Farming Scotland Magazine (September - October 2016)

including SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE (UKonly)

Tuathanachas Alba

magazine

Scottish Ploughing Championships Ploughs Grain Dryers Muck Spreaders Our Farm Shop The Skye Farm Shop In Focus John Deere’s 50th Anniversary The Interview Peter Tait, J & W Tait, Orkney World Farming South Africa

Flavour of Scotland Selling cheese to the USA ‘Isolation Shepherd’ Our penultimate chapter Scottish Country Life With Linda Mellor Country Woman Featuring Beth Johnston Artworks Glasgow born artist Elaine Johnston

Plus Drovers Tales s New to Market s Lifestyle s Estate s Cars including all of our regular news sections and columns £3.00

october 2016

Scotland’s national farming & rural lifestyle magazine

contents

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october 2016

19

34

104

111

SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE We hope you enjoy our new sister title

MAIN FEATURES

WHISKY

13

45

Scottish European Ploughing Championships

Limited Edition offer

26

Ploughs

DROVERS TALES

36

Grain Dryers

61

46

Muck Spreaders

NEW TO MARKET

FLAVOUR of SCOTLAND 19

69

Exporting cheese to the USA

OUR FARM SHOP 22

Diary of Ken Headspeath

The Skye Farm Shop

Ultra hygienic bedding

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE 79

With Linda Mellor

IN FOCUS

EQUINE TRIED & TESTED

23

82

John Deere’s 50th Anniversary

COUNTRY WOMAN

THE INTERVIEW 33

With Peter Tait, J & W Tait, Orkney

World farming 34

South Africa

Our penultimate part 6

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

Organics

66

Crofting

44

Gadgets

67

NSA Scotland

54

Livestock

71

Scottish Government

62

Dairy

73

Farming for the Climate

64

Sheep

75

Conservation Matters

68

Pigs

77

Scottish Land & Estates

70

Renewable Energy

81

Equine Angle

72

Science & Technology

83

S.A.Y.F.C.

74

Estate

85

The Money Man

80

Horses

103 Farm Watch

83

Future Farmer

105 Southern Belle

84

Finance

109 Rural Style

86

Machinery

114 People on the Move

106 @Home 108 Lifestyle

114 Book Review

112 Cars

SUBSCRIPTION

COLUMNS

108 Order your own copy delivered to your door

6

Editor’s bit

9

In my view

ARTWORKS

NEXT ISSUE

12

R.S.A.B.I.

111 With Glasgow born artist Elaine Johnston

20

Farmers Markets

21

Let’s Cook

25

S.O.P.A.

57

Quality Meat Scotland

Out on 1st November.

Main features include: AgriScot 2016 Preview, ATV’s, Diet Feeders, 4x4 Cars, Milking & Dairy Equipment. Plus 2017 Year Planner Wallposter.

104 Featuring Beth Johnston

NEWS

ISOLATION SHEPHERD 42

With Melanie Scott

25

6

Arable

59

The Vet

16

Potatoes

63

NFU Scotland

24

EU News

65

Young Shepherd

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

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

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

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.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 UK growers get to grips with black-grass

editor's bit Locally farmed treasure My family and I have recently taken a couple of long weekends visiting areas of Scotland where I hadn’t been before, and one of the great joys has been discovering so many fantastic restaurants focussed on locally farmed produce.

We have been to Ardnamurchan, visiting a little roadside café that served a fantastic venison burger from the farm over the road.

On Mull we ate massive crab claws, langoustines, great steak pie and even posh fish fingers.

All locally sourced from the West of Scotland.

We even had decent weather!!...Yeah, it’s true!

To witness the continuous growth in small communities of high quality eateries using locally farmed meats, fish and veg is brilliant, and adds so much pleasure to the whole holiday break.

Scottish farmers should be proud of their product, and we the people, should support them full heartedly.

Our next family trip is to the east coast to visit Dunrobiin Castle and stay in the Golspie area. I cannot wait to explore the fishing villages and towns to seek our more locally farmed treasure.

Slàinte, Athole.

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Black-grass now has a serious effect on whole farm profitability and productivity for nearly 60% of arable growers, according to results of the latest nationwide survey conducted by Syngenta.

Ranking the effects out of 10, growers rated the weeds’ effects as 9.7; with less than 2% seeing little or no impact on the farm.

Whilst the problem is continuing to get worse on 60% of farms, encouragingly 75% of farmers now believe they have the tools and measures to get back in control in the future, reported to Syngenta Marketing Communications Lead, Cat Gray.

“A quarter of all growers who completed the survey highlighted the situation has been actually getting better on their farms,” she said. “Utilising a range of integrated agronomy tools, alongside an effective herbicide strategy, appears to be paying dividends.”

The survey revealed that delayed drilling and growing more spring crops were seen as the most popular agronomy changes, both adopted by nearly 90% of respondents. However, whilst 80% of them considered

spring cropping was effective or highly effective, only 23% believed delayed drilling was proving highly effective.

Increased herbicide stacking was being used by 85% of growers, with a similar number

having increased seed rates to further reduce black-grass competitiveness and seed return. Some 57% of growers had grown more competitive hybrid barley in a bid to gain a greater effect.

Salad days – tomatoes that last longer and still taste good The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most valuable fruit crops in the world with an annual global value in excess of $50bn. We eat so many they also play an important role in our diet providing valuable vitamins, minerals and health promoting phytochemicals. Plant breeders are working continuously to supply high yielding, better tasting, more nutritious and longer lasting tomato varieties, but some of the best tasting varieties soften rapidly and can have a short shelf life.

The precise mechanisms involved in tomato softening www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

arable have remained a mystery until now. Research led by Graham Seymour, Professor of Plant Biotechnology in the School of Biosciences at The University of Nottingham, has identified a gene that encodes an enzyme which plays a crucial role in controlling softening of the tomato fruit.

The results, published in July 2016, in the academic journal Nature Biotechnology, could pave the way for new varieties of better tasting tomatoes with improved postharvest life through conventional plant breeding.

The TomNet study was carried out by Professor Seymour in collaboration with Professor

Paul Fraser at Royal Holloway, University of London. It was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Syngenta Seeds, a supplier of vegetable seeds to the global market.

Professor Seymour said: “To support the tomato industry and further improve consumer

satisfaction with new tomato varieties, a major scientific goal has been to identify genes that allow the targeted control of fruit softening without impacting other aspects of ripening. Such work would permit excellent fruit flavour and colour development, combined with enhanced shelf life.”

Consider new varieties Consider varieties outside of the Recommended List when making OSR choices for this autumn, as many of these can offer valuable attributes that suit particular regions and challenges, is the advice from Agrii’s Jim Carswell.

Many varieties do not make the AHDB Recommended List (RL) based purely on their yield, however they often offer valuable agronomic traits and it is worth considering these when making decisions for the autumn, he says.

“In the north for a variety to be successful it must offer good early vigour and autumn development in order to have the best chance of establishing strongly, resisting early pest and disease damage, and growing reliably away from the winter under increasingly variable and challenging climatic conditions.”

“This early growth habit can be influenced by seed rate, soil fertility and sowing time, but it’s largely genetic, allowing varieties to be selected

to make the most of different conditions.”

“In our trials and demonstration sites throughout the north of England and Scotland, we look at a range of varieties that are both on and off the RL, and measure these for relevant attributes.”

For the coming season, we are particularly impressed with the hybrid variety, Archimedes from Limagrain UK that is not only clubroot resistant, but has demonstrated excellent

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agronomic characteristics that suit northern growing conditions, he says.

“Archimedes has been particularly impressive in terms of its vigour; in our trials it has shown itself to be a variety that gets up and away quickly - much more so than the recommended clubroot variety, Mentor. Mentor can struggle a bit in terms of establishment in the more challenging conditions in the north, unless sown early.”

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arable Miscanthus grown from seed available as soon as 2019 Establishing miscanthus from seed rather than rhizome has taken a step nearer to commercial reality with field trials of three promising hybrid varieties getting under way this year.

It’s predicted that miscanthus plugs propagated from seed could be commercially available to farmers as soon as 2019 and seed for direct drilling available a further few years after this.

And with the demand dedicated biomass and bioenergy crops growing at a rapid rate, the need for seed is very real. If the government’s 2050 carbon targets are to be met, the UK will need to increase the area of land devoted to bioenergy crops by over 1

million hectares. According to research commissioned for Defra, published in 2012, the UK could grow up to 3.63 million hectares of short rotation coppice (SRC) and miscanthus without affecting food production, because they thrive on lower grade, marginal land.

The field trials will see the new hybrids up-scaled, planted out and trialled on a commercial scale and mark the second phase of a research project, named MUST (Miscanthus Upscaling Technology) that’s set to increase the cost-efficiency of Britain’s leading energy crop, miscanthus.

Switching from rhizome to seed has the potential to offer huge benefits for growers,

lowering planting costs, improving crop characteristics, yield and consistency.

“This will offer us a very real ability to increase the UK growing area from the 8000 hectares we have today, to the potential of 350,000 ha in the future. If you want to have a crop that can be scalable to millions of acres, then it has to be seed-based.

“Without doubt, the energy market demand is expanding and this will continue. Terravesta’s interest is in expanding the market, but also in expanding value,” says William.

The scope of having successful seed varieties may be huge, because it opens up new opportunities for market expansion. “The benefit that a seed based plant can deliver is that it allows for rapid upscaling and planting,” adds William.

Farmers are offered a longterm fixed price contract, as Terravesta is delivering market certainty with long term indexlinked grower contracts. Over a 15-year period the average net margin for miscanthus is estimated to be £528 per hectare.

Tiny molecules helping to deliver better yields Tiny molecules found in plants are being targeted to breed cereals with the potential to deliver high crop yields under stressful growing conditions such as drought and heat Researchers from the University of Adelaide found small gene-regulating RNA molecules already present in plants could be used to understand why certain strains of cereals fared better in adverse conditions.

Associate Professor Jason Able said by exploiting these RNA pathways, breeders around the globe would be able to more precisely engineer crops and develop varieties better equipped to handle adverse conditions.

“What were identifying is that particular small RNA molecule

controls or could control simple, important targets through the life cycle of a plant”, he said. “Through understanding the functional role of these molecules we may wish to regulate, we may overcome particular environmental challenges”.

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8

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In my view

arable Cover crops

By John Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Fife

The challenge of Brexit

After the cold and wet spring of 2016 many are struggling to see a benefit in the use of cover crops. Are they a valid addition to arable rotations, or just an enigma?

“Results in the field are a far cry from the promise of transformed soil structures, biological enhancements and significant improvements in weed control that were promoted so strongly,” says Dick Neale, Hutchinsons technical manager.

“For many, the result has in fact been wet, cold, slug infested seedbeds that refused to dry. “The high cost with little apparent return will cause many growers to question the value of using cover crops this coming season.”

“However, it’s so important to understand why you are growing a cover crop be that as a green manure, for weed suppression, as forage or for generally improving soil structure and organic matter.”

None of these are mutually exclusive - a cover crop grown to improve soil structure will also store nutrition, stabilise the

soil surface, most likely suppress weed growth and increase soil organic matter,” he says.

He points out that it’s important to remember that a cover crop is the same as any other crop in the soil - it is just being grown in a different context. The multiple benefits of cover cropping are cumulative over years and one year’s beneficial or negative impacts should not be overstated on the one hand, or condemned on the other.

“Most cover crops will be grown on soils destined for spring cropping. For lighter soils without black grass, this means they can be sown as soon as the ground becomes available in the autumn.“ “The primary objective on light soils will be increasing organic matter, soil stabilisation and fertility building. Control of difficult weeds like annual nettle will also be a consideration.

“Seed beds are easy to achieve in light soils, so growing plenty of biomass is not a problem and generally should be a priority on these soils.”

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There are no prizes now for guessing what our Agricultural Industry’s most critical problem will be in the months and probably years that lie ahead.

No prizes either for guessing the nature of the subject which will monopolise all agricultural discussions in the immediate future. For the country has spoken and our future – for better or worse – is to be outside the EU. I’ll lay my cards on the table and admit that I voted to remain within the EU. From an agricultural point of view – when we are currently receiving over 70% of the industry’s net income from Brussels – it was too much of a leap of faith to assume that the present, - or indeed any future British Government would readily agree to provide a similar sum of money to British Farmers.

I am well aware of the agreement that highlights the financial saving that leaving the EU will make for the British Government but there will be many claims on that money from other parts of the economy who also were in receipt of EU resources. The problem is that there are many MPs – from both parties – who have made it abundantly clear that they do not accept that agricultural subsidies should get any priority. There are even some who have stated bluntly that they don’t actually support agricultural subsidies in the first place!

Our other major problem is to negotiate access for our agricultural exports which presently go to other EU countries.

There is no guarantee that we will continue to have free access to the

countries presently taking our produce. Our sheep industry is very dependent on a healthy export trade to France and Italy in particular.

The intensive fruit and vegetable sectors are also highly dependent on this very emotive subject of availability of labour principally from the Eastern EU countries. I have no doubt that the high quality of our Scottish produce will still be much in demand but the effects of any levies or tariffs will have to be carefully negotiated. I certainly cannot see any of the EU countries accepting our exports to any less a standard than Brussels implies at present – so those who believed the red tape and regulations would be easier, will be sadly mistaken.

However we are where we are and we will have to negotiate our ‘exit’ terms as best we can. The fact that approximately 80% of our land mass in Scotland is LFA means that we will have an additional National problem which will require special treatment by the UK Government.

However I do believe our industry – as always – is resilient and will continue to increase our own productivity and efficiency.

Let’s hope so because this time I really believe we are facing major changes both politically, commercially and technically and it will require all our skill and acumen to remain viable.

Our three Farmers Unions are understandably facing the biggest challenge of their existence in securing a viable long term future for our industry.

Let us all support them and wish them well.

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arable Identify brome populations pre-harvest Cereal growers should spot fields with significant brome populations and identify the brome species at harvest, to ensure autumn weed control plans are appropriate to the threat, says Dow AgroSciences.

“Brome species are most effectively controlled by autumn herbicide applications, but are often omitted in the rush to get crops drilled and pre-emergence herbicides applied,” warns Stuart Jackson, Dow’s cereal herbicide specialist.

“If growers can identify those fields with significant populations of brome and ryegrass they can be prioritised for autumn applications.

“Good field observations preharvest should include population density and brome species identification, since post-harvest control measures for sterile and great brome are different to those needed for soft, meadow and rye bromes.”

For sterile and great brome, early post-harvest shallow cultivations are best. Seeds need to be buried or covered to break dormancy and encourage a germination flush before

spraying off with a non-selective herbicide.

However, seeds of soft, meadow and rye bromes need to be left on the soil surface for one month to ripen before cultivation and subsequent spraying off with a non selective herbicide. If buried, immature seed become dormant and survive longer in the soil.

Herbicide applications should also be targeted at the brome species present.

Great and sterile brome species can be the most difficult to eradicate so a robust autumn spray programme is required.

These grassweeds are more effectively controlled when small (Growth Stage 11 – 13) and actively growing. Autumn spray programmes should include a preemergence application soon after drilling (such as 4.0 l/ha Crystal (flufenacet+pendimethalin)) followed by an appropriate postemergence contact graminicide such as Broadway® Star (pyroxsulam+florasulam) with adjuvant, and a residual partner such as Stomp Aqua (pendimethalin).

Bigger capacity reel joins the Bauer Rainstar E-series for large-scale crop irrigation Growers wanting greater area coverage from a single reel irrigator have a new option in the Bauer Rainstar E55 XL – the new flagship model in the renowned Rainstar range.

Available with 125mm or 140mm diameter high-quality PE pipe manufactured in the Bauer factory in Austria, the E55 XL can cover up to 7.7ha per run and twice that area by performing two runs from a central position by rotating the turntable reel.

The newcomer is equipped with a robust galvanised steel chassis and integral hydraulic ground anchor to keep the drum stable in spite of the driving 10

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torque needed to reel-in the hose.

High pulling force – up to 40% greater than with some irrigation reels – is generated

by Bauer’s top-of-the-range and highly-efficient TVR 60 radial water turbine, working in conjunction with a four-speed gearbox, a 1½ in drive chain and large diameter laser cut sprocket.

The turbine’s design and precision assembly ensures it operates with very little water pressure loss, while the unique Vario variable output nozzle exploits what pressure is available by delivering full stream flow over the turbine’s impeller at all settings. In

arable

combination with the computer control system installed, the variable water nozzle maintains a constant hose retraction speed from the beginning to the end of the strip.

For highest volumes, the Rainstar E55 XL is available with 140mm Bauer PE pipe in

500m, 530m and 560m lengths, delivering up to 110cu m/hr and capable of irrigating more than 6ha per draw at a swath width of 110m. The 125mm hose is available in 680m, 710m and 740m lengths, delivering up to 70cu m/hr across irrigation swaths up to 100m wide.

The new irrigator is controlled as standard by the Bauer Ecostar 4300 controller but the new Ecostar 6000 controller is an option, providing more advanced features including a 4.3in LED touch-screen for entering and adjusting settings.

The Ecostar 6000 can store up to 12 different irrigation programmes

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that define retraction speed, preirrigation, post-irrigation and speed zones, and collects operational data transferable to farm records.

The Rainstar E55 XL can also be managed through Bauer’s SmartRain mobile device App, which provides remote monitoring, alerts and control functions.

11

arable OSR: To grow – or not to grow?

The decision to grow, or not to grow, WOSR this autumn will largely revolve around the question of “can I control Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle”(CSFB), both at the adult feeding stage and the larval stage of the pest, says Hutchinsons technical manager, Dick Neale.

Like black grass, one of the primary issues to understand is what the pest does at specific times and any parameters that may cause a certain reaction from the pest, he says.

“We know we have significant numbers of larvae within the crop and these will be pupating in the soil during June. This will lead to adult emergence during July and feeding on weeds, lower leaves in WOSR and field boundaries.

12

“Monitoring numbers of adult beetles present in the harvested crop will give a clear indication of the potential problem in the 2016 autumn crop.”

During August, the adults feed slowly and prepare for the mating season. In early September the adults move to new crops and mate, this is when the aggressive feeding phase of the life cycle starts and the new crop is placed under most pressure.

Mr Neale believes that a clear counter to this is to establish crops as early in August as possible, so that plants are sufficiently robust to cope with some feeding in early September. “Adult feeding continues until egg laying commences, at the base of established plants, during late September and October.

Predation and the onset of winter cause a rapid decline in adult beetle survival after October.”

“The eggs develop in the soil driven by temperature and eggs hatch from October to February. This is a key phase to monitor - the treatment threshold is 2 larvae per plant, or 50% of leaf petioles damaged.”

Where high numbers of adult beetles are evident during the harvesting process, the question of “should I grow WOSR at all?” has to be asked.

As with black grass and disease control in many crops, the agronomic optimums for yield have to be compromised in order to facilitate reliable control of the overriding issues, he says.

“In WOSR the optimum plant population, drilling date and avoidance of verticilium wilt are now being overruled by the need to get the crop past CSFB in the ‘hot spot’ areas of the country.”

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Help us help them

By Paul Tinson

“We are seeing a marked increase in the number of people seeking assistance throughout the country”, explains Paul Tinson. Last year, RSABI, Scotland’s unique charity helping those who have depended upon the land, helped over 900 people, contributing around £600,000 in direct financial support. The Charity helped 688 people during the previous year, so the need for their work is on the increase.

Farmers and crofters have been particularly hard hit in recent times.

Low commodity prices, uncertainty about subsidy payments and very poor weather conditions earlier in the year mean the number of people receiving grant awards and support is on the increase and set to continue.

In response to these circumstances RSABI recently launched a fundraising campaign in a bid to bring in an additional £150,000 of much needed funds over 6 months.

The annual RSABI Great Glen Challenge, sponsored

by Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors spearheads fundraising this August, with readers urged to back their favourite teams with a donation towards the event that can be made at: www.virginmoneygiving. com/fund/RSABIGGC16

RSABI sets a campaign target of £150,000 The Royal Bank of Scotland is also supporting the campaign by hosting a Campaign Gala Dinner at their Gogar HQ in Edinburgh on Friday 27th January 2017. Organisations and individuals interested in supporting this event are invited to call RSABI (0300 111 4166) to learn more.

Regular readers of Farming Scotland Magazine will be aware the publication is a business supporter of RSABI. Around 100 businesses and organisations provide annual support to RSABI as part of the Supporter Scheme.

This year, as part of the Campaign, new individuals (£25), businesses (from £150) and larger corporate organisations (from £500) are urged to show their support for the work the charity undertakes by joining this important scheme.

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

Ploughing Championships Both The Scottish and European ploughing championships are coming up soon with great representation and participation from all over Europe, as well as many trade stands and displays for everyone to enjoy.

Scotland will be hosting the 33rd European Reversible Championships at Saltcoats, Gullane, East Lothian on 19th and 20th October by kind permission of J J & K Trainer and Luffness Ltd, followed by the 54th Scottish Ploughing Championships at West Fenton, East Lothian on 22nd and 23rd October by kind permission of W Courtenay Morrison & Co. The European Reversible is attracting top class ploughers from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Switzerland and Scotland. This will be the first time that Scotland has hosted the prestigious

Accuracy is everything

competition and Ploughing Championships (Scotland) Limited is delighted that Kverneland is on board as main sponsor for both the European Reversible and Scottish Ploughing Championships. The European Reversible is also being sponsored by Claas UK and Kongskilde. Both events are being supported this year

by EventScotland and East Lothian Council as well as local businesses and the local community.

The fields at Saltcoats for the European Reversible are medium to light loam with one having a slight slope which will give ploughmen no problems.

Once the European Reversible champion is selected, it will

be all hands on deck to move equipment across the road to West Fenton for the Scottish Ploughing Championships, which were last held on this site in 2008.

Over 150 ploughers will compete in the different classes for modern, vintage and horse ploughing - conventional (general purpose), classic, multi furrow

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Angus, John Ivory presented Andrew Snr with a Certificate of Achievement at Kirriemuir Show in July to recognise his contribution to Scottish and World ploughing, having won the Scottish Reversible title 10 times and the World Reversible title 5 times - a feat unrivalled by any other plougher. L:R John Ivory, Andrew Mitchell Snr and Dave Carnegie (Scotland’s first world champion).

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PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Traditional horse power in action

reversible butts, classic reversible, Ferguson TE20, vintage mounted, vintage trailing, high cut, horticultural, horses broken furrow and whole furrow, with the champions in each section going on to represent Scotland at World, European, Six and Five Nations championships around the globe.

There are a variety of classes on offer for juniors (under 26 years) - conventional, reversible - butts and multi furrow, classic and vintage - all with trophies and prize money on offer.

The current Scottish reversible and conventional champions - Andrew Mitchell Snr and Andrew Mitchell Jnr from Forfar, will be looking to add to their World titles at this year’s World Ploughing Championships at Crockey Hill, York, hosted by The Society of Ploughmen on 8th - 11th September.

Andrew Snr is the current World Reversible champion, winning the title for a record-breaking fifth time in Denmark last September.

Andrew Jnr has won the World Conventional title twice and was Reserve Champion last year.

14

Provost of Angus, Helen Oswald and Members of Angus Council hosted a Civic Reception in May in the Canmore Room, Forfar to recognise Andrew Mitchell Snr’s contribution to Scottish

and World Ploughing.

The event was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Ian Stirling, Andrew Mitchell and family members, supporters and representatives from the Scottish Ploughing Championships.

Vintage tractors still going strong

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Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Angus, John Ivory presented Andrew Snr with a Certificate of Achievement at Kirriemuir Show in July to recognise his contribution to Scottish and World ploughing, having won the Scottish Reversible title 10 times and the World Reverisble title 5 times - a feat unrivalled by any other plougher.

In addition to the World and British Ploughing Championships at York, The Society of Ploughmen has organised a oneoff World Vintage competition and European Horse class.

Scotland will be represented by Alex Irving from Kirkcudbright in the Vintage Mounted, Raymond Smart from Leven in the Vintage Trailing, and Alistair Pearson from Kirriemuir in the Horses.

The European Vintage Ploughing Championships take place on 24th September at Rowston Farm, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

The European Vintage representatives are George Black from Earlston in the Vintage Mounted, Jim McPherson from Turriff in the Vintage Trailing and Harry Ferguson from Bathgate in the Classic. The organisers have

PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS requested a demonstration of classic reversible ploughing to consider it for inclusion in future events and Steven Fowler from Stonehaven, who won the class at the Scottish Ploughing Championships last year, will be going down to Wales to demonstrate.

The Six Nations Classic and Vintage will be hosted by the County Carlow Ploughing Association on 2nd October 2016 at Kilnock, Ballon, County Carlow, Republic of Ireland.

Scotland’s representatives will be Grant McDonald from Forfar and Willie Grieve Snr from St Andrews in the Vintage Mounted, David Kirkpatrick from Dumfries and Gordon Hepburn Snr from Elgin in the Vintage Trailing and Stuart Forsyth from Berwick and Gordon Hepburn Jnr from Elgin in the Classic.

The European Reversible representatives are Dave Carnegie from Laurencekirk, who was Scotland’s first World Champion in 1996 and Andy Greenhill from Bridge of Earn.

The Scottish Ploughing Championships held a training day at this year’s match site at West Fenton in February and there was a good turnout of enthusiasts who received pointers on how to improve their match ploughing as well as an opportunity to see the type of land that will be available for this year’s match.

Points League trophies are presented at the social evening held on the Saturday evening of the Scottish Ploughing Championships.

The George Mutch Trophy is presented to the plougher achieving the most points in vintage and classic classes at matches affiliated to the Scottish Ploughing Championships in the previous season.

The Rab Birrell Conventional Trophy was presented to Willie Grieve from Cupar for gaining most points in conventional classes and the Dave Carnegie Reversible Trophy was presented to Scott Alexander from Laurencekirk for gaining most points in reversible classes.

Ploughers at the Scottish Ploughing Championships will

need to be on their mettle this year as Andrew Mitchell Snr and Andrew Mitchell Jnr are taking some time out from competing to judge at West Fenton.

Ploughing commences at 9.30 am each morning, and finishes at 2 pm, so make sure you go along early to see all the action. On Saturday there are the Conventional, Classic, Classic Reversible, Multi Furrow and

Reversible Butts, Horses Broken Furrow, Ferguson TE20, Horticultural and Junior classes.

On Sunday are the Plough Offs to select the Scottish Champion Conventional and Reversible ploughers as well as Vintage Mounted, Vintage Trailing, High Cut, Horticultural, Juniors and Horses - Whole Furrow.

Alongside the competition ploughing there will be machinery

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stands, demonstrations by modern farm machinery as well as vintage machinery and a display of vintage tractors and stationary engines on site.

More information is available on the website at www.scotplough. co.uk and you can also keep up to date with the latest news via the Scottish Ploughing Championships Facebook page.

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potatoes New Diagnostics Modules on Tong HMI controls keeps downtime to a minimum In line with a continuous commitment to providing vegetable growers and processors with advanced grading and handling equipment that is designed to increase efficiency whilst minimising maintenance and downtime, Tong Engineering is offering a time-saving Diagnostics module as part of its latest pro-series Auto-Touch HMI touch screen control.

Available as an option on all its latest equipment, Tong’s pro-series controls can be specified as part of the Auto-Touch HMI control system, adding a level of control and system intelligence that brings users advanced system monitoring and reporting.

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“The idea behind our latest Diagnostics module is to provide the user with continuous system monitoring and reporting, so they can see how their equipment or line is running at any given time, in real time.” explains Tony Smith, Technical Manager at Tong Engineering. “The Diagnostics module is a highly proactive system, that is designed to provide real-time notifications of the status of the line. This includes offering regular notifications of assurance when the line is running efficiently, as well as real-time alerts of any issues that potentially need checking or maintenance for optimal operation. This includes

information on emergency stop alerts, motor and inverter loading statistics or areas such as whether a conveyor belt isn’t tracking efficiently. By being proactive, any issues can be rectified quickly to prevent further deterioration, meaning downtime and maintenance really is kept to a minimum, saving time, labour and ultimately costs.”

The intelligent Diagnostics module provides users with continuous status monitoring, so that it the event of an issue, the exact location is automatically pin-pointed, enabling quick and easy problem solving and resetting. Any such issues are displayed visually on the touchscreen, allowing users of any level to see exactly where the problem has occurred, for a

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quick resolution. This feature significantly reduces downtime, removing the guess-work on machine trips and fault-finding.

It also means that in a majority of cases, such issues can be resolved without the requirement of an engineer.

Working alongside the Diagnostics module is a new Maintenance Schedule module, which allows the run-time of any machine component to be recorded in terms of running hours or calendar periods, indicating when any part may need to be maintained or changed, making any scheduled maintenance much more efficient. This new feature not only improves the efficiency of maintenance but also allows users to be more pro-active in their maintenance

potatoes routines, minimising wear and repair costs whilst saving time.

“The continuous system monitoring that the Diagnostics and Maintenance modules offer, gives operators an exceptionally high level of intelligence about the status of their handling equipment at any given time,” added Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “In addition, the latest safety technology that is also incorporated within these new modules enables safe running of parts of the line whilst others are under adjustment or maintenance.”

“Diagnosis and problem solving really is quicker and easier than ever before, meaning growers and processors can enjoy more continuous operation and increased productivity of their handling facilities when embracing the leading-edge technologies that are now available as an option on our latest equipment,” said Edward.

Trio of New SRUC Aberdeen Graduates Make Potato Industry Sit Up and Take Notice Three new graduates from the Aberdeen Campus of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have made the potato industry sit up and take notice with their degree dissertations.

The trio of self-confessed “tattie-heads” have been chipping away at hard baked farming beliefs on the way things should be done and have mashed their creative ideas together for the future to help beat some potato diseases and transfer the knowledge into industry.

Joe Speed and Stephen Lucas, both 20 and from Kirriemuir in Angus, graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Second Class Honours, at the recent graduation ceremony held at Bute Hall, University of Glasgow – alongside the other member of the triumvirate Calum Johnston (22) from Kinfauns in Perth who

received his BA in Rural Business Management First Class Honours.

Interestingly for someone who has just received their degree in agriculture, Joe did not grow up on a farm – but always had an interest in the subject. For his dissertation Joe worked on a project on Watery Wound Rot – an increasingly common disease that causes potatoes to rot in storage, particularly when harvested early in the season.

Joe worked with McCain Potatoes and found differences between different varieties in their susceptibility to this ailment. He presented his findings at a growers event in Montrose in June. His research highlighted the important message to farmers - “don’t lift too early.”

Speaking after his graduation, a delighted Joe said: “I thoroughly

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enjoyed carrying out my dissertation with McCain. Like the whole SRUC degree course, I found it insightful and very interesting. I am hoping my findings can be put into practice – changing some of the historic ways of the industry – and making a difference to growers.”

Fellow Kirriemuir student Stephen Lucas is passionate about spuds after growing up on an arable farm growing potatoes, so it was inevitable that he would end up working on a tattie- related subject for his honours project.

His dissertation project focused on trying to reduce Blackleg, a disease that causes valuable seed potatoes to rot in the field and in storage. Stephen worked with Techneat Engineering on a commercial scale trail of a system which produces pulsed UV light -

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potatoes which could be attached to a roller table - to try and reduce Blackleg.

He found that exposing seed tubers to UV light reduced blackleg in one stock, but not another.

In addition to his degree, Stephen also collected a hat trick of prizes including the prestigious Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Silver Medal for the best student in his course.

Speaking after receiving his degree, Stephen said: “Having

grown up mainly with potatoes, my time at SRUC Aberdeen’s Craibstone Campus has greatly broadened my knowledge of the agricultural industry. I would recommend SRUC to anyone wishing to enter the agriculture industry, particularly the support given by many of the lecturers in the college.”

The third member of the trio Calum Johnston studied a different stream, doing his degree in Rural Business Management. But his dissertation also had a potato theme as it centred on electronic communication for knowledge transfer in agriculture.

Calum won the opportunity to attend the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference - and made the most of it by interviewing delegates to add to the quality of his research. A key part of the study involved knowledge transfer within the potato company Branston, who Calum worked with over the past two summers and has now accepted a permanent post with.

Apart from his degree Calum was also received the William J Ferguson Quaich for the Best Fourth Year Student in Rural Business Management. After his graduation Calum said: “My four years studying at SRUC Aberdeen has been an excellent learning experience – from knowledgeable and friendly staff, a variety of modules tailored to suit individual interests, and opening doors for exciting career paths.”

Congratulating Joe, Stephen and Calum, Dr Alex Hilton,

PACKAGED POTATO & VEGETABLE COOLING SYSTEMS

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Agricultural Lecturer, said: “All three students have been a credit to SRUC Aberdeen – approaching their degree studies with great enthusiasm, and have been appropriately rewarded with their degrees. We wish the trio of budding potato experts every success in their future careers and know that their learning journey is really just beginning.

“At SRUC we encourage students to work with external organisations for their honours projects. Joe has flourished with the encouragement he received from McCain Potatoes doing a professional job on his project producing useful outcomes. As for Stephen, he has produced an impressive piece of work – with clear practical outcomes George Robertson, Programme Leader in Rural Business Management, added: “Calum puts 100% into everything that he does, so it is no surprise he achieved his first class honours degree. I have no doubt he will transfer much of what he learned to good practical use in his future career with Branston Potatoes.”

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND Connage Highland Dairy Launches Cheese in USA A Scottish cheese producer has launched one of their products in the USA under the Scottish Dairy brand as part of a major drive to promote dairy products from Scotland.

Connage Highland Dairy’s award winning Dunlop cheese will bear the Scottish Dairy brand as a result of a new partnership between Scottish Development International and US food importer Atalanta.

The new Scottish Dairy brand was launched last month at a food show in New York, and Connage Dunlop, alongside other Scottish cheeses, will bear a new, exclusive logo that will be added to premium Scottish dairy products in the USA. Dunlop is an unpasteurised Scottish hard cheese, which is traditionally cloth bound and matured for between five and seven months to create a creamy, nutty taste and a moist texture.

Owned and run by the Clark family, Connage Highland Dairy has been using traditional techniques to produce a range of organic, handcrafted, vegetarian cheeses since 2006. They use milk from their organic dairy herd of 150 cows, which are mainly Holstein Friesians with Jersey crosses and Norwegian Reds and graze on the luscious clover pastures along the shores of the Moray Firth.

Jill Clark, who manages the cheese side of the business with her husband Callum, had the following to say about the launch of their product in America: “We’re thrilled that our Connage Dunlop has been chosen to represent the Scottish Dairy brand. It’s a great opportunity for both the Scottish food and drink industry and the

Scottish dairy industry to carve out a presence in the USA.” She continued: “If you’d told us when we started making cheese that we’d be launching one of our products in New York within 10 years, we would never have believed you! It’s such a proud moment for Connage Highland Dairy and one that we’ll remember for years to come.”

Jill and Callum were awarded The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum’s Ambassador of the Year 2015, an award which recognises the outstanding contribution of individuals in the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector, recognising innovative, forward thinking and collaborative enterprise, and celebrating excellence and achievement.

Tom Kitchin Supports Perthshire Food Initiatives Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, one of Scotland’s most revered chefs, has revisited his student days during a tour of the teaching kitchens at Perth College UHI. Chef Kitchin joined hospitality students and staff at his former college during a visit to highlight his support of a new Perthshire food initiative.

Perth College hospitality students supported a line-up of celebrity chefs, including Tony Singh and Rosemary Shrager, at the recently held Perth Show which, www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

for the first hosted Perthshire on a Plate, organised by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

Chef Kitchin, who regularly appears on Saturday Kitchen and The One Show, joined Perth College Hospitality Sector Manager Ian Gibb and some of the students, including those who suppored the cooking demonstrations at this year’s show.

“Perthshire On A Plate is set to become an annual showcase for the finest local produce”, said Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

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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 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

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Lidl backing scotch beef NFU Scotland is getting right behind Lidl’s high profile campaign promoting Scotch beef across Great Britain.

The Union’s Livestock Committee is backing the campaign, which has seen significant sums invested in promoting Scotch beef to millions of shoppers on TV and radio, in cinemas, in the press and online.

Committee chairman Charlie Adam said: “We have always said that Scotch beef is the best in the world and it is fantastic that Lidl also believe that Scottish farmers are producing meat worth shouting about.

“The high standards which our farmers work hard to meet,

and the unquestionable quality of our cattle, has helped build a brand which all major retailers can justifiably throw their weight behind.

“We consistently produce the best beef, backed by our high standards of production.

That has attracted this level of backing from Lidl and others retailers should follow on.

“We want shoppers to think ‘Scotch’ and buy ‘Scotch’ when they are looking for the best in beef regardless of where they are in Great Britain. The Lidl campaign, which sees significant investment in promoting ‘Scotch’, supports that ambition.”

Hebridean food company crowd funding campaign

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

Young Scottish food entrepreneur Douglas Stewart (25) is raising capital through a crowd-funding campaign with Crowdcube to increase production capacity for his company’s range of fresh Scottish soups and sauces.

The Hebridean Food Company is seeking an investment of £60,000 in return for 9.46% equity in the business. Funds raised will also be invested in marketing and business development.

70% of the £60k investment has been raised with a single

investment of £25k announced this morning. Douglas’s Crowdcube overfund limit is £150k, meaning the crowd-funding campaign can continue until the end date of 20th August or until £150k is raised. £150k investment equals 24% equity in the business.

Douglas commented: “I’m delighted we’ve raised over £42,000 since launching the campaign less than a week ago. If we reach an overfunded situation, we would be in a position to employ a more aggressive

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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND approach to our business and product development. With UK sales of fresh soups increasing, we spotted an opportunity to create a premium range of Scottish soups using quality ingredients with proper provenance. In addition to this, we have plans to target the health foods market by launching a range of fresh ready meals, as well as expanding our soup range to include health-focused varieties.”

Douglas, a lobster fisherman’s son from the Isle of North Uist, founded the company in 2014. His passion for Hebridean produce started at an early age when his weekends were spent on fishing boats and sorting lobsters. His passion now is to ensure everyone in the UK is able to enjoy a true taste of the Hebrides.

The Hebridean Food Company retails seafood, organic meat and organic lamb, all boasting Hebridean provenance, to consumers across the UK from their online shop. In 2015, the company began the development of a range of 12 soups and 4 sauces. These were launched in January this year. In the same

month the company secured its first nationwide supermarket listing of Mussel Chowder with Aldi. Confident in the product, Aldi have agreed to a further two national listings this September. In addition, contracts for the soups have been secured with Selfridges, Whole Foods Market, Earthy food markets, House of Bruar and The Cress Company wholesale.

Currently the company’s factory has capacity to produce 900,000 tubs of 400g soups per annum with a £1.62m turnover.

Post-investment the company plans to expand their production capacity to produce £3m worth of products annually.

The Hebridean Food Company is working on product development with Colin Bussey, whose 35-year career in the food industry includes roles as executive chef at The Savoy and Gleneagles, operations director at P&C Morris and managing director of Simon Howie Foods.

The fresh soup market in the UK growing in value at 8.6% a year, and is worth £125m this financial year.

Plum Crumble Free Fold Tart

350g store-bought or home-made sweet shortcrust pastry 3 tbsp apricot jam/peach/plum 4-6 plums, sliced or left in halves (depends on size of plums!)

For the topping

SRUC Elmwood Helps Cook up a Recipe for Success at Westfield Family Nurture Centre Community Kitchen

40g butter, softened

The Elmwood campus of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has been helping cook up a recipe for success by contributing produce to the new Community Kitchen at Westfield Family Nurture Centre in Cupar.

The Westfield nursery facility has recently celebrated the official opening of a fantastic permanent purpose built Community Kitchen, designed as a way of helping local families cook healthy nutritional food on a budget.

As well as providing vegetables, compost and practical advice, horticultural students from SRUC Elmwood have also been assisting staff and the pupils of Westfield with the preparation of the soil and planting of the vegetables in the nursery’s gardens.

The produce will be used in the kitchen in a variety of ways

Preheat oven to 200c/180 fan/gas 6.

with many different groups.

Fun cooking sessions are open to all interested parents and carers, with additional support groups for vulnerable families to improve their health. The kitchen can also be accessed to support supervised contact between parents and children where they can enjoy a family meal together.

Diane Ballard, Headteacher at Westfield Family Nurture Centre, said: “We are very grateful for SRUC Elmwood’s expertise, labour and materials. Our links with the college supports the children’s learning and understanding of sustainability and the environment.

“Elmwood’s contribution is also helping to nurture the young workforce by developing skills in growing and farming.”

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2 tbsp almonds, finely chopped 35g flour 2 tbsp caster sugar 1/2

tsp ground cinnamon

Cream or vanilla ice cream to serve

Roll out pastry between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper into a rough round about 5mm thick.

Place the pastry on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Spread the pastry with the jam leaving a 5cm border. Top the jam with the plums.

Fold over the pastry to form a rim.

To make the crumble topping, combine the butter, almonds, flour, sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle in clumps over the top of the peaches.

Bake for 25 minutes or until pastry and the crumble top are golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice-cream or cream.

Serves 4

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

O U R FA R M SHOP

Skye Farm Shop is an Award Winning Independent business which is located in Armadale, on the southern peninsula of the Isle of Skye.

Business owner, Martin MacLure, was brought up on the family croft on Skye and has had a keen interest in crofting since a young age. Martin still helps out on the croft, which has over 30 cows and 250 sheep, and loves to attend the Autumn Sales for a rare day off!

In 2009 the idea of setting up a Farm Shop on the island began, but it wasn’t until 2013 when a change in circumstances presented the opportunity to bring the business idea to fruition.

After several months of exploring options and opportunities, market research and business planning, the business was launched and opened on Friday 13th December 2013 – a date which has proved to be lucky for Martin.

The main aim of the shop is to sell and promote Skye and Highland produce, some of which includes: Skye & Highland Meats, Highlands and Islands Cheeses, Skye grown fruit and vegetables (when available), Island made Jams & Chutneys, Handmade Skye Chocolate & Fudge, Pies, Sausages and a small 22

selection of fish, A selection of Hebridean produce, Scottish Rapeseed Oils, Salad Dressings and Seasoningsand a selection of Allergen Free products biscuits & chocolates.

Provenance has been a key aspect for the business and a map of Scotland in the shop indicates where the stock comes from and makes for interesting viewing! By carefully selecting stock, Martin helps to support local producers and regularly introduces new products which tend not to be available elsewhere locally.

In time of the 1st Anniversary of trading, Martin introduced Highland Beef to the shop which is proving popular.

The Highlanders came from the family croft, which is located 1 mile away from the shop, and were slaughtered on the Isle

of Mull where they were hung for 28 days which allows for a deeper flavour of beef. It is hoped that Autumn 2015 will see the family’s own Black-face Lamb being sold in the shop.

Although the business is still young, it’s growing into a successful shop and has won two awards within its first year of opening. In March 2014, the Farm Shop was nominated and won a Scottish Variety Award (in association with Capital FM) for ‘Best New Scottish Company/ Product’. At the end of June 2014, it was also announced the shop was shortlisted for two further awards, in association with the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2014 in

the categories of ‘New Business Award’ and ‘Independent Food & Drink Retailer of the Year Award’. Martin and his team were delighted to have won the Award for ‘Independent Food & Drink Retailer of the Year 2014’.

In June 2015, the business was shortlisted for another two awards through the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2015 in the categories of ‘Healthier Food & Drink’ and for the second time ‘Independent Food & Drink Retailer of the Year Award’. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Inverness on Friday 23rd October.

In addition to the shop produce, there are some nice teas, freshly ground coffees, home-baking, salad pots and home-made Soups are on offer which can either be enjoyed in the cosy corner seating area or taken away.

Follow them on their Social Media sites to keep up to date on their opening hours, new products and recent news. Open all year round, six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Skye Farm Shop Armadale Sleat, Isle of Skye Tel: 01471 844 462 Web: www.skyefarmshop.co.uk

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IN

One hundred years of John Deere tractors One hundred years of John Deere tractors will be on show at the John Deere 50 Celebration & Heritage Event at Langar near Nottingham on September 24 and 25, 2016, when John Deere Limited publicly celebrates its 50th anniversary in the UK and Ireland.

John Deere customers and fans are invited to join the anniversary celebrations by registering their attendance on the John Deere website at www.

JohnDeere.co.uk/50years, with a chance to win special 50th anniversary merchandise in a prize draw.

As well as trade stands, static machinery exhibits and working demonstrations of tractors

and implements, this special free outdoor event will feature activities and entertainment for all the family. These will include archery, laser clay shooting, falconry and skydiving displays, synchronised kite flying and live music. There will also be a range of local food and produce as well as a licensed bar.

A parade of 50 vintage, classic and modern John Deere tractors and machinery will start with a 1916 Overtime Model R tractor, belonging to Lincolnshire farm manager Malcolm Robinson. This will also include the iconic 4020 tractor, marking the beginnings of John Deere Limited at Langar in 1966, and represent every decade up to the present day, finishing

with John Deere’s new flagship 620hp four-track 9620RX. John Deere Limited started trading from Langar in January 1966, and the original premises are still in use today as the company’s visitor centre and national parts distribution centre. Of the original dealers who continued with the new company from that date, two are still John Deere dealers today and are owned by the same families – Ben Burgess in Norfolk and L E Tuckwell in Suffolk.

In addition to the 4020 tractor, several of the machines that represented the John Deere Limited product line in 1966 will also be at the event, including the first 5010 and 5020 tractors sold in the UK, ploughs, the C10

cultivator and the 530 and 630 combine harvesters.

“Aside from the historic twocylinder John Deere tractors on display, the main focus of the event is to gather together examples of John Deere tractors and machinery sold through John Deere’s UK and Irish dealers from 1966 to 2016,” says heritage event organiser Peter Leech.

“At the moment we have registered tractors for every decade from the 1940s, but we would still love to hear from anyone with more recent machines, especially classic models from the 1980s and 1990s – even up to the modern 30 Series tractors. It’s an event for everyone, so tractors of all ages are welcome.”

Owners of old and new John Deere machines who would like to attend the event should submit an application form, downloadable from www.JohnDeere.co.uk/50years. The website also features more details of the history of John Deere Limited in the UK and Ireland, together with a timeline of key dates.

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EU NEWS

By Chris McCullough

Farming unions agree shared ambition for UK farming The farming unions from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have committed to work together on a new shared ambition for a progressive future for farming post-Brexit.

Representing 76,000 farm businesses across the UK, the Presidents and Directors from NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru, and UFU met at Agriculture House, Stoneleigh yesterday (1 August).

During the meeting, each agreed that their organisations must be the focal point for cross-border cooperation in the wake of the UK’s decision to

leave the European Union. The farming leaders identified the trade and investment climate as a critical focus for the Unions to collaborate on, as well as ensuring simple access to labour, domestic farm policies that work for farmers across the UK and clarity over the UK exit’s from the EU. NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie, on behalf of the UK Presidents said: “UK farming is a strong, dynamic sector that already contributes so much to society and the economy. But the industry has huge potential.

That is why the coming months and years are vitally important to develop the right policies that enable our great industry to prosper.

“We have committed to providing a united front for the 76,000 farm businesses we represent and the 460,000 people who work on farms across the UK. We believe this will provide us with the best chances of working with Government departments on the policies that will impact UK agriculture.

“The working areas we’ve just identified are the building blocks to the strong, collective

and influential voice that we want to achieve for the industry.

In the unchartered waters that our government is in, we want to be the consistent, reliable and representative body to look to for expertise in these working areas.

“Agriculture is the bedrock of the UK’s largest manufacturing industry, food and drink, worth £108 billion. The Presidents of the farming unions have made it our mission to ensure that this value is matched with an ambition to shape a profitable, productive and progressive future for food production.”

Three GMOs receive EC backing Three GMOs for food and feed use have been authorised by the European Commission following intensive testing.

The Commission says it has authorised three GMOs soybean MON 87708 x MON 89788,

soybean MON 87705 x MON 89788 and soybean FG 72, after all of them went through a comprehensive authorisation procedure, including a favourable scientific assessment

by EFSA.

However, the authorisation decisions do not cover cultivation.

The GMOs approved had received ‘no opinion’ votes from the Member States in both the Standing and Appeal Committees

and the Commission adopted the pending decisions.

The authorisations are valid for 10 years, and any products produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU’s strict labelling and traceability rules.

UK’s milk production shrinks as EU prepares to pay farmers to cut more Milk production in the UK has fallen by just over 10 per cent in the past year prompted by farmers quitting the industry and some cutting production.

Figures just released by the AHDB show daily deliveries for the two weeks ending July 16 2016 are down more than 10 24

per cent lower than a year ago and six per cent down on the three-year average.

Daily deliveries over the first half of July averaged 37.2m litres/day, which is 4.2m litres/day (10.2%) lower than during the same period last year.

Deliveries averaged 38.9m litres per day during the two weeks prior to this.

The production news comes just as the European Commission is preparing to compensate farmers for reducing their supplies of milk.

In a further bid to help Europe’s struggling farmers the Commission

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has announced a new package of aid worth around €500m.

Although the finer details of the package will not be known until at least mid-September the overall total equates to around compensation of 14.5 euro cents per litre or 12.5 pence paid for every litre farmers don’t produce.

organics

Brexit and all that!

Soil Association Certification helps to grow the market for organic meat Sales of organic red meat have increased following research confirming organic meat contains up to 50% more Omega-3 than non-organic meat. The meta-analysis from Newcastle University was published in the British Journal of Nutrition in February 2016 and received significant media attention. According to Nielsen data, overall organic red meat sales are now in growth, with clear improvements in the 12 weeks to June 18 and sales increasing by 4.1% against the negative trend in non-organic red meat sales.

Lee Holdstock from Soil Association Certification said; “Despite changes due to seasonality and the availability of red meat, we are beginning to see a clear improvement in organic sales, especially organic beef which is even higher than overall growth in organic red meat sales.

The Soil Association works to promote the benefits of organic to consumers, and we did all we could to spread the important message of this new scientific research, including through social media and marketing materials available to all licensees. It is fantastic to see that sales are now starting to show sustained growth. ”

Soil Association Certification’s Organic Meat Forum saw record attendance last week, with numerous businesses joining the session to hear upbeat news from retailers and food service companies, as well as from scientists, all outlining opportunities for continued growth in organic meat. This positive outlook should provide further confidence to producers considering converting to organic to increase supply into the UK market.

Holdstock continued; “It is clear that people are interested in eating ‘better meat’ and organic certainly fits their demands. Whilst we advise farmers to investigate the market for organic before considering conversion, we have strong reason to believe that organic livestock production is a viable option. As well as rising sales for beef and lamb, organic production from grazing livestock fed on grass and forage diets, has a positive impact on the environment and soils – something we all need to look to protect for future generations.”

To find out more about how the Soil Association helps organic farmers: https:// w w w. s o i l a s s o c i a t i o n . o rg / certification/

Since Brexit we have seen more head scratching than useful decision making. The only consensus seems to be the surprise that the Leave vote won and that we now face a period of uncertainty.

The future of agriculture is wrapped in an autumnal fog, and sadly nobody appears to have any firm answers about the future of Scotland’s agriculture.

Well, SOPA can offer one prediction. The organic rules that govern UK organic food production will not change significantly.

There will be no reduction in the stringency of the rules because whether we are in or out of Europe, to trade with the EU Scotland will need equivalency to EU regulations on environment, water, soil and indeed the organic regulation.

At present Scotland’s organic food production is governed by EU Regulation and administered by Defra at Westminster. If we want to continue to trade with the EU., we will have to design a Scottish organic law that complies with the EU organic regulation.

When we add Scottish devolution to the Brexit uncertainty we really don’t

know what the future holds.

There are some precedents in place already: Norway and Iceland are non-EU member states but are part of the European Economic Area. As such these nonEU countries produce to the EU organic regulation without the need for equivalence agreements or trade agreements.

Farming support is high on the worry list at present and it would be complacent to expect Westminster to continue CAP payments.

Scottish Government has much closer links to the agriculture industry than Westminster so they could be more sympathetic – and it is encumbent on us all to help design a system that suits Scotland and its people. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could free ourselves of some of the bureaucracy, because let’s face it, a blanket CAP regulation does not always suit our unique climate, environment and agriculture.

With Brexit we do have an opportunity to rewrite the rule book but there are so many new rules to devise the fog is not going to clear for a few autumns yet.

SOPA (Scottish Organic Producers Association) has been certifying and supporting organic food and farming in Scotland for more than 25 years.

For more information contact Scotland’s largest organic body www.sopa.org.uk tel 0131 335 6606 @ScottishOrganic

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PLOUGHS

The cutting edge in ploughs The technology of the fine line Amazone plough range extended with new stone release plough

Keeping the 240 hp headstock, 100 cm point to point clearance and 83 cm underbeam clearance from the standard shear bolt plough, the new Cayron 200VS-100 5 & 6 furrow stone release ploughs feature a hydraulic auto-reset system which enables the central release force to be adjusted from the tractor cab.

On contact with a stone, a hydraulic accumulator on each leg allows the oil to be released from the ram to let that leg rise. The lift force is progressively reduced as the lift height increases but then, as the obstacle is cleared, the down force quickly returns ensuring the reliable pulling of the plough body back into the ground. The hydraulic stone protection system can give way up to a lift height of up to 45 cm and offers a lateral 26

deflection of up to 20 cm. The shear bolt is maintained in the system to further protect the plough in cases where any movement exceeds this range. A larger ram diameter on the first body automatically provides a release force 18 % higher than the subsequent bodies for better penetration on the headland or due to furrow wall consolidation caused by the tractor tyres running in the furrow.

The release force value, measured at the share tip, can be varied from 800 to 2,000 kg meaning that the plough can be operated at the lowest possible release force relevant for that location, resulting in the maximum structural protection of the plough and effectively preventing the ploughing up of stones.

In addition to the usual U 40 C-blade, a universal mouldboard that is ideal for light to medium-heavy soils, the Cayron range now offers two heavy land mouldboards, the W35 and the S35. Both these new mouldboards maintain the characteristics of the U40 of easypulling, wide furrow clearing and a good crumbling effect and they also keep that enlarged front shin on the mouldboard that covers the entire wear area helps reduce wearing metal costs and the point covers the wing, thus preventing baler twine, wires or root residues from becoming trapped.

The W 35 C-Blade helical mouldboard and the S 35 C-blade scrolled mouldboard work across a range of working depths from

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18 to 30 cm and 30 to 50 cm furrow widths. Trashboards are also an option on both the W35 and S35 mouldboards The W 35 C-blade spiral mouldboard has been developed for operation on medium-heavy loamy and clayey soils where the spiral shape allows a clean turning of the soil furrow and, simultaneously, a low pulling power requirement. The S 35 C-Blade scrolled mouldboard is designed for ploughing under the most arduous of soil conditions in heavily sticking soil types.

The longer mouldboard holds the soil for longer ensuring a reliable inversion of the soil furrow and effectively prevents the ploughed earth from falling back into the furrow.

PLOUGHS

Gregoire Besson RW6 Plough Designed with user comfort, robustness and ploughing quality in mind, the Gregoire Besson RW6 mounted plough is suitable for 180 – 280hp tractors and available in 4 or 5 furrows.

The RW6 features an offset, curved leg, making it easier to pull, less wearing on metal parts and more fuel efficient. The 140 x 140mm frame features a suspended headstock to absorb the shock load from the three point linkage on headland manoeuvres. It also provides even weight distribution and allows for a smoother ride on field and headland. The width can be varied, hydraulically, from 12 to 20 inches on the move.

The model includes incab electronic controls to hydraulically adjust the depth and inclination for ease of use. A transport lock and variable front furrow width can also be engaged to adapt to all conditions.

In a bid to win the continuing fight against black grass, weeds and disease (mycotoxins) without the use of excessive chemicals, ploughing is still proving the most effective deterrent.

Available in 4-5 and 6 furrows the RW6 Mounted Plough from Grégoire-Besson offers highperformance ploughing through the use of the latest technology such as 3-point linkage suspension, angle adjustment, headstock-toframe linkage via parallelogram, hydraulic independent front furrow adjustment and plough alignment.

To optimise traction and lateral forces, the R6 is equipped with new offset leg elements. This technology combined with the new frame in “Z” design allows a better wheel position, wheel track is ‘taken out’ and load transfer is optimised.

With compaction and ventilation key, soil erosion also needs careful consideration –

especially went working light to medium land. The ANDPAK range of fully mounted rollers allows for consolidation of the soil directly behind the plough, limiting erosion whilst increasing moisture conservation. The result, an ideal structure for seedbed preparation or for sowing directly behind the plough.

Vario assembly ensures the ANDPAK roller adapts

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automatically to the width of the plough, whilst the realignment cylinder offers height adjustment of the roller, ensuring the correct compaction pressure is applied. In addition to offering both ploughing and soil consolidation in one pass the ANDPAK from GrégoireBesson offers a reduction in both labour and fuel consumption costs.

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PLOUGHS

Kuhn ploughs range KUHN Farm Machinery’s plough range offers an extensive selection of mounted and semimounted reversible ploughs, as well as machines offering variable width capability. The company’s range of VARI-LEADER, VARIMASTER, MULTI-MASTER, MULTI-LEADER and VARICHALLENGER machines range in size from simple two tine ploughs, to implements with as many as twelve plough bodies.

The VARI-LEADER is KUHN’s range of variable width, semi-mounted, single wheel, reversible ploughs. Available in 6, 7 and 8 furrow formats, with width adjustment of 35-55cm, the VARI-LEADER range is suitable for tractors up to 360 hp.

The Z-frame design means there is very little wheel overhang during work at field edges and allows the potential to fit tyres up to a diameter of 1,200mm.

VARI-LEADER plough have a large offset range, with adjustments made by sliding the drawbar to change the wheel spacing between 1.15m and 1.60m. Underbeam clearance is 80cm and point-to-point clearance is 102cm. Working depth is easily adjusted.

The VARI-LEADER range starts at £33,288 for the VARILEADER 6 with Kuhn’s NonStop Hydraulic safety system.

The VARI-MASTER 123 is KUHN’s latest reversible, variable working width plough.

Available in 3, 4 and 5 body formats, the VARI-MASTER 123 retains the robust one-piece headstock and large diameter turnover shaft of earlier models, but is enhanced by additional offsetting and angling facilities.

Skimmers are fitted in a sheath to allow accurate adjustment in three dimensions of height, lengthways and sideways.

Working width can be adjusted between 30 and 45cm. Underbeam clearance is 75cm, while interbody distance is 90cm.

All pivot points are bushed for durability, and a side-mounted triangular reinforcement adds strength to the main beam.

VARI-MASTER ploughs can be specified with either a traction bolt or non-stop hydraulic autoreset protection (NSH). The share point release pressure on NSHequipped machines can be adjusted between 600 and 1,300kg, and can be increased (with the option of Maxibar) to 2,500kg. The

VARI-MASTER123 range has a maximum power rating of 105hp in its 3-body format and up to 175hp with 5 bodies.

The VARI-MASTER123 range starts at £12,257 for the VARI-MASTER3E with T-traction safety bolt, and £13,997 for the NSH equipped version.

The MULTI-MASTER 123 is KUHN’s latest series of reversible ploughs.

Available in 3, 4, 5 and 6 body formats, the MULTI-MASTER123 retains the robust one-piece headstock and large diameter

turnover shaft of earlier models, but is enhanced by additional offsetting and angling facilities.

Skimmers are fitted in a sheath to allow accurate adjustment in three dimensions of height, lengthways and sideways.

Furrow widths can be set at 35, 40 or 45cm. Underbeam (75cm) and interbody (90cm) distances provide exceptional clearances. All pivot points are bushed for durability, and a side-mounted triangular reinforcement adds strength to the main beam.

Red ploughs from Kongskilde Kongskilde Red ploughs are now in full production following the introduction of the “one brand strategy”

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late last year. Designed and developed in the Swedish Overum factory famed for plough production for over

150 years! The new Red range builds on all the experience and knowledge of the past.

From conventional ploughs to modern reversible with on land/in furrow and semi mounted variants, there is a plough to suit almost every farm in the UK. Apart from the new branding, a brand new XLD mould board is now fully available which is aimed for farmers needing to plough to depths between 10”-14”.

At the same time the XLD body creates a wider furrow bottom to accommodate lager tractor tyres which are more common place today. For the even bigger tyres and tracked tractors, on land/in furrow models are the optimum choice.

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Shear Bolt and hydraulic trip release (Overum were the first to introduce hydraulic trip release) models are available against stone protection.

Terra C plough presses for front mounting are gaining in popularity. This Kongskilde design incorporates two rows of inter locking big diameter wavy discs which “cut and press” the soil ahead of drills and or power harrows combinations. Front mounted hydraulic adjustable levelling boards are a common UK optional extra chosen.

Available in 3.0m rigid and 4.0m, 4,5m and 6.0m hydraulic folding, the Terra C is a step up from conventional cat ring presses.

PLOUGHS

Intelligent ploughing from Kverneland

The 2500-series fully-mounted plough range is perhaps one of the biggest innovations in farm machinery since development of the plough itself.

It is radically different to current models in a number of ways; there’s an all-new leg design - the Aero-Profile offering lighter weight but greater strength; a new skimmer design for improved trash burial, but simpler adjustment; a swiveling depth wheel, with the option of a rubber tracked version too that sits under the plough beam, offering a longer footprint and better depth control.

There is an all-new headstock design too, which cleverly unlocks and folds, and is combined with a steering cross-shaft - this gives the fully-mounted plough the characteristics of a trailer when in transport.

So transport is simpler, with better manoeuvrability 30

and without a long rear overhang, is much safer too. And there is no need to uncouple or relocate the top link.

The jewel in the crown though, is the introduction of the i-Plough version. This isobus controlled, flagship 2500-series plough benefits from an electronic control system that allows almost complete set-up of the plough from the tractor seat.

In addition, its vari-width function can be managed by GPS, allowing the plough to steer itself to maintain a straight furrow.

The i-Plough has four operating modes; transport, work, park and mark. And switching between modes sees the plough automatically configure itself, without the need to reach for a tape measure.

In five- and six-furrow builds, the i-Plough is suitable for tractors up to 280hp.

Kverneland has also taken the wraps off an all-new semimounted plough series called the PN/RN 100, available in eight- and nine-furrow builds.

Its No28 bodies are protected by shearbolt on RN 100 models, and autoreset mechanism on PN 100 versions. The latter uses Kverneland’s proven multileaf spring design that affords non-stop ploughing.

Filling a gap in the range between the fully-mounted EO/LO seven-furrow and the flagship semi-mounted PW/ RW from seven to 12 furrows, the new plough delivers the convenience of a small plough in a high-output package.

Available with manual variwidth from 14-20in, and using a single-wheel format, the PN/ RN 100 offers in-furrow and on-land capability - the latter with enough offset to suit

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wheeled and tracked tractors up to 3.4m in width.

“This new plough has been developed for customers with 200-400hp tractors on wheels or tracks, who frequently swap between ploughing and cultivating,” explains Kverneland Group UK plough specialist Adam Burt.

“Those customers want to change implements quickly and easily, so it is more important to them to have a high-output plough that is mechanically simple to set-up and use,” he says. “Those customers also want the flexibility to use the plough on more than one tractor, and not be tied to one specific tractor for all the farm’s ploughing. The PN/RN 100 is that plough.”

“All it needs is three doubleacting spool valves to operate,” he says. “Couple up, adjust the offset and front furrow, and away you go. It is that simple.”

PLOUGHS

Pottinger Traction Control For years plough operators have often been frustrated in difficult conditions by increased wheel slip and damaging smearing of the furrow bottom. Added to this is the reduced output and increased fuel consumption which ultimately decreases efficiency of the whole operation.

In answer to this frustrating problem Pottinger offers it’s simple but highly effective Traction Control system that can dramatically reduce wheel slippage, by increasing traction and thus maximise efficiency.

This system acts by directly transferring load back to the tractors wheels from the plough via the top link. This is done whilst still maintaining use of the slotted top link hole on mounted models, allowing the plough to track changes in ground contour. Also in turn it

ensures a consistent ploughing depth whilst maintaining the constant load, ensuring wheel slippage is kept to a minimum.

A nitrogen charged accumulator allows for displacement of oil from the controlling ram whilst maintaining this loading regardless of movement of the top link pin in the slotted hole.

This constant loading of the tractor wheels also enables the operator to reduce the amount of draft control being used. This ensures the plough remains ploughing at a constant depth even when encountering compacted soil. As a result of the increased traction the tractor the can plough though these compacted areas offering a constant ploughing depth across the entire field. This constant ploughing depth is critical to aid good plant establishment, crop growth and drainage.

D-K-R

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Main Dealers for Gregoire Besson Ploughs

D-K-R AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Westfield, Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6HN 4EL s &!8 E-Mail: dkrcoulter@hotmail-com www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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PLOUGHS

Rabe Albatros and Super-Albatros ploughs

The system requires nothing more than a single acting hydraulic service from the tractor, this hydraulic service controls the amount of load that is transferred back to the tractors wheels from the plough.

The operator can alter this as conditions worsen or improve allowing the plough and tractor to be worked at its most efficient.

Independent tests were carried out by the Soil Science department of the University of Vienna. Using a Pottinger Servo 45S 5 furrow model across a range of soil types several, at a range of working depths the trial has shown that fuel savings of up to 18% are achievable, when utilising the Pottinger Traction Control system.

The Traction Control unit can be fitted to any Pottinger Servo 45S mounted plough or Servo 6.50 semi mounted model as an optional extra.

Dealers for Rabe Ploughs 0LANT (IRE s 3ALES 3ERVICE Agricultural Machinery Dealers

Middle Balado, Kinross KY13 0NH

Tel: 01577 863173 32

Rabe Albatros and SuperAlbatros ploughs are wellsuited for tractors of up to 200HP and 260HP respectively.

These mounted reversible ploughs are available in four, five and six furrows.

The Albatros offers a robust four-step working width adjustment, while the Super Albatros V model provides a continuous working width adjustment from 33cm to 53cm.

Both models make use of separate hydraulic rams for frame alignment and working width adjustment, meaning there is no adjustment to the working width when the frame aligns before and after turning. The arched plough legs also provide a low centre

of gravity and offer ease of use and manoeuvrability.

The HydroAvant function available on both models offers hydraulic stone protection with a cranked lever, hydraulic ram, accumulator and leg shear bolt.

Rabe also offers a wide choice of headstocks, elements, plough bodies and other accessories that provide excellent ploughing results in a range of soil conditions. A depth wheel with a damper and joint on the wheel stalk can be mounted further forward or rearward for even depth control. A combination wheel with a damping and swivelling ram offers even depth control, hydraulic working depth control which makes it easy to transport on roads.

Order your FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Limited Edition Whisky See page 45

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IN THE BEGINNING Q1) Where were you born?

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. The Viking capital of the north and the most densely cattle populated area in Europe.

Q2) What is your earliest memory?

Probably something to do with boats.

Q3) How would you describe your childhood upbringing?

My brother & I were brought up largely by my father who was widowed when I was one and a half. We tagged along at work with my father and got involved early on with tractors & machines, boats & farmers in general. Even more so when my father remarried Jean Maxwell, a farmer outside Kirkwall, who encouraged me in all things farming.

Q4) How was school for you?

School was fine, we had good classes, mostly competent teachers. Our school was Kirkwall Grammar School which was a large Victorian building and far ahead of modern ones. I stayed until 6th year.

MOVING ON Q5) What were you into during your teenage years?

I was into old cars around the farm roads, also got involved with scrambling which was a big thing in Orkney at that time. Any old bike would do. Eventually it became like lots of sports – he who hath the most money wins! I also got involved with day boat sailing, my father had a yachting world catamaran which there were a lot of here, also a traditional sailing dingy. I sailed for many years afterwards.

Q6) Who was the first influence in your life?

I suppose the biggest change was when I went to work with Captain Bill Dennison of the Elwick Bay Shipping Company (he was ex RN). They ran coasters up and down the East and West coast of the UK, also to Belgium, Holland & France. This gave me an insight into a totally different lifestyle at sea with a different breed of people.

He taught me navigation, I learned cooking! plus how to drive a crane & a ship. We saw continental life long ahead of our time!

Q7) College, University or straight into work?

One year at UNI doing a BSE abandoned!

THE INTERVIEW up close & personal Your Name: Peter Tait Your job title: Company Managing Director Company name: J&W Tait Ltd What you do for the company?

I am a salesman as is anyone in business.

People management. Looking after agricultural machinery sales.

We also sell steel frame sheds which I do principally, we also have an extensive property rental business which involves quite a bit of time as does our on going property development, I also sell fertiliser, feed, general agricultural goods…and business is always expanding.

I realised quickly at that time Edinburgh was geared for GCE, if you were SCE you were already one year behind. Perhaps now our lapsed politician (ex PM) with no business experience has retired we will have more sensible politics! at least our new PM and Nicola do!

Q8) Any unusual working experiences from those early years?

Many unusual working experiences,

but nothing that could be explained in the UK-remember we are off shore.

GROWING UP Q9) What was your first car?

A Morris 8 Q10) Be honest now, did you pass your test first time?

Second time Q11) Can you remember your first love or passion?

Yes!

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LIFE & LEISURE Q12) Do you have a talent that you would like to share with us?

Nothing really that springs to mind!

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

Walking, gardening, boating in general, old cars, visiting my daughter in Bangkok.

Q14) How is life today for you?

Life today is good, you seem to do more the older you get!

We do try and take nice holidays & do have 4 grandchildren to amuse us.

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

If you work hard you will get the rewards.

INTO BUSINESS Q16) Your current job, can you tell us a little more about what you do?

As we are a diverse business involved in many aspects of farming, for example feed, fertiliser, seed grain, minerals, feed blocks, lawncare, tractors, cars, 4x4s, farm machinery, concrete products imported from Holland, Kit buildings, property development & rental. My job varies with the seasons as it does with the years. I spend lots of time visiting farms, speaking to customers on the phone.

Collecting debt!

Q17) Is there a ‘dream job’ out there waiting for you?

No dream job awaiting, quite happy with what I am doing as all my work is so variable and there are always new challenges.

Plus my daughter Allison is going to follow on!

LAST THOUGHTS Q18) If there was a single person (from today or the past) you would love to meet?

I would like to speak to Nicola Sturgeon, not because I admire her politics, but I like her strength of character, her ability to cope with all who wish to demean her. I would find her stimulating company!

Q19) And finally, is there one thing in the world you would like to change?

I would like to change our successive governments attitude to the agricultural industry.

We are the most ignored section of society Europe Wide.

I think Brexit is great for our industry.

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South Africa Diversity is the name of the game in the rainbow nation

By Fiona Sloan

WORLD FARMING It is difficult to give a snapshot of agriculture in South Africa, as the word which best describes it is “diverse”. The greatest asset of South Africa, is its abundance and diversity of natural beauty.

It is a land of striking contrasts from the white beaches and green vineyards of the Western Cape, the rugged semi-arid Northwest, the lush green hills of KwaZuluNatal, and the world famous game reserves of the Eastern Lowveld.

The country can be divided into distinct farming regions and farming activities range from intensive crop production in winter rainfall and high summer rainfall areas, to cattle ranching in the bushveld and sheep farming in the more arid regions.

Climate and soil combinations leave only 12% of the country suitable for the production of rain-fed crops. With only 3% considered truly fertile land.

Most of South Africa’s land surface, is however, suitable for grazing and livestock farming is by far the largest agricultural sector in the country.

The grain industry is also one of the largest industries in South Africa, producing between 25% and 33% of the country’s total gross agricultural production.

The largest area of farmland is planted with maize, followed by wheat and to a lesser extent, sugarcane and sunflowers.

South African red meat production has failed to keep 34

up with consumption at 85%, with local demand generally outstripping production and is based on the locally developed Bonsmara and Drakensberger breeds, with European breeds such as Charolais, Hereford, Angus, Sussex and Simmental, together with Brahman, important to beef production.

South African sheep farming is concentrated in the Northern, Eastern and Western Capes, Free

State and Mpumalanga. About 50% of the country’s sheep are Merinos for quality wool production, with the mutton type Merino, Dorper sheep and the meaty Boar Goat being used for meat production.

Changing eating habits of the population has seen a significant move to white meat and intensive pig and poultry production has increased significantly over the last 20 years. The chicken

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industry in particular, has not been able to meet the massive increase in local demand for white meat, making chicken one of South Africa’s largest agricultural imports.

The increase in poultry, has also meant that increased amounts of maize, have been needed to feed the chickens and Maize is now not keeping up with the human consumption, leading to increased imports of wheat.

WORLD FARMING

South Africa accounts for around 65% of world sales of ostrich products of leather, meat and feathers.

South African milk production has remained relatively constant, although imports of dairy products have

exceeded exports since 2000.

The dairy industry is important to South Africa’s job market, with over 4,000 milk producers employing about 60,000 farmworkers and indirectly providing jobs to some 40,000 people.

South Africa is in the top ten wine producers in the world, making the wine industry of the Western Cape highly significant, not only for its outstanding wine but like most of South Africa, tourism is a very important industry throughout the country and the wine tourists to the area bring significant income to the region. Over 110 000 hectares of land are under cultivation, with over 300-million vines. Around 84% of wines are produced by

cooperatives from 4,000 primary wine producers.

Vegetables and fruit are produced in many areas with potatoes being the main crop followed by tomatoes, sweet corn and onions and the arid sub-tropical climate, allows thriving industries in Cotton, tea, tobacco, oriental plants and cut flowers.

It is generally accepted that South Africa needs to ensure a healthy agricultural industry that contributes to the country’s gross GDP, food security, social welfare, job creation and ecotourism, while adding value to raw materials. The health of the agricultural sector, however, depends on the sustainability of farming methods.

Brazil’s great latent potential to feed the world Brazil features over 75 million hectares of underused pasturelands which could be turned into productive cropland. Together with the expected increase of global grain & oilseed consumption throughout the next decade, Brazil is a natural candidate for responding to this demand by increasing supply, especially of soybeans—its main export grain commodity, according to the Rabobank report ‘Build it and they will come; The impact of port expansion on

Brazilian soybean production and exports’.

The outlook for the global demand for grains & oilseeds is very promising for the near future, as the dietary shift towards foods with higher protein content in developing countries (particularly China and India) materialises— driven by rising incomes and a growing middle class. Global demand for animal feed is also set to increase. This will boost grain consumption, since grain comprises over 70 percent of conventional feed ingredients.

Lacking port capacity and a history of underinvestment in port terminals has, however, remained a key bottleneck for Brazil when it comes to fully realising its grain trade potential. Yet, according to Grains & Oilseeds Analyst Renato Rasmussen at Rabobank: “Large investments being made by the private sector in port facilities in the so-called “Northern Arc” tend to motivate an increase of approximately 16 million tons of Brazilian soybean

exports by 2025. As a result, Brazil’s soy area is expected to experience a drastic increase in the coming years.”

Victor Ikeda, Farm Inputs Analyst at Rabobank says: “About 4 million hectares of underused pastureland should go through this conversion in the next five years.

In a decade, 9 million or 10 million hectares are expected to have been turned into productive cropland.

This represents outstanding opportunities not only for farm inputs companies but to the entire Brazilian agribusiness.”

Netherlands set as the stage for growing moves to tackle global food challenge European food producers and policy makers are set to play a growing role in harnessing global efforts to provide enough safe, nutritious food to an expanding population, one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.

The Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) will be launching its European edition in The Netherlands from

9-10 May 2017 at the Jaabeurs Expo Centre in Utrecht.

When GFIA was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2014, it was borne out of the passion of 40 influential organisations including the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Bank, that wanted a platform to start a globally significant

dialogue on how we feed nine billion people.

GFIA has since evolved into the world’s largest dedicated showcase of sustainable agriculture innovations. It not only comprises a forum for key stakeholders to discuss policy, strategy and solutions for a food secure future, but also a large exhibition where 300+ suppliers meet thousands of farmers and

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procurement managers from government, food producers, agri businesses, NGOs and cooperatives.“GFIA has received enthusiastic and vocal support from the Dutch Government since its launch in Abu Dhabi in 2014 and we are delighted to stage a regional edition in Utrecht with their continued support in 2017,” says Nicola Davison, Project Director of GFIA. 35

GRAIN DRYERS

GRAIN DRYERS Providing solutions, service and savings Allmet’s Intelligent Dryer Control System Allmet is helping its customers to reduce drying costs and increase drying capacity thanks to the launch of the Intelligent Dryer Control (IDC) System.

This latest technical advance brought to the UK market is the result of Allmet’s alliance with Tornum AB, a strategic business partnership that has seen the two companies share expertise and resources to focus on product research and development.

The IDC, is long-awaited in the grain market and will benefit customers by minimizing over drying, maximizing obtainable product quality, weight and prices

36

and providing total process control.

Allmet Director, Charles White explained: “Drying grain precisely is a complex process that you want to get right to maximise the best possible price. When you use manual methods you run the risk of not reaching the desired moisture content levels, or over drying. The IDC takes the guess work out of this by maintaining the average outgoing moisture content of the grain, despite large variations in incoming moisture content.”

To illustrate the benefits of the IDC - overstepping the mark by drying to 13 percent instead of 14

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GRAIN DRYERS can typically add up to 20 percent to your energy bill, give you an additional 1% loss in weight and reduce your dryer’s capacity by up to 16 percent.

Fellow Allmet Director, James White added: “The IDC optimizes the drying process by using

intelligent software that adapts to conditions. There’s no need for manual adjustments you have total control over the drying process and can change the grain type and drying recipe where ever you are, at the touch a button either from a PC or a tablet.”

Plug & Play Grain Driers from Alvan Blanch Award winning agricultural machinery manufacturer, Alvan Blanch has developed a range of self-contained drying systems. The DF6000 and DF9000 - Plug and play driers incorporate a grain-handling unit. A receiving hopper and trailer sized buffer silo enable an immediate empty and quick return to harvesting. A robust self-contained unit providing everything you require to operate the drier, heat, power, fuel and control panel are available.

Take delivery one day, set it up and be drying your crop the next day. Store it safely in a barn for the next harvest.

The models boast favourable heat recovery ratios, based on a thermal load of 500kW and continuously rated

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electrical load of 15.25kW for the drier, and 13kW for the service unit.

Coupled with the unit’s automation, which includes a built-in control panel within the self-contained unit, the impressive fuel efficiency offers considerable cost savings.

Any Alvan Blanch drier comes with the comprehensive back up that farmers have come to associate with the company, including full service and spares support from our base here in the UK. Alvan Blanch are a British manufacturing and project engineering company since 1952. Their company strategy is to understand market needs and take excellent care of customer requirements.

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GRAIN DRYERS

BDC Svegma Grain Dryers offer flexible drying solutions The Svegma continuous flow grain dryer has been available in the UK since 1983 and is exclusively available through BDC System Limited, a company which has been instrumental developing the driers design for the UK market.

Svegma driers are available in a large range of sizes with five different widths from 2m to 8m and in capacities from 8tph to over 100tph. The model shown here is a 9/5 drier with integral discharge and 3 Akron Turboclean dust extraction fans.

Constructed from heavy gauge galvanised steel for a long life and durability, Svegma driers can be installed indoors or outside without the need for cladding, although this is available when planning or

environmental requirements demand. The compact design and modular formation provides flexibility of installation in confined spaces and easy future extension.

Ground operated cooling doors can be adjusted to give more or less cooling when in operation.

The proven mixed flow design allows the drier to operate at its optimum efficiency with a low power consumption and minimum maintenance. There are no fixings, flanges or ledges in the grain column, ensuring continuous unobstructed grain movement. This is essential when drying specialist seed crops to avoid contamination.

The fully galvanised discharge section, available with either pulse roller or shutter discharge,

provide positive and even grain movement throughout the grain column. Clean out between crops is achieved with a single lever

operation and sight glasses and access doors in the hopper provide easy visual inspection of the crop leaving the drier.

Chief CD Grain Dryers The CD range of dryers has been developed to be exceptionally efficient and flexible, offering an extensive list of options to fulfil as many customer and legislative requirements as possible. These include multifuel options such as gas and steam; solid fuel and oil; direct or indirect firing; fire detection and suppression systems; dust suppression systems; additional silencing; heat recovery; indoor and outdoor applications; split columns; and stainless steel grain columns.

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Our standard range is from 10-300 tonnes per hour, with a specification of fully galvanised bolted construction, pneumatic positive discharger, internal access, externally clad with thermal insulation, Weishaupt digital burners, Schneider PLC and touch screen control panels with remote internet access.

The CD range of dryers has proved so successful that CHIEF Inc. has invested heavily in new CNC equipment and has doubled the size of the

GRAIN DRYERS UK factory, allowing greater stock of parts, offering shorter and reliable delivery times.

The quality and accuracy of manufacture and despatch is extremely high and efficient. In addition to offering complete installation and commissioning services, each dryer is supplied with a dedicated build drawing and 3D solid works assembly instruction manual.

Kentra on the move to improved efficiency and growth

With dryers installed in all the major grain growing areas of Scotland, from the north of Aberdeen down to the Borders and Northumberland, Kentra are well placed to continue their proud tradition of top quality manufacture and after sales service.

Kentra have been manufacturing grain dryers for over 25 years and their products are well proven in the field. Rugged and reliable, the standard modular dryer line-up provides a wide-ranging choice of throughputs from 6 to over 60 tonnes per hour to suit most types of crop and all drying operations large or small.

Kentra Grain Systems Limited, who are also market leaders in the design and manufacture of high temperature grain dryers, have recently introduced their HPIV Moisture Sensor. This innovative device, when positioned in the path of the grain flow, will

constantly monitor the real-time moisture content of the passing grain. Moisture data is shown on the dryer control panel and a simultaneous log of moisture levels is recorded to provide traceability of drying load parameters. When asked about the benefits of the HPIV Sensor, Managing Director Barry Higginbottom said “At Kentra we always look at product development from our customers’ perspective. This new sensing technology can improve the efficiency of crop drying, removing the chore of frequent manual sampling and saving energy by reducing the risk of over drying. This sensor is an option on all our new machines and in many cases can be retrofitted to existing dryers.�

The introduction of this new microwave technology fits in well with the existing control system used by the dryer.

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GRAIN DRYERS

Opico Grain Dryers OPICO’s grain dryers are available either fuelled by gas (the GT range) or diesel (the Magna range).

Both ranges include models with automatic programming options. For instance, the times allowed for the loading and discharging of grain can be set by the operator, according to the particular farm set-up and/or the moisture content of the crop. This is useful where wet crops are slowing intakes - the ability to increase the loading time prevents the dryer from shutting down. Dryers also come with an SMS text messaging system: a message can be sent to several mobile phone numbers to forewarn when the drying cycle is nearing completion, or in the event of any electrical or burner faults.

The largest of OPICO’s diesel-fired Magna dryers is the 4810QF Automatic: it has a 48t holding capacity and is capable of drying 20t/hr. It retails at £91,513 + VAT. A popular size within the range is the 20t holding capacity 2000QF, which can dry at 10t per hour, and retails from £45,335 + VAT.

In OPICO’s gas-fired GT dryer range, liquid propane gas is used to provide a very clean, easily controllable and even heat. Many farmers prefer this fuel source when drying malting barley and milling crops.

The smallest dryer in the range is the GT 355XL with a 9t holding capacity, capable of drying at 4.5 t/hr. It retails at £28,195 +VAT. At the top of the range for size and automation is the 800QF Automatic which has an 18t holding capacity and can dry 7.5t per hour. It retails at £52,470 + VAT.

Mobile customer service from Master Farm

Master Driers offer capacity, efficiency, flexibility and reliability as standard, coupled with an in house experienced and comprehensive service back up team with over 40 years of experience, mobile driers are now a serious and viable alternative when it comes to on farm drying.

With various options including their innovative Mastermatic Touch Screen Control System, now included as standard on our Electric Drive Models, the savings in both time and money mean it soon starts paying for itself, especially when working in conjunction with a wet grain bin.

As well as the benefits of Automation and incorporating our tried and test Master Dust Extraction and Gravity Cleaning System you will soon increase your bushel weights, adding further value to your cereal crops.

As with all things in life planning is essential especially when it comes to siting your new Mobile Grain Drier.

Throughout the whole process Master Driers will fully discuss with you all the options available making sure we take all your requirements into account and come up with the best drier that suits your needs in the most cost effective way.

Working closely with companies such as Perry’s of Oakley and AKSA ensures they deliver the right solution for you, on time.

Perry, helping to Future Proof!

Revesby Estates is based near Boston, Lincolnshire. They have 1000 hectares of arable farming and produce 6000 tonnes of grain per annum, a mix of wheat, barley and oil seed rape.

In 1982 Revesby installed a range of 30tph Law Denis handling and drying equipment, but over the years Revesby have expanded their arable farming acreage and as a result the Law Denis equipment was no longer able to keep up with the required throughput capacity. Revesby Estates opted to install both handling and drying equipment from Perry of Oakley Ltd when it was time to upgrade their equipment.

The new installation at Revesby Estates is an intricate network of conveyors, elevators, aspirator cleaners, cyclones, ducting and of course a drier.

The handling equipment is from Perry of Oakley Ltd.’s range of heavy duty handling equipment 40

which is capable of capacities from 80tph to 150tph and is built to a semi-industrial specification, ideally suited to smaller grain stores or larger farmers.

There are four 100tph belt & bucket elevators, all fitted with ATEX approved explosion relief and rotation sensors with under speed monitoring.

There is one uprated and refurbished existing intake and seven new chain & flight conveyors, one of which is a flow and return conveyor and five of them are curve combination conveyors. All of the conveyors are capable of achieving 100tph throughput capacity.

Perry of Oakley Ltd have also installed an aspirator precleaner, which is capable of capacities up to 150tph and has been designed to remove dust, chaff and light particles from the grain before it is dried to improve product quality. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

GRAIN DRYERS

Turbodan Mobile Dryers Having successfully commissioned the last of the pre-season ordered Turbodans for 2016 the possibility of further sales, in England at least, is fading with each fine day. Should conditions change however, they do have refurbished units available from stock.

The Turbodan has seen little change since its initial launch onto the market place in the early 90s. The ethos behind its invention was that it should not only be simple to operate but also offer great flexibility. Tey Farm believe it is those very principles which have helped it to maintain its unique position in an otherwise crowded marketplace.

Whilst it may be difficult to call the tradition tub dryer mobile given the array of intake

hoppers on offer and the fact that many are either gas fired or electric the Turbodan stays true to its roots as a mobile.

Based on a trailer chassis the Turbodan is quickly and easily moved between farmsteads, it requires no auxiliary power supply and has its own on board fuel tank.

Whilst it does not offer a bolt on pre-cleaner any dust and chaff is simply blow out of the trailer during the drying process.

It does not require any fixed handling equipment, you simply load it with a loading shovel or telehandler and unload it by tipping it up in the grainstore.

Turbodans can be, and indeed are, used for drying a great array of combinable crops from Quinoa to Wheat, Peas to Field Maize.

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BOOK SERIALISATION

“Isolation Shepherd” The pipe-smoking Lady Stirling and her husband had always been regular visitors to their lodge at Loch Monar. But she was 70 now, and knew that the stag she was stalking on An Riabhachan, would be her last. For Old Kenny, the stalker, retirement was at hand too. In this exclusive extract from his unforgettable memoir Isolation Shepherd, Iain R Thomson remembers a particularly memorable shoot high above his cottage in the upper reaches of Glen Strathfarrar

My employers, Sir John and Lady Stirling, had very different but distinctive characters and on their trips to Monar, whether for fishing in June, stalking in September, or hind shooting in December, I was often in their company. Sir John had been struggling with an arthritic hip for many years but whatever pain he suffered did not dull his spirit or his sharp twinkling eye. About 70 years of age at this time, how I admired his spirit and toughness.

Lady Stirling, ‘Katie’, was by any standards a formidable woman.

Daughter of that old Highland family, the MacKenzies of Conon and Gairloch, she combined iron will and constitution, brooking no interference with any plans she might make. Her family, she saw to it, did not overeat, indeed Lady Stirling was a most frugal housekeeper and believed in plain living. Tall, erect, steelgrey hair and commanding, one eccentric aspect of her character came to me as a surprise when, early in my acquaintance with them both, we were all sailing west to Strathmore in An Gead on a fresh, squally day. Lady Stirling, in her Monar tweed knicker suit, sat in the bow for a little shelter as the boat danced on the lively waves. To my amazement, though I tried not to show it, she took out a tobacco pouch and little clay pipe.

Soon the fragrance of tobacco smoke blew down to me as Lady Stirling puffed away.

For some reason she put the pipe down and it vanished under the bottom boards with the heaving of the boat. Windy day or not Sir John and I had to lift all the 42

floorboards until we came on the pipe lying in the sloshing bilges.

By way of explanation Lady Stirling told me she had picked up the pipe habit from the fishermen at Gairloch when she was a young girl.

Yes, her Ladyship could make things tick, she ran the lodge affairs with firmness making sure there was no wastage and, perhaps a more difficult task, attempting to protect the young lassies who came to help as maids from marauding ghillies or itinerant shepherds.

Behind all her fierceness Lady Stirling showed a great kindness and sincerity for the welfare of many less fortunate people.

My interest in red deer and stalking matters soon became equal to that of my attention to the subtle art of sheep husbandry.

No day passed without my seeing deer near or far. Due to the constant exercise of changing

focal distance my eyesight became quick and sharp. Having worn reading glasses during my army service 1 quickly found my vision so improved that I have not required them since. The deer often blend so effectively with their background, only the keenest eye would pick them out.

It was my privilege to accompany Lady Stirling and old Kenny MacKay on their last stalk together. The three of us met in the stable yard at Pait. Busying myself putting a deer saddle on the ever-willing Dandy, I gave him an extra handful of bruised oats as the voices of Kenny and Lady Stirling making plans for the day carried into the dim stable. We were for the distant Riabhachan face, I gathered from their conversation.

Old Kenny led with a springy step that never left him to his very last days. Lady Stirling, with myself leading Dandy, followed him up

‘Old’ Kenny Mackay with the last stag shot before his retirement from Pait Forest’

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the path winding southwards, hugging the morning-bright waters of a roguish burn which had its source at nearly 4,000 feet in crystal cold springs called the Wells of Riabhachan.

The fresh, steady southwest wind which caught our faces was bracing and invigorating.

Never did I feel more alive to the sunlight. It warmed face and arms as we climbed gradually out past the top hill park gate. Lightsome we stepped out to the sheiling greens of yesteryear, waiting yet long forgotten, sparkling with a canopy of cobweb-laced dew on their maturing unwanted grasses.

To our right lay the purple shoulder of Beinn Bheag, heavy in deep heather.

The clip-clop of Dandy’s feet on the stony path told a private world of our progress. Ahead, green and peaceful in the thin, sharp light, lay the rolling ridges

BOOK SERIALISATION and corries of the great Riabhachan face. Turning left the path dipped down to the boisterous burn which spread over the black glistening slabs of a waterfall in a curtain of sunlight patterned water.

Stalker and sportswoman crossed the foaming waters by means of a flimsy wire swing bridge which dipped and swayed ten feet above the burn. I mounted and crossed with Dandy. A sharp pull up the bank brought us to a rumble of stones fashioned into a crude shelter. This low knoll commanded a panoramic spread of hill ground, majestic in sheer scale and dominance over human arrogance. It was a natural spying place and the ponyman’s waiting stance. Old Kenny never hurried a day, and here we sat, our thick tweed suits making comfortable a damp, cold seat.

Emanating quiet enthusiasm, telescope steadied by stick, Kenny began a deliberate study of the position of various groups of deer spread before us over thousands of acres. Having carried up the rifle and supplies, I took a quick spy and then, appetite edged by the vigorous day, ate half of my venison piece. Lady Stirling sat quietly, content in the beauty of the day. Kenny directed me to spy a towering eminence sweeping up from the Riabhachan wells and just as he indicated I picked out a useful stag lying quietly above a group of perhaps eight or ten hinds.

We climbed to the top of the steep moss-pooled runner and started to cross firm open ground.

We headed diagonally west and gently upwards towards the shoulder on which we hoped the deer might still be resting. Kenny, crouching as he walked, stopped and spied frequently. No word passed amongst us. We moved without a sound.

Abruptly, Kenny stopped. I knew he had sighted the deer we stalked. Hand out behind to warn us, the old man sank imperceptibly to his knees and spied again. Close behind him, we acted likewise.

Without a word Kenny began to crawl stealthily forward. The stalker suddenly lay face down.

In line, down we went, bodies on the mossy wet ground. Every

stone must now be used to keep us in dead ground from the dozing deer. Lady Stirling crawled as we did, her boots and thick socks just a foot from my face. I took care to keep the rifle dry, free from dirt yet certainly close to the ground.

Face to the ground, I crawled on. After what seemed hundreds of yards we stopped. I knew the deer to be close, in fact such is the keenness of senses I could smell their acrid scent borne on the light steady breeze. Lady Stirling inched gradually forward and lay beside the stalker. Only a smallish boulder gave cover. I moved a little, not daring to breathe. Kenny looked back and motioned the rifle. Taking an age to clear it from the case, I slid it forward. I looked up very slowly keeping my chin pressed to the ground. There on the knoll lay a fine stag not 80 yards away. He flicked an ear and cudded. In his full view I hugged the ground. The hinds below him were not in my sight. I lay flat and waited. The water soaked into my tweeds.

‘The stag had caught the sound. Up he got, head on to us. Time turned to heartbeats’ Turning my head to the side at a sound, I saw Lady Stirling fumbling with her glasses case.

The rifle lay ready before her. The stag instantly alert, stared fixedly down, he had caught the sound.

Up he got, head on to us. Time turned to heartbeats.

He eased, turned his head up the hill. Magnificent; personi¬fication of the wild power of hill and glen, this handsome beast now broadside to us, outlined against ridge and sky, threw up his great head and roared a challenge.

‘Now,’ I heard. Crack... In an exploding second his world of bright sun and pure freedom crashed to the ground. Dead; shot through the heart. Dead before the echo of his brave call to life could float back from the far corrie wall.

We lay on without moving.

Kenny spied again, then satisfied the stag lay dead, he stood up. ‘Well done, you got him.’

Lady Stirling was overcome.

Pait Lodge, where Sir John and Lady Stirling stayed for the fishing in June, salking in September or shooting hinds in December

She thanked us both with some emotion, obviously feeling that deep, strange mixture of lust and regret which comes at a great kill. I went over and bled the stilltwitching stag at the neck. His eyes stared out of memory.

I wiped the blooded knife on his proud dark mane. Out spread his red sacrifice on the cool green moss. Kenny sat down and took out his pipe. Lady Stirling moved to a boulder and they both looked away to the hills of the west, clear in the falling sun. Old Kenny knew retirement was at hand. The Lady knew changes were being forced on the glen. Neither spoke.

After a while they talked a little of bygone days, the wistfulness of inner thoughts showed through their conversation.

However, Lady Stirling, not to be downhearted, said, ‘Come on, Kenny, we are both 70. I’ll race you to the top of Riabhachan.’

‘Och, you can be going if you like, I’ll attend to the stag.’ The old lady set off with a will and climbed the remaining 500 feet to the top. It would be for the last time, that she somehow knew. My job was clear, I ran down for Dandy who spotted me coming from a distance and, pleased something was happening at last, gave me a call. We soon picked our way back up to where the veteran stalker waited, stag gralloched and ready to load. Dandy was such a handy pony and would have lain down to make our loading easy if he could.

We put him alongside a bank. He stood rock firm and with a quick

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pull I slid the heavy stag onto the saddle. ‘You’d better wait till she comes down,’ instructed Kenny, then, ‘what a woman!’ he laughed, shaking his head. He set off down the hillside with the tricky job of leading a pony on steep ground, for the stag is always likely to fall forwards. I waited, watching with admiration old Kenny pick out the easiest way down below on the fading slopes.

‘The lowering sun spread the colour of life far away on the Applecross and Gairloch hills. I saw she was in tears’ By and by Lady Stirling joined me. The lowering sun spread the colour of life far away on the Applecross and Gairloch hills and she looked long and thoughtful, perhaps to scenes of her youth. I saw she was in tears.

Around us in the purple light of evening there was a chill to the air. Gently I led the way down.

She was very tired. We talked quietly of many things. Loch Monar lay dark, as we retraced our morning steps past the hill park gate. The lights of Pait lodge held a welcome in their twinkle.

This is an edited extract from Iain R Thomson’s Isolation Shepherd, which is published by Birlinn, price £8.99 43

GADGETS JFC “Dumpy – Tip-over Drinker” Awarded for Technical Innovation JFC Agri “Dumpy – Tipover Drinker” – DBL9 won a Certificate of Commendation at this year’s Royal Highland Show. The award was granted by the The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) under its Technical Innovation Award scheme for 2016, Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design.

“Dumpy – Tip-over Drinker” is an all-new 3.5 litre rotating drink bowl that allows the farmer to empty the contents by the press of a button. It operates by gravity, simply using the weight of water to swing 180 degrees, while dumping the entire contents on to the ground/

slats. This innovative drinker also swings back to a working position all within the same movement.

JFC’s “Dumpy – Tipover Drinker” improves animal welfare by providing

cleaner drinking water. An independently fitted ball cock is secured to an integrated protection bracket, ensuring no movement and minimum valve adjustment required. The JFC “Dumpy – Tip-over Drinker” is innovatively designed, to allow easy service access to the ball cock from its open position.

The “Dumpy – Tip-over Drinker” from JFC offers an innovative solution to the problem of high SCC (somatic cell count) on farms. High SCC can be attributed to many factors and is often related to primary management practices, including milking equipment/technique, housing, cleanliness of the environment, quality of water,

feed, preventive health measures and stress.

Poor quality of drinking water can be major contributor to high SCC. Farmers are aware of the importance of having fresh drinking water available for their animals and their daily chores include cleaning the drinkers, particularly when cows are housed indoors.

This is usually an unpleasant task which may have to be conducted several times a day. Until now there was no drinker on the market that made this job simple, effective and easy!

To see our DBL9 in action follow the link https://youtu. be/BfFOQVEgpdQ

Cub Cadet extends new mobile APP offering to Android Platform Lawn and grounds care machinery expert, Cub Cadet, has announced its latest initiative to offer more to its dealers by making its free-to-download app available to android as well as Apple devices.

The app contains all details and specifications across the entire 2016 Cub Cadet range and is easily divided by product type for quick and simple navigation.

Originally launched for Apple devices in March, the app has proven to be so popular, that this Android version makes it even more accessible, to even more users. The Apple app has already had well over 500 downloads, with around a 50/50 split between phones and tablets, and this figure only continues to rise.

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It has been deliberately designed as a speedy tool for dealers when face to face with customers, but also provides customers another means of researching online before visiting their local Cub Cadet dealer.

The app has a catalogue style approach and from the home page users simply select the product type that they are interested in across the full Cub Cadet line up, encompassing Lawnmowers, Mini-Riders, Lawn Tractors, Zero-Turn Riders, Robotics, UTV and Chore Performers.

Each product has a vast amount of detail to choose from with quick reference guides highlighting each product’s key features and benefits, along with advice on which product to choose based upon mowing area.

Dealers and consumers alike can easily see detailed product specifications including; cutting information, discharge system, engine details, drive systems, dimensions and price. For further information and videos, it is possible to link through to the Cub Cadet website.

Nick Hills, general manager of Cub Cadet UK, commented: “Cub Cadet’s heritage spans 55 years. Whilst we have a strong and prestigious background, we are always evolving and looking to new technologies to support our dealers and customers. The success of our app is yet another example of that. Supporting our dealers is key to our success so we want to do all we can to help them, which is why we have rolled out the Powershop

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showroom displays and developed this APP.” The Cub Cadet app can be downloaded from iTunes by searching “Cub Cadet” or with the following link https://itunes. apple.com/gb/app/cub-cadet-uk/ id1086670294?mt=8 for Apple devices The Android version can be found by searching “Cub Cadet” on Google Play or with the following link https://play.google. com/store/apps/details?id=com. barrus.cubcadetuk&hl=en_GB

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:

Mobile

Email

Send to: Farming Scotland Magazine, Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Perth, PH2 7BU

MUCK SPREADERS

Spreading it around A look at some of the best-known Muck Spreaders on the market Abbey AP spreader range The Abbey AP Multi-Purpose spreader range has no rivals in strength or design. The large diameter heavy duty auger is specially designed to create an even flow of material without clogging. The well-constructed drum improves the flow of material, the base of which is fitted with a double skin to provide longevity.

This heavy duty drive is simple, reliable and easily accessible when routine maintenance is required. The discharge rotor is fitted with shear bolt protection as standard, with the door open/close indicator being clearly visible from the tractor cab. Built to provide trouble free service with minimal maintenance and downtime.

Spring paddles ensure an even flow of material into the discharge rotor. Unique floor design reduces the possibility of small stone blockages allowing continuous even spreading.

Overshot expeller provides greater fragmentation of material, coupled with fast and complete emptying, giving even spread over a large area. The high rate of discharge velocity throws material clear of wheel track allowing spreading of broiler manure, mushroom compost, mulch, semi-solids, slurries and factory waste with equally good results.

The vertical door has high clearance allowing foreign objects to be released easily.

Adjustable deflector allows consistency of spread pattern

to be maintained with changing materials. The large Stone trap door allows access to the feeding out area for easy removal of unwanted obstructions, its

rugged construction and easy to open door situated on the base of the machine, rather than the side allows much easier access to a problem, should the need arise.

Bunnings range of designs Throughout 2016, GT Bunning & Sons Ltd have been displaying and demonstrating a wide selection of Lowlander rear discharge spreaders models at all the major agricultural shows and events nationwide. Bunnings

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are the only outright spreader manufacture in the world, with all R & D, design and production effort being concentrated into the Lowlander spreaders. The range starts at 6 tonne capacity and goes up to 40 tonne with the

addition of the Widebody 380 HD. Ensuring that customers get the very best results from their Lowlander spreader is at the heart of Bunnings manufacturing approach.

Although todays range of models are predominantly ordered with twin vertical augers Bunnings are seeing a considerable increase in the number of machines for spreading wider patterns and more accurate application rates.

The former is achieved in a number of different ways depending on what is required; standard augers on the mk4 Range can be replaced with Widebody Augers, these help to improve the spread width and reduce emptying times and are

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mainly specified by customers with the majority of materials spread being cattle and pig manure or compost. A detachable spinner deck can be specified for vertical auger machines, this option has two 1.1 meter diameter spinning discs and can be taken on or off in under 5 minutes. It is best suited to chicken manure and other products to be spread at wider and lower application rates.

Another alternative for vertical auger spreaders is the new simple canopy which hooks on to the rear of the machine and deflects material down onto the bottom blades of the augers, ideal for spreading products like broiler litter and lime. The most effective and increasingly popular variation for wider spread patterns is Bunnings HBD design.

MUCK SPREADERS

The new Fleming MS150 Fleming Agri Products have introduced a new Muck spreader to their compact range of spreaders. The “MS150” joins the existing 4 Fleming muck spreaders (including mini muck, MS450, MS700 & MS1000) Through demand from our dealers and customers in the equine, smallholder and horticulturalist market, The Fleming MS150 has been designed by Fleming’s own in-house design team to complement the existing popular and successful Mini Muck & 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. Designed for

25-50HP compact tractor and driven by the power take off.

Power requirement is geared down through a simple chain and sprocket drive line on heavy duty bearings to reduce the demand on the tractor and increase fuel efficiency. The body of the Fleming MS150 is designed for easy access loading, with a 50mm balanced steel shaft rotor with reinforced starter bars and heavy duty 10mm hardened steel chain flails to give a quick start-up and efficient unloading time.

The Fleming MS150 is manufactured from high quality materials and finished with a 5 stage cleaning and painting process culminating in oven curing for a hardwearing finish.

The unit comes standard with a parking jack, T4 PTO shaft and drawbar hitch.

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MUCK SPREADERS

Celebrating 50 years at Harry West Harry West (Prees) Ltd. manufacture Spreaders, Diet Feeder and Trailers in its Shropshire Factory and are best known for its Dual Spreader range of models from 1300 gallons to 3000 gallons.

These spreaders will deal with slurry and solid material and having a machine in our range will suit most farmers and contractors.

With the design of the Dual taking the material forward keeping weight on to the rear of the tractor ensuring traction is maintained in difficult conditions,

the low power requirement and low ground pressure large radius tyres will ensure fuel economy and create minimum ground compaction. With their robust design and under slung rotor which brakes up the material and keeps it on a low trajectory and our unique moving wall agitator that works continuously to prevent material bridging and with the spiral auger insures a continues and even feed to the discharge rotor They offer a wide range of options to suit individual requests such as removable lids, rollover sheets, and various drawbar

options including hydraulic and mechanical jacks swivel and bolt on hitches including the k80 type

This makes these machines very popular both in the UK and internationally.

New look for Hi Spec chain flail XCEL Hi-Spec Engineering has introduced a new version of the XCEL 1250 rear discharge spreader, that builds on the well proven features of the previous machine.

The XCEL 1250 is unique in that it uses a rotary chain and flail

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system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs. This has the benefit that in the event of a solid object, such as a lump of concrete, being encountered, this will pass through without causing any

damage to the spreader, unlike a spreader fitted with vertical beater bars where there is the potential for costly damage to the rotors or bearings.

The new XCEL 1250 spreader has a solids capacity of 12 tonnes, with a loading height of just 2.5 metres, and now features a new curved side panel design that provides an increased internal volume for greater capacity. This new design also has the advantage that it reduces the risk of material bridging.

To carry material to the slurry door at the rear of the spreader, the new XCEL 1250 is fitted with marine type double floor chains, that are suitable for use with a wide range of manures, both solid or liquid, sludge or very dry chicken

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manure. To keep downtime to a minimum, the chain can now be quickly tensioned manually and the hydraulic system has been simplified.

As previously, material for spreading is initially broken-up by a patented and well proven chain flail and spinning disc system. The heavy duty marine grade chains are attached to a horizontal rotor and have a 10 tonne breaking capacity. Each of the chains is fitted with a Hardox steel flail to effectively break-up even the densest of manure. Hardox hard wearing plate is also now used in all the critical wear zones throughout the spreading system for added durability, reliability and minimal downtime.

MUCK SPREADERS

Tornado3 T5011/11V muck spreader There is a solution for farmers who are looking for a highquality spreader with compact dimensions: the latest model of the JOSKIN TORNADO3 range, the T5011/11V. This spreader is shorter: the body length before the door is now 5 m, which significantly improves the manoeuvres and makes it well suited for narrow paths in rural areas.

Its body height remains 1.13 m, which ensures a very low centre of gravity. With a volume before the door of almost 11 mÂł, the spreader has perfect dimensions.

It also benefits from the same advantages and care taken during its design and manufacturing as the other TORNADO3 spreaders: high resistance to wear (body in HLE 550 steel); professional standardized manufacturing quality; short and compact

vehicle for a low centre of gravity; very good manoeuvrability; limited empty weight; good visibility on the body from the cabin; very

high spreading and crumbling quality; heavy-duty vertical beaters on wide tubes (219 mm) with elastic couplings; beater rotation speed of 445 rpm.

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This makes an offroad compact spreader that will spread precisely and homogeneously, for the most demanding users.

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MUCK SPREADERS

A comprehensive range from Richard Western Richard Western Ltd offer a range of spreaders capable of handling a wide range of farm yard manures, composts and soil improvers and with farmers and growers paying more attention to the value of farmyard manure and its application the product range has developed to keep pace with current trends. The recently revamped Delilah spreader range is a popular choice with contractors and farmers and is now available in the 2000 series with twin vertical beaters or, for more precision application, the 3000 series with horizontal beaters and spinning discs.

The new tapered body design is 1500mm wide at the front widening to 1600mm at the rear and ensures better flow of manure to the spreading rotors. The new body design

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offers a wider loading area for easier loading and the rotor area is 200mm wider at 1700mm. New bigger diameter rotors with bigger diameter rotor tubes increase the rotor tip speed and deliver high capacity shredding. The twin vertical beater machines are fitted with new higher-rated gearboxes with helical cut gears, a move designed to handle the higher horsepower tractors now often used for muck spreading. All machines come with a wide angled PTO shaft and the drive line is protected with a shear bolt and rattle clutch. The D2080, D2100 and D2120 models replace the D8, D10 and D12, while three new models join the range – the 7.5t capacity D2075 and the 9.5t capacity D2095 with a lower loading height than the similarly-sized

D2080 and D2100, and a new flagship machine, the 15t D2150.

The Delilah 3000 series is equipped with spinning discs and horizontal beaters for customers requiring higher

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accuracy at low application rates. Two horizontal rotors shred the material and deliver to the spinning disc unit with an adjustable rear panel to allow the operator to determine the spread pattern.

MUCK SPREADERS

The Samson range The range of Samson manure spreaders can cater for any size farmer/contractor with capacities ranging from 9-29m2.

Samson spreaders are constructed using high tensile Domex steel, this makes the spreader durable and strong but at the same time minimises the net weight which gives a higher loading capacity. All models have a low centre of gravity and large wheels to ensure stability.

The chain floor in Samson spreaders covers 95% of the floor, drivers lift the chains from the bottom to ensure a stable conveying of material toward the drums and reduce the wear on the chains.

The SP range is Samson’s universal spreader series capable of handling all sorts of spreading tasks irrespective

of the sort and nature of the material.

All SP and Flex machines come standard with manual variable adjustment of the chain floor speed, Strong gearbox with automatic securing valve against overload, wide angle PTO with safety overrun clutch, rear lights that can be folded during spreading, rotating draw eye with height adjustment and rubber shock absorbers on the drawbar .

The Flex 16 can contain up to 20m2 and is designed for the professional user, who makes large demands on the dependability of the material and who expects low maintenance costs. It comes standard with Rubig chain which is well known for its outstanding quality. The Flex 16 can be equipped with two different spreading systems:

12M and 24M therefore the spreader can manage all spreading tasks from farmyard manure to industrial spread able waste products such as sludge and ash.

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The 12M equipment is made up of two vertical drums and pendulum mounted deflectors, these drums handle all sorts of manure with great precision.

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MUCK SPREADERS

Teagle Titan Rear Discharge Muck Spreader

The focus of Titan development has been to ensure that users gain the greatest benefit from the nutrients in their manure by effectively shredding muck and evenly spreading it behind the machine.

The shallower pitch of the spreading augers ensures effective mixing and shredding prior to discharge. It is also important to have an auger with a smooth and continuous face to ensure a consistent and even spread pattern.�’ In addition the

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Titan range uses a beater system that is wider than the body of the machine to enable a greater diameter beater to be fitted.

This maximizes tip speed, again essential for effective shredding.

All models are well proportioned to ensure good stability, manoeuvrability and ground clearance. Loading remains easy thanks to the low height of the sides.

For greater driveline protection from foreign objects, a set of swinging flails sit at the base of the

beater and have been developed to fold back under shock loading.

For lighter materials such as poultry manure a series of paddles can be fitted in lieu of the beater tips which further improve the discharge rate and spreading width.

As output becomes increasingly important for farmers and contractors alike, the tall beater system which is fitted as standard across all models offers a massive discharge rate Is inherent in the machines throughout their design

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and production. Seams are continuously welded or sealed to prevent corrosion and machines are shot blasted and primed for superior adhesion of the baked paint finish. All beaters are dynamically balanced by Teagle for smooth running and longevity of the machine.

Electric Control of the bed chain, Sprung Drawbar, Greedy Boards, Wide Angle PTO and Cam Clutch, various Oversize Wheels for reduced ground compaction.

MUCK SPREADERS

Powerspread Pro tank spreaders from Shelbourne Shelbourne Reynolds has revised its short-wheelbase Powerspread Pro sidedischarge tank spreader range for next season, to improve ride and handling, ease of loading, longevity of moving parts and visibility to road traffic. The new models made their national show debut at the Livestock Event at the NEC, back in July.

The new 8,200 litre and 10,500 litre Powerspread Pro 1800 and 2300 machines, which have respective capacities of approximately 11t and 15t of manure, are the mid-sized models in a Powerspread range that spans

7,250-14,500 litre capacities.

When specified in single axle format, they are now shod with 620/75 R26 radial tyres, and feature a body that sits slightly lower in the chassis, with both these upgrades designed to enhance ride and handling. An air braking system can now be specified on both models when ordered as single axle machines.

Having previously undergone a redesign which created a tub with more vertically-inclined walls to aid emptying, both machines now incorporate new extension top designs to make loading easier and reduce the chances of spillage

between filling and spreading.

Meanwhile, in terms of the spreading elements themselves, beefed-up components include a new heavy-duty impeller and stronger bearings for the 750rpmrotating rotor, a larger door ram,

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stiffer door design and a new door seal to ensure the spreader remains leak-proof at all times.

The machines have also been given a new LED light package to enhance visibility to other road users.

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livestock Returning to its roots for the Galloway Cattle

By Fiona Sloan

Any preconceived notion that Galloway Cattle are just “wee hairy black cattle”, was blown to smithereens this week, with the spectacle that was The World Galloway Cattle Conference. “We have a lot of work to do to change peoples’ perception of our breed and show them that the Galloway is able to compete in the commercial world, particularly with the current trend towards native breeds.” Says Scott McKinnon, Chairman of The Galloway Cattle Society. Over

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250 delegates from 16 countries boarded five buses, to enjoy the best of both Galloways and Belted Galloways and were not disappointed at either the stock they saw or the hospitality they received.

With a tight schedule of visits and activities, the congress based itself at The Gretna House Hotel near the border. The welcome dinner on Friday night at the hotel, saw the traditional receiving of the visiting countries flags and allowed time for delegates to meet and renew

old acquaintances. The following morning, the group headed to The National Galloway Show, being hosted this year at Dumfries Show.

With an impressive turnout of over 70 cattle, it was a good way for the visitors to check out the cattle at close quarters and to enjoy one of the biggest one day shows in Scotland. Sunday would have been a welcome day of rest, following the previous evening’s presentation of prizes, accompanied by the usual toasts but it was set aside for

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business, with delegates presenting reports from each of the countries attending. Discussions were held on future promotion of the breed and the way forward in the current economic climate worldwide.

Business was concluded with Australia being voted as the next destination for the congress in two years’ time. Tim Oliver’s, Low House Farm, Hexham was the first stop of several outstanding visits over the next three days.

Farming within a mile of Hadrian’s

livestock Wall, in 1999 Tim started buying Belted Galloways, Longhorns, and Highland cattle to fatten for individual butchers, who sought the marketing qualities of the fantastic flavour of the native breeds. The group then headed north to Alan McClymont’s, Kirkstead Herd, near Selkirk, where the family have farmed since 1967. Twenty years ago, Alan and his late father Robin, travelled to Castle Douglas to purchase a few Galloways and now with over 40 cows in the herd, they are renowned in both the show and sale ring. An evening at The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, was an inspired choice by the organising committee, as there is no better way to portray the culture and pride of Scotland than this magnificent event. Tuesday morning dawned too soon for but another bus journey to Newtown Stewart, allowed complete recovery, before visiting Mochrum Belted Galloway herds, one of the oldest and most famous herds in the world. The 75 cow herd is

based at Mochrum Estate, south of Newtown Stewart and is owned

by Mr David Bertie, a cousin of the late Miss Flora Stuart, who was famous worldwide, not only as President of the Belted Cattle Society, but as custodian of the breed in the UK. Next, it was all aboard for Moniaive, north of Dumfries, to visit the Klondyke Galloway herd, one of the largest herds in the UK. In 2000, the late Bob Gault was looking to purchase a herd of Pedigree Cattle, to supply beef for the farm shops in his chain of Klondyke Garden Centres.

He decided on the Galloway, famed for its tasty meat and well suited to the land and climate on the Maxwelton Estate, which he purchased the previous year. The congress rounded off with a visit to see Muil and Speddoch Belties, owned by Sir JCL Keswick and William Clark Maxwell respectively, then on to the Ross family’s Romesbeoch herd, which have featured at the major shows and sales for over 50 years. The

Duke of Buccleuch, President of the Galloway Cattle Society and member of the Belted Galloway Society, invited the delegates to visit and lunch with him at Drumlanrig Castle, before being show round the castle and gardens.

The congress concluded at Blackcraig, Castle Douglas, a herd famed for breeding quality

livestock whether it is Galloway Cattle or Blackface sheep. In a time of economic uncertainty, this week’s World Galloway congress has cemented the future of the breed worldwide, with deals already done on exports and has been a showcase for a breed whose roots are still producing the top quality animals for which it remains famous.

20 years of success for largest livestock co-op Farm Stock (Scotland) Ltd, the farmer owned marketing group and Scotland’s largest livestock co-operative, has celebrated its 20th year of operation with the announcement of further expansion into Northern England and a major conference for the red meat sector.

The co-op, which was established in 1996 with the merger of 2 lamb marketing groups in the Borders, now serves over 1000 farmers

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covering the whole of southern and central Scotland and up into Perthshire and Stirlingshire, generating an annual turnover in excess of £13million.

Farm Stock Chairman, Ian Watson, commented on the increasing success of the co-op: “Our aim, first and foremost is to maximise returns to livestock producers – members and nonmembers - when they sell stock through us. We do this by working

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livestock to achieve the very best price for stock on any given day and by charging a very low commission rate, which averaged just £1.32 per lamb during the past year. This is less than 2% at current lamb prices.”

“Farm Stock Scotland currently encompasses 5 regional groups, Scott Country Lamb, Lothian Lamb, Galloway Lamb, Ayrshire Lamb and Caledonian Organics.”

“In our 20 years of trading on behalf of these group members, we have worked to ensure the best sale prices for over 3 million prime and store lambs and 100,000 cattle.”

“The increasing number of animals traded by us year on year, gives us greater clout with abattoir buyers. Which in turn means we can pass on better returns to farmers.”

“We are delighted that we are able to celebrate our anniversary year with an increased push into the north of England and

the establishment of a Borders Counties Primestock group, which, as its name suggests will look to source and advantageously market stock from farms in eastern Dumfriesshire, down into Cumbria and over into Northumberland.”

Farm Stock Scotland Ltd has a total of 9 field staff to expertly select stock on-farm, throughout the trading area. These are backed up by the admin team in the coop’s office near Galashiels.

Mr Watson continued: “Our team is fully focussed on achieving the best possible returns for farmers. This in turn, has led to our increased scrutiny of the wider red meat supply chain. To further this work, and as part of our 20th year celebrations, we are planning a major conference in October at which representatives from all sections of the supply chain will discuss how best to cut inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.”

Inverness Farmer sees Benefits of Optimised Grass Production Beef and sheep farmer David Girvan is beginning to see the benefits of rotational grazing on his 3000ha unit near Drumnadrochit, Inverness and recently he shared his experiences with members of Quality Meat Scotland’s North Grazing Group.

The majority of the land on Corrimony and Buntait farms is fairly unproductive hill rising to 2200 feet, so Mr Girvan has to make the most of his 200 or so hectares of in-bye grass and forage crops to feed his stock.

The farms carry 1100 Lleyn and Wiltshire Horn ewes plus they lamb 150 hoggs and 130 mostly Stabiliser cows and followers. Mr Girvan plans to

increase the sheep numbers over the next few years to around 1400 as a result of optimising grass production.

A member of QMS’s north Grazing Group, which is based at Duncan Scott’s farm at Tain, Mr Girvan feels he has learned a lot from the meetings and, for the last few years, has been putting some of the ideas into practice.

Keen to improve and better utilise his grass, Mr Girvan first tinkered with rotational grazing before joining the Grazing Group. He said: “I could see the benefits of it but found moving electric fences every day a lot of work and quite tedious. Since then I have upgraded the fencing and improved the infrastructure to make it easier.”

We will be importing even more venison in five years time predicts Scottish Venison Partnership The Scottish Venison Partnership (SVP) is forecasting that if UK market trends continue the UK will be importing more than double the amount of venison it does now in 5 years time.

SVP estimates that the total annual UK venison outturn is now around 3800 tonnes, around 70 per cent of this coming from Scotland’s wild red deer cull, with other species, Scottish farmed and

wild and farmed from the rest of the UK making up the difference.

However, imports from New Zealand stood at around 17,000 carcase equivalents or c 900 tonnes in 2015 with additional product coming into the UK from Poland, Ireland, Spain and other European countries.

Bill Bewsher, Chairman of the Scottish Venison Partnership, says: “The UK continues to import

around one third of the venison that it consumes, and we export to Europe about one third of what we produce – mostly venison from roe deer and late season red from stags, although this can vary subject to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate.

“We import farmed venison because as yet the UK cannot produce enough volume from farmed stock which gives

consistency in terms of age, colour, eatability and conformation of the meat.”

The number of deer farms is increasing in the UK. Scottish deer farmers are now also eligible for the Basic Payment, having been excluded until two years ago, and the Scottish Government has been supporting initiatives such as the Deer Farm and Park Demonstration Day Programme.

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livestock In 2015 he divided a couple of smaller fields into five ha paddocks and this year he has split a 20ha field into four equal paddocks and has been impressed with how the grass has improved.

He said: “I feel I have not quite mastered it yet, however I hope that after weaning I will see a big improvement in lamb live weight gains instead of the usual dip.”

Last year his lambs averaged 30kg at weaning, representing a growth rate of 250g per day but it is the live weight gains after weaning which Mr Girvan really wants to focus on, and he is confident they will be better this year as he can already see that the grass is looking and performing better under a rotational system.

At the moment he is only rotational grazing at the home farm of Corrimony but once he starts to see results, he will invest in the infrastructure to develop the system at Buntait too. He is taking more silage under the system, has added 12 ha of root. crops and yet is keeping slightly more stock. His

hope is that further improvement in his grazing management will enable him to increase stocking levels further.

The first graze is for sheep and if there is enough cover left on the field, then he follows up with cows and calves. He has another rotation for yearling heifers and Charolais cross steers and he is delighted that he is utilising grass better and keeping quality for longer with more green leaf.

Empty hoggs and dry ewes are turned out to the hill and Mr Girvan hopes that by better grass management, he should be able to keep some grass for the backend to flush them on.

Current lambing percentages for the ewes average 160 to 170% with hoggs at 90%. Mr Girvan said: “Up until now we have lambed hoggs but I do not think there is any advantage in this for our farm because of the extra feeding involved and I plan to gimmer everything from this year.”

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Search on for Next Scotch Beef Farm of the Year

The organisers of the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award are urging farmers and others involved in the industry to nominate farms they feel are worthy of receiving the 2016 award.

Now in its fifth year, the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award, which is organised by AgriScot and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), sets out to find, and reward, a Scottish farm which exemplifies the best in beef cattle production.

This year’s competition was launched at a charity Open Day hosted by the Watson family of Darnford, near Banchory - winner of Scotch Beef Farm of the year 2015.

“Running Darnford is very much a team effort, involving family, neighbours and many others and winning the award was very much a reflection of that teamwork,” said Peter Watson speaking at the event attended by around 400 people.

“We were delighted to be nominated and having been through the process I would definitely encourage others to apply and play a part in promoting Scotch Beef,” added Mr Watson, who

farms Darnford with sons Adam and David and their wives Aynsley and Lynne.

Doug Bell, Head of Industry Development with QMS, said the organisation was proud to support the award. “The award helps to raise the profile of the commitment and passion of the cattle farmers in Scotland who work hard to produce top-quality Scotch Beef PGI. “It also provides a fantastic platform for our quality assured farm businesses to champion the excellent stock management skills our industry is renowned for.”

Those who work as suppliers of services or products to the industry, from vets to feed manufacturers, are encouraged to nominate customers who are doing a great job as well as the many others involved in the production chain such as processors, hauliers and auction markets.

To nominate a farm for the award all that is required is to email the details of the farms which are doing a great job producing Scotch Beef to enquiries@agriscot. co.uk

livestock Survey reveals animal welfare as the top reason for pain management medication on farm Animal welfare has been rated as the primary reason farmers will use pain management medication, according to a survey undertaken by Norbrook.

More than 100 British farmers participated in the survey, which examined farmer and veterinary surgeon approaches to pain management on farms. Respondents were asked to identify the conditions for which they routinely administer pain relief or antiinflammatory medication in cattle, sheep and pigs.

“An overwhelming 83% of farmers selected better animal welfare as the main reason for controlling pain in livestock,” said Steph Small BVSc MRCVS, Veterinary Advisor for Norbrook.

“Not only do the results indicate

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why farmers select to use pain management medication, they also provide significant insight into pain management practices, and perceptions surrounding the associated impact on productivity.”

Ms Small said that according to the results, cattle receive more routine pain relief from farmers and vets than sheep and pigs. In cattle, most farmers routinely manage respiratory disease, intestinal disease, lameness and mastitis with pain relief or antiinflammatory medication.

“In sheep, mastitis is the only condition where approximately 44% of farmers use pain relief ‘most of the time’. Although more than 70% indicated that they could make more use of anti-inflammatories after assisted lambing, responses

revealed that less than 30% of farmers use anti-inflammatory medication ‘most of the time’ in this instance,” added Ms Small.

Farmers were also asked about the signs that typically trigger the use of pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.

The most common were lameness, drooping head/ears, decreased/suppressed appetite, teeth grinding and coughing.

The study also showed that when selecting pain relief medication, duration of action, vet’s recommendation and withdrawal period were the most important factors.

Rebecca Laborne, Large Animal Product Manager at Norbrook, said: “The main reasons farmers highlighted for deciding not to use pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication

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was that more information was needed to understand when to treat pain and what product options are available to them.”

Mrs Laborne adds that there is still more that can be done to improve pain management and ensure that farmers benefit from improved herd health, welfare and productivity.

Norbrook provides a range of pain management and anti-inflammatory products, including local anaesthetics and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The company’s Best Practice Guide for pain management in livestock provides strategies for improving animal welfare and economic efficiency. The guides are available free from vet surgeries and local Norbrook Territory Managers.

livestock

The

VET

Mycotoxin poisoning threat from imported soya hulls Livestock farmers feeding imported soya either straight or in purchased feed have been warned to be vigilant after an AIC2 warning that batches of imported soya hulls from Argentina may be contaminated with the mycotoxin zearalenone.

AIC believes some of the affected soya may have been sold in the UK and could be contaminated with up to 4.96ppm of this mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species moulds.

Mycotoxin management specialist Alltech is urging farmers to be cautious because of the known impact of zearalenone on livestock fertility.

“We would certainly not recommend using any of this contaminated soya in rations for developing or reproducing females, particularly gilts, sows

or dairy heifers. Even at 10% inclusion of this contaminated material the zearalenone level would be almost 500ppb – around five times the guidance level for gilts and on the limit for dairy youngstock too,” warns Jonathan Younger from Alltech.

Alltech is advising anyone that has recently purchased soya hulls from Argentina to test the material as soon as possible. And if already feeding it to livestock to introduce an appropriate mycotoxin binder such as Mycosorb A+.

Thanks to its 37+™ analysis programme, Alltech is now able to give farmers and the feed trade a more accurate picture of the total mycotoxin contamination of feed materials, whether imported or grown in the UK. “Increasingly we are seeing multiple mycotoxin contamination

Begin with the End in Mind

By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group So Brexit has become a reality and not a welcome one in my opinion. Unnecessary uncertainty personified all in the name of democracy, and no leadership to say wait a minute this is wrong!

I doubt whether David Cameron had his own end in mind when he put a Europe referendum in his manifesto!

So now the clamour from all corners to defend their interests and the veterinary profession will be no different.

Legislation on animal health, welfare and public health is all derived from the EU and so if we want to continue trading in Europe we must comply with it – only now we will have no input into new legislation. The irony is that the UK’s input previously will have helped improve animal health and welfare in the rest of Europe.

Disease surveillance and control have been very much a joined up European matter of late and indeed the UK receives vast amounts of EU money to fund these schemes. TB eradication in the UK for instance is presently 50% funded by Europe. The unexpected compensation costs of Foot and Mouth disease back in 2001 and 2007 was footed by the EU. A lot of the funding for

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the laboratories researching into the major diseases is European so again all up for renegotiation.

Veterinary medicines and their availability may be put at risk as the authorization and licensing has become a European matter and here’s the only possible advantage of leaving Europe I can think of - avoiding the proposal to stop vets dispensing medicines which is presently being mooted.

One major impact will be on veterinary manpower available. In recent years about half the vets registering to work in this country are from the EU. The meat hygiene and TB testing sectors are heavily dependent on having that resource to be able to function. Recruiting vets is already a problem – this will get worse.

So on many points Brexit negotiations will be all about negotiating the status quo, except that we effectively give up the right to influence future legislation we will have to comply with.

It was Abraham Lincoln who said “The best way to predict the future is to create it” Hopefully we can still do that or have we just delegated that responsibility to someone else?

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livestock of feed materials. Whether this is due to varying climate precipitating more aggressive mould growth or indeed changing agronomic practices around the world, we can’t be

sure. But the important message is vigilance and it now certainly makes sense to screen what you are feeding for potential mycotoxin contamination,” Mr Younger says.

New automated calf feeder Lely introduces a new automated calf feeder: the Calm Control.

The Lely Calm supplies calves with precisely what they need, when they need it. Milk is always provided at the correct volume and temperature to ensure maximum benefit to the calf to help her grow and develop into a profitable dairy cow. The various Lely Calm Control versions can be connected with a new online management system via the Internet.

This management system makes it easier to monitor calf performance and identify health disorders at an early stage.

Various apps can display data such as:

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· Drinking behaviour yesterday and today · Milk consumption per day · Drinking rate per day · Total milk (powder) consumption In combination with a scale, it is also possible to show current weight and weight gain per calf.

All data can be presented in a clear manner on a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

Intuitive operation makes this system quite suitable for daily monitoring of calves.

The management system can also give a warning when the drinking rate is too low, the drinking process is frequently interrupted or the milk consumption is insufficient.

These can all be indicators of impaired calf health.

The automated feeder has been improved in a number of ways. The processor is faster with higher storage capacity.

The automated feeder rapidly recognizes which calf wants to drink. Alongside the temperature sensor there is a button for young calves to learn to drink from the automated feeder, which is directly integrated into the identification process.

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This is now more accessible, making training even easier.

Furthermore, an integrated LED light indicates the status of the drinking process.

Farm managers who already have a Lely Calm machine and wish to enjoy all the benefits of the new Control version can use an update kit for this purpose. More information about this automated calf feeder, its specifications and the update kit is available via Lely Center locations.

DROVERS TALES

You may know I run a small business called Highland Drovers and that business’s function is to brand beef from Highland cattle and as far as possible sell that to the end consumer. The business started in 1999 and has been a roller coaster of learning curve along the way. Without going into too much detail the reason for going along this route was a result of low prices for our steers and reject heifers that we were getting. Highland cattle are slow growing, have relatively small frames and poor muscle conformation compared to those of a modern commercial animal. It takes on average 30 to 40 months to get a highland beast to the right weight for slaughter while many commercial animals don’t reach the age of 24 months before being slaughtered.

Coupled with having horns that get in the way on their last few steps along the slaughter line make them unattractive to commercial markets.

Without a doubt Highland beef that has come from a slow maturing animal that has had a decent quantity of life and has been hung for a good while taste much better than everyday beef you get on a supermarket counter. When comparing the pro’s and con’s of commercial cattle breeding to breeding highland cattle there are many factors for and against each type of enterprise.

We hae meat!

By Ken Headspeath Highland Drovers & Borland Farm

Commercial animals are ready younger so you get a return faster, however they need more inputs such as feeding and housing to perform better. Highland cattle do perfectly well outside roaming around all winter being fed on home grown forage so no large feed bills or sheds and straw needed with the associated feeders and dung equipment.

Commercial animals will yield 60% plus of meat from a carcase, good highlanders are about 50% but the quality of the end product is far superior.

By selling our product to the end consumer we cut out all the middlemen and receive the full retail price. A few years ago part of the business was providing a bespoke butchering service to those who wanted to sell their own beef lamb and pork directly to their own customers whether that was at a Farmers market, from their own farm shop or in door to door sales etc. I had never planned to run a butchery service business, it happened by accident. One day I decided I had enough of it and eventually sold it on to Seriously Good Butchery and

at the same time through a chance meeting we decided we would open our own butchers shop in Perth. From those premises we had over counter sales, we also processed all our farmers’ market orders and our increasing wholesale and internet sales in the back shop.

The shop storage chill was too small to allow us to hang our beef for 3 weeks so we out sourced that storage which was a logistic headache. We needed more room and I came across an empty butchery unit at Jamesfield Farm Shop next to Abernethy.

We now have heaps of space and plenty of hanging space. It is now an EU licensed cutting plant with an extra licence to allow us to process beef from over 30 month old animals. Once we moved in and became operational all of our wholesale, internet and farmers market orders were made at Jamesfield and that allowed me to analyse each part of the business. What became clearly apparent was the shop in Perth was losing money each and every week. Once it became clear that this was happening

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I acted quickly and got some professional retail advice.

Basically the report stated that we had perhaps more or less reached saturation of the market in Perth for Highland Beef and we should alter the shop branding and introduce more commercial products and at that point I decided the shop had to go, I am just never going to get excited or motivated to sell product sourced from a commercial slaughterhouse.

So after much debate and heartache the shop has gone and the amount of customers who have passed on messages of sadness at the loss of the shop has been amazing. It was not an easy decision as we all had such great hopes for the business there but we can’t afford to prop it up.

The wholesale and internet business is growing quickly and we have now increased the turnover to nearly what we had when we had the shop revenue included in the pot. The rent of a high street shop coupled with the rates was crippling. If you stand at our old shop and look left and right along the street you will easily see 6 for let or for sale signs above retail outlets. I don’t know what the solution is for town centres but I feel the future for high street shops is bleak and that is all down to the internet and home shopping.

This reminds me I need to go and update the special offers on the website!

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dairy Dairy farmers urged against the use of velactis Farmers are being asked to stop using Velactis following a suspension by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

The suspension has been actioned on the veterinary medicine following reports of serious adverse events in cows, including recumbency – where cows lie down and are unable to stand up - and deaths.

Velactis is used as an aid in the abrupt drying-off in dairy cows,

and farmers are urged to stop using the medicine and use an alternative method to dry off cattle.

Although the exact cause of these adverse events, such as recumbency or death, is yet to be determined, there is evidence to suggest that they may be linked to the use of Velactis.

NFU Scotland’s Animal Health and Welfare Policy Manager, Penny Johnston commented: “The health and

welfare of our herds is of utmost priority for the industry, and given that there is some evidence to suggest the recumbency or deaths may be linked to the use of this medicine, we would urge all farmers to find an alternative to Velactis.

“We know Velactis has not been on the market long, and we support the decision to withdraw it following reports by farmers of potential effects on cattle.

“The UK has one of the highest welfare standards for its animals in the world, and we work hard to maintain that status.

NFU Scotland is encouraging vets and farmers to submit to the VMD any reports of adverse events associated with the use of Velactis by contacting the Scottish Government or directly to CEVA Sante Animale for further investigation if required.”

New adaptor allows Milk Bar teats to be fitted to other feeder frames Calf rearers wanting to switch from fast feeding Peach teats to the slower feeding Milk Bar teats can now do so without changing their feeder frame thanks to a new teat adaptor cap which has been launched by Dairy Spares.

Dairy Spares’ Jeff Radnor comments: “Calves benefit from having to work hard to suckle the milk from the Milk Bar teats. It increases their saliva production which is beneficial for digestion, and studies have shown this also prevents their

need to cross-suckle after feeding.”

The adaptor cap fits around the base of a Milk Bar teat to make it suitable for use in Peach teat feeders. Instructions are supplied to ensure teats are fitted correctly for feeding. A pack of 10 adaptor caps retails at £5.00 + VAT. A Milk Bar teat retails at £3.00 + VAT. For more information on the adaptor cap or any Milk Bar products, farmers should contact their local stockist or call Dairy Spares on 01948 667676.

Helping British dairy farms maintain their global competitive position Scientists at The University of Nottingham have been awarded a further £1.7m in funding for a major research programme to help British dairy farms

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maintain a globally competitive position.

The research will be undertaken as a joint project between the University’s School

of Biosciences and its School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Together, they are number one in the UK for research in this field and their research has high impact — in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) all four impact cases in Dairy Science were judged to be world-leading.

In 2011, the Nottingham scientists formed a research partnership with AHDB Dairy and embarked on a five-year programme of cutting-edge research on herd welfare, diet, grazing, health and disease — delivering the benefits of that research direct to British dairy farmers. This successful

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partnership has been extended for a further five years.

The research partnership programme will make extensive use of the newly-expanded dairy research facilities at Nottingham, which include a new building for nutritional studies, and a flexible-housing facility for studying the space and welfare requirements of dairy cows.

The £6m expansion, funded jointly by Innovate UK and The University of Nottingham, recognises Nottingham as the dairy lead in the national Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) - www. cielivestock.co.uk

Mobility scoring: friend or foe?

With the majority of dairy units already under pressure, being encouraged to ensure a good mobility scoring regime on-farm may not seem a high priority.

However, Owen Atkinson from Dairy Veterinary Consultancy Ltd thinks that farmers should view mobility scoring more positively, as it provides an opportunity to improve efficiency by ensuring early and effective treatment of all lame cows.

Mr. Atkinson explains, “Mobility scoring gets a bit of bad press and is a bit misunderstood, so I’ve found it’s not commonly used, or done properly on farms.

“The main reason why dairy producers mobility score is because they have to as part of an assurance scheme and in that case, you’re asking farmers to critique themselves on something that they don’t want to admit. No-one takes pride in having lame cows, so no-one wants to admit to it.

That makes it difficult to know how many cows are genuinely lame.”

Mr. Atkinson explains he was involved in a study* in the North West, Cheshire and Lancashire, focusing on 50 dairy units.

“As a group of researchers we carried out truly independent mobility scoring using the AHDB Dairy Mobility Scoring system every three months, and looked at how well the farmers’ perception of lameness correlated with the actual lameness on their farms.

“The average amount of lameness that farmers would say they’ve got would be around 10%, and the true average that the study found was 32%, which is more akin to what other studies have found.”

Mr. Atkinson believes that this leads to an interesting dilemma.

“The question is; do farmers know they have 30% of their herd lame and they don’t want to admit it, or do they not see it?

“Personally, I think it’s a combination of both, as a lot of farmers don’t confidently understand what lameness is and what mobility scoring is all about.

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NFUScotland

dairy

Post Brexit farming in Scotland?

By Scott Walker, Chief Executive of NFU Scotland

On behalf of Scotland’s farmers and crofters, NFU Scotland has already mapped out its priorities as we begin the business of negotiating the UK’s exit from the European Union.

And we have committed to working with the other UK farming Unions – representing 78,000 farming businesses in total - to securing a positive future for food and farming post-Brexit.

Other than the result of the vote itself, there are few certainties on how and when Article 50 will be triggered and the process of exit begins in earnest but preparations are underway.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has outlined the key interests she believes must be protected in attempting to secure Scotland’s position in Europe. Amongst the points she said was that “safeguarding free movement of labour, access to a single market of 500 million people and the funding that our farmers depend on” are key issues that need to be protected in attempting to secure Scotland’s position in Europe. These points align nicely with the commitments we set out for government to take forward as a result of the Brexit vote.

NFU Scotland has already given evidence along with economists and business leaders from financial services, food and drink and higher education to the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee on the impact of the Brexit vote.

We also took part in Scottish Government discussions on the implications and opportunities for Scotland’s environment following the EU referendum.

Ultimately it is the new, and all powerful, Department for Exiting the European Union

(DEEU) that is responsible for overseeing negotiations relating to the UK leaving the European Union and establishing the future relationship between the UK and EU. And in Scotland the first minster has set up a “standing council” of experts to provide her with advice following the Brexit vote. We must make sure that this new Department and the new “standing council” understands the needs of Scottish farmers and crofters.

In our list of commitments, we have said that the next four rounds of support payments expected as part of the current Common Agricultural Policy deal must be delivered as planned, and as budgeted for by farmers and crofters.

This will provide an anchor of stability in uncertain times and ensure that there is a confident platform on which to negotiate future trading and domestic support arrangements. If the UK and Scottish Government could do one thing now it should be to give this commitment on funding while discussions continue on the future relationship with the European Union.

In our 10 commitments, we also outlined that the arrangements being negotiated with Europe and the rest of the world must allow the Scottish farming industry and the Scottish food processing industry the ability to recruit workers from overseas. There is not a single fruit, vegetable or potato farm in Scotland that could operate without access to overseas workers and there are many other farms and crofts which also rely on similar staff.

Immigration was at the heart of the campaign to leave the European Union.

And given the narrative during the campaign it is difficult to see a situation where the government will allow the free movement of people from Europe to the UK to be part of the future relationship we have with Europe. For us it is essential that government realises the importance of these workers and a solution is found that allows the industry to get the workers it needs.

www.nfus.org.uk

sheep

Well worth the journey

By Fiona Sloan From his early days at the family farm in Fife and throughout college in Aberdeen, Alastair Jackson had a passion to work with pedigree stock. He took on as much and varied work as possible on leaving college and was snapped up by Kevin Watret at Maulscastle Farm, near Annan in Dumfries & Galloway at the age of 19, where now at the age of 26, he manages the highly successful Solway View British Blue and Limousin herds. More recently, Alastair has developed his own “Tiptop” Beltex flock and together with his father Allan and brother Cameron, have for the past three years, taken the long road to the Royal Welsh show to compete against one of the largest entries of sheep of any show in the UK. The Royal Welsh has become a home from home for Scottish stocksmen and visitors and has always warmly welcomed its Celtic cousins. This year was the hottest show since 1976, with temperatures up to 30C, which unfortunately told on the stock and handlers alike.

“I’ve always had a few Beltex ewes with my dad,” says Alastair, “right from the early importations and we had taken them to many shows in the past but winning the Royal Welsh has been the goal for some time.”

The Jackson family founded the Headlind Beltex Flock in 1997, when father Allan was asked to buy two sheep for a friend and could see immediately that the breed had something to offer, subsequently buying two for himself, followed by a further ten ewe lambs, which he imported from Belgium. The flock has now grown to 50 ewes and fits in well around their Headlind Livestock Services business, preparing sheep and cattle for shows and sales.

Having previously taken the overall honours in the British Blue section at Royal Welsh shows in recent years, The Solway View cattle took the pairs breed title and 64

reserve male championship award on this occasion but the highlight of this trip came when Alistair’s Tiptop Beltex flock picked up the Group Interbreed Championship ahead of over 30 breeds in the show. Judge Michael Walton of Northumberland, had no trouble placing the group of three as they were clearly the best group forward.

Alongside Alistair’s success however, the other two members of the Jackson team, father Alan and brother Cameron, had already had plenty to smile about when they too enjoyed the pinnacle of success when they scooped the Overall Championship in the Beltex section, one of the biggest in the show, with their ewe lamb Headlind Baaboom.

She had already taken the title at the Yorkshire show a week earlier.

Baaboom is by Willy900, an imported ram from Belgium, which they share with Midlock and Ballycree Flocks. Allan puts the success of the Headlind flock, now based at Kirkfieldbank near Lanark, alongside younger son Cameron’s, Damside and partner Senga’s Hermes Flocks, to using the traditional Belgian bloodlines.

“We’ve always made the effort to go to Belgium and look at the sheep and we have imported many champions and significant sires from the continent over the years.” explains Allan. “It’s helped us ensure that we are using the best genetics and that the genetic pool is large enough to move the breed forward.”

Taking a trip to Belgium twice a year with other breeders, has paid off for the family as they have now been able to sell semen back to Belgian breeders.

The 300 mile round trip to mid Wales is a daunting seven hour journey but the way home seems a lot shorter buoyed by the success of a very worthwhile trip.

Sir William Young award for north east sheep breeder James (Jimmy) Gray Douglas from Fraserburgh, a sheep breeder recognised by fellow breeders and stockmen throughout the industry as an outstanding livestock breeder, judge and exhibitor, is the 2016 recipient of one of the livestock industry’s most prestigious prizes, the Sir William Young Award.

The award, from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), recognises outstanding contribution to livestock breeding and commemorates the service to Scottish agriculture by the late Sir William Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock.

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Last year renowned Blackface and Charolais breeder, Archie MacGregor of Allanfauld, Kilsyth, won the award.

Jimmy (77) farms at Woodhead of Cairness, Fraserburgh, an arable and grassland farm which he bought in 1960 and started the Cairness Suffolk sheep flock.

Acknowledged as one of the few truly exceptional breeders of Suffolk, Texel and Border Leicester sheep, Jimmy has been involved with sheep breeding since he was child, helping his father at Milton of Clola near Mintlaw with his flock of Border Leicesters, from which he

sheep

YOUNG SHEPHERD

By James Rhys Baylis

adopted the Clola prefix for his own flock.

For 67 consecutive years Jimmy has sold rams in Aberdeen Mart. In 1960 Jimmy was achieving 1200gns when 200gns was a fair price. He has

always had one of the top flock averages, selling rams regularly for sums in excess of £20,000 to £30,000 and, in 1994, he set a new breed record selling Cairness Court to John Sinnet for 26,000gns.

UK’s first Showcase and Sale for Rare Swiss Sheep

The UK’s first ever show and sale dedicated to the Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep was recently held at Harrison and Hetherington’s UK Borderway Mart in Carlisle.

The Blacknose Beauties National Show and Sale showcased the breed and educated farmers about the qualities and standards it is judged against.

The Valais Blacknose is an incredibly rare breed, with only 12,000 registered in their native country. The purpose of this show and sale was to provide UK breeders with the opportunity to have their stock officially graded and judged by professional Swiss Valais judges and around 150 sheep were shown.

In the show, there were 13 classes in total with winners being presented with a traditional

Swiss bell. The overall supreme champion was presented with the Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whisky Trophy kindly donated

by Tomintoul Distillery, in the highlands of Scotland.

With a seven year ban on imports from Switzerland (beginning in December 2014), and growing demand for people wanting to start their own flock these sheep are very valuable.

Being a new breed in the UK the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society (VBSSUK) feel it is vital to maintain the same standards the Valais are held to in their home country. Therefore they used this event as an educational tool for famers, showing them the Swiss standards and providing information on getting the most from their flock.

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My summer so far has been dominated by a seemingly never ending battle with flies. We clipped the ewes in mid June, and I had hoped that once the wool was off and they’d received a preventative pour on treatment that the risk of blow fly strike would be drastically reduced, if not behind us altogether.

Unfortunately, despite the pour on, this hasn’t been the case and I’ve been fighting a constant battle against flies and maggots both here and off the farm. Fly strike is a horrible affliction, and I’ve had a lot of feedback on social media that many others flocks are suffering with it, with a whole host of pour on treatments seeming to have little to no effect on the fly population from Scotland right down to Sussex.

I picked up a set of Lister clippers from our

local merchants Tarff and they have been a lifesaver, barely stopping since I took them out of the box.

They’ve already proved to be a great investment and are worth their weight in gold!

On a more positive note, Dane is progressing really well. I’m not sure if this is true of all Huntaways, but he has such a wonderful nature, totally different from that of the Collie. He’s a much calmer pup which helps with obedience, and he’s picking up commands very quickly.

At just 5 months old, he’s keen as mustard, is interested in the sheep and has already brought a field of fat lambs in to the yards with no bother at all.

I can’t speak highly enough of the New Zealand Huntaway breed and can’t ever imagine myself without at least one as part of the team.

You can keep up to date with James’ farming journey on social media.

Find him @SolwayShepherd on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/SolwayShepherd 65

sheep

crofting Crofters Speak Up

By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation Eighty crofters were clear in their demands of the Scottish Government at a crofting meeting organised by the Scottish Crofting Federation in Stornoway recently: 1. The convener of the Crofting Commission must step down; 2. The removed grazings committees must be re-instated; 3. The current Crofting Commission must be sorted out by Scottish Government but, despite the criticisms of the Commission’s recent actions, a Crofting Commission is essential to crofting.

Why the Scottish Government doesn’t seem to be doing anything about the Commission was questioned. A government representative at the meeting said that it is not the place of the Scottish Government to carry out a procedural review of the Crofting Commission, as called for by the SCF. It is understandable that the Scottish Government is reluctant to interfere with a majority-elected body, but the procedures of the Commission clearly need to be investigated and modified to stop this sort of

thing happening again. The Crofting Commission may well be an ‘arms-length government body’, but the Scottish Government still has a responsibility to make sure that the Commission operates in a fair and reasonable manner – and does possess the powers to intervene, for example by removing a Commissioner, if it sees fit.

It is particularly urgent to sort the mess out quickly and efficiently as crofters are due to go to the polls in March to elect six members to the Board of the Crofting Commission, the only public body in Scotland where the majority of board members are elected by the people it regulates.

The meeting expressed concern that NFUS have not supported crofters, being the only voice backing the Crofting Commission in its dismissal of grazings committees and installation of ‘illegal’ constables.

Following discussions a vote was called on the motion “this meeting has no confidence in the existing Crofting Commission and supports the SCF call for the resignation of the convener Colin Kennedy”.

The motion was passed by an overwhelming majority.

Double guarantee introduced to underpin lamb Knockout Drench gains A double guarantee to kill anthelmintic-resistant worms and increase lamb growth rates has been introduced on the dual-active worming drench STARTECT®.

Vet Dave Armstrong from manufacturer Zoetis says when used as a Knockout Drench for just one necessary midlate summer lamb treatment, it eliminates any resistant worms that have survived previous treatments.

Compared with similar lambs on the same farm wormed with any other product, he adds that higher growth rates can also be assured.

“An independent study completed last year finds wormer resistance on the increase,” he says [Ref 1]. “Elimination of resistant worms can be confirmed by faecal egg count 14 days after giving a STARTECT knockout drench. Farmers are also encouraged to monitor lamb growth rates over at least the following month.”

If these checks find worm eggs present or zero growth rate advantage, the Zoetis network of field based vets will investigate alongside the farm’s own vet, SQP or both, and help create a farm-specific worm control

Order your FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE subscription now See page 108

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plan. The company will also pay associated lab fees and supply product free of charge for the following season.

“For optimum financial impact, a Knockout Drench should not be left too late in the grazing season,” Mr Armstrong adds. “Its dual-active formulation means that if resistant worms survive one active ingredient, most or all of them will be killed by the other.

“In addition to an immediate gain from higher growth rates, there may also be a longer term advantage. Modelling studies indicate that the progress of resistance to group one, two or three wormers – BZs, LVs and MLs respectively – may be delayed by strategic use of dual actives in this knockout protocol.”

To help farmers assess true drench costs and returns, and the potential impact of a Knockout Drench, Zoetis has developed a Drench Cost Calculator app, available from Apple’s App Store, Google Play and online at www.zoetis.co.uk/STARTECT. Localised parasite updates, forecasts and other sheep farming news are also available from @ Sheep_Farmers on Twitter, and Sheep Farmers on Facebook.

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sheep New Project Aims to Raise Lamb Survival Rates by 5% Five focus farmers have been selected for a new “Live Lambs” project, facilitated

by Scotland’s Rural College and aimed at improving lamb survival. It brings together sheep farmers, advisers, researchers, and members of the supply chain into a group that will tackle the causes of lamb loss, monitor on-farm performance and introduce improvements aimed at raising lamb survival by 5%.

The three year project, funded from the SRDP budget through the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fund (KTIF), will provide information for wider discussion and debate by members of the SAC Consulting Sheep Group and other invited farmers. Information on any new practices they adopt which improve their performance will be open to other farmers in Scotland.

SAC Consulting’s Kirsten Williams, who will be leading delivery of the project, says: “Through working with the focus farms, we can introduce tweaks in production using modern research findings and innovative tools, this will have a lasting benefit on the amount of live lambs reared and therefore profit. The group will be encouraged to cooperate and share ideas, key messages and findings from the group will be publicised to ensure other sheep farmers are aware of the tools to increase lamb survival.”

Among the Live Lambs Focus Farmers are Duncan McEwan, Arnprior near Stirling and Andrew Baillie of Carstairs Mains, Carstairs,

both previously QMS Monitor Farmers. They are joined by Aaron Byrnes, originally from Australia but now farming near New Deer in Aberdeenshire; Donald Barrie, Farms Manager at the James Hutton Institute hill farm at Glensaugh and Lothians Farm Manager Peter Eccles from Saughland Farm, Pathhead.

Their activity will be boosted by additional information collected from SRUC’s Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms near Crianlarich and through the involvement of Mark Gray who is involved in a separately funded project on his farm near Durham.

The network has been established to provide a wide variation of sheep farming systems, from location, flock size and terrain, with hill and lowground units, indoor and outdoor lambing, set stocking and rotational grazing and a broad mix of breeds ranging from Shetland Cross and Blackface to Romneys and Scotch Mules.

The Focus farmers will undertake detailed monitoring of flock performance to help identify areas for improvement and measure the effectiveness of advice from the group.

They will also gain skills in diagnosing some of the common causes of lamb death.

Two key areas focused on will be maintaining ewes in the optimum condition in the build up to tupping and basing decisions on assessments made at key times. The farmers will be aided by kit that helps them ensure they are condition scoring accurately and getting nutrition right.

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Trade most important

By George Milne Recently I attended a Livestock industry working group made up of representatives from across England, Wales and Scotland to discuss the future after Brexit. The purpose of the group is to explore and identify key aspects for livestock to urge on Westminster and all devolved governments.

Three key issues where identified, trade, regulation and support.

Trade, making our prices, is obviously very important, not only export trade but also free movement and trade across the UK. The last thing the sheep industry would want is to find trade barriers across the UK. With between 50 and 60 % of Scottish prime lambs going into either England or Wales any restrictions on that trade would be disastrous.

As things stand, we must protect our current export markets which remain open until we actually leave the EU. These markets appear to be working fairly well at the moment with the weaker pound helping to keep them active and giving a better return to sheep farmers than in previous years. No actual trade agreements can be signed between the UK and new countries until we are officially out of the EU. The much talked about possible opening of the US market for lamb next year would be ok to happen as that is a consultation process

between the States and the EU. An Article 50 notice, if served in the New Year could see us still in the EU working under EU rules with current markets and support payments continuing until 2019. Although uncertain of timescale it would seem to make sense to start to look for new trade opportunities for red meat so that they can be put in place immediately after a formal exit.

EU regulations would also continue to apply until exit and then we would have new rules to consider. Work will have to be done to fully understand whether we would then still work to EU rules here rules or set our own. In any circumstances exports will need to comply with the standards and administration of their intended market. The NSA will work hard to make sure that any rules are workable and best practice for the sheep industry.

Support payments are essential for agriculture and in particular the livestock sector, so during this time of change we must engage with government to make sure we put forward a good case to see support continue in the future. The group will be meeting regularly to build on these key concerns and will have to adapt as timescales develop to ensure the best outcome for the livestock sector.

pigs Future is bright for scottish pigs NFU Scotland’s New Generation Committee is teaming up with marketing co-op Scottish Pig Producers in a search for the pig farmers of tomorrow.

Both groups agree that the future looks bright for pig farming in Scotland and Scottish Pig Producers are looking to recruit new farmers.

The weak pound, investment from Tulip in new abattoir

facilities at Brechin and increasing commitment to domestic pork from retailers has improved the outlook for pig production in Scotland.

To meet this demand, Scotland needs more pig farmers and, in particular, more finishing units.

Chief Executive of Scottish Pig Producers, Andy McGowan said: “We are looking for the

next generation of pig farmers to drive the industry forward and add dynamism to the sector.

“To help new entrants to pig production on their way, we are working on a package with feed merchants and abattoirs to assist them. We are also putting in place a mentoring system involving existing producers so the new businesses have the best chance of success.

“It is an exciting time for Scottish pigs. We have strong market signals and there is growing optimism in the sector. If you are thinking of diversifying your business or looking for a new challenge, the time could be right as we have opportunities for both new and existing farmers. All that may be needed is a spare shed to finish animals.

Efficient Swine Respiratory Disease control requires fast action Merial Animal Health used its presence at the 24th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress (IPVS) in Dublin to highlight the threat of Swine Respiratory Disease (SRD) and its control in pig herds in the UK and Ireland.

SRD remains a significant problem for the swine industry1.

Associated production losses include 30-70% morbidity, a mortality rate of 4-6% (and even higher in severely affected units), decreased feed efficiency and reduced growth rates2.

Findlay MacBean, Merial’s Head of Livestock Business UK

and Ireland explained that efficient and effective control of SRD requires fast action from herdsmen and vets. He said: “Normally an antibiotic treatment will be required to control SRD, prescribed by the pig unit’s veterinary surgeon. It’s important that the product used reaches the target area in the lungs quickly (ideally within 30 minutes of administration) and stays there for an extended period to minimise tissue damage and resolve the clinical signs of pneumonia.

To minimise stress in animals with SRD a low-dose, one-shot treatment is preferable.”

SRUC Hosts Session on Importance of Playtime for Piglets It’s one thing to make toys for your children … but what about your pigs?!

A creative workshop focusing on the importance of playtime for piglets held recently at the Pig Unit of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) was a big success – for researchers and piglets alike!

The Piglet Gentling and Play-Object Making workshop was run by Leverhulme Trust Artist-in-Residence Andrea Roe. The aim of the workshop – the first in a series - was to bring together scientist, researchers and students to allow animal 68

welfare questions to be creatively explored.

Focussing on the importance of play, it was designed to encourage participants to think from the perspective of another species – and to create toys which would keep the piglets from getting into mischief.

The workshop began with a demonstration of the gentling process. After piglets are weaned at 4 weeks of age, volunteers spend a few hours over a couple of days socialising the pigs to human contact to reduce stress and habituate the

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pigs to any test environments that might be used in behaviour and welfare trials.

All workshop participants were designated a litter of 4-week old piglets and settled themselves in a pen to wait for the piglets to approach and subsequent exploration. During the gentling session the participants were asked to observe how the piglets investigated them, each other and their surroundings. They were also asked to imagine a form and type of object that would retain the interest and offer stimulation to a young pig – in other words a toy attractive to piglets!

new

New ultra-hygienic ‘blotting paper’ bedding goes 40% further A new dried paper pulp and sawdust bedding for cow cubicles has been launched, with a claim that it goes 40% further than a predecessor pulp-only version.

Early users of the new Envirobed Premium Blend report that the same quantity as one month’s supply of original material now lasts six weeks, according to Liz Russell from Envirosystems.

“Blending dried pulp with high quality sawdust makes it more bulky, which enables it to go further,” she explains. “The new material is 95% dry matter and many times higher absorbency than wood shavings or sawdust, chopped straw or sand.

“Like blotting paper, it soaks up urine and leaked milk, helping

keep udders clean and hygienic.

Just like the original, it also stays put on cubicle beds.”

Envirobed products are biodegradable and compatible with all types of slurry and

manure systems. They are suitable for all dairy cow cubicles and as an absorbent base layer for straw-bedded loose housing for sheep, goats or youngstock as well as adult cattle.

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to market Like the original Envirobed product, the new bedding is available in bulk on eightwheeler and articulated trucks with walking floors or tipper bodies and in bags on pallets.

Recommended daily use is two litres per cubicle, costing 8-9p/ day based on bulk pricing.

The original Envirobed product won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the Innovation category, for converting waste paper sludge into a hygienic bedding material for livestock. Envirobed original and Premium Blend is now being manufactured using low-grade renewable heat and the Lancashire-based family business is currently seeking farms with AD and biogas plants to work with.

For further information from Envirosystems call 01772 860085.

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renewable energy Scottish biomass specialist reveals exclusive US partnership A leading Scottish name in the supply of renewable heat has recently revealed its exclusive partnership with one of the world’s top producers of fuelfree, emission-free electricity.

Uphall-based Scot Heat & Power is the only Scottish company to offer ElectraTherm’s innovative Power+ Generator that utilises biomass for efficient clean energy production.

US-based ElectraTherm a global leader in distributed, waste heat to power generation - already has two installations in the UK, but the deal with Scot Heat & Power marks its first Scottish presence. In recent months alone, ElectraTherm has announced new installations in Germany, Italy, Romania and Japan.

Licensed only to Scot Heat & Power north of the border, the Power+ Generator is a flexible electricity generator that can be used with standard biomass hot water boilers, utilising low temperature and low pressure Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and its

proprietary technologies for major efficiencies.

The Power+ can also produce fuel-free, emission-free electricity from low grade waste heat, and is capable of reaching outputs of up to 110kWe power generation.

The technology is capable of benefitting waste heat or process heat users, representing a strong competitive advantage for commercial sites.

“It’s an exciting time for us to talk about the considerable environmentally sustainable advances that we’ve been able to bring to Scotland as we look to expand our interests into England.” said Scot Heat & Power’s Managing Director, Malcolm Snowie.

Scot Heat & Power aims to help the strong agri-business sector take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of renewable heat and power produced from biomass.

It is one of the few companies in Scotland that designs, installs, and commissions biomass boilers from 60kW to several

megawatts, providing on-going maintenance and a fuel delivery service.

Scot Heat and Power has an extensive range of shredders and chippers, allowing it to turn any type of biomass/grade A waste wood into a suitable Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) quality fuel.

In 2014, it also acquired Buccleuch BioEnergy, taking over the service contracts, including fuel supply, for biomass facilities installed at

Gleneagles Hotel, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Drawing on its sustainable woodlands, farms and partners, the company is able to guarantee the high specification fuel supply source for the duration of the contract.

All of Scot Heat and Power’s operations are carried out by in-house staff, including deliveries, promoting trust and strong relationships built on a consultative basis.

Renewable energy still offers opportunity, says CAAV Renewable energy continues to garner a larger share of the British energy market, and with the uncertainty posed by Brexit that trend is set to endure.

According to Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), the renewable energy market is changing rapidly, with growing opportunities for landowners to capitalise on rising demand.

“Renewable energy offers opportunities for small and large businesses alike,” he says. “For farmers looking to build resilience into their business renewable energy offers an income that is independent from the risks of agriculture.”

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According to Juliet Davenport OBE, founder of Good Energy, renewable energy now makes up nearly a quarter of the UK’s electricity production, with a 21% increase between 2013 and 2014.

However, the UK still imports 60% of its energy requirement, and with the weaker Pound that will make imported power more expensive, she adds.

Although the Brexit vote could undermine investors’ confidence in the short-term, the UK energy market is changing fast, with a sharp increase in the number of small-scale sites.

“In 2000 our electricity came from about 1,000 sites – now it’s closer to one million,”

says Ms Davenport. “That is hard for the National Grid to manage, especially as most of that is solar photo-voltaics, so it’s a challenge to match up supply with demand peaks and troughs. We’re going to need much more flexibility in the system.”

Battery storage is becoming practical and could soon be common, and new technology is developing to convert excess electricity into hydrogen to power cars, or into gas to feed into the mains grid, she adds.

Although the Government is steadily cutting tariff support, the capital costs of new projects are declining, and the growth of crowd funding offers significant opportunities for potential

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developers, says Ms Davenport.

The private supply of energy to neighbouring businesses is also a growth area, with associated lower costs and potentially simpler agreements.

According to Mr Moody, the speed of change throughout the supply chain, from farm level to the National Grid, means it is vital to seek professional advice before committing to an agreement.

“CAAV members and Fellows are ideally placed to advise on the full range of opportunities and risks associated with any renewable project.”

For more information contact Jeremy Moody on 01452 831815 or email enquire@caav.org.uk.

renewable energy

We have the potential

Alternative energy source proven in trials A recent trial carried out at Scotland’s Rural & University Colleges, Crichton Royal, Dumfries, has proven that feeding LactoBoost, an alternative liquid energy source, can maintain performance when replacing a proportion of the cereals, and based on recent prices could help dairy farmers save up to 12 pence/cow/day.

“With cereal prices increasing and milk prices remaining unstable many producers are trying to keep a tight rein on feed costs,” explains Dr Michael Marsden, Trident Feeds technical manager.

“A good starting point to save feed costs is to step back and evaluate rations.

Understandably though, producers are often reluctant to substitute with new alternative products.”

However, he highlights that switching energy sources in the diet could help reduce feed overheads considerably and this has been supported by recent trials.

“Cereals are the most traditional source of energy in the diet,” says Dr Marsden.

“But, there’s uncertainty around commodity prices, not least due to the weak pound which is making exports more attractive and a potential lower supply from this year’s harvest.

It’s therefore possible that we could see prices increase imminently.

“For this reason, I’d encourage producers to consider other available energy options.

For example, LactoBoost provides a very palatable high energy, lactose rich (85% on a dry matter basis), free flowing liquid alternative to cereals and other sugar based liquid energy sources and can be fed as part of a TMR to partially replace cereals.”

The recent research project carried out at the SRUC (formally SAC) showed it to match the performance of a cereal based diet.

“The inclusion of LactoBoost at intervals of 3kg/head, up to 9kg/head, replaced approximately 2.5 kg of rolled cereals at the 9kg rate, and maintained milk and constituent yield.

“On recent prices, when offered in a typical mixed forage ration, feeding at 7kg to the higher yielders, it demonstrates savings around 12p/cow/day, £24 per day for a 200 cow herd.”

Dr Marsden notes that higher butterfat percentages seen in the trial are consistent with other published work on similar products and add to the value per litre of milk so it is not just about cost reduction.

“The high levels of lactose, (85% DM), in the liquid help to stimulate rumen activity differently to starchy or sugar rich feeds,” he says. “This improves fibre digestion which produces more precursors for butterfat production, hence the butterfat percentages seen in the trial. This is important for producers on constituent contracts.

“Lactoboost also significantly reduced milk urea, presumably due to the extra instantly available energy being used as an energy source by rumen microbes, indicating a higher proportion of more desirable by-processors of true protein in milk.

“I know it’s hard to take that leap of faith, but quite often, the benefits will outweigh any negative perceptions you may have and in this instance, trials have proven that. Take advice from your nutritionist and ensure that your ration is formulated correctly to maximise the potential on offer.”

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Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity It is an honour and privilege to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity.

My aim is to grow the rural economy sustainably, so rural communities thrive, for the benefit of everyone who lives and works there, and indeed for the benefit of Scotland as a whole.

Since taking office, my immediate priority has been to resolve the payment problems many farmers and crofters have experienced with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and to complete 2015 payments as soon as possible.

We are making good progress, processing over £313 million (as at 3 August 2016) in BPS, Greening and Young Farmers payments.

In addition payments worth £29.5 million have been made under the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme, and another £4.3 million under the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme.

European funding is clearly vital to our farmers and it also makes a valuable contribution to the fishing industry and the wider rural economy. That is why we are exploring all

options to maintain Scotland’s relationship with the EU, but we also want to know what will happen with future subsidy payments and I am calling on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity about their plans.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government’s focus on processing remaining payments is unwavering.

My other objectives are to deliver compliance and minimise any financial penalties, and see that the 2016 payments are on a proper footing.

Agriculture is a vital cog in the wheel of our rural economy.

It directly employs 65,000 people and underpins our fast-growing and hugely successful food and drink industry which was worth over £14 billion in 2013. We have many successful farmers, crofters and food and drink producers and I will work with them to build on the sector’s economic success.

I am continually impressed by the resilience and resourcefulness of our farming and crofting communities. Together, we can unlock the vast economic potential of rural Scotland.

science & technology AFBI Science Goes Cosmic by Joining the COSMOS-UK Network The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) recently joined the COsmic-ray Soil Moisture Observing System UK network (COSMOS-UK) co-ordinated by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (http://www.ceh. ac.uk/) and funded through the Natural Environmental Research Council. State of the art technology has been installed at the ABFI Hillsborough Farm, which will monitor soil moisture over an area of 40 ha in addition to collecting environmental data on weather, soil temperature and solar radiation. All the data is automatically logged and transmitted remotely to CEH to become part of the COSMOS– UK database of 29 sites across the UK, providing publically accessible near-real time data to be used in farming, management of water resources, flood forecasting and a wide range of environmental modelling. AFBI staff have also contributed to the establishment of a second COSMOS–UK site at the CAFRE Glenwherry Hill Farm in Country Antrim.

In addition to providing data to the UK network, the COSMOS equipment will be an invaluable research resource for studies carried out at Hillsborough on agricultural production, gaseous emission and nutrient export from soils. Soil moisture is a key variable controlling agricultural production and its impacts on the environment. The drainage class of the soils located at Hillsborough are representative of 46% of the soils across Northern Ireland. As such the COSMOS data collected at AFBI Hillsborough will contribute to the development 72

of practical on-farm solutions to issues such as extended grazing, slurry application, nutrient use efficiency, soil trafficability and agri-environmental measures.

Soil moisture will be measured using cosmic ray

technology, which provides average values over an area 700m in diameter. Changes in soil moisture and temperature with depth will be measured using time domain transmissometry probes, soil temperature probes

and soil heat flux plates, with an automatic meteorological station providing additional weather data.

Further information on the technology can be found at the COSMOS-UK website (http:// cosmos.ceh.ac.uk/).

A step closer to understanding the ‘switch’ that triggers flowering in plants Scientists at the John Innes Centre have taken another crucial step towards understanding how plants initiate flowering.

This new development uncovers a previously unidentified step in the process of vernalisation, which links an important gene responsible for flowering time to the proteins

that regulate it.

This new finding could contribute towards the development of new varieties of crops adapted to produce the food we need in a changing climate.

Decades of research have already gone into understanding the process of ‘vernalisation’,

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how plants sense periods of low temperature, and ‘remember’ this information in order to control the timing of flowering.

It ensures plants avoid flowering during the destructive winter months, and instead flower during the warm spring and summer months when they have ample time and sunlight to

science & technology produce seeds. Understanding vernalisation is therefore of vital importance to the success of commercial crops such as oilseed rape and broccoli, among many others.

This remarkable process relies on plants ‘remembering’ how much time has elapsed in low temperature conditions, through the gradual modification of a specific gene found in plant cells.

Previous research has shown that flowering is suppressed by a gene called FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). During periods of cold temperature, proteins around which the gene is wrapped are progressively modified and this shuts off expression of the gene, eventually enabling the plant to make the switch from the ‘growing’ stage to the ‘flowering’ stage of development.

Weighing up The Ideal Cow SAC Consulting’s Carole Christian reviews some of the findings from a recent on-farm meeting as part of the Farming for a Better Climate initiative.

Erasmus student at AFBI

For the last six months the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has hosted Erasmus+ student, Violeta Muñoz, a recently graduated veterinary surgeon from Spain.

Violeta has been based in the Veterinary Sciences Division (VSD) of AFBI, training in veterinary pathology and in AFBI’s Cattle Health Scheme.

The latter is a voluntary scheme for farmers set up to help tackle five of the most economically damaging endemic diseases of cattle here i.e. infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease, leptospirosis and neosporosis.

Violeta has also spent time working with scientists involving in the detection and control of important zoonotic pathogens such as Salmonella species and the analysis of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella.

Erasmus+ is an EU-funded programme supporting higher

education students to study abroad for up to one year in another European university or to gain valuable international work experience in a European organisation. Violeta said, “As a recently qualified veterinary surgeon I really appreciate this opportunity to broaden my professional perspective and allow me to get involved in relevant programmes such as the AFBI Cattle Health Scheme and research projects on antimicrobial resistance. I have really enjoyed my internship in AFBI and am very grateful to all staff who have helped me during my time at VSD. I strongly think that AFBI plays a key role in terms of Animal Health in Northern Ireland supporting cutting edge projects, working closely with the farming community and maintaining the best standards.” Violeta has now been accepted to study for a Master of Science in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Visitors to Gerald, Maureen and Douglas Smith’s pedigree Simmental herd at Drumsleed near Laurencekirk in July saw cattle in terrific condition. The family were kindly hosting SRUC’s Farming for a Better Climate meeting which focussed on efficiency of production in the beef herd.

Speakers emphasized the importance of being able to measure inputs and outputs in order to judge just how well the farm system is performing.

Soil analysis, fertiliser and liming practices were discussed. Forage analysis and supplementary feeding for optimal breeding and growth were covered. Visitors heard about measuring colostrum quality for optimal passive transfer, and learned of new sensors that can detect the early onset of pneumonia in calves before they show any outward symptoms. And grass varieties, clover and sward height assessment were all demonstrated in the growthy sunshine.

The “ideal cow” was discussed. Was she the one who produced the most calves, or produced the most milk, or who bore calves for the most years ? The conclusion was that she was the one who made the most money through being the most efficient through her lifetime.

Weight at bulling, at weaning and at sale all cropped up regularly during the day. The panel speakers – Adrian Ivory,

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Pat Lambert, Pete Watson and Douglas Bell – all agreed that measurement, and weighing in particular, was a key part of an efficient beef system. Penalties for over-heavy finished cattle are perhaps focussing minds on the accuracy of on-farm weight assessment but accurate weights are also needed to measure calf and young stock growth rate, to devise and monitor correct diets, and to correctly dose drugs for effectiveness and efficiency.

Visitors were invited to guess the weight of a Salers bull and a pen of four bulls including the Salers and three Simmentals. The single bull weighed in at 656kg and the pen at 2918kg; the winners’ estimates were very close to those figures. Astonishingly though, the range for the single bull was 400kg and for the pen was 2200kg, that’s a range of 60% and 75% respectively against the actuals ! Are we doing better than that at home ? Let’s get weighing and find out !

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.

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estate Strathspey Estate gains coveted Wildlife Estates Scotland Accreditation A Highland estate recognised at a European level for its excellent wildlife, habitat and conservation management has now been newly accredited under a Scottish version of the scheme.

Strathspey Estate, a diverse property covering a spectacular area of around 54,000 acres, has successfully renewed its status with Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES).

WES is a national version of the EU Wildlife Estates (WE) label, and was developed by Scottish Land & Estates with advice from Scottish Natural Heritage, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. It has also received the support of the Scottish Government since its launch.

At the Highland Field Sports Fair, Moy, WES accreditation was presented to Strathspey Sporting Supervisor Frank Law and Property Director Andrew Norval by the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural

Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing MSP. One of the first in Scotland, and indeed in Europe, to achieve accreditation under the

original Wildlife Estates label in 2010, Strathspey Estate has interests in deer management and stalking, conservation management of protected sites and

iconic landscape, sustainable forest management, shooting, fishing and the provision of access paths for some 30,000 visitors each year. It is part of Seafield Estates.

Forestry - money can grow on trees Forestry will continue to offer sound investment opportunities post Brexit according to Scotland’s leading rural property consultancy.

CKD Galbraith, which advises clients on woodland management across Scotland, said that forestry would continue to offer stable investment platforms whilst more common investment 74

routes are subject to continuing uncertainty.

With Scotland’s agricultural sector witnessing low commodity prices and falling subsidy payments, now is an optimum time for farmers and landowners to branch out and consider creating woodland on their land.

Woodland is a popular longterm investment opportunity

given the high value of productive forestry land and strong timber prices. According to the Forestry Index, the returns from woodland have averaged around eight per cent for the past 20 years.

CKD Galbraith’s forestry department has advised a number of clients on land diversification and have witnessed a recent increase in demand from buyers seeking land for planting trees

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who recognise the investment potential.

At present there are government tax incentives and funding for commercial tree planting, a segment showing significant growth within the industry and it is also an activity that doesn’t require ongoing subsidies. Given the significant political change, there has been a level of uncertainty within the

estate

Farmer Clusters a great way forward for conservation Dr Dave Parish, Head of Lowland Research, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust sector regarding the future level of forestry grants however, the Scottish Government remains fully committed to increasing woodland cover and the forestry sector as a whole.

The Scottish Government’s climate change advisory committee recently recommended

increasing the target for creating new forests to 16,000 hectares a year. Creating modern forests is highly imperative in helping meet the country’s carbon reduction targets which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

A Prime Arable Unit In The Heart Of Angus

A prime piece of Angus estate that offers a variety of development and agricultural opportunities – as well as a unique historical connection to South Africa - has come onto the market.

Holemill extends to around 82 hectares in total and is being sold as a package of five lots - available individually

or as a whole - which includes the possibility of the redevelopment of two unique properties and the creation of an equestrian business.

The site, around six miles south of Forfar, also provides a powerful link to South Africa Holemill was the original home of Peter Smith who emigrated to South Africa in the 1800’s

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Farmers do a lot for Scotland’s rural environment, but there is only so much that an individual on their own can do on his or her farm, and often the farm unit is not big enough to feel like a worthwhile contribution is being made. The Farmer Cluster concept, developed by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in partnership with other bodies, is a concept to help numbers of farmers work more cohesively together in their locality knowing that jointly they will be able to deliver greater benefits for soil, water and wildlife at a landscape scale.

The Farmer Cluster starts life at a bottom-up, farmer-led level under the guidance of a ‘lead farmer’. The farmers devise their own conservation plans, often with their own chosen advisers who they know and trust, and with their own extensive knowledge as a start-point. Their work may be supplemented and supported by existing agri-environment schemes, but across the UK several Clusters have set up with no funding whatsoever.

Setting up a Farmer Cluster involves GWCT, or another advisor, approaching a number of neighbouring farmers with the question “what wildlife would you like to see on your farm?” This is the first step in generating a farmer-led and outcomeoriented approach, appointing a lead farmer, choosing their own adviser (in many cases this will be one of the Advisory staff from GWCT), setting targets and recording progress.

GWCT has experience setting up Farmer

Clusters across the whole of the UK, particularly through the Partridge Count scheme.

This approach has driven the popularity of the programme with farmers. In the south of England farmer Clusters have formed the bedrock of a number of GWCT research projects including Waders for real where local farmers responded voluntarily to GWCT concerns about the conservation status of breeding waders forming the Avon Valley Breeding Wader Project and securing EU LIFE+ funding. There are also Farmer Clusters centred on the GWCT demonstration farm at Loddington in Leicestershire, and the Howe of Cromar in Aberdeenshire where the Trust’s Scottish demonstration farm at Auchnerran is situated – this Cluster is the first of its kind in Scotland.

In Scotland, funding though the Environmental Co-operation Action Fund, part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, is available, although how long this will continue is not known.

It has however been a valuable route to get things started, granting public money to help groups of farmers make their own decisions, and provide extra help and facilitation to talk through issues.

The Farmer Cluster concept is also reinforced in the Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy, where environmental and conservation issues are tackled not by one person on their own but in groups, with encouragement, thus being able to operate over a broader landscape scale with far greater impact.

estate where he founded the City of Dundee in Natal, having made his fortune in discovering and mining coal in the area.

Holemill is being marketed

by Bell Ingram in Forfar for offers over £2.12 million for the whole. Each of the five lots are also available separately and priced accordingly.

Stewart Hamilton, of Bell Ingram’s Forfar office, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these five properties to the market.

“Each one is productive and well situated and, whether purchased as a whole or individually, offers a fantastic opportunity to buyers to expand their existing business. We are looking forward to seeing the interest it generates.”

For more information, contact Stewart Hamilton, Bell Ingram, Forfar on T: 01307 462516 E: stewart.hamilton@ bellingram.co.uk W: www. bellingram.co.uk

Safety drive for forest visitors

A new safety campaign from Forestry Commission Scotland is urging all forest visitors to take more care in the woods – because many don’t know the risks they might encounter in a working woodland.

‘Discover Forestry in Action’ features information about forest machinery and a short video which gives an up-close view of the scale and speed of forest operations that no-one would ever get close enough to see in person.

The campaign also highlights the reminiscences of a harvester operator who over the course of his career around the UK has witnessed several near misses and accidents – including fatalities - in a forest working environment.

Simon Hodge, Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland, which manages Scotland’s National Forest Estate, said; “Forests are a great place to visit - great venues for a relaxing, refreshing and invigorating day out.

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“But forests are also a working environment where we harvest trees and tend the woodland to produce the ultimate sustainable raw material - timber.

“Our woodland management operations rarely affect much of the forest at any one time but we want to raise awareness amongst visitors so that they can avoid any dangers and risks.

“We use warning signs on site to highlight dangers and risks and we put in place diversions to avoid work sites because the heavy machinery can be very dangerous. Both felled timber and woodlands that are part-felled can pose dangers.“ During harvesting, machines swing heavy logs as though they were light sticks, and shattered or broken timber can fly through the air like spears. Chains on machinery can also break under tension – with bits flying off at lethal velocity. This ‘chain shot’ can also travel almost as fast as a bullet – so you don’t have to be close to machinery to be at risk.

estate Moredun goes into partnership with Crown Estates A partnership between The Crown Estate Scotland Portfolio and Moredun Research Institute to address biosecurity and animal welfare issues has been extended.

The two organisations are working together to provide research insight and improvements to farming communities across Scotland.

Their latest venture is to produce awareness-raising materials - an information newssheet and poster - on biosecurity for key livestock diseases. It has been designed to clearly outline best practice for a number of important, endemic diseases which affect cattle and sheep in the UK. Losses due to disease cost the UK livestock industry millions of pounds each year and even on an individual basis, importing one disease with incoming livestock can be a costly mistake. For example, the cost of an outbreak of sheep scab in a 500 head flock has been estimated at £6150.

This latest activity follows on from a series of animal health roadshow events that took place across The Crown Estate’s four rural estates in Scotland. These were open to farming tenants but also other rural landholders, vets and animal health workers and representatives of the livestock industry.

Biosecurity is one of the most important factors of livestock disease control and is key to healthy livestock. The joint project aims communicate best practice biosecurity as practically as possible. Producers are well aware of the commercial benefits of healthy animals, and the materials encourage a proactive approach to disease prevention. Additionally, Moredun recommends that livestock farmers regularly discuss health plans and response strategies with their vets, as well as maintaining good quarantine practice and environmental hygiene, to improve farm productivity and animal health and welfare.

The biosecurity resources were launched at this year’s Royal Highland Show at the Moredun’s Reception event.

Andy Wells, Head of Countryside Management for the Scotland Portfolio, The Crown Estate said: “Biosecurity is a critical part of disease prevention and control. Farming is a key part of our business on our estates and helping our tenants to access current research and advice such as this ensures their businesses, and ours, remain healthy and viable for the future.

Rural advice for confusing time A leading firm of land agents and farm advisors is setting out to offer a greater range of services across north-east Scotland.

Davidson & Robertson Rural (DRR), which as Scotland’s oldest firm in the sector, is celebrating 125 years in business, has announced a merger with Maud based Buchan Agricultural Consultants.

“Since the opening of our first office in the north east of Scotland back in 2012, DRR has gone on to work with and advise a growing number of farming and landowning clients across the region on matters ranging from business succession to utilities, development projects and renewable energy,” states Rhona Booth who heads-up the DRR Forfar office.

“The merger with Buchan Agricultural Consultants is great news for DRR and for our clients.

By bringing on board Gerald Banks and the team from BAC, we will be able to strengthen our expertise in matters such as agricultural support schemes, farm business reviews and grant applications whilst also offering the services of our existing professionals – in everything from diversification projects to wayleaves and compulsory purchase compensation, valuations and sales – across a much wider area of the north east.”

“Farmers, land-owners and rural businesses undoubtedly face challenging times ahead as the rural sector seeks to understand what a post-Brexit world will look like. Of course, with challenges there may also be opportunities. Every one of our team at DRR, including our new BAC colleagues, is geared up to offer help and advice.”

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Land reform in Scotland

By Grierson Dunlop, an agricultural law solicitor, and member of Scottish Land & Estates’ Agricultural Holdings Group.

The new Land Reform (Scotland) Act is taking root and as Ministers and civil servants grapple with the nuts and bolts of the legislation, many eyes will be focused on the implementation of Section 10 which deals with agricultural holdings.

There have been warnings that legislation made in haste has a nasty habit of causing problems further down the line.

However, the clock was ticking on this Bill and this meant much of the detail has been left to secondary legislation and statutory instruments.

As the Scottish Government gets to grips with tackling the complex issues still to be resolved, it will be interesting to see how much heed is paid to a speech by Lord Gill who, until his retirement last year, was Scotland’s most senior and longest-serving judge and the leading authority on agricultural holdings.

Lord Gill’s assessment of the future of the tenanted sector - given to a recent conference of the Agricultural Law Association - was frank, compelling and raised a number of crucial questions.

His main theme was that we are all now drowning in a sea of agricultural holdings legislation dating back to 1948 which needs to be consolidated. Perhaps even more of pressing concern to Ministers and civil servants was his assessment of a number of the new provisions.

Lord Gill saluted the Scottish Government’s commitment to halt the decline in tenant farming but also pointed out that security of tenure was behind a ‘chronic

distortion’ of the market and a major reason for so few tenancies being available to let.

He also talked about the ‘deterrent’ effect of security of tenure and asked why any rational landlord would create a secure tenancy that would diminish the value of their interest and – in the long term – likely result in the succession of generations of tenants effectively putting the farm beyond the owner’s reach.

As regards rents, he stressed that the rent, while calculated with reference to productive capacity, has to be fair to both parties and in all circumstances.

Lord Gill highlighted several weaknesses and noted the ‘naïve’ discrepancy surrounding the phasing of increases or decreases in rent in excess of 30%.

He also drew focus to issues associated with the right allowing secure tenants to assign their tenancy citing the fact that legislation designed to attract younger tenants sets no age limit.

Furthermore, he lamented the provision allowing an inexperienced near relative to acquire a tenancy even if he gives up or fails to complete the appropriate training to run the farm.

Like the majority of landlords and tenants, Lord Gill said he would be sorry to see the tenanted sector disappear. Therefore, it is surely in everyone’s interests that difficult questions are dealt with thoroughly, thoughtfully and quickly. It is clear that there are ongoing challenges for the Scottish Government if the tenanted sector is to thrive.

For more information www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Telephone : 0131 653 5400

estate Först supports the future of arboriculture and forestry with Merrist Wood College Först, a leading supplier of high performance and robust woodchippers, is working in partnership with Merrist Wood College to help develop the tree surgeons of the future.

Spread across 400 acres, Merrist Wood College has over 2,000 students studying a range of land-based courses including Arboriculture and Forestry, Sports Studies and Horticulture.

After meeting at the 2015 Arb Association’s Arb Show, Först donated a TR6 woodchipper to the college for their Arboriculture and Forestry courses, which range from oneday sessions through to full time 9-week intensive courses and diplomas from levels 2 to 4.

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Utilised by short course and full time Arboriculture and Forestry students, the machine enables pupils to gain hands-on experience using high quality industry machines.

Through using the machine, students can achieve their required Certificate of Competence, allowing them to begin their Arboriculture or Forestry employment earlier than usual and with the correct qualifications.

Speaking of the partnership, Zak Walker, Head Lecturer at Merrist Wood College, said: “The donation of the Forst machine has allowed our students to gain real life experience of the machines that they will be using throughout their career, and the TR6 is a fantastic start.”

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by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE It has been a busy summer; the gamekeepers are tending to their birds for the forthcoming season, the Highland show and the Scottish Game Fair have been and gone. Next up on the calendar is the Highland Fieldsports Fair at Moy on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August; this is one of my favourite events to attend. It keeps in touch with all aspects of the countryside without being swamped by the commercialism other events appear to court. Moy is followed by the Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August.

One of the biggest events on the country sports calendar is the ‘glorious’ 12th August when the shooting season opens on the grouse. A day at the driven grouse is as thrilling as it can get with the highspeed grouse rocketing over the butts on the windswept moors. Equally thrilling is a day shooting grouse over pointers; watching the dogs quarter over the heather, then stopping on point when they find a covey of grouse. Your heart thumping in your chest as you walk quietly in to the point with your eyes fixed on a clump of heather knowing that birds could explode out from the undergrowth at any moment.

Country sports offer participants many benefits, from the fresh air filling your

lungs to the pleasing views of the flora and fauna. There are no limits to enjoying the countryside and if you wish to take part in fieldsports you have a variety of activities to pick from. If you are coming into country sports later in life there will always be an activity to suit your level of fitness. Being active improves our psychological wellbeing by enhancing mood and selfesteem. From the strenuous hill climb for a day’s deer stalking in the highlands to a relaxing day spent fly fishing on the river, you can take your pick.

A few years ago I was booked by Trout & Salmon magazine to photograph salmon fishing on the Isle of Lewis. I spent a number of days fishing with Richard, the owner of the Soval estate. He and his wife would regularly travel up from the Home

Counties and organise a week on the Island with their family and close friends. In addition to fishing, Richard said he loved nothing more than going deer stalking on the island. The first part of the stalk would involve going in by boat, stopping to observe the deer before mooring the boat and stalking in to the deer high up on the hill. After the beast had been shot he would drag it back down the hill and, to finish off the stalk, he’d take a swim in the loch before heading homewards by boat. The venison was used in the lodge alongside all the other game shot on the estate. On my first night with the group, we enjoyed an evening of chat; sharing our love of country sports and eating the game previously shot by Richard, his family and friends.

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Country sports have been a mainstay in many people’s lives and the passion for the outdoors has been carried down through the generations.

On a family shoot you may see all ages out for the day from youngsters to the great grandparents. In some cases it is a tradition that’s taken place for more than a century, a high spot on the family calendar when everyone travels back home. Some of the older family members give up their gun to make way for the youngsters but are still keen to take part by enjoying the walk or perhaps beating. It’s a sociable day with plenty fresh air, chat and usually a hearty lunch in the bothy. Everyone gets something positive from the day be it the fresh air, the exercise and a chance to catch up with family and friends.

There are many benefits to be had including fresh game for the dinner table.

These days we are all much more aware of our health and the importance of an active lifestyle. More and more people are taking to the countryside and finding ways to enjoy it. We are very fortunate in Scotland as there is so much on offer. We can walk, shoot, stalk and fish surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Visitors travel from far flung parts of the world to enjoy it however we are the lucky ones because it is on our doorstep.

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horses Horseland journey around Britain Scottish rural consultant Vyv Wood-Gee has set off on an ambitious project to ride across Britain tracing the role of horses with her two Fell ponies Mikado and Magic to raise funds for Cancer Research.

“I first visited the Uffington white horse over 30 years ago and I vowed there and then that I’d return one day on horseback, and ride the Ridgeway,” explained Vyv, who rode from John O-Groats to Lands End with her daughter Elsa in 2006.

“It took 14 years before I was able to do so, in celebration of my 40th birthday. The seeds were sown there and then for a much longer ride between Uffington and the numerous other enigmatic white horses carved into Britain’s hillsides.

“Since the Uffington white horse was carved by our ancestors 3000 years ago, it has tantalised and fascinated.

Both the Uffington horse and its relatives symbolise the cultural importance of the horse in the 80

UK. I didn’t want to just ride between the white horses. I wanted to find out what they mean to the visitors they attract from all over the world.

“From the outset, the juxtaposition of my sturdy black Fell ponies, whose native home is Cumbria, riding between prancing white horses, added to the appeal. But there were also other parallels to explore. As a breed, Fell ponies date back nearly as long as Uffington. They exemplify the way in which horses have developed through time, and how our relationship with horses has changed. We no longer depend on horses for work, war or transport, but the question in my mind is whether we are still, at heart, a horse land?” continued Vyv.

“For years, work, life, kids and a few other things (including several other long rides) meant my white horse ride plans were relegated to the back burner.

In the meantime, various other iconic new horse landmarks sprung up: the Kelpies, the Glasgow Clydesdale, and Sultan the pit pony landart sculpture in South Wales.

“The appearance of four huge horses on the banks of the Thames in the form of the Rising Tide sculpture in September 2015 was the final catalyst in deciding I could wait no longer to ride between Scotland, Wales and England, exploring the role of the horse in Britain’s past, present and future. It’s only when I started digging maps out to plan my route that I found

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all the dots I’d stuck on all those years ago locating each of the white horses in southern England, and the outlier on the North Yorks Moors. The Heeley white horse in the middle of Sheffield, and the white horse at Folkestone, hadn’t even been thought of then, but were quickly added to my schedule. When I learned Scotland had its own white horse, near Peterhead, it was obvious where I must start.

“Wherever I can, I’m following routes historically used by pack ponies, pit ponies, Reivers, Romans and others in the days when horse were the main means of transport. The farriers who shoe my ponies along the way, together with the people I meet and places I visit will offer further insight

horses

into the social, political, cultural and economic role of horses in Britain.”

In mid June Vyv set off from Scotland’s only white horse hill figure - the Mormond white horse, just north of Strichen, in Aberdeenshire. Being way too far north for the chalk into which Wiltshire’s white

Equine Angle

horses are carved it’s made of quartz. She hopes to finish in September riding through London and over Tower Bridge, so via Horseguards Parade, and along the sandy tracks through Hyde Park which the Household Cavalry use daily to exercise their horses, finishing at the animals in war memorial.

Inspirational teenage event rider Hannah Francis dies from cancer Teenage event rider Hannah Francis passed away just 15 months after being diagnosed with bone cancer.

The 18-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on 1 May last year and wrote a blog of her experiences from the point of view of her cuddly toy, Willberry. She also raised significant funds for various charities.

In May, Hannah announced that Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony had been approved as a registered charity. All funds raised will go towards bone cancer research and granting horsey wishes to those with serious illnesses.

Hannah continued to ride throughout her illness, performing the CCI2* guinea pig dressage test at Tattersalls in June, while she continued with her chemotherapy.

Hannah raised more than £115,000 through fundraising events and Willberry merchandise.

“Thanks to all the people so desperate to make little old me

and Willberry happy, I’ve met my absolute idols and heroes,” Hannah said in May. “I’ve ridden horses who’s talent is out of this world and genuinely tried their hardest to look after me as if they knew just how weak and fragile I now am. I’ve had so many wonderful adventures, small and large, with my wonder pony, my family and my friends that lots of people must only be able to dream of.”

The British Eventing Scotland annual awards ball takes place on November 5 at Airth Castle. This year a silent auction will be run in aid of Wilberry Wonder Pony and the inspirational Hannah Francis.

Auction prizes donated so far include a day at the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre in the Scottish Borders, a morning on the gallops and an opportunity to ride your own horse and gallop alongside Lucinda Russell’s racehorses and two nights dinner, bed and breakfast at Kinloch House Hotel.

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Making hay while the sun shines

By Melanie Scott This certainly has been a challenging summer for horse owners thinking ahead of the winter months and looking to have a shed full of hay before winter.

The old saying make hay while the sun shines is never truer but with only an odd day of sunshine this summer it’s been tricky to get enough drying days in before along comes a shower. Ideally you need a window of around five days to make hay. Some grass seeds are quicker to dry than others and sometimes hay can be made in three days.

Importantly the grass needs to be cut at the right time to prevent a second growth of grass.

Frustratingly often by the time there’s a warm, dry spell there’s often a secondary growth and the nutritional quality of the hay has dropped.

This year’s very warm dry spell at the end of May and start of June came just a few weeks early for most farmers, however the weather was right and the grass in our

fields ready so we made our hay then - the earliest I remember!

There’s a great sense of satisfaction to see the hay shed full and the sweet smell of newly baled hay lingering in the air and knowing that you have enough to feed the animals through the depths of winter.

Similarly the weather has caused plenty of frustration for event riders.

Eglinton Horse Trials, run at the picturesque Barskimming Estate in Ayrshire, is one of Britain’s longest running events.

Last year they were desperately unlucky and cancelled the day before with heavy rain and again this year the weather was against them after several cloud bursts and flash flooding. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes before any event starts that it’s hugely demoralising to cancel.

I do hope this winter is not a repeat of last year’s never ending rain where we all ended up with webbed feet!

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horses Equestrian Tried & Tested

By Melanie Scott

Mark Todd Cyndi Second Skin What they say: From the Mark Todd Italian Collection, this technical base layer is ideal for working, fitness training, riding and competing. The comfortable, four-way stretch fabric is breathable with wicking properties and is machine washable and quick drying, making it a practical top for the active equestrian.

Colour: blue, green or orange Sizes: S-L Colour: blue, green or orange Price: £49.99 Review: I was sent an orange in size medium to test and while orange is not my favourite colour I think it’s more like coral with a hint of peach through it. The fit is very neat though, while I would normally be a size small (UK8-10) I was sent medium and thought I might need to exchange but it fits and it’s not that long. I like close fitting tops though so it’s a good cut for my shape.

It’s made from comfortable four-way stretch material and I love the feel of the fabric and how comfortable it is to wear. It’s so light and silky, especially the sides and the sleeves. It has a 3/4 zipped neck and I found the zip a bit fiddly and would like a zip guard at the top to stop rubbing on the neck.

I found I could happily wear the jersey against my skin and that it allowed sweat to easily evaporate. I have worn it in very warm weather and felt very comfortable and the full length sleeve length offers protection against sunburn.

I sometimes find regular base layers rise up too high across the middle, which is

annoying, but the Second Skin top is brilliant. So soft and light yet stays in place.

Above all, though, I love the colour and fit of the jersey.

It’s so different and the many positive comments from other riders are testament to this.

Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 or visit www. wefi.co.uk for stockists

Absorbine Leather Therapy What they say: Deep-cleaning leather wash with no residue, cleaning from the inside out, lifting dirt and grime from the inner fibres of leather to prevent deterioration and cracking without leaving surface residue.

It’s gentle on leather and stitching, and can be used for leather tack, boots, shoes, and jackets - even synthetic leather Price: From £13.25 Review: The Leather Therapy Tack Wash comes in a spray application, which is sprayed directly on to your saddle, 82

bridle work, or leather garment, and wiped off so there is no need to rinse.

It does not leave a residue on the leather and there is no moisture build up. This helps prevent mould and protects the deterioration of any stitching. The formula is pH-balanced with micro suds to lift out any embedded dirt, sweat, and grime. It is ideal for cleaning and removing mould and mildew on your leather products and works with the Leather Therapy Restorer &

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Conditioner which is a blend of rich replenishing oils that helps transform dry, hard leather to original flexibility. It is ideal for restoring old, dried out leather and helps it last longer with regained suppleness and strength as well as inhibiting mould and mildew.

To use, apply to clean leather with a damp cloth. The deeppenetrating leather conditioner helps maintain the durability and extend the life of leather and restores its supple feel and rich colour.

futurefarmer SRUC Student Heather Kerr Enjoys Summer Placement with SAC Consulting in Ayr Heather Kerr (21), a third year BSc Agriculture student from Maybole in Ayrshire, is currently enjoying her 10 week placement with the Ayr office of SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College. She is spending the summer helping in the busy centre, shadowing experienced consultants and deciding if a job on the SAC Consulting Team is what she wants to do when she finishes her honours degree course in 2017.

Heather, who is studying at SRUC’s Ayr Campus, is one of three SRUC students gaining summer work experience in an SAC Consulting offices this summer.

Heather is finding the work interesting with lots of variety. “I have been out on farms taking soil and silage samples for analysis as well as talking to farmers and checking forms for different schemes like capital grants and organic conversion. I have also been working in the office helping to write reports and also had the opportunity to attend key farming events such as Scotsheep and the Stranraer Show.”

“It has been really enjoyable and although mainly based at Ayr, I have also been working at the Lanark, Dumfries and Stranraer offices.”

Andrew Leggate, Assistant Regional Manager with SAC Consulting in south Scotland is an enthusiastic supporter of the scheme. “This year we had 11 students competing for the three places funded with bursaries from the SRUC Trust which also helps support the students in their final year.

“We have a number of full time staff in our 23 Scottish offices who started this way. It is a chance for students to learn what being a consultant involves and for us see their potential.

“The students are very helpful during their placements

and carry out a range of tasks ranging from soil and silage sampling to form filling and other administrative tasks.

All our consultants enjoy the students’ youthful enthusiasm.”

Equally supportive is Andrew’s colleague from SRUC’s Education Division Sonia Filby, Student Experience Manager.

“The scheme is now in its 12th year and generates strong interest as students hear from each other about its value and the opportunities it brings. It helps us to provide invaluable insight into job opportunities with SRUC and elsewhere.

“We have been very impressed with the considerable agriculture experience and knowledge our students demonstrate, together with their enthusiasm for the sector and the opportunities it presents for their futures.”

Heather, who comes from a beef and sheep farm in the Carrick Hills in South Ayrshire, is now intrigued by the possibility of working as a consultant after graduating. “The placement has been a great opportunity to make new contacts and it is a career I would like to pursue in the future.”

Photo caption: SRUC Ayr student Heather Kerr helping with foot trimming of dairy cattle as part of her placement with SAC Consulting.

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With all of our members aged between 14 and 30 years, training and skills development is a crucial part of their personal development.

More than three years ago we started establishing more opportunities that allowed members to fulfil their desire for additional training. To date this has included sheep shearing courses, cow signals, cattle trimming, lameness workshops and health and safety.

The success of these initiatives and a grant from the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Department has put us in a position to launch Cultivating Futures a dedicated programme offering agricultural and rural training to rural youth in Scotland. It will encompass access to affordable practical training, business and efficiency workshops, our own leadership programme and an online information hub.

The practical training will be supported by Tayforth Machinery Ring, Borders Machinery Ring and Highland Machinery Ring, and offered will be Forklift Training, Sprayer Tests, ATV Handling and Chainsaw Tests to name just some examples.

Within the business and efficiency category, rural youth will gain skills in a wide range of topics such as budgeting, managing cash flows and writing a business plan to understanding the

value of good nutrition management.

Online, “The Hub” features information from the agricultural and rural industry that is of interest to rural youth including events, training, job vacancies, news and reports.

Any business that would like to be included can submit the information to rebecca@sayfc. org Away from the training programme, there is dedicated dairy focus meeting on Saturday 1st October at Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries. Hosted by SAYFC, Scottish Dairy Hub, AHDB Dairy and SAOS it will include a tour of the farm, a range of speakers including dairy expert Tony Evans talking about lean management, financial planning and the current markets, support available from the hub and lunch. Spaces are limited so booking is required.

The Agri & Rural Affairs Conference will be taking place from 18th to 20th November in Aberdeen focusing on the theme of “Cultivating Excellence”. There is a full programme including two farm visits per person, a range of speakers and breakout sessions, a brexit workshop where members will be able to freely express how they would like to see policy shaped and two delicious dinners using Scottish produce.

For more information visit www.sayfc.org or 0131 333 2445

finance Bank of Scotland hatches new loan to mirror egg productivity cycle Bank of Scotland Agriculture has launched a new loan specifically designed for egg producers.

Aimed at providing lending to fund replacement pullets, the loan mirrors the egg production cycle and offers an initial repayment ‘holiday’ followed by repayments over the productive life of the flock.

Donald Macdonald, area director, Agriculture, Bank of Scotland said: “The ‘Pullet Finance’ loan package recognises that pullets have a period at the start of their time on a farm when they are settling in and reaching maturity, and are not yet productive.

“With pullets typically taking eight weeks from arrival to reach full production, Pullet

Finance helps farmers optimise their cashflow over the lifetime of each flock, as they only start paying for their birds when they are producing income.

“The repayments then mirror the usual 14-month lifespan of that flock, so the finance is paid off at the end of each cycle and a new loan for the next flock can be taken out.

“This means each loan is attached to the productive life of the single flock it’s funding, with the potential of loans running in parallel for different flocks, making it easy to track margins and profits for that cycle.”

Donald Macdonald said there was increasing demand for standalone financial products that fit different agricultural production patterns.

He said: “Agriculture is a unique industry in terms of its profit cycles, from short-term in pigs and poultry, to annual with crops, to longer term investment in breeding stock and cattle enterprises.

“Loans like Pullet Finance, which track individual profit cycles, help alleviate working capital pressure and free up cash that would otherwise be tied up in new livestock. They can also support expansion and strengthen balance sheets.”

The application process is straight forward and can be discussed with a Bank of Scotland specialist Agriculture Manager.

For more information, visit http://business.bankofscotland. co.uk/industry-specialists/ agriculture/contact-us/

Commercial vehicles, ie: pickups, vans, lorries from £175.00 on full fleet policies.

Private motor vehicles can also be added to such policies.

Inverness farmer reduced premiums from £2850 to £2123 Aberdeenshire farmer reduced premiums from £4208 to £3986

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United Dairy Farmers reports Annual results United Dairy Farmers, parent company of Dale Farm, has reported on its annual results for year ending March 2016.

The Coop’s profits saw a good recovery, after a dip in 2015, with Group operating profit increasing from £3.5 million to £9 million and profit before tax increasing from £1.28 to £6.82 million.

The improvement was driven

by Dale Farm which continued to deliver strong growth in consumer products despite the general fall in market returns and weakness in international dairy markets.

finance ANM Group unveils £4 million commitment to Thainstone Business Park’s infrastructure

ANM Group, one of Scotland’s largest producer-owned farming, food and finance businesses, has announced its commitment to invest £4 million into the development of the infrastructure within the planned extension of Thainstone Business Park.

The extension plans will see the existing Thainstone Mart and business park enhanced with the addition of new office buildings and parking while creating an estimated 500 jobs – with a number of these jobs created locally – as ANM Group has pledged to hire local suppliers for the development of the business park.

Pat Machray, ANM Group chairman, commented: “The proposed expansion of Thainstone Business Park has been in our plans for a number of years and is the next natural step for the site. In 2012, the local area plan allocated this land for development, and we are thrilled to see it finally beginning to take shape.

“We have been a major employer and contributor to the North-east economy for more than 140 years, and as a farmer-owned co-operative, we continually strive to improve the business to provide the best service for our 5,000 members and 20,000 customers. This £4 million investment further demonstrates our commitment

to Thainstone, which has and always will be a key hub for the North-east agricultural community.”

Over the last 26 years, ANM Group as a co-operative has significantly contributed to Scotland’s finances – a total of £4 billion – and the extended facilities will not only boost the local and national economy but also greatly benefit the Thainstone hub, the local business community, and Inverurie town.

Mr Machray continued: “We are proud of our strong history at Thainstone, and it is vitally important to us that we do not to jeopardise the legacy we have created in any way. We want to be a good neighbour, and we are taking steps to ensure that the new business park will be extended sympathetically in line with the current landscape by working collaboratively with our current tenants, the local community, and relevant authorities.

“Change can often be met with apprehension, but knowing we have the continued interests of the community at heart, we hope everyone will share our enthusiasm for this new chapter in our history.”

Pending approval, work is due to commence later this year with the first building due for completion in early 2018.

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THEMONEYMAN Be Prepared…

By Andrew Turnbull For many, the late payment of subsidies in the Spring was a source of serious concern.

In the past, the first port of call was the bank manager with a request to extend the overdraft, temporarily, to cover the gap.

But things have changed and being able to arrange an extension to facilities quickly is overly optimistic. Forward forecasts, stocking plans, etc. will be requested and few farmers have up-tothe-minute documentation in these areas. And then, the time taken to get approval to an overdraft extension often seems an age.

However, the new breed of lenders have come up with innovative solutions such as input loans, cattle finance and development loans and often their requirements in terms of documentation

are only a copy of recent bank statements and the last set of annual accounts.

And their time-scales for approval are just a few days.

However, sometimes the bank statements can turn out to be a problem if there are frequent breaches of the overdraft limit. All funders become nervous if they see bounced cheques because they view this as a failure of the farmer to properly manage his financial affairs.

This situation can be avoided by a bit of forward planning. It is a mistake to assume that somehow everything will come right in the end - it frequently doesn’t!

Prevarication nearly always results in a last minute panic approach to funders. By that time the overdraft is over its limit and an opportunity to avoid a crisis has been missed.

Be prepared - plan ahead before it is too late ...

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 85

machinery New Krone dealer appointed in Scotland Krone UK has appointed Perthshire-based machinery dealer Wilks Bros to cover new and existing customers in the area with quality forage equipment.

Founded in 1929 Wilks Bros is a family business run by second generation brothers William and Eric Wilks. Located in Murthly the company is ideally positioned to serve the surrounding agricultural community.

Increasing demand in Scotland for Krone forage equipment including mowers, tedders and rakes requires a local well respected organisation with traditional engineering skills, which is backed by strong product support and customer service.

For further information on Krone products please contact Wilks Bros on 01738 710381

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machinery Hydraulically-actuated offset slide for Catros compact disc harrows As standard the Catros/Catros+ 3001 and 3501 compact disc harrows are equipped with a slide mechanism to adjust the offset of the disc rows. This slide is utilised, on the one hand, to adjust the optimum offset between the first and the second disc row and, on the other hand with these non-folding models, it is also used to change between the transport and work positions.

The benefit here is that on the Catros/Catros+ 3001 and 3501 there is no side disc that needs to be folded in by hand.

This actuation of the slide is normally carried out with the

aid of the ground resistance where the machine has to be lowered onto the ground and moved to and fro for a short distance.

To further simplify this adjustment, AMAZONE now also offers a hydraulic actuation of the slide; allowing the driver to set the offset of the discs very easily via a tractor hydraulic valve and thus to change very simply between transport and work positions.

Amazone offers the hydraulic actuation system as a factory fitted special option for all new Catros/Catros+ 3001 and 3501 compact disc harrows.

New high capacity QUADRANT baler range From the launch of the first QUADRANT 1200 large square baler in 1988, CLAAS has led the way in the development of high capacity large square balers.

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For 2017, this development continues with the launch of three completely new QUADRANT baler models – the QUADRANT 5300, 5200 and 4200.

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machinery At the core of these new models has been the redevelopment of CLAAS’ oldest patented product – the knotter.

The first CLAAS knotter was patented in 1921 and with over one million units now having been produced, CLAAS is still the only baler manufacturer to design and manufacture its own knotters.

In addition to the new high capacity knotters, in order to further increase output and bale density, this new design of QUADRANT baler also features heavier duty drive systems, longer bale chambers and the new patented CLAAS APC (AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROL) system.

Standard on the QUADRANT 5300/5200 and optional on the QUADRANT 4200, APC takes high density baler performance to a new level, by ensuring that bale weight is maintained by automatically monitoring the

knotters and the stress on the drive system.

Having entered both the required bale density and the quality of the baling string

being used into the ISObus terminal, by monitoring sensors recording the deflection of the main beam and knotter tension on three of the knotters, APC

WILKS BROTHERS Main dealers in Perthshire for DEUTZ FAHR Tractors

The new 6 and 7 Series Tractors

3ALES s 3ERVICE s 0ARTS Repairs for a wide range of Agricultural Machinery Murthly, Perthshire, PH1 4HG Tel: 01738 710381 Fax: 01738 710581 88

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will automatically maintain the target chamber pressure. This ensures that a uniform bale weight is maintained regardless of variations in crop quality.

machinery New Betimax RDS launched JOSKIN has launchds a new model of livestock trailer combining the advantages of the Betimax RDS (reclining system, sprung drawbar, etc.) and Betimax R (quality green paint, floor made of chequered plate, attractive price).

The BETIMAX RDS-P livestock trailer is painted in green (instead of being galvanized), fitted with grey rims and its floor is made of chequered plate (without resin).

In order to promote this new option, we grant an extra net discount* on the first 100 sold machines. With this discount, the RDS-P livestock trailers will be at the price of the R models!

Conditions*: this action cannot be combined with other actions and extra discounts such as the stock discount, the discount for delayed production, etc.

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machinery Folding ESPRO offers fast, efficient and accurate min-till drilling Kuhn Farm Machinery has expanded its range of minimum tillage seed drills with the introduction of a 4-metre, folding version of its award-winning ESPRO machine.

Officially launched in the UK at Cereals in 2015, the 6-metre ESPRO 6000 R received the ‘2015 Machine of the Year’ award at the SIMA 2015 exhibition. A new 4-metre foldable version – the ESPRO 4000 R – has now been launched and is available in the UK and throughout Europe.

In common with its larger sibling, the 4000 R uses two rows of cultivating discs followed by a single row of large diameter (900mm) wheels which are offset and fitted with specially designed deep tread tyres which create an ideal seed bed. The 4000 R also

uses Kuhn’s Crossflex coulter bar: each coulter is mounted on polyurethane blocks which allow

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the individual coulters to follow terrain contours. This ensures a consistent seeding depth across the machine’s full working width and, in turn, results in homogenous seedling emergence.

The ESPRO 4000 R requires very little power to be operated and can be used with tractors with as little as 140hp. Despite its low power requirement, the new machine boasts high drilling

speeds and is compatible with a wide variety of seed types and sizes.

Adjusting the ESPRO’s settings such as seeding rate, drilling depth and tamping pressure is simple and easy to do via a user-friendly VT50 or CCI200 ISOBUS control terminal.

The same terminal also operates the machine’s automated headland turn function.

Scotland’s first dealer for Branson Tractors Agri-Services of Darvel have been appointed the first dealership in Scotland for Branson Tractors.

The Royal Highland Show provided the ideal occasion to introduce the Branson range of tractors to Scotland.

Amongst the many visitors to the stand of Branson Tractors UK Robin and Chris Moir of AgriServices were very impressed with the quality and build of the tractors being exhibited.

Agri-Services have an established reputation supplying and servicing machinery and equipment to the groundcare and

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forestry contractors of Scotland since 1970.

Chris Moir of Agri-Services said, “ For some time we have been looking to compliment our range of machinery with a compact tractor dealership.

Until now we had not found right one. When we visited the Branson Tractors stand at the show we immediately liked what we saw. We were looking for quality engineering combined with all the capabilities to meet our customers needs at a sensible price with a brand that would give us some exclusivity.

Branson ticked all the boxes

machinery Horsch expands the Express KR range

and we agreed the dealership with Nathan Walker, managing director of Branson Tractors UK there and then.”

Nathan Walker concluded, “As first time exhibitors The Royal Highland Show was a great success for us. Our tractors created a lot of interest with many serious enquiries.

But the icing on the cake was

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being able to appoint AgriServices a dealership.”

Although a new name for tractors in the UK, Branson Tractors have a strong presence in other parts of the world selling upwards of 20,000 tractors each year in Asia and throughout the USA where they have more than 200 dealers.

HORSCH’s new 3m Express KR power harrow and drill combination, is the first model in an already expanding range.

Shown for the first time in the summer, Horsch has recently

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announced an expansion of the range at Agritechnica 2015 with 3.5m and 4m working width models now also available, and has added a new simple and safe calibration system.

machinery 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.

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.

Practical machinery factors to consider when zero grazing Farmers adopting zero grazing in a bid to cut feed costs, reduce waste and improve DM intakes have two options to cut, collect and feed out the grass. But whilst a zero grazing machine may be specifically designed to do this one job, a mower and forage wagon combination will give farmers greater flexibility

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and ultimately be a more costeffective option, says OPICO’s James Woolway.

“Investing in a forage wagon for zero grazing ensures a flexible system in case market conditions and farm practices change,” says Mr Woolway. “A forage wagon can also be used either to support contract silage-

making work or alternatively to allow farmers to be in complete control of their silage-making.

“However there are several practical factors to consider when choosing machinery.

“It is important to limit the physical damage done to grass when zero grazing, to protect its nutritional quality. So farmers

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should select a plain nonconditioner mower to reduce grass damage. The knives in the forage wagon’s chopping unit can then be removed, and the rotor is simply used to feed the grass gently into the wagon,” explains Mr Woolway.

“Strautmann forage wagons include a Continuous Flow

machinery

System which spreads the cut grass evenly across the whole width of the wagon, so there is less compression and less damage done compared to machines where it is heaped down the middle.

“Size can also matter! If the feed troughs are under cover, then wagon height may be an issue. Whilst contractors prefer the larger models, there are also smaller sizes to choose

from. For example, the smallest Strautmann forage wagon is the Zelon – with a maximum height of 3.68m, compared to the contractors’ favourite, the GigaVitesse which is 4.00m tall.

“And when it comes to feeding out, the same cross conveyor system that is used in Strautmann mixer wagons can be fitted, giving the flexibility to discharge cut grass to the left or right of the machine.”

Deutz-Fahr launches new six and seven series tractors

Impressive modification and upgrades to the new DEUTZFAHR 6 and 7 Series range of tractors, put the company at the top of its game in performance, horsepower and comfort. Key features that dominate include transmission and suspension; an impressive front integrated linkage; new cab design, layout

and controls arrangement with improved visibility.

It is in the 6 Series offering where small to large scale farmers will benefit most from the new innovations, but for farmers with a range of crops as well as contractors it will still be a whole new experience running a multi-purpose 7

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machinery Series tractor in the 226hp and 246hp.

Upgraded 6 Series tractors boast a completely new transmission in the 156hp-226hp range: the Powershift models with manual transmission based on five mechanical gear speeds

plus six Powershift forward and three reverse. New RCshift models feature a fully automatic transmission with five robotised gear speeds plus six Powershift forward and three reverse.

Driving comfort in the new 6 Series tractor is a whole

new experience coming from a stepless transmission in the TTV models with speeds ranging from 0.2kmph to 40kmph or 50kmph at reduced engine speeds – therefore improving fuel efficiency too.

However, the continuously variable TTV transmission on the

7 Series tractors cover a speed range from 0.2kmph to 60kmph and has been upgraded for superior performance with new software.

The top speed of 60kmph is unique in its class. All top speeds of 40kmph, 50kmph and 60kmph can be reached at a lower engine speed.

New McCormick X7.650 Pro Drive delivers six-cylinder power and refinement A new six-cylinder tractor has been launched to join the McCormick X7 Pro Drive series and bring a longer wheelbase, tough cast chassis and smooth-running engine further down the power scale.

The new model is available from McCormick dealers in Scotland – Thomas Murray Agricultural Engineers, Dundonald, Ayrshire; TH Engineering, Banksfoot near Dalswinton, Dumfries & Galloway; Fraser C Robb, Drymen near Glasgow; Argyll Agricultural Engineers, Oban; John Drysdale, Kinneswood, Perthshire; Hamilton Tractors, Carnwath, Lanarkshire; Brian Smith Engineers, Cornhill; Mark Wood Agri-Sales, Insch and Mearns Tractors, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire; and J T Cormack, John O’Groats.

The new McCormick X7.650 Pro Drive joins a range that goes from rated speed outputs of 135hp to 188hp and maxes out at 212hp with Power Plus boost on the top model. The newcomer slots in with 152hp from its 6.7-litre engine at rated speed, climbing to a peak output of 160hp for all operations.

The new model is available to order now with the new Efficient specification introduced for the four-cylinder and smallest sixcylinder models in the current range and also in a Premium version with enhanced features and a wider choice of performanceorientated options.

“We already have a fourcylinder tractor – the X7.450 Pro Drive – with the same peak power and torque outputs as the new model,” notes Paul Wade, product specialist at AgriArgo

UK, the McCormick distributor for Great Britain. “But many operators like the characteristics

of a six-cylinder tractor, including the added stability for operating heavy mounted

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implements that comes with an extra 410kg in weight and 150mm longer wheelbase.”

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machinery The 50,000th LEXION rolls off the assembly line The 50,000th LEXION has rolled off the CLAAS assembly line in Harsewinkel. During its 21-year success story, the high capacity LEXION combine harvester has become the flagship of international agricultural technology. More than 50,000 parts, 4,000 m of electrical cable and 215 m of hydraulic lines are installed inside each LEXION. The 50,000th LEXION with its jubilee design can be seen at many fairs and exhibitions across Europe during the coming months.

After almost one decade of development, CLAAS introduced the first LEXION combine harvester in 1995. The 400 series offered farmers new high levels of performance. The APS threshing system, with its threshing drum which was expanded to 600 mm, was for the first time combined

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with the ROTO PLUS residual grain separation system. This combination resulted in the proven APS HYBRID system.

Drivers could now work in a comfortable cab, equipped with the integrated on-board CEBIS computer. In addition, the GPS

PILOT and LASER PILOT steering systems made steering the combine easier.

With the LEXION, CLAAS established a new premium segment for agriculture. Six years after its introduction to the market, the 10,000th large

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combine harvester – a 415 h.p. LEXION 480 with rubber tracks and a potential harvesting capacity of 40 t of grain per hour – rolled off the assembly line.

Proof of the great success of the high capacity LEXION on all fields across the world.

machinery In 2003 the LEXION 500 series represented the successful further development of the top-class combine harvester.

Larger harvesting capacities and refined technical systems, such as adjustable rotor flaps for adapting the separation area and

a quick stop for front-mounted attachments, made the operator’s work far easier. Only two years later CLAAS launched the 600

series which, with a harvesting capacity of up to 70 t of grain per hour, provided farmers with a further increase in efficiency.

JCB Fastrac at 25 – still unique as one of the world’s most sophisticated, productive and distinctive farm tractors JCB is celebrating 25 years production of the Fastrac – a range of agricultural tractors that remain unique to this day and continue to offer farmers and contractors an unmatched combination of features and performance advantages resulting in high levels of productivity and utilisation.

It was JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford who struck on the idea of manufacturing an unconventional tractor while he was on holiday overseas in 1984. He saw an opportunity to develop a tractor that had high road speed and which

would also be capable of field work, including heavy draft applications. His inspirational idea would become reality some years later when the world’s first real tractor with full suspension was launched.

The Fastrac design has developed hugely from the first prototype built in 1987 in secret beneath the office block at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham, North Wales.

The tractor brought together established technologies and components in a new way that not only provided exceptional ride comfort for an agricultural

tractor thanks to the suspension incorporated in both axles but, as first tests were to prove, it

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also shattered the myth that suspension and ploughing is an impossible combination.

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machinery Kverneland to introduce smaller u-drill at tillage-live

Following Kverneland’s successful introduction of the 6m hydraulic folding U-Drill, the firm has added 3m and 4m rigid frame versions to the range - and a 3m model will be introduced at Tillage-Live on September 14.

Designed to maintain even sowing depths at high forward speeds of up to 18kph, these smaller models of U-Drill also feature electrically driven seed metering, and are available in grain only, and combined grain/

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fertiliser versions - the latter are badged U-Drill Plus.

Plus models also benefit from a hopper that is divided lengthways, with easily accessible metering units

located on either side of the hopper.

The 3m U-Drill 3000 and 4m U-Drill 4000 models offer six working zones including a front-mounted 800mm packer, two rows of 450mm conical discs, an offset wheel packer, CD coulters with a 12.5cm row spacing and up to 100kg of coulter pressure, backed up by a choice of following harrow.

The U-Drill 3000 is priced from £47,500.

In addition to the two smaller models, the 6m U-drill 6000 is now available in Plus specification. New control options also include fully programmable headland management, and GEOcontrol - the latter for variable rate seeding and section control.

GEA MixFeeder – Now with intelligent, precise and efficient feeding management GEA introduces the Wireless Integrated Control (WIC) system, an intelligent software for its proven MixFeeder. The new system ensures that every performance group receives the optimal mix ration of raw feed, concentrated feed and minerals in the right volumes at the most appropriate intervals. The WIC delivers the feed precisely and reliably around the clock. This benefits milk producers and herd managers as it ensures that their cows are always performing at their full potential, thereby improving milk volumes and quality and reducing workload and costs.

The WIC combines feed bunkers and silos and controls each individual step of the process fully automatically: from the precise weighing and mixing of the feed components

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in accordance with set feeding plans and specifications, to time-controlled group feeding.

Having multiple feed deliveries throughout the day has been shown to improve feed uptake and utilization, so farm staff are able to set the distribution frequency to suit their animals.

The system determines both the position of the feeder wagon and the current status of the processes, and calculates the shortest path from the filling station to any other position in the barn.

The WIC software enables staff to access the system from the PC, touch panel or their smartphone, wherever they happen to be, via the local network or the internet. This gives milk producers and herd managers greater freedom, whilst still enabling them to have full control over the entire feeding

machinery process. The system can also send alerts via SMS if required.

These messages can then be acknowledged with a simple reply text. Staff can also manage individual functions and get basic information via the touchscreen on the feeder itself.

The MixFeeder with WIC can manage up to 30 feed types (15 per animal group), up to 30 feeding groups and 30 rations, up to 64 barn areas and around 100 mixtures per day. Whether the farm has high-performance

or dry cows, calves or bulls, the MixFeeder with WIC ensures that each group receives their mix ration, tailored to its performance level. And as the feed is delivered multiple times per day, the animals are kept active, which in turn enables them to make the most of the nutrition. The system provides a whole range of benefits, including improved animal health, lower treatment costs over the long term, increased milk yields and excellent milk quality.

New mounted version of grassland rejuvenation equipment launched

OPICO has launched a mounted version of the HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator. It enables worn grassland to be overseeded in just one pass, so fields are rejuvenated without taking them out of production. It can also be used for reseeding cultivated land.

The Sward Rejuvenator consists of an aggressive Shattaboard with slicing plates, 2 rows of heavy duty harrow tines, an Air 8 grass seeder and a Star roller.

The slicing plates and harrow tines break up and level the soil surface in front of the grass seed outlets. The soil is then firmed behind by the heavy 600mm diameter Star roller, which also

breaks any clods produced by the front equipment to leave a fine tilth for grass seed to germinate in.

The aggressive slicing plates and harrow action make the Sward Rejuvenator ideal for use in badly poached fields which require restoration.

It can also be used – minus the seeder – for harrowing grassland to remove trash and stimulate grass growth, and for molehill levelling.

The mounted HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator has a 3m working width, and together with an Air 8 seeder, retails at £16,213 + VAT. The trailed version, launched at last year’s Royal Welsh Show, retails from £20,909 + VAT (including seeder).

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farmwatch

Livestock security Incidents of livestock theft are low in Scotland but it does happen and livestock keepers are urged to treat grazing animals like any other valuable property. On the whole, sheep are the most common animal to be stolen with large numbers being reported throughout the UK. Good security is proven to deter thieves and protecting grazing animals is no exception. By examining your property and surroundings, particularly from a criminal’s perspective, and taking simple safety measures you can take to help to protect your livestock.

ANIMAL SECURITY: s 2ESTRICT ACCESS BY removing all gates that are no longer in use and repair fencing and other damage promptly. s %NSURE lELD GATES ARE in good condition and, taking access rights into consideration, do not be afraid to lock them using a good quality padlock s #HECK LIVESTOCK REGULARLY

and if the livestock are making more noise than usual this may indicate something has disturbed them. s +EEP ALL DOCUMENTATION and stock movement books in a secure location s 4AKE PHOTOGRAPHS of particularly valuable animals and note the colour and position of identification markings on the animal.

s #ONSIDER THE FOLLOWING for identification: o o o o o

EID Bolus; Lug marks Freeze Marking; Tattoo Marking; Hot Branding.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Beware of any suspicious activity and in particular unsolicited callers. Check their identity and if in doubt, note their description and any vehicle they may be using and call the police.

Your call may be important and save others from the opportunist thief.

Police Scotland fully understands the emotional and financial significance that rural crime has on farmers and rural businesses and further information is available on the Rural Crime page of the Police Scotland website or by following this link h t t p : / / w w w. s c o t l a n d . police.uk/keep-safe/homeand-personal-property/ rural-crime Comprehensive crime prevention advice can be obtained from your local Police Scotland Safer Communities Team by telephoning 101.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101, or alternatively information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For emergencies call 999.

FARM WATCH column sponsored by

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country woman Beth Johnston

By Linda Mellor

Beth Johnston

Beth Johnston was born and raised in Arbroath, Angus and her interest in the countryside was apparent in her art classes at school as nature often featured in her work. Beth became a countryside ranger at Monikie Country Park over the summer months during her last year at school and her first year at University; she took part in environmental studies and gained her speedboat license.

After leaving school she studied a BA Honours in Fashion Design for 4 years at the Royal College of Textiles which is now owned by Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish Borders. In Beth’s final year she put together a fashion show and it was held at Abbotsford House, Melrose. The inspiration for her clothing range came from studying influential women throughout history who were involved in shooting and hunting. Beth’s hunting wear collection was called ‘Deer Diana’, and was specifically aimed 104

at women involved in country sports. In mythology Diana was known as the goddess of the hunt.

She said, “I wanted the collection to be fashionable and practical for women to wear outdoors.” Beth’s collection was made up of a number of pieces including cape, coat, shirt and trousers. The Scottish Houses of Parliament hosted a ‘Livestock Keepers’ talking science project and Beth was one of only 5 students invited to exhibit her collection as part of the ‘Scotland and Wool’ collaboration.

“In my younger years country sports did not cross my mind, as I was never directly exposed to them. Then I met my partner and I very quickly became obsessed with all things shooting related.”

Beth’s partner, Byron Pace, was instrumental in developing her passion for the countryside.

Hunting is a big part of his life and she wanted to understand and experience what it was all about so Byron took her out on a deer

stalk. Beth said, “I really wanted to explore and find out more for myself so we went out stalking. We were very patient, sometimes we go out on a stalk and catch a glimpse of a stag and other times we would see nothing. I think we had about 4 outings before everything was right to take the shot. It was an amazing experience; Byron had full control of the rifle until it was time for me to get into position and take the shot. I took my time, stayed calm and squeezed the trigger. The beast was hung for a couple of weeks before we ate it. That was 4 years ago and I am now obsessed with game, shotguns, pheasants and clays!”

“I love the Isle of Skye. My ideal getaway would be spending time on Skye in mid-winter, Byron and I out stalking deer then returning to the bothy with friends to eat fire-roasted meat we’d killed ourselves,” said Beth.

After graduating Beth was offered a position at Highland

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Outdoors as their UK Ridgeline Clothing Representative. This gave her a good insight into the shooting world and an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

The role involved lots of miles travelling around the UK but Beth missed being in Scotland. In November 2015 she joined Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS) as their Communications Manager, based at the Cardney Estate near Dunkeld, Perthshire.

SACS was founded in the early 1990s and is a not-for-profit membership association.

In 2014 Beth was approached by the Femmes Fatales to host a ladies clay shooting day. Femmes Fatales is a volunteer based nationwide community of ladies who love to shoot clays. Beth became the Scottish Central and Highlands host, said, “The sole purpose of the group is to get more women into clay shooting. It takes quite a lot of organising but it is great fun. We held our first event in

country woman October 2015 and 21 ladies turned up, everyone had a great time and Ridgeline Clothing provided the prizes.” In June, Beth organised the 2016 clay shooting event, it was a successful day with a great turnout and many businesses supported the event by providing prizes for the lady guns.

Beth is very enthusiastic about her role with SACS. She has made a lot of changes and works closely with her colleagues, Alex and Jules.

“I handle all of our membership work, organisational needs, social media platforms and in-house graphic design, something I was very passionate about during my university years.”

2016 has been a busy year for Beth attending the game fairs with the new-look stand and working on the new SACS website. The association membership continues to grow on a daily basis and now counts over 17,000 members across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. “We are friendly and approachable; one of us will pick up the phone and do what we can to help because it is

important to us that we do our very best for our members.” said Beth.

When Beth was putting her fashion show together she took an in-depth look at women involved in hunting through the ages. She is a passionate advocate of getting more women involved in shooting and hunting. “I became aware of female empowerment and how women were the ultimate deciders; able to give life and to take it away.

There is still a lot of educating to do with the general public perception of women hunting and shooting and that perception needs to be transformed.”

Beth is looking forward to a continued busy time with SACS and getting involved with as much as possible to raise awareness and to get their message out to all corners of the fieldsports community. She said, “It is an exciting time. I would also like to revisit ‘Deer Diana’ and maybe do some interior design as it is something I have an obsession with. I would also like to do more illustrations and a series of wildlife designs on fabric. I would love to do more hunting!”

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Southern Belle DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS??

Following a bit of a dodgy back thing in the spring, I consulted my doctor and three months later, I was referred to Orthopaedic Dept. The lovely lady who examined me decided that I was very bendy “for my age” and I was doing everything right except to relax more. During the three month wait, I had already had several “relaxing” neck, shoulder and back half hours at the local beauticians, which had sorted the problem and allowed me some down time so box ticked on both.

Getting older brings it’s trials and lest I forget, my mother regularly reminds me “old age doesn’t come itself” From an increased inability to remember the names of people I’ve known for years, to the morning aches, being “bendy for my age” is a bonus. A new found age confidence has seen me grateful for the small chest I was blessed with as it doesn’t sag and while bemoaning my 36B’s in the pub some years ago, as very well-endowed petit

young lady walked past, the person next to me said “Yeh but she’d rather have your height!” I have a space between my front teeth which at long last has become fashionable on the catwalk and due to years of lifting bags of sheep feeding, I don’t have any chicken wings.

I’ve solved the name memory thing by adopting Joey from “Friends” line of “how are you doing?”, name neatly avoided, by looking after my silver fillings, which I’ve had since primary school, I still have all my own teeth, despite the gap and I’ve cured my baby hair issue by purchasing a hair piece (which my other half calls my rabbit) which neatly clips onto my fine hair and gives me “volume”. Not that volume has ever been a problem in other areas of my life.

So with my hair tied up in curls, wearing a big smile, a sleeveless t-shirt and my favourite jeans, I’m off to the next show, without the care that my bum looks big in this because frankly my bum looks big in everything!

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@home

Retro

the art of getting into the groove Featuring Perth designer Sarah Peterson Our editor discovered ‘Sarah’s Attic”, this little gem while shopping in Perth with his family.

They are now the proud owner of ‘Elton’, a cute sewing box!

If you love vintage and retro design and are looking for something unique and different then pop on up to Sarah’s Attic in Perth. Local designer, Sarah Peterson creates one off, bespoke pieces of upcycled furniture and lamps along with limited edition framed prints and an array of gorgeous handmade cushions.

Located on the mezza level of Watsons of Perth, here you will find a collection of Sarah’s designs, each piece a unique one off that you won’t find anywhere else.

Doris

Eric

Brighten up a dark corner with Doris the wooden based table lamp with gorgeous handmade shade in a retro floral print £70.00

The adorable little sewing box from the 1960’s has been beautifully restored and is the perfect place to keep your needles and pins! £250.00

Oscar The classic Parker knoll wing back chair has been completely transformed using a patchwork of cream, teal and grey fabrics £550.00.

Thelma and Rene were meant to be together!

Thelma the gorgeous 1950’s cocktail chair dressed in red - £450.00 and Rene the 1930’s chest of drawers in shocking pink and turquoise - £325.00 106

Sarah’s Attic, Watsons of Perth, 163-167 High Street, Perth, PH1 5UP Tel: 07523069205

www.sarahpetersondesign.com

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@home The FlueCube – the answer you have been looking for

A few timepiece ideas for your home…

Industrial Reclaimed Sleeper Wall Clock As recycling is all the rage and in fact, a huge exciting growth industry in the home-styling world, this large railway sleeper wall clock with and industrial chic look would look great in the right place.

With steel Roman Numerals, pretty substantial wall hanging!

Dimensions: H: 79 W: 79 D: 10cm Price: £240.00 www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Stags Head Wooden Clock It was five years ago that FlueCube launched at the Hearth and Home Show. As with any new product, attempting to create a market for itself within an established industry has taken tenacity and resilience.

Crucially, FlueCube’s advantage in marketing this patented product has been that it really does fulfil its claims and there has proved to be a genuine need for a product that not only solves traditional problems, such as downdraft, but also increases stove efficiency and reduces particulates. In doing so, it complements and supports the new eco design emission requirements.

Even homeowners who have been using stoves for many years have found that purchasing a FlueCube can be a huge benefit.

The FlueCube improves stove burning efficiency by creating a positive draw through the flue system, stabilizing the burn within the stove and thus enabling the stove to perform (burn) more efficiently by consuming larger amounts of black carbon (soot) then would previously have been possible, which in turn helps to keep the flue cleaner.

The FlueCube also allows stoves to be installed, or to function better, in areas of low

pressure and thermal disturbance (normally restrictive for stoves).

For example, FlueCube solves problems routinely associated with short chimneys, bungalows, conservatories, single storey extensions or chimneys below the roof line.

Over the last five years FlueCube has invested in improving the original design; with the support of Brewer Cowls, the FlueCube is manufactured to be slightly shorter, at 300mm (so really is a cube!) with the addition of a rain collar to keep rain away from the flue.

Pricing a product realistically can often be tricky, particularly when the quality of manufacture is integral to its success. FlueCube currently retails at £248.33.

Considering it is British made, from 316 stainless steel - so won’t rust or break as there are no moving parts - and is guaranteed to work, it represents great value for money. Many happy customers are a testament to FlueCube’s growing popularity – their comments and reviews are constantly updated on the company’s website.

For more information, contact Ashley Martin on 01580 715870 www.fluecube.co.uk .

This personalised clock with a Highland Stag design is perfect for your home kitchen, dining room, Cafe or Conservatory!! Made from lightweight wood with a rustic wood effect finish, this kitchen wall clock features a Highland Stag and Roman numeral design.

You can be personalised with 2 lines of text, 20 characters per line.

The clock requires 1 x AA battery (not included) Size : 25 x 25 x 2cm Price: £17.45 www.thekitchengiftco.com

Funky domino clock Having seen one of these in a local Perth Art Gallery, these handmade clocks by Katy Galbraith all incorporate real domino tiles, using the tiles as the numbers 1 to 12. However, the rest of the clock is of mosaic.

The centre of this domino clock is made of a chintz shabby chic plate in yellow with pink flowers.

The central part is then surrounded by tiny pink, green and yellow glass tiles, and it is edged with glass tiles. A scattering of ceramic flowers made by Fiona Gordon of Station Cat Pottery adds extra detail.

Katy’s clocks are made on reclaimed kitchen unit board, so MDF hand cut to shape.

The funky clock has a new battery operated clock mechanism.

Measuring 40cm in diametre, this kitchen decor can be made in a variety of colours though each one would be unique, due to the nature of re-using old ceramics.

Commissions available on request to match your decor Price: £185.00 www.katygalbraith.co.uk

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lifestyle These gorgeous shirts from equestrian fashion inspired brand Freddie Parker are just what you need to kick start your new autumn wardrobe.

The Freddie Parker Ladies Cheltenham Shirt in Turquoise and Men’s Epsom Shirt in Dark Blue feature the brand’s signature ‘galloping horse and rider’ logo on their contrast placket and fold back cuffs. Finished with a slim line cut to the ladies shirt and embroidered logo on the chest for both, these shirts will become a wardrobe staple thanks to their good looks and versatility!

Sizes S -XXL Available in Dark Blue, Light Blue and Lilac. Freddie Parker Men’s Epsom Shirt RRP: £79.00 Sizes 10 – 18 Available in Candy Pink Stripe, Pure White, and Candy Turquoise Stripe. Ladies Cheltenham Shirt RRP: £65.00 www.freddieparker.com

Autumn shirts with style

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lifestyle Cool for riders

When it comes to keeping your cool in the competition arena as temperatures rise, Equestrian fashion brand Equetech has some great garments for keeping cool on the move

RS rural

STYLE

By Helen Burness

KINGS IN THE HOOD!

The Equetech Libertina Shirt is a gorgeous sporty stretch competition shirt with a cool mesh panel across the back for added airflow in the saddle! Also featuring a (Rat catcher) stock collar, diamanté buttons and zip pocket to side hem for stashing horse treats!

Colour: White. Sizes: 8 – 20 RRP: £34.50

This Equetech Kingshill Hooded Gilet is a gorgeous quilted gilet featuring super warm technical ‘Bio-Down’ insulation.

Featuring a generous faux fur lined detachable hood, flattering herringbone quilt stitch detail, and a scooped back hem, this gilet has been created to flatter your figure and beat the elements.

Featuring Equetech’s exclusive Snaffles print lining, handy zipped chest pocket, front press stud pockets, two-way front zip and internal storm flap, this gilet is ready to take on winter riding in style!

The Equetech Wainscot Competition Shirt for men combines colour with technical fabric in its clever design. Featuring a crisp cotton ‘button down’ tie collar, contrast Marl Grey sleeves and Navy back panel, this shirt is breathable and quick drying with excellent wicking properties which keep you cool, whatever the temperature this summer!

Colour: White/Navy. Sizes: S – XL RRP: £46.95 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

Sizes: XS - XXL RRP: £82.50 Colours: Coco & Navy

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lifestyle The Equetech Symmetry Breeches can help you keep your cool in the saddle with their good looks and performance styling. Integral Lycra leg panels to hem, a reinforced seat seam, silicone knee grip panels and cool cotton and spandex blend fabric add to their summer appeal!

Colour: Navy, Coco, Beige and White. Sizes: 24 - 34 RRP: ÂŁ83.50 www.equetech.com

Lace appeal This gorgeous sleeveless shirt is brand new to the Timothy Foxx collection. The Timothy Foxx Lace Back Shirt is styled in a quality cotton and features a bold Lilac and Sky Tattersall plaid throughout its feminine silhouette with a pretty vintage inspired lace back panel in White.

Bridging the gap between traditional and high fashion, this shirt is the perfect addition to your wardrobe!

Sizes: 6 - 14 RRP: ÂŁ65.00 www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

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ARTWORKS

Wildlife on canvas Featuring artist Elaine Johnston

Elaine Johnston was born in Glasgow and graduated with honours from Glasgow School of Art in 197 with another 4 years as the understudy of prominent Scottish artist Peter Howson OBE, completing her art education with a further BA from the Royal Conservatoire in 2004.

During her on going career she has specialised in both design and fine art. In these particular areas she has designed sets for opera and theatre, worked with the Department of Trade and Industry, The British Embassy and the royal family of Monaco to name but a few.

Articles can be found in various publications such as The Dubai News, The Glasgow Herald, and even here at Farming Scotland magazine.

Gordelia

Amongst the various awards she has obtained are The Young Achievers Award for Scotland presented by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and Design For Diplomats presented by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street.

Today this accomplished artist has settled in the village of Sorn in East Ayrshire where she finds inspiration from the stags and pheasants at Sorn Castle, cattle in the fields to the hares at her own back door.

Specialising in sport-wild life and rural animal oil paintings with a diverse range in scale from 5 inches to 5 metres, this adaptable artists work is seen in galleries and homes worldwide (even our own editor’s home!).

Embracing the strong rural subjects, Elaine also enjoys bringing life to the domestic animal in her commission work and gets great joy from capturing what the owner sees in their animal.

High Heid Yin

Boxing Hares

www.johnstonartist.co.uk www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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cars New Audi Q2 now ready to order in the UK Ready to configure on audi.co.uk now, with first UK examples set to arrive during November The new Audi Q2 is now available to order in the UK, ushering in fresh, functional design and a bold yet familiarly premium take on the compact SUV class. Featuring a host of customisation options designed to make every model stand out from the crowd, the Q2 also incorporates a suite of Vorsprung durch Technik innovations from the full-size class with a distinct

focus on connectivity and infotainment. Prices start from £22,380 OTR, with more engines and an even lower pricing point to follow shortly, including an entry level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI with 190PS, the latter introducing the option of quattro all-wheel drive.

From next month, Audi is also introducing an entirely new and individual specification to the line-up – the Q2 Edition #1.

Q2 available to order now, priced from £22,380 OTR

Peugeot 108: going for gold Peugeot is going for gold with the introduction of the new metallic paint colour ‘Golden Yellow’ and a complementary new interior ambience to add to the range of eight solid and metallic paint finishes, six personalisation themes plus ‘Dual’ which is a range of six two-tone paint finishes including four new lower/upper colour variations, Carbon Grey/Raven Black, Laser Red/Zircon Grey, Diamond White/Zircon Grey, Diamond White/Tahoe Blue.

Customers will benefit from a £420 customer saving (exc.

Access model) during August and September and can also take advantage of the highly competitive 4.9% APR available on PEUGEOT Passport finance.

Customers who place a £500 deposit on a 108 Active 1.0-litre 3-door - the most popular model - will see payments start from just £155** PEUGEOT’s Just Add Fuel® remains the most popular purchase route for PEUGEOT 108 owners, with two-thirds of customers choosing this allencompassing, 3 year, no hassle

package. The ‘Just Add Fuel® Telematics’ finance package is

also available for those from just 18 years of age.

Nissan BladeGlider brings cutting-edge Intelligent Mobility to life Nissan has unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic BladeGlider vehicle, combining zero-emissions with highperformance in a revolutionary sports car design.

The vehicles, developed from concept cars first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2013, have arrived in Brazil to symbolize future technologies that will combine Intelligent Mobility, environmentally-friendly impact and sports-car driving capabilities.

Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, 112

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said: “These prototypes epitomise Nissan’s drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility strategy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility.

Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers.”

The debut of the BladeGlider prototypes forms part of Nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles and new automotive

technologies including autonomous drive systems and connectivity.

Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission

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car, the LEAF, and is pioneering Intelligent Mobility systems that will be deployed in a range of vehicles over coming years.

cars i20 Turbo Edition added to Hyundai range Hyundai Motor UK has revealed pricing and specification details for its new i20 Turbo Edition.

Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the i20 Turbo Edition is priced from £12,975 OTR. Meeting the growing trend for small capacity turbo petrol engines, the special edition i20 Turbo features Hyundai’s entertaining yet efficient100PS 1.0-litre turbocharged 3 cylinder petrol engine with CO2 emissions just 104 g/km.

Fitted with distinctive 16” alloy wheels, the special edition

model will be available in a choice of six exterior colours: Polar White, Aqua Sparkling, Sleek Silver, Stardust Grey, Phantom Black and Red Passion, all with a sophisticated Black/ Grey interior.

Based on the well-specified i20 SE, the sporty new i20 Turbo Edition offers Bluetooth®, DAB digital radio, cruise control with speed limiter, and a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls as standard.

The special edition builds on the SE model’s specification, adding a

rear view camera, automatic lights with dusk sensor, and satellite

navigation via a seven-inch integrated touch screen.

Ignis compact crossover from Suzuki The new Ignis, Suzuki’s new compact crossover offering stylishness and utility, made its European premiere at the 2016 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile.

Suzuki’s styling design heritage nurtured in a long history of compact car manufacturing has been passed down and some attributes are brought to life in the Ignis. The minimal exterior design looks fresh but undoubtedly Suzuki which makes the model purely iconic. The new Ignis will go

on sale in the UK and Europe in January 2017.

Latest environmental technology from Suzuki includes a rigid, lightweight new-generation platform as well as the option of a compact and lightweight SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) which allows extra assistance through the electric motor and provides efficient battery recharge, these elements help achieve fuel efficiency without sacrificing good performance.

New for 2017 Range Rover For 2017, Range Rover, the world’s most successful luxury SUV with over a million sales worldwide receives a suite of advanced semi-autonomous driving technologies and the introduction of the new Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic.

Epitomising Range Rover luxury and performance, the new SVAutobiography Dynamic model is the most powerful, most dynamic production Range Rover to date. The SVAutobiography Dynamic marries the finest attention to detail with elegant and luxurious materials including diamond

quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and a knurled finish rotary shift controller and pedals.

Powered by a 550HP V8 supercharged engine, the SVAutobiography Dynamic, through specially configured suspension, delivers the ultimate combination of performance and handling without compromising Range Rover’s peerless comfort and refinement delivering a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds.

On sale now with prices starting from £76,350 for the TDV6 Vogue with SVAutobiography Dynamic starting from £132,800 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Jessica Chapman Plant breeders Limagrain UK, part of Group Limagrain, the 4th largest seed company worldwide, have appointed Jessica Chapman as arable technical and marketing assistant.

This is a new role within the company that reflects the ever increasing need for technical support for its extensive range of varieties for the arable market.

Jessica recently graduated from Newcastle University where she studied Agribusiness Management, however it was her summer job working with the Limagrain barley team that piqued her interest in plant breeding.

David Rae Simpsons Malt, has announced the appointment of David Rae as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board, effective from 1 December 2016.

Formerly Managing Director of The North British Distillery, David will further support Simpsons Malt’s drive to grow its market share of the global malting industry.

A qualified chartered accountant, David brings 37 years of drinks experience in the Scotch whisky Industry. He replaces Sir Ian Good CBE who will step down in November following 12 years on the Simpsons Malt board.

Oliver Watts Leading vegetable seed and crop protection company, Syngenta, has appointed Oliver Watts as Crop Specialist - Seeds for cauliflowers, borecole and Brussels sprouts.

A graduate of the vegetable industry renowned MDS scheme, Oliver has worked on both the production and supply operations for some of the UK’s leading fresh produce growers and supply chain procurement businesses. In these roles he has developed an understanding the needs and the challenges throughout the chain, from growers, to the major retailers and consumers.

During his MDS experience, Oliver also worked for Syngenta business development and marketing in Cambridge and the eastern counties.

James Collingwood Arable team grows with new Certis appointment James Collingwood takes up the position of account manager – a key contact for distributors across the UK. James, who is from an arable farming background, has a history in seed breeding as a variety specialist, and farm grain trading.

With six years of experience providing commercial and technical advice to individuals and businesses throughout the industry, James is looking forward to building on this in his new role.

“Throughout my career to date, I’ve had direct involvement with growers and their agronomists and it’s been my job to understand what products are being used in the field, and why.

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Page Turner’s

BOOK REVIEW Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay

Who hasn’t dreamt of starting over? The temptation to throw over the stresses of one way of life in favour of something simpler surely takes hold of us all at some point or other. Few of us have the nerve to see it through. For Anne Cholawo, a holiday on Skye was all it took.

She saw the picture of a remote island cottage in an estate agent’s window and before she knew it (and indeed before she knew precisely where the island was) she had resigned from her job in a London advertising agency, up-sticked and moved her life to tiny Soay – an island which was declared unsuitable for habitation as recently as 1953.

Grabbing life by the horns certainly takes on new meaning when you read Anne Cholawo’s ‘Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay’, in which she describes for us in delightful detail, her arrival on an island inhabited by only 17 people, and unfolds her complete lack of knowledge of island life, the inappropriate belongings she took with her (including a piano transferred by military helicopter) and a future stretching out before her with no way to earn a living with which to purchase even the most basic of essentials – coal, food, tools.

Building a life on the island meant starting from scratch but the island had caught hold of her and fellow islanders encouraged and supported her efforts to survive. She describes the community – human and animal – as other writers might describe a family. And, like a family, members come and go, life begins and ends, change is marked, grieved, celebrated.

In her first few years on Soay, Anne witnessed the deaths of the colourful Laird,

Tex Geddes and his wife Jeanne who had become her closest friends. With their passing came an end to cattle farming on the island and the movement of the islanders’ cherished ponies by boat to Skye. Over the years she witnessed an end to the milking of an aging goat population, and the decline of rabbits on the island as invasive mink swam over from Skye. Positives included the introduction of new communication systems – some more successful than others – and the arrival of deer who emerged majestically on the island from the sea and found a home in the small copse.

As the years passed she bore witness to the painful decline in the population – those who had spent much of their life on the island were claimed by illness or age and those arriving had very different ambitions for the island and their lives there. She tells the reader of the impact of visitors including one disastrous period when four youngsters visited the island to help with building improvements with tragic results.

Anne changed along with the island. Her story records the ebbs and flows of a community and her own journey of selfdiscovery. As you read you share her loneliness, frustration, determination and joy and by the end it is difficult not to be filled with a sense of admiration for this remarkable woman, nor to reach for a map to discover your own island life).

Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay is published

by Birlinn Ltd (£12.99, paperback)

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