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AgriScot Preview Tractors for 2022 Trailers Slurry Management Cultivations
Articles Regenerative agriculture Prince’s Foundation boost Risk and protection Lanarkshire Larder Clarkson’s Farm Value of land sales
World Farming Guernsey
New to Market V-Mac smart feed silos
Farm Diversification Dog friendly locations
In Focus NeoMilk range from Cargill
Farmhouse Kitchen Mutton Lamb Shanks with buttery chive mash
Made in Scotland New food experiences
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February 2022
Northern Isles • Scottish Country Life Travel Scotland • Women in Agriculture Food & Drink • Book Serial Part 1 including our regular news areas and columns
contents 48
February 2022
78
71
98
Features
Farm Diversification
News Areas
23 Cultivations 26 Tractors for 2022 47 AgriScot Preview 74 Trailers 107 Slurry Management
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Articles
82 Virtual events
Flavour of Scotland
98 NeoMilk range from Cargill
6 Arable & Root Crops 21 Organics 39 Environment 44 Renewable Energy 84 Science & Technology 88 Livestock 100 Dairy 103 Sheep 106 Pigs 113 People 114 Young Farmers 118 Estate 121 Forestry 130 Machinery 142 Finance 145 Events
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Travel Scotland
Columns
15 22 38 72 77 126
Regenerative agriculture Prince’s Foundation boost Risk and Protection Lanarkshire Larder Clarkson’s Farm Value of land sales
Andrew Fairlie Scholarship
Scottish knitting
Women in Agriculture Northern Isles 86 Stories from Orkney & Shetland
In Focus
Food & Drink
116 Dog friendly locations
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Book Serialisation
Whisky, meat & cheese
World Farming 42 Guernsey
New to Market 71 V-Mac smart feed silos
Made in Scotland 78 New food experiences
All Editorial & PR enquiries EDITOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com
124 Part 1 of Native: Life in a vanishing landscape
Scottish Country Life 127 With Linda Mellor
Farmhouse Kitchen 144 Mutton Shanks with buttery chive mash
All Advertising & Editorial enquiries ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com
6 Editor’s Bit 11 R.S.A.B.I. 14 James Hutton Institute 17 Scotland the Brand 20 Scottish Government 41 Farming for the Climate 45 Farm Advisory Service 83 Southern Belle 97 The Vet 101 Scottish Dairy Hub 104 Crofting 105 National Sheep Association 113 NFU Scotland 115 Next Generation 119 Conservation Matters
ADVERTISING MANAGER Barry Tweed Tel. 07547 588401 Email: barry@farmingscotlandmagazine.com
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120 123 146 146
Scottish Land & Estates Scottish Forestry People on the Move Book Review
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arable & root crops editor's bit Farming reality
It is interesting to hear the positive comments about Jeremy Clarkson and his farming adventures at the aptly named Didley Squat Farm. Taking up farming as a ‘hobby’ has certainly opened Mr Clarkson’s eyes to the reality of farming life – it is twenty-four hours a day, bloody hard work and the financial rewards can often be quite cruel at the end of it all. However, it can also be wonderfully satisfying and rewarding. There is so much nonsense talked about farming from those who would force us all to eat only plant-life and adopt the vegan lifestyle. Attack is easy when you don’t know the facts! Can you imagine a planet where we are all vegan? Who cares for the farm animals? How much space would a planet wide vegetable diet take up? Where would all the water comes from to irrigate on a planet wide scale? (While people are already dying without water!) And can we grow all the vegetables locally? - No, is the answer, so there goes the environment again! Nothing is easy, and I am delighted that Jeremy has come to realise this, and in a very public way his efforts have been given a televisual platform that reflect the reality of farming life to a viewing public who didn’t know the true facts about our industry. Telling it like it is, should be our reply to the global ignorance or ‘veganites’ who haven’t even bothered to think through their own beliefs and the devastating impact they would have on planet earth. “Do you have a vegan option?” – Gordon Ramsay perhaps had the perfect reply! Slàinte, Athole.
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New winter OSR hybrid tops AHDB Recommended List A new winter oilseed rape hybrid has taken top position in the AHDB’s Recommended List for 2022 after demonstrating the highest gross output yield. PT303 Protector Sclerotinia from Pioneer, the seed brand of Corteva Agriscience, returned a UK mean gross output yield of 107%. The Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) resistant hybrid is also the first winter oilseed rape variety to offer genetic protection against the yieldsapping disease sclerotinia. Corteva’s Seeds & Inoculants Manager Andy Stainthorpe said: “The launch of the Recommended List for 2022 has confirmed what we’ve been seeing in UK trials for the past three years – PT303’s yields
are market-leading and it has clearly demonstrated it has the resilience required for the UK’s challenging conditions. “In addition to its yield return, PT303 provides growers with a new unique type of protection against the costly consequences of delayed
or missed flowering fungicide applications. “Sclerotinia is capable of reducing yields by as much as 60% and this can occur right at the very last hurdle for growers, just before harvest. PT303 gives growers a unique and more complete agronomic package.
Feed crop protein levels fall following stop-start harvest Results from the 2021 GB harvest indicate that following a challenging season, protein levels in both wheat and barley are, on average, lower than previous years with significant regional variation reported. So farmers and feed compounders are being encouraged to analyse incoming cereal samples ahead of feed formulation. According to Premier Nutrition’s 2021 Crop Survey, unfavourable weather conditions early on caused a stop-start harvest and consequently frustration for many farmers. Poultry nutritionist, Eloise Lawlor says that, despite such a slow start to the season, wheat yields were slightly above
the five-year average. “But average wheat protein is lower than previous years, which is unsurprising, given the negative correlation between yields and protein,” she says. However, Miss Lawlor stresses that these are national averages and overall, there is a lot of regional variation. “Although on average, our survey shows wheat protein 0.84% lower than last year, when looking more closely at regional differences, the lowest result was seen in the east of England, at 8.1%, with the highest being 13% in the central region. Similarly with barley, protein levels were as low as 7.3% in the south, but over 11% in the north,” she says.
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“This is why we strongly recommend the ongoing local analysis of incoming cereal samples and to speak to your feed adviser, who can provide guidance on reformulating feed rations if needed.” To receive the 2021 Crop Survey Harvest Updates, contact Premier Nutrition on 01889 572500 or poultry@ premiernutrition.co.uk.
arable & root crops Two new Syngenta barley varieties added to the AHDB Recommended List
Two new Syngenta barley varieties have been added to the latest AHDB Recommended List. New winter hybrid barley – SY Canyon New on the 2022/23 AHDB winter barley Recommended List (RL), the hybrid feed barley, SY Canyon, is set to tick a lot of boxes for growers, says Syngenta seeds technical expert, Ben Urquhart. As well as its high UK treated yield of 106% of control varieties, he says SY Canyon continues Syngenta’s recent heritage of breeding hybrid barleys with improved grain quality – with a specific weight of 71.2 kg/hl, the second highest figure of all varieties on the latest winter barley RL. “High specific weight offers farmers reassurance when it comes to achieving grain quality contracts,” explains Mr Urquhart. “Yield-wise, SY Canyon has also performed particularly well in the West and consistently across different growing seasons. This is a trait of a dependable variety. “SY Canyon also has the highest untreated yield figure on the new RL, at 89% of the treated controls. This, plus its good allround disease resistance package, offers growers flexibility with integrated disease management.”
Usefully, Mr Urquhart says, with a figure of -1 on the RL, SY Canyon is also early-maturing, helping to spread harvest workloads and provide an early entry for following crops, such as winter oilseed rape.“It also has the highest light land yield figure on the new winter barley RL, as well as good straw strength and good brackling resistance. “Overall, SY Canyon could be an attractive option for growers looking to graduate from the hybrid Libra, and looking for Libra-like specific weight with higher yield.” New spring barley – SY Bronte New on the AHDB spring barley 2022 Recommended List (RL) in the malting category is the Syngenta variety, SY Bronte. Currently under MBC evaluation for brewing, SY Bronte combines very high treated yield, excellent grain quality and strong agronomic characteristics, says Syngenta seeds marketing manager, Tracy Creasy. “SY Bronte has also shown consistency in its yields in different regions and over different seasons. Agronomically, it has very good brackling resistance and good lodging resistance and, added to this, has a good combination of disease resistance and untreated yield. So it looks a consistent and secure option for the future.”
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arable & root crops METOS UK launches digital crop protection tools to improve compliance and crop returns METOS UK has launched its Application Optimisation System (AOS) for in-field spray conditions. The AOS system provides vital information on spray conditions in the field, helping to ensure operators can adhere to best practice guidelines for PPP application. “The in-field ultrasonic wind sensor is connected to an ISOBUS terminal which provides real-time wind speed and potential drift risk information to sprayer operators, managers, and agronomists,” says David Whattoff, METOS UK Managing Director.
“The sensor is easy to install, and data is available instantly on a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. The hardware is contained in robust outer shell, and the system is designed to last many years, with minimal maintenance costs.” The AOS system can be combined with other in-field sensors from METOS UK to give an even more detailed view of the climatic conditions affecting the crop, and to help manage foliar disease and insect pests. New products for potatoes include a blue, tuber-shaped sensor for in-store monitoring of potato crops, and an app that estimates potential crop yield from a photo. Inside the blue SolAntenna are sensors to measure and track temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in-store. The data collected by the sensors enables growers to assess storage conditions and take action to prevent in-store rots.
The SolAntenna has a long battery life and can be placed anywhere within the store in both box and bulk storage. The wireless sensors transmit data to a virtual dashboard, which is accessible on mobile and computer, with real-time data available on connected devices.
Sugar beet re-introduction could create hundreds of jobs and support Scotland’s net zero goals, new report Growing sugar beet in Scotland and processing the crop at a purpose-built biorefinery facility initially producing bioethanol could support thousands of jobs and make a significant contribution to the country’s net zero ambitions, according to a study funded by Scottish Enterprise and produced by 8
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the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC). The report found that at least 815 jobs could be directly created by moving towards domestically produced bioethanol as a sustainable feedstock for manufacturing, along with hundreds more through associated supply chain and logistics services.
arable & root crops Sugar extracted from sugar beet can be used in the production of ethanol as a natural and sustainable substitute for petroleum-based chemicals used in a range of household goods, as well as antibiotics, therapeutic proteins, and for transportation. Such a project would also safeguard many of the 11,000 jobs in Scotland’s chemicals industry, which is increasingly moving towards alternatives to fossil fuels, and create new roles
in the burgeoning biotechnology sector – many of which would likely be in rural and deprived areas. Switching to a local supply of bioethanol, rather than relying on importing it from Europe as Scotland currently does, could significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint by more than 280,000 tonnes of CO² – the equivalent of taking nearly 61,000 cars off the road per year.
Scottish potato grower reduces seed stock without impacting yield
A Scottish potato grower is using the latest digital technology to help reduce seed input costs, improve marketable yield, and increase profitability. Sean Liddell manages just under 1,000 acres of potatoes on land near Duns in the Scottish borders and by using mobile app Crop4Sight, he is able to reduce his input seed requirement by as much as 25 per cent whilst maintaining saleable yields. Mr Liddell started using Crop4sight in his potato growing business around three years ago to get greater insight into the development of his crops
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and help him to make better management decisions. Since then, he has achieved a number of efficiencies including significantly reducing the number of yield digs he has to carry out, saving time and work during the growing season. Mr Liddell said: “I’ve been using Crop4sight for a while now and the data it produces is invaluable for forecasting crop development. “One of the most interesting things to come out of last season was that my seed rate, while good, wasn’t optimal. By inputting the relevant data into
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arable & root crops the app, I was able to identify areas of improvement and efficiency, and that will certainly be influencing what I will do for the forthcoming growing season.” Mr Liddell added another benefit is helping him meet the tight size specifications for salad potatoes. He said: “This year we’re growing around 245 acres of salad potatoes and the rest is maincrop varieties. “Early on, we realised one of the major benefits of Crop4sight was getting early insight into the crop’s yield potential and when the largest proportion of the crop was up to size. “This really helped in deciding the best burndown date. Sometimes this can mean leaving the crop a bit longer than yield digs suggests, which can feel counterintuitive, but it means more of the crop meeting the size requirements and therefore a greater saleable yield. “Of course, leave them too long and they’ll keep growing – it’s easy to get oversized potatoes. But Crop4Sight is an accurate visual aid to help you make the right decision at the right time and it has had a positive effect for us.” Crop4Sight accurately predicts the crop’s development from first emergence, enabling growers to better plan crop inputs, labour, burndown, irrigation, and storage. It also enables farmers to benchmark their crops against other UK growers of the same variety and manage customer
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expectations around size fractions, quality, and contract fulfilment. Crop4sight recently added an irrigation module that Mr Liddell has been trialling. It’s live water management system enables
growers to produce an irrigation schedule as often as required, allowing them to react immediately to changes in weather conditions. This helps to ensure growers apply the optimum
volume of water for crop development. “It produces live updates by the hour if needed.” For more information, visit crop4sight.com.
Light leaf spot forecast now reacts to winter wetness AHDB’s newly improved light leaf spot forecast now reacts to rainfall during the winter, helping to focus crop monitoring, particularly in regions with higher predicted disease risk. High winter rainfall encourages the development and spread of light leaf spot in infected oilseed rape, and movement to unaffected plants, even at temperatures lower than required for crop growth. If long-term average levels of winter rainfall are assumed, the 2021/22 forecast suggests that disease incidence will be highest in the South West and towards the north of the UK. The forecast highlights the proportion of susceptible (disease rating of 5), fungicide untreated, oilseed rape crops predicted to have more than 25% of plants affected by the spring. Robert Saville, who manages disease research at AHDB, said: “As soon as the disease is observed, it is
important to consider treating susceptible crops – with priority given to those sown relatively early. “Since light leaf spot often occurs in distinct patches, wholefield monitoring is required to assess disease severity. Incubation of potentially infected leaf samples can help bring out symptoms – and some disease has already been detected this autumn, using this method.” Until this year, the forecast was issued twice. Firstly, in autumn, based on regional average pod incidence data from the previous season (gathered as part of the Defra disease survey), sitespecific deviation from the 30-year summer (July and August) mean temperature and long-term winter rainfall data. Secondly, in spring, to account for the actual deviation in winter rainfall. Robert said: “Recent industry consultations confirmed the forecast is valued. However, one criticism was that the final forecast came too late to make a difference. As a result, we
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have replaced the static spring forecast with a live and dynamic winter forecast. Put simply, if the winter looks like it is going to be wetter than average at any given site, the risk will increase – and vice versa.” The improved tool now also features a scenario-planning function to help reveal the impact of a relatively wet (rainfall 50% above long-term average) and a relatively dry (rainfall 25% below long-term average) winter on the predicted disease incidence. The tool now also exploits weather data gathered at hundreds of UK sites. Issued earlier this year, an improved phoma leaf spot forecast uses similar site-specific weather data. It is essential that treatment plans take account of any phoma spray applied, as it may already provide adequate control of light leaf spot. AHDB fungicide performance reports contain essential information for the optimum treatment of these two oilseed rape diseases.
Spotlight on spring cereal cropping options After many growers got forced into spring cropping following wash-out autumns in 2019 and 2020, better conditions for establishing winter crops this autumn were a welcome relief. While this will result in less dependence on spring crops in 2022, they remain important to the rotation on many farms, for agronomic, financial and logistical reasons. For those still to decide which crops and/or varieties to sow next spring, Hutchinsons technical manager Dick Neale and national seeds manager David Bouch highlight some options to consider. Spring barley Barley remains the leading spring cropping option in many regions, especially those supplying malting, distilling and animal feed sectors. In recent years spring barley has also become a go-to option in less traditional areas among growers tackling black-grass. “That’s still the situation, especially as there will be some fields that have taken a backwards step for blackgrass control after the difficult conditions we’ve experienced in recent seasons,” Mr Neale says. “If you’re growing spring barley for black-grass control on heavy clay soil, don’t rush out and get a malting contract then apply malting barley principles developed on predominantly light land. For black-grass control, focus on maximising yield and crop competition, which in turn will dilute grain
RSABI encourages people to reach out for support By Chris McVey, RSABI Welfare Manager RSABI’s Welfare Manager Chris McVey is encouraging anyone in the agricultural industry who needs some support to call the RSABI helpline to see how they may be able to help, recognising that this can be a difficult time of year for many people. RSABI provides emotional, practical and financial support to people involved in Scottish agriculture, including farmers, crofters, farm workers and people working in associated industries. Chris McVey, RSABI’s Welfare Manager explains: “January and February can be tough months. For many people the quiet time following the rush of Christmas and New Year can leave them feeling flat. Coupled with the shorter days and potentially bad weather it’s easy to feel fed up, low and unhappy. There could
Chris McVey RSABI Welfare Manager
be more time spent alone, and more time to worry about things. “Our team of helpline staff and volunteers are here to listen if you’re feeling down, or something is on your mind. And you don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to call us for support. We help people
with all kinds of issues – so no matter how big or small you think the problem is we’re here to listen. “All calls are answered in confidence, and our staff and volunteers are mental health first aid trained. If needed, we can help you to access private counselling and provide grants for this if you can’t afford the cost. Many of our clients have found counselling sessions incredibly helpful. “A lot of our work involves providing practical support – helping people resolve employment issues, access benefits information and debt advice, for example. “And we also offer financial grants if required, often for essential items such as heating or food. “Whatever is on your mind, please don’t hesitate to give us a ring.”
RSABI’s helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm on 0300 111 4166. Visit www.rsabi.org.uk for more information on support provided.
arable & root crops nitrogen and can still make a good malting sample.” Pushing for yield does not necessarily require a lot of nitrogen - typically around 120 kg N/ha - but it does mean early drilling at higher seed rates into good conditions and a robust programme of fungicides and growth regulators, he notes.
In terms of varieties, Mr Bouch says the main options are largely unchanged from last year, with Laureate, LG Diablo and RGT Planet leading the way on yield, quality and acceptance by end users. “Yield, specific weight and screenings are all pretty similar, although Laureate
performed exceptionally well last year.” Mr Bouch adds: “We’ve seen several new varieties come through, but none add much in terms of yield and most still need end user backing.” Newcomer Skyway is interesting given a 4-5% yield
advantage over established favourites, however at the time of writing it was still being evaluated for brewing use. Likewise SY Splendor and SY Tungsten, which joined the Recommended List last year, also offer slightly higher yields, but still only have provisional MBC approval, he says.
Phacelia and oil radish uncovered as soil saviours Growing phacelia or oil radish cover crops in vegetable rotations helps to build and stabilise soils - with a new trial revealing it could safeguard future productivity. The trial – funded by Agri-Tech Cornwall with land provided by Duchy College - found that phacelia and oil radish outperformed 24 other species and varieties of cover crop, including legumes and oats. Where a break from brassicas is required, phacelia proved to have the best results - whether sown in spring, summer, or autumn – for improving soil organic matter. In contrast, where a break from brassicas is not required, oil radish gave the greatest above ground biomass, improving carbon and nitrogen sequestration. So what does this mean for growers? “With increased industry pressure on sustainable food production and more frequent extremes of weather, growers
are seeking more ways to preserve their soils,” says Ian Boase, vegetable specialist at Elsoms Seeds, and manager of the independently assessed trial. “Soil Organic Matter (SOM) plays a crucial role in improving soil structure, health and capacity for carbon, nitrogen, and water storage. An incorporated residue from cover crop biomass is a very effective way of getting organic matter back into soils between cultivations.” In the trial, both phacelia and oil radish produced a lot of biomass, with tangible improvements in terms of nitrogen and carbon sequestration, nutrients in green material, and feed for the following crop. “At 61 days after March drilling, phacelia and oil radish produced 40t/ha and 35t/ha respectively of above ground biomass – each sequestering around 15t/ha of carbon and 500kg/ha of nitrogen,” explains Mr Boase.
Planning your nitrogen applications in light of fertiliser prices The European gas market has been especially volatile recently. Prices increased from $6 to over $50 per MMBtu (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) in the past few weeks. This, naturally, has affected the production cost of 12
fertiliser, as natural gas is part of the manufacturing process. In one week alone, production costs rose by a staggering €200/t. What does this mean for growers? Natalie Wood, Agronomy Operations Manager
at Yara, looks at the important factors. “The price you bought at will impact upon the optimum nitrogen (N) rate you should apply in terms of economics,” says Natalie. “If you bought earlier on in the year – at £280
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for example – your economic optimum wouldn’t have changed. You’ll be ok to stick with, say, 220kg of N on winter wheat.” “However, if you have bought the majority of your
arable & root crops nitrogen in the past few weeks (now around £700/t at the time of writing) you may need to adjust your rate.” Natalie points to some of Yara’s own N dose trial data to illustrate her point. A response curve occurs as the rate of nitrogen increases and the yield follows accordingly. However, at a certain point, the curve plateaus. At particularly high rates, the curve begins to decrease. This perfectly demonstrates that there is a biologically optimum N rate and, from there, we can calculate the optimum N rate in terms of cost, taking both crop and fertiliser prices into account. “Trials show that the first 100kg of N gives us the best response,” says Natalie. “This is therefore an excellent return on investment (ROI) – no matter how much the fertiliser costs. The next 60kg of N also gives us a good response and meets ROI. When we get to the final 50-60kgN/ha we must be more careful. ROI
can vary depending on pricing, crop potential, weather conditions and more. All of this needs to be considered to make an application economically viable.” In essence, this means growers who have had to buy at a high price may then need to reduce their fertiliser rates to establish a good ROI. For example, a rate of 160kgN/ha for wheat will deliver just that. “We can re-evaluate whether the last 50-60kg of N is required when spring arrives,” says Natalie. “Considerations like pricing, crop potential, mineralisation and our use of effective tools will help make the call whether that’s the right thing to do in economic terms.”
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Treble success on the PGRO descriptive list for Limagrain beans & peas
Yield performance – that is yield and consistency - is the most important factor for spring beans and is a major focus in the Limagrain breeding programme and this can be seen in our spring bean additions to the DL this year,” notes Will Pillinger, pulse breeder at Limagrain UK. “LG Raptor offers extremely high yield potential at 102% of control, and importantly has shown a consistency in these yields over the last few years, which is a really important and valuable attribute for a spring bean,” he says. “But high yields need to be backed up by solid agronomics and traits - and LG Raptor offers all of this - it is fairly early to mature, stands well and offers a good disease package including rust.” “LG Raptor is suitable for human consumption, fish feed and animal protein markets so offers a range of marketing opportunities.” Tom Barker, pulses product manager for Limagrain, says.” LG Raptor’s consistent yields and disease resistance package mean it will be taking a big bite into the spring bean acreage – particularly in the north with its particular combination of traits.” “LG Viper is our second spring bean to fully join the DL and a really exciting spring bean variety that offers a class leading disease package backed up by Limagrain’s comprehensive, extensive and reliable dataset,” says Mr Pillinger. 14
Study shows impact of Covid-19 on women in agriculture New research by the James Hutton Institute has found that the shift to virtual meetings and events due to the Covid-19 pandemic improved accessibility to knowledge exchange, networking, and organisations for women working on farms and in agricultural careers across Scotland. The virtual shift also saved time on travel and prevented childcare difficulties. The research found the pandemic also provided a ‘legitimising’ window of opportunity for greater female involvement in some farming and crofting activities. However, female focus group participants explained that home-schooling children impacted on their ability to do their jobs, maintain productivity and that it kept them from participating in some on-farm activities. Women also reported safety issues related to caring for children while completing farm tasks, and the impact of the pandemic on children and young people was a concern. Dr Lee-Ann Sutherland, a research leader at the James Hutton Institute and co-author of the report, said: “The experience of Covid-19 movement restrictions has shown that there are quite achievable ways to ensure
that women can participate in more agricultural industry activities. It’s important to the vitality of the agricultural sector that these lessons are taken forward into the future.” The work was funded by the Scottish Government, and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon commented: “I’m delighted that the focus and investment that this government has provided for this key area of work appears to be reaping rewards. “Delivering equality of opportunity will make Scottish agriculture a more resilient and economically sustainable industry and this will help women realise their potential and support business innovation.” The report highlights the ongoing importance
of overcoming barriers to gender equality and wider diversity in Scottish agriculture, and the value to the future of the industry, ensuring the participation of those from non-farming backgrounds, different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The full research report, titled ‘The Changing Role of Women in Farming, Crofting, and the Agricultural Industry: 2016-2021’, can be found at https://www.hutton.ac.uk/ WIA2021study.
The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific research organisation working to resolve global challenges in food, climate, energy and water security. The Institute works in partnership with people, organisations and governments to enhance sustainable environmental, social and economic development to deliver practical solutions for our shared future. www.hutton.ac.uk
Article
Documentary calls for focus on environmental potential of regenerative agriculture Regenerative farming should be at the heart of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change while boosting agricultural productivity in the UK, according to a new documentary featuring FAI. Produced by the University of Oxford’s Nature-Based Solutions Initiative (NbSI) and filmmaker Matthew Mullholland, the documentary outlines how working with nature is key to building resilience and protecting biodiversity. By turning to regenerative agricultural practices, farmers and land managers can not only enhance the environment, but improve productivity too. Speaking on the documentary, which was released at the COP26 climate change summit, FAI’s regenerative agriculture lead, Clare Hill, outlined how their Oxfordshire beef farm has been transformed since adopting regenerative agricultural practices. “For the whole time I’ve been farming I’ve always been focused on a conventional model of the more you put in, the more you get out,” she said.
But an incredibly wet winter two years ago, followed by drought the following spring, prompted Clare to rethink how she was managing the farms soils, and how they were performing for the business in return. Since then, the farm has undergone a huge transition due to the implementation of regenerative farming practices, such as Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing, which aims to mimic the movements of wild herbivores across grasslands. This involves keeping livestock together in mobs, in a smaller grazing areas, to encourage less selective grazing and more animal impact. The pastures are then rested for between two, and six months, which promotes a more diverse mix of plants and grasses in the sward, deeper root growth, and increased ground cover. Combined, this reduces evaporation from the soil, increases the land’s water holding capacity and provides the soil with armour to maintain a more steady temperature throughout the year. All of which
Clare Hill, FAI regenerative farming director
results in a more resilient system which keeps growing grass and plants through hotter summers and wetter winters. Having previously dismissed the value of the farm’s floodplain meadows, Clare said she now understands their worth in terms of species diversity and the ability of different plants to unlock value deeper in the soil. “We see that reflected in the way our animals perform,” she added. “They are happy and healthy, and what I’m finding really exciting is that we’re now finishing cattle more quickly than under previous management with very little inputs and certainly no feed or fertiliser.” Other economic gains have been achieved through the reduction of wintering costs, lower medicine use, and a reduction in labour. Øistein Thorsen, FAI chief executive, said Clare’s experiences are an example of how regenerative agriculture offers cost-effective and practical solutions for combatting drought, flooding and other environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change.
“Like many parts of the world, the UK is increasingly suffering from the impacts of climate change and we’re seeing extreme weather events become more common,” he said. “We know from science and from practices adopted on-farms that restoring and conserving the natural environment doesn’t only protect us from the impacts of climate change, but helps us improve productivity too. “With the UK government announcing flood mitigation packages costing billions of pounds, adding regenerative agriculture to its list of options makes a lot of sense,” he added. “We really need to ensure that these types of practices are supported financially and scientifically to enable more farmers and land managers to adopt them and benefit the climate, people and biodiversity for the long-term.” To watch the documentary, along with two others in the series, visit the NbSI Youtube channel: https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCHYM55ux2rwqgvd_vj7QPw
Øistein Thorsen, FAI chief executive
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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND
2021 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship winners announced
The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced two outstanding chefs as recipients of this year’s prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The two talented chefs who most impressed the panel of expert industry judges are Amy Stephenson, aged 22, Junior Sous Chef at The Torridon, and Josh Wilkinson, aged 25, Senior Chef de Partie, Isle of Eriska Hotel. Positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually to one female and one male chef in light of Andrew’s unwavering commitment to diversity in the kitchen. 16
The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, where they had to recreate a classic Andrew Fairlie dish, and showcase their knowledge, individuality and creativity as a chef by choosing and producing two additional elements to complement this. This took place on November 16th at Perth College UHI, with the winners announcement taking place at Gleneagles. Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister, Scottish Government, and Gleneagles, the scholarship was launched in February 2019 in recognition of Andrew Fairlie’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.
The judges included Michelin star chefs Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains and Lorna McNee, and Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean. Stephen McLaughlin, lead judge and head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “What a thrill it has been for us all to get back together for finals day of our second Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. It has been especially exciting this year to have been able do in it in our brand-new host venue, Perth College UHI, for the cook off. “Full credit goes to all our finalists, who have maintained their match fitness in the run up to the final. We asked the finalists to cook a classic dish
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from Chef Andrew’s repertoire, while showcasing their own technical abilities in creating inspiring garnishes along with an intelligent, well thought out sauce. “Every one of the finalists showed great desire and passion to become one of the next Andrew Fairlie Scholars, and many congratulations to Amy and Josh who came out on top and will now receive some inspirational and educational experiences to help build their careers.” The first Andrew Fairlie Scholarships were awarded in 2019, with the competition having been postponed last year due to the pandemic. The inaugural winners were EmmaRose Milligan and Joseph Harte.
FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND
Aberdeen-Angus genetics leading the way at LiveScot with Beef Rib championship
Scotland The Brand
Going to Seed By Ruth Watson Food security is at the fore of many minds as we move deeper into the unknown territory of Brexit. With the full impact of Sanitary and
Aberdeen-Angus breeders took home the prestigious accolade of overall Beef Rib champion at LiveScot 2021. Held at Lanark Agricultural Centre, Matthew and Heather Currie from the Kingholm Herd at Dumfries won the competition, which was sponsored by Royal Smithfield Club and Kepak McIntosh Donald, with their showstopping pedigree beef ribs. The champion was a purebred steer by AberdeenAngus Weeton Rocky R459, born 9/11/20 who killed out at 298kg and graded at R4H. Coming up as reserve champion for beef rib was another Kingholm heifer, also by Weeton Rocky, born 1/5/20, who killed out at 361kg to the same grade. Mr Currie, who is also a council member for The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, has a history of producing competition winning beef. “Weeton Rocky also sired the champion purebred whole Aberdeen-Angus carcase in 2019 at the Premier Meat Exhibition. Our herd also won the LiveScot Beef Rib competition back in 2018, and picked up other whole
carcase purebred champion awards in 2013, 2015 and 2018. “The winning genetics remain available as the reserve champion was twin to a bull who is destined for Stirling in February 2022,” adds Mr Currie. “It’s a fantastic recognition to receive as an Aberdeen-Angus breeder. We focus on selling to commercial beef producers and we’re clear that beef is our business. The win is confirmation that what we’re doing with our herd is working and celebrates the years of work we’ve put into the herd genetics,” he says. Commenting on the win, Robert Gilchrist, acting CEO of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, says this is a great achievement for the breed. “The breed is renowned for its meat-eating quality and the Currie’s win is a testament to that. It’s vital our breed’s genetics perform well on the hook as this is the ultimate goal for beef. It needs to kill out and eat well, as we want to be producing beef that is fit for the future market. For Aberdeen-Angus to come out on top in this prime beef rib championship is something we are really proud to celebrate.”
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Phytosanitary (SPS) measures still to be implemented, many questions remain unanswered; issues such as whether the moratorium on neonicotinoids will continue, to potential delays and increased costs of imported seeds. There also is a growing awareness about the importance of native crops to biodiversity. Wellestablished companies, like Skotia Seeds and Watson Seeds, provide a range of products for grazing and habitats with a distinctly Scottish heritage. The Gaia Foundation has developed a Seed Sovereignty Programme addressing the stark fact that we have lost 75% of crop diversity since the early 1900s, and 60% of the world’s seed patents are owned by 4 petro-chemical companies. Richie Walsh is working with Scottish growers to develop knowledge and techniques many of our farming forebears would have considered standard – yet only have taken several short decades to forget. “Scotland has a fantastic history and tradition of growing
which has been lost. Seed has gone from farmers’ hands into big business,” Richie says. Across Scotland, commercial growers and community
groups are reviving and renewing the skill of seed saving. Many community gardens have little corners of Ailsa Craig tomatoes destined to become the starting point of seed sharing schemes. Smallholders, crofters, and those with an interest in regenerative farming are developing their knowledge to save the best of their seeds for future crops. The James Hutton Institute is working on bringing back core Scottish crops which once would have been common across the country. Dr Joanna Russell is part of a team which has worked to develop a collection of 140 grains. She believes the key issue is diversity. “We never know what the weather will be from one year to the next. We need to grow with an eye to the future while understanding the value of seeds with deep roots in the past,” Dr Russell says. Wise words, indeed. Ruth Watson is the founder of the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign.
food & drink Red meat industry group puts its steak in the ground on climate change Following COP26, the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group (SRMRG) has published the sector’s position paper on mitigating climate change with a bold ambition to establish Scotland as one of the greenest red meat producers in the world. Our Steak in the Ground sets the foundations for the transformation of the industry, from producer to auctioneer, processor and transporter, to reach net zero by 2045. SRMRG, which was created to bring Scotland’s red meat supply chain together to work collaboratively and speak with one voice, has made five key pledges to support the sector to build long-term sustainability into businesses of every size and geographical
location by integrating best practice, breeding, innovation and technology. This will be followed by a formal roadmap for the industry to reach net zero targets, to be published in 2023. Kate Rowell, Chair of SRMRG as well as of Quality Meat Scotland, explains: “Scotland has the potential to be one of the most environmentally friendly red meat producers in the world but we all know there is work to be done. With SRMRG’s unique position looking both ways along the whole supply chain, we know that every business in the red meat sector is at a different stage on its environmental journey as well as the commercial realities we are working in. “We are also a very diverse sector - from hill farms to auction
markets and transport to technology – so it’s not a matter of changing a widget in a factory. It’s a longer process to make and instil change in the whole supply chain and to
see the results. Our pledge is to support businesses as the science, data and political demands evolve to meet their targets efficiently and significantly.”
Quality Meat Scotland updates Processor Assurance Scheme standards
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has revised its Processor Assurance Scheme Standards with changes, including new requirements on CCTV installation, updates on the traceability section and staff hygiene, clothing and PPE coming into effect from 1 January 2022. The standards, which have also been amended to be more user friendly with easy-to-read content clearly explaining each standard and its importance, are an important part of the Scottish red meat industry’s Quality Assurance Scheme - the longest 18
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established scheme of its kind in the world. Kathryn Kerr, Head of Brands Integrity at QMS commented: “The Processor Assurance Scheme is an essential element of QMS whole chain assurance which underpins the integrity of the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected brands. The scheme provides reassurance to consumers of provenance, highest standards of production, animal welfare and wellbeing, to deliver a quality eating experience.
food & drink “In a recent survey, 92% of shoppers agree that Scotch labels mean the meat is produced according to higher standards of animal welfare. With reassurance about the way animals are looked after
becoming ever more important to consumers, confidence in these standards is essential to underpin the integrity of our premium Scotch brands.” Before any changes are incorporated into the standards
that underpin Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme, they are rigorously discussed and agreed by the committees which oversee the annual review process. Membership of the standards committee includes
representatives from relevant areas across the industry.” Members will receive a copy of the updated standards by post in the coming days. The standards are also available to view online by visiting the QMS website.
Prestigious win for Waterford Distillery Waterford Distillery, the world’s biggest producer of organic whisky, has won the prestigious Icons of Whisky ‘Distiller of the Year’ award for the second year running. The judges highlighted the provenance at the core of Waterford’s production, its sustainability credentials and clear commitment to Irish barley, and local farmers as among the reasons for winning. The results of the Whisky Terroir Project’s first peer-reviewed academic study – led by Waterford – which provided conclusive proof of terroir’s influence on whisky, was also mentioned as an example of Waterford’s exception attention to detail. From bartenders to distillers, the Icons of Whisky awards
honour those who have worked tirelessly for the growth of the
industry. They are designed to commend the best people,
places, and products in the world of whisky.
World Cheese Awards: Parmigiano Reggiano is the most awarded cheese in the world
The international jury made up of 250 experts awarded Parmigiano Reggiano 126 medals, 7 of which were in the Super Gold category. Bertinelli: “We are going home with our heads held high after battling it out with 4,079 cheeses from 48 countries, leaving with a haul of 126 medals out of 174 competing entries.” Parmigiano Reggiano has achieved its best ever result at the World Cheese Awards 2021, winning 126 medals. The World Cheese Awards is the most important cheese competition in the world, which took place in Oviedo, Spain this
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food & drink year as part of the International Cheese Festival from 3rd – 6th November. The international jury consisted of 250 experts who awarded Parmigiano Reggiano an all-time record of 7 Super Gold medals, 6 of which were won by dairies belonging to the National Team. Parmigiano Reggiano is the most awarded cheese in the world and won the most Super Gold medals out of all competitors. This year, the Parmigiano Reggiano National Team — an association of 96 cheese dairies across provinces in the production area – was the largest ever joint mission abroad promoting an Italian cheese,
with 10 more dairies involved than in 2019. This group effort earned the National Team 117 medals: 6 Super Gold(best table cheese), 32 Gold, 43 Silver, 36 Bronze. The Super Gold medals were won by Azienda Agricola Grana D’Oro of Reggio Emilia, Latteria Collina of Reggio Emilia, Caseificio Rosola di Zocca of Modena, Caseificio Punto Latte of Modena, Latteria Sociale La Nuova 2000 of Reggio Emilia, and Caseificio Sociale Canevaccia of Bologna. The seventh Super Gold was awarded to the Consortium Latterie Virgilio, which competed independently of the National Team.
Greenest’ butcher’s shop in Scotland opens with a hope to ‘slice’ emissions
After nearly 40 years of trading in a small corner shop in Fraserburgh, I.J McIntosh Butcher has made the move to a new custom-built ecofriendly premises in a bid to expand and future proof the business. The new shop, which was opened on Friday 12 November and will stock Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, is a family-run enterprise that has been managed by Gavin McIntosh since 2017. Investing in equipment, lights, and fans that are low wattage, refrigeration insulation that is low CGC impact and wall cladding that is low CFC impact has resulted in potentially the ‘greenest’ butcher’s shop in Scotland. “Because it’s a large building – approximately 200m² – we’re 20
in talks with an energy company about putting solar panels on the roof to harness and generate electricity that will not only power the shop, but a future electric vehicle we plan to purchase to make deliveries. “We continue to source our produce locally and have invested in new machines that use recycled packing. This means that our customers purchase products with low food miles, consciously packaged with a focus on helping the planet,” says Gavin. Gordon King, Executive Manager of Scottish Craft Butchers, and Tom Gibson, Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) Director of Market Development, cut the ribbon to officially open the new store.
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Time to inspire farmers to help improve our climate
By Mairi Gougeon In November 2021, all eyes were on Scotland for COP26 for one of the most important global gatherings of the 21st century. The whole world was thinking about what needs to be done in order to combat climate change and what we need to do going forward. It was great to be a part of this and while the Glasgow Climate Pact didn’t go as far as we would like there was a lot of positive activity to come from COP26. At COP26, I was pleased to announce that Scotland has signed up to the 4 per 1000 initiative which aims to boost carbon storage in agricultural soils and reduce the global carbon footprint. The initiative, a legacy of COP21 in Paris, supports the development and application of techniques to improve the health of agricultural soils, increasing their sustainability and capacity to store carbon. Our announcement created a golden thread between COP21 in Paris and COP26 in Glasgow. Now that COP is over, the work doesn’t stop there. We need to work together to reach our climate and environment goals.
In the Climate Change Plan update, we committed to launching a new and expanded peer to peer knowledge transfer initiative based on the success of our Young Farming Climate Champions work. We know there are farmers and crofters who are already doing some fantastic work to help reach these goals. We wanted to create something that would allow them to share their work so that others can take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change, as well as increasing biodiversity. The Agriculture, Biodiversity and Climate Change Network (ABCCN) aims to inspire farmers and crofters to take greater action by highlighting their peers’ activities in one location online. Once set up, it will be hosted on the Farming for a Better Climate website. One of the benefits of this network will be that we’re making it inclusive by allowing anyone who is taking action on climate and environment to take part. This will allow us to get advice and support from farmers and crofters in every area of Scotland and help inspire others to take action now.
organics
New BASIS organic farming course dates 2022 released
Organic certifier, OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers), in collaboration with independent awarding body, BASIS and agronomy advisers, Abacus Agriculture have announced 2022 dates for the newly launched Foundation Award in Organic Farming, following a successful pilot. Next year’s Harper Adams University accredited level four courses will take place over three days on 18 – 21 January at Stoneleigh Park; Warwickshire, 19 – 22 April at the Great Yorkshire Showground; 19 – 22 July at the Bath and West showground and 27 - 30 September, venue to be confirmed. “We received really positive feedback after the trial in the autumn,” says Steven Jacobs,
OF&G business development manager. “Farmers and advisers have a strong appetite to build their knowledge of organic systems and we’ve been taking enquiries for the course already and anticipate good uptake.” The Foundation Award provides a comprehensive introduction to organic farming and organic legislation; to primarily crop and livestock production, soil management and conversion planning. George Fletcher, who comanages Berkswell Cheese, completed the pilot course and notes that with the rise of input costs associated with conventional agriculture, he was looking to make his business more financially sustainable. “The course taught me about practical techniques to
help reduce expensive fertiliser and spray use and the clear advantages of bringing livestock into my crop rotation.” Ian Knight, farm adviser and director at Abacus Agri, adds that this training is not only for those considering organic conversion. “The course is relevant across the agricultural sector. The key principles of organic farming and a natural biological approach to soil, crop, livestock and human health apply to every sustainable farming business and forms the direction of government policy and grant support for agriculture.” BASIS’ head of business development, Greg Hopkinson explains what candidates should expect from the training and assessment for this course;
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“At BASIS we are really excited about supporting the organic sector through this new qualification. Candidates will need to combine the onsite training they receive with independent study before taking a written exam which will assess the knowledge they have gained.” Designed to be a steppingstone towards more advanced certifications in the future, the Foundation Award provides a comprehensive introduction to organic production which will be complemented by additional courses in the future. To learn more about the Foundation Award in Organic Farming visitwww.ofgorganic. org or www.basis-reg.co.uk/ training. 21
Article
The Prince’s Foundation lodges bid for training centre to boost rural skills industry In what would represent a boost to rural industry in the UK, The Prince’s Foundation has applied for planning permission for a new education centre at Dumfries House estate in East Ayrshire. The charity, whose President is HRH The Prince of Wales, has earned recognition as a flagbearer for promoting education, training and employment in the farming and rural skills sector. Under newly-lodged plans with East Ayrshire Council, The Prince’s Foundation plans to expand its offering in that area with a new facility at its primary base, in south-west Scotland. Under plans submitted, a rural skills training facility would lie adjacent to the estate’s commercial operation Home Farm and host events and workshops for around 1800 participants each year, including secondary school pupils, school leavers showing an interest in land-based careers, and adult learners looking for new careers as well as farming and rural sector workers looking to upskill. “The Prince’s Foundation recognises the need to pass on traditional and rural skills such as hedge-laying, dry-stone walling, fencing, drainage, and butchery within the existing workforce, and our proposed new facility next to Home Farm on Dumfries House estate will further broaden the agricultural education offering,” explained Gordon Neil, an executive director of The Prince’s Foundation based at Dumfries House. At Dumfries House, The Prince’s Foundation already engages with people of all ages to promote rural careers through a series of annual events, including a Festival of Farming for primary school pupils, Women 22
In Wellies to encourage women to work in rural industries, and Countryside Careers Day for secondary pupils. Valentin’s Education Farm, home to a dozen rare breeds of animal, and the Kauffman Education Garden form the setting for education programmes that attracts thousands of school pupils each year, while training programmes accredited by the
Royal Horticultural Society instill in younger generations skills of outdoor maintenance and gardening. The Prince’s Foundation provides holistic solutions to challenges facing the world today. It champions a sustainable approach to how we live our lives and build our communities, runs a diverse programme of education and training for all
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ages and backgrounds, and regenerates and cares for places where communities thrive and that visitors enjoy. The charity works nationally and internationally but at the heart of the organisation is the heritageled regeneration of the Dumfries House estate and its wider community, where its principles and philosophies are explored and put into practice.
Cultivation Equipment
Vaderstad launches Tempo L 16 and 24 central fill drill Väderstad has launched Tempo L 16 and 24 Central Fill with a central hopper for handling bulk seed and fertiliser. The new drill is to premier at Agritechnica 2022. Filling a large capacity central hopper rather than individual seed and fertiliser row units increases daily output. The Tempo drill then accurately meters the seeds and fertiliser via two fans in the front, to each row unit individually. Intuitive metering technology removes the need for a central motor metering out seeds. Instead each row unit regulates the number of seeds needed to
assist its individual high-precision PowerShoot seed metering system. Tempo L Central Fill will be available in either 16 or 24 row options, which allows for row spacing alternatives from 450 to 762mm, depending on model. To match the high-capacity output, the machine is equipped with a new hopper that holds 2200 litres of seeds and 5000 litres of fertiliser, making a total of 7200 litres. Väderstad’s high-speed precision planter Tempo L already holds the world record for planting over 502 hectares of maize in 24 hours, a record set in Hungary in 2017.
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Cultivation Equipment
Kuhn adds compact and lightweight option to Venta drill range KUHN has added a new lighter weight and compact drill to its Venta range of pneumatic seeders. Available initially as the 3 metre Venta 320, this new 100 series machine is designed for tractors in the 120 to 150 horsepower range. With an 850-litre hopper as standard, the drill has the option of an extension that increases capacity to 1,150 litres. The Venta 320 can be used in combination with KUHN’s HRB 302, HRB 303 or HR 304 power harrows. In combination, the seed drill is mounted on the power harrow frame, with the seeding bar guided by the roller frame. This means seeding depth is independent of the working depth of the power harrow and excellent ground following is maintained. Centralised adjustment of depth and pressure makes machine set-up simple and easy. The seed bar comprises 20 or 24 rows of single disc elements, each with an internal cast iron coulter positioned at the front of the disc. This proven concept provides constant cleaning of the disc whilst ensuring precise placement of seed in the furrow. Seeding unit pressure of up to 32kg is applied. The seed blower on the Venta 320 is driven by the tractor hydraulic circuit and is therefore independent of the PTO driving the power harrow. Improved fan design on this drill, with turbine rotation optimised in line with seed size, results in oil requirement being reduced from 35 litres/minute down to 26 litres/minute. Electrically powered volumetric metering on the drill helps to facilitate a wide operating range of between 1.5 to 430kg/ ha and ensures all seed sizes are handled with precision. With the QS2 control unit, seed rate can be adjusted from the tractor cab. 24
Calibration is easily accessible and simple to carry out. The Venta 320 has a spacious loading platform that provides safe access to the hopper from the side. A covering harrow with universal tines is fitted as standard, and the basic model comes with integral lighting and signalling kit.
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Tractors
Tractors for 2022
A quick glance around some of the new and current tractors on the market for this coming year
CLAAS ARION updates Latest updates on the CLAAS ARION range include the introduction of the new Stage V ARION 400 range and the availability of an anti-jacknife system for the ARION 600/500 CMATIC range As part of the move to Stage V, the CLAAS ARION 400 range of tractors have been given a makeover that includes a new design, a more powerful top-ofthe-range model and CLAAS
Power Management (CPM) to boost power in the ARION 440 and above. In addition, they benefit from more hydraulic power, more lift capacity and a higher gross vehicle weight. The ARION 400 range includes a more powerful flagship model, the ARION 470, which has a maximum boosted power output of 155hp. As before, the specifications available include low cab or the ground-breaking
Agricultural Merchants Main dealers for CASE tractors
Visit our website for new and used tractor & machinery stock lists and older model/refurb parts lists
www.jandwtaitltd.co.uk Sparrowhawk Road, Hatston Industrial Estate Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1GE
Tel: 01856 873003 / 872490 Email: info@jandwtaitltd.co.uk
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Tractors PANORAMIC cab options, plus either the CIS or CIS+ control systems. All models are powered by a 4.5l four-cylinder FPT engine which incorporates the latest 4-valve technology and turbochargers with intercooling. Drive is through either the 16x16 QUADRISHIFT or
on the ARION 430 upwards, there is the choice of the 24x24 HEXASHIFT. A new load sensing pump is also now available on CIS and CIS+ models that delivers a 150 l/min hydraulic output, ensuring more than enough power for loader work, in addition to a 110 l/min pump as before.
As on the previous series both the fully integrated front linkage and factory-fitted front loaders can be conveniently controlled by the multifunction control lever, with the option of also controlling the front loader by ELECTROPILOT (CIS or CIS+) or FLEXPILOT. PROACTIV front axle suspension, mechanical two-point cab
suspension and various seating options is also be available to further increase driver comfort. A new ‘automatic trailer stretch brake’ option for CLAAS ARION CMATIC tractors stabilises the tractor-trailer combination on slopes and slippery surfaces in order to prevent the risk of jackknifing.
Case IH updates for 2022 The entire Maxxum range (115-150) as well as the Puma 140 – 175 models will soon incorporate updates first seen on the long wheelbase 185-240 HP Pumas last year. Internally, a phone mount, USB power ports, a tablet mount and a cooled storage compartment have been added and can be enhanced further by an optional premium leather steering wheel and advanced
joystick options. Additionally, a new wiper arrangement covers 60% more screen area. Externally, users will find a redesigned cab entrance with aluminium Case IH family steps provide easier access, better top link stowage ergonomics and hydraulic connections in addition to new LED marker lights and a new airline connection. Transmission operation has also been enhanced on
Main dealers in Perthshire for DEUTZ FAHR Tractors
Zetor dealers for Aberdeenshire
Tel: 01651 806910 Sales • Service • Parts Repairs for a wide range of Agricultural Machinery
Murthly, Perthshire, PH1 4HG Tel: 01738 710381 Fax: 01738 710581
Schoolbrae Garage, Methlick, Ellon AB41 7DS
www.marrsofmethlick.com
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Tractors Maxxum and Puma CVXDrive models, to maximise shuttle and acceleration/deceleration response, while drive pedal sensitivity has been refined, sensitivity and position detection
of the Multicontroller enhanced, and a cruise control pedal override incorporated. Both feature three new specification packages covering sets of features typically sought
by buyers; choose between the Selection, Advanced or Professional package. Case IH has also announced a totally new line of loaders for tractor ranges from the Farmall C to
the Puma, with advanced coupling features, tailored design for each of the three new series, and a fresh approach to configuring, selling and supporting the complete tractor and loader package.
Farmtrac launches compact tractors and provides eco-friendly support Farmtrac’s FT25G is the only all-electric tractor on the market and hailed as the ‘future of the industry’ with its eco-friendly lithium-ion battery and low noise and emissions-free operation. Steven Haynes, Farmtrac sales manager, explains: “We are really pleased to be able to support the London International Horse Show with our all-electric tractors. The show is held in an indoor arena and organisers were concerned about indoor pollution and noise from the normal diesel tractors that would have been used in the past. Like many companies they are keen to use greener technologies where possible. “So, there was a real need to do something a little different and we were more than happy
to support a prestigious event like this with our all-electric Farmtrac FT25G tractors. Five units will be used at the show to grade the arenas and move jumps as required in the lead up to and throughout the event, and we hope to show just how useful and versatile they can be in this type of setting.” As the industry’s first compact all-electric tractor, the FT25G is the first big step for any farmer or paddock-owner looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on productivity. It won’t run out of battery in the middle of the field and can be charged from any domestic socket to 100 percent in eight hours – commodity and reliability all rolled into one.
FendtONE – machine and office become one With the FendtONE offboard digital platform, Fendt offers a system for farmers to manage their machine data and agronomic data, so they can keep an eye on them at
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all times. It’s a better way to plan, organise and log staff and machine use as well as job orders, while saving valuable working hours out on the field. With field boundaries
and waylines already recorded in a clear format on the vehicle, you can make full use of your machinery’s capacity from the word go. Meanwhile, the FendtONE onboard driver’s workstation offers a number of solutions to increase the machine’s efficiency. Smart Farming features such as lane guidance, subsection processing and optimising hookups mean less fuel and resources are used in the long term, hours are saved and the driver’s work is made easier. When you work with a fertiliser spreader or slurry barrel, you need to precisely record and track the amount of nutrient
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applied. Now you can let Fendt Task Doc complete job-related reporting tasks for you on the machine. Profi+ models come with Fendt Task Doc as standard. In FendtONE offboard, you can plan the job and send it to a machine over the mobile network. While the job is being carried out, Fendt Task Doc collects onboard agronomic data including actual application volumes. Once complete, you’ll be able to view a job report in FendtONE offboard. You can use this data to apply your nutrient stock in a sustainable way. Comprehensive documentation also supports compliance with food industry standards.
Tractors
Active front suspension boosts biggest Fastrac’s performance
It’s a big tractor with lots of power and performance underscoring its assertive character. But the JCB Fastrac 8330 also has a ‘softer’ side, cosseting the operator throughout long days behind the wheel with a high-spec air suspension seat, spacious twoseat cab with auto climate control ventilation, and the legendary ride comfort of the Fastrac’s all-round suspension. Having ride-smoothing suspension for both axles remains a feature no other 350hp tractor can boast and the latest ‘Stage V’ version builds on earlier models with a more sophisticated front set up that adds further ride refinement,
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improved balance and greater traction potential. The latest 8330, with its 335hp power output at rated engine speed rising to 348hp under full load, is equipped as ever to legally operate at 65kph (40mph) on public roads, which can make a significant difference to journey times when yard and field are some distance apart. Uprated dual-circuit air operated external disc brakes all round, a unique fail-safe steering system, and that suspension on both axles, are the key features setting this machine apart from other tractors in this respect. But it is no less capable in the field; quite the opposite, in fact,
since the new suspension and the more consistent weight distribution it brings adds to the big Fastrac’s tractive capabilities, which are further enhanced by more advanced
‘VF’ ultra-flexible tyre options and a permitted operating weight increased to 18,000kg that enables larger implements and more ballast to be used.
The all-new John Deere 6R Series
Since their launch in 2011, John Deere’s 6R Series tractors have set standards in both field and transport performance as well as
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precision ag technology. With 14 new generation models from 110 to 250hp announced this month, these tractors have become
Tractors even smarter to help operators achieve even more. In addition, four brand new models include the four-cylinder 6R 150, aimed particularly at mixed farms, and the six-cylinder 6R 185, a specialist transport tractor for farmers and contractors who spend more time on the road. A key new 6R Series feature is the integrated 1-Click-Go AutoSetup system, which makes tractor and implement settings much quicker and easier. The operator can save up to 90 per cent of display clicks in the field and the tractor is always perfectly adjusted. All the required settings can be pre-planned and managed in the cloud, including agronomic data such as field boundaries, guidance lines and prescriptions. Once the tractor crosses the field boundary, the stored profile is automatically available and even temporary drivers can be consistently accurate and avoid mistakes.
While AutoSetup makes the driver’s life easier, John Deere has also increased operator comfort. Among other features, the dashboard behind the steering wheel has disappeared – this not only improves forward visibility, but also operator control using the armrest and right-hand console. All settings and indicators are provided on the corner post display.
M means more from Kubota Kubota (UK)’s M-series tractor range has continued to grow over the last 12 months. Updates to the flagship M7003 series were quickly followed by the latest generation EU Stage V compliant M5002 and M4003 models that span the 66-115hp sector.
Now the M-series tractor range has grown further with the all-new M6002 series. Fitting into the range below the M7003 models and above the 95-135hp MGX models, the expanded line-up brings 122hp, 132hp and 142hp options from
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M6-122, M6-132 and M6-142 models, using Kubota’s EU Stage V compliant four-cylinder 6.1-litre turbocharged diesel engine. An eight-speed powershift transmission with three robotised ranges creates a 24x24 pushbutton gearbox, with the option
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Tractors of a creeper transmission. Autoshifting and speed matching allows operators to adjust the responsiveness of gear changes to suit load on the tractor. As a 40kph Eco transmission, maximum road speed is achieved at just 1,640rpm. The powershift transmission also gets Kubota’s Xpress Restart, brake-to-neutral function, simplifying repetitive start-stop tasks such as round baling, and loader work. The M6002 boasts a Cat III rear linkage with a seven tonne lift capacity, while manoeuvrability comes from a portal front axle with bevel gear drive. This Bi-speed
turn technology gives the M6002 an ultra-tight 4.5m turning circle. Those seeking more power and productivity might like to know that the M7003 models can, depending on model, include greater functionality from Xpress restart, Multispeed steering, advanced LED lighting packages, and Tractor Implement Management (TIM). Transmission choices for M7003 models include the stepless KVT, or a powershift gearbox that uses six powershift speeds in five synchronised ranges. Models are available in standard or Premium specification – the latter with
electronic spools and a swapvalve function, allowing on-screen
re-assignment of spools to suit operator preferences.
New Landini Serie 5, excellence evolves! Landini has launched their new Serie 5 tractors, a range of utility tractors packed with comfort, versatility and performance. “With performance comparable to machines in a higher category, the new Serie 5 Stage V”, comments Antonio Salvaterra, Marketing Director of Argo Tractors, “is perfect both for working in the open field and on the farm, performing any task with maximum efficiency and offering excellent operator comfort. The Landini brand has always been characterised by passion and innovation, which guide us along a path of research and development, designed and manufactured to meet the needs of every farm, with particular attention to the human factor and to style: a winning mix that has led to the Landini 5-120 Dynamic model being nominated as a finalist for the ‘Tractor of the Year 2022’ award in the Best Utility category”. Three models are available, powered by FPT F36 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 3.6-litre, turbo intercooler engines with Common Rail electronic injection, delivering up to 115 hp. Thanks to EGR/DOC/ DPF/SCR technology, the new Serie 5 are Stage V compliant, meeting European regulations. The exhaust gas treatment system is integrated under the bonnet, thus safeguarding full visibility from the operator area. 32
There are eight possible transmission configurations to meet every need: from the Speed Four 12 AV + 12 RM with mechanical reverse shuttle to the T-Tronic 48 AV + 16 RM with HiMedium-Low, hydraulic reverse shuttle and creeper. The Landini Serie 5 with hydraulic reverse shuttle can also be equipped with Park Lock, a mechanical transmission locking device that makes it possible to safely park the tractor even on steep slopes.
Massey Ferguson 210hp, MF 7S.210 powers into the top of the MF 7S Series
Massey Ferguson has announced that, after the success of the recent launch of the MF 6S and MF 7S Series, it is now introducing the new flagship 210hp, MF 7S.210, which further increases choice in this hard-working tractor sector. With its 210hp, 6.6 litre AGCO Power engine, 2.88m wheelbase and standard DynaVT transmission, the MF 7S.210 provides the perfect bridge to the 205hp, 3.05m wheelbase and 7.4 litre engine-powered MF 8S.205. “Massey Ferguson strives to provide customers with
exactly the right size, power and specifications to suit their requirements,” says Thierry
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Lhotte, Vice President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East.
Tractors “Now, in the 200hp bracket, we offer the choice of the compact, but powerful MF 7S.210 or the larger frame, heavy-duty MF 8S Series. At the same time a choice of Efficient or Exclusive specifications help users to tailor the tractor to their specific needs,” he adds. The new MF 7S.210 offers the perfect power to weight ratio for the sector, delivering high performance, manoeuvrability and efficiency with a low compaction for fieldwork. At the same time the strongly engineered tractor’s excellent, 14t Gross Vehicle Weight and 44.5t Gross Combination Weight are ideally suited to carrying heavy loads and for transport operations. In common with the MF 7S Series, the MF 7S.210 is designed for discerning professional operators, delivering the same high levels of strength, agility, automation and performance.
The new McCormick X7 SWB The new X7 SWB range with Stage V compliant engines thanks to the HI-eSCR2 (DOC+SCRoF) exhaust gas treatment system are one of the latest offerings from McCormick. The tractors are fitted with the new FTP NEF 45, 16-valve, 4.5-litre 4-cylinder engines and FTP NEF 67, 24-valve, 6.7-litre 6-cylinder engines with Turbo Intercooler and Common Rail electronic injection. Models in the range include: X7.4 P6-Drive, available in X7.417 with 165hp and X7.418 with up to 175hp; X7.6 P6-Drive, available in X7.617 (165hp) and X7.618 (175hp) with 6 cylinders; X7 VT-Drive with 4 or 6 cylinders, available as X7.418 and X7.618, both capable of delivering up to 175hp thanks to the Power Plus system. The innovative part of the engines lies in the fuel injection strategy, which leads to increased
responsiveness, lower fuel consumption and improved emissions in all forms of movement. The engine installation is designed to have a wheelbase of 2,651mm for the 4-cylinder engine, offering greater stability during field and front loader operations, while
Garthfield, Padanaram, Forfar DD81PF – 01307 462081 The Workshop, Kinbroon Farm, Rothienorman, Inverurie, AB51 8UH – 01651 260030
EX Stock Valtra T235
On order due in – Valtra G135A & Loader
Valtra T215
Valtra N135A/N175A & Loaders
Valtra T195 Valtra G105A & Loader
Valtra G135A & Loader
Contact:
Alan Mackay – 07710 783114 - Forfar
Brian Thomson – 07976 097035 - Forfar
Ritchie Connon – 07815 969367- Rothienorman Paddy Neville – 07939 595861 - Rothienorman
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maintaining manoeuvrability and versatility. The wheelbase of the 6-cylinder is 2,760 mm. Common to both models is a maximum allowed weight of 11,500 kg and a maximum rear wheel of 710/60R38, which offers greater stability and comfort during transport, less soil
Tractors compaction in field operations and better traction and performance when working in soil engaging applications. In terms of appearance, changes have been made to the 3,500kg front hitch, which improves design and operator visibility. Also, at the front of the tractor is the new onepiece bonnet, in line with the new McCormick family feeling, with a 90° opening angle for better and more immediate access, also for maintenance work.
New Holland methane tractor – Powered by Nature Hard evidence of New Holland’s relentless drive to work towards reducing the UK’s greenhouse emissions by 78% is now here with the introduction of the world’s first methane powered tractor, the New Holland T6.180, recent winner of the
2022 Sustainable Tractor of the Year. The T6 meets green credentials with a dramatic reduction in Particulate matter (PM) and Nitrous Oxides (NOX) and other harmful gases resulting in an overall saving of 80% emissions polluting the atmosphere all whilst delivering the same power, torque and durability as a diesel equivalent. The tractor is powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which allows users to make use of biomethane stations, Alternatively, refilling can be performed directly from the gas grid network with an installed compressor. The T6 methane tractor is a key player in reducing your carbon footprint. The T6.180 Methane Power and one prototype has been on test
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for the past six months with Essexbased Sell Farming, a farming and contracting operation based close to the New Holland factory at Basildon. The location of the Sell Farming business and the fact it is widely diversified – including South Devon beef cattle, sheep, arable land, contract work and an electricity-generating 0.5MW anaerobic digestion plant – means it has been an ideal partner for providing factory feedback in the final stages of the tractor’s development.
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription details on page 141
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Tractors
The 7 Series TTV from Deutz-Fahr The 7-Series TTV by DeutzFahr includes the 7250 TTV and 7250 TTV HD, which offer greater comfort and higher traction force paired with highest efficiency through the new SDF TTV Compound Transmission. So confident is Deutz-Fahr of the 7-Series high quality, reliability and lowest running cost too, that the engine oil replacement interval has been increased to 1000hrs, while the transmission has been increased to 2000hrs. The Deutz TCD 6.1 Stage V engine now offers up to 247HP and a maximum torque of 1072Nm. The new SDF TTV Compound Transmission – equipped with the PowerZero
function and the well-known PowerShuttle – ensures amazing pulling performance and highest acceleration, while reaching 60kph at less than 1800 engine rpm (40kph @ less than 1200 engine rpm). The TTV transmissions offer the perfect combination of two extremely efficient hydrostatic units paired with optimized mechanical components. The new powertrain guarantees extreme robustness through a high mechanical power flow in typical working conditions at low and high speeds. Larger diameter rear tyres (2.05m) are now available for the new 7-Series TTV and the payload has been increased to up to 6.5t, with a gross vehicle
weight of 15.5t. This increases to 16t with the 7250 HD version. Intelligent front axle suspension is available, as are dry disc brakes, for improved road safety. The turning circle has also been reduced by almost 2m. A new steeper hood and raised cab, ensures greater all round visibility. The front
5450kg lift capacity can be coupled with the DUAL SPEED front pto to provide a change of the pto speed from 1000 to 1000ECO in the InfoCentre. ECO PTO speeds at the rear too, allow the operator to work at partial speeds, providing clear advantages in terms of consumption and reduction of wear.
D-K-R
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Main Dealers for John Deere Tractors
The new 6R Series
D-K-R AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Westfield, Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6HN Tel. 01899 220897 • FAX. 01899 221413 E-Mail: dkrcoulter@hotmail-com
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Tractors
ZETOR brand celebrates an important anniversary ZETOR, the traditional Czech brand of farming machinery, has started the 75th year of existence in 2021. Despite the fact that work on the first ‘prototype Z’ started immediately after the end of World War 2, the brand is considered to have originated in 1946, namely August, when the ZETOR brand became an official trademark. However, first tractors had been delivered to customers five months earlier. Since the beginning of its existence, ZETOR has produced over 1.3 million tractors while the majority have been exported to more than 130 countries on five continents. According to Marián Lipovský, Managing Director, ZETOR TRACTORS a.s.,
ZETOR tractors have become the synonym of efficient design and operation economy. ‘Our tractors have always reflected the needs of different eras. I dare say that everyone who was or has been somehow connected with the brand, whether as a customer, fan or member of staff, feels to be part of it. ZETOR brand has been built upon endeavour and effort of a wide range of people of several generations. It is a legacy to us and we treat it with respect and proudness,’ says Marián. For the anniversary, a special logo has been created which reflects the long history of the brand. The logo will be presented on the Company’s website and other media. In
addition, a new website will be available, www.zetor75.com,
documenting 75 years of ZETOR brand development.
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Next issue out March 2022
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Article
Think twice about risk and protection, urges rural specialists, as farm fatality rate soars Rural risk specialists are urging farmers to ‘stop and think twice’ following a surge in agricultural deaths – and issued a stark warning for those who are failing to protect their most important asset. Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that 41 people were killed as a result of farming and other agriculture-related activities in 2020/21 – almost double the number of deaths in the previous year. While the number of people killed fluctuates each year, the five most common causes of fatal injuries over the last five years remain – being struck by moving vehicles, killed by an animal, struck by an object, falling from height and contact with moving machinery.
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“Fatal injury rates in agriculture remain notoriously high, earning it the unenviable reputation as the riskiest industry sector,” said Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services. “Just over one in a hundred personnel work in agriculture, but the sector accounted for one in four fatal injuries to workers this year. “We know that farmers face a myriad of potential hazards, from contact with machinery and vehicles, chemicals, and livestock, to working at a height, and the demanding, solitary and relentless work associated with agriculture heightens farmers’ exposure to risk. “But we are seeing the same causes of fatal injury crop up
time and time again. A change in attitude to risk will be the driving force in changing this narrative. “Of course, some of these deaths will be a result of an unfortunate and unforeseeable accidents. However, by scrupulously carrying out actions, such as following machinery operation safety procedures, handling chemicals in the proper manner, safely checking the robustness of platforms and roofs, careful handling and securing of livestock, and ensuring jobs that require more than one person have sufficient manpower, the risk can be greatly reduced. “It is important to note that family members working and living at the farm are also put
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at risk – seven members of the public were killed in 2020/21, two of which were children. “A split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death, so it is of critical importance that farmers stop, think twice and treat every task with risk management and health and safety at the forefront of their minds.” Lycetts director Matt McWhirter urged farmers to not only rethink their attitude to farm safety but also about their own protection. “It is a common assumption that if something does happen to farmers that their family will automatically get a share of the farm,” said Matt. “But even in the most straightforward, clear-cut scenarios, estate settlement can be protracted. “Oftentimes, farmers take great care in protecting their assets, be it farm machinery or livestock, but don’t give themselves the same consideration. “Take a £10,000 bull, for example. Many farmers would not hesitate to insure this bull at a premium of more than £1,000 a year. For comparative purposes, a level term life assurance policy, for a 35-yearold male non-smoker for £100,000 to run until the age of 68, could work out at a tenth of that cost. “If cows are better insured than they are, farmers need to have a hard think – their legacy is surely worth more than that.”
environment Transatlantic graduates tackle Scotland’s net zero goals Three American graduates have collectively put more than 10,000 miles between themselves and their hometowns to work at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Kaia Waxenberg, Brady Stevens and Alexa Green have gone from studying for an MSc in Environmental Protection and Management at SRUC to working within the organisation. Despite growing up in New York City with no connections to farming, Kaia is assisting with agricultural greenhouse gas emissions research at SAC Consulting, focusing on the scientific development of the Agrecalc carbon footprinting tool. Brady, from Buffalo in New York State, is also working at SAC Consulting as a Rural Business and Economics Consultantand Alex, from Miami, is a Research Assistant at the Rural Policy Centre. Kaia said: “I’m from New York City, so you can probably imagine my early encounters with farming were pretty limited. I originally became interested in issues of conservation and sustainability as a teenager, working in volunteer and internship roles throughout Manhattan.
“I then moved to the UK to pursue an undergraduate degree in conservation but ended up specialising in plant sciences after becoming increasingly interested in food sustainability. “My new role is a great opportunity to apply my modelling and data analysis skills to practical farm management and consulting. I’m so excited to help deliver evidence-based mitigation solutions to farmers across the UK.” Living across the road from his uncle’s 2000-cow dairy farm, Brady grew up with a knowledge of the agricultural industry. He fell in love with Scotland after cycling across the Highlands during his teaching fellowship in London and applied to do a Masters degree at SRUC. “I was drawn to the practicality of the degrees offered and the opportunity to get out in the field and be close to agriculture,” he said. “I was also inspired by the research/ education/consulting model the win-win-wins made sense to me.” “The time is flying as the work is varied and engaging. I am loving it.”
Brady, Alexa and Kaia have gone from studying at SRUC to working in the organisation
Growing up in Miami, Alexa developed an appreciation for the environment and particularly marine and peatland areas such as mangroves and wetlands. After studying Psychology and Sustainability Studies, she worked for a non-profit organisation focusing on improving recycling systems through behaviour change. As a research assistant with the Rural Policy Centre, Alexa works on a variety of research and
knowledge exchange opportunities “I chose the Masters programme at SRUC because I wanted to obtain a more concrete understanding of climate science and policy and improve my research and analysis skills,” she said. “I am excited to continue to develop my skills and work with the amazing team at SRUC to inform wider policy and help Scotland reach net zero by 2045.”
Locogen and Logan Energy awarded £3 million Green Distilleries funding to progress Arbikie hydrogen power plan The Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery near Montrose is one step closer to becoming net zero thanks to £3 million of government
funding granted to UK renewables company Locogen in partnership with hydrogen technologies specialist Logan Energy.
The Phase 2 funding comes from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Net Zero
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Innovation Portfolio through its Green Distilleries Competition. This will see the duo work with Arbikie to install an onsite wind 39
environment
turbine and electrolyser that will generate green hydrogen - replacing the polluting oil currently used by the distillery
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to raise steam for the distillation process. The Green Distilleries Competition aims to help
distilleries cut CO2 emissions by one million tonnes, contributing to Scotland’s and the UK’s national target to be carbon neutral by 2045 and 2050 respectively, with each distillery deploying innovative green solutions in order to achieve these ambitious goals. Burning hydrogen does not release any carbon emissions and therefore the Arbikie project represents a clean fuel alternative to current practices. The project will showcase the technical feasibility of using hydrogen as an alternative fuel in distillation and other process heat applications and will have enormous replicability across industry whilst acting as a catalyst for creating green hydrogen opportunities in the wider Angus area. Andy Lyle, CEO of Locogen, said: “This is a fantastic result for Arbikie and presents a great opportunity to
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demonstrate how distilleries, and the wider process industries, can use new technologies to create cleaner, sustainable businesses.” The Arbikie project will comprise a single 1MW wind turbine on Arbikie’s farmland, which will export the electricity generated to a green hydrogen hub via a dedicated private wire. The green hydrogen hub will be based at Arbikie Distillery and comprise an electrolyser, compressor and storage. Green hydrogen will be created by the electrolyser and a direct pipe will take the stored hydrogen from the storage vessel to the existing plant room. A burner and boiler compatible with burning hydrogen will then be used to create steam which will deliver the heat for distillation. This will replace gas oil that is currently used to raise steam at the distillery.
environment
Cabinet Secretary visits pioneer climate change focus farm
Kilmarnock NFU Scotland member demonstrates to Mairi Gougeon how they are farming for a better climate During COP26, the Kerr family hosted Cabinet Minister for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon to their dairy business at Woodhead Farm, Newmilns, Ayrshire, to demonstrate how they are farming for a better climate. During the visit, Chair of NFU Scotland’s Kilmarnock Branch, John Kerr, spoke about the steps the family business has taken to reduce emissions during and since Woodhead’s time as a Climate Change Focus Farm from 2014 to 2018. The farm has focussed on regenerative steps to make the most from grass and its amazing carbon sequestering properties, using a dribble bar for slurry applications, more efficient milk cooling systems and much more. Commenting on the special visit John said: “Whilst all eyes have been on the COP26 climate change conference taking place in the city of Glasgow, we were delighted to meet the Cabinet Minister and show first-hand how Ayrshire’s dairy and livestock farmers are taking action on climate change. We are minimising our impact on the environment, sequestering carbon in our pastures all whilst continuing to produce nutritious food and underpinning the local economy.”
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Agriculture has an important role to play in tackling the climate crisis and it is hugely encouraging to see how, at Woodhead Farm, the Kerr’s are demonstrating that what is good for the environment can also be sound business practice. “Through engagement with our Farming for a Better Climate initiative it is estimated that John and Anne have reduced their farm’s carbon footprint by around 6% and saved £63,000, with no loss of production. They also received a grant through the pilot Sustainable Agricultural Grant Scheme for a Dribble Bar slurry spreading attachment. “The Scottish Government is committed to transforming the way we support farming and food production to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. “Our initiatives include the National Test Programme, which will invest up to £51 million over three years in supporting farmers and crofters to tackle climate change, improve the environment and support biodiversity. “In addition, the AgriEnvironment Climate Scheme will reopen for funding in 2022 to support the ambition of doubling the amount of land under organic management, set out in the Programme for Government 202122”.
Farmers working towards net-zero
Rebecca Audsley, Farming for a Better Climate Project Lead, SAC Consulting As no two farms are the same, it’s difficult to provide a definitive blueprint for reducing emissions on farm that will work for all. However, there are a few general principles that are worth considering as part of any low carbon business: Know your starting point. Where do most of your greenhouse gas losses come from? An annual carbon footprint is another way to look at your business performance and demonstrate change year on year. It can show how you compare with like businesses, highlighting areas where you excel or activities that offer scope for savings, both in terms of cash and/or carbon. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) could offer funding towards a carbon audit – see www.fas.scot/ carbon-audits/ Identify low carbon measures suited to your farm. What practical actions could you adapt or adopt? The volunteer Climate Change Focus Farmers showed even the most technically efficient farms can still cut emissions and realise financial benefits through low or no cost changes to routine activities. Areas for reduction were often centred around soils and nutrient use (soil testing, soil health and nutrient budgeting) and livestock management (feed, fertility and health).
Monitor and measure, review and refine. How much fuel you are using? Are there options for reduced tillage within your rotation? What’s the nutritional value of your silage and could you further tailor your ration? There are plenty of simple and practical measures to consider that can enhance productivity, profitability and reduce your farm carbon footprint with no loss of production. Promote what you do! Farmers are already taking steps to combat climate change – tell people! On the run up to COP26 last October, Farming for a Better Climate social media featured farmers across Scotland highlighting just one of the ways they were reducing emissions from their farm. If you missed it, see #26days26ways on Facebook and Twitter @ SacFarm4Climate. For practical guides and case studies based on activities on the Focus Farms and within the current Farming for a Better Climate Soil Regenerative Agriculture group visit www. farmingforabetterclimate.org and follow us on social media.
To find out more about carbon auditing, practical ideas to reduce emissions from your farm, and to read about what other farmers have done, visit www.farmingforabetterclimate.org find us on Facebook and Twitter @SACFarm4Climate #26days26ways
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GUERNSEY Looking to the future with new beginnings By Fiona Sloan
WORLD FARMING Like Jersey, its sister island, which we looked at last month, Guernsey is part of the Channel Islands and is a British sovereign island about 20 miles off the Normandy coast of France. Its proximity to France has ensured that the island’s history is steeped in Norman tradition, which can still be seen today and a small number of the 65,000 residents still speak a version of Norman French known as Guernésiais, or Guernsey French, as their first language. It is a triangular shaped Island, rising to around 300 feet
in the south at its jagged coastal cliffs and has a typically mild island climate with little or no frost and a low rainfall of around 30-35 inches a year. Water is supplemented by the distillation of sea water, for irrigation of the 245 hectares of potatoes, vegetables and flowers, mostly grown under glass, at sea level, in the north of the island. Like Jersey, the land is measured in vergees (6.1 vergees to the hectare) and there are 2500 hectares of agricultural land with around 1600 used for the dairy industry and the rest for horses and other small enterprises.
In Guernsey only 20% of the farmland is owned by the people who farm it. Some 80% is rented from many different owners on an ‘annual’ tenancy, so farmers have little security and may gain or lose up to 10% of their land each year. Dairy farming is the main industry in Guernsey, together with tourism. There are about 1600 cows across 20 dairy farms, with the Guernsey breed having an average lactation of 6000 litres. The production from the island dairy herd has reduced significantly since the 1950s and is now only used for liquid milk
Guernsey cattle
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and dairy produce of cheese and cream for local consumption. Perhaps the best way to see the whole dairy system in action, but in miniature, is to take a ferry to the next-door island of Sark. A trust was set up to look at the possibility of establishing a self-contained dairy farm on Sark and offered the opportunity out to tender to any interested farmer. Following the application and interview process, Jason Salisbury and his young family from Suffolk, were chosen to take on the project as they thought the future
WORLD FARMING of the herd, would be to adapt traditional methods with forward thinking. The new dairy unit has now been set up with the sole intention of making the island’s 500 residents – a number which doubles during the summer tourist season – self-sufficient in milk and dairy produce. The initial 10-strong herd with four followers just recently got up and running and the first calf was born on the Island this summer. The enthusiasm of Jason and his family, will undoubtedly ensure the success of this unique enterprise. Visitors to modern-day Sark would hardly notice the impact of the changes taking place. With no airstrip, no cars and no tarmac roads, life on Sark remains visibly unaffected by modern life and transport is restricted
to ‘Sharks’s pony’, tractor (if you can justify one), bicycle or horse-drawn cart, which is a great way to see the whole of this tiny island, where the pace of life appears very congenial and relaxed. Another indigenous breed to Guernsey, is the Golden Guernsey goat, the origins of which are largely unknown, but having been seen them as feral animals in the 1920s, Miss Miriam Milbourne, started domesticating the goats in 1937 and in the early 1950s began a breeding programme for them. The result of some selective breeding in this small breed of milk goat, saved it from extinction and they are now lovingly promoted on the island together with their delicious cheese, best served with a nice French wine, or some of the
Golden Guernsey goat
amazing Guernsey Roquette cider. Having visited the Channel Islands for the first time this year, it is clear that these islanders are doing a great job of producing
quality food, while enduring the huge island costs which come with the territory. While there may be many millionaires on Jersey, I doubt many of them are farmers.
Agmatix Launches New Agricultural Data Technology Platform to Support Sustainable Food Production Agmatix, a start-up agtech business owned by leading global speciality minerals company, ICL, has today launched a breakthrough data technology platform. As the world’s first single engine that drives the agronomic innovation cycle from research and experimental data into meaningful real-life actions, the Agmatix technology creates a new data language that can read and interpret thousands of the different data points commonly used across the agricultural
industry. The unique system then provides agronomists, researchers and farmers with the vital information needed to make better crop management decisions to increase yields and crop quality. By digitizing field trials and agronomic experimentation, as well as standardizing data across the industry, the new Agmatix solution is also building a global database poised to unlock the mainstream use of big data in agronomy - shortening timelines,
reducing waste and increasing profitability for agricultural professionals and farmers. The new technology achieves this by utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive advice as to soil, land topography, irrigation, weather and crop management. Importantly, the Agmatix platform enables the development of statistically and scientifically stronger agricultural models, which helps to reduce food waste and support the issues of world food poverty and a growing global population. Ron Baruchi, CEO, Agmatix comments, “Growers, agronomists, researchers and ag industry experts are tackling today’s biggest challenge - providing food security for the world’s growing population. While searching for a solution, each of them is creating and collecting vast amounts of data and expertise. But In order to face this epic challenge, they will need to be able to share the data and knowledge between them. Our technology provides a solution that unites, standardizes and leverages
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agricultural data, allowing it to effectively manage agronomic research trials and translate them into real life practices in a onestop-shop” Agmatix’s technology platform has now completed over 50,000 field trials, processing 17 million agronomic measurements and successfully analysing over 70 plus different crop types on a global scale. The company has partnered with leading global research institutes, universities, NGOs and leading agricultural companies who are now using Agmatix to build the largest and highest quality database of standardized data in the world. This will equip such institutions with the tools to develop machine-based models that can predict the environment’s impact on plant nutrition, enabling short and long-term planning. Ron Baruchi concludes, “We must leverage big data to solve these global problems and find ways to collaborate across the agri-food industry. It begins with high-grade standardized agronomic data to enable change on a large scale.” 43
renewable energy
Progressive borders farm sets the wheat from the chaff with innovative heat/chill system Despite a pandemic causing havoc the length and breadth of the country, Calibrate Energy Engineering have successfully installed one of the largest ground source heat pumps (GSHP) in the country for a forward-thinking agricultural client, WL Douglas & Sons in Berwick-upon-Tweed. To showcase this substantial system, they are inviting rural and agri-businesses and other interested parties for an Open Day on 24th June so they can see first-hand the difference this technology can make. Calibrate have been designing, installing and maintaining commercial heat/chill systems for over 17 years and have identified a real need for their technology in high energy-use industries such as agriculture, food and drink processing, chemicals and waste management.
The installation of the latest 6.2mW GSHP came about due to the success a previous Calibrate 1mW system installed 3 years previously. The original was the first-of-its-kind to provide simultaneous heating and chilling and has now been joined by a further upgrade with capacity to dry one of the largest tonnages of grain of any GSHP in the UK. The results speak for themselves with the new system delivering 400% efficiency for heating at 45°C, 325% for chilling at 1°c and a total energy efficiency of 725%. To put it into perspective, the new pump alone has capacity to heat 775 4 bed houses. The system enables reduced fossil fuel usage and derives a high 20-year RHI tariff (the Government’s rebate programme for renewable technologies).
Managing Director for Calibrate, Gary Matthews, explains the background to this successful project: “Our customer, Ian Douglas, approached Calibrate in 2018 to look at ways they could speed up and streamline the grain
drying and cooling process and also reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Following an in-depth study, it was agreed that Calibrate’s 1mW heat pump heat/chill system was the perfect fit for their 40t/hr continuous flow grain drying system.”
Historic Bowhill House to be heated by one of Scotland’s largest ground source heat pumps The green credentials of a leading 19th century Scottish heritage attraction are set to be transformed by installation of one of the country’s largest ground source heat pumps. Bowhill House, a five-star mansion house on Buccleuch’s Borders Estate, is be heated by the ground-breaking wholly renewable energy system. A 24km pipe network is to be laid in the grounds of the estate, connecting the ground source heat pump to the house. The project, which is being delivered by borders-based company Renew Green Energy, will provide green energy for the house and surrounding buildings. 44
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The heat pump is a bespoke unit, which has been custom built by Danish firm European Energy. An existing anaerobic digester at the Borders Estate, which already converts waste from the estate’s agricultural operations into electricity, will supply power for the GSHP to operate. Believed to be the first historic mansion house in Scotland to install such a system, the CO2 savings are estimated to be 444 tonnes per annum - the equivalent of planting 1770 trees every year. Lord Walter Dalkeith, vice chairman of the Buccleuch board, said: “Buccleuch have a long tradition of environmental stewardship, and the project is hugely important to the business, in-keeping with its guiding principles and ambitions to become net zero.” Brian Middleton, Managing Director at Renew Green Energy said: “We are delighted to be working with the Duke of Buccleuch and the estate on this exciting and significant renewable energy project. The climate crisis is all around us and renewable energy is hugely important in driving an environmental shift towards net zero carbon. This project is testament to the Duke of Buccleuch’s ambition to Go Green and drive the house and estate to a target of net zero.”
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Next issue out March 2022 Subscription details on page 141
There has been a 250% increase in wholesale gas prices over the last 12 months. This hike in energy costs is one of the factors contributing to the increased cost of urea, consequently fertiliser prices are at their highest for the last 5 years and it is unlikely we have seen the peak. Typically, nitrogen prices are 180% higher than in September 2020, phosphate and potash have also followed the same trend with an increase of around 120%. This will have a substantial impact on input costs and requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure there is a justifiable return on fertiliser investment. The first consideration is taking a hard look at soil fertility across the whole farm. It is widely known that at a pH of 5.5 only 77% of Nitrogen applied is available
to the growing plants yet analysis of grassland samples submitted to SAC Analytical Lab and Lancrop Laboratories show that 60% of those samples had a pH below 5.8, with 30% 5.5 or below. Across Scotland that potentially equates to 785,520 ha of grassland with pH levels below 5.8. At a pH of 5.5 and with Nitrogen currently at £630/t, for every 125kg/ha of product applied 33% of that product is not available to the plant, equivalent to £18/ha. Multiply this by 3 applications over the season on a 100-ha farm and it is a total loss of £5400 or 158 tonnes of lime @ £34/t. You do not have to look too far into the future before you see a return on investment from spreading lime. Long term we can look at incorporating
more clover into swards, introducing legumes to cereals, and using multi species swards to reduce our nitrogen requirements, however in the short term we need to ensure soils have the ability to grow as much forage without nitrogen through availability of P& K but also that for any nitrogen applied as much of that nitrogen is available to the plant as possible. Immediate action required is to use up to date soil samples and slurry and manure analysis to prepare a nutrient budget which will firstly, make best use of manures available and then inorganic fertiliser. No farm business can withstand doing the ‘same old’ with fertiliser prices as they are, but we will also prolong the impact if a plan is not put in place to grow the forage and crops required.
If you need help with emergency planning contact the FAS Helpline on 0300 323 0161 – they can arrange for some free advice from a consultant.
renewable energy
Making Scotland a leading hydrogen producer A five-year plan to help build Scotland’s hydrogen economy and deliver an ambition for the technology to provide nearly a sixth of Scotland’s energy needs by 2030 has been published. Backed by more than £100million of funding, the draft Hydrogen Action Plan sets out the strategic approach the Scottish Government will take with industry to help make Scotland become a leading nation in the production of reliable, competitive and sustainable hydrogen. The five-year capital investment programme will focus on supporting regional renewable hydrogen production hubs and renewable hydrogen projects. The first tranche of investment will be a £10 million Hydrogen Innovation Fund, to be launched next year to drive
technological progress and advance innovation and cost reduction within the emerging sector. Separately, the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund is being expanded to up to £75 million to deliver £15 million of investment in an Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub which will develop on-the-ground infrastructure to support the growth of a hydrogen transport fleet and the deployment of new applications across the north east. Additional investment will be made to support the continuing advancement of the technology, including £100,000 to support collaborative industryacademia projects through the Energy Technology Partnership, £150,000 for German-Scottish hydrogen research collaboration,
and public and private sector joint funding for a study to explore options for the export of hydrogen from Scotland to Germany. Net Zero & Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Hydrogen has an important role to play in our journey to a net zero economy, by supporting the bold, urgent action required to deliver cleaner, greener energy and also by supporting a just transition – creating good, green jobs for our highly skilled workforce. “Scotland has the resources, the people and the ambition to become a world leader in hydrogen production and our Hydrogen Action Plan sets out how we will work collaboratively with the energy sector to drive progress over the next five years.
“Both renewable and lowcarbon hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s energy transition. Our priorities are to get as much renewable hydrogen into the energy system as quickly as possible while supporting the establishment of low-carbon hydrogen production at scale in the 2020s, linked to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). “The Scottish Government is fully committed to helping the hydrogen sector develop and grow. We are investing £100 million in renewable hydrogen projects over this parliament and, in addition to this, I am pleased to announce the expansion of our Energy Transition Fund to support the development of a Hydrogen Hub in Aberdeen and help the region be at the forefront of the energy sector’s net zero transformation.”
Latest major offshore wind manufacturing announcement in Scotland takes investment in new UK offshore wind factories to new annual record of over £1bn
RenewableUK is highlighting today’s announcement by Global Energy Group and its partners that they are investing £110m in building the UK’s largest offshore wind turbine tower manufacturing plant in the Port of Nigg to the north of Inverness, creating 400 jobs. SSE Renewables has announced that it will be placing manufacturing orders with the factory for its pipeline of UK offshore wind projects. The announcement takes the annual total of new investment in UK offshore wind manufacturing facilities this year to over £1 billion – a new record. 46
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said: “This massive investment by Global Energy Group and its partners in a major new factory in Scotland is a great example of the economic and industrial opportunities which offshore wind is creating across the UK. “This announcement comes at the end of a record year which has seen a total of over £1 billion invested in new British factories which will manufacture the massive pieces of kit the offshore wind industry needs to ramp up our capacity fourfold by 2030. The UK’s offshore wind supply chain extends to every part of
the country, and businesses like Global Energy Group are helping to regenerate coastal communities in ports like Nigg. “Building major new facilities like this is proof that the UK is securing industrial benefits at scale from offshore wind, as we continue to build the biggest offshore wind projects
in the world. Industry and Government are working closely together to accelerate the growth of the sector, creating tens of thousands of highly-skilled jobs and unlocking billions in private investment over the course of this decade, putting offshore wind at the centre of our modern energy system”.
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Welcome to this Farming Scotland AgriScot preview AgriScot will take place on 9th February 2022 at the Royal Highland Centre Ingliston. It feels great to write that! By Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman
Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman
We have not been able to hold a live, in-person AgriScot since November 2019 and all the feedback I receive suggests it sure has been missed in the farming calendar. I could focus here on the importance of AgriScot as a business event, packed with over 240 tradestands and a full programme of seminars and workshops – something for every farming sector. However, I can’t help but also think about the importance of events like AgriScot as a focal point for social interaction, AgriScot provides “business”, “networking”, and “continuous professional development” opportunities but we’re keenly aware that discussions with friends, neighbours, contacts, acquaintances and like-minded individuals have been sorely missed over the past 26 months. In short, I believe that even a business orientated event like AgriScot can be good for mental health and well-being if it allows time off from the farm, time to catch up and especially if it also provides inspiration and motivation to take away and move forward positively. Anyone with any involvement in farm shows or events will appreciate that they cannot get off the ground without the backing of sponsors, tradestands and business supporters. AgriScot relies on these organisations even more so because we do not charge admission to our visitors. I am humbled by the support shown for our efforts to ensure that AgriScot will go ahead in February. We started 2021 with a determination to hold AgriScot, but a huge uncertainty as to how it would look. Our sponsors and trade stand businesses have stuck with us throughout – including when we were forced to make the difficult decision to postpone from our original November date. We really are so, so grateful for all the support received. All that remains for me to say now is Happy New Year – I wish you and yours a safe, healthy and prosperous 2022 – and I very much look forward to welcoming you to AgriScot on 9th February. All Best Wishes. Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com
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AgriScot set for 9th February AgriScot will be back on the calendar of live, in-person, farming events – albeit on a new date – when the farm business event fills the Highland Centre at Ingliston on 9th February. The live event, which has had a Covid enforced absence for over 2 years, looks set to be as packed as ever with widespread appeal to professionals from all farming sectors In this special AgriScot preview edition of Farming Scotland Magazine, we take a look at what visitors can expect from AgriScot 2019: TRADESTANDS The forthcoming AgriScot will feature over 240 trade stands and a machinery hall packed with the latest information, innovation and advice to help today’s farmers get the most from their business. BUSINESS SEMINARS The free to attend business seminars at AgriScot are always a major attraction year after year. On 9th February there will be packed programme including political insight, arable and cover cropping advice, forestry options and the ever popular Scottish DairyHub panel session.
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION The AgriScot Business Skills competition encourages young farmers, students and other young agricultural professionals to demonstrate and further develop their farm business management skills. The final of the competition takes place on the day of AgriScot with the winner presented with a cheque for £1000 courtesy of sponsors, NFU Mutual. SHOWCASING INNOVATION To further the AgriScot aim of showcasing new and innovative
products, services and thinking, each year the AgriScot Product Innovation Award is presented. The award is open to all AgriScot trade stand exhibitors and is judged by a panel of expert judges on the day prior to AgriScot, enabling award certificates to be proudly displayed to visitors on the big day.
manufacturers such as John Deere.
NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AgriScot is the number one winter business event for new product launches. The event has regularly hosted the UK public debut of machines from major
INDOOR COMFORT AgriScot utilises every available square metre of the huge exhibition hall complex at the Royal Highland Centre. With the whole event undercover, it can cope with the worst of Scottish Februrary weather.
WORKSHOPS AND DEMONSTRATIONS A main ring demonstration of beef cattle management techniques and workshops with appeal to all farming sectors will take place throughout the day. SHOWCASING BEST PRACTICE AgriScot seeks to demonstrate, showcase and reward best practice. Part of this aim is delivered by the Farm of the Year Awards. Awards are made annually to nominated farms, judged by the assessors to be the best, arable, beef, dairy and sheep units in Scotland. New this time will be an award for the best Diversified Farm. 48
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TOP CATTLE ON PARADE Top dairy cattle from throughout the British Isles make an annual pilgrimage to AgriScot to compete for the prestigious Super Cow and Super Heifer titles and take a share of the £25k prize fund.
AgriScot last took place as a live event in 2019, this is some of the feedback “AgriScot is the whole industry concentrated under one roof for one day. As far as I can see, every stand is absolutely chock-a-block!” Stuart Martin, NFUS Scottish Dairy Hub “We find a lot of farmers come here for the day, it’s well worth our time, we do a lot of trade here.” Michael Bayne, Borders Machinery Ring “I come to AgriScot every year as part of an organised trip. Today is very good, AgriScot is always a good event – the best in the UK and its free to get in!” Wallace Paton, County Down, NI “We come to AgriScot every year to show cattle. We have sold bulls, embryos, heifers to people who have seen our stock at AgriScot or made the effort to visit the farm after the event. This is our shop window, that’s why we come here! But even if you’re not interested in dairy cows, the event here is geared up for everybody.” Alasdair Laird, Blyth Bridge, Peeblesshire “I come to AgriScot to look at new technology, share best practice and ideas.” Peter Eccles, Farm Manager, Midlothian
AgriScot on social media
Twitter reaction Agri-EPI Centre @agri_epi Thanks for having us @AgriScot ! What a great day. Ian MacDougall @OverBlainslie Congratulations to the whole team @AgriScot , one of the best days away from home in the farming year…..and it’s free! Sion Williams @sionwilliams66 Well done @uppernisbet and his team for an excellent day. ForFarmersUK @ForFarmersUK We hope the @AgriScot team are celebrating as it’s been a hugely successful show! Thank you for having us. We will definitely see you next year. Graeme Davidson @GdavidsonEQ Congratulations to the @AgriScot team for another first-class event yesterday. A terrific atmosphere throughout and lots of interesting conversations, including at the @EQAccountants / @Xero / @ figuredapp seminar. Looking forward to next year! Bell Rural Solutions @BellRural Great day yesterday attending NFU Scotland’s seminar at AgriScot discussing the current priorities for Scottish Farming. Galloway & MacLeod @gallowaymacleod Another great year at @AgriScot ! Thanks to everyone who came on stand and we hope you had a fantastic day. WOPA UK @WopaUKCathy Heading home to Norfolk. AgriScot is still one of my favourite shows of the season. Thank you to all who came and said hello! See you all next year! Phileo Uk & Ireland @PhileoUK_ROI Thank you @AgriScot for putting on another excellent event Farming & Water Scot @FarmWaterScot Thanks for joining us @AgriScot is always a busy day, but one we look forward to each year. Provimi Ruminant @ProvimiRuminant We had a fantastic day @AgriScot yesterday, we hope you did too!
AgriScot is very active on both Twitter and Facebook. Look out for increasing activity as the 9th February event approaches, and on the day of AgriScot. Twitter is an especially useful platform for AgriScot visitors and exhibitors to interact and exchange information. Please follow @AgriScot and use #AgriScot to share your views, find out more about exhibitors’ products and services, discuss seminar topics and interact with other AgriScot visitors. 50
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Register now for FASTRAC entry AgriScot will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on 9th February, but visitors are encouraged to register their attendance much earlier than that, in order to beat the potential entry queues on the day. Fastrac online registration, sponsored by Scot Agri, is open now. Martin Dare, who organises the event on behalf of the farmer led AgriScot board, stated: “Thanks to the support of our sponsors and trade exhibitors we do not charge visitors for entry to AgriScot, but simply ask that they register online in advance.”
“Whilst we will have registration desks available on the day at all entrances, we would strongly recommend that, in order to avoid having to queue, visitors take advantage of our Scot Agri sponsored online Fastrac registration at the AgriScot website www.agriscot. co.uk”
Ian joins AgriScot and 5-year RHC deal is signed Ian Brydson (pictured) Territory Sales Manager in Scotland for machinery manufacturer Krone, has recently also been appointed as a Director of AgriScot. Speaking of his appointment, Ian stated: “I’m delighted to join AgriScot at this exciting time, as we look forward hopefully to once again welcoming thousands of business minded farmers to Ingliston on 9th February.” “AgriScot is an event for the whole industry and I intend to work closely with the other directors to ensure we build on the events success, showcasing the best of agriculture and addressing the key issues faced today. I also look forward to becoming more involved with the AgriScot awards.” Ian’s appointment to the board coincided with the signing of a new deal between AgriScot and the RHASS to secure the future of the farm business event at Ingliston for the next 5 years. 52
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Diversification Award Finalists Take New Approach To Farming A farm which lets visitors take alpacas for a walk and another which uses a converted grain silo as part of a stunning wedding venue are among the finalists in a new diversification award. In partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, and supported by SAC Consulting (part of Scotland’s Rural College), the Inaugural AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of Scottish farming and crofting businesses which have diversified and added value to their primary agricultural activities. After receiving high-quality entries from all over the country, the three finalists are from Angus, Orkney and West Lothian, with the recipient of the award to be announced at AgriScot in February. The finalists are: Bain Farm, Orkney Bain is a dairy farm run by Lara Hourie and her family on Orkney. The business, which operates under the brand The Orkney Dairy, has added value to their milk by producing natural yoghurt, flavoured yoghurts, milk, and flavoured milkshakes. Through the support of LEADER funding and Orkney Islands Council in 2017, Lara and her family installed a purpose-built facility in a converted farm workshop. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength. Cairns Farm, West Lothian Caroline and Graham Hamilton are fourth-generation hill sheep farmers. With a family succession on the horizon and a desire to create a viable business future for the next generation, they made a significant investment in a wedding venue and selfcatering offer at Cairns Farm. Incorporating original farming features – including a converted 54
grain silo as a grand entrance – into the design of their venue, they have created something unique and of its place which connects their guests to their land and farming heritage. Newton Farm Louise and Graeme Nicoll run a mixed tenanted family farm of 550 acres in Angus. Out of a series of challenges in 2016 was born the farm tour concept of bringing visitors on to their farm. There is a range of tour activities available, including the chance to walk alpacas and even feed a Highland Cow. They also have a key focus on engaging visitors with whatever is happening that day on the farm. Sascha Grierson from SAC Consulting said: “Diversification and agritourism are becoming ever more important in Scottish
agriculture and it’s terrific to see such great innovation all over the country. The three finalists of this award are excellent ambassadors of the sector and should all be proud of their achievements so far.” Roddy McLean, Director of Agriculture at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We were delighted with the number of entries and their quality. It was inspiring to see how resources on the farm, alongside interests or skills within each family, have been harnessed to deliver a diverse range of enterprises which are running alongside or as an integral part to the core farm business. “This made the assessing very challenging but really fascinating. There can only be one overall award recipient, but I think that each of the entries is
a winner in what it is delivering for that individual business and family. I’d like to thank everyone who entered and wish them and their business continued success for the future.” Ian Brydson, AgriScot Board member and one of the assessors, said: “The standard of applicants has been very high and made the assessment process a real challenge. Each finalist has diversified to an extremely high standard and been totally committed to what they are trying to achieve. It has been inspiring to meet people prepared to break with what they have always done and try adding something new in order to take their farming operations to the next level.” The Award will be announced at AgriScot on 9 February 2022.
£5000 of silage prizes The AgriScot Silage Competition makes a welcome return in February, although the entries may feel a little chilly! The competition is organised by Andrew Best from sponsors, Watson Seeds. Andrew commented: “We were delighted with the response to the AgriScot Silage Competition in 2020, which by necessity had to utilise video and virtual technologies for the final assessment. But nothing beats the live atmosphere of AgriScot at Ingliston and we greatly look forward to the final of the competition in the main AgriScot ring on 9th February 2022.” “It makes great nutritional and economic sense to have your
silage analysed in order to assess feed value; especially when entering your analysis report into the AgriScot competition could put you in the competition for a prize fund worth over £5000.” “The first stage of the competition is assessment of the analysis, and we are delighted that our long-standing judge, Hugh McClymont of SAC Crichton Royal Farm, will carry out this duty.” “This time around we are having to do things differently, samples of the highest scoring
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silages were collected in December and have been frozen at the Crichton Royal to be stored in a stable condition until the final live judging and announcement of the winners at AgriScot in February.” “I hope they don’t feel too chilly to the nose when Hugh does his sniff test!” Successful silages in the 2020 competition came from all parts of Scotland and beyond, with a total of 89 entries. A silage with analysis 42.6 dry matter, 12.9 metabolisable
energy, 80 digestibility value and 13.1 Protein took the Big Bale first prize for J McDonald, Achvarasdale, Caithness. The Beef Clamp Silage winner was from R Black Drochil Castle Peeblesshire with an analysis of 30.6DM 12.3ME 77.0D 15P whilst Campbeltown welcomed the Dairy Clamp Silage title to Kilkivan for T Ralston who’s winning first cut entry analysed at 33.4DM 12.4ME 76.9D 16.9P. Second place in this class went outwith Scotland to C. Stalker of Ratten Castle, Cumbria. In 2020 – and repeated this time – there were also dedicated classes for silage produced by young farmers. S Van der Spruit of Challoch, Wigtownshire took the yf dairy silage honours, whilst A. Neill, Upper Nisbet, Roxburghshire was the yf beef silage winner.
Farming finalists emerge in AgriScot competition Three finalists have emerged from the recent qualifying heats of the AgriScot Business Skills Competition. Five competitors took part in the north regional heat and six in the south. These regional heats were held on a farm, with competitors quizzed by the host farmers and independent judges to assess their practical farming expertise and business knowledge. The three finalists, who will now go on to compete against each other at AgriScot on 9th February are: • Emily Mosley; a Harper Adams graduate, originally from Derbyshire but now working as a Farm Administrator in Tain. • Ben McSporran; a 3rd year BSc Agriculture student at SRUC Edinburgh who combines his studies with part time work on farms near his Peeblesshire home farm. • Stewart Shaw; a partner in his family farming and contracting business in the Scottish Borders. Stewart is also a keen SAYFC member. Heather Kerr, a lecturer at 56
SRUC, who co-ordinates the competition on behalf of the AgriScot team commented: “It is so great to have 3 finalists from different backgrounds this year. We have Ben, a SRUC student, Emily a Harper Adams graduate working in farm administration and Stewart who is a handson farmer and active SAYFC member. We are all delighted by this as we have always sought to encourage entrants from across rural Scotland.” “The three finalists emerged from stiff competition at the onfarm semi-finals, held courtesy of Tom Sanderson, Biggarshiels Mains, Biggar and Iain Wilson, Tulloch Farms, Laurencekirk. I
know that the host farmers and our independent judges from the Royal Bank of Scotland (Emma Cowie (Larencekirk) and Stuart Hamilton (Biggar) had a very difficult job selecting these finalists.” AgriScot Chairman, Robert Neill, attended the South semifinal and commented: “I went along to the semifinal at Biggarshiels really just as an observer. I came away hugely impressed by the quality of competitors. I would personally like to thank everyone who entered and took part in the semi-finals; the future of our industry is in safehands with young people of this calibre”
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“Good luck to our finalists for the final stage a AgriScot on 9th February. Also, huge thanks to our sponsors, NFU Mutual and to Heather and her team of host farmers, judges and behind the scenes helpers for all of their hard work and generous support.” Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual Regional Manager also wished the finalists well: “It’s great to see such a high calibre of entries from all corners of the country. NFU Mutual are delighted to be sponsoring this award, recognising inspirational young people coming up within the industry. I wish our finalists good luck and very much look forward to the announcement in February.”
Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year in Full Flow AgriScot organaisers have unveiled the top 3 entries in the running for the coveted Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year title The 3 businesses, East Brackenridge in South Lanarkshire, Holehouse Farm in Ayrshire, and Queenscairn in Roxburghshire, each received a visit from the independent assessors along with award convenor Gilmour Lawrie. Gilmour Lawrie, himself a dairy farmer and also Vice Chairman of the AgriScot board, commented: “It was fantastic to be able to visit the 3 outstanding dairy operations in the running for the
Andrew Neilson (left) with his father Hugh (far right) and assessors, David McMiken (second from left) and Hugh Watson at East Brackenridge.
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2021 Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year title. The AgriScot farm of the year awards were sorely missed last year and we are delighted with the support for the 2021 award.” “It has been great to have representatives from previous dairy farms of the year, Hugh Watson from Laigh Tarbeg, Cumnock (2018) and David McMiken from Ernespie, Castle Douglas (2019), on board as independent assessors for the 2021 award. I would like to thank the assessors for their time and the host farmers for their hospitality and wish them luck as we look forward to the award presentation at AgriScot in November.” “Personally, I thought all 3 farms were of a tremendously high standard and the assessors will have a hard job separating them.” • East Brackenridge is home to 350 all-year-round calvers, farmed by Andrew Neilson, his father Hugh and their team. • Holehouse Farms is run by the Logan family, fifth-generation farmers milking 280 Holstein dairy cows alongside sucklers and a large hill-sheep enterprise. • Queenscairn is an organic dairy farm where Robert Shanks runs Holstein cows with a Friesian bull with the aim of converting the herd to Friesian. The AgriScot Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by CowAlert – the cow welfare precision monitoring package developed by Edinburgh based IceRobotics – and seeks to recognise farms that are a showcase for the sector. Like the other awards in the AgriScot stable, organisers are keen to stress that they are not looking simply for farms achieving maximum output, rather, assessors look for innovation, sustainability and the shop window appeal of the farms entered. 58
The Logan family with award assessors David McMiken (second from left) and Hugh Watson (third from left) at Holehouse Farms. L:R Alistair Logan, David McMiken, Hugh Watson, Alex Logan and Tom Logan.
Robert Shanks at Queenscairn near Kelso.
Beef, sheep and arable farm of the years to be crowned at AgriScot
As this edition of Farming Scotland goes to press, asessors were still deliberating over their finalists in
the Beef, Sheep and Arable Farm of the Year categories. These 3 awards will be presented, along with the
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Diversified Farm and Dairy Farm of the Year Awards (above) at AgriScot on 9th February.
And featuring some of this years’ exhibitors… BDC SYSTEMS
“Be Ready for Harvest 2022” says John Wilson, Area Sales Manager covering Northern England and Scotland for BDC Systems Ltd Come and talk all things grain handling with the BDC Systems’ team in the Lowland Hall at AgriScot 2022
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The weather this harvest was kinder to those farmers north of the border than those further south. Although a repeat of reasonable weather for harvest 2022 cannot be guaranteed and it is important to plan in advance and have everything ready - whatever the weather! BDC Systems is seeing a definite rise in interest in our grain handling solutions. Due perhaps to farmers looking to invest in equipment that allows them to take back control of the drying, handling and storage of their own crop. To help farmers make the right investment choices BDC Systems will be showcasing key
components of its grain handling solutions on our stand in the Lowland Hall at AgriScot 2022: Skandia Elevator’s L-Line agricultural and I-Line commercial conveyor range and a 60tph Skandia SE140 elevator. Skandia has a proven record of delivering robust and reliable conveying systems that deliver what customers want. BDC’s Moisture Monitoring System (MMS) which is helping farmers/grain store operators accurately and automatically check moisture content (mc) of wet grain as it enters storage. Aeration solutions to help ensure that grain remains in the best condition during storage.
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For those looking to invest in a grain drier, the BDC Systems’ team will be happy to discuss the key features of our Svegma continuous flow driers which are designed and engineered for the UK market and deliver: Auto control panel and shut down facility. Low noise and dust levels. Low power requirements. Compact modular design for easy installation and future extension. Unique lateral fixing system maintains a clean grain column. Fan air volume control for ease of drying small seeds. Optional turboclean dust extraction unit.
Efficient variable cooling or run ‘all hot’. For more information meet BDC Systems Ltd at AgriScot in the Lowland Hall. B D Supplies
Established in 2000 we are a leading supplier of Animal husbandry and Hoof trimming Equipment. We can supply anything hoof trimming from a basic knife right through to the hoof trimming chutes which won us Gold in the Royal Highland Technical Innovation Award. We also offer a comprehensive range of animal husbandry equipment.
With expansion into a thriving Biomass Wood Pellet delivery business, becoming fully BSL and Hetas registered and offering both bagged and bulk deliveries into the domestic and commercial market. With the investment into three lorries specifically designed to deliver bulk pellets in their optimum form has definitely been worthwhile for our expanding company. We took the wood pellets on with the same ethos as the agricultural side of the business Quality products which we believe in and trust rather than just price. Agriculture is still a huge part of our business and we are always looking at bringing new products to the UK market and promoting products which we feel have a benefit in the UK farming industry. We pride ourselves on customer service and to us ‘the customer does come first’. Once again we look forward to exhibiting at Agriscot meeting customers from both near and far.
Biocell Agri are The Yeast Specialists
Our unique strain of live, microencapsulated yeast has full EU approval across the species and is specially formulated for top dressing or TMR inclusion and is designed to help to maximise home produced forages and therefore increase feed intake and improve feed conversion, resulting in better liveweight gains, milk yields, carcass grades and quality. Complementing this is a range of microbiological products to improve forage fermentation, handle the challenges of
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mycotoxins in feed and manage slurry. Completing our range is the highly popular Platinum range of mineral drenches which have seen faster finishing and significant improvements in health and fertility in both pedigree and commercial herds and flocks. For more information, contact Alec on 07718 905625 BvL show their commitment to AgriScot
In a show of faith in AgriScot, diet feeder manufacturer BvL has confirmed that not only will it be attending next year’s show on February 9th, but that it has considerably increased its stand area.
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“For us, AgriScot is very much an agri-business show that is well attended by key decision makers and has a strong focus on our key dairy and livestock markets,” explains Paul McUrich, BvL’s specialist for Scotland and Northern England. “By doubling our stand space area, this will give us the opportunity to better exhibit our complete range of single, twin and triple auger diet feeders and the advantages they bring.” BvL is this year celebrating 21 years of sales and service for its range of feeder wagons in the UK. A key element in the company’s success both in the UK, but also over the 41 years since BvL launched the first diet feeder onto the market, is that no two farms are the same. Therefore it’s important that a wide range of specifications and options are available, so that BvL’s UK dealers and specialists can look at your needs and tailor a machine to meet those requirements. The BvL V-MIX range of trailed diet feeders covers a wide range of machines, available in single, twin and triple augers variants and in capacity from 3.5m3 up to 46m3. At the heart of all BvL mixers are powerful mixing augers, with Hardox leading edges and adjustable knives. Twin and triple auger versions incorporate mixing wedges for a thorough and consistent mix, while the patented EDS (Exact Dosing System) discharge ensures an even forage discharge. Available as an option and suitable for retro fitting onto older BvL diet feeders is the V-Connect mixer control. Using the control, the operator can easily monitor both auger speed and total revolutions, in addition to displaying and controlling mixer time. Greencrop solutions for slurry and dirty water
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Greencrop offers a range of dirty water and slurry spreading solutions to handle slurry, digestate from AD Plants, dirty water from livestock farms and washing plants. With new legislation taking effect as soon as 1st January 2022 in Scotland leading towards the banning above ground slurry application in 2025. Slurry spreading will have to change to shallow injectors, trailing shoe or dribble bars. We can therefore be grateful for supporting grants having been made available in November of this year Greencrop can supply a full range of all the above equipment, including a great budget range of dribble bars up to 7.5m spreading width, able to mount on existing vacuum tankers from the rear door, without having to weld on any mounting brackets, with the ability to still use the splash plate if needed. Fitting the tanker mounted dribble bar is very easy. We supply a new galvanized rear door with mounting brackets welded to it. Fit your existing gate vale to this door. Forklift lifting points mounted on the machine, allowing the DB to fit to the rear door, which can be bolted on at the correct height. The machines are very close coupled to the tanker, retaining good weight distribution. All dribble bars from 7m wide upwards are fitted with boom brake back as standard. The units are fitted with an easy access single vertical macerator which is selfsharpening and reversable. 50mm outlets and pipes (so less blockage) at 250mm spacings. Our dribble bars range from 6m to 14m with single macerator on tanker models. Twin macerators are fitted on umbilical machines from 9m up to 15m. Greencrop dribble bars can be specified to mount onto a tanker which can be removed and used as an umbilical machine. Our trailing shoe applicators range from 6m to 12m, tanker mounted or umbilical mounted.
Shallow injectors machines range from 3m up to 6m.
Honda’s Pioneer 520
Hi-Spec at AgriScot
Centre stage on the Hi-Spec Engineering stand at AgriScot will be the unique Hi-Spec XCEL 1250 manure spreader, which uses a rotary chain and flail system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs. The shredding rotor carries 22 heavy duty chains, which in turn carry 12mm Hardox flail heads, mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood, that shred all the material to an even consistency and ensure no lumps are deposited onto the spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood, evenly places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread. The Xcel 1250 has a capacity of 12 tonnes and can evenly spread material up to 24m. Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and it is able to spread all types of material. The material to be spread is moved rearward by a single slat marine grade floor chain. Individual floor chain tensioners are placed to the front of the machine and drive to the floor chain is via a hydraulic motor with overload protection and variable speed adjustment. A hydraulically operated, vertical slurry door can be used to regulate flow of material to the shredding rotor, and at the spreading discs an option of lighter vanes can be specified for low density material, such as chicken compost. The standard specification includes 580/70-R38 radial tyres for low rolling resistance and low compaction, and a commercial axle fitted with hydraulic brakes.
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Honda’s UTV Pioneer 520 combines the benefits of side by sides and ATVs, marrying up safety and space found in side-bysides with the nimble handling and a small, narrow footprint. In 2015 Honda America launched the Pioneer 500, promising a true all-rounder that was as versatile as it was compact. A powerful workhorse, engineers behind the two-seater designed it to stand-up to tough off-roading and a wide variety of testing work environments where Honda’s legendary reputation for durability, quality, and reliability is demanded. The key to the Pioneer’s enduring flexibility and all-round ability has always been its layout. The 520 takes this to the next level with the introduction of a gasassisted tilting rear bed. Measuring in at useful 29 inches in length, 38.7 inches in width and 9.8 inches high, the ample dimensions can swallow a multitude of items from multiple standard hay bales to buckets, crates and more. The ridged base design, three bed divider slots for ¾” partitions and five D-ring locations ensure the load stays secure regardless of the terrain. Aiding this load carrying versatility is a tailgate that folds flush with the bed floor when open and integrates four cup-holders, giving the operator somewhere to sit on a work break, or at the end of a hard days work. Such useability has not come at the expense of durability, with the bed designed to carry loads of up to 204kg. The one-piece plastic item is hard wearing and features integrated taillights for a more modern look. The monocoque shape and design of the rear bed weighs less than traditional steel items, aiding the 520’s handling for those seeking recreational fun.
This highly capable load lugging capacity is boosted further through an ample towing capacity. Capable of towing 454kg, the Pioneer 520’s overall load capacity of 658kg makes it a very useful tool for agricultural and commercial applications. Join the KRONE UK team at this year’s AgriScot
We’re excited to present to you the world’s fastest single-arm wrapper, the EasyWrap 150. This mounted wrapper ensures operator comfort with automated functions for easy bale control and simple changes from transport to working positions. The EasyWrap 150 ensures effective bale rotation thanks to its two massive rollers,
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and is comfortable in wrapping bales up to 1,600kg. Our recently upgraded high capacity belt balers, the VariPack and VariPack Plus, offer variable bale chambers from 0.8m bales to 1.9m bales. The VariPack bale chamber uses three endless belts to ensure machine reliance from belt slips, and consistently well shaped, uniform bales. Featuring a 25% wider crop flow and upgrades to the hydraulic system and the cab to match that of the KRONE BiG X wide body Forage Harvesters, the BiG X 530 meets the operators demands for performance and output. The BiG X 530 features tried and tested KRONE technology such as the VariStream system to ensure consistently smooth crop flows and the MaxFlow chopping drum specifically designed to condition high-quality silage. KRONE machines on display at AgriScot: EasyWrapper 150, VariPack Round Baler, BiG X 530 Forage Harvester, MX
Forage Wagon, plus a selection of EasyCut Mowers, Vendro Tedders and Swadro Rakes. Kubota’s M6002 to shine at AgriScot 2022
Kubota (UK) Ltd has revealed its tractor and machinery line-up for the 2022 AgriScot event. Tractor highlights include the all-new 122-162hp M6002 series, the recently updated flagship M7003 models from 130-170hp, plus the latest generation EU Stage V compliant M5002 tractors and RTV-X1110 utility vehicle. Kubota’s newest tractor series, the M6002, boasts an impressive seven tonne rear lift capacity from its Cat III linkage, while manoeuvrability comes from the use of a portal front axle with bevel gear drive. This Bi-speed turn technology gives the M6002 an ultra-tight 4.5m turning circle. M6002 models use an eight-speed powershift gearbox with three robotised ranges. Sophistication includes autoshifting and speed matching, and a sensitivity dial to tweak gear change response. With a 40kph Eco transmission, the maximum road speed is achieved at just 1,640rpm. Xpress Restart provides a brake-to-neutral function that saves stepping on the clutch pedal, with operator comfort provided by the same cab frame found on the larger M7003 models. The cab includes a wide sunroof, assisting those who choose the MX-built Kubota loader option. Those seeking more power and capability can choose from three M7003 models. Here, the M7-133, M7-153 and M7-173 boast 130hp, 150hp and 170hp respectively from a 6.1-litre fourcylinder engine. A 20hp boost is available on the two lower powered models, with a 5hp boost for the flagship M7173.
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Transmission options continue to include the stepless KVT and a powershift gearbox that uses six powershift speeds in five synchronised ranges. The powershift transmission now benefits from additional functionality, with Xpress restart. All models can now be equipped with Multispeed steering control. This new development allows the operator to select the steering ratio to suit working speed and application, offering greater comfort and convenience with headland turns, for example. In addition to the standard steering ratio of four turns lock-to-lock, the operator can choose from a 20%, 40% or 60% reduction in the number of turns required. Livestock machinery innovation from Kuhn
KUHN will have its round bale film binding technology and its dust control system for the Primor straw bedding machines on show at AgriScot. Visitors will be able to see KUHN’s patented film binding system on the i-Bio compact baler-wrapper combination. Also available on FBP and VBP combinations, the system eliminates the need for netting to be placed around the cylindrical side of the bale, instead using a layer of standard wrapping film to fulfil the same function. Unlike other film binding systems which use wide mantle film for binding, the KUHN system uses two standard 750 mm stretch film rolls to fully encapsulate the bale. As well as improving silage preservation and making the recycling of plastic easier, it also reduces plastic usage by up to 30% by pre-stretching the wrapping film by 70% prior to application. Film loading is also easier as each roll weighs just 27 kg, compared to the wider rolls which weigh between 40-90 kg.”
Cleanstraw KUHN will also be exhibiting its Cleanstraw system, available on new Primor straw bedders or as a retrofit upgrade for existing machines. This facility reduces dust in buildings by applying a fine mist of water to straw as it is distributed. It comprises a 64-litre water tank and three misting nozzles mounted at the exit of the straw blowing chute. The nozzles are fed by a pump which provides water at a flow rate to apply 1 litre of water per 100kg of straw, without slowing the machine’s performance. Applying a mist of water in this way eliminates excessive levels of dust by reducing the time that these particles remain suspended in the air. Trials have shown that the air in a typical livestock building will be dust-free within 30 seconds after straw-blowing with the Cleanstraw system has ceased, compared to several minutes without the Cleanstraw facility.
Feeding and bedding takes centre stage with Kverneland
Kverneland is using AgriScot to promote its latest shredder-bedder models and the innovative Siloking vertical auger feeder range. With more emphasis on straw shredding performance, the Kverneland 863 Pro model features improved crop flow and more adjustment from the cab, to deliver better processing of straw and greater blowing performance with up to 28m of throw. The 863 joins a range of bale shredder/bedders that includes mounted and trailed models, with a variety of body sizes from two to six cubic metres capacity. The 863 Pro uses a smaller diameter beater,
creating a more open design to handle larger volumes of straw. And combined with hydraulic comb adjustment, affords greater regulation of material flow through the machine. “It’s now possible to hold the bale off the rotor, to slow the intake when shredding large, dense bales,” explains Kverneland feeding specialist Dan Crowe. “And opting for hydraulic regulation means faster response and smoother operation. And there’s less chance of blocking this machine when handling poor quality straw.” Choice and advice is a feature of the Kverneland Siloking feeder range, which includes single and twin auger trailed models, and a range of self-propelled models. And throughout the range, there are more options available, plus greater support for dairy customers to ensure expert advice is readily available. “We’ve taken a partnered approach to help our dairy
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customers find the best solutions to improve their businesses, and to get the very best out of their investment in Kverneland machines,” he says. “That support extends from the smallest bale shredder to the largest self-propelled diet feeder.” “There is tremendous variety in the livestock and dairy sectors,” he says. “With a range of Kverneland machines that start with forage production - mowing, tedding, raking – and finish with feeding and bedding, there is always an opportunity to make a real difference with our customers.” Intensive Farming Operation Requires High Output Machinery from Major
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Home Farm Nacton in Suffolk uses the 5.6m Major Cyclone to enhance overall field performance and maintain soil health for its intensive cropping operation. “We are custodians of this valuable farming land and it’s incumbent on us to ensure we maintain the health, the productivity and the environmental status of the soil,” says Andrew Williams, farm manager at Home Farm Nacton Ltd near Ipswich in Suffolk. Maintaining soil health ensures the land remains productive throughout the year. “We grow lots of cover crops,” Andrew explains. “We sometimes use sheep to graze after harvesting field produce and regularly mow grass, clover and stubbles to recycle valuable green manures.” Recycling crop residue and green manure requires intensive mowing practices. The farm relied on flail mowers for stubble management but the machines
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required high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The flails were also unreliable and delivered a poor finish. “We took a look at the Major Cyclone and were really impressed with the build quality and the low power requirement,” enthuses Andrew. “The direct drive transmission meant doing away with belts.” The 5.6m Major Cyclone comes with eight rotors and 34 blades, ensuring all material is pulverised and spread evenly across the length of the machine. The wings of the mower can fold up to a transport width of 2 metres. Constructed of high-performance Strenx™ 700 MC structural steel and fully galvanised, the mower is built for endurance, strength and longevity. “We are getting much higher output from the Major Cyclone,” added Andrew. “It covers twice the area compared to the flail in the same about of time, enhancing our overall field performance while
saving at least twenty-five percent (25%) on fuel consumption.” “It’s turned out to be a highly usable piece of machinery that helps us to maintain our goal of farming to the highest professional standard,” Andrew concludes. McCormick Tractors
McCormick is a brand of Argo Tractors, a family owned company based in Northern Italy. Manufacturing tractors in five plants, McCormick have invested heavily in production, R&D and technology meaning that the modern McCormick tractor is at the cutting edge of tractor design and performance. With a production capacity of
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up to 22,000 tractors a year, we manufacture 65% of components internally, with the rest being sourced from proven quality suppliers. With a range that spans 35310hp, we have a machine that suits every farming application, from simple straightforward tractors for livestock operations through to high horsepower tractors packed with the latest guidance and ISOBUS technology We offer a wide range of transmission options, with all our transmissions below 150hp built and designed inhouse including our award winning VT continuously variable transmission. We use Kohler and FPT engines, for both performance and reliability. Our global parts master warehouse in San Martino Italy, works 24/7 providing original parts support for all our tractors. Delivering to more than 100 countries worldwide, with the
highest levels of availability we ensure that we can support our tractors in the field. Coupled with proactive maintenance and servicing from our dealers, we aim to maximise the uptime of our tractors on farm, night or day. With 5.5% of turnover being invested in Product Development, McCormick tractors are at the cutting edge of performance, design and technology. Considerable investment has been made in people, with over 60% of Argo Tractors UK staff being field based to work supporting dealers and customers. Our dealer network has expanded considerably to provide local coverage from dealers focussed on local support and outstanding service. For full details on our product range please visit www. McCormick.it/en. For the very latest follow us on Facebook @McCormick Tractors UK & Ireland
McHale
McHale will be displaying a wide range of machinery on our stand at this year’s AgriScot show taking place on February 9th. McHale will be showcasing their latest products by displaying the new McHale Fusion 3 Pro and the new McHale V8950 Variable Chamber Baler. The McHale Fusion range of integrated baler wrappers are recognised worldwide for their unique patented bale transfer, vertical wrapping ring and high output. The McHale Fusion 3 Pro provides new levels of operator comfort with its large touch screen monitor, in-cab net and density adjustment, inbuilt camera, and faster wrapping speeds along with a
host of other features. The McHale Fusion 3 Pro and 3 Plus are now available with ISOBUS as an optional extra. The new McHale range of variable chamber balers will also be on the display. This range is comprised of the McHale V8950 15 knife chopper baler and the McHale V8940 non-chopper baler. Both machines feature a brandnew look with panels opening upwards to allow for greater access to the machine. Fitted with 3 belts as standard, the McHale range of V8 balers can produce a bale from 0.6m (2’) to 1.9m (6’3”). Electric Merlo handler to debut at Agriscot 2022
Making its Scottish debut at Agriscot is the all new fully
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electric eWorker telescopic handler model from Merlo. This new model is a completely fresh ground up design which joins the existing comprehensive compact telescopic handler line up from Merlo. This all electric development signifies the commitment of this family owned innovative manufacturer to a greener and more sustainable future. At the heart of the development programme was an understanding of the complex range of challenges agriculture will face in the future as we meet the demands that a sustainable future will bring. The launch of the e-worker range heralds the introduction of “Generation Zero”, a completely new range of non-fossil fuel powered models, which can be expected from Merlo in the years ahead. On display at this year’s Agriscot show will be the eWorker 25.5-90 4wd model. This compact unit packs a mighty
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punch with a 90 kw electric motor, offering a maximum 2.5 ton lift capacity and a full lift height of 4.80 metres. A maximum 8 hour run time ensures the eWorker can deliver throughout the working day before requiring a recharge. Three driving modes of “Eco, Normal & Power” allows the operator to optimise the machine performance to the job in hand. The 90 kw power unit offers terrific flexibility, great torque characteristics and power to spare for the most demanding of applications. Zero emissions and silent operation will undoubtedly appeal to those working around livestock and in confined spaces, something which has not been possible before with diesel powered units. We look forward to welcoming you to the Merlo stand in the Highland Hall at this year’s Agriscot on the 9th February.
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Northern Dairy Equipment
Northern Dairy Equipment is a UK based manufacturing company that specialises in unique dairy equipment products to improve efficiency and help improve milking routines. The award winning Sanicleanse teat-prep system is one of our key products with over 800 installations in the UK and currently exporting to 63 countries. This product is the lightest and most reliable unit on the market and offers a one-step prep system for the pre-milking of the dairy cows. The unique hot water and biocidal chemical mix offers a complete bacteria kill, helping lower mastitis incidences and bacteria and somatic cell counts.
The Sanicleanse system was available on the recent grant that covered Scotland and when announced again soon will fall under it again. Northern Dairy Equipment have appointed Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies to cover Scotland with the Sanicleanse teat scrubber. Fullwoodhead are a successful family run business with multiple depots based across Scotland. They have a large amount of systems installed and are able to offer free trials and product support on our behalf. They will also be covering Cumbria with our equipment. The iBath automatic footbath system with the iSoftware management system is manufactured from the highest grade stainless steel and can be manufactured to any specific length, width and depth. The iSoftware is able to control 6 footbaths from one touchscreen. The Teatwand is the automatic pre/post spraying system available for external rotary parlours. This
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system reduces costs on labour, while enabling consistency throughout the spraying routine. A quick return on investment is achieved with this system User is able to control the amount of product that is used easily and adjust settings through a touchscreen control system. Speed and Reliability Counts with Perry of Oakley
As Perry of Oakley design and manufacture all their drying and handling range in the UK they can get stock items to you fast. This is a big focus for Perrys during 2022 especially
with their expanded warehouse facilities and expert view of the stock needed to keep your grain facilities moving. Technical support when you need it The Perrys technical support and sales team have over 400 years of experience making Perrys the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of grain drying, handling and storage. The team are on hand, especially during harvest, to help you keep your machines running. New product ranges Perrys have developed two products to assist in the safe and efficient use of grain driers; the fire detection systems and the moisture control system. The fire detection system can be retro-fitted to any make of drier, providing vital early warnings of fire helping you reduce the damage to the drier and surrounding plant. The system can be stand alone or integrated into your control panel. A moisture
control system is also available after extensive testing. Using well proven moisture measuring technology and a unique sampling system to ensure accurate moisture readings the system can reliably control the output from the drier. The system is compatible with any PLC controlled Perry drier and can also be adapted to control any other drier. A new range of modular augers with capacities ranging from 20tph to 125tph have also been developed, to be supplied from stock making them an ideal quick solution. Full range of drying, handling and storage solutions The extensive range of continuous flow driers, chain & flight conveyors, aspirator precleaners, belt & bucket elevators, belt conveyors, U-trough and tubular screw conveyors, and now also storage bins and silos means the Perry team will be able to find the right combination of machines to meet your needs and budgets.
Powerwasher Services
The PWS team are delighted to be able to attend Agriscot after its cancellation last year. It is a great way to meet customers old and new and an opportunity to show case our equipment. Our range includes Power Washers, Industrial heaters, Sweepers, Vacuums for dust suppression, Air Compressors and Generators. Like so many companies, Covid caused disruption on a huge scale, but PWS have continued to work throughout the pandemic offering their services to the many essential businesses not least the farming community who have worked tirelessly keeping us all fed and watered. The company has grown over the last 38 years from being just Jack Whitecross, a former
dairyman to the largest supplier of Power Washers and Cleaning Equipment in Scotland. The team of 30 is headed up by Jack’s Son and Daughter, Jim and Liz and they are proud to have not only a great sales, office and engineering team but also 3 members of the next generation of Whitecross’s on board to ensure the future of the company. 2021 has been an amazing year despite the pandemic. In April we were awarded the Royal Warrant from HRH Prince of Wales (Duke of Rothsay) for the supply and upkeep of Power Washers for the Royal family in Scotland for many years. In October we were crowned Family Business of the year by the Courier for Angus and the Mearns which we were delighted about. Pop on the stand where you will be made welcome and can see the machines or pick up some literature. If you are interested in replacing any of your equipment the PWS team can give you advice, arrange a no obligation
demonstration or can discuss looking after the machine that you have at the moment even if we did not supply it. Tramspread engine driven pump units can cut costs
Tramspread engine driven pump units (EDPUs) offer contractors and farmers the potential to save time and money by only requiring one tractor and one operator. Designed and manufactured by Tramspread, the Suffolk based slurry specialists, the EDPUs are offered in five models. Managing Director, Terry Baker explains: “EDPUs are easy to use and reliable. The range starts with a skid mounted pump and there is
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a single axel model that can be specified with a compressor. There is also a fast tow twin axel model, and the larger twin axel contractor trailer that features twin 1000m hose reel spools.” The pump units can be fitted with the Teletram GSM or an SIL remote control that Mr Baker and his team have helped to design. This can be combined with pressure sensors and a flowmeter to enable the entire umbilical system to be accurately operated and monitored by just one man. The pumps can also be coupled to an applicator with Tramspread’s Raven Box mapping and recording technology to report the areas treated and the quantity of slurry utilised. “The combination of knowing the speed of flow and being able to control it remotely is key to the time and equipment savings these EDPUs offer,” says Mr Baker. The pumps are powered by a 175 horsepower Iveco engine coupled to a Bauer SX2000 pump,
which is capable of pumping up to 300 cubic metres per hour depending on distance and hose diameter. “We also offer pumps from Doda, Cri-man and Ferrari, and we can fit second-hand engines if customers prefer,” he says. The single axel EDPU with compressor will be on show at AgriScot, along with a Tramspread dribble bar, hose reel and PTO pump. Vogelsang GmbH
Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Essen (Oldenburg) in Lower Saxony, develops, produces and sells technically high-quality, individually configurable and service-
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friendly machines. Founded in 1929, the company grew from a manufacturer of agricultural machinery into a specialist in machines and solutions in the wastewater, agricultural technology, biogas, industrial and transportation technology segments. The innovative family company currently employs over 1,000 people worldwide. As an internationally oriented mechanical engineering group, the company ensures the highest product quality through research, development, and production at the Essen location and in other production facilities in Germany and abroad. Thanks to a continuously growing network of subsidiaries and sales offices, Vogelsang is present with over 50 locations around the world. The company has already received several awards from the economic research institute Prognos AG, among other things as “Germany’s innovation leader”. Further information can be found online at: vogelsang.info
new
to market
Smart Feed Silos V-Mac Silo bringing SiloSpi to Agriscot Show V-Mac Silos with Lvlogics will be displaying the latest innovation in Silo Feed Monitoring technology at this years Agriscot Show. The LvLogics, SiloSpi technology has been tested on a number of livestock farms with V-Mac Silo installations on a range of different applications over the past 8 months. Fergal Sherry, V-Mac Silo Sales Manager explains “we have been looking for a solution that uses smart technology to let a farmer know how much feed is in his silo for a long time. Feed consumption can often be faster than expected and the meal bins can run out of stock. This puts severe pressure on feed compounders as they may have to schedule deliveries at short notice and often at weekends, thereby incurring extra costs and may find staff unavailable. If feed supplies are interrupted, valuable animals will be under stress, performance will suffer and profitability on farm will be reduced. According to Fergal “The solutions that are available are either very expensive, albeit very accurate, or inconsistent. When Lvlogic’s introduced their SiloSpi solution it ticked all the boxes for us straight away and offered so much more. It provides accuracy to within 3%, is cost efficient and allows the farmer to access valuable data on a range of devices using an easy to follow app.” Barry Finnegan, CEO of Lvlogics continues “we have
developed SiloSpi to solve a number of problems. Apart from showing farmers what’s in their feed silo, it can also monitor humidity, a key aspect in determining feed quality and helping protect your silo. It also removes the need for farmers to physically check the silo to see what’s in it, improving farm Safety. Farmers can choose to share this information with their feed supplier thereby allowing them to more efficiently manage deliveries and reducing resupply costs. Since Feb 2021, the UCD Research Farm at Lyons Estate, headed by Dr Eddie Jordan has been using the innovative SiloSpi system to monitor feed levels in their V-Mac Silos and to check the humidity and temperature of the various livestock diets stored in the six meal bins. Backed by Lely, the Lvlogic’s system provides accuracy on silo contents to within 2/3%. Dr Jordan and his busy team can access all this data easily on their smartphones or on the office computer. When feed stocks fall to a predetermined level, they receive a text alert and can order further supplies in good time. Their feed miller also has access to this data so they can manufacture the speciality diets and arrange delivery in a more cost- effective and sustainable manner. The laser sensors used by the LvLogics system have a patented self-cleaning mechanism to deal with the dust in a feed silo, so the data supplied is always
accurate. According to Eddie Jordan “prior to installing this system, monitoring feed stocks was very time consuming and we didn’t always get it right. It can be difficult to see what is in a silo and manual checking takes time.” Eddie explained that “due to changing weather conditions the humidity and temperature in the feed silos could change due to condensation etc. So we could have unforeseen problems with feed bridging in the silos or going
mouldy. Humidity checking is becoming more important with more complex feeds which have a range of additives and are more reactive to heat and humidity V-Mac Silos will be displaying the Lvlogics SiloSpi solution on their Stand at the show. Also V-Mac silos are running a free competition to win a V-Mac Feed barrow just fill out an entry form at the V-Mac Silos Stand. www.mcaree-eng.com
Pictured L to R : Dr. Eddie Jordan, Manager UCD Lyons Farm, Newcastle, Co. Dublin, Eileen Finnegan, LvLogics; Oldcastle, Co. Meath holding the laser equipment for feed silo monitoring (this is inserted at inside the top of a feed silo) and Fergal Sherry, V-Mac Silos
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Article
Lanarkshire Larder puts Lanarkshire Food and Drink on the Map Support grows for food group with almost 60 members Scotland is lucky to be home to many regional food groups that are set up when businesses come together in their local areas to promote their local food and drink sector. As well as promoting regional specialities and encouraging people to purchase local produce, these groups are also powerful ambassadors for their region, often providing business support and delivering food tourism projects. Lanarkshire was one of the few regions in the country without a regional food group, despite being home to some of Scotland’s best-loved food and drink brands and a thriving network of small producers. In early 2021, Lanarkshire Larder was established to support the local food and drink industry and to raise awareness of the variety of quality produce from Lanarkshire. The driving force behind the group is Selina Cairns, Director of Errington Cheese, who runs a 250-acre farm near Carnwath producing award-winning farmhouse cheese. Selina, who is the current Chair of Lanarkshire Larder, was frustrated that Lanarkshire — Scotland’s biggest food and drink producer and one of the most populated regions — lacked the support that organised 72
food groups offered other regions. As a long-time ambassador for locally-sourced, sustainable food and drink, she drafted a business plan that was presented to Scotland Food & Drink and South and North Lanarkshire Councils who were offering match funding to employ a coordinator to run the group. The funding was approved in April this year. Selina commented at the time “This is a huge area of opportunity for economic growth
and development for the region and we are delighted to have the support to push the region to the forefront of the great food and drink being produced across Scotland.” The vision of Lanarkshire Larder is for Lanarkshire to be recognised as one of the leading regions in Scotland for quality, sustainable food and drink, raising awareness of local offerings as well the diverse range of largescale manufacturing operations.
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As a membership organisation, Lanarkshire Larder is run by a steering committee of members who offer voluntary support to the group. The current committee comprises representatives from MacDuff 1890, Mclean’s Gin, The Wee Farm Distillery, Jackton Distillery, Carmichael Estate, What’s Fresh and Errington Cheese. Andrew Carmichael, whose family runs Carmichael Estate near Biggar — ‘Scotland’s oldest
Article farming family business — was supportive of the group from the start. He said “Lanarkshire has always been home to the highest quality food and drink and it’s great to see our food network coming together with support from such a broad variety of businesses. We are excited to be part of putting Lanarkshire on the map as one Scotland’s most richly diverse food and drink regions” Lanarkshire Larder also secured funding from Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Fund, allowing them to create a brand and a website. The website coupled with a social media presence has attracted interest from potential members as well as members of the public. Within 6 months the group had registered 55 members from a diverse range of businesses ranging from meat and poultry, dairy, fruit and veg, bakeries, butchers, larder produce, delis, farm shops and hospitality. One of the founding members is MacDuff 1890, run by Rory Duff and his son Andrew in North Lanarkshire. The company sources top-quality meat from a small selection of trusted farms in the Scottish Lowlands and Borders, supplying beef and lamb to high-end butchers, caterers and restaurateurs across the UK. Jackton Distillery, strong believers in supporting local and sustainable food and drink businesses, were also on board from the start. Located near East Kilbride, the independent, family-owned distillery is home
to Raer Craft Spirits whisky and gin, made using their own water source. The family have recently purchased barley fields and are now bringing production of their own neutral grain spirit and maltings in-house, as sustainable production is fundamental to Raer’s ethos. The key benefits of membership include promotion via Lanarkshire Larder’s website, social media and email marketing campaigns, as well as being kept informed of industry updates, funding opportunities, networking and training events, as well as opportunities to attend events under Lanarkshire’s Larder branding.
At the consumer level, Lanarkshire Larder aims to encourage people within the region to shop locally for food and drink, thus improving communities, reducing carbon footprint and supporting economic growth, making Lanarkshire a healthier and happier place to live and to visit. On a broader scale, Lanarkshire Larder has a pivotal role to play in the successful growth and development of Scotland’s food & drink, and food tourism sectors, especially in the recovery from Covid-19. One result of the pandemic was a resurgence of interest locally-produced food and drink, and in September
Lanarkshire Larder secured funding from the Visit Scotland Recovery Fund to create a Food and Drink Trail for the region. The trail is designed to enrich the visitor experience, increase visitor numbers and spend, whilst creating community pride in their quality food and drink offerings in Lanarkshire. Producers, farm shops and hospitality venues are enthusiastic to be involved in the trail that highlight the passion of the people whose businesses have struggled during the COVID pandemic. The trail gives the opportunity to bring communities together, to nurture community pride, and deepen the awareness of the resources they have.
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Trailers
Trailers
A look at a few new models and ranges on the market, plus a call to the UK Government to get trailers test requirements in order
The Harry West C27 trailer range
The Harry West C27 trailer range comprises of both 14 Ton and 16 Ton rated units available as a grain trailer and with added extensions a silage/ high volume trailer. With the 14T unit we have a 19m³ capacity that can be increased up to 28m³ with detachable extensions to both sides and the rear door. The 16m³ machine starts with a 22m³ capacity increasing to 32m³ with the same combination of extensions as the 14T. The West trailers are a compact machine with a 5.6m / 6.3m long body, 2.1m wide and 1.5m high. This gives us a very maneuverable trailer when turning into field gates or moving around buildings in tight farmyards. Visibility is improved during maneuvers with a standard forward window made from a 74
heavy-duty polycarbonate. This tough material doesn’t require additional support and its large size gives very good vision. Alongside the long list of standard items, we can also list an equally extensive list of options, air brakes, ABS inc ESP facility, hydraulic load sensing for the braking, roll over sheets, grain chutes, high line lights, beacons and working lights. Side load kits are available for the silage trailers to make loading easier. Also, an extensive choice of tyre sizes and brands can be included in the trailer’s specification. With the Harry West seal of approval and the Tilly certified inspection we can give all our customers and operators the assurances they are operating one of the safest agricultural trailers on the UK farms.
Bailey Trailers - Making every second count
No other agricultural trailer brand can claim Bailey’s proven track record for innovation. Since 1982 and the very first trailer, Bailey has always listened to farmers and built trailers that suit their needs down to the ground.Bailey are very aware that every second counts for customers, their trailers need to work hard. The robust nature and reliable performance of a Bailey trailer is achieved by using only the best quality materials and components. Unrivalled protection is provided by the twin-pack paint finish. Bailey customers expect keen attention
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to detail, honest use of materials and seamless craftsmanship. In 2022, Bailey will celebrate 40 years of manufacturing trailers. First and foremost, Bailey are engineers driven by the philosophy of ‘good ideas can become even better’. However, Farming is in the family’s DNA too; when you look at a Bailey trailer, it’s immediately clear that these are trailers built by farmers for farmers. An extensive dealer network in Scotland supports Bailey Trailers. For more information or to find your local Bailey dealer visit: baileytrailers.co.uk
Trailers
The Marshall Trailer’s BC range of trailers Marshall Trailer’s BC range of flat/bale trailers is available in lengths of 18ft up to 36ft and carrying capacities of 10-tons up to 16-tons, with options of tandem or tri-axle configurations. Every model comes standard with adjustable galvanized harvest ladders, chequered plate floors, 21” fixed headboards, heavy-duty rope hooks, integrated ratchet strap points, hydraulic brakes and commercial lighting. In addition spring or rocker suspension is available as a no-cost option, with the rockers providing better stability and the springs offering better road performance. The trailers are constructed using state-of-the art manufacturing equipment, with
the majority of sub-assemblies robot welded for a consistent, high-quality construction. In 2021 Marshalls invested a seven figure sum in a new paint facility that incorporates shot-blasting, temperature controlled booths and an overhead monorail system, which has resulted in an improved paint finish. The BC range also incorporates Marshall’s dealer fit concept, allowing over 80% of the optional extras to be added without any fabrication work. This allows customers to upgrade their trailer as requirements changes or to ensure they can comply with any future changes to legislation. The BC range also has a large number of options, with a huge range of different tyres, braking
systems, axle options and paint colours. The latest optional extra added to the range is the new Marshall Easy-Secure, which allows loads to be quickly secured without the need for strapping. This is a unique design that allows lots of different loads to be secured by using a net rather than a steel frame, many competitor’s systems
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can only be used for bales. The Easy-Secure system can also be left in the down position and unhitched from the tractor to allow loading by a single operator, steel frame designs do not allow this. Prices for the BC range start at £8,426 and more information can be found at www.marshalltrailers.co.uk
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Trailers
Union calls on government to sort out trailer test debacle Industry left in limbo by failure to deliver on test commitment NFU Scotland is writing to the UK Government after plans to change trailer test requirements stalled. To increase HGV driving test capacity, the Government had intended to alter regulations from 15 November, to allow for those who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 to tow a trailer without passing a B+E category test first. The plans failed to complete the required parliamentary process. No date has been given as to when that is likely to happen. In a double whammy, there is currently no procedure for those looking to take the test to do so.
That means that if you do not hold the B+E category licence, you cannot tow and there is no way of passing a test at this time. New regulations are expected to be re-laid shortly but NFUS is calling for urgent clarity. It is also urging those affected to contact their MP on the matter. NFU Scotland’s Transport Adviser, Jamie Smart said: “We want the issue of licencing to tow a trailer sorted out now. Government must recognise the problems it has created for those who need to tow but do not have the +E qualification and cannot sit a test to get it.
“They have been left in limbo. There is no indication of when and if an automatic entitlement system is going to be enacted so we need to know a timescale for when the changes to legislation are going to come into force.
“Additionally, many of the companies who previously offered trailer training are not offering any courses as they were expecting the new legislation to come into force. This is a mess that Government must address immediately.”
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Next issue out March 2022 76
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Article
Clarkson’s Farm, Brexit and the Pandemic: diversification is key for the farming industry to survive
The agricultural industry has, unfortunately, faced suffering for many years, and the implications of both Brexit and Covid-19 have imposed further restrictions on local farmers who are looking to make a comfortable living. Additionally, with the younger generation losing interest in keeping the art of farming alive in the modern world, drastic steps need to be taken to preserve the important tradition of UK farming. To provide further insight on the topic, we spoke to Eleanor Rattay, partner in the Commercial Property department at BHW Solicitors, who discussed the impact of these issues on the nation’s farmers and provided advice on how to survive in an increasingly difficult market. It will come as no surprise that UK farmers have experienced hardship due to the UK’s departure from the European Union, combined with the unforeseen and catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and while this suffering may not have come directly as a result of these events, it has certainly been accelerated because of such. This is coupled with some factors which have always affected farmers’ ability to make progressive change.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts on farmers has always been the restrictions and legal stipulations regarding planning permissions required for most farm upgrades, changes of use and other diversification in aid of profitability. With such regulations changing rapidly, it can be difficult for farmers to keep up and know what it is they need to do. Changes that would benefit the farmer may also meet with opposition from the local community. Additionally, for many UK farms, there are land-specific issues surrounding restrictive covenants and overage provisions. This can make land difficult to sell or to develop, as it would either be prohibited by restrictive covenants or trigger overage payments to a third party. It’s important for farmers to seek legal advice prior to making any changes to their farm and surrounding land. Regarding Brexit, the most obvious drawbacks for the agricultural industry aside from the phased withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme are the gas prices, nitrogen production and the consequential price of fertiliser.
Last year, fertiliser was sold for in the region of £260 a tonne, but at the time of writing it is around £520 a tonne and it is only continuing to go up in price. At the moment, it is only Russia that can produce cheap nitrogen, highlighting the difficulty surrounding local sourcing. The recent HGV driver crisis also exacerbates such issues, for example preventing essential seeds being delivered to farms due to the transport simply being unavailable. There was once a dependency on EU workers to fulfil the needs in this sector, however, like many other industries, farming has been hit hard by economic migration caused by Brexit. The phasing out of the Direct Payments by progressive reductions under the Basic Payment Scheme began this year and will have reached culmination by 2027. For many farmers this is a significant loss of income. The UK Government says the money that was used for Direct Payments will instead be invested in new schemes supporting sustainable farming and the countryside, but no one is sure what this will mean in real income terms for farmers. Farming isn’t just about tending to the land, livestock and produce – it is inevitably linked to logistics. This includes lorry drivers and couriers where produce is shipped and received onshore and offshore. The price at which food is sold is also critical, and there are many in the industry who believe this has been too low for years. The younger generation and the future of agriculture Currently, in Wales, only 3% of farmers are aged under 35, and the percentage of those aged under 25 who run a farm has dropped by around 63%.
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With such a decline in young people entering into the farming industry, more needs to be done to encourage people to muck in to support this rewarding and essential line of work. Conveniently, the hit Amazon TV series Clarkson’s Farm, starring and narrated by the ex-Top Gear host himself, has helped to shine a generally positive spotlight on farming and the agricultural industry, providing viewers at home with a real-life representation of farm life. It is accurate representations of farm life such as this that demonstrates both the highs and lows of farming, revealing how there is so much more involved than just tending to crops and animals and that in fact, farming often requires a business-savvy mind to thrive - all of which may appeal to entrepreneurial young people. Despite what seems like a bleak situation, there are still steps farmers can take to diversify their land and offering to increase profitability. For example, subject to planning consent, farmers may convert parts of their land to accommodate storage units, holiday lettings, weddings, glamping, dog walking fields and farm shops. Alternative energy installations such as solar parks and wind farms are also popular. As far as standard farming is concerned, the current margins are simply too small for many farmers to survive. With no increase on the horizon, farmers can look to diversification to help to boost yearly profits in a bid to survive in the modern age. For more information regarding agricultural law, get in touch with Eleanor by visiting https://bhwsolicitors.com/. 77
Made in Scotland
New Year, New Resolutions, New Experiences By Wendy Barrie
Scottish Thistle Award Regional Ambassador (2018/19) for Central, Tayside & Fife Director of Scottish Food Guide Whether exploring self sufficiency or delving into a new hobby, mastering essential skills is a great start. Lockdowns and economising has certainly changed the way many of us look upon our lifestyle and shopping habits. Petroleumbased gifts we can live without replaced with experiences offering fulfilment – or at any rate a pleasant distraction from the stresses and strains of everyday life! Recent shortages of yeast and flour highlight the surge in home
Cook school at Ballintaggart
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East Neuk Seaweed
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bakers; yarns and needle sales herald the boom in natural knits, whilst tents have vanished from the shelves only to pop up by Loch Lomond and across rural Scotland! So setting aside non-culinary pursuits, unless you have granny or grandpa handy who can pass on their skills, you will need an expert guiding hand and there are many producers and chefs willing to offer just that! From fish and filleting to breeding goats, Scotland has it all!
The Cook School by Ballintaggart has a variety of courses available at their beautifully designed kitchen with resident chef proprietor Chris Rowley at the helm to lead you through a range of knife techniques, imaginative recipes with meat and seafood, fascinating pastry skills and a selection of desserts to expand your repertoire. Set amidst stunning Perthshire countryside this rural idyll has nature on the doorstep and hens clucking in the yard so immerse yourself in country life – you can even take part in seasonal foraging. https://ballintaggart.com If bracing sea air is more your style then look no further than East Neuk Seaweed where Jayson Byles will take you on his culinary adventure on the edge of the high seas that pound the shores of Fife! His enthusiasm is contagious as you explore the rockpools and tideline for such sea plants as bladder wrack, dulse and sugar kelp. A professional chef and forager, Jayson will not only show you where to find it but what to do with it. You will never look at a beach the same way again. Return home safely – no need for the RNLI – with knowledge of a range of foraged ingredients to create a banquet fit for Neptune. Jayson also hosts interactive online courses if you live farther afield. https://www.eastneukseaweed. com/ontherocks/#on-the-rocks Fife is also home to Scotland The Bread, Winner of BBC Food & Farming Innovation Award 2021 for their Flour to the People initiative. Scotland The Bread is a community benefit society and
Cheese Champion Day
registered charity, currently crowd funding for further projects part of which will include future bread workshops so watch this space. https://scotlandthebread.org Someone whose log-fuelled furnace is fired up and ready to go is the amazing John Castley, aka Sourdough John, who creates multi-award-winning breads and enriched doughs at his Wild Hearth Bakery in an up-cycled WW2 Nissen hut, nestled amongst a string of eclectic enterprises and a plentiful array of allotments, one of which is home to John’s heritage grains that he is growing as part of a project with Comrie Primary School. Passionate about sourdoughs, John won not one but two Scottish Bread Championship Supreme Champion Awards at the Royal Highland Show 2021 and there’s a steady stream of wannabe bakers loafing (sorry) in his direction to attend his popular workshops. With classes on the fourth Saturday of every month, there are various levels and mouthwatering themes including festive breads, pizzas or viennoiserie. A great way to improve your dough know-how including comprehensive notes and lunch. https://www.wildhearthbakery. com And if you would like to make your own cheese for that sourdough sandwich, then The Ethical Dairy will sort you out with a cheesemaking course at their lovely dairy near Gatehouse of Fleet. https://www. theethicaldairy.co.uk Many are still surprised by the number of exceptional artisan cheeses produced right here in
Scotland. One way to explore these distinctive and flavoursome cheeses is to join a Cheese Champion Day at Scottish Food Studio where Kathy Biss of West Highland Dairy co-hosts for a wonderfully absorbing day of cheese: the science and nature, process and styles, characteristics and comparative tasting. Scottish Food Studio also offers day experiences on Slow Food Ark of Taste and Hygge Scandi Cooking. https://www.wendybarrie.co.uk/ courses-1 Butchery is another valuable skill becoming increasingly popular. Farmers are interested in exploring added value for their products, chefs seek to develop skills or send along their less experienced staff, and foodies are hungry for knowledge about the food they consume. We quite rightly should be concerned about our food systems and it is gratifying to see such a growing interest in the processes surrounding food production. As food producers endeavour to shorten their supply chain, some sell whole animals, generally heritage sheep, direct to the consumer in which case a few home butchery skills don’t go amiss! Peelham Farm is one such family business providing this service. Their craft butchery course covers how to cut-down a whole sheep and a whole pig. With small numbers of participants and experts on hand you are assured an in-depth experience including the different cuts, sausage-making, and the basics of air-drying and curing. https://www.peelham. co.uk/courses.html
For animals lovers looking to raise a few goats, look no further than Elchies on Speyside who will be running a goat kidding course early in the year for the Scottish Crofting Federation, perfect for future goatherderscum-midwives! They will also be running an online course on how to start a farmers’ market. https://www.elchies.co.uk Over on the misty Isle of Skye is the renowned Kinloch Lodge, where the Macdonald family celebrate its Golden Anniversary next year. They certainly put Skye on the map as a food tourism destination and their own guide, The Skye Ghillie will share with you his knowledge of the history, flora and fauna, tailored to your interests, including fishing for wild salmon or brown trout, stalking deer or foraging for ingredients – all of which could end up on your menu. https:// kinloch-lodge.co.uk Last but by no means least, if you are seeking spice in your life, Praveen Kumar has the answer at his Indian Cook School. His restaurant Tabla is a popular venue in Perth, whether for dining in or takeaway but he also shares his secrets so you can try some of his dishes out for yourself. This husband and wife team, Praveen and Swarna, give classes in the fundamentals of Indian cuisine, using herbs and spices grown at the family’s home in Southern India, combined with the best Scottish produce. How about it for an exciting start to 2022? https://www.indiancookschool. co.uk
Tabla Indian Cook School
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farming diversification
Cosy Scottish Knits for 2022 By Janice Hopper
As the properties of wool continue to be celebrated, we highlight a flock of talented farmers who’ve diversified into creating the snuggest Scottish knits. A Mill on Mull Ardalanish is a remarkable farm when it comes to cosy knits. Not only is this 1500 acre estate home to Kyloe Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep, but Ardalanish has its own mill, looms and skilled weavers on site. Originally the sheep’s fleece were sent away after shearing, but the prices paid were so low that other options were considered, including weaving. In 2002 an old cow shed was transformed into a mill, an outbuilding became a shop, and the Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers became a reality. Today, Ardalanish still works its own wool, but also
Sunrise shawl
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brings in fleeces from around Mull alongside wool from other native breeds such Shetland whites and coloured, and Manx Loaghtan. Browse goods, such as their classic Sunrise Shawl (£85), at ardalanish.com. Speyside Blankets Woven at the Knockando Woolmill, less than five miles from Campbell Cairns Farm where the sheep graze, these colourful blankets are a cosy product of Morayshire. The blankets are traded under the name Elchies, and the ‘Borealis’ blanket’s colour palette is inspired by the Northern Lights, which are regularly witnessed in the Speyside skies.
The blankets are created from an 80:20 mix of Elchies’ Ryeland wool, and Huacaya alpaca fibres. For those seeking something exclusive, this production is a limited edition, with only 75 blankets created. Each one comes with its own certificate, so start 2022 with a snuggle at elchies.co.uk. The Fairest of the Fair For Fair Isle knits, head north for Shetland. The Mackenzie farm shop in Cunningsburgh is a regular pit stop for foodies, selling beef, lamb, pork, vegetables and fruit, alongside a range of jams, chutney and relish, but it also does a fine line in knitwear. Aister ‘oo’ Blosta fingerless gloves (£30) are handcrafted by Mona Halcrow, aged 84, on the Croft at Aister. Wool from the family’s natural, native Shetland sheep on their croft has been in the family for
Elchies blanket
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generations, so browse a range of men and women’s knits at mackenziesfarmshop.co.uk. A Bobble Hat for Nessie Katharine Sharp and her mother, Penelope Hamilton, create woollies from their small flock of sheep in Abriachan, near Loch Ness. Achpopuli farm is home to Aberdeen-Angus cross cattle, Shetland ducks, Shetland geese, and Shetland sheep. The sheep are grass fed, the younger ones born and raised by Katharine, using regenerative farming methods and as few chemicals as possible. Katherine handclips the sheep, and their yarn is naturally dyed by Loch Ness Knitting. Next, using a variety of wet felting, weaving and needle felting techniques, along with her mother’s knitting skills, Katharine creates a mix of hats, cuffs, hot-water-bottle covers and rugs. The mother and daughter
farming diversification duo celebrate the provenance of their creations, the diversity of fleeces, the character in every flock, and the amazing properties of wool. Read more of their story at achpopulifarm.net. Outstanding Angus Wool Julie Hermitage of Wester Coul Farm in Angus initially embraced wool products in an effort to soothe her son’s asthma. It was suggested she try him under wool bedding and the immediate benefits were notable. This led to Julie conducting further research and working with universities to turn the wool from her own 600-strong flock of Scottish mules, Blackfaces, Texels and Cheviots into a new farm diversification project. Her company, Uan Wool, offers ‘sleep solutions’ from
Uan Wool hot water bottle cover
her Scottish Wool Bedding Company. She also runs evening classes, such as needle felting, so locals can try their hand at a new craft. Browse Julie’s products at uanwool.co.uk, including cosy hot-water-bottle covers for £35. Fife Finery For an outfit from top to toe, the House of Bluebell has collated a collection of fine wool products to peruse. Back in 2010 Wendy Crawford started sending wool from her 300-strong flock of Cheviot sheep at Powguild Farm in Fife, to Galashiels British Wool Depot where it’s mixed and sold as a ‘British Wool’ on the global markets. Alongside this, Wendy’s team purchases Scottish fabric with which to create a selection of clothing that can be bought
online. She’s also regularly found selling her wares at the Royal Highland Show in the National Sheep Association Marquee. The House of Bluebell is also at the cutting edge of helping create and organise a new tailors qualification in Scotland, due to launch imminently. Choose a signature piece such as a tailored jacket in police box blue (£340), complement it with a signature tartan skirt (long - £140, short - £130), and complete the look with a handbag in House of Bluebell’s signature tartan (£85). houseofbluebell. com. A Highland Gathering Darach Croft in Strontian offers a range of experiences, from goat walking to forest therapy. It’s also brought together the ‘Hand Crofted’ range: a collective of artisan craft makers based in the Highlands. The makers use natural or up-cycled materials wherever possible,
predominantly locally sourced, to create their bespoke products. In terms of wool, discover bespoke felted pictures inspired by nature, felted fleece rugs (from £100), and warm woollen scarves (from £30) made from a mix of wool from sheep raised on Darach Croft combined with Merino wool. darachcroft.com Alpaca Antics Move over sheep, the alpacas are coming! Bowbridge Alpacas are based in Peat Inn, Fife and are well known for their one or two hour Alpaca Experiences. They also offer the chance to meet the alpacas virtually through Zoom Party Packages. Another feather in the farmer’s cap is selling alpaca beanies (£55), or customers can knit their own by picking up a pattern and kit for £3.95 (or the pattern comes free with a wool order). Crafty needle felting kits are also available for £20. Visit their online shop at bowbridgealpacas.com.
House of Bluebell
In 2022, there’s no excuse not to look stylish, feel snug and support a Scottish farmer all at the same time. Janice Hopper is a freelance writer based in Aberdeen who’s written features, copy and social media text for a range of publications and clients. Her Scottish family travel blog, Scots2Travel.com, covers child-friendly short breaks, attractions and activities. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com
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Women in Agriculture Scotland By Alana Black, WiAS Committee Member
After 18 months of virtual events, it was fantastic to be able to bring together the Women in Agriculture Scotland group at the autumn event: Shine a light on Women in Agriculture Food and Farming event. Held in the new Members’ Pavilion at the Royal Highland Showground, attendees came from across Scotland to participate in the AGM and
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hear from two cracking guest speakers. The AGM was conducted by RSABI Chair Nina Clancy with the positions of Chair and Vice Chair filled by Aylett Roan, of Roan Dairies, and Heather Wildman respectively. The committee also welcomed three new members with Alix Ritchie, Ellie Sinclair and Carole Brunton voted onto the governing body.
Professor Jude Capper kicked off the speaker session. Jude is an independent Livestock Sustainability Consultant based in Oxfordshire, UK, who undertook her BSc (Agriculture with Animal Science) and PhD (Ruminant Nutrition and Behaviour) at Harper Adams University College (UK), followed by post-doctoral research at Cornell University
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(USA) and a faculty position at Washington State University (USA). Jude’s research focuses on modelling the environmental impact of livestock production systems, specifically dairy and beef. Her initial work in this area concentrated on quantifying the improvements in environmental impacts made by improving dairy productivity, including
Women in Agriculture Scotland comparing the historical resource use and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from the 1944 and 2007 U.S. dairy industries. Her presentation was titled ‘Positively sustainable – staying resilient in the current climate’ and empowered attendees to take control of the red meat and farming narrative, understand the concerns of consumers and to respectively engage with the right people. Jude explained that although the vegan lobby yell the loudest, they’re actually not the biggest threat to the red meat industry. Increasingly, a number or people are becoming ‘flexitarian’ which is a semi-vegetarian diet, one that is centred on plant foods with the occasional inclusion of meat. Jude said that it’s not because they’re consciously reducing their meat consumption but more so because, when surveyed, 66% of flexitarians and meat eaters said that guilt is a primary factor for going vegetarian or vegan. But, Jude maintains that we have a very important story to tell – particularly in Scotland where over 80% of Scottish agricultural land is grassland, which is less suitable economically and environmentally for anything other than livestock grazing. Following on from Jude’s presentation, Alix Ritchie spoke on the importance of personal development, trying new things to stay resilient on and off farm, and the innovative ways she and colleagues are engaging school children to learn about farming practices. Alix works at Montalt Farm, near Dunning with her husband, John and their two girls Millie & Ellie. As well as working on the farm, Alix also is the Health & Education Manager for Quality Meat Scotland and is passionate about educating the public about where their food comes from. On the farm they have cattle and sheep, and are constantly striving to make it more efficient and sustainable. Alix’s journey started on her family farm between Perth and Dundee and while they didn’t actively farm, she was still required to help out with the usual
farm chores and found an invoice she sent to her father charging 1p per ragwort she pulled out. After joining her local young farmers club, Alix’s love for agriculture grew and it wasn’t until recently that she realised all the additional skills she gained. Chairing a meeting, improving public speaking, bookkeeping and how to take minutes are skills she picked up from young farmers and not her business degree. In her previous role with the Royal Highland Education Trust, Alix put her skills in engaging kids in the classroom and connecting with teachers to good use by developing, alongside her colleague at QMS Jennifer, Farming Foodsteps. Farming Foodsteps is a digital tool which offers a different way to engage in the sciences, home economics, maths and geography. The free interactive resource is aimed at secondary school children and supports teachers and pupils in subjects across the curriculum through the story of red meat production, from field to plate. The interactive tool was developed when the first lockdown started in March 2020 to replace the education sessions and cookery demonstrations they usually deliver in schools, alongside on-site teacher training workshops and supporting RHET Food and Farming visits. Personal development is important to Alix and something that she is keen to continue. After completing the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme in 2018/2019 which she cites as a massive changing point for her. An enhanced understanding of her personality and ways of working through the Insights Profile, improved confidence, and skills to deal with self-doubt has helped Alix to move forward and better work to her strengths. Women in Agriculture Scotland is currently finalising their events for 2022 and to ensure that you are on the mailing list, please head to the WiAS website, https://www. womeninagriculture.scot/, or by following us on social media.
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Southern Belle We can’t change history but we can help to put it right for the future COP26 has been to the forefront over the past few weeks and hopefully it has made us all think about the future a bit more. However, anyone who expected a radical change in world policy, should bear in mind that there are three people in our house and we can’t agree on what TV programme to watch, so how can ninety people from all over the world, suddenly agree on what’s best for their countries, as well as our planet. We can’t stress the big stuff but we can buy local, eat British (if Scottish isn’t available) and eat seasonally. The Queen refuses to eat strawberries at Christmas and if it is good enough for the Queen it is good enough for me. So that’s my wee bit. To start eating as many seasonal vegetables as possible and cut air miles. If I find any great recipes for turnip I’ll let you know! We are led to believe, that the younger generation are better informed than us and
with today’s communications, they certainly should be. Toward the end of the conference, a teenager from Irvine was asked how climate change was affecting the town and how it would impact on her. She said it would impact more on other people as she was already a vegetarian and tried to use milk alternatives as much as possible. We have some work to do…. My parents and grandparents, grew their own veg and drank milk from the nearest farm. They taught me the same way and while we are rightly being accused of using oil and coal to the detriment of the planet, we did not know at the time the devastation it would cause a century later. How could we? I have no doubt that the current generation will find that their grandchildren will accuse them of getting things wrong but history is just that. We can’t change history. All we can do is deal with the present and look to the future.
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science & technology
Turning to tech to offset rising input costs With soaring input prices putting farm profit margins under yet more pressure, farmers must once again find new ways to improve production efficiencies. For crop-based systems – whether arable or grassland – the use of technology could help to partially offset these cost increases by ensuring fertiliser is applied accurately and effectually. “Input costs have risen sharply across the board in recent months, with prices for nitrogen as high as £650 per tonne,” explains Jack Harris of LH Agro. “At that price, growers who haven’t yet purchased fertiliser for 2022 are questioning whether they can afford to, with those that bought before the price spike also wondering how to make the best use of their commodities. “What bonds both groups is the need to maximise production efficiencies by making the best use of available inputs, especially as there are no obvious signs of when prices might return to ‘normal’.” Mr Harris suggests that precision farming technologies can help to ensure inputs are used as effectively as possible: “The benefits of auto-steering and implement guidance systems are well documented, with improved accuracy and reduced drilling overlaps and misses at the crop establishment phase a given,” he explains. “But precision farming technologies can also improve the accuracy of fertiliser and spray applications later in the cropping calendar, with satellite imagery, field mapping and real-time crop sensors enabling growers to ensure inputs such as fertiliser are only applied where and when they are needed.” 84
Cab-mounted crop sensors such as the Topcon CropSpec system, measure the light reflectance of plants at each field pass to monitor the in-field variability of crops and to provide an on-the-go assessment of where and when nutrients should be applied. And because they aren’t affected by cloud cover which can reduce the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based mapping systems, they provide a more up-to-date and accurate assessment of the crop’s actual condition and progress. “Pairing a variable rate and section control enabled fertiliser spreader or sprayer with a system like CropSpec takes the guesswork out of input applications and ensures the right product is applied at the right rate, the right time and in the right place,” Mr Harris continues. To illustrate the point, Mr Harris refers to a recent convert from fixed to variable rate applications who has been able to reduce liquid fertiliser applications by almost 15%. “Prior to installing CropSpec sensors the grower was applying 8854 litres of liquid fertiliser to a 23.61-hectare block,” Mr Harris explains. “That volume has now been reduced to 7689 litres, a saving of 1165 litres. “Even at last year’s prices that represented a saving of almost £500 just for that field. At today’s prices, the savings are even greater.” Remote management As well as making live or real-time application rate and section control adjustments, the data gathered by cab-mounted sensors can also be used to
create field-specific prescription input maps for the remainder of the season. “With the Topcon Agriculture Platform (TAP) this data download can be done wirelessly as soon as the field has been travelled thereby enabling farm managers and agronomists to make quick, but informed management decisions and to plan future input purchases
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more effectively,” Mr Harris continues. “TAP can also be used to pass mapping information and variable rate application files back to the field and can be used to adjust the spreader or sprayer’s settings remotely, thereby taking the onus of applying valuable inputs away from less experienced operators.”
science & technology
New drone software launched at LAMMA New features of Drone Ag’s Skippy Scout crop monitoring software were available to experience in virtual reality (VR) at LAMMA. The 2020 LAMMA gold ‘future innovation’ award winners offered visitors a chance to experience the new features using a VR headset. “The headset shows users how Skippy Scout enables them to see a whole field from above and zoom in on specific parts of the field that have been imaged by a drone,” explains founder, Jack Wrangham. The so-called ‘Scout Spheres’ interface provides users with interactive whole field viewing for the first time. “We are the only provider to offer users a droneenabled, full field overview that includes the ability to focus on any area of the field and choose where to inspect at leaf-level,” he says. Mr Wrangham stresses that this is not future technology and that drones with this software are already being used on farms throughout the UK. “A drone with Skippy can walk a crop 20 times faster than a farmer on foot. PDF reports are generated immediately showing the green area index and the number of plants. This technology is being used by hundreds of farmers already and the data will soon be used to support the use of spraying drones too,” he says. To show the full extent to which drone captured images can
improve crop management, Drone Ag will also be exhibiting one of the latest DJI spraying drones that has a 20-litre capacity and is also capable of granular spreading. “With data from Skippy, users can program spraying drones like the DJI model we will have on the stand. Using this technology can
help to reduce soil compaction and the use of chemical by deploying a spraying drone to target only the plants that require treatment,” he explains. Skippy Scout can count cereals, OSR, soybeans, beans, peas, and potatoes, offering an accurate total of plants in an image, as well as
the number of plants per square metre. “The new software is only £30 per month and is compatible with Apple devices and most offthe-shelf drones. It can save time, find weeds and disease faster, and harvest the data needed to improve the sustainability of broad acre crop farming,” he concludes.
Gatekeeper now integrates with fieldview Farmplan, the UK’s leading agricultural software specialists, has announced that users of its Gatekeeper crop management system can now access the data collection and analysis capabilities of Climate FieldView, the digital farming platform from Bayer. The integration, which will allow farmers to streamline their daily work and improve on-farm decision-making, is now live. “This integration will make a huge difference for many farms,” says Piers Costley,
Managing Director at Farmplan. “We’re aware that growers want to use cutting-edge precision farming and crop optimisation to make the most of their data. The opportunity to integrate these solutions – and do so seamlessly – is an exciting prospect indeed.” Farmers, growers, agronomists, and advisors across the UK regularly use Gatekeeper as their trusted crop management tool. This new update lets those users who also utilise FieldView to collect real-time planting, application, and harvest data
from their machinery and instantly sync this between the two systems. “The first step for each farmer was the ability to download and import boundaries into FieldView from Gatekeeper,” says Daniel Pereira, Climate Business Lead EMEA. “Now, it’s more streamlined and straightforward than ever to pull your data across. For growers, this means all your data can talk to each other, saving the need for double entry or managing multiple systems.”
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While this will naturally benefit growers in terms of everyday operation and resource management, the integration also aids productivity and profitability on the farm. FieldView grants visibility and access to real-time data, including yields and moisture levels, at any particular moment to assist with short-term decision-making. By feeding that data into Gatekeeper, it becomes possible to make even better decisions and planning over the long term. 85
NORTHERN ISLES News
Skaill farmer scoops British Farming Award By Ethan Flett COLIN DAVIDSON, of Skaill Farm in Sandwick, has done Orkney’s agricultural community proud, with a win at the British Farming Awards. He received the Beef Innovator of the Year Award for his use of feed efficiency technology. Hosted by television and radio presenter Vernon Kay, and joined by over 700 farmers and industry specialists, the event was held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Thursday, October 21. There were 60 individuals competing for 15 categories. “It was an experience,” said Mr Davidson. “It was fine to be there, and to win your section when you were there. It was quite amusing to be winning an innovation award when you’re 62. “There was a lot razzmatazz and lights. It was a bit like the Oscars I would think — a bit different for a farming operation!” Also successful at the awards were the stars of the popular TV programme Clarkson’s Farm, Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper. “I didn’t speak to Jeremy, though I could have if I wanted to, but I did speak to Kaleb,” Mr Davidson said. The feed efficiency system at the centre of the innovation at Skaill Farm uses individual feed bunkers and weigh scales to 86
Colin Davidson
measure how much the cattle eat, and then how much weight they put on. Explaining the reasons for his nomination, the British Farming Awards website reads: “This use of technology differentiates the herd from others, allowing Colin to sell Aberdeen-Angus cattle with increased data behind them and gives customers reassurance they are buying cattle with the traits they need.” On why Mr Davidson had won the award, the judges said: “Colin demonstrated a willingness to change, invest and take risks to improve his business and he has used innovation based on sustainability, which is already producing results.” He was nominated for the award by the livestock feed producers, Harbro.
“They were involved with the feed efficiency testing, doing the rations and keeping us right with it. They did the analysis of the silage and stuff like that for us,” said Mr Davidson. The use of feed efficiency technology allows Mr Davidson to select animals which put on the most weight with the least feed. “You’re just identifying them, and then its a bit of a long job because the life cycle is so long in a beast compared to some other animals. It takes a while to come through. The test lasts for 50 days, you identify them, and then breed with the ones that you want to keep. It’s reasonably heritable.” Not only does the technology allow him to optimise the use of feed, but it also benefits the
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environment. As he explained, the research shows that an animal with a 20 per cent better feed efficiency rating would produce 30 per cent less methane. On the time it takes to see the effects of breeding informed by this extra data, he said: “It takes a while to get a couple of generations in the ground with breeding cattle, but I guess you have to start somewhere. If you get in early and get ahead, you might manage to market something then.” However, the data does put him at an advantage when selling bulls. Genus, a national AI company, purchased three of Mr Davidson’s bulls earlier this year. Speaking to The Orcadian in September, the beef supply chain manager for Genus, Arwell Owen, explained how unusual it was to buy three from one farm. “We don’t normally do that. You cherry pick one or two maybe, but to find three in one place that ticked the box was quite rare really.” While Genus conducts feed efficiency testing itself, this would be with older animals after they had bought them. Mr Davidson explained that by doing the testing himself, he could provide the data prior to the animals being bought and when the animals were younger (and the testing more accurate).
Country show making a come-back on Shetland? Country shows could make a comeback next summer, potentially ending the hiatus brought by Covid restrictions which have kept show grounds empty for two years running. Organisers of the Cunningsburgh Show – the biggest County draw of the summer season – are making preparations for the event to go live again in 2022 after hearing of a “real appetite” among potential exhibitors and visitors. A “virtual” Cunningsburgh Show took place last year, which was deemed a success – although the exercise was not repeated in the 2021 season. Next year’s event is likely to come under further discussion at the Cunningsburgh committee’s annual general meeting, which is due to take place in January. It comes after large-scale events on the mainland prepare for the green light, with the cream of country showcases – the Royal Highland Show – announcing it would be going ahead next year at its Ingliston show ground venue near Edinburgh in 2022 – its 200th anniversary. Cunningsburgh’s vice president Alex Dodge said consideration would be taken of whatever Covid restrictions are in place at the time. But she said organisers on the show committee were preparing to go ahead. “Obviously, it’s a fluid situation just now, but the
committee are hoping that we will be able to have a show next year,” she told The Shetland Times. “We will just have to wait and see nearer the time, but that is our plan.” She added: “In 2020 we had a virtual event. This year we didn’t have anything at all. We really do need to do something.” Among the arguments influencing the thinking of committee members is the fact that Cunningsburgh is a large-scale open-air event. Most people, too, are already vaccinated against the virus and should be receiving their booster injections around now. Mrs Dodge said a number of people had indicated they were “really missing the show”. “There is a real appetite for that to happen,” she added. “It’s not just the showing of the animals – it’s all the other things that goes on. There is the home industries, and all the displays that we have. “Obviously we’ve got to just see how things progress with the pandemic.” Highland Show organisers will be taking safety measures against Covid extremely seriously before it can go ahead. Its last show, held in 2019, saw 200,000 people attend the event. Among the steps expected to be taken at Ingliston is a ticketing system for specific days, which
Cunningsburgh Show
must be bought in advance. The most popular weekend dates are expected to sell out very quickly indeed. Safety measures are likely to be discussed by the Cunningsburgh committee, too. Mrs Dodge said she imagined some measures would be in place, depending on what government advice is at the time of the show. The Cunningsburgh event is typically held in early August. “We have just got to wait and see what happens and what is recommended,” she said.
“It’s one of those situations where we have just got to wait and see but we are certainly planning. “We’re very, very hopeful we will get a show in ‘22.” Expect to see a show going ahead in the West Side next year, too. It has been scheduled for its usual slot in the show calendar, on the second Saturday in August. Vice president of the Walls Show committee, Kevin Tulloch, said the committee was of one mind. “We’re hoping to go ahead with it,” he said.
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livestock Red meat’s role in healthy, balanced diets must be recognised NFU Scotland is calling for red meat’s role in a healthy, balanced diet to be recognised and celebrated. Scotland’s Good Food Nation Bill, which will introduce a legislative requirement on health boards and local authorities to make good quality, healthy, local food available to all, is expected to make significant progress in 2022. The Union wants Scottish red meat to be an important part of the menu and that its health benefits are properly recognised. The Union has welcomed recent scientific questioning on the reliability of data in the EAT Lancet report that is regularly used to justify calls to reduce consumption of unprocessed red meat on health grounds. An international group of scientists, led by Professor Alice Stanton of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, in its own synopsis paper “Consumption of Unprocessed Red Meat Is Not a Risk to Health” have challenged Lancet to respond.
NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy, a beef and sheep farmer in Highland Perthshire said: “For some considerable time the red meat industry has been taking a pounding from many illinformed individuals and organisations that fail to fully understand the huge benefits the livestock industry brings to Scotland, from a socioeconomic; a climate change and an environmental perspective. “However, one of the biggest and most concerning issues of recent times has been the incessant drive to reduce red meat consumption for the apparent benefit of our health. “The influential Eat Lancet report, which has been the driver of that ‘eat less meat’ message, is now being officially challenged by a group of medical academics. This panel has serious concerns about a report which, for unverified reasons, claimed a huge increase over a two-year period in global deaths due to red meat.
“Given that Governments and policy-makers have been making decisions based on these figures, there are some serious questions to be answered here, none more important than why this evidence wasn’t peer reviewed and verified before publication. “There is now real concern about health problems we may face years down the line due to reduced red meat intake, so we must get to the bottom of this. It
is hugely important for the health of the world’s population that any decisions on nutrition and food policy are taken with the most objective and transparent evidence. “Scotland’s red meat industry has a tremendous story to tell on provenance, quality and sustainability. Our ability to be a major part of balanced diets must not be unfairly undermined at a time when the Good Food Nation Bill is starting its journey through the Scottish Parliament.”
First look inside Wales’ brand new Vet School Aberystwyth University has released the first pictures of Wales’ only School of Veterinary Science which opened for the first time this year. The pictures show the new Veterinary Education Centre on the University’s Penglais campus and the first cohort of students. The students are benefitting from the more than £2 million investment in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus, which includes brand new anatomy and study facilities. The facilities were funded from a combination of alumni donations and the University’s own funds. 88
The first students began their five year degree in September last year. They will spend the first two years at Aberystwyth University followed by three years’ study at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire. The programme covers the full range of animals, from domestic pets to farm animals, in common with all other veterinary programmes. The course also provides opportunities for students to study specific areas of veterinary science through the medium of Welsh, which is partly funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Professor Darrell Abernethy, Head of Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science said: “The commitment of staff and students in our first year has been excellent. Opening the
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School and the new facilities has been incredibly exciting for all of us. The efforts and support of so many people and organisations has helped realise this – thanks ever so much to them all.”
livestock Hoofcount uses Siemens technology to ensure healthy herds have happy feet Data-driven insights support Hoofcount’s approach to improving animal wellbeing through its innovative footbaths for cows Siemens’ technology offers the agricultural sector the opportunity to scale up agritech and the potential for IoT connectivity. Siemens has partnered with footbath manufacturer Hoofcount to use technology to improve the health and welfare of cows. The collaboration will use Siemens’ data capture and control technologies to help farmers make informed decisions to better tackle lameness, a major problem in dairy herds. Hoofcount, based in Preston, is utilising Siemens’ expertise in combining the real and digital worlds using LOGO, an intelligent logic module for small automation projects in industrial settings. LOGO manages the control of the key mechanisms of Hoofcount’s footbaths, such as chemical and water pumps, and animal feed controls.
Controllers allow Hoofcount to track the cows that go through its footbaths and provide valuable data on the herd, which can then be displayed on an HMI screen for visualisation. The baths can be controlled remotely and have the capability to feed data up to the cloud for analytics. Lameness is caused by bacteria picked up on the hoof which leads to restricted mobility, pain and behavioural changes. These impacts, including animal suffering, increased CO² footprint, loss of milk production, decreased fertility, increased treatment, increased trimming costs and unnecessary labour, are estimated to cost several thousands of pounds per year for a 100-cow herd. While across the UK dairy industry, the financial impact of lameness is estimated to be well in excess of £100 million. These impacts are a major focus for the whole food and beverage sector’s supply chain. But regular foot baths for cows help to reduce and prevent hoof illness and lameness.
Poultry keepers urged to prepare for new housing measures NFU Scotland is urging all poultry keepers - large or small - to put in place appropriate measures to house their birds following an announcement from The Chief Veterinary Officers for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland that new housing rules will be in place across the UK from Monday 29 November. From that date it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of Avian Influenza and 90
eradicate the disease. NFU Scotland’s Poultry Policy Manager, Penny Middleton said: “In light of a number of confirmed Avian Influenza cases across the UK, the introduction of these new housing measures is the sensible next step to best protect Scottish poultry. “Giving poultry keepers due notice of these new measures coming into force on 29 November will allow them to prepare and implement the housing order to the best of their ability. In recent years, www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com
livestock the industry has had to respond to heightened AI risk at this time of year and many will have contingency plans prepared for this eventuality. “Every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the back garden or a large poultry business, must house their birds and I would urge everyone with poultry to take these measures seriously. “It’s crucial that everyone remains vigilant and reports any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Next issue out March 2022 Subscription details on page 141
Farmplan: Cattle Manager Go app allows precise herd management without requiring signal Farmplan, the UK’s leading agricultural software specialists, has released its long-awaited Cattle Manager Go app for smartphones and tablets, allowing Cattle Manager users to access records and make notes on the farm, even without signal. “Cattle Manager Go is designed to support users out on the farm,” says Sally Ashwell, Development Support Manager at Farmplan. “It’s the perfect extension of Cattle Manager, helping you to improve profitability and manage your herd accurately and effectively.” Farmers across the UK trust Cattle Manager as a tool that enables compliance and quality
assurance for their herds. The new app permits sharing of data between Cattle Manager and Cattle Manager Go via the cloud. Users can choose from a long list of useful information in the desktop program and seamlessly synchronise it to their smart device. “You can send every animal if you prefer or sort by batches and breeds,” says Sally. “You can also select predefined actions like drug treatments, movements, anything to do with health. Essentially, you have access to as much or as little information as suits you.” Once the straightforward download process is complete,
your smartphone or tablet can be used out on the farm – even without mobile signal or Wi-Fi. Details for each cow, including ID, age, breed, category, and purchase history can all be pulled up with a tap, along with any medical treatments. Each cow record also lets you quickly tap through to any next of kin still on the farm. “You can also record data in addition to accessing it,” says Sally. “New births can be entered, along with their tag numbers, sex, and other crucial details. Any actions that have been put against particular animals are presented as a list on your device, so you can enter diary notes as needed.”
Strong throughput figures show the live ring continues to deliver in Scotland The total value of livestock throughput increased by 17.5% to over £556m at Scotland’s livestock marts in 2020, according to the latest figures from the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS)’s member markets, and overall throughput was up by nearly 10% year-on-year. “Last year was undoubtedly one of the most challenging years for Scottish Livestock auctioneers since the dark days of Foot and Mouth,” said Neil Wilson, executive director of IAAS. “We are therefore delighted, more than ever, to report an increase in livestock throughputs at IAAS member markets in 2020. “These figures highlight the critical role auction marts and 92
companies play in delivering transparent market prices using the live ring as their unique price discovery environment. Live rings allow economies of rural communities and livestock producers to thrive, by delivering a fair market price back to these farmers, with payments that follow soon after.” Using the experience of Foot and Mouth from 20 years ago, IAAS knew it was crucial to keep markets open during COVID19 as a vital part of the food chain. The live markets and the auction system continued, albeit under very different rules to normal, and was pivotal, says Mr Wilson, for ensuring farmers could still fairly trade their livestock, as
well as aiding a very buoyant trade that continues today: “It meant that new customers came forward to use the
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system, as well as offering the opportunity to trade more stock. In a year when Defra figures noted a 3.7% drop in overall
livestock sheep production, it was pleasing to see that the number of sheep going through Scottish rings for slaughter actually rose by 10%. The marts exist to provide a transparent system for reaching a fair price, and these figures show that it is worth hundreds
of millions of pounds to the Scottish rural economy and its farmers.” Grant Macpherson, Managing Director, Dingwall and Highland Marts said that last year’s throughput figures are very pleasing to see:
“Quite simply, if we hadn’t been able to have live marts, there wouldn’t have been the same level of trade. This year’s summer sales were fantastic too, up until recently when increases in fertiliser prices cooled the market. Cattle were going great, with the first couple
of sales in September at about £3/ kg for smaller calves. Although the fertiliser situation has dampened things, a lot of cattle have already been sold. Sheep though, are going well, and prime sheep are ahead of last year’s prices, with lambs about £40 higher.”
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New bedding conditioner launched A new bacterial bedding conditioner which can help improve the cubicle environment, cow comfort and welfare, has been launched by Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Speaking at the launch, Lientjie Colahan, animal environment products manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, explained that the new biological bedding conditioner – EazyBed PRO – can help maintain air quality inside the shed and reduce the risk of environmental mastitis in a more natural way. “EazyBed PRO utilises a blend of bacteria and enzymes to encourage the growth of positive microorganisms in the bedding area which can then outcompete the bad bacteria,” Mrs Colahan explained. “The resulting improvement in the cubicle environment can help reduce somatic cell counts and cases of environmental origin mastitis.” 94
She added that there is also a positive knock-on effect on air quality. “The bacteria in EazyBed PRO also work against the bacteria that create ammonia (NH3). A recent trial indicated that the product reduced NH3 emissions by up to 50% , maintaining the housing’s air quality as a result,” she said. Compared to traditional lime-based disinfectants, this new biological alternative is soft to touch and non-abrasive. “It’s anti-caking and nonirritating to the cow’s skin, hocks and teats. This also proves advantageous when handling the product, with users finding it much less harsh to apply.” Mrs Colahan added that a further benefit of the new product is that it also keeps bedding drier. “The absorption properties of the bedding are improved
when using EazyBed PRO, with dryness typically increasing by up to 20-30%. This extends the lifespan of the bedding, reducing the labour and other costs associated with maintaining and cleaning indoor housing,” she said. EazyBed PRO has a powder like consistency and can be applied to any type of bedding
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or litter. The recommended application rate is 200g per cubicle per week for dairy cows in a cubicle environment. “For producers wanting to positively influence bedding quality and enhance cow comfort, introducing a nonhazardous bedding conditioner is a good option,” Mrs Colahan concluded.
livestock Seaweed supplements could significantly reduce livestock methane emissions With the US And EU having pledged to reduce agricultural methane outputs from ruminant livestock by upwards of 30% by 2030 – scientists at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast are to feed seaweed to farm animals in a bid to slash methane by at least 30%. Seaweed has long been hailed a ‘superfood’ for humans but adding it to animal feed to reduce methane gas released into the atmosphere by ruminants’ burping and flatulence is a relatively new idea. Early laboratory research at IGFS has shown promising results using native Irish and UK seaweeds. Previous research in Australia and the USA generated headline
results – up to 80% reductions in methane emissions from cattle given supplements from a red seaweed variety. These red seaweeds grow abundantly in warmer climates; however, they also contain high levels of bromoform – known to be damaging to the ozone layer. Seaweed indigenous to the UK and Ireland tends to be brown or green and does not contain bromoform. UK and Irish seaweeds are also rich in active compounds called phlorotannins, found in red wine and berries, which are antibacterial and improve immunity so could have additional health benefits for animals. Now the IGFS science is moving into the field, with trials on UK farms about to begin,
using seaweed sourced from the Irish and North Seas as a feed supplement for cattle. One 3-year project is in partnership with the UK supermarket Morrisons and its network of British beef farmers who will facilitate farm trials. The project also includes the Agrifood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), in Northern Ireland, as a partner. A second project sees IGFS and AFBI join a €2million, international project - led by Irish agency An Teagasc - to monitor the effects of seaweed in the diet of pasture-based
livestock. Seaweed will be added to grass-based silage on farm trials involving dairy cows in NI from early 2022. As well as assessing methane emissions of the beef and dairy cattle, these projects will assess the nutritional value of a variety of homegrown seaweeds, their effects on animal productivity and meat quality. IGFS lead Sharon Huws, Professor of Animal Science and Microbiology within the School of Biological Sciences, said she expected the combined research to evidence a reduction in GHG emissions of at least 30%.
Dyneval lands £1.8 million investment for team expansion and product launch Dyneval, the Roslin-based biotechnology start-up, has secured more than £1.8 million of funding from investors as it expands its team and gears up to launch its first product at the start of 2022. The company has raised £1.29 million of Series A equity investment through a 96
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collaborative funding round, which included Northern Irish entrepreneur Jim Dobson of Cottagequinn Enterprises Ltd, Kelvin Capital, Par Equity, Gabriel Investments, and Scottish Enterprise. As part of the funding round, Dyneval also won a £575,000 grant from InnovateUK under its
livestock Transforming Food Production Series A Investor Partnership. Earlier this year, the company won the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) Edge award of £100,000 at the Scottish Edge competition, supporting the development of its first product, Dynescan. Set to launch in January 2022, Dynescan aims to improve cattle conception rates, which have fallen by 20% over the past four decades costing the average dairy farmer in the UK around £37,000 per year. Dynescan is a portable instrument that provides reliable measurements of livestock semen quality, ensuring only the right samples are used for reproduction. Independent analysis suggests that if conception rates can be elevated by 27%, the carbon footprint of farming could be reduced by up to 20% . The company is now recruiting seven more people to join its team over the next few months. Tiffany Wood, CEO at Dyneval, said: “The Series A funding will be critical to launching our product and growing our team – it is an incredibly exciting time for our business. Dyneval’s technology is automated and easy to use so that anyone can check semen quality, from the time it leaves a genetics company, during storage on farm, and prior to insemination by a technician. Through regular checks, our tool will improve the quality, handling and storage procedures for semen across the livestock production industry.”Jim Dobson said: “Dyneval met our criteria of being an early-stage company, looking for smart money with a focus on a solution that is a clear win for agriproduction, not only in the UK, but globally. We look forward to an exciting journey with a great team in Dyneval as they aim to address key challenges in the agri-food supply chain.” Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement and operations at IBioIC, said: “We are proud to have supported Dyneval in its journey so far and are pleased to see the company attract substantial funding from a group of venerable investors.
The
VET
How to get Immunity from poor Immunity I’ve just got an appointment for my Covid booster jag. 18.50 on a Saturday night! That would suggest the local health board is burning the candle at both ends to get everyone’s immune system working well as we head into the depths of winter. Good on them. It also assumes I have a fully functioning, robust immune system that will respond to the vaccine. It’s a fair assumption, I’m generally fit and well; well fed and well housed and I’m not growing a calf or lambs inside me or lactating 30L a day (to the best of my knowledge!) So generally stress free and a good candidate for a good vaccine repsonse. Can we say that for the animals under our care? At a cellular level immune systems can be damaged by an imbalance between oxidative free radicals which damage cells and the protective mechanisms that mop them up and switch them off. So what are these oxidative free radicals and where do they come from? They are a continual product of metabolism of any animal, they are electron hungry cells that go and damage other cells and thereby tissues, by pinching electrons off them. However certain situations increase their production, stress of any kind ( transport, housing, bullying, inadequate nutrition, pregnancy etc), tissue injury, infection, and detoxification( eg mycotoxins in diet). To protect against these damaging metabolites the
By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group body has various antioxidant mechanisms that donate spare electrons and so neutralise the threat, preventing damage to tissues. The immune system can be one of the first areas to be compromised by oxidative damage and so having antioxidants in good supply is essential to keep immunity working well. Many of the antioxidant mechanisms rely on enzyme pathways to function properly and a component of many of these enzymes is trace elements and vitamins, specifically Vit E, Vit A, Copper, Selenium, Zinc and Manganese. So suddenly we can see the importance of trace elements and vitamins as their deficiency can cause damage to the immune system as the oxidant free radicals are not getting neutralised. Damaged immune system = more disease. So much for the cellular level, what does it look like in the byre? I’ve no doubt stated before that one of our biggest areas of loss is the neonatal period; stillbirths and deaths within the first 48hrs of life. We know this is mostly due
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to infection getting across the placenta in the last weeks of pregnancy and calves unable to survive the stress of calving or succumbing soon after. The last weeks of pregnancy are stressful, free radical production will be increased, vitamin levels in conserved foraged come springtime are decreasing so our antioxidant mechanisms are lacking. The perfect storm. What can we do? Make our animals life as stress free as possible, feed them well, house and bed them well. Supplement vitamins and trace elements in the run up to calving when we know demand is high, will that help? In theory yes. Mineral analysis of silage and from bloods of animals is a good starting point, but what is the best method of supplementation, powders?, boluses?, so many things can interfere with digestion and absorption. Are injections better? We wondered that. A small trial last spring using an injection containing copper, selenium ,zinc and manganese did show a statistically significant reduction in neonatal losses on farms we had a good history of previous data. So certainly supports the theory of doing our best to support antioxidant production for the maintenance of a good immune system. All this applies to your own health too, free radicals are associated with many degenerative disease processes, ageing, skin wrinkles and even white hair! ….oh dear, I better eat some more carrots!
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New generation of calf milks support precision feeding and sustainable production A new generation of follow-on calf milks, which provide a more precise balance of nutrients and are more sustainable, are now available to UK dairy and beef producers. Developed by animal nutrition company Cargill, the NeoMilk range includes three follow-on calf milks. Two of these are available as skim or whey based products, and they all include specialist feed additives to optimise gut health. The range is the culmination of more than a decade of research and development work by the company. “We’ve looked carefully at the role of specific amino acids and identified a balance that meets a calf’s requirements more precisely than in the past,” says Cargill youngstock specialists Bianca Theeruth. To meet the calf’s requirements for essential amino acids, which can be limited as the calf is unable to synthesise them, Cargill has been able to take advantage of the synthetic amino acids that are now available and are cost-effective.
“It is important to appreciate that the crude protein content of a milk does not give any indication of the nutritional value of the protein. The nutritional value of each protein depends on the composition of amino acids – or building blocks – it’s formed from. These vary from protein to protein. Crude protein levels provided in some calf milks do not provide amino acids in the quantities calves require.” More detailed knowledge of the calf’s amino acids requirements is a major step forward in calf-milk formulations. “It has enabled us to develop calf milk replacers that are formulated with lower protein content, but with a more precise balance of amino acids that gives the same performance,” she adds. “And where we have lower crude protein, and we’re giving the calf exactly what it needs, there’s less waste. This is more costeffective and sustainable, with a favourable environmental impact.” Another development in this latest generation of milk replacers
NeoMilk follow-on milks use precise formulations
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is the fatty acid content. “Each fatty acid has a specific role to play, and a combination of them will promote gut health and immunity, bone growth, metabolism and organ development,” she says. These packages, which can include postbiotics with metabolites and bioactive compounds, have a positive effect on rumen and intestinal development, as well as on the immune response that helps calves cope with disease challenges during the first few weeks of life. The NeoMilk range Cargill’s latest follow-on milks include specific products for beef and dairy. NeoMilk® Prime is a wheybased milk designed for beef calves where daily weight gain is the priority. Neomilk® Boost and NeoMilk® Beyond formulations, both available as whey or skim based milks, are designed for rearing dairy replacements where both lean growth and weight gain is important. NeoMilk Boost targets daily growth rates of between 750g and 850g, and suits systems with few disease and health challenges. NeoMilk® Beyond has the
Bianca Theeruth Cargill calf and heifer rearing specialist.
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highest ingredient specification and it is designed for rearing heifer calves where daily growth rates of between 900g and 1.1kg are targeted. This milk includes a postbiotic that offers extra support for the immune system. So it is suited to rearing bought-in dairy calves and for systems where additional protection from disease and health challenges is required. “The new calf milks, with an ideal balance of amino acids and an optimal crude protein to energy ratio, can improve the diet’s efficiency and avoid an over-supply of nutrients,” adds Ms Theeruth. “Both offer cost, sustainability and environmental benefits.” Rumen development Calf milks are an important part of rumen development. “But they’re not successful singlehanded,” she says. “Calves are born, essentially, monogastric and rumen development happens in the first three or four months. Followon milk and starter feed should encourage this development and promote the calf’s immune system.” Calves, regardless of age, must learn to eat starter feed to promote rumen development, so that when they are weaned, and the diet moves on to 100% solid feed, they are well prepared and less likely to face setbacks. “But we can’t assume they will do this automatically, so supplies of fresh and palatable starter feed will encourage their appetite for it. And there needs to be fresh, clean water alongside. “This along with high management standards and new and more precise calf milks, which match the system’s requirements, will get calves off to a good start in an efficient way.”
dairy Dairy supply chain must deliver farmgate milk price lift to deliver confidence ahead of costly winter At a time when milk volumes are reducing and on farm costs rising, NFU Scotland’s Milk Committee chair milk Gary Mitchell is telling the supply chain to act now and send greater confidence back down the chain to primary producers in the form of increased farmgate milk prices. Mr Mitchell, a dairy farmer from Stranraer, said: “Inputs and labour costs are escalating at an alarming rate of knots, so processors and retailers need to act now. “In the past couple of weeks, we have seen milk prices make positives moves, but this is not across the board and all dairy farmers in Scotland must start seeing an increase in their milk price immediately. “I speak to farmers on a regular basis and when I hear some farmers report that their milk price still begins with a
“two” then I know these farms must be struggling to keep their heads above water, never mind run businesses which require huge amounts of investment to meet the changes that the sector is currently facing in both the short and long term.” Failure to send positive price signals may see a further decline in dairy farmers. Only last week AHDB released their October 2021 producer figures based on the number of levy paying farmers and only 8,000 herds remain in Great Britain with 310 dairy farmers having quit in the past 12 months. This is against the backdrop that Scotland now only has 836 herds, and this figure may further reduce when the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association release their figures in the next few weeks. According to Mr Mitchell, calls for a price increase for
all are justified. The UK average farmgate milk price for September 2021 was 31.72 pence per litre (ppl), representing a 1.4% increase on August 2021. Spot Milk is currently trading well into the 40ppl’s but, more
significantly, it has been trading above 30ppl since July. Further afield, it is now five rises in the past six on the Global Dairy Trade auction, reflecting the strong demand for dairy products across the world.
Shropshire based micro-dairy Just Jerseys launches community vending machine
Just Jerseys, a Shropshire based family run micro dairy, with a focus on traditional low input farming methods has launched a community vending machine. The machine will be located in the centre of the community offering access to locally farmed fresh milk with an environmentally conscious factor. The Micro Dairy of ten Pedigree Jersey cows will provide the community and beyond with quality fresh Jersey milk every day via a vending machine conveniently located in milk hut on Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. The girls are milked twice a day using a mobile milking machine in the field where they graze and pasteurised using a 100
mobile micro dairy. The milk will be available in environmentally friendly glass bottles, pushing an environmentally aware approach. Customers will be able to pour their own milk into the bottles from the vending machine or even bring their own vessels. Children will also have the option for a delicious Just Jerseys Milkshake from the Mooshake bar, available at the vending machine area. Just Jerseys will also be providing a delivery service offering raw and pasteurised milk, inspired by the community spirit during lockdown and having a focus in allowing the vulnerable and elderly to also have access to their product.
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dairy Ground-breaking feed additive to reduce methane production from cattle to be manufactured in North Ayrshire DSM Dalry set to help farmers meet net-zero targets on emissions
A ground-breaking feed additive that reduces methane produced by cattle by at least 30% will be globally manufactured in Dalry. Science-based company Royal DSM has unveiled plans for a large-scale production facility at its site in Dalry to manufacture its new product Bovaer®, a methane reducing feed additive. This project has been a long-term strategic investment of DSM into improving sustainability, and will be a substantial boost to their local production site, already a worldleading production facility for micro-nutrients, including Vitamin C. The investment has been supported by Scottish
Enterprise, and builds upon the existing production capacity on the site. Bringing this breakthrough technology to Scotland will help the local farming community in lowering its emissions, and thereby delivering a stronger sustainable export product. The Dalry site currently employs more than 300 people and by manufacturing the feed additive, this number is anticipated to grow by approximately 10 per cent, as well as securing the site’s long-term future and delivering between 100-150 construction roles over two years to boost the local economy. Preparatory work on the new plant at Dalry is
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BVD Challenge By Stuart Martin, Scottish Dairy Hub Manager
Scotland’s cattle keepers have been working to eradicate BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) since 2013, when participating in the BVD eradication scheme became a legal requirement. Effort put in by farmers and vets is paying off: more than 90% of breeding herds in Scotland are BVD Negative. Of the Not Negative herds, some are waiting for test results to show that they are Negative, others are Positive i.e. they have found PI (persistently infected) animals and are dealing with them. There is a small number of herds that are BVD Not Negative because of inadequate testing, these are being targeted by Trading Standards Farmers who manage to eradicate BVD from their herds see better fertility, greater calf survival and lower vet bills than infected herds. These benefits align with wider society targets, too. Increased productivity means less greenhouse gas produced per litre of milk/kg of meat; reduced antibiotic use means less chance of antibiotic resistance. The farm assurance sector has also recognised the advantages of BVD eradication, with Red Tractor being the most recent assurance body to require compliance with national BVD eradication programmes.
A BVD negative herd is a valuable asset and worth protecting. Buy replacement and store cattle carefully: if they are not BVD Negative, get them tested before they mix with your herd. If you buy in-calf females, test the calf as soon after birth as possible. Protect your cattle from over-the-fence contact with neighbouring herds: BVD spreads quickly and easily from infected animals. Your vet can advise on how to keep BVD out of your herd. Most importantly, breeding herds must keep up with annual testing so that they can renew the BVD herd status every year. Get advice on Scotland’s BVD eradication scheme from the ScotEID Helpline: 01466 794323. The SCOTTISH DAIRY HUB offers dairy farmers and service providers a free signposting service connecting the dairy sector throughout Scotland. Visit our website to view all the latest information on our noticeboard and events page www.scottishdairyhub. org.uk Tel: 03454 755110 Mob: 07500 766083 Email: lnfo@ scottishdairyhub.org.uk Come and visit us at Agriscot on February 9th 2022 and attend our popular seminar in the Highland Hall. 101
dairy underway and the site is set to be fully operational by 2025. Royal DSM made the announcement following a meeting recently with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the global climate change summit. Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister, said: “Methane reducing feed additives are a crucial part of the solutions that the agriculture
sector needs to deploy towards achieving climate ambitions. This multi million-pound investment will make Scotland the home of this innovative product and highlights that Scotland is leading the way in delivering a net zero future.” Bovaer® is a cattle feed additive researched and developed for more than 10 years by Royal DSM. Just a quarter
teaspoon of Bovaer® per cow per day consistently reduces enteric methane emission by approximately 30 per cent for dairy cows and up to 90 per cent for beef cows. Program Director at DSM, Mark van Nieuwland said: “We are looking forward to offering a scientifically proven effective solution to the challenge of methane emissions by farming. We
know the agricultural and livestock sectors recognise this opportunity for change and are eager to act. “We are looking forward to collaborating with the Scottish farming sector to help it meet its net zero targets. To accommodate farming systems which favour grass-fed cattle as in Scotland, further development is ongoing to produce forms applicable to grazing systems.”
Nuffield Farming report makes recommendations for growing UK dairy exports Dumfriesshire dairy farmer Richard Walker NSch 2019 has published his Nuffield Farming report titled ‘British Dairy Exports: The opportunities and challenges’, sponsored by the The Food Chain Scholarship and The Young Nuffield (Bob Matson) Award. Richard travelled through Japan, China and Southeast Asia for much of his study, speaking with leading global dairy players to understand how dairy consumption is evolving, the ability of domestic supply to meet demand and where future gaps may exist in the region. “My Nuffield Farming travels have highlighted some of the rapidly advancing pockets of global demand for dairy protein, particularly in the far East and Southeast Asia. However, actually capturing and capitalising on these opportunities is far more complex as there are many challenges and complexities surrounding international dairy trade,” says Richard. “Domestic milk production in key regions of growth will lag well
behind demand and the dairy deficit will grow, as on-farm technical efficiency and climate are often not conducive to efficient milk production,” he continues. “This presents a significant opportunity for the British dairy sector, with a near ideal climate and continued on-farm technological and genetic advances working in our favour.” From his learnings Richard makes several recommendations for driving competition for UK farm gate milk, including investment in processing facilities and building international trade expertise within the industry, as well as the development of a British or Scottish dairy ingredients brand. HIsreport is now available on the Nuffield Farming website at www.nuffieldscholar.org/ reports or can be downloaded directly at bit.ly/3nIgcI8. Richard also presented his findings during the recent Nuffield Farming Virtual MiniConference Series. His presentation can be seen on Nuffield Farming’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/3r0GBmL
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription details on page 141 Next issue out March 2022
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sheep
Scan-do attitude
Machine learning could accelerate disease detection in sheep Sheep CT scans could be analysed at lightning speed using machine learning, according to a new study. Dr James Robson, a researcher at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), used a deep neural network – a collection of mathematical artificial neurones designed to mimic a brain – to instantly perform the image editing steps, such as removal of the cradle which sheep are scanned in, and computer vision to quickly extract key information at a speed of 0.11 seconds per CT scan. The results of the study, published in a special edition of Sensors, showcase how machine learning could be used to help guide genetic improvement programmes and aid detection of invisible diseases. The image processing model was trained on CT scans already routinely collected by SRUC’s CT scanning team and using an NVIDIA DGX Station containing over 20,000 cores. This allowed new unseen images to be processed
using machine learning with an accuracy of 98 per cent compared to those produced manually. Important traits such as muscle or fat percentage and length or width of limbs, which are typically measured from the image by hand, were then calculated automatically. Dr Robson said: “This tool not only saves a lot of time but allows us to process far more data than before and gather information which can then be used to guide genetic breeding programmes. “It’s really amazing to see the wide variety of challenges that machine learning can be used to address. We are hoping to expand this research into other areas and invite any organisation to come forward if they have image or video datasets they think might contain something of interest.” If you would like to engage with SRUC in developing novel agricultural tools powered by machine learning, please email james.robson@sruc.ac.uk.
NSA calls for accurate and balanced information in consumer communications Misleading promotional advertising and media messages will result in misinformed food choices. Following recent media campaigns the National Sheep Association (NSA) is highlighting the risk this poses to the UK livestock sector believing further that these messages can create confusion undermining the public understanding of sustainable food production systems employed in the UK. Recent promotional literature from Waitrose has suggested
that customers can reduce their carbon footprint by eating pork rather than lamb, and Sainsburys is encouraging customers to eke out high quality British red meat by replacing it with lentils. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “People are being bombarded with all sorts of messaging about how diets can help combat climate change and there is no doubt that the data being used to substantiate these messages is flawed. It’s not full life cycle, it’s not holistic in
its structure, and as the National Food Strategy report points out, the overseas part of the carbon footprint often isn’t taken into account. It is completely misleading not to reflect the true picture, we must be considering broader sustainability metrics.” NSA is now calling upon leading supermarkets and stakeholders to be very clear with their commentary and bring more logic, evidence and reason to the debate. Globally livestock may contribute 14%
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of all greenhouse gases (GHG), however, here in the UK, GHG from livestock production totals 6%, making it one of the smallest contributors and showing that our approach to livestock production is very different to ‘world agriculture’. Transport has the highest emissions at 27%, with energy supply at 21%, business at 17%, the residential sector at 15% and all agricultural sectors at 10%. The adoption of regenerative agriculture, which in many 103
sheep
crofting
Survival of crofters versus geese By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation At a recent Cross Party Group on Crofting (CPGoC) there was passionate discussion on the destruction caused by greylag geese on the islands and NatureScot’s bewildering decision to cease funding the very successful greylag ‘adaptive management’ schemes. Scotland’s National Islands Plan, published in 2019, was developed following the introduction of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and sets out a series of objectives for improving outcomes for island communities across Scotland. The Plan commits the Scottish Government to address population decline so completely withdrawing funding the control on greylag geese, which are threatening the existence of crofting communities on the islands, is alarming, to say the least. NatureScot was asked whether they had undertaken an Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) under the Island Act 2018 (the Act) to this change in greylag goose policy and, if not, why it had not done so. At the meeting, NatureScot were able to confirm that they had not undertaken an ICIA on current goose policy, and followed up with a written statement saying,
“We are of the view that neither the introduction nor the closure of the demonstration projects had an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities.” November was dominated by COP26 at which much deliberation was given to the predicament we find ourselves in regarding the damage we have done, and are doing, to the biosphere that supports us. There were apparently some agreements reached on actions that may help, but I was left with the feeling that it amounts to not nearly enough. A comment at the CPGoC meeting was “Crofting agriculture on the Uists machair is unique and extremely environmentally friendly and enhances biodiversity – many species benefit from the work of the crofters. But the battle with geese is being lost – geese increase as funding diminishes. The funding for the adaptive management scheme was essential – if there is no funding the geese will take over. What does NatureScot want? Crofters and cattle and the environmental benefits or do they want geese?”
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instances is a modern form of traditional farming practices, with rotational cropping incorporating grass breaks and a harmonic balance with nature, supports
a conventional and a holistic approach to delivering a healthy planet and a healthy food system, and there are many examples of where sheep play a central role.
A call to action for sheep event organisers
Sheep event organisers are being encouraged to sign up and deliver CPD points to members of the Register of Sheep Advisers (RoSA), a first of its kind register for the industry. Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, recognises the importance of the industry getting behind the initiative and highlights the reasoning behind encouraging CPD event organisers to sign up to deliver RoSA points. “We want to offer training providers the opportunity to promote their courses, events and training opportunities through the register. This will not only support event organisers but
also provide advisers with the optimum training and up to date knowledge.” Event organisers can complete a simple application process, which can be accessed via the RoSA website, to register themselves as a RoSA recognised event organiser. After a recent survey indicated that the biggest drawback for event organisers was not knowing whether their event was appropriate to offer CPD points, Mr Hopkinson explains which events are eligible for being recognised with RoSA. “As long as the event contains technical content that will enable sheep advisers to provide better
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sheep advice, then it is likely to be an appropriate event,” says BASIS’ head of development, Greg Hopkinson. “Examples of this include podcasts, webinars, workshops and newsletters, effectively anything that a member will benefit from. “It’s a really quick process to sign up, and for anyone who’s unsure, there’s a short video on the website which talks you
through setting up your CPD account.” He adds that the website also hosts frequently asked questions which can be accessed here: https://sheepadvisers.co.uk/ About/FAQs For further information on registering your event with RoSA, head to https:// sheepadvisers.co.uk/Events/ CPD-Event-Organisers.
NSA Chief Executive marks 10 successful years at the helm Taking the helm at a time before the term Brexit existed and climate change was an infrequent reference, nobody could have predicted the incredible change for British agriculture that Mr Stocker would have to lead the association through – and continues to do so, in a manner that is respected throughout the industry and beyond. The 10-year anniversary has prompted a flurry of congratulatory messages from far and wide, emphasising how lucky NSA is to have such an esteemed and capable champion leading the association forward and helping to give UK sheep farmers a voice that is valued by many key decision makers. Cumbrian Sheep farmer and NSA Vice President John Geldard was NSA Chairman when Mr Stocker was appointed Chief Executive. He says: “I had the pleasure of interviewing Phil Stocker 10 years ago. I remember it extremely well with all involved in the interview process convinced he was the right man for the job, and how right we were. “It was an absolute delight to be NSA Chairman and work together with Phil for the first few years of his leadership. His vision for fulfilling his role, increasing the work of the NSA for the benefit
of UK sheep farmers has been immense - and the increase in resource that has allowed NSA to magnify its work, I believe, to be down to Phil. “His broad knowledge from his early career as a farm manager to working for both RSPB and the Soil Association means he is well placed to know and understand the challenge the UK sheep sector has faced over recent years and his balanced view has earned him much deserved respect from people both within and outside of the industry.”
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2022 and all that! By Grace Reid, NSA Scottish Region Coordinator
This time last year we were fast approaching Brexit with little sense of direction and now we find ourselves racing towards 2022 with no idea what lies in store for us regarding Covid – there is always something! We are still not much the wiser about direction of travel in terms of agricultural policy but we are starting to see some snippets of information appear. I can confirm NSA Scotland have submitted a response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on the first steps to transition regarding agricultural policy and would like to thank all members for their contributions. Whilst much of the new focus of new agricultural policy will incorporate climate change mitigation and biodiversity improvements, it is very clear that we must not lose sight of sustainable and viable food production. Efficient farming and crofting will have residual benefits to many of the other missions of the industry and Government. To change the direction of capital funding completely will result in many unintended consequences and further reduce the national flock and our workforce directly – this is clearly not a desirable outcome. We advocate practical solutions which can be implemented on all farms to ensure a standard level of conformity whilst ensuring all farm businesses can benefit not only for food production but the many other objectives that surround agriculture such as the halting of climate change and
biodiversity. Our farmers and crofters play diverse roles on a daily basis whether it be from a stockmanship element to an environmental one. Flexibility and diversity are necessities in our industry for survival. NSA Scotland have had recent encouraging dialogue with Scottish Government’s Disease Control Branch and Moredun with particular attention being paid to endemic diseases. An industry led Sheep Scab working group will reconvene in early December after a lengthy pause with our national Chair, Jen Craig Chairing the working group. It is anticipated that a review of activities which have taken place in England and Wales will be undertaken to assess their efficacy should they be replicated in Scotland. In addition to this, talks have also taken place with to pursue firstly the accurate diagnosis and testing of OPA with the ambition in the long term for control and eradication. It is still early days, but we all need to start somewhere. Save the date! Friday 28th January 2021 The NSA Scotland ARMM (Annual Regional Members Meeting) will be held at United Auctions, Stirling with an evening dinner to be held at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, Falkirk (more details to be announced closer to the time). Please get in touch with Euan Emslie for more information and to book your place at the dinner: 07729 346135 / euanemslie053@gmail.com
pigs Once bitten, twice shy
Seasonal pressure and operational challenges continue to impact pig market
Aggressive pigs are less likely to learn from losing a fight
The outcome of a contest between two unfamiliar pigs can have an impact on their attitude towards subsequent aggressive encounters, according to new research. While aggressive pigs are less likely to learn from losing a fight, non-aggressive pigs are significantly more affected by winning or losing a social conflict. The aim of the study, led by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), was to improve the welfare of pigs on commercial farms where aggression can lead to injury, social stress, poor growth and a drop in immunity. Scientists used the qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA) method – which assesses the body language of animals in different situations - to record the emotional state of the pigs in a dynamic social situation, especially when confronted with unfamiliar pigs. Using ear posture, direction of gaze and vocalisations such as grunts and squeals, they measured how personality (aggressiveness towards an intruder) and the experience of winning or losing a contest when paired with an unfamiliar 106
pig, influenced how the animals felt when they were next put back into the ‘unfamiliar pairs’ situation. Rather than being fearless and over-confident, they found highly aggressive pigs showed more negative emotions than low aggressive pigs when confronted with a strange pig. They were also less likely to learn from past defeat. Lead researcher Lucy Oldham, a postgraduate research student at SRUC, said: “A key aim of this study was to find out what being an aggressive pig is like for the pig - which is really important when it comes to solving the problem of aggression on farms. “Our results show that the welfare of both aggressive and non-aggressive pigs suffers. It is therefore advantageous for all animals if we can find ways to reduce their aggressiveness by providing social and physical environments that encourage their best natures.” The study, which was carried out in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, University of Edinburgh and Polish Academy of Sciences, is published in the November edition of Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
According to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), operational challenges among the abattoir and processing sectors are adding to the seasonal pressure in the pig market, whereas tightly supplied markets have seen farm gate prices remain firm for both prime cattle and sheep despite labour shortages in processing. QMS Chief Economist, Stuart Ashworth, says that the prime pig price, which is currently 6% lower than a year ago, is due to several influences. “Prime cattle are trading some 8-9% above year earlier levels, and whole prime lamb prices are particularly firm; around 25% higher than a year ago. Meanwhile the well documented current challenges in the pig sector, leading to delays in slaughter and resulting in carcase weights 5% higher than a year ago, fat levels 2.5% higher and backlogs of stock on farm, is aggravating the seasonal slide in prices such that prices have fallen 10% since the end of July compared to a 6% slide over the same period last year.”
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While farmgate prices for cattle and sheep remain firm, Mr Ashworth notes that the ability of abattoirs and processors to pass these increases through to the consumer remains challenging. “According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), overall retail beef prices are little changed on a year ago but up 2% since the start of the year. Retail prices for lamb have climbed a little quicker, up around 4% on the year, while pork moved upwards by 1.4%,” says Mr Ashworth. Through 2020, the COVID-19 control measures pushed red meat purchases into butcher’s shops and supermarkets and as 2021 has progressed, and out of home eating became more accessible, the way in which meat is bought and consumed has changed. Mr Ashworth explains: “Latest analysis by market research company Kantar worldpanel suggest that over the past quarter primary beef sales in retail shops have fallen 6% with mince sales falling 8% and steak sales falling 13% as dining out has picked up.”
Slurry Management
Slurry Management Abbey Machinery’s LESS Applicators
Abbey Machinery’s LESS Applicators Qualify for Farming Equipment & Technology Fund Abbey Machinery have an upgraded range of low emission slurry spreading applicators which qualify for the recent Farming Equipment & Technology grant. Abbey low emission slurry spreading applicators include the following models in a variety of sizes to meet the spec of the customer. The range includes the DM Chassis Mounted Band Spreader, Trailing Shoe, Shallow Disc Injector and Cereal applicator models. Applicators range from 7.7 metres to 12 metre models. The mounted stand-alone low emissions slurry spreading efficiently and sustainably deliver slurry to the ground complementing the Abbey tanker range.
The benefits of these machines are the method they deliver the slurry onto the soil to harness value, reduce rotation period, reduce carbon emissions, minimise crop contamination and reduce smell. Abbey Machinery LESS Applicators are key to efficiently meeting emissions reduction regulations while saving money through the precise application of valuable, nutrient dense slurry. Abbey Machinery applicators can result in up to 60% reduction in N loss while maintaining the optimal delivery of N, P & K to the leafy growing sward. Abbey applicators can also help reduce purchased fertilizer costs and reduce gaseous emissions to the atmosphere.
Bunning increase functionality with new screen
Muck spreader operators keen to access the latest technology including variable rate application and coverage maps have the option of a new in-cab touchscreen on Bunning’s Lowlander MK4 HBD range. The 12.1in Topcon XD+ uses the well-known Horizon software and is aimed at farmers running tractors that aren’t unlocked for variable rate application. Similarly, farms that frequently change their tractors and want to avoid costly technology options could also benefit. “The new XD+ screen lets operators view live coverage maps when in work and offers the option of uploading maps into the screen,” says Ben Johnson, Bunning’s UK and Ireland sales manager.
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“The transferrable screen allows the technology to be used in other tractors and helps keep investment at a manageable level, while the screen can be used to connect with other Isobus implements,” says Mr Johnson. Optional items include remote service support via Wi-Fi, along with ‘Machine Link’, which allows a pair of XD+ equipped muck spreaders working in the same field to record their coverage on both in-cab displays. The upshot here is that the separate screens will document live coverage maps from both spreaders, which will help operators avoid overdosing and prevent each machine generating a partially completed map of the same field at the end of the job.
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Slurry Management
Envirosystems wins “DEFRA Farm Innovation” research funding to reduce slurry emissions British slurry inoculant manufacturer Envirosystems UK, has won a share of Defra’s highly competitive £5 million Farming Innovation Pathways (FIP) research funding to help the industry move towards net zero emissions. The Lancashire SME has partnered with Myerscough College for an 18-month lab-tofield feasibility project, which started in August 2021. The aim
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of this collaboration is to deliver a unique bacterial approach to mitigating slurry ammonia emissions and enhancing slurry fertiliser value. Dr David Townsend, head of research at Envirosystems, says: “This project allows us to combine our 20 years’ experience providing SlurryBugs® to the industry with advances in technology to develop a new cost-effective option for reducing
slurry ammonia emissions and bought-in synthetic fertiliser costs for farmers. “Traditional approaches of capping or acidifying slurry to reduce ammonia emissions can have detrimental impacts on microbiological populations and lead to over acidification of soils. Our proposed solution takes a more holistic approach to this growing issue and provides a more cost-effective
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and sustainable approach than covering slurry stores.” The FIP funding is delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s Transforming Food Production programme, in partnership with Defra. The project will also produce wider human health benefits through improved air quality and environmental benefits to ecosystems affected by excess ammonia emissions.
Slurry Management
The Maelstorm range from Harry West Harry West (Prees) machinery can offer our customers two types of products to transport and dispose of their farmyard waste. The machines able to cope with fresh, well-rotted or semi solid farmyard manure. With the West Dual spreader range, we can move liquid and semi solid material as the unit is a sealed container and prevents spillage when in transport. The West Maelstrom rear discharge spreader gives us an alternative process that can handle much heavier material, compost, or waste products and limited wetter material The Dual spreader is the farmers favourite, a versatile machine giving flexibility in its handling of various materials. The high-speed rigid impellor positively spreads up to 21m from the machine, with the close coupled impellor at the front ensuring good distribution of slurry. The machine comes with a continuous mechanical oscillating side plate to eliminate blocking and bridging assisted by a large control door. The steep sided body design eases the operation of all materials. The Maelstorm range gives us a well-balanced line up of rear discharge spreaders. Capacities ranging from 8M³ to 18M³and an optional rear container door we can offer a tailor-made machine to suit both farmers and contractors. The twin rear vertical rotating beaters operate at a powerful 400rpm from the PTO drive input of 1000 rpm. The flared
double tip blades offer an excellent process to macerate the manure giving a much better spread both in consistency and coverage.
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Slurry Management
Hi-Spec introduce new Trailing Shoe The value of slurry as a source of nitrogen and other nutrients has been brought sharply into focus following the recent hike in price for compound fertilisers, with the added bonus that specialist applicators are eligible for a grant under the Farming Equipment and TechnologyFund. However, if the maximum benefit is to be gained from the use of slurry, care should be taken as to how it is applied. Research has shown that compared to a traditional splash plate, where a trailing shoe is used grass yields increased by 25%. By placing the slurry on the ground, trailing shoes and other forms of low emission slurry
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spreading (LESSE), firstly reduce the risk of run-off but also minimise the amount of nitrogen lost into the air in the form of ammonia. To keep atmospheric losses to a minimum for maximum benefit, Hi-Spec Engineering is able to provide a wide range of spreading options for their complete range of vacuum tankers, that range in size from 750 gallons up to 3500 gallons. Options include their own design of trailing shoe, available in working widths of 6.0, 7.5, 9.0 and 10.5 metres. The HiSpec trailing shoe features a robust chassis mounted mast that ensure the tanker and shoe are perfectly supported and balanced.
The Hi-Spec trailing shoe features a number of unique features. The 7.5m, 9.0m and 10.5m trailing shoes use a unique folding system to keep the overall
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transport height below the height of a standard Hi-Spec 2600 tanker. There is also the ability to use both fill points and splash plate at the rear without any modifications.
Slurry Management
The Mastek range Mastek offer a range of dribble bars and trailing shoe applicators to fit tankers of all makes and sizes. The companies most popular machine is the 7.5m Professional Universal Dribble Bar weighing in at only 450kg. This machine simply replaces the slurry tankers existing door meaning fitting is quick and simple. Mastek pride themselves on being able to fit this machine to any make of tanker rear door. The machine features sprung break away and stone trap as standard. This machine is very popular on tankers from 1300 gallon up to 3000 gallon. On larger tankers 3000 gallon and above Mastek offer the Hybrid Dribble Bar. This machine can feature 3 or 4 point linkage or can be bolted to the
chassis of any suitable tanker. This machine is available in widths of 10 or 12m and features hydraulic accumulator break away and a junction box as standard which allows filling points to be fitted to the rear of the machine. If you prefer the idea of Trailing Shoe Mastek offer the 7.5m Micro Trailing Shoe. This machine is fixed to the tanker using fixed brackets and features a clever sequencing valve which unfolds the arms then tilts them to the ground all on the same hydraulic circuit. This machine also comes with a junction box to allow filling points to be fitted to the rear of the trailing shoe. The micro shoe features the company’s “Micro SuperCut” macerator, this is proving to be a very compact yet
reliable macerator. Mastek’s own award winning “SuperCut” and “Micro SuperCut” macerators are designed to handle long fibre and debris by using 6 unique V-shaped cutting discs to shear long fibre and plastic. Each hose outlet has a one-way air valve, this gives an even flow and helps to prevent blockages.
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Slurry Management
Tramspread to Vogelsang launches distribute Roelama in press screw UK separator
Tramspread has become the sole UK distributor of Roelama slurry applicators. The Roelama range is manufactured in the Netherlands and includes trailing shoe machines with working widths of 6.4 to 12 metres. “Roelama manufactures high quality, easy to maintain trailing shoe applicators that can be used with an umbilical system or mounted to a tanker,” says Tramspread managing director, Terry Baker. The Sleepflex and Sleepflex Farmer models can be specified with trailing shoes or cutting disks and have a vertical, three or fivepart, hydraulic folding mechanism. The swinging arm for the drag hose has been neatly designed to
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prevent the hose from running underneath by angling it away from the machine at all times. “The Sleepflex Farmer is a professional machine. It has adjustable wheels and 20-centimetre row distance spacing to maximise precision nutrient application,” explains Mr Baker. The Sleepflex is a 12-metre unit that is suitable for larger farms and contractors. It features an integrated lift, fully electrical hydraulic steering, and two turning points on the swinging arm which enables the operator to reverse without crossing the drag hose. “This helps to manoeuvre the wider width machine in tight spaces,” he adds.
Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG is launching a press screw separator. The mechanical engineering company introduced it at the in-house trade fair “Gülle Professional Days”, alongside other innovations for efficient liquid manure management. “To remain cost-effective despite the significant degree of regulation, our customers are increasingly relying on economical use of valuable liquid manure, including optimal nutrient placement. With this goal in mind, we are constantly developing our portfolio and have now added separation technology,” says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director of Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG.
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The XSplit press screw separator allows farmers and biogas plant operators to optimally separate the liquid manure and digestate for spreading and further use. Vogelsang has taken the tried and tested method of solidliquid separation and redesigned the technology behind it. The drive is located at the solids outlet and not, as is customary on the market, at the inflow of the raw medium. The advantage: liquid cannot get into the drive and therefore a shaft seal is no longer necessary. This reduces maintenance effort and costs. In addition, the QuickService concept enables direct access to the screen and screw press.
Nominations Open for Major Dairy Accolade Organised by Harrison & Hetherington (H&H), Borderway UK Dairy Expo is of the UK dairy industry’s key calendar dates. One of the highlights of the day is the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. Today the organisers are excited to announce that nominations for this award are now open and will be presented during Borderway UK Dairy Expo on Saturday 12th March 2022. This prestigious accolade, now in its 9th year, was established in memory of John Dennison, a highly respected Cumbrian farmer, after his sad and untimely death. John was a high achiever and exemplary role model within the dairy industry and the recipient must demonstrate the perfect combination of ability, sportsmanship, integrity, and character as the awards name’s sake did during his farming career. Anyone who would like to make a nomination should send a brief resume on the nominee to the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, c/o Glyn Lucas, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd., Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS or by email to glynl@borderway.com. The closing date for nominations is Friday 4thFebruary 2022.
NFU Scotland
people
We must meet the challenges that lay ahead By Martin Kennedy NFU Scotland President
Martin Kennedy, NFU Scotland President
There is no doubt that from an agricultural perspective, we as farmers and crofters throughout Scotland are facing unchartered territory with respect to the challenges that lay ahead writes NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy. It has never been more important that, as an industry, our voice is heard loud and clear. I would like to thank you our nine thousand members for their continued support as we start to negotiate a new agricultural policy for Scotland. As a result, the organisation is in great shape entering this pivotal time. Our membership is growing, and our robust financial position allows us to freeze membership subscription rates for a second consecutive year. The great news is that, slowly but surely, face-to-face meetings are commencing. The unprecedented member engagement in the recent consultation of future policy gives us the mandate to
lobby strongly and make sure our politicians, not only in Scotland but the rest of the UK, recognise the massive value Scottish agriculture brings to this country. In terms of the challenges in front of us, climate change and the environment are at the top of many people’s agendas and the one thing that strongly links the two is our sustainable production of food and drink. From a global perspective, we in Scotland are starting from a good place. However, we can and must do more. This awful Covid-19 pandemic has been dreadful in so many ways, but it has focused people’s minds on food security more than has been the case for many decades. Through their purchasing, they have shown that locally produced high quality food and drink is important to them. This is now a time of fantastic opportunity to build on that consumer support by highlighting how farmers and crofters are up for the
John Dennison
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challenge to do more to help meet the targets set in front of us. Having attended numerous events at COP26 in Glasgow, it is abundantly clear that our role as food producers is, alongside other industries, under the spotlight. Scottish farming and crofting are a major part of the solution when tackling the three main objectives of sustainable food production, climate change mitigation and enhancing the environment. I honestly believe that we can meet these challenges, and with the support of farmers and crofters in 2022, we can ensure that agriculture has a positive, profitable future. I firmly believe we are working in the most important industry that exists and I am determined to promote it at a time when many out there are not of the same opinion. Support NFU Scotland and let’s get our message heard at the highest level.
youngfarmers £1 million for Aberdeen Agricultural Education SRUC announces new investment at Craibstone Picture caption: Professor Wayne Powell (SRUC) and Andrew Connon (NFUS) break ground on the new site with NC agricultural students. Nearly £1 million is being invested in agricultural teaching facilities, in Aberdeen. The new facilities at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone Campus will help promote skills and knowledge to support the agricultural industry across the region. More than £900,000 will be used to create a new engineering workshop and demonstration areas for farm machinery, while a new livestock shed, and animal handling equipment will also be put in place. In addition, the site will see a new car park, new storage areas for farming and demonstration equipment as well as improved road access. The investment in SRUC’s Tulloch Farm - part of its Craibstone campus - comes after £50,000 was spent earlier this year to create new student welfare and small group teaching facilities. The work will be completed in phases, with the project set to be finished by the end of 2022.
On the organic-certified farm, this year students are helping to manage 400 sheep, 100 finishing cattle of mixed breeding, and cereals. Students use the farm to gain qualifications from National Certificates through to MSc degree-level qualifications. The facilities will also be used to support continued professional development. Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “Helping to prepare agricultural students with the skills and knowledge to move with the times and take advantage of new opportunities has been and always will be an important part of what we do at SRUC. This is not just an investment in buildings, but an investment in the food producers of tomorrow who will be at the vanguard of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through adoption and deployment of new innovative technologies and land use practices.” Andrew Connon, Vice President of the NFUS who visited SRUC Aberdeen, said, NFU Scotland Vice President Andrew Connon said: “For many
years, Craibstone has been a hugely important agricultural education facility. The nationwide delegation of members from NFU Scotland that met with SRUC on site at Craibstone this week (Thursday 4 November) welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand about the much-needed investment. “The North East of Scotland is the power house of Scottish agriculture and the farming community throughout Scotland is desperate to see improvements and further development of agricultural education facilities in the region to support all sectors during this
New Holland celebrates success of the landbased agricultural engineers of the future New Holland Agriculture extends its congratulations to Scottish apprentices, John Connolly from Agricar, 114
Dundonald, Craig Farmer from Bryson Tractors and Keiran Hay from Fife Tractors, who have all successfully completed their City www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com
period of great change in the industry.” The investment in Tulloch Farm is the latest in a series of investments being made at SRUC’s Craibstone campus over the next year. Other announced projects include a veterinary clinical skills hub, new equine facilities, and improvements to the student experience across the campus. The site will support the development of a new tertiary school of veterinary medicine being established by SRUC. For more information on studying agriculture at SRUC, visit www. sruc.ac.uk
and Guilds National Certificate in Land-based Engineering. The scheme encourages anyone with an interest in agricultural machinery to consider a career in land-based engineering. The qualification balances theory with practical tasks including servicing and maintenance on a wide range of equipment. The scheme which commenced in 2017 when New Holland Agriculture and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Oatridge campus joined forces to create the fouryear agricultural engineering qualification for Scottish school leavers. The National Certificate in Land-based Engineering allows applicants to begin their apprenticeship by studying for a year to attain the certificate and then undertake a further two years study to gain their SVQ level 2 once employment within the agricultural industry had been secured. If a New Holland dealership is willing to employ an applicant without a National Certificate, they can proceed straight to the SVQ. The apprentices now have the potential to progress through further training and experience towards becoming one of New Holland’s Master Technicians. Mark Barnes Product Support and Brand Service UK & ROI said “It’s really great to see the first output from this program which is receiving good reviews from both employers and students alike. Graduation from the program is only the first step in what is potentially a very exciting career path. We look forward to seeing the recent graduates in the New Holland Basildon Training Centre as their knowledge and experience grows on the way to becoming a New Holland Master Technician”.
NEXT
GENERATION This Next Generation column is a collaboration between the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Next Generation (RASC) and NFU Scotland Next Generation.
Taking on the challenge for a better farming future By Peter Moss Shorthorn Suckler cows in partnership with parents in the East Mainland of Orkney and also has diversified into renewables and a Hot Tub sales and rental business. He is the chairman of the NFUS Next Generation committee and is also an extraordinary director of RHASS for 21/22. As the dust from COP 26 settles and we try to work out what effect if any, the decisions and deals made in Glasgow will affect us there is no denying change is in the forecast at some point. As the next generation of farmers, SAYFC and NFUS Next Generation collaborated in writing an open letter to Mairi Gougeon, not to moan about the negative press we are receiving but to show that we are ready and willing to play our part in achieving net-zero and enhance biodiversity, but any rules implemented must be based on science and accounts for the good we can do. The social impacts of a thriving agricultural industry must be accounted for, otherwise, we will see a new type of clearances, where farming will be unviable, and in turn, the spider web of supply businesses and rural communities will fall, to the detriment of the already fragile remote areas. It is important that we remain proactive and positive though, we must find the opportunities in the challenges, and not get dragged down into slagging matches with extremists, or
even worse amongst ourselves in the industry. We have a massive potential to adapt our farming techniques to balance farming that benefits the environment, whilst producing food sustainably. I joined the Smithfield Forum in London to discuss the future direction of the livestock industry, along with other participants ranging from farmers to processors to retailers. There was a packed afternoon of presentations highlighting various issues, the first of most concern to me from Professor Alice Stanton was about falsifications in research data in medical journals, wrongly inflating red meat links to cancer. The report in question has already been used by the Government to shape food and health policy, so it is important the scientists calling out these falsehoods are supported so that our industry is not damaged by those with an anti-meat agenda. Another presentation by Lord Deben, Chair of the UK’s Independent Committee on Climate Change highlighted a number of challenges we
face as an agricultural industry going forward, but his standout comment was “food production is a public good”. This is too often lost on many in charge, but the balance of food security and environmentally friendly production is going to be critical going forward. Lord Deben himself is an organic farmer, one comment that was of slight concern to me was that we need to push the public to eat less but better meat. My worry is the less but better argument implies our product is flawed to the public, and if we were to be restricted on headage of livestock production, the critical mass of livestock in our fragile areas will be too low to sustain livestock through higher input and processing costs with lower economies of scale and will make farming in these areas unviable. Going forward it is extremely important we are on the front foot, and demonstrate the good we offer, and show willingness to change. It’s probably going to be a challenge, but seeing the farmers across the country investing and adapting their businesses I think We’re up to it.
Travel Scotland
Dog Friendly Travel for 2022 by Janice Hopper
Many farmhouses aren’t complete without a resident dog. So start 2022 by planning a trip for all the family, including four-legged friends. COSY COTTAGES Rowan Cottage, Perthshire Rowan Cottage, near Abernyte (sleeps six, plus two dogs) offers contemporary accommodation in the heart of Perthshire. Set on Milton Farm, home to ninety breeding cows, 450 breeding sheep and 50-60 acres of barley, this three-bedroom timber lodge makes an excellent canine base. Climb up King’s Seat for sweeping views across Perthshire, enjoy riverbank rambles along the Tay, or enjoy a sightseeing cruise with your canine companion. Alternatively practise your swing with your pup – both Strathclyde Golf Centre (14 miles) and Glenisla Golf Course (16 miles) allow dogs to walk their courses. In-house catering and canine
grooming services are available on site, booked in advance. A seven-night self-catering stay costs from £853. £20 supplement per dog. Visit caninecottages.co.uk/cottages/ rowan-cottage-perthshire. Balnab Farm, Dumfries & Galloway Feather Down Farms’ Balnab Farm is located in Dumfries & Galloway, on the Machars peninsula. The farm is a thirdgeneration, family-run dairy farm with 120 Holstein Friesians, Pygmy goats, Shetland ponies, Oxford Sandy and Black piglets, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs, along with the Vance family who are ready to welcome guests and their dogs. Cosy tents are set up on the farmer’s field
with panoramic views of the countryside. As a dairy farm, the honesty shop offers a raw milk dispenser - and don’t forget the private hot tub. The coastal village of Isle of Whithorn is ten minutes away, or take your pup to explore the seaside town of Garlieston or the fishing village of Port William. Alternatively undertake a two hour coastal walk from Rigg Bay to Cruggleton Castle. Prices from £440 for a two night weekend stay in a tented cottage that sleeps up to six people. Discover details at featherdown.co.uk. Red Kites & a Stirling Bolthole Argaty Cottage is situated on the Argaty Estate in Stirlingshire, a working farm owned by the
Clackmannanshire Crib Slackbrae is a two-bedroom two bathroom former forester’s cottage on the Brucefield Estate in Clackmannanshire. Traditional from the outside, yet contemporary Scandi design inside, there’s a ceramic wood burner and underfloor heating to keep guests cosy, plus the cottage is fully accessible and has been renovated as a low energy house. Built in the 1700s, Slackbrae was the former gatehouse to the estate, which covers 420 hectares of semi-ancient birch, oak and Scots Pine woodland, pasture and arable farmland. At one time it was owned by the Stirling & Dunfermline Railway:
Balnab interior
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Bowser family since 1916. This area of central Scotland is where the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage have reintroduced the red kite, and the Argaty estate is home to a large number of these beautiful birds, and an abundance of red squirrels too. Ranger-led visits to the hides cost £7 per adult, £3 per child (argatyredkites.co.uk; concessions are available and under 6s visit free). The recently renovated Argaty Cottage comfortably sleeps six guests. Dogs receive an arrival gift of dog biscuits, and dog beds and towels are available, plus there’s a small dog run and outdoor kennel if required. Argaty Cottage costs £125 a night (£20 per dog per stay), with a three-night minimum stay. For offers, eco-tourism discounts and booking visit argatycottage. com.
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Travel Scotland the original train line dates back to 1852 and is now a cycle route, providing access for day trips to the Wallace Monument. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs into the grounds and self-catering cottages. A dog bed, bowl, treats and waste bags are provided. The cottage is £300 per night (three night minimum stay) plus £40 per dog, and sleeps up to four adults (cots and extra beds are available for children), and includes a locally sourced breakfast hamper. To book visit brucefieldestate.scot. Ross-shire Retreat Formerly derelict, Newhall Mains now offers sumptuous holiday accommodation across five individually themed cottages and four double suites, all set around a classic quadrangle. Each property has been restored by local craftsmen using traditional materials such as stone, lime render, lead and slate. Expect natural sheep wool quilts, and rugs that have been spun using wool from the estate’s own flock of Jacob sheep. Dogs are warmly welcomed in the Red Gates cottage (no supplement). With three bedrooms, a large kitchen, dining area, study room, boot room and laundry, Red Gates is ideal for a dog-friendly Highland holiday. Staying at this self-catering cottage doesn’t necessarily mean
cooking for yourself. Evening meals, meal delivery and summer BBQs are also available. Red Cottage costs from £250 per night with no minimum stay (newhall-mains.com). DOG-FRIENDLY SCOTTISH HOTELS Dogs & Domes Meldrum House is a 13th century manor house in rural Aberdeenshire with its own modern golf course. Dogs can book into certain Stables Bedrooms, and they’re welcomed to their room with a bowl, Meldrum House blanket and doggy biscuit. Pups are allowed in the Cave Bar where there’s a doggy station with biscuits, bowls of water and blankets. They can also hang out in the Drawing Room and the luxury dining domes. Chain Lodge, the exclusiveuse lodge at the start of the driveway to Meldrum House, has five ensuite bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and dining room, and it’s also dog friendly. Entertain your pooch by hiking up Bennachie, along Balmedie Beach or by walking to the local butchers in Oldmeldrum for a sausage or bone. Double rooms start from £140 B&B, and it’s £15 per dog per night (meldrumhouse.com). Nights in Nairn For a coastal escape metres from the beach, book into the Golf
Meldrum House - Guests with Buddy on Laird’s steps
Red Gates Lounge at Newmains
View Hotel in Nairn where guests are greeted by hotel dog, Fudge. Golf View’s 42 rooms are all dog friendly, and pups are welcome in many public areas. The hotel also offers excellent leisure facilities, including a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, outdoor hot tub with remarkable sea views, plus a tennis course. The famous Nairn golf coarse is on the doorstep, or head to the nearby city of Inverness to walk your pup along the banks of the River Ness. Book a classic double from £139 per night, and it’s £20 per dog per evening (crerarhotels. com/golf-view-hotel-spa). Craigellachie Canines Whether guests are staying the night, enjoying a meal at the Copper Dog Pub or savouring a dram in the renowned Quaich
Bar, visitors and their four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms (and treats). Doggie guests at the Craigellachie Hotel can access woodland walks along the River Spey, returning to dog beds and bowls of fresh water after their adventures. Eye-catching doggie prints by Hugo Guinness are peppered around the hotel, ensuring dogs are centre stage. Craigellachie recently hosted its first Yappy Day event which aimed to bring dog lovers and owners together for food and fundraising. Proceeds were donated to the Wild at Heart Foundation that supports the sheltering and re-homing of dogs. Look out for more Yappy Day events to come. Doubles cost from £165 per night with no supplements for dogs (craigellachiehotel.co.uk).
Craigellachie
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estate Nature fund awards £5m to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change Projects to restore Scotland’s unique and rare rainforest; enhance Black Grouse habitat in Southern Scotland, and create robust dune flood defences in St Andrews are among the first recipients of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. In the first round of funding awards, announced by NatureScot today, a total of £5m will be shared between 54 projects from all over Scotland to restore nature, safeguard wildlife and tackle the causes of climate change. Among the successful recipients are RSPB Scotland who have been granted £180,000 for rainforest restoration work by removing rhododendron in the Atlantic rainforest of the Morvern peninsula, with a further £10,700 to improve habitats as part of the ambitious Cairngorms Connect project and £160,000 to support restoration of vital wetlands in Orkney. In South Ayrshire, Forestry and Land Scotland have been granted £30,000 to enhance Black Grouse habitat on Craig Dhu. Habitat loss and overgrazing have resulted in long-term declines in Black Grouse populations across the UK, and this work to restore their habitat is helping their recovery. While £80,000 has been awarded to the St Andrews Links Trust to support their West Sands dune restoration programme. This collaborative 118
and community-focused project will use ‘building with nature’ principles to raise the level of the dunes from 3m to 6m above sea level; as a further step towards creating a robust, healthy dune system as an effective flood defence. The Nature Restoration Fund supports a range of urban, rural, marine and coastal focused projects to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The £10m fund was launched in July this year and has now been extended to a total of at least £65m over the next five years.
Scottish farmland most active in Great Britain The arrival of winter follows what has been an active time for farmland sales in Scotland, compared to Great Britain as a whole. Evelyn Channing Savills head of rural agency in Scotland comments, “Between July and October there was a continuation
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of the trends we have seen throughout the year: high demand for farmland from a wide spectrum of buyers and relatively low levels of acres coming on to the market, with resulting increases in values. Indeed the rate of value rises in Scotland has outpaced England,
estate with the value for prime arable now marginally higher than prices being achieved there for the first time since 2006. As a result of some exceptional prices are being paid for productive and best in class arable land.” Supply has increased from last year across Great Britain, particularly in Scotland which has seen a 75 per cent increase. However it is still below the fiveyear average for between 2016 and 2020. Careston, a 1520 acre estate in Angus being sold in eight lots, has underlined the current strong appetite for quality arable land when launched on the open market. GB Farmland market supply Source: Savills Research
Grappling with climate change and biodiversity crises By Ross MacLeod, Head of Policy, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Scotland
15 million bonus despite wrecked grouse season
Downstream spending in remote communities by Scotland’s grouse moors increased this year to over £15m despite the season being decimated by snow. That is the surprise finding of a survey by Scotland’s 6 regional moorland groups, which also saw jobs on grouse shoots being maintained. The survey analysed confidential accounts data from 25 respondent estates of varying sizes, from the Monadhliath Mountains to the Southern Uplands. Despite average losses of nearly £140 000 each due to cancellations, downstream spending actually increased to an average of over £600 000 worth of contracts per holding. The last time a similar survey was carried out, average spending by each estate generated £515 000 worth of income for downstream businesses (1) While the loss of income will be a blow to the shoots, the continued investment has been a lifeline for remote communities
Auchnerran in Aberdeenshire is not a nature reserve, but we take great pride in being working conservationists. Auchnerran is first and foremost a working sheep farm, operating just as many other farms across Scotland. It does however mean that finding a way to combat the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is also very much on our minds. This requires that we farm productively at the same time as looking after the nationally important populations of wading birds on the farm including curlew, lapwing, and oystercatchers. We are using the results from carbon audits to target fuel reductions, review our use of fertilizer and address greenhouse gas emissions produced by the sheep flock. We also have more work to do in assessing soil health
across the whole of the farm, which will be crucial to understanding the complete balance of emissions and carbon sequestration. Yet this still begs the question as to whether the current drive for efficiency led by the carbon audits is stacking advice and action in favour of productivity. Some audits do now include biodiversity assessments. Yet until there is the same specific measurement of wildlife and habitats as there is for emissions and sequestration, we are concerned that work to support our farmed environment will take second place. We have therefore undertaken a ‘natural capital’ assessment to understand our key natural assets and the benefit they can produce (such as food and water provisioning,
regulation of climate and flooding, recreation, soil formation and biodiversity). We are also aware that NatureScot’s Natural Capital projects team are exploring initiatives that may also help to strike the balance between climate change and biodiversity requirements. Developing more precise biodiversity measures is essential if we are to find an equilibrium. At Auchnerran we continue in our quest to match productive, efficient farming with healthy habitats and thriving wildlife. The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust can provide farm and shoot biodiversity assessments and advise how to achieve biodiversity net gain. Talk to the GWCT Advisory Service tel: 01738 551511 or e: scottishhq@ gwct.org.uk
www.gwct.org.uk/auchnerran/
estate Developing a rural policy for Scotland
By Paul Richardson, Policy Adviser (Agriculture & Climate Change), Scottish Land & Estates
recovering financially from the pandemic. Prolonged snow cover in March, followed by further snows in May, saw a poor breeding season for red grouse nationwide. Many estates cancelled their programme as there were no excess birds to harvest whilst others scaled back. While this meant less visitors and local seasonal employment, associated businesses such as garages, trades, maintenance, feed businesses, builders and services still benefitted from considerable combined spending of £15, 238, 704. This averaged at £609, 548 per respondent estate, with staff wages not included. Gamekeeper and estate employment remained static with estates self-financing
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salaries and no respondent using the UKfurlough scheme. Amongst respondents, one gamekeeper job was not replaced following an employee departure but this was partially off-set by an additional fishing ghillie being recruited on another estate. Overall losses of shoot bookings led to a deficit of £3, 490, 084 altogether, averaging at income losses of £139, 603 each. “On the back of Covid-19, grouse moors have seen some leaner years of late. We were expecting to see signs of reduced spending, in line with losses, and perhaps some shoots trimming staff,” said Lianne MacLennan, Co-Ordinator of Scotland’s regional moorland groups. “However, employment remained high, which is really important in remote communities, where the loss of one job and one family home is felt disproportionately. “We found there was no reliance on furlough money but the biggest surprise was the continued spending. “That will have helped a lot of small family businesses in these rural areas, as well as local suppliers at a critical time of recovery. That is a good news story.” A 2020 Scottish Government-commissioned report into Grouse Moor Socio-economics found the activity sustained more jobs than other moorland land uses and created ‘disproportionately important economic impacts for communities.’
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The deadline recently passed for the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Transition in Scotland consultation, the purpose being to question the wider industry on the recommendations in reports published earlier this year from the Farmer Led Groups, intended to inform the wider work on the development of agricultural policy and the replacement to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Frustratingly, rural policy and post-CAP development in Scotland has made little progress since Brexit, and there remains much uncertainty in the industry, which makes it incredibly difficult for land managers to plan and invest for the long term. We support the link between payments and environmental goals, to ensure that we are using land to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies, while also maintaining food production at a level which ensures critical mass for adding value and processing. Data collection will be important to measure the success of this, but it must have a strong baseline which is clear and understandable for the industry. We should use this transition period to enable the adoption of innovative approaches, advice, knowledge exchange and facilitation. There remain many unknowns, for example with carbon and biodiversity audits where the current available software does not include all inputs and outputs to derive the carbon footprint. This needs further development to include, for example, carbon in soil, hedgerows, heather, and other land features,
where sequestration is already taking place across all enterprises in the farm business. Policy development must take an integrated approach to land use, no longer looking at forestry, farming, moorland, water quality and other policies in isolation. The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) was a good example of funding being used to promote land management practices to achieve specific aims for the benefit of the environment. We welcome the recent announcement that funding will be made available for an extension to the AECS in 2022 but would like to see a long-term commitment with greater emphasis on improving soil health, access to skills, training, and knowledge sharing. Similarly, the recent Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) pilot enabled businesses to invest in items which will have long term benefits both for their business and the environment, but also enabling a pace of change which would not have occurred without support. A broadening of the scheme would continue to deliver wider benefits. We have an excellent opportunity to develop a rural policy for Scotland which will meet the needs of land managers while addressing the climate and biodiversity crises, but Scotland is still lagging behind the rest of the UK in developing its future agricultural policy and clear direction is much needed at this critical time for the industry.
For more information www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Telephone : 0131 653 5400
forestry “Why oh why” are timber prices so high? By Marcus Goodyear
Gazing out of our windows, taking a walk down the street, though we may not appreciate them quite as much as we should, many of us are lucky enough to be able to see trees. Trees are all around us in fact and there doesn’t appear to be any immediate shortage. And yet the timber market is currently experiencing a scarcity of this ubiquitous resource, with demand for wood far outpacing supply. Because of this imbalance, prices of timber are soaring. With the help of Douglas Mathison, forestry expert and owner of forestry management firm Agriforest, we unpick what could have caused this demand for timber. You would be hard pressed not to have heard about Covid-19 by this point in time - its effects have been grim and far reaching. But could the Coronavirus have caused this timber imbalance?
With the pandemic and near worldwide quarantine shutting down the construction industry last year, demand for timber was expected to decrease. However, this was not the case, demand did not decrease. Douglas theorises “if anything the need for timber increased! Think of all those lockdown DIY projects and restaurants building entire outdoor seating areas”. Also owing to the pandemic, many sawmills and timber harvesting sites were forced to close, creating issues with timber supply. Douglas comments “Due to many sawmills being shut Agriforest had to close down a number of our harvesting sites, and some of our planting sites were also postponed. This might have caused some of the problems we are now seeing
with timber supply. The main issue here however is not supply, but demand.” It has been widely accepted that natural building materials like timber are more environmentally friendly than say, a concrete counterpart. With environmental concerns at the forefront of people’s minds, they are turning to timber as a more climate-conscious building material. In fact, eighty per cent of new-build housing in Scotland uses timber framing. With the building of new housing increasing in Scotland year on year, even before the pandemic, this could explain the increase in demand for timber. Douglas says “People generally seem to be searching for climate friendly building materials. Timber would appear to be the answer, as with proper
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woodland management timber can be a truly sustainable resource.” To those of you who may be needing well priced timber in the coming year: “don’t despair yet!”. Douglas predicts these issues with supply and demand will eventually settle down: “as the vaccine continues to roll out, the effects of Covid are further in the rear-view mirror, and supply of timber increases in line with demand, things should start to equalise.” Because of this he says “now is the time to act! Anybody looking to make money from timber right now is very well placed to do so. Many farmers and estate owners are unaware that they could be making profit from their underutilised woodland”. With timber prices at record levels, it’s hardly surprising a lot 121
forestry of landowners are looking harder at assets they have. Agriforest specialises in managing small to medium sized farm and estate
woodlands. From an initial free site appraisal anywhere in Scotland and the north of England, through to the felling of
timber, preparing for restocking, and subsequent maintenance thereafter, the business is well placed to give an entirely client
focused service from start to finish. To find out more about them you can visit their website – www.agriforest.co.uk.
Scotland showing leadership on climate forests Scotland’s ambitious woodland creation targets, which will see 36 million new trees planted each year, are key to tackling climate change and nature loss, says Environment Minister Màiri McAllan. Speaking ahead of COP26’s Glasgow Declaration of Forests and Land Use (on 2 November), Ms McAllan highlighted that in the UK, 80% of all new tree planting takes place in Scotland. Scotland has raised the bar on tackling climate change through tree planting by increasing its yearly targets from 12,000 hectares to 18,000 hectares of new woodland each year by 2024/5. Ms McAllan said that Scotland now stands ready to share its forestry success story with world leaders visiting Glasgow. She said: “Climate change and nature loss are the greatest global threats we face.
We can and must start to reverse these threats. Planting more trees, and sustainably managing our forests is one part of the global solution. “By planting the right trees in the right place, we can soak up more emissions, whilst also providing a boost to our environment, our economy, and the lives of people. “As we welcome world leaders to Scotland, we extend an open invitation to share our success story so that other nations can grow and protect their own forests and woodlands.” The Scottish achievements in tree planting have largely been achieved by working closely with the forest industries and woodland owners, both large and small. The Scottish Government is also pumping £150 million into meeting Scotland’s enhanced planting targets and ensuring there is capacity in tree nurseries.
Scotland’s forests are an important part of the country’s climate change ambitions as they
absorb around 6.2 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to almost 10% of Scotland’s gross GHG emissions.
Tree Nursery marks 90th anniversary and prepares for future climate challenges Forestry & Land Scotland’s (FLS) Newton Nursery marks its 90th anniversary this year and will double in size, boosting overall capacity within Scotland’s tree nursery sector which is essential to delivering Scotland’s Climate Emergency response. Newton nursery currently grows seven million of the 25 million trees that FLS plants in Scotland each year. By leasing a further 70 hectares of land - and with 122
financial support from Scottish Government – to deliver the biggest, single infrastructure investment ever by FLS, Newton nursery will effectively double capacity by 2025, allowing it to produce around 14 million trees a year. The expansion will provide more trees to support Scotland’s ambitious tree planting targets while also providing FLS with greater self-sufficiency. This will include the growing of well-known conifer species
such as Lodgepole pine, Scots pine, Sitka and Norway spruce alongside a move towards a greater use of other alternative conifer and broadleaf species to provide greater diversity and build resilience. The stock produced will be planted out into existing forests all over Scotland as older trees are felled and to create new forests of the future, for people to enjoy. Set up in 1931 near Elgin to grow trees for what was
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the Forestry Commission, Newton is now the only public state-managed tree nursery in Scotland and employs 24 people locally. Over its 90 years, the nursery has helped to improve and refine Scotland’s tree stocks. Most of the seeds used at Newton are sourced from the FLS managed estate. Seeds are harvested from specially selected stands or from seed orchards created for superior form, straightness
forestry
Ash dieback – take action now By Clari Burrell, Scottish Forestry
and fine branching; specialised grafting programmes select the very best material. Newton also produces stock grown from seeds collected at various native pinewoods, representing some of the country’s oldest wildlands such as Scots Pine seeds, collected from Rannoch Moor. These seeds are then grown at Newton and will become part of FLS’s reforestation and habitat preservation activities. Aspen, one of the lesser known species in the Caledonian forest – but a tree which is ecologically very important - last enjoyed a rare, prolific flowering season in the Highlands in 2019. Newton has propagated these Aspen seeds and will send out the young trees produced from them to customers next year. In the case of Sitka Spruce the species that now comprises just over half (56%) of the conifers in FLS managed forests - careful seed selection and tree breeding has shaved around 10 years off the average ‘rotation’ length. This means the time interval between planting out a seedling and harvesting a mature tree for timber has been cut from 40 years to 25/30 years.
Through genetic improvement and tree breeding it is hoped that such success can be replicated with other tree species for example, Norway spruce. Climate change and warmer temperatures mean that Scotland is becoming a more compatible environment for trees like Norway spruce, as well as other conifers such as Western Red Cedar and Sequoia, Coast redwood and Macedonian pine that will thrive in our changing climate while reducing exposure to pests and diseases. Speaking about the nursery’s expansion and the anniversary, Alan Duncan, FLS’s Head of Plant & Seed Supply, who has worked at the nursery for 44 years, said: “Innovation and experimentation are part and parcel of the nursery’s planning for the forests of the future. “Forestry is a long-term proposition: most productive forestry has a lead time of around 40 years. Scots pine can take 80 years to reach maturity, while oaks can take 80-120 years. “We are already seeing climate change happening, so we need to grow – and plant - new forests now, to increase woodland cover and most importantly, to help mitigate global warming.”
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Whilst ash dieback is not a new disease to Scotland, its impact on ash trees across the country is now increasing. Ash dieback disease is spread primarily by fungal spores that can be carried on the wind, thwarting previous attempts to control its spread. Unfortunately, the disease is likely to kill at least 50% to 75% of Scotland’s approximately 11 million mature ash trees over the next two decades. This will have a significant impact on our rural and urban landscapes. Trees affected by ash dieback can become weakened and brittle over time, and secondary pathogens such as Armillaria (honey fungus) often attack diseased trees and can weaken the roots. This means that falling branches, or in some cases tree collapse, can occur in ash trees that are severely affected by ash dieback. If trees with advanced symptoms of ash dieback are growing in higher risk locations, such as beside public roads or paths, they may need to be pruned or felled. However, farmers should be aware that trees with slight to moderate symptoms can survive for many years and can be monitored over time. There is normally no need to fell trees growing in lower risk locations, even if they are displaying advanced ash
dieback symptoms, and leaving such trees in place to decline naturally can provide benefits for wildlife. It is better to focus action on those trees showing significant health issues in higher risk locations. The advice to farmers is clear though - ash dieback should not be treated as “business as usual” and action needs to be taken now. All land owners and managers, including farmers, should prepare their own action plan for monitoring and managing any ash trees on their property in the light of ash dieback. This planning should start as soon as possible and costs should be budgeted for as it is a farmer’s responsibility to manage ash dieback on their land. The Scottish Toolkit for Ash Dieback Action Plans is a useful resource that can help land owners and managers to prepare action plans. Scottish Forestry advises that because infected trees can become weakened and brittle and react unpredictably, any work such as pruning or felling of trees with advanced ash dieback symptoms can be very dangerous and should only be carried out by trained and experienced arboricultural or forestry professionals. More information is available on the Scottish Forestry website: 123
BOOK SERIALISATION
Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape Cow herds of the county
In the first of his exclusive extracts from his award-winning book ‘Native’, Patrick Laurie explains the lure of raising the local cattle breed in Galloway By Patrick Laurie
square, hornless heads and fluffy ears. To outsiders it will seem like a modest claim to fame, but these animals are the finest product that Galloway has ever delivered to the world. My mother would take me to see my grandfather’s cattle as they lay on beds of fresh straw in the show lines. His farm name was painted on a board which hung above the cows, and the thickwristed stockmen would wink at me and grin through a haze of cigarette smoke. We no longer had cattle at home, but here was
a crucial thread of contact with heavy beasts. I don’t remember the animals so well as the paraphernalia which surrounded them – brushes, combs, nets of hay and coils of rope. Results from the judging were recited deadpan across a crackling tannoy: beasts from Rusko and Glaisters, from Barlay and Barcloy, from Plascow and Congeith. I was a small child, and these farm names plotted a complete map of the known universe. Here were my uncles and cousins, friends and family from far-flung places across the
Photo by Duncan Ireland
Some of my earliest memories are of visiting my grandfather’s cows at the local agricultural shows. He’d devoted his life to a kind of beast which has deep roots inlocal history and culture, and his ‘Galloways’ picked up rosettes in Wigtown and Castle Douglas. We think of Scottish beef and conjure up images of windswept red Highlanders with long horns and fluttering fringes, but Galloways are the driving heroes of Lowland farming from Stranraer to Duns. My grandfather’s cattle were jetblack, curly-haired beasts with
Like many native livestock breeds, Galloway cattle still exist because some people are prepared to pay more for food which ‘tastes like it used to’
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Southern Uplands, each with their own Galloway cattle as if no other breed existed. Even at this primal stage and divorced from animals of our own, my life was in orbit around beef. Galloway has given its name to a breed of cattle, but so has Hereford, Devon and Sussex. There was a time when almost every county or region in Britain had its own breed. Dramatic changes during the twentieth century put paid to many of those old animals, and several weren’t deemed profitable in a modern farmyard. Agriculture was intensifying and animal breeding began to specialise on growth, scale and speed. We said goodbye to Sheeted Somerset cattle, the Suffolk Dun and the Caithness cow, as well as more than twenty other breeds of British livestock between 1900 and 1973. Galloways almost collapsed, and the old animals were replaced by fast-growing bulls from France and Belgium; heavy-lifters with strange and unpronounceable names. Most of the surviving native breeds were reduced to obscurity, just hobby projects for quirky smallholders and stubborn old folk. But every native breed excels at something special. Tamworth pigs make superb
bacon; Gloucester cattle produce milk which cheesemakers adore. Native breeds represent a wide variety of traits, characteristics and flavours which took centuries to refine. High-octane European breeds might have maximised productivity, but this has come at a cost to variety. Our food has been subverted by monotony. Galloway cows have a particular knack for digesting rough grass. They’re born hungry, and they’ll fatten on feed which many other breeds would refuse to sleep on. A summer heifer fills herself with roughage until she’s as thick and fat as a grand piano, and the grass goes to build sweet, fine grained beef. The muscle is laid down slowly, and the flavour is matched with a fine, melting texture. The sixteenth-century scholar Hector Boece praised Galloway beef as ‘right delicius and tender’, and modern chefs are titillated by T-bones and ribeyes which are sold in the best and most exclusive restaurants across Britain. Like many native livestock breeds, Galloway cattle still exist because some people are prepared to pay more for food which ‘tastes like it used to’. The Galloway’s reputation for superb beef is countered by rumours of violence and awkwardness. In the old days, cattle were cast into the hills and recovered to be killed after four years. These semi-feral beasts grew up to be cunning and insincere. It’s not so long ago that a friend of my grandfather’s was sorely mauled on the back hill, crushed to bits by a cow protecting its calf. I was too young to remember the details, but folk said he should have known better. I imagine him lying in the long grass with his ribs stoved in like a smashed accordion and grand clouds
rolling by without a shrug. Arms and legs were broken as a matter of course, and cattle were ‘man’s work’, a gritty, fearsome struggle beneath low, grey skies. It was the perfect job if you’d been scorched by burning aviation fuel and had the strength of five men. Gathering pens were sealed with granite posts and reinforced with railway sleepers – if you came across old pens without explanation you could assume they were built to contain dinosaurs. It’s easier for everyone when cattle are kept tame and close at hand. There’s nothing inherently wild or dangerous about Galloways, and the beasts are mainly gentle in their way. They’re slaves to their greed, and those heavy, snub-nosed heads can be bound in halters with a little coaxing. Any cow can kill you, and it seems unfair that Galloways should have a bad name. My work with conservation and curlews had led me back in the direction of farming, but the tipping point came when I walked with my wife around the agricultural show at Castle Douglas and saw the old show lines again. My grandfather had been dead for twenty years and his herd was long dispersed, but here was a line of black cattle standing shoulder to shoulder beneath a rough, burning sun as if they’d not moved an inch in all that time. Perhaps there were not as many of them as there had been, but the animals were utterly permanent. The tannoy returned and I looked up from the bustling show to see fifteen miles of blue hill country towards Carsphairn and Dalry as if it had just sat up in bed. The bold, steady cows had rolled down from that land as surely as rain after a wet night; the purest distillation of place was conveyed in flowing black hair
Photo by Duncan Ireland
BOOK SERIALISATION
Patrick Laurie on his farm near Dalbeattie
and foamy lips. My knees almost buckled beneath me. Here at last was a true point of entry to my own place. I turned to my wife and whispered, ‘We’re going to have cattle.’ To her eternal credit, she nodded. Many young people find it hard to get started in farming. The industry looks like a closed shop to outsiders, but my family gave me a foothold as I began to focus on agriculture again. Rather than forge a new road from scratch, I just had to clear some brambles and cobwebs from an existing path. I asked our tenant for advice on getting started and he suggested that I take two of our fields back
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in hand, the rougher, less productive areas where I could find space for a few calves. The way was strangely clear, and the memory of those black animals at the show fell to a constant, nagging pulse in the back of my brain. I took a step towards farming and found an old, familiar friend. I could slip in beneath heavy, hairy skins and find a whole new world. After thirty years in Galloway, I was finally heading home. Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape by Patrick Laurie is published by Birlinn (£9.99, pbk) www.birlinn.co.uk 125
Article
Call for participation in ground-breaking land sales report A major report has been commissioned to understand more about the nature and value of rural land sales in Scotland – in a move that will be crucial in considering the implications of new natural capital and carbon value in the land market. Leading land agents in Scotland are to be contacted to collate data on recent land transactions in rural Scotland, including off-market sales, as well as being asked to help inform the picture of market trends and drivers. The aim is to create an overarching summary of current market activity, with a particular focus on understanding the role ‘natural capital’ is having in the land market – to inform how this emerging value can be harnessed in a way that encourages responsible investment and creates public value, as this new sector grows. The report has been commissioned by the Scottish Land Commission and will be delivered by Scotland’s Rural College in partnership with land agents Savills and Strutt and Parker, with support from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The Commission’s Chief Executive, Hamish Trench, said this kind of market analysis is vital in understanding what is currently happening in the rural land market to inform effective policy and responsible practice. He said: “Scotland is well positioned to make the most of private investment in delivering land use change that meets the climate targets. Doing this in a way that drives a just transition, where the opportunities, costs and benefits are shared fairly means shaping these markets to work in the public interest. Part of this is having improved transparency and shared 126
understanding of how the land market is operating. As it stands, there is uncertainty around the volume and value of off-market, or private, land transactions – and the motivations of both buyers and sellers. “Global efforts to tackle climate change are driving demand for carbon and natural capital investment and there is growing concern about the impacts of this in the land market. Improved market transparency will help inform evidence-based policy and help address the risks and opportunities.” The research has two main aims: • Analyse and report on the current pattern of activity within Scotland’s rural land market to provide an accurate picture of landowner, buyer, and seller motivations, with a specific focus on understanding of how increased demand for natural
capital investment is driving activity in the land market. • Develop a replicable methodology for gathering robust quantitative and qualitative data about land market activity in the future. Hamish added: “Land agents will play a crucial role in this research, helping to develop a more comprehensive baseline for rural land transactions than is currently available. We anticipate this will also provide a repeatable approach to providing useful market information on an ongoing basis.” RICS Public Affairs Lead for Scotland, Euan Ryan, said: “A clear understanding of the market, and the role of natural capital, will be crucial in creating an effective land policy in Scotland which balances the drive towards net zero, as well as the needs of market participants and local communities. For this reason, we strongly encourage land agents and
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other relevant parties to participate in this important research, and look forward to supporting the project as it progresses.” Rob McMorran, the researcher from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) who is leading the study, commented that: “This research represents an important opportunity to develop a comprehensive assessment of rural land market activity in Scotland, as well as providing useful evidence to inform our understanding of how natural capital investment may be affecting rural land markets and land values.” Rob added: “The project will benefit from a collaboration between SRUC and both Savills and Strutt and Parker, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience of rural land markets. The research will also provide a useful foundation for informing future research on rural land values and land markets.” The final report will be published in Spring 2022.
by Linda Mellor
SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE During the winter months, most country living Scots just get on with it. Rural life rarely grinds to a halt when the weather closes in or there’s a big dump of snow. Life just simply slows down, and we add more layers of clothing. However, if it does grind to halt, then we help each other out in whatever we can. Rural or remote, highlands or islands, if there’s a call for help, it’ll be on its way. Most countryside dwellers have animals, from the smaller ones like dogs, and hens, to the larger hooved variety like horses and ponies, and not forgetting the garden birds and visitors. No matter what their size, animals and birds all need to be fed and watered each day especially in the winter months. On traditional stalking estates, the wild deer population is supported through the winter months too, with daily feeds of deer rolls (similar to pony
nuts), haylage, and some estates also feed silage and vegetables. As winter approaches we prepare. Log sheds are filled up, tools and machinery are tucked away, out buildings are checked, secured and water tight, and any necessary repairs are done before the weather gets in and causes more damage. Freezers are filled, and cupboards are stocked. A huge positive during the winter months is the shooting season. With life almost back in full swing post-pandemic, there’s a chance to stock the freezer with game, and maybe a hind (the red deer hind season dates are October 21st – 15th February). We all have our favourite type of wild meat, and with such a variety available I’ll never understand why anyone would want to eat stag meat shot during or shortly after the rut. All that testosterone running
rampant, and during the rut stags rarely eat because they’re focussed on one thing, and it isn’t eating. Rutting old stag meat, doesn’t really appeal! You’d be much better going for a hind, as the meat is more tender and tastier. Venison is my favourite. I find it a delicious, tender meat, and one that’s so versatile and can be used at any time of year, not just winter: casseroles, burgers, sausages, pies, BBQs, pate, and charcuterie (for the best charcuterie try Great Glen Charcuterie). You can use venison in most dishes. A favourite of mine is my version of a cottage pie – swapping the beef or lamb mince for venison mince and giving it a kick with some fresh chillies, finely chopped. Finish it off by topping with a creamy mash, sprinkled with grated strong Scottish cheddar, and whack it in the oven. It’s great served with carrots, and some sprouts (who doesn’t love sprouts? more Scottish seasonal food that’s good for you), and washed down with a rich, red wine of choice. I usually make two, and pop one in the freezer. When I was growing up, after a shoot day or out wildfowling with my dad, we would always drop off game to relatives or elderly neighbours. We had more than enough for our family so why not share it around? Everyone was grateful for some wild meat,
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and appreciated a knock on the door and a chance for a catch-up chat. Many elderly people in our network had been involved with shoots, or had lived on farms, and missed that way of life after they retired. Fresh game is a country happy meal, a rural version of that unmentionable American fast food outlet. Game isn’t alien to our diet, it’s long been a staple of the Scottish diet for centuries, and much better for you than the fast-food, and convenience ‘ding’ meals. There’s plenty game for sale in supermarkets and local butchers, and there are lots of game recipe books to choose from and endless recipes available online. There are social media groups set up dedicated to eating and cooking game, so there’s no lack of inspiration. Using game also makes you cook and get creative in the kitchen at meals time, yet more positives. The fire is on, the logs are burning well, scented candles are lit, and it’s a great feeling to coorie in for the night. Winter is a time to be good to ourselves, and why shouldn’t we? It’s been an interesting year and we go into the next year more hopeful than we did a year ago. Winter is also a time for reflection, to gather our thoughts, make some wishes and look forward to the year ahead. Happy January 2022! 127
Fabulous upcycled ideas
Tayside Upcycling & Craft Centre is a Community Interest Company set up to champion the environmental benefits of upcycling. The Centre has showcased the creations of over 20 artisans that upcycle materials otherwise destined for landfill. Lead Artisan and furniture Upcycler, Sarah Peterson, features regularly on the BBC series “Money For Nothing” with 17 episodes filmed in the Centre recently. As well as offering a wide range of creations for sale, the Centre offers advice and the materials needed for customers tackling their own upcycling project.
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Frida cabinet £345 and Zebra corner cabinet £345
Large lamp and shade £100, engraved bottle lamp £25, drift wood house sculpture £60
Santa bag £15, rucksacks £75, tote bag £32
Bike parts - from £405
www.tucc.co.uk
Fabulous upcycled ideas
Art Deco cabinet - £750
Blue bottle lamp £40, cactus £20, candle £29.95, picture £25, coasters £25 set
Sewing boxes - from £250
Red desk £225, black chair £80, cushion £40
ADDRESS Tayside Upcycling & Craft Centre Inchmichael By Errol, Perthshire PH2 7RR
OPENING TIMES Wednesday to Saturday 10 – 5pm Sunday 11 – 4pm Monday & Tuesday – closed
Tel: 07368 860581
www.tucc.co.uk
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machinery Väderstad proceed drill opens the future of seeding
Väderstad has made an unprecedented and huge leap from current seeding technology with a new drill concept called Vaderstad Proceed, which could fundamentally change the way farmers operate. The principle is based on one single machine that is capable of increasing the yield potential of a full range of crops, including wheat, barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, peas, maize and sunflower. “At Väderstad we build machines that keep our customers at the forefront of modern farming,” says the company’s senior vice president sales and marketing Mattias Hovnert. “We develop new methods and from time to time we set completely new standards. Proceed is one of those leaps that doesn’t happen often in
the farm machinery industry, but when it does, it can have a massive impact. “Väderstad Proceed can place the smallest of seed at the perfect depth with millimetre precision, leading to yield increases as well as less need for tillage, chemical treatment and use of fertilisers.” At the heart of Proceed – which will premier at Agritechnica 2022 – is its high-precision row units. Prior to seed placement, individual pre-drilling wheels consolidate the field to ensure same conditions for each seed. The pre-drilling wheels are individually mounted, using hydraulic down-force to ensure high performance. When the seeds reach the row units from the central hopper, an adapted version of the Väderstad PowerShoot singulation system,
takes full control of each single seed all the way down to the soil. Each seed is received by a stop wheel, which optimises seedto-soil contact at selected depth across the full working width of the machine. Field trials show that Proceed can halve wheat seed rate, without compromising yield compared to modern seed
drills. Importantly the crops are stronger and more uniform at all crop growth stages. Proceed has a row spacing of either 225 or 250mm. Easy calibration and a quick change of seed discs allows the drill to switch to 450 or 500mm for crops such as sugar beet or oilseed rape, and to 750mm for crops such as maize, sunflower or cotton.
Krone launches EasyWrap 165 T KRONE has launched the new double-arm EasyWrap 165 T round bale wrapper, which is an ideal option for contractors who harvest small fields. It follows on from the EasyWrap 150 that was launched last year. EasyWrap 165 T will be at Agritechnica 2022.
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Wrapping 1.00-1.65m diameter bales, the EasyWrap 165 T lifts up to 1,650kg bales and wraps them at speeds of up to 40rpm. Controlled from a cab-based ISOBUS terminal, the wrapper offers convenient and straight forward operation to suit professional standards.
The wrapper couples to the tractor linkage with the help of a headstock that swings into position and couples to the lower link arms.A practical hose holder helps connect the oil lines and protects them from getting damaged in work. The slim drawbar and compact design make
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the EasyWrap 165 T a very agile machine that also offers excellent visibility. The hydraulic drawbar can swing to the side for optimum bale collection. Equally convenient is the changeover from road to work position by a touch of a button. An optional version of the drawbar provides stowage for ten spare film rolls – for maximum efficiency on long working days. A sturdy arm places the bale gently and in a controlled way on to the wrapping table. Adjusting the arm to the size of the bale is easy and takes no tools. The machine can pick up the next bale while keeping the finished bale on board, thus serving as a bale collector. The wrapping table is formed by four strong textile belts which effectively roll the bale – no matter its size or weight. The bale sits in a deep cradle and is held in position by four bobbins (six as an option). Wrapping is triggered automatically by a sensor plate. The film is 750mm wide and offers a pre-stretch of either 55% or 70%.
machinery BECX Equipment finds new UK distributor Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned estate and garden equipment supplier, has been appointed the sole UK distributor for Becx Machines, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of mechanical weed control and hedge cutting equipment for tool carriers and excavators. Established in 2008, Becx Machines is located in Moergestel, North Brabant. Their first hedge trimmer was launched in 2009 using a patented cutting principle and 13 years on, they now manufacture seven different hedge trimming attachments with a working width between 75cm and 240cm. They also manufacture weed brushes, weed brush/edge cutters and various attachments for mounting hedge trimmers onto excavators.
Glen Bellamy, a director at Fentons, said, “We have a track record of being sole importers; for over 25 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners, another Netherlands based company that manufactures specialist field drainage maintenance equipment for the agricultural sector. “It’s a cliché, but we are genuinely delighted with the signing of this latest sole importer agreement. The quality of the Becx equipment is exceptional and the growth in their business in just over a decade is testament to the machinery they produce. “In keeping with the trend for electrification, they have recently introduced their first electric hedge trimmer. With a working width of 75cm, it’s
two hydromotors have been replaced by 48-volt electric motors and can be mounted on almost any electrically driven tool carrier. “Already we have had interest from local authorities
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for their cut and collect equipment. “This agreement is an exciting development for all of us here at Fentons and we look forward to a long association with the Becx team.”
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machinery The Tornum IDC system can save your business time and money!
Drying grain precisely is a complex process, but doing it correctly achieves the best possible grain quality for the best price. Relying on manual drying can risk either not attaining the desired moisture content or over drying the grain which is a costly exercise – by over drying to 13% instead of 14% can typically add up to 20% to your energy bill! The Tornum Intelligent Drier Control (IDC) does all the hard work for you – IDC is a softwarebased control system which continuously monitors incoming moisture content and physically
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controls the speed of the drier to ensure the precise average moisture content of the grain is achieved, irrespective of outside weather conditions. Labour hours are greatly reduced by not having to rely on basic monitoring systems and crucially over drying is always kept to an absolute minimum – thus having a huge impact on costs. Charles White, Director, JWI UK Ltd, “All of our current and upcoming projects are incorporating the IDC system, so it won’t be long before our customers are reaping the benefits of this market leading application.”
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machinery The Lemken compact disc harrow Heliodor will soon be combinable with a precision slurry spreader
From March 2022, the LEMKEN Heliodor compact disc harrow will be available with a preparation set for attaching a Vogelsang DosiMat DMX precision spreader. The resulting powerful combination of two proven implements is ideal for the precise low-loss spreading and incorporation of liquid organic fertilisers such as slurry. The Heliodor offers a sound basis for this type of application, as it is compact and low-draught
and therefore only places little additional demands on the tractor’s lifting and traction powers. The DosiMat DMX is renowned for its very even transverse and longitudinal distribution, which is consistently maintained even at extremely low and extremely high application rates. The way the two implements work together is very simple: Slurry is fed into the DosiMat from above, homogenised inside the device by a
flow-optimised rotor equipped with cutting blades, and then pushed into the individual outlets. Fibre and foreign matter are reliably shredded in the process – this enables the desired precise distribution and helps to avoid disruptive blockages. The slurry then passes via hoses to the area behind the first row of discs on the Heliodor, where it is injected into the soil and immediately incorporated by the second row of discs and the trailing roller without any delay.
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In terms of economy, the Heliodor/DosiMat duo is exactly in line with current trends; with rising prices for mineral fertilisers many farmers want to utilise the nutrients stored in their slurry. This is achieved through precise application and immediate incorporation while minimising nitrogen losses, making the process not only extremely economical, but also compliant with water protection requirements.
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machinery Kubota acquires advanced guidance and auto-steer manufacturer, AgJunction Kubota Corporation will acquire, through Kubota Canada Ltd, all shares of AgJunction Inc, making AgJunction a company of the Kubota Group. AgJunction is a global leader of advanced guidance and autosteering solutions, specialising in the development and sale of hardware and software required for automated machine control applications. Primarily, this has been for agricultural and construction machines in North America. AgJunction has numerous patents related to automatic operation control systems and has particular strengths in technologies
for automated machine control and path planning. By making AgJunction a company of the Kubota Group, Kubota aims to strengthen its development structure for technologies related to connectivity, data, automation and autonomy. Through this acquisition, Kubota will combine AgJunction’s technologies with Kubota’s products, to speed up the development of automated technologies aimed at North American markets. Kubota has formulated its long-term vision ‘GMB2030’ and has been carrying forward
smart farming initiatives with the aim of providing solutions that improve productivity and food
security. Agricultural machine automation is one of the key pillars of these initiatives.
Pottinger AEROSEM 6002 FDD Front hopper seed drill Pöttinger has expanded its range of AEROSEM FDD pneumatic seed. The field-proven seed drills with working widths of 4.0 and 5.0 m will be joined by a 6.0 metre folding version with a front hopper. The newly developed front hopper makes it possible to convey
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an even higher flow rate of seed to the coulter rail. The front hopper is available with a capacity of either 1,700 or 2,400 litres and is now fitted with a full-length, airtight cover. During development, special emphasis was placed on handling and accessibility while filling and calibrating. When
selecting the front hopper, there is a choice of standard single metering unit or the dual metering system. The dual metering option makes it possible to place seed, fertiliser, companion crop, micro-granules or another type of seed in the seed slot in a single step. This ensures maximum flexibility.
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The coulter rail on the AEROSEM FDD is mounted on the power harrow using a docking system and only takes a few minutes to fit or remove. What is unique about this new system is that in just a few steps the coulter rail and distributor head unit can be removed from the power harrow extremely quickly. The compact, folding coulter rail with a short headstock puts the centre of gravity impressively close to the tractor. The distributor head is mounted on the coulter rail and features a patented system that ensures it is always kept in vertical position. The patented linkage system ensures the distributor head is vertical to deliver perfect lateral distribution. Seed distribution is controlled using the distributor head, which can be provided with individually controllable outlets (IDS) as an option. Using the fully-equipped version, the driver can easily adjust the tramline widths and tyre widths directly at the control terminal to set up a perfect tramline system.
machinery Grantek portable 2 tonne grain dryer This is our baby portable 2 tonne grain dryer which is probably the world’s smallest portable grain dryer that can dry by using continuous or batch mode with the flick of a switch. What makes it unique is that fan, burner, elevator, top and bottom screw conveyors can run from a thirteenamp single phase domestic plug by using plc, inverter and fuzzy logic all designed by us,It also won us our second Highland Show silver medal. Another unique design is the use of a single leg elevator running in continuous to fill and dry at the same time without the need of second elevator which we received the Maurice Memorial Trophy in 2012 for the best out of 71 entries in the Lamma innovation awards for our bigger dryers winning ahead of MasseyFerguson in second place.
On its first outing it had a real baptism of fire drying hemp seed at 28-30 % moisture down to 8% with a drying temperature of only 47 Deg.C ,in this case we had dryer in batch mode because of the high moisture content. At the last highland show before covid struck we had 25 enquiries for this dryer. Here at Graintek with a great bunch of dedicated employees we are always working hard to improve and come up with new designs of our products to keep ahead of the field which has paid off big time buy winning 3 Royal Highland show and 5 Lamma awards for Innovation. We are also proud to be British manufacturers with bases in Peterbourgh and in Aberdeenshire offering a range of grain dryer from 2 to 400 tonne per hr .
The pictures shows our baby portable and our biggest dryer to date
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a 200 tonne model one of the biggest single dryers in UK and Europe
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machinery Standen Engineering Launch New Planter Model Standen Engineering Ltd is delighted to announce the launch of the all new Standen SR 200 Planter. The SR 200 is an easy to setup, two row, accurate cup planter. It includes a revolutionary new cup design that is capable of handling longer and larger seed. The Standen SR 200 Planter offers a high work rate, achieving fast forward speeds of up to 10km/h. The updated incab touch screen controls operate the hydraulic space selector to give high levels of control over seed spacing and ensure accurate planting. The new stainless steel hood design with hydraulic pressure adjustment forms perfect ridges even at high forward speeds. Optional equipment on this new planter
includes a hillside kit which includes a steering and vibrating seed return system as well as an automatic depth control. Edward Gilbert, Sales and Marketing Director at Standen Engineering said, “The SR200 planter is a great addition to our machinery range. The significant change on this planter is that the new cup designs can handle longer and irregularly shaped seed very well, something which cup planters have always struggled to do, whilst maintaining fast forward speeds. In testing it has proven very effective and we’ve had some great grower feedback. We look forward to seeing more in action in the next planting season.” Standen are taking orders for two row models now which will
be in production for the 2022 season. Three row and four row
offset models are in development for 2023.
Reekie Ltd, part of the Hamilton Ross Group, take on Bauer irrigation equipment sales, service and parts support Reekie Ltd, a leading supplier of agricultural, construction and groundcare machinery, is all set to rejuvenate sales, service and parts back-up as a newlyappointed official dealer for
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Bauer’s premium range of crop irrigation equipment. The main focus of the new partnership is on the group’s depots at Perth and Cupar, which cover some of the largest potato
and vegetable growing areas in Scotland. Reekie Ltd has already supplied a Bauer Rainstar E31 to a long-standing customer and to underscore its commitment to the new partnership has taken a second E31 into stock and placed a substantial order for critical parts to support future customers for the machines. Sam Mercer, general manager at Cupar and Perth, said: “We have a long-standing involvement with irrigation equipment and wanted to get back to supplying new irrigators again with a premium brand that would sit well alongside our agricultural machinery franchises. “In Bauer, we have that premium brand; the company has a well-deserved reputation
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for its engineering and manufacturing quality, and the performance and durability of its irrigators.” Rob Jackson of Bauer UK & Ireland said: “We’re delighted to have reached this agreement with Reekie Ltd, an established and well-respected dealership with people in sales, service and parts who know and understand irrigation equipment and the crucial part it plays in growing high-quality, high-value potato and vegetable crops. “We are already taking orders and securing build slots at the factory for irrigation reels to be delivered in time for next year’s growing season, so it’s important for growers to look ahead and plan their requirements now for next year and beyond.”
machinery FastBale now with film-on-film capability Vicon’s non-stop round balerwrapper combination, the FastBale, is now available with film-on-film capability, in addition to traditional net tying. Film tying is exactly the same as net tying – only the material used to secure the bale is different. The revised process sees film used to tie the bale before it leaves the chamber, and with it comes several advantages. Thanks to film’s pre-stretch capabilities, the film-on-film process reduces bale expansion as it leaves the chamber, creating a denser bale than the netwrapped equivalent. And with it, less oxygen is trapped inside the bale, contributing to an improvement in forage quality. “Film-on-film is yet another extension of the FastBale’s impressive capabilities,” explains Vicon baler specialist Mike Howell. “With film stretched to catch the edges of the bale, this bale tying technique builds on the bale qualities that Vicon is known for – superb bale shape and high density.” When it comes to waste recycling, film-on-film provides additional benefits for farmers. Disposal requires users only to
deal with plastic as a single waste stream – not a combination of plastic with net. FastBale’s revised film-onfilm injection system can also
be used with rolls of net, for those operators who prefer total flexibility with silage quality. Including rolls in use, the nonstop baler-wrapper has the
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capacity to carry up to 10 rolls of bale wrap, plus two rolls of either net or film for tying. The film-on-film option adds £4,170 to the cost of FastBale.
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machinery McHale Dealer Changes in the Scottish Borders Following the announcement that Scot Agri will move to Massey Ferguson from their Kelso and Haddington depots, McHale will now be represented across the Borders and Edinburgh East by St Boswells based AB Wight Ltd. South of the Border, David Henderson Tractors will cover up to the Border from their base in Hexham, looking after customers previously serviced from Scot Agri, Alnwick. Garry Wight, AB Wight Ltd, “We are delighted to have secured the McHale franchise for the Scottish Borders. The backbone of our business is Service and with our parts shelves fully stocked, new machines in the yard and product training currently taking place we are confident the McHale brand will fully complement our current offering. McCormick specialise solely in tractors, whereas McHale concentrate on grassland machinery which we believe makes them specialists at what they do. We look forward to welcoming new and existing
McHale customers through the door at AB Wight Ltd” Gary McConnell, McHale Area Manager said, “We have had a long and successful partnership with our previous dealer that helped establish the McHale brand very successfully
in the borders area. With product overlaps and competing products, plus our expanding range, McHale found themselves in a position where they had to look for a new partner. The team at AB Wight were looking for a grassland range
to fit their growing portfolio which represents a great fit for us. They are well positioned geographically and with their strong service and parts back up will continue to offer the same level of support that our customers expect.”
LAMMA launch for Claydon Evolution drills Claydon, European market leader in direct strip seeding with its Claydon Opti-Till® System, launched their new range of mounted drills at the recently held LAMMA event. Building on the company’s 20 years’ experience of this technology, the nine Claydon Evolution models take direct strip seeding to the next level. With working widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m and 6m, they incorporate 9, 13, 15 or 19 tines and most feature a 1910-litre hopper, with the 3m 3MF and 4m 4MRF having a 2700-litre tank split 50:50 between seed and fertiliser. Typical daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution which requires a tractor of at least 150hp to 40ha 138
for the 6m version which needs a minimum of 300hp. Claydon Evolution drills combine new levels of operational functionality with the tried and tested features which have made Claydon Opti-Till® the crop establishment system of choice for growers who want to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve soil health. All models feature as standard a hydraulic fan, Artemis metering control, tramlining facility, front tine/7” A-share configuration, together with a double rear toolbar and road lights. The Evolution line-up, which includes a 5m unit and 4m rigid grain/fertiliser model, incorporates a range of new features to improve operational functionality. Seed depth
adjustment is now controlled hydraulically, improved access to the metering unit allows easier calibration, while frontmounted discs which are operated hydraulically from the tractor seat can be specified for seeding into high residue situations. The 1910-litre hopper on seed-only Evolution models holds 160-litres
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more than current Claydon Hybrid mounted models, while Evolution 3MF and 4m 4MRF versions hold an additional 600 litres. This reduces downtime and increases output, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed further enhance versatility.
machinery Krone launches Vendro tedder series Krone has launched a new range of Vendro tedder with four to ten rotors that replaces the existing KW range and features nine models. A key feature of the Vendro tedders is its close attachment to the tractor, which shifts more weight to the front axle, and reduces transport length and lift requirement compared to its predecessors. In addition, it offers enormous manoeuvrability when in a work position, which is underlined by auto folding deflectors. Vendro tedders feature the Krone OptiTurn rotors with patented Krone OptiTurn tines that orbit closely to the rotor wheels. Tines on the redesigned rotors, orbit 20cm closer than on the KW for improved contouring. New and patented OptiTurn 3D design ensures grass is picked up cleanly while curved shafts result in a loss-free and uniform
spread of the material along the shafts, which have different lengths within the pair. A perfect throw with uniform and fluffy spreads reduces drying time and maximises the harvest windows. The modern styling also covers the rotor guards that give maximum protection and easy access to all service points. New brackets for the guards provide maximum stability and unobstructed view of the rotors. A new LED light package gives maximum safety during road travel. Operator comfort on all 10-rotor machines is improved due to a definable headland position, hydraulic damper struts and special stands for storage, which is set on the spool. This saves time when travelling to the next field and eliminates tedding twice on the headland. A definable headland feature is also an option on all other Vendro models.
Hydraulic damper struts are a standard feature on the Vendro 900, 1020 and 1120 models, but is also available as an option on all other Vendros. These provide perfect castering behind the tractor, especially in curves, and convenient, shock-free travel on public roads. The new Krone Vendro tedders have a special stand that takes the strain off the rotor wheels, ensuring good stability for fast and safe attachment and removal without shunting.
The patented stand at the rear moves to various positions as a counterbalance when the damper struts extend/retract during tractor attachment/removal. The Vendro range covers working widths of 4.7m to 11.2m and includes: two 4-rotor machines (Vendro 470 and Vendro 560), three 6-rotor tedders (Vendro 620, Vendro 680 and Vendro 790), two 8-rotor tedders (Vendro 820 and Vendro 900) and two 10-rotor tedders (Vendro 1020 and Vendro 1120).
The Air Compressor and Pressure Washer Specialists
Manufacturers and suppliers, W Bateman & Co has an enviable reputation for manufacturing and supplying both domestic and industrial pressure washers and air compressors. Nationwide DELIVERY on all orders
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01772 862948 email: sales@bateman-sellarc.co.uk www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk
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machinery New Holland unveils unique Straddle Tractor Concept for narrow vineyards New Holland Agriculture, part of CNH Industrial, offers a glimpse into the future with its innovative Straddle Tractor Concept, specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the narrow vineyards typical of the premium wine growing regions such as Champagne, Médoc and Burgundy. These operations produce high-quality, high-value wines from grapes grown in rows less than one and a half meter wide, often on steep slopes and on small vineyards. In these conditions, grapes are picked by hand and most of the vine maintenance work is done by means of a tractor travelling overhead the rows. To develop the Straddle Tractor Concept, New Holland has partnered with Pininfarina,
opening a new era for the narrowest vineyards. Pininfarina developed a futuristic design around a high-comfort, highsafety cab, and ready for the electric traction accordingly to the New Holland Clean Energy Leader strategy. The design of the front of the machine combines function with style. Inspired by the shape of a champagne flute – tall, wide at the top and tapering down at the bottom – it is a reference to the premium wine growers that are its main customer base. This shape, together with wraparound glass, provides the operator with exceptional visibility on the vines and all around. The overall exterior design stands out for the flowing and dynamic automotive-inspired lines. The exposed frame confers a
sporty look. The shape of the cab, angled in the direction of travel, adds to the vehicle’s dynamism. The interior, easily accessible thanks to the large single door and rotating seat, offers a supremely
comfortable environment. The use of wood contributes to the cab’s plush, luxurious feel, and links again to the customer’s business linking to the wood of wine barrels.
First View of New Bobcat Agricultural Telehandlers Bobcat’s has launched its new generation R-Series agricultural telehandler range. On the company’s stand at LAMMA (Hall 19 Stand 19.200), Bobcat showed their two new models for the first time in the UK - the top-of-the-range TL43.80HF Agri 4 Star model and the compact TL30.60 telehandler.
The company also showed other models from the Bobcat loader or mini-excavator range and these will be confirmed shortly. Commenting on the first appearance of the R-Series at a UK show, John Christofides, Regional Sales Director for Bobcat EMEA s.r.o,, said: “As the UK’s leading farm machinery
show, LAMMA is the perfect platform to give farmers their first close look at our groundbreaking R-Series agricultural telehandlers. The new R-Series range offers superior machines that combine all-day comfort, maximum productivity and reliability, intelligent features, a robust build with intuitive operation and excellent 360º ergonomics.” On standard 24 inch tyres, the TL43.80HF offers a maximum lift capacity of 4.3 tonne, a
maximum lift height of 7.5m and a maximum forward reach of 4.0m. The TL30.60 has a maximum lift capacity of 3.0 tonne, a maximum lift height of 5.9m and a maximum forward reach of 3.0m. The new R-Series telehandlers are part of Bobcat’s revolutionary ‘Next is Now’ programme, combining innovative product development and diversification with more intelligent, more connected technologies and services that reshape how work gets done on the farm.
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finance Farmplan: business Make a virtue of cloud adds partial neccessity – making vat functionality tax digital 2022 Advice for vat registered businesses under the £85k threshold
Farmplan, the UK’s leading agricultural software specialists, has announced that users of its Business Cloud accounting software can now access partially exempt VAT functionality – ideal for farms with diversified income streams. “Many of our customers have farm and rent income within the same business,” says Sally Ashwell, Development Support Manager at Farmplan. “This upgrade will make calculating your VAT claim far more straightforward for the increasing number of farms with a diversified income.” Farming businesses can normally claim all VAT on their expenses as their income is zero or standard rated. However, for those businesses with rented properties, residential let income is exempt from VAT. This creates some difficulty when determining claims, as some expenses are shared between the farm and the property, including accountant fees, solicitor fees, and even subscriptions to Farmplan. For most businesses in other sectors, this is a non-existent problem. The issue only affects those people whose income streams overlap – as is the case with many diversified farms. Those farms thus must compare the ratio of farm income against property income and then 142
calculate a proportion of VAT on any shared expenses; this is called a partial exemption claim. Calculating this pro rata figure can be complicated and timeconsuming. As a solution, Business Cloud now has Zero and Exempt as two separate VAT codes within the software, allowing users to easily see the difference. Business Cloud is also adding two additional VAT codes: • P for the VAT of the shared expenses, usable when working out how much you are allowed to claim (partially recoverable) • P1 for irrecoverable input VAT (e.g., property expenses) This will give users all the information they need to do partial VAT exemption calculations. Once this is worked out, they can finalise their VAT balance by using the existing Business Cloud functionality of VAT adjustments to. “Every update we make to Business Cloud is all about making your life easier and your work more efficient,” adds Sally. “Being able to manage your VAT exemptions this way will save time and grant peace of mind. Business Cloud is built with real farmer experiences in mind – we know the unique challenges faced within UK agriculture and will always find ways to support our users in overcoming them.”
As part of Making Tax Digital (MTD) Phase 2, from April 2022 all VAT registered businesses under the £85,000 VAT turnover threshold, will need to submit VAT returns digitally. For those businesses who need to make the change from manual to digital submissions before the MTD Phase 2 deadline, there are three options available: Use bridging software This can be linked to accounts records kept in spreadsheets but requires effort to configure. It may also only be a short term solution, given the forecasted complexities of MTD Phase 3 which will require income tax submissions to be made via compliant software. Pay your accountant to do your VAT returns While handing over all bookkeeping to the accountant might seem the easiest option, the ongoing cost of your accountant’s time will be a considerable investment. Would you get better return from investing in their valuable tax advice instead?
Use digital accounts software (recommended) Using futureproof accounts software is the best option for those who like to have a day to day knowledge of their accounts and who want to get to retain control over their management accounts. Farmdata – a division of Landmark Systems provides a specialist farm accounts software range, including KEYPrime Intro which is available from just £29 per month. It includes tools such as bank statement imports, reporting on enterprises and reports to monitor business performance per tonne or litre of milk. This management information is invaluable for critical decision making. Farmdata will be at Agriscot in the Highland Hall where colleagues George Paterson, Allistair Gray & John Macrae will be happy to offer advice and demonstrations. For more information or to prebook an appointment with them, please call 01798 877100.
FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Next issue out March 2022 Subscription page 141
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finance Scotland’s Machinery Rings give members some price protection The Scottish Machinery Rings Association (SMRA) has once again supported thousands of farmers and rural businesses through a successful harvest season, despite energy and labour hardships. The nine-strong rings that make up SMRA collectively represent over 7250 member businesses, spans the length and breadth of Scotland, delivering extensive services to their members, ranging from machinery and commodity provision, to training and skills development. With energy prices being of heightened concern, Michael Bayne, Manager at the Borders Machinery Ring acknowledges
that “farm input inflation is a real worry going forward, with enterprise margins certainly being affected. “However, using the combined buying power of our co-operative, we were able to fix a price for Gas Oil over 9 months from March to November at 54.1ppl. We have reminded members who still have fuel volume to draw down to make sure this is done before 30 November because the current spot price is now significantly higher at over 70ppl. “Market volatility looks set to remain, but the fuel fixed pricing that we offer to members can help them plan ahead, budget and reduce risk.”
To find out more about the Scottish Machinery Rings and how they could benefit you, head to the website below. https://scottishmachineryrings.co.uk/
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Mutton Shanks with buttery chive mash By Wendy Barrie
Ingredients: 2 lamb or mutton shanks from your local butcher or farm shop 1 onion, peeled & chopped A small sprig of rosemary – not too much or it’s overpowering East Neuk Sea Salt Milled black pepper
Photograph © Wendy Barrie
When you have beautiful pedigree lamb or mutton shanks there is no need for added stock of any kind as the flavours speak for themselves!
A pinch of oregano 50g butter Summer Harvest Rapeseed Oil 10g cornflour
Method: • Drizzle a little rapeseed oil in a hot pan and brown shanks (1 shank per person) on all sides. Add the onion to caramelise during the process and season. • Place the browned shanks in an ovenware dish and deglaze the pan with water from the kettle. Pour the resulting juices over the shanks, top up as necessary to half-fill the dish, add a knob of butter and cover with lid or foil. • Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for at least 2 hours until the meat is tender and starts to fall away from the bone. • Remove shanks from dish and set aside to rest in a warm place, wrapped loosely in foil. • Strain off the juices into a pan (discarding the onion and rosemary) and add cornflour slaked in a little water. Bring to boil and check seasoning. Serve shanks on warmed plates of mashed potato with added butter and chopped chives. Root vegetables such as parsnips or carrots can also be added whilst the shanks are cooking. Scottish Thistle Award Regional Ambassador (2018/19) for Central, Tayside & Fife, Wendy Barrie www.wendybarrie.co.uk is a highly respected campaigner for local sustainable food, popular cookery show presenter and food writer. Founder & Director of award-winning www.scottishfoodguide.scot & www.scottishcheesetrail.com Wendy is Leader in Scotland for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Member of Slow Food Cooks Alliance. 144
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events Harrison & Hetherington has announced that the annual Borderway UK Dairy Expo will return to Carlisle in 2022 The UK’s leading livestock auctioneers, Harrison & Hetherington, has announced that Borderway UK Dairy Expo will return on 12th March 2022. Held annually at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, Dairy Expo has become a key industry event for dairy farmers across the UK and Europe; regularly seeing in the region of 7,000 visitors, it is now one of the greatest events of its kind. Like many large-scale events, Dairy Expo was unfortunately cancelled earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was, however, fortunate to be able to run in March 2020 and was in fact, for many, the final fling before the UK was plunged into lockdown for the first time. Organisers Harrison & Hetherington is looking to the future with a welcome return for the 10th Borderway UK Dairy Expo in March 2022. Glyn Lucas, Dairy Auctioneer
for Harrison & Hetherington, said: “The team behind the Expo were devastated when we had to cancel the 2021 event due to lockdown. However, we are all very much looking forward to its return for the 10th time in 2022, which is real testament to its success and placement? within the dairy industry.” UK Dairy Expo now prides itself as one of the key calendar dates in the dairy industry. It acts as a shop window for breeders and producers and brings together some of the UK’s finest dairy stock. Alongside this, it is also a trade event where businesses within the industry can showcase the latest research, developments and innovative technology that farmers can utilise to improve efficiency and productivity as we navigate the uncertain times ahead. Glyn Lucas adds: “The agricultural sector is facing
vast changes and it is the responsibility of all those within to embrace those and find a way forward. Dairy Expo is an ideal networking event where people can make the most of having access to recent industry trends and developments.” In addition to the livestock classes, the Borderway UK Dairy Expo programme will also
include Breed Society shows, the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement award, a next generation school programme plus various demonstrations, details of which will be finalised closer to the event. For more information on Borderway UK Dairy Expo, please visit: www. borderwaydairyexpo.uk
Diversified award finalists take new approach to farming A farm which lets visitors take alpacas for a walk and another which uses a converted grain silo as part of a stunning wedding venue are among the finalists in a new diversification award. In partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, and supported by SAC Consulting (part of Scotland’s Rural College), the Inaugural AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of Scottish farming and crofting businesses which have diversified and added value to their primary agricultural activities. After receiving high-quality entries from all over the country, the three finalists are from Angus,
Orkney and West Lothian, with the winner to be announced at AgriScot in February.
built facility in a converted farm workshop. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength.
The finalists are: Bain Farm, Orkney Bain is a dairy farm run by Lara Hourie and her family on Orkney. The business, which operates under the brand The Orkney Dairy, has added value to their milk by producing natural yoghurt, flavoured yoghurts, milk, and flavoured milkshakes.
Cairns Farm, West Lothian Caroline and Graham Hamilton are fourth-generation hill sheep farmers. With a family succession on the horizon and a desire to create a viable business future for the next generation, they made a significant investment in a wedding venue and self-catering offer at Cairns Farm. Incorporating original farming features – including a converted grain silo as a grand entrance – into the design of their venue, they have created something unique and of its place which connects their guests
Through the support of LEADER funding and Orkney Islands Council in 2017, Lara and her family installed a purpose-
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to their land and farming heritage. Newton Farm Louise and Graeme Nicoll run a mixed tenanted family farm of 550 acres in Angus. Out of a series of challenges in 2016 was born the farm tour concept of bringing visitors on to their farm. There is a range of tour activities available, including the chance to walk alpacas and even feed a Highland Cow. They also have a key focus on engaging visitors with whatever is happening that day on the farm. The winner will be announced at AgriScot on 9 February 2022. To find out more about diversification, visit www.sruc. ac.uk/diversification 145
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Carol McLaren The RSABI is delighted to announce that Carol McLaren has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of RSABI. She will take over the reins from Nina Clancy in January 2022. Carol has a strong history of working in the education, agricultural and food and drink industries, and joins RSABI from Glenalmond College in Perthshire where she has been working as Director of Communications and Marketing. Carol grew up on a family farm in Perthshire and is wellknown in the farming community, with previous roles including Director of Communications and Marketing at Quality Meat Scotland, where she worked for over ten years. Carol’s career also included being Scottish correspondent for Farmers Weekly and working in corporate and public relations for whisky companies, The Edrington Group and Diageo. Rhianna Montgomery Rhianna Montgomery has joined NFU Scotland, taking on the role of Rural Business Policy Advisor. Her role will be to lead on a broad policy portfolio covering a variety of rural business issues affecting Union members, including rural crime, connectivity, crofting, transport, utilities, and employment. She will be responsible for service to the NFUS Legal and Technical Committee and will play an important part in the achievement of NFU Scotland’s strategic priorities. Rhianna graduated from SRUC Aberdeen this year after completing a BA (Hons) degree in Rural Business Management. Prior to joining NFU Scotland she was working in the grain trade and has also worked extensively for a farm diversification project Simon Lee and Charlie Rich In line with ongoing business growth objectives, internationally renowned vegetable handling equipment manufacturer Tong Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Lee and Charlie Rich as joint Sales Directors. Simon started his career at the company as an assembly engineer, when Tong acquired Peal Engineering in 2005. Simon quickly progressed through the business to become Tong’s Service Manager and a member of production management before joining the sales team in 2009. Since becoming Sales Manager, Simon has worked on numerous handling projects with vegetable growers and packers of all sizes both in the UK and abroad. Charlie has also spent much of his career with Tong Engineering, joining the company in 2001 after completing an engineering apprenticeship. During his time with Tong, Charlie has gained extensive knowledge of Tong equipment, with roles as a factory-based engineer as well as time on the road as a service and installations engineer. Charlie joined the sales team in 2009 as Export Sales Manager, during which time he played a key role in expanding Tong’s export business in many new countries, whilst also working closely with some of the UK’s largest vegetable producers on advanced handling projects, from the farm to pack.
THE BOOK SHELF Land of the Ilich: Journeys into Islay’s Past by Steven Mithen
Do you know who or what an ileach is? Perhaps only Gaelic speakers and whisky enthusiasts with a linguistic turn of mind know that it is the word for a native of the island of Islay. It’s also the name of the Hebridean island’s proudly independent newspaper. More than one ileach becomes a group of ilich, so Islay is an island of ilich, and therefore the subject of this magnificently detailed and imaginatively transporting book about its past and its people. Steve Mithen is an archaeologist who has worked on Islay’s abundance of sites for more than 30 years. His knowledge of the island’s landscape and its secrets is unparalleled in its detail. Given that Islay is a landmass that just runs 25 miles from north to south and 15 from east to west, this knowledge is dense and intense. But this book also shows how a hyperlocal history can also be a history of humanity. Mithen has also written a number of bestselling books about the history of humanity, the evolution of the human mind and culture, with big titles such as A Prehistory of the Human Mind and After the Ice: A Global Human History. This book is, then, somewhat of a departure. Indeed Mithen asks his readers to saddle up and join him on 15 journeys across Islay on foot or bicycle, each journey exploring a different historical age of the island’s development.
Or you could say, each journey explores a different stage of human development through the traces of history left on the island. Mithen is clear that there is much to be gleaned in the archaeology of remote places. For much of human history we moved around and traded primarily by sea, which means that Islay was ideally placed at a crossroads not only between Scotland and Ireland, but also between the west coasts of France and Spain and the coast of Norway. Islands were not peripheral until the air and rail revolutions and so to understand the evolution of society you should look to the fringes. It’s truly astonishing how much history you can cram into a place and a book. The structure of these journeys make for easy reading, and Mithen’s style is conversational. With him you visit the tombs of Neolithic farmers, forts of Iron Age chiefs and the castles of medieval warlords. Islay has places where Bronze Age gold was found, treacherous plots were made against the crown, and more recently it was mined for lead, cultivated for flax and, of course, became world renowned for its whisky. This is far from an insular story and Mithen is the perfect guide. Land of the Ilich: Journeys into Islay’s Past by Steven Mithen is published by Birlinn (£40, hardback) www.birlinn.co.uk
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