Farming Scotland Magazine (September - October 2024 edition)

Proud to support Scottish farming, and agriculture throughout the five nations

Ploughs

Combines

Grain Dryers

Muck Spreaders & Management

Scottish Ploughing Championships

Precision Farming

Seeds & Seeding

Topic

Scottish Fruit Trees

Case Studies

Limousin Cattle Story

Feeding value across the rotation

Artisan

Featuring Emily Crookshank

Scottish Country Life

With Jake Swindells

In Focus

Claas Jaguar 50th Anniversary Articles

Farm Health & Safety

Ploughing for the Climate! Getting a return from rural property

Travel France

Popping corks in Reims plus

Flavour of Scotland • Women In Agriculture

Ffermio Cymru • Beatha an Eilean

Northern Isles • Book Serialisation including our regular news areas and columns

Tuathanachas Alba

editor's bit

Don’t mention the weather!

arable & root crops

Game-changing biostimulant for UK tomato growers

I feel my inner Basil Fawlty kicking in again, this time about the weather and its many faces on a daily basis.

No doubt by the time you read this, we will all be basking on glorious mid-summer sunshine, and yes, as far as Scotland is concerned at least, September is mid-summer.

It used to be late summer but not anymore, the seasons are changing and I can’t wait for this year’s Christmas Day BBQ!

You think I’m kidding?

With this Global warming scenario playing out over the next few years, I fully expect to ‘roast’ myself rather than my turkey come Christmas future!

Unless that is, our powers that be get their act together (Fingers and toes crossed!), which I very much doubt.

So not much hope then for snow this winter perhaps, but let’s meanwhile bask in what little sun we get, and wish all of our farmers a kinder weather system going forward.

And for our own food sake, let’s hope our political classes finally pull their self-serving fingers out of your know where!

Slàinte, Athole.

Through a new study SugaROx Ltd and Fera Science Limited will explore the feasibility of using a game-changing biostimulant technology to improve tomato resilience to climate change, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint of production in the UK.

In tomato production, plant growth, fruit set, and yield are optimal at day/ night temperatures of 21°C to 29.5°C and 18.5°C to 21°C, respectively. An increase of just a few degrees above these ranges can damage reproductive organs, leading to drastic decreases of fruit setting.

Studies show that temperatures of 32°C during the day and 26°C at night 10 days before anthesis can significantly decrease the number and viability of pollen grains. This impact on pollen

is associated with changes in carbohydrate concentration in developing anthers, and affects fruit set.

As a result of climate change, high temperatures are becoming more frequent, longer lasting, and more intense in the UK. The summer of 2022 marked a new milestone in UK climate history, with 40°C recorded for the first time in the country.

“Summers are a critical period for tomato production in the UK” says Dr. Phil Morley, Technical Executive Officer at the British Tomato Growers’ Association (BGTA). “Our producers are already struggling to achieve profitability due to increases in energy and labour costs and more extreme temperature conditions will put additional pressure on our sector.”

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Biostimulants are a relatively new class of crop input and are gaining rapid attention as one of the most promising tools to increase crop resilience to climate change. “While traditional biostimulants offer yield gains of 2-5% for farmers, our approach has the potential to boost yields by up to 22% on arable crops,” says Dr. Cara Griffiths, SugaROx’s CTO. SugaROx is set to disrupt this space with formulations based on active ingredients (AIs) inspired by powerful plant molecules. Traditional biostimulants, which are extracts from algae and plants or acid-based formulations from organic waste, are mixes of ingredients. By bringing a targeted approach to this industry, SugaROx can boost plant processes with a level of precision not seen before.

Consider hybrid barley to spread AD plant ‘green’ energy crop risk

Farmers growing feedstock crops for anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to generate biogas for green electricity should consider growing hybrid barley as a way of spreading workloads and risk, for example in case of poor maize harvests.

That is the suggestion from Syngenta area business manager, Henrietta Wells, who says as growers plan this autumn’s crop choices, Hyvido hybrid barley has a lot in its favour.

“Wholecrop Hyvido hybrid barley offers a flexible buffer crop to supplement maize in AD plants, grown either in addition to or instead of wholecrop rye,” explains Ms Wells.

“In years when maize silage stocks are tight – which is

arable & root crops

potentially the case this season after many maize crops had a poor start – then more wholecrop hybrid barley can be included as a feedstock to supplement the maize. However, in seasons where maize silage is plentiful, a big benefit of hybrid barley is the flexibility to harvest it later as mature grain, rather than as

wholecrop – with barley grain being relatively easy to sell compared with rye grain where marketing opportunities might be limited. Feed mills are used to handling barley, but might not have the separate storage capacity for rye.”

Ms Wells says in numerous trials, Syngenta hybrid barley,

with its hybrid vigour, has shown strong suppression of several key grass weed species. Another benefit with wholecrop hybrid barley can be its earlier harvest than rye and certainly than forage maize, she notes.

“An early harvested crop is useful on multiple counts,” says Ms Wells. “Firstly, it provides

early access to feedstock for the AD plant. Secondly, it spreads harvest workloads, which can be important if harvester capacity is limited. And thirdly, it allows a longer window for field cultivations and planting a following crop – which is useful if you want to establish an early cover crop,” she adds.

Haith’s QuantaFill impresses the AKP Group

After putting a unique box and bag unloader through its paces, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of potatoes has reported a 33% increase in efficiency and a 50% reduction in forklift movements.

AKP Group has revealed the improvements after undertaking a two-month trial of Haith’s new QuantaFill box filler at its Elsham site in North Lincolnshire.

Unveiled at Potato Expo in January, the QuantaFill features an innovative in-feed conveyor that gently layers the crop into a buffer bunker, which is then lowered into the box. Active discharge doors then open to transfer the crop into the box, simultaneously raising as it fills. The process ensures that the weight of the box is never lifted and the machine is not put under pressure, which eliminates fatigue or prevents damage to both the machine and the box.

The additional box-handling functionality allows the operator to place stacks of empty boxes into the machine. The boxes are

then automatically de-stacked and transported to the filling module. After being filled, the boxes are re-stacked for the

operator to remove from the line.

Founded in 1999 by thirdgeneration potato farmers, Richard Arundel and Bruce

Kerr, AKP Group is one of the UK’s largest potato supply chain specialists, handling 150,000 tonnes a year across the group.

AKP is also one of the UK’s largest growers of potatoes with 750 hectares in its farming business.

AKP Group has a longstanding relationship with Haith. The company’s operations director, Ben Mordue, has worked with both David and Chris Haith during his 30 years in the industry.

To find out more about the QuantaFill and Haith wider range of vegetable handling equipment, please visit www. haith.co.uk, email sales@haith. co.uk or call 01302 831 911.

High values means it pays to preserve straw

A 9.6% drop in the UK wheat acreage means that good quality wheat straw will be at a premium this year, especially in the main livestock areas where plantings are as much as 20% down. This is already reflected in wheat straw prices, which currently average £90/tonne ex-farm and are as high at £120/tonne in the south west meaning that the use of a preservative like Baler’s Choice to ensure straw quality in maintained in later harvested crops could be a wise option.

For farmers whose drilling was delayed, especially in the north of England and Scotland, the later harvest and potentially more variable conditions could mean that achieving good quality straw, either for sale or to keep for bedding could be challenging. Trials in straw bales baled at 21% moisture showed that even after 2 months, mould and yeast CFU levels had risen from 75 and 47 CFU/ gm respectively to 14 and 11 million. Dust and mould in straw can not only result in wadding, but can be a challenge to the

Farmers at increasing risk of Lyme Disease from ticks

Recent research by Moredun highlights that the numbers of ticks in Scotland is increasing, highlighting the increased risk of farmers and others working in agriculture to potentially contracting Lyme Disease after being bitten by infected ticks.

Research from LRC in 2024, which involved surveying people who had been bitten by infected ticks, highlighted that 60% of people who had been bitten were exposed while in local fields, woodland and farmlands.

The most well-known symptom of Lyme Disease is a rash called erythema migrans (EM) which looks like a bull’s eye target, but people who don’t have a rash can still have Lyme Disease. The rash usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks after the bite but can appear as early as 3 days or as late as 3 months after the bite. The rash does not always occur at the bite site.

If you notice a bull’s eye target rash after a day outdoors, please immediately seek medical advice.

Lyme Disease symptoms can severely impact work,

relationships, and daily life.

If you need support with day to day living, whether diagnosed or not, contact RSABI at 0808 1234 555 for financial, practical, or emotional support.

LRC and Lyme Disease UK have outlined steps that can been taken to reduce your risk of Lyme Disease:

• Avoid bare skin being exposed

• Use an insect repellent

• Treat your clothing with the insect repellent permethrin before you set out

• Carry a tick removal tool

• Check regularly for ticks and brush off any that are unattached

• Shower and do a thorough tick check after being outside. Don’t forget the groin, hairline, behind the ears, and places where ticks are hard to spot

Further information and resources are available from Lyme Disease UK https://lymediseaseuk.com/

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

arable & root crops

respiratory system and result in loss of performance in livestock. While primarily used for hay, Baler’s Choice is just as effective as a preservative in straw and when applied at the correct rate enables straw to be baled at higher moisture contents without the risk of moulds developing. In the same trials, where treated mould and yeast levels rose from 77 and 40 CFUs/gm to just 1,300 and 100 respectively. Further information on the use of Baler’s Choice in straw can be found in the attached press release and if you need any further information, do please contact either myself, Robin George at Monarch Agri or Bryant Henningfeld at Harvest Tec.

Target tuber blight protection from zoospore movement

Potato crops have endured long periods of weather conditions highly conducive to blight this season. Reports of blight outbreaks submitted for testing with the Fight Against Blight campaign have now topped 135 incidences across the UK.

While growers have responded with robust blight control strategies, attention has now turned to protecting tubers from the inevitable high threat of infective spores from reaching tubers, warns Syngenta Technical Manager, Andy Cunningham.

“Keeping up with the programme to maintain blight free foliage is still crucial for building tuber yield, especially in crops where wet and cool conditions delayed planting and early growth,” he advises.

“Turning now to include products that provide specific strong tuber blight protection will further help assure yields and tuber quality.”

Andy highlights that new Evagio Forte from Syngenta combines both the outstanding foliar blight control of

mandipropamid, with the added strength of amisulbrom to enhance performance and target tuber blight protection.

“In addition to the builtin resistance management, offered by the combination of active ingredients with different modes of action, Evagio Forte is particularly well suited for use in the programme from flowering right through to the end of the programme,” he advocates.

Syngenta trials have shown that Evagio Forte delivers an improved foliar blight performance over straight Revus, as well as excellent tuber blight control through its zoospore activity.

Potato blight lesions typically produce sporangia that can spread long distances on the wind during warmer conditions (17-24ºC), but as conditions cool, below 17ºC, they are more likely to produce zoospores that physically move shorter distances in surface moisture that infects tubers.

Research has shown that amisulbrom works to protect against tuber blight infection

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in multiple ways. Firstly, it significantly reduces the production of infective zoospores

from any existing blight lesions in the crop, even when applied in an early curative situation.

UK Blackcurrant Harvest Defies Adverse Weather to Deliver Strong Yield

The Blackcurrant Foundation, representing 36 growers across the UK, proudly reports that despite another difficult growing season, the nation’s blackcurrant crop is thriving, with an anticipated yield of over 11,600 tonnes this year.

British blackcurrant growers once again faced challenging weather patterns this year. One site in Kent recorded an exceptionally wet winter, with 1109.6 mm of rain by the end of May. The warm winter brought insufficient winter chill for older blackcurrant varieties across most regions except Scotland.

However, the groundwork for the 2024 crop was laid in July 2023, when favourable weather allowed the bushes to produce extension growth, which flowered this year and underpins the current harvest. Additionally new climateresilient varieties like Ben Lui and Ben Macdui are being harvested in quantity for the first time this year, and early yields and quality have been very promising.

Jo Hilditch, Chairperson at the Blackcurrant Foundation, commented: “The berries are the biggest I’ve ever seen, high in

sugar and ready to go. However, climate change is a serious issue, and the weather earlier this year made it very difficult and sometimes impossible to get our cuttings in the ground.”

Simon Hill, Senior Category Buyer at Suntory GB&I, commented: “The spring weather was conducive to good growing conditions with plenty of rain, and unlike Europe, we escaped any late frosts, which can damage blossom. Warm weather in late May and early June accelerated the fruit ripening, and we started processing earlier than usual. Recent wet weather has affected the fruit sugar but has given very good yields and a heavy crop.”

Over 90% of British blackcurrants are destined for Ribena, with a small amount finding their way to the supermarket shelves and other products, including frozen formats and other soft and alcoholic drinks.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out November 2024

Albert Bartlett takes action to maintain the high health status of Scottish seed crops

The UK’s leading supplier of fresh, frozen and chilled potatoes, Albert Bartlett, has formed a partnership with Fera Science Ltd (Fera) in a bid to control aphid numbers and combat viral infection levels in seed potato crops across Scotland.

Aphids can cause stunting of potato plants, reducing yields and impacting tuber quality. Common viruses spread by aphids - such as Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY) - can cause yield losses of 50% in ware crops.

Virus pressure from aphids has increased in recent years due to milder winters which has seen aphids taking flight earlier and a reduction in approved and effective insecticides available for use in seed crops.

Forty-five growers have been signed up to the Albert Bartlettfunded monitoring process for the 2024 seed potato growing season, each returning up to ten sampling traps, for analysis throughout the season. Aphid types will be identified, counted, and reported weekly by Fera, along with the virus transmission risk.

Will Jackson of Albert Bartlett said: “Understanding the presence of the aphid species present is fundamental to determining the risk of virus transmission, allowing seed growers to target the use of the limited number of insecticides available.”

Growers can access their aphid results, and those of others taking part in the scheme, via weekly updates on the scheme’s website. Fera also provides a variety of text and email alerts

I want to thank all members of

NFU Scotland

for the support given to me in my first year as CEO

By John Davidson

There’s no doubt that we continue to be at a critical time for Scottish agriculture as we continue to influence the Government’s future policy and long-term support, both of which will underpin our objective of a profitable and sustainable industry. Moreover, agriculture continues to face many other headwinds including stubbornly high input-costs, chronic labour shortages, and receiving a fair and consistent return from the market.

Despite these challenges, I still firmly believe the industry has an exceptionally bright future. We Our farmers and crofters are the bedrock of our food and drink industry and the reputation for excellence that Scotland commands globally. This, of course, underpins our critical role as stewards of the land, the work you do dayin-day out to support nature recovery and biodiversity, whilst remaining the heartbeat of local communities.

Across the Union, the team has been working tirelessly on many fronts to ensure your views are fully represented to Government and others and we will continue to do so robustly.

Our new Business Strategy sets out the big overarching priorities the organisation will pursue over the coming years to support a profitable and sustainable future for our members.

We will continue to do what we do best to influence and shape public policy and over the past year we have had considerable success, particularly in respect of future agricultural policy, support, and the securing the retention of a number of vital schemes such as LFASS and the Beef Calf Scheme. But we will also have an increasing focus on the market and improving returns through more equitable supply chains. One of the ways we are doing this is through our re-established ShelfWatch initiative, which we have significantly bolstered to extend its reach and impact to ensure more Scottish product on Scottish shelves.

For us to continue doing this work effectively, we need to focus more on our financial strength and the opportunities to raise more commercial revenue. Likewise, we need a laser focus on our staff team to ensure we nurture and

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retain the best talent both within the organisation and indeed across our member networks. Doing all this means we need to function as a highly professional and effective organisation, with robust governance processes.

With our Business Strategy providing a roadmap over the next three years, our new Operating Plan 2024 lays out the specific priorities and detailed actions we will pursue this year.

Our Business Strategy and Operating Plan have been greatly informed through the feedback I’ve received whilst travelling the country and through the formal Member Survey we recently undertook. I’m very grateful to those members who provided their views through the survey on a range of aspects, such as our member engagement, policy work, communications, and member benefits.

The past 12 months were intense and the next 12 months promise to be eventful. All this and more will bring about change, but what won’t change is our steadfast commitment to our members and our team working tirelessly on your behalf. There’s never been a more important time to be united and we will be here to support you every step of the way.

John Davidson

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which growers can choose to sign up to.

“Investing in the aphid monitoring scheme in 2024 will help safeguard the health status of the potato seed supplied to ware growers across the UK in 2025,” added Mr Jackson.

Aphids are small sapsucking insects whose common names include greenfly and blackfly. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. As well as weakening plants by sucking sap, they also provide transmission for the growth of plant viruses. Females breed profusely so that the number of these insects multiplies quickly - while winged females often develop later in the season,

allowing colonisation of new plants. Because of their ability to increase their numbers quickly they are highly successful insects from an ecological point of view.

Control of aphids is difficult – in part because aphids often feed on the undersides of leaves. Natural enemies include predatory ladybirds, hoverfly larvae, and parasitic wasps.

Huge investment brings fertiliser supply reassurance to local farmers

Farmers across the Borders, Southern Scotland and Northern England will soon benefit from an improved fertiliser supply chain thanks to a significant new infrastructure investment from the Port of Tyne and Origin Fertilisers.

The combined £7.5m project on the Port of Tyne site for a new blending plant and dedicated 6,000m2 fertiliser warehouse will allow Origin to produce and store more than 100,000 tonnes of fertiliser. This will offer farmers and growers across the region better access to the right crop nutrition during the busy spring period.

The outlay demonstrates Origin’s plan to improve the availability and supply of

Milk Buyers’ Plans: Carbon, Biodiversity

and Regenerative Agriculture

Milk companies, food manufacturers and food product retailers are increasingly aligning themselves with the regenerative agriculture movement, meaning these practices now have a real price tag attached to them for farmers. The fundamental principles are:

1. Minimise soil disturbance

2. Keep the soil covered.

3. Maintain living roots in the soil.

4. Maximise plant diversity.

5. Integrate livestock.

or semi-natural, and speciesrich grasses. Where land is used for arable cropping, cover and catch cropping and incorporating livestock grazed grass leys into the rotation can help to meet the regen criteria.

fertiliser across the area and further reinforces the company’s commitment to better fertiliser supply on a local level. Origin’s managing director, Michael Pater, says the investment is a significant enhancement for the region.

“Our new facility is located port-side and gives direct access to deep sea vessels, which will be a major improvement to the region in accessing raw materials from further afield, providing a wider range of product sourcing and competitive pricing.

“This investment will continue to improve and benefit Origin Fertilisers’ ability to provide prescription nutrition to farmers across southern Scotland and the North East.”

Milk companies are also assessing farm practices in terms of biodiversity gain and carbon efficiency. With milk companies and the Scottish government both offering financial incentives for hitting the same criteria, now is the time to invest in your farm’s natural capital.

Regen Grazing and Cropping Strategies

Even dairy farms can have large areas that are just cut for silage or used for arable cropping that are rarely grazed by livestock. With housed herds this is especially significant. Beyond the amount of land grazed, the method of grazing is also important, with rotational grazing or mob grazing being preferable to set stocking. Sward plant diversity is also a criterion. This could include multispecies leys that are intentionally seeded

Biodiversity features

Milk companies are also allocating points for the establishment of new, or management of existing biodiversity-promoting features. Hedges can help to meet biodiversity and carbon targets as they provide habitat and a food source for a number of species, and also sequester carbon whilst gaining biomass. Other options include wildlife corridors, wildflower strips, ponds, riparian buffer, conservation area, wetland, and silvo pastures. Many of these options fall under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), so there is funding towards the establishment capital and the management of different features and habitats that will satisfy milk company biodiversity objectives.

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

New industry report highlights resilience & growth potential of Scotland’s red meat sector

The ongoing resilience and economic importance of the red meat sector to rural Scotland was highlighted at Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS’s) presentation to stakeholders across the supply chain at Turriff Show today (5 August 2024), following the release of its Red Meat Industry Profile report - link here.

The report also highlights that there are significant opportunities for the £2.8 billion Scottish red meat sector to further increase its contribution to Scotland’s economy and to food security across the UK. In 2023, turnover from red meat processing in Scotland is estimated to have risen for a fourth consecutive year, lifting 1% to £975 million. And, despite cost-of-living challenges, people in Scotland spent around 8% more on red meat in 2023 –particularly more affordable cuts.

Addressing attendees from across the red meat supply chain at the agricultural show, QMS Chair, Kate Rowell, said: “It is great to be here in Turriff today – the North East is an area with high shares of agricultural output activity despite making up less than 12% of Scotland’s agriculture area. Aberdeenshire is the main destination for store cattle for finishing in Scotland, with around 32% of male cattle aged between one and two reported in June 2023. In addition, it accounted for around one-third of Scotland’s abattoir production in 2023, 63% of the breeding sows and 11% of the lamb crop.

“The latest profile data highlights that there continues to be a strong appetite for beef in Scotland, with 86% of households buying beef compared to 83%

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

in Great Britain as a whole. This popularity is offset by supply from a further reduction in the suckler herd, with beef cow numbers down by 2.5% year-on-year in December which is a trend we must tackle head on.”

Iain Macdonald, QMS’s Market Intelligence Manager and author of the 2024 Red Meat Industry Profile, said:

“Despite a more favourable market for store and finished cattle and a slight reduction in the number of store animals moving to England and Wales from the 2022 peak, it is a concern that Scotland’s beef herd continued to decrease in the second half of the year. There was also an annual fall in calf registrations of 2.7%, and this will result in a fall in prime beef output once these cattle reach peak slaughter age in 2025.

“We know from modelling work that there is significant economic potential in Scotland’s iconic beef sector, but action to stabilise the beef breeding herd, boost productivity and to reduce the outflow of store cattle is needed to reverse the decline and support recovery.

“This could support an extra £73.6 million of output and £16.9 million of GVA from the sector in 2030 compared to 2023.”

In the sheep sector, annual average market prices edged closer to the highs seen in 2021, with the Spring of 2023 hogg prices fixed at record levels over a number of weeks.

Iain added: “There was a notable spike in lamb prices around Easter and Ramadan despite strong availability of hoggs due to the delayed sale of the 2022 lamb crop, highlighting a strength of demand. Once the 2023 lamb crop began to reach the market, prices received support from a lower supply - driven by a reduced lambing rate due to the impact of a dry autumn in 2022 on ewe condition at mating.

“In addition, while there was some increase in lamb imports to the UK from Australia and New Zealand in the second half of the year, UK export demand remained strong due to a declining EU sheep flock, ensuring a tight domestic market.”

In 2023, Scotland’s pig sector continued to recover slowly from the financial crisis of 2021/22.

Iain added: “Farmgate pig prices remained at record levels following a rebalancing in 2022 as production ran at a significantly lower level, while input costs fell back from their peak, supporting increased margins.

“However, the scale of the previous crisis had a lasting effect, limiting confidence and the pig herd stabilised rather than rebounded. A similarly tight supply in the EU underpinned import prices, supporting the competitiveness of home-produced pork in the domestic market, but exports slumped due to the lack of supply in the home market.”

Iain concluded: “Overall, the red meat supply chain faced a challenging year in 2023 with elevated input costs and rising interest rates to deal with, as well as issues with recruiting skilled and affordable labour to replace leavers. The positives are that red meat processing sales continued to increase and that people in Scotland spent more on red meat despite a cost-of-living crisis, highlighting its continued importance in supporting healthy balanced diets.

“Looking forward, transformation in beef production away from the current trajectory is paramount to harnessing the full economic potential of this highly valued produce at home and beyond. This becomes particularly important when considering that the UK is a net importer of beef, and this gap is only going to grow much wider in the coming years if domestic production contracts in line with existing trends while a growing population puts upwards pressure on consumption. This could mean higher imports from countries with different levels of production standards and where weather extremes are likely to increase over time due to climate change.

“Meanwhile, it is vital that Scotland’s specialist sheep and pig sectors retain the confidence to keep investing in products which contribute so significantly to Scotland’s rural economy and to food security across the UK.”

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Scotland

The Brand

Champion Produce for Scotland

By Ruth Watson

The Guild of Fine Food’s ‘Great Taste 2024’ awards saw Scottish businesses winning a total of 296 awards, including 207 products winning 1 star, 78 being rated 2 stars, and 11 achieving 3 stars, 3 stars being the highest-ranking award – good going given the competition included 13,672 products from almost 3,500 companies from 115 countries.

According to the Guild of Fine Food, only 1.9% of all entries (266 in total globally) received a 3-star award, given to ‘extraordinarily tasty food and drink’. With 10.1%, 1,386 in total globally, being awarded 2 stars, ‘above and beyond delicious’ and 28.8%, 3,938 in total globally, being awarded 1 star, ‘food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour’.

A special mention surely must go to Donald Russell, of Inverurie, a business born out of a collaboration between an Aberdeenshire farmer and a local butcher. They won a 3-star award for a ‘5 Bone Himalayan Salt Aged Heritage Breed Rib

Roast’, a 2-star award for a ‘Crown Selection Scotch Fillet Steak’, and almost a dozen 1-star awards – giving plenty for them to celebrate in this, their 50th anniversary of business. Their customers include Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, and The Orient Express.

Food businesses, producers, and groups across Scotland now can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to promote local produce as the Scotland Food and Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund opens for applications, with £100,000 available from the Scottish Government to support regional food activity across Scotland.

“The Fund encourages collaboration within regions and the supply chain, shining a spotlight on unique food and drink stories and experiences for us all to enjoy,” says Fiona Richmond, the Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink. “The desire for local produce is strong, and Scotland Food & Drink are proud to continue our support to regional food and drink initiatives.”

Ruth Watson is the founder of the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign

food & drink

UK’s tastiest strawberry announced by 250 strong panel of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers

The Summer Berry Company won the prestigious Superior Taste Award for its strawberry variety, Fandango

The Summer Berry Company has received two prestigious awards by the 250 professional taste experts on the judging panel for the International Taste Institute – widely regarded as the most prestigious certification worldwide within the food and beverage industry[1].

Its top-tier strawberry Fandango, grown in West Sussex, received the highest possible award, granted to ‘exceptional products’ and premium raspberry variety Amalia Rossa earned a 2-star award, given to ‘remarkable products’.

Fandango, a strawberry variety created by Dutch breeder, Fresh Forward, is the only strawberry to be awarded a Superior Taste Award in 2024 –making it the tastiest strawberry in the world this year, according to the International Taste Institute’s jury.

The judging panel are members of the most prestigious chef and sommelier associations, hailing from over 20 countries – including France’s Bernard Vaussion a former chef for the French Republic President, Belgium’s Mathieu Vanneste 3 Michelin stars, Maria Lo Gómez, winner of Master Chef Spain and Igor Sapega of Netflix’s 5-star chef.

The panel made their selection in complete silence based on International Hedonic Sensory Analysis criteria which includes first impression, vision, olfaction, taste and texture, ensuring maximum commitment to quality.

Commenting on the distinctions received, Joe de Ruse, Genetics Director at The Summer Berry Company, said

“Our Fandango strawberries have been voted as the world’s best by hundreds of top chefs. They are particularly sweet and aromatic, but they don’t just taste fantastic – the judges also scored it highly on its appearance. Fandango strawberries have an exceptionally symmetrical shape and are a gorgeous rich red.

“The award is a testament to our commitment to high quality, precision farming, sustainable practices and our ability to create valuable partnerships with top breeders, whose expertise has ensured the very best tasting berries.”

Amalia Rossa, which was also honoured, is a premium raspberry variety created by the Italian breeder BerryTech. The Summer Berry Company holds the exclusive rights to sell Amalia Rossa grown in Portugal to British and Irish retailers. With an annual production of more than 1500 tonnes, The Summer Berry Company also sells Amalia Rossa grown in Portugal to European markets and the Middle East.

These premium varieties, together with other berries from

The Summer Berry Company growing range will be presented

Crickets in your brownies? Insect-based food taste tests

Welsh scientists are testing how people react to eating food containing insects as part of research into greener protein.

Insects are a common feature of people’s everyday diets in countries around the world, such as Mexico, China and Ghana.

They offer a more environmentally-friendly source of protein than many other food

stuffs, and could help feed the world’s growing population.

Research indicates that approximately 30% of European Union consumers are willing to eat insect-based food.

Funded by the Rural Futures Research Hub at Aberystwyth University, the latest study aims to test public acceptability of insect-based foods.

The latest taste testing sessions looked at people’s reaction to eating chocolate brownies both with and without cricket flour as an ingredient. on the company’s stand at Fruit Attraction, in October in Madrid.

The academics are using specialist sensory booths at the University’s AberInnovation campus for testing and improving food and its nutritional content.

KUHN’s Espro offers sophisticated tramline control

KUHN’s range of Espro seed drills are available with the company’s Vistaflow smart tramlining system, allowing users to adapt to any tramline width via a simple setting adjustment.

Vistaflow tramlining means any drill width is compatible with different tramline and sprayer widths. The system is ideal for contractors switching between various farms and systems and it means that manual adjustment of different valves or tubes is no longer required.

In addition to the different tramline widths, users have the option to shut-off half of the drill’s width or block alternate rows to increase spacings between rows for different crops.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the system is popular as growers are requiring increased versatility from investments.

“Buying machines as a partnership, or contractors taking on more customers, means the ability to adapt to different systems is required. Vistaflow on the Espro models ensures repeatability and flexibility whilst making it easy to spot seed blockages.”

The Smart Monitoring and detection on Vistaflow systems means operators are instantly notified through the control terminal indicating that a row isn’t functioning properly. A red LED is illuminated on the distribution head to indicate which row requires attention. This reduces downtime that was previously required when tracing blocked coulters back to the distribution head.

KUHN’s ISOBUS interface can store tramline configurations and allows quick access to all functions. Users with CCI 800 or 1200 screens can benefits from Parallel Tracking, which uses

GPS position data to generate tramline lines.

Edd concludes: “Vistaflow means buyers aren’t now constrained to drills that only match their tramline widths. The

low power demand of the Espro, by positioning the press wheels in front of the coulter bar, means users could opt for a wider drill with Vistaflow, save fuel and increase work rates and accuracy.”

Sky Agriculture EasyDrill

The latest addition/development to the market, introduced late 2023 for the Sky Agriculture EasyDrill is the availability to have a mounting kit to fit a Stocks Ag Turbo Jet 10 to pneumatic trailed Sky Agriculture EasyDrill’s. The new mounting kit allows separate metering and accurate application of Avadex through an additional set of outlets behind the drills press wheel.

The mounting kit is designed to integrate with the Sky EasyDrill and consists of a loading platform, steps and guard rail to meet all safety regulations and maintain a safe environment for the operator. The Turbo Jet Avadex applicator fitting kit is available for the 4m, 6m and 8m EasyDrill’s, 4m specified with a Turbo Jet 8 (8 Outlets) whilst the 6m and 8m EasyDrill’s be specified with the

Turbo Jet 10 (up to 20 outlets), with the option of a 400lt hopper (on the 8m EasyDrill).

Distributed by OPICO in the UK, the FarmDroid is a fully autonomous, solar-powered robot capable of precision drilling and weeding.

The FarmDroid is the brainchild of two Danish farmers and takes a really simple approach to how it works.

The ‘seed n weed’ robot uses ultra-accurate GPS to record

exactly where it places each seed. Then on each subsequent weeding pass it has no need to identify what’s a weed and what’s not –it simply knows where the crop plants should be and works around them, the hoes shares running between each row and blades slicing off anything between each crop plant, in the row.

This approach means that unlike other similar machines, it doesn’t need to employ banks of high-definition cameras and

complex computers to identify and target weeds. It also means the machine can start the weeding process before the crop has emerged because camera recognition is not required.

One FarmDroid can manage 20 hectares, however if optioned with an additional power bank, this area can be doubled to 40 hectares, depending on crop.

The FarmDroid FD20 has successfully managed over 40 different types of crops, from

NEW NAAC Seed Careers Partnership with BSPB

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) have launched a new initiative to encourage new entrants into the seed industry and agricultural contracting.

Working in partnership, the organisations have drawn up

careers information (attached) to give new entrants a starting point where to look for opportunities from plant breeding, to seed processing.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive said, “The seed industry is often overlooked, but seed production, planting

and processing are key elements of food production and there are numerous rewarding opportunities from seasonal work to longerterm career prospects. We have provided several case studies from enthusiastic members of the industry, to showcase just a few of the roles that are available. We

For further careers information see: Getting into contracting - NAAC Membership sugar beet to parsley, onions to fodder beet, the list goes onIntroduced to the market as a three wheeled machine, the FarmDroid is now available with either three or four wheels. With pairs of wheels running in the same tracks front and rear, the unit can effectively straddle the rows of crop, enabling it to plant seed into flat beds and return subsequently to weed between the seedlings without running any crop down.

are looking for a range of staff from research through to machine operators and we would encourage anyone interested in shaping the next generation of food to get in touch!’

Ffermio Cymru

Dechrau Ffermio yn rhoi llwybr i newyddddyfodiaid ifanc i ddod yn bartner busnes fferm

Mae fferm ddefaid a bîff bumed genhedlaeth yng Nghymru wedi datrys penbleth olyniaeth drwy ddod â ffermwr ifanc i mewn i’r busnes fel partner.

Mae teulu Ben Ryder wedi bod yn ffermio Maesmachreth, fferm ucheldir ger Machynlleth, ers dwy ganrif.

Gan nad oedd gan y naill na’r llall o’u merched ddiddordeb mewn rhedeg y fferm, roedd gan Ben a’i wraig, Kate, ansicrwydd ynghylch ei dyfodol.

“Mae teulu Ben wedi bod yn ffermio yma ers 200 mlynedd a chyda hynny’n daw cyfrifoldeb mawr, doedden ni ddim eisiau bod y genhedlaeth sy’n gadael iddo fynd,” meddai Kate.

“Rydym wastad wedi ei hystyried yn fferm dda a doedden ni ddim eisiau iddi fynd yn wastraff.’’ Wrth iddyn nhw nesáu at eu chwedegau a chyda chyfnodau o salwch, maen nhw’n cyfaddef eu bod wedi “chwythu plwc’’ a bod hynny’n dechrau effeithio ar y fferm.

“Sylweddolon ni nad oedden ni mor annistrywiol ag yr oedden ni’n meddwl oedden ni,’’ meddai Ben. “Nid yw ffermio yn fath o beth y gallwch chi sefyll yn stond arno, pan fyddwch chi’n gwneud hynny rydych chi’n mynd am yn ôl ac roedden ni’n gweld hynny’n dechrau digwydd.’’ Ceisiasant gyngor ar olyniaeth drwy Cyswllt Ffermio – gall ffermwyr cymwys drefnu cyfarfod un-i-un wedi’i ariannu’n llawn gyda chyfreithiwr arbenigol mewn cymhorthfa ‘Cynllunio Olyniaeth’.

“O hynny, fe wnaethon ni gyfyngu ar ein hopsiynau,” meddai Ben.

“Roedden ni’n teimlo y byddai’n anodd gosod y lle ar rent a pharhau i fyw yma a doedden ni ddim yn barod i gerdded i ffwrdd yn gyfan gwbl, roedden ni dal eisiau cymryd rhan.

“Fodd bynnag, roedden ni eisiau mwy na gweithiwr fferm, rhywun a oedd yn barod i wneud ymrwymiad ar gyfer y tymor hwy.’’

Rhaglen Dechrau Ffermio Cyswllt Ffermio a roddodd yr ateb.

Mae Dechrau Ffermio, gwasanaeth paru sydd wedi’i gynllunio i baru tirfeddianwyr sy’n dymuno camu’n ôl o’r diwydiant gyda newydd-ddyfodiaid, yn

cynnig cyllid ar gyfer cynllunio busnes ac arweiniad cyfreithiol.

Cynigiodd y teulu Ryder eu hunain fel darparwr a bu Cyswllt Ffermio yn hyrwyddo’r cyfle hwn.

Yn y pentref cyfagos, yn Ninas Mawddwy, daeth y cyfle hwnnw i sylw Ynyr Pugh, a oedd wedi ei fagu ar dyddyn ac yn uchelgeisiol i gael ymsefydlu ym myd ffermio.Ar ôl astudio yng Ngholeg Glynllifon a Choleg Amaethyddol Cymru, roedd wedi treulio amser yn cneifio defaid yn Seland Newydd a Chymru ac wedi gweithio ar wahanol ffermydd.

Roedd rhai o’i ffrindiau wedi cael eu paru â ffermwyr yn llwyddiannus trwy Dechrau Ffermio.

“Cefais fy nghyfareddu gan Dechrau Ffermio ond roeddwn am gael fy lleoli’n agos at adref os yn bosibl a hyd nes y daeth y cyfle ym Maesmachreth, doedd dim cyfleoedd lleol wedi dod i’r amlwg,’’ eglura Ynyr.

Rhoddodd broffil i’r teulu Ryder o’r hyn y gallai ei gynnig. Roedd ymhlith sawl ymgeisydd ond ef oedd yr un a diciodd bob blwch ar gyfer y pâr.

“Mae gennym ni feddwl tebyg iawn, rydyn ni eisiau ffermio yn yr un ffordd a gwneud y fferm yn fwy gwydn trwy leihau ein dibyniaeth ar ffactorau allanol,” meddai Ben.

Talodd arian gan Dechrau Ffermio am gynllunio busnes a’r ffurfioldebau cyfreithiol

sy’n gysylltiedig â llunio’r cytundeb.

Fel cam cyntaf, bu Ynyr yn gweithio gyda Ben a Kate fel contractwr, i ganiatáu amser i’r ddwy ochr ddod i adnabod ei gilydd yn well cyn ymrwymo ymhellach.

Ar 1 Ebrill 2024, fe wnaethant gymryd y cam nesaf, gan wneud Ynyr yn bartner busnes gyda chyfran partneriaeth o 34%; mae gan y ddau ohonyn nhw 33% yr un.

Dros yr wyth mlynedd nesaf, bydd Ynyr yn caffael 1% ychwanegol yn flynyddol ac wedi hynny, bydd yn dod yn brif gyfranddaliwr y fferm.

Pan fyddant yn cyrraedd y pwynt hwnnw, byddant yn edrych ar sut y gallai’r sefyllfa ddatblygu, megis drwy Denantiaeth Busnes Fferm.

Mae wedi bod yn brofiad cadarnhaol i Ynyr a’r teulu Ryder.

“Rydym yn llawer mwy brwdfrydig dros ffermio ers i Ynyr ymuno â ni,’’ meddai Kate. Cymaint fel eu bod eisoes wedi gwneud newidiadau i’r ddiadell ddefaid a’r fuches sugno ac yn cynyddu nifer y mamogiaid a’r gwartheg.

Defaid Texel croesfrid oedd y ddiadell yn bennaf ond nid hwn oedd y brid gorau ar gyfer y math yma o dir, sy’n codi i 1,200 troedfedd ar ei bwynt uchaf.

Gyda dylanwad Ynyr, mae defaid Romney x Aberfield wedi’u cyflwyno, gan alluogi’r ddiadell i symud tuag at system wyna awyr agored. Mae niferoedd wedi cynyddu o 600 o famogiaid i 700.

Mae newidiadau yn y fuches sugno hefyd; mae gwartheg

Stabiliser wedi’u cyflwyno i gymryd lle gwartheg â geneteg groes Limousin.

Mae yna gynllun i dyfu maint y fuches o’r 90 o wartheg presennol hefyd. “Mae’r Stabiliser yn frid llai felly gallwn gadw ychydig mwy ohonyn nhw yn yr un ardal,’’ meddai Ben.

Mae Ynyr yn ddiolchgar i Ben a Kate am ei helpu i wireddu

ei uchelgais i ffermio ac i Cyswllt Ffermio am ddarparu’r llwyfan a alluogodd hynny.“Mae Dechrau Ffermio yn cadw pobl yn y diwydiant ac yn dod â newyddddyfodiaid i mewn,’’ meddai.

Roedd wedi edrych ar rentu fferm ond nid oedd ganddo’r cyfalaf yr oedd ei angen arno iddechrau arni ac roedd yn cystadlu yn erbyn busnesau presennol am y cyfleoedd hynny.

Mae’n disgrifio Dechrau Ffermio fel gwasanaeth sy’n sicrhau bod pawb ar ei ennill.

Dywed Ben a Kate efallai na fydd eu sefyllfa yn darparu glasbrint i bob ffermwr. “Mae pob system yn mynd i fod yn wahanol,’’ meddai Kate. “I ni, roedd yn bwysig bod yn rhaid

cael cyfnod prawf, cyfle i weithio gyda’n gilydd yn ddigon hir cyn mynd â’r peth ymhellach.’’

Mae cyfathrebu a bod yn agored o’r cychwyn cyntaf yn allweddol, ychwanega Ben. “Mae angen ymddiriedaeth o’r cychwyn cyntaf.’’

Mae Ynyr, sy’n gweld dyfodol disglair ym myd ffermio, yn annog eraill i ddefnyddio Dechrau Ffermio.

“Siaradwch gyda phobl Cyswllt Ffermio, dywedwch wrthyn nhw beth hoffech chi ei gael o’r sefyllfa,’’ mae’n cynghori.

“Roedd gen i’r holl hanfodion i redeg fferm ond nid oedd gennyf y tir i’w defnyddio.’’

Mae wedi ennill cryn dipyn o wybodaeth o raglen rheoli

glaswelltir Rhagori ar Bori Cyswllt Ffermio ac mae hefyd wedi elwa o raglen Fentora Cyswllt Ffermio gyda’r ffermwr defaid, Meirion Jones yn fentor. Mae ef a Ben hefyd yn aelodau o grŵp trafod defaid Cyswllt Ffermio ac wedi gwneud defnydd da o ddigwyddiadau trosglwyddo gwybodaeth ar ffermydd ‘Ein Ffermydd’ Cyswllt Ffermio.

“Mae cael syniadau gwahanol gan wahanol bobl yn bwysig iawn,’’ mae Ynyr yn meddwl. “Does dim pwynt gwneud yr un hen beth os nad yw rhywbeth yn gweithio a disgwyl canlyniad gwahanol, mae angen i chi newid y system drwy’r amser.’’

NFU Cymru welcomes appointment of Welsh Government Bovine TB Programme Board

NFU Cymru has welcomed the announcement made by the Cabinet Secretary that he has appointed the new Welsh Government Bovine TB Programme Board.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has today, Monday 12th August, announced that he has appointed a new bovine TB Programme Board which will oversee and provide guidance to Welsh Government on their TB eradication programme. The board will bring together representation from farmers and the veterinary profession, including a seat for NFU Cymru, to discuss eradicating the disease.

In response to the announcement, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “It is

welcome news that the Cabinet Secretary has appointed the Bovine TB Programme Board and following the appointment of the Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group (TAG) earlier in the year, the Programme Board is the final important piece in the governance structure for Welsh Government’s TB policy. It is positive to see strong farmer and veterinary representation around the table, as it is farming families and their own private farm vets who are at the front line of dealing with this dreadful disease so their views on future TB policy are vital.

“The Programme Board has incredibly important work to do in driving forward a route to eradication of this terrible disease, something the future generations of cattle farmers

in Wales depend on. In the period from April 2023 to March 2024, over 11,000 cattle were slaughtered because of bovine TB in Wales, a sobering statistic that we cannot allow to continue. In this respect NFU Cymru continue to call for a comprehensive disease eradication strategy that tackles this disease wherever it exists.

“Three years ago, the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group was formed to help inform our views on TB policy and to identify where improvements could be made to policy without risking disease control. We stand ready to use our seat on the Programme Board to take forward the views of our membership to the board, whether those views be from farmers where TB is present on the farm or is threatening at the door.”

Ffermio Cymru

New ‘boots-on-the-ground’ FieldSense precision farming service launched by ProCam

A new service that makes the benefits of precision farming readily accessible without growers having to master all its complexities is being launched by ProCam for this autumn.

FieldSense uses satellite mapping of soil and crop variability across fields, says ProCam regional technical manager, Nigel Scott, who has been integral in both developing and testing the new service. This is then used to derive variable rate input applications tailored to these variations, rather than relying on a blanket approach, he says, with the aim of improving economic crop output across the field and bringing environmental gains.

However, what makes FieldSense particularly appealing is that the system, which is easily accessed via a web browser, is based on a collaborative approach between the agronomist and grower, he stresses, rather than growers having to do everything themselves.

“It will be the ProCam agronomist who makes sense of the satellite images,” says Mr Scott, “drawing on their bootson-the-ground experience of the field and ground-truthing any anomalies that the images might reveal. This can be

combined with the farmer’s own knowledge of the field as necessary. Once maps have been interpreted, the agronomist will produce variable rate files for downloading directly to the tractor that is controlling the drill or fertiliser applicator. It

is precision agronomy through partnership,” he explains.

“Growers can also cherry pick only those parts of the package relevant to their farm and machinery, and can begin by trying FieldSense over just a few hectares.”

AMAZONE MultiFunctions for precision seeding

Precision agriculture is gaining more and more in importance with the focus increasingly shifting to the individual plant. This also includes the preciseness of the seed placement and exact fertiliser application. High outputs, fast working speeds and comfortable machine operation are of fundamental importance in this respect. These challenges have already been met by the Amazone Precea precision air seeder. However, the technology is not the only basis for optimum sowing precision. Only the

interaction with a coordinated electronic control system ensures that perfect precision.

MultiTeam with Precea and AmaTron 4

The MultiFunctions from Amazone offer the operator numerous advantages and additional benefits in the sphere of precision agriculture. They result from the perfect interaction between the Precea precision air seeder and the AmaTron 4

ISOBUS terminal. Amazone’s “More than ISOBUS” electronics

solutions are developed in-house by its own specialists and are the key to enabling the Precea to reach its full potential and become the precision seeding all-rounder.

MultiBin – flexible application of several different materials

The application of more than one product during planting has become commonplace. The use of several hoppers enables you to apply not only seed but also fertiliser and/ or micro-granules at the same

time and in the same pass. For example, the Precea-CC used in conjunction with the Micro plus micro-granular applicator enables up to 3 different media to be applied simultaneously and independently of each other at various placement depths. Seed, fertiliser and micro-granules can therefore be flexibly combined. This saves on passes and increases fertiliser efficiency through the use of a starter fertiliser as well as leaving concentrated deposits of fertiliser alongside the seed.

MultiMap – part-area, sitespecific application for any material

Since the soil conditions, water availability, and therefore also the yield potential can sometimes vary greatly within a field, it makes sense to tailor seed and fertiliser rates to match these conditions. MultiMap enables the media to be controlled independently of each other via application maps and applied on a part-area, sitespecific basis. This allows the environmentally-friendly and efficient use of inputs, via which the natural yield potential can be exploited. The AmaTron 4 ISOBUS terminal enables the simultaneous processing of up to 4 application maps.

MultiSwitch – individual row shut-off for any material

Precise switch-on and switchoff of the sowing units is very important in order to avoid over- or under-sowing in critical

areas such as on the headland. Individual row shut-off for the seed provides exact placement. Each row is controlled individually and automatically. On the one hand, this saves seed, as fewer overlaps occur, and on the other hand, gaps where weeds can spread are prevented.

In addition, Amazone offers individual row shut-off for fertiliser. This provides advantages, particularly on odd-shaped headlands and in field corners. Double fertiliser application is prevented, with the result that the plants can grow and ripen uniformly. The extremely precise fertiliser application effectively reduces application rates. This saves money and helps protect the environment.

MultiBoom – individual switching points for any material

The Precea can be used to apply 2 or 3 media simultaneously via

different metering units located at separate points. Since the fertiliser coulter always runs in front of the sowing unit, the two metering units are automatically switched on and off at staggered intervals via MultiBoom with the “GPS Switch pro” terminal licence.

Overlaps or gaps on the headland are thereby prevented. If a microgranular applicator is used, it can also be controlled on a time basis. MultiBoom ensures those very precise switching points across the field and uniform plant growth on the headlands.

The Blossoming of Scottish Fruit growing on farms and estates

With Autumn coming in, fruit is ripening on the trees and it’s a busy time of year for John Hancox, director of Scottish Fruit trees. Having worked with orchards and fruit trees for 20 years, John is an acknowledged expert in fruit growing in Scotland – something made more challenging by our interesting climate and rugged conditions. Despite the challenges, John reports a resurgence of interest in Orchard growing in Scotland, and a good number of orchard related businesses – such as juice and cider makers – starting up – making this a significant growth area in the farming world.

John said, “Our business was one of those that really expanded during the pandemic, and demand for fruit trees both for private

gardens and hobby growers, and for smallholders, farms and estates has remained high ever since. Farmers have realised that you get the benefits for wildlife, conservation, pollinators as well as getting a useful crop of fruit too to benefit people. Fruit is naturally beautiful as well.”

Planting fruit trees on farms and estates makes sense in many ways on farms and estates and John Hancox, spends quite a bit of time providing a consultancy service, doing feasibility studies for people looking at orchard planting, and designing orchards which are easy to manage and looking at aspects such as routes to market. As John supplies trees and can plant the orchards, and also train people in how to maintain the orchards – this

consultancy work helps take the guesswork out of orchard planting.

John Hancox said, “Onsite visits are useful to understand the location, the interests of the people on the farm, and often helps with coming up with an interesting solution which would not occur to you without seeing the farm in context. No two projects are the same. Some people want to produce fruit for their own use, others want to produce fruit for juicing and cider making, some are looking to supply farm shops, restaurants etc with fresh produce. Pick your own operations are also popular. And with so much interest in agri-tourism the idea of having fruit growing near to holiday accommodation, can add interest to the visitor experience.

We have even had wedding venues planting orchards for their visual appeal both at blossom time and later in the year when fruit is ripe – and I’m told getting married in an orchard is a romantic idea that appeals to many people.”

Like many things in farming, fruit growing in Scotland is not exactly a new idea. Fruit cultivation is Scotland dates back at least to medieval period, and many monasteries and abbeys cultivated orchards to supply their communities with fresh fruit (and also cider) Many of the old heritage varieties of apples and pears originated with the abbeys – such as apple White Melrose and Arbroath pippin. Glasgow Cathedral also had substantial orchards planted in what is

John Hancox

now inner city. Victorians were enthusiastic fruit growers and by the 18th and 19th century fruit growing was an established part of estate management, with many estates building walled gardens to protect the fruit (and the gardeners) from harsh winds. Many apple and pear varieties were developed by the Victorian gardeners and horticultural techniques were refined which are still used today.

A big part of the work of Scottish fruit trees is promoting old varieties apple, plum and pear and encouraging them to be grown for future generations to enjoy. There are some 150 varieties of apple pear and plum on the Scottish Fruit trees list, so very rare and others more mainstream. People love the old varieties such as Lass O Gowrie, Clydeside, Coul Blush, and Golden Pippin.

Another passion for John Hancox is planting orchards in schools and nursery schools. “I think that all Scottish school children should have the chance to see fruit growing on a tree and get the experience of picking it and eating it – still warm from the sun. So far, John reckons that he has supplied and helped to plant around 600 school and nursery school orchards as well as dozens of community orchards. Thousands of children in Scottish schools now see fruit growing in their school grounds as the school orchards develop. Over the years there is slow but steady progress to John’s dream of creating a Fruitful Scotland.

John says, “Fruit growing is one of life’s real pleasures, and whether you want to plant a tree in your garden, develop a school or

community orchard, or if you have space for a larger orchard, you really should do it now. The old

joke is that the best time to plant an apple tree is twenty years ago. And the next best time is now.

If you’d like to explore options form ordering trees, or booking consultancy services, contact John Hancox at www.scottishfruittrtees.com

Time to change attitudes to farm health and safety

Farm health and safety is not a box-ticking exercise; it needs to be taken seriously. That’s according to James Harris, recruitment director at staff specialist REAL Success, speaking at the beginning of Farm Health and Safety Week recently.

“People still think health and safety is imposed upon them, but we have to cross the bridge between compliance and culture. As long as it’s a boxticking exercise it’s not true farm safety,” says Mr Harris.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the agricultural sector has a fatal injury rate 18 times higher than the average across all industries. In the past year alone, 34 people lost their lives on UK farms, while countless others suffered severe injuries. “These statistics highlight a critical need for change in how health and safety is approached on farms,” he says.

“Most accidents are as a result of habit, haste, fatigue or improperly maintained machinery. Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be a forethought – we often fit an alarm on our houses after being burgled.”

Currently, the attitude towards health and safety is often one of compliance rather than culture. “Compliance implies following rules because they are required, not valued. In contrast, a health and safety culture integrates these practices into daily operations, making them as important as tending to livestock or maintaining equipment.”

And changing these attitudes poses a significant challenge. “Farming is often seen as inherently risky, with accidents viewed as part of the job. This attitude needs to shift towards

a proactive approach to safety,” says Mr Harris.

“Training and education are essential in this effort, providing farmers and workers with the skills to identify and mitigate risks. Farm safety is also about how hard you’re expecting

people to work – accidents happen when people are tired.”

Health and safety must be a continuous effort. “Regular risk assessments, safety drills, and the use of protective equipment must become routine. Leadership is crucial - farm owners and

managers must set an example by showing that safety is a core value.”

A robust health and safety culture benefits farms beyond reducing accidents. “It can increase productivity by minimising disruptions caused by injuries, and enhance farming’s reputation, therefore making it more appealing to potential recruits. In a time when many sectors struggle to attract talent, this could be a significant advantage.”

Farming does not have to be synonymous with danger. “By prioritising health and safety, we can protect those who work in this essential industry and ensure its sustainability for future generations,” says Mr Harris.

“It’s time to change our mindset. In farming, as in any other industry, safety must come first.”

James Harris

Crashed tractor

Let there be a harvest!

A look at some of the current combine harvesters available today

Case Axial-Flow 260 Series Combines

For growers looking to purchase a combine with over 500 hp, the Axial-Flow 260 provides larger, high-resolution displays and automated efficiency. The dual Pro1200 displays enable intuitive and effortless automation via Harvest Command™ technology, as well as new advanced guidance and mapping capabilities. The Pro1200 also offers connectivity to other Pro700-enabled machines within the same field.

The 260 series also enables growers to cover more hectares in less time with industryleading Axial-Flow rotor and self-levelling cleaning technology. These features are designed to increase throughput, improve grain handling, and simplify maintenance for a more productive harvest. The 260 delivers exclusive Power-Plus CVT rotor reversing capabilities, allowing operators to clear blockages without leaving the cab – giving the confidence to maximise the output at harvest time.

Axial-Flow 160 Series Combines

The introduction of the 160 series combines to the AxialFlow line up signals the addition of Harvest Command automation to combines with over 400 hp. The proven Harvest Command system makes automated adjustments as field conditions change and reduces the number of decisions operators must make, ensuring consistency no matter who is in the cab. Now small to mid-sized growers don’t have to choose between the right

sized combine and access to technology.

The Axial-Flow 160 series retains the simplicity operators have come to expect from the Axial-Flow combine line, but with some additional benefits. The higher-capacity grain tank, holding up to 12,500 litres (available only on the AF 7160), combined with the fuel efficiency keeps an operator moving during harvest. And while that grain is being harvested, the in-cab adjustments and grain-on-grain threshing design maintains quality of the crop throughout the fields.

CLAAS celebrate 500,000 combines

From the first MDB combine launched in 1936, followed by the SUPER in 1946, many combine names have become famous around the world and created the foundations of today’s world leading machines. With over 60,000 manufactured before production ceased in 1978, the SUPER and the SUPER AUTOMATIC provided CLAAS with its first worldwide success.

1953 saw the arrival of the HERCULES, later renamed SF, the first self-propelled combine

harvester to be manufactured by the company, followed by combines such as the EUROPA and COLUMBUS.

The 1960’s saw the arrival firstly of the MATADOR GIGANT, which set new standards with a cutting bar width of up to 6.0 m, followed by to other industry-defining milestones such as SENATOR, COMET, COSMOS, CORSAR, MERCATOR, PROTECTOR and COMPACT. The launch of the DOMINATOR in 1972 opened a new era that has lasted for

more than 50 years and is still in production for the far east market. And with over 100,000 now built, the DOMINATOR accounts for the largest share of the 500,000 combines now being celebrated.

The arrival of the LEXION in 1995 was a further game changer in terms of performance, comfort and groundbreaking electronic applications for the emerging precision farming era. LEXION has brought with it market leading developments such the ground-protecting TERRA TRAC chassis technology in

1997 and also advances in the area of machine intelligence such as CEMOS.

The latest members of the CLAAS combine harvester family are the TRION and EVION series presented in 2021 and 2023. Together with the LEXION, of which more than 75,000 have now been manufactured, they offer a unique range of products and equipment from the 205 hp fivewalker to the 790 hp flagship LEXION 8900 TERRA TRAC with APS SYNFLOW HYBRID.

The all new T5 and T6 combines from John Deere

John Deere has launched its latest line of all new T5 and T6 straw walker combines, featuring a range of engine power options and new levels of comfort.

The company has also introduced a new S7 range of combines, although the T is expected to be favoured in Scotland due to its high-quality straw output.

The eight new models of the T5 and T6 combines come with an impressive range of engine power options, from the 6.8-litre T5 400 engine to the 9-litre JD9X in the T5 500 and T6 800. All JD9X engine models offer intelligent engine speed management, improving fuel efficiency by reducing engine rpm during road transport and

when stationary.

With four models each, the T5 and T6 combines provide different levels of power and grain tank capacity to fit your harvesting needs. The T6 500 and provides 348 maximum horsepower and a 11,000 L grain tank, the T6 600 provides 387 hp, with 421 hp on the T6 700, and 466 hp on the T6 800 with a

13,500 L grain tank on the 600, 700, and 800.

The T5 400 provides 305 hp, with 348 hp on the T5 500 – both fitted with a 10,000 L grain tank – while the T5 600 provides 387 hp, with 421 hp on the T5 700, both fitted with a 11,500 L grain tank.

Offering the ultimate operator experience, the cabin –

the same as in the X9 and now also the S7 machines – brings first-class operator comfort and functionality in a luxurious workspace. The cab features ActiveSeat II, LED lights, a new corner post display and an electronic dust-sealing door. Additionally, operators have the option to equip the combine with the G5Plus extended monitor, allowing operators to control more functions simultaneously, such as viewing vehicle control functions. Other functions of the T5 and T6 include AutoPath, Machine Sync, and Grain Sensing.

New Holland CR Flagship Combines

MY2025 CR combines benefits from a new electronic architecture that enables the use of twin IntelliView 12 screens. This system is now mated to the Cygnus GPS receiver offering faster convergence times. A revised Process and Communications Module offers lifetime telematics but integrates all guidance functions while also offering remote diagnostic functionality and the ability to receive software updates over the air.

To improve durability, heavyduty track belts are now standard – particularly useful for those farms undertaking significant road transportation.

For safety, additional proximity mirrors cover the blind spots alongside the combine while complete encapsulation of the Cursor 13 engine’s turbo and exhaust manifold prevents any material falling on hot surfaces.

The CR combines also feature improvements to the machines’ automation with the inclusion of Field Prediction, which makes pro-active adjustments to the cleaning system based on data received from previous passes.

CR10 and CR11

Next Generation Combines 2025 will see the first year of production of the CR10 and CR11 combines. Sitting at the top of the New Holland combine range, these machines will redefine high capacity combining with close to zero losses and helping to drive down the total cost of harvesting through innovative design in the

power train, cleaning, threshing and separation as well as the residue management system. Extensive use of closed-loop logic systems continually monitors the quality of work and makes improvements where necessary without the involvement of the operator.

All CR and flagship CX combines can now be factory-

fitted with Near Infra-Redbased grain quality systems to help monitor protein levels. Displayed as a map and visible in real-time, the NutriSense system enables farmers to make informed choices for crop husbandry with nitrogen uptake but also enables the segregation of crops based on protein content.

Fast-tracking Scotland’s energy transition

New funding for carbon capture and storage

A project that aims to capture, transport and safely store CO2 emissions from across Scotland will be granted £2 million from the Scottish Government.

The new funding will be used to explore how a pipeline could transport Carbon Dioxide from Scotland’s central belt to the North East.

The Acorn Carbon transport and storage project is a joint venture with the Scottish Cluster, benefitting from the collective expertise of Storegga, Shell UK, Harbour Energy and North Sea Midstream Partners, along with National Gas.

The project is working with industrial, power, hydrogen, bioenergy and waste-to-energy businesses, including those

in Peterhead, Grangemouth and Mossmorran, who wish to capture CO2 emissions and send to permanent geological storage under the North Sea.

Visiting St Fergus in Aberdeenshire, where the Acorn transport and storage terminal will be located, First Minister John Swinney said:

“The Acorn project will be essential in securing the future of key industrial sites like Grangemouth and Mossmorran. A National Gas pipeline is a critical component of the project and I am delighted that the Scottish Government is providing funding to accelerate this innovative work.

“We are determined to support projects like this to

support the development of Scotland’s carbon capture and storage sector and the fair and just transition of oil and gas sector.

“This announcement today demonstrates our unwavering support for carbon capture and storage, and I am confident that the UK Government will work constructively with us to ensure the Acorn Project is awarded Track 2 status. Enabling this innovative work to progress will help unlock so many opportunities not just for Scotland, but for the UK as a whole.”

Managing Director of Acorn Nic Braley said:

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s support for the

SCO2T Connect project, and the recognition of its importance for the decarbonisation of Scotland’s industry.

“Working together, Acorn and National Gas can provide a CO2 transport and storage solution to the Scottish Cluster, a diverse range of emitters from across Scotland and the rest of the UK, who are all committed to timely and cost-effective decarbonisation.

“The Scottish Cluster, with Acorn at its core, and the UK and Scottish governments can collectively make a major contribution to UK Net Zero commitments, supporting ambitions for clean energy, green prosperity and value for money.

Hultsteins joins with powerpack producer Addvolt for a cool green energy solution

Hultsteins, UK/Sweden producers of sustainable refrigeration and electric generator systems, have joined forces with a leading vehicle battery pack manufacturer Addvolt to provide sales and support services in the UK and Ireland.

Based in Porto, Portugal, Addvolt designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of Powerpacks and Power Units (ePTO). These solutions provide fridge operators with clean energy, making every vehicle smarter and more sustainable by reducing diesel consumption, CO2 and

particulate emissions, noise levels and maintenance costs.

The company created the world’s first Plug-In Hybrid Powerpack capable of electrifying auxiliary systems on heavy-duty vehicles, and supplies products to 20 markets across 3 continents. More recently Addvolt introduced their own Power Unit (ePTO) which supplies 400V AC fridge units of all brands directly from the BEV’s traction batteries.

“With Addvolt celebrating 10 years of innovation, we are now looking to expand our operations in

the UK,” says Addvolt’s UK Sales Manager Sean Griffiths, “and with Hultsteins’ long experience in the production of sustainable solutions to the temperature-controlled sector, they make the ideal partner with whom to continue our journey.”

Award nominations open for the UK’s biggest ever celebration of renewable energy Scottish Renewables’ new look awards ceremony returns to Edinburgh on December 5

12 award categories to celebrate Scotland’s achievements in clean power now open

Nominations are now open for the UK’s ultimate celebration of renewable energy - The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2024 –which is set for its biggest and best ceremony yet.

Following a record-breaking 11-minute sell-out event in 2023 and to mirror the growth of Scotland’s thriving renewable energy industry, this year’s event will welcome hundreds more guests from across the green energy sector.

Scottish Renewables has worked with event venue, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), to significantly increase the capacity of its flagship event from 1,200 to 1,800 guests. The new event format will see The Scottish Green Energy Awards live-streamed across two dining rooms, with two stages and two hosts - Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris - to produce one epic celebration of Scotland’s clean power achievements. The awards welcome submissions in 12 categories from all renewable energy technologies, from wind and hydro to solar and lowcarbon heat and more.

Categories include the Best Engagement Award, the Contribution to Skills Award and new for 2024 the Industry Challenger Award.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is really flourishing and the growth of our industry has been so incredible that last year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards sold out in an amazing eleven minutes.

“I’m so proud that this year we will deliver a new awards format that is not only bigger and better than ever but also unique, innovative and of the same exceptionally high standard that our guests have come to expect from this flagship event.

“This year’s award ceremony will bring together an unprecedented number of guests to recognise and honour the achievements of those whose revolutionary work is securing Scotland’s future prosperity. It is a huge honour to celebrate these outstanding achievements which every year leave me truly inspired by the drive, talent and ingenuity of those striving for real change across the industry.

“I am already looking forward to our industry coming out in force for an extra-special evening that will end the year on a high and set the tone for the journey towards net-zero in 2025.”

Nominations for the awards, headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables UK, are now being accepted in the following categories:

• Best Community Project Award

• Best Engagement Award (sponsored by SmartestEnergy)

• Best Innovation Award –New Technology Products (sponsored by Red Rock Renewables)

• Best Innovation Award – Software and Services (sponsored by SLR)

• Carbon Reduction Award (sponsored by Statkraft)

• Champion of Renewables Award (sponsored by Fred. Olsen Renewables)

• Contribution to Skills Award (sponsored by SSE Renewables)

• Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership)

• Outstanding Project Award (sponsored by SSEN Transmision)

• Outstanding Service Award (sponsored by Corio Generation)

• Industry Challenger Award (sponsored by Natural Power)

• Sustainable Development Award (sponsored by Hitachi Energy)

The shortlist for the Young and Inspiring Award category, sponsored by ESB, is made up of the 10 winners of the Young Professionals Green Energy Awards announced in April 2024.

The winners include:

• Dr. Yabin Liu, a researcher who secured £600,000 of funding to deliver transformative knowledge about the vortexes turbine blades produce which negatively impact energy efficiency.

• Lynsey Shovlin, a leading industry voice whose brave openness about her experience attending industry events with a hidden disability sparked galvanising conversations about improvements to the accessibility of in-person events.

• Chris Del Valle, lead of the UK’s pioneering supply chain accelerator who is currently creating a Scotland-specific launch academy to further support Scottish content and innovation opportunities.

A Judges Award, sponsored by Ocean Winds, will be announced at the event, going to a nominee the judges feel deserves special commendation.

renewable energy

Innovation in solar technology promises sustainable power from everyday objects

Scientists at Oxford University Physics Department have developed a revolutionary approach which could generate increasing amounts of solar electricity without the need for silicon-based solar panels. Instead, their innovation works by coating a new power-generating material onto the surfaces of everyday objects like rucksacks, cars, and mobile phones.

Their new light-absorbing material is, for the first time, thin and flexible enough to apply to the surface of almost any building or common object. Using a pioneering technique developed in Oxford, which stacks multiple light-absorbing layers into one

solar cell, they have harnessed a wider range of the light spectrum, allowing more power to be generated from the same amount of sunlight.

This ultra-thin material, using this so-called multijunction approach, has now been independently certified to deliver over 27% energy efficiency, for the first time matching the performance of traditional, singlelayer, energy-generating materials known as silicon photovoltaics. Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), gave its certification prior to publication of the researchers’ scientific study later this year.

Building a strong and resilient agricultural sector

By Jim Fairlie Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

A strong and resilient agricultural sector is the cornerstone or our rural economy and supporting it is an essential part of our food security. We have all seen and felt the impact of recent challenges to our farming and food systems, and we know there are increasing risks from climate volatility and global events.

One of our most significant achievements in ensuring the future of our agricultural sector has been the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024. This new law forms the foundation of how we will support food production, and help tackle the challenges. The Act represents a very real opportunity for government and industry representatives to come together and realise a new vision, one that is right for our farmers, our communities and our planet too.

The Act will also require Scottish ministers to have regard to food supply and security when amending or making rural development plans, and to make a

statement on food security at least every three years. While we know how important local action on these issues is, food security is not something we can achieve in isolation. This is why it is so important for Scotland to collaborate at every level, with local and international partners.

At June’s Royal Highland Show I had the honour of hosting delegates from around world, including representatives from the WTO, the OECD, the EU, FoodDrinkEurope, and others who came together with members of Scotland’s former Short Life Food Security and Supply Taskforce to discuss the role of local solutions in addressing international problems.

There are clear opportunities to build resilience into our food systems, which means more than just recovering from challenges; it’s about learning from those experiences, building partnerships, and acting now to be ready for the future. We can do this together.

How ploughing can lessen climate change

In more than 100 field studies conducted in Germany, analysing the entire soil profile, the Thünen Institute concluded that crop establishment systems without tillage result in a far lower storage of carbon per ha and year. In many studies, there was even a loss of humus.

(Source: Thünen Report No.64, November 2018, page 194).

An explanation is given by Dr Axel Don, Thünen Institute: “Humus derives from root and crop residues as well as from organic fertilisers such as manure and slurry. It enters the soil mainly from the top. Without soil inversion with a plough, the newly formed humus remains close to the surface and is not mixed into the topsoil evenly. And there is an additional negative effect: without loosening the soil, there is a likelihood for increased microbial nitrate decomposition

and higher nitrous oxide emissions (N20). This gas is 300 times more harmful to the climate than CO2.”

Ploughing is referred to scientifically as an efficient crop establishment technique which helps create humus, sequestrate CO2 and prevent N20 harmful gas release to the atmosphere. Done properly, it is an efficient, non-chemical method for seedbed preparation; it controls weeds, slugs and pests. Ploughing also repairs damaged fields and creates optimal conditions for plant growth.

Humus found in the top layer of soil, consists of plant residues transformed by soil animals and micro-organisms into organic matter. This provides nutrients for plants, absorbs water like a sponge and holds soil together, and has a positive effect on yield potential and yield security. In addition to providing generous water storage

and availability, humus-rich soils warm up quickly in spring due to their dark colour.

Representing almost 60% of the composition of humus, carbon is the most important element of soil organic matter. The proportion of humus in the soil results from a complex interplay between the amount and composition of the entry of organic materials into the soil; and the conversion, decomposition and stabilisation of organic materials in the soil.

Humus is also a key influencer of climate: if the supply of organic carbon in the soil decreases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released. If the supply increases, CO2 is fixed by being sequestrated in the soil. Long term stable humus – measured in kg/ha - is particularly important for climate protection.

So why plough with Kverneland? It’s all in the know-

how. That includes correct heattreatment processes to increase strength and wear resistance, enabling the use of thinner, lighter materials in production that contribute to a reduction in plough weight while boosting fuel efficiency.

“Our plough range offers a wide variety of bodies, to suit many different soil types,” explains Adam Burt, Kverneland product manager. “And our mouldboard designs help soil to flow, which also means a Kverneland plough is very easy to pull.”

“Ploughing is an essential step towards achieving high yields,” says Adam. “Plough set-up is also simple and straightforward, making it even easier to produce the very best ploughing results. And by using the plough, we’re also controlling weeds and pests mechanically, rather than using chemicals.”

environment

Chivas Brothers and Simpsons Malt Limited partner on pilot of carbon-saving fertiliser creating ‘greener’ whisky

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky and makers of Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s, along with its distilling wheat supplier, Simpsons Malt Limited, has announced investment in low-carbon fertiliser created by OCI Global, a market-leading fertiliser company.

A select number of farmers in the Chivas Brothers Wheat Growers Group, who provide the wheat which is grown specifically for the distilling of many of the Scotch producer’s blended whiskies, are currently trialling the low-carbon calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertiliser, Nutramon® Low Carbon, as part of an exclusive agreement between OCI Global and Simpsons Malt Limited’s agricultural merchanting division, McCreath Simpson & Prentice.

Nutramon® Low Carbon is produced using certified biogas and is estimated to have

a reduced production carbon footprint of up to 50% compared to conventionally produced fertilisers (cradle-to-gate).

Nutramon® Low Carbon is ISCC PLUS certified, a recognised independent certification standard for bio, bio-circular and renewable feedstocks across the world.

While the composition and effectiveness of Nutramon® Low Carbon is equal to conventional fertiliser, use of this lowercarbon alternative ultimately equates to a 15-20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the barley and wheat grown for distilling.

The trial is the latest milestone in Chivas Brothers’ ambition to create a sustainable future for whisky and reduce its indirect carbon footprint. With approximately a third of Chivas Brothers’ carbon footprint resulting from growing and processing raw materials such as barley and wheat grown for

distilling, tackling the emissions created in their growth is a vital step towards reducing the environmental impact of the production of whisky.

The farmers will harvest crops involved in the pilot from August to October 2024, with the wheat and malted barley to be used in the production of Chivas Brothers’ Ballantine’s blended Scotch. Once the impact of the trial has been assessed, Chivas Brothers will be looking at how the use of biobased fertiliser

more widely could contribute to reducing carbon emissions from its supply chain.

In time, Chivas Brothers and Simpsons Malt Limited will seek to move toward broader use of green fertiliser, including those using green ammonia produced by electrolysis with renewable electricity leveraging on cooperation with OCI Global’s low carbon ammonia portfolio. This process creates up to 90% less carbon emissions than traditional fertilisers.

Farmers harness power of fermentation to boost manure quality and cut emissions

Scottish livestock farmers are exploring a little-known method of fermenting manure in the hope it will boost farm productivity and slash emissions, in a new Innovative Farmers field lab.

Farmers on two sites are trialling Bokashi, developed by Japan’s Professor Teruo Higa, which uses a mix of microorganisms to ferment animal bedding and dung, covered and left for six to eight weeks.

Cattle waste is typically stacked outdoors, uncovered, which can emit ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and lose potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. As it dries out, it reduces in size and becomes harder to handle.

The three-year trial will measure concentrations of these gasses and nutrients as the fermentation takes place. Separately, farmers will observe how easy it is to apply the treated

manure, and any changes to the fertilised fields.

It is hoped that Bokashi can reduce these losses, resulting in lower emissions and more valuable, nutritious manure that’s easier to spread.

Triallist Andrew Barbour of Fincastle Farm, a cattle and sheep enterprise based in Glen Fincastle, said: “We want to improve our soil health, make sure we don’t lose nutrients and reduce our carbon footprint.

“There’s a clear difference early on. The Bokashi-treated manure smells sweeter, less like ammonia, and is broken-down better.

“The effort involved using Bokashi is very low – half an hour at the start and at the end – but we’ll save time later if it’s easier to handle and available earlier.

“If we’re successful we could see significant productivity increases from the grass as well as the environmental benefits, so it’s a win for everyone involved.”

Farming for the future Bokashi has been used effectively by farmers in South-West England for several years, and trialling it in colder conditions will boost the existing body of evidence.

The Scottish farmers are developing effective systems for using Bokashi on farms, allowing future farmers to adopt these practices and provide additional research.

crofting environment

If the advantages turn out to be significant, it could lead to Bokashi being used across the UK.

Earthcare Technical Director Audrey Litterick, coordinating the field lab, said: “The management of farmyard manures can involve a lot of cost if you’re to end up with a high-quality material.

“You can easily lose about half of the mass in a dung pile over a year-long outdoor stacking period and a great deal of valuable organic matter, nutrients and carbon if you compost it.

“Anything that reduces farmers reliance on bought-in fertilisers – the production of which often relies heavily on fossil fuels – is a huge boost to farm resilience.

“The trials so far look promising – Bokashi looks like a better way to go.”

Innovative Farmers Coordinator Laura Gude?said: “We’re excited to see farmers take the lead on Bokashi research – their work could benefit any UK livestock farmer.

“The impact of techniques like this are still not widely known and the research is genuinely groundbreaking.

“We hope this inspires other farmers to try these naturefriendly methods.”

All results from the field lab will be made available open source. For updates and more information on the trial, visit the Innovative Farmers website.

New survey highlights multiple barriers to farm uptake of climate change mitigation measures

Livestock farmers have expressed a significant unwillingness to adopt greenhouse gas mitigation measures, according to a new UK survey conducted by Rothamsted researchers. Various barriers to adoption were identified, including inflexible land contracts, cost, poor awareness of mitigation measures, non-availability of markets for bioenergy crops and scepticism about the future impacts.

201 farmers were included in the survey. The results consistently showed that age, labour availability and farm sector influence the likely adoption of mitigation measures. In particular, livestock grazing farmers showed a significant unwillingness to adopt these best practices.

“Rapid uptake of greenhouse gas mitigation measures is central to reducing agricultural and land use emissions and meeting

the UK Net Zero policy,” said research lead Dr Asma Jebari.

“The socioeconomic challenges and barriers to uptake are poorly understood, suggesting that existing policies and structures are unlikely to deliver effective outcomes.”

Some agricultural land managers in the survey thought that those proposing GHG mitigation measures and emission reduction targets seemed to have not considered how they might impact profitability. In the case of reducing stocking density, many were of the opinion that, although reducing this in grassland would likely also reduce emissions, such action might negatively affect their farm’s efficiency and profitability and result in poor performance of grassland as a result of under-grazing.

Crofting Bill change proposals – do they do enough?

By Donna Smith

As an organisation, the summer is normally a chance for us to step back from the lobbying work and focus on getting out and about meeting folk at the shows which we are currently doing.

There is one element of political work that is rumbling on through the summer though which is the current crofting bill consultation. This will be the first opportunity to amend the legislation since 2010 and it is very important that as many crofters as possible respond to the consultation and share their views.

The changes being put forward are a combination of proposals from Scottish Government and the Crofting Commission, along with issues from the sump, a list of known issues drawn up by stakeholders a few years ago. The sump issues were discussed prior to the consultation by the Crofting Bill Group, whose stakeholders include the SCF, NFUS, Crofting Commission, Scottish Land & Estates and various crofting solicitors and some

resulted in agreed proposals, some in divided opinions.

Whilst some of the proposals being put forward are relatively simple amendments being made to correct legal technicalities, others set out the case for more substantial change. From entry to crofting to the use of common grazings, from new powers for the Crofting Commission to a more stringent enforcement of crofters’ duties, these proposals are causing quite a bit of discussion. In particular, the proposals around standard securities, joint tenancies and how to manage grazings shares have divided opinion but there is an overwhelming feeling that they do not necessarily address the real challenges currently facing crofting.

The general thought amongst many now, SCF included, is that more significant change is required to deliver a crofting bill that is fit for the 21st century but for the moment, this is unlikely and we therefore have to make the most of this opportunity.

The art of the straight line!

The latest news some of the ploughs currently available

The new Amazone Teres 300 plough

With changes in crop rotation, increasing amounts of organic matter left to handle alongside the disease and weed pressures growers are currently facing, then adopting the right soil tillage technique is critical to success. Plough-based sowing systems are still extremely relevant as inversion tillage can be used effectively for mechanical weed control, especially around field margins, for quicker soil warming and better soil aeration which can lead to increased yields in crops which demand higher soil temperatures. Inversion tillage can also increase the microbial activity in the soil by oxygen enrichment and facilitate mechanical control of UV light sensitive soil pests, along with slugs and mice.

Since their invention of the iron plough in Europe in the 1800’s, AMAZONE ploughs come with more than 150 years of experience. Whether it is Cayros, Teres or Tyrok, and widths from 2 to 9 furrows, there is a plough in the range for any size of grower.

The Cayros plough range brings simplicity and robustness across tractor sizes from 100 to 380 hp and comes in widths from 2-6 furrows. The Cayros is based on a sliding headstock for front furrow adjustment and comes with a choice of stepped or hydraulic width adjustment and either shear bolt or hydraulic stone protection. Available in 5 models depending on tractor class, the plough is designed to keep strength at its maximumyet well-balanced for tractors to easily handle. The ever-popular Cayros XMS, for instance, comes in 3-5 furrows for tractors up to 180 hp.

The impressive new Teres 300, in 4-6 furrows and rated at up to 300 hp, offers a parallelogram headstock design that makes for simplified setting of the plough and

reduced pulling power and fuel consumption due to the precise pull line.

The unique AMAZONE ©plus hardening process ensures the

optimum longevity of all wearing parts, which are produced in-house and used across all 3 plough ranges, so that running costs and downtime are kept to a minimum.

Kverneland extends Ecomat range with in-furrow

Kverneland UK has extended its Ecomat shallow plough range, with smaller models suitable for in-furrow use. The new versions are available in six-, seven- and eight-furrow builds, and join the existing eight- and 10-furrow on-land models.

Developed as an option for minimum disturbance seedbed preparation, the Ecomat shallow

plough offers mechanical control of pests and weeds through soil inversion, reducing the reliance on chemical methods.

“Ecomat is a half-way house between a plough and a cultivator,” explains Kverneland product specialist Adam Burt. “As a shallow plough, the Ecomat still turns soil over but without needing to work as deep

models

as a traditional plough.

“We’re achieving 95% inversion at a depth of 9cm, with an implement that is easier to pull than a traditional plough, while doing a far better job of inversion than a cultivator,” he adds.

The arrival of in-furrow models brings high-efficiency shallow ploughing to lower

powered tractors. Working depths are from 6cm to 18cm, and auto-rest leg protection is fitted as part of the standard specification. An HD spring pack is available for tougher ground conditions.

Available with plastic or steel bodies, furrow widths can be from 25-45cm (10-18in) thanks to hydraulic vari-width. This gives the in-furrow models a range of working widths from 1.5m up to 2.7m (6f), from 1.75m up to 3.15m (7f) and from 2m up to 3.6m (8f).

All in-furrow Ecomat models can be equipped with an integral Packomat press. Prices start from £41,713 for the six-furrow model.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue November 2024

Kuhns’ Master L Plough suited

Fitting between the smaller Master 153 and larger Master 183, KUHN’s Master L ploughs combine specialist features for medium sized farms and contractors requiring a plough that can stand up to intensive use.

The Master L is designed for 140hp–300hp tractors depending if it is a four or five body model. Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected service product specialist, says the model is proving popular.

“The Master L models are favoured by users in Scotland as they offer a versatile plough that is easy to use and based on KUHN’s proven reputation in the market. The range is also popular as users can run

the ploughs on a wide range of tractors without having to invest in a larger model.”

A 150x150mm reinforced frame offers optimum weight distribution and the possibility to add an extension frame from four to five furrows. The Master L is available in on-land and infurrow formats, with the former helping to reduce compaction and increase efficiency.

Setting up the plough is simple via a Pro Set adjustment system to quickly adapt to all tyre spacings. Tilt correction is also part of the Master L models and helps to reduce wear by optimising the pull line.

Width adjustment is via Multi manual adjustment through four working positions – 14-, 16-, 18- and 20-inch furrows. Users requiring more refinement can choose a Vari width option to continually adjust the width between 14-22in for in-furrow models, and 12-22in for onland ploughs. A variable width

cylinder memorises the setting to accurately return to work after turning.

Non-stop hydraulic reset safety has a 1,500kg trigger rate

to protect the plough and offers a 70cm under beam clearance, whereas a standard traction bolt arrangement offers an 85cm gap.

KUHN’s bespoke skimmers

can be adjusted without the need for tools and offers a new lateral adjustment to create a more aggressive attack angle of the skimmers to improve burying.

New overload protection for LEMKEN ploughs well recieved

LEMKEN, the specialist for professional arable farming, launched the new OptiStone automatic overload protection for its Juwel, Diamant and Titan ploughs in 2021. At the heart of the OptiStone is a closed system of highly stable leg plates, which is reliably protected against dirt and foreign objects. A newly designed swivel bracket ensures high lateral tripping forces and optimal plough control in stony soils.

When an obstacle is encountered, the new LEMKEN

overload element simultaneously deflects up to 37 centimetres upwards and 20 centimetres to the side. This provides for a sufficiently large range of deflection to ensure consistently disruption-free work, even with

deep ploughing. The tripping forces can be continuously adjusted from the comfort of the driver’s seat to adapt to changing soil conditions. If the system catches below a slab of stone or roots, it is additionally protected

by a double-cut shear bolt to prevent damage to the plough.

The OptiStone overload protection features high-strength radial spherical plain bearings to keep the plough bodies stable as the system deflects. The plough

bodies are firmly connected to the three-dimensional bearing points and therefore cannot unhitch – a clear advantage compared to the overload protection systems with four-point suspension commonly found on the market. The radial

spherical plain bearing is durable, reliable, and easily accessible for convenient maintenance.

Paul Creasy LEMKEN UK’s General Manager commented ‘the OptiStone autoreset system has been well received in the UK and Ireland. The tolerances it can work to suit the areas where auto-reset machines are a must’. The Juwel plough range will be on show at various events and field demonstrations throughout the UK and Ireland this autumn.

Over 75 years of Ovlac ploughs

Located in northern Spain, Ovlac has been building ploughs for over 75 years and today it is the country’s largest manufacturer of soil-engaging equipment. Mouldboard ploughs remain the firm’s flagship product and Ovlac is regarded as something of a specialist in shallow inversion tillage with a range of ploughs built specifically for that growing market.

Ovlac in the UK offer three plough ranges, the CLASSIC reversible range (3-5 furrows), the XPERIENCE reversible range (4-7 furrows, on-land and in-furrow models) and the MINI Shallow Plough range (5-

13 furrows, mounted and semimounted).

Ovlac’s XPerience Reversible Plough range is made up of 3 series’, the 130 series, 150 series and 170 series, making it possible to find the ideal solution for the HP you have available and the soil conditions. The 130 series is available in either four or five furrows (rated up to 200hp), the 150 series is a higher strength plough, again available in four or five furrow configurations and is rated up to 225hp, whilst the 180 series is the pinnacle of the mounted range, available as a five, six or seven furrow (seven only available as a shearbolt) configuration. The

range topping mounted plough is capable of remarkably high work rates and is rated up to 300hp.

Ovlac XPerience “XP” models (XPF and XPH) can be manually adjusted. There are four different working widths with 2inch increment adjustments. XPerience “XP-V” (XPFV and XPHV) come with the wellknown Ovlac Varilabor variable working with as standard. This allows the working width to be hydraulically adjusted from the tractor cab between 12-20 inches (30-50cm) per body, depending on model. To take into account different working conditions, Ovlac Classic ploughs can be

equipped with two alternative protection systems; a shearbolt system (F) or the non-stop hydraulic reset system (H).

Pottinger SERVO 3000 the medium weight hitch-mounted reversible plough

Pottinger now introduces a new hitch-mounted reversible plough in the medium power class up to 200 hp: the SERVO 3000. For this new model, the engineering department has borrowed many of the features of the more powerful SERVO 4000 to unite durability, easy operation and perfect working results.

The SERVO 3000 ploughs are available with three to six furrows, as well as various pointto-point spacings and underbeam clearances. The SERVO 3000 series offer shear bolt models as standard, hydraulic stone protection (NOVA), hydraulic variwidth (PLUS) and PLUS NOVA which has both the hydraulic stone protection and furrow width adjustment.

With the NOVA hydraulic stone protection system the SERVO 3000 NOVA and PLUS

NOVA models are ideally equipped for the toughest working conditions on stony ground. The stone protection system’s cylinders are arranged between the pressed mounting brackets where they are protected from dirt and damage and pressure is gently applied to them. The result is adjustable triggering pressure from 1,200 to 1,500 kg which increases during triggering, ensuring rapid re-penetration of the mouldboard. During triggering, the mouldboards can move 42 cm upwards and 20 cm to the side.

To exploit the tractor’s pulling power to the full and increase power to the ground, the optional Traction Control pulling power booster can be integrated into the headstock of five and six furrow models. An hydraulic cylinder transfers more weight to the tractor’s rear axle. The resulting

improved traction reduces slipping of the tractor’s rear wheels, thus lowering fuel consumption and increasing area output.

With the SERVO 3000, Pottinger introduces a reliable and well-designed plough for tractors

of up to 200 hp. Straightforward adaptation of the relevant control parameters with the SERVOMATIC control centre and a well-thought-out construction are the standout features of the SERVO 3000.

Limousin cattle anchor future of Scottish hill suckler enterprise

Limousin cattle are firmly embedded in the Simpsons’ Perthshire suckler enterprise – a trend that is set to remain with the next generation convinced of the breed’s outstanding performance.

The Simpson family – Bob, Helen, and their children Ruby, 17, and sons Charlie, 16, and Lough, 14 – have kept Limousin cattle at their 324-hectare hill and upland farm, Mains of Creuchies, Blairgowrie, for over 30 years.

They chose the breed for its fast and efficient growth, high-yielding carcasses, good temperament, milkiness, and high killing-out percentage.

Additionally, they prioritise easy calving Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

Their operation runs 140 crossbred spring and autumn calving suckler cows, incorporating some Simmental and British Blue genetics, alongside four Limousin bulls. Most replacements are homebred, aiming for each cow to calve annually.

Continued demand for Limousin cross beef

The Simpsons have a strong following at United Auctions in Stirling, with regular buyers seeking their store cattle, which

are sold topping 500kg at about a year old.

Sales this year have topped £1,850 for a 522kg bullock, at a sale where the Simpsons led the Aberfeldy Show prize list with eight awards.

Mrs Simpson says: “70-80% of our buyers are retained. They know what we’re producing and like what we’re providing –cattle that thrive both here and on the finishing setup.”

She explains cow and bull genetics play an equal part in their breeding decisions. Temperament (docility) is key, with their three teenage children working on the farm.

The family has used AI in the past when they did not have a replacement for one of their easy-calving bulls, but mainly use natural service.

The most recent bull additions include Stephick Tristan and Glenrock Tiesto, which were purchased from Stirling Bull Sales last year for 4,800 and 4,000gns respectively. Prior to that was Spittalton Stag, overall champion at Carlisle in October 2022, purchased for 19,000gns.

Genetics that produce more from less

The Simpsons prioritise Limousin breeding bulls carrying

the F94L or Q204x myostatin genes for enhanced muscling and improved shape in their stock.

Preliminary data from AHDB’s National Beef Evaluation shows that in the last 10 years calves sired by pedigree Limousin bulls finished on average 29 days earlier than the average of all calves by the main continental sire breeds, and 17 days earlier than the

average of all calves sired by the main native breeds.

This difference equates to a reduction of over 4.3kg CO2 equivalents of greenhouse gases per finished animal respectively.

Emissions are something the Simpsons are mindful of, having conducted an audit with SAC.

Mrs Simpson says: “The buyers are dictating that, so

Stephick Tristan Limousin cross cow

The Simpson family

we are doing what we can to monitor our footprint and try and adapt things.”

“In our experience, the Limousin breed cattle has given us cattle with higher feed efficiency, improved meat quality and a greater proportion of desirable cuts of lean meat”.

Passion of the next generation

The Simpsons also generate significant attention on the show circuit, serving as a shop window for the farm.

Ruby, passionate about showing and stock judging, has been involved from an early age.

She was part of the Scottish Limousin Society judging team at the Great Yorkshire Show last year, invited to the Royal Welsh Show this year as a Scottish member, and has been asked to shadow judge at a Limousin show in Carlisle later this year.

Stock homebred at Mains of Creuchies have also won awards this year, including reserve champion with a heifer at their local Alyth show and best animal bred by exhibitor at Kirriemuir Show.

Ruby has been keen to share successes and promote the farm through social media, providing video diaries for Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Managing continental cattle on an upland farm

Due to being a hill and upland farm with land running from 500-1000 feet above sea level, the Simpsons’ cattle can be housed inside for up to seven months to prevent the ground from poaching.

This summer, cows are outside with their calves, but if the weather deteriorates, they will be brought in to preserve the ground.

Despite being a continental breed, the family says Limousin suits their traditional hill and upland farm.

Mr Simpson says: “It’s worked for us for the past 30 years, so why change that?”

Although he admits some native breeds may be more suitable to outwintering, he says the added Limousin value

achieves greater margins

When housed, stock are fed grass silage and the family is diligent about managing pastures by removing weeds and maintaining pH levels for optimum grass growth.

“We like to keep the grass young and weed-free,” Mr Simpson adds.

Future plans

To ensure the optimum health of their stock, the Simpsons are investing in infrastructure, recently reroofing the calving shed to improve ventilation and the environment for the cows.

They also keep on top of routine vaccinations and follow a health plan, aiming to minimise antibiotic use.

Hygiene is paramount, with particular attention paid to the cleanliness of the calving pens.

It is an area Ruby is particularly interested in, with possible ambitions to undertake a degree in large animal veterinary science.

Ultimately, the family’s ambition is to continue running a profitable livestock enterprise and producing high-quality beef for future generations, with Limousins very much at the centre of that due to their exceptional breed qualities.

They are also keen to explore diversification options as the children become more involved in the business.

Farm facts

• 140 Limousin cross suckler herd

• 400-head commercial lambing flock and a small number of pedigree Blue Texels

• 4 pedigree Limousin bulls

• 324ha mainly upland farm

• Grow mainly grass plus 28ha spring barley and kale as fodder

• Housed inside up to 7 months of the year, depending on weather

References

AHDB’s National Beef Evaluation - 2.7m prime cattle slaughtered between 2013 and 2023

New industry report highlights resilience and growth potential of Scotland’s red meat sector

The ongoing resilience and economic importance of the red meat sector to rural Scotland was highlighted by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) following the release of its Red Meat Industry Profile report.

The report also highlights that there are significant opportunities for the £2.8 billion Scottish red meat sector to further increase its contribution to Scotland’s economy and to food security across the UK. In 2023, turnover from red meat processing in Scotland is estimated to have risen for a fourth consecutive year, lifting 1% to £975 million. And, despite cost-ofliving challenges, people in Scotland spent around 8% more on red meat in 2023 –particularly more affordable cuts.

Iain Macdonald, QMS’s Market Intelligence Manager and author of the 2024 Red Meat Industry Profile, said:

“Overall, the red meat supply chain faced a challenging year in 2023 with an input cost base around a third higher than pre-covid levels, rising interest rates, and difficulties recruiting skilled and affordable labour. The positives are that red meat processing sales continued

to increase and that people in Scotland spent more on red meat despite a costof-living crisis, highlighting its continued importance in supporting healthy balanced diets.”

Iain concluded: “Looking forward, transformation in beef production away from the current trajectory is paramount to harnessing the full economic potential of this highly valued produce at home and beyond. This becomes particularly important when considering that the UK is a net importer of beef, and this gap is only going to grow much wider in the coming years if domestic production contracts in line with existing trends while a growing population puts upwards pressure on consumption. This could mean higher imports from countries with different levels of production standards and where weather extremes are likely to increase over time due to climate change.

“Meanwhile, it is vital that Scotland’s specialist sheep and pig sectors retain the confidence to keep investing in products which contribute so significantly to Scotland’s rural economy and to food security across the UK.”

Read the full report on the QMS website.

Scott Walker, Sarah Millar, Iain Macdonald, and Kate Rowell at the launch of the Red Meat Industry Profile during Turriff Show.

60th Scottish Ploughing Championships

Newmore Farm, Invergordon

Friday 25th & Saturday 26th October

The Ploughing Championships (Scotland) Ltd are delighted to announce that they are celebrating 60 years of ploughing, and their annual match will be held this year at Newmore Farm, Invergordon, by kind permission of the Jack Family, on 25th & 26th October. Entries for the match are coming in at a steady pace, and the organisers, are looking forward to this celebratory match, and also pleased to continue with Kverneland UK who once again are the main sponsors. The last time the Championships were held in Ross-shire was back in 2011.

Amongst the organising management committee there is a wealth of experience in competitive ploughing including six times world champion Andrew Mitchell Snr. The team also benefits from the experience of Dave Carnegie from Laurencekirk and Willie Grieve, from Ladybank, Cupar. The trio hold a number of ploughing accolades and can provide knowledge on how to progress the match in Scotland. The team is made up of a group of Directors, and a management committee from across Scotland to bring the match together. Putting on this match is not without its challenges, with the group being spread the length and breadth of Scotland sees several of them making long journeys to meet in person, and occasionally it is necessary to use technologybased meetings. Leading the team is Derek MacIver, from

Ella and Rose - Plough Horses

Avoch, who took up the post in 2023, and he is assisted by Gordon C Beattie from Forfar, as Vice-Chairperson. Finding locations to host the match, can be daunting, and the team are always trying to look ahead, and have venues in different areas of Scotland in the pipeline.

Attracting sponsorship and advertising from businesses and large corporations ensures that viability of the match, and having KV on board provides

some financial stability. Various packages are on offer ranging from £100 upwards. Trade stand space and demonstration plots add another dimension to the match which will hopefully attract visitors.

Ploughers who take the top places at the match will then go on to represent Scotland on the World Ploughing Stage. This year Andrew Mitchell Snr and Brian Baxter visited Tartu, Estonia to compete in the 69th

World Championships, Andrew took part in Conventional Ploughing and Brian in Reversible. Andrew was second in grass and stubble and reserve world champion. Brian was awarded the prize for the best first time reversible competitor. Twenty-five countries took part in the conventional class and twenty-one in reversible. In 2025 the match will be held in the Czech Republic. In addition to the World Championships,

the Scottish Championships also have representatives attending the European Vintage Championships in Ratheniska, Ireland in September. The members representing Scotland will be Colin Crawford, Linlithgow and Gordon Hepburn Jnr from Elgin; Dougie Stewart, New Deer and George Black, Earlston. Additional representatives also attend as Judges and Coaches. Members of the Ploughing Championships (Scotland) Ltd also send representatives to a 6 Nations and 5 Nations matches. The 6 Nations competition this year was hosted by Tayforth Ploughers, an affiliated group, who stepped in to host the event after the proposed hosting country withdrew their venue and the competition looked like being in danger of not taking place.

Part of the Scottish Championships is to try and encourage young ploughers to come forward and to take part which is promoted through the affiliated clubs. In addition to this trainee judges are invited to work alongside the more experienced judges to gain valuable insight on the role of a judge and on the spot training in a competition environment. They are also encouraged to participate in a judges training day held each year. We are also extremely grateful to those

who can provide some space on their land to accommodate the training. We are indebted to those who give up their time to provide training for both the judges training day and also for prospective plough competitors. The expertise and knowledge given to both those just getting into competitive ploughing and those who are trying to perfect their skills is invaluable.

The match sees a variety of ploughs and tractors, including vintage and demonstrations

from modern ploughs. One of the highlights of the match and something that always draw spectators in, is seeing the horse ploughing. Scottish Ploughing are fortunate that several teams of horses come along and take part in this. The majesty of these animals silently working with their ploughmen demonstrates how things have changed. We have had teams for the horse class travel from Wales to participate as well as teams from Scotland, and this year is no

exception with competitors from both countries attending.

So, if you want to see some “world class” ploughing; some vintage tractors and ploughs; some horse ploughing, and not forgetting the more modern ploughs head up to the Highlands of Scotland, to Newmore Farm in Invergordon towards the end of October, and visit the Scottish Ploughing Championships. One thing for sure, is you’ll get a true Highland Welcome. See you there!

Brian Baxter

Getting a return from rural property and the right advice

By Jennifer Campbell

If you are considering selling a rural property in Scotland, here are a few tips to consider prior to marketing, all of which can assist with. We are a diligent agency which invests in providing a good title, to ensure a smooth conveyancing process, benefiting both the seller and the buyer.

Top Tips:

• Voluntary Registration. If you’re not already on the modern land registry, have your boundaries mapped to avoid boundary disputes and to ease the conveyancing process.

• If you have a private water supply, ensure you can provide the results of a sampling test, dated within a year.

• If you have a private drainage system, ensure it is registered with SEPA and that you hold certification.

• If your lands have been affected by coal mining, then a coal report is recommended.

• Have all your grazing agreements in writing and relevant notices served so that vacant possession can be assured.

• Any residential tenancies must conform with the legislation and a full data pack of inspections, inventories, SATs and AT5 documents or PRT packs should be held.

• If asbestos is present at a property, agents will assume the owner holds an Asbestos Register & Management Plan which will need to be exhibited and shared.

• If you have made any alterations to the properties without planning consent, we can advise you on the correct and relevant process to satisfy a purchaser and their advisors.

• A valid EPC for buildings is required unless there is no energy output, or it is a ‘standalone’ building of less than 50m2.

• If the site is contaminated, then soil tests or site investigation reports would be a worthwhile investment.

• If your property is affected by flooding (on current or future SEPA maps) then it is worth investigating flood risk mitigation.

• If your property is reliant on oil or gas it’s always beneficial to

explore the costs of renewable energy.

Increasing legislation affecting long and short term lets combined with a new planning framework, should be seen as an opportunity to diversify and look at all options to enhance revenue income.

It is rare nowadays to see an estate rely exclusively on residential tenancies and agricultural grazing licenses. Savvy operators embrace modern farming methods, carbon capture, renewable energy and support for afforestation and/or rewilding.

And while the repurposing of agricultural buildings requires investment, the rewards are there for the taking. Be wary of entering into any grant schemes if you believe a sale is on the horizon; such obligations on the purchaser may influence the level of the offer made.

As to repurposing, the relevant NPF4 policy includes ‘brownfield, vacant and derelict land and empty buildings’ and permitted development rights. The policy ensures development is directed to the right locations, maximising the use of existing

assets and minimising additional land take.

We work closely with planners and architects across Scotland to maximise opportunities on relevant land parcels with development opportunity. It is also worth noting the recent change in Local Development Plans (LDP). As a result of NPF4, the development planning system changed from a 5 year to 10-year review cycle. Very recent changes in business rates, with many exemptions now lost, may also encourage landowners to look at market value or to repurpose the lands or empty buildings.

In addition to the sale of farms, smallholdings, land, and development sites, we also market rural businesses and rural commercial lets. If you need advice or want to look at increasing revenue on your land, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have extensive commercial reach and demand is out there for rural property.

Jennifer Campbell is Head of Rural Agency at DM Hall, based in Bridge of Allan.

Claas Jaguar 50th Anniversary

It is 50 years since CLAAS first launched the JAGUAR 60SF self-propelled forage harvester in 1973. Since then, thanks to its many innovations and durable, efficient technology, the JAGUAR has gone on to become the byword for efficient, high output forage harvesting, as well as being a world leader with over 45,000 units manufactured.

Today the JAGUAR is a key machine for farmers and contractors throughout the world, whether it is harvesting silage or biomass for AD in the UK, elephant grass or sugar cane in Thailand or lavender in the south of France.

The roots for the success of the JAGUAR starts in the 1970’s with the increasing cultivation of maize and the move away from trailed foragers. CLAAS entered the market in 1973 with the 120hp JAGUAR 60SF, which drew on key components from the trailed JAGUAR 60. In 1975, to meet demand for more power it was joined by the 213hp JAGUAR 80SF followed in 1977 by the JAGUAR 70SF, which had a larger chopping cylinder and the choice of a 150 or 175hp engine.

However it was the arrival of the completely new JAGUAR 600 series in 1983 which set completely new standards in performance and chopping quality and really set the JAGUAR up on the road to success and becoming the world market leader. The launch of the JAGUAR 800 series saw the JAGUAR also become the European market leader and power outputs increase to 481hp, before increasing to over 600hp in 2001 with the JAGUAR 900 series and onward to 925hp with the current top-of-the-range JAGUAR 980.

First in the UK

The first in the UK to see the benefits of the JAGUAR SF were farmers and contractors Hugh Smith & Sons based at Kelton near Castle Douglas, who in 1979 bought the first self-propelled JAGUAR to be sold in the UK. There’s not

many that can boast the length and breadth of knowledge and experience of running JAGUAR foragers and today, 12 JAGUARS later and now run by Alan Smith, his wife Kate and son Martin, they are the longest standing CLAAS JAGUAR self-propelled forager user and customer in the UK, with a new JAGUAR 950 having been bought for this season.

“Our first self-propelled model was a JAGUAR 70SF. Before that we ran a trailed JAGUAR 60E with an onboard engine,” says Alan. “However, after two seasons of running the trailed, it was clear it could not handle our growing workload.

“In the summer of 1979 we were offered a demonstration of a 70SF self-propelled by our local CLAAS dealer, Gordons. It was a completely different experience to driving a trailed machine, but once we got into the manoeuvrability and capacity of a self-propelled, we knew it was the way forward. And the rest is history. Ever since then we have just grown and grown.”

“The main reason we have stayed with CLAAS JAGUARs is the great service from Gordons -

24 hours a day, seven days a week, they’re always on hand to help you out,” says Alan. “There’s never a problem getting spares and they will work through the night to get you going again if needs be.

“CLAAS is the other reason. When we have had issues with the foragers - which there have been a few over 44 years - CLAAS has never walked away from a problem and is always keen to resolve any issues. They are also very good at listening to customers and willing to look at ideas and feedback.

“CLAAS never stops developing its machines and the foragers are always improving,” says Alan. “My favourite machine so far was our previous JAGUAR 850 model. It went tremendously well and was a pleasure to drive. But the new JAGUAR 950 is a step up again - providing greater performance, automation and ease of use. Hopefully, it won’t be unlucky number 13 - or 12B as Martin calls it!

“Looking at the evolution of the foragers, there has been a lot of improvements over the years making them more driver friendly and reliable,” says Alan.

“Auto-lubrication was a great addition - something we’ve had on the last six foragers. Daily maintenance is a lot easier, too, especially with automated shearbar adjustment and knife sharpening.

“I’m also looking forward to some of the 900 series’ features, such as hydraulic feed roller compression, the ability to swing out the feed rollers, and rowfinding auto-steer.”

Looking back over the 44 years of running JAGUAR foragers, Alan says there have been many standout memories. “Going back 20 years, one of the most memorable was when we picked up a large stone and had a major blow up at about 4 o’clock one afternoon,” he says. “We took the forager into Gordons, I drove to a depot near Edinburgh to pick up the parts, got back to Gordons for midnight and the forager was back in the field by 9 o’clock the next morning!

“That just showed to me how parts were easily available and how much Gordons were prepared to work on the forager to get it going again.”

Alan and Kate Smith with their JAGUAR 850 which has subsequently been replaced with a new JAGUAR 950

GRAIN DRYERS

What is available in the grain drying world

MASTER FARM SERVICES over 40 years of experience

With over 40 years of experience, knowledge and on farm installation Master Farm Services can be proud of its achievements. With over 4000 driers commissioned and maintained throughout the UK we are “first in the field” when it comes to your grain drying requirements.

With every harvest that passes it’s important to extract as much

value as possible out of your onfarm grain drying.

More and more farmers are turning to Master Driers as they offer capacity, efficiency, flexibility, durability and reliability as standard, coupled with an in house experienced and comprehensive service back up team with over many years of experience, these mobile driers are a serious, cost effective and viable

alternative when it comes to on farm and contract drying.

With various options including our innovative Mastermatic Remote Access Touch Screen Control System now included as standard on Automated Electric Drive Models the savings in both time and money mean that it soon starts paying for itself. For further piece of mind, we have included our Automatic Lubrication

System, another positive laboursaving device that sets us apart from the rest.

As well as the benefits of full automation, our tried and tested Master Dust Extraction, Gravity Cleaning System and Hoover Kit will soon add financial value to your cereal crops as well as giving you a cleaner working environment, and not forgetting full galvanizing to keep your

Master Driers ready to go!

drier looking good for the next 25 years!!

And lastly, we offer a 3-year full manufacturers parts and labour warranty as standard meaning that we stand by the quality of our products longer than anyone else.

But before all this…., the importance of planning.

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

Throughout the whole process Master Farm Services will fully

discuss with you all the options available making sure we take all your requirements into account and come up with the best drier that suits your needs in the most cost-effective way.

The positioning of the drier is critical to drive up productivity and

OPICO Grain Dryers

keep costs down.

Existing buildings and equipment are taken into consideration again enabling costs to be kept to an absolute minimum so whether it’s a new, refurbished or a short term hire we have the solution to help.

Speed and efficiency are key features of the OPICO range of recirculating batch dryers, with automated features allowing farmers to keep pace with harvest and larger capacity combines, whilst reducing the time needed to manage the dryer.

Available as gas or diesel fuelled models and with 3 phase or PTO drive these selfcontained units constantly recirculate the grain to ensure thorough, consistent and economical drying. Loading time and unloading time are also minimised with high capacity loading augers, recirculating augers and unloading augers to keep grain flowing.

The diesel fuelled Magna range offer high volume, with the largest having a holding capacity of 48t, drying up to 480 tons of grain per day on automatic versions. Unique to the Magna range is the Duax heat core – heat retaining bricks that ensure a more even and consistent drying temperature with the added benefit of saving up to 10% on diesel costs.

The gas fuelled GT range of dryers provide clean, cost effective, controllable heat. Liquid propane is vaporised in the dryer and burnt in a ring burner to achieve high temperatures and an even safe heat.

Both gas and diesel fuelled dryers can be specified for fully automated operation. These models load, dry, cool and unload automatically, giving unattended drying hour after hour, seven days a week and require minimal labour allowing more efficient use of farm resources.

Some summers, where the UK has seen extreme heat, controlling the temperature of grain has been a key consideration for some. OPICO dryers have been used to blow ambient cooler air through the grain to prevent over-heating.

Furthermore, the action of a recirculating batch dryer cleans and polishes the grain whilst

also removing chaff, weed seeds and broken grains. Resulting in higher hectolitre weights and in turn the value of the crop; giving an advantage over on-floor stores or continuous flow systems. A Sky Vac dust extractor can be added for even more impressive results.

The lower capital investment needed already makes an OPICO dryer an attractive purchase. Recent improvements to extend working life include galvanized or stainless steel components in areas that are susceptible to corrosion will help reduce ownership costs and result in a higher residual value.

2023 saw the introduction of the smart control panel, fitted to the latest Magna diesel grain dryers, which allows greater connectivity and remote control of the dryer via a smartphone, tablet or PC for real time monitoring dryer operation and adjustment of settings as required.

OPICO recirculating mobile batch grain dryers are easy to install and relocate when necessary.

Enhancing agricultural efficiency-The Nostell Estate collaborate with TORNUM

The Nostell Estate, a prominent estate spanning over 4000 acres, has recently embarked on a transformative journey to modernise its agricultural practices in collaboration with Tornum Ltd. The partnership aimed to revitalise operations while prioritising efficiency and sustainability.

Central to the project was the installation of a state-of-the-art grain handling plant, tailored to

the unique needs of the estate. Key components included a 30 tph Grain Dryer, Barn Owl Ventilation application, Tornum IDC Control Software, Skandia Elevator 60tph Handling Equipment, and a Double Trench Intake – all designed to optimise handling capacity and streamline operations.

Despite challenges associated with the site’s complexities, the installation process was The new Tornum plant at Nostell Estate

Dryer installed at farm in Grimsdale

successfully guided by Tornum’s dedicated team, led by Charles and James White. Their commitment to understanding the unique needs of The Nostell Estate, coupled with their expertise and support, ensured a seamless transition and successful integration of the new plant.

The estate observed significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings, particularly during the challenging

harvest of 2023. The adoption of mains gas and a solar PV system further underscored the estate’s commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with modern agricultural standards.

Peter Molyneux, Estate Director at The Nostell Estate, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “From the very outset, Tornum provided exceptional support and guidance. We are now equipped with a drier system tailored to our large-

scale farming operations, setting a solid foundation for future growth and efficiency.”

Looking ahead, The Nostell Estate anticipates long-term benefits from this investment, including enhanced productivity and sustainable operations. Charles White, Director of Tornum Ltd, commented, “We are immensely proud of the collaboration with The Nostell Estate - our mission has always been to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to

our clients’ needs, and seeing the tangible impact of our work at The Nostell Estate is truly gratifying. We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Nostell Estate and empowering more agricultural businesses to achieve efficiency and sustainability.”

The partnership between The Nostell Estate and Tornum Ltd exemplifies a commitment to innovation and shared values, paving the way for a promising future in agricultural excellence.

Two new moisture systems from KENTRA

Kentra, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of mixed flow dryers, has introduced two new moisture measurement and recording systems adding to its existing range of grain moisture management devices.

The high-accuracy products come from Canadian manufacturer Dryer Master, whose long established DM510 control system fully automates the grain drying process with minimal manual intervention.

The DM100 is a lower cost, less sophisticated version that still provides an element of control to relieve the workload of whoever is managing the dryer. Grain moisture is measured at the discharge point and adjustments to the discharge rate are made automatically when operator-set high, low and target moisture levels for each of three discharge speeds are hit.

Unlike the fully automatic DM510, the DM100 requires the speed set points and moisture targets to be adjusted

periodically to maintain optimum performance.

The Moisture Monitor Pro records grain moisture and temperature at the discharge –with the option to add an intake sensor as well – to help operators achieve consistent results from fully manual control.

As with the DM100 semiautomatic system, values are shown on a colour display, can be accessible remotely using a mobile phone and downloaded for analysis on the farm computer.

Our ever-changing climate ensures it has never been more challenging to produce a consistent quality harvest. Kentra has been at the forefront of continuous flow grain drying technology for well over 30 years. Today, the range of mixed flow dryers are produced from heavy-duty galvanised steel and feature a unique column design for effective drying of all freeflowing combinable crops. The modular construction of the dryer allows for maximum flexibility in model selection. Save Up To 35% on your operational grain drying costs every year with PERRY

By including three key elements into your grain drier construction and functionality

you can save up to 35% on your operational drier running costs season after season.

That 35% saving is very achievable when you buy a Perry of Oakley Savannah continuous

flow grain drier combined with Hot Air Recirculation, Insulation and Automatic Grain

A Kentra flow grain dryer on site

GRAIN DRYERS

Moisture Monitoring.

Using these three options allows the drier to run automatically at the optimal hot air temperature and speed to achieve the correct moisture content of the grain, while also recirculating the hot air which keeps your fuel costs down.

So how does it work?

The Hot Air Recirculation reduces your drier fuel consumption by up to 24%. The grain drier fuel savings come from the reduction in the amount of fuel the drier consumes to heat the air to dry the grain.

Insulation of the hot and heated area of the drier also saves fuel due to minimising the temperature loss and therefore minimises the fuel required to achieve the necessary temperatures.

The Automatic Drier Moisture Monitoring utilises technology that only requires calibration once a year (that’s

a game changer in itself!). The moisture measurement is coupled with a self-teaching algorithm which makes the necessary adjustments to the drier temperature and the discharge speed of the drier. This prevents the quite large financial losses associated with over-drying grain such as decrease in weight, extra fuel usage, labour and electricity, for example. This means big savings and peace of mind can be achieved.

The actual savings you can achieve using these options will vary based on several factors including hot air and ambient air temperatures, crop type & moisture, drier model and fan speed and the general ambient conditions. Contact Perrys today to run your real-life data through our Drier Cost Savings Calculator to see how much you could save on (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley. co.uk

Perry of Oakley Savannah drier with hot air recirculation

NORTHERN ISLES News

Sheep scab scheme seeks council approval

Councillors to decide in November on funding county-wide sheep-dipping programme

It is hoped county-wide sheepdipping scheme could be in place in Orkney by this time next year.

Orkney Islands Council (OIC) will consider funding the scheme at a meeting this November.

Sheep scab, which is caused by microscopic mites, causes agitation, wool loss, and can lead to death. The scab situation in Orkney has grown much worse in the last decade, and has been termed “the biggest animal welfare concern in Orkney”, by a local vet.

In response to this, Orkney Sheep Scab Action Group was formed in early 2024, and the organisation has been seeking ways to install a programme of sheep dipping across the islands — similar to ones already in place in Shetland, Lewis and Harris.

The Sheep Scab Action Group made an application for funding for a dipping scheme to the OIC earlier in the year, and will hear the outcome in the next few months.

The application was to completely fund the scheme, said Karen Johnston, company secretary at the Orkney Livestock Association, one of the groups behind the Sheep Scab Action Group.

“That would be the most straightforward thing to do,” she told The Orcadian this month.

Mrs Johnston explained that, in her opinion, giving only a percentage would create administration, time and extra costs, which would drive up the price of the much-needed programme.

By Tom Groat

Importantly, Mrs Johnston added, if the scheme is given full funding it removes any risk of debt to the contractors.

This could lead to a better deal for everyone involved.

Mrs Johnston said: “For the contractors, if we are taking away the risk of debt, and the costs of administration, I would hope they might be able to give us a better dipping rate.

“Obviously they’ll be dipping a lot of sheep in one spot, compared to if they were doing it privately they would be moving around a lot more.”

The action group is hopeful that councillors will agree, and fund their application.

“Everybody is really backing it — there are councillors who are backing it,” said Mrs Johnston. “I would hope there would be a good outcome. It would be very worthwhile.”

Another reason the sheep community have to be hopeful is the support given by OIC to other livestock farmers in Orkney.

“They have been really helpful towards the cattle side,” said Mrs Johnston. “With the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) scheme and the Johnes control scheme, both of which are hugely successful in Orkney, I would hope on the back of that they would see the need and benefit of this.”

The original aim was to have a dipping scheme up and running in Orkney this year, with the first meeting of the Sheep Scab Action Group taking place in February this year.

Although Mrs Johnston said it was “sickening” not to have the scheme in place, she admitted that, if the funding does come through, getting the rest of the organisation in place in just a few weeks could have proved too difficult.

By aiming to run the dipping programme next year, she hopes to have all the details ironed out, and for it to run smoothly.

While there will be no county-wide dipping programme this year, the Orkney Livestock Association is still encouraging farmers to treat their flock.

“Get them dipped,” said Mrs Johnston. “We would definitely encourage anybody who thinks they might have scab, or knows they have scab and are waiting to see — we would encourage them to get them dipped.”

Last year, OLA stressed that there is no shame in having scab. It is highly transmissible, and with the high levels in Orkney it is easy for animals to become infected.

What is not recommended is spotting signs and then taking no action.

“What we would like to drive home, and this was raised recently by a farmer, is that if you have scab and are seen to be doing nothing about it, then you can have restrictions put on you,” said Mrs Johnston.

“If a neighbour notices that someone has scab and they are doing nothing about it, they are quite within their rights to report it.

“Anything arriving in at the mart that has got scab will be seen by Mark Evans, the animal welfare officers.

“So, there is no point in anybody ignoring it, and its not going to go away by itself its only going to get worse.”

Hopefully, there will be a scheme in place next year, said Mrs Johnston. Until then, farmers should be making arrangements for their own flock.

“The back end of the year is an ideal time to dip, before the rams go in and breeding starts,” she said.

A spokeswoman for Orkney Islands Council told The Orcadian: “The economic development team at OIC has been approached by OLA regarding their proposal to establish a county-wide sheepdipping programme.

“This approach remains at an early stage and we are currently awaiting further information.

“Should a decision on funding be considered appropriate, this would then be taken to elected members through the committee process.”

Mrs Johnston

Hopes are high that this year’s sheep sales should prove to be another bumper season

Auctioneer Colin Slessor has pointed to sustained record levels of trade for prime lambs, despite a recent dip, and says the future bodes well for the coming weeks and months. That comes despite a series of challenges, including bad weather earlier in the year and stubbornly high feeding costs.

“As the 2024 autumn sheep sale season fast approaches, we look forward to what should be a very positive time,” said the deputy head of livestock at Aberdeen and Northern Marts, who was visiting the isles this week.

“Trade for prime lambs right through the year has been very strong, reaching record levels.

“This all bodes well for the imminent store lamb sales with buyers looking to get filled up with

quality Shetland-bred stock, which are renowned for doing well in southern climes. “The most recent prime lamb sales have seen the usual seasonal slip, however the price of around £3 per kg is still up 50p per kg on the year which equates to £20 per head of an increase.”

Mr Slessor, who was visiting the isles this week from his base at Thainstone in Inverurie, said he remained positive despite the difficulties faced by producers in recent weeks. “The year this far has certainly been very challenging for all farmers with the weather being very wet, cold, and often downright unseasonal,” he said.

“All costs, including concentrate feeding, remain high. So where exactly this leaves the

store lamb trade remains to be seen, but the prospects are good with all classes of both short and long-keep stock expected to show an increase on the year.”

He added: “The breeding and cull ewe market has also been very good. High numbers have been coming forward which will see replacements keenly sought after.

“We are fortunate here at Thainstone to have strong weekly sales which are supported by a good ringside of buyers from a large geographical area.

“All store and breeding sales have online bidding which assists those buyers unable to attend. Achieving the very best possible price for your stock is always our priority and we have excellent lairage facilities on offer, with good grass to feed and rest all sheep.

“Please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself or Michael Sleigh at any time to discuss marketing or to make a booking. We will be delighted to help.”

He added his “very best wishes” to all producers, adding he hoped their work would be “well rewarded”.

A farmer has spoken of his delight after picking up a prestigious sustainability award

Jakob Eunson has spoken to Landwise after his farm at Uradale was named sustainable farm of the year by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Uradale Farm, which maintains a focus on Shetland kye and sheep, last picked up the award in 2022, but has been hailed once again by the RBST for its “creativity and commitment”.

It is a fully certified organic farm that exclusively rears the native Shetland breed of sheep and cattle.

The judges praised the forward-thinking farm for its demonstration of what can be achieved with using the right breed in the right place, and for the creation of a unique market for protected designation of origin organic native Shetland yarn.

Mr Eunson said he was “honoured” to win the award for the second time.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to have won the RBST sustainable farm of the year.

“Not only is this a fantastic award for Uradale Farm to be awarded again, but it’s a fantastic

www.shetlandtimes.co.uk Tel: 01595 742000

award to the rare breeds we exclusively use with the Shetland native lamb and Shetland native cattle.

“As important of an award this is to us at Uradale Farm, it’s as important as a great advert to the

Shetland native cattle and Shetland native lamb that we use.

“These breeds are reared on very poor forages and in very harsh conditions and yet they produce some of the nutrient rich, tastiest meats in the world.”

He added the award was “a great showcase for the native Shetland breeds”.

“We’d like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and support,” he added.

He was particularly grateful to Shetland Livestock Marketing Group (SLMG) abattoir, adding “we wouldn’t be here” without its support.

association with www.orcadian.co.uk Tel: 01856 879000

Auctioneer Colin Slessor

Jakob Eunson

It’s a mucky business!

A look at some current muck spreading options and management systems

Abbey Machinery’s Muck and Side Spreaders

Abbey Machinery’s muck and side spreaders are the ultimate solution for farmers aiming to boost productivity and reduce the hard work involved in fertilisation. Abbey Machines ensure consistent, even distribution of organic material, enriching your soil while cutting down on waste. Abbey’s spreaders are built to handle even the toughest conditions, with robust construction ensuring durability and long service life.

Whether you’re spreading slurry, manure, or other organic materials, Abbey’s muck and side spreaders ensure optimal application that promotes healthier, more productive fields. Each machine is designed for precision, ensuring that material is applied exactly where it’s needed, reducing overuse and preventing environmental damage. This precision not only helps to improve crop yield but also supports more sustainable farming practices by cutting down on the need for chemical fertilisers.

The Abbey AP Multi Spreader is designed with a large diameter heavy duty auger, ensuring smooth material flow without clogging.

The discharge rotor, fitted with a shear bolt as standard, ensures quick emptying, while spring paddles guarantee an even spread. These details add up to a machine that’s as reliable as it is efficient.

Abbey’s side spreaders provide added versatility, excelling even on uneven land. With a chassis built for durability and heavy-duty bearings

extending the life of the rotor, you get consistent performance under all field conditions, ensuring your entire farm receives the nutrients it needs for optimal growth.

Investing in Abbey Machinery means investing in a future where your farm runs more efficiently and sustainably. With a long-standing reputation

for durability, precision, and innovation, Abbey’s muck and side spreaders are designed to meet the challenges of modern farming head-on. When you choose Abbey, you’re not just enhancing your productivity— you’re making a commitment to responsible, efficient, and futureready farming.

Bunning’s Narrow body HBD range of spreaders

Bunning’s latest Lowlander Narrow-bodied HBD spreader range is growing in popularity for users applying a variety of products, including denser lime and gypsum, whilst still operating wider flotation tyres to minimise ground compaction.

The Lowlander Narrow HBD (Horizontal Beater and Disc) range includes four models –Lowlander 120 (Compact), 120, 150 (Compact) and 150, ranging from 11.8m³ up to 20m³.

Each model offers a different body length to match customers’ requirements, with the shortest body length of 4.7m, aiding access to tight yards and gateways. The range is suited to applying dense products, such

as lime, with a larger floor drive gearbox and motor increasing torque at low floor speeds, as standard.

The Narrow range features 1,250mm-wide bodies (standard is 1,500mm wide). This helps to achieve lower application rates from the two 1,100mm spinning discs, which are standard across the full HBD range, therefore offering no reduction in spread width.

Ben Johnson, Bunning’s UK and Ireland sales manager, says the new design is proving popular for applying heavier products.

“Consistent and accurate applications of lime and gypsum, as well as farmyard manure and chicken litter, are all possible with the Narrow HBD range. A narrower aperture allows low rates to be achieved, while

optional additional floor slats on every other horizontal chain link enable consistent transfer of denser products to the discs.”

Users can apply products at different rates using application rate control via weigh cells, which automatically adjusts the floor speed to match the required rate.

A further advantage of the narrow 1,250mm body is users

can choose wider tyres, such as VF 800/70 R38, to reduce field compaction whilst maintaining a road width below 3m. All Bunning spreaders are available with application rate control systems and load cells, operated through ISOBUS, or a factory supplied screen. This allows users to record spreading data, with variable rate application via prescription maps, also possible.

Fleming Agri Muck Spreaders

Fleming Agri offer a range of side discharge muck spreaders with capacities from 1 cubic yard to 9.5 cubic yards covering both compact and agricultural uses. The bodies of all Fleming Agri muck spreaders are welded both internally and externally to give added support under load.

In the agricultural range, Fleming Agri offer 3 models; the MS450 has a capacity of 4 cubic yards, the MS700 with a capacity of 6.5 cubic yards and the MS1000 which has a capacity of 9.5 cubic yards. The new and improved MS1000 comes with a heavy duty galvanised, hydraulic opening lid. The drum is now fabricated from 5mm plate and it is fitted with 6mm end plates. It has 8 stud axles with 550x60x22.5 wheels as standard. The MS1000 has 36 chains to give an accurate and even spread. Fleming Agri muck spreaders offer value for money with high output, and an

even shred and spread of muck. Suitable for all types of manure, including semi-solid and poultry

litter as well as farmyard manure.

There are 2 models in the compact range, the Minimuck

which is three-point linkage mounted and has a capacity of 1 cubic yard and the MS150 trailed

model which has a capacity of 3.35 cubic yards. Both models have a reinforced 3mm body and starter bars for quick start up. The power requirement is geared down through a simple chain and sprocket drive line mounted on heavy duty bearings to reduce the power demand on the tractor and increase fuel efficiency. The compact range of muck spreaders are suitable for tractors from 25hp upwards.

All Fleming Agri products are designed and manufactured in house, with a range of options to suite a wide range of uses. Here at Fleming Agri we manufacture products with simplicity and strength at the core, with a growing global dealer network, currently spanning over 20 countries.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Subscription page 53 & 113

West Maelstrom Rear Discharge Spreaders from Harry West

Built to a high specification and capable of achieving spread widths of up to 12M (40ft), the West Rear Discharge unit is particularly suited for farmyard manure. Fitted with the optional hydraulic rear door, it can also be used with poultry muck and semi-solids.

The twin rear vertical rotating beaters operate at a powerful 400 rpm from the PTO input drive of 1000 rpm. For trouble free maintenance the rear beaters are fitted with replaceable blades, and feature a protected two-piece drive-line with a PTO and slip clutch.

The rear discharge machine has large diameter tyres to minimise any ground pressure and is fully equipped for road use as standard with hydraulic brakes, hand brake and lighting.

The wide mouthed design of the main body allows for easier loading with modern telehandlers and larger buckets. It also enables the load to be increased with larger capacities. The introduction of body extensions alters the model to reflect the increased load capacity.

Additional options are available for these machines, electric in cab controls for the bed chains, mudguards & weighing systems/GPS.

Six different models are available in the West Maelstrom Rear Discharge line up ranging from 8M3- 18M3.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue November 2024

HiSpec side and rear spreaders

The range of spreaders from HiSpec Engineering include both the rear discharge XCEL 1250

spreader and two side discharge machines. The HiSpec 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 shredding rotor carries 22 heavy duty chains, which in turn carry 12mm Hardox flail heads, mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood, that shred all the material to an even consistency and ensure no lumps are deposited onto the spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood, evenly places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread. The Xcel 1250 has a capacity of 12 tonnes and can evenly spread material up to 24m. Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and it is able to spread all types of material.

The material to be spread is moved rearward by a single slat marine grade floor chain. Individual floor chain tensioners are placed to the front of the machine and drive to the floor chain is via a hydraulic motor with overload protection and variable speed adjustment. A hydraulically operated, vertical slurry door can be used to regulate flow of material to the shredding rotor, and at the spreading discs an option of lighter vanes can be specified

for low density material, such as chicken compost. The standard specification includes 580/70R38 radial tyres for low rolling resistance and low compaction, and a commercial axle fitted with hydraulic brakes. Options include a weigh cell and the ISOBUS compatible RDS iSOCAN Apollo spreader control system or the straightforward Digi-Star GT400 weighing system.

Side discharge spreaders

Two HiSpec side discharge spreaders are available – the 8m3 SS800 and the 10m3 SS1000. As with the tankers, HiSpec manure spreaders are built using heavyduty 5mm thick British steel and feature a 3mm lid.

The lid is hydraulically operated and once engaged, the 168mm diameter flail rotor rotates at approximately 230rpm, resulting in a constant and even spread of material at up to 8.0 metres width.

The rotor is driven by a single chain, with manual tensioning and is fitted with 12mm, 15-link hardened chains and toughened flail heads. Standard specification includes a ring hitch, hydraulic braking and LED road lights, while the SS1000 also incorporates centralised greasing, which is an option on the SS800.

The Ultimate Solution for Clean Shed floors… …The Lely Discovery C2

Dutch robotic company Lely has released its next-generation manure robot, which boasts greater driving capacity and wireless charging.

The new Discovery Collector C2 is the latest invention in the company’s Discovery portfolio, its range of revolutionary manurecollecting robots.

It has all the advantages of the current Discovery Collector, but an upgrade includes a lithium battery that is charged wirelessly. This means it can be charged faster, so more time is spent cleaning.

The robot spends 60% of its time cleaning (14.4 hours) and only 40% (9.6 hours) charging.

Manure is collected, rather than pushed, before being unloaded above a dumping point.

The Discovery Collector C2 sprays water at the front and back for cleaner results and additional grip. This water is tanked independently and stored in two water pockets in the manure tank. As the manure tank becomes fuller, the volume of the water bags decreases, so more space becomes available for manure. As a result, the machine is compact and cows can get around it more easily, promoting free cow traffic.

The Discovery Collector C2 navigates independently using built-in sensors, eliminating the need for obstacles and allowing cows to move unimpeded and safely inside the shed.

Cleaning routes can be tailored to fit in with the farm’s daily chores.

The Discovery Collector C2 can clean sheds with up to 120 cows. For prices, contact your local lely center.

Rolland have been manufacturing spreaders since 1946, a French family run company based in Brittany from their factory in Treflevenez, this is a modern factory based on the automobile industry boasting 16 robotic welders including, shotblasting, electroplating, powder coating and oven curing. Rolland have a three prong attack for spreaders the Rollforce compact range 5t-10t vertical beaters then the Rollforce range 8 models in the range 11t-20t offering the TCE spinning deck or the ESP 21/25 vertical beater frame on all models, the last range is the Rollmax range with the wheels underneath the chassis offering the TCE spinning deck and Vertical beaters from 14t-24t capacities.

Increasing in popularity is the Isobus dynamic weighing sytem offered by Rolland which gives full traceability and accuracy across the Rollforce range, customers are able to invoice per tonne spread as well as offering variable rates and mapping through the tractor GPS or the spreaders own GPS ! Top dressing down tramlines is now achievable with full accuracy. Rolland’s TCE was designed by them in the 70’s and offered one of the first spinning decks on the market, two horizontal rotors with hexagonal discs with two string catches and 20 heavy duty left and right angled points make

Rolland Spreaders

up the rotors, these rotate at 300 revolutions per minute the product is then thrown against the hydraulic rear hood where it drops onto the spinning discs which rotate at 423 revolutions speeding the process up. The spread pattern is fine and accurate through the three veined discs with double height wear strips that are made from Hardox.

All machines are shotblasted post welding through a 32m chamber with 26 wind turbines using angled shot to clean off all surfaces a very important

process when preparing steel for paint. After shotblasting the spreader is degreased in a large tank with a shower, then dipped into mineralised water, then dipped into a phosphate bath, then dipped into the undercoat tank where electric is passed through to build up a layer of paint this is called electroplating, this process allows paint to go up the box sections and tubes so that the machine has paint on the inside aswell (important against rust) after a drip dry the

spreader is placed into one of the 4 ovens and the undercoat is baked on, after this the spreader will be transferred automatically to the powder coating chamber where robots apply a heavy layer of powder eletro statically , once finished the spreader is transferred back into the oven for a second baking giving the final finish, this is an unrivalled process in our industry a really important process for agricultural machines working in difficult conditions.

Mobile slurry separators enhance the Tramspread range

Slurry specialist Tramspread offers a full range of slurry management, storage, handling and application equipment. The company is the sole UK importer of high-quality Stallkamp slurry separators made in Germany and keeps a range of parts for these machines in-stock. The latest updated range now

includes two mobile options, in addition to the highly popular stationary models.

“The PSS mobile unit is built around a PSS 5.5-550 separator with two rotary lobe pumps, one to fill the feed hopper and one to pump away the separated liquid,” explains Tramspread’s John Tydeman.

“The second option uses a PSG 5.5-600 separator and two progressive cavity pumps. Both have a throughput of 15 to 20m³/hr, and can be either freestanding or trailer-mounted. Tramspread also supplies pumps, gantries and control panels to suit individual system requirements.”

“Removing solids from slurry makes in-store management easier, especially if the slurry store is covered,” adds Tramspread director Terry Baker. “This provides increased application output from both tankers and umbilical systems. Less friction in umbilical hoses allows for longer pumping

distances and reduces wear on the pump, hose and applicator, and saves fuel too. The more uniform product aids even flow from applicators giving an accurate application to the crop.”

Tramspread’s Suffolk dribble bar range covers working widths from 6m to 24m. These models are designed to accommodate flowmeters and NIR sensors with Isobus connectivity for accurate application plus record-keeping. A range of mounted randomwrap hose reels have capacities of 1000m or 1400m with twin

motor drive. Trailed reels can hold 1600m or 2000m. All can be supplied with drag hose.

Tramspread also offers an extensive lineup of enginedriven pumps for umbilical spreading systems which can be fitted with two remote control systems: the SIL Vision IV radio control and Teletram 2020 GSM remote control. These offer full engine protection, flow meter connection, fuel level sensing, inlet and outlet pressure and air compressor control. Options include a pneumatic sponge launcher.

Top tips to overcome slurry legislation from Vogelsang

As Defra seeks to ban splash plates from 2025 onwards, and grants for slurry application equipment look likely to end soon, farmers have a short window to comply. Andy Hayhurst from slurry specialist, Vogelsang, suggests that there are options available to farmers and stresses that short term fixes may not offer long term cost savings.

“One of the cheapest ways to comply with the splash plate ban is likely to be retrofitted tanker dribble bar systems. Whilst these will be a lower investment than a trailing shoe applicator, we suspect that dribble bar systems are not a truly sustainable option,” he says

Mr Hayhurst says that parts of Europe have already banned dribble bar systems and that the UK is likely to follow suit. He further suggests that it could be a false economy for farmers to choose the lowest cost option.

“The use of tankers with smaller, lower cost applicators is often not as efficient as wider working width alternatives. More hours are needed to cover the ground, during which the tractor is compacting more land and using more fuel. Making use of grants to invest in a wider trailing shoe system would help to mitigate

against this and offer a future proof solution,” he adds.

“The writing is on the wall. Farming is being asked and encouraged to reduce emissions, reduce run off and make better use of all natural fertilisers. We expect that, during this decade, all farms

will be moved towards trailing shoe applicators. It is also apparent that because there are soil and crop health benefits, along with operational savings, that farmers who take advantage of the grants and invest now will save money,” he concludes.

Vogelsang currently has offers on its 24m BackPac dribble bars, which are in UK stock and available now. For more information, interested farmers and contractors can call Andy Hayhurst on 07817 986 561.

Feeding value across the rotation

With recruitment underway for more pulse growers to join a ground-breaking farmer-led research project, a Scottish farmer is using his on-farm trial to get a detailed insight on improving the nutritive value of crops across his rotation

Diarmid Baird farms in partnership with his brothers, Euan and Dougal, and their parents at Scotston Farm near Dundee. The 485ha (1200acre) business is now fully organic, a conversion that’s progressed since 1988. And Diarmid’s clear on the benefits for the farm.

“It’s down to profitability. There are too many moguls making money out of farmers.

If we apply a little more thinking to the way we farm, we don’t need to pass over a considerable share of our income to fertiliser and sprays.”

It’s for this reason Diarmid’s looking to get more from growing pulses on his farm.

These slot into a rotation that include the clover-rich fertility-building leys, and an array of cereals grown mainly for the 4500 laying hens, which complement the arable enterprise. A small beef herd completes the system.

Diarmid’s trialling a number of pulse-based cropping options and combinations. Sections of the field transition from monocrop spring beans to beans with peas and then with spring wheat. Then there’s monocrop spring wheat, an area where the crop has been intercropped with peas, and finally peas on their own. This

has all been under sown with a mix of three clovers

The field has been entered as his trial field for the NCS Project, a four-year, £5.9M Defra-funded research project led by PGRO, with 17 industry partners. Diarmid is one of 10 Pulse Pioneers – farmers paid to carry out on-farm trials by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), one of the partners in the project.

He’s been keeping a close eye on the crop, submitting two areas as entries into the ADAS Pea and Bean YEN (Yield Enhancement Network). This will give him a detailed analysis, not just of the

yield of his trial plots but also a host of leaf-tissue, grain-content and soil-related data.

“It’s the understanding of the biology that matters. That goes as much for the combinations of the crops we’re growing as it does for the muck we apply. We’re looking for the data we can gather to inform how legumes interact with cereals, the effect on the soil, and the consequence for the following crop.

“We’ve increased our laying flock of organic freerange hens from 1500 to 4500, and used to buy in the entire ration. Now we’re looking to supply more of their feed from home-grown grains, and it’s the protein content that’s a key constituent.”

That poses a problem for his organic system.

“Getting protein into the grain is easy if you’re using bagged nitrogen fertiliser, but a lot more tricky if you rely on muck and fertility-building leys.”

The wheat, oats and triticale Diarmid includes in the ration for the laying hens contain only around 8% protein. That’s fine when soya is providing the lion’s share.

But he’s now switching away from soya, replacing the 15% inclusion in the ration with peas and beans.

“We’re adding 15% each of peas and beans because at 20% protein, that’s not as high as soya. We’ve reduced the

Diarmid Baird

amount of cereals, and hopefully the intercropping will boost the protein content of these, although I know they’ll be a pain to harvest.”

Diarmid needs to get the right balance of the amino acids methionine and lysine in the diet. “We tried growing lupins for a couple of years, but although higher protein than peas or beans, they’re not a great substitute for soya. They’re also frustratingly late to harvest and don’t ripen evenly.”

Diarmid has his eye on the nutrient content of the grains he’ll harvest, and will work closely with the nutritionist to analyse the grains and balance the ration correctly.

Diarmid will receive a full report on the crop through the ADAS Yield Enhancement Network. As a Pulse Pioneer he’s entered two areas of his crop to provide a comparison. Each of these will be benchmarked with other YEN entrants so he can gauge the performance of his crop, and understand areas where improvements can be made.

Recruitment drive sets the pulse

Pea and bean growers are being urged to consider becoming a Pulse Pioneer and conducting an on-farm trial as part of the NCS Project. BOFIN is looking to double the number of farmers paid to carry out on-farm trials for the 2025 harvest.

“We currently have 10 farmers who form our rotational platform at the heart of the NCS Project,” explains Tom AllenStevens. “Within their pea or bean crop, or in a field nearby, they have a comparison area which isn’t in a pulse crop.

“We’re also looking for up to 10 new recruits. They will be paid to carry out monitoring and evaluation of an on-farm trial in a pulse crop and to join the discussion, share their experiences and explore how to get the best from it.”

For more information and to apply to be a Pulse Pioneer, go to ncsproject.co.uk.

Peas in hand Livestock and chickens

Organic intercropping cereals with pulses

Nominations Now Open for the 2024 David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award

Harrison & Hetherington is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award honours the extraordinary life and legacy of David Thomlinson, a respected auctioneer, renowned farmer, and Limousin breeder who dedicated 40 years of his professional life to Harrison & Hetherington.

The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2021 to commemorate David’s significant contributions to the agricultural community. The award seeks to recognise individuals who embody the same passion, dedication, and kindness that David exemplified throughout his life.

The judging panel for the 2024 award comprises esteemed members of the agricultural

community, including David Pritchard, former Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington, and Cumbrian vet David McCrea. The award will be presented by David’s wife, Sheila Thomlinson, at Borderway Agri Expo on Friday, 1st November 2024.

Nominations for the 2024 David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award are now open. Those wishing to nominate someone who has made a significant impact on the agricultural industry and embodies the values that David held dear are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline of Friday, 27th September.

For more information on the nomination process and to find an application form, please visit: https://borderwayagriexpo.uk/ whats-on/david-thomlinsonaward/

MSD Animal Health receives VMD approval for BOVILIS CRYPTIUM®

MSD Animal Health (a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) has announced it has received

Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) approval for the first vaccine in Great Britain to protect cattle against the highly

infectious parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, one of the most significant gastrointestinal diseases in cattle1.

BOVILIS CRYPTIUM® is indicated for the active immunisation of pregnant heifers and cows to raise antibodies in colostrum against Gp40 of Cryptosporidium parvum.

“MSD Animal Health is proud to offer this innovative vaccine – a new, science-driven way to combat the devastating parasite C. parvum, which impacts Europe and the rest of the world,” said Philippe Houffschmitt, DVM, MBA, associate vice president of the global ruminant business at MSD Animal Health.

“This novel vaccine offers preventive neonatal protection, which can help preserve cattle well-being from the earliest days of life, as well as help contribute to global food production and safety.”

Norwegian virtual fencing solution launches in UK

Following a successful soft launch at Groundswell last month, Monil – a Norwegian virtual fencing company – is officially launching their offer to the UK market. With over 4000 collars in use in Norwayand the UK, the UK marks the next phase of development for this exciting technology, bringing multiple benefits to beef and dairy farmers across the country.

Used extensively in Norway, New Zealand, the USA, and South America, virtual fencing is relatively straightforward. Each cow wears a GPS tracked collar, which is linked to an app that can be used to define or ‘draw’ fences wherever the farmer wishes. The collars play ascending audible cues when an animal crosses a boundary before delivering a small shock, significantly less intense than that of a traditional electric fence, if the animal doesn’t obey the auditory cues.

An initial training period of around a week is required to teach the animals to respond

appropriately to the collar. During this time, the animals learn to react to the audible cues alone and move away from boundaries without triggering a shock.

The system can be very successful in maximising pasture use and taking rotational grazing to the next level. It can also be used to protect endangered species in environmentally sensitive areas by using exclusion zones within the app.

After successful operation in Norway, the UK has been selected as the next step in a global rollout.

Torstein Nesse, CEO and co-founder of Monil said: “We are really excited to launch our virtual fencing solution to the UK market. We had some great feedback at Groundswell and some very promising conversations with potential customers, so we are excited to officially launch and meet our next customers.

“Virtual fencing is well established in Norway, and

we think the UK is the perfect country to benefit from our experience to date. We have taken time to understand the nuances and differences between Norwegian and British farmers and are confident that our collars will help the UK beef

and dairy sectors to maximise their productivity and reap the rewards of efficient grazing.”

For more information or to request a call to discuss whether virtual fencing works for you, visit www.monil.co.uk/pages/ offer

Why investigating all cattle abortions and stillbirths can protect the future herd

With autumn block calving around the corner, experts are urging farmers to report and investigate all abortions and stillbirths to understand disease status and identify how to protect their herds in future.

To help build reporting all abortions into farmers’ calving routine, the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) group has launched a flyer and online hub

with FAQs to help reduce the barriers of reporting abortions and submitting abortion samples for investigation.

The information for these RH&W resources have been created in consultation with a collective of experts from Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Animal Health NI.

Colin Mason, a veterinary investigation officer and centre manager based at SRUC’s disease surveillance centre in Dumfries, shares why investigating causes of abortion can help improve herd efficiencies and protect staff as well as contribute to better industry insights.

“Once a pregnancy is established and particularly in the latter stages, the expectation is that a viable calf will be born at term. When this does not happen this is an ‘unforeseen event’ which should be investigated as part of the health planning process with your vet.

Subscription page 53 & 113

The intent for the flyer is that it should be printed off for farm notice boards as well as saved to the phones of all members of the farm team to help increase the rate of abortions reported.

“By asking farmers to investigate all abortions and stillbirths by sending abortion tissues and blood samples to be tested, farmers and vets alike will achieve better herd health planning outcomes by gaining insights into what is causing abortions,” he says.

“This includes finding out the status of infectious diseases and identify the risk levels of zoonotic disease for your farm.” View the resources and download the flyer here https:// ruminanthw.org.uk/reportingall-cattle-abortions-andstillbirths/

New GB marketing authorisation for Avian Encephalomyelitis

Elanco Animal Health has launched a new vaccine to prevent the highly detrimental Avian Encephalomyelitis disease, also known as epidemic tremors in young broilers, or egg drop in adult birds in-lay.

James Bishop, technical consultant at Elanco, says epidemic tremors in broilers is a critical disease.

“The symptoms of this viral disease in broilers include nervous signs, imbalance with birds sitting on their hocks, paralysis and tremors of the head, neck and wings that can lead to high mortality and morbidity of 5-60%,” says Dr Bishop.

“The impact of this disease in adult birds in lay can lead

to a drop in egg production by 5-10%1 that can last more than two weeks. Hatchability in breeding stock may also drop by 5%1 with vertical transmission to the progeny.”

He says, even though the impacts are detrimental, there have been limited preventative vaccines available for this disease in Great Britain.

“The availability of AviPro™ AE offers pullet rearers and broiler breeders an alternative solution to a critically important disease, as there is no treatment available once the disease is present,” he says.

Dr Bishop says, AviPro™ AE is a liquid suspension that is administered via the drinking

water in the rearing period and makes up a key part of the vaccination programme. The vaccine is a prescription only medicine. For further

information please contact your veterinary practice, an Elanco representative or head to our website:https://www.myelanco. co.uk/products/avipro-ae

James Bishop

Essex farm vet joins distinguished group after being awarded a Fellowship

AN ESSEX farm vet, who is one of the UK’s foremost authorities on the care of llamas and alpacas, has been awarded one of the veterinary profession’s highest honours.

Ami Sawran, Clinical Director at Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford, has been welcomed to the RCVS Fellowship, a learned society which promotes scientific excellence, furthers professional

skills and practice, and acts as a trusted and authoritative voice within the veterinary profession.

Ami, who is the first RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Camelid Practice, joins the distinguished group due to her commitment to improving the health and welfare of the growing UK camelid population, as well as supporting fellow vets to help them become more comfortable in delivering care to the species.

She sits on the Farm Executive at VetPartners, the larger veterinary group which owns Westpoint Farm Vets.

As well as driving clinical research into camelids, she delivers CPD and training to empower vets to utilise their transferrable skills to treat camelid patients following a boom in the ownership of llamas and alpacas in the UK in recent years.

She is among 48 vets across the UK admitted to the Fellowship in 2024, and will be formally welcomed by the RCVS at this year’s Fellowship Day in London on November 28th. She wants to use her fellowship to continue to champion camelids as well as empower more vets to care for them.

Funding for industry-led Ruminant Health & Welfare communications confirmed

Independent network and four nations group, Ruminant Health & Welfare Group (RH&W) will

be supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health after the business has committed to

becoming main sponsor of the group’s communication function going forwards for 2024.

Gwyn Jones, Chair of RH&W explains why the funding is vital.

“This commercial sponsorship support allows us to continue our collaborative efforts to develop and communicate welfare strategy frameworks necessary to prevent, manage, and control disease and welfare challenges within the ruminant sectors,” he says.

“As a collective group of experts and well-connected stakeholders across the ruminant sector, having the support of a company whose goals aligns so well with ours, as well as bringing their own technical expertise to the table, is a brilliant fit for our work.”

Findlay MacBean BSc, Business Head Livestock at Boehringer Ingelheim shares why the business has decided to collaborate with RH&W.

“As a leader in animal health with a focus on preventing disease Boehringer Ingelheim is delighted …to be supporting Ruminant Health & Welfare.

“The work the group does across the four nations to help farmers and stock managers tackle sheep and cattle disease, and build the health and welfare status, resilience and production efficiency of our national flock and herd is very important.”

Gwyn adds: “The group is reliant on industry and commercial support to be able to retain the independence and nimble expert communications function we have established.

“We remain extremely thankful to organisations who recognise the value of what we are doing as a group… and support our existence.”

Ruminant Health and Welfare is an independent subgroup of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out November 2024

The VET Grass Staggers - Mg is Key!

Hypomagnesaemic Tetany, more commonly known as ‘grass staggers’, is a lifethreatening magnesium deficiency most frequently seen in cattle at pasture in autumn (and sometimes spring), and is therefore an important condition to bear in mind as summer comes to a close.

Why does it occur?

Unlike other macrominerals whose levels are tightly regulated by the body, magnesium lacks this regulation and the body is therefore dependent on the continual dietary absorption in the rumen to maintain blood levels. Therefore, grass staggers primarily occurs where there are factors affecting dietary intake/absorption:

● Older lactating cattledecreased ability to absorb magnesium, magnesium lost into the milk

● Rainy weather - leaches magnesium, increases stress, more time spent sheltering instead of grazing

● Diet disruption - rapid changes in diet or diet restriction (e.g. during transport) can disrupt magnesium intake

By Balfour S Hay BVMS MRCVS

● Fast-growing grass - low in fibre resulting in rapid passage through the rumen, decreasing the opportunity for magnesium absorption

● High potassium levels (e.g. from potash fertilisers) - inhibits magnesium absorption

● High ammonia levels (e.g. from nitrogenous fertilisers) - inhibits magnesium absorption

How does it present?

Cows with grass staggers typically present with hyperactivity, aggression, high head carriage, incoordination (staggering/falling), and muscle spasms. Severe cases may then progress to seizures and death. Grass staggers is quickly fatal if not treated promptly, so in many cases affected cattle may be found dead (often with evidence of staggering/paddling in the soil surrounding them).

These dramatic cases of grass staggers are usually only the ‘tip of the iceberg’, reflecting that most cattle in the group are likely to have some degree of magnesium deficiency. Subclinical magnesium deficiency can have a significant impact on the herd - e.g. increasing the risk of milk fever and slow calvings.

How is it managed?

Acute cases of grass staggers are an emergency and require immediate veterinary attention. Subcutaneous magnesium sulphate can be administered whilst awaiting the vet. Relapses often occur if dietary magnesium intake is not restored, so offer concentrates to recovering cattle that don’t resume to grazing quickly.

As always, prevention is key - there are various forms of magnesium supplementation available which should be given to at-risk cattle. Lick buckets are an easy method of supplementation, but bear in mind the consumption of these varies widely between individual cows. Alternatives include boluses, concentrate feeding, pasture dressing, or water supplementation.

Young handlers prime lamb victors

follow field-to-fork pathway

Two youngsters who won the supreme championship and reserve championship at CCM Skipton Auction Mart’s recent young farmers’ prime lamb competition have had the opportunity to follow the progress of their charges as they now enter the food chain.

Kieran Robinson, 11, from Tosside, and Raff Middleton, 10, from Beamsley, stood champion and reserve respectively at the annual highlight with home-bred Beltex-x and Texel-x lambs that were both bought by Gargrave’s Craven Farm Butchers, run by Ross and Charlotte Greenwood.

The victor has now been supplied to The Blue Bell Inn, Kettlewell, to be served up to the inn’s customers. The reserve champion remains on sale at Craven Farm Butchers’ own shop, established by the Greenwoods in late 2022.

CCM’s sales manager and auctioneer Ted Ogden said: “Both up-and-coming young farmers clearly enjoyed the follow-up educational visit to the shop to learn more about the gate-to-plate pathway, about the importance of farming and food, the all-important local supply philosophy and its major impact on our agricultural communities and the local economy.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of both Kieran and Raff and other young people involved in the regional agricultural sector clearly illustrates that the future of sheep farming in this part of the world remains in safe hands.”

CCM Young Farmers prime lamb supreme champion Kieran Robinson

CCM Young Farmers prime lamb reserve champion Raff Middleton

sheep Reduce concentrate inputs in store lambs by 45% while maintaining DLWG with controlled supplementation

Sheep farmers looking to hit spring market premiums in store lambs and reduce supplement feed costs will benefit from controlled supplement feeding, says Gerard Roney of Advantage Feeders, formerly known as 3 in 1 Feeders.

“The most effective way to optimise both your lamb and homegrown forage performance is by little and often feeding a small amount of starch feed such as cereals or pellets throughout the day,” explains Mr Roney. “By controlling the intake of supplemented feed, rumen conditions are stabilised and

microbes develop to improve digestion and feed utilisation.”

Working with a 3-way restriction system that controls the height, width and depth of where feed sits, farmers can control feed intakes and provide it in little and often quantities with Advantage Feeders.

“In a restricted setting, stock requires saliva on their tongue to lick the feed. Stock can only feed for about five minutes until their saliva dries up. They will then go graze for about an hour before repeating the process,” explains Mr Roney.

This method of controlled supplementation has been found in farm trials to decrease the consumption of growing grass by one-third, while maintaining growth rates, allowing for a stocking density increase by 50%. Increased rumen efficiency has also been shown to decrease supplementation intake by 33% when grazing dry pasture while maintaining growth rates.

“Store lambs require around 3.5% of their body weight in dry matter per day, with forage requirements quickly increasing as they get bigger. The ability to maintain growth rates on fewer feed inputs gives producers a lot more management scope to increase stocking density and to make selling decisions based on market conditions and not forage availability,” says Mr Roney.

These efficiencies are achieved as a result of optimising rumen conditions for improved digestibility and feed utilisation.

According to Mr Roney, the added supplement increases microbial populations and decreases rumen passage rate to increase the energy extracted from feed stuffs and lower forage intake – making it a better supplementation option for both economic and flock health benefits.

In an Advantage Feeder farm trial, it was found that livestock

grazing dry pasture require 45% less supplement through the controlled little and often system compared to trough feeding every second day.

“Traditional supplementation methods such as ad-lib feeding or once a day feeding lead to overconsumption of high starch feed in a short amount of time, which throws off rumen pH and kills off rumen microbes. This can take 24 hours to stabilise and for microbes to rebuild and return to digesting pasture,” explains Mr Roney. “Best case scenario, there’s an unnecessary amount of feed consumed to fill the energy gap caused by the rumen not fully utilising forage. The worst case scenario is losing stock to acidosis.”

Strategic supplementation

While pasture is the cheapest form of feed on farms, quality will decline towards the end of the grazing months and over winter. Strategic supplementation will yield a ROI by stretching forage stocks and filling nutritional gaps.

“Along with providing additional energy to growing lambs to help hit finishing weights for early spring markets, controlled supplementation is going to support rumen function so poorer quality forages are more efficiently digested,” concludes Mr Roney.

Collaboration set to make sheep weighing and data management more affordable

Livestock management platform, iLivestock has collaborated with leading stock handling manufacturer, Rappa, to break down cost barriers by delivering a fully integrated weighing and data management system.

Officially launched at the NSA Sheep Event, the collaboration is set to make sheep performance monitoring more accessible and affordable, by offering handling equipment, hardware and software, via a unique subscription model that includes full technical support.

Ewen Wardman, iLivestock CEO, explains: “The package consists of iLivestock’s brand new tag reader and load bars, as well as its eWeigh indicator and comprehensive software package, combined with Rappa’s three-way drafting WeighCrate.”

By offering a complete package in an affordable way that is backed up by technical support, Mr Wardman says more farmers will be able to benefit from the latest technologies.

“We want to make it easier for all farmers to drive production gains through data collection and management,” he says.

“It’s not just about getting technology onto farms, it’s about ensuring farmers can use it effectively, which is why we are also offering on-farm set-up and training by our UK team.”

As part of the package, both iLivestock and Rappa will also provide no-quibble replacements or repairs, in case of equipment breakages.

“It’s incredibly frustrating when kit doesn’t work as it should; all too often, expensive technology sits redundant or is underutilised, due to issues such as a breakage or user error,” says Mr Wardman.

“Our new package gives farmers complete peace of mind that they’ll be able to use the technology they’re investing in.”

Emphasising it is not a finance offer, Mr Wardman adds: “Farmers pay monthly and will own the equipment component of the package at the end of the payment term.”

Nick Cockayne, Rappa managing director, explains the two companies joined forces with a vision to deliver reliable top class solutions for farmers wanting to adopt a data-driven approach but want to manage their cash flow.

If we don’t speak to you, speak to us, we are human after all

This summer NSA Scotland have been going round shows and events getting to know more sheep farmers and supporters from around the country.

Whether it be showing, judging or just visiting, the wee and not so wee, I find agricultural shows are the bedrock of our farming community. It’s such a privilege to meet and listen to so many who have a passion for their own favoured breed of sheep. Watching the judging is so much fun, as one queries the ability for the appointed judge to get it right or possibly wrong!

But going up the sheep lines after, and taking time to listen to these enthusiastic breeders, is a chance for us to get know the issues that are of concern to sheep farmers in the country, and allow us to tell them what we are doing for them on their behalf. I like to think of

By Peter Myles NSA Scotland chairman

NSA as a problem-solving organisation, we speak to so many like-minded people and more importantly listen to so many like-minded people, the issues can often be the same, and it gives us a chance to share them. Sheep farming can be a lonely business and the craic and a laugh can make so much difference to moral of any mortal soul.

Highlight to me is always the young handlers’ section in the show, where doting mums’ dads and grandparents coach and cajole their tiny offspring into serious showers of stock. Often struggling to hold a monster sheep that is considerably bigger than the wee one in the pristine white coat. But, don’t ask me to judge, it be worse than a bonny baby competition! However, comparing notes after and the pats on the back for encouragement to the ones who don’t win the prizes just show how we are human after all.

So, when it comes to Agricultural events; if we don’t speak to you, speak to us. We are human after all.

For further information, please visit https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/webinars/

pigs

New piglet products to support early growth

Nettex has launched StimuLife and RevitaLyte to help farmers support piglet health and survival rates. With 50% of pre-weaning mortality occurring in the first three days of life and 90% in the first week, these new products seek to help pig producers strengthen piglets immediately after birth and into weaning.

“Lightweight and unthrifty piglets are more susceptible to disease challenge, increasing the risk of mortality pre-weaning. StimuLife has been formulated to support a piglet’s natural defences and help support the immune system,” explains pig health and nutrition specialist Dr Phil Baynes.

StimuLife is an oral paste that can be administered to small and weak piglets within 48 hours of birth. It includes colostral proteins that complement maternal colostrum, and vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant to support the piglet’s immune defence.

“Probiotics aid gut microflora stability and encourage more healthy gut environment. The inclusion of medium-chain fatty

acids in StimuLife are rapidly digested and provide a muchneeded ‘pick me up’ to weaker piglets both post birth, but also post-weaning,” says Dr Baynes.

A recent study demonstrated that feeding challenged piglets with 2ml of StimuLife in the first hours of life increased survival rates from a control of 76% to the supplemented percentage of greater than 90%*.

“Litters receiving StimuLife had a greatly increased rate of survival compared to the control litters. The supplemented piglets also gained weight faster, with a daily live weight gain (DLWG) improved by 10%,” explains Dr Baynes. Nettex’s RevitaLyte contains a blend of organic acids and betaine to help preserve the gut lining and improve digestion.

“Prebiotics in RevitaLyte help to support healthy gut function, and a balance of electrolyteaid resolution of dehydration issues, common in challenged piglets post weaning. This supports the piglet’s metabolic function in a way

that also helps weight gain, and our on-farm studies found that piglets given 25 grams per litre of Revitalyte, alongside regular drinking water, for four days post weaning, had increased water intake and improved feed intake**,” he adds.

RevitaLyte is formulated to boost fluid intake and retention both pre- and post-weaning as

necessary. It can also be used if piglets become stressed and to help support piglet gut health.

“The 150g single use sachets are easily dissolved in water at a concentration of 25g per litre. This nutritional tool is vital in supporting the chances of survival for any challenged piglet, and should be a staple of any pig business,” he concludes.

New census to reveal the true impact of rising costs on horse care in the UK

Equine specialist, Harry Hall, has announced the launch of its first ever Horse Census - a nationwide survey of horse owners and riders that aims to provide an overarching view of how the economic instability in the UK has impacted horse ownership and equestrian communities.

The inaugural Harry Hall Horse Census is open to all equestrians and will, for the first time, expose the everyday sacrifices equestrians are making in order to prioritise the care and welfare of their horses. This comes after data from World Horse Welfare released earlier

this year revealed that, since the start of 2024, welfare enquiries concerning horses have increased by 43 percent compared to 2023.

The findings of the census will be used to identify areas across the equestrian sector that need immediate improvement, with Harry Hall leading the charge on making the pastime more accessible and affordable than ever before, to help ensure that all horses and riders are safe and supported throughout their ownership or riding journeys.

Liz Hopper, Managing Director at Harry Hall, explains:

“It’s imperative for businesses serving communities such as equestrians across the UK to understand how their customers are being impacted by the cost of living crisis, what industry matters are close to their heart and how horse riding and ownership trends are changing.

“We know from previous research that there’s a lack of data across the horse community and understanding how many uninsured riders are regularly taking to UK bridleways is just one example of how we can use the results for good.”As a

thank you for completing the survey, Harry Hall is offering a £10 eVoucher* to participants to spend at HarryHall.com. Respondents need to be over 18 years of age, a UK resident and be a current horse owner or rider.

The anonymised results from the surveys will be made public to “highlight any challenges and concerns that owners are facing”, and their potential impact on horse ownership.

To take part in the Horse Census, please visit: https:// harryhallinsurance.com/horsecensus/

Royal Highland Show Women in Agriculture Scotland Breakfast

By Eleanor Kay

A trio of excellent speakers presented at the Women in Agriculture Scotland breakfast on the first day of the Highland Show. This year’s theme was ‘Going Global; The Collective Power of Women in Agriculture’.

The packed presidents pavilion heard first from Jenny Brunton, Senior European Policy Adviser at the British Agriculture Bureau (BAB), the Brussels based joint enterprise from the UK farming unions. Jenny spoke about her role at BAB, the challenges of engaging in policy discussions and the exciting opportunities that the role has presented. Including

her involvement in the UNFCCC Farmer Constituency and the Copa-Cogeca all of which clearly demonstrate the importance of farmers across the world working together to ensure global policies are designed with farmers in mind, Claire Taylor, Agriculture Communicator and Nuffield Farming Scholar 2023 spoke about the importance of storytelling in farming. Claire also shared some stories from her recent Nuffield travels across Africa where she met farmers, policy experts, journalists, lobbying bodies, NGOs and private investors. Claire spoke about some women farmers

she met and the valuable role they play in communities and the local economy.

The final key note speaker was Nicole Duvall, Program Coordinator for the Mobile Dairy Classroom as part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Nicole spoke about her experience introducing children to dairy farming and milk, and how communication with consumers is important. Nicole also spoke about the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) which develops leadership skills in agriculture

and forestry professionals, there was a delegation from AGL also attending the show. Nicoles final words of advice to the women in the room wanting to progress in agriculture was ‘don’t try to be like a man, just be yourself’.

After the keynote speakers breakfast attendees heard from Mike Duxbury of the Inclusive Farm who provide an update on the new Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert which will be opening later this year in Tarland, Aberdeenshire. Caroline Millar also spoke briefly on the NFUS Diversity Discussion work that she is leading.

The breakfast ended with a short speech from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and islands, Mairi Gougeon who reconfirmed Scottish Governments commitment to support women in agriculture.

Southern Belle

Having spent the last 15+ years working as an Ag Tour guide, I can honestly say it has been the best job ever! There is a joy in meeting people and hearing their story and in being able to proudly show them the best of Scotland and its agriculture.

This week sees the end of most of my travels, to spend more time taking myself on holiday. As my friends will tell you, they wouldn’t trust me with a room key far less the tickets for 45 clients on a ferry! It has been a mystery to them (and me) that I always seem to arrive back with the full compliment of passengers, although not a surprise that I have lost various items of clothing, shoes, glasses and sundry items along the way.

I’d like to think that all ages have learned how to pack a hold case with certain knowledge you will never see it again and how to pack for three weeks with hand luggage only. This is my legacy!

Some things have changed over the years but the things that make you laugh the most are always there.

This week’s classic quotes: From customs officer at Holyhead when I handed over the passenger list for the ferry to Ireland. On reading the first line asked. “Is EXAMPLE a name or a

date of birth?” Instruction from Irish Sat Nav when on three lanes coming into Cork “Use any lane to leave the motorway except the two on the right-hand side.” At dinner, “What’s in mushroom soup? Immediately followed by, “What’s in a cheddar cheese and red onion tart?”

Things are sometimes lost in translation and after explaining the issue we have with White Tailed Sea Eagles on the west coast, I had apparently left the group thinking that we had giant carnivorous Sea Gulls. The verb ‘Fanny’ is now being used in many English speaking countries throughout the world.

The one constant in all of this, is the times had with various groups of all ages, in particular the Texas A & M Uni students, who never cease to amaze me with their thirst for knowledge (and alcohol) but with a strength of character, respect and humility beyond reproach. If only they didn’t drink so much water!! They need more toilet breaks than a bus load of octogenarians! ‘What a bunch of Fannies!’

I have made many friends from all over the world, watched some graduate, marry and start careers and families and spent many special hours with some no longer with us but remain friends with so many. I am truly blessed.

Spital Tower Estate in the Scottish borders achieves Wildlife Estates Scotland Accreditation

An estate in the Scottish Borders has become the latest to achieve international accreditation recognising their outstanding efforts in wildlife and habitat management.

Spital Tower Estate at Denholm near Hawick has attained Wildlife

Estates Scotland accreditation, a national version of the Wildlife Estates (WE) initiative which seeks to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations and is endorsed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General Environment.

The award was presented by Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, John Lamont MP, and was received by family operators of the estate, Carla Bailey and her son, Robert Bailey.

A family run estate consisting of 570 acres of open

hill, hay meadows, forests, and ancient woodland, Spital Tower has a keen focus on regenerative and holistic land management practices, supporting the local community, and protecting wildlife and rare habitats for future generations.

A working livestock farm, with actively managed woodlands, the land is cared for with biodiversity and conservation centre at the heart of decision-making whilst still achieving high quality meat and timber production.

A big part of the estate is their award-winning Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping business, offering a range of off-grid woodland escapes in the heart of the unspoilt landscapes of the Teviot Valleys Special Landscape Area.

Tenant Farming Commissioner issues new guidance on the use of comparables in rent reviews

Detailed guidance developed to encourage transparency in the use of comparables when conducting rent reviews

Responding to an increase in cases involving landlord tenant disputes over the use of comparables in rent reviews, the Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh, has released new guidance published on the Scottish Land Commission website aimed at enhancing the understanding and procedures when using comparable holdings in rent reviews for agricultural tenancies.

The guidance provides clear methodologies and detailed steps for using information from comparable holdings when conducting rent reviews including how the approach

should be applied for 1991 Act tenancies, Limited Duration Tenancies (LDTs), and Modern Limited Duration Tenancies (MLDTs).

Dr Bob McIntosh, Tenant Farming Commissioner, stated, “This new guidance is designed to sit alongside existing guidance on rent reviews with the aim of brining clarity and fairness to the use of comparables in the rent review process.

“By providing a detailed framework and encouraging transparency, we hope to support both landlords and tenants in reaching equitable agreements that reflect the true value and productivity of agricultural holdings.”

Concerns relating to a lack of transparency and disclosure of

BASC hails conservation work that continues unabated despite low grouse numbers

Despite numbers of grouse being low this year, the conservation work that is carried out on the UK’s moorland landscapes to support them and a whole host of other species will continue. August 12 marked the start of the grouse season. Eoghan Cameron, chairman of the UK’s largest shooting and conservation organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), said the date was also a celebration of the conservation work carried out year-round across the uplands.

Mr Cameron said: “Despite the lower grouse numbers, the dedicated efforts of moor-owners and gamekeepers, and the considerable private investment that goes into supporting biodiversity, wildfire mitigation, restoring habitats and promoting conservation, will carry on.

“Managing our uplands for shooting has far-reaching benefits for conservation and the fact that work carries on even in the absence of a sustainable harvest of grouse is to be celebrated.”

the comparable holdings selected during rent negotiations have also been a subject of discussion at recent Tenant Farming Advisory Forum meetings, a forum that brings together representatives from a range of industry bodies including the Scottish Tenant Farming Association, Scottish

Land and Estates, and National Farmers Union Scotland. The forum, chaired by the TFC, advises on priorities for Codes of Practice issued by the TFC, priorities for the commissioning of research and investigative studies and identifying barriers in the tenant farming sector.

Guidance and Codes of Practice are published on the Scottish Land Commission website and are intended to encourage and promote good practice in the conduct of landlord/tenant relationships and cover all the main points of contact, including late payment of rent, sporting rights and agreeing and recording tenant’s improvements.

Pioneering projects for endangered salmon land award

Two river restoration projects have been named as joint winners of a prestigious new award which recognises actions being taken to conserve endangered wild salmon in Scotland.

The Allt Lorgy River Restoration Project and biologist Bob Kindness’ acclaimed stock restoration programme on the

River Carron were honoured on Friday (2nd August) in a joint ceremony in the highlands.

With salmon now officially classed as endangered in the UK, the SGA Wild Salmon Conservation Award was inaugurated by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s Fishing Group in July.

Designed to honour projects which are helping to restore declining salmon stocks, the elegant award was presented for the first time on Friday at Moy Country Fair, Inverness-shire, by MSP Fergus Ewing.

Since carrying out pioneering work to restore the Allt Lorgy burn, a tributary of the River Dulnain near Carrbridge, a fourfold increase in juvenile salmon has been recorded by Spey Fishery Board monitors.

The project, which rehabilitated a canalised section of the burn and removed man-made constraints, also involved Seafield Estate, SEPA and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

Embankments were removed, woody structures were introduced into the river and new features were added through gravel reintroduction, creating conditions to help spawning salmon.

On the River Carron in Wester Ross, biologist and salmon expert, Bob Kindness, has overseen a mindful stocking programme which has seen fish numbers rise from a five year average of 10.6 in 2001 to 187.2 in 2020.

The painstaking work, spanning years and the collection of over 6000 DNA samples, is now shedding new scientific light on how rearing from inriver broodstock could be used in future to save salmon from local extinctions.

When work started on the river, stocks of salmon and sea trout had virtually collapsed.

Now, early science being undertaken by Rivers and Lochs Institute at Inverness College UHI

is showing positive signs that stocked salmon are returning to the river as adults in healthy numbers.

Speaking on behalf of the Allt Lorgy project, Roger Knight, Chief Executive of the Spey Catchment Initiative, stated: “Jointly winning the inaugural SGA Wild Salmon Conservation Award is a tremendous honour.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with estates and their staff to help deliver larger landscape-scale projects to make our rivers more resilient to climate change and support the recovery of our iconic Atlantic salmon.”

Bob Kindness was also delighted to have his work recognised: “What we have been doing on the Carron is now beginning to produce scientific evidence that will be difficult to ignore.

“If anything, in my view, we started on the Carron, late.

“What decision makers like Marine Scotland need to realise is that restoration is much, much harder to do if you let things

decline too far before any work is commenced. This is not about saving fisheries now, it’s about the species as a whole.”

Hugh Hynd from the SGA Fishing Group, the body that established the award, said picking a single winner proved too difficult.

“Both projects are excellent. The judges were split down the middle. What they both do is help salmon and that is what we want this award to encourage, for everyone.”

The SGA also handed out two Long Service medals at Moy Country Fair, to Ian McDonald and Allen Kerr, for over 40 years of unbroken service to gamekeeping.

Mr Kerr, now in his 80th year, also lifted the Ronnie Rose Trophy for Conservation and Education for a lifetime’s work in demonstrating to others the benefits of good gamekeeping.

He was also pivotal in the development of the use of lamplight for the legal management of foxes.

Allen Kerr (79) holds the Ronnie Rose Trophy for Conservation and Education and a Long Service medal for over 50 years of unbroken service to gamekeeping at Moy Country Fair.

Shaun Macdonald of the River Carron Conservation Association (2nd from left) and Roger Knight, CEO of the Spey Catchment Initiative (2nd from right) jointly receive the SGA Wild Salmon Conservation Award at Moy Country Fair from Fergus Ewing MSP (left) and Hugh Hynd of the SGA Fishing Group (right).

Trapping boosts beaver restoration efforts

New figures show that 90% of beavers removed from conflict areas in Tayside in 2023/24 were moved to new homes after a huge effort by NatureScot and partners to relocate families and help expand the population across Scotland.

The latest report on beaver management shows that 85 beavers were removed to prevent serious damage to agriculture in the period from January 2023 to April 2024 – down from 108 in 2022.

Of these, 77 animals were trapped and moved to licensed projects, compared with 45 in the previous year. Just eight beavers were killed under licence over the 16-month period, down from 63 in the calendar year 2022.

The proportion of beavers that were trapped and moved was therefore 90% over the period, a large increase from 42% in 2022 and 28% in 2021.

The reduction in lethal control reflects the extensive efforts that have gone into increasing trapping by NatureScot staff working hard with land managers, the Beaver Trust and Five Sisters Zoo.

A total of 40 beavers were released in Scotland, with families moved to both the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Parks as well as numerous population reinforcements in Tayside, Forth and Knapdale.

Records suggest the population is also continuing to expand naturally in parts of Tayside, the wider Forth area, and into West Lothian and Fife, with some evidence of dispersal from Knapdale and in the Highlands.

Donald Fraser, NatureScot’s Head of Wildlife Management, said: “A huge amount of hard work has happened over the last 16 months and significant progress has been made with the support of land managers and our partners the Beaver Trust and Five Sisters Zoo.

“More beavers have been moved to suitable areas across Scotland and the population is continuing to expand. The low number of beavers killed over this period is welcome, although it’s important to note that the numbers of beavers which will need to be removed from areas will vary from

year to year, as beavers continue to increase and expand their range.

“With numbers now likely to be above 2,000, we’ll be carrying out further survey work from this winter to provide an up-todate population estimate. We are also developing a plan for future release sites in line with Scotland’s Beaver Strategy and we encourage any interested land managers and communities to get in touch with our beaver team.”

NatureScot also responded to an increased number of enquiries from land managers through its Beaver Mitigation Scheme in 2023/24. Staff provided support, advice and targeted mitigation in 84 separate cases.

Donald added: “Beavers are ecosystem engineers, creating habitats such as ponds and wetlands where other species thrive, as well as moderating water flows and improving water quality. In doing so, they play an important role in helping to restore biodiversity and respond to the climate emergency in Scotland.

“We know that beavers can occasionally cause issues, and as the population continues to expand, our Beaver Mitigation Scheme will continue to be available to help land managers if any problems arise.”

New rainforest strategy aims to strengthen partnerships

A new strategic approach for Scotland’s rainforest has been published by Scottish Forestry with an aim of improving the important habitat’s health so that it can regenerate and expand, whilst also providing benefit to communities.

The new approach also aims to work at a landscape scale and strengthen the positive partnership work already in place to restore the rainforest. Some key drivers are to tackle key threats to the rainforest and target public and private funding into projects over the longer-term.

Initially, the plan is to focus on nine key rainforest areas within the rainforest zone which are already undertaking action and engagement. New areas within the zone will be brought in for development over time.

The nine areas include: Loch Arkaig; Torridon; Morvern; Glen Creran and Appin; Craignish; Knapdale; Loch Lomond; West Cowal (Kyles of Bute); and Knoydart.

The new strategy has been produced by Scottish Forestry with extensive consultation and input from the Alliance for Scotland’s

General licence restricted on Cairngorms estate

Rainforest and its partners, who are championing the rainforest and are already undertaking significant work in this area.

John Risby, Scottish Forestry’s Highland and Islands Conservator said:

“The areas of remaining rainforest are beautiful and greatly valued by local people but are facing some serious challenges from fragmentation, overgrazing, invasive rhododendron, deer browsing and pests and diseases.

“By continuing to work cooperatively at a scale which addresses local populations, we can tackle these threats and co-ordinate and channel investment into work which restores and expands this precious habitat.”

Scotland’s rainforest zone stretches along the Atlantic coast of Argyll and the west Highlands, where the climate is wetter and milder. This oceanic climate creates perfect conditions for the rainforest’s rare ferns, bryophytes and lichens.

Key threats to the rainforest include invasive shrubs like rhododendron and deer browsing, both of which prevent the regeneration of native woodland.

NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences on Lochindorb Estate, near Grantown-on-Spey, for three years.

The decision was made on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds.

This evidence included a red kite found poisoned with an insecticide in 2021 near to a lapwing bait on land managed at the time by the estate, and a red kite shot on Lochindorb estate in 2023.

Donald Fraser, NatureScot’s Head of Wildlife Management, said: “We have decided, in discussion with Police Scotland, to suspend the use of general licences on this property for three years until March 2027, given the persecution of red kites which has taken place on Lochindorb Estate and on neighbouring land managed by them at the time of the incident.

“NatureScot is committed to using all the tools we have available to tackle wildlife crime. This measure will help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary

land management activities to take place.

“We believe this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds in the area and prevent further wildlife crime. We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and consider information they provide on cases which may warrant restricting general licences.

“The estate may still apply for individual licences; however, these will be subject to enhanced record-keeping and reporting requirements and will be closely monitored to ensure adherence with licence conditions.”

General licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out control of common species of wild birds, such as crows and magpies, to protect crops or livestock, without the need to apply for an individual licence.

In addition to this restriction, there are currently four other restrictions in place in Scotland: on Moy Estate in Highland, Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park, Lochan Estate in Perthshire and Millden Estate in Angus.

First beaver kits in 400 years born in the wild in the Cairngorms National Park

Beavers released in the Cairngorms National Park have successfully bred and given birth to two kits, making them the first wild-born beavers in the Cairngorms in over 400 years. The beaver kits were born to two of the six family groups that have been translocated to the upper Spey catchment, as part of a coordinated effort to re-establish the species in the Cairngorms National Park.

Beavers are known as ‘ecosystem engineers’ – by changing and re-naturalising the landscape around them they help restore our rivers and wetlands, which in turn helps reduce the impacts of climate change and boost biodiversity.

Sarah Henshall, Head of Conservation at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said:

“This is a really exciting milestone in our project to bring beavers back to the Cairngorms National Park. We’ve been monitoring the beavers closely since the first releases in December and it’s encouraging that two of the beaver pairs have already bred successfully.

“There are also encouraging signs of breeding behaviour at other locations – including evidence of them busily expanding their lodges – so we are hopeful that there will be more kits to come. Today’s news is another positive step towards establishing a sustainable population of beavers in the National Park.

Species reintroductions and the ‘lynx effect’

Debate round species reintroductions in Scotland is never far from the headlines. Their broad aim is to re-build balance and diversity in ecosystems. Some impacts might be positive, whilst others could disrupt existing conservation efforts and current rural enterprises such as sheep farming and game management. It is to understand these potential impacts and highlight risks for conservation and the existing rural economy that GWCT Scotland now contributes to the Lynx Focus Group, established to assess the benefits and challenges of any trial reintroduction to Scotland.

GWCT Scotland’s Head of Policy, Ross Macleod, joined a study tour this Spring to learn about the reintroduction of lynx to Switzerland since the 1970s. He travelled with delegates from farming, forestry, game management and conservation backgrounds. A key aim of the tour was to absorb lessons for any future lynx reintroduction to Scotland.

Ross commented: “We learnt that in Switzerland around 80 per cent of the lynx diet comprises roe deer and chamois, but foxes, hares, livestock and birds including capercaillie and black grouse can also be predated. As the Swiss lynx population has grown, roe deer numbers declined from the mid-1990s before recovering and livestock predation increased before settling back to more sporadic incidents. However, this did lead to the establishment of formal

support to mitigate impacts and compensation arrangements.”

During the Swiss tour, delegates met researchers, farmers, foresters, wardens and government representatives.

Ross adds: “One key point emerging was that a full public consultation should have been conducted in advance of the Swiss releases.”

A stakeholder consultation process is currently taking

place here with representatives from key Scottish organisations including deer managers, farmers, and conservationists. Externally facilitated, this will produce an impartial report to be agreed by the Lynx Focus Group members before being finalised. This report may contribute to any decision on whether to proceed with an application for reintroduction. GWCT is at the table and with others is a part of that process.

Creux du Van, site of the first release of lynx in the Swiss Jura in 1972

Beatha an eilean

A’ sireadh beachdan air

Bile ùr croitearachd

Thèid sreath de choinneamhan poblachd a chumail son deasbad a dhèanamh timcheall air molaidhean ùra a-thaobh laghan croitearachd ath-nuadhachadh.

Tha na coinneamhan gan cur air dòigh le Riaghaltas na h-Alba an dèidh dhaibh na molaidhean foirmeil fhoillseachadh aig toiseach an t-samhraidh.

‘S fhada bho thathas air a bhith a’ sireadh atharrachadh bunaiteach ann an cuid dhe na nithean a tha a’ cuairteachadh obair croitearachd agus e soilleir nach eil na laghan a tha ann an dràsta idir freagarrach son feumalachdan an là an-duigh.

Ged a chaidh gealltainn gum biodh Bile ann bho chionn bhliadhnachan, thàinig dàil sa chùis agus ‘s ann an dràsta fhèin a tha an Riaghaltas air a thighinn air adhart le molaidhean sam bith son atharrachadh.

Ach, ‘s e briseadh dùil a tha ann dha duine sam bith a tha a’ coimhead son crathadh bunaiteach.

Chaidh eil guth, mar eisimpleir, air dèiligeadh leis mar a tha a’ mhargaidh air a dhol às a’ chiall agus croitean an duigh gan reic son prìsean àrd agus airson na ghabhas a dhèanamh leotha le taigheadais, seach a bhith gan obrachadh mar chroit traidiseanta.

Dh’iarr Caidreachas Croitearachd na h-Alba air croitearan an guth a thogail mu na molaidhean agus bha iad ag aithneachadh nach robh iad a’ dol fada gu leòr ann an cuid a rudan.

Thuirt àrd-oifigear na buidhne, Donna Nic a’ Ghobhainn: “Tha a’ mhargaidh ann an croitean air a bhith na

Le Murray MacLeòid

chuspair dragh aig mòran dhe na coinneamhan a tha sinn air an cumail bho chionn ghoirid agus cha dèan na molaidhean a tha ann airson daoine ùr a thoirt a-steach dhan ghnìomhachas mòran airson dèiligeadh leis mar a tha a’ mhargaidh fhèin ag obrachadh.

“Tha sinne fhathast a’ cruthachadh freagairt fhoirmeil ri na molaidhean agus bidh sinn a’ bruidhinn ri ar buill son fiosrachadh a chruinneachadh agus ruideigin a chur a-steach ron cheann-ùine, ach cuideachd dìreach son dèanamh cinnteach nach tig an cothrom a tha seo son leasachaidhean a chall.”

Thoisich na coinneamhan air a’ mhìos a chaidh seachad agus iad a’ leanntainn troimhe chun a’ mhìos seo, leis an cocomhairleachadh oifigeal a’ tighinn gu crich an ath mhìos.

A’ bruidhinn nuair a chaidh na molaidhean fhoillseachadh, thuirt ministear an àiteachais ann an Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Jim Fairlie, gur e siostam sònraichte a tha ann an croitearachd a tha a’ cur taic ri coimhearsnachdan is obair fearann air feadh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean.

“Chaidh a’ chiad lagh a chruthachadh ann an 1886 agus bha e gu math radaigeach aig an àm agus chruthaich e còirichean dha croitearachd air an fhearann,” thuirt e.

“Tha àite sònraichte air a bhith aig croitearachd ann am beatha na h-Alba agus tha sinn airson gum bidh pàirt aige ann am beatha na dùthcha san àm ri teachd cuideachd.

“Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba airson dèanamh cinnteach gum bi reachdas croitearachd a’ cumail

raic ri croitearachd, croitearan is coimhearsnachdan croitearachd agus a’ toirt an cothrom cùisean ùrachadh airson coinneachadh ri feumalachdan an là an duigh agus an là a-maireach. Tha an co-comhairleachaidh a’ cur am bàrr raoin de mholaidhean airson seo a choileanadh.”

Thuirt a’ mhinistear gu bheil croitearachd cuideachd air a bhith cudromach ann a bhith cumail sluagh anns na sgìrean iomallach agus gu feumar seo a chumail a dol.

“Tha croitearachd cudromach do dh’àiteachais agus do ghnìomhachas a’ bhidhe agus feumaidh sinn sin a chumail a dol, ach cuideachd an cois tha sinn a’ faicinn croitearachd a’ cluiche pàirt nas cudromaiche ann an turasachd, cumhachd ath-nuadhachail, coilltearachd, ath-bheòthachadh na mòintich, a’ cumail seillean agus a’ cur lusan,” thuirt e.

“Tha mi taingeal dhan h-uile duine a tha a’ dèanamh feum dhen fhearann, a’ toirt seirbheis dhan choimhearsnachd agus a’ coimhead às dèidh na h-àireannachd son na ginleachan ri thighinn.”

Thuirt e g’eil a bhith sìmpleachadh na laghan na phàirt cudromach dha na moladhaidhean agus g’eil iad a’ nis ag iarraidh beachdan dhaoine air a’ chùis, gu sònraichte a-thaobh ciamar a ghabhas a dhèanamh nas fhasa faighinn a-steach do chroitearachd, ciamar a ghabhas feum nas fheàrr a dhèanamh de dh’ionaltradh baile agus cumhachdan ùra dha Coimeisein na Croitearachd.

Ministear an àiteachais Jim Fairlie

Travel France

Pop a Cork in Reims, France

Head to Reims to discover a city all about grapes, vineyards and champagne. The story of Reims is tied to the land, from the big champagne producers to the small vineyard farmers. Similar to the famed Scottish whisky distilleries, champagne is a global product, with glossy publicfacing visitor centres, tempting tastings and fascinating stories of founding fathers that date back generations. For a drink to be classed as ‘champagne’ the grapes must be grown and sourced in the official Champagne region and the beverage produced within an area that covers some 34,300 hectares and encompasses 319 villages, also called ‘crus’. It’s about protecting and promoting the terroir, skills and prestige of the region.

An ideal first stop for all ages (children are surprisingly entertained here) is Champagne Pommery (champagnepommery. com), which farms 25 hectares of vines in the centre of Reims itself called Les Clos Pompadour. The house manages 385 hectares of its own vineyards, but can access an extensive network of smaller vineyards in the region. Selfguided tours start at €27 (including a tasting). Again, similar to whisky, champagne’s ingredients and processes sound pure and simple, but the blends, ingredient variations, passion, attention to detail and ageing process create a wealth of vintages and cuvées that take time to understand and appreciate. A tour guide will razzle dazzle visitors with agricultural info; Pommery sources its best grapes in Avize, Aÿ and Cramant for their Grand Cru. They grow the Pinot Noir grape in Reims, and head to the Marne Valley for Pinot Meunier. The team harvest their fruits one hundred days after flowering, which in 2024 fell at the end of August.

Guests are taken deep underground, around 30 metres,

By Janice Hopper

to explore 1km of the 18kms of working cellars where Pommery stores its bubbles. These deep dark tunnels were initially excavated by the Romans to obtain building materials, and the champagne houses have adapted them for more glamorous purposes. The cellars offer darkness, 95-98% humidity, and a constant temperature of 1012 degrees. Each gallery is named after a different part of the world where Pommery does business, with one of the larger ones being Manchester.

Pommery also fascinates guests because it beautifully combines art with champagne. This passion started back in the 1800s when Madame Louise Pommery took over as head of Pommery & Greno after the death of her husband in 1858. She commissioned Gustave Navlet to carve four vast bas-relief sculptures on the cellar walls, and the artist spent five years dedicated to the project. In modern times a new artistic theme is chosen each year, with 2024 celebrating the concept ‘Forever’. Look out for flying feathers representing fizzing bubbles, and a gigantic beating heart. We also have Louise to thank for creating Pommery Nature in 1874, the first commercially Pommery cellars

Champagne Pommery

successful brut champagne, breaking with the tradition of sweet wine.

The Pommery tasting is the highlight for many visitors, and again the information shared ties back to the vineyards. We enjoyed a glass of Pommery Champagne Grand Cru Royal Brut 2009, which is 50% chardonnay, 50% pinot noir and 8g sugar. Cheers!

Next stop is a household name — Taittinger (taittinger. com). Taittinger is definitely worth a stop as it opened its reimagined sparkling new visitor centre in summer 2024. In terms of champagne houses Taittinger’s history is relatively new. The family arrived in the area in the 1930s, bought a chateau near Epernay and started purchasing vineyards at good prices. WW1 had impacted champagne production in the region — a lack of men for work, a destroyed export market and American prohibition were all factors. Some vineyards turned to growing cereals over grapes, but it was arguably a wise time to invest. The family put their own name, Taittinger, on the bottle in 1946, and it’s now the third largest vineyard owner in the region.

The visitor centre displays specially commissioned champagne bottles, such as pop art by Roy Lichtenstein. Their concept store, Chromatique, houses a selection of elegantly curated gifts and artworks, a new restaurant called Polychrome is due to open in Spring 2025, but it’s deep underground where the magic happens. The Taittinger cellars hold stories throughout history. Firstly, they were initially mined by the Romans, next they were adapted by Benedictine monks to create the abbey of St Nicaise in the 13th century. WW1 was particularly destructive for Reims, and thousands of civilians hid in the cellars for shelter. Graffiti carved into the wall, marking dates or depicting German helmets makes for fascinating glimpses into the past.

Visitors emerge from the depths for a tasting in the contemporary salon. For those who wish to try one of Taittinger’s finest champagnes, consider its Comtes de Champagne; 100% chardonnay,

Travel France

blanc de blanc, with grapes from Grand Cru villages. There are seventeen Grand Cru villages in the region, but only five offer up chardonnay, so this is a small, select production. Interestingly, Taittinger has also invested in land in England (Domaine Evremond in Chilham, Kent). Their English sparkling wine is due to launch in Autumn 2024 with a visitor centre planned for Spring 2025, so watch this space.

REIMS FOOD & DRINK

There’s also great food and drink experiences to be had around Reims. Sabre your own bottle of champagne at Pol Couronne (champagne-polcouronne.com) in the centre of town. Try the specially farmed snails in traditional restaurants such as Brasserie du Boulingrin (boulingrin.fr) on Rue de Mars. Treat yourself to Reims’ famous Fossier pink biscuits (fossier.fr). And don’t miss dining in Cafe du Palais (cafedupalais.fr), it’s an Art Deco delight.

WHERE TO STAY

Best Western Hotel La Paix offers up contemporary rooms plus an indoor swimming pool in the centre of town. It has an extensive champagne menu and quality dining with indoor and outdoor seating available, dishing up oysters, a delicate fillet of bass with fennel, and an indulgent rum baba. An ideal base for Reims. bestwestern-lapaix-reims.com/en

Taittinger Visitor Centre and Caves

Duck Confit at Cafe du Palais

In my short conservation career to this point I’d engaged in various experiments, attempting to feed squirrels, martens, kestrels and sparrowhawks. The marten feeding was always doomed to fail. I saw that now. As so much of Argaty is woodland, any marten here could roam over hundreds of acres without ever having to leave the trees. Why stay in one place indefinitely, eating the same meals of nuts and eggs each night, when a world of other edible delights lay all around? As for the kestrel and sparrowhawk efforts, they were so unsuccessful I haven’t even included them in this book. That left the squirrels as my sole success story. One in four. Not much of a strike rate. My methodology was clearly flawed. I was trying too hard to control the outcome, to make the wildlife do what I wanted. If the specific animal didn’t come, the whole experiment failed. It was, as Pete Cairns would attest, a waste of time and money.

Now I was ready for a new kind of experiment. The tactic would be simple: stop trying to manage everything. Create a habitat. See what happens.

As I’d learned more about the worldwide wildlife collapse, I’d grown increasingly concerned about one issue in particular: insects. Recent studies suggest that 40 per cent of global insect species are suffering dramatic declines due to climate change, overuse of pesticides and intensive agriculture. Looking around the gardens in the villages and towns, I couldn’t

A Fresh Approach

Britain now has 429 pairs of Red Kites – the most for 150 years . . . New figures show 131 pairs in England and 39 in Scotland.

Birdwatching Magazine, January 2001

escape the feeling that AstroTurf lawns, monoblock driveways, and a serious lack of plants and flowers had done a lot of harm too. At present, insects are declining at almost twice the rate of vertebrates. What happens to the rest of the food chain if you remove the lowest layer? Visit the supermarket and take a can from the bottom of the pyramid. You’ll get the idea. What struck me as the most troubling part of this story is that so few people seem to have spotted it happening. Small creatures escape our notice, I suppose, yet we rely on many of these insect species

Getting up close to a common blue damselfly.

by

Photo

Philip Price

Sorting the meat from the grass. Sometimes kites grab more than they bargain for!

for pollination, to break down organic matter, and for weed and pest control. Lose our insects, especially the pollinators, and our whole world could collapse. It seemed to me that if I really wished both to help with this and to boost wildlife numbers on the estate, something had to be done on the food chain’s ground floor. We had to concentrate on the insects. Improve their fortunes and everything else would surely benefit.

At the entrance to the red kite centre is a patch of rough ground where nothing except brambles grows. When visitors arrive, this is the first thing they see and it looks a fright. This would be the site for the new project.

During our dragonfly day the previous summer, Ruary Mackenzie Dodds and Kari de Koenigswarter had spoken with such passion about their love of these vibrant, splendid insects. Their fears for them were palpable, too. Dragonflies (this term is used in reference to both dragonflies and damselflies) were on this earth 150 million years before the dinosaurs and 200 million years before birds. But now, after approximately 350 million years of existence, they were in trouble. The draining of wetlands and the toxic drifts of insecticides and pesticides used too close to watercourses have hit them hard in Britain. Three species have become extinct since 1960, and of the thirty-nine remaining types 36 per cent are in decline. This should worry all of us. Dragonflies tell us so much about the cleanliness of our water and air. If either is polluted, the dragonflies won’t stick around. If we are creating a world that is unfit for them, aren’t we also creating one that is unfit for us?

Towards the end of his presentation Ruary had changed to a new slide in his PowerPoint and the most amazing construction met my eyes. Some years earlier he, Kari and a team of volunteers had built a pond at the Wicken Fen National Trust nature reserve. I use the word built rather than dug for a reason. This was a raised-bed pond, made from wooden sleepers.

They screwed them together, put a pond liner inside and filled it with water and dragonflyfriendly plants.

Ruary and Kari really sparked something in me. I couldn’t believe how little attention I’d paid to dragonflies previously. I watched the common blue, azure and red damselflies, the fourspotted chaser and common darter dragonflies as they fizzed around the water, landed on the bank, then spiralled off again and I was captivated. They really were incredible. Ruary’s great hero Norman Moore described dragonflies as the birder’s insect, and I understood that. The way

they hovered, spun in their tracks, then spontaneously exploded into flight was very raptor-like; their abilities inspired the same awe. Both were capable of acts of physicality of which we humans could only dream.

One thing that truly stunned me was how short the life of a dragonfly is above water. Most species spend years in the under- water larval stage and mere weeks as freeflying adults above the surface. And that was if they were lucky. Sometimes, said Ruary, a sharpsighted bird eats the dragonfly nymph at the very moment it emerges above water. Bad weather can further shorten those already

short lives. Neither dragonflies nor their prey can easily fly in rain, and dragonflies can starve to death in prolonged periods of wet weather. There seemed a real tragedy to the existence of these brilliant creatures. Theirs truly was the briefest of flames. It wasn’t hard to see why Ruary and Kari were so devoted to their care.

The things I learned that day remained with me. The image of that raised-bed pond lingered, too. In recent months our volunteer numbers had grown and, with nothing else on my hands, no other work to give them, now seemed the perfect time to build one of our own.

An emerald damselfly perches pond-side.

The wonders of the underwater world: The raised-bed pond became an amazing home to wildlife.

Photo by Philip Price

Photo by Ràna Webster

Beetroot & Pesto Roulade

By Wendy Barrie

As summer turns to autumn, we are fortunate our garden is brimming with fruit and vegetables. Almost every plant therein is edible; both useful and beautiful. Alternately, do check out Scottish Farm Shops for wonderful vegetables, fresh from the fields with fabulous flavours, minimum packaging and low food miles. You can vary this vegetarian recipe with other seasonal flavours however if you are using a vegetable that only requires light cooking, such as courgettes, then just grate them in raw, not pre-cooked.

Today’s recipe has home-grown beetroot and chives, with wild garlic pesto (using Summer Harvest Rapeseed oil, artisan farmhouse cheese from Scottish Cheese Trail, and cashew nuts). It can of course be nut free if preferred. The finished dish is a colourful palette, complete with Arran Victory potatoes from The Potato House and our own salted cucumbers.

4 large free range eggs

Twist of milled pepper & a scrunch Blackthorn sea salt

3 medium cooked beetroot

1tbsp pesto

Method:

For filling: 300g cream cheese, blended with 1tbsp natural yoghurt (sufficient to make a smooth spreading consistency) & a generous handful of rinsed & dried chopped chives

• Pre-heat oven 160°C and line a large Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.

• Blend egg yolks and pesto in a bowl, and grate in beetroot.

• Whisk whites to soft peaks and fold into mixture. Spoon gently into the prepared tin.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes until well risen and set.

• Lay out a sheet of parchment, turn out roulade, peel off paper and roll up with a paper within.

• When cold, unroll, remove paper, spread with filling the re-roll.

Serves 4-6 as a main course with potato salad (steamed potatoes with French dressing)

Wendy is a cook, food writer & campaigner for local sustainable produce & biodiversity. Founder Director of award-winning Scottish Food Guide & Scottish Cheese Trail, Wendy is also Leader for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Cooks Alliance in Scotland, IGCAT Global Experts Network member, co-founder of Scottish Bread Championship & pioneer of East Ayrshire Council’s school lunch programme. She has co-written “Meadows: The Swedish Farmer & The Scottish Cook,” with her husband, on regenerative food production, available online & from selected farm shops.

Photograph © Wendy Barrie

The fight against food dictators

By Jake Swindells

For over a year now, the Countryside Alliance has been at the forefront of a major fight-back against councils banning meat and dairy, encouraging them to, instead, champion local sourcing and freedom of choice. It’s not a campaign we should have had to begin, but sadly not a month goes by where it has not become essential.

Edinburgh City Council, to name just one, felt the need to sign up to a “plantbased treaty”. The origin of this treaty seems unclear, but one can only suspect that pressures from external activist groups, and quite possibly with some support of some internal campaigners, helped decision-makers sign on the dotted line. What isn’t taken into consideration is the

vast majority of people who enjoy a healthy, balanced diet, which regularly includes meat and dairy products.

We have seen a number of councils and Universities (Edinburgh University being another guilty party) either switch to a plant-based menu or attempt to force such decisions onto their students and staff, which has kept The Countryside Alliance busy

Jake Swindells

given that we have tackled these individual instances at source and have fought to ensure the choice to eat meat and dairy products remains just that, a choice!

When a council introduces such a ban, it often means that any public buildings, such as council offices, schools, care homes and hospitals are also included. Living in rural Scotland I know what

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Wild food - Wood pigeon

BBQ fish skewers

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the narrative would be in my daughters’ school and parent council meeting should this even be attempted. There is much being said about the far right in the news these days, but the far left is equally as damaging with some astonishing decisions and opinions being forced upon those who simply don’t want them, and those who remain somewhere in the middle seem to have less of a say as time goes on.

At this years’ Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, my daughters School had a really fun and educational day out as part of their curriculum. The Army had a stand, with anything from small arms for people to learn about to jeeps and trucks with mounted weapons on them. When the school newsletter came out it had a picture of some students on the stand, and some were even allowed to hold a gun. A fantastic, educational opportunity. One parent (who’s child was not in the picture, so I understand) hit the roof and officially complained about the advocating of guns. This is what we have to deal with in this cotton wool society, and sadly, this deluded opinion spills over to the food we choose to eat.

The Herald newspaper recently published “Scottish Government research has defined 86% of Scotland’s agricultural land as ‘Less Favourable’, meaning it is only really suitable for livestock farming and, sparsely, harvestable animal fodder. Such land cannot be given over to arable farming because the crops will not grow”. So where does this leave us? Avocados from central and South America, lentils from Canada, Asia and Southern Europe, Asparagus from China – the list goes on. In an attempt to make the world a better place we are massively increasing food miles and burning thousands of tonnes of fossil fuels to

get what we think we need when we have the ability to self-sustain, and even prosper here in the UK. We have the opportunity to grow our economy, strengthen our land-based sector and create more stable and rewarding professions in rural Scotland. Instead, we entertain nonsensical opinion and, worse still, allow it to be implemented so it affects those who really don’t want it in the first place.

Thankfully, the campaigns against many council and university decisions to vote for or implement a plantbased diet across the board have been stopped in their tracks, with the help of the Countryside Alliance. The support for our campaign against these proposals has attracted many local authorities’ signatures, including our Highland Council, as more and more see sense and stand up against food dictators.

They say to know a person first you must walk a mile in their shoes. Well, I did. My freezer is full of self-shot venison and game and self-caught fish. My 6-year-old daughter loves to help me vacuum pack the humanely sourced, organic and sustainable produce and absolutely adores meat and fish. In the home gym one evening in 2023, I clicked on a programme called “The Game Changers”. It followed professional athletes on their plant-based journey, and, in a moment of weakness, I thought that I would give it a go. For over 6 months I put my body, and my family (their choice), through a process that saw no meat or fish consumed in my house. Initially, we looked for supermarket food and found that unless satisfied with highly processed food then we were going to have to make our food from scratch each day. I will be completely

honest and say some of the concoctions were really very good, but we are a very busy household, and it took hours and hours of meal planning, prep and cooking each week. Time we really couldn’t spare. The cost of our food shop rocketed too and, bluntly, none of us felt much benefit from it so, after 6 months, we gave up and broke open the meat freezer in the garage. It was an interesting experiment, but I wouldn’t do it again.

In short, live your own life. If meat, fish or dairy isn’t for you then fine. You do you, as some would say. Just don’t force your choices and beliefs onto others by enacting change where the vast majority don’t want it. Support our farmers and our fishermen. Hold our government to account so that they make the right decisions and look towards growth and strength in our land-based sector.

Venison beach BBQ

Photo by @souls_untapped

NFU Mutual Charitable Trust delivers £500,000 to UK rural causes in first round of 2024 funding

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has announced its first round of donations for 2024, totalling more than £500,000 and giving support to11 rural causes across the UK.

This is the first of two rounds of funding which will be delivered across the year. The Trust expects overall donations to reach at least £1m by the end of 2024.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is one of the main ways the UK’s leading rural insurer NFU Mutual provides charitable donations. Its work forms part of NFU Mutual’s £3.25m charitable giving pledge to support its members and their communities during 2024.

This latest round of funding will help to deliver a range of initiatives, including rural

poverty relief, helping small farming businesses to thrive, educating and mentoring young people, and supporting mental wellbeing.

The organisations set to benefit from the donations are:

• Addington Fund

• Farms for City Children

• The FCN

• Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship

• NFU Education

• Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust

• Oxford Farming Conference

• Royal Countryside Fund

• RSABI

• Samaritans

• Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs

The donations will be available immediately, allowing the organisations to continue

to provide their crucial support services. Applications for the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust’s November round of donations are now open, and the closing date is 4th October. Full details can be found on NFU Mutual’s website.

Jim McLaren MBE, Chairman of NFU Mutual and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, said:“NFU Mutual is committed to making a positive impact for our members and wider society through our charitable giving programme. We are very proud to be championing the work of these great causes through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.”

The Royal Countryside Fund, a charity which empowers family farms and rural communities to survive and thrive, will be using their donation of £75,000 to aid

their work with Farm Support Groups across the UK.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director at The Royal Countryside Fund, explained how the Trust’s donation will be making a difference: “This incredibly generous grant from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust will help The Royal Countryside Fund improve the lives of thousands of farmers across the UK, who are supported by our Farm Support Group network. We will be able to increase the capacity of groups within the network to deliver more vital services and support to those in need. We would like to say a huge thank you to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for helping us provide this crucial support that so many within farming communities depend on.”

Data shows increase in available farmland while market stabilises

A notable increase in farmland available for purchase in the second quarter of 2024 has created a more stable market, moving past the frenetic activity that characterised the past two years.

With an increase in available land, buyers have regained some leverage, moderating the rate of land value growth, experts at national property consultancy Carter Jonas say.

An improvement in weather conditions meant that more launches could push ahead between April and June, ultimately bringing over 41,700 acres of new, publicly marketed land to the market.

“This represents a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2022 (34,900 acres) and in 2023 (32,800 acres),” says Andrew Chandler, Head of Rural Agency, Carter Jonas. “When added to the new launches in the first quarter, the first half of the year saw a 24.9% increase in publicly marketed supply compared to the first half of 2023 (53,163 acres, against 42,578 in 2023).

“The frenetic activity fuelled by record low levels of supply 18-24 months ago has subsided and given way to a more stable market.”

Although supply in the first

half of the year was 38.3% above the five-year average for the same period, it was 7.6% lower than the 10-year average, indicating it is still falling short of historical norms. This has translated to strong longer-term land value growth.

Average arable land values in England and Wales held firm at £9,667/acre, while average pasture values increased by a marginal 0.4% to reach £7,833/acre. From the start of 2024, average arable and pasture values have risen by 0.9% and 1.1% respectively.

“While growth has decelerated year-on-year, the trend remains positive,” says Mr

Chandler. “Annually, average arable land values have risen by 1.6% and average pasture by 2.0%. This compares to 6.4% annual growth for arable land and 4.4% for pasture a year earlier, a period defined by a particularly tight market with very limited supply.

“However, far from suggesting a downturn, we believe the deceleration in growth is indicative of a well-balanced market. While greater supply is creating more choice for buyers, and so tempering price growth, there is still a healthy level of interest driving activity.

Pensions v ISAs: How over 50s in rural communities can boost returns by up to 41%

“Commercial farming businesses, especially those who are largely cash-rich with less need for finance, remain a driving force in the market. This is complemented by a growing presence of natural capital buyers and the continued presence of rollover buyers who have utilised Business Asset Rollover Relief and are yet to reinvest in another asset.” Farmers in their 50s and 60s could be missing out on thousands of pounds by continuing to prioritise ISAs over investing in pensions.

The warning comes as latest figures show that 3.8 million people aged between 55 and 64 have ISAs worth an average of £38,257.

While money can normally be taken from ISAs at any time, flexible pension rules mean investors can access pensions from 55 years old (57 from 2028), taking the money as lump sums if they wish.

And the impact of pension tax relief means returns could be boosted by up to 41.6% for higher rate taxpayers.

Sean McCann, Chartered Financial Planner at NFU Mutual, said: “Unless you’re about to retire, pensions can seem like a bit of a dull subject – but if you’re in your fifties or older, they can offer a whole new way of thinking about investment.

“Once you reach 55 you can take money from your pension either as lump sums, income or both. This means they can offer an attractive alternative to ISAs if you’re looking to build up funds for the future or to potentially pass on wealth free of inheritance tax.

“Latest figures show 3.8 million people aged between 55 and 64 hold ISAs with an average value of 38,000 – but many of them could be better off topping up their pension and claiming the tax relief.

“In the rural community, we know a lot of farmers won’t have an employer paying into a pension scheme, so saving early and utilising pension benefits is a good idea, no matter your age.

“The tax boost you get when you put money into a pension can make a huge difference to returns.”

Frontier Agriculture acquires Fengrain’s asssetts after five-year relationship

Frontier Agriculture, the UK’s largest agronomy and grain marketing business, has now acquired the assets of Fengrain Ltd following a five-year relationship.

The acquisition sees 93,000 tonnes of combinable crop storage from the Fengrain’s Cambridgeshire site now incorporated into Frontier’s existing network to provide continued services in a key arable region.

It comes after Frontier became Fengrain’s marketing partner in 2019, with Fengrain being a farmer-owned co-op at

the time providing grain storage, cleaning, drying and haulage services to its members.

Frontier will continue to offer all of these as part of its broader grain marketing business, servicing both existing and new customers.

Speaking of the development, Frontier’s grain director, Simon Christensen, said the acquisition of Fengrain was positive news.

“[It] means we’re able to provide growers with more financial security and grain handling expertise across the East of England” he said.

“Our ownership of the Wimblington site will also allow further investment into the facilities there and we’re very pleased to welcome the expertise of those from Fengrain into the regional Frontier team.”

Richard Means, chairman of Fengrain, said the deal would “deliver the right result for our members and the future of the store.”

“The new storage and marketing arrangement should incentivise and provide flexibility for all who use it going forward.

“To complete this transition with support from our members in such a short time is also credit to all involved and we are looking forward to working more collaboratively with Frontier.”

Agriweld launch The Utility Weight

After numerous requests for a fuel tank option from customers Agriweld has introduced the latest offering within its highly renowned range of weights with the launch of the Utility Weight.

This new design in standard format features weighted flanks with up to 1800kg and a large 500 litre central area that is designed to house a 210L fuel tank and additional storage capacity

The option to have no tank increases the storage capacity even further and creates a truly versatile box that offers the customer real flexibility.

All finished to the highest of standards, the price includes

lasercut faceplate, colour choice, LED side stalks, chevrons, central marker rod, gas strut lid stay, rubber lid seal and floor lining. and grease gun holder.

A Compact option offers the same features in a slightly smaller form with weight up to 1100kg. it features the same 500 litre internal capacity.

Product Availability

Both are available to order direct or through dealers. Ordering via the AGCO dealer network allows the option to use AGCO limited edition colours and tractor brands

Vicon round balers gain more automation and extra technology

Vicon round balers have been given a host of upgrades for the 2024 season, including Tractor Implement Management (TIM), moisture sensing and the ability to tie the bale using film, in place of net wrap.

TIM is now available on the fixed chamber FixBale 500 model and the RV5200 Plus-series variable chamber balers, as an ISOBUS solution that enables the implement to control certain tractor functions,

when used with any TIM-ready tractor.

Through ISOBUS connectivity, TIM enables the baler to automatically carry out repetitive processes and manage several key tractor functions to improve operational efficiency. These include a pre-programmed rate of tractor deceleration to pause baling and apply net, along with opening and closing the baler’s tailgate after the bale has been tied. A

built-in inclinometer prevents unsafe bale ejection on steeper gradients.

From a further safety standpoint, the TIM process simply needs acknowledgement from the operator, to resume the baling process. This uses a preprogrammed rate of acceleration to automatically reach the desired forward speed for the volume of crop being baled.

By automating many of the repetitive tasks associated with round baling, the combination of TIM technology is able to reduce operator fatigue, while contributing to an overall efficiency gain.

Film binding is now an option for the FixBale 500 model, thanks to a range of modifications applied to the PowerBind net injection mechanism. These include a revised braking system and additional rollers to allow for the different characteristics of film, compared to net.

Hydraulically operated film groupers gather the material into a tail, to assist with the start and

finish of the film binding cycle. Capable of handling a wide range of pre-stretch ratios and

roll widths of up to 1300mm, this brings further operational flexibility to baling.

100,000 model milestone reached for Fendt

On 25 July 2024, following 25 uninterrupted years of manufacture, the 100,000th Fendt 700 Vario rolled off the production line in Marktoberdorf.

The Fendt 700 Vario has become a reference tractor for farmers, contractors and operators outside the agricultural sector. A small turning circle and high performance coupled with low fuel consumption has seen the 724 Vario become Germany’s longest-standing top model. Since its conception in 1999 it has received 33 awards in nine categories from nine countries.

“The 700 series is a true allrounder. It has evolved over the last 25 years to provide more power, improved fuel economy and better manoeuvrability whilst being the epitome of comfort,” says Ed Dennett, Retail Market Manager, Northwest Europe.

Launched on 30 August 1998, Fendt presented the Favorit 700 Vario series with its stepless transmission and range of fourvalve engines. Fendt was the first

manufacturer to introduce machine operation via joystick and terminal in the 115 to 160 hp power class. 10,000 of the first model were manufactured and the series won the “Tractor of the Year 1999” award.

In 2003, the “ Favorit” name was dropped and a new Tractor Management System (TMS), which controlled the engine and transmission, optimised the injection quantity and engine speed, was introduced.

Bridgestone’s superior products making a big impression

Bridgestone is combining soil care with superior quality to inflate its presence in the farming world like never before.

The premium tyre manufacturer is one of the most rapidly emerging brands in agriculture right now and has even created an online platform for the farming community called the ‘Bridgestone Club,’ providing monthly offers, advice, news, discounts and giveaways.

With a record number of original equipment fitments being seen on tractors as a reminder of their progress, Bridgestone is enjoying a breakthrough year and with good reason. Its VX-TRACTOR range is emerging to be a particularly popular product amongst farmers, with outstanding longevity, comfort and longlasting performance just three continued on page 107

A new dealer for Stanhay Webb precision vegetable drills in Scotland

CC Powell Ltd will supply sales and service of the entire Stanhay product range to growers in North East Scotland, a key area for root vegetable production.

CC Powell is the leading dealer of machinery for the vegetable and potato industry in North East Scotland, including the brands Grimme, Pottinger, Chafer and Horstine. The company will now be able to sell and service Stanhay’s precision vegetable drills.

Managing director of Stanhay, Chris Fletcher, sees the deal as a further step in growing its domestic business.

“Stanhay is thrilled to have a dealer of CC Powell’s standing in an important vegetable growing area,” says Chris Fletcher. “As well as growing our sales and market

share, having a link with some of the most innovative growers in the country will help us test and refine our new developments as we bring them to market.”

A focus on root crops to offer a bespoke service for vegetable growers in the region has been key to CC Powell’s success since it was formed in 2010.

“We are a dealer that concentrates our focus on root crops,” says Chris Powell, managing director of CC Powell Ltd. “The Stanhay product range adds to our existing portfolio without conflicting with any of our existing suppliers.

“Carrot growers are always looking for new and exciting machinery. Stanhay has a product range at least as good as

any other manufacturer, and they have the options and flexibility to do things, especially as a UK company.”

Chris believes Stanhay’s flexibility and focus on the vegetable market sets them apart from the competition. This ethos suits growers’ expectations for equipment customised to their specifications, he adds.

A Stanhay X30 single-bed drill was demonstrated to CC Powell’s customers this spring who will then evaluate its performance based on seed initiation, consistency of emergence and carrot size at lifting.

Accurate seed placement is a critical parameter for growers looking for a consistent-sized product, and Chris expects this to be the key factor.

“We are delighted with the trials so far and will continue to analyse them through the season. From February, when harvest starts, we will be able to get feedback from the packhouse regarding the size and quality of the carrots,” says Chris.

Left right Chris Powell and Chris Fletcher

compelling factors. The range, which is constructed from robust casings with extra-deep and extralong lugs, ensures outstanding traction and extremely long wear life; two points which resonated with businesses, many of whom cited the ‘false economy’ of purchasing budget alternatives in comparison in the past.

This has been supplemented by the arrival of the VX-R TRACTOR, which provides farmers with a high tread-rubber ratio exactly where it is needed for similarly long-lasting performance in other sizes. The tyre is being recognised for its wide tread width that sets it apart from other tyres and offers impressive traction, long wear life and excellent driver comfort.

Sustainability, the environment and soil health are all now key drivers with the farming community and this can be seen in Bridgestone’s VT-TRACTOR tyre.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies New North of Scotland Bobcat Dealer

Bobcat has announced the appointment of Inverness-based MacGregor Industrial Supplies as the company’s new Authorised Dealer for the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire regions of Scotland.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies is a leading provider of industrial supplies and equipment in the North of Scotland, offering a wide range of products and services across the company’s 17 separate divisions, including those in Construction, Forest & Groundcare and Fencing & Agriculture.

In addition to the Inverness headquarters, MacGregor Industrial Supplies has seven further branches

in Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway and Turriff. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality, MacGregor Industrial Supplies

continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

John Christofides, Regional Sales Director for Bobcat EMEA,

commented: “We believe our new collaboration with MacGregor Industrial Supplies will be very positive for both companies in the North of Scotland. With over 300 employees and eight branches in the North, MacGregor Industrial Supplies is an impressive business with a wide array of products and services spanning every market in Scotland. I am sure that the Bobcat brand will continue to prosper in the North of Scotland under the stewardship of MacGregor Industrial Supplies.”

“We are excited to become an Authorised Bobcat Dealer,” said John MacGregor, Managing Director at MacGregor Industrial Supplies. “Under the management of my colleagues, Douglas Fraser and Keith Bremner, I’m sure the Bobcat brand will be even more successful in Scotland. Our team’s extensive experience with Bobcat equipment, combined with our dedication to exceptional customer service, positions us to deliver even greater value to our Bobcat customers.”

KUHN increases longevity of standard plough points

KUHN Farm Machinery’s midrange OLYMPIC plough points have been redesigned to offer a 30% increase in longevity, helping users running genuine KUHN parts to increase the service life from their wearing metal.

The second-generation OLYMPIC point is now fitted as standard on all KUHN ploughs from the smallest MASTER

113 up to the largest Challenger range. They offer increased thickness at the top of the point to extend the lifespan and a bevelled shape to improve soil penetration. Further to this is an accentuated design to even wear and reduce tractor power consumption. The central section is now protected from extended wear to shield the bolts, making changing points easier.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the points now offer a much-improved longevity to price ratio.

“The new OLYMPIC point retains similar dimensions to the previous version but offers an increased lifespan of 30% at a recommended retail price increase of just 6%. This means users will be benefitting from a more cost-effective option, increased longevity, and less downtime during the season by using genuine KUHN parts.”

50 years of Hoftrac

A machine that makes history!

Weidemann is celebrating the Hoftrac’s birthday. The features of the small, compact loader have proven themselves both nationally and internationally for more than 50 years.

From the first prototypes that were designed as simpler threewheel loaders came a small, articulated wheel loader in 1972 and 1973. Its developers, brothers Reinhold and Oswald Weidemann, gave it the modern name “Hoftrac”.

A Weidemann Hoftrac is manoeuvrable, powerful, very flexible - and this is all with an extremely compact design. The first Hoftrac in series production, the Perfect 130, was developed in 1974 to precisely these points.

The small, red articulated machine was a great success right

from the start. What is the basis of the success of the Hoftrac models and their big “big brothers”?

Then, like now, the machines presented a genuine, practical solution. In the early seventies, the Weidemann brothers meticulously experimented in their workshop in Diemelsee-Flechtdorf, Hessen, where they created a machine that could both enter into and work

inside stables. Up until then this was barely possible, as the buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s mostly only allowed a wheelbarrow to access the feed alley. Behind the cattle, there was likewise only space for a wheelbarrow. That meant that feeding jobs and mucking out simply had to be carried out using a wheelbarrow and fork, therefore manually.

Kubota partners with UV Boosting to drive sustainable agriculture

Kubota Corporation and French start-up technology firm UV Boosting have announced a partnership to jointly promote innovation with sustainable solutions for the viticulture industry.

UV Boosting has developed a patented solution for stimulating a plant’s natural defences, through the use of UV-C light flashes. This allows growers to reduce their reliance on fungicides and minimise damage caused by pathogens and other abiotic stresses such as spring frost or drought.

UV Boosting’s UV-C light flash technology is crop agnostic and the existing implement portfolio can be easily extended into other crops.

Kubota plans to tackle global challenges, such as environmental

regulations, climate impacts, and labour shortages, by expanding community-focused operations and offering integrated solutions and technological advancements for customers.

Daria Batukhtina, strategic business development manager at Kubota Innovation Center Europe, said; “Increasing regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns are enabling a need for alternatives to minimise chemical inputs in speciality crops. This pilot program with several growers and dealers is a part of Kubota’s strategy to create an eco-system which allows innovation to evolve, through partnerships with external businesses such as AgTech startups, agricultural producers, research institutes and universities.”

The pilot program is taking place in Brescia, Italy, and Anjou, France. The participating dealers will manage and support UV Boosting’s technology, and collate customer feedback. The distribution network already recognises an increasing demand for new environmentally friendly solutions that enables plants to self-protect, through UV light stimulation.

Herve Gerard-Biard, vice president of business development, Kubota Holding Europe BV said; “With this partnership, Kubota is extending its scope into alternative crop protection solutions and accelerating its innovation strategy with the objective of creating new business opportunities.”

According to expertsbacked by scientific evidence - UV light solutions secure the yield for organic, biodynamic or conventional wine growers. Growers will apply four to seven treatments during the season to evaluate the technology impact on yield results, in addition to the overall effectiveness on tree health.

ARTISAN The

Emily Crookshank attended The Glasgow School of Art from 2007 to 2011 and currently operates from her studio in Pitlochry at the back of the former Melt Gallery, due to re-open as The Perthshire Gallery in September this year.

Her artworks span various mediums, including striking charcoal depictions of mountains, birds of prey, and falcons, hand built ceramic sculptures,

textured works on paper inspired by nature, as well as abstract etchings and monoprints infused with emotional depth. Emily’s main process has been through traditional printmaking; etching is one such process.

Etching uses acid to create a hand drawn image on a metal plate. Once the image has been etched into the surface of the metal plate, it is possible for a

small limited edition of prints to be taken from the original plate. For every proof taken, the ink is reapplied to the plate before printing through a cast iron manual etching press. An etching is created and printed by hand from start to finish. With digital printing processes so widely used today, it is important to reinforce that printmaking is an original art form demanding high levels of

technical and artistic skill. Some of the most celebrated artists that worked in this medium are Rembrandt, Whistler and Picasso.

Over the last 13 years, Emily has been invited to showcase her artwork in numerous reputable exhibitions across the UK and undertaken various private commissions, including a recent series of charcoal drawings for Forestry England. Stay updated with Emily on Instagram: @emilycrookshank Explore more of her work on her Website: www.emilycrookshank.com Or get in touch by Email: mail@emilycrookshank.com

Studio visits by appointment only at: 14 Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry PH16 5BS

Studio etching plates

Red Stag at Dawn steel etching plate Red Stag at Dawn printed

In the studio with the press

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Florentina Petrescu

Plant Breeders Limagrain UK are delighted to announce the appointment of Florentina Petrescu as the new Oilseed Rape Product Manager.

Ms. Petrescu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having held the position of seed specialist with Nickerson for the last eight years.

Ms. Petrescu is a graduate of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Agriculture, providing her with a valuable insight into agricultural science and practices.

Her primary focus will be on driving innovation, ensuring product quality, and supporting customers with tailored solutions that meet their unique needs.

Chris Harrold Yara UK congratulates Chris Harrold on his promotion to Head of Crop Nutrition Agronomy. He takes on the new role as part of a wider review of the agronomy function within Yara in the UK.

The agricultural sector is changing at pace and as farmers move towards a more regenerative approach to crop production, there’s a need to improve crop productivity and do so sustainably. “Yara is well-known for providing high quality products and sound technical advice based on strong data,” comments Chris. “The review of how our agronomy team supports our customers will ensure we continue to adapt and provide relevant advice that meets their needs.”

Chris comments that the agronomy team’s recent attendance at events like Cereals and Groundswell highlighted a prime example of the need to adapt Yara’s advice to emerging approaches to crop production. “Many farmers are adapting their cropping to deal with changes in the economics of growing certain crops and are considering growing alternatives. They are also looking at how they can best make their crops more resilient to extreme weather. Agriculture is changing, and the support and advice we offer must change with it.”

Dean Cottey

After joining OPICO in January 2024 as Territory Manager South West, Dean Cottey is taking the reins as UK Strautman Product Manager from the 1st of August. Dean has a wealth of experience in agricultural machinery, having spent the last 14 years honing his knowledge with CLAAS UK. Deans’ passion for agriculture comes from growing up on his family dairy farm in East Devon.

“Growing up in Devon with my brothers and working alongside my Mum and Dad sparked my passion for farming, I’ve always known I wanted a career in agriculture. During my college studies I was given the opportunity to spend 12 months’ work experience with McCormick.

Professor Ian Toth

Professor Ian Toth, Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) and Scotland’s Plant Health Centre at The James Hutton Institute, has been appointed as President of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), in recognition of his 35 years of pioneering potato research.

Over the next three years, Professor Toth will lead the Association, comprised of over 200 individual members and other sustaining members, with a network that spans Europe and beyond.

His leadership will enhance the EAPR’s commitment to promoting the exchange of scientific and technical information related to all aspects of potato breeding, production, protection, storage and utilisation on a global scale.

THE BOOK SHELF

The Last Sunset in the West: Britain’s Vanishing West Coast Orcas

by Natalie Sanders

Orcas are the ocean’s top predator, and they are creatures which have fascinated, frightened, and entertained us for generations. Though most commonly known as ‘killer whales,’ marine biologist and author Dr. Natalie Sanders has decided to refer to them simply as ‘orcas’ throughout her book, rightfully pointing out the hypocrisy in we humans reducing another creature only to its most brutal hunting tactics. Orcas are not truly whales at all, but part of the dolphin family, and they are also endangered, increasingly threatened by human activity which puts their continued survival at risk. In 2014, Natalie joined the crew of the research vessel Silurian to seek out Britain’s West Coast Community of orca and study them before we lose them forever. The Last Sunset in the West is her poignant, eloquent account of this journey, as well as a more general introduction to orcas and how we can all do more to make our oceans a safer place for them.

The West Coast Community is a pod of orcas which can be seen in the waters surrounding England, Wales, and Ireland, though the Hebrides are their true home. Though this orca community has captivated scientists and whale watchers for years, there is still

so much more we can learn about them, making them a fascinating subject for this book. At the time of writing, there were only eight members left in the West Coast Community at the best estimate –four males and four females. Recent sightings have only included two males, meaning that the population might have dwindled to just two. Though it is too late for this pod to be repopulated, Natalie is clear that there is much we can learn from them for ongoing and future conservation efforts.

The marine world is an entrancing place, and this book is a brilliant read for anyone interested in how climate change continues to impact such an essential ecosystem. The narrative takes the reader from the Western Isles of Scotland to Vancouver Island and elsewhere. It tells the individual stories of Scotland’s orcas in detail, such as Lulu, found to be the world’s most polluted whale when she washed up on the beach in Tiree, to Joe Coe and Aquarius, the remaining pair of males who can still be sighted around the Hebrides today.

The book also delves deep into the history of human relationships with these compelling and sentient creatures. It explores just what their loss means and how we can avoid similar tragedies in the future.

The Last Sunset in the West by Natalie Sanders was published by Birlinn in paperback in July 2024 (£10.99) www.birlinn.co.uk