Farming Scotland Magazine (July-August 2017) by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd

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magazine

Combine Harvesters Telehandlers 0ERTH 3HOW 4URRIFF 3HOW Blair Horse Trials 2EADERS #OMPETITION With Fife Country /UR &ARM 3HOP Tomich Farm Shop The Interview With Eddie Gillanders World Farming Agritourism 4OPIC Skye Crofter draws visitors from Japan

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august 2017

Scotland’s national farming & rural lifestyle magazine

In Focus ScanStone success “Island on the Edge” Part 4 of our serialisation Artworks Featuring photographer Michael Prince Beatha an Eilean Life on the Islands Country Woman Featuring Emma Perrott Whisky Special Limited Edition offer Plus $ROVERS 4ALES s !RT s )NVESTING IN 0EOPLE -ACHINERY s ,IFESTYLE s #ARS including all of our regular news sections and columns

contents

august 2017

MAIN FEATURES

BOOK SERIAL

NEWS

Perth Show

Arable

Combine Harvesters

Potatoes

Telehandlers

COMPETITION

12 24

EU News

Turriff Show

Organics

Blair Horse Trials

Renewable Energy

Investing in People

Beef

Livestock

Dairy

Sheep

Pigs

FLAVOUR of SCOTLAND 16

Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef Awards

Tomich Farm Shop

With Linda Mellor

ARTWORKS

With Eddie Gillanders

WORLD FARMING 30

Diary of Ken Headspeath

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE 71

INTERVIEW 23

Great prize to be won. In partnership with Fife Country

DROVERS TALES

OUR FARM SHOP 19

“Living on the edge”

Featuring photographer Michael Prince

WHISKY

Agritourism

Science & Technology

Gadgets

Estate

Forestry

Horses

Machinery

Finance

103 @Home

TOPIC 33

BEATHA AN EILEAN COLUMNS

IN FOCUS 35

Life on the islands

COUNTRY WOMAN

More success from ScanStone

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

100

Let’s Cook

Farmers Markets

R.S.A.B.I

Quality Meat Scotland

The Vet

NFU Scotland

NSA of Scotland

Young Shepherd

Conservation Matters

Scottish Land & Estates

Equine Angle

The Money Man

101 Southern Belle 102 Rural Style 106 People on the Move 106 Book Review

SUBSCRIPTION 56

Order your own copy now

102 Lifestyle

Skye Crofter’s visitors from Japan

Our own Limited Edition

104 Cars

Editor’s bit

In my view

Farming for the Climate

100 Featuring Emma Perrott

Crofting

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com

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

NEXT ISSUE Will be out on 1st September. Featuring Ploughs, Grain Dryers, Precision Farming, Winter Cultivation Equipment, Potato Equipment, Muck Spreaders and Animal Health. If interested in advertising or supplying articles, please call us on 01738 639747.

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

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

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

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arable editor's bit Always something new to bring you I am always looking for new ideas for the magazine, new articles, new subjects to cover etc – this is all part of making Farming Scotland Magazine the very best ‘read’ possible. So, I am very pleased to confirm that Janice Hopper will be joining our team of contributors from our next edition onwards. Janice has great experience working with and producing for the BBC and STV, as well as writing articles for a wide range of national and international magazines. Janice will be writing a series of articles on Exotic Farming in Scotland, and how we must also protect and support Rare Breeds in Scotland, and one or two other stories from around our nation. So we may yet see an Ostrich on our front cover, you never know! Also, in this particular edition, we have launched our ‘Tried & Tested” Review & Readers Competition in partnership with Fife Country. I get to try things out, and you get a chance to win them! So why not have a go? Finally I would like to wish everyone a very successful summer, and I hope that all of your agricultural shows go well – fingers crossed! Slàinte, Athole.

Caustic soda shortage drives interest in alkalisation A scarcity of caustic soda, and what is available nearly doubling in price, is making alkalisation of home-grown cereals this harvest a ‘no brainer’ for ruminant livestock farmers. “Many dairy and beef producers already prefer alkalisation to soda treatment of grain because the added value alkalisation process also harnesses ammonia release technology to boost ration protein, rather than simply making grain less acidic and easier to store. But even traditional mixed farms wedded to caustic soda treatment are now thinking twice after being asked to swallow a 75% to 100% price increase in this chemical commodity since January in some areas of the country,” says Rob Smith, UK general manager with FiveF Alka Limited. Mr Smith says that farmers would be better advised to make Alkagrain, either at harvest or as required throughout the year. Alkagrain production involves crimping a dry, mature cereal crop to produce a stable, high energy/high protein feed that can costeffectively replace bought-in concentrates. “We have not increased the price of our Home n’ Dry high protein pellets this season, which are added to the grain to produce Alkagrain. Addition of the pellets to the harvested grain aggressively releases ammonia into the material, giving long-term stability and raising the pH to the alkaline range. What’s more, the protein level rises – which is the big bonus – in addition to retaining the traditional benefits mirrored by soda treatment, such as improved fibre digestibility, storage stability and the production of a feed material that is unattractive to vermin,” he says. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

In my view

arable Survey confirms high levels of TuYV infection in oilseed rape crops across the UK

By John Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Fife

And so Brexit begins!

Oilseed rape yields could be impacted this season as levels of TuYV infection are confirmed to be as high as 100% in some sites, and generally indicate high levels of infection across most of the country, according to plant breeders Limagrain UK. Turnips yellows virus (TuYV) is spread by the peach potato aphid (Myzus persicae), and can impact yields by as much as 30% in highly infected situations, oil content by 3% whilst increasing levels of glucosinolates and erucic acid. The results come from an annual survey carried out by Limagrain, in collaboration with Agrii. Random leaf samples were taken from oilseed rape varieties in all of Agrii’s trials across the

UK and tested in Limagrain’s laboratories at Rothwell, Lincs. “We know that levels of TuYV incidence are associated with the distribution of aphids in the autumn before. Levels of aphids in the autumn of 2016 were at levels comparable to 2014, which was a high infection year, and this year again the link between high numbers of aphids in the autumn and corresponding levels of infections is clear, “says Dr Vasilis Gegas, senior oilseed rape breeder with Limagrain. “Most surprising of all was that 75% of leaf samples taken from the Balbeggie site in Perth were infected, and this is the first time that we have seen such high levels of infection in Scotland.”

New slug control guide launched by MSG The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group has launched a practical guide on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and slug control at Cereals 2017.

Simon McMunn, spokesman for the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG) explained that the group has developed this resource

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Well the election is over – but are we any further forward with the agricultural implications of Brexit? Interestingly, - during the run up to the election I spoke to several of my previous colleagues in Brussels and asked them if the outcome of Brexit would be affected by a larger or smaller majority of our present Government? The answer was unanimous and very clear – a distinct ‘no’! Their argument was that the UK had decided to leave the EU and it didn’t really matter how much of a majority the UK Government had it would still face a tough negotiation. We shall see! I see however that we are to have a new Minister of the Environment and Agriculture in the form of Michael Gove. The previous incumbent Andrea Leadsom has been moved to Leader of the House of Commons. Whether that is promotion or demotion I do not know but I certainly welcome a change of DEFRA Minister. One of the really important messages – particularly for us in Scotland from various farming bodies in the run up to the election was the importance of the

contribution which the Hill Farming industry makes to the whole of the Agricultural sector in terms of the maintenance of the social fabric and the environment as well as the value of the agricultural product itself. I have asked the question before – have we ever assessed the financial value of this critical additional role which the Hill farming sector undertakes and do we get sufficient credit for it? Surely it would be a constructive challenge for the College or one of our Universities to carry out this exercise. I believe that before we start the complex Brexit negotiations we must be in a position to acknowledge the complete role of our Hill farming sector and make sure that when new agricultural policies are being negotiated that the full role and the importance of the sector is clearly known and understood. Obviously Scottish agricultural organisations and therefore Scottish Government must play a critical role in this part of the negotiations. We expect nothing less! * Column written in June, so things may have changed!

arable New soft wheat is strong contender for Scotland and Northern England

in support of the enhanced stewardship and the requirement for heightened protection to the environment. “One of the four key stewardship steps for this year’s campaign focuses on the role of IPM and growers must only use metaldehdye slug pellets as part of a wider slug control programme,” he said.

“What this means is that cultural control techniques, such as ploughing to bury surface trash, and rolling after drilling to create a firm fine seedbed, should be implemented to help reduce slug activity and reduce the requirement for chemical treatment.” More information on the enhanced MSG stewardship can be found at www.getpelletwise.co.uk

High yields coupled with distilling potential and early maturity are set to make new

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soft Group 4 winter feed wheat variety, Savello, being launched for this autumn, a strong

arable contender across Northern England and Scotland, says its breeder Syngenta. Speaking at the variety’s launch at this year’s Cereals Event, Samantha Brooke, seed manager for Syngenta, said: “Savello has already progressed through initial distilling tests,

and we hope for full approval for distilling after this harvest. “Scotland and Northern England are key areas for wheat distilling for use in blended whisky or bioethanol production. The big appeal of Savello is its high yield in this part of the country.

“Savello has the highest treated yield figure of the soft Group 4 winter wheats in the North on the AHDB Recommended List. “Added to that it offers the prospect of a prompt harvest, which is also so important in Scotland and Northern England.

It has a ripening score of zero days compared with the control variety on the AHDB Recommended List.” In Scotland, Mrs Brooke says interest in winter wheat has increased with growth in whisky and as a crop for diversifying rotations with the three-crop rule.

Stop Chocolate spots for clean beans Chocolate spot can now be found at low levels in most field bean crops, and the current pattern of unsettled weather could see an aggressive increase in disease levels, warns Syngenta Vegetable Crop Field Technical Manager, Simon Jackson. Humid weather is especially favourable to Chocolate spot development and, as the crop canopy density increases and spray coverage of the lower canopy becomes increasingly difficult, growers should be looking to prevent infections developing now. “Last year, disease pressure was very high through June - with temperatures in the mid-teens, high humidity and showery weather. Not unlike our current weather pattern,” highlighted Simon.

“Windy weather and repeated showers has also limited spray days and could stretch fungicide intervals again.” He pointed out that currently crops are very variable in growth stage, with some crops only just receiving an initial fungicide at early flowering, whereas other crops have full flower and will be approaching their second application timing shortly. Chocolate spot represents the highest risk, especially when temperatures are 15-20°C with relative humidity above 85%. In optimum conditions Simon reported the disease can develop rapidly, with infection occurring in less than 12 hours, and new infection appearing in less than 2 days. Leaf loss can reportedly reduce yields by up to 25%.

TRUE food security explored from a legumebased perspective Legumes are a very special type of crop; they are not only a source of highly nutritious food and feed but legumes require no inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, which means they have major advantages as a more sustainable crop. Despite their benefits, legume-based farming systems have not become common practice as they are seen as being less profitable. This may soon change however, owing to a new research initiative led by scientists at the James Hutton Institute, working with colleagues from European organisations. The “TRansition paths to sUstainable legumebased systems in Europe” (TRUE)

research project aims to identify how society may transition to sustainable legume-based farming systems and agricultural feed and food networks. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the 5m TRUE project involves 24 partners comprising research, industry, education and social organisations with interests in legumes that span the supply chain. Over a four-year period, this transdisciplinary team will bring together and resolve knowledge of legume production, processing, economics, nutrition and environmental impacts to www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

arable

see how best legume supported systems become the norm. Dr Pietro Iannetta, an agroecologist from the James Hutton Institute’s Ecological Sciences group and coordinator of TRUE, said the potential of legume-supported food production is immense. “Under current

consumption patterns Europe imports 70% of its protein. There is also an increasing demand for plant protein which can help tackle poor diets and health problems. “TRUE aims to pinpoint the role of legumes in harmonising the often-conflicting needs of the ‘environment’, ‘society’ and

‘business’, the so-called ‘three pillars of sustainability’. The challenge here is to synthesise data from the full range of actors, identify the barriers and means by which we may make the most of the opportunities to deliver multiple benefits across all three pillars.”

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Dr Iannetta added that there is growing preference for healthy, sustainably-grown food, both by consumers and shops. The project website is www. true-project.eu, and project updates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter under @ truelegumes.

arable Malt distilling and brewing approval for Laureate spring barley is major breakthrough, says breeder

Promotion of spring malting barley variety Laureate to Full approval for both malt distilling and brewing uses on the Institute of Brewing and Distilling approved list of varieties for harvest 2018 has been welcomed as a major breakthrough for growers, by its breeder Syngenta. The promotion sees Laureate become the highest-yielding spring barley on the current AHDB Recommended List to have Full approval in both markets, says Syngenta seeds and seedcare campaign manager, Mark Bullen. Consequently, news of its IBD approval has been eagerly awaited, he adds. “Recent years have seen a yield gap between varieties for brewing and varieties for distilling,” says Mr Bullen. “The industry has definitely moved back to wanting single varieties suited to both markets, and Laureate puts growing for distilling back on a more equal yield footing with growing for

brewing. It is a real breakthrough for growers,” he adds. In testing, Mr Bullen says Laureate has produced excellent quality in both markets – with a high hot water extract for brewing and a high spirit yield for distilling. It has also attracted end user interest among both distillers and brewers, he notes. “Encouragingly, Laureate also made progress in the brewing sectors in France and Germany earlier this year. It is also generating interest in the US, Canada and Japan. In future, we would like to see it giving UK growers an export opportunity as well. “As well as high treated yields, Laureate also has the top untreated yield figure of spring barleys on the AHDB Recommended List. “We have also seen reduced skinning levels with the variety. Overall it offers high yields and multiple markets. The latest IBD approvals should give growers added confidence in Laureate,” Mr Bullen adds.

The hidden value of soil organic matter Rebecca Audsley, SAC Consulting

Soil organic matter is key to a healthy soil – it provides a nutrient source, aids soil water holding capacity, helps to improve soil structure and reduces erosion risk. However, once you lose it, soil organic matter can take many years to replace. Soil organic matter, a mix of decomposing roots, crop residues and manures, helps to avoid problems such as compaction and increased run-off, which can result in a loss of both soil and valuable nutrients off the farm. Soils with poor structure are more difficult to work and often need more power and effort to resolve the problem, costing you both fuel and time. These issues can present a financial loss to the business, reduce efficiency and increase the farm carbon footprint. So how can we keep hold of and improve levels of soil organic matter? First step would be to know what you have – this can be easily included in a routine soil test. Organic matter content in Scottish soils ranges depending on soil texture and climate, so it’s worth a look at the Scottish Soils website which contains information to help understand your soil (http://soils.environment.gov. scot/). To boost organic matter in your soil, there are a number of options to consider: o Reduced tillage systems

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o If feasible, chop and spread straw rather than baling and removing o Include species-diverse leys into the arable rotation o Grow cover crops and green manures which can be cut and mulched as well as grown for forage o Consider winter cover crops. Cover crops also have the benefit of capturing nutrients at a time of year when ground might be bare and nutrients would otherwise be lost from the farm. o Consider compost – either buying in or making your own (from woodchip, straw, farmyard manure, hen pen) Although not a quick job, improving and maintaining soil organic matter levels will be beneficial for your farm in the long run, both in terms of crop yields, improving efficiency and benefitting soil health. For more information on improving farm efficiency and reducing the farm carbon footprint, see www.farmingforabetterclimate.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter @SACfarm4climate. Farming for a Better Climate is funded by the Scottish Government as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service. 11

potatoes Tong launches new Fieldloader options for loads easier transport Tong Engineering is pleased to announce new design options on its popular Fieldloader, including unique automatic transport-mode features, allowing users to make the machine even more compact for road transport. Designed to provide effective in-field cleaning and bulker loading in one mobile machine, the Tong Fieldloader is a mobile system which allows crop cleaning and inspection to take place straight from the harvester with direct loading into bulker lorries for immediate distribution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Fieldloader is increasingly popular with growers as it means soil is removed in the field and kept off the public roads, plus transport of crop is significantly

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potatoes reduced as there is a no need to transport crop to a central yard or location” explains Charlie Rich, Export Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “It significantly reduces crop handling times, allowing growers to meet tight deadlines and deliver crop in optimum condition straight from the field.” One of the key benefits of the Fieldloader is the fact that it incorporates a heavy duty infeed hopper, crop cleaner, inspection area and integrated extending elevator all in one mobile unit. And the new options on Tong’s Fieldloader are set to offer even better transportability and manoeuvrability between fields and the farm. “Whilst some growers choose to operate the Fieldloader in the yard, many customers move the machine between fields,” says Charlie. “With this in mind we have designed a new model of the machine which incorporates a transport-mode option featuring a powered elevator section that automatically retracts back under the cleaning and inspecting sections of the machine, making the unit as short as possible when towing on the road. Foldable conveyors are also a feature on the transport-mode design to make the Fieldloader as narrow as possible too. The standard Fieldloader stands at around 22 metres long when in full operation, but reduces to just under 15 metres long when in transport-mode, reducing the length of the machine by over 7 metres. The new and automatic

transport-mode design can also include further transport options including full suspension, brakes, machine lighting and steering where required.” “The new options on the Fieldloader not only make the machine even easier to transport, but all the latest Fieldloader models are powered by our Blue Inverter Technology with all electric direct drive, meaning that the machine runs very efficiently, with minimal energy consumption; something which is a key consideration when using the machine in the field,” adds Charlie. “The Fieldloader is available with a choice of crop cleaning systems including Tong’s market-leading EasyClean separator or Tong’s adjustable coil cleaning unit for lighter soil conditions, and the latest models also feature wireless remote control of the extending elevator giving the operator complete control over bulker filling without moving the Fieldloader. Our marketleading Pro-Series HMI Control system featuring sophisticated diagnostics capabilities can also be specified for added control and advanced machine monitoring and reporting.” Farming over 10,000 acres of root crop, barley and rye, one of the UK’s largest single farming units, Elveden Farms, based in Thetford on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border, is currently operating a custom-built Fieldoader from Tong which was designed to clean and load the farm’s carrot and onion crop

straight from the field. In order to keep up with demand and to achieve higher throughputs, the company has ordered a second Fieldloader, complete with the latest transport-mode options, for use on its potato, carrot and onion crop. Farm Manager at Elveden Farms, Andrew Francis says, “Our original Fieldloader

from Tong has streamlined our post-harvest crop handling times and has allowed us to achieve a very quick turnaround from field to bulker lorries. Our second Fieldloader is now in production and we look forward to increasing our capacity even further with the availability of a second machine.”

High hopes for British seed potatoes in Kenya

Official potato trial seed sent to Kenya has passed initial lab tests and is now growing well in three locations. AHDB and SASA have been working together to open the Kenyan market to GB seed

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with a bilateral agreement signed by the Scottish and Kenyan governments late last year. Since then, there has been a significant amount of work behind the scenes to transport, test and plant seed on Kenyan farms.

potatoes AHDB’s Head of Crops Export Market Development, Rob Burns, explains: “Before commercial growers can access the market trial seed needs to be tested and grown over two seasons in at least three geographical locations in Kenya. Fortunately in Kenya there are two growing seasons annually so we hope to reach the end of this process, and open up the market fully, by early 2018. “Potatoes are the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize with about 2-3 million tonnes of potatoes grown annually. The real opportunity in Kenya is in the burgeoning middle class; there is a growing market for premium potato-based products such as crisps and chips, and for these they need the high quality seed for which we are renowned.” A total of ten varieties have been sent for trialing, four free varieties - Hermes, Atlantic, Cara and Russet Burbank – and six commercial varieties provided by the James Hutton Institute. The varieties selected are processing varieties which are expected to thrive in hot, dry conditions. Most farmers in Kenya (95%) use poor quality home saved seed and grow as little as ten tonnes of potatoes per hectare. The seed is blamed for endemic spread of diseases, especially late blight, bacterial wilt and viruses. The GB seed currently being trialed should not only be healthier but should produce 40-50 tonnes of potatoes per hectare. SASA’s Export Liaison Officer, Jackie Gibson, says so

far the GB seed planted in Kenya is doing very well. She says: “We sent over 1200 tubers per variety, 400 of which underwent laboratory testing for soft rots; they passed with flying colours. The Syngenta Foundation have been a great partner, helping us identify farms to work with, and 400 tubers per variety were planted on three farms in late April/early May. The final 400 are in cold storage and will be planted out in the second season in October. “The good news is that the crops are looking really well, we have full emergence on two sites. The third is a little behind due to very dry weather, however drip irrigation has now been installed and we are confident it will soon catch up.” The crops will be inspected by Kenya government officials from Kephis as the season progresses with a final inspection after harvest. Once the results of that inspection are known the team will decide whether to drop any varieties for the autumn growing season. Any variety which makes it successfully through the two seasons will be added to Kenya’s national list and can then be imported from GB growers. Getting British varieties approved in Kenya could potentially also result in opening neighbouring markets in other African countries. Jackie explains: “Kenya is part of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (Comesa) which consists of 19

countries. Comesa rules state that if a variety is approved in two of those countries it can be marketed in all 19. As we already have varieties being exported to Egypt, getting approval in Kenya could open many doors.

Potato stocks keeping pace

Grower-held stock levels now tracking last year’s after December to January’s decrease in draw down rate Prices will depend on the progress of the current planting/ growing season but could be

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“Things are going really well so far, the government officials in Kenya have been great to work with and both sides are keen to see commercial seed approved for import. We’re confident this is the beginning of a strong export partnership.”

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under pressure if harvest is early GB grower-held potato stock levels at the end of March were at 1Mt, around the same volume as the end-March 2016 and 300Kt less than the end-March 2015 according to

potatoes an AHDB estimate. Despite the similarity in stock levels, any repeat of the high prices seen in 2016 will depend on a number of factors including availability of purchasers own stocks, quality of stored stocks and growing conditions for the current season. Amber Cottingham, Analyst at AHDB Potatoes said: “2015/16 saw some very high prices paid towards the end of the season, as it became apparent that planting would be late and harvest was likely to follow suit, which extended the 2015/16 storage season. Conditions for ambient storage were also reportedly very poor, due to the mild winter, which meant many stocks had to be sold off earlier than anticipated to prevent loss from quality issues.” Planting progress is well ahead of last year. Nonetheless, growing conditions and

ultimately the weather will determine whether harvest follows suit. Amber Cottingham said: “If the weather is beneficial to crop growth, then there is a possibility of a normal, or even an early harvest. When added to the prospect of an area increase this year, as we suggested in early May, prices for stocks currently in storage could be subdued later in the season.” AHDB’s potato stock estimates are based on survey data that covers growers’ stocks only and does not include stocks held by purchasers. The 2016/17 season has followed a slightly unusual profile, with a relative slowing in drawdown from growers stocks between the end of November and January caused by high ex-farm prices discouraging purchases. The rate of drawdown returned to typical levels from January to March of this year.

crofting Crofting legislation: what do crofters want? By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation Since the launch and faltering flight of the 2010 crofting act, there have been calls to mend crofting legislation from legal practitioners, the regulator, representative organisations and, perhaps to a lesser extent, crofters themselves. The Scottish Government has agreed to reform crofting legislation in this 5 year period of office and work has begun by a Crofting Bill Team to get the lay of the land. Options being discussed range from simple consolidation of the existing acts, through ‘tweaking’ the existing legislation to make it work properly, to this being the opportunity for a completely new ‘blank sheet’ approach to crofting legislation – some Big Ideas including decrofting owneroccupiers and even complete deregulation. Consolidation means creating a new, single act from the existing 1993, 2007, 2010 and 2013 acts. But nothing can be altered in the acts, so given that the Crofting Law Group’s ‘Sump’ identified 57 collated groups of problems in the law, it seems pointless to simply consolidate them. At the other extreme, a ‘blank sheet’ means exactly that – those hard-fought-for rights

that’s crofters enjoy would be null and void until replaced, a risk crofters would rather not take I wager. There have been many calls for simplification of the legislation, but is this possible? Crofting law has evolved over 131 years to cope with changing policy, getting more complicated as it has been amended. Current law is now bogged down with minutia that can only be changed by primary legislation, making it clumsy and inflexible. Taking the prescriptive detail out of primary legislation can make the act more of a framework, which is supported by clear guidance and regulation which can be changed easily when necessary. Perhaps rather than simplicity, what we want is clarity, consistency and certainty. Ultimately, the Government will have to decide where to put the effort. Do we put it into tidying up the complex legislation or into rethinking the system? The views I get from crofters are that there is no need for Big Ideas or fundamental changes. Just tidy the law up by making the amendments the ‘Sump’ identified and then consolidate the legislation into one understandable crofting act.

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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Talented Young Chefs Reach Finals of Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef Award Three talented young chefs have been announced as the finalists in a prestigious cooking competition run by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The young chefs selected by judges at a challenge held at The Cook School Scotland were Hayley Bruce of McBains Catering, Calum Moncrieff of Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh and Thomas MacNeill of Fife college. The overall winner will travel to Dubai to experience a once-ina-lifetime trip and opportunity to work with acclaimed Scottish chef Tristin Farmer and the other two finalists will enjoy work experience at award-winning The Sisters restaurants in Glasgow’s Jordanhill and Kelvingrove.

Chef Jak O’Donnell, chef patron of The Sisters Restaurant, judged the youngsters’ skills along with Vanessa Dayley of Braehead Cook School. The judges were also joined by acclaimed TV chef and top food writer, Paul Gayler MBE. The competition saw the students challenged to devise a main course dish featuring Aberdeen-Angus Scotch Beef PGI as the main ingredient. They were also tasked to create two Aberdeen-Angus Scotch Beef canapes which was served at the World Angus Forum Gala Dinner at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on 26th June. “The standard of cooking was exceptional,” said Jak O’Donnell. “A lot of thought had clearly gone into, not just

the main course, but also the canapés which was served to guests at the World Angus Forum Dinner. “What made the three finalists we selected stand out was the way they produced

excellent and very well-balanced dishes which were presented to a very high standard. All of their dishes delivered fully on taste and I wish them all the very best of luck in the competition and their future careers.”

R&B Distillers undertakes barley variety trial on Raasay Craft whisky makers, R&B Distillers, who are in the process

of building the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay, have the

long-term ambition of using alllocal ingredients – water, peat and barley – to create a spirit that is a true reflection of this uncommon terroir. The Isle of Raasay Distillery is uniquely situated on the small and fertile island of Raasay. As part of the distillery build project, R&B Distillers wanted to establish whether it would be possible to grow and ripen barley, suitable for whisky making, on the island. With a Celtic well on site providing access to the high mineral content water, as well as a plentiful supply of peat in the North of the island, R&B Distillers was curious to investigate if it would be possible to create a truly local whisky. In April 2017, R&B Distillers began to trial barley growing on the island with five different

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barleys: Bere, Concerto, Tartan, Iskria, Kannas. Once R&B has found a variety that ripens well and has a low enough moisture content for malting, the barley will be sent away to be malted using Raasay peat. The barley will then be returned to the distillery and used to create a lightly-peated Raasay Single Malt. This distillery build project has relied upon the island resources: the stone used to build the supporting wall at the rear of the distillery is from the site itself; wood from the site will be used for furnishings within the accommodation. The most invaluable resource has been the local community: the knowledge of island water, distilling history, building expertise, local infrastructure and hospitality.

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

The Perfect Pairing for Pork Pulled Brisket For the rub 2 tbsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp cumin seeds 1½ tbsp yellow mustard seeds 1 tbsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp dark brown sugar 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional Specially Selected Pork was teamed up with popular Scottish gin producer, Indian Summer Gin, to demonstrate to the recently held Taste of Grampian festival how pork and gin can be enjoyed together. As the main sponsors of the event, Specially Selected Pork was showcasing the fantastic qualities of the product, including its versatility, during two cooking demonstration sessions with Indian Summer Gin in the outdoor cooking marquee and BBQ tent. The Kilted Chef, Craig Wilson, cooked up some delicious pork dishes accompanied by Grant Strachan from Indian Summer

Gin who gave a talk to the crowd and through the gins which best complement the dishes and the reasons for this. Commenting on the partnership, Graeme Sharp, Marketing Executive from Quality Meat Scotland, which promotes Specially Selected Pork, said: “Pork and gin are a perfect pairing and we were delighted to bring together two great Scottish brands at the Taste of Grampian food festival. For more information about Specially Selected Pork, recipe ideas and inspiration visit www.speciallyselectedpork. com and don’t forget to follow “Enjoy Quality Pork” on Facebook or Twitter.

Order your FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Limited Edition Whisky See page 80

2kg/4lb 4oz whole piece of brisket beef 400ml/14fl oz beef stock Stage one – overnight For the rub, put the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and peppercorns in a frying pan and toast over a medium heat for a few minutes, taking care not to burn them. Once cool, add the spices to a pestle and mortar and crush to a powder. Add the sugar, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and mix together. Score the inside of the beef with a sharp knife and rub the spice mix all over the joint, inside and out. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge overnight. Stage two – slow cook The next day, preheat the oven to 160C/325F/Gas 3. Place the brisket in a roasting tray and pour the beef stock around the outside. Cover the whole tray with foil to prevent any moisture escaping. Place in the oven to cook slowly for 4-6 hours, occasionally checking that the liquid hasn’t evaporated. Add some water if it looks low. After 4-6 hours the beef should be soft and tender. Remove from the oven and leave to rest in foil for 10 minutes. Reserve any cooking juices. Meanwhile, remove the brisket from the rack and pull the meat apart using a fork. Add the shredded brisket to the simmering sauce along with any juices left in the roasting tray and reheat if needed. Serve the beef together with rolls and some coleslaw. Serves 8-10

Sarah Mellersh runs One Day, Two and Four Week Cookery Classes, just 10 minutes from Perth. To find out more :

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www.letscookscotland.co.uk Tel : 07932 642605

magazine Supporting

FARMERS MARKETS IN SCOTLAND !BERDEEN #OUNTRY &AIR www.aberdeencountryfair. co.uk !LFORD &ARMERS -ARKET www.spanglefish.com/ alfordfarmersmarket !RGYLL #OUNTRY -ARKETS katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk !YRSHIRE &ARMERS -ARKET www.ayrshirefarmersmarket. co.uk "ALERNO &ARMERS -ARKET www.balernovt.org.uk "LAIRGOWRIE #OMMUNITY -ARKET www.strathmoreglens.org #AIRNDOW AND ,OCH &YNE &ARMERS -ARKET katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk #AMPBELTOWN &ARMERS -ARKET katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk #LARKSTON &ARMERS -ARKET enquiry@ lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk #UPAR &ARMERS -ARKET www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk $UNDEE &ARMERS -ARKET lorna.mckenzie@dundeecity. gov.uk $UNFERMLINE &ARMERS -ARKET www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk %DINBURGH &ARMERS -ARKET www.edinburghfarmersmarket. com %DINBURGH 3TOCKBRIDGE &ARMERS -ARKET www.stockbridgemarket.com &ALKIRK &ARMERS -ARKET howard.wilkinson2@btinternet. com &ENCEBAY &ARMERS -ARKET fencebay@aol.co.uk &ORFAR &ARMERS -ARKET www.angusfarmersmarket. co.uk 'LASGOW &ARMERS -ARKET -ANSFIELD 0ARK www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk 'LASGOW &ARMERS -ARKET 1UEEN S 0ARK www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk

'REENOCK &ARMERS -ARKET matthewmcs2000@aol.com (ADDINGTON &ARMERS -ARKET pjdesign@dunbar.org.uk (AMILTON &ARMERS -ARKET www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk (AWICK &ARMERS -ARKET eg.sangster@btinternet.com

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Berwick Food & Beer Festival toast local producers with Simpsons Malt support

)NVERURIE &ARMERS -ARKET e: ronreid2@aol.com +ELSO &ARMERS -ARKET www.kelso.bordernet.co.uk +IRKCALDY &ARMERS -ARKET www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk ,INLITHGOW &ARMERS -ARKET forumevents@yahoo.co.uk ,OCH ,OMOND 3HORES &ARMERS -ARKET forumevents@yahoo.co.uk ,OCHWINNOCH &ARMERS -ARKET david.oneill@clydemuirshiel. co.uk ,OCKERBIE &ARMERS -ARKET www.lockerbiefarmersmarket. co.uk -ILNGAVIE &ARMERS -ARKET matthewmcs2000@aol.com -ONTROSE &ARMERS -ARKET www.angusfarmersmarket.co. uk /BAN !ND ,ORN -ARKETS admin@lorn.org /VERTON &ARM &ARMERS -ARKET www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk 0AISLEY &ARMERS -ARKET enquiries@ayrshiremeats.co.uk 0EEBLES &ARMERS -ARKET johnbolton1@btconnect.com 0ERTH &ARMERS -ARKET www.perthfarmersmarket. co.uk 0ORTPATRICK &ARMERS -ARKET foodstore@auchenree.co.uk 3T !NDREWS &ARMERS -ARKET www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk 3TIRLING &ARMERS -ARKET StirlingFM@aol.com. 3TORNOWAY &ARMERS -ARKET kennylhhp@btopenworld.com

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Local family-owned maltster Simpsons Malt announces its support as headline sponsor for the annual Berwick Food & Beer Festival, from 1st - 3rd September, will continue in 2017. Run by Berwick’s Slow Food Group and celebrating its 10th year, the three-day event, showcases the region’s unique heritage and provenance for food and drink by celebrating local producers and inviting locals to sample the best of what their area has to offer. With the help of Simpsons Malt, the Berwick Food & Beer Festival has dedicated the Friday night of the festival to toast the local artisan brewers from the surrounding areas showcasing their beers. Held in the marquee on the Barracks Parade, the Beer Festival will attract festival-goers with its perfect mix of artisan brewers, local ciders, wines, gin and

cocktails. Throughout the weekend there will be live music from local bands. For those wanting to remember their day out, everyone enjoying a drink will have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir glass - branded with the Festival’s logo. Simpsons Malt takes pride in showing support for local initiatives and are proud of their heritage in Berwick, as one of the UK’s largest producers of fine malt they supply malts to some of the biggest beer and whisky producers around the world. Speaking about his support of the festival, Vice Chairman of Simpsons Malt, Richard Simpson explained: “Simpsons Malt is proud to produce some of the finest malt which comes from barley grown in nearby fields and is then exported around the world. Being part of a festival that celebrates local, quality produce gets our wholehearted backing.”

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Robertsons The Larder

O U R FA R M SHOP

Tomich Farm Shop Beauly, Inverness-shire

We are a family run farm specialising in growing potatoes, soft fruits, salad and seasonal vegetables alongside our farm reared pork and our seriously delicious sausages. The farm shop was established fifteen years ago as an outlet for selling what we produce on the farm and we try and support local producers which include Connage and Tain cheeses, Highland Cookhouse luxury ready meals, Black Isle Dairy yoghurt, whole milk and dairy ice-cream, home baking, Highland beef, local venison and the famous Stornoway black puddings! We have recently started to stock a range of fish products, smoked salmon, haddock, kippers and salmon pate from Sutherlands of Portsoy. There is also a wide range of chutneys, preserves, oatcakes, biscuits, cakes, fruit cordials and a tasteful selection of Scottish goods to tempt you. We are on the route for the recently introduced North Coast

500 and the shop now stocks the travel book, maps, postcards and stickers and many of the tourists are stopping off either at the start of their trip or on their way home to stock up on some goodies before they head on home. Another main

attraction at the front of the farm shop is our resident Highland cow Heather with her one year old daughter Katie Morag, they are very happy to pose for photos unless they are sleeping when they would rather not be disturbed!

Tel: 01463 782181 www.robertsonsfarmshop.co.uk

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The farm has been within the Robertson family for over 60 years and in conjunction with the working farm and the farm shop there is a five acre childrens farm on site where the children can get up close and meet and feed the animals. We have alpacas, sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, hens, ducks and rabbits as well as a safe and secure play area with sandpit, climbing frame and a range of sit on toys to keep them amused. Robertson Farm shop and Childrens farmyard is well worth a visit if you are in our area and we very much look forward to welcoming you to our shop. We are open seven days a week during the summer months, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. During the winter months we do not open on Sunday, please check our website if you are travelling any distance to make sure that we are open.

PERTH SHOW 2017

155th annual Perth Show 4th & 5th August

The City of Perth is preparing to roll out the green carpet as country comes to town for the 155th annual Perth Show. The agricultural, equestrian, food and fun extravaganza is set to take place at the city’s South Inch on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5. And organisers are promising “one of the best Shows ever” as the two-day event lines up something for everyone! Thousands are expected to visit the agricultural showcase which turns the spotlight on the area’s vital farming sector. And with one of the best lineups of prime livestock on parade, Perth Show is sure to prove a lure for animal lovers and farming folk alike. Attractions include one of the country’s finest line-

A great family day out 20

ups of would-be champion horses, donkeys, goats, cattle and sheep. Over 1,200 head of livestock will compete in 340 classes while other Show supporters vie for prizes in cooking and handcraft. And throughout the two days, trade stands, sideshows, entertainment, activities, music and parades all add to the vibrancy of this annual crowd-pleaser which is now the third largest of its type in Scotland. This year Perth Show has secured a prestigious double as it prepares to host two national cattle shows - the national Highland Cattle Gathering and the Scottish National Simmental Show. And both look certain to attract the country’s largest gatherings of the popular breeds this year.

Perth Show Chairman Peter Stewart said securing the two national cattle shows in the one year was a “terrific achievement”. “We’re thrilled to be able to host these two crowdpleasers on the Saturday,” he said. “Both national events are staged at county shows around the country and Perth is delighted to welcome back the Scottish National Simmental Show in its landmark 10th year, having previously hosted the event on it’s first and fifth anniversaries.” The biennial Highland Cattle Gathering was first staged at the Black Isle in 2015 and Perth Show is celebrating a “cattle coup” by securing the second national event. “Highland Cattle are always hugely popular with the crowds at Perth Show,”

On parade! www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

said Peter. “We would expect to see some of the finest cattle in the country on show at Perth in the National Gathering – hopefully including some from The Queen’s fold at Balmoral Estate.” Peter believes the two cattle shows will help turn the national farming spotlight on Perth this August. “Both will bring business to the city and crowds to Perth Show,” he said, “with many involved opting to stay locally for the whole weekend. “Both the Simmental and Highland Cattle gathering organisers have chosen Perth Show for their 2017 event because they know we host such events extremely well and we’re delighted to welcome them as a key part of this year’s offering.” Perth Show 2017 will also welcome back the popular tasty

PERTH SHOW 2017 offerings of Perthshire On A Plate (POAP) food festival, following its success last year. Organised by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the two-day festival will run in partnership with the Show and feature celebrity and local chefs, demonstrations and tastings, food and drink related trade stands and a large dining area and pop-up restaurants in a double celebration of food and farming. This year POAP will celebrate “The Auld Alliance” with French favourite celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli bringing a touch of the continent to Perth Show on the Friday and Scotland’s own Nick Nairn heading up the Saturday line-up. Perth Show always has an eye on the next generation and is delighted to welcome back the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET).

Showing off for the camera! Throughout the two days, RHET will offer a range of hands-

on activities for children including a lambing simulator, an oilseed

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rape press and the ever-popular Daisy – the milking cow.

PERTH SHOW 2017 RHET will also host the Scottish Beekeepers Association with their live observation hive and craft activities. And the education trust hopes to set up information points around the showground detailing the different sectors and their role in Scottish agriculture. Building on the success of last year’s demonstration area, Perth Show 2017 will showcase the skills of demonstration wood crafters, beekeepers, farriers, wool spinners and crook makers. The heavy horse turnouts always prove one of the Show’s most popular and spectacular attractions. And this year wellknown Clydesdale expert Dick Dargie from Errol will host a display of harnesses and demonstrate the art of creating impressive tail, mane and harness decorations.

Nick Nairn 22

Showjumping takes centre stage again this year on the Saturday afternoon with those magnificent animals and their riders clearing what look like impossible heights in a race against the clock. “We re-introduced showjumping last year after a 15-year break and we are delighted to bring it back in response to overwhelming demand,” said Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes. “This is great entertainment for everyone and we have two BSJ affiliated classes this year. They offer greater prize money in a bid to draw some big names and we hope to secure BSJ qualifier status next year.” Friday is also a day for horse followers with all-day judging of ponies and horses proudly shown by exhibitors ranging from tots to adults. Saturday will commence with the judging of Heavy

Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Donkeys. “The morning judging is completed with the Supreme Champions in the Heavy Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Goats classes - all competing for the Champion of Champions Trophy judged this year by John Morison from Coupar Angus, a Vice President and past Chairman of Perth Show for many years and a very skilled and respected sheep and cattle breeder,” said Neil. “Perth Show presents a vast array of some very beautiful and historic silverware and visitors will be able to view the magnificent trophies on display on the Saturday.” Saturday afternoon entertainment commences with the spectacular display of animals in the Grand Parade of show winners. This will be followed by the hugely popular parade of vintage vehicles before the showjumpers trot into the main arena. “Perth Show attracts thousands of visitors each year,” said Neil. “This year’s show will continue to feature many of the traditional aspects of agricultural shows, valued

Jean-Christophe Novell www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

by generations of farmers, as well as the new and exciting visitor attractions. “The two-day event promises lots to see and do - whether it be pouring over the latest state-of-theart agricultural machinery, admiring the finest fourlegged competitors, watching a celebrity chef in action, trying your hand on a challenging sideshow, enjoying hospitality at one of the many trade and business stands, stopping for a tasty bite or a brew at the Food Marquee, delighting in the show ring stars, shopping from the wide variety of goods and crafts or cheering on your favourite tug-o-war team,” enthused Neil. “And our twoday festival will draw to a close with the Show’s ‘Ceilidh In The Park’. “Perth Show is so much more than just a day out for the farmers,” stressed Neil. “It’s a key feature on the city’s annual calendar of events and a great day out for all the family. “This year’s event on August 4 and 5 is bigger and better than ever and we look forward to a great Show.”

IN THE BEGINNING Q1) Where were you born Aberdeen

gardening (Marion will dispute that!) and our social life is largely centred round my work, particularly my long involvement with the AberdeenAngus breed where I was secretary of the North East Aberdeen-Angus Club and editor of the AberdeenAngus Review for 40 years. I was also invited to join Rotary 20 years ago which has given me an interest outwith agriculture.

Q2) What is your earliest memory? The snowstorm of 1947 which blocked roads for weeks. For some reason or other, I also have vivid memories of the Queen’s wedding that year. Q3) How would you describe your childhood upbringing? I had a happy childhood, and never lacked for anything, although my mother had a tough time as she was widowed when I was only two years of age. I was probably a bit spoilt as an only child living with my mother and my Auntie Anna but finished up with four stepsisters at the age of 12 when my mother remarried and we moved to a farm in Berwickshire. That was a challenge of egos but we all settled down and got on well. Q4) How was school for you? I didn’t do particularly well at school as I was more interested in playing football than studying. English was my best subject but I struggled with maths and science. MOVING ON Q5) What were you into during your teenage years? It was football while still at school and was instrumental in putting together a five-a-side football team, Whitchester Rovers, when living on the Whitchester Estate near Cranshaws in Berwickshire. I continue to support Aberdeen but not actively. After leaving school and moving to Aberdeen, I joined Aberdeen Junior Agricultural Club which is the best thing I ever did. It held me in good stead for my future career, stockjudging at the Royal Highland Show, speechmaking at national level (but failing miserably in the final!) and winning the national press secretaries’ competition. Q6) Who was the first influence in your life? My first boss, Hugh Neilson, when I joined the staff of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, which was then in Aberdeen, as a junior clerk in the Herd Book department. Sounds boring but I found it fascinating. Hugh was a visionary behind many of the early developments in performance recording and bull testing and had to run the gauntlet of the old, died-in-the-wool breeders who thought it was a waste of time. Sadly, some still do! He also gave me opportunities to broaden by

THE INTERVIEW up close & personal Your Name: Eddie Gillanders Your job title: Editor and Publisher, Farm North East Company name: Agricultural Communications Ltd What you do for the company? We publish the bi-monthly farming magazine, Farm North East, and I also have other PR commitments, such as acting as press officer for NSA Scotsheep and Highland Sheep, Scotland’s Beef Event and Royal Northern Agricultural Society events

Q15) What is the best advice you have given and would like to pass on to our readers? Always be positive and look to the future. You can’t change the past – but you learn from it.

experience by promoting me at an early age and by the time I was 18, I was attending council and committee meetings of the society to write the minutes which brought me in touch with all the leading breeders of the time.

GROWING UP Q9) What was your first car? Morris 8 Series E – JLU 157. The exhaust came off on my first date with Marion (my wife of 50 years) and I thought that’s the end of a beautiful romance.

Q7) College, University or straight into work? Straight to work at 15. I was actually due to join the Clydesdale Bank at Banchory when leaving school, subject to the mere formality of a medical. I failed because of high blood pressure at the age of 15! My own doctor thought it was nonsense and it was a big disappointment at the time.

Q10) Be honest now, did you pass your test first time? Yes. I was 17 years of age and completed the test in the busy streets of Aberdeen

Q8) Any unusual working experiences from those early years? Wouldn’t say it was unusual but in 1963 Hugh Neilson asked me to join him when he was appointed general manager of a new livestock marketing co-operative in Shrewsbury with ambitious plans to take the livestock industry by storm. It was bust within 18 months! The only cards I got on the day of my 22nd birthday were the cards ending my employment.

Q14) How is life today for you? Life is good but still extraordinarily busy at the age of 74! Enjoy the grandchildren (we have five) and- wait for it – attended the recent Robbie Williams concert at Murrayfield. It was a Christmas present to Marion and I enjoyed the experience too. I must admit that I did pass a comment as we queued to get in after spying all the youngsters around us – what the hell am I doing here!

Q11) Can you remember your first love or passion? See answer to question 9. Not sure how to interpret this question. There were other girls before Marion but they’re still around and we remain good friends, so better say no more. LIFE & LEISURE Q12) Do you have a talent that you would like to share with us? I’ve been lucky that I enjoy writing and have always had jobs which were fulfilling and could use what little talent I have. Q13) Away from work, how do you like to relax? I really have no hobbies, apart from the usual ones of reading, travel and

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INTO BUSINESS Q16) Your current job, can you tell us a little more about what you do? I still do a lot of writing for various publications but mostly for Farm North East and a weekly local newspaper column I’ve done for 30 years. Q17) Is there a ‘dream job’ out there waiting for you? Yes – retirement! Although I wouldn’t know what to do with myself – and Marion wouldn’t know what to do with me. LAST THOUGHTS Q18) Is there was a single person (Alive or dead) you would love to meet? Winston Churchill. I have an interest in modern history and have read a lot about the two world wars, particularly the brilliant books by Max Hastings (who was a “mud” student of Captain Ben Coutts and did the eulogy at his funeral). Q19) And finally, is there one thing in the world you would like to change? Like everyone else, I would like to see more stability, peace and mutual understanding and respect in our troubled world. Why are so many people in the world starving or under-fed when we have the science and technology to give everyone a decent meal every day? 23

EU NEWS By Chris McCullough

Scottish farmers being short-changed by UK government claims farm minister Scottish hill farmers have been short-changed to the tune of £160m over a six year period by the UK government insists Scotland’s Farm Minister Fergus Ewing. Hill farmers, on average, are being denied around £14,000 over a six year period under the CAP convergence uplift. Under the last CAP reform, the EU set out to redistribute direct payments more equitably across Europe based on average euros paid per hectare.

Those member states receiving less than 90 percent of the EU average would be awarded an uplift in order to move towards a minimum rate per hectare. According to the Scottish government this would have seen up to £190 million over six years returned to Scotland but instead it received around £30 million under the UK Government’s allocation. Mr Ewing said: “Despite repeated requests, there is no

evidence the UK Government are taking action to deliver a fair share of the additional convergence funding to Scotland. “Without the Scottish rate, there would have been no extra money for the UK. For example, had the full allocation been delivered to Scotland, instead of being shared across the UK on a historic basis, our hill farmers could have an extra £14,000 over the six year payment period, a significant amount for farmers,

although of course the actual amount would depend on the scale of the business. “There is currently no level playing field north and south of the border. Farmers doing the same job in different parts of the UK, do not presently receive comparable levels of payments for their hard work. This money rightly belongs to Scottish farmers and should be returned to them immediately,” he said.

EU should not rely on Brazilian meat certifications says IFA European Union politicians should no longer rely on meat quality standards certified by Brazilian officials in the wake of the most recent beef scandal. That was the strong message reiterated to the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis by the Irish Farmers’ Association national livestock chairman Angus Woods. Referring to the aptly named ‘weak flesh’ scandal, that came to light on March 17 when rotten meat was discovered in Brazilian beef exports, Mr Woods said: “I made it very clear 24

to Commissioner Andriukaitis that this scandal proved there are systematic failures in the controls in Brazil and the EU can no longer credibly rely on the authorities there to certify meat exports to the EU.” The IFA rep met with the Commissioner along with Irish European politician Mairead McGuinness at a citizen’s dialogue meeting on health and food safety in Dublin. Woods said the Commissioner acknowledged the seriousness of the issues for the EU meat market and that there were major problems in Brazil.

According to Woods, the sheer extent of the scandal is only starting to emerge. Woods said: “It is incredible that the EU Commission was only made aware of the issue through media reports. Attempts by the Brazilian authorities to try to confine the scandal to a limited number of establishments are not credible, when the reports indicate that the government inspection and control authorities were operating fraudulently and taking bribes from processors to buy certificates.” He also said the EU Commission FVO (Food and Veterinary Office) has undertaken

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a number of investigations on standards in Brazil and he called for these reports to be published immediately. With the Brazilian beef standards under question, the EU Commission was urged to withdraw from trade talks with Mercosur while investigations in Brazil are ongoing. “Standards and controls have to be at the centre of any trade discussions,” said Mr Woods. “The EU Commission cannot stand over negotiations with the Mercosur group against the backdrop of the very serious issues raised in Brazil.”

organics

SCOTTISH ORGANIC FARMERS ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO WAKE UP TO ORGANIC! Members of the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) encouraged others to wake up to organic recently, as they and independent retailers across the UK, aimed to show how easy it is to switch to an organic breakfast. Hoping to showcase the wonderful variety of organic produce that farmers and producers in Scotland have on offer, SOPA supported the Organic Trade Board (OTB)’s Wake Up To Organic event on Wednesday 14th of June. Scotland’s organic farmers, processors and producers are able to showcase a wonderful range of organic food and drink from staples like milk, flour, vegetables, fruit and meat to mueslis, chocolate, craft beers, whisky and more. These dedicated farmers and producers are ready and waiting to serve up quality organic produce to the nation and are now asking the public if they are ready to embrace organic too. Here’s why we love organic: 1 Better for nature: organic farms have up to 50% more wildlife 2 Better for the planet: a way of growing that looks after the health of the soil 3 High animal welfare: organic standards ensure that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air to thrive 4 Know what’s in your food: fewer pesticides and no GM ingredients 5 It’s tasty: organic food is bursting with flavour Try it and see for yourself! On 14th June, independent retailers also hosted events and dished up free organic mini breakfasts as part of their Wake

Three of SOPA’s Scottish organic farmer members enjoyed an organic breakfast in an organic wheat field! Graeme and Angus Elder, of Chapel Farm, North Berwick and Andy Cadzow, of Huntlaw, Pencaitland, are pictured Waking Up To Organic with a varied breakfast of Scottish organic produce. Are you ready to Wake Up To Organic?

Up To Organic events. Some stores organised events with local bloggers, some are invited local producers to talk about their products and the benefits of organic, while others pre-prepared organic goodies such as over-night oats / granolas or breakfast bars. The aim of the Wake Up To Organic campaign was to increase sales of organic products and generate footfall for independent retailers, all the while showing how easy it is to switch to an organic breakfast.

Debs Roberts of SOPA had the following to say about the campaign: “Events like Wake Up To Organic are so important for our industry. It’s fantastic to see people coming together to promote independent shops and cafes, as well as the brilliant organic producers from around the country.” She continued: “Our members all work tirelessly for their organic businesses, and so obviously we

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wanted to show our support for all of them by taking part in the campaign!” Joanna Sinclair, Membership Support Officer at SOPA, also took part in the Wake Up To Organic campaign at The Health Shop, Inverness. To find out more, please visit https://www.wakeuptoorganic. co.uk/find-your-local-store Help us spread the word by using #wakeuptoorganic 25

COMBINES

Bringing in the harvest A look at new and current combines available for 2017

Case Axial-Flow 240 series combines get revolutionary new chopper option In a move designed to optimise straw processing, distribution and breakdown to benefit subsequent crop growth, Case IH has become the first combine manufacturer to work with Canadian firm Redekop to bring its MAV (Maximum Air Velocity) straw chopper design to the UK market, forming part of a new Axial-Flow Xtra-Chopping package. With straw and stubble management becoming an increasingly important part of following crop establishment where minimum or no tillage systems are practised, the new package creates a finer chop and more even spread of straw, leading to faster decomposition and incorporation into the soil. After two years of trials here, during which Case IH engineers have worked closely with those from Redekop to ensure the package’s suitability for UK conditions, XtraChopping will be an option for the flagship 240 series Axial-Flow models for the 2016-17 sales year, and can be retro-fitted to existing 230 and 240 series combines. Xtra-Chopping retains the existing integral two-speed Case IH Magna-Cut 120-blade chopper, this being used as a discharge beater to pre-chop residue and propel it into the hood-mounted Redekop MAV chopper. Internal brackets and deflectors are removed to expose the total internal width of the combine, and the Redekop MAV chopper is then fitted to the combine’s upper frame, with a new full-width internal chop-toswath door also being installed, and crop deflectors fitted to the integral chopper concave. Existing actuators and speed sensors are retained when the driveline from the combine to the 26

Redekop chopper is installed and the fitment completed, with XtraChopping then fully controllable via the combine’s AFS Pro 700 terminal. The rear access ladder is unaffected. While conventional chopper design depends on the effect of the chopping blades to also eject the chopped material from the combine, the unique Redekop MAV, designed for European

conditions, consists of separate zones for chopping and spreading. The patented design feature 12-blade paddle fans – 35mm blades for headers up to 10.7m (30ft) and 50mm units for wider cutterbars - at each end of the chopper rotor. These generate maximum air flow velocities of up to 90mph (145km/hr), aided by specially-designed shrouds. The airflow created helps to draw both

the straw and the chaff through the chopper as it is ejected from the rear of the Axial-Flow rotor on wide-body 240 series models. “This use of air velocity to carry the residue is the key to the presentation of the material to the conventional chopper blades in the zone across the centre of the chopper rotor,” says Case IH combine product specialist, Paul Freeman.

CLAAS high output straw-walker combine range The CLAAS range of AVERO, TUCANO and LEXION 600 straw-walker combines follow in the footsteps of a rich heritage, dating back to 1936 and the introduction of the CLAAS MDB, which was the first European

designed and built combine in 1936, through to such well known models as the Senator, Matador and the DOMINATOR. From the smallest AVERO 240 through to the largest LEXION 670, the current CLAAS

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straw-walker combine range builds on this heritage and set the standard for efficiency, quality and high output harvesting. The CLAAS straw-walker range covers 11 models. These include five LEXION models,

COMBINES within which there is also the option of TERRA TRAC tracked machines and hillside MONTANA versions, a further five TUCANO models and finally the AVERO 240. A key component to the overall efficiency of CLAAS straw-walker combines (except the TUCANO 320) starts as soon as the crop enters the combine. Here it passes through the well-proven APS three-section MULTICROP concave and accelerator. Initially the crop is accelerated from 3 metres/ second to 20m/s. At the same time the crop is separated and the higher centrifugal forces mean that up to 30% of grains are already threshed out before the crop flows over the main concave, so reducing the load and leaving it to thresh out the harder-to-thresh grains. Overall this helps increase output by around 20% without any increase in fuel consumption. The main CLAAS concave is also unique in that it has a 151 degree angle-of-wrap around the drum, which is longer than on other machines and ensures a more thorough threshing but at a lower drum speed.

So efficient is the APS system that by the time the crop passes through onto the straw walkers around 90% of the grain will have been separated. Depending on the model, straw-walker lengths range from 4.13m up to 4.4m on the largest LEXION 5- and 6-walker models, thereby providing a large separation area.

There, powerful rotary or turbine fans provide a powerful, consistent flow of air and the 3D dynamic self-levelling upper sieve system is also available as an option to provide a level separation area on slopes of up to 20 degrees.. On TUCANO and LEXION models, the CLAAS CEBIS display and control system ensures

ease of operation and electronic control from the cab, resulting in greater productivity. Naturally all models are compatible with the full range of CLAAS GPS steering systems and all LEXION and TUCANO 450/440 models also come with TELEMATICS operating monitoring and analysis as standard.

DEUTZ-FAHR C6205 combine harvester The C6205 completes the range of combine harvesters with a new design, innovative technical solutions for operator comfort and advanced systems to manage engine emissions. A gem in the category of 5 straw walker machines which embodies the technology and winning philosophy of the DEUTZFAHR systems that users already enjoy with the C7000 and C9000 range. Experience in the field and contact with loyal DEUTZFAHR customers has created the foundation for the C6205 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a combine aimed at medium-sized farms, capable of tackling all harvest conditions. Powered by a DEUTZ TCD 6.1l T4F engine providing 230hp of uncomprimised power. The engine management is designed to respond to peaks in load www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

COMBINES without losing productivity, whilst returning the lowest level of fuel requirement on the market per ton of harvested product. All models are equipped with high-performance cutter bars, available in standard form with cutting widths from 4.2M to 6.3M or Varicrop upto 6.5M which employs a hydraulic cutter bar system that can be extended up to 700mm. All cutter bars are a one-piece construction, available with Autocontrol and the Schumacher Easy Cut II system ensuring safe and efficient operation in all conditions, providing a uniform cut with minimal wear.

The C6205 and C6205 TS are available with a host of features including the renowned Turbo Separator – an enhancement to the standard threshing system increasing the work capacity by up to 20%. The ‘Optimum’ threshing system has the same characteristics as the 6 walker machines, guaranteeing maximum performance in all crops and making it particularly efficient in ‘greener’ and more challenging material. Separation capacity is maximised by the 600m wide drum and fully adjustable concave system; a segmented concave provides even greater

threshing options. Power and delicacy distinguish the C6205 - thanks to the DEUTZ-FAHR branded cleaning system you get maximum yield and product quality guaranteed. Crop goes from the straw walker to the grain preparation pan, which distributes the product in a uniform manner. Before reaching the upper sieve, it gets to a pre-sieve which creates a double jump essential to slowing down the product before the actual cleaning process. The C6205 has two overlapping sieves for a total surface area of 5.28 m2. The effectiveness of cleaning doesn‘t just come from

the double jump and the sieves, a large contribution comes from the ventilation system with ‘cross flow’ turbine. Despite its compact size the C6205 has a turbine fan as a standard feature, which thanks to its large diameter (400 mm) and 44 blades along the entire length of the rotor, manages to blow air on the whole width of the combine, not leaving any dead zones where the product isn‘t cleaned. Another distinctive feature of the C6205 is the DGR, which is a unique system that improves the combine harvester‘s performance, effectiveness of the threshing system and reduces losses.

New Features Boost Massey Ferguson Combine Performance and Comfort Massey Ferguson reports that its new MF ACTIVA S and MF BETA combine harvesters now benefit from more engine power, improved operator comfort and control as well as new features to boost harvesting performance. “Previewed in August last year, these new harvesters are attracting a lot of interest and proving particularly popular among farms looking for an efficient and cost effective combine to secure their own harvests,” says Adam Sherriff, Manager Marketing Powered Harvesting. The MF ACTIVA S also now boasts the completely new Proline cab, developed specifically for these machines, with operators benefiting from the advanced TechTouch 2 terminal. “New customers will appreciate the practical features and quality materials built into this new cab, which is equipped with enough, but not too much technology. Although it provides features such as self-setting and automatic reel speed, it’s not overly complex and this has really helped boost sales,” he adds. These new MF ACTIVA S and MF BETA models, with drum and concave threshing and straw walker separation, offer superb flexibility for efficient harvesting in a wide range of 28

European conditions and crops – even rice. They provide the power, economy and performance required by the largest sector of the market and offer these users an unrivalled combination of the latest technology with exceptional comfort and control with ease of use from a reliable and straightforward design. All models can be specified with the market-leading PowerFlow header, which is now available in widths up to 6.8m for the MF ACTIVA S models and 7.7m for the MF BETA combines.

The new MF ACTIVA S combine harvesters offer performance with practicality, while providing operators with premium comfort and control from the new Proline cab. Available with five or six straw walkers, the straightforward design is a practical blend of the latest technology and functional features that are simple to use, ensuring operators are able to get the best out of the machines - quickly and easily. Massey Ferguson knows operator comfort plays a key role in maintaining combine

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performance over long working days, which is why it has developed the new Proline cab specifically for the latest MF ACTIVA S combines. Providing a high specification to a level often found only on higher capacity machines, the Proline cab is equipped with Massey Ferguson’s latest TechTouch 2 control terminal and armrest which is used on the larger DELTA Hybrid and BETA models. Control is made through the Powergrip controller, which contains finger and thumb buttons for the most frequently used functions.

COMBINES

New Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CR Combine Harvester Range raises harvesting stakes New Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CR combine range raises harvesting to a new level with up to 15% more productivity in small grains, grain crackage as low as 0.2%, and the ultimate comfort cab. The six-model range is topped by the CR10.90, the first combine to enter the class 10 segment in Europe and the most powerful CR ever, that delivers the highest capacity in the industry and truly outstanding performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The CR range is the culmination of more than 40 years of Twin Rotorâ&#x201E;˘ technology,â&#x20AC;? says Nigel Honeyman, Hew Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK and ROI combine specialist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It offers the best of New Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvesting technologies: Twin Pitch Rotors, Dynamic Feed Rollâ&#x201E;˘, SmartTraxâ&#x201E;˘ rubber tracks, Terraglideâ&#x201E;˘ suspension, ECOBlueâ&#x201E;˘ SCR and Hi-eSCR engine technologies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all working together to deliver the best performance. All this is coupled with the Harvest Suiteâ&#x201E;˘ Ultra cab that redefines harvesting comfort.â&#x20AC;? New Holland continues to improve and refine its proven Twin Rotor technology, which is designed for high capacity harvesting and delivers high outputs combined with grain quality without equal. The Dynamic Feed Roll on-the-go mechanical stone protection system further raises the CRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s massive capacity by feeding the rotors faster and more smoothly while removing stones with no stopping or hesitation. The serrated blades on the roll are gentle on the crop, resulting in high-quality straw. This is achieved with no additional power consumption, resulting in higher capacity as well as better grain and straw quality than with the equivalent model of the same horsepower in the previous range. CR combines work seamlessly in variable crop conditions with the TwinPitch rotors, which can raise

productivity by up to 10% in damp conditions. The redesigned adjustable rotor vanes require less power in high volume crops and consistently deliver high quality straw. The SmartTraxâ&#x201E;˘ rubber tracks with Terraglideâ&#x201E;˘ suspension system, standard on the flagship CR10.90 and available on the other models as an option, ensure excellent traction and low soil compaction while providing a silky smooth ride. The CR combines offer more horsepower than ever: from 449hp of the CR7.90 to the massive 652hp of the flagship CR10.90. Five models feature New Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tier 4B ECOBlueâ&#x201E;˘ Hi-eSCR technology, with the CR7.90 remaining at Tier 4A for the coming season. The flagship CR10.90 is equipped with the Diesel Engine of the Year 2014 Cursor 16, and all engines feature Common Rail technology for precise fuelling and outstandingly responsive performance, resulting in consistently high productivity in all field conditions.

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Agritourism By Fiona Sloan

WORLD FARMING Taking a break from the day to day work on farm, has become more difficult, often due to a reduction in specialist cattlemen and shepherds, resulting in oneperson businesses. The younger generation, however, are more able to take time out than their parents were and for many in their early twenties, a trip to Australia or New Zealand is seen as a rite of passage, following college, before returning to work at home. In the meantime, the “older generation”, who make up the majority of farmers in the UK, hold the fort to enable their children to enjoy the things, which they weren’t able to at a younger age. This has led to a generation who, now semi-retired or retired, have ticked their boxes in their farming business to ensure its

Canada in October

sustainability and now have the time and money to enjoy the interests, that weren’t afforded to them in their earlier years. Sixty is the new forty and the world is a much smaller place than it was when they started out. This generation of farmers, as with those still to come, will always have an insatiable appetite for learning about other farmers and their farming methods and “looking over the dyke” has been a lifetime’s pastime. This has resulted in the growing industry in Agritourism in the UK, both outbound and inbound. There are several very good Agritravel Companies, who cater for those farmers who not only look over the dyke but also think outside the box and who often have wives or partners, who struggle to get them off the

farm at all, was it not to enjoy a busman’s holiday. One of these companies is Field Farm Tours, founded in October 2010 by Carolyne Cree, a farmers’ daughter from Newark who had already been in the agricultural tour industry for ten years at that time. Carolyne saw the opportunity to provide a specialist travel service for farmers and with the help of a team, who between them have over a hundred years of experience in both agriculture and tourism, the company has gone from strength to strength, with a clientele from all over the world. Her vision was to provide a service to farmers, which allows them to continue to learn in an enjoyable way. This view has never changed. The company

Mauritius in January

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provides new and exciting destinations, where farmers and their partners can continue to learn about new and old farming methods worldwide, many of which can often be implemented in their own business. “Farming friends often told me that they struggled to get their husbands off on holiday and if they did, it was difficult to find somewhere they would like to go!” says Carolyne. “This encouraged me to look at diverse types of destinations for our tours. Some short tours, with a highly technical content suit some groups of farmers and others, which have a balance of farming, historic and leisure interests, have something for everyone.” The world has become so small that everywhere is

WORLD FARMING accessible and as a member of The Agricultural Tour Organisations International ATOI, Field Farm Tours has around eighty connected companies in nearly forty countries throughout the world, which affords them immense local knowledge and wellinformed local tour guides.

“Our job as an Agricultural Tour Company is to ensure that our clients have the best experience possible and as well as our oversea tour guides, we utilise the services of several wellknown UK industry individuals as Tour Managers for the groups to ensure that our clients have a trouble free fun and enjoyable experience.”

Arysta LifeScience prepares for direct sales in The Netherlands for 2018 Arysta LifeScience’s unique combination of innovative crop protection technologies and BioSolutions have been available in The Netherlands for many years. To better serve the future needs of the Dutch market, the Company has decided to build a new marketing and sales organization. The new organization will be committed to provide technical support for its current offering of more than 30 products, and will introduce further innovations in the future. Products scheduled for introduction will focus on specialty crops, like ornamentals, top fruit, potatoes, and vegetables. The Arysta LifeScience Netherlands team will sell and market its product range directly to distributors, with some exceptions that will continue to be sold through current partners. “The two biggest challenges facing growers in the

Netherlands are the increasingly difficult regulatory environment for crop protection products, and the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns,” says Hildo Brilleman, Head of North-West, Central and East Europe. “Arysta will face these challenges by investing in both conventional and new technology to meet Dutch growers’ needs.” Arysta will offer a broad portfolio of conventional crop protection products and BioSolutions. Well-known Arysta brands include ROYAL MH®, FLORAMITE®, AATERRA®, MALVIN®, ALAR®, TOPPER® and PROPLANT®, which collectively complement the Company’s market-leading range of biostimulants, biocontrol and nutrition products, all of which are based on two types of technologies: Physio Activator Technology and Natural Plant Protection Technology.

‘Plant teams’ may help feed a rising global population A new research initiative led by Scotland’s James Hutton Institute is set to explore innovative mixed-species crop systems, or ‘plant teams’, in a drive to tackle a global challenge: how to feed a growing population from finite resources without wrecking our planet. The 5m DIVERSify project, short for ‘Designing

InnoVative plant teams for Ecosystem Resilience and agricultural Sustainability’, aims to optimise the performance of cereals grown with legumes such as pea and barley, and of speciesrich grasslands. Previous research has shown crop species mixtures - or ‘plant teams’ - could be

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RSABI Support for Working Families By new Welfare Manager, Mags Granger, outlines economic changes to the landscape RSABI is the unique Scottish charity. It supplies financial and non-financial support to those who are involved or have been involved with farming, crofting and growing and their dependents. The economic landscape has changed in the last decade and incomes of working age households have, on average, fallen. The Office of National Statistics show that young couples with families in the UK are worse off than they were ten years ago. RSABI is encouraging working age people within the sector to get in touch if they are having difficulties. Mags Granger commented “We already know that in work poverty is worse than it was 10 or even 5 years ago. Income on average is down, this along with the additional costs of living in rural areas means those working in agriculture may be finding it difficult to make ends meet.” An example of the cost differences for rural and urban areas can be seen in fuel poverty

statistics. One in three Scots are in fuel poverty (spending over 10% of their income on energy costs) but this increases to one in two for those living in rural areas. “Our support can be practical, supporting people to maximise their incomes and/or reduce their expenditure, a listening ear in times of worry or financial help too in times of need.” “I would encourage those in work or running their own farm business to seek support as financial difficulties can often have an impact on health and wellbeing. RSABI helped over 900 people in the industry in 2016/17, issuing grants in excess of £600,000.

Call the helpline on 0345 111 4166. It is open from 7 am to 11pm. RSABI – 0345 111 4166 email: rsabi@rsabi.org.uk or visit www.rsabi.org.uk

WORLD FARMING adopted more widely to improve yield stability between seasons and locations, reduce pest and disease damage and enhance climate stress resilience in agriculture. However, this requires crop scientists to devise novel cropping systems for farmers to increase resource-use efficiency and reduce nutrient loss to groundwater, provide new knowledge and tools for crop breeders to develop suitable varieties, and provide information for agronomists to optimise the management onfarm. The DIVERSify consortium comprises 23 partner organisations, representing scientists, farmers, advisors, breeders and technology providers, from 14 countries in Europe and worldwide, ensuring

the project has global relevance. As well as leading the project, the James Hutton Institute will conduct field trials to identify crop features or traits that enhance the performance of barley-pea and wheat-faba bean plant teams, utilizing the ability of the legumes to fix nitrogen from the air rather than relying solely on synthetic fertilisers, and will work with farmers to carry out participatory trials to validate plant teams at field scale. Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are very excited to be leading this prestigious project that could have a big impact on achieving high on-farm yields in sustainable, low input systems. This is a great opportunity to use

our leading scientific expertise to make a positive and practical contribution to the sustainability of our food production systems.” Dr Alison Karley, research leader at the James Hutton Institute’s Ecological Sciences

group and project coordinator, said the project will work with stakeholders in farming systems in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to identify existing knowledge, innovations and best practices for plant teams.

UK Dairy firm to export fresh milk to China Audlem-based NEMI Ltd in talks to sell its naturally enriched milk in major cities in China Founder Andrew Henderson says deal could help secure sustainable prices for all UK dairy farmers An ambitious Cheshire dairy wants to become the first UK company to export ESL fresh milk to China – thanks to help

from Reaseheath College. NEMI Dairy Ltd, based in Audlem, near Nantwich, is in advanced discussions to sell its milk, which is naturally enriched with selenium, in major cities across the country. Founder and managing director Andrew Henderson wants to see his milk on sale in China by August 1 this year

- and if he hits his lofty target, he’ll have the team of experts from Reaseheath College, near Nantwich, to thank for their continued support. Andrew attended a business masterclass run by the college’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded SME Business Growth Programme in October.

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And Reaseheath’s food production unit also worked with him to test the milk and make sure it could stay fresher for longer. “The team at Reaseheath has been so supportive of every part of our work,” said Andrew, who launched NEMI Ltd more than three years ago but has been working on the concept for more than ten years. “Obviously, due to time and distance it takes to cross continents, there is an issue with getting fresh milk to China but we’ve come up with a process that not only has the extended shelf life but makes sure the milk maintains that fresh taste. “The Reaseheath team have been excellent in the sense that they have done the research and development work for us into the shelf life of the milk.” Earlier this month Andrew welcomed a Chinese delegation to Reaseheath to view the work that’s going on – and in June, he and his team will travel to Shanghai to see the other end of the chain. And all the while, the team at NEMI are working with commercial partners to make sure the deal runs smoothly.

topic

Island at the Edge Skye crofter draws in visitors from Japan 5,700 miles from her croft at Eilean Òir, Edinbane, Isle of Skye, crofter Yasmin Milburn continues to make a big name for herself, her sheep and the Isle of Skye in Japan. Yasmin breeds Hebridean and Black Cheviot sheep and under her designer label Island at the Edge she produces knitting yarns, genuine Skyegrown and Skye hand-woven tweeds as well as a range of high-end knitwear and accessories. She also delivers popular training courses for traditional rural skills, works with other producers on Skye and employs 14 hand-knitters. Yasmin moved to the Isle of Skye from the remote island of Colonsay after a devastating house fire in which she lost virtually everything. Not long before the fire, Yasmin had been visited on Colonsay by leading Japanese travel writer Keiko Igata and photographer Sei Taguchi, from the very popular Japanese magazine mr Partner. “Keiko and Sei travelled all the way from Tokyo to Colonsay to see our flock of 70 Hebridean sheep and to write about the wool and traditional knitwear I was producing. All things British are very popular in Japan but there is a special affinity with Scotland, and its west coast in particular. They had a wonderful and informative time, discovering what it was like to live and work on such a remote Scottish island, the challenges we face, the resilience of the people and the efforts many of us have to make in order sustain ourselves”. After returning to Japan they featured me in a travel

book and I thought that would be that – a very interesting and uplifting encounter from the far side of the world. “But a few months after the devastating house fire I was contacted again when they read about the bad news on my blog. Our house on Colonsay was a total loss and we had no desire to rebuild on the same spot – which the insurance company insisted on - and so we set out for Skye with a view to buying a croft and starting our lives again from scratch.” “We secured a bareland croft in Edinbane exactly three years ago now, and I was commissioned by the Japanese magazine to write 12 monthly articles about rebuilding our life, our flock and our livelihoods. It was such an interesting assignment.” “On the croft we breed Black Cheviot sheep (I’m a Northumbrian by birth and I love this breed) as well as the hardy Hebrideans and our stock has won many prizes at the Dunvegan and Portree shows during these last three years. We also have planning

permission for a new croft house, which is now at the wind and watertight stage. Exciting times, and hopefully we’ll be moved in within the next one to two years since we are doing most of the work ourselves.” “The journey to this point has been arduous, the loss has been beyond imagination, but it has also been rewarding and the Skye crofters have been so very supportive. Interest in Japan about crofting, the Isle of Skye and Scotland in general has been so great that I was commissioned to continue writing the articles for mr Partner magazine for a further two years. In October last year I was invited to spend two weeks in Osaka to give talks, knitting demonstrations and to showcase my products. With the help of the HIE exporting programme I was able to make the journey and I had an extremely productive and enjoyable time. Whilst I’ve been continuing to supply products to Japan since my visit there last year, Friday 26 May 2017 was the culmination of everything I set

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out to achieve, when the first inbound trip to our croft by 26 of the magazine’s readers arrived on the croft. This was the inaugural visit organised by mr Partner magazine for its readers, and more will follow. In glorious sunny weather and a nice breeze to keep the midge at bay, our visitors enjoyed a tour of the croft, meeting the sheep and discovering all about the fleeces and wool as well as the finished yarns and knitwear. Determined to give our visitors a very warm highland welcome, we organised a young and very talented piper from Edinbane (Archie Maclean, aged 13) who is a pupil at Portree School and Gaelic singing by Uiseag – a small Gaelic band which is spin-off from the Portree Gaelic Choir in which I also sing. Aspiring young crofters Alexandra Clyde and brother Euan from Skeabost also provided outstanding assistance to make the visit run smoothly. Before leaving, our visitors enjoyed a taste of the best seafood in the world - Langoustine and Cullen Skink - made using fresh ingredients off the boats in Portree and supplied by Just Hooked - whilst sitting on hay bales, looking out over Loch Greshornish and the hills beyond. Everyone had a wonderful time and we’re already looking forward to the next trip. Tourism is such an important income stream for us here on Skye and especially for croft diversification, so everything we can do to promote it is important.” 33

Two new Scanstone Destoners for Angus potato grower ScanStone Logistics proves to be a cost saver

Ready to be delivered

William Skea, ScanStone, right: James Brunton, Easter Ross Potatoes

The Skea family have recently launched a haulage company, ScanStone Logistics Ltd to ease the cost of transporting the large potato machinery up and down the country and abroad. “We are very fortunate now to be able to carry out demonstrations in England, France and Ireland far more readily and easily than we could before, and of course, at less of a cost.” says transport manager William Skea. The lorry, seen to the right has been loaded with the new ScanStone potato harvester and some other machinery ready to be exhibited at this year’s Royal Highland Show. The lorry also does many return journeys back from England and Ireland with components and parts which contribute towards the ScanStone product range at Burnside, Forfar. Having recently gained a standard international operators license, ScanStone Logistics hope to deliver much of the new machinery to the European markets and return components where possible. Roughly one third of everything produced at the factory is exported to Europe, notably: France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland and Norway. Angus and Easter Ross potato grower James Brunton, pictured left with William Skea from ScanStone

Potato Systems has this year replaced 2 of his 6 destoners with 2 new ScanStone 4 Webbers. James decided to move away from his older rotor-front machines to the new ScanStone openfront system, for which 2 Royal Highland Show medals have been awarded. This product received a silver medal for technical innovation in 2012 and then a gold medal in 2015 for turning this technical innovation into a commercial success. A large part of the Brunton operation now sees around 1000 acres of salad and seed potatoes being grown in the north of Scotland at Easter Ross. Located just short of 150 miles away from James’ home farm outside Arbroath, it was imperitive that the machines were 100% reliable and spare parts were to hand. Four of the 6 ScanStone destoners work up north, each comfortably covering 250 acres. The remaining machines carry out the soil preparation work for the potatoes being grown locally to the home farm. “Having parts to hand up north was a key asset to the planting process,” James explained. “ScanStone have invested in a ‘parts pod’ at Tore to service the complete nucleus of machines in this area. It is good to see a local home grown company such as ScanStone providing

such a good service and support. With destoning being such an abrasive job and one of the most punishing on the farm, it is essential to have a parts back up should anything unexpected go wrong, as well as for general service and maintenance.” William Skea remarked that he was “delighted to be

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supplying British-made products to potato farmers across the UK, ranging from James’ operation at Easter Ross in Northern Scotland to Gavin Jannoway’s operation in Basingstoke, Hampshire”. He noted that “it is vital that British farmers and companies have everyones full support in the wake of Brexit.”

renewable energy

Renewables round-up By Jenny Hogan, Director of Policy, Scottish Renewables Renewables now provide more than half of Scotland’s electricity, with that power coming from a range of sources. Technologies including hydro, wind, solar, bioenergy, tidal and wave generated 19,589GWh of power in 2016, displacing the equivalent carbon emissions from Scotland’s whole transport sector in the process. With a mix of technologies comes a mix of challenges and opportunities, and never more so than in the last two years. The hydro sector, for example, has been assailed on all fronts. With relatively high up-front costs and lengthy construction periods, market stability is especially important for this renewable energy technology. Cuts of up to 45% in feed-in tariff support in 2015 brought a predicted cliff edge for the sector into sharper focus. In 2017 attention has focussed on business rates and how increases in values of up to 650% could affect schemes in Scotland which are already operating, as well as those in the planning system. While limited relief has now been offered for small hydro schemes (up to 1MW) and new-build projects, work to ensure the ratings system is fair and proportionate continues. Market changes may afford the sector some opportunity, however. As National Grid looks to balance a more dynamic system, hydro’s potential for providing ancillary services to the grid is receiving more attention. Community projects, corporate Power Purchase Agreements and potential benefits from co-locating with other technologies are all areas that merit further exploration as we seek to build a strong future for hydro. As the birthplace of windpowered electricity generation – and as the windiest country in Europe – Scotland capitalises on its resource, boasting two-thirds of the UK’s onshore wind capacity. 36

But onshore wind is a technology which also faces a challenging outlook. A manifesto commitment made ahead of the 2015 General Election meant new developments of onshore wind and large-scale solar – our two cheapest renewable energy technologies – were locked out of the energy market. The industry is striving to adapt to new market conditions and, despite many challenges, the UK Government’s own analysis shows that onshore wind remains on track to be one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation. That’s helping to keep alive some optimism within the sector in Scotland. A recent study for Scottish Renewables by Baringa Partners found that a Government auction of long-term contracts for power could deliver around 1GW of the most competitive new onshore wind capacity – enough to meet the equivalent annual demand of 600,000 homes – at no extra cost to consumers above the wholesale market price for power and could even pay back more to the public purse. Last year Scottish Renewables proposed a new renewable energy target: that the equivalent of half of all the energy we consume across heat, electricity and transport should come from renewable sources by 2030. That proposal now has cross-party support at Holyrood and is included in the Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy, providing some clarity for Scotland’s renewable energy sector on the Government’s level of ambition and direction of travel. Analysis from a variety of organisations suggests we’ll need to more than double Scotland’s current renewable electricity capacity (8.6GW) to achieve this. With over 12GW of renewable energy projects already in the pipeline, it’s clear that while the target is certainly ambitious, it’s

also eminently feasible given the right policy and market conditions. While we’ve had huge success in the decarbonisation of electricity, our heat and transport sectors remain more of a challenge. Heat makes up more than half of the energy used in Scotland (electricity, in contrast, accounts for about a quarter). Scots households and businesses spend £2.6 billion every year on heating and cooling, with around 47% of Scottish carbon emissions attributable to supplying heat to buildings. The publication of the UK Government’s RHI reforms in December was a milestone for the low-carbon heat sector. Reductions in tariffs for small biomass will have a significant impact on deployment, although proposals for tariff guarantees for large projects to provide certainty to investors earlier in the project lifecycle were welcome, as was confirmation that solar thermal would continue to be supported under the scheme. The Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy was accompanied by two documents which will interest those in the low-carbon heat sector: consultations on Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies and the Regulation of District Heating and details of Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme. Those documents sought views on how the development of district heating in Scotland can best be supported and on the planning, at local level, of heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency programmes. The Scottish Government is proposing that 80% of all homes and 94% of non-domestic buildings be supplied by lowcarbon heat technologies by 2032 in order to meet carbon targets – a colossal task. This level of ambition is to be welcomed, though the big question now is how this will be achieved. That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish

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Government to develop and implement a detailed sector road map, outlining the technologies that will deliver this transformation and the practical steps to do so, as quickly as possible. Offshore, Scotland’s wind sector is finally getting steel in the water. Construction of the Beatrice project, in the Outer Moray Firth, is now underway, and is expected to deliver around £680 million into the UK and Scottish economies via employment and supply chain opportunities during its construction phase The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in Aberdeen Bay is also moving ahead and the innovative Forth Wind project has been granted permission to install two 9MW, two bladed turbines off the coast of Methil. New floating wind projects are also taking shape, placing Scotland right at the forefront of innovative offshore wind. Statoil’s Hywind project off Peterhead is currently under construction while the Kincardine Offshore Windfarm, also off Aberdeen, and Dounrey Tri have both secured planning consent. All these developments and more show that while the bulk of the UK’s offshore wind fleet is currently deployed south of the border, Scotland is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the sector. And it’s not only above the waves that Scotland is forging ahead in offshore energy. The country has long enjoyed a world lead in tidal and wave technologies, and another series of world firsts has been delivered in Scottish waters over the past 12 months. Phase 1A of the MeyGen project in Caithness is fully commissioned and all four turbines are now providing power to the grid. The 6MW project was launched at Nigg in September, with the First Minister in attendance. Nicola Sturgeon said the project will “invigorate the marine renewables industry in Scotland”.

Investing in

People John Deere names apprentices of the year

A total of 33 young service technicians have graduated from the latest John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, run in partnership with national training provider ProVQ. John Deere has also been listed for the first time as one of the best 100 employers for school leavers in the UK, the only agricultural and turf machinery company to be so recognised (for the full list, click here: www. allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/ employer-rankings). Three of the company’s apprentices won overall awards for the 2016 graduation year. Jack Robbens of dealer Ben Burgess, Norwich was named Ag Tech Apprentice of the Year, for which he received a crystal plaque, a certificate and vouchers for workshop tools worth £250.

Lewis Parker of Mona Tractors, Llangefni was awarded Turf Tech Apprentice of the Year and Grant Roberts of Cornwall Farm Machinery, Penzance won Parts Tech Apprentice of the Year. Both also received a crystal plaque and certificate, and the same value workshop tools and shopping vouchers respectively. The presentations were made by Deere & Company’s Region 2 training delivery manager Dr Lutz Schueppenhauer and John Deere Limited training centre manager Richard Halsall at the John Deere Forum visitor centre in Mannheim, Germany. They took place during the apprentices’ annual graduation visit to the company’s tractor and cab factories and European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC). John Deere’s three-year Ag Tech and Turf Tech and two-year Parts Tech apprenticeships lead

to IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Landbased Engineering, and registration at LTA2 level in the industry’s Landbased Technician Accreditation scheme. In subsequent years qualified technicians undergo further education and adult training within the John Deere University programme, on a career path that can ultimately lead to the highest possible LTA4 Master Technician accreditation. Now in its 25th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, nearly 700 apprentices have graduated through the three main John Deere schemes (Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf

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Tech) and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network. The John Deere and ProVQ schemes were recently included in the 2017 School Leaver Awards, in recognition of the programme’s quality and the opportunities it presents to young people working productively in the agricultural and turf sectors. “We beat some very strong competition from other household names, coming first for an engineering and manufacturing company and third overall in the ‘Best Intermediate Apprenticeship Programme’ category,” says ProVQ managing director Julian Lloyd. “To be recognised as one of the country’s top 100 employers for school leavers, as judged by the apprentices themselves, makes us all very proud of the achievement.” 37

TELEHANDLERS

Reaching the heights There is a wide range of telehandler models to choose from

New Bobcat Range of Telescopic Loaders for Agriculture Backed by a three year warranty as standard, a new range of telescopic loaders has been launched by Bobcat for the agricultural industry. Manufactured at the company’s plant at Pontchâteau (Loire Atlantique) in France, Bobcat now offers a choice of five new telescopic loader models for the farming market covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 3.8 t with lifting heights from 6 to 7 m. They are designated using a new naming system showing lifting capacity/lifting height performance at a glance: TL26.60 and TL30.60 Compact productivity models, TL35.70, TL34.65HF and TL38.70HF. Productivity and High Flow models (TL34.65HF is not sold in countries with lesser regulated emission standards) The majority of the models are also available as AGRI versions, with a number of additional features providing higher comfort and productivity to meet most farming requirements. For markets in Europe, where emissions are highly regulated, high performance is ensured by a Bobcat D34 Stage IV/Tier 4 final compliant diesel engine developed in-house. For lesser regulated markets, the new generation telescopic loaders are available with Perkins 1104D-44TA or 1104D-E44TA Stage IIIA/Tier 3 diesel engines. The Bobcat D34 Stage IV engine has been developed and manufactured internally specifically for use in the company’s new generation Stage IV telescopic loaders for highly regulated markets in EMEA. 38

This has resulted in optimised performance throughout the range. The compactness of the D34 engine and a new styled low profile engine hood improve visibility on the engine side. The Stage IV engine offers enhanced performance and is available in three different sizes: A 55.2 kW (75 HP)/325 Nm engine model offering cost efficient operation, without Diesel Engine Fluid (DEF) injection and involving only a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) as an aftertreatment technology. A 74.5 kW (100 HP)/430 Nm engine model for heavy operations, with DOC and Selective Catalytic, Reduction (SCR) with DEF injection aftertreatment technologies. A 97 kW (130 HP)/500 Nm unit utilising DOC and SCR with DEF injection after-treatment technologies, for tough applications requiring more power.

Transmission and hydraulic revisions for 120hp Case IH Farmlift models New torque converter design creates more efficient power transmission and improves traction in tough conditions / Transmission upgrade enhanced by new crown wheel and pinion design on both front and rear axles to ensure robust power transfer to wheels / Switch to CCLS hydraulic pump improves power efficiency to help boost tractive performance A series of performance upgrades designed to enhance both tractive and hydraulic performance is being introduced for the 120hp four-speed powershift models

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in the range of Case IH Farmlift telescopic handlers. The revisions apply to the 632 (max lift height/ max lift capacity: 3.2t/6.1m), 735 (3.5t/7.0m) and 935 (3.5t/9.1m) models with 4F/3R powershift transmission. The three telehandlers now benefit from a more efficient torque converter design that allows greater use to be made of maximum engine output, and has increased the machines’ pulling power by as much as 30%. A new lower-geared crown wheel and pinion design has been incorporated into both front

TELEHANDLERS

and rear axles on the revised machines, to improve power transfer to the wheels and help increase acceleration speeds. The upgrade is aimed particularly at improving performance in operations involving climbing and pushing, such as muck, silage and grain work. The Farmlift 632, 735 and 935 models now also feature a new closed-centre loadsensing hydraulic pump. With

oil pumped only on demand, power wastage is reduced and hydraulic performance is improved. Maximum flow rate is 140 litres/minute, for faster response times and cycling during repetitive operations. In addition, the hydraulic ram on the headstock of the Farmlift 735 model has been redesigned to provide improved crowd and dump actions for full bucket loading and emptying.

Caterpillar Brings New Telehandler Models to the market

Caterpillar has launched a new range of models, including the Cat® DSeries range of Ag Handlers, a new family of telehandlers designed specifically for theagricultural market.

Well-known for its construction and mining equipment, Caterpillar’s agricultural strengths are set to grow in the UK—as the company looks to emulate the strong relationships and brand loyalty it enjoys

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TELEHANDLERS amongst farmers and ranchers in the US market. “Farmers rate the Cat brand for being tough and reliable,” explains Adrian Street, Caterpillar’s agriculture segment manager for the UK. “Time and again, it’s these features that not only attract them to our range, but which drive loyalty and long-term ownership.

“Cat machines combine excellent engineering with ease of use, comfort and capability. We’re looking forward to sharing those values with visitors to the UK’s leading farm machinery show.” LAMMA sees the company launch four new models of Ag Handlers, ranging in size from 3 to 4 tonnes, and with reach options between 6 and

10 meters. The models include: TH306D Ag Handler: a new compact 3t telehandler that’s great for getting into smaller spaces and limited-clearance sheds, but still boasts a 6m reach – making it an ideal option for the livestock farmer. 75kW. TH3510D Ag Handler: at 3.5t, this provides larger arable farmers and contractors with a

mighty 10m reach, in a threesection machine. 83-106kW. TH408D Ag Handler: this is a replacement for the Cat TH407C. It’s the most popular size class, 4t, 8m reach. 83106kW. TH357D Ag Handler: a replacement for the TH337C. This is another popular model option thanks to its 3.5t, 7m reach combination. 83-92kW.

Greater comfort and easy handling for Claas Scorpion CLAAS unveiled its new series of Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standard SCORPION telehandlers at Agritechnica 2015, raising the bar on engine performance and comfort. The latest models in this series are available for sale as of now, and boast a range of new functions and added features for even greater comfort and better handling. These include, for example, a shake function for working with the bucket, the MultiCoupler for fast attachment and removal of implements, and additional tyre options. Telehandlers are crucial for materials handling on today’s farms. In particular, users are looking for performance, costeffectiveness and driver comfort, and the CLAAS SCORPION series meets all of these requirements optimally. Spanning lift heights from 6.15 to 8.75 m and lift capacities

from 3.0 to 5.5 t, the wide-ranging SCORPION series has the right solution for every farm. All SCORPION models come with a Stage IV (Tier 4) four-cylinder Deutz diesel engine. They also feature proven CLAAS systems such as SMART ROADING and SMART HANDLING for particularly intelligent drive line technology, and added comfort and ease of operation in all work environments. SMART HANDLING provides greater operational reliability and adjustable automatic driver comfort functions as standard on all CLAAS telehandlers to make things easier for the driver over a wide range of tasks. A new feature for the SCORPION range is the bucket shake function, which makes it easier to empty the bucket when working with damp or sticky materials such as manure, compost or soil. The

boom itself can still be moved around as normal when the shake function is activated. This function is deployed via a key combination on the joystick, so that the driver can easily switch it on or off at any time during work operations. With SMART HANDLING, the driver can also easily switch

between bucket mode, stacking mode with vertical lift and manual mode. Another new automated feature is the bucket return function, with which the driver can programme a bucket return position at any time, and then automatically return the bucket to that position simply by pressing a button.

New models from JCB At the Royal Highland Show, Scot JCB displayed a series of brand new machines from JCB’s purpose built range of equipment for the farming industry. Scot JCB were joined by Kelso & Lothian Harvesters who showcased its extensive range of cutting edge agricultural equipment. Standing out was the eyecatching, silver-painted version of JCB’s 4220 Fastrac model. 25 of these limited edition machines were built to celebrate a quarter 40

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of a century of JCB’s high-speed tractor manufacturer. The final one off the production line will make an appearance at RHS before it is delivered to Scot JCB customer – Kearton Farms, Wyse Hill Farm, Barnard Castle, County Durham. The JCB Fastrac 4220 itself is a new high productivity tractor with seamless control, faster operating speeds, multiple implement mounting points and unique all-round self-levelling suspension. The design builds

TELEHANDLERS on JCB’s vast experience in developing the unique JCB Fastrac features and capabilities, which include: equal sized wheels, 50:50 weight distribution and 4-wheel disc braking with ABS. Making its first appearance in Scotland is the brand new 6-metre JCB 536-60 AGRI Pro telescopic handler. By combining the superior highspeed efficiency and towing ability of a JCB Powershift transmission with the low-speed control advantages of hydrostatic drive, the AGRI Pro’s unique JCB DualTech VT provides the best of both worlds for operators who want maximum efficiency and productivity across a wide range of applications. This revolutionary transmission is now brought to a new model with a lift capacity of 3,600kg to a full height of 6.2m. The model shown has been purchased by Scot JCB customer – H & M Connell of Minsca, Waterbeck, Lockerbie.

The 8330 JCB Fastrac displayed on the Scot JCB stand at RHS has been sold to Robert Johnston, Gillfoot Farm, Sountherness, Dumfrieshire and is

part of JCB’s powerful new 8000 series of tractors. Powered by a Tier 4F-compliant engine it delivers up to 14 per cent more power, up to 10 per cent more torque and benefits

from a new high-speed approved hydrostatic steering system. The new 8330 also features distinctive styling and benefits from the new JCB Command Plus cab.

Kramer launches 8 new telehandlers German compact machinery specialist Kramer has announced the introduction of a range of eight new telehandlers with stacking heights from 7 to 9 m. The new models complement the company’s existing range of wheeled loaders, telescopic wheeled loaders and smaller telehandlers which all offer high levels of manoeuvrability, crosscountry ability and efficiency for many farm applications.

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TELEHANDLERS Like all Kramer machines, the new telehandlers feature 4-wheel steer and 4-wheel drive which enables them to operate in confined and muddy areas with ease. They are divided into two classes with the compact KT306, KT356, KT307 and KT357 models offering stacking heights of 6 and 7 m with payloads of 3 and 3.5 tonne. The remaining four larger units, the KT447, KT507, KT557 and KT559, have stacking heights of 7 and 9 m and payloads of 4.4, 5.0 and 5.5 depending on model.

The compact machines are ideal for smaller farms, being just 2.3 m in both width and height and are well-equipped as standard, but can be specified with a variety of useful options to suit different applications. The KT356 and KT357 models are additionally fitted with load sensing hydraulics and Kramer’s variable high-speed gearbox (Ecospeed) for travel up to 40 km/h. All the larger models are also equipped with the load

sensing hydraulics and Ecospeed transmission as standard but, in addition, have ‘Smart Driving’ - a system that automatically lowers engine rpm when travelling at speed in order to reduce fuel consumption. As standard, all the new telehandlers also feature Kramer’s ‘Smart Driving’ driver assistance system which provides three modes for economical, safe and precise operation. This system continuously monitors the load condition and prevents

the machine from becoming unstable at any time. All models also have automatic bucket return, automatic vibration dampening and excellent all-round visibility from the cab. Commenting on the new range, Kramer’s managing director Karl Friedrich Hauri said: “We are very pleased to expand our range of telehandlers which now enables us to offer farmers a greater choice of machines that all offer robust construction, versatility and outstanding efficiency.”

New range from Manitou Manitou has launched a new range of forklift-trucks dedicated to agriculture, a sector in which it generates one- third of its sales. This new MLT (Manitou Loader Telescopic) range, named “NewAg”, provides a response to the current and future requirements of farmers. The NewAg range was officially launched in the UK at the LAMMA show 2017. Comprising of 9 models, this range is characterized by a wide choice of transmissions, an entirely new cab with “Easy step” access, optimal visibility, improved soundproofing and numerous innovations providing comfort, performance and efficiency. Associated with a complete range of services, the NewAg has a lower total cost of ownership, the lowest on the market. In order to best meet the current and future expectations of farmers, the Manitou group has been working for nearly 3 years

on a complete range of machines and innovative services, including those related to connectivity and consumables. “As requirements for comfort, performance and productivity are increasingly high on farms, we have to offer a choice of machines that are adapted to these constraints, and of course compliant with the Euro Stage IV engine standards. We have chosen to call this range NewAg because this name reflects the changes in the agricultural world and is understandable by everyone. The range fits perfectly within our REDUCE TCO* (Total Cost of Ownership) program, thanks to the numerous services offered, which can reduce the total cost of ownership still further”, says Arnaud Boyer, Vice-President Marketing & Product Development for the Manitou group. To provide a range suitable for all types of use, the Manitou group offers 4 types of transmission.

The manual torque converter transmission Powershuttle gearbox has 4 gears for handling agricultural loads on the road or on the farm. This transmission is highly reliable and is an economical solution for the user. The MLT 630-105 and MLT 733-105 models are offered with this type of transmission. The maximum speed is 40 km/h for the MLT 630-105 and 32 km/h for the MLT 733-105. This transmission, which is very easy to use, enables the

operator to choose between a manual and automatic mode. In the first case, the gears are changed using the +/- buttons on the JSM® (Joystick Switch & Move). 6 forward gears are proposed for 3 types of speed in forward-reverse. The operator can move into automatic gearbox mode by using the DSB (Double Switch Buttons) reserved for this purpose on the dashboard, which enables him/ her to concentrate during materialhandling and transport operations.

Massey Ferguson introduces the New Generation MF TH Series Telehandlers Massey Ferguson has announced its new MF TH Telehandler Series. The MF TH Telehandler range includes models to meet all requirements from the semicompact MF TH.6030, ideal for work in restricted spaces, through to the high capacity MF TH.7038 that can lift the heaviest high density bales. All offer fast and efficient cycles for loading as well as the power to tow a loaded trailer. 42

The four new generation models offer lift capacities from 3t to 3.8t with lift heights from 6m to 7m. All are equipped with a hydrostatic transmission and are powered by a 3.4 litre four-cylinder Doosan engine, which delivers 100hp on the MF TH.6030 and MF TH.7035 and 130hp on the MF TH.6534 and MF TH.7038. All models have three selectable steering modes, two-wheel steer,

four-wheel steer and crab-steer to provide optimum manoeuvrability in all operating conditions. “This new MF TH Telehandler Series takes our continuous improvement programme to an ever greater level,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson Director Marketing Services. “The new features on our renowned machines now deliver customers even higher performance, which allow them

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to carry out their work in more comfort, with greater productivity and with lower costs.” The wide choice in the MF TH Telehandler Series allows customers to select a model that precisely matches the power and capacity they require. The MF TH.6030 semicompact format combines two cab positions with excellent manoeuvrability from its short

TELEHANDLERS 5.71m wheelbase and narrow, 2.1m wide chassis, delivers unrivalled performance in tight areas, such as narrow barns and poultry buildings. Despite its compact dimensions, the MF TH.6030 can lift an impressive 3,000kg to 6m for optimum versatility when loading bales, fertiliser or manure.

And, at just 2.1m tall, the low cab version also offers access to heightrestricted buildings. With a more powerful 130hp engine, the MF TH.6534 excels in transport and features 190 litres/ min hydraulic flow for faster cycle times. Capable of lifting 3.4 tonnes to 6.5m, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect all-round materials handling workhorse.

Merlo 35.7 Telehandler The Merlo brand has always been synonymous with advanced technology in the telehandler field and their history, since 1964, is hallmarked by experience based on determination and passion. The development of complex products, from the idea to the result, from design to sales, means being able to propose orientations for the most competitive markets. The outcome of their efforts are compact, easy to handle telehandlers

D-K-R

ensuring incomparable operating performance, comfort, efficiency and safety. Spec includes 122hp Tier 4 Interim engine, 2-speed Hydrostatic transmission, 3500kg Load Capacity (max), 3500kg, Load capacity at max. lift height, 1350kg Load capacity at max. reach, 6.7m Lift height (max), 6.7m Lift height at max. load capacity, 3.5m Reach (max) and a 1.3m Reach at max. load capacity.

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TELEHANDLERS

New Holland’s new generation LM telehandler

New Holland’s redesigned heavy-duty six to nine metre LM range of telehandlers deliver substantially improved performance together with premium operator comfort. The five-model range can lift up to 4,200kg and has a maximum lift height of 9.1 metres. The range benefits from in-house design and construction, and offers high performance material handling capabilities to medium and large-scale livestock farmers, large arable operations and contractors. “The new LM range is the fruit of extensive customer consultation and the LM has

been redesigned from the ground up.” Stated Luca Mainardi, Head of Tractor, Telehandler and Precision Farming Product Management. “We have combined impressive output in terms of lift capacities and power with a best-in-class operator experience and class-leading visibility. Furthermore, machine flexibility has been engineered by design as both standard and high-performance Elite versions are available on 6m and 7m models.” The entire LM range is equipped with New Holland’s renowned NEF engine, which features ECOBlue™ SCR solution for Tier 4A compliance and delivers outstanding performance and exceptional fuel economy when compared to previous models. Standard LM machines develop up to 121 maximum horsepower, which rises to 143 on new Elite models. This prodigious output enables maximum lift heights of 6.1 metres on LM6.32, 7 metres on LM7.35 and 9.1 metres on LM9.35 models to be reached easily. Lifting performance is maintained thanks to the heavy-duty boom construction. Manufactured using high tensile steel, the large pins and pads further enhance operating durability. The range-topping LM9.35 has been conceived with modern straw-focused operations in mind, which need to stack bales in the tallest modern sheds with inch-perfect accuracy.

Schäffer 9640 T combines power, comfort and dynamic design Schäffer has boosted its successful telescopic wheel loaders with the brand new 9640 T – one of the largest machines 44

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in its extensive telehandler range, and the first with a dynamic new design. The new addition strengthens the loader

TELEHANDLERS specialist’s market position as the supplier with the broadest range of articulated telescopic wheel loaders in the world. Incorporating the new SCV Plus cabin, operating comfort is a high priority in the new 9640 T. Benefits include even more ergonomic operating controls, a new joystick design, improved all round visibility, adjustable side windows and doors and sound insulation at the highest level. Yet the 9640 T offers far more than improved aesthetics and comfort – as you’d expect from Schäffer, it packs a whole raft of smart features into one very well-built machine. There’s a powerful Deutz engine, with Tier IV final emission as standard, as well as high-performance loadsensing working hydraulics for fast load cycles, heavy duty planetary axles with limited slip differentials and multiple disk brakes. You’ll find hydraulic fan drive (reverse function as an option), 24” tyres, and,

perfect stability due to its rear pendulum axle. This new dynamic design has options for SDCT drive with

ECO Drive as well as a 40km/h option. Schäffer products set industry standards for reliability

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and durability, which means you save with lower servicing costs over the lifetime of the machine.

BOOK SERIALISATION

Scary times with Seamus the stallion Breeding a herd of pedigree Highland ponies on Soay was always an ambitious plan. And as Anne Cholawo writes in this exclusive extract from her new book, it got off to the worst possible start

Tex Geddes, my neighbour on Soay, had two Highland ponies. One was called Blondie, a golden long-maned beauty of a creature, gentle and co-operative. The other was Rowan, dark, graceful and glossy-coated with a mind of her own. In theory they were working animals and Tex even had a small pony cart built to navigate the rough and narrow track between Soay House and the south end of the island. The path was too steep and uneven to risk taking the cart as far as the harbour. However, Tex and Biddy, the girl who had come to help him, spent months trying to level and widen the more accessible part of the track. I tended to think it was more for fun than any real practical purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there was only half a mile of safely usable track anyway. Still, it was rather lovely to see the cart trundling along even though it had to be unwedged from some obstacle or other every few hundred yards. Both ponies were spoilt rotten, but Tex dreamed of having his own pedigree herd. We soon got a mare from Rum and now all that was wanting was a stallion. Tex knew there was an excellent pedigree herd of Highland ponies owned by the breeder Cameron Ormiston from Kingussie. By sheer force of personality, Tex persuaded him to part with one of his best young stallions, Strathmashie Seumas Mhor. Seumas, aged around two years, duly arrived in the hold of Petros during the summer of 46

1992. Everything went well as Petros came alongside the stone jetty at the head of the harbour at high tide. Seumas, looking completely unfazed by his trip, stood quietly in the hold. The ramp was lowered into the boat and Biddy got a grip of his halter to lead him onto the jetty. Unfortunately, the day Seumas arrived all three mares happened to be in season. They were on the far side of the island about a mile away. But he could smell them. One whiff and he became a rearing, foaming maniac. He pushed Biddy off the jetty and into the sea as he lumbered out of the hold and plunged in himself,

swimming the last few yards to the beach and galloping off into the trees. The next few days were pretty sleepless for the ponies and the rest of us while Seumas chased the indignant, surprised and confused mares up and down the south part of the island, seemingly without rest. A faint thundering of hooves and neighing interrupted the night and continued through the day as well. One evening I only just avoided being trampled by a stampede of manic ponies, closepacked on the narrow track. The first foals were due around the dates of the Black

Isle Show in Easter Ross. Tex liked to attend this agricultural event every year and decided to go even though the ponies were near their time. By now Biddy had left, so I offered to keep an eye on them while he was away. Tex had been off Soay for perhaps four days when one morning I went to check on the ponies as usual. They each had their favourite haunts and I could usually find them. However, on this occasion I could only find Rowan and Kay; Blondie was nowhere to be seen, neither was Seumas. Not knowing where to start, I decided to head for the middle of the island and then

Seamus the stallion is deceptively calm as he arrives in the hold of the Petros. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to last.

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BOOK SERIALISATION climb to the top of one of the bigger hills for a better all-round view. Down in a dip between two low hills, I saw Blondie and Seumas. Blondie was up to her chest in a bog and Seumas was prowling and snorting around her, churning the ground into a dangerous mess. Then I noticed a small dun-coloured speck not far from Blondie at the edge of the marshy ground. It was a tiny foal. When I reached the edge of the bog it was impossible to get near Blondie or her foal. Seumas was new to birth and foals. The smell was confusing him and he thought Blondie was in season. It seemed to me that after she had given birth he must have harried her so much that she had run into the bog to escape and got stuck. Seumas obviously did not want me to come too close and for the first time since he had arrived on Soay he was making me nervous. Normally he was a mild and placid chap. I needed help so I went to find Jill and we both rushed over to the schoolhouse where we told Gordon what had happened. Luckily, it was a weekend and he was not teaching. We got some ropes and I found a halter for Seumas. Gordon had the forethought to bring a spade. The scene was exactly as I had left it. Seumas was still scraping the ground and throwing his head about. Somehow, we managed to get a halter on him. I couldn’t hold him on my own and I think Jill and I eventually managed to keep him away by waving sticks and shouting while Gordon carefully dug Blondie out. She was really amazing. She understood what Gordon was trying to do and didn’t move a muscle until he had managed to free her forelegs. Blondie could then heave herself up by brute strength and finally got herself out of the bog, black up to her chest in peaty mud. We had then a problem with both Seumas and Blondie’s tiny foal. As soon as Blondie was clear, Seumas became even more agitated. Gordon offered to try to hold him off while Jill and I

Tex, with Biddy, leads his mare Blondie as she pulls the cart along the only track – just half a mile long – suitable for it on the island

coaxed Blondie back to the bay and safely into a shed with her foal. Miraculously, somehow Gordon did manage to keep Seumas away and slowly we walked Blondie home. The little foal could hardly walk on her thin legs on the rough terrain, so Jill heroically shifted her up onto her own shoulders and we laboriously trudged home. Every now and then I looked back to see Gordon being nearly lifted off his feet, but on the whole he seemed to be winning. We put mother and foal into an old barn. I found Blondie some hay and concentrates and gave her plenty of water. Then we secured the door to leave her to bond in peace with her foal. A few hours later they were doing well and, to my relief, the little foal was drinking from her mother. By next morning she was strong and perky and very beautiful. She looked like a perfect little rocking horse. Seumas had calmed down. In fact he gave no trouble to the other mares when they had their foals. He seemed to have worked it out by then. A few years later when yet another batch of foals was due, I was helping Tex with worming.

We had the ponies corralled in a small enclosure with a big shed which was then used as a hay barn and winter-feeding area. It was a convenient place to isolate animals needing medication. Everything was going well. I was outside grooming one of the ponies while Tex was inside working out the dosage for each animal. He came to the door for a moment and when I glanced up I noticed his face was pouring with sweat. ‘Are you all right?’ I asked, concerned. He made one of his familiar irritated gestures and went back inside. We got on with worming and afterwards I went to make us some tea on a little gas ring. We were sitting on high stools inside the shed when Tex went to take a sip of tea and dropped the cup on the floor. He started to splutter and at first I thought he was making some jokey comment on my teamaking skills, particularly as he fell off the stool like a lump of wood. A few seconds later I realised this was no joke. He could not speak coherently. He’d had a stroke. I dashed off to the nearest neighbour to find a telephone. In very little time Tex was

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surrounded by people supplying him with cushions, blankets and advice while we waited for a helicopter to take him to hospital. Somehow Tex communicated that he needed clothes and money and I fetched them. A small helicopter arrived from Plockton on the mainland in remarkably quick time and Oliver and Gordon got him inside. It was away in moments. For most people that might have been the end. However, by the following evening my telephone rang and it was Tex on the line sounding fully himself. He told me that as the helicopter pulled away from the island he was convinced he would never see Soay again. He spent the rest of that day and all of the following night in Raigmore, our nearest hospital in Inverness, exercising every limb and forcing his legs to walk about the corridors. By next afternoon nearly all the symptoms of his stroke had vanished. Two days later he was back home again. This is an edited extract from Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay by Anne Cholawo, published by Birlinn, price £12.99 47

TURRIFF SHOW 2017 Sunday 30th and Monday 31st July

The 153rd Turriff Show is set to take place at The Haughs, Queens Road, Turriff and is again hoping to attract exhibitors and visitors from far and near. The Main Sponsor this year again is Morrison Motors, Turriff Limited. There will be a fantastic array of prizewinning cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and lines of impressive farm machinery and much more. There are over 300 quality trade stands

selling a wide range of goods, a Food Fayre, Indoor Shopping Mall, Exhibition Marquee, Art and Craft marquee and a huge marquee with a magnificent display of home-based crafts, flowers and vegetables. The exciting ringside programme includes first time appearance at Turriff Show for The Kangaroo Kid Quad Bike Stunt Show and The Drakes of Hazard Sheepdog and Duck Display Team who will

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both enthral the crowds with their daily performances. The Wobbly Wife Carrying Championships will again be held on the Sunday afternoon to raise vital funds for Funding Neuro as will the everpopular horse jumping, vintage vehicles and sulky trotting. We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Ryeland National Sheep Show for the first time at Turriff Show and it is hoped to attract exhibitors from a very wide area. Mr Ronald Wilkie, Tillyboy, Echt will start judging at 9.00am on the Monday morning. Judging will start at 8.30am on the Monday morning for the return of the Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show with classes for both Traditional and Crossing Type. The popular marquee disco starts the Show weekend off on Friday 28th July with music being provided by Night Fever Disco. Judging of the Horse and Pony classes takes place on

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Sunday. The Grand Parade of Prize winning Horses, Ponies and Donkeys takes place at 2.15pm. The Champion In-Hand and Champion Ridden winners are invited back on the Monday to compete for the Sleigh Family Trophy for the Supreme Champion of Champions of Turriff Show 2017 and this year we have the bonus of presenting the Reserve Champion of Champions with a new trophy kindly donated by Deveron Veterinary Services, Turriff. Also exhibiting on Sunday are Goats, Rabbits, Cavies and Pigeons. Monday is the day for the judging of the Cattle, Sheep, Clydesdale Horses and Poultry. The Stockjudging competition on Sunday is open to all members of SAYFC and continues to be as popular as ever with teams competing for the Silcock Challenge Shield. Teams have to consist of three members and each

TURRIFF SHOW

Horse Jumping action

club may enter two teams but a third team may enter provided it is an All-Ladies team. Turriff Show hosts the largest Industrial and Horticulture marquee of any

Show in Scotland. The Industrial marquee hosts competitive classes for a wide range of produce (eggs, butter, oatcakes etc.), preserves, cookery, honey, wine to sewing, knitting and

woodcraft to name but a few. The Horticulture part is a very impressive display of varying

kinds of flowers and vegetables and it is free to enter. There are over 250 wellpresented outdoor trade stands at Turriff Show. Agricultural trade stands include machinery stands with tractors and machinery from all the leading manufacturers and there will also be a very wide range of motor vehicle stands and a number of quality stands featuring renewable energy, heating products and alternative technologies. There are also a large number of stands from the agricultural service and supply industry in addition to forestry and the countryside. Other stands include fashion and clothing, horticulture, garden furniture, arts, crafts and toys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something for everyone. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Fayre has a wide variety of quality stands promoting the very best of predominantly Scottish food and drink. Take the opportunity to sample such traditional delights

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might try a freshly made Cornish Pastie or be tempted with luxury handmade fudge! The Indoor Shopping Mall has a selection of stands offering a range of quality goods. Browse through a range of boutiques selling fashion accessories, clothing, and jewellery or something for your home. There will also be original art and prints. The Exhibition Marquee has a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lifestyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; theme and some stands will be promoting good health, complimentary therapies and nutrition whilst others will showcase kitchen planning, local hotel venues, short stay breaks and local Heritage information. The Art and Craft marquee hosts an excellent selection of quality crafts stands. Visitors can expect to find childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade clothing and accessories, tartan kilt bags, stained and fused glass, glass art, original paintings and prints, hand crafted greetings cards, wooden gifts, straw work and a broad selection of jewellery stands. A visit to the Old MacDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s InFARMation in The Ferguson Hall is a must for children. There will be exciting displays from local schoolchildren taking part in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schools competition. There will also be hands-on activities for youngsters to try. The main ringside entertainment on both days is The Kangaroo Kid Quad Bike Stunt Show and will include stunts using specially fitted quad bikes - one even fitted with a roll cage and the Show will finish with a spectacular jump over anything that is put in their path so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this spectacular display. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s races will take place on both Show days â&#x20AC;&#x201C; entry is free for all races with prize money and sweets (where applicable) awarded. Tug of War enthusiasts can look forward to a Tug of War competition confined to members of Young Farmers Clubs (teams of 6) on the Sunday afternoon. Look out for the Open Dog Show also on the Sunday where

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there are 126 classes (under Kennel Club Ltd Rules & Regulations) with the Companion Dog Show on Monday and dogs need not be K.C. Registered for the Companion Dog Show. If you are interested in music then there will be something for everyone. On the Sunday afternoon Turriff & District Pipe Band will be performing in the Showfield. Deveron River Brass Band will be performing in the Den Pavilion from 2pm and from 2pm on Monday afternoon will be the Turriff Junior Silver Band and both Bands are very talented musicians and their programmes will include solos and a mixed repertoire of music to suit everyone. The finale on Sunday night will be the Vintage and Classic Vehicle Display with over 150 vintage tractors and 50 classic cars making their way round the ring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; certainly a sight not to be missed! The Showground is open from 7.00am Sunday and Monday with Trade Stands open at 9.00am each day and Showground closes at 8.00pm Sunday and 6.00pm Monday. Adult Admission is ÂŁ15: ÂŁ13 advance, Concession (Senior Citizen/Student/Children 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16) - ÂŁ10: ÂŁ9 advance and Family Ticket ÂŁ45: ÂŁ42 advance. Children under 12 are free. Discounted Admission Tickets are now on sale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit website www.turriffshow.org and also online entries are now being accepted. Closing dates for entries are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 1st July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Livestock and Open Dog Show, Saturday 8th July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YFC Stockjudging and Industrial Section, Saturday 15th July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adult and Junior Showjumping and Vintage Vehicles. All Schedules and entry forms are available to download from the website. We hope to see you at Turriff Show on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st July where there is something to suit all ages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; come and see for yourself!

Farming Scotland

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Ghillie Waterproof Fleece What they say: This high performance fleece is guaranteed to keep you warm and dry, whether out in the field or on the hill. Much more than a simple fleece jacket, the Ghillie has a hollow-fibre, thermal and breathable quilted lining; Alcantara reinforcements on all high wear areas, and one-piece shoulder construction for optimum ease of movement. There are three external, zipped pockets, one internal zipped security pocket, and an adjustable drawcord at the waist. Back Length 30” (Large). Sizes: S (35-37) M (38-41) L (42-45) XL (46-49) 2XL(50-52) Price: £75 Our Editors’ Review: First thing to say is that is the Scottish summer!...so when the fleece arrived, I did wonder how comfortable I would feel wearing such an obviously well put together garment in our glorious sunshine? Well, that wasn’t to be a problem! We had a campervan trip planned in early June, so the fleece came with me – and I loved it! Scotland is June is often wet, and very often windy, and that was where this Ghillie Fleece really proved its quality. We got lots of wind and blustery weather during our tip to the coast. This fleece was so comfortable and cosy while not too heavy, in fact very light considering its’ quality of fabric, lining and finishing. The pockets where robust and the fit was excellent. I have only ever had a couple of fleeces before and this is the best one I have tried on, so a very pleased camper indeed! I am no farmer, but for anyone working outside in our rural hills, I would totally recommend this Ghillie fleece, a Great product! Now of course, I am delighted to offer one our readers the chance to win one of these lovely fleeces all with the kind courtesy of Fife Country. Our competition is easy, so best of luck!

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beef New QMS Guide Highlights Ways to Improve Suckler Herd Fertility A new guide produced by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) highlights key steps Scottish farmers can take to improve the fertility of their herds, and the profitability of their businesses. “A Guide to Improving Suckler Herd Fertility” has been produced by QMS to help farmers assess their herds’ performance and identify areas for improvement. The guide contains several case studies and suggestions to help farmers boost the fertility of their herds and ultimately the bottom line of their businesses. “Achieving optimum performance for your beef enterprise has never been more important,” said Doug Bell, QMS Head of Industry Development.

“Managing and improving the fertility of your suckler herd is one of the key ways to improve cow margins and hence business profitability.” The new guide includes practical steps farmers can take to boost the productivity of their herds. The topics covered include: the management of bulling heifers; targeting cow condition throughout the year; avoiding difficult calvings; careful bull selection and management and maintaining good herd health status. All of these can have an important influence on overall herd fertility. “A Guide to Improving Suckler Herd Fertility” is

available on request from Quality Meat Scotland by emailing info@qmscotland.

co.uk or phoning 0131 472 4040 and can also be downloaded at www.qmscotland.co.uk.

Early lean growth key to profitable beef production

Beef producers should be maximising early lean growth to avoid costly setbacks. Based on the fact that feed conversion efficiency decreases with age, missing out on just 10% early growth in beef animals could lengthen finishing times and increase overall feed requirements by an additional 159kg/head1. 52

“Maximising early lean growth, the stage at which feed is converted the most efficiently, should be at the forefront of all producer’s minds,” says Bethany May, ruminant nutritionist at Trident Feeds. “It’s key to increasing overall growth rates, reducing time to slaughter and improving the

quality of finish,” she adds. “Nutrition in the first five to six months of life plays a large role in achieving this, so rations should include a quality protein source, while lean growth is most efficient. As animals get older, this lean growth efficiency decreases and fat deposition becomes a priority.” Miss May advises that to

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produce cost-effective rations, producers should reassess protein sources, as it is often the most expensive dietary component, and quality can vary. “However, choosing a better economic value protein source doesn’t have to mean that the quality of the ration will be compromised,” she says. For instance, wheat distillery liquid feeds, such as Proflo, are a good option compared to cereals plus soya, or rapeseed meal, as they are palatable so drive intakes helping to maximise early lean (muscle) growth, at reduced ration cost. “Replacing 1.0kg/day of standard rapeseed meal with ~3kg/ day of Proflo could reduce total ration costs by at least 5p/head/ day, or £10/day across 200 cattle, while maintaining a potential daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 1.4kg/day, and supplying the same amount of protein on a dry matter (DM) basis*,” says Miss May.

beef Feed efficiency key to beef sector sustainability post-Brexit

Feed efficiency must become a major priority for UK beef producers if the industry is to compete in global markets in the post-Brexit era. This was the headline message from Richard Fuller, business development director of the Beef Improvement Group (BIG), speaking at the open day to mark the culmination of a successful five-year research project to develop the first Net Feed Efficiency EBV in the UK. “We face uncertain times right across UK agriculture, with question marks over the future of farming support and the likelihood that commodity price volatility is with us for the long term,” he said. “For beef producers, it is going to be essential to have tighter control of costs, and feed is far and away the biggest burden on most systems. “One of the most notable observations from the Net Feed Efficiency (NFE) project has

been the amount of variation there is between different animals in their use of feed for growth and maintenance. “We’ve recorded a 13% difference in NFE between the top one-third and the bottom one-third of bulls over the period of the project. Put another way, this means that the bulls in the top third are eating 1.8kg DM/day less feed than those in the bottom third, whilst achieving the same weight gain. For the bulls on test, this has typically resulted in a saving of £21/head over a 12-week trial period, indicating that the equivalent of up to £100 saving per cow/calf unit per year is possible. “The new NFE trait has good heritability (37%), so by selecting breeding cattle that are more efficient with a good NFE EBV, rapid genetic progress can be made, improving the prospects for any beef production system.”

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Judith Ralston Drives Meaty Campaign to Raise Funds for Scotland’s Hospices

Top TV weather presenter Judith Ralston joined sun seekers in Glasgow recently to kick start a summer of barbecuing in support of Scotland’s Hospices Together. Judith joined employees and patients at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice on Carlton Place to launch the start of The Big Scotch Beef Sizzle, an initiative created by Scotland’s Hospices Together, which hopes to fuel a burst of BBQ activity during June to raise vital funds for hospices around the country. The Scotland-wide campaign, supported by Scotch Beef PGI, will encourage Scots to get flame grilling steaks and burgers in aid of their local community’s care-providers - whatever the forecast. Judith Ralston, the popular presenter who regularly proffers weather predictions on primetime Scottish TV, said: “In Scotland, we often let the weather forecast make or break our weekend plans but this summer we want to ensure a dreich downpour won’t dampen our spirits. “I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend than catching up with friends and family while raising cash for such a worthwhile cause, so the secret to a safe and

seamless barbeque is to always be prepared. “Whether it’s in a friend’s back garden or down at the local park, pack an umbrella along with some sun cream and there will be nothing to stop the fun!” Scotland’sHospicesTogether is a national partnership of nine of Scotland’s independent hospices and the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). The partnership aims to support and highlight the work of hospice care in Scotland. The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, just one of the care-providers encouraging locals to get involved in The Big Scotch Beef Sizzle campaign, delivers free person-centred and familyfocused palliative care and support to 1,200 new patients and families every year in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire. For more information on how to get involved with The Big Scotch Beef Sizzle and to download your starter pack visit: http://www. scotlandshospices.org/ events/scotch-beef-sizzle. aspx Recipes and information about Scotch Beef PGI, can be found at www. scotchkitchen.co.uk or follow @ScotchKitchen on Facebook or Twitter. 53

livestock OLC appoints United Auctions to operate Oban Mart The Board of Oban Livestock Centre (OLC) has announced the appointment of United Auctions as new operators of Oban Mart. The decision was made at the Centre’s AGM held Back in May where shareholders had the chance to discuss the Board’s recommendation at length and endorsed it. OLC Chairman, Duncan Buchanan, said: “Given the challenges faced by the industry in the future, we are pleased to work with United Auctions and hope that our Centre prospers for the benefit of our shareholders.” George Purves, Managing Director of United Auctions, said: “We are delighted to be the new operators of Oban Mart and are committed to enhancing Oban

Livestock Centre and the local economy for the farmers and crofters in the West of Scotland and the islands. “Our priority is to reinvigorate the sales to make them more effective and well attended. We believe competition comes from a large ring of buyers and we will use our extensive customer network, experience and marketing expertise to attract more buyers to the sales. “Our permanently based staff in the West, including Raymond Kennedy, will be supported by our senior management team and our cattle and sheep teams as required. We will also work with existing staff at Oban to operate the sales and the day-to-day running of the operation.”

Warm weather increases parasite risk in sheep and cattle NADIS and Merial Animal Health are warning sheep and cattle farmers that recent above average temperatures could lead to a rise in parasitic disease in growing animals this summer. The timing of worm treatments for lambs during the grazing season will depend upon prevailing weather conditions, grazing history, levels of contamination and stocking density. Prolonged dry weather conditions during the spring may have delayed the larval challenge, but infectivity will increase once wetter weather returns and leave lambs susceptible to parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE). Lambs on safe grazing at the start of turnout shouldn’t need worming until after they are weaned. Ideally lambs should be weaned onto silage or hay aftermaths that have not been grazed by sheep earlier in the year. Lambs grazing permanent pastures will usually require worming to limit the build-up of 54

infective larvae later in the season. Regular performance monitoring, or worm faecal egg counts (FEC) of lambs, from June onwards can be used to guide anthelmintic treatments. Treatment is generally recommended when FECs exceed 500-700 epg. Targeting worm treatments for lambs failing to meet expected growth rates can reduce the risk of selecting for resistant strains of worms. Lambs in good body condition can be left untreated, allowing a pool of unselected parasites to re-infect the pasture, maintaining wormer efficacy in the longer term. Weighing lambs every 3-4 weeks will help identify poor growth rates and those individuals which will benefit from treatment. Parasite control in rams can sometimes be forgotten, and yet they often graze the same pasture year on year and may be at increased risk of parasite challenge as a result of this.

Food Standards Scotland urges farmers to prevent lead poisoning on farms

Scotland’s food body is giving advice to farmers to help prevent lead poisoning in their livestock. Lead poisoning incidents increase in the spring as animals are turned out to pasture. This increases the chances of animals coming into contact with lead deposits from sources including old machinery, rubbish, vehicle batteries, bonfire ash, electric fencing or lead-based paint. In the last two years, approximately 460 animals in Scotland have been affected by lead poisoning, with 38 dying as a result. As well as not being able to sell the affected animal’s produce, farmers can also face the costs involved in veterinary fees, stunted animal growth and loss of market value. Food Standards Scotland has partnered with Scottish Agricultural College Consulting Vet Services (SACCVS), the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) and the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of lead poisoning. Leaflets will be distributed to farmers in Scotland. Animals which have been exposed to lead can show high levels of poisoning in their meat, offal and milk. These can be above the safe limits laid down

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in food law, making them illegal for use in the food chain. Food Standards Scotland’s Head of Food Crime and Incidents Unit, Ron McNaughton, said: “Keeping the number of products containing lead down to a minimum can significantly reduce the risk of lead poisoning on farms. “Most farmers will do this as a matter of course, but there are a minority of farms where rubbish such as old car batteries, old machinery and redundant material is allowed to accumulate rather than being disposed of and this can lead to contamination of the soil. “Farm animals including cattle, pigs and sheep are inquisitive creatures and will investigate anything unusual. If farmers suspect lead poisoning they should stop access to the affected area and remove the cause as soon as it has been identified. They should remove the livestock from the area and seek veterinary advice.” Please contact your veterinary surgeon or your local Scottish Agricultural College Disease Surveillance Centre for advice if you suspect lead poisoning. Information on veterinary services in your area is available via the SACCVS website, www.sruc.ac.uk.

livestock Controlling parasites in cattle at grass Managing anthelmintic resistance through the responsible use of cattle wormers was the key take home message at a recent AHDB Beef and Lamb and COWS (Control of Worms Sustainably) farmer meeting. Guest speakers at the event, spoke on the importance of understanding the lifecycle of cattle parasites, and managing parasitic challenges responsibly through grazing management strategies and the targeted use of wormers, taking into account different farm systems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selecting for anthelmintic resistance of cattle parasites is inevitable,â&#x20AC;? explained Dr John Graham-Brown from the University of Liverpool, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doomed, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why initiatives such as COWS are so important to

ensure the sustainable use of anthelmintics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The lifecycle of gutworms, lungworms and liver fluke mean that infected cattle will excrete infective eggs and larvae contaminating pastures. Consequently, there is a risk of animals being re-infected or youngstock in their first grazing season being exposed to high worm burdens, if this is not managed effectively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Controlling worm burdens via anthelmintics is often necessary. However, when we continue to use the same product repeatedly, for the same reason year-on-year, levels of worms with a gene that makes them resistant to said wormer will increase, hence wormers become less effective over time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not something that can be avoided,

but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something the cattle industry can reduce and control to ensure resistance doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become unmanageable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we work collectively as an industry, we can stay one step ahead of resistance,â&#x20AC;? says Dr Graham-Brown. Also speaking at the event, veterinary surgeon Rachel Hayton of Synergy Farm Health, spoke of the importance of using wormers

responsibly, but also looking at grazing management strategies to help reduce the challenge and impact of cattle parasites in the first place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In beef cattle, gut worms are very common, and something I frequently diagnose. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a common cause of poor performing animals and one which can be very costly if left untreatedâ&#x20AC;?.

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BSE risk is negligible in Scotland Scotland has achieved the lowest risk level status available for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Notification of the risk classification upgrade to negligible risk status was confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in Paris. The OIE has recognised that the official BSE risk status of both Scotland and Northern Ireland is at the safest level, a move expected to help open international market access for beef exports. England and Wales continue to be recognised as having controlled risk BSE status. Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This is a significant achievement that has been many years in the making. Scotland has had no cases of BSE since

2009 and this announcement is testament to many peoples tireless efforts, including SAMW, our beef producers and finishers, our red meat businesses, vets, and this government. We have all worked together to maintain a system of interlocking safeguards against BSE that protects our public and animal health. “With Scotland already being recognised as officially TB-free this decision further vindicates our reputation for supplying beef products of the highest quality, produced to the highest standards in the world, and demonstrates the OIE’s acceptance that both our surveillance for, and measures against BSE are stringent. “Having achieved negligible risk status, Scotland has an even stronger foundation to continue to increase Scottish beef exports across the world.”

Leading professor says mycotoxins in ruminants should not be overlooked

With increasing mycotoxin risk to cattle being reported, mycotoxin management must be factored in to dairy herd health programmes. This is the key message from leading mycotoxin expert, Professor Johanna Fink-Gremmels. In a vet meeting hosted by Alltech UK, Professor Fink-

Gremmels, who has spent several decades researching the mechanisms involved in the toxicity of mycotoxins, told attendees that the effect of mycotoxin exposure in ruminants is greatly underestimated. “As a result of emerging fungal threats across Europe

The Times They Are A-Changin’ By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group I have just attended the Vet Trust Annual Congress. This is an educational event for vets to keep them up to date with the changes and progress that is continually happening in the veterinary world. The Vet Trust is a charitable organization dedicated to providing what is called Continuing Professional Development, CPD, and this year celebrated its 25th Anniversary. That got me thinking of some of the major changes and developments that have happened over that time. Size of holdings and housing of animals would be one. In Orkney the tied byre has given way to the slatted court for winter housing. This gives the animals freedom of movement, a welfare improvement, but makes observation of the individual animal more difficult. Slats can be a hard cold stand, which has been greatly improved by the introduction of rubber mats. One of the other improvements in welfare has been the introduction of injectable NSAIDS (anti inflammatory/painkillers). Gone are the days of drenching cows with ground up aspirin tablets twice a day, we now

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have licensed products, which alleviate pain and reduce inflammation and high temperatures. This allows animals to keep eating and return to normal much quicker, improving outcomes. Relief of pain, whether it be disbudding calves or a cow with mastitis, is so important and can now be easily implemented compared with the past. Our understanding of what achieves the best results is also constantly changing and improving. Foot rot in sheep, another painful condition, is a good example. Many years ago the advice was to trim back the feet hard to expose the infection to the air. The advice is now the opposite! Leave well alone and treat the infection with antibiotics, only trimming off excess flaps of horn when the infection has settled down. It’s easy to keep doing what you’ve always done, but don’t get stuck in your ways. Learning new ways of doing things and improving outcomes is the responsibility of all vets and animal owners; it can be stimulating and satisfying and ultimately leads to better welfare for the animals and their owners/vets!

livestock and varied diets consisting of both concentrate feed and forage, ruminants are being exposed to an increasingly complex mixture of mycotoxins,” says Professor Fink-Gremmels. Explaining the symptoms of exposure, she says that while acute mycotoxicoses is very occasionally seen, the majority of herds present more subtle symptoms.

“Chronic mycotoxin exposure initiates a cascade of adverse effects. Along with impaired rumen function, mycotoxin ingestion can initiate a generalised inflammatory response. This results in a broad range of symptoms such as reduced milk yield, increased disease prevalence and a drop-in fertility,” says Professor Fink-Gremmels. With symptoms typically wide-ranging, she advises that

understanding cow signals could help identify mycotoxin issues. “If a cow is displaying any signs associated with mycotoxin exposure without any other obvious diagnosis, further investigation should be sought to rule out mycotoxins,” says Professor Fink-Gremmels. “A broad-spectrum mycotoxin test, such as the 37+ test offered by Alltech, can accurately

identify the type and levels of any mycotoxins in feed, enabling an informed decision on any mitigatory measures. “If intervention is necessary, strategies should focus on improving the rumen flora and reducing the bioavailability of mycotoxins through the addition of a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder, to minimise the effects on cow health and performance,” she concludes.

National BVD Survey 2017 shows progress but also areas of concern Around 75% of farmers participating in the 2017 National BVD Survey said that the benefit of being free from BVD is between £10-40 per cow, writes Boehringer Ingelheim’s Matt Yarnall who led the survey. In excess of 600 beef and dairy herds from around the UK were represented in the survey which also revealed that half of respondents said they had a current BVD problem or had seen it in the past. “That said, almost a fifth of farmers were not aware of the BVD status of their herd,” says Mr Yarnall. “The fact that so many respondents were unaware of the

BVD status of their herd is of concern, particularly when there are BVD eradication schemes running throughout the UK, including compulsory schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, the findings are broadly the same as a previous survey we have conducted in 2016 and confirmed that BVD is still an issue on many farms across the UK.” Survey respondents also seem to be failing to use vaccines correctly in a significant number of cases. Nearly three quarters of farmers were using some vaccines inappropriately and failing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

“It seems farmers either aren’t reading the instructions or are failing to follow them. Some vaccines require six monthly boosters when used on a whole herd basis in all-year-round calving herds, which was the commonest calving pattern reported, but this survey found that 71% of farmers using this type of vaccine were only vaccinating their herds once a year. “Not only does this mean the vaccine will not provide the protection expected, but also that farmers are wasting their time and money unless it is given according to the stated vaccination interval,” explains Mr Yarnall.

Those farmers wanting to only vaccinate their herds once a year should ensure they are using a vaccine which offers a full 12 months’ protection from a single dose, such as Bovela®. One of the other main findings was that a number of farmers are failing to tag calves correctly, only tagging live calves and not dead or aborted ones. “Not tagging dead or stillborn calves means you cannot have an accurate picture of virus prevalence,” says Matt Yarnall. “And of course, in some areas such as Northern Ireland it is a legal requirement to tissue sample all calves, live and dead.”

Livestock Health Scotland supports SAC Consulting Veterinary Services in efforts to monitor Schmallenberg virus risks To provide the agricultural industry with an ‘early warning’ system, Livestock Health Scotland is funding SAC Consulting Veterinary Services to monitor bulk milk samples for serological evidence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) over the risk period of midge activity in 2017. This surveillance effort provides a system for warning both sheep and cattle producers pinpointing if and when the virus becomes active in various regions of Scotland allowing them to plan accordingly. 58

SBV first entered the UK on wind flows from Europe in 2011 causing deformed lambs and calves to be born in 2012 on 220 holdings. Although in the following seasons the disease’s profile fell this midge born disease continues to be a real threat. Symptoms include fever, milk drop and loss of appetite but in pregnant cattle and sheep but SBV can cause foetal skeletal deformities resulting, not only in losses of production, but in significant dangers and welfare issues during birth.

Spring calving cows and early lambing ewes may be most at risk and producers should seek advice from their farm veterinarian on SBV disease management strategies if the SBV threat is confirmed. Vaccine availability is not guaranteed and manipulating lambing dates may be the best tool to reduce the risks in breeding flocks. Surveillance of Scottish cattle and sheep disease, as carried out by SACCVS and supported by Scottish Government, has identified that SBV was active in

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the midge population of southern Scotland, particularly the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway during the late summer and in to early Winter of 2016. These resulted in the birth of malformed lambs and calves in the spring of 2017. There were also two cases of SBV infection identified in the Lothians in the same time frame. Samples for diagnosis and screening were submitted from throughout Scotland, but no other evidence of SBV infection was found.

On the farms we run a number of different enterprises, that we try our hardest to make money from. We will be best known for our herd of Pedigree Highland cattle, this year are running 20 with our new stock bull, Broach. We bought him privately at the start of the year. He has proven bloodlines in his background and we are hopeful of making the next step upwards towards the top of the tree in the pedigree breeding world with his progeny, he is blissfully unaware of the hopes and aspirations we have placed on him as he struts his stuff with his cows round the Borland Hill. On the other side of the farm is the Coldrach hill and this summer our herd of Pedigree Belted Galloway cows will roam, hopefully with another new stock bull, who as I write we are waiting on the results of his blood tests. I made a foray over the border into England to find him and hopefully he will also provide the next step in pedigree excellence, at least we hope! On more conventional lines we have 25 Highland cows that we cross to a beef shorthorn giving us calves which are desirable in the store market. I am toying with the idea of keeping a few Highland X Shorthorn heifers and bulling them with something and selling them in-calf. These make excellent hill cows and I think we could find a good market for them. At the end of the day it is about producing what the market place wants and making money. Complimenting the cattle we have a flock of 30 Pedigree Hebridean ewes and a flock of 500 Hebridean cross Texel/ Beltex and Cheviot ewes. These are great wee ewes that are very motherly, easy lambing and produce; I agree not the biggest lamb in the world but a good shapely lamb that the finishers like. Our ewes are scanned and all lamb outside with as minimal interference from us. It goes against instinct not to interfere at lambing time but they are best left alone as

DROVERS TALES

Hopping aboard the Pony Express! By Ken Headspeath Highland Drovers & Borland Farm much as possible and kept an eye from a distance through the binoculars. The biggest expense with the lambs is the transport to market and the electronic ear tag we need to fit. The expenses are very low with these sheep and they are so well suited to where we are. Now the next enterprise on our

list is sheep which are almost completely opposite from the Hebrideans in every way, I am talking about our pedigree Zwarbles. We only have 5 ewes and 4 gimmers but from experience I know that one day I will turn round and think how did that happen as I gaze across a field full of them.

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These sheep require more work. They need their feet clipped and sprayed regularly, they love food and given half a chance they would be in the house by the fire on a winters evening. Amazingly friendly, they don’t respond the same way to the dogs as normal sheep and it is best moving them by rattling a bucket; they would follow you to the end of the world for a cob. During the worst of the winter they have to come inside as they can look so miserable it makes me feel guilty. This wee flock one day might be a money making venture but that is a bit away yet. Now you might think that we run a type of zoo with all the different breeds and enterprises and you would not be far wrong. I have been prattling on about making money and that brings me on to the latest venture and I know there is no way this is ever going to generate money, the funds all go in one direction and that is out of the bank account. However I am a dad and husband and saying no to my daughter and wife has never been something I have been able to successfully grasp and on May the 8th we had our first ever Highland Pony foal, over the last few years we bought a stallion and then a mare and now we have 4 ponies and the foal Sula, it is a lovely wee thing but what an effort and expense in getting to this point. I have already figured out that there is no way I am ever going to be allowed to sell her, despite promises in the past of producing foals and selling them, I know my girls well and money does not come into the equation, however between you and me; I complain a lot about the expenses of Highland Ponies but I am rather fond of them and as they saying goes “you can’t take it with you”, at least that’s what I say to myself each time I write another cheque for a pony expense. 59

dairy Routine weighing essential to lifespan of calves

More UK dairy farms need to regularly weigh their growing calves to improve their life chances according to AHDB Dairy Technical Manager Andy Dodd. That was the message at a recent Calf to Calving event held at Glasgoforest Farm in Aberdeen. “Calf survival is still a big challenge; 14% of tagged heifers fail to reach their first calving.” Andy says. “That’s something

we need to change. We know that good regular weight gain should ensure heifers reach their calving weight by 24 months which in turn is incredibly good for their health, as well as the farm’s bottom line. “However, the average calving age is closer to 28 months and we still see many heifers not calving until they are far older which decreases milk yield and lifespan, and increases the likelihood of calving assistance.

“Things are getting better, but slowly; we need to speed things up.” Royal Veterinary College research funded in conjunction with AHDB Dairy shows that reducing calving age from 26 to 24 months saves 16% in rearing costs, while heifers which don’t calf until 32 months cost an extra 41%. For Andy the answer is clear; regular weighing to ensure young stock are gaining at the right rate for their farm and breed.

“Different farms and breeds will grow at different rates, the key is to weigh calves at birth, and then establish what their growth rate needs to be to achieve a 90% mature weight at 24 months. The main thing with weighing is that it is regular, and that electronic scales are used. It is really hard to judge an animal’s weight simply by looking, we often ask farmers to do this at our meetings and seven different farmers will give seven different answers.”

Study shows Bio-Mos® plus milk equals daily weight gain in calves and more milk in first lactation Average result of 0.14 pounds more weight gain per day in pre-weaned dairy calves corresponds to 8.37 pounds increased weight for calves weaned at two months of age Meta-analysis conducted from combined data from 23 different studies by Berge Veterinary Consulting Dairy producers strive for long-term production and 60

productivity with their herd, right from the start, and the pre-weaning growth of a dairy calf is a good indicator. While diarrhoea is one of the most common antagonists in issues with poor digestion and weight gain in calves, supplementing with Bio-Mos® has been shown to enhance performance and improve gut health.

A recent meta-analysis conducted by Dr. Anna Catharina Berge of Berge Veterinary Consulting BVBA concluded that Bio-Mos® supplementation in milk or milk replacer increased daily weight gain in dairy calves. These trials revealed, on average, 0.14 pounds improved weight gain per head per day in pre-weaned dairy calves,

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which corresponded to 8.37 pounds increased weight for calves weaned at two months of age. The long-term improved performance in heifers with improved pre-weaning growth would be equivalent to 220 pounds more milk in the first lactation, generating additional farm income, and improving gut health and digestive function.

For healthy grassland soils, BioCircle model aims to help farmers

A model ecosystem to help dairy farmers increase grassland productivity from on-farm resources was launched at the Grassland and Muck Event by EnviroSystems. It illustrates the natural interdependency between grass growth, herbage nutrient content, cow performance, slurry quality and soil health, according to company spokesperson Sally Russell. In practice, she says the BioCircle model guides farmers to maintain optimum soil pH of 6.4 in conjunction with a vigorous population of earthworms, soil microbes and fungi. “At this pH, with a balanced supply of macro and micro plant nutrients, grassland productivity and nutrient content can be maximised,” she says. “But too often, raw slurry can help acidify soil and inoculate it with pathogens such as enterobacteria. For soil pH to remain at 6.4 when slurry is applied, the slurry itself should be slightly alkaline at pH 7.4. “However, the typical store or lagoon with a fibre crust to break up before spreading is likely to be in the acid zone, with pH lower than seven.”

To address this and prevent crust formation in the first place, the BioCircle model involves treating slurry during storage with fibre-busting enzymes and nutribiotic bacteria. By modifying the slurry ecosystem this way, Sally Russell says indigestible fibre and free ammonia are metabolised into bacterial biomass, producing a free flowing plant food that is easy to spread. “Biologically, this is very similar to using a bacterial culture to make yogurt,” explains Ms Russell. “As a result, BioCircle slurry is crustfree without machanical stirring, high in nitrogen from captured ammonia, and much less foul smelling. “In contrast to untreated slurry that tends to be zero oxygen and acidic, the right nutribiotic bacteria can oxygenate and de-acidify slurry, making it more friendly to soil microbes, earthworms and even fungi. All these are essential for healthy, high productivity soils, which is the ultimate objective of the BioCircle model ecosystem.”

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NFU Scotland

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Is political uncertainty the new norm? Recent elections – both at home and abroad – have left political pundits struggling to balance poll predictions with actual ballot box results. The 2017 General Election was called with the intention of establishing a clear mandate for the Brexit talks that lie ahead. The hung parliament left us in an uncertain place and the need for immediate clarity on the road ahead. Brexit is the biggest challenge facing agriculture. Our members want to know what will happen now with the proposed Great Repeal Bill, the timescale on Brexit talks and where commitments on policies to support food and farming now sit. It is vital that the industry is given a clear and early signal that its priorities around trade, labour, future policy and support will be recognised. NFU Scotland will remain on the front foot, building on the constant Brexit dialogue that started with politicians and policymakers in Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels almost a year ago. On policy, I believe future support payments must be targeted at active farmers and crofters who are willing to try and drive their businesses forward in an efficient and innovative manner. Only that approach will drive genuine economic and public benefit to Scotland and the rest of the UK. There is no doubt that whatever support package is achievable after Brexit, there will be a need to show public benefit to make any support our industry receives justifiable to the tax payer. I believe that we are now beginning to get some understanding and appreciation of our efforts in producing affordable high quality food and preserving the environment from both politicians and the general public, but it’s just a start.

By Martin Kennedy, Lurgen, Edradynate, Aberfeldy. Vice President, NFU Scotland

How will future agricultural policy in the UK strike that balance between environmental goods and food production? The recent CAP reform included an element of greening which amounted to around a third of the pillar one area payment we received. On the face of it you would think that this would be a good thing for the environment. Realistically, especially from a cereal producers’ perspective, it has been an absolute nightmare as they have been asked to jump through many hoops with very limited benefits. A much cleverer approach is required that involves smarter greening that not only helps the environment but keeps this land productive. To my mind Scotland is green by definition and equivalence may play a part whereby Scotland should be looked at as a whole or at least in regions. Post-Brexit we are going to be in unchartered territory and we must have some form of stability to allow our businesses to adjust to what is likely to be a more market-led return, but that needs a transition potentially spanning many years to see how trade deals etc. pan out. Budgets are going to be under ever increasing pressure, so it is vital that any support is properly targeted at those who are providing the one thing that we cannot live without. Food, don’t take it for granted!

www.nfus.org.uk

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sheep Health, fitness, nutrition and equipment form the backbone of a successful shearing season As this summer’s sheep shearing season kicks off, shearers of all abilities should consider the four keys to a successful season: health, fitness, nutrition and equipment. That is the advice from Selwyn Williams, R&D Manager for Heiniger, who, has recently delivered a national series of shearing workshops in conjunction with Allflex and reigning World Nine Hour Strong Wool Ewe shearing champion, Matt Smith. “A safe and efficient shearing technique is dependent on being physically and mentally prepared as well as choosing the right equipment and ensuring it is properly serviced,” Selwyn explains. “Shearing is physically demanding so moderate exercise

such as weight training to work the arms, legs and thighs is needed to achieve a good level of strength, while aerobic work, will improve heart and lung function. “Strengthening the abdominal muscles to provide good core stability is also essential as this will relieve pressure on the lower back and reduce the risk of injury.” 5,000 Kcals per day During the season, Selwyn estimates that a shearer will burn more than 5,000 Kcals a day. A protein and carbohydrate rich diet is therefore needed to provide adequate fuel: “Foods high in protein such as fish, red meat and eggs, as well as energy rich foods such as potatoes, pasta and rice, will stabilise

blood sugar levels and maintain stamina whilst shearing,” he explains. “Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables should also be consumed to ensure adequate vitamins and minerals are taken on. Finally, shearers should try

to avoid too many fried or fatty foods and should limit their intake of sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.” From an equipment perspective, Selwyn recommends that shearers start by focusing on what they are wearing. “Shearing

We pay the best prices for British wool. There are depots from Northern Scotland to Cornwall. Now using electronic payments, contact: Alan Walsh UK Manager and Scottish buyer 07836 547987 Roy Walsh Wales 07873 493367 Tom Watson England 07950 314319 62

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sheep specific clothing will not only ensure the shearer remains comfortable, but will also assist with flexibility and grip. Shearing singlets for example are longer than standard vests to accommodate for continuous bending, while leather moccasins make it easy to move across the shearing shed floor.” The correct hardware Regardless of experience, choosing the right hardware is essential. “In terms of hand pieces, combs and cutters, price and performance go hand in hand,” Selwyn continues. “Buying on price alone can be a false economy as low grade materials and substandard manufacturing methods can lead to problems in terms of shearing quality whilst equipment reliability can compromise the safety of the shearer and sheep.” The most popular hand pieces are those which are run from a shearing machine. “With many types and brands to choose from, selecting the right model comes down to performance, comfort, longevity and minimal maintenance requirements,” Selwyn continues.

“Similarly, with a vast selection of combs and cutters to choose from, selecting the right option comes down to three main factors: the shearer’s experience, the type of wool being cut, and the different breed or breeds of sheep being handled.” When it comes to shearing machines, Selwyn advocates the need for a safe machine over everything else. “Machines such as the Heiniger Evo shearing plant are simple to set up and extremely reliable,” he explains. “But most importantly, the Evo is safe to use thanks to two important safety features: the machine, including down tube, is fully electrically insulated, and, perhaps more crucially, it includes an auto-stop function to prevent injury in the event of a hand piece locking up.” For shearers handling large numbers of sheep, a good quality sharpening grinder is essential for maintaining comb and cutter performance. “A machine equipped with a pendulum carrier will give the best results and is more cost and time-effective compared to sending combs and cutters away to be sharpened by a third party.”

Mini EID button makes tagging lambs from birth a viable option A new lightweight mini button tag with EID compatibility has been launched by Allflex, enabling flock managers to take full advantage of the management benefits of EID especially when tagging lambs at birth. Trialled for two years on a commercial sheep farm in Leicestershire, the new Allflex Mini EID Button tag is 2g lighter and 2mm smaller compared to previous EID buttons. Put another way – the diameter of a 10p coin and the weight of a 5p coin. “The small size and light weight of the Mini EID Button makes the new tag especially suitable for use in the smallest of

newly born lamb’s ears,” explains Helen Sheppard, Sales Manager at Allflex UK Group Ltd. “This allows flock managers to take full advantage of the benefits of EID tagging from day one of the lamb’s life or when tagged at the “first draft” breeding decisions stage, enabling farmers to make informed breeding decisions based on data gathered throughout the animal’s entire life.” Used in conjunction with electronic weighing equipment and an EID tag reader, the new tags can be used to accurately and quickly record flock performance data: information such as daily live weight gains, lameness and disease records

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Sun shines on NSA Highland Sheep By George Milne

Joyce Campbell, husband Ian Macleay, and her niece and nephew, Frances and Mure Grant, were presented with one of the NSA Scotland’s silver salver awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.

Crowds arrived at NSA Highland sheep from all parts of the UK. The NSA event held at Kinnahaird Farm, Contin, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, kindly hosted by the Clark family provided a fantastic venue for the day. The atmosphere was upbeat and visitors were able to see around this fantastic livestock farm which was looking at its best in glorious sunshine. The event had all the usual attractions with 85 trade and educational stands, 24 breed society stands and an extremely well organised and interesting farm tour. Seminars which ran for most of the day covered Marketing, sheep health and nutrition, with a slot also available for a political party debate ahead of the election. An appeal to Scottish sheep farmers to work with butchers and supermarkets to promote the home consumption of lamb was made by former Scottish Sheep Farmer of the Year, Joyce Campbell, when she officially opened NSA Scotland’s Highland Sheep event. Ms Cambell, who runs a flock of 780 Lairg-type North Country Cheviot ewes

on her 5600 acres hill farm at Armadale, Sutherland, deprecated the abysmally low consumption of lamb in Scotland at 2-2.5kg kg per capita compared with 7.5kg south of the border. She called in particular on butchers’ shops and supermarkets to display recipes outlining how to cook different cuts of fresh lamb. Joyce and her team at Armadale received the NSA Scotland’s silver salver awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to the sheep industry. NSA Scotland hold an event each year to promote the sheep industry and also host a day for members and non-members to see the most recently updated products available to the industry. Seminars running though out the day give farmers and crofters the ideal opportunity to hear the most recent updates on all sheep marketing and husbandry issues. NSA Scotland would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in making this event such a success, host farmers Dorothy Clark and Amy Grant and family, the organising committee chaired by Brenda Macintyre and all helpers on the day.

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can be used to maximise flock performance and to ensure animals are marketed at the correct weight. They can also be used to maintain 100% accurate movement records throughout the animal’s life.

The new tags also boast excellent retention rates: “Contrary to what a lot of people might think, round tags, especially those as small as the Allflex Mini EID Button, are less likely to get snagged on foreign objects and are therefore less likely to be pulled out of the ear,” Helen explains. “This not only cuts the risk of ear infections, but also reduces the need for replacement tags to be applied, thereby minimising stress for the animal. It also makes it easier for commercial farmers and pedigree breeders to maintain accurate performance records for each individual animal throughout its entire life.

Barenbrug launches new forage mixture for dairy and sheep farmers

Grass has to be the first priority for feeding livestock efficiently – but forage crops can be a valuable addition to a farmers’ toolkit – helping to meet changing feed and energy requirements throughout the year. That’s one of the messages that the Barenbrug UK team will be giving to farmers at Grassland & Muck, which opens at Stoneleigh today. Mhairi Dawson, R&D Manager, at Barenbrug UK, said: “Farmers looking to boost animal performance using forage crops have a range of options. They can choose individual brassica, lucerne and forage herb products, which each have their individual merits. Or, they could opt for a specialist forage crop mixture – which can be good for filling the gaps that can naturally occur in the grazing platform as grass quality decreases as the seasons change.” During Grassland & Muck, Barenbrug launched a number of new grass products including its

latest forage mixture – BarFinisher. A specialist blend of chicory, white clover, red clover and plantain, Bar Finisher produces a leafy, high quality feed from spring to autumn that is highly palatable and, importantly, can recover quickly after grazing. Supporting high live weight gains, Bar Finisher can be used as a six-month or two-year crop – depending on the farm system and / or grassland management approach. Each individual element of Bar Finisher fulfils a special function. The clover in the mixture provides nitrogen to feed the crop and also fill the space not occupied by herbs. The red clover component, alongside the herbs, provides a high quality feed throughout dry periods, helping to reduce risk in summer. While the chicory has anthelmintic properties that can help get rid of parasites. Overall, this combination creates a mixture with a high mineral content, rich in zinc, potassium and copper.

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YOUNG SHEPHERD

By James Rhys Baylis

After almost 6 months, lambing came to a close at the end of May. My first experience of lambing Blackies outdoors went a lot better than I had expected, with the girls, for the most part, getting on with the job on their own. The Lleyn cross lambs are bonny wee beasts, lambed well and were up on their feet in no time and the old hill ewes proved to be excellent mothers. No sooner than lambing had finished, the next series of big jobs began, kicking off with a long day DNA testing stud Romneys in the Glenkens. After all those months of lambing, it was actually quite nice to get off the farm and do something a little different, and was a nice, easy way to ease me back in to contract work before shearing season kicked off.

As I’m writing this, I’ve already had a few good days of shearing jobs under my belt, penning up, catching, drafting and shifting about a 1000 sheep so far. Obviously, the lovely weather has turned in to endless rain now that I’m wanting to get the wool off our sheep, so we’ll just have to be patient. Luckily, the flies don’t seem to be anywhere near as bad as this time last year. Before it disappeared, all that wonderful, sunny weather seems to have done some good for the lambs, and we’ve had our first draft of fat lambs through the ring ahead of schedule. The lambs have grown very well this year, and the fat price has been very, very kind. Hopefully this will keep up for some time yet.

You can keep up to date with James’ farming journey on social media. Find him @SolwayShepherd on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/SolwayShepherd

pigs Farmers Commit to Scottish Pig Health Charter Scottish pig farmers have united in their commitment to animal health and welfare by signing up to the Scottish Pig Health Charter. Every pig herd in Scotland which is a member of the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) assurance scheme has now signed up to the charter, covering more than 30,000 breeding sows and representing over 95% of the commercial pig herd in Scotland. The Scottish Pig Health Charter is an industry-led initiative which was launched at the end of 2015. The Charter further enhances the range of measures

already in place to protect, monitor and improve pig health on Scottish pig farms and complements the existing Scottish Pig Health Scheme, run by QMS. The 100% commitment by quality assured pig producers in Scotland to the Charter is a clear indication of Scottish producers’ dedication to continuous improvement of the health of the pigs they rear. Allan Ward, QMS Pig Specialist, welcomed the 100% support for the Charter by quality assured pig producers. “When signing the charter, pig producers commit to

working collaboratively with other producers to control and reduce the spread of disease for the benefit of all British pig producers,” said Mr Ward. Among the benefits the Charter will deliver is the creation of health profiles of pig units in different areas, along with the geographical mapping of the regional distribution of diseases. The Charter will also help support a rapid response via the Scottish Pig Disease Control Centre (SPDCC) in the case of any outbreak of disease, in order to control and limit the spread.

Jim McLaren, Chairman of QMS, said the Scottish pig industry should be congratulated for uniting behind the Charter. “Our pig industry has a great track record of being at the forefront of initiatives to improve pig health and welfare and this is another great example of our producers being on the front foot. “The health and welfare of animals is something which delivers benefits right-along the production chain and it is something which is, quite rightly, becoming steadily more and more important to consumers.”

Global Demand Helps to Strengthen European Pig Prices Farmgate prices for Scottish pigs are the strongest they have been since mid-2014 and 38% higher than this time last year, according to the latest Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) analysis. The pig price for Scottish producers is 38% higher than this time last year, although this falls to 21%, when quoted in

euros and allowing for exchange rate movements. However, this euro price increase for Scotland looks modest when compared with the 33% year-onyear increase in the average pig price across the European community, said Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economics Services with QMS. Looking at the background to the current price situation, Mr

Ashworth said that across the UK and Europe the basic supply of pigmeat is slightly lower than last year. “Defra slaughter data shows prime pig slaughtering to have fallen about 2.5% yearon-year during March and to have tightened further in April although slightly higher carcase weights mean the decline in pork

production is not so great,” he said. So, across the UK and Europe producer price is being supported by lower production. However, he said, the UK December census showed a growth in the number of young pigs on-farm that would indicate some growth in UK production as the year progresses.

Placing drinkers near hoppers doubles pigs’ feed intake Large-scale remote monitoring of piggeries over the internet is revealing significant information about pigs’ feeding habits that could be of practical benefit to farmers. “On one farm, in a pen with two identical feeders up to twice as much feed was being consumed from one feeder compared with the other. The only noticeable difference was that one feeder was positioned next to the drinkers,” said Tim Miller, environmental specialist with ARM Buildings. “This has been replicated over a number of batches and suggests that ease of access to the drinkers near the feeders will influence intake.”

Obviously, if pigs are eating more they will grow faster and throughput will be increased, so there is a direct economic benefit “The position of feeders is often determined by the delivery auger and sometimes the waterline dictates where the drinkers are fixed. It may indicate that we should have a new look at this aspect of pen design,” said Tim. Data loggers which allow the retrieval of this sort of information have been fitted as standard to all new ARM pig buildings since 2009, following the introduction of this ‘spy-in-the-sty’ development, known as Barn Report Pro, by specialist energy and control company, Farmex. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

science & technology Arysta LifeScience introduces new BioStimulant and seed treatment products to improve crop quality and yields in the UK and Ireland Arysta LifeScience, a global agricultural crop protection and life sciences company, has introduced a new BioStimulant and seed treatment products for the UK and Irish markets. BM® Start, a BioStimulant that improves fruit and vegetable quality and yields, is now available in the UK market, while Signal® 300 ES, a powerful insecticide that protects seeds and seedlings, is now available in the Irish market. Already successful throughout Europe, BM Start is a liquid formulation based on Physio Activator® Technology that

Prestigious UK award goes to AFBI’s new Director

improves nutrient uptake with better fruit setting, increases the number of fruits and fruit size, benefits fruit uniformity, and alleviates stress while limiting flower drop. The product contains GA142, a natural active ingredient found in seaweed that grows along the coastline of North Brittany. The ingredient is extracted from seaweed within 24 hours of harvest using a unique cold manufacturing process to retain the active characteristics of fresh seaweed and to ensure a consistently high quality product.

Alltech Ireland named “Agricultural Laboratory of the Year” Alltech Ireland has long been a leader in both the Irish and European agriculture industry. Located in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, it became the first Alltech office to be established in mainland Europe in 1981 and serves today as Alltech’s European headquarters and Bioscience Centre. Last week its research team celebrated being awarded the Agricultural Laboratory of the Year by the Irish Laboratory Awards, the benchmark for those demonstrating excellence, best practice and innovation within Ireland’s lab industry. Richard Murphy, director of research at Alltech, praised his dedicated team members on achieving such recognition. 66

“At Alltech, we strive for success,” said Murphy. “Our innovative solutions and cuttingedge technologies deliver for our customers and farmers and so this award is a tremendous achievement for us as a research team. “We are very thankful to the Irish Laboratory Awards as they celebrate not only science but also innovation and leadership, all of which are very highly regarded by our team here at Alltech. We would like to dedicate this award to not only the Irish Alltech team but also to our customers who are the inspiration for our work.”

AFBI’s new Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Dr Elizabeth Magowan, recently received the British Society of Animal Science’s most prestigious award – the Sir John Hammond Award in recognition of scientific achievements with industry application in the area of pig research. Sir John Hammond was a UK animal scientist who

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pioneered the technology of artificial insemination. The award, in memory of him, is awarded annually to a UK animal scientist in their early to mid career. This year the award was presented to Dr Elizabeth Magowan in recognition of her work in the area of pig research and especially her efforts in working alongside industry to deliver real impact for pig farmers.

GADGETS AEF ISOBUS certificate for tablet app from Claas The EASY on board app from Claas has now received official AEF certification as an ISOBUS terminal. This app is the first, and so far only, app for a tablet PC and can be used to operate any ISOBUS implement. The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) has certified two functionalities of the CLAAS app at the same time – ISOBUS UT and Auxiliary Control. The abbreviation UT stands for Universal Terminal, which means that the app can be used to operate a wide range of ISOBUS implements. This has the great advantage that users only need one terminal for all the different implements. Auxiliary Control, on the other hand, means enhanced userfriendliness and flexibility as the various implement functions can

be transferred from the app to the function buttons of any Auxcompatible multifunction control lever. Having obtained certification, the EASY on board app is now listed in the official AEF database. Farmers and contractors can, for example, use this database to check which implements can be controlled with the EASY on board app before making a new investment. How the EASY on board app works The flexible options offered by a tablet PC, which is already in use on many farms, make the EASY on board app a low-cost alternative to the standard ISOBUS terminal. When it is not being used to control an implement, a tablet can be used all year round for many other agricultural and non-agricultural

purposes – from surfing the internet to answering e-mails, navigation to checking the weather forecast. With the EASY on board app, every driver can use his or her personal tablet as a terminal for machine control. To use the EASY on board app, you need an Apple tablet (iPad Air or newer) with the operating

system IOS 9.0 or later. On the machine side, the app assumes that the implement and tractor are connected by an ISOBUS cable and the rear ISOBUS socket. A special WLAN adapter (CWI CLAAS Wireless Interface) and a universal mount for the tablet are also needed. Both are available from CLAAS dealers.

Latest Topcon X-series console from LH Agro LH Agro launched their Topcon Agriculture’s next generation X35 touchscreen console at this year’s Cereals event as well as offering free appraisals to calculate the costsaving potential of using an RTKbased autosteer system.

X35 Console Previously only seen at this year’s SIMA show, the 12.1 inch X35 console uses Topcon’s latest Horizon software to provide iconbased and user-definable views for a variety of farming operations.

Topcon’s Horizon XTEND™ option, readily available through iOS and Android app stores, allows users to extend any X35 application window and operate on their phone or tablet, increasing operational visibility and control. “The X35 console adds to Topcon’s premium range of precision farming systems by offering additional benefits above and beyond those which made the previous X30 such a user-friendly and reliable unit,” explains Richard Reed of LH Agro. “Topcon support takes a leap forward with the X35: utilizing the new Horizon Software Remote Support Tool, technicians can take full-control and fix issues remotely,” Richard Reed continues. “Now native within Topcon’s Horizon Software, the tool operates as fluidly as having a support technician in-cab”.

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Support for up to six cameras allows the operator to monitor multiple views through the X35 or via XTEND on a phone or tablet device ensuring machines are functioning correctly. “As with previous Topcon consoles, the X35 is an all-inone system with full ISOBUS Universal Terminal (UT), TCBAS, TC-GEO and TC-SC compatibility,” Richard adds. “It provides variable rate control for up to eight products and is designed to allow full data management capability through its cloud-based technology. The user can seamlessly transfer data such as guidance lines, yield maps and crop sensing from the X35 to the cloud, where it is accessible from the farm or agronomist’s office or other machines where it can be interrogated to maximise returns on inputs.” 67

estate NFUS tenants meet Cabinet Secretary over Crown Estate aspirations NFU Scotland’s Crown Estate Tenants Working Group met with Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham recently to discuss their aspirations for the devolution of the Crown Estate. This followed on from a meeting between NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick and Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing MSP held recently in relation to the Crown Estate. Ms Cunningham has responsibility for Crown Estate

within her Ministerial portfolio, providing her with responsibility for the devolution process and the new look Crown Estate. NFUS President Andrew McCornick commented: “NFU Scotland’s Crown Estates Working Group has always been clear that it wishes to see the rural Crown Estate retained as a single entity so the farms can continue to thrive and this was one point that was stressed strongly to the Cabinet Secretary.

“There are strong aspirations for the tenants to have a stronger voice in the new-look Crown Estate. NFU Scotland has always been clear that there is a strong will from the Crown Estate tenants for active involvement to sit within the new management structures of the estate. “I fully support this approach, and believe this format would give the tenants an ability to understand how

decisions relating to the rural estate are reached, and improved access to engage with management over issues which are important to them and directly affect them. “I am pleased to attend Scottish Government’s stakeholder working group on behalf of the Crown Estate tenants, and I will continue to push the importance of the agricultural assets in relation to the rest of the Crown Estate portfolio.

Outstanding dairy farm appears on the Ayrshire market

Scotland’s leading rural consultancy, CKD Galbraith, has recently brought a very wellequipped and accessible farm on the outskirts of Ayr to the open market. Macnairston Farm is an outstanding dairy unit situated only three miles to the east of Ayr in an area extremely well suited to farming. The farm extends to approximately 175.69 Ha (434.13 Acres) in total. The land is made up of approximately 13 acres of woodland, 26 acres of rough grazing and about 390 68

acres of ploughable pasture and arable ground which is classified as Grade 3.2 and Grade 4.2 by the James Hutton Institute. The sale of Macnairston also comprises a large and comfortable farmhouse, a range of traditional and modern buildings including a modern milking parlour, associated cattle housing and fodder storage buildings. Macnairston Farmhouse is an attractive stone building with a whitewash finish set under a slate roof. The house benefits from well-proportioned

accommodation over two floors with many period features and spacious public rooms. Duncan Barrie, handling the sale on behalf of CKD Galbraith, said: “Macnairston has been owned by the same family since the farm was acquired at auction in 1970. Therefore the farm presents a rare opportunity to purchase a productive dairy farm accompanied by an excellent range of buildings and a significant area of ground all situated in a very accessible location to Ayr.

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Macnairston Farm is currently available as a whole for offers over £2,170,000 or in the following three lots: Lot 1: Macnairston Farmhouse, farm buildings and about 134.09 Ha (331.34 Acres) of farmland for offers over £1,750,000 Lot 2: About 24.48 Ha (60.49 Acres) of farmland for offers over £240,000 Lot 3: About 17.12 Ha (42.30 Acres) of farmland for offers over £180,000

estate Landmark for crofting with 4000th registration A croft in Shetland has become the 4,000th to be registered by Registers of Scotland (RoS). It joins the online Crofting Register, which went live on 30 November 2012 as a result of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. The registration comes as RoS staff are gearing up to attend a series of agricultural shows in order to encourage and support the voluntary registration of crofts in Scotland. The 4000th croft is C4089, Beala (Apportionment) in Shetland. It joins the 200th common grazing, a shared area of community land in Assynt, also registered this week. Introduced in 2012, the Crofting Register is the first official register to give crofters legal certainty over their crofts. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing said: “Crofting is an integral part of Scottish rural life that

makes a significant contribution to our economy, environment and culture. I am therefore delighted to hear that the 4,000th croft has now been registered on the Crofting Register – an achievement that has taken just four years. I look forward to hearing about many more additions to the register in due course as we continue to support our crofters and crofting.” Sheenagh Adams, the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland said: “Crofting is a key part of Scotland’s rural economy, and is a vital part of our culture and heritage. The Crofting Register helps to safeguard that and with around 18,000 crofts in Scotland, reaching the 4,000th registration in such just four years is an achievement we are proud of. It is particularly pleasing to see communities continue to work together to facilitate the registration of their land.”

Venison Farming Anything but Dear Scots farmers need to be more alert to the opportunities of investing in deer farming as a suitable enterprise to complement stock farming, a leading agriculture expert has advised. Malcolm Taylor, a rural land management partner at Bell Ingram, with growing consumer demand for venison and upland grass farms facing an uncertain future with falling subsidies, Brexit and independence uncertainties, exploring the option of deer farming makes perfect sense. Scotland currently imports nearly 1,000 tonnes of venison to meet demand while only two per cent of the 3,500 tonnes produced at home is from farmed stock.

Malcolm said low start-up costs and a good return on stock make deer farming a potentially rewarding prospective investment. He said: “The consumption of venison meat rose from sales of £43 million in 2009 to sales of game meat (mainly venison) in the region of £95m in 2014 – a number which has continued to grow and has been valued at £106m in 2016. “There is a wealth of experience to tap into from those that are farming deer for profit. “What’s more, several lending institutions are happy to consider lending to establish deer farming – a sure sign of the positive outlook for the sector.” Once established, there is a relatively low labour demand

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PARTRIDGE The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s PARTRIDGE project is now well underway. This is partfunded by the European Union’s North Sea Region Interreg programme and aims to show how farmland can be restored to support thriving populations of Grey Partridge, which in turn we know will benefit a plethora of other wildlife. The project is taking place on ten demonstration sites, two each in Scotland, England, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Each of the demonstration sites will be introducing habitats known to help Grey Partridges, but an important consideration is how much habitat is needed to produce a measurable increase in bird numbers? The latest research suggests around 7 per cent of a farm’s area needs to be devoted to such habitats to achieve this – not an inconsiderable amount meaning that farmers will need support from agri-environment schemes to accomplish this. That is why a crucial component of this project is to engage with practitioners and policy makers to ensure the importance of such financial support is realised, and that such schemes are offering the appropriate measures. This is even more significant as we approach the post-Brexit era.

In Scotland, GWCT is working at Balgonie Estate in Fife, and Whitburgh Farms in Midlothian, along with our project partners at Kingdom Farming, Scottish Agronomy, Kings Seeds, Oakbank and Perdix Wildlife Supplies. Both these demonstration sites are now introducing new measures to enhance the quality of the landscape and our team of researchers will monitor the impact these measures have on farmland biodiversity. This includes the introduction of supplementary feeding over winter and a novel covercrop seed-mix developed for this project, designed to provide Grey Partridge with everything they need all yearround. This is being sown now. Similar developments are currently taking place at all demonstration sites across northern Europe and we are confident that by the project’s conclusion in 2020, we will be able to advise policy makers in Scotland, the UK and Europe on how future agri-environment schemes should look. &URTHER INFORMATION FROM Dr Dave Parish Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust T: 01738 551511 M: 07889 891956

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for looking after deer, allowing it to fit in with existing stock management. While fencing is the major investment, buildings are not essential for producing store calves, as deer are well suited to harsh environments. Deer are also the most efficient animals at convening lowquality herbage as well as silage and turnips into quality low-fat healthy meat. Until recently the lack of abattoir facilities was regularly cited as one of the barriers to the growth of deer farming, but the establishment of a new purpose-

built facility in Fife could now open the market. Malcolm added: “The economics are attractive - the average cost of a breeding hind is £300 - £500 and a stag will cost anything between £500 and £2,000. “Typically, farms run 30 to 50 hinds with one stag. In theory, deer farming looks to be a suitable enterprise to complement stock farming. “My hope – and encouragement – is that more farmers and landowners will rise to the challenge of investing in more home-produced venison.”

Order your FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Limited Edition Whisky

It is likely that many of us who work with Scotland’s rural land will sadly, at some point or another, have experienced disregard shown towards our countryside. Whether it be the dumping of rubbish on land or in water, irresponsible access-taking or dogs causing problems for farm animals, serious incidents happen every day across the country. With a view to helping address this problem, Scottish Land & Estates has established a new campaign: Care for the Countryside. Launched at the Royal Highland Show, it aims to promote how all of us can encourage others to enjoy the land but do so in a responsible manner. The first area we have highlighted is flytipping. It is probable that farmers and landowners will have experienced this blight on our landscape, with remote areas susceptible to unscrupulous acts of rubbish dumping. This is a problem our members have faced more and more regularly for some time and in serious cases, it can lead to a scenario where a rural business finds itself liable for a bill of thousands of pounds to clean up land that has been flytipped.

Responsible mountain biking is the second area of the initiative. Mountain biking has enjoyed a boom in popularity and whilst the vast majority of riders act responsibly, there are increasing examples of where problems have occurred. In particular, unauthorised trail building presents a real danger to riders and we are supporting the work of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland in promoting safe mountain biking for all. The final area of the campaign is one those with a farming background will have particular interest in: responsible dog ownership in the countryside. Sadly, we still see examples of negligent behaviour which not only threaten farm animals and birds but also has serious consequences for livelihoods. Scottish Land & Estates wants to make sure the responsibilities of dog owners are as readily understood as the rights to access our countryside. We hope the campaign will help to highlight and address the ongoing issues around irresponsible behaviour that many farmers face. To read more about the campaign, visit www. scottishlandandestates. co.uk.

See page 80 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

For more information www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Telephone : 0131 653 5400

by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE It’s one of my favourite times of year for being outdoors and enjoying our flora and fauna. It’s been a very dry spring affecting farming crops and river levels, but the bright, dry weather encourages more people to get out and enjoy it. I was invited a clay shoot at Dunkeld with the Scottish Association of Country Sports (SACS) in early April. It felt good getting my old 682 Beretta out of the gun cabinet and into it’s gun-slip as it had been a while since I last shot, thinking about it, I hadn’t shot any clays for more than a year. On arrival, we were greeted by Beth from SACS with coffee and bacon rolls. It was lovely catching up with the rest of the crowd, and soon afterwards we headed out in small groups to the clay shooting range. We had unusually warm, sunny weather, and what I like to call a ‘no-coat day’. The group members took it in turn to shoot ten targets each before moving on to other stands. My first two shots were a hit then a miss, but I took my time and steadied myself. The time flew, and we’d all shot 50 targets, and I wished I could have carried on shooting. No prizes for me but I was delighted my guest, Artist, Jim Hardie, had enjoyed the clay shooting. Considering Jim hadn’t shot before and, at the age of 79, he had taken to it very

well, he handled the gun with confidence and dusted plenty clay targets. It is a busy year for me as clients revamp their websites, launch new products and expand their existing businesses. I recently worked with Simba Rods based in Crieff helping promote their range of bespoke rods, made by avid angler Simon Barnes. Simon called me one morning to let me know one of his customers had bought his ‘wee loch rod’ and caught a monster 10lb+ trout. Simon makes all his rods to order if you would like to see the range or order one you can contact Simon via phone or website (https://simbarods. com) or visit him on the Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Magazine stand at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair Friday 30 June - Sunday 02 July.

Later on this month I am looking forward to going out deer stalking with Kenneth Larsen from Venator (http:// www.venatorpro.com ) based in Perth. I have been out deer stalking many times over the years with other stalkers but never to shoot. As a Venator product Ambassador, I feel it is important to fully experience the sport and go stalking with a rifle and not my camera. I am field-testing (just like road-testing but for the countryside!) a number of items from the Hillman hunting clothing range stocked by Venator. If you like your t-shirts, you should check out the top-notch 3D Gamewear: my favourites are the Fox and the Roe Deer. Do many readers use Social Media? If you do, you may have been aware of Facebook in the news again. I took part in a phone-in via

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BBC Radio Scotland on Kaye Adam’s programme to talk about using Facebook. I have used it for 5 or 6 years with personal and business pages; I share my photographs including a popular daily ‘good morning’ photo. I have built up quite a big following but limit the information I share and the time I spend updating my pages. During the phone-in, I wasn’t surprised to hear how many people are addicted to using Facebook. I think it’s a great tool for sharing, but you should get out more if your life revolves around your Facebook feed! Delighted to see the Countryside Alliance (CA) is leading the way in tackling online bullies and trolls. For far too long people with countryside, interests have been subjected to online attacks and threats. I’ve used Twitter since 2009 and have had my fair share of abuse including being called a few unpleasant names (what’s the old saying, sticks and stones..) and being accused of ‘stalking defenceless animals’ with my camera. I can’t understand why people think it is acceptable to hurl abuse just because they don’t agree with you or your way of life. The CA are urging us to take a stand against online abuse and bullying of people in the countryside, using the hashtag #reportonlineabuse 71

forestry Investing in woodland With a Forestry and Land Management bill newly introduced at Holyrood, recently announced Scottish government targets for tree planting and the availability of grants, now is the time for farmers and landowners across Scotland to seriously consider their options regarding forestry. UK tax benefits, the thriving market for timber and forest products and the potential to increase land values, means that establishing forestry on farms and estates in Cumbria and Northumberland also has its attractions. These were the claims of, Iain Kyle, Forestry Manager for land agency firm Davidson & Robertson (D&R) who also commented: “Whilst not all agricultural land is suitable or economic to plant it is worth farmers

and landowners assessing the opportunities both in terms of its earning capacity and long term asset value. Certain types of land, including land which can be classed as ‘middle-hill’, i.e. land which is not too rocky or too steep and importantly does not have more than 40-50cm worth of peat, or some marginal grazing land, can achieve values over and above agricultural value when selling for forestry purposes. “Many farmers and landowners are unfamiliar with the management requirements of forestry, be it new plantations or small farm woodlands. It is well worth seeking professional advice to ensure maximum benefits from woodlands and to take advantage of any grant opportunities.” “Land for forestry needs to be selected carefully, and with

qualified professional advice. Consideration must be given to potential future land values, and to practical matters such as planting and harvesting of the site.” D&R also report increased demand from looking to purchase plantable land and existing woodlands and forests. The firm has recently handled the sale of 780 acres in Northumberland and 1600 acres in Dumfries & Galloway destined for planting. Iain Kyle continued: “Famers and landowners have a real opportunity to

benefit from available grants, tax advantages and current market conditions and should seriously consider how new forestry plantations could work alongside farming. Options for managing existing farm scale woodland, to benefit from biomass and firewood markets should also be explored.” ‘We see the proposed Forestry and Land Management legislation as a step towards meetings the Scottish Government’s own forestry targets, which should further encourage investment in forestry.”

Trelleborg launches Forestry Tyres at Elmia Wood 2017 Forestry professionals discovered Trelleborg’s extensive portfolio of forestry tyres and complete wheels at Trelleborg at the recently held Elmia Wood 2017, Jönköping, Sweden including its new Twin Forestry tyre range. As a leading global supplier of tyres and complete wheels for forestry machines, offering highly specialised solutions to create added value for customers, Trelleborg was showcasing its new Twin 72

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Forestry tyres series T440 and T480 for CTL machines. These series combines the best attributes of the previous range with innovative performanceenhancing technology. The latest dimension to be added to the range, the 800/40-26.5 T480, where displayed on the stand. Lars Eriksson, Global Product Manager for Trelleborg Forestry tyres, says: “With a combined tradition in forestry and agriculture, Trelleborg can

forestry bring together the best from both worlds. Our new range draws on all our experience and know-how from forestry and adds award-winning innovations from Trelleborg’s agricultural tyres. The result is an enhanced tyre range that is ideally suited for the tough demands of forest terrain, providing improvements in traction, resistance properties, stability and accessibility.” The new design includes innovative ProgressiveTraction™ and inter-lug terraces technology proven on Trelleborg’s agricultural tyres. This delivers the next generation of self-cleaning, track-compatible tyres with superior traction for tough forestry applications. P r o g r e s s i v e Tr a c t i o n ™ was specifically developed to increase tyre efficiency and performance based on the action of a double lug, producing even pressure

distribution over the extra wide footprint and less impact on the forest floor. Inter-lug terraces, another proven Trelleborg concept, have been integrated into the new tread design. By preventing the tread from clogging, inter-lug terraces ensure a self-cleaning tyre that can always work at maximum efficiency. The tyres, made from a newly developed enhanced rubber compound, have also been redesigned to improve track compatibility, so that maximum grip and performance is achieved with and without tracks. The Twin Forestry T440 and T480 series consists of 17 sizes from 22,5 to 34 inches and will be extended in the future. The Twin Forestry tyre range is complemented by the skidder T418 range, also to be displayed on the stand, specifically designed for log skidding service with

excellent penetration and tear resistance to provide longer tyre life under the most severe operating conditions.

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For more information about Trelleborg Forestry range visit www.trelleborg.com/wheels/ uk.

forestry The complete service for forestry and woodfuel needs from RTS

Thanks to the rising popularity of Biomass Heat Technology, farm woodlands , historically seen as uneconomic can now be a viable source of fuel to heat farm and estate properties as well as grain and feed drying. There has never been a better time to start seeing a return from a previously overlooked resource. The Governments continuing support of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) also generates a significant long term (20 year) income stream RTS Ltd provides a complete service to cover all of your forestry and woodfuel needs from the moment the trees are planted right up to when trees are felled and the timber fuel element is delivered into your boiler as processed chip. Our team of experienced foresters provide a full range of consultancy and contracting services for woodland creation and harvesting operations. We can advise and assist in applying for forestry grants. For those biomass using farms without access to their own woodland we are on hand to deliver locally sourced timber at competitive rates. All timber supplied can be provided with a relevant felling licence, or FSCâ&#x201E;˘ certification if required, for full BSL compliance. 74

As well as timber supply and contracting services RTS also runs one of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadings

woodfuel production operations. Our two purpose built biomass chippers are available for hire

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and are capable of producing up to 350 tonnes of chip per day to your required specification.

horses Racehorse flourishes under new management and McTimoney After an uncertain start to life, racehorse, To Begin known as Toby is now enjoying a successful career Point-to-Pointing. Toby’s turnaround in fortunes is down to the dedication of his owner and rider, Lauren Belt and regular treatments from McTimoney Animal Association practitioner, Liz Harris. Toby began his racing career with North Yorkshire trainer, Tim Easterby. Toby ran several times on the flat in 2014 as a three-yearold but was unsuccessful and destined to be put down unless a new owner could be found. South Durham Point-toPoint trainer, Chris Dawson agreed to take Toby on and he duly showed some potential Point-to-Pointing. It was whilst at Chris’ that work rider Lauren Belt started riding Toby out every day. Lauren said: “Toby was a lovely horse to ride out, I was very taken by him.” Toby was however sold on and moved

down to Newmarket where he was trained by Charlie Mann to run over fences. After a positive start, Toby’s form tailed off in his career over fences and so he was sent to the sales again. It was by pure coincidence that Lauren Belt was looking through the sales catalogue and recognised Toby in the auction. Lauren said: “Toby was thin, sore, out of condition and very sour, but I had always liked him and decided to buy him.” Realising that Toby needed some professional help, Lauren contacted her local McTimoney practitioner, Liz Harris, in August 2016 to take a look at him. Liz found that Toby’s pelvis was seriously misaligned to the point that is was causing him to have a shortened stride on his left hind. Liz said: “Toby was also in significant pain due to misalignments in the late thoracic and lumbar areas of his back.

He also had neck and shoulder tension on the right as his atlas and thoracic vertebrae were seriously misaligned. The issues I found in his session would certainly have had a detrimental effect on his performance and general wellbeing.” Liz successfully treated these problems using the McTimoney technique and Lauren felt that the treatment made a huge difference to Toby’s comfort and in his daily ridden work. Liz then came back to see Toby in November 2016 for a check-up and to make sure all was well. All of Lauren’s hard work and care was paying off and soon after, Lauren entered Toby for his first Point to Point. A steady start to the season ultimately led to two wins in Ladies Open Point-toPoints at Witton Castle. Lauren is delighted at how her chance buy, has led to her not only competing in her first Point-to-Points but also having two wins.

Lauren said: “It took a lot of hard-work to get Toby back to the racecourse. There is no way we would have done so well if it were not for Liz and the McTimoney treatments.” For more information on your local practitioner go to www.mctimoney-animal.org.uk.

Previously abused horse gets Back on Track Claire Penfold’s talented event horse, Dantastic suffered a terrible experience as a young horse that has left him with long-term physical and mental issues. Plenty of time and patience from his rider,

successful eventer, Jake Tarrant and some help from Back on Track’s infrared technology have ensured that this athletic grey is now out competing and climbing the levels.

Dantastic came over from Ireland as a young horse and went into a dealing yard. As with many talented youngsters, he had a bit about him and could be highly strung at times. Jake explained: “Dantastic was beaten to the point where several of his ribs were broken. After his current owner, Claire bought him, she quickly discovered that all was not well with the horse.” Claire sent Dantastic to Jake who has a reputation for taking on problem horses and treating them with kindness and patience. Jake continued: “We realised pretty quickly that Dantastic was in pain. When the saddle was put on he would get very tense under it and not want to go forward. Following a series of x-rays and scans, we discovered the breaks in Dan’s ribs.” It has been a long road to getting Dantastic both physically

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and mentally well again. Veterinary and physio work has been supplemented by the use of Back on Track products which reflect back a naturally occurring far infrared wave emitted by the body, which increases circulation bringing health and wellbeing benefits. Jake has noticed a big difference in Dantastic’s behaviour since using a Back on Track. Jake said: “The Back on Track Mesh Rug significantly cuts down the time it takes me to get Dantastic to relax each day when I get on him. If Dantastic doesn’t have the rug on prior to exercise, I need to spend a good 20-25 minutes doing bending and stretching exercises before he is relaxed and ready to really start work. Following wearing his Back on Track Mesh Rug, after five minutes in walk, he is calm, relaxed and supple.” 75

Blair Castle Horse Trials Preview

This year’s event is on its usual dates at the end of August, 24th to 27th. The organising team are quite international this year, with ladies from Italy and Hungary learning how we run events in Scotland! The event’s title sponsors are again Equi-Trek Horseboxes, who are the largest horsebox manufacturer in the UK, with franchises all over Scotland and the UK. The horse trials are also supported by EventScotland and Perth & Kinross Council The box office has been open since Christmas, but there are still plenty of tickets available. Camping packages in particular have been very popular, as they give visitors the chance to attend the evening entertainment each night of the event. Alec Lochore is designing the cross-country courses again and the resulting tracks will make the most of the beautiful landscape around the castle. There will be two days of cross country again this year, on Saturday and Sunday, as the Event Rider Masters return for their second season at Blair Castle.

For the first time, the event is hosting a Horse of The Year Show qualifier for their NPS/ Baileys Horse Feeds Highland Pony Open M&M series, as part of our Highland Pony Show. The Highland Pony Show continues to go from strength to strength, having previously been awarded silver medal status for both in hand and ridden classes by the Highland Pony Society. The Blair hunter show includes for the finals of the BHS and British Riding Clubs Working hunter competition series, as well as their own Blair Castle Working Hunter Pony series. The NPS(Scotland) Finals entries have also opened and are looking like being a busy again on the Friday of the event. Following a review earlier in the year, the British Showjumping schedule this year gives riders more chances to ride and compete than ever before

and a leading rider prize in each height class is a great addition. The Ridden Clydesdale showing class has become more and more well known in the last few years, with qualifying shows as far away as Northern Ireland! This year they have a new sponsor in Bidwells property consultants to present the prizes on Sunday. Bruadar Country Fair The Bruadar Country Fair takes centre stage on Saturday and Sunday, with a wonderful variety of exciting, entertaining and informative displays for the nonhorsey members of the family. All sorts of countryside pursuits are featured, including falconry, dog and horse displays. Local ladies, Riders of The Storm stunt riding team is sure to prove a particular highlight. The Bruadar team will be nearby too, sampling their delicious single malt, sloe

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and honey liqueur in the Tasting Tent. A delicious treat on a day out, and the perfect hip-flask accompaniment to any country pursuit! Shop ’til you Drop More than 200 carefully selected trade stands exhibit at Blair each year suitable for all tastes and budgets. This year you can browse your regular favourites including the fabulous food hall, as well as exploring some exciting new additions! Whether you are shopping for horse, hound, human or home there is something for you, and whatever your budget there’ll be something to suit your taste – clothing for town and country, jewellery, pet supplies, saddlery, horseboxes, cars, art, kitchenwares and more! Joules is set to supply their official branded polo shirts to volunteers again which will

BLAIR CASTLE HORSE TRIALS & COUNTRY FAIR also be available to purchase from their trade stand. The organising team have had a great time selecting their favourite products to be featured in the Blair Essentials in the event programme. Admission and Membership General Admission offers entry to the main event site. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge if accompanied by a paying adult. Well behaved dogs, on leads, are welcome at the event. Membership passes allow exclusive access to the ringside Members Marquee with its bar, restaurant and live TV coverage of the event. You can even bring your (well behaved) dogs with you! Outside, a ringside garden offers uninterrupted viewing of the competition. Other membership benefits include forward parking and private toilet facilities. Event Camp Site The event’s own temporary caravan site offers a great accommodation option for those

who want to be at the heart of the action. Just a few minutes’ walk from the public entrance to the event, the site has toilets, showers and a washing-up area. There are dedicated site managers to look after guests and ensure everyone is well looked after. Caravans, motorhomes, tents and of course horseboxes are all welcome. Camping pitches are bundled with tickets, and lots of options are available depending on whether guests wish to stay for the whole event or just the weekend. There is the choice between membership and general admission packages too. Hospitality at Blair Castle Equi-Trek International Horse Trials 2017 Excellent, affordable and attractive hospitality options are available from £98 per person. Whether entertaining guests and clients, or rewarding key members of staff, you can enjoy a day out in splendid surroundings with good food and exciting entertainment. Unlike hospitality opportunities at other sporting events, Blair Castle

Equi-Trek International Horse Trials welcomes everybody with entertainment for the whole family. Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance This year the event’s official charity is Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. With each emergency response costing an average of £4,500, at least £2m is required each year to keep the helicopter airborne. A sobering statistic shows that one in 13 emergencies responded to by SCAA is equestrian related, highlighting the underlying bond between the sport of eventing and the work of the charity. There will be the opportunity for visitors to participate in an abseil from the Blair Castle tower, to raise money for this amazing cause. Spectacular Setting…. Located in Highland Perthshire, Atholl Estates is centred around the famous landmark of Blair Castle. Steeped in history, the castle and gardens are open to the public for day visitors, corporate events, functions and weddings. Equal to this is the magnificent landscape of the 145,000 acre estate offering scenes of rolling farmland and wild open hills. The wildlife and atmosphere of this true wilderness can be enjoyed in many different ways and they offer a range of activities and sport to suit most tastes and abilities. Atholl Estates is one of Scotland’s best known Highland

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estates. Its history dates back to the 13th century but through the ages it has adapted to its time and today it manages a range of operations in the tourism, events, forestry, farming, property and country sport sectors. Although managed commercially, their central aims are the preservation and enhancement of the natural, built and social environment of the estate. Timetable Wednesday 23rd August First Horse Inspection Thursday 24th August CCI Eventing Dressage Highland Pony Show Hunter Show British Eventing Arena Eventing Finals Friday 25th August CCI Eventing Dressage NPS Scottish Championships British Showjumping Saturday 26th August Event Rider Masters Dressage CCI Eventing Cross Country Country Fair Arena Demonstrations British Showjumping Pony Club Mounted Games Sunday 27th August Event Rider Masters Cross Country CCI Eventing & Event Rider Masters Showjumping Country Fair Arena Demonstrations Showing Classes British Showjumping Eventing Prize Giving

horses

Equine Angle

Finalists announced for the 2017 Absorbine Groom of the Year Awards

The finalists for the 2017 Showing Council / Showing World Absorbine Groom of the Year Awards have been announced. It is now down to a vote to decide the winner. The Absorbine Groom of the Year Award is split into two sections; amateur and professional to provide recognition for both full and part-time grooms. There are four finalists in each section, each of whom has been nominated for this prestigious national award. Professional finalists: Jo Jack (Katie Jerram Hunnable), Zoe Barleycorn (Team Burchell), James Knight (Gill Thompson 78

Show Team), Scott Dixon (Jayne Ross Show Team). Amateur finalists: Martin Spoor, Sandra Dowker, Joanne Preston, Leanne Pickford. Voting opens on the 1st June and will close on the 7th September 2017. The winner of each section of the Absorbine Groom of the Year Award will be announced and have their award presented at the annual Showing Council / Showing World Awards Presentation Gala Dinner on the 21st October 2017 at the East of England Showground. To place your vote visit www. showingworldonline.co.uk or www.showingworldawards.co.uk.

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By Melanie Scott AN ambitious plan by a trustee of Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) will see Karen Inster undertake an unsupported trek across the Outer Hebrides. Nicknamed ‘The Deaf the Daft and the Ditsy’ Karen will be accompanied by her deaf dog Pip and horse Connie and will set off in August. The intrepid trio will be unsupported and will carry their food, camping and corralling equipment. The aim of the expedition is to raise finds for the Blairgowrie RDA group. It has been running for 40 years and provides valuable services in the local area to none schools and some adults. The group would like to expand and build an indoor arena to allow lessons to continue throughout the winter and stop the challenging weather cancelling all important lessons. Other facilities required are a classroom, toilet and hand washing facilities. Horse related incidents on highways continue

to increase despite a high profile campaign by the British Horse Society (BHS). Their recent Real Horsepower Safety conference gained momentum with the support of former BBC Top Gear presenter Chris Goffey. He admitted it is a challenge to get the message of the unpredictable nature of horses out to the motoring community. Fellow speaker Lizzie Greenwood said that riders must improve their image and thank drivers that take the time to slow down for horses. As a regular driver on country lanes near my home I am astounded at the ignorance of riders of all ages who’ll aimlessly wander past, often on the phone, when I’ve stopped my car for them. They sail on past without a wave, or even a smile. A smile or a wave is not too much to ask. Granted not all riders are like that but sadly the small minority of riders are spoiling it for other road users.

ARTWORKS

The photography of Michael Prince I’ve been photographing the Clydesdales at Flanders Moss, Stirling since 2013. Flanders Moss is a vast wild space of nature reserve and flat farmland close to where I live, and home to a small family of magnificent Clydesdale horses, owned by a local farmer. Creatures of immense power and strength, Clydesdales were first bred in Lanarkshire, Scotland during the early 1800’s, specifically as agricultural workhorses and for haulage, and then exported throughout the world. Having discovered the Clydesdales I was immediately drawn to their beauty and

presence as a potential subject, and could see the visual possibilities in documenting some of their story within their exposed environment. I realised that the series would be a long-term proposition, involving taking the time to get to know the horses, gain their trust and establish a connection. Five years on and I have made countless visits, often just to be with the horses and to observe their environment, with no attempt made to reach for a camera. As the series has developed I’ve become interested in creating more abstract and

impressionistic images. Working closely with the horses, I’ve begun to play with scale, imagining ‘landscapes within landscapes’, positioning the camera towards seeing the shapes of dark landscapes in the foreground, whilst trying to glimpse more distant horses within these living frames. I’ve worked using a number of cameras, both film and digital – more often than not with a 50mm lens attached, the ‘standard’ visual tool, which captures the more natural, undistorted image. The use of

this lens has necessitated that I move closer to the subject, and has enabled me to make intimate studies that reveal the characters of the Clydesdales and portray what it is like to be right there beside the horse. Latterly I began shooting double exposures, on film rather than digital photographic processes, this has allowed the story of the Clydesdales to naturally evolve into one where creature BECOMES landscape. I’d like to thank the Carrick family for allowing me to photograph their Clydesdales.

To see more of my work and to purchase prints please visit: www.michaelprincephotography.co.uk

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The perfect gift for farmers, whisky lovers & collectors We are delighted to announce our very own Special Limited Edition Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

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Beatha an eilean Sgrìobhadair Iain G. MacDhòmhnaill Iar-Neach-gairm Coimisean na Croitearachd Iain G. MacDhòmhnaill

An dèidh iomadh bliadhna dem bheatha obrach a chur seachad am measg bheathaichean agus daoine òga nam dhreuchd mar Thidsear Àrd-Sgoile agus mar Phrìomh Chroitear, tha e na thlachd mhòr dhomh cothrom fhaotainn a-rithist air a bhith am measg an spòrs agus an dìoghrais as urrainn do dhaoine òga a thoirt a-steach don bheatha làitheil sa Bhràigh. Tha mo nighean Mairead, air ais air a’ chroit; feumaidh mi mo chùl a chur rim bheatha air chluaineas! An dèidh dreuchd-beatha bhrosnachail sa Chabhlach Mharsanta agus le seilbh air tiogaid Maighstir, phlanaig Mairead i fhèin a shuidheachadh sa ghrèin ann an ceann a tuath na h-Eadailt airson a dithis chloinne, Matteo agus Jessica, a thogail, ach cha deach mòran ùine seachad gus an robh i a’ faireachdainn anfhoiseil – deagh chomharra gun

robh an t-àm aice a bòtanan a chur oirre! B’ e a’ chiad shoidhne de mhì-rian nuair a cheannaich i Cù-chaorach Chrìochan bho chìobair beinne ann an Tuscany. Thug iad ‘Luna’ oirre mar ainm ach tha mi an dùil gum bu chòir dhaibh a bhith air ‘tic’ a chur ris an ainm aice! Tha i air i fhèin a dhearbhadh mar chù geàird seach mar chùchaorach. Chan fhaigh aon neach an còir na cloinne mas urrainn do Luna. San eadar-ama ge-tà; air ais air a’ chroit, tha a’ chailleach ’s am bodach a’ meòrachadh air dòigh sam faod iad a dhol air chluaineas gun dragh, nuair a tha sinn a’ faighinn gairm fòn; “Tha sinn a’ smaoineachadh air tilleadh dhachaigh don Eilean Sgìtheanach, saoil am b’ urrainn dhuinn taigh a thogail san Òlach?” Tuigidh sibh an fhìor thoileachas a thug sin dhuinn! Le ar n-oghaichean

cho fada air falbh an Astràilia agus ar nighean Christine stèidhichte ann an Glaschu, bha na seann daoine a’ fàs aonaranach agus coltas gun deigheadh a’ chroit bàn agus fo fhraoch is luachair coltach ris a leithid eile dhiubh, mar thoradh air dìth cùraim is aire. Gu h-obann, bha againn ri ar dòigh smaoineachaidh atharrachadh nuair a thòisich na planaichean a’ tighinn gu bith. Lean sònrachadh air aon de na leth-chroitean agam gu luath le di-chroiteadh agus ceannach air làrach taighe agus glè aithghearr às dèidh sin, thòisich Mairead, Marco, an cù agus a’ chlann air an t-slighe fhada às an Eadailt don Bhràigh. “Chan eil sinn an seo a-mhàin gus tlachd a ghabhail à uisge an Eilein Sgitheanaich ach a dh’obrachadh na croite agus na buannachdan a

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theagasg don chloinn a tha an lùib beatha croitearachd.” Aocoltach ri mòran daoine òga bhon Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-eileanan, tha Mairead air i fhèin a lorg ann an suidheachadh fortanach airson a h-àrd-mhiannan a thighinn gu bith. Tha aig a leithid de dhaoine òga ri falbh airson foghlam, cosnadh is adhartachadh, gun ach cothrom glè thearc aca air tilleadh mus eil iad air an sàrachadh ro mhòr airson uallach croite a ghabhail. Tha mòran seann chroitearan coltach rium fhìn, a’ cumail sealbh air an croitean ’s iad le dòchas gun fheum gum bi na glinn air an ath-bheothachadh ann an ùine ghoirid le fuaim chloinne a’ cluich. Tha feum againn air dòighean a lorg air croitean fhuasgladh airson am faotainn leothasan a tha gan iarraidh le obraichean air an oir, gus daoine òga a bhrosnachadh gu tilleadh.

machinery Kuhn launches three metre version of popular one-pass cultivator KUHN Farm Machinery launched a 3m version of its popular non-powered, deep working disc and tine cultivator at this year’s Cereals event. Originally launched in 2013, the PERFORMER range is currently available in the UK in 4, 5, 6 and 7-metre versions. The new 3-metre version, the PERFORMER 3000, makes the popular onepass cultivator available to a wider customer base by meeting the requirements of lower horsepower tractors. The PERFORMER can be equipped with two rows of 510mm independent and hydraulically adjustable discs (22 discs in total – spaced at 289mm centres), and four rows of non-stop hydraulic (900kg) tines capable of working to a maximum depth of 350mm (10 tines in total). Eight hydraulically adjustable levelling discs can also be used.

A choice of shares for mixing or loosening soil, including standard 80mm shares, 50mm subsoiling shares or wing shares, can be specified, and, in common with its larger siblings, the PERFORMER 3000 uses the same HD Liner 700 notched roller with

up to 225kg/m of hydraulically adjustable pressure to provide effective soil consolidation. The Performer offers an effective single-pass solution as well as the versatility of different modes to suit a range of soil conditions and cultivation

requirements: it can be used with discs and a roller for surface cultivation or with tines and a roller for sub-soiling; it can also operate with discs and tines for more aggressive work, or in a roller-free configuration for nonconsolidation work.

SULKY BUREL launches seed drills and spreader technology SULKY BUREL has launched several seed drill products, including a DUO hopper for its range of XEOS pneumatic seed drills, a 3m XEOS PRO EVO seed drill, and a new design for

its XEOS TF front hopper drill. The company has also released updates to its CULTILINE power harrow with RapidFit, a quick-release tine system, and presented My Fertitest,

a new fertiliser spreader configuration platform. A new DUO hopper is available on Sulky’s range of XEOS HD, PRO and TF pneumatic seed drills and

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allows precision placement of slug pellets, or an additional seed alongside the main seed. Rates of between 0.5 to 15kg/ha are possible via Sulky’s VISION DUO in-cab

machinery console, which independently manages the main metering device and the DUO hopper. The 3m XEOS PRO EVO is the latest seed drill to be launched by Sulky. The powerful new seeding unit is 400kg lighter than its predecessor and fitted with a 1,000 litre hopper, making it a highly manoeuvrable drill, suitable for use with even modestly-powered tractors from 130hp. The XEOS PRO EVO is suitable for drilling in all conditions. When fitted with a CULTILINE XR disc cultivation tool, working speeds of 12-14km/h can be achieved in optimum conditions. In heavier conditions, or after ploughing, the CULTILINE HR rotary harrow with four rotors per metre provides good seedbed preparation for the drill.

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machinery New PowrSpray sprayer from John Deere John Deere is taking the opportunity to announce an updated version of its successful R4040i 4000-litre capacity selfpropelled sprayer at Cereals 2017. The new R4040i PowrSpray model uses the same high performance drivetrain and spray solution systems as its larger R4050i PowrSpray 5000-litre stablemate, to provide higher accuracy, increased efficiency and more operator comfort than its predecessors. A new QuadControl transmission features fully variable wheel motors and stepless speed control, without the need to manually change speed ranges. Wheelslip is now controlled at each individual wheel, for even greater levels of traction and hillclimbing performance.

In addition, an electronic anti-stall system automatically reduces forward speed in tough operating conditions while the engine is held at its maximum power setting, which enables the full tractive effort of the transmission to be utilised. A Cruise Control function enables operators to preset both field and transport speeds, returning easily to the set speed with just a push of the multi-function control lever. The PowrSpray solution system features a unique dualcircuit design with two solution pumps, each optimised for a specific function. A new, purpose-designed waterproof keypad and digital display at the sprayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operator station enable full control of automated filling, spraying and agitation.

WILKS BROTHERS -AIN DEALERS IN 0ERTHSHIRE FOR $%54: &!(2 +2/.% -ACHINERY

Osprey Tanker from Storth Storth pride themselves in manufacturing a comprehensive range of robust and reliable Slurry Handling Machinery. They conduct their own inhouse Research, Design, Testing and Manufacturing, so nothing is taken for granted. With a product range of over 100 different machines with multiple use options, they ensure their products are tailored to suit even the most unique of situations. Their objective is to provide a complete coverage of the slurry cycle, from farm yard to field, meeting the demands of the client. Storth recently developed a unique slurry tanker solution using a handmade high-quality

3ALES s 3ERVICE s 0ARTS 2EPAIRS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF !GRICULTURAL -ACHINERY Murthly, Perthshire, PH1 4HG 4EL &AX

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glass reinforced plastic tank to reduce weight and boost fill capacity, making it easier to transport and spread large volumes of slurry more efficiently. The Osprey tanker was designed as they worked closely with their customers and saw that, although they have an impressive range of Umbilical equipment, this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for all farmers especially those needing to spread over larger areas. Storth have also recently seen a vast increase in their Export market, to countries such as New Zealand & Russia. This is an encouraging sign that clients old and new require quality British manufactured products - Great news for UK businesses.

machinery The original, and the best from Kverneland now available at 0% Kverneland has introduced a range of finance offers for original parts to help you spread the cost of buying OEM wearing metal for your Kverneland ploughs and cultivators. With harvest and cultivations getting ever closer, there has never been a better time to buy wearing metal. There are three new finance schemes available, including a zero percent offer, allowing you stock-up on original parts bought through your local Kverneland dealer, without having to pay up front. Available until the end of 2017, there are three offers to choose from, and terms and conditions do apply. The offers include buy now, pay six months later at 0% flat rate, with a single

payment to clear the balance; the second offer is a buy now, then make 12 monthly payments to clear the balance using a flat rate of 3%; and the third offer is a buy now, and make two half-yearly payments to clear the balance using a 4% flat rate. “The natural assumption is that original parts might cost you more - but the real story is far from it,” explains Richard Bennett, Kverneland parts marketing manager. “And with 0% finance available on original parts, there’s never been a better time to get ready for harvest.” Original metal gives the correct balance between hardness and toughness, giving your Kverneland ploughs, cultivators and drills impressive wear characteristics, keeping

soil-engaging tools working to their full potential. The latest plough parts leaflet highlights some of the tough processes Kverneland metallurgists have developed to create the

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best steel available for your Kv implements. There is a wide range of points available too, to suit your field conditions - choose from flush fit, reversible fit, Knock-on and Quick-Fit point solutions.

machinery Latest technology and special edition tractors from Case IH

New Case IH dealers for Scotland and the Borders were on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand at the Royal Highland Show, including

J. Low Agri-Services from Fife, Balgownie Ltd of Aberdeenshire, Mark Garrick Ltd of Moray and Everitt & Marshall covering

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machinery West Northumberland and the Tyne Valley, all welcoming new and current customers. Amongst the new technology at the show for the first time was the revolutionary new XtraChopping option on Case IH’s Axial-Flow 240 combine. Ideal

for minimum or low tillage systems, it creates a finer chop and more even spread of straw, leading to faster decomposition and incorporation into the soil. Case IH also displayed their eye-catching limited edition versions of two popular

machines: the Puma 175 CVX in ‘Viper Stryker’ pearlescent red, marking Case IH’s 175th Anniversary, and the retrostyled Anniversary Quadtrac in black and red, commemorating the giant tractor’s 20 years in production.

This year’s Tractor of the Year, the high power-to-weight Optum CVX 300, was also be on the stand, joined by the unique Magnum Rowtrac, the new mid-size Maxxum and Luxxum tractors, plus Case IH’s baler and telescopic loader models.

SlurryKat appoint New Irish Dealer Market leading slurry solutions company, SlurryKat has recently appointed Bailey Machinery Sales Ltd. (BMS) as their southern Irish dealer. Based in Warringstown Co. Armagh, SlurryKat are the market leading manufacturer of all types of slurry handling equipment such as umbilical systems, slurry tankers, agitators, nurse tanks and pumps. They also offer a full trailer range including silage and grain trailers, dump trailers, low loaders and bale trailers as well as shear grabs and road sweepers. SlurryKat themselves come

from an agricultural contracting background which has allowed them to use their hands on knowledge of physically operating the machines and incorporate it into developing and testing new models. The company’s moto is even “Designed by Contractors, Built by Engineers”. Speaking about the new appointment CEO of SlurryKat Garth Cairns commented “we are delighted and encouraged to team up with such an enthusiastic and energetic company like BMS, we feel working with Darren and his

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machinery team will give SlurryKat true representation and service for the southern half of the country”. Bailey Machinery Sales Ltd. is located in Rathdowney Co. Laois and is ideally situated only 3 miles from junction 3 on the M8 allowing for nationwide sales and service coverage. BMS`s managing director, Darren Bailey is no stranger to the machinery industry, having grown up working in the family agricultural contracting business before moving onto sales with New Holland as well as working as Machinery Correspondent in the Irish Farmers Journal. Commenting on the new venture Darren said “I have full confidence in the SlurryKat equipment and I am excited to introduce the quality and efficient machinery to customers both new and old in the south”. Darren can be contacted on 0873687104 for more information on the extensive SlurryKat range.

Krone’s varicut gives variable crop cutting option for big pack balers Flexible crop cutting for Krone’s BiG Pack balers is now available following the introduction of the company’s VariCut (VC) cutting system to its range of large square balers. Originally developed for the BiG Pack 1270 and BiG Pack 1290 HDP, the VariCut (VC) features 51 knives mounted in a cassette and can be used in standard combinations of 51/26/25/12/5 or 0, with 51 knives producing a nominal chop length of 22mm. The VC cutting system produces short chopped straw in the field which is easy to handle and use by either spreading or incorporating into feed, and negates the need for an additional chopping process which can be costly and time consuming.

“The use of short straw has gained popularity in a number of applications ranging from bedding in poultry houses, cow cubicles and pig pens, to

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adding structure to feed rations to increase ruminant activity and increase digestion,” says Krone marketing manager James Duggleby.

machinery Non-standard knife combinations can be customised by re-arranging the cams on the shaft. Feeding the crop through the knives is a rotor cutter, which now features a forth row of tines to maintain a smooth flow of crop into the VFS pre-chamber and achieve higher throughputs. Any knife combination can be easily engaged by the turning of a cam shaft.

New application rate control for Xcel spreader Hi-Spec Engineering has added the option of new weigh cell and application rate monitoring systems for the Xcel 1250 manure spreader, which will enable users to follow best practice and advice provided in RB209 when spreading

solid manure, especially when working within an NVZ. The XCEL 1250 is unique in that it 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 XCEL 1250

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spreader has a solids capacity of 12 tonnes, with a loading height of just 2.5 metres. To ensure that an accurate application rate can be set and maintained, the Xcel 1250 can now be fitted with the ISOBUS compatible RDS iSOCAN Apollo spreader control system. The required application rate is set and maintained using the iSOCAN Apollo colour touch screen terminal, which also allows work records to be stored, recalled and exported. Weigh cells in the spreader ensure that the weight of manure in the spreader is constantly maintained and the speed of the heavy duty chains is also monitored and constantly adjusted to ensure that the correct application rate is maintained, irrespective of forward speed.

machinery Unique contract hire package accompanies launch of self-propelled diet feeder range This June, OPICO launched a range of Strautmann selfpropelled diet feeders bringing opportunities for farmers to improve efficiencies in time, labour, and fuel, and also benefit from more accurate ration mixing. Uniquely, these new machines are not for sale, but instead come with a contract hire package which negates the need for large capital investment and spreads the cost monthly over 3, 4 or 5 year terms. There are three models in the Strautmann self-propelled feeder range: the smallest is the Sherpa, which is becoming the most popular model in the EU. It is a two-wheel drive single auger machine, and comes in two sizes. The smallest has a 12m3 mixing capacity and is suitable for dairy herds with 200

plus cows. It is only 2.54m in height, and its milling head can reach up to 4.30m at the clamp face. The other two models are the Verti-Mix SF single (one auger) and the SF double (two augers), with mixing capacities ranging from 11 to 20m3. These are

suitable for dairy herds with 400 milking cows upwards. On all machines, the mixing auger is fed by a 2m wide milling head and a centrally mounted reversible conveyor. The central mounting maximises throughput from the milling head to speed up forage collection. Additionally,

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the collected forage is discharged from the conveyor into the middle of the tub which aids mixing per se. The finance terms of each contract are bespoke to the individual farm, and farmers should contact OPICO on 01778 421111 for more details.

machinery New Tip Roller XL meets demand for wider rolls with shattaboard The new HE-VA Tip Roller XL will meet the demand for wider rolls, with the ability to cultivate and level, and has its UK debut recently. A new, strengthened double frame design allows shattaboards, harrow tines or cultivator tines to be fitted on 12.3m and 15.3m working width rolls across five contour following sections. HE-VA have previously only offered three section rolls with shattaboards, up to a 10.2m width. However, originally launched at SIMA, this impressive new machine employs a similar ‘TIP’ folding system to the smaller machines, but the stronger, double frame allows this huge set of five rolls to become a multi-purpose machine cultivating and levelling in one pass.

Commenting, James Woolway, OPICO Managing Director said, ‘The addition of shattaboards will turn a set of rolls into an all-round cultivator, which can be taken straight onto ploughed or cultivated ground, improving levelling and often saving an additional pass with a power harrow - costing a fraction of the price to run in HP, diesel and wearing metal.’ The shattaboards are hydraulically adjustable from the tractor seat so settings can be easily altered from the cab as soil type and conditions vary, ensuring that the soil is evenly levelled and consolidated, whilst also breaking down clods to a tilth. Shattaboards can also be fully retracted to use the rolls on their own. This will make the 12.3m machine a valuable addition to any business

seeking to reduce costs, gaining two machines in one unit. The new twin row of 16mm harrow tines working in front of the rolls also offer a great solution where customers want to harrow stubbles after harvest to chit blackgrass and other weed seeds. ‘Rather than rolling as a separate operation, the Tip Roller XL allows you to roll and harrow in one operation. This rakes the surface, creates a shallow tilth

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and consolidates to provide soil to seed contact and encourage capillary action of moisture towards the seed,’ said James Woolway. ‘Soil to seed contact is key for germination - both of crop seeds and weed seeds. By improving the stale seedbed, you will get better germination of weed seeds and improved control, no matter whether the rolls are used straight into stubble or into lightly cultivated ground.’

finance IT project for rural payments ends but significant issues remain The legacy of an IT programme set up to deliver financial support to rural businesses still presents significant risks and costs for the Scottish Government. Audit Scotland has reviewed the progress made in resolving serious issues with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Futures programme, created to enable the Scottish Government to provide financial support to farmers and rural businesses in line with European Commission (EC) reforms. The Scottish Government oversaw the £178 million IT and business change programme, which closed at the end of March. Over the last year, significant changes in leadership have been introduced which have brought about a renewed effort to stabilise

the programme. However, to date the programme has not delivered value for money or planned benefits for applicants. The applications process has improved, but there are still problems with making payments. The Scottish Government will need to incur further costs to develop the IT systems used for payment applications and maintain existing processes. There is not yet a fully developed or tested plan for recovering the systems in the event of a breakdown. The Scottish Government has used loan schemes to get money to farmers more quickly. Payment delays for 2016 applications meant loans took longer to recover than planned, which introduced more risk to the wider

Scottish budget and put pressure on payment timescales and staff. There is still a risk of fines if the payments system doesn’t comply with EC regulations, for example by missing deadlines or weaknesses in controls. The Scottish Government is still to carry out a detailed analysis of what penalties it may face, so it can decide where to focus future funding to ensure the system is compliant. Audit Scotland’s latest assessment is that fines of up to £60 million are possible. The Scottish Government is making changes to improve longer-term strategic thinking and capacity. These will need time to embed and management time is still being taken up by responding to short-term risks. Transferring knowledge from

programme contractors to government staff is also essential, but will be a challenge due to short timescales and immediate payment priorities. Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “The challenges of building a complex rural payments system mean the Scottish Government is juggling multiple demands on its time and resources. This has had an impact on its progress over the past year. “It’s crucial that knowledge is effectively transferred to staff so the system can be maintained and payments made on time for 2017. The Scottish Government also urgently needs to fully understand the financial risk it faces, so that it can target funding at ensuring the system is compliant and secure.”

Contracting Prices - Rise Inevitable Rising input costs will see the cost of agricultural contracting services climb in coming months. Publishing the National Association of Agricultural Contractor’s (NAAC) 2017 charges, the Association Chief Executive Duncan Russell commented, ‘Whilst prices have not risen significantly since last year, the time is coming that increases are inevitable. We are seeing rapidly increasing machinery purchasing costs, alongside hikes in spare parts and tyres, which simply cannot continue to be absorbed by the contracting sector.’ Farming customers are demanding the latest kit, fitted out in many cases with technology to assist them in decision-making

and precision application, which all costs. Whilst contractors like to work with their customers to provide the professional service they require, this needs to become a closer partnership to allow contractors to make the massive investment in capital costs required to purchase and maintain multi-million pound fleets of machinery. Commenting, NAAC Chairman and contractor Martin Hays said, ‘I just want to provide a good service, on-time to my customers. This is what most contractor’s want, whilst earning a living. However, as machinery costs continue to climb, alongside the costs of other inputs I am having to look hard at my charging schedule

and other contractors should be doing the same.’ ‘Machinery costs are not static so neither should our charges be,’ continued Mr Hays. ‘Whilst we may be doing ok this year, when it comes to upgrading or trading machines and tractors in coming months and years we may easily find our costs have fallen behind and we cannot make up the shortfall. Farmers will have exactly the same problems and we need to work together so that contractors can make those long term investments in labour and kit to keep the farming industry sustainable for the future.’ The current NAAC Contracting Charges are available from the NAAC website

at: http://www.naac.co.uk/ LatestContractorPricesGuide/ The 2017/18 averaged prices are produced on an annual basis and are compiled by collating an average figure for each operation from NAAC members the length and breadth of the UK. This means the actual price may vary considerably between regions, across soil types, distance travelled, size of contract undertaken, size and type of equipment used as well as the amount of product applied etc. However, it must be remembered they are only a guide and farmers and contractors should expect to negotiate individual prices based on each operation. Prices are based on red diesel at 50ppl.

Order your subscription of FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE see page 56 98

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finance Buccleuch announces farm sales to tenants Buccleuch announced today it is in advanced discussions with tenant farmers with regard to them purchasing the farms they currently rent. The prospective sales involve 10 farms totalling 7,304 acres on Buccleuch’s Bowhill, Eskdale and Liddesdale and Queensberry estates. The farms are currently occupied on Limited Partnership agreements. Buccleuch is also in discussions with a number of other Limited Partnership tenants with a view to converting agreements to alternative longterm letting arrangements. John Glen, chief executive of Buccleuch, said: “We are pleased to offer tenants the opportunity to buy their farms and have been very encouraged by the response from farmers keen to develop their businesses.

“Most of the farmers interested would like to purchase their whole farm while others are interested in buying part of the land they occupy and the farmhouse. There are some farmers who will not want to purchase their farms and we will continue discussions with them to seek a mutually satisfactory outcome. “Several tenants have also indicated their willingness to move to new tenancy arrangements and we are in the process of dissolving the existing Limited Partnership agreements – a tenancy type that is largely being phased out across the sector. “We are still heavily invested in tenant farming and the proceeds of any farm sales will be invested in our rural business operations.”

CCL Energy Group makes major acquisition CCL Energy Group, one of the UK’s largest distributors of renewable energy systems, has acquired Firefly Solar Generators in a move which will increase group turnover to almost £30 million and pave the way for major expansion. Staffing is set to increase across the Glasgowheadquartered group by 50% to 44 with immediate effect. Employment is set to rise to 75 people over the next few years. CCL Components, established in 1997, has become one of Europe’s largest distributors of renewable energy systems. Its parent company CCL Energy Group also includes The PowerStore Inc in Dallas, Texas, which gives CCL a platform for growth into both North and South America.

Currently, East Sussex-based Firefly produces hybrid power systems for a variety of sectors, including construction, where its customers include A Plant, Speedy Hire and Aggreko. Over the last three years the company generated in excess of £10m in sales. Renamed as Firefly Hybrid Power Ltd, its portfolio of clean energy products will be combined with CCL’s own recently developed Powerplus range of hybrid power systems to help the expanded business secure a larger share of the clean energy market. The new company will be managed by David Piper, a previous employee of Firefly, who has significant technical and sales experience in the sustainable energy sector.

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THEMONEYMAN Thank Goodness for Spreadsheets By Charlie Carnegie

At this time of the year farmers are watching their crops anxiously, thinking ahead to harvest time hoping for good quality yields and a decent price for their product but because of factors beyond their control, the weather and global economics there is always uncertainty, is it going to be a good or a bad year. And its for that reason that farmers have always been able to average their profits over 2 years to smooth out any volatility which in theory smooths out tax payments. However, as of the tax year just ended, ie. 2016/17 the taxman has now added a further option, farmers can now average retrospectively 5 years profits in addition to still being able to average 2 years or not average at all. This is where spreadsheets are vital, in preparing our farmer clients 2017 Tax Returns we now have to consider all of these different options to calculate the best one. The first thing to work out is if 5 years can be done and to do that you must calculate the average of the 4 previous years, then either that averaged figure or the figure for 2016/17

has to be less than 75% of the other. If any one of the 5 years had a tax loss (nil for averaging purposes) then 5 years will always be an option. This has to be done for each individual partner in a partnership as circumstances could be different for everyone. We are already seeing some tax repayments being made as a result of this especially where possibly you have had 3 very good years followed by 2 poor ones, in the good years there may have been higher rate tax paid which 2 year averaging would not smooth out but 5 years now smooths that out and repayments arise. It can also be useful if where because of losses in 2 or 3 years you may not have used up your personal allowances and if you then have a very good year, 5 year averaging now means you use up your allowances and get some tax back paid for the years either side of the poor ones. So next time you meet with your accountant make sure you ask if he has a good spreadsheet.

Charlie Carnegie, FCCA is the Managing Partner of Bell & Company, Chartered Accountants specialising in Agriculture for over 70 years, based in Perth. His contact details are: Phone 01738 632081 Email: Charles.carnegie@bellandcompany.co.uk

country woman

Emma Perrott By Linda Mellor

Thirty year old, Emma Perrott lives near Abergavenny in the south-east corner of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales and spends all her free time in the wilds of Scotland with her rifle, shotgun and gundog. Emma’s dad introduced her to shooting, and it was very much part of family life. “My dad would take me shooting all the time, I think I was about seven when I started going out pigeon shooting with him, and we’d sit all day in the hide. I can still remember seeing our camouflage clothing hanging in a row on the washing line. My dad’s big man-sized camo hanging next to my miniature seven year old’s camo!” said Emma, laughing. Growing up with shooting and gundogs became the norm for Emma, and it was always part of family life. She trained her own Spaniel, Charlie, and he joined Emma and her dad’s seven-strong 100

gundog pack. “It is so rewarding to see Charlie work on a shoot day, and knowing it is all because of my work and training. He is such a lovely dog, uses his initiative and has a great nose. We have a wonderful connection.” Emma and Charlie work alongside her dad beating and picking up on shoot days. She helps out with the bird rearing and also with the pest control. “It’s not a hobby, it’s a way of life, and it becomes my life,” said Emma. “I feel most comfortable in my muddy boots and shooting clothing and being outdoors. I also love hiking, mountain climbing and rock climbing, and I can’t wait to hike Ben Nevis!” When Emma was in her twenties, she got her own shotgun. “Being only 5ft and shooting with my dad’s silver pigeon felt like I was waving a fence post around in the air. So I tried a 20 bore, and

it fitted me straight away.” Emma then got herself a CZ .17HMR rifle, followed by Sako A7 .243 and enjoyed going out shooting and deer stalking all over the UK with her dad. A gamekeeper friend of her dad invited them up to his Perthshire based estate to go deer stalking. It was then she fell in love with Scotland. “We did the sightseeing thing; there was so much to see. I love mountains, and in Scotland, there are hills upon hills, and one mountain after another. It is all so beautiful. I remember being outside at night and looking up and seeing all the stars spread across the clear sky, it really sparked something within me.” Emma went stalking in Perthshire and shot a fallow buck. She said, “I thought I was pretty fit until I went stalking in Scotland! When Calum the stalker went up

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the hill he did it so effortlessly, but when I finally made it to the top all I wanted to do was lie down for a rest, I felt so unfit!” As a self-employed hairdresser, Emma said, “My job is very different, and I didn’t speak about shooting when I was at work, so people didn’t know what I did. One day, I thought, ‘why am I hiding it?’ I need to be open about it because the more we talk about shooting and conservation, the more we raise the awareness.” Emma met Brent, and they spend every moment they can outdoors, shooting and deer stalking. Emma travels up to Dumfries and Galloway to see Brent regularly and stays for up to two weeks at a time. “I am lucky my work is flexible, I load up my car with my shotgun, rifle and dog and I head up to Brent’s, or he comes down here.”

country woman Brent is a professional stalking guide for Strahanna Stalking based in the Galloway hills. “It’s been a fascinating experience getting to see the inside of a stalking business and learning about the conditions of the deer, managing deer and about the butchery side of it. I have learned so much, and although I have expanded my knowledge, I still have a lot more to learn.” “It is interesting to see how things are done in Scotland. Take pest control for instance, in Wales we go out at night but up here it’s done during the day.” Brent travels down to Wales to visit Emma; she said, “We go out lamping, and, when it’s in season, we go woodcock and pigeon shooting. We are always outdoors and active. I love experiencing new things, new places and meeting new people. Brent and I are lucky because we share the same passions for our countryside, and every opportunity we have we make the most of it by being outdoors.” “As a couple, we stalk and shoot, many people have

approached us to start a couples hunting blog,” said Emma. They thought about a blog and felt it was a natural next step for them both. “We decided to start our very own couples hunting blog called ‘Brema Hunting Adventures’ to share our combined passion for country sports.” They spent ages coming up with different blog names, and Emma laughed when she recounted some of Brent’s suggestions. “We used a combination of our names. I want to open the outdoors and hunting up for others especially women. We use our blog to show how you can genuinely enjoy the countryside as a couple and in doing so, it will hopefully encourage others to give it a go.” The blog is growing steadily, and they’re both delighted their first Brema hunting video attracted more than 5, 000 views. Emma said, I love building the blog, it’s such an exciting time and we have lots of great ideas. You can find Brema Hunting Adventures on Facebook.

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Southern Belle Would you like a lift? There is nothing ages you more than peoples’ children. A phrase I have used on many occasions but none more so than this week, when the youngest of a friend’s weans, phoned to see if wanted picked up to meet her mum in the pub, as she had just passed her driving test. I gracefully declined, deciding to walk there with my now newly graduate daughter (proud mum but where did the last 22 years go?) to exercise my legs and old heart before exercising my liver. The conversation obviously developed into one of our frequent “I remember when…” normally bemoaning life’s changes, from when we were young and dinosaurs roamed the earth. On this occasion however, we agreed that it was much easier to sit a driving test in “our day” than now. We didn’t have the trauma of studying for the theory test, having only to learn The Highway Code, still fresh in our minds from

the Cycling Proficiency Test. A point confirmed when my daughter was trying out some of the theory questions on one of my friends and asked, “What should you remember when driving to a party?” In sound parental mode and all seriousness, she answered “A condom!” Not a choice on the page I hasten to add. Sitting a driving test in the 1970’s involved half an hour of curt silence in a car you didn’t know, with a man you didn’t like, who clearly had a number of “fails” to achieve and trying not to wet your pants, when he hit the dashboard with his clipboard for the emergency stop. Today’s examiners seem to be a bit more approachable, putting candidates at ease during their tests but not to the extent, as one young local found out, who when coming to a junction and being instructed to take a right turn asked the examiner, “Awe right your way mate?” Fail!

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lifestyle Ready for the Scottish summer! Norwegian Jumper, Navy blue with White Flecks

RS rural

STYLE By Helen Burness

Equetech have style in-hand

We know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer!...but perfect in Scotland!!! How about this100% pure merino wool Norwegian style sweater, crew neck, in navy blue with white flecks? Extremely warm, trendy and always favoured by the sailing community, or even if you work on the fish farm perhaps? Price: ÂŁ89.00 www.thenauticalcompany.com

Now for a Minke sweater!s

With the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;athleisureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wear trend continuing for summer, retro inspired casual fashion brand Whale Of A Time Clothing adds a fresh new sweater to their summer collection. The Minke Sweater comes in unisex sizing and is styled in a quality 100% organic cotton with bold graphic stripes for understated style which is on trend for this season. Dress up or down or wear to the yard, this sweater looks and feels great, whatever the occasion or lifestyle you lead. Love fashion? Love Whale Of A Time Clothing. Sizing: XS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; XL RRP: ÂŁ34.99 Colours: Marl Grey/Navy/White & Green/White/Navy www.whaleofatimeclothing.com 102

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Get noticed by the judges this summer for all the right reasons with this stunning new tweed from British equestrian fashion brand Equetech. Available in a contemporary tweed riding jacket or tweed tailored waistcoat for in-hand showing, the new Equetech Hambelden Tweed Showing Collection introduces a contemporary and stunning exclusive Green herringbone tweed with striking multi-tonal over check to breathe new life into showing attire. The Equetech Hambleden Waistcoat features a tailored feminine silhouette with two front faux pockets and engraved foxhead buttons. With matching accessories also available, Equetech offers a stylish new addition that is bound to take the championship this summer! 220 a 3IZES n Pictured with the Equetech Hambleden Baker Boy Hat 220 a www.equetech.com

@home

FOR THE GARDEN… How about a pretty little shed with log storage? Add a splash of colour to your garden with this sage green sentry shed and log storage. Made from high-quality weatherproof material with a protected with an asphalt room, this storage shed features shelves and a cubby hole, which is great for holding garden tools, pots, wellies and much more, and space to keep your logs dry. Price: £229.99 www.sueryder.org/shop

Folding Rocking Chair

Bicycle Cog Table This bike themed trio makes the perfect resting spot for some alfresco dining during the summer months and is available in either grey or claret red. The bistro styled table and chairs is a beautiful gift for any cycling enthusiasts with recognisable cogs from Raleigh, Hercules, Royal Enfield and Five Men of Humber. We cannot stress enough the high standard of craftsmanship that has gone into constructing these stunning bespoke tables and chairs. Price: £790.00 www.smithersofstamford.com

This Folding Rocking Chair has a bright fabric that is UV resistant, waterrepellent and stain proof, breathable, fade resistant, and mould resistant - perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Features - Made in London from sustainable beech (available in dark and pale finishes). Weather resistant outdoor fabrics and available in a large variety of fabrics. Seat and back sling can be easily changed along with the seasons. Adjustable back angle. Excellent back support. Dimensions: h 100 w 60 x d 85cm and olds flat to just 6 inches. Price: £345 (+ £35 for cushion) www.wawa.co.uk

Lounge Armchair And Side Table This lovely Evesham furniture lets you relax in total luxury. The lounge armchair is a generous size and features a high back which combined with sumptuous seat and back cushions, makes the chair a place to doze off and never want to get up. Price: £1049.00 www.bridgman.co.uk

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cars Dynamic new estate revealed as by Jaguar Jaguar’s dynamic new estate has been revealed by world tennis number one Andy Murray. The two-time Wimbledon champion pulled the covers off the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake before placing his precious Wimbledon trophy inside and sending it on a UK-wide tour to inspire the next generation of players. Jaguar is the Official Car Partner of The Wimbledon Championships and to celebrate the relationship the premium estate was revealed on a replica Centre Court. The moment was

streamed on Facebook Live and can be viewed here: https:// www.facebook.com/Jaguar/ “Winning my first major title ten years ago was an amazing moment for me; the culmination of everything I’d worked for my whole life. I feel very lucky to have got to where I am today and hope that anyone passionate about tennis gets the opportunity to play and improve. “Letting go of the trophy will be difficult, but there’s no better vehicle than the Jaguar XF Sportbrake to take it on this UK

tour. I’m pleased that people are going to be able to get up close to the trophy when it visits schools

and tennis clubs, and hopefully it might encourage people to pick up a racket this Summer.”

The latest Mitsubishi Outlander Keiko

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announced the Mitsubishi Outlander Keiko – a special edition

version of its all-wheel drive SUV that significantly enhances convenience, refinement and value.

Available to order now and priced from £27,999, the new special edition is based on the already generously-equipped Mitsubishi Outlander 3. For only £550 more than the Mitsubishi Outlander 3, the Keiko adds leather seats and the feature-laden Mitsubishi Global Navigation (MGN) unit. The MGN unit supports Apple CarPlay*1, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone*1 in the car, and also Android AutoTM*2 which provides voice-controlled operation of Google MapsTM,*2 Google

PlayTM*2 music and other apps. Key features also include a wide 6.5-inch touchscreen LCD display, DAB radio, TomTom satellite navigation and CD/ DVD player. Other highlights of the Keiko’s impressive standard specification include dual-zone air conditioning, privacy glass, keyless operation with a stop/ start button, seven seats with split/folding third row, 18inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, seven airbags, electronic parking brake (auto only) and Brake Auto Hold (auto only).

The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo sets a new level of comfort and elegance wrapped in a sporting coupé design but now with superior driving dynamics and efficiency. This new model, which takes over from the 5 Series Gran Turismo, gets a new designation to reflect the major step forward over its predecessor. Set to make its World Premiere at the IAA show in Frankfurt the 6 Series Gran Turismo will make its market launch on 11 November 2017. Initially it will be offered with a choice of three engines while the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive 104

system will be available in two of the three variants in the model line-up. The large GT, a vehicle concept blending the luxury of a comfortable saloon with coupé looks, was first launched in 2009. Called the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the model was a game changer delivering comfort and elegance, but practicality too. The new 6 Series Gran Turismo takes these characteristics so enjoyed by 5 Series GT customers to another level and enhances the driving dynamics further. Distinctive looks: eyecatching and powerful From

the BMW kidney grille to the sculpted LED units at the rear, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has an eye-catching profile, but when viewed from the front the

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vehicle has a muscular presence. Standard BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlights for dipped and main beam, joined by the daytime driving lights display

cars Latest Mercedes-Benz campaign takes off with Blackbird Mercedes-Benz cars always come packed with state-of-the art technology, and the same is true of the latest advertising campaign for the C-Class. The current European campaign for the C-Class Saloon and Estate uses cutting-edge film technology that allows the cars’ stylish attributes – both inside and out – to be shown in one unbroken shot. The viewer is taken on a continuous flight from the front left corner of the car, all the way around to the back, then through the interior, and all the way around to the front again. During

this ‘infinite loop,’ the car shown switches seamlessly from a silver saloon to a blue estate. The film was created in conjunction with visual effects and content creation agency The Mill, using ‘The Mill BLACKBIRD’ – a fully adjustable rig car that can quickly be transformed to match the chassis length and width of any car. The width between the BLACKBIRD’s wheels and from front to back was adjusted to match that of the C-Class, and the wheels were also changed to 19-inch alloy wheels from the C-Class.

Using data from MercedesBenz on the design of the C-Class, the BLACKBIRD could then be

used to create a fully computergenerated, photo-real C-Class in whichever setting it was deployed.

New Citroën C3 Aircross compact SUV revealed

Following the premiere of New C5 Aircross in April, Citroën is stepping up its international

SUV offensive with the reveal of New C3 Aircross, a compact SUV with a fresh and assertive

personality. New C3 Aircross is a new-generation SUV with unrivalled space for a vehicle of its type, a modular design and a large opening panoramic glass sunroof. Representing an important milestone for the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, New C3 Aircross offers a sense of well-being on-board. Equally at ease in the city or out on the open road, this new Citroën SUV’s adventurous abilities have been enhanced with Grip Control®, Hill Descent Assist, 12 driver assistance systems (incl. Colour Head-up Display) and four

connectivity technologies (incl. Wireless Smartphone Charging). New C3 Aircross will officially go ‘on sale’ in the UK on Wednesday 1 November 2017. Following the world premiere of New C5 Aircross – the brand’s new C-segment SUV – at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, Citroën is stepping up its international SUV offensive. Today the Citroën brand reveals the New C3 Aircross compact SUV, which will soon launch into the rapidly growing B SUVsegment in the UK, Europe and across markets worldwide.

Subaru scoops accolades in Driver Power Survey Subaru Outback and Forester have picked up a quartet of awards from Driver Power, the UK’s Number 1 car ownership survey. In the best family car category, Subaru Outback picked up a Silver Award with a score of 91.18%. Subaru Forester scooped Gold Awards for Ride & Handling and Safety Features with Outback also picking up a Silver Award for Practicality and Boot Space. Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief, Auto Express commented “This is an outstanding result for Subaru, with the Outback making its owners very happy indeed.

Topping the ride and handling and safety categories is hugely impressive, while second place in practicality and in the family car class confirms how highly owners rate their cars.” Forester is a large SUV designed around the concept of “Do anything, go anywhere” whilst Outback is the world’s first crossover, successfully combining the benefits of a passenger estate car with the all-road capabilities of an SUV. Both Subaru Forester and Outback have 5* Euro NCAP safety ratings, Symmetrical

All-Wheel Drive and Outback comes equipped with EyeSight,

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Subaru’s advanced collision avoidance technology. 105

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

$EBBIE "UTCHER The British Limousin Cattle Society is delighted to announce that Debbie Butcher has recently joined the organisation. She has been appointed to the new position of Communications & Marketing Manager. Bringing a wealth of practical industry experience to the Society Debbie has been working as the Senior Beef and Lamb Analyst with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) for the past 10 years or so. *AMIE 2AMSHAW Family-owned maltster Simpsons Malt has appointed Jamie Ramshaw to join the flourishing company as UK Technical Sales Manager. Based in Tivetshall St Margaret Maltings, Jamie (46) will head up the sales division for the UK bringing a wealth of brewing knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the role. In this new role, Jamie is responsible for sales around the UK, with a focus on England and Wales. *ANE -ITCHELL Accountancy and Business Advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its agricultural team with the appointment of one of the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected business advisers. Jane Mitchell, who joins the firm as a senior business adviser, will be based in Johnston Carmichaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inverurie office but will offer her farming expertise to Johnston Carmichaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farming clients across the country. 0HIL 'ERRARD Renewable energy finance provider, Privilege Finance, has announced the appointment of four new staff in support of an additional ÂŁ120 million planned investment in the agricultural and food waste AD industries for 2017. Phil Gerrard, CEO of Privilege Finance, explains that the expansion is down to business growth and continued commitment to the sustainability of the agricultural and associated food sectors. -URRAY "ROWN Scottish organic dairy farmer Murray Brown has been elected as the new membership committee chairman for the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo). Murray will play an important role within the only national 100% organic, farmer-owned and farmer-run dairy cooperative in the UK. He will lead a team of 12 regional representatives across the UK to ensure they collectively and effectively relay the views of OMSCoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 270 members to the Board and management team.

130

Page Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

BOOK REVIEW The Finest Road in the World:

The Story of Travel and Transport in the Scottish Highlands

Where is the finest road in the world? Is it our own North Coast 500, a route that we are all now encouraged to explore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tourist and native alike: a route that starts and stops in Inverness by way of the West Coast and the rugged North East? Or the A82 Glasgow to Inverness highway? Or do we need to look a little further back in history? In a new book published this month, James Miller takes readers on a memorable journey through some of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most challenging terrain and recalls tales of delay, disaster, snow and storm but also of remarkable achievement, experimentation and nerves of steel. He (and the diaries left by intrepid travellers) takes us through the routes of Highland Scotland from the eighteenth century to the present day, covering everything from early air links to the bicycle and, of course, the invasion of the motor car. No-one reading this now will remember Inverness with only nine vehicles registered to the city and surrounds in 1903, nor the first reliability trials from the Scottish Automobile Club way back in 1905. The latter ran 595 miles from Glasgow via Edinburgh, Stirling, and Perth to Dundee and then the following day

onwards over the Spittal of Glenshee, through Braemar and on to Aberdeen. Day three took the drivers over to Keith and into the hills and then down to Strathspey and Pitlochry. A fourth day took those who were still surviving through the Perthshire glens and south via Loch Lomondside back to Glasgow. Few now living will remember the evolution of Horse and Carriage hire companies into car dealerships and, for some, onward into road haulage and tourism. As James Miller reflects, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Smiddies became garages and filling stations, garden sheds grew into bicycle repair shops, and carters turned themselves into bus owners.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Over the years, changing modes of transport have dictated changes to the way of life in the Highlands, just as the terrain of the Highlands in turn has dictated routes for road and rail links. This is a remarkable book for all who have an interest in travel and transport and life in the Highlands of Scotland. 4HE &INEST 2OAD IN THE 7ORLD 4HE 3TORY OF 4RAVEL AND 4RANSPORT IN THE 3COTTISH (IGHLANDS BY *AMES -ILLER "IRLINN a PBK IS AVAILABLE NOW