking place over the past 12 months. The two companies have been working together to deliver a cost effective design for the new abattoir which suits the site’s topography and fulfils the requirements of all stakeholders including planning and regulatory authorities, customers, suppliers and staff.

The current expectation is that this will be finalised ready to commence construction in line with the completion of the Thainstone infrastructure works.

The Group also announced that it has achieved a reduction in its business rates - currently £302,000 per year - by £44,000 per annum until the end of 2017.

In addition, it will receive a sizeable rebate on rates paid from previous years.

Grant Rogerson, Executive Director of the ANM Group, revealed last night that the cooperative will be working with the University of Aberdeen in a funded knowledge transfer partnership project to research, design and develop an integrated digital auctions/sales solution for ANM Group. More details of this project will be released as it moves forward and takes shape.

To support the future of the farming industry, the Group is contributing £2,000 through its ANM Charitable Trust towards an educational trip to New Zealand for 20 young farmers from across Scotland. The trip will serve as a great opportunity for the younger generation to learn about a variety of farming operations in the North and South Island.

Following a very successful BBC programme – ‘The Mart – the Group has also agreed with

BBC Scotland to film a second series, with filming due to commence in May. The second series is set to be aired in January 2017.

John Gregor, continued: “We have made a number of positive announcements here tonight some of these significant - and

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moving forward, the prospects for 2016 are promising with many exciting plans and ventures in the pipeline. As a co-operative, it is our priority to ensure we continue to focus on delivering a professional, quality service with honesty and integrity to all of our members and customers.

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finance Supply chain must recognise National Living Wage NFU Scotland is calling on the wider food supply chain to recognise the impact that new wage arrangements will have for Scottish farming.

The new National Living Wage’ (NLW) is to apply to workers aged 25 and older. It is due to begin at a rate of £7.20 per hour on Thursday (1 April 2016) and rise in stages to £9.00 per hour by 2020.

For some farm businesses, particularly those involved in growing soft fruit and vegetables, wages can represent more than 40 percent of the operating costs. The introduction of the new living wage rate in a few days’ time could erode thin profit margins unless Scottish growers can recover the extra cost they face through the products they sell.

The Union has previously warned that it this doesn’t

happen, then the danger is that less Scottish fruit and vegetables will be produced and more supermarket shelf space will be given to cheaper, imported produce.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said: “NFUS fully supports the principle of a living wage for all workers in the agricultural industry and we are clear in our ambition that this industry is seen as one that offers good employment opportunities and exciting and rewarding careers.

“Farmers and growers know that to attract skilled and dedicated workers – whether permanent or seasonal - they need to pay a wage that is competitive. As a result, most full time workers in farming are already paid well in excess of the living wage.

“However, the dysfunctional supply chain, and the price

pressure being heaped on all farm businesses at this time makes attracting and keeping staff a genuine challenge as the rewards for the risk involved in farming are simply not there.

“The supply chain needs to recognise that what they pay for farm produce is the biggest determinant of what a business can afford to pay its staff and any sensible sourcing commitment from retailers needs to address this issue.

“Farmers are not currently receiving a price for their produce that will accommodate the increased wage bill that the new national living wage will bring about - either this year or in the years to come.

What we need is a change of attitude in the supply chain that recognises that the cost of food production is going

to rise rather than continually screwing down the price.

“The Government and the public have rightly determined that we should now have a new national living wage and that comes at a cost. If the supply chain doesn’t reflect this extra cost in the price paid for farm produce and if the consumer will not pay the couple of extra pence required at the retail end, then parts of our farming industry will be exported overseas. The risk is produce will be imported from lower cost countries where there isn’t a national living wage.

“We may all feel better for the fact that there is now a new national living wage but we need to reflect this change in the decisions we take when choosing what products to buy and in what we are prepared to pay.”

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PHONE NOW FOR A QUOTE Office: 01292 541898 Fax: 01292 541847 Email: info@rural-finance.co.uk

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finance Rural Finance welcomes positive expansion A noticeable increase in requests for complete re-banking, funding farm & land purchases together with infrastructure investment programmes resulted in the further expansion of Glover Finance team by securing the assistance of former, experienced agricultural bank manager, Anne Anderson.

This provides huge benefits to their clients, as during a face-toface meeting, a full understanding of the business operation can be established, exact client needs can be ascertained, with full lender requirements and criteria discussed. Anne can then liaise with various lenders to secure funding, discuss rates and fees, providing full feed-back to their clients. “As a farmer myself, I appreciate how constraints on our time is becoming ever more evident. This service allows an informed consideration to be made on the back of one meeting.” Said Andrew Glover.

Jamie Rankin and William Mcguire are also hugely experienced members of the team, specialising in Hire Purchase,

Lease Hire, Operating Lease and Contract Hire transactions.

Each of these provides different benefits to any business and their wealth of knowledge ensures that the correct structure is chosen to maximise the benefit to the particular business needs.

These options can assist with the purchase of vehicles, machinery and equipment, including renewable energy projects.

Loans are also available to spread the cost of livestock, feed and fertilizer.

Providing invaluable telephone and administrative support to us all are Lesley-Anne Martin and Claire Pioli, both of whom have been involved in the sector throughout their careers.

In association with United Auctions, further expansion has been secured through the opening of new office premises at Stirling Agricultural Centre at the beginning of May 2016. All of the afore-mentioned services will be available & the team looks forward to introducing themselves in the foyer on sale days.

Scottish Young Farmers travel 24 hours to learn how to farm without subsidies Nineteen Young Farmers have been given the opportunity to travel to New Zealand to learn more about the countries farming operations, how they farm without subsidies and continue to record the youngest age of farmer.

The trip which will focus on the theme of succession has been organised by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) Agri and Rural Affairs Committee, and received more than sixty applications.

An independent judging panel selected individuals who would benefit from the trip personally and help impact Scottish agriculture as they share and put into practice the knowledge they gain.

Agri & Rural Chairman Sarah Allison commented “Our industry is full of bright, driven and dynamic young people, they are our biggest asset and as such should be utilised. Our study tour will look at how their farming businesses are modelled to allow young people to get a start in the industry. New Zealand has some of the most dynamic succession policies in the world, and the youngest age of farmer - what can we learn from them, and did their subsidy reform play a part?”.

Any business or individual who would like to offer support to the group can contact the associations Communications and Rural Affairs Manager Rebecca Dawes via rebecca@ sayfc.org or 0131 333 2445

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THEMONEYMAN Underwhelming political revelations By Andrew Turnbull There is something in us all that makes us curious about other peoples' earnings and tax bills.

Most party leaders have bared their financial chests publicly and despite attempts by the Press to make something out of virtually nothing, there was very little to be gleaned from the exercise. Perhaps it would have been more interesting if they had published their wives' returns, too.

Mr Corbyn filed his return late and didn't keep a copy. The cynics may ask what chance is there he could run the country when he can't complete his simple tax form on time? Mr Farage declined to publish his.

Commentators latched on to Mr Cameron's gift from his mother of £200,000.

The suggestion was that he "avoided" inheritance tax of £80,000. Likely, Mrs

Cameron took advantage of sensible tax planning to reduce the fiscal burden.

"Avoidance" should not be confused with "evasion" - the first is legitimate, the second, illegal.

Farmers should take advantage of tax planning opportunities by discussing with their accountants how best to use the allowances and reliefs available to them. Indeed, this should be done before the yearend to see if anything can be done, legitimately, in this area.

In a poor year it may be advantageous to delay that big repair to the steading until the start of the new financial year when profits are expected to be higher.

Or, it may pay to accelerate the purchase of a new tractor just before the end of a good year in order to claim the annual investment allowance to shelter some profits.

Andrew Turnbull CA is an Area Director, based in Perth, with First Independent Finance where he specialises in agricultural and industrial loans and finance.

His contact details are: Mobile: 07720 886272, Phone 01738 624671 email aturnbull@fIf.co.uk

machinery New widest mounted mower on the market

CLAAS has further extended availability of its new MAX CUT disc bed with the addition of six new disc mower models one of which, the DISCO 1100C BUSINESS, is the widest mounted mower combination on the market with a maximum working width of 10.30m.

While this new addition will mainly appeal to contractors

and larger farmers, the other five additions are at the opposite end of the CLAAS range. With working widths of 3.00m and 2.60m, the new DISCO 3150 and 2750 are designed for users looking for a straight-forward mower that is easy to operate and can be used on smaller tractors.

All these latest models feature the new MAX CUT disc

mower bed which was launched last year. Designed and built by CLAAS, the MAX CUT bed features a wave-shaped leading edge. This allows the discs to be mounted further forward, resulting in greater overlap between blades and an enlarged cutting area for an improved cut and flow through the mower. The bed is fabricated from pressed steel that is bolted together, making the bed torsionally stronger and avoids the risk of cracking resulting from heat stresses caused during welding.

The two rear mower units on the DISCO 1100C BUSINESS are mounted on telescopic arms that allow the working width to be

altered from 9.40m up to 10.30m when used in combination with a 3.00m-wide DISCO 3200 PROFIL front mower. This variable working width allows for a greater overlap to the front mower for working across hills or when turning around corners and then reducing the overlap when working in straight lines.

For transport, the telescopic arms enable the DISCO 1100C to be folded down to below 4.00m in height and 3.00m in width and the mower units are hydraulically locked and unlocked. For storage, like other mowers in the DISCO range, the 1100C can be stored folded up to save space.

New articulated telescopic wheel loader by Schäffer Schäffer is presenting its new telescopic wheel loader 6680 T. This strengthens the loader specialist’s market position as the supplier with the broadest range of articulated telescopic wheel loaders in the world.

Particularly eye-catching: the new design of the rear section, which underscores the powerful dynamics of this vehicle.

With a working weight of 5.6 t to 6.3 t, the new 6680 T occupies the middle segment in Schäffer’s product portfolio. The structural change in agriculture constantly brings new logistical challenges, such as bale stacking at great heights and the loading

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of large mixer wagons. The 6680 T offers the best prerequisites for this.

The drive has been completely updated since its predecessor.

As well as new axles, the High Traction Force drive system (HTF) also contains a high-performance variable displacement pump with a higher operating pressure and improved efficiency. This has increased its thrust power by 20 %.

The new loader is driven by a 55 kW (75 HP) Deutz turbo diesel engine of the latest generation, and complies with emission standard IIIB. It uses a diesel oxidation catalyst that eliminates the need for a diesel particle filter. Because all

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machinery the components in the hydrostatic drive are perfectly matched to each other, the fuel consumption is converted into performance economically and effectively.

The maximum driving speed is optionally up to 35 km/h, so even interplant uses can easily be handled.

The maintenance-free articulated steering makes the loader more manoeuvrable than any front loader tractor. The inner turning circle is only 1.75 m, and the rear swing axle provides excellent ground following and stability.

The maximum lifting height of the new telescopic wheel loader

is 4.90 m. The telescopic arm contains “Ferro-Form” sliding elements. In contrast to other, more usual plastic elements, this material is very low-wear, and there is no need for constant lubricating.

The cabin has also been improved. The vehicle has the

“SCV” (Silence / Comfort / View) cabin that is otherwise only seen in the larger models. The advantage: this vehicle sets new standards in its class in terms of driving ergonomics, space and all-round visibility. A higher version that provides the driver with an even better view is also available.

Flexibility and efficiency of Strautmann forage wagons Visitors to the OPICO stand at Scotgrass, will be able to see how Strautmann forage wagons bring flexibility and efficiency to silaging operations: working demonstrations of the Giga Vitesse 3601 and the unique CFS (Continuous Flow System) will be held through the day.

The Giga Vitesse forage wagon picks up mown grass from the field, chops it evenly, and serves as transport back to the clamp. Due to the short distance between the rotor

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tines and knives, an exact cut is achieved with little power required. And thanks to the CFS unit, the wagon is evenly filled with grass across its entire width allowing faster loading, requiring less power, and enabling a higher tonnage per cubic metre to be transported.

The Giga Vitesse 3601 being demonstrated has a capacity of 65m3 (34m3 DIN) and costs £70,389 +VAT. Prices for Strautmann’s smaller models start from £42,698 +VAT.

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machinery Siromer Welcomes New Scottish Dealer Siromer is pleased to welcome on board a new dealer to their Scottish contingent. Nestled in the beautiful rural location of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders are Duncan and Jane Bury. This husband and wife team have lived in the area for over 3 years and have a smallholding together with numerous livestock including horses and alpacas.

Between them they have a wealth of experience in business and whilst searching for the best machinery for their own needs they were so inspired by the quality of the Siromer brand that they decided to become dealers for their local area.

Impressed with both the manufacturing standards, costings and the wealth of knowledge and experience on

offer from Siromer it was only a small leap for them to start a new venture with a partner dealership.

Recently taking ownership of a Siromer 404 Synchro, together with additional equipment, they have started showcasing Siromer and building their business.

Cambridge educated Duncan said “What attracted me to Siromer was the passion and knowledge of Siromer, together with the high standards of manufacturing and the input of the Siromer team to improve and advance the specifications with the manufacturer’s. Of course the cost is also an important factor for everyone and it was this combination that we believe will be attractive to many people who are looking for compact tractors.”

Selkirk is ideally placed amongst the rural community, whilst having easy road access to the main routes in and around the Scottish Borders.

Siromer Scotland will be offering first level support

and service to their customers along with finance options.

For more information contact Duncan on 0800 6771656 or visit their website at www.siromerscotland.com

Kuhn’s new front mounted mower confitioner KUHN Farm Machinery will demonstrate a wide selection of hay and silage making equipment at this year’s ScotGrass event.

Being held at SRUC Acrehead, Dumfries on 18th May 2016, KUHN will have a wide range of machines on display.

KUHN’s new front-mounted disc mower conditioner – the FC 3125 DF-FF – has a 3.10 m working width and features improved terrain following capabilities and variable conditioning speeds, making it ideal for use as part of

a high power, high output, triplegang setup.

The FC 3125 DF-FF uses a redesigned twin-linkage headstock and shark fin inspired-design which houses an innovative suspension set-up enabling the mower to oscillate at angles of up to 30 degrees. This improved ground contouring capability prevents crop contamination and preserves the quality of the remaining grass sward.

The mower’s suspension is controlled by KUHN’s LIFT-

For all your ATV requirements call us now

01334 632561

Yamaha Grizzly 300

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Tracker 550eps 4wd

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machinery CONTROL hydro-pneumatic ground pressure system which minimises crop damage and reduces wear and tear of the cutter bar by allowing the mowing unit to travel by up to 0.75 m. Two large pivoting connecting rods provide additional structural strength and stability.

The conditioning unit is fitted with KUHN’s pivoting steel fingers which adapt easily to different types of forage.

Conditioning intensity is controlled by a single gear lever which selects one of two speeds: 1000 min-1 for most forage grasses or 755 min-1 for more delicate crops.

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2- and 3-row self-propelled top lifting harvesters from Dewulf Dewulf, specialist in harvesting technology for potatoes and carrots, has launched a new generation of the ZK series, 2and 3-row self-propelled top lifting harvesters with discharge elevator. Its Innovative features make the ZK series the most Reliable harvester in the selfpropelled top lifting harvester segment.

The harvesters have the highest level of finish available and are equipped with the latest technologies. One unique feature is the floating shares: two or three harvesting elements which are completely independent in their vertical travel so that each individual harvesting share maintains the desired depth, ensuring maximum stability even at high harvesting speeds. The hydraulic torpedoes

underpin the precise cutting result. Thanks to the generously sized 14,000 mm super gripprofile harvesting belts, you can continue harvesting longer when conditions worsen.

Each harvesting element can

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be optionally fitted with two rotary cleaners if more intensive cleaning is required.

The new generation maintenance-free gearbox drive for the cutters turns at higher rpm and has fewer moving

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machinery parts – yet another example of how Dewulf takes capacity and quality to a new level. Labyrinth sealing is used to hermetically seal the bearings of each cutter set, resulting in the highest durability level available in the market. One hydraulic roller below the cutters prevents the

loss of carrots, while a second hydraulic roller is fitted at the entrance of the haulm cover to prevent haulm accumulation at the edge of the cross conveyor.

The perfect positioning of the cross conveyor ensures optimal filling of the discharge elevator. Thanks to the long

harvesting belts, the discharge elevator is also attached higher on the chassis. The product is therefore transported upward at a significantly lower angle, preventing carrots from sliding back. Combined with a large drive sprocket at the end, this makes it possible to achieve

exceptionally product-friendly conveyance at a high capacity.

The ZKIIse and ZKIIIse are fitted standard with a hedgehog unit (1000 mm wide and 1680 mm long), guaranteeing a completely clean product, without loss, straight from the land.

First working demonstration Rapid service helps Scottish of the Sward Rejuvenator agricultural dealers

Visitors to Scotgrass will be able to see the first working demonstration of the HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator, launched last year at the Royal Welsh Show by OPICO. The Sward Rejuvenator, once fitted with an Air 8 grass seeder, can be used to rejuvenate tired grassland and/or reseed cultivated land with just one pass.

Minus the seeder, it can be used for harrowing swards to remove trash and stimulate grass growth, and will also level out molehills.

The Sward Rejuvenator consists of an aggressive Shattaboard with slicing plates, 2 rows of heavy duty harrow

tines and a Prisma roller. Once a seeder is attached then the slicing plates and harrow tines break up and level the soil surface in front of the grass seed outlets, and the soil is then firmed behind by the Prisma roller.

The Sward Rejuvenator has a 3m working width and is available as a mounted machine, retailing from £11,620 +VAT, or as a trailed model from £12,987 +VAT (seeder not included).

Working demonstrations of the HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator, as well as OPICO’s Sward Lifter, Sward Slitter, and Grass Master harrow, will take place on the OPICO stand at Scotgrass.

Agricultural machinery manufacturer, Quicke®, has strengthened its commitment to Scottish agricultural dealers by providing a three day delivery service for its Quicke® Original Implements™.

“With Scotland being a key market for us, we’ll be improving our service level to dealers from 1st March, to ensure stock is available to satisfy demand,” says Quicke® managing director, Neil Forknall.

“Agriculture is going through a challenging time so we want to be as responsive as possible, by

offering a three day delivery on all of our fast moving Quicke® Original Implements™ – which makes up for 80 percent of our portfolio,” he says.

“We’re constantly reviewing the way we do business and increasing our flexibility to dealers and this is absolutely paramount to us. That’s why we are confident in implementing this three day service.

Quicke® continues to expand its service level throughout the UK so that no-one is penalised geographically,” adds Neil.

Border Coatings (Scotland) Ltd The agricultural sector provides many challenges in relation to extreme weather protection and secure crop storage. Our customers consist of varied sites from privately owned farms to country estates. The aim of Border Coatings is to to extend the life expectancy of any project we undertake within the agricultural industry. Some examples: Grain Driers - Storage Sheds - Silos Farm Bridges - Trailers Farm Implements Telephone: 01896 848919 Mobile: 07812 78072 Unit 7, Industrial Estate, Earlston Scottish BordersTD4 6BZ

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machinery The New Holland T6 All-purpose Tractor Series New Holland Agriculture has launched the new T6 allpurpose tractor series that combines ultimate power with advanced technology to deliver unmatched comfort, visibility and manoeuvrability together with more power and performance. The new range also introduces New Holland’s sleek new tractor family styling.

Powerful, yet highly efficient performance with Tier 4B ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR after treatment solution and advanced engine technology The new T6 complies with Tier 4B emissions standards with New Holland’s ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR (High-Efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology. With this aftertreatment system the engine breathes clean air, optimising combustion, torque rise and fuel efficiency.

The new T6 engines achieve better performance by maximising power output from each cylinder. The new engine control unit brings the engine to maximum torque faster and holds through to the lower rpm longer, outperforming the previous generation’s engine. The Engine Power Management develops more power and torque according to the load on the transmission, hydraulics and PTO. On the T6.165 it can deliver up to 33 extra horsepower when it is needed to maintain performance. Engine Speed Management ensures the engine speed is maintained under changing loads, for applications that require a constant PTO speed or to maintain a fixed forward speed in difficult terrain.

All these features result in a powerful, responsive and efficient performance that is achieved with the same fluid consumption

(diesel fuel and DEF) as the previous generation, and with longer refuelling intervals.

The T6.175 AutoCommand model at the top of the range, featuring a 175 hp (129 kW) 4-cylinder engine, meets the requirements of the most

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demanding customers looking for a premium tractor with excellent power-to-weight ratio and CVT transmission. It is also available in Blue Power exclusive version, featuring New Holland’s most advanced and productive technologies.

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machinery Amazone’s UF mounted sprayer: now also in a 30m boom As a further expansion to the UF mounted sprayer range, Amazone now also offers the Super-S2 boom in a 30 m boom width. In spite of its large working width, the transport width remains at only 2.4 m and the transport height just 3.05 m.

Thanks to the unique Amazone profile design, with its multi-folded boom sections in either steel or aluminium, the new boom maintains that overall lightness but, at the same time, is still extremely robust. With boom fold reduction possibilities down to 24 m, 18 m and 13 m it provides that very flexible utilisation in 30 m, 24 m, 18 m and 12 m tramline systems.

With its large working width, the new Super-S2 boom is ideally suited to exploit the full capacity potential of the UF mounted sprayer in combination with the FT front tank. With a nominal tank

volume of 2,800 litres maximum, this front tank combination is as efficient as either a trailed sprayer or a self-propelled machine of the same fill volume.

Especially when working in smaller, awkward shaped fields, it turns out to be significantly more manoeuvrable than a trailed sprayer. In addition, traction and the ability of the tractor to stay in the track are clearly better when operating a sprayer on slopes.

In the 3,000 litre self-propelled sprayer class, however, this front tank combination is, especially with regard to the investment cost, a real alternative.

John Deere forager receives Red Dot Award for Product Design John Deere’s innovative 8000 Series self-propelled forage

WILKS BROTHERS Main dealers in Perthshire for DEUTZ FAHR Tractors

harvesters are once again in the spotlight, having been recognised with a 2016 Red Dot international design award for excellent product design.

A jury of independent design specialists from 41 countries chose the forager out of more than 5200 entries from 57 countries by applying stringent selection criteria.

Product categories for the 2016 awards ranged from consumer electronics and communication to fashion, lifestyle and sports.

“The revolutionary new design of the John Deere 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester reflects the innovative technology and functionality of

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these machines,” said Professor Matthias Schönherr, a former Porsche design specialist who was mainly responsible for the design of the new forager.

“Styling also plays an important role, as it expresses the brand and quality values of a machine.”

“This coveted award is an integral part of the 8000 Series product success story,” said Christoph Wigger, John Deere Region 2 Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Often assessed as being of secondary importance, an entirely new design gives engineers the unique opportunity to start from scratch as they aim to enhance efficiency and productivity.”

machinery Polaris made to make it your own The Sportsman, say Polaris, is engineered to be the hardest working, smoothest riding ATV available. The same goes for Polaris engineered parts and accessories which from the outset are designed, rigorously tested and meticulously finetuned alongside the Sportsman.

Take the Polaris Lock & Ride system where products are designed to be installed quickly, without hassle or the need for any special tools. Storage boxes, tool bags and front and rear rack extenders secure your load, with countless tie-down points for bungees, straps and nets, with no rattle and shake, fitting snugly and properly.

You can mix and match accessories to customise your ATV and make it your own.

Fitting a light bar, front and rear brush guards and A-arm guards will bring distinctive styling to your Sportsman and

protect it off-road. Every 2016 Sportsman comes winch-ready with factory installed wiring built into the chassis. A winch is essential for heavy work applications and as a back-up for compromising conditions and the Polaris winches are quality engineered, easily located and installed with four bolts and pre-mounted electrical connection. Nylon rope is used, making the winch easier to handle than wire, and the handlebar switch fastens on with two screws and a quick clip wire connection Come the winter months and you’ll be sweeping snow before you with a Polaris snow plough which installs in seconds with the Lock & Ride technology of a factory installed mount. Drive up, clip in and go with your choice of durable snowplough blade and blade lift and control. Add on

snow chains or even tracks and you’re ready for the worst the winter has to throw at you.

There’s a whole range of Polaris work and leisure accessories including a selection of wheels

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and tyres ready for you to customise your Sportsman for your every need. Visit your Polaris dealer for more details.

Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

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machinery New muck spreader model from Joskin

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The race for the biggest machine that governs the development of agricultural machinery should not take us away from the many farmers who still have humansized farms. Joskin makes it a point of honour to be able to offer a range of products meeting the needs and expectations of every user.

With this goal in mind, Joskin adds a new model to its range of Siroko muck spreaders: the S4008/8V. Designed on the basis of the smallest existing model of the range, the S4010/9V, it has the same running gear and body length (4 m) but its body height was lowered by 24 cm to reach 85 cm. The two removable vertical beaters with 3.5 spirals are 1,500 mm high with a diameter of 820 mm and remain fitted with teeth in HARDOX

450 steel and retractable blades at their base in order to keep the spreading quality offered on the whole range.

Thanks to this configuration, it offers not only a perfect stability, even in very steep areas, but it is also easier to load.

Its capacity reaches nonetheless some 8 m .

As for the rest of the Siroko range, several options are available, like the tight hydraulic guillotine door, aluminium or wooden extensions of 250 mm, as well as a PVC protection of the upper body strip.

Even if it is the smallest existing model of the Joskin muck spreading programme, it benefits – this goes without saying – from the same finishing quality and care taken during the manufacturing and development of all Joskin products.

New baler-wrapper combo from Kuhn Kuhn Farm Machinery has introduced a new version of its round baler-wrapper combination machine, the i-BIO+, with a new

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and patented twin film-on-film wrapping system which offers reduced wrapping costs and easier plastic recycling.

machinery

farmwatch Emergency services urge rural community to adopt geolocation apps The i-BIO+ features a 230cm wide pick-up unit with five tine bars and cam-track technology for improved contour following for cleaner, more efficient grass collection.

Two intake rotors are available – the OptiCut 14 or OptiCut 23 – both of which offer knife group selection: the OptiCut 14 is fitted with 14 knives to provide a minimum cutting length of 70mm.

Group selection enables the knives to be used in five formations (0, 4, 7, 7 or 14) to produce the desired chop length. The OptiCut 23 offers a minimum cutting length of 45mm, with its 23 knives used in a 0, 7, 11, 12 or 23 arrangement.

Each knife is individually springprotected against damage from foreign objects. Standard rotor disengagement and drop floor technology ensure fast and easy clearance when a blockage may occur.

Bales are formed by 18 PowerTrack rollers with integrated stainless steel low-friction plates resulting in a significant reduction in power requirement. All internal working mechanisms are powered by high quality long-life drive chains which are complemented by a Beka Max continuous chain oiling system for maximum strength and reliability. The six rollers in the bottom of the chamber act as wrapping table during the bale wrapping process.

The i-BIO+ can be used with conventional net binding and can also be fitted with KUHN’s patented film-on-film bale binding and wrapping system which not only reduces wrapping costs,

but also offers ease of usage and recycling benefits by eliminating the need for a separate netting.

Kuhn’s unique film binding system uses two film reels to bind the cylindrical side of the bale and offers several advantages compared to other film binding systems, not least the ability to use standard sized rolls (25 µm, 1500 m, 750 mm) therefore eliminating the need to order separate binding and wrapping film. The Kuhn system also boasts quicker and easier roll loading thanks to a user-friendly system which hydraulically folds the film reels into their loading/ unloading position.

Switching between film and net binding is quick and simple as the two systems are separate, making it easy to switch from one system to the other for different crops.

Bale wrapping is taken care of by Kuhn’s IntelliWrap system which gives complete control of the wrapping process, allowing the operator to select the number of film layers and to adjust film overlap. The i-BIO+’s high-speed wrapping ring allows film to be applied at up to 50 revolutions per minute and produces well-shaped, tightly sealed bales for improved crop preservation.

The i-BIO+ is ISOBUS compatible – with all functions managed via a single, fullcolour display terminal – and boasts an extremely compact and lightweight design (less than 3,700kg) which makes it very manoeuvrable and well-suited for use on hilly terrain and within small field systems.

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Scotland’s emergency services have joined forces to encourage people living and working in rural areas to help them locate their exact position, in the event they call for help.

By downloading an app to their smartphone or smartwatch, they can give emergency call handlers their exact Ordnance Survey grid reference and all three emergency service control centres can use these “Eastings” and “Northings” to plot their location, reducing the time taken to respond to incidents, improving the service provided to the public.

Accurately identifying a rural location, particularly remote locations several miles from a listed road, can be problematic and people who work in remote or rural areas are being encouraged to use these ‘geo-location’ apps, many of which can be downloaded and used for free, such as the ‘OS Locate’ app, produced by Ordnance Survey.

Chief Inspector Stuart Simpson of Police Scotland's Contact, Command and Control Division and a member of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC), said: “By giving the Eastings and Northings, the geo-locator apps provide an easy way for

people in rural areas to give their location when calling the emergency services. This information can then be used by the control centre operators to plot the exact location and direct the police officer, fire crew or ambulance to the incident. We hope that this would improve the contact from and reporting of incidents from those who live, work or visit our rural areas.”

Daren Mochrie, Director of Service Delivery, Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Our air and road ambulance teams respond to 999 calls for assistance from remote and rural areas across Scotland.

While they are supported by sophisticated mapping and GPS systems, any additional location information from the scene that highlights local landmarks will help crews to locate patients as quickly as possible.”

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Scottish emergency services all receive calls from the public who are not always familiar with their location. We therefore welcome any use of technology that could assist the ability of emergency services to detect people in need in rural areas.”

FARM WATCH column sponsored by

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country woman Lindsey Storie

By Linda Mellor

Twenty-seven year old Lindsay Storie was born in Melrose; she is the middle daughter of Balbirnie Head Gamekeeper Cameron Storie. She said, “One of my early childhood memories of my dad’s job was when we lived in Ayrshire.

He had been out stalking red deer and had brought a few back to his shed to butcher. It was just before Christmas. My dad called me into the shed to have a look at the deer; he had stacked them up, one on top of the other, and painted their noses red. Laughing, he told me they were Santa’s reindeer, Rudolph, Dancer and Prancer, and Christmas was cancelled! I ran into the house screaming and my mum was going to kill him.”

From an early age Tomboy Lindsey was always out with her dad helping to feed the pheasants and everywhere he went she was forever by his side. She was out on her first shoot when she was 4 years old and by the age of 10 she 138

would be out feeding the ducks, watching and counting them all back in, checking traps and building something in her dad’s shed. “As soon as I got home from school I couldn’t get out of my school clothes quick enough and into my old clothes so I could go out with my dad. I had my first go at welding when my dad made a dog trailer; I think I was in primary 7 at the time and I shot my first roe doe when I was 11.”

When Lindsey got her first ferret she was only 8 years old.

Her dad gave her the nets and left her to do the rest herself. “I cut my own pegs for the nets and tied them on. I went to my mum and asked her to make me a packed lunch, which was a jam piece, and then I went away on my own. My dad didn’t show me how to set the nets but I went out and for the first couple of times let’s say it was a steep learning curve but one day I came back

with a rabbit and my ferret who I had called Samuel.”

Lindsey would do everything she could to get out on a shoot day with her dad, even if it happened to fall on a school day. “If I found out my dad was shooting during the week I would do everything in my power to get off school to go to the shoot. I would be forced to go to school but sometimes I would play up or pretend to be ill then make a miraculous recovery by 8.30 just before the shoot started.”

“I think I was about 6 at the time and out on one particular shoot day when my feet were feeling very cold, one of the guns was Jackie Stewart OBE. He sat me down and rubbed my feet to warm them up. Each time he saw me on the shoot he would carry me around on his shoulders and he used to pay me £5 for picking up his empty shotgun shells.”

“On another shoot day, my dad used me a stop (a stop is used

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on a driven shoot day to prevent the birds going in a particular direction). He told me to stand in the corner and to chap it. I remember him telling me not to stop chapping until someone comes to get me. Well, I chapped and chapped, I did as I was told and didn’t stop. It was only when they went back in at lunchtime that my dad realised I wasn’t there and he’d forgotten all about me! He came racing back to get me and found me standing in exactly the same spot he’s left me in and I was still chapping.”

Lindsey went to the Borders College at Newton St Boswells and gained NC and SVQ Level 2 qualifications in game keeping and a two year placement working with her dad but at the age of 17 she found out she was pregnant.

“Everything changed, I was a daddy’s girl, I had a job to walk into and suddenly I had to deal with adult things, think for myself

country woman and I had to grown up.” Lindsey met Grant when she was 16, by the age of 18 they were the proud parents of Kriss. “We had a lot of family support so I was still able to do the things I wanted to do.”

Lindsey was 21 when she had Katie in the March and was still beating and picking up through the entire shooting season. Between them, Grant and Lindsey have 21 dogs; a mixture of Labradors, cockers, terriers and lurchers.

“Over the years Grant and I would do things differently so we ended up having his and hers dogs so I could things my way and he could do things his way so there would be less arguments,” said Lindsey, laughing.

“We are always kept busy with lamping, ferreting, foxes and trapping moles. During the shooting season I am picking up and beating, sometimes I run shoot days for my dad. Throughout the summer months I walk the dogs 10 miles a day to maintain their fitness. I just love being outside, it is where I am happiest.”

“Kriss is shooting daft and I see so much of myself in him.

He’ll always want to come out shooting if he knows we are going out. It doesn’t matter if it is a school night or not, he wants to go out. He promises faithfully to get up for school when I wake him up the next morning and he is true to his word.”

Pink bale wrap relaunched to help breast cancer charity

Leading ensiling and livestock nutrition company, Volac, is once again helping to raise money for breast cancer research by launching a special pink version of its Topwrap silage bale film.

This follows the success of a similar campaign last year.

For every roll of the pink Topwrap film purchased, £3 will be donated to the charity Breast Cancer Now – with contributions toward the £3 coming from Volac themselves, as well as Trioplast, the film’s manufacturer, and from the merchant supplying the roll.

“After the success of the campaign last year, which helped to raise £10,000 for breast cancer charities, we are delighted to once again be involved in this

fantastic cause,” Volac product manager, Jackie Bradley, explains.

“As well as helping the charity by opting for the special pink silage wrap, farmers will also be visibly demonstrating their support as they produce brightly coloured pink bales on their farms. Last year, pink bales appeared across the country.

“Alternatively, with limited supplies of the pink wrap, or for farmers who want to support the charity but prefer their bales in more traditional colours, we are also providing special pink stickers for those who wish to donate. These can be attached to the usual green or black bales, so that farmers can still demonstrate their support.”

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Southern Belle It’s just a matter of time and effort An annual visit to “the big smoke” is always an eye opener on how much work we as farmers need to do to inform the public about what farming is all about.

Armed with four orphaned lambs I spent five days speaking to people at this year’s Country Living Spring Festival about all things farming. On occasion it is a truly rewarding experience but sometimes, when one twenty something comments that the lamb’s skin “feels just like wool” or when asked “are these are the same lambs as you had last year?” you feel that there are significant amounts of stony ground to cultivate.

My late father was instrumental in setting up The SNFU School Shield Competition in the late 1960’s with the intention of taking children from the poorer areas of Glasgow into the Lanarkshire farming community and explaining that milk comes from a cow and not a bottle. This proved very successful at the time and 50 years later children no longer think milk comes

from a bottle…they think it comes from a carton!

This Farming Life, which has been running on BBC recently, showing a year in the life of four very different farms has been outstanding. This warts and all series was a great representation of our life and what it means to us and many of the visitors to the Spring Festival had followed it and wanted to know more and in some small way I am sure my four little stars, now settling down to life in the real world, made quite an impression on visitors of all ages.

After a poor and bias presentation on the Jeremy Vine show this week about the rights of farmers to shoot dogs which worry their sheep, it was refreshing to see over 250 comments on the BBC Radio 2 Facebook page later that day, with 99% of them supporting the farmers and telling dog owners to act responsibly.

Maybe we are getting it right after all…it just takes time but it’s worth the effort.

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lifestyle Win with this Windsor shirt

Sunshine and grey days

This gorgeous fashion shirt from Freddie Parker is styled in cool 100% poplin cotton and features a subtle two-tone embossed print of their distinctive galloping horse and rider logo across the entire shirt.

The logo is repeated through Oatmeal embroidery on the chest pocket and is finished with a smart, neat stiffened collar. Whilst it was designed with fashion in mind, it could easily cross over to the competition arena this season, with winning style!

Sizes S -XXL Available in Optic White and Sky Blue RRP: ÂŁ60.00 www.freddieparker.com This new Pikeur Nera fleece jacket is offered in a flattering light grey and beautiful spring like daffodil yellow is the perfect addition to your new season riding wardrobe.

This super soft fleece jacket features a stand up collar, two handy zipped pockets and an elastic cord in the lower help keep you cozy in and out of the saddle. cut to flatter with curved seams, this jacket looks great alone or teamed under a gilet for an extra layer during those chilly early show mornings! available in yellow and light grey.

RRP: ÂŁ84.00 sizes: 8 - 14 www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

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lifestyle From here to affinity

RS rural

STYLE

By Helen Burness

Prints Charming!

This gorgeous new jacket from Equetech easily crosses over the equestrian disciplines, making it the ideal jacket for all competitors.

The Equetech Affinity Competition Jacket is styled in a durable polyester twill with 5% Lycra for added stretch and shape retention and features some beautiful designer touches.

Four finely engraved Equetech Silver buttons march down the front of this feminine cut jacket with Marl Grey Satin insert collar and pocket flaps adding another stunning visual point of difference.

Other details include a feature zip ticket pocket, double back vents and a Teflon coating for a showerproof finish.

A super jacket that will take you from competition to competition in style!

Colours: Navy/Grey Sizes: 32 – 44 RRP: £107.50

Looking for stylish competition jacket with a ‘marked’ difference? Then the Equiline Fran Competition Jacket from premium retailer Dressage Deluxe could be just the jacket for you! Featuring a beautiful flock print detailing on the collar, cuffs, pockets and across the back of the waist, this garment offers the ultimate in style with fashionable functionality.Smart Silver edged buttons and structured seaming give this tailored jacket the edge against the competition and the innovative Equiline ‘X-Cool’ fabric, not only offers extreme freedom of movement but has breathable and water repellent properties too.

Your prints charming in one fabulous jacket!

RRP: £447.00 Sizes: 8 -14 Black & Navy www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

www.equetech.com www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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lifestyle Sox appeal

By Paul Tinson

Are you ready to take on the Glen?

RSABI invites the rural industry to ‘ Help us help them’ Rural charity, RSABI invites teams of competitors to take on its annual multi-sports team building event, RSABI Great Glen Challenge 2016, as it continues its work to alleviate hardship in rural Scotland.

Applications are currently sought for the challenge, which takes place on Friday 26 August, 2016, from rural businesses, organisations and groups of individuals.

With a maximum of 25 teams involved, early applications are encouraged.

Last year one hundred competitors from across Scotland biked, kayaked, walked and ran sections along the Great Glen, raising a vital sum of £62,000 for RSABI. RSABI has welcomed the return of Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors as headline sponsor with this year’s trophy being defended

by RBS Agriculture. Paul Tinson, event director said: “I am delighted to invite teams from across the country to take part this year.

Everyone involved in 2015 was enormously proud of their fundraising efforts for RSABI.”

“RSABI Great Glen Challenge is key to our mission to ‘Help us help them’. In 2015/16 we spent £600,000 supporting over 730 people in Scotland who have depended on the land for their livelihood in agriculture, forestry, fishfarming, rural estate work, gamekeeping, crofting and horticulture. People who, due to age, injury, illness or misfortune, now find that they were unable to cope.”

“With increasing numbers of people needing our help, we depend greatly on the continuing generosity of our supporters who enjoy an inspiring day out in the Highlands as well as a wee bit of competition among colleagues and competitors.

Contact Paul Tinson at RSABI to learn more and sign up a team: call 0300 111 4166, email paul.tinson@rsabi. org.uk or visit www.rsabi.org.uk View the event on YouTube: RSABI Great Glen Challenge 2016 official video

The Timothy Foxx All Ladies Foxxy Shooting Socks & All Men’s Shooting Socks are built for comfort and strength and are ideal to tuck into wellies or fold longer style country boots. Styled in a luxuriously warm & functional Merino Wool Acrylic blend with a reinforced foot bed, these socks are available in a range of sizes and colours from muted tones through to rainbow brights.

RRP: £32.00. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

Introducing the Muckster II collection from The Original Muck Boot Company

This late spring The Original Muck Boot Company has launched its brand new Muckster II collection for men and women.

Following the exciting news that The Original Muck Boot Company will be partnering with the most established gardening community, The Royal Horticultural Society, the Muckster II collection will be the only footwear on the market to be endorsed by the RHS. RHS Licensing Manager, Cathy Snow comments, ‘We are delighted to be entering into this new partnership with The Original Muck Boot Company. The range of boots and gardening shoes we are endorsing have been carefully chosen to provide gardeners with comfortable and appropriate footwear to enjoy their green spaces. We look forward to expanding the collection over the next few years.”

Specially designed for cold and wet conditions, the Muckster

II collection uses a 4mm CR flexfoam and breathable, airmesh lining to make them 100% waterproof and insulating. The technical, high traction rubber outsole provides more stability on wet surfaces, as well as being self-cleaning meaning that it sheds debris easily. The boots also feature a pull-tab, which makes them easy to slip on and off.

There are two lengths available, the Muckster II Low and Muckster II Ankle. The men’s collection comes available in traditional earthy tones such as moss green and bark otter, whereas the women’s range comes in brighter colours such as pink and purple. The women’s collection also has a slimmer fit, which moulds perfectly around the natural shape of the foot to provide a more feminine look.

Sample shown RRP: £65.00 www.muckbootcompany.co.uk

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ART with Carole Ingram

Looking at the work of artists inspired by Scotland's rural surroundings and culture

Chestnut Stallion

The Rurally inspired artworks of Carole Ingram This month, I’d like to share some of my own work and sources of inspiration with you. Having grown up on a farm, animals have been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. I love the challenge of capturing the likeness and personality of my subject through art.

Working in pastels, oils and acrylics I try to capture a moment in time which identifies that character so unique to each animal and so different in all.

Without having had the constraints of formal art training I have been able to create my own techniques to reproduce the many textures involved in animal portraiture. Especially challenging and fascinating is the task of recreating the play of light on an animal’s coat.

My work includes commissions ranging from stars of the show ring to much loved pets and family portraits. More of my work can be seen on Facebook or at www.caroleingram.co.uk A recent painting I have completed is of Lisa Wigglesworth’s stunning chestnut cob stallion, Renvarg The Mystic, whose photograph I took in 2015 at the ringside of the Royal Highland show, widely considered to be the main event of the Scottish farming calendar and a celebration of agriculture at its finest.

Carole Ingram, an artist in oils. Children and animal portraiture a speciality. www.caroleingram.co.uk

Black Labrador

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lifestyle Ladies boots with added va – voom!

Fall in love with these gorgeous Valverde Jodphur Boots from The Spanish Boot Company in a racy shade of Red! Featuring a full suede upper, these gorgeous boots are leather lined and feature an elasticated section allowing you to slip them on and off with ease.

And if pretty is perfect, then these Lace Topped Socks by Grace & Lace will add that feminine touch to your favourite short boots. Styled in cotton, these socks offer comfort to your feet and glamour to your ankles with their generous wide vintage look lace cuff tops!

Lace Topped Socks: One size only (Fits Sizes 6 -9) Colours: Ecru RRP: £155.00 Available in unisex sizing Sizes: UK 2.5 – 10 www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

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@home The perfect summer hideout for your outdoors space Sanctuary could be much closer to home than you realise…

Find and create it at the bottom of your garden with inspiration from Garden Hideouts and their extremely versatile outdoor living spaces.

They include striking ‘shepherd huts’ that offer the period and nostalgic appeal of a traditional exterior, but with

the capacity for a more modern living environment, plus ultra sleek ‘pods’ that bring contemporary chic and natural cedar charm to your garden.

Both are in a build class of their own, utilising a very robust method of construction common to the Canadian

house building industry, which together with 100mm Rockwool insulation means toasty warm winters, cool summers - and a sound, lasting investment.

Plus, for the complete package, each inner is created by a specialist interior designer and comes ready fitted and furnished for all sorts of uses – like a luxury study, hobby room, play den, entertainment hub, teenage hangout, extra bedroom, artist or writer’s haven.

Commercially speaking, they’re ideal for a home office, treatment room, sauna, au pair or staff suite and paying guest accommodation too. Indeed, Garden Hideouts are leading

the way in offering such a wide range of floor plans and customised features to cover so many different outdoor living scenarios.

With fitted modern luxuries as standard and a host of optional extras too, these unique new ‘rooms with a view’ are expertly hand crafted for (and put together in) your garden with no planning permission to worry about, messy disruption or costly building works required.

To fully appreciate their supreme practicality, unstinting quality standards, clever thinking and beautiful finish, you really need to see and experience them yourself, so simply call (Derby Office

The Classic Pod

Pod interior

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@home – 01283 707357; Worcester office – 01905 794445) to arrange a full product demonstration at a time to suit you.

The ‘Chatsworth’ shepherd hut design as pictured, which measures 16 ft (L) x 8ft 6 inches (both W and H) is £24,950 as seen (including the coordinated interior design scheme, but not the personal accessories) and inclusive of VAT. The ‘Classic’ pod design as pictured, which measures 4.75metres (L) x 3metres (W) x 2.5m (H), is £18,950 as seen (including the coordinated interior design scheme, but not including the personal accessories) and inclusive of VAT. Other sizes are available in both, plus handy 0% Finance options are available.

Garden Hideouts are space optimisation/creation specialists with the directors having already made their mark in the luxury canal boat industry - via superior design and build skills and a best quality product that stands up to all the elements can throw at it.

It all starts with a no obligation and free site survey that takes into consideration ground conditions, the best place available in your garden, footing requirements, how much space it will take up, plus an idea of what it will look like in situ?

Their pod and hut frame is made of highest grade structural plywood (created from wisa special spruce grown in sustainable Finland forests) and precision cut on CNC equipment for much less wastage. Glulam finishes also ensure the most rigid and secure structure possible.

The North American western red cedar wood cladding of the pod has natural oils and resins, so it doesn’t have to be treated. Extremely hard wearing, it also has anti fungal properties and is a far higher quality than the tanalised spruce and pine typically used in Britain.

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Shepherd Huts can also be finished this way for a more contemporary look and feel, but otherwise their exteriors are clad in traditional ‘wriggly tin’ coated in plastisol- a very thick rubbery material which is corrosion and rust proof and able to withstand extreme weather.

The levels of design in the interior schemes are easy to appreciate too, from both a stylish and practical point of view, but once delivered you can accessorise to your heart’s content for a truly individual space. Superior specification is the norm too with the likes of atmospheric lighting, double glazing, laminate Hydroseal flooring, choice of blinds and curtains, upholstered banquette seating and even tongue and groove panelling as standard.

In the hut this extends to LPG heating and solid fuel stoves, Smeg appliances, integrated fridge and full size shower, plus traditionally cast wheels and a steel chassis built to stand up to the rigours of transportation.

Optional extras range from solar panels (ideal when a mains supply is not available) to a wooden decked lounging

area at the front. Plus, if you prefer a fixed bed to the banquette convertible seating this can also be accommodated at design stage. In the larger hut, this also extends to the latest audiovisual packages and bespoke wardrobes and storage.

Whilst the frames are built to order, the rest is put together on site to overcome any access issues. It’s very much a turn key operation whereby any snagging issues are eliminated and all basic landscaping

Hut Interior

The Chatsworth Shepherd Hut

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is made good – plus all the utilities are connected up, furniture is hand assembled and fitted. Even the final coat of Farrow & Ball paint you choose is applied inside.

Once your build commences, the whole process can be completed in just a matter of 2-3 weeks for pods and 4-5 weeks for huts, plus this is one home extension that Garden Hideouts can even help you take along, should you ever decide to move?

For more information: www.gardenhideouts.co.uk

cars Volvo XC90 crowned SUV of the year in the UK Car Awards The prestigious awards are judged by a 27-strong panel of motoring journalists, who write for publications including The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Top Gear and Auto Express.

The XC90’s design, technology, safety and interior packaging came in for particular praise. “A stunning cabin – packed with game-changing technology – is combined with luxury, space and great engineering, making the flagship Volvo a very enjoyable driving experience,” said John Challen, the Editor and Managing Director of the UK Car of the Year Awards.

Built on Volvo’s groundbreaking SPA platform, the XC90 is the most technologically advanced car Volvo has ever made.

It is available with an innovative petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers 407 hp yet CO2 emissions of only 49 g/ km, which equates to a monthly Benefit-in-Kind tax bill of just £100.67 for a higher-rate taxpayer.

It also leads the field in terms of connectivity. The standard Sensus Connect system combines an intuitive nine-inch touch screen display – including pinch and zoom functionality – with a sophisticated voice control

system. This provides access to the internet and a range of cloudbased apps, while the option of Apple CarPlay allows you to

control selected functions of your phone, such as music streaming, directly from the Sensus Connect display.

New Fiat Professional Fullback makes its UK debut The new medium-duty pickup will join the award-winning FIAT Professional range in June 2016, along with the new Talento and Fiorino, and will be available with a practical double cab body style configuration in the UK making it an ideal vehicle for both commercial and leisure time activities.

Measuring 1,780mm in height, 1,815 mm in width and 5,285mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm, the new FIAT Professional Fullback will offer a competitive payload up to 1,045Kg and will be powered

by a 2.4-litre, aluminium, turbodiesel engine with a power output of either 150hp or 180hp. Two transmissions will be available, a new six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with sports mode, and both will be combined with full four-wheel drive systems.

The new FIAT Professional Fullback will be available in the UK in two trim levels with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in June 2016. The Fullback is FIAT Professional’s first contender in the medium-duty pick-up truck

segment. In the UK, 2015 sales in the pick-up segment were up 18%

with full year registrations totalling almost 40,000 units.

Range Rover Evoque debuts Ember Special Edition The new 2017 model year Range Rover Evoque also offers nextgeneration InControl Touch Pro infotainment across the range, providing a 10.2-inch tablet-style pinch and zoom touchscreen control and a customisable home screen to ensure customers’ favourite apps are always at their fingertips.The Range Rover Evoque, which established its own sector in 2011, has surpassed 520,000 sales globally when it re-wrote the motoring rule books and has amassed 182 international awards.

The red and black themed ‘Ember’ Special Edition builds

on the attributes of the Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic with striking exterior and interior details. A distinctive Firenze Red roof contrasts with the Santorini Black body colour and is complemented by matching exterior design elements, including the front and rear tow eye covers.

Phil Simmons, Land Rover’s Studio Director for Exterior Design Realisation said: “We wanted to give the Range Rover Evoque Ember Special Edition a sporty feel; contrasting the intensity of the Firenze Red with Santorini Black really shows

off the Evoque’s stand-out proportions.”

The Range Rover Evoque Ember will be available to order for

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a limited three-month period this summer with deliveries expected from September and prices starting from £47,200 on the road.

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cars Renault gives the Kadjir a tech-upgrade Renault has strengthened its acclaimed Kadjar line-up with the addition of a top-of-the-range Signature S Nav version and the introduction of the 7-speed efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic gearbox combined with the ENERGY TCe 130 engine.

Offering drivers greater choice and heightening the appeal of the award-winning Renault Kadjar, the enhancements introduce even higher levels of comfort, convenience and refinement to the family crossover.

Based on the extensivelyequipped Signature Nav version, the Signature S Nav specification adds full black leather upholstery with electrically-adjustable driver’s seat height and heated front seats; together with handsfree parking, blind spot warning, rear parking camera and parking sensors to both the front and rear.

Kadjar Signature S Nav is priced from £23,695 OTR – a premium of £1,400 over the Signature Nav but with £1,750 of additional equipment.

Buyers can specify the Signature S Nav with a choice of two diesels and one petrol

engine, automatic EDC or manual transmission, and either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

New Tiguan is the All-wheel Drive Car of the Year 2016 For many years, the Tiguan has been an important pillar of the Volkswagen product line-up.

Since 2007, more than 2.8 million have been sold in over 170 markets worldwide, making the popular compact SUV into a best-seller.

With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen intends to continue the success.

The new design is now even more elegant, with a design radiating both power and confidence. At the same time, the interior is more generous compared with the predecessor and the infotainment offering has been extended.

The new Tiguan shines with a new range of eight engines

from 115 PS/85 kW up to 240 PS/176 kW* – all more powerful and more economical than their predecessors – including four standard engines equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Several pioneering safety and assistance systems are available on the new Tiguan. They include Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and an integrated Pedestrian Monitoring; Lane Assist, a proactive occupant protection; and an active bonnet to protect pedestrians and cyclists. But the many minor details all pursue the aim of making driving and travelling

more pleasurable. Finally, there is also a new optional range of ergoActive seats, a lowered load

sill and an “Easy Open and Close” system which makes loading and unloading much easier.

New Civic Sport Variant launched Honda has announced a new addition to the popular Britishbuilt Civic range. The 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport will become the entry level product in the Civic family when it hits showrooms.

Priced at £18,360 OTR or £199 a month on a three year PCP deal with 5.9% APR and a deposit of £3,415, the new 1.4-litre petrol engine variant, available in manual transmission, joins the 1.6-litre, 120 PS diesel engine and the 1.8-litre, 142 PS petrol engine in the Civic Sport line up.

Specifically styled as a more sporty and aggressive version of the family hatchback , the Civic Sport features a unique colour148

coded rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels and shares some of the striking design characteristics of the Civic Type R, with a lower grille mesh and a black roof lining for the cabin.

The advanced 1.4-litre i-VTEC single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine has been finetuned to boost both its dynamic performance and its environmental credentials. CO2 emissions are at 131 g/km while the engine delivers a maximum power output of 100 PS and a torque figure of 127 Nm. With the next generation Civic concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and due in showrooms at the start of 2017, Honda UK is

revising the current Civic family line up in line with customer demand.

The Sport will become the entry level with the SE and SR grades completing the line up.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK,

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commented: “The addition of the 1.4-litre petrol engine version of the Sport strengthens our Civic family line up and makes the more aggressively styled version of our popular family hatchback more accessible.

cars Classic Trader’s new guide tracks individual cars’ values Classic Trader has just added a very useful function to its website, www.classic-trader. com: international visitors and users of Germany’s largest marketplace for classic vehicles now have access to Classic Trader’s brand-new interactive guide, revealing the financial performance of the top 100 individual classic cars which have recorded the biggest shifts in value over the last six years.

This has been achieved by tracking cars sold in that period of time, identified by their chassis number.

The interactive guide puts the exotic De Tomaso Mangusta in first place, with a growth of over 500% since 2010. Three British icons (Rolls Royce Phantom II, + 499%, Aston Martin DB2/4,

+ 469% and DB4 Vantage Volante, + 330%), two German classics (BMW M1, 449% and Mercedes 190SL Roadster, + 412%) and three Ferraris (512 BB, + 392%, 500 Superfast, + 354% and 212 Inter Europa

by Vignale, + 330%) complete the top ten with French TalbotLago T26 GS (+ 327%).

Whilst the report highlights a somewhat predictable rise among the most sought-after models, more humble cars such as the Fiat 850 Spider and Lancia Integrale Evo 1 are proving to be equally desirable as they have doubled or even tripled in value since 2010.

Classic Trader MD Timo Joost explains: “Our decision to add this valuable reference tool to the website was inspired by a wish to cater for what many call ‘passion investing’;

it is for anybody who enjoys classic vehicles and wishes to gain an insight of the classic car market, specific popular marques and interesting trending phenomena within market movements, with a view to investment. Like many

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other alternative investments, the classic car market is short of affordable, reliable, accurate information and/or analysis.”

Link to interactive guide on Classic Trader: www.classic-trader.com/uk/ passion-investing-classic-cars

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Ciara Etherson Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has appointed Ciara Etherson to the role of Marketing Executive.

Ms Etherson has taken over the reins from Margaret Stewart MBE, who recently retired. She will be leading QMS’s food service activity and will also manage the everyday running of The Scotch Beef Club, promoting beef club members throughout Scotland and The UK.

BOOK REVIEW ‘The Rat Stone Serenade’

by Denzil Meyrick

Mike Buttle Chief UK is pleased to announce that Mark Buttle joined the company in January 2016 as Sales Manager for the UK sales region. Mark has a broad technical and sales background and has taken on his new role with characteristic energy. The MD of Chief UK, Rod Watson, said that the appointment had come about due to the high degree of interest generated by regularly exhibiting full scale silos, dryers & cleaners at Lamma, Cereals & Highlands.

Callum Lawrie Kuhn Farm Machinery has appointed Callum Lawrie in a Technical Support role to provide specialised aftersales help for its customers in Scotland.

Callum, who grew up on a Kinrossshire dairy farm, has 16 years of experience as a qualified agricultural machinery engineer and mechanic.

He will be responsible for providing technical support and aftersales service advice for KUHN’s full range of grassland, arable, livestock and landscape maintenance machinery ranges.

Tim Roads Property consultancy Bidwells, is delighted to have a new member of staff to bolster its already thriving estate management business based in Perth. Tim Roads, 29, took up the position of rural surveyor with Bidwells in February bringing with him experience in a wide range of rural land management issues including valuations gained while previously being employed by Smiths Gore and latterly Savills-Smiths Gore.

David Mein David Mein has been appointed as Service Manager for the new range of Strautmann products, following OPICO’s successful launch as the UK’s sole distributor of this leading forage and feeding technology brand. In his new role, David will be responsible for liaising with the factory in Germany and providing technical support in the UK.

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Page Turner’s

Have you heard the whispers?

There is a new Scottish crime writer. One with remarkable sales, intriguing reviews and a growing following through bookshops and bookgroups.

That new crime writer is Denzil Meyrick and if you haven’t heard of him you soon will.

Start reading him now.

Scotland has long been home to the creators of legendary fictional detectives including, arguably, some of the greatest of all time: Sherlock Holmes, John Rebus, Precious Ramotswe, Jimmy Perez, James McLevy, Bob Skinner. Not all of their creators set their books here in Scotland but the influence in most is obvious. Readers from around the globe have discovered their work and secured for each, the bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic, cementing the long-standing tradition of great Scottish Crime Writer in the process.

Now there is a new master of crime writing in Scotland and he is being hailed as the West Coast’s answer to Edinburgh’s Rebus.

Sales across Denzil Meyrick’s first three books have taken him pretty close to the top spots in the Amazon best-seller lists and this month Polygon are publishing his new, tense

and dramatic crime-thriller, ‘The Rat Stone Serenade’, a dark and threatening tale set in a small, tightly-knit rural community. This is the fourth book from Meyrick to feature DCI Daley (and his side kick, DS Brian Scott) and this time the detective is uncovering the secrets of a wealthy family who have been cursed for over a century – since an ancestor stole the land on which the family home still stands. This is a wonderfully compelling story, full of twists and turns and dark material the curse decrees that death is coming – but for whom and from what.

A true page-turner and a real treat, ‘The Rat Stone Serenade’, will lead even more readers to discover DCI Daley. Meyrick is an accomplished storyteller and this is a confident novel of modest size, as all crime thrillers should be, allowing the tension to carry through a single weekend of reading.

Hats off to Meyrick who brings both style and authority to this novel, which is very good indeed.

‘The Rat Stone Serenade’ by Denzil Meyrick is published

by Polygon (£8.99pbk) www.birlinn.co.uk

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