Farming Scotland Magazine (May - June 2024)

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

Royal Highland Show Preview

Scotsheep

Open Farm Sunday

Scottish Game Fair

In Focus

“Funding the future of Scottish farming” by Anglo Scottish Asset Finance

Case Study

Maximising biogas potential with FM BioEnergy

The Artisan

Drystone Walling Perthshire

Tuscan style Tongue plus

Flavour of Scotland • Ffermio Cymru

Beatha an Eilean • Northern Isles

Scottish Country Life • Women in Agriculture

Book Serialisation • Food & Drink including our regular news areas and columns

Tuathanachas Alba

editor's bit

Hello, is that a real human?

In supermarkets (I do use farm shops too!) there is a huge growth in the ‘self-scan’ till where one has to scan their own purchases without any human contact or chat.

By chat, I don’t mean the 15th time an item doesn’t scan properly, and the wee ‘bored out of their head’ assistant comes over and mumbles something!

Christina and I often avoid the self-scan options for that very reason, and of course it is also helping these businesses to cut jobs.

The same goes for company receptionists, they must be a dying breed these days too?

I am sure you all know the depressing feeling when you phone a client and get that automated message that you are so important to us, were going to make you listen to 8 options, and then maybe a few more – to assist you?

“Why not just answer the bloody phone” I think to myself.

Then, once you have found your option, which for me is almost always the last one on the list, you get put through (Hoorah!), only for an engaged tone or nothing at all.

Then you have nowhere to go, no human to talk to, you hang up and start again.

“Life is ebbing away” I think to myself before having a sip of tea to calm me down before re dialling.

It’s called progress you know! – and the more progress we see, the less humanity plays a part in our daily lives.

I am not a technophobe, just an occasional moaning old git.

Happy Agricultural Show times to you all anyway – at least you will meet real humans there!

LOL Slàinte, Athole.

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New plant sap analysis

A new plant health test offered by Eurofins Agro UK can identify nutrients in cytoplasm and vascular bundles.

PlantSapCheck offers growers an accurate way to identify the nutrient composition of plant material, as Eurofins Agro UK specialist Shane Brewer explains:

“We now have the technology in our UK laboratories to test pressed plant material that has been frozen and thawed. This analysis determines all the nutrients in the sap and the cytoplasm to provide a picture of plant nutrient uptake.”

Using just 200 grams of fresh plant material, the test shows the dynamics of nutrient uptake in the sap flow and cellular fluid.

“This provides a snapshot in time and identifies key markers for plant health, like calcium, which will help to manage a nutrient input programme for horticulture and fruit crops,” says Mr Brewer.

He further suggests that being able to accurately chart how calcium is taken up by the plant will help growers take actions to improve the firmness of a plant’s cell wall and cell membrane.

“Calcium forms the bridges between pectin chains and cell walls, which directly impact on the firmness and permeability of the cell. Knowing how this is tracking in real time, with

test results provided in five days or less, will help growers to make decisions that can save time and money whilst also providing better quality plants and fruit,” he adds.

The report provided by Eurofins’ laboratories in the UK will also offer benchmark figures that have been generated using target values gathered from thousands of tests worldwide.

Early Vixeran timing to boost biomass recovery

Cereal crops that have been badly affected by waterlogging and wet soils over the winter now stand to make greatest gains from Vixeran® biofertiliser providing a 40 kg/ha N boost early in the agronomy programme this year.

Crops with damaged rooting, or where residual soil nutrients have leeched away, could get a fast pick up from Vixeran application in the initial fungicide timing - giving a rapid delivery of readily available nitrogen exactly where it’s required in the plant, advises Syngenta UK Technical Manager and biologicals specialist, Andy Cunningham.

“Extensive research has shown that the specific strain of Azotobacter salinestris bacteria in Vixeran, CECT 9690, can colonise the plant and multiply to beneficial levels in less than 24 hours, compared to a week or more with some other

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endophyte bioproducts,” he reported.

The Vixeran bacteria strain is unique in its high nitrogen fixation activity and its triple

mode of action – working as a foliar endophyte, root endophyte and in the soil rhizosphere. The bacteria convert freely available atmospheric nitrogen directly into ammonium, which circumvents the plants’ most energy hungry stage of conventional fertiliser conversion and enables amino acid production to build biomass.

“That could prove especially useful to provide an essential nutrient buffer if wet weather further disrupts fertiliser applications this year, or even if dry weather limits nutrient uptake and utilisation, as has occurred in recent spring condition,” added Andy.

“With a Vixeran biofertiliser application you can be confident

that plants are getting essential nutrient during the crucial early spring stages of biomass development that will drive yield. One of the other major advantages we have seen with Vixeran is that it is remarkably resilient to environmental factors, which makes it applicable in a wide range of crops and conditions.”

For winter cereals, he believes a single spray application of Vixeran at 50 g/ha at the an early fungicide timing, to coincide with tillering through to stem extension, will give a valuable boost. Vixeran has proven to be biologically compatible with a wide range of crop protection products that could be used around that timing.

Major new cereal fungicide MIRAVIS® Plus granted GB authorisation

An eagerly awaited fungicide product that has delivered substantial yield gains in wheat and barley trials has received authorisation for use in Great Britain, confirms its manufacturer, Syngenta.

On 3rd April 2024 Syngenta received the official decision by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the approval of the active substance pydiflumetofen. On 05 April HSE also authorised the product MIRAVIS® Plus, which contains pydiflumetofen, for use on a wide range of arable crops, including winter and spring wheat and barley, says Syngenta cereal fungicide

portfolio manager, Lizzie CarrArcher.

“MIRAVIS® Plus contains an SDHI known as pydiflumetofen (ADEPIDYN® technology) and will be available to the market in a co-pack with the tried and tested triazole fungicide, prothioconazole,” Ms Carr-Archer explains.

“More detail on MIRAVIS® Plus will be provided at an upcoming launch, but key points to note include that trials have shown it is extremely effective against the important diseases of Septoria tritici in wheat, and net blotch and Ramularia in barley. It has also been shown to

Substantial remedial work needed to reset maize ground after wet winter

Effective soil preparation will be vital to ensuring that this year’s maize crops get off to the best possible start. That is according to Simon Montgomery, Technical Lead of ProCam’s Field Options division, who warns that the exceptionally wet winter could have done significant damage to land earmarked for maize.

“After several months of

waterlogged conditions during which large areas of maize ground have been sitting under several inches of water, soils will need a lot of work to get them into the best possible condition ahead of drilling,” Simon Montgomery explains.

The main effects of the winter’s remarkably wet conditions will be soil

provide robust potency against Rhynchosporium in barley, and significant reductions in Fusarium head blight in wheat and in DON mycotoxin.

“ADEPIDYN® technology has been undergoing rigorous development in the UK for the last seven years and is already registered and used successfully

in many wheat growing countries around the world, Miravis being the leading fungicide brand in the Canadian market. In the UK alone, it has been tested in over 500 trials, with a visible increase in green leaf area retention and significant yield improvement results, including yield increases in barley even in the absence of disease.

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compaction, silting and nutrient losses.

“Soil compaction will be especially bad on ground which was harvested in wet conditions last autumn, or where farmyard manure has been carted onto wet fields in readiness for spring spreading,” Simon continues.

“The wet conditions will also have caused valuable nutrients to be leached out of the soils, and for those left bare over the winter to silt up and become anaerobic.

“The extent of the damage will vary from field to field and according to topography and soil type, but it’s safe to assume that the majority of maize ground will need at least some remedial

management to ensure the new cropping cycle starts well.

“The quickest, simplest and most cost-effective way of determining soil condition is to grab a spade and dig a test pit in a handful of locations per field.”

Beyond visual inspections to assess the physical damage incurred, Simon also recommends soil sampling to understand the extent to which nutrients have been lost: “Residual nutrient reserves will have been depleted by leaching, so it’s a worthwhile investment to get soils tested properly,” he explains. “The key is to test not only for soilstock nutrient levels of the main

macro- and micro-nutrients, but also to test for plant-available nutrients. Analytical services such as ProCam’s SoilSense

test will give a more in-depth understanding of the soil, its potential, and how it should be managed.”

NFU Scotland joins calls for halt to introduction of seasonal worker recruitment charges

Failure to consult industry properly on costly proposals

NFU Scotland is joining industry calls for a halt to proposed changes to rules requiring growers pay recruitment fees and transport costs of seasonal workers that they employ.

New requirements to SMETA (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit) workforce audits will require UK farming and growing business to pay for the

recruitment and transportation fees of the seasonal workers they employ.

The announcement was made last week, with insufficient industry consultation, and will have a substantial financially damaging impact on farming and growing businesses.

NFU Scotland is investigating further and will

work with NFU on the issue. That includes calling for the change to be paused until there is proper industry consultation, alignment on how it will be fairly implemented and the financial cost impacts and risks to farming and growing businesses are fully understood.

Chair of NFU Scotland’s Horticulture Working Group,

Iain Brown, who employs seasonal workers on his soft fruit and vegetable farm in Fife said: “A proper industry consultation is urgently required. The welfare of the skilled people who come to Scotland to help produce the country’s food is important. Many horticulture producers have high numbers of workers return to their businesses each

year because they are so well valued.

“Paying the recruitment fees of workers could mean that many businesses are no longer commercially viable. Any loss in production will drive food price inflation.

“Due to the poor level of industry consultation, it is unclear how the change in standard will be applied fairly and transparently across the supply chain.

“The financial cost impact and risks to horticultural businesses will be considerable after 3 challenging years. Growers are already struggling with high input costs, extreme weather events and challenges in the supply chain.”

Yellow rust

‘lurking’ in wheat needs cost-effective early control, growers urged

A perfect storm of late-drilled fields, susceptible varieties and the mild winter means yellow rust is now lurking in many winter wheat crops, says Syngenta cereal disease expert, Joe Bagshaw.

With its potential to inflict as much as 50% yield loss, it will be important to tackle this early, he maintains, before it has chance to spread up the plant.

“Unlike Septoria tritici, which is favoured by earlier drilling, yellow rust tends to be more of a problem in later-drilled winter wheat,” explains Mr Bagshaw. “Clearly, later drilling has been commonplace this season because of the washout weather. But several key varieties that are suited to later drilling also have low yellow rust resistance ratings,” he adds.

“On top of that, winter temperatures simply haven’t been

Lambing Shed Artwork Urges Farmers to

In the latest initiative behind its #KeepTalking campaign, RSABI is reminding people of the importance of checking in on each other at this very busy, and often challenging, time of year by sharing a series of powerful lambing shed artwork created by farmers across Scotland.

Encouraging people to try find time, even during lambing, calving and sowing, to look out for each other, RSABI has teamed up with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), and has been sharing photos of the artwork across social media, highlighting the vital #KeepTalking message along with SAYFC’s powerful AreEweOk? message.

RSABI’s ongoing #KeepTalking initiative aims to encourage those living within Scottish agricultural communities to reach out and reconnect with loved ones, neighbours and relatives if feeling isolated or lonely.

“It’s particularly important at this time of year, when everyone is starting to be busy with spring work and weather conditions are often against

us, for the farming community to stay connected and look out for anyone who may be struggling.

“We know there are some really tough days and that some people can find life difficult. Things can be hard and it is very easy to start to be overwhelmed when you are working flat out and not getting enough sleep,” said Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI.

“RSABI is also here for everyone working in Scottish agriculture. Our Helpline 0808 1234 555 is open 24/7 and we also have a free counselling service that is quick and simple to arrange.”

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.

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.

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cold enough to kill off the lower leaves where yellow rust is lurking.

“All this means we now have a bank of infection in the base of many wheat crops. This will need controlling before it spreads up to the top three leaves, because these leaves contribute about three quarters of final yield.”

With yields already likely to be depressed to some degree because of later drilling, Mr Bagshaw says it will be vital to do the best possible job of safeguarding remaining yield potential, but to do so cost-effectively.

“Understandably, growers will be looking for cost-effective fungicides in the early part of the season. But it’s important to ensure these fungicide also provide proven yellow rust activity wherever this is a threat.

“Consult the fungicide dose response curves on the AHDB website, which show results on the reductions in yellow rust and yields achieved with different fungicides.

Investment in fodder beet can maximise returns

Fodder beet should be a serious consideration for livestock farmers this spring, given its potential to be the highest yielding of UK-grown forage crops and the cheapest per unit of energy produced.

So says ProCam’s Rhys Owen, who outlines a number of key management points and recent advances in agronomy that will help to ensure success.

“Achieving its typical potential of around 25 tonnes of dry matter (DM) per hectare, fodder beet can work out at as little as 5-6.5p/kg DM, which can be about a third to half of the cost of grass silage, or compares with about 8-10p/ kg DM for kale,” Rhys explains. “Fodder beet is a crop that requires investment and attention to detail. However, done right, it can be the most cost effective forage crop available.

“It is a multi-purpose crop, in that it can be grazed in situ or lifted. Fed in situ, it has the potential to

extend grazing seasons, or to be utilised as part of an out-wintering system for cattle or sheep.”

period being mid-March to the end of April, says Rhys, so should therefore be established before the

Fodder beet is drilled earlier than most other forage crop options, with the optimum sowing

greatest risk of dry periods that can hamper later-drilled crops. In all cases, site selection is the first consideration, he says, then it’s important to prepare the right seedbed.

“Light and medium bodied soils that are free draining are best, with a pH of 6.5 or higher. For optimum establishment and crop growth, create a seedbed that’s fine and firm in the upper 5-7cm, with a more open structure below to allow root development.

“If you are intending to graze the crop in situ, it’s important to plan ahead of drilling in order to optimise the layout. If planning to transition cattle on to beet, leave a 6m headland to allow them space. Also, drill in a direction that enables the fence to be positioned along the rows, which simplifies allocation of the crop to all stock. If the field is sloping, always aim to graze downhill.”

Maximising returns from fodder beet also depends on

choosing varieties based on trials performance and their suitability for the required end use, adds Rhys.

“For grazing cattle, use a proven medium DM variety like Geronimo, whereas if it’s for sheep or young cattle you’ll achieve better utilisation by going for a variety that sits out of the ground more, with a lower DM, such as Lactimo. In all cases, I’d recommend using primed (pre-germinated) seed, as this will result in a faster and more even establishment, with the crop reaching canopy closure more quickly.

“Primed seed is an important advance in fodder beet growing. It should be used alongside a number of other significant agronomic improvements in order to achieve full potential.

“For example, where a crop is destined for grazing, fertiliser application and disease control should be geared towards maintaining green leaf growth longer into the season, boosting

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overall yield and protein content,” he says.

“Fodder beet has a total nitrogen (N) requirement of about 200-240kg N/ha, compared with 120-150kg N/

ha for traditional beet. But with the right inputs at the right time, fodder beet can out-perform any other forage crop and be your most cost effective autumn and winter forage.”

PGRO alerts growers to SFI’s potential impact on pulse crops

The Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) is advising growers who are entering agreements for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to ensure that they fully understand the potential impact their decisions will have on future pulse crop rotations.

Concerns are growing that well-intentioned SFI agreements could negatively impact future pulse production opportunities. With legumes being included in some SFI options it could mean that they are left in the ground for a number of years

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– or are very frequently present – increasing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases in future pulse crops.

PGRO has set out a detailed paper written by Dr Becky Howard highlighting some of the potential unintended consequences which it advises all arable farmers to read before embarking on an SFI option. The paper has been published at www.pgro.org.

PGRO CEO Roger Vickers said: “We are not against the Sustainable Farming Incentive; in fact we agree that farmers should be paid for providing positive environmental outcomes.

“But PGRO and others involved in the pulse sector have serious concerns over the impact some options will have on cropping in the long term.”

Syngenta environmental seed mixes deliver more for agronomy and ecology

Farmers can now take advantage of the Syngenta Operation Pollinator environmental seed mixture offers for the 2024 season.

The range of seed mixes have been specifically selected to be easy to establish and manage, as well as meeting objectives of new environmental scheme payments. Furthermore, many of the mixes create additional ecological and agronomic benefits,

according to Syngenta Sustainable Farming Manager, Belinda Bailey.

The highly popular Green Headland Mix, for example, not only fits within multiple aspects of SFI/Countryside Stewardship, but when planted alongside potato and vegetable crops creates essential protection of soil structure and retention of nutrient and soil in the field.

Over and above its value of rooting and green manure, the

mix also includes floristic species selected to provide pollen and nectar sources for pollinating insects and to encourage beneficial predators that reduce pest risks to the growing crop.

A unique Operation Pollinator Bees ‘n Seeds mix meets all the requirements for winter bird food provision, along with an earlier flowering component that provides an allimportant late-season pollen and

nectar source to boost pollinating insect populations.

“The Operation Pollinator seed mixtures can enable farmers and agronomists to go beyond the basics and provide greater ecological value of their farmland, without any additional cost or effort,” advocated Belinda.

“The Operation Pollinator mixes are backed with results of industry’s most comprehensive

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scientific research and monitoring.”

Last year alone, Belinda reported detailed studies on five farms revealed more than 200 species among 11,000 invertebrates identified in ecological areas sown with Syngenta seed mixtures alongside commercial potato and vegetable crops. That included 67 pollinator species and 60 species known to be predators or parasitoids of crop pests.

Independent monitoring of the Green Headland Mix over five seasons had identified more than 140 species of pest predators and 99 UK species that aid pollination. It has also highlighted 118 species of food sources for game and farmland birds, as well as 32 species recognised as rare or notable on conservation lists.

Belinda advised the Green Headland Mix has the flexibility to plant from the end of April right through to mid-September, in most seasons. That makes it an ideal option for uncropped areas surrounding root and vegetable crops, as well as a summer catch crop and companion cropping with IPM strategies.

“It can also be used as a SFI winter cover crop. Farmers

Collaboration is the key to the future of Barley

The James Hutton Institute in Dundee recently welcomed key stakeholders to explore its newest facilities as the International Barley Hub (IBH) continues to expand.

and agronomists have had great success when sown after winter barley, with a rapid accumulation of biomass that research has shown retains and enhances nutrient recycling for following crops, as well as improving soil structure.” A non-brassica version of the mix is available for farms where a brassica component could interfere with crop rotation.

Belinda also highlighted the Syngenta Bees ‘n Seeds has been specifically selected with no monocot wildflower species in the mix, which increases the flexibility for herbicide use where required in the farm’s agronomy strategy.

“It fully meets the requirements for AHL2/AB9 winter bird food provision, but also delivers so much more interest and ecological value, with autumn food source and habitat for pollinating insects.”

The Syngenta environmental seed mix range also includes an annual flower mix picked to produce a quick and reliable early flush of colour and food source for pollinating insects in the early summer. The rapid buildup of insect populations can be a valuable part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy, suggested Belinda.

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Industry leaders came to the institute’s Invergowrie site to get a preview of the hub ¬– including the new IBH field centre (IBHFC) where the meeting took place – and to listen to overviews of some of the research currently being undertaken.

The IBHFC is one of the latest developments at the site and is where analysis of crop trials and other fieldwork is already taking place. An overarching aim of the IBH is to establish a new generation of barley scientists to help ensure that the crop delivers its full potential while safeguarding production.

Stakeholders were able to meet researchers at the heart of the site and gain insights into the disciplines that are being applied to meet the future needs of the industry.

One example of the research being conducted is exploring the past for clues to help develop new barley varieties that meet the challenges that climate change brings.

Barley was domesticated around 10,000 years ago by ancient farmers in the fertile crescent. From there it travelled into new global environments and adapted

to thrive in a range of climate niches worldwide.

IBH researchers aim to exploit the genetic variation present in these ancient barley resources by crossbreeding them with Europe’s elite barley cultivars. Their goal is to identify lines in the offspring that will enable a more sustainable and resilient production.

And they need to work quickly to identify solutions that will allow Scotland to continue growing this vitally important crop well into the future.

While the scientists are inevitably focusing on the challenges accompanying climate change, they have also been looking at the opportunities emerging in more northerly regions. Thus, they recently hosted ‘Arctic Connections’ – a series of workshops that brought together scientists and researchers from Alaska, Iceland and the Scandinavian countries.

Like Scotland, each of these regions is experiencing a changing climate, and new barley varieties could soon thrive in areas where it was not previously possible.

Collaboration will be key to realising such opportunities, and the IBH could prove pivotal as scientists come together to form a unified front to secure barley’s viable future worldwide.

The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific research organisation working to resolve global challenges in food, climate, energy and water security. The Institute works in partnership with people, organisations and governments to enhance sustainable environmental, social and economic development to deliver practical solutions for our shared future. www.hutton.ac.uk

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Louise Aitken-Walker MBE Celebrates 33rd Anniversary of World Rally Championship Triumph with Limited Edition Whisky

In a toast to heritage and highspeed heroism, Louise AitkenWalker, Scottish rallying legend and the 1990 FIA Ladies World Rally Champion, joins forces with renowned whisky expert David Robertson to launch a 33 Year Old Invergordon Single Grain Whisky. This rare and exceptional spirit commemorates her iconic victory 33 years ago, marking a sublime fusion of motoring grandeur and Scottish tradition.

Born on the family farm in Duns in the Scottish Borders – a landscape that shaped her relentless spirit - Aitken-Walker has shattered boundaries and won hearts globally throughout her career. With accolades that include the prestigious Pirelli Diamond, the Seagrave Trophy, and an MBE, she is now fuelling another passion that runs deep in her veins — whisky.

A profound lover of Scotland’s national drink,

Louise seeks excellence in every drop. Aligning with her nature, the single grain whisky is no ordinary expression. It’s a tribute to time, triumph, and tenacity, blending the aromas of victories past with the taste of future legacies.

The whisky itself, handselected by Aitken-Walker and the internationally acclaimed former Master Distiller of The Macallan, David Robertson, resonates with the ethos of endurance, performance, and distinction that dominated her racing days. Vibrant lemon gold in colour and delightfully layered with tantalising notes of tropical fruits, Crème Brule, and lemon zest — it captures not just the palate but the imagination.

Available to buy from Turas Dana (maximum 6 bottle purchase per customer) https:// www.turasdana.com/products/ louise-aitken-walker-33-yearsold-1990-limited-edition

Scotch Beef Club relaunches in style to premium Italian buyers

Scotch Beef is now high fashion in Milan after Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, focussing on increasing exports to this highprofile, premium market.

To celebrate the relaunch, an audience of leading foodservice stakeholders in the Italian red meat sector were invited to a Scotch-focussed event at one of Milan’s top hotels. A threecourse gastronomic menu centred around Scotch Beef

was complemented with Scotch whisky tasting, with the aim of building on already-strong exports to the country, which accounted for £10m (15%) of export sales in the year to July 2023.

Any restaurant business, in the UK or overseas, that serves premium quality Scotch Beef can join the Club and benefit from QMS’s marketing collateral and support to promote Scotch Beef.

Tom Gibson, Director of

Business Development at QMS, said: “The Scotch Beef Club aims to promote the virtues of quality Scotch Beef to chefs and restaurateurs, and provides added value with support to promote the Quality Assurance, provenance and traceability of our premium beef.

“Increasing trade with high value export markets is top of our agenda, and Italy is a key market for us. We have a mission to work with all exporters on

their own bespoke events to maximise this opportunity, and to ensure current and potential customers are aware of the Scotch difference – the factors which make Scotland the choice for premium red meat.”

Speaking at the launch, he said the country had always been an important market for Scotch Beef, with its wholesale and foodservice customer base being great advocates for the Scottish meat industry.

Attendees – who were shown a film showcasing Scotland’s red meat sector as well as seeing and tasting Scotch Beef – were also able to discuss it with technical, marketing and sales specialists at the event. Key messages focussed on the consistent quality, sustainability and exceptional taste and tenderness of Scotch Beef, attributes which are highly prized by Italy’s discerning customers.

QMS Brand Development Manager Gordon Newlands added: “Scotch Beef is already a highly-valued proposition in Italy, and the story behind our brand is hugely appealing. The Scotch Beef Club will allow us to build on this, to further develop relationships with current partners and to gain a stronger foothold into the foodservice sector.”

Scottish sausage market on a roll!

Scottish consumers are still very much in love with the humble banger - last year the Scottish sausage market grew by more than 14% (Source: Kantar) - and a new brand of sausage has been launched to take advantage of this double digit growth.

Scotland’s biggest pork producer – Brown’s Food Group – have launched a brand new range called The Kilted Pork Company on the back of nationally impressive sausage sales, with British households

spending just shy of £995m on the family favourite during 2023. Scots spent £10.3m more last year, taking the country’s 2023 sausage spend to £83.3m.

Brown’s, a £250m turnover business which was established in 1885 and remains in private ownership, set its product development team the task of creating an offering to shine a spotlight on a branded sausage range only using high quality pork that is born and reared in Scotland.

Scotland The Brand

Growing Potential With Local Seeds

By Ruth Watson

Seed saving was one of the key skills our forebears took very seriously; good seed was fundamental to survival. The changing climate is bringing the importance of heritage varieties back into focus. These landrace crops, with ancient and diverse genetics have many traits which may make them more suited to the changing soil and weather conditions. They also are significantly less needy of the chemical inputs required by those seeds sold by the four petrochemical companies which own 60% of our world seed.

The Gaia Foundation is behind much of the work being done in Scotland to help us learn old skills anew. Sinéad Fortune is the Gaia Foundation’s Scottish co-ordinator.

“We work mostly with small scale growers and community groups to re-educate people, re-empower people, connect people,” Sinéad tells me, with a smile. “We have a three-tiered training programme; an introduction which sees you dip your toe in - make sure that you’re going to enjoy being obsessed with seeds - then the year-long training goes through the growing season

and looks at all aspects of seed production from selecting your crops, to pests and diseases, processing, drying, routes to market; and then we have a whole scale of opportunities from growing trials to connecting with international organisations.”

The Regenerative Farming Network in South West Scotland has about 220 farmers in a project run by Propagate.

“A lot of those farmers are beef and lamb and dairy, but we’re kind of reintroducing the idea that you can grow vegetables in Dumfries and Galloway because that has been agriculturally forgotten. I’m told by lots of farmers in this area that we used to grow those vegetables here and now we don’t” Propagate co-founder, Abi Mordin, tells me. “We’re trying to bring that back through the farming network because we don’t even produce enough seeds in the UK through open pollinated systems to access enough seed stock to be able to grow the vegetables that we need. It’s just not there.

Food security means growing our own crops. The most fundamental sovereignty begins with the tiny miracle that is a seed.

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

Wayne Godfrey, CEO at Brown’s, said: “The thinking behind The Kilted Pork Company was to add value to Specially Selected Pork - the flagship brand of the pork industry in Scotland - which identifies meat from pigs that have been quality assured all of their lives.

“The whole industry’s aim is that when consumers see the Specially Selected Pork logo, they can be confident that the pork was 100% born, reared and processed in Scotland and that it holds whole of supply chain quality assurance.

“The Kilted Pork Company range of sausages are an exciting new brand, combining tradition with innovation to bring a burst of flavour to consumers’ plates. We are immensely proud of these quality sausages and all the work the team has put in to creating and producing them.”

Kilted Pork Company sausages have been hitting the shelves of most key retailers in Scotland and now include 117 Tesco stores, 25 Sainsburys,

300 Coop stores and 80 Scottish Asda stores.

There are five products in the bold tartan-packaged range - Specially Selected Pork on its

Quality Meat Scotland drives innovation within the butchery sector

Scotland’s apprentice butchers are benefiting from a focus on innovation provided through the Scotch Butchers Club, run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). It recently partnered with industry leaders to provide learning and development opportunities for 24 apprentice butchers across Scotland, with a focus on valueadded products.

The events, at Yorkes of Dundee and Strachans Craft Butchers in Larkhall, were led by industry experts Erin Conroy from herbs and spices specialist Verstegen, and Peter Rushforth from butchery supplier Innovative Food Ingredients.

After Erin and Peter demonstrated creating the valueadded products, apprentices had

own, and four flavoured varieties of Specially Selected Pork with Cracked Black Pepper, Premium Haggis, Scotch Bonnet Chilli and Arran Mustard & Honey.

For further information contact Tavis McCabe at Browns Food Group tavis. mccabe@brownsfoodgroup.com

hands-on experience making them. These included Scotch Beef chilli enchiladas, Specially Selected Pork peppercorn tenderloin, and a Scotch Lamb balti, allowing them to gain insights and skills to enhance their craft.

Gordon Newlands, Brand Manager at QMS said: “Product innovation remains key to enhancing profitability for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork. By aligning with consumer preferences and offering innovative meal solutions, the butchery sector continues to thrive.

“Collaboration with industry partners, including Verstegen and Innovative Food Ingredients, highlights QMS’s commitment to empowering young butchers and driving sales within independent butcher shops.”

Sarah McLauchlan, an apprentice butcher from Strachan Craft Butchers in East Kilbride attended the event. She said: “It was great meet other apprentices and share ideas. Being able to learn from each other was motivating.

“I’ve noticed a growing demand from consumers for kitchen-ready products, which fits in perfectly with my role within the butcher shop and I have a real passion for it. I’m really excited about making dishes that customers want.

“Younger consumers are finding new recipes on TikTok and social media, then coming to the butcher shop for the ingredients to make them at home using their ovens or air fryers. It is great to see young people use their local butcher shop, and we need to make sure we are providing them with what they want.”

FARMING

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QMS

new campaign proves that meat and two veg is anything but bland

Emma Heath, Marketing Director at Quality Meat Scotland

This month, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is bringing inspiration into kitchens across Scotland with our new ‘Meat & 2.0’ campaign. Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork are taking centre stage on outdoor billboards, digital and press ads, social media content and in features within The Times Scotland and The Scottish Sun online. Our campaign will shine a spotlight on the remarkable nutritional benefits of our brands through innovative recipes that revitalise the traditional “meat and two veg” concept.

The latest Kantar research points to a key group of 45-65 year old consumers in Scotland who have historically enjoyed red meat but have started cutting back on consumption. Our latest campaign aims to empower these shoppers to embrace Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork as part of a balanced diet and encourage them to reevaluate their meal repertoires with some simple, new and exciting ways to cook with ‘meat and two’.

The campaign centrepiece is a four-page wrap in The Times’ Alba supplement. This special feature celebrates why you can count on Scotch meat to be a cut above and includes interviews with Lanarkshirebased farmer James Hamilton, Pete Mitchell of Puddledub, and QMS Chief Executive Sarah Millar.

With so many great facts and stories to be told from

people across the whole industry who work tirelessly to create quality Scotch meat, we have plenty of wonderful content at our fingertips to inspire and educate members of the public. This means shoppers can buy quality assured Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork with confidence knowing that it has been produced in Scotland to the highest possible standards.

We’re also rolling out digital ads aimed at food enthusiasts which will include platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, and we have secured just under 100 billboard sites across the country to advertise our bold and impactful creative messaging featuring mouthwatering recipes people can create at home. Overall, our campaign will reach 69% of adults in Scotland.

The campaign features a series of six brand new recipes which are simple, nutritious and delicious that include Scotch Beef sirloin steak with baked broccoli and sweet potatoes, and Asian-style Specially Selected Pork chops with minted pea & radish salad. Embrace a fresh take on lamb this Easter, with the Curried Scotch Lamb filo pie with spinach & potato. This is a favourite among the QMS marketing team and is sure to ignite taste buds!

‘Meat & 2.0’ shows that overdone meat and soggy vegetables are a thing of the past and in need of a re-boot.

The latest instalment of our exciting 2024 programme of marketing activity that supports our new five year plan is part of our continued efforts to make sure red meat is seen as versatile and accessible to everyone, and where people have a choice, ensure they choose Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork because of its superior taste and quality, and because they understand the benefits of it.

Follow @makeitscotch and visit makeitscotch. com for plenty of Meat & 2.0 inspiration. For further details on our efforts to promote Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork, explore www.makeitscotch. com. You can also sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

food & drink

Top chef cooks up interest in British red meat and dairy

British red meat and dairy have been making their mark in Singapore with the help of the executive chef from twoMichelin star restaurant JAAN.

Kirk Westaway headlined an exclusive Singapore meat and dairy chef’s demonstration organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Twenty-one chefs from Singapore representing some of the top restaurants attended the event which showcased pork, lamb and dairy dishes, including tastings of five different British cheeses.

AHDB analysis has highlighted opportunities for British red meat and dairy in the Singapore foodservice sector, with consumers attracted to premium cuts of red meat and premium products such as cheese, alongside a population that eats out often.

Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), said:

“Singapore is an important dairy importer in the region, presenting opportunities for premium British products. We had a phenomenal event with Kirk Westaway showcasing British dairy and meat dishes to 21 chefs from around Singapore. The response was fantastic and we look forward to

them taking inspiration from the day and promoting British dairy and meat in the wider Singapore foodservice sector.”

Susan Stewart, AHDB Senior Trade Development Manager, said: “Our levy payers produce high quality products that we are proud to fly the flag for on the

global stage. The Singapore meat and dairy showcase provided a fabulous opportunity for industry professionals to taste, enjoy and appreciate the taste and quality of British pork, lamb and dairy and build the reputation of our products in this important and growing market.”

Meat is a winner for family dinners

Consumer eating habits have experienced dramatic changes during the last five years due to Covid lockdowns, rising food prices and more people working from home, but meat remains a mealtime staple for many.

Meat has risen in popularity within both lunch and evening meals despite the continued pressure of rising food prices during the last year. According to Kantar Usage panel, 53.1% of mealtimes feature Meat, Fish and Poultry (MFP) and 27.8% of our lunch and evening meal occasions feature red meat, up from 27.6% a year ago.

More consumers are choosing to include meat in their lunches compared to before the Covid pandemic in

2019, such as cooked meats, pies and sandwiches. The sandwich is still the number one

choice for lunch, being chosen on over 35% of occasions, and soup comes in second at 7.3% of

occasions (Kantar Usage). Both of these options are quick, easy and often cost effective, hence

their popularity continues to rise.

Over the last five years, consumers have also chosen to have more hot meals during the day, with more consumers having hot breakfasts (+1.4 percentage points) such as fried breakfasts or omelettes, and hot lunches (+3 percentage points)

such as soup or pasties, than in 2019 (Kantar Usage).

The cost-of-living crisis also pushed more consumers towards alternative meat cuts to save money, and trends show people are making more versatile, nutrient rich Italian and Indian dishes featuring meat for the whole family to enjoy.

Cost conscious consumers now have an overwhelming desire for their meals to be filling, which has increased from 27.5% to 29.2% over the last 4 years (Kantar Usage). Consumers are increasingly choosing cheaper carbohydrates like rice and pasta to bulk out their meals, aiming to use up cupboard stocks and are

also pre-planning their meals to avoid wastage.

AHDB’s Retail and Consumer Insight Manager, Vanessa Adamson, said: “There is a real opportunity for red meat growth within in-home and family dining if we continue to highlight meaty meals that are easy to prepare and part of a healthy balanced diet.

Horses, charity and gin: three feel-good factors

Persie Distillery, voted Best Brand at the Scottish Gin Awards in 2023 in recognition of its outstanding efforts in animal welfare fundraising, has launched Unbridled Gin as the latest in its Charity Collection, with £5.00 per bottle donated to World Horse Welfare.

The award-winning familyowned spirit brand in Glenshee, Scotland, was drawn to the equine charity as it seeks to improve the lives of all equids (horses, ponies, donkeys and mules), whatever the nature of their relationship with humankind. World Horse Welfare’s vision is a world where suffering is stamped out and all these animals are treated with respect, compassion and understanding.

Simon Fairclough, distiller and managing director, explains: “It appeals to us that gin lovers can help to raise funds for animal welfare as they enjoy a snifter. After several years of sponsoring dog and cat charities it’s a perfect fit for us to team up with a global organisation that makes a big difference to horses’ lives. World Horse Welfare’s sterling work for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules is lifechanging and we are proud to be a partner.”

Peter Rowbottom, Director of Fundraising at World Horse Welfare, said: “We are delighted to embark on this relationship with Persie Distillery – a company that is striving to build on its efforts to raise funds for animal welfare. We love the playful, horse-themed botanicals in this World Horse Welfare gin and, for anyone who enjoys a tipple, there is the added benefit

of knowing it is helping horses desperately in need.”

And the gin itself? Not surprisingly Unbridled Gin features horse-friendly ingredients

such as green apples! This special bottling celebrates the exhilarating experience of a good hack, so there are top notes of fresh cut grass and apples, and heart notes of hay and sandalwood. The result is a spirit that captures the warmth of the special bond between horse and rider.

Tuscan-style Tongue

By Wendy Barrie

I was recently inspired by Alison Tuke of Hardiesmill to revisit tongue. I enjoy the flavour but confess I hadn’t actually cooked one since college days. At her suggestion I combined it with Tuscan flavours for this delicious result - I urge you to embark on a voyage of discovery with tasty nutritious tongue. You can select any of your favourite beans for this recipe. If using tinned, just add, drained, to the pot. If using dried, remember to soak and par-cook well in advance, depending on the bean. I used Brown Tepary beans - a lovely gift from our friend we met at Slow Food’s Terra Madre in Torino - and some white cannellini beans, because they’re my Dad’s favourite! Tepary beans are a traditional Indigenous food of the O’odham peoples in what is now Arizona, USA, and into much of México. They are grown and harvested by Ramona Farms, a community on the Gila River Reservation, and have a very pleasant, mildly nutty flavour.

Hardiesmill Native Aberdeen Angus, Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Tepary Beans are all on Slow Food International‘s Ark of Taste.

1 x Hardiesmill Native Aberdeen Angus tongue, cured & lightly smoked

1 large onion, peeled & sliced

1tbsp wild garlic pesto*

3 medium carrots

1 medium can chopped tomatoes

1 carton tomato pulp

2 bay leaves

Method:

Prepare any dried pulses as necessary.

A sprig of rosemary

A generous scrunch of dried marjoram/oregano

1 medium tin cannellini beans & approx. ½ mug of dried Tepary Beans (or beans of your choice)

Summer Harvest rapeseed oil

Isle of Skye sea salt

Milled black pepper

A small bunch of chives, rinsed & chopped

Unwrap the tongue and place in a generously sized pan. Cover with water and bring to boil. Discard water and repeat.

The third time, bring to boil and simmer for a minimum of 3 hours. During this time you can add seasoning and some herbs if you wish. The tongue is ready when tender, with no resistance when you pierce the centre with a skewer.

Lift out the tongue and place on a chopping board. With the help of a small sharp knife, peel off and discard all the skin as soon as it can be handled. It has to be done when still warm.

Add a drizzle of rapeseed oil to the rinsed-out large pan and sauté onions.

When soft, add seasoning, thickly sliced carrots and herbs to pan along with all the tomatoes. Refill the empty tomato can with water and pour into pan.

Add beans. Stir to evenly distribute then lastly lower in the peeled cooked tongue, nestling it in bean stew.

Lid on and simmer for at least 45 minutes to heat through thoroughly, absorb flavours and finish cooking beans and roots. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Lift tongue from the pan and carve for serving. Ladle the sauce into a bowl, top with tongue and scatter with chives.

Serves 4-6

I made wild garlic pesto this year with ramsons, Summer Harvest, Loch Arthur Farmhouse Cheese with Caraway and ground almonds – I tend to vary the flavours a little each year. If you don’t have homemade then look out for a decent commercial alternative.

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

WORLD FARMING

Senior IFAD official to meet Ministers and small-scale farmers in Zambia to promote agricultural transformation

Rich in natural resources including fertile land, Zambia has significant potential for economic development. Yet growth has fluctuated over the last 15 years. Agriculture, a key sector for the country, has not fully reached its potential due to low productivity, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, recurrent drought, and limited access to finance and markets. The current lack of rainfall has devastated crops, impacting livelihoods and threatening food security for millions of people.

“The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) remains committed to working alongside the Government of Zambia and other partners to empower rural populations and create a more robust and resilient agricultural system,” said Guoqi Wu, Associate Vice-President, Corporate Services, IFAD. “The drought in Zambia underscores the urgent need to invest in medium and long-term development and resilience building for rural communities,” he added.

Guoqi Wu recently visited the country and during the visit he met with the President of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Hon. Makozo Chikote, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali and development partners.

Their discussions focused on medium- to long-term strategies that address climate impacts, future IFAD support, new financing instruments, the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and how to further contribute to agriculture transformation in Zambia.

While in the country, Guoqi Wu also visited Chongwe district to see how climate and environmental impacts such as drought are affecting livestock production, and the mitigation measures taken up by communities as a result of the projects.

‘Forgotten’ food crops work wins Cozzarelli Prize

A research team including scientists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has won a coveted National Academy of Sciences’ 2023 Cozzarelli Prize, alongside five other winners.

The SRUC scientists, together with researchers from the World Vegetable Center, Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), University of Abomey-Calavi and National Taiwan University, won the award for their work exploring the role forgotten food crops could play in supporting

nutrition and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.

The research, which won in the Applied Biological, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences category, underscores the importance of diversifying food production as the climate changes – and drawing on biodiversity resources to do so.

The team looked at how to diversify sub-Saharan Africa’s food systems away from a reliance on maize, rice, cassava and yams,

to support more climate resilient and nutritious food systems in the future.

It identified 58 forgotten food crops that provide complementary micronutrient contents suitable for integration into staple cropping systems, under current and projected climatic conditions.

Ian Dawson, one of the authors of the study who works for SRUC and CIFOR-ICRAF, said: “We looked at how Africa’s traditional or ‘forgotten’ food crops could

diversify the country’s food systems by using a combination of climate niche modelling and nutritional data.

“It’s heartening to see this research being recognised and celebrated. Although our study focused on Africa, the same methods could be used to explore opportunities for crop diversification in Europe and elsewhere as the climate changes. So that is something to think about in – and for – the future.”

The Cozzarelli Prize honours the former Editor-in-Chief of PNAS, Nicholas R. Cozzarelli, and each year “acknowledges papers which reflect scientific excellence and originality” in six different categories published in the journal.

The other categories cover Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Behavioral and Social Sciences.

PoLoPo Unveils SuperAA Platform: a Protein Biofactory in a Potato

PoLoPo, a molecular farming pioneer, today announced its SuperAA platform, the first step to producing proteins in common plant crops. The platform is currently deployed in potatoes at greenhouse scale to generate both a native protein (patatin) as well as egg protein (ovalbumin) through proprietary metabolic engineering techniques.

The cutting-edge SuperAA platform turns the potato plant into a micro-biofactory that manufactures the target amino acids in the plant and stores them in the tuber. Tubers will be harvested when they reach sufficient size, and their proteins are extracted and dried into powder. The resulting powders will seamlessly integrate into current food processing lines and formulations.

PoLoPo has started with potatoes for their resilience in diverse climates, low growth costs, short maturation time, relatively large storage capacity in the form of tubers, high yield per land use, and compatibility with existing harvesting and processing technology. Strategically for PoLoPo’s commercial plans, the potato offers efficiency, sustainability and attractive economic opportunity for established agricultural and industrial food producers, giving PoLoPo a robust and cost-effective path to scale its molecular farming system.

“The SuperAA platform uses plants as living factories, and

leverages their natural productivity and storage organs to grow proteins that are identical to protein derived from a chicken’s egg,” said PoLoPo CEO Maya Sapir-Mir, PhD. “The high-scale production of proteins in plants via molecular farming has the potential to economically transform not only potato farming and processing, but broader agriculture and agtech, for a more resilient and sustainable food system.”

The SuperAA platform is currently being used to develop increased patatin and ovalbumin. Ovalbumin is widely used in packaged foods for its functional properties, including texture and stability, as well as for enhancing nutritional value and increasing shelf life. PoLoPo’s ovalbumin offers an affordable alternative to

an industry reeling from increased egg prices, supply chain instability, and avian flu outbreaks. The global ovalbumin-powder market is expected to hit $36 billion by 2032 due to increasing consumer preference.

Patatin powder can be used as an allergen-free protein for a variety of products such as plantbased meat and dairy, baked goods, cereals, snacks, beverages, sports nutrition and nutraceuticals. A high-protein potato can also improve food security in regions impacted by malnutrition.

PoLoPo was co-founded by Sapir-Mir and Raya LibermanAloni, PhD, who serves as its CTO. Both worked in the biotech industry and agricultural R&D for more than a decade following PhD studies at the Hebrew University

of Jerusalem and post-doctoral work at the Volcani Institute, Israel’s leading agricultural R&D facility. In 2023, PoLoPo closed a pre-seed round of $2.3 million from leading food-tech investors, enabling it to rapidly develop its potato-to-protein pipeline. The company has won multiple innovation awards and honors including the Coller Startup Competition for Tel Aviv University students/alumni, startup with the most impact potential at FoodHack’s Demo Day, and MassChallenge Israel’s Better Plate Track.

PoLoPo’s protein will soon be available to the food industry for testing. To obtain a sample contact Ido Eliashar, PoLoPo VP of business development and industry relations, ido@polopo.tech.

Open Farm Sunday 2024

Together let’s showcase Scottish farming

This year marks Open Farm Sunday’s 18th anniversary.

To celebrate this coming of age, organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is ready to support more Scottish farmers taking part. Farming Scotland speaks to Kasi McReddie, a regular Open Farm Sunday host.

Alongside partner, David McMiken and his family, Ms McReddie will be helping Ernespie Farm, an Arla farm in Castle Douglas, to host Open Farm Sunday for its fourth consecutive year.

“Originally, we wanted to bring the community closer to farming. Helping them to understand where and how food is produced, inform them about the challenges and costs, and highlight the fantastic

opportunities there are for careers in farming,” she says.

From a practical perspective, Ms McReddie has found that inviting people onto the farm helps them better understand the realities of farming life. This could be from explaining why there can be noise late at night, discussing a planning application or promoting a farm diversification more widely.

“There really is a long-term gain when farmers start engaging with their community. After all its an environment we all share. Often it can be surprising how willing people are to learn from us,” she adds.

Farming with nature

This year Open Farm Sunday’s

theme is farming with nature. It is a subject close to her heart.

“We should be proud that we’re part of the solution to climate change, as well as

being responsible for producing incredible nutritious food.

“There’s a lot of fantastic things that farmers are doing day in and day out. As custodians of the

Ernespie Farm Open Farm Sunday Ernespie Farm tractor and trailer tours

landscape, we all want consumers to have a better understanding of the many ways farmers are working to be more sustainable and the high standards of animal welfare that we achieve.

“That’s a really positive story and by sharing it you can help build stronger connections with the public.” Ms McReddie firmly believes that Open Farm Sunday provides an avenue to showcase the pride farmers take in their role.

“As an Arla supplier, we are playing our part to support the cooperatives sustainability agenda to reduce our on-farm carbon footprint. The public are always pleasantly surprised to hear all about what farmers are doing to protect the environment.”

This is backed up by visitors’ feedback with 93% of people saying they had a better understanding of what ‘sustainably produced food’ means after visiting an Open Farm Sunday event.

Making it fun

As well as informing people about farming, the day is also incredibly fun. Ms McReddie always finishes her OFS event feeling ‘totally elated’. Last year 69% of hosts agreed, saying they took part in Open Farm Sunday because it’s fun and really enjoy chatting with the public and sharing their farming stories.

To help bring your event to life, the Open Farm Sunday organisers and its sponsors provide a wealth of free resources, activity ideas and guidance. The Information Pack available on the OFS website (www.farmsunday.org) is a great place to start. Plus the Open Farm Sunday team, including Scotland OFS Ambassador, Rebecca Dawes, are on hand to talk through event ideas, answer questions and share their wealth of OFS experience.

Support for farmers

This year OFS, NFUS and Agritourism Scotland are working together to encourage and support more farmers and crofters to take part and host an Open Farm Sunday event.

With Ernespie the Agritourism Scotland South West Monitor Farm, Ms McReddie is a big advocate of networking, learning

from others and asking for help. Whether from the Open Farm Sunday team, or from other local farmer groups and businesses in the wider community.

“Use your networks. There’s definitely people willing to help out, so don’t be afraid to ask for it, especially if it’s your first time hosting and you feel a bit nervous about what to expect.

“The industry is incredibly supportive and having extra hands really does take the pressure off,” she says.

Every farm matters

Since Open Farm Sunday began in 2006 over 3 million visitors have been welcomed onto farms across Britain. For one in five, it’s their first time visiting a farm, so your everyday farming activities are fascinating to them, providing plenty of scope for informing, sharing insights and experiences.

Ms McReddie believes there’s a common misconception that opening your farm gates means having to welcome thousands of people; something that would daunt even the biggest farming operation.

“Events really don’t need to be on a grand scale. They can be just as fantastic with 20 people coming from the local church group or school. It could be as simple as hosting a farm walk one evening in June.

“The most important thing is making the event work for you and your farm. It’s something you can really build your confidence with and grow on your own terms over time.”

Last words of advice

“Be yourself. When you talk about something you’re passionate about, whether that’s the calf rearing element, or the milking, or grass and nutrition – whatever it is, remember you own it.

“I think it’s also important to be open minded. You will be surprised about how little people know about the countryside and food production.

“But you’ll also be surprised at how much some people understand and care about. So be ready for all kinds of questions and always answer with honesty and clarity.

“Oh, and don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep beforehand!”

As Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager explains; “Think about what you want people to remember after visiting your farm. What is it you want them to share with their family and friends?

Once you’ve decided that, you can start to plan how you can make those messages stick and really put them centre stage. Every farm has a story to share, and we know that the public are crying out to hear them

Reasons to host Open Farm Sunday

(2023 OFS farmer survey)

88% To promote a positive image of the farming industry as a whole

82% To improve community relations

76% To inform the public about sustainable farming practices

69% It’s fun!

53% To promote British produce

52% To promote your farming business

52% To inspire a new generation of agricultural workers

Leaving a last impression with visitors (2023 OFS visitor survey)

93% Have a better understanding of what ‘sustainably produced food’ means

94% Feel more connected with farmers

96% Said they now appreciate more the work farmers do

91% Are more aware of and interested in farming issues in the news and media

70% Buying more local produce

For more information: www.farmsunday.org

Email:

OpenFarmSunday@leafeco Tel: 02476 413911

Kasi McReddie

environment

SEPA publishes priorities for next three years

Scotland’s principal environment regulator have published a new Corporate Plan setting out how they will protect and improve Scotland’s environment over the next three years.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which recently welcomed a new Chair and six new Board members alongside a refresh of its corporate leadership team, have developed five strategic priorities to focus work to, as far

as possible, also create health and well-being benefits, and sustainable economic growth.

SEPA’s vision is set out in the plan, which lays the groundwork for a reset focusing on delivering the greatest possible environmental benefit, supporting the transition to a net zero and circular economy and enabling Scotland to be resilient to the changes already occurring due to climate change.

It also re-states the regulator’s

commitment to playing a leading role - working collaboratively with others - to create a healthy environment for future generations.

SEPA’s five strategic priorities are:

• Net zero: Playing our part in helping Scotland to become a net zero country by 2045

• Climate resilience: Reducing the impacts of floods and droughts

• Water environment: Protecting and improving our rivers, lochs, wetlands and seas

• Resource efficiency: Playing our part in helping Scotland transition to a circular economy

• Business environmental performance: Securing high environmental performance from those that we regulate

Key pieces of work include a new integrated framework for all authorisations, bringing all main regulatory regimes – covering radioactive substances, pollution prevention and control, water and waste under a single integrated process that’s more efficient and that allows the regulator to focus on the environmental risks with the greatest impact.

The flood warning and mapping services SEPA provide for the people of Scotland will be developed and improved, helping to protect lives and livelihoods and strengthening the nation’s resilience to the impacts of our changing climate. There will also be a stronger focus on planning for and warning about the impacts of drought and water scarcity.

In addition, SEPA have laid out an approach to modernise the Agency under a series of programmes to future proof the

organisation, with a delivery focus to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.

Work will be further defined in annual operating plans which identify the detailed areas of work SEPA will focus on every year and identify specific indicators and milestones that they aim to achieve each year. The 2024 Annual operating Plan will be published in the next few weeks.

SEPA’s Chief Executive, Nicole Paterson, said: “Scotland’s people rightly expect a lot from us. They expect us to provide strong leadership and to make a difference to their lives now and in the future. They expect their environment to be protected from harm so they can enjoy the benefits to health, well-being and the economy that a high-quality environment brings. They also expect us to do everything we can to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

“This is a pivotal year for SEPA as we move forward with our reset - focusing on key outcomes and delivering nationally important public services by targeting our resources to maximise environmental benefit. Our new Corporate Plan sets out how we will work towards meeting the expectations of communities, business and partners over the next three years; protecting communities, preventing pollution, prioritising investment and providing leadership to help Scotland adapt to its changing climate, transition to a net zero economy and improve our environment for future generations.”

Scottish Land & Estates statement on Scotland climate change report

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has issued the following statement on the publication of the new CCC report on Progress in Reducing Emissions in Scotland.

Stephen Young, Director of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“The CCC report highlights the stark challenges that already exist in Scotland achieving its climate change targets and sadly, the Scottish Government is now pursuing policies that will make progress even tougher.

“Delivering peatland restoration and forestry at scale is crucial in achieving carbon sequestration but as was outlined in research commissioned by Scottish Land & Estates last year, we are lagging way behind.

“Our members are carrying out the vast bulk of work which is taking place. Currently, large-scale peatland restoration projects of more than 200ha – such as those carried out on rural estates – account for 57% of the 42,300ha of peatland that has been restored since 2013. Only 25% of the target has been achieved through small-scale projects of less than 100ha.

“Of the 45,000ha of woodland planted with support from the Forestry Grant Scheme since 2015, almost half of that total was achieved through largescale projects over 100ha.

“At the recent Budget, the government dealt swingeing cuts to the Forestry Grant Scheme.

Cashflow is already a significant barrier to woodland creation and these cuts will exacerbate this financial challenge.

“The ideologically driven land reform bill published in recent days is also compounding this issue and by government pushing for fragmentation of ownership, it will mean delivering forestry and peatland restoration at a large-scale is far tougher.

“Crucially, the bill will disincentivise new private investment in natural capital.

“The Scottish Government stated that the finance gap for nature in Scotland for the next decade has been estimated to be £20 billion - and that it wanted commercial investors to plug that gap to fund the restoration and regeneration of Scotland’s landscapes.

“By pursuing the breakup of land landholdings that are capable of delivering and taking on the financial risk that comes with these projects, the government is sending out a message that it does not want to work with business to achieve climate change targets. If the government can provide no certainty then investors will naturally choose other countries to invest in.

Scotland stands at a crossroads in achieving net zero and is disheartening that the Scottish Government now appears to be abandoning any hope of reaching its own targets.”

It’s a true saying that there’s never a dull moment

in agriculture

By Martin Kennedy, President NFU Scotland

This has never been more relevant than right now as farmers and crofters throughout Scotland face one of the biggest changes in how they produce food in their working history.

However, these changes must not only benefit the environment and wider society as a whole, but they must also benefit the bottom line of the businesses that are being asked to change. That is exactly why we, as a union, at every opportunity try and influence the outcome of decisions that will impact on our livelihoods and strive for a profitable and sustainable future.

Although we don’t always get every decision we lobby for, there is no doubt that without our influence we would be facing a much bigger challenge in the years to come. This was very evident with the announcements from the First Minister at our AGM in February. At the moment, when it comes to funding, we receive approximately 80 per cent of rural support in direct payments, with the remainder going to more environmental and rural development demands.

In the face of significant opposition from groups seeking the exact opposite of our demands, NFU Scotland lobbying saw the Scottish Government commit to spend at least 70 per cent of future support on direct payments; to continue with coupled support like the beef calf scheme and guarantee an LFA budget. That security was very welcome

Scotland

indeed. There is no doubt there will be management options we will need to undertake but provided we still work with Scottish Government and make sure these options fit with the core business, then we will continue to drive our own vision of being a profitable and sustainable industry. There is still a long way to go but I know, with our influence, we will continue to steer this in the right direction.

However, it’s not all about funding, and neither it should be. Market returns are equally as important and for many businesses much more so. That’s why we have now placed such a big focus on retailers and public procurement. Off the back of our re-invigorated ShelfWatch campaign which will run throughout the year, we will continue to press for not only more home sourcing of food but also for a more realistic price at a time when many of our products struggle to meet the cost of production.

In many instances we are only talking about a very few pence per kilogram or litre, which will make little or no difference to our consumers but makes a massive difference to our ability to keep producing high quality food here and be less reliant on imports.

Membership of NFU Scotland is crucial to this outcome. Our fantastic team continues to deliver for our 9000 members and our industry on many fronts. If you are not a member, make this the year you come and join us.

www.nfus.org.uk

SRUC researchers win £300k to help farmers achieve net zero

Researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have been awarded nearly £300,000 to support the UK Government’s goals in meeting net zero targets for land use and farming.

The three-year project will be delivered by researchers from SRUC’s Rural Economy, Environment and Society Department, building on their previous research for Defra to identify the most promising technology bundles for adoption

on farm, assess their feasibility and acceptance within the farming industry, and their suitability for application within England’s diverse farm context.

This work now underpins Defra’s decarbonisation plans for agriculture and agroforestry and has been critical in developing a rigorous, evidence-based pathway, informing the development of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) standards, Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.

The new project will build on this evidence base and provide a basis for informing agriculture’s role within the Seventh Carbon Budget from 2034 and beyond.

Project lead Andrew Barnes, Professor of Rural Resource Economics at SRUC,said: “I’m delighted that our work and expertise with Defra has been recognised in this way, allowing us to help inform future policy development for the farming sector.

“It represents the standing that our research team - Michael Macleod, Vera Eory and Dan Fletcher, along with UKCEH and NIAB - have with key players shaping the future of agricultural support and net zero strategy.”

The project runs for three years with an option to extend as policy needs develop.

For more information about research work at SRUC, visit: www.sruc.ac.uk/research.

Quintuple award for Ground-breaking Renewables Business

Calibrate Energy Engineering, part of RSK Group, has scooped the award for Non-domestic Ground Source Heat Pump in the industry renowned ACR & Heat Pump Awards for the fourth time. This makes the company winners five times over as they were awarded Installer of the Year in a previous year. The company also received a highly commend in the Non-Domestic Heat Pump category.

Calibrate design, install and maintain commercial scale renewable technologies. The project that scooped the win was a highly efficient 2-phase 3MW Ground Source Heat Pump system for a farming client in Scotland, with big plans for expansion and growth.

Due to the nature of their fruit processing business, they require large amounts of heat and chill to ensure that their product is processed and stored in premium condition.

Commenting on the win, Jack Smales, managing director of Calibrate said: “To win again at these prestigious awards in a category that is very much the pinnacle of our business has been another rewarding experience. These awards showcase the best of the industry and demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and expertise, so it is great to win against other ground-breaking suppliers and projects.

“Aside of our accolade, what is more important is the costs and carbon savings that

this and many of our clients are now saving as a result of these alternative technologies. A change in mindset on how we

heat and chill our processes and spaces results is an outcome that is far kinder to the planet and purse.”

Young people should focus on renewables for future..

…NE Scotland poll

Green energy jobs top recommendation from more than half of people in North East Scotland

Almost half think Scottish Government should accelerate renewable energy development to tackle climate change

Young people in North East Scotland should focus their careers on renewable energy, more than half of adults in the area believe.

Polling released recently asked ‘If you were giving advice to a young person, which of the following sectors, if any, would you propose they focus their career on?’. Almost twice as many said renewables than any other choice.

The survey found 52% made the industry their top career

pick for young people, beating eight other choices including healthcare (27%), oil and gas (24%) and finance (23%).

The development of offshore wind projects off Scotland’s east coast will mean billions of pounds of investment and tens of thousands of jobs. Other renewable energy technologies also provide opportunities, alongside the transition to heat pumps and building the pylons

and substations needed to transport power to consumers.

Emma Harrick, Head of Energy Transition and Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables, the industry body which commissioned the polling, said:

“This polling has confirmed that renewable energy is now seen as the backbone of Scotland’s future economy.

“The transition to an energy system based on clean, secure

and affordable renewable energy – particularly offshore wind power – is already reshaping the North East, with new businesses getting involved and existing ones moving their operations to focus on renewables. However some parts of our industry are already struggling to find enough people to do the skilled work which is needed, and we expect these challenges to increase.

“This opportunity is not just about offshore wind. We also need people to work on the transition to low-carbon heat, in roles like heat pump installation and maintenance, and to build the pylons and substations which are so vital to creating a clean energy system fit for the 21st century.”

Renewable energy technologies like wind, tidal, hydro, solar and their supply chains support more than 42,000 jobs and generate more than £10.1 billion of output for Scotland.

Last year (Sept 2023) a report by Robert Gordon University found that the UK offshore energy workforce can increase by

up to 50% from around 150,000 in 2023 to 225,000 by the end of the decade, with new renewable jobs outnumbering oil and gas roles if a successful transition is achieved.

Research from Xodus in 2023 forecasts growth of 22% in energy sector roles by 2030 –that’s more than 73,000 jobs – and

that work related to expanding the electricity grid could mean a further 50,000 new jobs by 2030. The new Scottish Renewables polling also found that almost half of people in North East Scotland (46%) think the Scottish Government should accelerate renewable energy development to tackle climate change.

WELTEC BIOPOWER develops new, intuitive user interface for biogas plant control systems

The biogas plant control system from WELTEC BIOPOWER is receiving a general update: This includes new functionalities for process optimization as well as a user interface that provides a quick and comprehensive overview of the entire plant thanks to a symbolism designed according to the latest findings and clarity in the display. The control system sections previously known as LoMos and CeMos will also merge under the new name WB Control in future. WB Control can be used for both small and complex industrial systems.

The web-based software gives operators complete and fast access to all important system parameters. A customizable dashboard provides a quick overview of the most important process data at any time. Several users can access WB Control simultaneously.

The intuitive, logical navigation through the software offers maximum transparency and security for an efficient workflow. “The increased requirements of plant operators and investors for comprehensive and clear monitoring of plant data, especially for continuous process optimization, were the guiding principle for us when designing the modern control system,” emphasizes Wolfgang Bokern, Head of Technology at WELTEC BIOPOWER.

Diagrams and reports can be created individually according to defined values and summarized into daily, monthly or annual overviews at the click of a mouse. Optimum energy planning to avoid peak loads is achieved, for example, through overviews of the agitator intervals. This allows agitators to be controlled individually.

The new user interface enables a wide range of business evaluation options, such as trend analyses and other graphical evaluations of individually defined values such as consumption data or production figures. Thanks to the archiving and export functions, all data is available at any time as proof for authorities, banks and external experts.

Scottish energy stats revealed

New statistics released recently by the Scottish Government reveal that renewable energy technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall electricity consumption in 2022 — the highest recorded figures to date and a 26% increase year-on-year.

Responding, Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“These record-breaking figures are a major milestone on Scotland’s journey to netzero, clearly demonstrating the enormous potential of our worldclass renewable energy resources.

“We know that increasing clean energy generation leads to significant benefits for our economy with Scotland’s renewable energy industry and supply chain already supporting more than 42,000 jobs and an economic output of over £10.1 billion.

“However, with electricity demand set to rise significantly in the years ahead, we must continue to swiftly deploy renewable energy projects at scale. Not only will this provide clean, cheap energy for Scotland’s homes and businesses but also support our wider heat

and transport decarbonisation ambitions.

“Maximising capacity in Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6 this year will be vital to that effort, alongside enabling the critical infrastructure and investment needed to deliver a truly homegrown clean energy system.”

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out July 2024

renewable energy

Milestone as projects worth around £500m move closer to completion

Strategic investment to help unlock Scotland’s green energy revolution has moved a step closer, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced recently

In a significant milestone for Scotland’s offshore wind sector, three projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) process.

Collectively the projects –which represent a mix of local and inward investment into

ports, port infrastructure and manufacturing – have a capital expenditure of around £500 million.

The SIM will help to deliver transformational offshore wind supply chain growth in Scotland through innovative collaboration between offshore wind developers, the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies and Crown Estate Scotland.

Making the announcement at the Scottish Renewables and

Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow, First Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“There are moments when certain industries can stand confident that when they look ahead, they will see a future in which they play a pivotal role in securing the wealth and wellbeing of a nation - Scotland’s offshore industry is at that moment.

“Together, we can create the right conditions to attract investment, build the supply

chain, recruit and deliver the infrastructure needed to ensure that these projects will thrive.

“A select group of three initial projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the SIM process, in a significant milestone in our offshore programme. They represent a mix of local and inward investment opportunities into ports, port infrastructure, and manufacturing – collectively, they have a capital expenditure of just under £500 million.”

New grass silage additive maximises biogas potential for Vale Green Energy

A new silage additive from biogas experts FM BioEnergy – developed specifically for use on UK grass –has doubled levels of beneficial acids following a successful trial at a Worcestershire anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. After nine days, both lactic and acetic acids –essential for good silage production – had significantly increased, while pH had been rapidly lowered to optimal levels. When the silage was analysed again, seven months after the initial treatment, beneficial acid levels were equally high while pH was still within the optimal range. The use of Silasil Energy SG has therefore avoided spoilage and minimised energy losses in the clamp long term, while preserving the biogas potential of the silage.

Evesham-based Vale Green Energy worked with FM BioEnergy to conduct a trial of Silasil Energy SG on its 2023 grass silage crop, which provides feedstock for the company’s 1.5

MW Spring Hill AD plant. Unlike most biogas silage additives, which are tailored to higher dry matter crops, Silasil Energy SG has been specifically developed for the variability of UK-grown crops, meaning it is effective at a range of dry matters, temperatures and pH – making it ideal for unpredictable UK summers.

“Silasil Energy SG is very easy to apply and convenient to use and is flexible enough to work on wet or normal grass. The face of the clamp does not heat up when we expose it, meaning that the energy is staying where we want it to be –in the silage – rather than being lost to the atmosphere.”

Nick Reynolds, Feedstock Manager, Vale Green Energy.

The importance of good silage Good silage production is essential to reduce energy losses in the clamp and preserve the biogas potential of AD feedstock. Lactic acid rapidly

lowers the pH of silage, while acetic acid suppresses the growth of yeasts and moulds. Boosting the production of both lactic and acetic acids therefore enables silage to stabilise more quickly, reducing energy losses, improving storability and maximising biogas potential.

Commissioned in August 2013, Vale Green Energy’s Spring Hill AD facility was the UK’s first commercial gas-to-grid plant, producing 500 kW of electricity and exporting up to 7,800m3 of methane to the gas grid each day. The company has been supported by FM Bioenergy since 2015 with a range of services, including silage additives, bespoke trace elements, iron supplements, consultancy and biogas leakage detection surveys.

Nick Reynolds is responsible for producing feedstock for Vale Green Energy’s AD plants, including a mixture of maize, wholecrop cereals and grass.

With 12,000 tonnes of grass silage harvested from three cuts in 2023, Nick was keen to trial FM BioEnergy’s latest product, Silasil Energy SG, exclusively developed by their German partner Schaumann BioEnergy in response to demand from UK AD operators.

Weathering the challenge for UK growers

“Most silage additives are developed for higher dry matter grasses,” explains Andy Lee, FM BioEnergy’s National Biogas Silage Specialist. “Due to our variable climate, the dry matter of UK silage can vary greatly throughout the cutting season. To maximise biogas potential, it makes sense to choose a silage additive like Silasil Energy SG, that has been especially formulated for varying levels of dry matter –it is effective even at 25% DM or lower, where the risk of harmful Clostridia bacteria can be high.”

Untreated and treated samples were taken and sent to Schaumann BioEnergy’s laboratory for analysis

Andy Lee, National Biogas Silage Specialist at FM BioEnergy, and Nick Reynolds, Feedstock Manager at Vale Green Energy

Nick applied Silasil Energy SG to all Vale Green Energy’s 2023 grass crop and has been impressed with the results. “Not only is it easy to apply, but it works on both wet and dry grass, keeping the clamp face cool and ensuring the energy stays in the silage,” he states.

Analysing the benefits

In addition, the company worked with FM BioEnergy to quantify the benefits of the silage additive in a seven-month laboratory trial. Samples of Vale Green Energy’s treated and untreated grass were taken by Andy Lee and the FM BioEnergy team at the point of harvest in July 2023. The crop’s fermentation process was halted at three, six and nine days postharvest by freezing the samples, which were then analysed at Schaumann’s laboratories in Germany. Further samples were taken from the clamp face in January 2024, approximately seven months after harvesting.

“The analysis showed that levels of lactic acid and acetic acid in the samples that had been treated with Silasil Energy SG had doubled after just three days compared to the untreated silage,” says Andy. The treated samples had average lactic acid levels of 2.171, compared to 1.056 in the untreated samples. Average acetic acid levels were 0.454 in the treated samples, compared to 0.178 in the untreated samples.

“Nine days after opening, the lactic acid levels were more than double those of the untreated samples (2.95 compared to 1.35), while the pH was around 0.5 lower (3.94 compared to 4.41). Seven months later, acid levels were equally high and the pH remained stable at just under 4.0. These figures show that, combined with good silage practice, Silasil Energy SG helps grass silage to stabilise more quickly, preserving its energy potential and improving storability – even months after it has been harvested.”

The trial was replicated at another site in the UK, as well as more widely across Europe, and all results mirrored the success enjoyed by Vale Green, underlining the efficacy of the product.

Effective on wet or dry grass

One of the biggest influences on crop dry matter is the growing season. The variability of UK weather often results in large differences in dry matter from one season to the next, with growers unable predict this in advance. Previously, selecting the right silage additive was a challenge, with operators often stocking up on multiple additives to cover all dry matter eventualities. The introduction of Silasil Energy SG means that this is no longer necessary, explains Andy Lee: “It works just as efficiently on wet grass as on dry grass. UK growers now only need to buy one silage additive, regardless of whether next summer ends up being a scorcher or a washout.”

The reason for this is the combination of beneficial bacteria present in the product – Silasil Energy SG is unique in that it contains four bacterial strains, instead of the usual two found in other silage additives. A combination of L. plantarum, L. buchneri, L. coryniformis and E. faecium help to preserve the biogas potential of grass in the clamp, regardless of whether the season has been wet, dry, mild or warm.

For Nick Reynolds, the trial has delivered the data to back up what he already knew from seeing the treated silage in his clamp – that by boosting lactic and acetic acids and rapidly lowering the pH, Silasil Energy SG is effectively providing longterm protection to Vale Green Energy’s grass silage. “Our silage is free from moulds and yeasts, doesn’t heat up at the clamp face or during feed-out, and the energy is preserved for biogas production,” concludes Nick.

Ffermio Cymru

Ffermwr llaeth sy’n manteisio ar ‘Gyllid Arbrofi’ yn

ceisio gwella bioleg y pridd

Try Out Fund’ dairy farmer aims to increase soil biology

Mae ffermwr llaeth yn cyflwyno cannoedd o rywogaethau o facteria, ffyngau, protosoa a nematodau llesol i briddoedd ei fferm er mwyn ceisio creu’r ecosystem iach sydd ei hangen arno i gefnogi cynhyrchiant glaswellt heb fewnbynnau.

Nod Sam Carey yw datblygu system ffermio llaeth cynaliadwy a phroffidiol heb unrhyw fewnbwn ar fferm Mathafarn, Llanwrin.

Yn ddiweddar, bu iddo drawsnewid y fferm bîff a defaid i gefnogi cynhyrchiant llaeth sy’n lloia yn y gwanwyn gyda mewnbwn isel/dim mewnbwn gyda phwyslais ar iechyd y pridd a dilyn dull adfywiol.

Mae Sam yn gweld ei briddoedd fel ei ased mwyaf ac mae’n cyflwyno dull arloesol a allai wella bioleg y pridd ymhellach.

Gyda chymorth gan gronfa Cyllid Arbrofi Cyswllt Ffermio, mae’n treialu effeithiolrwydd cynnyrch sy’n cynnwys bacteria, ffyngau, protosoa a nematodau llesol sydd wedi’u tyfu gan ddefnyddio compost fel uned hybu.

Pe bai’n llwyddiannus byddai’n cyflymu targedau adfywio, busnes a chynhyrchu Sam.

“Rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn am y Cyllid Arbrofi, mae’n ein galluogi i wthio yn erbyn y cyfyngiadau, rhoi cynnig ar ddulliau amgen a phrofi pethau nad ydynt yn hysbys,” meddai.

Mae chwe chae wedi’u rhannu’n ddau ar fferm Mathafarn gyda’r cynnyrch wedi’i roi ar un hanner a heb ymyrraeth yn yr hanner arall.

Defnyddir cyfraddau gwahanol ar draws y lleiniau prawf i bennu pa un sydd â’r dylanwad mwyaf.

Bydd twf glaswellt yn cael ei fonitro trwy dymor tyfu 2024 a bydd statws mwynol y glaswelltir yn cael ei ddadansoddi. Mae newidiadau yn ymdreiddiad pridd yn cael eu harchwilio hefyd a bydd profion yn cael eu cynnal ar y pridd i asesu newidiadau i fioleg y pridd.

Mae Sam, sy’n fentor Cyswllt Ffermio, wedi ymddiddori ers

tro mewn pridd ac iechyd y pridd, ond cwrs iechyd y pridd ar-lein a gynhaliwyd gan Dr Elaine Ingram, arbenigwraig ar ficrobioleg y pridd a gydnabyddir yn rhyngwladol oedd ei gatalydd i gyflwyno cais am Gyllid Arbrofi Cyswllt Ffermio.

Mae’r fenter hon yn ariannu unigolion a grwpiau o ffermwyr a thyfwyr i arbrofi gyda syniadau a’u gwireddu.

Nid yn unig y mae Sam yn gobeithio dileu mewnbynnau

cemegol yn gyfan gwbl a’u bygythiad i gyrsiau dŵr ond hefyd mae’n gobeithio cynyddu faint o laswellt y mae’n ei dyfu, a’i ansawdd hefyd.

Os gall wella cyfraddau ymdreiddiad pridd bydd y tir yn cyflwyno llai o risg o ddŵr ffo ac yn llai tebygol o ddioddef llifogydd.

Daw’r prosiect i ben ym mis Chwefror 2025 pan fydd y canlyniadau’n cael eu rhannu â ffermwyr eraill.

Gallai tyfu cnydau dan do fod yn rhan allweddol o ddiogelwch bwyd y dyfodol

Growing crops indoors could be key part of future food security

Mae angen cyflymu datblygiad amaeth amgylchedd rheoledig a thechnoleg amaethu fertigol er mwyn mynd i’r afael â heriau diogelwch bwyd y Deyrnas Gyfunol yn y dyfodol, yn ôl arweinydd prosiect ymchwil newydd.

Mae academyddion ym

Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth wedi dechrau prosiect newydd i ymchwilio i ffermio fertigol, sef y broses o gynhyrchu bwyd drwy ei dyfu ar haenau wedi’u pentyrru o fewn amgylcheddau wedi’u rheoli dan do.

Mae’r dull hwn o dyfu bwyd yn helpu ffermwyr i gynhyrchu llawer mwy ar yr un faint o dir a lleihau’r effaith amgylcheddol, ac i osgoi her digwyddiadau tywydd eithafol y dyfodol

Nod y prosiect yw tynnu ynghyd arbenigwyr o ddiwydiant a’r byd academaidd i wneud y math hwn o amaethu’n fwy fforddiadwy.

Dywedodd Dr William Stiles o Adran Gwyddorau Bywyd Prifysgol Aberystwyth, sy’n arwain y prosiect:

“Rydyn ni’n gwybod bod angen y dechnoleg hon arnom ni – mae’n hanfodol er mwyn mynd i’r afael ag ansicrwydd bwyd o ganlyniad i newid hinsawdd. Gallai ffermio fertigol fod yn rhan allweddol o’n systemau cynhyrchu bwyd yn y dyfodol. Un o’r agweddau yr ydym ni’n edrych arno yw’r gallu i newid cynhyrchiant bwyd i amgylcheddau rheoledig yn gyflym. Mae angen i ni edrych ar y dechnoleg a gweithio i’w gwneud yn fforddiadwy, a chyfleu cynllun o sut y gallai’r dyfodol hwnnw edrych.

“Mae’r sector ffermio fertigol yn wynebu heriau sylweddol ar

hyn o bryd wrth iddo drosglwyddo o egin dechnoleg i gynhyrchu prif ffrwd. Mae’n parhau i fod ar drothwy chwyldroi cynhyrchu bwyd, yn enwedig ar gyfer eitemau sy’n rhy heriol i’w tyfu yn system amaethyddol bresennol y wlad hon.”

Mae’r prosiect ymchwil newydd yn un o 16 ar draws prifysgolion yng Nghymru i gael eu hariannu trwy gronfa grantiau bach Rhwydwaith Arloesedd Cymru.

Meddai Lewis Dean, Pennaeth Rhwydwaith Arloesedd Cymru:

“Mae ansawdd y ceisiadau yn rownd y gronfa grantiau bach eleni wedi bod yn galonogol i’w weld, gyda phrifysgolion yn cydweithio i gyflwyno ceisiadau cryf iawn. Rwy’n falch iawn ein bod wedi gallu cyflwyno dros £100,000 trwy ein cronfa grantiau bach i gefnogi ymchwil cydweithredol yng Nghymru.

“Cafodd ymchwil yng Nghymru ei gydnabod yn

Fframwaith Rhagoriaeth Addysg (REF) 2021 am ei effaith gadarnhaol ar gymunedau yng Nghymru, y Deyrnas Gyfunol a ledled y byd. Rwy’n arbennig o falch felly ein bod wedi cyllido prosiectau sy’n cynnwys partneriaid o awdurdodau lleol, byrddau iechyd, y llywodraeth, diwydiant, a grwpiau cymunedol er mwyn parhau i gyflawni ymchwil sy’n creu effaith.

“Sefydlwyd Rhwydwaith Arloesedd Cymru i gryfhau

ymchwil ac arloesedd yng Nghymru trwy gydweithio ac, yn dilyn llwyddiant cyllido trwy grantiau bach y llynedd, rwy’n edrych ymlaen at gael gweld deilliannau’r flwyddyn hon wrth i ni gynnig cefnogaeth i’n prifysgolion i feithrin y partneriaethau hyn.”

Mae’r prosiect Ffermio Fertigol Cymru yn cael ei arwain gan Brifysgol Aberystwyth gyda chymorth Prifysgol Metropolitan Caerdydd, Prifysgol Abertawe a Vertikit Cyf.

Grawn sy’n gwrthsefyll sychder yn ‘hanfodol’

wrth i’r boblogaeth gynyddu - cymrawd ymchwil

newydd

Drought resistant cereal research ‘vital’ as world population rises

Mae ymchwil byd-enwog planhigion Prifysgol Aberystwyth wedi derbyn hwb gyda chymrodoriaeth ymchwil sy’n cael ei hariannu gan yr Undeb Ewropeaidd.

Dyfarnwyd yr ysgoloriaeth uchel ei bri i Dr Jaykumar Patel er mwyn iddo allu ymchwilio i wella gallu’r cnwd miled perlog i ymdopi gyda sychder.

Mae miled perlog yn gnwd grawn sy’n cael ei fwyta’n bennaf mewn nifer o wledydd yn Affrica, yn ogystal ag yn India a De Asia.

Yn draddodiadol, defnyddiwyd miled perlog ar gyfer gwneud uwd, kedgeree a bara fflat megis chapattis, ond yn gynyddol mae’n cael ei ddefnyddio mewn bara, bisgedi a grawnfwydydd brecwast.

Bydd yr ymchwil newydd yn Sefydliad y Gwyddorau Biolegol, Amgylcheddol a Gwledig yn Aberystwyth yn edrych ar enynnau allweddol y cnwd gan anelu at ddefnyddio technoleg flaengar i wella ei gynnyrch, ei allu i wrthsefyll sychder a’i gynnwys maethyddol.

Mae gan Dr Patel ddoethuriaeth mewn bioleg foleciwlaidd planhigion, ac astudiodd ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth am gyfnod. Ar hyn o bryd mae’n Ymchwilydd Ôl-ddoethurol ym Mhrifysgol Ben-Gurion yn Negev, Israel. Dywedodd:

“Rwy’n falch iawn o gael dychwelyd i Aberystwyth i gyfrannu at yr ymchwil hanfodol hwn. Mae cryfhau gallu miled perlog i wrthsefyll sychder a pha mor faethlon yw yn hollbwysig wrth inni wynebu heriau poblogaeth sy’n tyfu, rhagor o afiechydon cysylltiedig â diet, a newid hinsawdd.

“Gyda phoblogaeth y byd yn debygol o agosáu at 9 biliwn erbyn 2050, mae angen i allbwn bwyd ddyblu i ddiwallu anghenion pobl. Mae hyn ar adeg pan fo 768 miliwn o bobl yn dioddef o ddiffyg maeth yn y byd eisoes - y mwyafrif helaeth ohonynt yn Asia ac Affrica. Wrth i ni siarad, mwy na 529 miliwn o bobl sy’n dioddef o diabetes Math-2.

“Mae gan yr ymchwil hwn nid yn unig y potensial i chwyldroi bridio miled perlog ond hefyd i gymryd camau breision tuag at amaethyddiaeth gynaliadwy, lliniaru newid hinsawdd, a lleihau baich byd-eang diabetes Math-2, yn unol â Nodau Datblygu

Cynaliadwy’r

Cenhedloedd Unedig. Nod ein prosiect yw creu gwrthocsidyddion a mathau eraill o filed perlog sy’n gyfoethog o ran maetholion ac sy’n gallu gwrthsefyll sychder; cyfrannu at well sicrwydd bwyd a datblygiad economaidd mewn ardaloedd bregus y byd.”

Ffermio Cymru

science & technology

New innovation at Biobest will enable optimisation of veterinary laboratory’s operations

BIOBEST Laboratories has gained accreditation for the use of their new state-of-the-art robotic technology which will increase their testing capacity while also providing customers with a faster turnaround.

The automated ELISA system installed at Biobest’s laboratory at The Edinburgh Technopole at Milton Bridge, near Penicuik in Scotland, has now been accredited for use by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

It follows significant investment from VetPartners, the large veterinary and animal healthcare group which owns Biobest, one of the UK’s leading full service veterinary laboratories.

The new automated system will enable Biobest to optimise

lab workflows, increase testing capacity and streamline data transfers, resulting in a faster turnaround time for customers.

The system will be used for a variety of serological testing, including herd and flock screening for infections like Johne’s disease in ruminants and Maedi Visna (MV) and CLA in sheep.

Biobest Laboratory Director Paul Burr said: “We have been working hard on the validation of these instruments over the past few months and I’m delighted to report that the system has now been accredited for several of our farm animal tests.

“This is an important step forward for us and means we can provide a better service to our customers by reducing turnaround times significantly.

Digital mapping drives forage productivity

A farm in Cumbria is proving that digital soil and yield mapping can deliver big benefits for dairy units through increased productivity and more targeted use of inputs.

Blencogo House Farm near Wigton is no stranger to adopting the latest technology, running four Lely robotic milking units alongside the parlour for its 260cow herd.

The farm, which also grows its own forage and straw from around 150 ha of maize, winter wheat, winter barley and perennial ryegrass, has also been an early adopter of the latest in digital mapping technology in a bid to drive productivity and efficiency.

Several years ago, it started using the Omnia Digital Farming system, primarily to produce nutrient and manure management plans, and more recently, was one of the first in the area to have fields scanned with Terramap High Definition soil mapping soon after the service was launched in 2019. Terramap uses gamma-ray detection technology to map all common nutrient and physical soil properties in far greater detail than conventional grid sampling, mapping over 800 data reference points per hectare.

“Our Hutchinsons agronomist Jim Clark is a big believer in the Terramap system, so we thought that maybe it could be the next step

in achieving better productivity,” says farmer, John Ferguson. “From what we’ve seen so far, it’s definitely worth doing.”

Big lime saving

The first fields were Terramaped four years ago, and now the vast majority of the farmpredominantly sandy clay loam soil - has been scanned, with all data uploaded to Omnia where it is analysed and used for nutrient planning and to create variable application plans.

One of the most tangible benefits has been on the use of lime, which has traditionally been applied ahead of maize at a flat rate of around 2.5-5 t/ha (1-2 t/acre) based on results of standard soil core sampling.

But once Terramapping revealed the underlying variations in soil pH across both the farm and within individual fields, it was clear a more precise approach was needed. “Some fields were more variable than others, but generally the variation was between pH 5.6 to 6.5,” says Mr Clark. “My aim is to bring everything up closer to a target pH 6.5, which is slightly higher than the 6.0 recommended in RB209 for grass, but I feel a higher pH helps achieve greater nutrient availability from slurries, which is what we need for big crops of maize, wheat and grass.”

Here we go again!

It is always a privilege to be able to publish this Preview of our great Royal Highland Show for 2024, and what a great event it looks like being too!

Along with the Scottish Game Fair and Open Farm Sunday, we have certainly got a few events covered in this issue, that’s for sure!

RHS is a fantastic event for us all, and I cannot wait to be visiting all the stands and attractions once again this year.

The Royal Highland Show is of course our biggest farming event of the year, and I would like to wish everyone who have helped to organise it all.

To those exhibiting at the show, all I can say is, “Good luck, enjoy it, and may this be a very successful few days for you”.

To the visitors, both farming and general public, I hope you enjoy sampling the fab produce on display and for sale, there really is nothing better than locally produced quality food to lift the spirits.

And talking of spirits, I am sure there will be quite a few opportunities to sample the latest concoctions of offer on various stands over the event.

Enjoy it all folks!

Slàinte.

Athole Murray Fleming Publisher/Editor Farming Scotland Magazine

Welcome to our 2024 Royal Highland Show…

I’d like to welcome you to the Royal Highland Show 2024, a celebration of Scotland’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant rural communities. As Chairman, I am thrilled to see everyone that comes through the gates witness the culmination of months of planning and dedication of everyone involved.

The Show stands as a great testament to the passion and hard work of our farmers, producers, artisans and all working in our industry. For over two centuries, the Show is not only Scotland’s biggest outdoor event but the biggest fundraising event for our charity, The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

This year marks 240 years of RHASS and it’s been great to see so many get involved with our anniversary events so far. From the family friendly Hide & Sheep campaign to sharing your stories and experiences with us for of 240 Years of Stories (get in touch with us if you have a story to share at stories@rhass.org.uk) or signing up for the ultimate Munro challenge, Mighty Munro Muster, taking place later this year – (more information on this can be found at: royalhighlandshow.org.uk/rhass-240/_ )

There’s plenty going on at this year’s show, with line-ups packed with livestock and equine competitions, pole-climbing, axe throwing, farriery as well as lots of local food and drink to taste at Food For Thought Theatre, or Scotland’s Larder in association with The Scotsman. Make sure you shop around the variety of outdoor tradestands showcasing the best in machinery, lifestyle, outdoor living, crafts, motors, renewables and more.

Being a family-friendly event, the kids can get stuck into all we have to offer at the RHET Discovery Centre where they can explore all things peat, make some butter, discover robotic milking, learn fun facts about fishing or meet our friendly fibreglass coo. The countryside area has a Kid Zone, not far from our new wellness area and chill zone, which parents may want to take advantage of!

At the Royal Highland Show, we want to showcase the very best of agriculture, with funds generated to help us to achieve our goals in supporting and advancing our sector. By visiting, you are not only enjoying the Show but helping to support in shaping Scotland’s vibrant rural industry!

I hope you have a lovely and enjoyable visit.

James C Warnock RHASS Chairman

James C Warnock

Chairman of the Royal & Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland

Royal Highland Ohh: there truly is something for everyone at Scotland’s largest

outdoor event

The 2024 Royal Highland Show is set to surprise and delight showgoers with ‘acres of epicness’

The Royal Highland Show, produced by Scotland’s agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) is, promising an unforgettable event for all attendees in it’s 202nd year.

Highlighting what might be perceived as the more unexpected elements of the show, from mountain biking displays to the interactive and immersive Honey Marquee, show organisers have created a buzz around the 2024 event with the launch its new

creative campaign – The Royal Highland Ohh!

Captivating audiences with the delightfully surprising array of attractions and activities on offer at the show, some of the elements featured in the campaign include:

For the foodies: Stuffed full of food and drink, the show offers boundless opportunities to sample Scotland’s finest produce including cookery demos with top chefs and a huge choice of food vendors serving everything from haggis neeps and tatties (The Haggis Box), freshly prepared fish and chips and lobster rolls (Alandas) to crisp

hot churros (Jordan Events) and Greek gyros. A treasure trove of culinary delights, visitors can also explore Scotland’s Larder in association with The Scotsman which brings together hundreds of brands offering cheeses, fruits, oils, chocolates, spirits and more.

For families: A key attraction for families, the RHET Discovery Centre is the perfect entertaining and educational base for younger visitors to the show. With a full programme of drop-in and bookable activities, kids can try their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow, learn how to cook with lamb, take part in

guided sessions such as honey tasting, candle making and viewing bees, and so much more.

With a dedicated kid zone located in the Countryside Area, there is plenty of fun for all the family to enjoy including hands on skills training with Tree-ditions Woodland Crafts School, live Sealpin Gundogs demonstrations, Elite Falconry’s birds of prey flying demonstrations, and the opportunity to get involved with creating a large willow lantern with Wild Rose Escapes.

Tickets to the show for children age 15 and under are free of charge.

For the shopaholic: For the avid shoppers, a vast range of retail opportunities await spread across numerous shopping villages, offering clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village. Event attendees also might be surprised to find the Renewable Village, offering a variety of sustainable products and services including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal, biomass companies and more.

This year the Home and Gift Hall has had a layout revamp and now includes the Scottish Handcrafts Championships.

For the thrill seekers: Delivering the action and drama, sparks will fly in the heat of Farriery competition, equine entrants will be saddled up for show jumping and the daredevil BMX riders will be showing off their flips and tricks. Over in the forestry arena, visitors will be

on the edge of their seats as they are entertained by axe throwers, live chainsaw carving, and pole climbers.

For the traditionalists: The many traditional aspects of the show will continue to provide weekend-long entertainment. Watch as the country’s top shearers battle it out for the esteemed title of Scottish National Champion or head to the main ring to see the Heavy Horse Turnouts. The spectacle of the Sixes taking place on Sunday is another one not to be missed.

For music lovers: For those wearing their dancing shoes, the West Stage line-up is not to be missed. Performances to suit all music tastes from folk rock and swing to reggae and opera will take place in addition to daily ceilidh sessions.

Additionally, tickets are available to purchase for the Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmers Bash which is back with eight live folk and country music

acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June, including headline acts Tide Lines and Derek Ryan.

David Tennant, head of show for RHASS said: “While tradition remains at the heart of the show, the event is far from conventional. Each year we build and grow on the last with an everincreasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.

“The show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, however, over the years the show has developed so far beyond that, and we are excited to put a spotlight on some of the elements that visitors might not expect to find over the weekend.

“Last year, we were delighted to welcome 217,000 people to the Royal Highland Show and we look forward to building on the events success as we welcome even more visitors, both retuning

patrons and newcomers, to the venue for 2024.”

The Royal Highland Show has revitalised the format of RHS TV for 2024, which will now be produced as a 1-hour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews, and stories. The programme will broadcast on Freeview channel and will also be available to watch on demand on the Royal Highland Show Website. Having run successfully for over two centuries, The Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for RHASS.

Supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the 2024 Royal Highland Show will take place across four days at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, from 20th – 23rd June, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.royalhighlandshow. org

The A-Z of the Royal Highland Show 2024

A

– Agricultural equipment –See the fantastic display of farm machinery and take the opportunity to visit the stands –the Agri Innovation Arena is a must-visit.

B

– Beer – Enjoy a pint from the Royal Highland Show’s brewery partner and principal beer supplier, Innis & Gunn.

C – Countryside – Set by its own lochan, the Countryside Arena is home to exciting demonstrations, including sheepdogs, Sealpin Gundogs and fly fishing.

D

– Dairy – New Milk and Cream classes will join the Scottish Ice Cream, Cheese and Butter Championships at the Show this year.

E

– Equestrian - The Show always welcomes an impressive range of horse breeds, from the

F

adorable Shetland Pony to the majestic Clydesdale.

– Food – Explore hundreds of food and drink brands in Scotland’s Larder in association with The Scotsman, witness cookery demos with top chefs in the Food for Thought Theatre and take your pick from a huge range of delicious food stands.

G – Grand Parade – enjoy a spectacular display of the country’s best livestock as a parade of prize-winning cattle make their way across the main ring.

H

– Highland Cattle – Witness one of Scotland’s most iconic animals, the gorgeous Highland Coo, up close and in the flesh!

I – Innovation – the latest labour, time and money-saving gadgets for rural businesses can be seen at the RHASS Technical

innovation Awards, which are presented at the Show.

J – Judges – The Show attracts some of the top judges from across the world to judge livestock, food and drink and much more.

K – Kids go free – with plenty of entertainment for the little ones including a dedicated Kid Zone, Kids aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

L

– Logs - Make sure to visit the Forestry Arena, which is home to the Scottish Pole Climbing Championships along with action-packed axe throwing and wood carving demonstrations.

M – Music - the Show caters for all musical tastes, you could be disco dancing one minute, doing a ceilidh the next, before enjoying a traditional Scottish

pipe band later on. Don’t forget to buy your ticket to the Royal Highland Hoolie to get your live folk and country music fix!

N – New – new to the show this year is a dedicated wellness area in the Countryside Arena, offering show-goers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.

O – Online - Get all the latest up-to-date information on the Show on the official Royal Highland Show app, website and social media channels for the latest updates.

P – Produce – You will find plenty of locally produced and ethically sourced food served at the Show – from delicious haggis neeps and tatties to freshly prepared fish and chips and lobster rolls, finished off with a bowl of Scottish

Royal Highland Show 2024

strawberries bursting with flavour.

Q - Queen Bee – Find out all you need to know about honey and the importance of bees in the Show’s Honey Marquee by the West Entrance, and don’t miss the prize giving at the Honey Championships!

R – RHS TV – The Royal Highland Show has revitalised the format of RHS TV for 2024, which will now be produced as a 1-hour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews, and stories and will also be

S

available on demand via the Royal Highland Show website so you csn catch up with anything you might have missed.

– Shopping – A vast range of retail opportunities await spread across numerous shopping villages where you can find clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and much more.

T

– Trials – The BMX riders will have you on the edge of your seat with their stunt displays in the Forestry Arena.

U – Unwind – The Show is the

V

perfect place to catch up with friends, enjoy a good day out and head to our Chill Zone in the Countryside Arena to relax.

– Variety – Cattle and sheep, farriery at The Forge, show jumping, heavy horse turnouts, ceilidh bands, choirs, shopping, artisanal food and drink –there’s SO much to see and do.

W

– Wool – Always a highlight, the MacRobert Theatre provides some of the fastest action of the show at the Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling competition.

X

Scotland’s Larder in association with The Scotsman is a mustsee destination for all Foodies and a great place to meet local producers, taste the best of Scottish produce and discover artisan offerings from across the UK. Browse aisles full of delicacies to find everything from Scotland’s juicy strawberries and varied cheeses to full bodied Whiskies and fruity Gins. Why not take the opportunity to speak with the makers and hear how they got started first-hand!

The Food for Thought Conference and Cookery Theatre is a light and airy venue

Scotland’s Larder

Y – Youth – The RHET Discovery Tent is home to activities and exhibits designed to engage young minds. Pay it a visit if you have little ones in tow!

Z – Zones - To make the most of your visit we want to ensure you can get around the Showground easily. Watch out for the coloured zones on your map and RHS App to help guide you around the Showground!

– Xcitement - There’s plenty of excitement at the Show – make sure you get your programme so you don’t miss out on a single thing!

full of entertaining cookery demonstrations from award-

winning chefs, alongside conversations and Q&As

Hide & Sheep

with food writers, cooks and producers.

Since Easter the search was on to find almost two thousand cuddly sheep hidden across Scotland and to have a chance to win a VIP experience to this year’s Royal Highland Show

Scotland’s leading agricultural charity behind the Royal Highland Show, the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), hid 1,920 cuddly toy sheep across Scotland this Easter in the first of a year-long programme of events to celebrate its 240th anniversary.

From Monday 25th March, the free family fun event saw hundreds

of sheep hiding across the country with the cuddly flock safely stowed away at shopping centres, farm shops, tourist destinations and agricultural centres.

As a nod to the eight regions that used to host the Royal Highland Show before it became a one-location event in Scotland’s Capital in 1960, sheep were hidden in the eight RHASS regions

of Scotland; Edinburgh and Lothians, the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Strathclyde, Stirling, Perth, Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands in both rural and urban landscapes. Sheep were also hidden in and around Angus and Fife.

The first to find a sheep got to keep the sheep and be in with the chance of winning one of eight VIP

experiences at the Royal Highland Show 2024. Those who have found one of the lost flock can simply scan the QR code on the sheep’s ear tag to discover if they are a winner.

With Spring an important season in the agricultural calendar, each ear tag code will also reveal five farming facts including insights on lambing, crop sowing

and more, as well as raising awareness about the farming sector and the important issues facing the rural community.

In addition to Hide & Sheep, this year will also see RHASS launch a mass Munro challenge, a series of Harvest Thanksgiving services and a yearlong audio and visual storytelling project.

The planned activities all aim to raise greater awareness around key times in the agricultural calendar, unheard stories from across the sector, and issues that face the rural community and will all generate funds for land initiatives preserving Scotland’s countryside.

The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is the charity that stages Scotland’s largest and most popular agricultural show, the Royal Highland Show, the fourday event which takes place at The Royal Highland Centre 20th - 23rd

of June 2024.

Jim Warnock, RHASS Chairman said; “It is a great honour to chair RHASS during its 240th Anniversary year. We hope Hide & Sheep alongside our other family-friendly events this year encourage people across Scotland to learn more about the Scottish agricultural community, the challenges they face, and the important role they play within Scotland.”

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive added: “At RHASS we have 240 years of history in championing Scottish agriculture. Inspiring the next generation through events like Hide & Sheep remains a key part of that. We hope lots of young people and their families get involved with the event and also continue their interest by visiting us at our milestone event, the Royal Highland Show, in June.”

For more information on Hide & Sheep please visit

L-R Annabelle Bargeton, 4 and Eva Wallace, 4, help to launch Hide & Sheep to mark the 240th anniversary year of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS)

https://www.royalhighlandshow. org/rhass-240/hide-sheep/. For those who don’t manage to find a sheep, they are also available to buy on the Royal Highland Show website, priced at £14.95: https://shop.royalhighlandshow.

org/products/cuddly-toy-rhasssheep

The Hide & Sheep event is being sponsored Turcan Connell and RHASS’ media partner, The Scotsman Publications (National World).

Sheep Shearing Competitions

“If a bit of action and drama is what you are looking for then the sheep shearing, pole climbing and forestry area are a must.

In the Shearing Theatre we are delighted to be holding a Ladies Competition for the first time. We will also be hosting the Blade

Shearing leg of the 6 Nations Shearing & Wool Handling Competition. Competitors from England, Wales, Northern Ireland,

Ireland and France, as well as the Scottish Team will compete to be crowned the Six Nations Blade Shearing Champions.”

Charity calls for stories to contribute towards lasting legacy of Scotland’s agricultural and rural community

Stories

gathered will celebrate

past, present and future generations of the industry and act as a central pillar to the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s 240th anniversary activities

Scotland’s agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), which runs The Royal Highland Show, is calling on the people of Scotland and beyond to share their agricultural and rural stories from across the decades in recognition of its 240th anniversary.

Over the next 12 months, the 240 Years of Stories initiative hopes to bring to life a rich tapestry of tales that relay people’s experiences of rural life, connections and pivotal moments within the agricultural community to celebrate the past, present and future of one of Scotland’s leading industries.

From memories of farming traditions that have evolved

from the use of horse and cart to machinery, to reflections of farmland being handed down to sons and daughters, to relaying fantastical stories of wins, losses and experiences of attending Scotland’s leading agriculture show, the Royal Highland Show, RHASS is keen to hear from anyone who has a connection to the agriculture or rural community and charity.

One such story that has already been shared with RHASS, is that of James Logan, who lives at Athelstaneford Mains near North Berwick, farming arable and potatoes.

James is a third-generation farmer who was born in 1965. He took over the farm from his

father, Willie Logan, in 1990, and developed it from a mixed farm which his grandfather, John, started in 1931, to what it is known for today.

James’ father Willie is now 92 and lives just seven miles away at Samuelston South Mains. Willie’s own story of living and farming through the years features on the OnRecord – Memories of Rural Life, from the makers of the OnFarm podcast who are a partner of the 240 Years of Stories initiative.

Like his dad who was a Director with RHASS, James too has been a Director for RHASS for several years. James will also take on the mantle as Chairman of RHASS in the summer, where

he will help lead the strategy of the organisation for the next two years.

James lives at Athelstaneford Mains with his wife, Elinor. Elinor started The Veg Shed, a veg shop with a difference which was started to diversify the farm by offering fresh potatoes, eggs and vegetables from a vending machine.

He said: “Being born on the farm, and having come from a line of farmers, you could say I was always destined to become a farmer. While I toyed with other occupations, my love of the countryside and admiration of what my father did within farming prevailed and after studying agriculture at university,

Royal Highland Show 2024

I knew that farming was the right path for me.

“Unlike my father who had and continues to have a great eye for cattle, when I took over the farm, I knew I wanted to run it differently. My dad was very supportive of me changing the format of the farm to focus on potatoes and arable. We worked together for many years before his semi-retirement developing our crops and the business, so we have lots of fond memories of the highs and lows of running the business.

“The way I view the future of the farm is that I’m the custodian of my land for a very short while. I have a son and a daughter, who may or may not take over one day, and so I’ve really encouraged them to find their own path to discover what their future looks like. My son, Hamish, studied agriculture too and is currently a food and farming consultant for Savills. He is involved in the young farmers community like I was.

“My daughter, Anna, has just become a Chartered Accountant, so while neither of them are currently working on the farm full time, they are part of our succession plan. When they takeover, then they will be armed with a broad range of life skills and know-how that will only help to contribute towards futureproofing the land.

“There are so many other similar stories out there which stretch across generations in how farmland has evolved, the positive impact people have made to the industry and how the use of land has changed to support the future food or supply requirements of wider society. I hope that others come forward to share their tales and help to create a bank of stories that can be preserved for years to come.”

Commenting on his upcoming Chairman appointment, which James will take on this summer, he said: “I’ve worked closely with RHASS for the last seven

years as a director and Honorary Secretary, so it’s an honour to be taking on the mantle as chairman to help support the direction of the charity over the coming two years, especially during their anniversary year.

“It will be fantastic to be working even more closely with the team in helping guide activity around the rural economy, the bursaries and grants the charity

offers and what more we can do to support local agricultural shows which is the starting point for those competitors who join us at the Royal Highland Show every June.”

Willie Logan farmed from 1953, when his father died, to 1990 when James took over. He said: “My memories of farming stem back to when horsepower helped plough the fields and when

L-R James, Anna, Willie, Hamish and Elinor

we used hessian sacks which belonged to the railway company to store and transport stock across the country. I even remember picking turnip crops in the winter with my bare hands and having to warm them up under the tap to be able to eat my lunch!

“While my passion was cattle, my father was a great Clydesdale man and bred and showed horses around the country.

“I have lived and breathed farming my entire life, even meeting my wife at the Royal Highland Show in Aberdeen when it used to tour the country, and I have many stories and tales, or some might say words of wisdom, to tell. I’m so delighted that RHASS is capturing these personal stories for the wider community and future generations to enjoy.”

Hamish Logan, James’ son, 27, studied agriculture at Harper Adams University and is a food and farming consultant for Savills.

He said: “After university, my plan was always to work away from the farm for a while so that I could experience working for other companies and learn from other business leaders.

“What’s great about my current role is that I get to blend the world of work and business with farming. I get to experience being in an office and being out and about in rural settings and visiting farms to learn more about how they’re managed.

“In the future, I would like to think that I could continue the success that my dad and grandpa have had on our farm. I’m not sure how that looks right now, but being able to continue building the business into the future is a wonderful ambition to aim for.”

The society’s involvement in supporting both the agricultural and wider community of Scotland stretches from providing financial aid for a newly invented plough to help manage Highland farmland in

the late 1700s, to helping to improve milk supply in the early 1900s and leading The Scottish Red Cross Agriculture Fund during the war.

Throughout its history it has been committed to rewarding excellence and innovation within the sector through awards and grants. It has also supported The Argyll Naval Fund to support boys who had succeeded in gaining a reserved place in the Royal Navy in the 1800s and for 70 years, the society worked with the Scottish Government to support the health and wellbeing of the residents of St Kilda.

It is hoped that the stories shared as part of 240 Years of Stories will help RHASS connect the stories it receives to its enduring support and commitment to the industry over the past two centuries.

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive added: “RHASS was formed two hundred and forty years ago and while the organisation has

evolved tremendously since then, the very reason RHASS continues to exist today hasn’t changed; and that is to champion agriculture and support those who live and work within it. It’s those who have a connection with the sector and industry that we’d love to hear from.

“Whether you were brought up on a farm, have family who own a farm or have historic tales of generations gone by who worked within the sector and contributed in some way to the industry, we’d love to hear your stories. In gathering tales old and new, we can help preserve these stories so that two hundred and forty years from now, future generations can learn and enjoy what has gone before them.”

The stories shared with RHASS will be taken forward in collaboration with the OnRecord – Memories of Rural Life, makers of OnFarm podcast The Scotsman Publications (National World).

Judges for Royal Highland Show 2024

Hailing from around the UK and beyond, the judges will take on the challenge of placing Scotland’s biggest and best display of livestock.

Overall Young Handler

The choice of judges for the Dalchirla Trophy for Overall Young Handler rotates to a different section every year, and this year the task falls upon father and daughter duo Robin Orr and Caroline Morton.

Together they run a flock of pedigree texels and a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle which have both had many showing successes. Caroline has competed in the light horse section at the Royal Highland Show many times, including taking the Champion Working Hunter, Show Hunter Pony and Part Bred Arab titles home –meanwhile, Robin has won beef, sheep and dairy pairs young farmers competitions.

Beef Section

One of the most hotly contested classes, the Interbreed Team Competition & Overall Beef Interbreed Championship will be judged by Peter Watson. Having been involved with both the Charolais and Saler breeds for many years, Peter was the winner of Scotch Beef Farm of the Year in 2015.

The Native Interbreed Team Championship will be overseen by Daniel Wyllie, who will use his over 50 years of judging experience to place the top spot.

Regular in the Royal Highland Show rings Stephanie Dick will judge the Young Handlers class next year. Having showed Limousins, Aberdeen Angus, British Blue and Commercial Cattle, as well as Blue Texels, she has judged in the Czech Republic last year and regularly commentates for the sheep young handlers at the Show.

With over 40 years of judging experience at many prestigious shows including the Royal Welsh, Balmoral, Great Yorkshire and shows in Northern Ireland, Ireland and France, the

British Charolais section is in safe hands with Neil Barclay.

The top spots for Belted Galloway will be overseen by Caroline Montgomery, who farms pedigree Holsteins, Ayrshires, White and Belted Galloways and Lleyn Sheep with her husband and children. She has exported cattle around the world to Germany and Ireland.

Colin McClymont is well placed to judge the Salers, having farmed one of the first Saler herds in Britain. He has also bred the champion pen of Saler Commercial Heifers at the Castle Douglas sale for six consecutive years and brought out the Champion Saler bull at Stirling in 2016.

Dairy Section

David Hastings will oversee the Overall Dairy Interbreed in 2024. With over 50 years of judging experience, he has been involved with the Ayrshire, Friesian and Holstein breeds and is the only herd manager to have won the Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award.

Iwan Thomas will be inspecting the Ayrshires, having previously judged the National Ayrshire Show, National Guernsey Show and various County Shows. Iwan has been involved in the Holstein, Ayrshire and Jersey breeds directly but has also prepared and shown Guernsey’s, Brown Swiss and Dairy Shorthorn.

David Booth will be running his expert eye over the Holsteins. With over 20 years of judging experience, David won Northern Farm of the Year in 2021 and the Holstein UK Master Breeder award in 2019, to name just a couple of significant wins.

Determining the winner of the Dairy Shorthorns will be Robert Kite, who has 12 years of judging experience including

the All American Dairy Show, Royal Welsh, Great Yorkshire & TullamoreShow in Ireland. He has travelled to both America and Australia to represent the breed and is Chairman of the Dairy Shorthorn Sires Committee and on the council board.

With 25 years of judging experience in all nations of the UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia, Jane Steel will oversee the British Red & White, Jersey & Any Other Breed class. Working as a livestock photographer, Jane has travelled all over the world to photograph the best cows and has her own small herd of Holsteins under the “Lomond” prefix.

Sheep Section

Former RHASS Chairman James F. Warnock will take charge of the Overall Sheep Interbreed for 2024. With over 50 years of judging experience at all the Royal Shows in the UK and county shows from Cornwall to Orkney, he has also judged in France, Switzerland and Sweden. He has been involved with the Texel breed since 1974 when it was imported to the UK and was breed Chairman in 1995/96. James is a familiar face in the Royal Highland Show sheep lines, having been Chief Steward of the sheep section for many years before becoming RHASS Chairman.

Clark Lamont will tap out the winners of the Overall Sheep Pairs Interbreed. Clark has over 50 years of judging experience across over 100 local and national shows and has previously judged both Bluefaced Leicester and Charollais at the Royal Highland Show, as well as winning the Bluefaced Leicester section five times.

Kirsty Morton will name the champions of the Sheep Young Handlers. Having been involved

with Beltex, Bluefaced Leicester and Commercial sheep showing, Kirsty took champion and reserve champion commercial at the 2022 Royal Highland Show. Nicola Fletcher will look after the Jacob section. Over the last 15 years, she has judged at the Royal Cornwall, Royal Welsh, Balmoral and many smaller shows throughout the UK and Ireland. Having bred Jacobs for over 30 years, importing rams and ewes to Ireland to improve the breed there, she is currently the secretary of the Jacob Sheep Society and is a Professor at the Dublin Veterinary School.

Melfyn Williams is wellplaced for judging the North Country Cheviot class, having been the NCC society national president from 2020-2022 and been a Welsh Council Representative three times. He has shown for 40 years and won numerous Breed and Interbreed Championships, including being the first breeder to win an Interbreed title at the Royal Welsh in 1997 with a group of 3. New for 2024 in the sheep section is the Kerry Hill breed. With growing numbers of exhibitors showing the breed, it is expected to be a strong competition which will be ably judged by Will Evans, a very experienced judge within the breed.

Goat Section

Dairy Goats, Kids, Milking and boer Goats will be judged this year by Tim Baker. Tim has kept goats for over 40 years, having purchased his first when he was only eight years old. He has been involved in both breeding and showing a number of breeds to a high level throughout the UK.

Heavy Horse Section

The Clydesdales In Hand (Males) will be judged by James Tennant.

Judging for over 30 years and having a lifetime involvement in the Clydesdale breed, he has won several Male Championships at the Royal Highland Show, alongside taking part in Heavy Horse Turnout classes.

The top Clydesdale Females will be chosen by Graffin Hanna. As the third generation of his family involved in Clydesdales, Graffin’s Royal Highland Show highlight was winning the Queens Cup in 2016 with Macfin Diamond Queen, a feat notably repeated by the Hanna family in 2023 with a Queen’s Cup win for Macfin Delta Dawn.

The winners of the Ridden Clydesdales (Ride) will be decided by John Cookson, who alongside his wife and daughter, produce their own horses for the show ring, with interests in Hunters, Show Hunter and Mountain & Moorland Ponies. The Conformation will be judged by Peter Keron.

Highland Ponies In Hand (Males) will be overseen by

Gilean Docherty, who has competed both in hand and ridden with Highland ponies for over forty years. With over 20 years of judging under her belt, including recently at the Highland Pony Breed Show and Blair Castle, she breeds Highland ponies under the Tashieburn prefix.

Jane McNaught will judge the Highland Pony In Hand (Females). Having competed Highland ponies for many years, with highlights including competing at Olympia, Jane has also had successes as an owner with ponies qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show and winning the Royal Highland Show Ridden Highland Pony Champion twice.

The Shetland Ponies In Hand will be assessed by Wendy Toomer-Harlow. Wendy breeds Shetland Ponies under the Eversley prefix and also has an interest in Shire Horses – winning the inaugural Heavy

Royal Highland Show

Horse Driven Championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show.

Julian Walters will pick out the top spots for Miniature Shetland Ponies In Hand. Breeding both Miniature and Standard Shetlands, Julian has attained the accolade of Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Breeder of the Year several times and has qualified a Shetland Pony for the Price Supreme in Hand final at Horse of the Year Show four times.

Winning the Sanderson Trophy for overall Scottish native horse or pony is the pinnacle of every heavy horse exhibitor at the Royal Highland Show. In 2024 Hugh Duncan will pick the champion deserving of this prestigious accolade. Hugh has over 25 years of judging experience and has been involved with both Highland and Shetland ponies for many years.

Charles Beardmore will be tasked with judging the Heavy Horse Turnouts. Charles worked

with Thwaites Brewery for 54 years, the last 15 years as Head Coachman before retiring. During that time, he competed at most major shows with the Thwaites Brewery turnout and took eight National titles at the Shire Horse Show.

Light Horse Section

Judging the Overall Mountain & Moorland Ponies In Hand will be Elizabeth Briant, who has judged at HOYS, Olympia, the Royal International Horse Show and at shows in Australia. One of her main achievements was producing two Olympia champions, alongside having produced ponies for the late Queen Elizabeth for over 20 years – including her riding pony, Emma.

The St Johns Wells Trophy for best two In-Hand Ponies by the same sire will be awarded by Jill Graham. Having bred and exhibited Dales and Exmoor ponies for over 40 years, Jill was

Royal Highland Show 2024

a member of the Dales Pony Society Council for 35 years, then General Secretary for three years before retiring as Life Vice President. This is in addition to being awarded the Wall Family Trophy for exceptional services to the Dales Pony Society in 2022.

Gillian Beattie will take the reins for the Coloured Horses & Ponies In Hand section. Gillian has won many champion titles of her own including three times at the Royal Highland Show, and also runs her own riding school. Former international event rider Nick Collins will judge the

Hunter Under Saddle Weights and Smalls Ride. With 12 years of judging experience, Nick has judged across many prestigious shows including the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Norfolk Show, HOYS, Royal International Horse Show and Royal Bath & West.

Jo Jefferson will be lending her extensive expertise to judging the Side Saddle class. With over 40 years of judging experience, Jo has been a member of the Side Saddle Association since its creation in 1974 and has judged around the world including in South Africa,

New Zealand and Australia. She was champion side saddle rider of the year and has also been featured in several films riding side saddle, including Brideshead Revisited and A Handful of Dust.

The Retraining of Racehorses class Ride section will be judged by Rebecca Abba, who has over 20 years of experience judging at HOYS, the Royal Highland Show and many county shows. A regular on the showing circuit, with winners across many major shows, she now focuses on successfully competing her children’s ponies.

RHASS Head of Show, David Tennant commented:

“We are delighted to invite such a varied roster of judges to lend us their expertise at the 2024 Royal Highland Show. Having honed their skills at shows across the UK and around the world, they truly are the best of the best and we are honoured to be welcoming them next year.

“Things are already shaping up for a brilliant Show next year and the team can’t wait to see our competitors and judges in action.”

Royal Highland Show livestock and competitions

Changes to competition programme announced including brand new sections and additional classes

Scotland’s leading agricultural charity behind the Royal Highland Show, the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), has announced livestock and competition categories.

• Beef Cattle

• Dairy Cattle

• Sheep

• Goats

• Heavy Horse

• Light Horse

• Farriery

• Shearing

• Fleece

• Scottish Honey Championship

• Scottish Dairy Products Championship

• Scottish Handcrafts Championship

Entries for the showjumping class opened on 24th April.

An additional sheep ring will be in place to allow more flexibility around the judging timetable, and a new location within the heart of the showground has been assigned to the handcrafts competition.

Show parades will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with cattle and heavy horse exhibitors being encouraged to showcase their stock across both days. Due to the change in Main Ring timetable on the Friday, the cattle hall will be opened for a longer period allowing increased access for the public.

Remaining entries must be submitted through the online portal at www. royalhighlandshow.org no later than the stated deadlines. Full details including entry requirements and competition

All closing dates have now passed by the time of this preview, with the exception of the Scottish Championship entries which close on 20th May. Key changes to the 2024 competition programme have also been announced, including the addition of a Kerry Hill sheep section, a ladies’ shearing class, and the introduction of milk and cream competitions. The prestigious International Stairway showjumping class previously in the Jubilee Ring will now take place in the main ring, allowing working hunter to start earlier in the Jubilee Ring.

schedules are now available to view on the Royal Highland Show website.

David Tennant, head of show for RHASS, said; “Each year as the show continues to grow, we look at how we can improve the experience for both competitors and visitors. With the addition of some exciting new sections and classes in place

for 2024, we hope to continue to capture the interest of regular event attendees as well as welcoming new audiences to experience all the show has to offer.

“We wish the best of luck to all entrants taking part and look forward to seeing the highest standard of livestock and produce on show.”

Junior Champion from the Charolais section with handler, Jessica Hornall

Equine Area

The Royal Highland Show is the largest equestrian event in Scotland, with almost 2,000 horses and their riders travelling from across the country to compete

This year there are 57 Horse of the Year qualifier classes, including the Junior Ridden Coloured Pony class which will be new for 2024.

From the mighty Clydesdale to cheeky Shetland ponies, many breeds from across the UK will be on display. On Thursday watch the Scottish Native breeds and Hunters, Friday will see Mountain and Moorland ponies as well as Arabs and part bred Arabs. Saturday is the children’s pony day with show ponies, show hunter ponies, mountain and moorland ponies from lead rein to young adults, as well as side saddle and donkeys. On

Sunday audiences can enjoy the mountain and moorland ridden ponies and coloured horses and ponies ridden classes which will be followed later by the culmination of the Heavy Horse Turnout classes with a parade and championship.

The finest of equestrian talent will be on display every day with show jumping and the heavy horse turnouts taking place in the main ring, plus non-stop jumping action in the Jubilee Ring. The highlight in Scotland’s equestrian event calendar, the four-day event will showcase the very best standards that the country has to offer.

Harness Grooming and Decoration

Call for innovative design in agriculture for prestigious RHASS awards

Innovation to be championed at the Royal Highland Show in 2024 in Agri Demo Arena

The longest standing RHASS competition encourages innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and appliances which advance agricultural practice and celebrates significant steps forward being made in all kinds of agri innovation – from apps that monitor herds and crop-monitoring drone software to the latest tractor technology and livestock equipment.

Winners of the awards are offered a platform at the 2024 Royal Highland Show in the AgriInnovation Arena – a new area to the Show as of 2023. The Arena acts as a platform for showcasing and demonstrating innovative

machinery and technology that is shaping the future of agriculture and forms a busy business hub in the Show’s agri zone.

In 2023 Gold was awarded to two innovations, Murray Machinery for their Gravel Road Grader and Lely’s Discovery Collector for their app managed robot manure scraper. Additionally 4 Silvers were awarded including carbon mapping technology TerraMap that helps growers obtain accurate carbon baseline measurements.

As RHASS celebrates its 240th anniversary year, the charity reflects on innovations supported by the Society throughout its

history. This award is the oldest on record, the first iteration being from 1793 where Rev. Alexander Campbell was awarded a premium for the invention of a new plough. Since then, RHASS has continued to support innovations at the forefront of Scottish Agriculture.

Convener of Judges, Andrew Rennie said: “Innovation is a major focus for the Society and for the 2024 Royal Highland Show.

We’re looking for innovative excellence and are particularly interested in investing in more sustainable and climate focused initiatives as well as data platforms and app-based technologies which increase productivity and

sustainability. We welcome all applications across the sector and look forward to seeing entries from businesses who are leading the pack in innovative design and thinking.” The judging format will be a hybrid of in-person demonstrations, user evaluation and electronic submissions.

Award sponsors Hillhouse Quarry Group added “We are delighted to be continuing support for the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards. Sectoral innovation is key to efficiency, development and furtherment of the industry. We look forward to seeing the diverse mix of inventions and innovations entered this year.”

Creating a buzz at the show!

The Scottish Beekeepers Association (SBA) have a full honey tent planned for this year with the usual honey, wax, honey baking and associated bee product entries. Under the guidance of the Highland Show Steward Jackie McCreery who has planned for the tent to be designated the Scottish Honey Championships.

A full cohort of guide stewards to help answer questions that visitors may have about honeybees and other pollinators are being recruited and as usual the bees will be there, flying from their glass sided observation hives. Hopefully it will be warm and sunny, and we will be able to observe their dance language routines as they tell their colleagues where the best nectar sources are around Ingliston. The honeybees are capable of informing their sisters, via their dances, of the precise geographic direction of the best sources of nectar and pollen (and of potentially interesting swarm destinations).

We will again have young beekeepers explaining beekeeping to the schoolchildren and as young children regard older children as the best sources of cool information there will be rapt attention being paid to the explanations of how bees carry out their pollination and other duties. In addition to the bee product entries, we will have entries for photos on beekeeping subjects.

As usual the shop will be selling delicious local honeys and other bee products.

The artisan sections will be showing demonstrations of skep making (ruskies for the Scots speakers). We also hope to have wax moulding and encaustic art (painting with wax) demos and of course for the children the ever-popular candle rolling and honey tasting. The Scottish rural college (SRUC) will be represented in the tent and always has good information on bee health and other subjects.

The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is arranging school visits to the honey tent on Thursday and Friday and we look forward to meeting some of the school children who always show a keen interest in the bees.

The Scottish Education Qualifications body now has a N5 qualification in beekeeping on offer which can be taken up by schools and colleges, based on the SBA’s Basic Beekeeping syllabus and many Scottish schools have chosen to offer this course, having trained teachers in beekeeping, and have set up their own small apiary run by a school bee club.

There has been a welcome increase in the interest in bees from the farming community and a great willingness to improve the lot of pollinators by leaving wild margins around fields. We are very interested to hear from farmers. Anyone with a small piece of land that can be made stock-proof would be of interest to beekeepers looking for an apiary site – you would get a jar or two of honey in return. The parish I grew up in in the 1950’s/60’s (Botriphnie, Banffshire), had over a dozen

farms with a few hives of bees. My late brother was the last farmer in that parish to keep bees. If you have an inkling of starting beekeeping, locate your local beekeeping association (there are about 45 in Scotland) and join one of the beginners’ classes – two hours, one day a week for 6 or 7 weeks will gain you sufficient knowledge to start keeping bees. See the map at https://www.scottishbeekeepers. org.uk/about/affiliatedbeekeeping-associations

The bees have simple needs – “give us plenty of flowers, as free of man-made chemicals as

possible”. Bees don’t have a word for weeds, if it flowers we’re interested. We should remember that our largest flower sources are the hardwood trees, so plenty of sycamores, chestnuts, hawthorns, and limes are good. And let us not forget, we love a bite of Canola (low acid oil seed rape) and white clover. Bees have become very interested in the new crops of Phacelia and Borage which are appearing.

So please do visit the honey tent, located by the West Gate, you’ll be made most welcome. alan.riach@scottishbeekeepers. org.uk

£120k raised to support children’s farm visits across Scotland for children’s charity

RHASS Presidential Initiative gala dinner raises extraordinary amount to support two Scottish charities, and four local agricultural shows

Back in March, £120,000 was raised in Stirling at the RHASS Presidential Initiative’s gala dinner.

The money raised is funding a unique collaboration between Aberlour Children’s Charity, Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and RHET Forth Valley – to provide opportunities in agriculture and farming for young people supported by Aberlour.

Working with RHET Forth Valley, a group of young people from Aberlour are being given a unique programme of experiences through a series of farm visits over the Spring period.

The visits and activities aim to improve life chances of disadvantaged teenagers by introducing them to farming and food production including career and employment opportunities in the rural sector.

Activities range from learning about Shetland ponies and horsemanship, making butter on a dairy farm to visiting a farm shop and butchery. The SallyAnn Kelly OBE, Chief Executive, Aberlour Children’s Charity said; “Representatives of Aberlour were honoured to attend the RHASS Presidential Dinner 2024 on

Saturday as one of their chosen charities. What an incredible sum raised! The partnership is giving Aberlour’s young people opportunities to engage with the agricultural industry, which they are thoroughly enjoying. Our heartfelt thanks to RHASS President Robin Gray and his superb presidential team, sponsors, auction lot/prize donations, attending guests and everyone involved.”

In addition to this initiative, £20,000 is being donated to support four local agricultural shows; Stirling, Doune and Dunblane, Drymen and Gargunnock.

Robin Gray, RHASS President added; “We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity exhibited by attendees of our fundraising event, exceeding our fundraising target by almost double.

We’re delighted to be able to donate the funds to RHET and Aberlour Children’s Charity to enrich the lives of children and young adults in Stirlingshire and beyond.”

Line-up for June’s Royal Highland Hoolie

Eight

live folk and country music acts will perform across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June

including Nathan Evans of

Wellerman

(Sea Shanty) fame and ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ chart toppers, Rednex

Wednesday 3rd April – The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie, which will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, has been revealed, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.

Joining Friday (21st June) night’s headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released

their latest single, Homeward Bound, and recently returned from a European tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany is six-piece line-up, Trail West, who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band to an awe-inspiring live act.

The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands and Tik Tok star

and singer, Nathan Evans who’s official Wellerman (Sea Shanty) video has racked up over 300 million views, will complete Friday’s line-up.

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and

Royal Highland Show 2024

“Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.

The Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash.

Jim Warnock, Chairman of Royal Highland Show organisers, RHASS (the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland), said:

“The Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre. With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash organiser Nigel Campbell, added:

“The Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends. We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

A look at some of this years exhibitors

Albutt Attachments have been a proud supplier of attachments to Scottish farmers for 50 years. With almost three decades of exhibiting at the show, family firm Albutt Attachments returns to greet established customers, welcome new ones and to share the firm’s knowledge and expertise, aspiring to meet the requirements of today’s modern Scottish farmer.

Albutt Attachments is a family business, specialising in manufacturing high specification attachments for the agricultural, waste, construction and forestry industries. Durability, longevity

and sustainability are the standout features of this brand in a competitive manufacturing market.

The company founder, Robert Albutt, began the firm over 50 years ago. The company’s roots are embedded in farming, with four generations of the Albutt family directly involved in agriculture. Current managing director, Alistair Albutt, now employs 60 members of staff over two manufacturing facilities. Albutt Attachments have grown to become one of the leading names in the global attachment market.

A prime example of their professional expertise is the 14foot, 2.2 tonne folding push off Buckrake. This is one of several impressive, practical and time saving attachments on display at the 2024 Royal Highland Show. Albutt Attachments Buckrake

ranges include forged steel tines, ideal for tractors and telehandlers in addition to the Hardox tine range for large tractors and wheeled loading shovels. Both ranges use an ergonomic design to create a high strength-toweight ratio. Large capacity flow share valves ensure an even push. The full mesh gates enable the operator to always have a clear view, complemented by work lights for those long working days.

Albutt Attachments are looking forward to displaying their products at this year’s Royal Highland Show and listening to the issues faced by farmers, dealers and the forestry sector, working with them to create solutions with the Albutt Attachment range.

Come and meet them at Avenue Q, stand 290 A.

to showcase the new Cataya Special EcoLine harrowmounted seed drill at this year’s RHSS 2024

The new Cataya Special EcoLine follows in the footsteps of the time-tested AD harrowmounted seed drill as an attractively priced entry into the world of AMAZONE seed drill combinations. The last AD 3000 Super rolled off the production line at the end of 2023 but its success

Albutt Attachments

Amazone

Amazone

KATTRAK INTERNATIONAL LTD

Newly appointed HOLP –ROTOP ATTACHMENT SCOTTISH DISTRUBUTOR & TOWMATE TRAILERS

Distribution, Sales, Hire Fleet, Service, Spares, Training Wheeled dumpers, tracked dumpers, excavators, telehandlers, special machinery

Kattrak International Ltd is proud to be an official Scottish dealer & distributor for Sunward, Hidromek and Holp Rototop Attachments

Kattrak offers a broad range of wheeled & tracked dumpers as well as other machinery for hire at competitive rates

Royal Highland Show 2024

story began more than 30 years ago in 1988, when the AD became part of a modular system for seed drill combinations. Its successor, the new Cataya 3000 Special EcoLine comes in a predetermined specification at a special price but which still offers high performance and reliability. The harrowmounted seed drill has a working width of 3 m and features a 650 l seed hopper with a large opening for quick and loss-free filling. The 24 maintenance-free, RoTeC single disc coulters, with a row spacing of 12.5 cm, ensure precise seed placement. The choice of the Control 10 depth guidance discs or the Control 25 depth guidance rollers, depending on soil type, prevents the soil from sticking to the sowing disc, ensuring that the pre-selected sowing depth is precisely maintained. The Exact harrow is comes as standard and provides even seed coverage as well as blockage-free operation when mulch sowing.

The new Precis metering system with a high level of operational comfort and reduced set-up times is at the heart of the Cataya Special EcoLine. The shutter slides, with 2 positions, facilitate a quick changeover from normal seed to fine seed. All adjustments are carried out via the SmartCenter on the left hand side of the drill where the centrally adjustable calibration flaps make it possible to switch the seed drill quickly and easily over from sowing to calibration mode.

B D Supplies

B D Supplies has been established for nearly 25 years specialising in Animal husbandry and Hoof trimming equipment.

We can offer anything hoof trimming, from a basic knife right through to the KVK hoof trimming chutes which have been developed and are made in Denmark. Offering both comfort for the cow and the

user. Ergonomically designed for easy and safe use. B D Supplies are the sole importer of the KVK for the UK and Ireland. We have also developed our own hoof block adhesive which sticks both wooden and rubber blocks.

We always have in stock a comprehensive range of animal husbandry equipment including the Medi-Dart injection system for injecting cattle whilst they are out at grass, taking away the stress of bringing in a field of cattle when only one may need medication.

At the 2024 Royal Highland Show we shall be showcasing our Agricultural equipment along with Rapid walk behind tractors, Graham Edwards Trailers, Welding Equipment and a lots more.

With expansion into a thriving Biomass Wood Pellet delivery business, becoming fully BSL and Hetas/Woodsure registered and offering both bagged and bulk deliveries into the domestic and commercial market.

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

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

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

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

Key products include: Reach arm boom mowers, Reach arm boom mower attachments,

Remote controlled flail mowers, Flail mowers and rotary toppers, Forestry mulchers and Soil preparation machinery.

Bryce Post Drivers

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

Over the years Bryce have won countless prestigious Awards for their post drivers, and now with a proven formula for high performance and durability, the focus is on producing post drivers that are as near bombproof as possible. Like everything in agriculture nowadays, performance and output is the key to moving forward with efficiency. Good labour is scarce so getting more done in the shortest time with less man hours available is what it is all about. Jock says “ today we have sprayers with 40mt booms and hill men need livestock handling systems that allow high throughput of animals with speed, safety and efficiency, and that’s what we are doing with Bryce post drivers.” Bryce have post drivers now that will drive strainers in hard ground in less than 60 seconds and press stobs in rather than hit them with multiple strokes of the hammer. Not only are these machines much quicker but they reduce wear and tear, as bigger hammers mean less strokes which of course means less wear.

The Bryce 180 PRO Mk2 one-man tracked fencing machine is proving hugely popular both at home and overseas with strong reviews and demand from north America. “Everyone is looking for ways of making the job easier - but only if it doesn’t give you grief” Jock adds. It’s easy in today’s hi-tech world to get

sucked into electronics and the like. That costs more money and then the big reliability factor kicks in when you may be left high and dry in the middle of nowhere with a dysfunctional machine – going down that route isn’t in the mindset of Bryce.

Bryce Post Drivers have a 2-year unconditional guarantee with 5-year guarantee on the main frame and post cap. Prices remain held for the duration of 2024.

Bunning

Bunning has introduced a new Lowlander Narrow HBD (horizontal beater and spinning discs) spreader range to offer users accurate, lower application rates of dense products such as lime. Two additional models have also been introduced to its large HBD spreaders, helping to increase load capacity for light products, such as compost.

The Lowlander Narrow range includes four models – Lowlander 120, 120 (Compact), 150 and 150 (Compact) ranging from 11.8m³ up to 20m³ – that feature narrower bodies to achieve lower application rates from the two 1,100mm spinning discs. A narrower aperture allows low rates to be achieved, while additional floor slats on every other horizontal chain link improve consistent transfer of denser products to the discs.

The narrow 1,250mm body (standard is 1,500mm wide) also allows users to run wider tyres, such as VF 800/70 R38, to reduce compaction whilst maintaining a road width below 3m. The range is suited to applying denser products, with a larger floor drive gearbox and motors increasing torque at low floor speeds.

Bunning has added two additional models to its largest Lowlander HBD Widebody

Bomford Turner

Royal Highland Show 2024

range. The Lowlander 250 HBD and Lowlander 280 HBD sit above the Lowlander 230 HBD, which was previously the largest spreader suited to the UK market.

Demand for increased carrying capacity when applying lighter products, such as compost, has been a key driver for the larger spreaders. The 26m3 250 HBD features a 200mm longer body and full chassis construction, with the option to increase capacity to 31m3 with vertical side extensions.

Further options on the new 250 and 280 HBD models include 750/60 R26.5 (1574mm OD) wheel assemblies for additional flotation whilst remaining under a 3m travel width. For users requiring tighter turning circles on headlands, a rear steering axle that is operated either passively or hydraulically forced, can increase manoeuvrability, and helps reduce crop damage and tyre scrubbing when spreading via tramlines.

C-dax a New Zealand company started selling its products into the UK over 25 years ago, believing that the market in New Zealand was very much like that of the UK Market.

ATV City has been the distributor of C-dax products for around 18 years and have seen many ups and downs with regards to sales but more recently have seen a resurgence over the past few years.

ATV City put this down to the end user wanting more for their money, wanting quality, reliability, safety, longevity amongst the reasons why the end user has

started to spend a little more to achieve what they are looking for in a product.

The Eliminator better known as a weed wiper is a product that has stood the test of time and are still working on many farms and small holdings across the UK and Ireland. The Eliminator comes in two sizes, 2.4m and 4.3m widths, both units are galvanized. They can work with a customer’s existing spray tank or the specific onboard tank designed to fit on the top of the wiper making the unit self contained.

The other main product ATV City sells in the C-dax range is the Spray rider, which is the safest sprayer to fit onto an ATV. It has been designed to spread the weight of the liquid it contains more evenly across the ATV. The Spray rider comes in 2 sizes 50l and 80l. Both come with 10m of hose, adjustable hand lance, wiring and handle bar mounted switch. The design of the Spray rider is unique making the ATV safer to use on hilly and uneven terrain.

ATV City welcomes customers to come onto their stands at both the Royal Highland show and Royal Welsh Show to discuss the benefits of buying C-dax.

Claas UK

CLAAS look forward to welcoming visitors to its stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show. We hope that you will take the opportunity to come and visit us and see on display the wide range of machines from across the extensive CLAAS product range.

This year see’s CLAAS celebrating 50 years of the JAGUAR forage harvester, during which time more than 45,000 have been manufactured and has become not only the number 1 choice for farmers and contractors throughout the UK, but also the world.

Last autumn saw the introduction of a number of new products, some of which will be on display on the CLAAS stand.

The last few years have seen the complete renewal of the CLAAS combine range, starting with the LEXION 8000/7000 and 6000/5000 followed by the TRION. Last Autumn, this was completed with the arrival of the 5-walker EVION 430 (231hp) and 410 (204hp). Both have a single drum threshing system and are suitable for use with cutterbars up to 6.8m wide.

The latest addition to the CLAAS tractor range is the AXOS 200 comprising two models – the 240 (103hp) and the 230 (94hp). Both have a 5-speed TWINSHIFT transmission, FPT engines, a lift capacity of 3350kg and ideal for use with the CLAAS FL loader. Among the range of tractors on display from across the CLAAS range, will be representative models from across the ARION 400, 500 and 600 ranges, including versions fitted with the highly efficiency CMATIC CVT transmission.

Also on display will be the latest SCORPION 700 series telescopic handler, on which recent updates to further improve operator comfort and performance include a new optimised braking and automatic parking brake, updates to the cab and a more sensitive working hydraulic system, while some models also see a 6hp increase in power output and 50Nm more torque.

UK

At DALBO we’re delighted to announce we have doubled our stand space for the Royal Highland Show this year. With the show being a key part of our year and Scotland being a very

DalBo

important and growing market, the opportunity to expand our stand came just at the right time. It coincides with the exciting announcement that DALBO UK has taken on the APV range, and the Royal Highland Show will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase products from both DALBO and APV.

With DALBO now taking on the APV range this means we will be able to offer more products in the grassland rejuvenation and seeder technology. APV are the world leader of cover crop seeders and we are delighted to be able to offer the widest range of Pneumatic seeders on the market, with hopefully something to suit your specific needs.

We will of course continue to focus on our key DALBO products, and once again at the show the increasingly popular 12.3m PowerRoll as well as our Maxiroll system roller will be on display.

DALBO has always been an innovative company as time after time it has launched market changing products. DALBO takes great pride in being at the forefront of technology and the introduction the snowflake Cambridge ring was a typical example of this. Offering the world market a 6 year guarantee on a Cambridge ring was unprecedented but the new snowflake design hasn’t disappointed.

We look forward to welcoming you onto our stand at the Royal Highland Show 2024.

DALBO - where originality matters.

Ellipse Leisure Buildings offer a truly unique range of Shepherds

Royal Highland Show 2024

Hut style accommodation. Our best selling Tees Plus and Swale models both offer luxury bespoke surroundings for your guests, with en-suite and large shower enclosure. Ample hot water is provided by the LPG combiboiler which also supplies a heated towel rail and radiator in the main living space. Background heating is supplied by the underfloor heat mat beneath luxury vinyl floor tiles. The kitchen area includes a microwave, built in fridge, two burner gas hob and sink. A breakfast bar compliments this section of the hut. A double bed frame is provided within our standard specification. There is ample space for a two seat sofa bed alongside the storage unit. Double glazed windows and french doors are standard, these open out onto a covered veranda area which can accommodate a four seat table and chairs. Rolldown side blinds to this area greatly increase the usage of this unique feature.

Exterior cladding can range from the rustic live edge larch to the ultra modern composite. Our huts are built to order so they can be truly bespoke.

Come and talk to us at The Royal Highland Show to see how we can provide something with true character.

Ember Energy At Ember Energy,

we specialise in providing Commercial Solar Panels across Scotland and Northern England.

Using solar power to create electricity is by no means a new concept, but with electricity costs rising and the price of solar panels and battery storage falling, it is now a more financially viable option, on farms, especially if there are sheds with suitable roofs already in place.

Ellipse Leisure Buildings

Royal Highland Show 2024

By installing solar panels, battery storage and wind turbines, farmers are now able to take back control of their power expenditure.

Photovoltaic (PV) effect is a process by which P V cell convert the absorbed sunlight energy into electricity.

At Ember Energy we provide a comprehensive service starting with a detailed inspection which progresses to submitting a grid application to the power company for connection of your solar panel project. Once approved our experience technicians then deliver, fit and commission the complete installation. Once commissioning documents have been sent to the power company and they have created an export MPAN then the customer can start the process of arranging export contracts for any excess solar power if applicable.

Ember Energy has been in the industry for over eight years and covers all of Scotland and central England from our head office in Ayrshire. We also have sub-offices in Stirling, Carlisle, and Preston, with a dedicated team of office staff and experienced technicians.

We offer free site surveys, and free grid applications on your behalf. We welcome your enquiry, to discuss further please call 0156350182.

Galbraith Group

Land agency Galbraith has expanded its agricultural consultancy division, providing a wide range of services to farmers including strategic advice on farm business management and information about subsidies and grant applications.

Martin Rennie, head of the agricultural consultancy division, said: “With the continued uncertainty surrounding the subsidy regime in Scotland and fluctuating commodity prices,

Galbraith has expanded its agricultural consultancy team to support existing and new clients.

“The most successful farming businesses just now are those that have plans in place to adapt and mitigate against any short-term challenges.”

The other members of the team are:

• Ian Hope - Ian provides farm and estate consultancy, valuations and management of contract farming agreements. He is an AMC Agent, and also handles farm and estate sales throughout Scotland.

• Mike Halliday - Based in the Castle Douglas office, Mike is an agricultural valuer with significant experience in agricultural tenancies, grants and subsidies, and utility compensation claims. He represents Dumfries & Galloway on the national NFUS Environment & Land Use Committee.

• David Hurst - David looks after the farming interests of a wide range of clients particularly focusing on contract farming agreements and biodiversity opportunities in the north of England and southern Scotland.

• Jack Marshall – Jack’s work includes Contract Farming Agreements and agricultural tenancies. He also deals with BPS entitlement trading, AECS contracts, subsidy applications including Single Application Forms; Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme; and Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme.

• Calum Smith – Calum’s work includes carbon audits and mitigations, farm business reviews and Agri-Environment Climate Scheme applications, plus BPS entitlement trading, budgeting, and estate consultancy.

The firm’s wider rural department now numbers 78 staff, covering land and farm sales, forestry, natural capital, renewable energy, utilities, tenancy negotiations, and farm valuations for landowners throughout Scotland and the north of England.

For more information contact Martin Rennie on Martin. Rennie@galbraithgroup.com

Greencrop Ltd, located in Beeston, mid-Norfolk, has come from being a humble local business into a wider UK importer and manufacturer with a complete UK wide dealer network in the agricultural sector. Specialising in clean water irrigation, dirty water and slurry systems and digestate separators, pumps, and mixing systems for AD plants, Greencrop offers a comprehensive portfolio to meet diverse agricultural needs.

Greencrop are delighted once again to be exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show in June 2024 and will be exhibiting a few of their products including their agitator pumps, Kemper grass & maize headers, Sepcom screw press separators and other PTO driven and engine driven pumps

A significant portion of Greencrop’s product range is manufactured in the UK. This includes engine pump sets for irrigation, slurry and digestate applications. Added to this are hose recovery reelers, vacuum and water tankers, high-speed bunded fuel bowsers featuring AdBlue and dirty water PTO & electric pumps.

Acting as the sole importer for renowned brands such as Irrimec, Otech, Multicam, Veneroni and Kemper, Greencrop brings highquality solutions to the market.

Kemper grass headers feature a robust heavy-duty chain drive, lateral flow suspension, and exceptional visibility even at speeds of up to 15kph. They facilitate easy unblocking through a combination of high lift compression wheels and a reverse auger mechanism. Equipped with net pick-ups for debris containment, 360° casterstyle carrying wheels which fold for transportation, Kemper headers prioritize efficiency and ease of use.

Greencrop Ltd continues to serve farmers with expert knowledge and premium solutions tailored to their specific

requirements. From irrigation systems to slurry handling equipment, Greencrop is dedicated to advancing agricultural practices with reliable and efficient products, ensuring sustainable farming practices and increased productivity.

Harry West

West Maelstrom Rear Discharge Spreadersfrom Harry West (Prees) Ltd

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 an optional hydraulic rear door it can also be used with poultry muck and semi-solids.

The twin rear vertical 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 wide angle PTO c/w slip clutch.

The rear discharge machine has large diameter tyres (580/70R38) to minimise any ground pressure and is fully equipped for road use with standard hydraulic brakes, hand brake and lighting.

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

Additional options are available for these machines including 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 8cuM-18cuM.

For further information go to www.harrywest.co.uk or contact our sales office on 01948 840465.

JMT Honda

In 2024 JMT Honda celebrates over 40 years of Honda ATV specialist supply and service to the farming community in central Scotland.

As Honda Authorised Dealers we supply, maintain and repair your ATV and PIONEER using genuine Honda parts and Honda-trained service technicians.

We are also agents for Logic Products for ATV & UTV vehicles, supplying and maintaining Logic machinery for agriculture, equestrian, forestry and ground care applications.

Visit our stand at the Outdoor Agricultural stands to view the

Honda ATV range, a display of Logic products and our range of trailers, sprayers and ATV accessories.

John Kerr Farm Equipment

John Kerr Farm Equipment, Central Scotland’s well established farm machinery dealer will once again be exhibiting at this year’s Royal Highland Show. You will find us on stand 121, Avenue F, where we have been based for many years. We will be displaying a large range of implements from prestige brands such as JCB, Deutz Fahr, Same Tractors, Amazone, Krone, McHale, Fleming, Marshall etc. We have technical experts on hand to assist you with any queries you may have, and we are always keen to do a deal on the day. We hope that you can find the time to visit us over the four days.

Royal Highland Show 2024

Knight Farm Machinery

Knight Farm Machinery offer a complete range of industry leading mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers that combine technology, precision, reliability, safety and low cost of ownership. All of which are supported by top quality seven-days-a-week support.

Through our extensive range of mounted, de-mount, trailed and self-propelled machines we now offer tank capacities from 1,500litres to 12,000litres and boom widths from 12m to 42m.

This year we launched our latest 2400 series self-propelled sprayer with its best-in-class cab, automatic tank fill system and air-suspended cab and chassis

assembly. says Brian Knight, Knight’s owner and Managing Director, “with a 2450 already working away in Scotland. Our latest 2400 series sprayers really do take operator comfort and convenience to the next level, as part of our drive to give customers and operators the very best spraying technology available, we have incorporated many new systems into our 2024 range –one of which is Vario-Select. A four-nozzle cluster assembly, it is completely integrated into the ISOBUS system; is air operated on/off and incorporates variable rate application. Curve-Control is also available which ensures exact application when following meandering field boundaries where boom acceleration/ deceleration would normally affect spray application rates. Naturally, standard, PWM and green-ongreen spot spray systems are also available”

All machines feature our patented, and award winning,

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MAXImizer PRO plumbing system which keeps plumbing to a minimum but fluid circulation to a maximum. Through smart plumbing and valve control, we ensure chemical residue is kept to a minimum/eliminated, avoiding contamination, nozzle blockages and downtime. An air purge system, auto-clean water tank fill and new induction hopper system that aids effective cleaning of the whole system after work and minimises risks to both the operator and environment are also

part of the 2024 product offering.

Kverneland

looking to carry larger capacities of seed or fertiliser to run with combination outfits.

Available as the f-drill Compact and f-drill Maxi, the two versions provide hopper capacities of 1,600 litres and 2,200 litres respectively. Both benefit from Kverneland’s innovative ELDOS electric metering unit complete with hydraulic fan drive, which is capable of delivering application rates from 1-400kg/ha. In Plus specification, the f-drill has the ability to split the tank for grain

and fertiliser use, with two separate metering units.

“The f-drill is great solution for those looking to boost productivity when placing fertiliser with an eight-row maize drill,” says Kverneland’s seeding specialist Graham Owen. “With its own seed metering unit and 100mm diameter distribution system, the f-drill front hopper is ready to be combined with many different toolbar combinations and can also be used in combination with the Kultistrip, and precision drills.”

“When combined with a power harrow drill combination such as the Kverneland e-drill, the f-drill front hopper could also be used as an additional seed hopper to suit companion cropping,” he adds. “Doing so contributes to better balance for the entire combination.”

The generous carrying capacity of the f-drill also enables it to be combined with Kverneland power harrows and a coulter bar, to deliver a compact drilling rig up to 6m wide. With ISOBUS e-com software, the f-drill provides plug and play functionality through any ISOBUS compatible tractor, using either the tractor terminal, a Universal Terminal, or the IsoMatch Tellus Pro or Tellus GO+ terminals.

Greater functionality comes from the Plus version which affords a split tank and the ability to operate as a grain and fertiliser combination. Prices start from £21,237 for the 1,600-litre capacity f-drill Compact.

Lemken UK

Lemlens’Trailed Seed drill with low disturbance options.

Minimal draught resistance, an integrated compact disc harrow, comfortable operation and a large, divided seed hopper – that is LEMKEN’s new Solitair DT seed drill. With this machine, LEMKEN, the specialist for

Kverneland has introduced the f-drill front hopper for those

professional crop production, has completely restructured its range of trailed seed drill combinations, focusing all its developments even more strongly on profitability.

To ensure good reconsolidation in the first working step, the new Solitair DT features a leading tyre packer. For the second step of seedbed preparation, the Solitair DT is equipped with a compact disc harrow with relatively large 465mm diameter concave discs, that are individually protected against overloads by leaf springs. If a reduced intensity of tillage is required, vertical wavy discs can be used instead of the concave discs, which penetrate the soil in line of the seeding coulter.

At the heart of the Solitair’s seeding technology are individual electrically driven, fertiliser-proof metering units, each of which supplies one distributor with seeds. The seed metering wheels are combined

into seed wheel sets, eliminating the need to switch seed wheels on and off.

The DT seed hopper holds a volume of up to 5,100 litres and is available in a dual hopper version. The dual hopper allows the Solitair DT to be used for combined seeding with fertiliser or for sowing different seed types or companion cropping for example. Two variants are available: with the single-shot version, the fertiliser and seeds are placed in a shared seed furrow, whereas the double-shot version places fertiliser or seed in a line below the seed level via separate fertiliser double disc coulters, this is well suited to a larger seed requiring deeper placement and a smaller seed through the normal disc coulter at the rear of the machine..

LEMKEN’s new Solitair DT is available in four, six and nine metre widths with demonstration machines available around the UK and Ireland for autumn 2024.

Logic Manufacturing

Logic Manufacturing is the home of high quality, easy-to-use equipment designed especially for use with all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility vehicles (UTV), tractors and 4 x 4s.

British-built, and made to last, our range of trailers, mowers, sprayers, harrows, weed wipers, feeders, bowsers, spreaders and accessories are designed and manufactured in the UK.

Our products use high-quality materials which provide the perfect combination of strength, performance and durability. Ideal for a multitude of tasks in Agriculture, Forestry, Equestrian, Winter maintenance, Game

keeping and Ground care sectors. Logic products provide the ideal solution to meet your needs and are compatible with all leading brands of ATVs and UTVs.

Add this to over 50 years of high-quality British manufacturing experience, and you realise why Logic Manufacturing is the leading brand in the UK today.

Our reputation is derived from our core values of Innovation, Quality, Choice and Integrity.

Logic equipment is built to last and built to perform – it works!

Lynx Engineering will be exhibiting a wide range of products on its trade stand at the

Lynx Engineering

Royal Highland Show 2024

Royal Highland Show. Making its first appearance in Scotland on the stand will be a selection of products from the Agribumper line of variable front weight and tractor bumper systems, manufactured by Netherlandsbased Safertractors bv.

The range gives other road users more visual awareness of a tractor on the road and its width. For example, the Agribumper Baseline system has daytime running lights, indicators, width marker poles and reflector chevrons and it can be fitted around a tractor’s front linkage leaving the arms free to be used for implement lifting and carrying. The Baseline framework also accepts special add-on weights to ballast the tractor front axle for better infield traction and performance.

The Agribumber Fronthitch Line (see picture) is a new, compact, steel-encased, 65-litre toolbox weight fitted to the tractor’s front linkage.

Using similar variable density technology as other weights in the Lynx range, which will also be on the stand, the size of the weight does not change. Weight options range from 400 up to 1000kg in 200kg increments. Visibility and safety features are the same as the Baseline system.

The Lynx stand will feature a New Holland tractor fitted with a Stoll FZ41-25 front loader and bucket, a rear counterweight, and a Zuidberg 2.8t front linkage with Agribumper Baseline system.

Further examples of Zuidberg front linkage and PTO systems, which can be retrofitted to most tractor makes and models will also be on view along with a selection of Dromone pick-up hitches and D80 ball hitches.

Completing the line-up will be a Düvelsdorf 3m Grass Rake Expert system with air seeder, for grassland rejuvenation.

More information on the Lynx website at: www.lynxengineering.co.uk

Manitou Group

Manitou group, a world leader in rough-terrain handling, is returning to the Royal Highland Show. Manitou Group with their two brands Manitou and sister company GEHL will be showcasing a number of machines from both brands.

Newag Range Manitou will showcase a range of their dedicated Newag products from the popular MLT 630 model to their 7.9m lift capacity MLT 850 model. The MLT (Manitou Loading Telehandler) Range offers a diverse array of features and options ideal for the agricultural market. These versatile handling machines are tailored to

address your specific operational requirements, including ground engaging applications, hay landing, livestock feeding, silage distribution, farm transport, and dairy farm and crop optimisation. With the MLT series of agricultural telescopic handlers, operators gain the ability to efficiently manage their farm without the need for additional handling equipment, thanks to the adaptability of Manitou attachments. These attachments allow operators to swiftly switch between tasks and save time.

ULM 415

Targeted at a number of sectors, such as construction, agriculture and landscaping, this ultra light Manitou telehandler has a width of just 1.49m and a height of 1.92m, thus enabling users to fit into the most narrow and compact areas with ease. Regardless of its small compact size, the ULM still offers a lifting capacity of 4.30m, as well as being towable on a trailer due to

its lightweight design which offers users two choices of the 1.25t or the 1.5t model.

Oxygen Range

With higher pollution and noise levels rising, the energy transition via low or no carbon emissions is part of Manitou’s strong commitment to sustainable development. As a result, Manitou has manufactured a new machine labeling strategy, called Oxygen, dedicated to the implementation of low-emission solutions. These models include the MRTe, MT 625e and the 160ATJe. For more information, please visit: www. manitou.com

McHale are looking forward to the return of the Royal Highland Show and will be exhibiting a wide range of machinery on their stand throughout the 4 days. This year, McHale has increased their stand size and will be showcasing a wide range of machines from the range.

The new ProPel Range of Tedders from McHale will be on display at the Royal Highland Show. The range consists of 3 models;

- McHale ProPel M6-770 – 6 rotors with a working width of 7.7m (25’3”)

- McHale ProPel T8-1020 – 8 rotors with a working width of 10.2m (33’ 6”)

- McHale ProPel T10-1260 – 10 rotors with a working width of 12.6m (41’ 4”)

The ProPel tedders are the ideal machines to lift and aerate even the heaviest crops. This results in the best quality fodder in the shortest time. The tedders have proven to be strong, robust machines which

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are highly efficient and reliable in all terrains.

The McHale Fusion Vario Plus is a fully automatic variable chamber baler wrapper which can apply film or net wrap to the barrel of the bale, delivering optimum bale shape and bale density. The Vario Plus can provide high quality fodder through the use of the film binding system, resulting in better quality silage and a bale that is easier feed out.

The new Fusion Vario Plus has received a more modern progressive look with its specially designed twin skin panels and features enhanced throughput, increased bale density and faster wrapping speeds. A focus has also been placed on operator comfort whilst still ensuring the reliability and heavy-duty build quality that McHale is renowned for remains.

McHale sales and service personnel will be on hand to discuss the latest products and technologies on their stand on Avenue S Stand 255.

The 2024 Royal Highland Show will see a new stand location for Merlo UK. Moving from the previous stand location on Avenue T by the show’s perimeter wall, visitors to the show will now find Merlo on a much larger plot on the corner of 10th Avenue where it adjoins Avenue D.

Located just inside the shows main East Gate Entrance visitors will find this new location much more accessible with a wider range of telescopic handlers and equipment from Merlo’s agricultural and construction product range.

A specific focus at this year’s show will be on the compact

McHale Engineering

Merlo UK

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range of Merlo models, offering models specifically designed and built for accessing traditional farm buildings and confined spaces.

The entry level 75hp TF27.6 offers several new features compared to the previous P27.6 model including an enhanced hydraulic system with an increase in hydraulic flow to 95l/min and a new high torque hydrostatic driveline with a maximum road speed of 40km/h.

Next up is the 100hp TF30.7, this sub-2-metre-wide machine packs a punch with a lift capacity of 3.0 tonnes and a maximum reach of 7 metres. A wide choice of specification including cab suspension is available to complement its already high specification.

Topping out the compact range is the 115hp TF33.7 which is fitted with a powerful 125ltr/ min load sensing & flow sharing hydraulic pump for the most demanding of tasks.

Despite their compact size all these models are equipped with a full-size Merlo ROPS & FOPS cab featuring a newly designed capacitive multifunction ergonomic joystick.

We look forward to offering you a warm welcome to our new location on the corner of 10th & D Avenue’s at this year’s show.

To learn more about Merlo UK, visit https://merlo.co.uk

Murray Machinery

Established in 1979, Murray Machinery Ltd has been operating from within Aberdeenshire for over 40 years, manufacturing material handling attachments to fit telescopic handlers, forklifts

and tractor loaders for the UK agricultural sector.

We have an extensive product range of over 40 machines with numerous variations such as bale handling equipment, muck-grabs, grain buckets, push-off buckrakes, stone forks, snow blades, access platforms and quick hitch adaptors as well as our award-winning gravel road grader.

Our gravel road grader won the Gold Award at the Royal Highland Technical Innovation Awards 2023. The purpose of the Murray Gravel Road Grader is to reinstate gravel roads which have fallen into a state of disrepair, to a new and pristine condition.

The grader has various options available including bolt on hardox edges, hydraulically operated ripper teeth, hydraulically operated tilting frame, marker boards and rear lights. With the addition of a rear compactor roller, the Murray Machinery gravel road grader is now able to carry out four different functions in the same machine.

With careful adjustment of the levelling beams the road grader is able to leave the road surface high in the middle or the machine can also put a camber or a slope on the whole width of the roads therefore helping to take care of rain water management. In utilising stone from the existing road surface, great savings can be made on time, effort and money spent on maintaining your gravel road.

Murray Machinery Ltd are very proud to announce that we were also the 2023 recipient of the RHASS President’s Initiative Salver for achieving the Gold Technical Innovation Medal for our Gravel Road Grader.

Nugent Machinery

Nugent will be showcasing their full range of trailers and machinery at this year’s Royal Highland Show, with a number of new products that have been launched since last year’s show, including the new Nugent General Agri. Designed and manufactured in Ireland, Nugent has a trailer for every requirement, as well as a wide range of cattle and bale handling equipment.

Nugent Livestock trailers are built to last and manufactured to a high specification, with many features as standard, including LED lights, spare wheel, sectional fold-down air flaps, dividing gate and Dual Drive™ suspension. Nugent’s patented Dual Drive™ suspension is standard across the trailer range, reducing vibrations and minimising stress on the chassis and towing vehicle.

Nugent’s extensive Commercial trailer range has been engineered to meet the demands of professional use. The comprehensive range of

trailers can be used in a variety of industries where flexibility and reliability are key.

For the first time at Royal Highland Show, Nugent will be showcasing their varied Machinery product range. The Bale Handling range includes single and twin heavy-duty Bale Lifters, a Bale Grab, hydraulic Bale Stacker and the ever-popular Duo Bale Attach.

The Nugent Duo Bale Attach allows wrapped bales to be moved safely and efficiently, using two heavy duty Bale Lifters, which can be detached and used independently in winter. The Attach allows independent movement of each lifter for simple collection.

Nugent Cattle Crushes are designed with the welfare and safety of both the farmer and livestock in mind.

Meet the Nugent team at the Royal Highland Show at Stand E 65(A) or visit www. nugentengineering.com to discover more.

Perry of Oakley

All Your Grain Drying, Handling & Storage Needs Fulfilled by a single British Manufacturer

Whether you are looking to make improvements to your current set-up or invest in a totally new grain plant Perry of Oakley, a British manufacturer, can supply it all.

Grain Driers

Whatever your grain drying needs Perrys have a drier to meet them with continuous flow grain driers with capacities from 5tph to 150+tph on wheat, and also a range of mobile driers from 5 to 55 cubic M.

In conjunction with the driers come a range of optional extras including PLC panel upgrades,

centrikleens to reduce dust & chaff, automatic moisture detection and also fire detection.

Storage

To compliment the grain drying Perrys offer a full range of storage solutions with square hopperbottom bins, hopper-bottom and flat-bottom silos. The bins can store from 1 to 100 tonnes (based on wheat at 750kg/m3). The bins are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be manufactured with forklift channels.

The silos range from 35 up to 20,000 tonnes of storage dependent on silo type, diameter & height. Perrys also provide a full range of silo accessories include catwalks, aeration systems, discharge auger systems, sweep augers, and several systems for monitoring the stored grain are also available.

Handling

To integrate the drying and storage Perrys have an excellent track record in design & manufacturing of handling. Everything from a

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single machine through to your whole plant - Perrys can supply it all which removes all your integration challenges.

Supported from the UK, right when you need it most.

Contact Perrys today for all your handling, storage & drier requirements on (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley. co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

Pottinger

New Pottinger machines make debut at RHS

The Royal Highland Show is certainly shaping up to be an

exciting event for Pottinger, with the unveiling of the TOP 882 C FLOWTAST and the latest developments on TERRASEM fertiliser drills on display. The innovative FLOWTAST glide bar option for the TOP 882 C, offers improved reliability on challenging terrains, and the precision of TERRASEM seed drills, are set to be the highlights at stand 129. It’s also intriguing that there will be an announcement about another new product.

The FLOWTAST glide bar option for the TOP 882 C is a significant innovation in agricultural machinery. By replacing the traditional rotor chassis wheels, it offers enhanced reliability across various challenging conditions. The ability to glide over obstacles such as ruts, holes, and wheel marks without issue is a notable improvement.

The integration of hydraulic cylinders for weight alleviation on the rotor arms is a smart design choice. It allows for a consistent

ground pressure of approximately 200 kg, which is beneficial for several reasons: minimises wear by maintaining a steady pressure on the glide bar whilst maximising soil conservation.

The TERRASEM seed drill’s new design is quite remarkable. Its precision universal metering and perfect coulter system are engineered to ensure exact seed placement. The innovative X configuration of the disc harrow and fertiliser coulters are standout features. This design ensures the machine operates in a perfectly straight line, which is essential for effective soil preparation.

The versatile TERRASEM fertiliser has the ability to apply three different components at varying depths, whilst offering the following noteworthy placement options depending on specific agronomic needs:

• Single Shoot: Fertilizer is applied directly through the seeding coulters.

• Double Shoot: Fertilizer is placed between the seeding rows.

• Double Shoot-Mix: A combination of both methods is used.

The TERRASEM ensures that fertiliser application can be precisely tailored to the crops’ requirements.

Te Pari

Te Pari Brings Innovative Livestock Handling Equipment to Royal Highland Show

Te Pari, a leading provider of livestock handling equipment, will be showcasing their range of products at the Royal Highland Show. Among their offerings will be their popular Lenta manual cattle crush, a favourite of Crawford’s Farm, the wellknown Scottish YouTube channel

where viewers can see the Te Pari Handling System in use.

Te Pari’s Cattle Crushes are renowned for their ease of use and focus on safety for both the operator and the animal. Manufactured in New Zealand, their design prioritizes a user-friendly and safe operator experience.

Some of the key features of Te Pari Cattle Crushes include slam latches, anti-backing systems, and a yoked headbail. These features help to ensure that the animal is securely restrained during procedures, minimizing stress for both the animal and the operator.

Select Te Pari Cattle Crush models also boast additional features such as parallel squeeze options and 3-way drafting modules. These extra features can significantly streamline the cattle handling process, saving time and effort.

Crawford’s Farm, a popular Scottish YouTube channel focused on the daily life of a beef and arable farm, has been using the Te Pari Lenta MXi3 Cattle Crush for some time now. They have been impressed by the crush’s design and functionality, highlighting its build strength and its effectiveness in keeping both cattle and the operator safe. Viewers can get a firsthand look at the crush in action on the Crawfords Farm YouTube channel.

If you’re looking for innovative and user-friendly livestock handling equipment, be sure to visit Te Pari’s stall at the Royal Highland Show. Their local team of experts will be on hand to answer your questions and help you find the right cattle crush for your needs.

Terrington Machinery

Terrington Machinery Limited have been importing and distributing Einbock Grassland Harrows and Pneumatic Seeders for over 30 years, having built up a

dealer network covering the whole of the U.K

In that time, the range of Harrows and Seeders has increased due to the customer demands for machines to cope with different conditions.

The harrow range includes four different models.

Sportstar – For fine turf, Golf courses etc. Complete with 6.5mm tines at 12.5mm spacing.

Grass-Manager – For pasture maintenance. Complete with 8mm tines at 25mm spacing.

Grass-Manager SR – For more aggressive working on permanent pasture or heavy land. Complete with 10mm tines at 25mm spacing.

Grass-Manager PRO – Using hydraulic pressurizing of the sections to apply or release pressure on the tines from the tractor seat giving the user control for different working conditions within a field. Complete with 10mm tines at 25mm spacing and heavy sprung front levelling boards.

Any of the range of harrows can be

fitted with an Einbock Pneumatic box to convert into Pneumaticstar Seeders to enable reseeding, undersowing of grass or seeding any small seed.

Pneumaticbox MD – A mechanical metered seeder box that is metered from a landwheel on the harrow. As standard with twin electric fan up to 6m but PTO and Hydraulic are available.

Pneumaticbox STI – An electronic version that can be either used with a landwheel and top link sensor or 7 pin info socket that takes information from the tractor. As standard with tank level sensor, airstream monitor and full in cab control to allow for seed rate adjustment and full read out of seed rates, speed and daily working acreage etc. Again, twin electric fans are as standard but PTO and Hydraulic are available.

Visit www.terringtonmachinery.co.uk to see the complete range of harrows and seeders available.

In 2023, Väderstad unveiled the latest addition to its lineup: the Cultus HD 425-525 tine cultivator, boasting widths of 4.25 and 5.25 meters. This mounted foldable cultivator complemented the already established Cultus 300400 series, available in 3–4-metre rigid formats. Notable differences included the heavy-duty tine of the Cultus HD, with a release force of 680kg, in contrast to the 480kg release force of the Cultus.

Moving into the 2024 model year, Väderstad announces expansions within both product ranges, Cultus and Cultus HD. Wolfram Hastolz, Director of

Tillage Product Management at Väderstad, explains, “We are now introducing the heavy-duty Cultus HD in the 3-4 metre rigid segment, while simultaneously extending the Cultus family into the 4.25-5.25-metre segment.”

This results in Väderstad offering the following product families going forward:

Cultus 300-400: Rigid 3-4 meters, available in mounted or trailed configurations

Cultus 425-525: Foldable 4.255.25 meters, mounted.

Cultus HD 300-400: Rigid 3-4 meters, available in mounted or trailed configurations

Cultus HD 425-525: Foldable 4.255.25 meters, mounted.

The new machine models complete our tine cultivator range in the 3 to 5.25-meter segment, offering our outstanding Cultus and Cultus HD to suit the full range of field conditions.

Additionally, while introducing new models, Väderstad is enhancing existing 3–4-metre

Vaderstad

machines. The revamped models feature a completely redesigned frame aimed at boosting field performance and extending working life. Notable improvements include the introduction of hydraulic leveler settings and the option to equip a double packer, known as the Double SoilRunner, for reconsolidation purposes.

Elevate Your Farming with V-Mac Silos

For farmers, efficient feed storage isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s crucial for livestock health and cost management. Enter V-Mac Silos, a revolutionary solution that redefines feed storage with its superior quality, durability, and user-friendly design.

Health and Safety Redefined V-Mac Silos prioritize the wellbeing of your animals. Crafted from high-quality, corrosion resistant, magzinc steel, they ensure feed integrity and freshness while keeping contaminants and pests at bay. With V-Mac Silos, your livestock’s health is safeguarded in a hygienic environment, minimizing risks associated with traditional storage methods.

Cost-Efficiency at its Core

Say goodbye to feed wastage and unnecessary expenses. V-Mac Silos are engineered to minimize spoilage, maximizing the utility of every pound of feed. Their innovative design facilitates easy monitoring and dispensing, reducing the risk of overfeeding and optimizing cost management. Investing in V-Mac Silos isn’t just a storage solution; it’s a strategic move toward long-term financial sustainability.

Seamless Ease of Use

Experience hassle-free feed storage with V-Mac Silos. Designed for maximum convenience, they feature user-friendly elements like easy-fill openings and smoothflow outlets. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or new to the field, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and

Royal Highland Show

Visitor Information

efficiency of V-Mac Silos. Spend less time on storage logistics and more time on what truly matters –nurturing your livestock.

Unmatched Build Quality

Built to endure the rigors of farm life, V-Mac Silos boast exceptional durability. Crafted from heavyduty materials, they withstand harsh weather conditions and everyday wear and tear with ease. With V-Mac Silos, you’re not just investing in storage; you’re investing in reliability that lasts for years to come.

In conclusion, V-Mac Silos offer more than just storage solutions; they represent a paradigm shift in feed management. Elevate your farming experience with V-Mac Silos – where quality, efficiency, and reliability converge to empower your agricultural endeavors.

Showground Opening and Closing Times

Visitors are advised of the Conditions of Entry which are published on the Royal Highland Show and RHASS websites and are displayed at the public entrances to the Show.

Timings: 7:00 – 20:00 Thursday till Saturday / 07:00 – 18:00 on Sunday

Licensed premises: 11:00 (closing at 17:00 Sunday

Restaurants with bar: 11:00 (closing at 17:00)

13th Avenue Arcade and SL in association with The Scotsman 09:00 – 18:30 (17:00 on Sunday)

Trade stands 09:00 – 18:00 (17:00 on Sunday)

RHET Discovery Centre: 09:00 – 17:00

Main Ring: 07:30 – 20:00 (17:30 on Sunday)

Countryside arena: 09:45 – 18:00

Forestry: 09:00 – 17:00

Forge: 09:00 – 17:00

Entertainment stages: 11 – 18:45 (10:00 – 17:45 Sunday)

Ticket Information

Adult: £39

Child: Free for 15 and under

Day Parking: £15 for 1 day, £22.50 for 2 days, £30 for 4 days

V-Mac Silos

Maximise control and safety with a smart i Series fence

Gallagher’s i Series solution sets a new standard in animal fence safety. With advanced technology, this system continuously measures fence effectiveness and increases the safety of animals in the pasture

How do farmers notice a problem with their electric fencing? When the animals are getting out or walking on the wrong side? Or when farmers happen to hold a tester against the wire? By using Gallagher’s i Series, they can continuously measure how well every fence is working.

At the heart of the new technology is the range of intelligent energisers, including the new MBS1000i, equipped with adaptive control. This feature

allows the devices to automatically adapt to the length and condition of the fence. For example, if vegetation touches the wire, the device increases the power to ensure the fence continues to function effectively.

The new MBS1000i is equipped with an external module, the Gateway controller with LED lights. This allows farmers to see how the electric fence is operating at a glance and can be located somewhere they often walk by.

The module has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and is linked to the free Gallagher app on a smartphone. Using the app, farmers can switch the device on or off remotely and adjust the voltage.

A standard energiser constantly delivers about 9000V, which is safe for animals and humans. However, for sensitive animals, a lighter shock of 3500V is sufficient.

The other i Series devices are the MBS1800i, MBS2800i and the M5000i. All come with a standard

LCD display which clearly shows the data and the settings can be changed. This display can be replaced by the Gateway controller to take advantage of connectivity to the app.

Constant measurements

The i Series devices take constant measurements on the fence and the device automatically detects when something is wrong. It then immediately sends the farmer a notification by smartphone or on

Gallagher’s i Series devices take constant measurements along the fence, will detect any faults and can report them onto the farmer’s smartphone

the LCD screen. This way, farmers are quickly informed and can fix the problem as soon as possible.

The i Series simplifies the process of fault detection and resolution by dividing the fence into zones and placing a fence monitor at the beginning of each one. This i series accessory constantly measures voltage and amps. If a fault occurs, farmers can immediately see which zone the fault is in. A new version of this monitor was introduced in 2024 which has a solar panel.

The i Series has an in-built fault finder which quickly shows in which direction the fault is. This saves time and quickly resolves an unsafe situation. By holding the remote control against the wire, farmers can switch off the energiser at the touch of a button. This allows the malfunction to be fixed without the risk of the farmer receiving a shock while doing so.

The most powerful energiser

The most powerful i Series

energiser is the M5000i. By integrating innovative technology and adaptive control, Gallagher has developed a device that matches the strength of its predecessor, the MR5000 with 50 Joules, making it suitable for fences of up to 100 km.

However, the device is also widely used for shorter fences, as it can deal with imperfections and burn away any vegetation that is touching the wire.

It is still important to put a strong energiser on a good quality fence. Putting more current on the fence can cause bad connections to spark and rust or burn out over time.

In short, Gallagher’s i Series offers an integrated solution for animal safety and convenience for the farmer, significantly reducing the time spent managing fences.

For more information, visit www.gallagher.eu/iseries or contact the local Gallagher stockist for advice.

The Gallagher i Series fence monitor

beef

Aberdeen-Angus calf registrations grow again

Latest BCMS registration data shows that Aberdeen-Angus lead the way for the third year in a row, with 10% growth over the last six years.

With over 15,000 more Aberdeen-Angus calf registrations in 2023 compared to 2022, Aberdeen-Angus calves made up 27% of total registrations – this is 7.7% more registrations than the next closest breed.

Robert Gilchrist, CEO of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society says, both the beef and dairy sector are increasingly turning to Aberdeen-Angus genetics as the focus on sustainability sharpens.

“We’ve been the beef sire of choice in the UK for the last three years, and it’s very positive to see continued growth,” he says.

When it comes to beef production, Mr Gilchrist says there is no doubt that margins within suckler production are tight, but many of the key advantages of Aberdeen-Angus genetics align with profitability.

“High-growth rates and the ability to convert low quality feed into a high-quality product that commands a premium in the market, are vital traits when it comes to efficient and profitable production,” he says.

“Traits such as calf vigour, being polled, easier handling due to their natural docility, are also becoming key drivers for Aberdeen-Angus genetics, especially as farm labour tightens.”

The breeds exceptional maternal and terminal traits have

resulted in significant growth in Aberdeen-Angus registrations from the dairy sector.

He says: “Short gestation, calving ease and calf vigour are some of the Aberdeen-Angus traits that dairy farmers value.

“The gestation length can be seven to 10 days shorter than some continental breeds, which means you can get cows milking quicker and back in-calf sooner.”

In addition, Mr Gilchrist says, the high market demand and premium prices for registered Aberdeen-Angus sired calves also make them the preferred choice.

“Buyers of dairy cross calves will be reassured knowing the sire of a registered Aberdeen-Angus bull, not only because it will secure a premium at the point of sale but

because the cattle will grow-on well and finish quickly from lower quality inputs,” he adds.

“These traits are becoming increasingly important as we shift towards more sustainable methods of beef production, where efficiency, the environment and economics all need to be considered.”

Robert Gilchrist, CEO of the AberdeenAngus Cattle Society

Should I still eat red meat?

The topic of diet and nutrition has always attracted a polarised debate – one day something is healthy to eat, the next it’s not. One of the foods most affected by this is red meat. But now the tide seems to be turning.

A new study published in the highly respected American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1 found that switching to plantbased diets appears to put us at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Looking at the findings of 56 international studies, the scientists from University College Cork in Ireland found that intakes of zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B12 and D all fell below recommended levels when animal foods were removed from the diet. These nutrients are crucial for things like growth, immune function, eye health and bone strength. The authors commented: “We found evidence that diets aiming to reduce environmental impact can result in lower intakes and status of key micronutrients”.

This makes sense when you look at the superior nutrition in a serving of meat. Pork, for example, contains 10 vitamins and minerals at significant levels and is rich in high quality protein. Lamb and beef are similar nutrition superheroes

and also provide a source of iron which is needed to make red blood cells. These carry oxygen around our bodies helping to fuel our activities during the day.

In contrast, a typical meatfree meal has a lower protein quality than animal foods. This is measured by testing the variety of protein building blocks – called amino acids – found in each type of food. Other nutrients are also lower in plant foods, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc and iodine. On the other hand, plant foods are rich in fibre, vitamin C and polyphenols – which aren’t present in meat – so they are still vital to include in the daily diet.

The superior nutritional content of red meat was explored in another new paper published in the journal, Animal2, which looked at the benefits of eating meat versus choosing meat-free diets. Lead author, dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, said: “Red meat has been eaten by humans for tens of thousands of years and the reason is because it is a very nutrient-dense food, containing most of the nutrients we need for growth and repair. Not only this, some of the minerals in red meat, such as iron and zinc, are in a format that’s better absorbed by the human body compared with plant or fortification sources”.

The review then looked at the benefits and risks of eating meat versus avoiding it, finding that moderate intakes of red meat provide far more benefits than risks. Dr Ruxton commented: “Studies which link high meat intakes with health conditions, like bowel cancer, take a snapshot of diet in thousands of people with a myriad of lifestyle habits. But a major problem with these ‘observational studies’ is that they don’t prove cause and effect. What we do know is that people can keep in good health by sticking with a moderate amount of meat – that’s five weekly servings around the size of a deck of cards”.

According to the new review, the risks of meat-free diets are only just being recognised. These include low intakes of nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, zinc and iron, a higher risk of bone fractures and lower protection for muscle tissue. In one study, which tracked people’s health for 18 years, meat eaters had a significantly lower risk of hip fracture compared with groups that avoided meat. Another study found that animal proteins are more effective for building and maintaining muscles compared with plant proteins. This has relevance for older adults where

long-term loss of muscle mass can lead to frailty and even falls. With the proportion of UK adults following vegan diets flatlining at 2-3%3, meat and dairy foods continue to be important foods. And that’s despite the widespread promotion of plant-based diets. A key reason is taste. Studies4 in consumers find that most people prefer the flavour and mouthfeel of real meat compared with plantbased alternatives. This has led to cutting edge food companies adding lab cultured animal fat to plant-based products to mimic the taste of meat, according to an article in Fortune5 magazine. Not only is this likely to be unacceptable to vegans, since lab-grown products need to use starter cultures made from animal cells, but it seems bizarre to have to add animal flavours to make plant foods acceptable. Why not simply enjoy eating a serving of lean red meat in a healthy balanced diet?

Perhaps with the growing opposition to ultra-processed foods – which by the way include many of the plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy – we will come the full circle and return to the omnivorous diets that served our ancestors so well. That’s one good reason for eating red meat.

Burgers ready to go!

Dietitian and QMS Board Member, Dr Carrie Ruxton

A new, more flexible cow brush that operates without electricity will offer many farms the benefit of an effective brush in any part of the farm. The Happycow FlexiSwing has a vertically oscillating brush that does not require a power connection, making it significantly more cost-effective and easier to maintain.

“This brush is versatile, robust, and designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers livestock the opportunity to exercise their natural desire to scratch in any area of the farm,” explains product specialist Hugh Burnham, from manufacturer Kerbl.

The spring mounted, contoured brush enables livestock to choose the pressure, rather than it being exerted by a spinning mechanism. This makes the scratching process more natural and intuitive.

New flexible cow brush

“The polypropylene bristles, galvanised steel mount and spring, make this brush perfect for outdoor use on the sides of buildings or even in fields. The brush width increases from 300mm in diameter at the bottom to 435mm diameter at the top, to

make it comfortable for a variety of livestock,” adds Mr Burnham.

The FlexiSwing is designed to improve animal health by offering a calmer scratching

experience. The importance of grooming in relation to diet suggests that offering livestock easy to access scratching areas can improve productivity.

Goat IVF Introduces World’s Smallest Dairy Goat back to UK

Stacey and Steven Briggs, owners of Windmill Farm Park in Leicestershire have, through innovative use of IVF, introduced the Nigerian Dwarf Goat breed into the UK.

Owners of Windmill Farm Park in Leicestershire have, through innovative use of IVF, introduced the Nigerian Dwarf Goat breed into the UK.

Known as the world’s smallest Dairy Breed, the new Nigerian Dwarf Kid was born at Windmill Farm Park on 14th March 2024. At just 22 cm tall, he is expected to grow no more than 60 cm: a third smaller than his standard UK dairy goat cousins. Extremely cute, he is already a firm favourite by the livestock team at the Farm.

With other Nigerian Dwarf Goats located in America and Australia, this is a huge step

forward for the breed which has only been made possible through the movement of frozen embryos.

Both Steven and Stacey have a love of rare breeds with Steven growing up surrounded by animals at Windmill Farm. Stacey’s interest for the Nigerian Dwarf Goats started soon after she found out she was intolerant to cow’s milk in 2010. She was surprised the World’s smallest milking goat didn’t exist in the UK. The only way to reintroduce the breed was to bring over frozen embryos to implant. Given their passion for animals it only made sense to choose this project over a big wedding.

Said Stacey, “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. After many challenges, we implanted 9 embryos into our 6 Boer goats in October and scanning in January revealed we had one successful

pregnancy. We have had our arms, fingers and toes crossed since then and were relieved when a healthy baby boy was born on 14th March 2024. His surrogate Mum, Myrtle is doing a brilliant job of looking after him. She is absolutely besotted”.

In addition to being the World’s smallest dairy breed, the Nigerian Dwarf breed is also known for their excellent quality milk. Not only richer in buttermilk than the larger breeds, but they can also produce a substantial amount for their size.

Five steps farmers can take to prevent on-farm poisoning

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is urging farmers to follow five steps to prevent lead and copper poisoning this grazing season. The steps encourage farmers to check farmland for discarded materials, including electric fence batteries and flaking paint, that are sources of lead poisoning, as well as being mindful of the causes of copper poisoning in sheep.

If exposed, lead can be highly toxic to cattle, causing severe pain, convulsions, blindness, and can very often be fatal.

Unfortunately, some farmers across Scotland have experienced the devastating effects of lead poising on their livestock.

Two weeks after turning out his youngstock, David

Warwic, who farms in the Scottish Borders, found three cows had become ill with signs of poisoning, with one of them dying shortly after.

“We put three one year old heifers out into a roadside field in mid-May and about two weeks after turnout one of the three was foaming at the mouth, in pain and grinding her teeth, looked dazed and blind. Within

minutes of arrival back at the steading the first one died which was harrowing to witness. The cause of this was a discarded car battery someone had fly tipped into the hedge and it had then rolled into the field.”

To support farmers in preventing lead or copper poisoning this grazing season, FSS recommends the following five steps:

1) Check that vehicle and fence batteries are stored securely and out of reach of animals.

2) Check fields and fences for flytipping before putting animals out to pasture.

3) Check buildings and equipment for old lead paint peeling off.

4) Check what feed sheep have access to. Some concentrates and minerals are for cattle only.

5) Check the supplements are right for your sheep as breeds such as Texel, Suffolk and North Ronaldsay are more susceptible to copper poisoning.

You can find out more information about on-farm incidents on the FSS website: foodstandards.gov.scot

Elanco becomes exclusive distributor of GalliPro Fit

Following an agreement with leading microbial solution manufacturer, Chr. Hansen, Elanco Animal Health has now taken over sole UK distribution of GalliPro® Fit, the only triplestrain poultry probiotic proven to support consistent gut health.

The innovative probiotic offers a natural, effective way to support stable gut health by building a robust microbiome, allowing birds to optimise

feed efficiency and therefore performance.

Polly Davies, Elanco monogastric sales leader, explains that as gut health is fundamental to achieving good and consistent poultry performance, GalliPro Fit can prove a viable option to incorporate into rations.

“What makes the probiotic different is the fact it contains three carefully selected, naturally occurring bacterial strains:

two B. subtilis and one of B. amyloliquefaciens,” she says.

“The combination of bacteria works together to support Intestinal Integrity, contributing to feed utilisation and improving the bird’s microbiome, while delivering excellent returns on investment.”

Ms Davies adds: “GalliPro Fit can be used in two different ways. Firstly, to tackle a bacterial challenge, such as Enterococcus or E. Coli, and secondly to maintain

long term performance, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more productive bird.”

She explains that Chr. Hansen has over 100 years of probiotic development experience and a strong ethos of science-based product development. With similar company values in mind, Elanco makes the ideal distribution partner, especially given their expertise in Intestinal Integrity.

Best of both worlds: Estrus detection aids and timed cattle breeding

Using artificial insemination (AI) with a cattle herd doesn’t require as much time or labour as you might think. With the advent of timed breeding protocols and quality visual estrus detection aids, AI has become more effective and efficient.

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Next issue out July 2024

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“You’re listening to the cows just a little bit, but you still have that scheduling of it and utilizing your AI tech,” says Adrienne Lulay, independent beef sales representative for All West Beef/ Select Sires.

Lulay joined the Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast with their team of veterinarians to discuss AI and offer some tips on getting the most from cattle breeding programs.

Both Lulay and Bob Larson, DVM, professor at Kansas State University, agree that implementing estrus detection with visual breeding indicator aids can help improve the results of AI breeding.

The first in-feeder divider offers multiple feed types from one feeder

The Quill Midi Feeder Divider comprises of two parts, which work together to split the feeder into four sections. The new idea will allow both crumbs and pellets to be offered from a single feeding station during periods of feed transition. It will reduce feed being scratched out and minimises stress at the time of change. After release, the divider may be used to offer a variety of feed types, such as pellets alongside maizea nd wheat, from a single feeder.

The Quill Midi Feeder with Divider will also be ideal for use in areas of re-wilding. It enables both adult birds and their chicks to feed alongside each other. Wild bird seed mixes may also be offered, alongside chosen game bird feed. The Quill Midi Feeder Divider can be used with both the indoor and outdoor Quill Midi Feeders. Available in Quill’s new Ecoflec plastic; made from 100% recycled plastic with the same long lasting properties

Wise Agriculture becomes the sole GB distributor for Arrowquip cattle handling equipment

North Yorkshire firm Wise Agriculture has been appointed sole distribution rights in England, Scotland and Wales for Arrowquip’s cattle handling equipment portfolio.

The appointment will drive innovations and enhance customer care for the GB market says Arrowquip’s UK Manager Darren Brennan.

“Arrowquip’s mission is to improve the safety and efficiency of cattle handling by providing

the farming community with equipment that combines worldclass engineering with designs based on practicality and animal behaviour. This is supported with industry-leading warranties of up to 15 years on some crush models and a customer-first approach to follow-up support and care,” says Mr Brennan. “Wise Agriculture shares this mission and has been instrumental to Arrowquip’s development for the UK and customer service.”

After seeing a need in the industry for quality livestock equipment supported by quality customer service, livestock farmers Edward and Laura Wise established Wise Agriculture in 2018 with their first shipment of Arrowquip manual squeeze crushes from the Canadian company. Their business has since grown to be Europe’s largest Arrowquip importer and has also taken on sole UK distribution rights for Advantage Feeders (formerly known as 3-in-1) and Landquip NZ’s Porta-Yards mobile sheep handling range. The firm is also a leading distributor of Tru-Test weighing and EID equipment and AgriCow brushes.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out July 2024

New meta-analysis results show inclusion of yeast cell wall extract during mycotoxin challenges benefits egg production

A new study highlights the significant positive effects of yeast cell wall extract supplementation on layer performance during mycotoxin challenges, Alltech announced this week.

Published in March 2024 in the journal Toxins, “MetaAnalysis of the Effects of Yeast Cell Wall Extract Supplementation during Mycotoxin Challenges on the Performance of Laying Hens” demonstrated that the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb®, Alltech, Inc., KY) supplementation during mycotoxin challenges results in an increase in layers’ body weight by 12.5 grams(g), and a substantial increase in egg production and egg weight by

4.2 percentage points and 1.37 g, respectively.

The meta-analysis showed that layers fed mycotoxins experienced lower body weight (by 50g), decreased egg production (by 6.3 percentage points), and reduced egg weight (by 1.95g) compared to controlfed birds. Economic analysis suggested that the inclusion of YCWE not only supported performance but could also result in a positive return on investment. Based on results from the meta-analysis, production and profitability calculations were made, resulting in:

• +2.7 eggs per hens housed (HH) over 9.5 weeks

• +29.7g edible protein output per HH

• 4.65:1 ROI

“To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first time a meta-analysis study has been conducted with laying hens which evaluates the influence of not only mycotoxins alone but also the use of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy on key performance parameters,” Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for the Alltech Technology Group team.

Union frustrated by continued lack of detail on calf scheme reform

Livestock Committee Chair writes to Scottish Government

NFU Scotland is calling again on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward details on its proposed reform of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS).

The SSBSS is invaluable to Scotland’s iconic red meat sector as it ensures farmers and crofters around the country are encouraged to keep producing beef calves to underpin the production of quality Scotch Beef. After successful lobbying by NFU Scotland, Scottish Government has confirmed that the scheme, currently worth £40 million, will be a feature of

future support arrangements in Scotland.

Payments to eligible calves under the current scheme year are imminent but proposed changes to the scheme rules for 2025 and beyond, including the introduction of calving interval rules, have yet to be shared with the industry.

NFU Scotland wants the reformed SSBSS to include the following:

The budget should be retained and continue to be delivered in the same cyclical manner,

Split payments between meeting existing eligibility criteria and new conditionality,

A mechanism for recognition of pre-registration of stillborn calves,

For a ‘force majeure’ option to be available for any producers affected by unforeseen or exceptional circumstances.

Any eligible beef calf born after 2 December 2023 will fall under the scheme reform, as NFU Scotland understands that the existing 30-day retention period will remain as part of the reform. As we approach the height of spring calving, the industry remains unclear on the new rules and is at risk of not meeting potential calving interval criteria.

NFU Scotland Livestock Chair Hugh Fraser

NFU Scotland believes that, regrettably, there will already be a very small number of cows who lost their calves at birth and are therefore not registered to trigger next year’s calving interval period. It has asked for a mechanism for registration of stillborn calves integrated into the reform to ensure that a cow is not penalised in future years for not having a full-term pregnancy recognised.

It is also currently common industry practice that when a calf sadly dies before the 27day legal time limit for tagging and registration, it is often not registered, therefore no record of the dam’s calving date will exist. As NFUS understand the proposals, any future calves that cow has may be viewed as ineligible.

In February, NFU Scotland wrote to Scottish Government calling for full details of the reform to be made available. NFU Scotland has written to Scottish Government again this week.

NFU Scotland Livestock Chair Hugh Fraser said: “We continue to ask for clarity on this vital scheme for those producing beef calves in Scotland. It is not feasible, fair nor realistic for the industry to operate on speculation.

“While the market for beef is currently strong, this follows many years of poor prices which has resulted in a drop in the size of the beef herd and declining primary producer confidence. This scheme offers invaluable stability in a sector which continually battles uncertainty in market returns.

“With payments under the 2023 scheme expected in bank accounts soon, the importance of a clear and timely announcement on arrangements for the new scheme year are essential. Scottish Government must give explicit clarity on their expectations for suckler beef producers so that we can have some certainty.

“It is recognised that this reform is necessary to protect the future of Voluntary Coupled Support (VCS) schemes such as SSBSS. However, we cannot continue to operate on uncertainty.”

The VET In refugia: Preserving Susceptible Worms

A result of excessive and indiscriminate use of wormers in our flocks, anthelmintic (wormer) resistance is an increasingly concerning threat faced by the sheep industry. Are you doing your bit to avoid the development of resistance in the worms on your farm?

Only Worming When Necessary

Anthelmintic treatments should ideally be based on:

● Faecal Egg Counts - on a pooled sample from several (e.g. 10) individuals of the group

● Parasite Forecastsparticularly for nematodirus

● Performance - ideally, treatments would be focussed on those lambs not meeting their DLWG targets

Appropriate Worming Practices

Worms can randomly develop mutations which make them resistant to wormers. When a group of lambs are blanket-treated, only these resistant worms survive. These resistant worms will reproduce and lay eggs which will develop into more resistant worms. When moved onto fresh pasture, the

lambs will then be shedding only resistant worm eggs for other lambs to pick up. It is easy to see how we have selected for a resistant worm population in this scenario!

When treating groups of lambs, it is therefore recommended to leave a proportion (e.g. 10%) untreated. This preserves a population of worms unexposed and susceptible to wormers (in refugia), rather than leaving behind only resistant worms. Perhaps counterintuitively, it is also advisable after treatment to return lambs to ‘dirty’ pasture for several days before moving onto clean pasture. This is to allow lambs to pick up a small amount of susceptible worms again, ‘diluting’ any resistant worms remaining in the gut. Alternatively, lambs could be moved to clean pasture a few days before treatment to lightly ‘pre-contaminate’ the pasture with eggs of worms susceptible to anthelmintics.

Other Important Considerations

● Rotating the class of wormer used to avoid developing resistance

● Limiting use of long-acting wormers to reduce worm exposure to anthelmintics

By Balfour Hay Northvet Veterinary Group

● Pasture management/rotation to prevent heavy worm burdens

● Breeding for resilience - keep the ewe lambs that required the fewest treatments

● Appropriate quarantine treatments to avoid buying in resistant worms

Testing for Resistance

If you are concerned about anthelmintic resistance on your farm, contact your vet to arrange resistance testing. This is a straightforward test which compares faecal egg counts pre- and posttreatment to assess the effectiveness of the wormer.

Consult your vet for a parasite plan tailored to your flock. www.scops.org.uk is an excellent resource for further parasite information.

£1 million available for dairy innovation projects

The Digital Dairy Chain is preparing to launch the second round of its Collaborative Research and Development Funding Competition from 6 May, with £1.1 million of grant funding available for successful entries.

The coveted competition is run by the UK’s national innovation agency, Innovate UK, with the aim of supporting innovative projects focused on improving dairy production and the supply chain.

A total of £2 million was awarded through the Digital Dairy Chain project when the first contest opened to applications in Spring 2023. The seven winning projects were awarded grants of between £200-350K, which has been invested in work taking place predominantly across Cumbria and South and West Scotland.

The Digital Dairy Chain’s Programme Director Stuart Martin said: “The quantity and quality of applications received in the 2023

collaborative competition was irrefutable proof that appetite for R&D in the dairy sector is high. We have shown that where there is funding, support and expertise, they are being wholeheartedly embraced by the dairy industry and transformative innovation will be the outcome.

“Therefore, my message is simple, if you have an innovative project idea, collaborative partners on-board and are considering applying, visit the Innovate UK website and read the competition guidelines. Read them carefully and then join us for an online Q&A session or for the Innovate UK briefing webinar to ensure you stand the best chance of submitting a winning application.”

Professor Des Gibson, who leads Albasense, one of the 2023 winning projects, also offered his advice for anyone submitting an application when the Innovate UK portal opens in May.

“Ensure the problem you are solving is explained together with associated cost effective underpinning intellectual property and how the project team will deliver and manage the work. Moreover, provide analysis of market opportunity,

entry routes and unique selling points.”

For more information and links to Innovate UK briefings events and guidance please keep an eye on the Digital Dairy Chain’s website: www. digitaldairychain.co.uk

Robot milking reaches new peak

A small Belgian farm has hit record levels for a DeLaval milking robot for the second year running. With an average of 74 cows, Jef and Nathalie Geerts in Pulderbos, Belgium, have milked two million kilograms of milk since installing their DeLaval VMS V300 milking robot. DeLaval VMS robot specialist Adam Hayward says:

“Through good teat positioning and a high milking speed the Geerts have been able to realise the full potential of a VMS V300 robot and may yet see higher yields. They are proof that robotic milking is helping farms to reach new levels of productivity and efficiency.”

With an average production of 41 kilos per cow the Geerts milking robot has a seven-day average of 3,000 kilos. The milk has a fat content of 4.3% with protein of 3.6%. This is

facilitated largely by the robot’s four quarter milking method which has seen an average milk flow of 1400 grams per minute, per quarter.

“The robot is able to attach quickly and can manage each teat individually to not under or over milk. This improves yield, but also, importantly, teat condition too, so that the cows can continue to offer higher than average yields throughout their lactation,” says Mr Hayward.

The cows visit the robot an average of 2.4 times a day and the Geerts are certain that the herd has not yet reached its full potential. They see milking over one million kilos per year recurrently as a benchmark target that can, and should, be beaten.

“We hope to install a second robot at the Geerts farm soon, pending local permissions. It is a

remarkable achievement to reach yields this high in the first two years of milking and with just

Stuart Martin is the Programme Director of the Digital Dairy Chain

one robot for 74 cows it shows how efficient the VMS V300 is,” concludes Mr Hayward.

Jef and Natalie Geerts

New dairy data sharing technology launched

DeLaval is looking to revolutionise dairy farming with data from thousands of farms and tens of millions of milkings. Global milk yield and cow health data is being shared and interpreted by artificial intelligence (AI) to provide individual farms with benchmarking and advice.

DeLaval Plus is a new data-sharing application, exclusively available to DeLaval farms, which provides more information in a way that is easy to understand. This pioneering technology has been recognised

by the organisers of Dairy-Tech, and DeLaval Plus is one of three shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Dairy Innovation Award.

“It is about providing the tools that turn all the data collected from every DeLaval herd worldwide into actionable, easy to understand information. This helps make faster, more accurate decisions that can improve milk production and cow health,” says DeLaval’s Adam Hayward.

Data collected from parlous, robots, collars and body conditioning scanners is being

interpreted, collated and used to identify trends. DeLaval farms signing up in the UK will not need any additional technology to benefit from DeLaval Plus.

“We have some trial farms up and running in the UK already and expect to roll out DeLaval Plus later this year,” adds Mr Hayward.

DeLaval Plus is an evergrowing set of applications that its creators say represent the most advanced level of farm management analysis and reporting.

The volume of data has removed the capacity for people

to interpret it. Therefore, DeLaval has developed unique AI to interpret the data and find trends in cow health and productivity. This enables one farm to see its data in relation to data collated globally and to make decisions based on global trends as well as daily onfarm variables.

“Soon our team will be offering performance plans for farms to maximise the value and relevance of data collected on-farm. This will enable decisions to be made with facts to help farms operate more efficiently,” concludes Mr Hayward.

Scottish shearer wins in Spain

Scottish shearer Gavin Mutch has made his mark on the continent by winning an open competition in Spain on his debut venture to the European country.

The Huntly native who now resides in New Zealand marked the 12 country he has won an open competition to round up the trip to Spain where he was hosted by Josep and Jordi from Boletin Esquiladores, the Spanish importers of Heiniger.

Gav secured first place in the four-man final at the Salón Ovino, in the Badajoz Province, with the fastest time on the board as second lowest board and pen marks, having clipped his 10 Merino ewes in 10 minutes and 36 seconds to give

RamCompare seeking ram nominations for its ninth breeding season

The RamCompare project is calling on all pedigree sire breeders to take part and nominate their rams to join the 2024 breeding season. Now in its ninth year, the national progeny test, joint funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), is looking for rams or semen for use.

a time score of 31.80. Combined with 43 marks on the board (4.30 points) and 83 in the pen (4.15 points, bearing in mind the Spanish scoring system differs from the British), Gav totalled 40.25, more than two full points ahead of his nearest competitor, Manuel Maria Calvo, from the Cabeza del Buey region of Spain, on 42.35.

Fellow Spaniard, Ion Bulz, from Murcia, was third with 59.80 while Uruguay’s Nicolas Olivera was fourth with 67.95.

The trip saw Gav travel 40,000km by plane and 2000km more by car in just the space of one week as they toured the country and got some practise in with a local squad before the competition.

Since its launch in 2015, RamCompare has tested 468 terminal sire rams, producing more than 44,000 lambs from commercial ewes, mated using artificial insemination (AI) or natural service. Results from the project enable commercial farmers to select superior performance-recorded rams, whose progeny are better-able to meet market specifications with improved efficiency, carcase value, and a reduced cost of production.

Bridget Lloyd, RamCompare project coordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for breeders to get involved. Using their genetics within the national progeny test will provide them with important data which can be used to promote future ram sales.

“Improving efficiency and reducing costs are key drivers for any business. Investing in a recorded ram with the right genetic merit can help meet both these objectives. Nominating rams this season will give breeders a unique opportunity to get ahead in this important area of breed improvement and show potential buyers how their rams could benefit their enterprise.”

Judith Galbraith, owner of the Hampshire Down pedigree Graylen flock, said: “Having rams used in the RamCompare project is all about giving credibility to performance recording. For commercial farmers, these are rams performing in commercial settings allowing them to see how high index rams truly add value. For us, as ram breeders, it’s about confirming what we are breeding and selecting for will make an important difference to our clients’ profitability and crucially, improves the accuracy of the information we provide to them. If you haven’t been involved before, don’t miss the opportunity to nominate rams!” Rams are selected from a range of terminal sire breeds and used on commercial farms across the UK every year. Progeny are monitored from birth to slaughter the following year, providing vital data to Signet for breeding evaluations. Signet Breeding Services is part of AHDB and provides a performance recording service for pedigree sheep and beef breeders.

Bridget explains: “Signet’s routine genetic evaluations integrate the analysis of abattoir traits and publish them alongside a Lamb Value Index which helps to identify elite rams to breed from. These developments deliver one of the key objectives set when the project was launched.”

The project is looking for rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in the top 20 per cent of the breed. Natural service sires should be shearlings or stock rams

with a known, high health status. Older stock rams are welcome providing they are fit and fertile.

RamCompare will also purchase frozen semen in batches of 30 doses for use via AI.

Nominations close on Friday 17 May 2024. You can access the forms directly through the following links:

Ram nominations https://forms.office.com/e/U9f2aMUR3M Semen nominations https://forms.office.com/e/vNjZrQVT1i

Protect Valuable New Season Lambs by Focusing on Immunity-Led Disease Prevention

With many flocks struggling with the impact of the Schmallenberg virus1 and lamb prices continuing to trend 40% up on last year2, sheep producers are being encouraged to protect valuable young lambs from preventable disease threats this spring and early summer.

“It’s important to remember that lambs are born with no antibodies to give them protection to ubiquitous disease threats and

therefore rely in early life on passive transfer of immunity from the ewe in her colostrum – but this must take place within the first few hours of life. This passive immunity then starts to wear off after three weeks, leaving many lambs vulnerable to a variety of infections,” said MSD Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter-Smith.

Unnecessary losses from clostridial diseases, such as pulpy

How can killers be the cure?

By Peter Myles

I’m told, there is a biodiversity crisis. However, coming from Glenesk, where we have open grazed woodland, with well managed peat and heather moorland. This habitat has probably been unchanged for generations, I just wonder how this rural idyll can be in crisis? Are we perhaps sleepwalking into a manmade crisis, where the well-meaning suggest, rewilding will bring back biodiversity, when we already have an abundance, out there? The latest being “The missing Lynx project”, over the Scottish border, one of many initiatives that turn up to try, in my opinion, to destroy the very habitat they apparently wish to cherish. They claim all sorts of dubious benefits, with the impact on sheep farming to be minimal. Experts told us several years ago that single lynx would possibly kill up to 0.6 of a sheep a year. But in the same year one lynx escaped from a wildlife centre in the south west and was found to have attacked 6 sheep in 10 days! Although not a leopard I can’t see how a lynx would change its spots.

I just wonder if, killers can possibly be the cure?

Peter Myles is chairman of NSA Scotland

We in the hill sheep sector are under more and more pressure to change our rural idyll, to help with every crisis going. Mass planting of dark and sterile monoculture trees, stifling wildlife, the small and vulnerable flora and fauna and replacing carbon storing peatland. Surly people can learn from the disaster of Sea Eagles, and the multitude of other carnivores in the sky, leaving the unprotected and vulnerable to the appetites of the protected. Similarly, the damage done by the introduction of beavers to our trees and riverbanks, coincides with greater protection of killers in our environment like badgers. mink and foxes. I can’t see that the habits of several lifetimes are destroying the habitats of our wading and ground nesting birds when the consequences of the above go uncontrolled.

For further information, please visit https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/webinars/

kidney or from pastereurellosis, are a particular cause for concern with young lambs during the spring and early summer. According to data from Farm Post Mortems Limited, there’s often a large peak of pulpy kidney in the spring when lambs aged between two and eight weeks of age are affected3. On further investigation, in almost all the cases, neither the dams nor their offspring have been protected by vaccination.

Dr Baxter-Smith says that it is impossible to control the multiple and varied stress-related ‘trigger’ factors (e.g. a sudden change in the weather, alteration in diet or parasite infection) for clostridial diseases and other common infections, such as pasteurellosis, so vaccination of young lambs from three weeks of age is strongly advised.

She points out that coccidiosis is another key disease in lambs that is often

triggered by stressful events. This is because any maternally derived immunity (gained from ewe colostrum) to this particular infection is known to wane at four to six weeks of age.

“After this, young lambs become particularly susceptible to the Eimeria parasite oocysts, which, once consumed from the environment, hatch and then invade the intestinal wall. This can then cause diarrhoea, weight loss and slow growth rates.

“Oocysts are ingested when lambs lick contaminated objects or ingest feed or water contaminated with faeces. If coccidiosis has been diagnosed, ask your animal health product supplier about the strategic use of an easy-to-administer, single oral drench alongside sound hygiene practices, which will allow some immunity to develop in your lambs without loss of performance or disease,” she said.

Overseas Shearers welcome in the UK

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is delighted to announce that international sheep shearers have a special concession to be able to enter the UK in 2024, meaning that we can again access this vital source of professional and experienced staff to assist UK contractors during the shearing season.

Since 2011, the NAAC has worked closely with the Home Office to successfully manage a special concession for highly skilled, overseas shearers to

come to the UK to assist in shearing the UK flock.

The scheme has meant that the UK has been able to encourage non-visa national shearers from overseas (particularly New Zealand and Australia) to come for a short, limited period to ensure that sheep are shorn on time, thus protecting their welfare.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive said, “This is a well-managed scheme, which gives our UK shearing team a boost at a critical time with international shearers coming in

IAAS reports strong mart figures for 2023

IAAS would like to remind all vendors using Scottish auction marts to sell their livestock, that the sale of pregnant animals through the prime and cull rings is not allowed. This is in breach of animal health and welfare regulations.

We have had some recent incidents where in lamb sheep have been sold through the live ring and purchased by a processor. This leaves the processor with a very difficult situation and this practice is

unfair on the livestock and the processor.

IAAS wish to support those processors and butchers who use the live ring as they help create a trade for all prime and cull stock. We also ask our vendors to support the market and these processors by ensuring that stock presented is fit for movement and processing. Failing to do so risks veterinary and government inspections as well as risking farm assurance status if the processor chooses to notify authorities.

with experience and competence to take on a job that is highly skilled. Sheep shearing is a very specialist and physical occupation that simply can’t just be picked up by anyone. It should only be carried out by professionals who have been trained to shear carefully and sympathetically to ensure that

sheep are handled appropriately to avoid stress and injury during the shearing process.’

Adult sheep should be shorn at least once every year to help reduce the risk of external parasites and to avoid heat stress. In the main, shearing is carried out to improve animal welfare rather than for the value of the wool.

IAAS Executive Director Neil Wilson

Work smarter, not harder - sheep farmers advised

Experts have used research and data to show sheep farmers’ labour demands and costs can be reduced at the same time as improving work life balance by following some simple steps.

Working smarter was the take-home message from a webinar entitled ‘Reducing Flock Input (through labour)’, organised by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). The session centred on how reducing labour demand going forward – targeting just two hours or less per ewe – is important for economic viability and work life balance to run more ewes per labour unit or spend less time managing the same size flock.

Daniel Stout, SAC Consulting’s Sheep and Grassland Consultant, discussed Farm Business Survey (England - LFA flocks) results from 2004-08, which revealed huge variations between farms, with the most labour efficient running at 1.8 hours per ewe, and the least productive taking four times longer for routine tasks, at 7.3 hours per ewe.

“The results show clear economies of scale,” explained Daniel. “The most efficient farms were running an average of 850 ewes, with the least efficient at around 250 ewes. This is, perhaps, not that surprising given that it doesn’t take much more time to feed, check or handle 500 ewes compared to 400. What’s key is that farms not stocked at their optimum capacity should consider this as part of their future planning.”

To put it into perspective, Daniel said that “two hours per ewe equates to around 1,000 ewes per labour unit, which is where we realistically need to

be to justify paying a full-time shepherd at a cost of £30+ per ewe. Farmers are guilty of not putting a value on their time and, going forward into a future with reduced or potentially no subsidy, owner operators need to consider this too.” Equally he added: “If we want to encourage the next generation we need to try and improve the work life balance, lowering the labour input.”

Daniel believes looking at labour efficiency in sheep systems is essential, not just from a profit perspective, but also to make the job more enjoyable. Achieving this, he said, is down to the following:

1. Labour efficiency / work life balance must be part of strategic decision making.

2. Develop a system aimed at low labour intervention –make the ewes work for you, not the other way around.

3. Genetics are a key part of a low labour system; are your genetics an enabler or hinderance to reducing labour or changing your system e.g. to outdoor lambing?

4. Refine the system through infrastructure, technology and lean management.

Regarding the management system, he recommended reducing labour inputs by:

1. Maximising pasture in the diet to reduce time spent supplementing - consider changing lambing date.

2. Consider outdoor lambing.

3. Focus on days to slaughter to get lambs off the farm, don’t chase carcass characteristics to the detriment of this.

4. Proactive and preventative disease control to minimising gathering and handling.

crofting

New agriculture policy proposals leave little hope

By Donna Smith

It’s been a busy couple of months between being out on the road holding local roadshow events and a significant lobbying effort behind the scenes as the Agriculture Bill headed towards the end of stage 1 in the parliamentary process.

Thanks to SCF’s efforts, the urgent need to better support crofters and other small producers, including those under 3 hectares currently excluded from the system, has resonated with MSPs of all parties. In the stage 1 debate on the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill held on Wednesday 27th March, SCF’s asks for better support for smaller businesses and for the redistribution of direct payments from larger towards smaller producers (also known as ‘frontloading’) featured prominently.

Requirements in the whole farm plan, which sets the baseline for being eligible for support at all, include soil testing, carbon audits and biodiversity audits. These not only place a disproportionate

financial burden upon small, but are also likely to come with additional administrative hurdles. Furthermore, in remote locations, the experts required for the auditing procedures are often not available in time, leaving crofters unable to comply with the entry requirements in the first place.

As the bill is moving towards stage 2, SCF will keep pressing for a firm commitment to support crofters and small producers in the bill’s objectives. We will keep campaigning for the mandatory redistribution of area-based payments by setting a cap on the funding the largest farm estates get and allocating a larger share of direct payments to crofters and smaller producers.

Beyond the framework bill, SCF keeps pressing to ensure that any new policy will work for common grazings, especially with regard to enhanced conditionality requirements, and for capital grants being improved and made more accessible to crofters.

pigs

Pig market shows early signs of seasonal uplift

“Despite evidence of a slight seasonal upturn, prices have still slipped behind year-earlier levels for the first time in two years,” says QMS Market Intelligence Manager, Iain Macdonald. “Still, they were up 35% on their fiveyear average in mid-March, reflecting the sharp market rebound between spring 2022 and 2023.”

Pig producers will be relieved that the price of feed has been falling. Defra’s animal feed price series shows that grain prices in January were down 25-30% on 2023 levels. Protein meal prices have also fallen sharply since a brief rebound in autumn 2023, taking them down over 20% on the year. Since then, market data suggests that there has been further downwards pressure on both grain and protein meals, although grain prices have rebounded slightly in the second half of March.

“These trends reflect a wellsupplied global arable crop market, supported by factors such as an improvement in Ukraine’s export capacity and favourable growing weather in South America,” explains Iain. “A stronger sterling against the US dollar than in early 2023 has also helped.”

Although wages have been rising quickly and energy and borrowing costs remain elevated, the current balance between production costs and output prices suggests that pig producers’ finances are slowly recovering from the financial crisis of 2021/22.

“However, given the scale of that crisis, there’s still a long way to go,” says Iain.

Its legacy - a significantly smaller pig herd - has supported a higher level of farmgate prices. Defra slaughter data showed

an 11% decline in prime pig throughput at GB abattoirs in 2023 and the trend continued at the start of 2024, down another 4% in the first two months. While December pig census results are not available for Scotland, England’s results show that finishing pig numbers were still down by 11% year-on-year, and by 18% on the peak reached two years before.

“Sow numbers in England did show a marginal rebound in December 2023, but they were still 19% lower than in December 2021. So, while there could be some recovery in the second half, there is little room for any significant rebound in prime pig slaughter in England in 2024,” Iain continues.

Closer to home, ScotEID data points towards stronger momentum in Scotland’s pig herd.

“In the first two months of 2024, while still down on 2022, the number of pigs leaving Scottish farms for slaughter rose by 14% from the lows of 2023. Nevertheless, Scotland is home to only around 8% of GB finishing pigs, so a faster rate of recovery here will have limited impact on overall market conditions.”

Given the sharp reduction in domestic pork production since 2022, the external trade balance has been supporting availability for consumption. UK export volumes fell by nearly a quarter in 2023 and while imports fell slightly in the year as a whole, they were higher than in 2022 between April and the year-end.

Iain says higher import volumes have been supporting market supplies for nearly a year, and import prices tend to closely follow trends in EU pig prices.

“After six months trading at a small discount of only around

5% to GB levels, EU pigs became relatively cheap in the second half of 2023 and the price gap widened beyond 20% in early 2024. However, there has been a strong seasonal rebound in the EU since February, and the price gap dipped to 13% in the third week of March.”

While EU pork remains competitive, it is not as cheap as it looked over the winter, and EU supply remains fundamentally tight.

“Although there was some recovery in the EU sow herd in December 2023, numbers were still 7% below pre-covid levels,” explains Iain. “In addition, fattening pigs were still showing a year-on-year decline of 2.4%, highlighting that, like at home, any recovery in EU pork production is likely to be weak. As a result, the downwards pressure on the domestic market from EU imports is likely to remain limited.”

Looking further afield, Iain notes that the USDA is expecting increased global trade this year,

with a key driver being China. “China’s pork production rose sharply late last year as lossmaking producers liquidated herds. As a result, numbers are expected to tighten in 2024, resulting in higher import requirements once stocks built up in 2023 have been used up,” he says.

“Although pork prices have dipped seasonally since Chinese New Year, wholesale prices continue to look relatively attractive, holding above GB farmgate price levels, and the Chinese market has often risen between spring and autumn.”

By 2023, UK exports to China had fallen back to around where they had been before China’s severe pork shortage of 2019 and 2020. However, at a share of 36%, they made up a significantly higher proportion of UK exports than in the preAfrican Swine Fever period, highlighting China’s position as a vital market outlet for processors looking to achieve carcase balance.

Calf rearing offers opportunities to expand farm businesses

Rearing calves can be a timeconsuming endeavour involving regular trips to market to purchase calves with an often-uncertain background. Time was the greatest barrier for Yorkshire based farmers David and Sarah Green, who accommodated ‘bed and breakfast’ pigs, ran an arable business, a flock of sheep, and a successful farm shop. Last year though, they spotted a Facebook post presenting a new business direction.

For the past year, the couple who live at Northallerton in North Yorkshire, have been rearing dairybred calves for Gamechanger, the supply chain partnership between Sainsbury’s and meat processors ABP. Gamechanger is a pioneering integrated beef supply chain, supplying low carbon beef for the retailer’s Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus range to offer both farmers and the retailer security, stability, and consistency and keep great tasting, high quality British beef in consumer’s baskets.

“We saw Gamechanger on social media. Having a dairy background and having worked with calves we got in touch with the team. Calf rearing sounded a viable option for our farming system which still includes sheep and mainly a grass-based system, after converting from arable last year. We took on a batch of Gamechanger calves and liked their quality and performance, so ended the ‘B & B’ pig enterprise and have since reared five batches of calves. We were pleased with how it went last year and hope to keep growing numbers by taking in bigger batches of calves this year.”

Gamechanger begins with a supply base of dairy farmers which provides high-genetic calves sired by exclusive Aberdeen Angus bulls, who are selected for Gamechanger on their performance throughout the supply chain. The Gamechanger team arranges

everything from the calf selection to transport, with batches of highvigour calves being delivered to rearers. Operating on a bed-andbreakfast basis, rearers receive a management fee in return for the provision of buildings, labour, straw, electricity, and water.

The rearer model works well alongside other enterprises as it is time efficient and low stress. There’s no need to leave the farm to buy or sell cattle, it offers bespoke cattle feeding plans, provides management software and has a team of experienced staff only a phone call away. At the 100-acre (40ha) Castle Hills Farm, the Green’s operate on a bed and breakfast basis, with all vet support, medications, vaccinations, milk powder and concentrate feed supplied by Gamechanger. At one time, 176 calves are housed in two batches of 88 calves, with one batch on milk and the older batch weaned onto concentrates.

“The rearer model really suits our system, our sheds accommodate the calves well and it works nicely alongside the sheep enterprise and the farm shop. It takes up a lot of life doing what we do, but the income means we could potentially expand and take on a staff member, which would give us time for other things in life whilst ensuring the continuation of the business for future generations.”

All Gamechanger cattle have EID tags and rearers receive an animal health plan to minimise losses, along with advice from dedicated Gamechanger vet, Tim Potter, to assist with calf health concerns. Agriwebb farm software is given to calf rearers to help with efficiently managing performance and for recording cattle weights and medications. Gamechanger covers the cost of the calf, milk powder, feed and vet costs, providing security and stability against volatility in input costs. The competitive rearing fee

is paid on a per-head basis for the management of those calves. In addition, rearers can access a bonus which is rewarded for meeting the key performance targets. Rearers are also rewarded annually for engaging in development areas such as attending the rearer academy.

“The backup from the Gamechanger vet team is good, they respond to queries quickly, and emergencies are dealt with swiftly. That support really takes the pressure off if we have a problem. Alongside the vet team there is a dedicated Gamechanger calf rearing team who are there to assist you with any issues and come and do farm visits. Our calf housing is serving us well so far. New arrivals settle-in normally within 24-48 hours with our aim to keep stress levels as low as possible. The genetics behind the calves that arrive seem solid and give us a calf with vigour and stature which in turn gives us relatively consistent daily liveweight gain. Ultimately, we want calves that thrive and that is what we get.”

The growing network of Gamechanger farmers produce, rear, grow or finish Gamechanger cattle across the UK with some farmers combining more than one stage, for example rearing and finishing, or dairy farming and rearing.

Gamechanger is expanding and requires more farmers to join the programme at different stages of cattle production. Gamechanger offers a wide range of models to suit a variety of farm businesses.

“We would recommend Gamechanger to other people who are looking for alternative revenue streams which maximises the current infrastructure of their farms as well as their other work/life commitments. All farms and businesses are different, but this has proven a good option for us and may be a good option for other farmers looking to diversify and we’d recommend an informal chat with the Gamechanger team to find out more information.’’

Aquaculture

Government’s Salmon recovery plans not urgent enough say Scotland’s ghillies

Scottish Government’s progress on plans to reverse the ailing fortunes of Atlantic salmon are ‘slim pickings’ and do not go deep or far enough.

That is the view of worried Scottish river ghillies who believe implementation of the delayed Salmon Strategy must urgently gather pace if it is to succeed.

Their fears come 24 hours after Scottish Government published its progress report for 2023-2024 on actions taken to conserve the species, recently classed for the first time as endangered in the UK.

Positive actions detailed in the Government’s Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan progress report were actions taken by environmental regulator SEPA to remove or improve structures acting as barriers to salmon passage.

The banning of sandeel fishing was also noted as a positive step for migrating salmon, with the fish at larval stage making up a significant component of postsmolt diet at sea.

However, these were the only tangible actions, with the greater majority of the report focusing on scoping future work, identifying issues to tackle in years ahead and securing funding for more science.

Ghillies, who are living through some of the worst rod catch records in living memory, have received the progress report with cold comfort.

Local businesses, heavily dependent on angling tourism, are seeing visitors disappear or anglers booking for less days.

The SGA Fishing Group, which represents river ghillies across the country, says members are deeply frustrated at the lack of substantive action.

“There seems to be a big gap between the urgency that river ghillies believe is necessary and actions being taken at Government level to try to fix this,” says River Ericht ghillie, Grant Kellie, a member of the SGA Fishing Group.

“If pace continues at this rate, salmon are going to run out of time and businesses and communities that have culturally grown up around salmon fishing in Scotland are going to decline.

“There is so much work going on to improve habitats for salmon, at river or local level, but it can’t all be done that way.

“It needs leadership and urgency from people at the top and, on the evidence of this report card, we are falling far short. Science has already identified the problems. We need action.”

Provisional salmon catch records for last season, for

Scotland, show a 25% decline from the previous year and ghillies are fearful for the future.

They are critical of Marine Scotland over restrictions to stocking policies they feel could potentially help the situation for some fishery boards, citing examples of exemplar models such as successful stocking programmes on the River Carron.

The Government’s report card has not lightened the mood in the boats and on the river banks.

“Ghillies reading this today will be completely frustrated. We have been telling Government what the problems are for years. If it isn’t deemed to be serious now, with catches way down and the uptake of fishing declining dramatically, when is it serious?

“The gate is wide open and the horse is miles away,” said Tay ghillie, Robert White, from the SGA Fishing Group.

Scotsheep 2024

Aikengall, Innerwick, Dunbar

Wednesday, 5 June, 2024

A forward-thinking approach together with the ability to stand back and access their stock and management systems is reaping the rewards for three brothers from East Lothian as they continue to expand their farming enterprise while also honing in on and eradicating problems along the way.

The Hamilton trio – James, Charles and Harry – along with

their mother, Vanessa, farm a combined total of 6000 acres across six units near Innerwick, Dunbar, which are a mixture of tenanted, contract farmed and owned.

With some 2800 breeding ewes and a hefty herd of cows, this stands the family in good stead to host the National Sheep Association’s Scotsheep event at Aikengall, on Wednesday, 5 June, 2024.

Seen as the most important specialist event in the year for sheep producers in Scotland and further afield in the North of England, the one-day event will welcome an abundance of trade stands, seminars, workshops and working demonstrations, as well as the ever popular farm tour, show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs, sheep dog trial, speed shear, and competitions including stockjudging and the

NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year.

Featuring a number of industry leading scientists and advisors, the seminars are sure to offer plenty of food for thought for attendees, and there will be numerous workshops and working demonstrations taking place throughout the day. It is set to be a bumper year trade stand wise with 32 sheep breed societies booked in as well

From left, Harry, James and Charles with the younger generation, Richie, Will and Hugh.

as nine individual breeders and more than 160 commercial and educational exhibitors.

The organising committee is grateful for the continued support of Virgin Money as a major sponsor and The Scottish Farmer as media partner, and is delighted to welcome Community Windpower as a new major sponsor for 2024, as well as all the other sponsors of the event.

Back to the family’s farming enterprise and the homestead, as it were, is the 1900-acre Aikengall which is home to a 1400-strong flock of Blackface ewes as well as 900 spring-calving cows with Simmental genetics featuring heavily in the females which are crossed to Simmental, Lincoln Red and Aberdeen-Angus bulls. This Blackie flock is split in two with 700 bred pure while the remainder are put to the Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce replacement Scotch Mules for the tenanted Nunraw, which lies just over the hill but is 14 miles by road.

Managed by Harry, the flock of 1400 Mules at Nunraw are in a high input, high output system with the aim of selling 1200 Texelsired lambs before the Royal Highland Show in late June, with the remainder weaned in July and sold thereafter. Just next door lies Stenton Newmains where they have recently taken on contract

farming 156 red dear hinds and 40 Luing cows over 350 acres, and with the two farms sharing a march fence it couldn’t be more ideal.

From the hill at Nunraw, looking to the coast you can see the 600-acre arable unit, Barney Mains, which is run by Charles who grows spring barley and a variety of vegetables and fodder, allowing for a handy bartering system with the brothers for grain, straw, grazing and manure.

It’s a system that works well for the team as with outside help only brought in during the tight four-week lambing period, the regular work is shared between the brothers. Livestock, too, could almost be described as being shared about as fattening hoggs and youngstock are grazed on the arable ground while all ewe hoggs and bulling heifers go to the contract farmed block of 2000 acres at Coreshope for the summer.

The focus this year, however, with Scotsheep looming, is the sheep enterprise and with more than 5000 lambs due between the two flocks, it’s all systems go.

The fully stratified systems starts with the Blackface ewe at Aikengall and a few bought-in shearling rams are used on what James calls the nucleus flock, from which ram lambs are used on the pure-bred flock before selling on as shearlings the following year.

A small flock of a dozen or so Bluefaced Leicesters are kept to breed tups for the crossing job which has enabled the team to keep the entire flock as closed as possible with only stock rams purchased.

The resulting Mule moves to Nunraw where she is bred to Texel rams with a clear focus again being on carcase to produce a uniform crop of lambs that can be finished in a relatively short space of time off grass with minimal creep feeding.

Harry explained: “We’ve tried a few different breeds here but the Texel clicks well with our ewes and our system as by avoiding the fashionable sorts with strong heads and opting for big, bare rams with a good carcase we’ve got the advantages of easy lambing and lambs that grow on well with a large proportion of them finished in 10-12 weeks.”

Ewes run with teasers ahead of tupping then breeding rams are given just four weeks to keep a tight lambing period, resulting in a more uniform crop of lambs but, just as importantly, frees sheds for calving from April onwards.

“We bolused the hoggs this year which we think made a real difference and we keep the Mules quite tight while tupping to try and reduce the number of triplets. We’ve had what would

be described as good scanning percentages in the past of near 210% but this year’s 195% is much more manageable, crucially with fewer triplets, and should allow us to get lambs away quickly,” said Harry, adding that there was less than 2% of the flock scanned empty.

James continued: “We are ruthless in getting problems right and have a tough culling policy so anything with problem feet, bad back or prolapses are gone –there are no second chances here. We firmly believe these issues are genetic so getting rid of them as we go has made the job easier further down the line and I can proudly say I haven’t turned a ewe over to sort her feet for about 10 years.”

The cattle herd, too, is constantly appraised with any feet, bag or temperament problems swiftly sent down the road, and a short six-week bulling period results in a tight calving period with even batches

The ethos of organic farming from when they first moved to Aikengall taught the family a lot about grazing management and so soil is constantly tested for nutrients and pH, and grass freshened up every 10 years or so in a rotation. Grass mixtures tend to have 15% red clover mixed in, a fine balance between being a small percentage so as to no affect ewe fertility but enough to aid drought resistance.

On the hill, the brothers are keen to shout about the carbon retention of well managed ground and recent trials by Watsons Seeds have found carbon levels to be 10 times higher than what the government is telling producers and what is reflected in carbon audits.

While they seem to have everything in order, the brothers are very open to change and would rather talk about their problems than their successes, and believe transparency is good for the industry. They’ve worked hard over the years to make a relatively low input system with good infrastructure and while they believe they have the base of a good system, they still have some tweaking to do but thrive on challenge and the will to improve.

They have two phrases they live by – ‘never let your farm know you’re poor by constantly investing in it’, and ‘live as though you’re going to die tomorrow, farm and breed stock as if you’ll live forever’ – which don’t seem to have done them too badly!

Seminars

10.45am – 11.55am

‘Flock fit for the future’

Chair Dr Christine Middlemiss, UK Government Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO)

Panel: Dr Chris Cousens, Senior Research Scientist, Moredun – Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA)

Craig Watkins (DPhil), Principal Research Scientist, Moredun –Johne’s disease

Stewart Burgess (PhD), Principal Research Scientist, Moredun –Sheep scab

Marion McMillan (BVMS CertAVP(Sheep) MRCVS), SRUC – Sheep disease diagnostics

12noon – 12.25pm Political Affairs

Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

12.30pm – 1.45pm

Implementation and Benefits of Changing Support

Chair: Colin MacPhail, NSA

Scotsheep Chairman and Agribusiness Consultant

Panel: Steven Thomson, Agricultural Economist, SRUC

Stephen Buchan, Regional Head of Agriculture, Virgin Money

Jim Walker CBE, Farmer and Businessman

George Burdess, Director of Agriculture and Rural Economy at Scottish Government

2pm – 3.15pm

A Profitable and Sustainable Farming Future – What will farming in 2030 look like for your business?

Chair Brian Richardson, UK Head of Agriculture, Virgin Money

Panel: Scott Donaldson, Managing Director, Harrison & Hetherington

Emma Nelson, Senior Livestock Manager, Woodhead Bros

Workshops/demonstrations

Workshop Area 1

9.30am – 9.50am UK sheep stratification system

9.55am – 10.15am

The Agrimin advantage – a bolus for every system – David Bell and Ieuan Davies, Agrimin 10.20am – 10.40am

Join the march – managing sheep lameness in five steps – Dr Katharine Baxter-Smith, BVetMed CertAVP(EM)

MRCVS, Sector Veterinary Advisor, MSD Animal Health

10.45am – 11.05am

Cattle breeding policy at Aikengall – Gavin Hill, Head of Knowledge Networks, SRUC, and James Hamilton, host farmer

11.10am – 11.30am

Prime lamb selection – Alister

McSporran, Dunbia

11.35am – 11.55am

Value added carcase – Shows the versatility of the lamb and what can be produced from its carcase – Gordon Newlands and butcher, QMS

12noon – 12.20pm Elanco

12.25pm – 12.45pm

OPA and actual scanning of sheep – Dr Chris Cousens and Phil Scott

12.50pm – 1.10pm

UK sheep stratification system 1.15pm – 1.35pm The Agrimin advantage – a bolus for every system – David Bell and Ieuan Davies, Agrimin

1.40pm – 2.00pm

Join the march – managing sheep lameness in five steps – Dr Katharine Baxter-Smith, BVetMed CertAVP(EM)

MRCVS, Sector Veterinary Advisor, MSD Animal Health

2.05pm – 2.25pm

Cattle breeding policy at Aikengall – Gavin Hill, Head of Knowledge Networks, SRUC, and James Hamilton, host farmer

2.30pm – 2.50pm

Prime lamb selection – Alister

McSporran, Dunbia

2.55pm – 3.15pm

Value added carcase – Shows the versatility of the lamb and what can be produced from its carcase – Gordon Newlands and butcher, QMS

3.20pm – 3.40pm Elanco

3.45pm – 4.05pm OPA and actual scanning of sheep – Dr Chris Cousens and Phil Scott

Workshop Area 2

10.00am – 10.30am

Reducing production costs and the carbon footprint of your flock – Dewi Jones, Innovis, and two farmer speakers 10.35am – 10.55am

Investing in your wellbeing bank account – Alix Ritchie, Programme Director, and Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist, both Farmstrong Scotland

11.00am – 11.20am

Community Windpower

11.25am – 11.45am

Net zero: an opportunity not a limitation – Gemma Wark and Emma McGowan, QMS 11.50am – 12.10pm

Halal sheep meat marketing and the opportunities available in the UK and globally – Rizvan Khalid, Managing Director, Euro Quality lambs

12.15pm – 12.35pm

Island Green Energy

12.40pm – 1.00pm Winter grazing/forage crops – Kirsten Williams, SRUC

1.05pm – 1.35pm

Reducing production costs and the carbon footprint of your flock – Dewi Jones, Innovis, and two farmer speakers 1.40pm – 2.00pm

Investing in your wellbeing bank account – Alix Ritchie, Programme Director, and Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist, both Farmstrong Scotland

2.05pm – 2.25pm Community Windpower

2.30pm – 2.50pm Net zero: an opportunity not a limitation – Gemma Wark and Emma McGowan, QMS

2.55pm – 3.15pm

Halal sheep meat marketing and the opportunities available in the UK and globally – Rizvan Khalid, Managing Director, Euro Quality lambs

3.20pm – 3.40pm Island Green Energy

3.45pm – 4.05pm Winter grazing/forage crops – Kirsten Williams, SRUC

Demonstrations

Shearing, wool handling, spinning, felt making, crook making and sheep dressing demonstrations.

Award winning Dykers from Perthshire

It’s a common misconception that dry stone walling (dry stane dyking) is a dying occupation and craft, you regularly hear phrases such as; ‘Oh, there’s not many dry stane dykers left’ or ‘It’s a rare skill these days’ –and whilst those folk are not 100% inaccurate, the fact is that the craft is still supported by a decent amount of full-time professional wallers (dykers) all across Scotland. This fact isn’t more true than in the case of ‘Drystone walling Perthshire’ – a young(ish) team of three experienced dry stone walling specialists working primarily in Perthshire but also covering its close neighbours (Angus, Stirlingshire, Fife and Clakmannanshire).

The team is headed up by Martin Tyler who has over the years grown the business from a ‘oneman-band’ to a highly passionate, skilled and hardworking team. They offer new build, re-build and repair services covering the private, commercial and agri/estate sectors twelve months of the year solely focusing on dry stone work.

Drystone Walling Perthshire work with many farms and estates providing a professional

and reliable service repairing field walls, march dykes, grouse butts, sheep fanks and everything in between. This work comprises of about 40% of their yearly workload but they are always keen to get more work in this sector – having already completed a full re-build of a 115m field wall and countless sectional repairs already in 2024.

The vast majority of their agri/estate work is done on a day

rate basis whether it’s one worker or all three – adhering to the company ethos “We go as fast as we can without cutting corners”. Although most of their agri/estate work is about function over form they always ensure their repairs are the neatest as well as the strongest.

With two of the team members having worked in farming/gamekeeping the agri/ estate environment is well suited and the demands of the clients and their livestock is well understood.

The team are however as equally comfortable building new walls and dry stone features

at private homes. This type of work can include entrance ways, retaining walls (often after extensions/building works, feature walls running the length of a driveway or even a timeless dry stone memorial bench for a deceased family member. A new addition to the ‘Drystone Walling Perthshire’ resume is using dry stone walls/features to shield oil/ gas tanks, water bore hole pipes and septic tank aerator pumps from view – allowing them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings.

Dry stone walling is one of the most flexible building methods

Private Garden Retaining Wall - Full Re-build

Private Garden - Memorial Bench

so can easily be incorporated around existing gates, pillars and structures if building new ones are not required.

Lots of private sector work also revolves around giving older existing walls/features a new lease of life with a full re-build. This along with new build walls/ features makes up about 60% of yearly work load. If the rules and principles of dry stone walling are properly executed and adhered too a wall could last several lifetimes – however, the team often and eagerly fully strip out old garden walls of all descriptions and build them back making sure they are worthy of the ‘Drystone Walling Perthshire’ lifetime guarantee. This is commonly the work that exceeds clients expectations of what is possible.

It’s amazing how a re-structure of the existing stone can transform the whole look and feel of not only the wall itself but of the entire area it resides in – the re-build can sometimes be an over looked option when considering makeover plans, Martin always discusses all the clients options on a site visit –naturally, these visits follow a very organic process involving ideas and suggestions from all parties.

Our commercial work is varied and revolves around supplying our services to bespoke house builders, landscape gardeners, local councils, infrastructure/civils companies and hotels/businesses etc.

This is where having a team of three can really make an impact as

these types of jobs always come with a deadline or revolve heavily around timescales and working around other components of the overall project. In 2021 ‘Drystone Walling Perthshire’ successfully tendered for and completed three telecommunication mast projects all with very tight completion dates – this type of work demands constant communication with the lead contractor, very accurate material management and team cohesion in often remote and challenging sites.

As with all the dry stone walling work we undertake, but especially on commercial projects the ability to follow instructions/plans and to communicate effectively and efficiently are crucial – in these situations you can be dealing with several ‘shot callers’ and much more unexpected issues are likely to crop up.

One of the highlights from the last few years for ‘Drystone Walling Perthshire’ was being awarded the coveted ‘Merit’ award in 2023 from the DSWA (dry stone walling association) for their part in building a dry stone Doocot – an award which recognises exceptional projects incorporating dry stone walling in Great Britain, and the first Certificate of Merit too be awarded in Scotland since 2006.

The Doocot (Dovecot), commissioned by Sir Fraser and Lady Morrison of Teasses Estate, Fife, was submitted for consideration under the DSWA’s Pinnacle Award Scheme. The scheme is designed to embrace a

wide range of projects highlighting the very best of craftsmanship, innovative use of design and inspirational use of stone.

The Doocot was designed by James Parker of James Parker Sculpture, stands at over four metres in height and required around forty tonnes of stone.

Martin and the team at Drystone Walling Perthshire were honoured and privileged to be firstly chosen by James Parker to be part of his project but also to work alongside him on the dry stone construction aspect of the structure.

Where ever the team work and whoever it is for they always

deliver a high standard of work and upkeep a proven track record of exceeding client expectations. Having the three full time workers allows them to take on larger projects and complete all work quicker and more efficiently – as well as having the option to place a solo worker on smaller day repairs or projects when required. One thing is evident in all their workDry Stone Walling is their passion. If you wish to support the team please feel free to follow them on social media or if you have a project of any scale please don’t hesitate to contact Martin at the details provided below.

E-mail: martin@drystonewallingperthshire.com

Commercial - Phone Mast Wall

Doocot - Built by James Parker & Drystone Walling Perthshire

Agri/Estate - Repair

Funding the future of Scottish Farming

NFU Scotland and Anglo Scottish Asset Finance have joined forces to create NFU Scotland Finance a dedicated division of Anglo Scottish with the purpose of offering bespoke business finance solutions to NFU Scotland’s 9000 members.

NFU Scotland Finance will offer tailored loans, commercial mortgages, asset finance, business credit cards, and refinancing opportunities to NFU Scotland members.

Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has been supporting businesses with business finance solutions for almost two decades and has extensive experience funding many types of agricultural machinery and vehicles, as well as diversification and green energy projects to help agricultural businesses achieve their growth and sustainability goals.

The establishment of NFU Scotland Finance marks an exciting development within the agricultural sector in Scotland. Under the leadership of Andrew Laird, an experienced professional in Agriculture & Food Finance, the team is poised to make significant strides in supporting farmers across Scotland. With a dedicated group of farming finance specialists by their side, they are well-equipped to provide tailored financial solutions to meet the diverse needs of their members.

Taking a proactive approach, the team is eager to engage directly with NFU Scotland members. By fostering open communication and understanding their unique

circumstances, they aim to offer personalised support that aligns with the goals and aspirations of each individual farmer. In addition to direct outreach, the team’s presence at NFU Scotland events will provide opportunities to connect with a wider audience, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative ventures that can drive innovation and growth in the agricultural community.

Working as NFU Scotland Finance, the specialist Anglo Scottish team is dedicated to providing comprehensive financial solutions for the agricultural sector. The team understands the unique needs of farmers and agribusinesses and offer a range of tailored products to support farmers and crofters.

NFU Scotland Finance offers a range of support for various agricultural and farming assets to help farmers and crofters thrive in their operations. From tractors and ATV & RTV vehicles to grassland and cultivation machinery, we understand the importance of having reliable equipment to keep your farm running smoothly. Financing options also cover essential tools like drilling and planting machinery, harvest equipment, and livestock handling systems.

As well as asset finance agreements (Hire Purchase (HP), Operating Lease, Finance Lease), NFU Scotland Finance offer commercial lending options such as business mortgages, bridging finance, development finance and commercial loans, as well as vehicle finance which includes motorhome and caravan funding.

NFU Scotland Finance

understand the importance of flexibility and growth within the agricultural industry and provide refinancing and capital release options, allowing businesses to unlock equity from existing assets swiftly and efficiently. This equity can then be reinvested into other areas of the business, helping funder future commercial success.

Farmers and crofters can also rely on NFU Scotland Finance to provide the necessary support for their livestock needs. Whether it’s for sheep, pigs, poultry, dairy cows, sucklers, or beef finishers, NFU Scotland Finance offer financing options that cater to a wide range of livestock

types. The flexible and tailored solutions are designed to help farmers and crofters acquire the livestock they need to enhance their agricultural operation.

The NFU Scotland Finance team are also keen to discuss diversification and green energy projects with the farming community. Diversification in farming is a crucial business facet that offers various opportunities for growth and sustainability. By exploring avenues such as green energy projects, farm shops, wedding venues, B&Bs, and breweries, the farming community can tap into new revenue streams and broaden the scope of their operations.

L to R: Andrew Laird, Head of Agriculture & Food Anglo Scottish Asset Finance and Carl Johnson, UK Sales Director (Asset) Anglo Scottish Asset Finance

The NFU Scotland Finance team’s enthusiasm to engage with farmers and crofters on this topic is key to the growth of farming in Scotland, as diversification not only enhances income potential but also fosters resilience against unforeseen challenges like market fluctuations or natural disasters. The ability to repurpose existing resources for innovative ventures showcases the adaptability and forward-thinking mindset of the farming industry.

Funding diversification projects helps agricultural businesses not only spread the risk of relying on a single source of revenue and can help mitigate the effects of any unforeseen events, such as crop sales, a natural disaster or market fluctuation, but also reduces the financial

risk by spreading payments into manageable monthly payments.

Embracing diversification and green energy projects can pave the way for a more robust and prosperous future for the agricultural community, creating a win-win situation for both farmers, crofters and the environment, as reduced carbon emissions, long-term cost savings, and an improved public perception.

There are several funding options available for businesses looking to access green energy finance. However, just 7% of the big banks’ energy finance allocation is used for renewables projects.

Government incentives, such as the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (NDRHI) have

helped provide financial support for businesses looking to access renewable energy. However, the application window for this scheme has now closed.

Third-party funders and private investors therefore constitute a vital part of the funding market for green energy initiatives like wind turbine finance, solar panel finance or heat pump finance.

Accessing green energy finance from a responsible source can be challenging, which is were NFU Scotland Finance’s expertise will become invaluable in securing funding for energy and cost saving projects.

With this partnership, NFU Scotland Finance aims to support farmers and crofters in Scotland by offering specialized financial

services that cater to their unique needs. Through a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and a commitment to the success of NFU Scotland members, the newly established finance entity will work closely with its clients to provide customised solutions that facilitate growth and diversification.

By combining expertise in finance with a passion for agriculture, NFU Scotland Finance is set to become a valuable resource for farmers and crofters looking to secure the financial support necessary to thrive in their endeavours.

Together, NFU Scotland and NFU Scotland Finance will empower members to reach new heights and achieve their future goals.

‘HELPING IT HAPPEN AWARDS’ launched for 2024

Stories of success from rural Scotland celebrated in annual awards

Rural communities are being urged to share success stories from their local area as the Helping it Happen Awards 2024 nominations are launched.

Estates, farms, rural businesses, individuals, charities, and projects can all be nominated for the awards that focus on the essential role these parties play in helping the Scottish countryside thrive.

Now in its eighth year, the annual awards organised by Scottish Land & Estates have become one of the leading rural accolades in Scotland.

Helping it Happen is once again supported by returning headline sponsor NatureScot, and the 2024 awards were launched at Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley near Perth – the winner of last year’s Rural Property Award.

Nominations across ten categories are now open for entries. The ceremony in autumn will also see an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland, which will be decided by the Helping it Happen judging panel. The awards are open to everyone –not just Scottish Land & Estates members.

Sarah-Jane Laing, CEO of Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Our Helping it Happen Awards aim to spotlight the essential contributions made by land-based organisations and individuals to rural communities

throughout Scotland, and I’m thrilled to kick off the nomination process for 2024.

“Whether it’s aiding the environment, bolstering local economies, or making strides in farming and education, these awards celebrate those whose efforts often go under the radar.

“We encourage people across Scotland to nominate deserving candidates for this year’s awards. Last year’s entries were outstanding, and I eagerly await the nominations for 2024. Given our past experiences, I know our judging panel will face a tough task in selecting finalists.”

Claudia Rowse, Deputy Director- Green Economy at NatureScot, said:

“Each year, the Helping it Happen Awards highlight the many inspirational people who are taking positive steps to restore nature while enhancing the life and economy of rural Scotland. We know we need to work together in partnership to tackle the nature and climate emergencies, and I look forward to seeing the innovative and collaborative entries this year demonstrating the effective actions land managers are taking to improve nature.”

The host of this year’s launch, Active Kids Adventure Park, was honoured in 2023 for its work creating a successful yearround family-focused attraction, supporting local development,

economic growth, job creation and young people in rural Scotland.

Located on a farm in rural Perthshire, providing educational play for children up to the age of 12 years, Active Kids now includes a full restaurant and kitchen providing home-cooked meals for all to enjoy and has quickly grown to become a destination venue for families.

Rowland Thomson, Business Development Manager at Active Kids Adventure Park, said

“Having opened our doors in 2005, we have been welcoming children to play here for almost 20 years and are proud to be a place where kids can explore and thrive whilst contributing to rural Perthshire’s social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

“The Helping it Happen awards were a great experience for us and not only gave attention to the positive work we do as a business but also helped raise the profile of Scotland’s rural communities and economies. We would encourage others to enter nominations for the 2024 awards and wish everyone as much success as we had.”

Nominations must be submitted via the Scottish Land & Estates website (https:// www.scottishlandandestates. co.uk/helping-it-happen) by the deadline of June 28, with judging taking place shortly after.

The awards are open to rural organisations and businesses, not just Scottish Land & Estates members. A gala awards ceremony where the winners will be announced for 2024 will be held in the autumn.

The complete list of categories for the Helping It Happen Awards 2024 is as follows:

• Conservation Award sponsored by Anderson Strathern

• Education Award Education Award sponsored by Hampden & Co

• Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award sponsored by NatureScot

• Innovation in Farming Award sponsored by Douglas Home & Co

• Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change sponsored by Murray Beith Murray

• The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland

• Rural Business Award sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn

• Rural Property Award sponsored by Bidwells

• Rural Rising Star Award

• Tourism & Visitor Management Award sponsored by GLM

• Working with Communities Award

Prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards ceremony moved to National Tree Week

The Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards ceremony will be moved to November to give the chance to celebrate National Tree Week at the same time, the charity’s Trustees have announced.

The decision was made after the Scottish Parliament was secured as a venue to showcase the best of woods and forests across Scotland. It also means the deadline for entries can be extended to the end of May –allowing even more of the best practice from farms to forestry to communities, and of course the battle against climate change, to be championed.

Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Finding a new home for the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is a great opportunity for us. Climate, community, forestry and farming are at the heart of what we do and we are excited to take the celebrations to the Scottish Parliament.

“And, what could be a better time for all this than National Tree Week when the focus will be on the woodlands and forests of the country?”

The awards ceremony will be on November 27 with the new deadline of May 31 for entries.

However, in order for judging to fit into the school year, the Schools and Early Years Awards deadline remained at March 31 and has now passed.

There are 11 trophies on offer in six categories at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2024 – New Native Woods, Farm Woodland, Quality Timber, Community Woodlands, Climate Change Champion, and Schools and Early Years.

Because of this breadth of awards, anyone with a highquality project can still enter, whether that be a forestry business – small or large – an expert forester, farmer or crofter,

or a community woodland group.

Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the programme, said: “This year was already looking set to be a great success and because we have secured the Scottish Parliament

during National Tree Week it only promises to be even better.

“Celebrating and championing the environment as well as the community and commercial work which contributes to a wonderful diversity of woodlands in our country is really important and it is great we continue to do this.

“The work of the judges, sponsors and supporters and of course the entrants, means we can enjoy this fantastic celebration of trees, woodland and forestry in all its forms, so huge thanks go to all of them.”

For full details, criteria and entry forms see: www.sfwa.co.uk

Biggest-ever Confor Awards Dinner celebrated leaders of the forestry and wood-using industry

Confor announced the winners of the Confor Awards 2024 as part of a ceremony at Surgeons Quarter, Edinburgh back in March.

Future forestry leaders, great communicators and inspiring innovators were honoured alongside a dedicated servant of the industry at Confor’s largestever awards dinner.

Speaking ahead of the event, Confor Chief Executive Stuart

Goodall said the evening was an opportunity to look ahead positively to the future. He commented: “This is a resilient industry, and amidst all the challenges we face, it is more important than ever to have representatives to champion our work and to realise the significant potential that exists across our sector.”

Rodney Shearer of Elsoms Trees won the top award for

Dedicated Service to Forestry. With close to four decades’ worth of experience in the industry, Rodney’s expertise and vision is recognised as the force behind the huge planting of new Caledonian pinewoods between 1988 and 2020 among countless other achievements for seed collection and nursery innovation.

Rosanna Curtis, Senior Consultant at Reheat, won the Tom

Investing in Scotland’s timber transport infrastructure

Scottish Forestry is investing £2 million towards a number of timber transport projects across Scotland.

The funding boost aims to help decarbonise the forestry sector and reduce the impacts of timber lorries on communities and the environment.

The funding is essentially in two parts. Firstly, Scottish Forestry has confirmed the continued funding of £1.2 million towards a number of projects including TimberLINK shipping, improvements to various roads used for timber haulage, the three-year electric lorry trial and for the network of Timber Transport Forum project officers.

The remaining £800,000 of the funding pot is to kickstart bids for new projects from local authorities and landowners across Scotland, who have now submitted their applications for consideration.

The money is from Scottish Forestry’s Strategic Timber Transport Fund which has been running for many years in support of improving timber networks and creating a shift to using more shipping of timber.

forestry

A Bruce-Jones Memorial Award for Future Leader in the Forest Industry. She works across a range of specialisms and has made a particular success of reviving the Northwoods forestry support initiative, where she has delivered genuinely exceptional results from a standing start.

Tomorrow’s Forests was the winner of the Changing Attitudes Award for their work producing quality content highlighting the vital role of forestry. The business is passionate about providing educational insights into how the sector operates and the vital ecosystem and societal services that it provides.

Institute of Chartered Foresters

Professional Forester of the Year Award as a passionate advocate for professionalism who encourages all his staff to pursue chartered status. Gordon developed the TreeStory Woodland Charter to ensure all their projects put nature first and has experience spanning the public, charity and private sectors.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Providing support to the forestry sector to help get its timber to market in a sustainable way is an important investment for the longer-term.

“We are focussing the funding towards projects that contribute towards Net Zero by promoting a modal shift in timber transport, whilst also ensuring rural communities and other road users benefit at the same time.

The call for new proposals to share in the £800,000 is to support preparatory works and smaller scale strategic projects. Preparatory work may involve surveys or working up detailed plans to enable future bids.

Smaller scale projects could include decarbonisation work, sharing good practice, or new research to help the sector deliver timber safely.

Each year, Scotland produces around 7 million tonnes of timber which are transported from forests to sawmills, board manufacturers and other wood processors.

Rainbow Professional Ltd won the Net Zero Award for the development of their biodegradable tree shelters, particularly the Rainbow Terra. The goal of the shelter is to eliminate the need for recycling and mitigate the climatic impact of conventional plastics.

Daniel Iddon, SAF Woodland Management, scooped the Science & Technology prize and has impressed by bringing eDNA testing into the mainstream conversation around understanding the benefits of and mimicking woodland soils. He has as a deep passion for changing current thinking on planting practices and soil health.

Gordon Brown MICFor of TreeStory picked up the

The dinner also heard a video message from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon MSP, and a live speech from Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity. Mr Fairlie described forestry as a “dynamic industry with sustainability at its core” and said it was vital to Scotland’s climate change ambitions.

He recognised industry concerns about the 40% reduction in the Scottish Government budget for woodland creation in 2024/25 but said ministers were “doing everything we can in straitened times”.

Mr Fairlie thanked the forestry industry for its work and said there was a record number of approvals for new planting in the system (around 14,000 hectares). He added: “It’s critical we make the most of the available funds this year and get as much planted as possible. Keeping up momentum increases the case for more funding in future.”

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out July 2024 Subscription page 145

One of the electric timber lorries being used in Lockerbie as part of the three year trial

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

Tickets now on sale

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace. Tickets are now on sale for the much-loved event, which will take place from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July at Perthshire’s stunning heritage location, set in parkland alongside the River Tay.

The coveted event is renowned for its expansive selection of exhibitors, seeing over 450 artisans, independents and specialists pitch up, alongside hundreds of activities, shows and entertainment, making it an unmissable weekend and an important calendar event for the sector.

From fly fishing to falconry, clay shooting to cookery demos, working dogs to wild food, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and it wouldn’t be a family affair without warmly welcoming four-legged friends to join in on the fun.

Dog fanatics can keep those tails wagging all day long at the gundog area, a great place for visitors to spectate as handlers take part in various tests and competitions to assess dogs on their hunting, marking and retrieving abilities.

Hill ponies, symbolic of Scotland’s sporting heritage, can also be spotted throughout the weekend. Attendees will get to meet these kind natured

animals and admire their beauty as they take part in a series of demonstrations over the weekend, in addition to the Fred Taylor Memorial competition, in memory of the late Fred Taylor who was Head Stalker on Invermark Estate in Angus, on Sunday 7 July.

Fishing fanatics can get hooked on the latest tackle, clothing and accessories, and head along to the banks of the river Tay, where casting demos, competitions and clinics will take place.

Those looking to show off their shooting skills can take centre stage at the shooting arena, and qualified instructors will support novices to ‘pull’ and shoot at moving clay targets.

Showcasing some of Scotland’s best food and drink producers, there will be plenty dining options scattered around. Championing Scottish produce, visitors can indulge in gastronomic delights in The Food Hall, relax with friends in the bar and soak up some sunshine in the beer garden.

Well known chefs and cookery experts, including MasterChef 2022 Finalist Sarah Rankin, Executive Sous Chef at The Gleneagles Hotel Richard Dalgleish, Chef and Hotelier at Mhor Tom Lewis, and Chef Restaurateur Harris McNeill will be heating up the Kitchen Theatre, showing a variety of Scottish produce and how to get the best from

wild game through innovative recipe demonstrations. Openfire and game cooking enthusiast Keith Greig (@keithcooks_ on Instagram) and Chef at the Fodderation Lucy Pattinson will also share their expertise, and pro Forager and Fermentation Expert, Amy Rankine, will educate attendees on wild produce and how vegetables, fruits and herbs can be utilised and fermented in the ‘kitchen’.

Providing entertainment all weekend, the Main Arena is renowned for putting on a fabulous show. From falconry displays to hounds parades, terrier racing and exciting equestrian displays, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

SGF is unveiling its 2024 ambassadors, seeing Stuart Sutherland, who has over 30 years of fishing experience, outdoor cooking chef Keith Greig, and

Chris Dalton, an ethical hunter who heads up South Ayrshire Stalking, available throughout the weekend for meet and greets, alongside hosting talks and demonstrations.

David Gibson, Country Manager at Stable Events who organise SGF is looking forward to bringing people with a passion for the countryside together for a great day out. He said: “The SGF is an exceptionally entertaining weekend, catering to a variety of people. Tapping into the very best Britain has to offer, guests can indulge in all their favourite country pursuits in the iconic Scone Palace grounds, and we’ve made sure that there truly is something for everyone attending.

“From locals looking for a jolly good day out, to Scots from neighbouring cities and towns heading to Perth for

a countryside fix, this event can’t be missed, and for many it is an important opportunity to spotlight the countryside, conservation, the environment and rural communities.”

In partnership with leading conservation charity GWCT, supporters will have access to a complimentary ticket and the option of gold parking, thanks to sponsors Waverton. To become

a supporter, visit www.gwct. org.uk, and to find out more information about Waverton, visit www.waverton.co.uk.

Education has always been at the core to the SGF and the GWCT central exhibit will be exploring the varied landscapes of Scotland, the environmental threats facing the wildlife, and how working land management can be part of the solution.

T&Cs apply

estate

Cairngorms wildfire strategy ‘non-existent’

Gamekeepers insist there is no credible plan in the national park

Muirburn professionals have accused Cairngorms leaders of not having a credible Wildfire strategy in place to keep people safe, despite having 2 decades to do so.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), whose members have assisted Fire crews at wildfires nationwide, say the National Park’s blueprint to tackle major blazes is ‘nonexistent’.

They also claim the strategy is overly dependent on a presumption that, should a large wildfire rage, local gamekeepers and land managers will ‘bail them out’.

Cairngorms leaders’ creeping attempts over recent years to restrict muirburn have led to resentment and tensions with resident land managers within the Park.

As a result, the SGA believes the Park’s wildfire strategy is fraught with risk.

Furthermore, with such a dangerous volume of vegetative fuel to burn in certain areas, the SGA says it is not fair to expect their members to attend every SOS.

The comments come as the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Fire Management consultation draws to a close.

The consultation has further strained relations between Park leaders and land managers over a potential blanket byelaw restriction on muirburn, when fire danger warnings reach a certain level.

“As far as can be understood, the Park’s wildfire plan seems to

rest on the shoulders of the Fire Service, helped by gamekeepers and land managers.

“Without full cooperation, realistically, what is the Park’s Plan B?

“Government body, Forestry and Land Scotland, won’t train and equip staff to attend fires outside of their own forests and have said so in recent wildfire meetings.

“Conservation or NGO landowners, with the exception of Wildland, don’t have the equipment or skill to help. The NGOs have tried to put roadblocks in the way of professionals undertaking controlled burning, at every step of the way, so they won’t step up,” explained SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg, MBE.

Last year, gamekeepers assisted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at megafires at Cannich, and Daviot.

Forty eight local gamekeepers, with specialised equipment, also helped extinguish the Moray fire of 2019 which burned for 44 square miles over 17 days.

The SGA believes local estates place equipment worth millions of pounds at the disposal of the fire service during peak fire seasons, through good will.

“In the debrief after the Moray fire, which reached the edge of the Park, leaders were told what they had to do, in terms of equipment, manpower and access, to keep people and property safe.

“What has been delivered?”, asked SGA gamekeeper, Bob Connelly.

“Professionals pointed out the vast areas of un-managed vegetation within the park. Since then, with policy encouragement of more scrub through rewilding and less grazing, vegetative fuel loads are arguably higher than anywhere else. It’s a tinderbox of the Park’s making.

“Do Park leaders then simply expect volunteer gamekeepers, or anyone else, to risk their safety, in these extremes, to bail them out? The Park’s residents deserve better after 20 years.”

The Cairngorms National Park’s fire management consultation seeks views on issues such as visitor use of barbecues and flammables.

However, it also proposes a potential blanket byelaw restriction on muirburn during times of high risk - something land managers say is not necessary.

“No professional will burn when it is not safe. It’s just not in their interest,” added SGA gamekeeper, Ed Jaundrell.

“Imposing a Park-wide restriction makes no sense. Ground conditions in Donside will be vastly different from Drumochter, on the very same day.

“Individuals with proper equipment and vast experience know much better how to make those judgements on conditions, on their ground, than Park policy people sitting in Grantown.”

New research shows sleeping habits of newborn deer are as individual as human infants

New research has revealed newborn fallow deer fawns differ both in sleeping patterns and the rate of development from birth on an individual basis, as we see in newborn human babies, in the first study of its kind by Queen’s University Belfast.

The researchers recorded the sleeping behaviour of free-ranging fallow deer fawns during the first five weeks of life at Phoenix Park in Dublin. They used minimallyinvasive biologging technology, developed by WildBytes and the Swansea Laboratory of Animal Movement at Swansea University, to track the animals while they remained hidden in the woods and vegetation, and isolated from their mothers and wider herd.

Good sleep is essential for health in humans and other animals, playing a fundamental role in development. This study shows the marked and consistent individual differences among deer in sleep quantity, quality and fragmentation, as well as the rate sleep develops – in the first week of life, the shortest sleeping fawn slept about half the time of the longest sleeping fawn.

The study has been led by Queen’s University Belfast in collaboration with researchers at Swansea University, and supported by University College Dublin. It was supported through a Department for the Economy PhD studentship via Queen’s and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB).

Scottish ‘land rush’ shows signs of slowing down

Following a dramatic increase in the value of land in Scotland in recent years due to demand from commercial forestry and natural capital investors, new research has now recorded a slowdown in parts of the market.

Despite this, land is still increasing at a pace that excludes smaller players from the land market.

Hill land suitable for tree planting reached the highest price in 2021 with £5,500 per acre paid

- 467 per cent greater in real terms than in 2017.

The value of Scottish estates also rose substantially, with an average sale price of £8.8 million in 2021 compared to a ten-year average of £4.7 million.

However, a new report by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has found the factors driving these increases have now slowed, leading to an overall decline from the peak values seen in 2021.

Only arable land has demonstrated consistent growth, with the value of good arable land growing by 5.4 per cent between 2006 and 2022, compared to average arable land which grew by 3.2 per cent.

While modest in comparison with the rise in marginal land prices, it outstrips the Scottish property market which saw the average Edinburgh house price grow at 1 per cent and the average Highland house price grow at 0.5 per cent per year in real terms.

Licensing ushers in biggest transformation for generations in grouse moor management

Licensing will be a ‘seismic change’ in how grouse moor management operates, Scottish Land & Estates said today.

The rural business organisation was speaking after the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

Estates wanting to shoot grouse will now require a licence which will run for a period of up to five years.

Muirburn and certain wildlife traps will also be subject to separate licensing regimes.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Licensing of grouse shooting represents a seismic change for rural estates and their employees, including gamekeepers and shepherds.

“The legislation goes far beyond the stated intention of deterring the persecution of raptors by introducing a broad range of relevant offences under which licences can be suspended or revoked. Many of these offences bear no connection to land managed for grouse shooting.

“The use of certain wildlife traps and muirburn – the rotational burning of heather –will also be subject to separate licensing regimes and, with peerreviewed science demonstrating that these activities are delivering decisive benefits for biodiversity and nature, it is important that the licensing schemes are as light-touch as possible.

“As the Bill has made its way through parliament, the government has, to its credit, adopted several common-sense amendments after representations from Scottish Land & Estates and others. Extending the grouse licence duration from a year to up to five years, and removing the ability for NatureScot to suspend licences without proof of criminality, have given the legislation a greater chance of being workable in the long-term.

“Grouse management is funded completely privately, unlike other comparable land uses, and experts made clear during committee evidence sessions that there is no public interest in Scotland reducing its area of moorland managed for grouse such are the contributions it makes to combatting climate change and reversing biodiversity loss.

“Estates will engage constructively with the new licensing regime but it is also vital that the Scottish Government and its agencies adopt the same approach going forward and recognise the huge social, economic and environmental contribution that grouse moor management makes to Scotland.”

Nick Hesford is the new Head of GWCT’s Advisory Service in Scotland

Born in the USA and brought up in Manchester Nick Hesford has made Scotland his home. With a BSc in zoology from Cardiff University he first worked with GWCT on a year’s placement studying the survival and dispersal of red legged partridges, work that is still relevant, and the breeding success of wild and released pheasants.

A PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast followed Cardiff, with its focus on Farmland Biodiversity and Ecology. With that under his belt he joined a Cheshire and Glasgow-based ecological consultancy, then moving to Scotland to the Borders Forest Trust, Ancrum.

Nick joined the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in 2017 as Senior Research Assistant working on red grouse population dynamics, black grouse, wading birds and mountain hare, then

moving sideways into Advisory in 2020. He says:

“Even in that short space of time the work and the need for our advisory services have expanded and developed – not least because of changes in the political landscape, the focus on biodiversity recovery, and land managers requiring more help in negotiating increasingly difficult terrain. Now following Best Practice is pretty much essential, and planning and accounting for what they do and why. We call it ‘Best Practice with Proof’ and our advice is soundly based on science and research.

“The horizons for Advisory have expanded dramatically so whilst we still are heavily engaged in, for example, grouse, moorland and upland management and conventional work such as traditional shoot management advice, we also now have a strong focus on

farmland biodiversity, deer management and forestry, as well as the integration of new technologies like Epicollect and supporting land managers in collecting and managing data.

“This is no surprise as an increasing reliance on data is becoming more essential whether in support of a license application, or for grant funding for example.

“It’s also crucial for land owners and managers to know what they have on their ground in terms of biodiversity and the natural capital they hold. Our expanded GWCT Advisory team is well equipped to provide support with our broad range of skills and services across areas covering lowland and upland shoot management, farmland and biodiversity, training, muirburn, woodland and lowland deer management and many other aspects.”

www.gwct.org.uk/auchnerran/

Nick with one of his vizlas, Rufus

Kinnordy Estate in angus achieves coveted wildlife estates accreditation

A rural estate in Angus is the latest landholding to earn prestigious international accreditation in recognition of their efforts in wildlife and habitat management and conservation.

Kinnordy Estate, a mixed estate just north of Kirriemuir, has achieved Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) accreditation. WES is a national version of the Wildlife Estates (WE) initiative and is endorsed by the European Commission’s DirectorateGeneral Environment, whose objective is to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations.

Like all WES accredited members, Kinnordy Estate in Angus, is managed for a delicate balance between environmental, social and economic outcomes. With a mixed operation combining conservation, agriculture, deer management, property, forestry and let fishing and shooting, Kinnordy’s landscape is varied and interesting and offers a mosaic of habitat for a wide range of biodiversity. Currently partly certified organic across their livestock and 100ha arable, as part of their transition to more environmentally sensitive farming, their herd of Luing/

Luing-crosses are already outwintered, significantly reducing inputs and leading to healthier stock.

Through a series of AECS initiatives, they have fenced off watercourses, created beetle banks, managed grazing for the benefit of breeding waders and lowland heath habitat and have provided wild bird seed for a variety of species. Simultaneously, they have been relentlessly controlling grey squirrels, much to the benefit of the local red populations, and have significantly increased their volumes of deadwood to provide habitat for specialist fungi and invertebrates.

Over the last five years, they have planted 300ha of mixed species trees - 60% native and 40% commercial softwoods - to achieve the necessary balance of environmental and ecological outcomes. They are additionally in the midst of a sizeable hedgeplanting operation. With help from their local rural skills school class and also AECS funding, 750 meters of new hedgerows across four sites have been established under the plans and are being added to annually. Their most ambitious project to date is the re-meandering

of 1km of the Quharity Burn which received funding from NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund in 2022. The work that

was completed in 2023 involved realigning the burn’s channel and reconnecting it with its floodplain and tributary.

DM Hall and Watermans market a rarely available lifestyle opportunity at Bellevue Farm, a compact land holding with 3-bedroom

Located in Sliddery on the Isle of Arran, land and property with multiple outbuildings and established income is offered in three lots

A rarely available lifestyle opportunity to acquire Bellevue Farm, Sliddery, Isle of Arran KA27 8PB, a compact property and land holding with panoramic sea views

farmhouse and adjoining cottages

is being marketed in three lots by solicitors Watermans and DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors.

Lot 1 comprises a threebedroom farmhouse with two currently let one-bedroom cottages, outbuildings, planning consent for a three-bedroom house and

7.1 acres of adjoining land and is available at offers over £355,000.

The charming country property, a traditional 1.5 storey stone-built farmhouse with a painted exterior under a slate roof, is in move-in order throughout.

There is a garden, laid to lawn with a stone boundary wall to the front of the property and

a concreted yard area to the rear, providing useful parking and access to the workshops/sheds. There may be scope to extend the property further into the farm buildings, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

Planning permission has been granted for a new threebedroom house on the farm,

estate

subject to conditions, to replace a shed adjacent to the cottages.

Lot 2 comprises land extending to approximately 62.64 Acres with a Guide Price of £200,000. Historically used for cattle and sheep, it offers good grazing and is well drained and well managed. The land is predominantly Class 4.1 for agriculture and class F4 for forestry according to the James Hutton Institute. Lot 2 will not be sold ahead of Lot 1.

Lot 3 comprises land extending to approximately 7.73 Acres with lapsed planning consent for a camping and caravan site. The Guide Price is £45,000.

Sliddery is a hamlet located at the rural south western tip of Arran. Nearby Kilmory is an extension of the community, with a Primary School and a Village Hall. Sliddery is also on the Arran Coastal Path and a variety of other trails nearby.

The property is within easy reach of local facilities at Blackwaterfoot. Brodick is the port from which a regular

daily sailing service leads to the mainland at Ardrossan with trains to Glasgow.

Darren Lee of Watermans said: “Bellevue Farm is a fantastic lifestyle opportunity and represents a chance to add significant value. As such it is one that is rarely available.”

Jennifer Campbell of DM Hall’s Rural Property team said: “Bellevue Farm offers a unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful island property with great potential, which historically served as a traditional working farm for many years.

“There are genuine opportunities, subject to the necessary consents, for significant development of the site, either in its entirety or as individual lots.

“For all enquiries relating to Lot 1 please call Watermans on 01770 461682 or email westcoast@watermans.co.uk.

“For all enquiries relating to Lot 2 and Lot 3 please call the rural team at DM Hall on 01786 833800 or email rural@dmhall. co.uk.”

Proper Government action

By Eleanor Kay Senior Policy Adviser

Agriculture & Climate Change at Scottish Land & Estates

As we count down to this year’s Royal Highland Show, so too is time ticking on the journey of the new Agriculture Bill through parliament.

The legislation will herald huge change for Scotland’s farmers and land managers, providing the framework through which food production, nature restoration and climate mitigation is both supported by the public purse and delivered on the ground.

Yet, despite the progress of the Bill through parliament, there are many unanswered questions for those who work in the sector.

As we embark on Stage 2 of 3 in the parliamentary process, we’ve urged the Scottish Government to make changes to this Bill and to bring farmers and land managers into the tent and commit to codesigning the code of practice and support plans that are outlined in the legislation. This is something that the First Minister committed to earlier this year but we need to see action on.

Scottish Land & Estates has also backed calls for earlier publication of the Rural Support Plan,

which would detail the government’s priorities for providing support in a fiveyear period and help farmers and land managers make progress in transitioning to a new subsidy scheme.

After the very critical Climate Change Committee report on Scotland’s progress in meeting its emissions reduction targets, this legislation can be a lever to enable farmers and land managers to shift the dial in the right direction. However, without the right support to mitigate the twin climate and nature crises, producers will not be able to continue supplying the highquality food that stock our supermarket shelves.

The vast majority of farmers are already working hard to deliver public good for the support they receive, but their ability to continue doing so hinges on getting this Bill right. The best way to do that is by working more closely with them, and being clear about what is expected looking forward. The Royal Highland Show may bring more positive words on this but we hope it will be matched by proper action from government too.

For more information

www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk

Telephone : 0131 653 5400

Travel Scotland

Cattle & Fruitfulness

The land around Blairgowrie, Alyth, Cupar Angus and into Angus itself is renowned for globally celebrated cattle and wonderfully juicy soft fruit. Farming always has been, and still is, a key industry in these parts, so take a break surrounded by some of Scotland’s most productive countryside.

A great starting point is to wake up in rural surroundings in the comfort of a lochside hot tub lodge at the Landal Piperdam Resort. From bubbling luxury, guests can watch tractors tend the golf course, and the waterside location welcomes moorhens, friendly ducks and the occasional heron. Despite being only twenty minutes from Dundee, Piperdam is a tranquil spot. There’s a swimming pool and restaurant on site, and the kids are occupied with activities all day (from tie-dye crafts and slime workshops to Segway sessions), but few visitors realise they’re

By Janice Hopper

just a few miles from remarkable farming stories and history.

Firstly, it was the stomping ground of the legendary Hugh Watson, who was a key player establishing and breeding globally successful Aberdeen-Angus cattle. Watson became a tenant of Keillor Farm in 1808, a mere eight miles from Landal Piperdam, and he spent over five decades there. Watson selected the best beasts for his herd, including renowned stock such as Old Jock, who was registered as the number one beast in the Scottish Herd Book. Another success story was Old Granny who lived well into her thirties. Many of today’s pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cattle can be traced back to these two great animals. Watson is said to have links to nearby Auchtertyre and Cattie farm, and his father was a factor on the Belmont Estate. Hugh grew up immersed in the Scottish countryside and

surrounded by people who knew livestock, agriculture and breeding exceptionally well. His legacy lives on across the globe.

The nearby small town of Alyth has bovine connections too, building its industry on cattle droving from the 1700s onwards. It was also known for linen production. Alyth has a small museum that celebrates the area’s agrarian history. It re-opens for the summer season in May and will feature a new exhibition looking at rapid transitions in food production in the past and how local food producers are navigating their way through another period of rapid transition.

If the sun is splitting the sky it’s tempting to stay outdoors. Fortunately, Alyth Museum is the hub for the Cateran Ecomuseum, a museum without walls, whereby its core attractions are outside. Visitors explore sites and stories associated

with the Caterans themselves (the Highland clan warriors associated with cattle raiding), contemporary histories of the Scottish Traveller community, Pictish stones, folk legends, and the Jacobite rebellion. Alternatively, hike along the Cateran Trail to the small villages of Kirkmichael and Glen Isla that promise views through landscapes sculpted by glaciers and crisscrossed by ancient drove roads. The concept of ‘ecomuseums’ is said to have originated in France, and there are approximately 300 peppered around the world but only a handful in Scotland including Skye, Flodden and another planned in Fife and Ayrshire with a focus on coal mining. Ecomuseums are a wonderful idea for visitors who wish to indulge in Scotland’s countryside, get active by cycling or hiking, and simultaneously learn more about the nation’s history and heritage.

Piperdam rural setting

Cateran’s Ecomuseum touches on soft fruit production, and the Blairgowrie area is still one of the UK’s most bountiful regions. Head to Peter Marshall and Co’s shop near Alyth for fruit and vegetables all year round, and look out for freshly made ice cream in the summer. Thomas Thomson’s farm even holds blueberry picking days for charity: last year’s event raised £15,000. The region is also closely connected to Scottish Travellers, such as Jeannie Robertson and the Stewarts of Blair. Many poems and songs about the land, the labour and its fruitfulness have emanated from these parts.

Glamis is also worth a visit. It’s more than a castle, as it’s part of the Strathmore Estate. We’re talking over 4,000 acres producing wheat, barley, oats and

oil seed rape. A range of different approaches are incorporated, from tenanted farms, forestry and in-hand farming to renewable energy, sporting interests and habitat management. Historically, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. The 13th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne (grandfather to the Queen Mother) was a keen Aberdeen-Angus breeder with several notable success stories. Champion beasts include ‘Minx’ and ‘Ju-Ju’ who won awards at both the Birmingham Show and the Smithfield Show in the late 1800s.

The castle itself was the childhood home of the Queen Mother who went on to be the patron of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society. The society was founded in 1879 and the 13th

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Earl would have been proud that his great-great-grandson, King Charles III, is the patron today. A memorial to Hugh Watson was also unveiled at Glamis Castle in 2017, recognising Watson’s work as among the first breeders ‘who transformed the native Black Folled Angus ‘Doddies’ and the Aberdeenshire ‘Hummlies’ into the Aberdeen Angus breed’. On fine days, the castle’s extensive gardens provide a breath of fresh air. The Italian Garden was created by Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother, Countess Cecelia, while the Walled Garden provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the castle kitchen and the Victorian Kitchen café.

For those wishing to experience a local event, try the Glenisla Highland Games that fall on Friday 23 August 2024. Or consider the Blairgowrie & Rattray

Highland Games that will be held on Sunday 8th September 2024. After all the drama, Highland dancing, excitement, fresh air and hopefully sunshine, it’s time to head back to the hot tubs at Piperdam for some final R&R.

FACT BOX

Landal Piperdam - landal. co.uk/parks/piperdam

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society - www.aberdeenangus.co.uk

Cateran Ecomuseumcateranecomuseum.co.uk

Glamis Castle - glamis-castle. co.uk

Glenisla Highland Gamesglenislahighlandgames.co.uk

Blairgowrie & Rattray

Highland Games -blairgowriehighlandgames. co.uk

Glamis Castle

Cateran Ecomuseum guided walk Glenshee

Cateran Ecomuseum Hub

Photo

Clare McMicking

Photo Bill Taylor

Sense prevails as sound moderators are reviewed

By Jake Swindells

Jake Swindells

The Home Office recently sought views from the public on whether sound moderators for rifles should be removed from the firearm certificate (FAC). Our industry was instrumental in the process that saw sound moderators

introduced into firearms law following a number of meetings and organised events with decisionmaking bodies. Practical demonstrations with Police, MSP’s and government officials allowed them to

see and hear the benefits of the use of moderators and the introduction was then quite straight-forward. Since then, moderators have been available in the UK for recreational firearms, but only on application and

when granted by police. As it stands, they must be recorded on a firearms certificate and carefully regulated but it is clear that after years of use, decision makers seem convinced now that they are an aid to recreational and

Lying in wait with Myrtle

sporting shooting, rather than an addition to support criminal behaviour.

The common misconception is that a moderator is something like a silencer that you might see in a Bond film. They are often thought to be used by those who wish to wreak havoc in silence and have been portrayed as a method of shooting without being detected. Whilst no shot is ever silent, a moderator serves to reduce the noise of the shot to a less harmful level, so it is more in line with health and safety concerns than the need to remain undetected. Moderators protect the shooters hearing but also reduce the recoil of a rifle, allowing the shooter to stay in visual contact with the specified target to ensure a clean and accurate impact whilst reducing muzzle flip. Some rifles kick like a mule without a moderator fitted and so are a very welcome addition where the reduction of recoil is concerned as the energy of the shot is dissipated through the baffles in the body of the moderator. It is also suggested that a shot with a moderator fitted will make it more difficult for the rest of the herded target species, such as deer, to work out where the shot has come from. This is particularly useful if more than one deer is to be harvested as it may allow for another few seconds for a second shot to be taken.

In Scotland there are over 25,000 FAC’s currently issued by Police Scotland and UKwide there are almost 199,000 legally held moderators. A reason for owning a firearm and moderator has to be given on application whether it is to be used for target shooting or for live quarry (or both). Over the past few years, the possibility of removing moderators from FAC’s has been explored. The Firearms and Explosives Licensing Practitioners Group, of which the Scottish Countryside

Alliance is a member, has worked to provide sufficient information and evidence to show that moderators are inert metal tubes and should not be treated as a registered and licenced component part of a firearm. Up until recently, not many moderators even had a serial number on them so the simple term “full bore moderator” was used to record the ownership of one. Possessing a moderator alone will only be as dangerous as the accuracy in which you can throw it. In all honesty, a collector buying a bayonet to attach to a WWII rifle to restore it to its original state could do far more damage, and the bayonet wouldn’t need to be licenced or declared.

In a time when rural activities and livelihoods are being regulated to the brink of eradication, the consideration of the removal of moderators from FAC regulation is very much welcomed as it will further streamline the application process. If you are seeking the grant of a FAC at the moment, you can wait anywhere from three to six months for your paperwork to be processed. This includes Police background checks for the applicant, family and associates as well as medical checks with their GP, for which there is usually a charge (anywhere from £20 to £400). Any sensible decrease in time spent on paperwork by Police processing licences will be vital and, I’m sure, well spent elsewhere. The cost of FAC’s is also a consideration and there is some hope that this may help to alleviate pressures faced by police licensing offices across Scotland.

If you would like further advice on this issue, please contact the Scottish Countryside Alliance team via our website and we will be glad to help.

The Land Reform Bill

By Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

I do not think it is right that ownership and control of much of Scotland’s land is still in the hands of relatively few people.

That is why I have set out ambitious proposals in our Land Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament last month, to change how land is owned and managed in our rural and island communities for the better.

Our Bill takes steps to ensure that landholdings that fall in scope are bought and sold, owned and used in ways that meet the national interest and take account of local need.

Landowners have rights but responsibilities come with those rights – not least to show how they are stewarding that land to benefit all of Scotland.

We need our legislation to be fit for the future and not hampered by outdated laws and notions of farming.

That is why the bill includes measures to radically reform tenant farming and small landholding legislation. To give tenant farmers and small

landholders additional opportunities to become more sustainable and productive and be rewarded for their investment of time and resources. And to help Scotland deliver on our overall climate change ambitions.

It will ensure that tenant farmers receive fair compensation where the landlord takes back any part of the leased land and modernise the compensation for game damage provisions.

And small landholders will benefit from a legal framework that supports them in delivering our Vision for Agriculture. The Bill will also provide small landholders with a preemptive right to buy their holding and modernise the laws on succession.

Of course this bill is just one step in the journey of tackling the pattern of land ownership in Scotland but the Scottish Government remains committed to an ongoing programme of land reform working within the powers and resources we have available to us.

NORTHERN ISLES News

More money for geese cull fails to take flight

‘We need long-term funding to give us more certainty,’ says NFU as greylag numbers rise

By Ethan Flett

MARKSMEN are once again taking to Orkney’s fields to take on the growing hordes of greylag geese, as statistics shared with The Orcadianindicate the scale of the problem for the county’s farmers and crofters.

Meanwhile, it has emerged from a Scottish Government minister that a big funding boost to pay for Orkney’s goose management efforts is unlikely to be forthcoming. In the face of budget constraints in Holyrood, Orkney’s NFU representatives are calling on the Government to earmark a greater percentage of the goose management budget to tackle the problem in the county.

Based on figures seen by the newspaper, the resident greylag goose population could be larger now than it has been in recent years.

According to a briefing paper prepared by the NFU two years ago, the resident greylag goose population “rose sharply” from 22,956 in 2019 to 27,013 between the summers of 2019 and 2021.

The “substantial rise” was attributed by the union “predominately” to COVID-19 restrictions which meant shooting parties could not travel to the county.

As for the impact of geese, the 2022 briefing paper says: “We know that greylag geese consume 1,358g of fresh grass daily. Based on the 2019 count of RGG [Resident Greylag Geese] numbers, that is 35 tonnes of fresh grass in Orkney per day.“

Based on the 2021 Orkney RGG count, that is the equivalent to the fresh grass consumption of 458 lactating beef suckler cows per day.”New figures shared with The

Orcadian by NatureScot show that, in September 2023, there were 27,386 geese counted in Orkney.

But, the local NFU branch chairman, has told the news-paper that there is currently no long-term funding in place to tackle Orkney’s geese problem. Without this, Colin Flett added, it is “very difficult” to plan control measures.

The Rendall farmer also told The Orcadian about a recent meeting that the union has had with Gillian Martin, minister for energy and the environment. “

She was quite clear that no extra funding is going to be available, just with the budget constraints,” said Mr Flett.“But, what we put across to her is that we need a greater share of the money that is avail-able because actually, compared to some other species of geese, we’re not getting a very big percentage of the overall money for goose control.“

We need a better percentage of the money that’s available for goose control put towards targeting resident greylag geese.”The management efforts underway so far — including shooting and egg oiling — have made an impact in certain areas of the county, Mr Flett said.

But, he added, “it’s all about being consistent and coming back every year and keeping at it.”

He said: “The problem just gets worse in no time because they breed that quickly, so you have to keep at them year after year and that’s why we need long term funding to give us a bit more certainty.”When the NFU’s concerns were put to the Scottish Government, a spokesman responded: “Managing vulnerable wild geese populations is a key

element of our wider efforts to protect and manage Scotland’s natural environment.“

These animals can cause extensive damage to agricultural land which is why we provide support to farmers and land managers who are affected.“

We regularly review our goose management schemes in order to optimise their effectiveness with the latest report published last month. The report recommends further exploration of mechanisms to control resident greylag geese populations and this is being taken forward by NatureScot.“We will continue to engage with farmers and land managers in order to ensure goose management schemes work for them in their respective areas.”

It is understood by The Orcadian that Ms Martin has indicated that the Government will look to see if more support can be provided in the future. The recently published report, referred to by the Government spokesman, is the National Goose Policy Framework in Scotland Review, which was written by NatureScot in 2022.

It was in 2012 that NatureScot created four adaptive management projects — in Orkney, Uist, Lewis and Harris, and Tiree and Coll. Following the five-year pilot

period, Local Goose Management Groups (LGMG) were then established in 2017.According to the newly published NatureScot review, the LGMG’s “anticipated that they would have the capacity to deliver ongoing maintenance culls at their own expense to control the smaller, remaining populations.”

The initial plan was to halve goose numbers and density, the review explains, but the scale of the reduction needed in Orkney was “much greater.”While “traditional methods” proved successful in reducing goose numbers in the Western Isles where the population was approximately 3,000–9,000, the situation proved more difficult in this county.

The report continues: “By contrast, although the Orkney LGMG delivered the largest total take, it was beyond the capacity of the LGMG to reduce the Orkney resident greylag population using traditional control methods, and working only in summer and early autumn to protect the Icelandic greylag geese that winter on Orkney.”Since 2017, the review continues, the LGMGs have had “limited funding support” from either the Scottish Government or NatureScot, and had “limited success” with their work.“

Resident greylag populations increased and they are now greater than they were in 2017 at all four pilot sites. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced control efforts in 2020 and 2021.“

The Orkney LGMG has successfully trialled a corralling method to control resident greylag geese. The group has also developed a plan detailing

how it could achieve a reduction cull using a combination of shooting, corralling and egg oiling.”

From 2012 to 2022, the review says that NatureScot and the Scottish Government have

committed a total of £570,000 to support the four goose control projects. Between 2018/19 and 2022/23, NatureScot and the Scottish Government have spent £96,900 to support goose management in Orkney. This

compares with £43,700 in Uist, £32,500 in Lewis and Harris, and £16,000 in Tiree and Coll.

Following the publication of this 2022 policy review, a spokeswoman for NatureScot told The Orcadian that work is “just beginning” on a delivery plan. She added: “This is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and we will consult with Local Goose Management Groups (LGMGs) for their input.”

There was poultry in motion when close to 600 chickens changed hands in Lerwick

And the “massive” enterprise was far from a fly-by-night one, because operator Dorothy Halcrow, and her “wingman” husband Robert, have been sourcing chickens from the mainland for the last 13 years.

The couple, together with willing daughters Rebecca and Emma, plays a key part in bringing brilliant bantams to the isles. “Everything that comes into Shetland comes in through me,” Mrs Halcrow, of Cunningsburgh, said.

And despite recent challenges of bird flu and Covid, the weekend proved to be a bumper one for the family, with almost 600 chickens being brought to the isles in one go.

“This is the biggest order I’ve ever had. I’ve done this for 13 years,” said Mrs Halcrow, who sources all her birds through Aberdeenshire supplier AK Poultry in Inverurie.

Saturday’s delivery saw 567 birds brought off the ferry, and a lengthy queue of customers lined up to take their orders.

Mrs Halcrow said customers had contacted her from all parts of the isles, and the chickens – along with a number of ducks – were due to be winging their way to places as far afield as Unst and Sumburgh, and from Papa Stour to Whalsay.

“Most folk just come here to pick up from the boat,” she added.

“We have a lot today, mostly for the North Mainland and the

North Isles, so we’re heading up to meet a ferry coming out of Yell at one o’ clock at Toft.

“Then everybody from the North Mainland and the North Isles meets us there.”

She said the weekend order was definitely “on the bigger side” – particularly given her usual orders will be around the 30 mark.

“But this has just been massive,” she added.

“This is on the bigger side. Usually I would have 30-ish.

“Alex, the guy I get them from, has introduced a few new ones this time – the Silkies, the Faverolles and Pekins, that’s all new for this time.

“I think there’s an awful lot of new customers this time. There is a growing interest in keeping a few hens in Shetland.”

All of which gives Mrs Halcrow the chance to capitalise on her enterprise, which sees her

www.shetlandtimes.co.uk

order up chickens four or five times a year.

“I’ve already got folk ordering for May delivery, and then I’ll do it again in July, and maybe September, and then November –if there’s enough folk wanting.”

The good fortune follows difficult times in light of Covid and the outbreak of avian flu, which turned much of her work “upside down”.

“For the last four years it’s been really difficult to source stuff. The avian flu down on the mainland has played a part in that, because if my supplier gets a ‘zone’ slapped on him – an exclusion zone or a prevention zone – he can’t take it off his property.

“So it just becomes a bit more complicated when that happens. On Thursday he phoned me to say there’s no Isa Browns – that’s just another breed – and

I’ve had to do a lot of juggling numbers about to see if I can get everybody something – maybe not necessarily what they wanted, but something.”

But keeping a few chooks about the place is no longer the domain of the crofter or farmer. Mrs Halcrow said most of her customers were folk just keeping a few chickens in their back garden.

“There are some who have an honesty box, so they’ll sell their eggs in an egg box.

“But most of this is just four, or three, or six. There are not any huge quantities which make it so busy here.”

Vying for attention in amongst the clucking chooks were a few quacking dukes, as well. Around 60 ducks – Khaki Campbells and Cherry Valley.

“Ducks are popular as well, and then down at the back end of the year I can get turkeys as well.

“That will be September time, and folk will buy turkeys to grow on for Christmas.”

But the operation is not all about filling your plate. Mrs Halcrow keeps an incubator, too, which has even helped keep children enthralled at the Sandwick nursery, after they were given the chance to watch the hatching process.

“The incubator was there, and they hatched out there. They watched them hatch.”

Tel: 01595 742000 In association with www.orcadian.co.uk Tel: 01856 879000

New faces to the WiAS committee

Women in Agriculture Scotland (WiAS) has had a busy start to 2024, hosting coffee catch-ups, mental health training sessions and getting planning underway for their popular breakfast at the Royal Highland Show.

In addition, WiAS has welcomed a new Chair and several committee members. Read on to get to know our new Chair and committee members.

Meet WiAS Chair, Carole Brunton

I live at Balmonth, Anstruther with husband Ian and son Ally, we

also have two daughters, Lianne is a physiotherapist in London and Jenny is Senior European Policy Advisor for the British Agriculture Bureau in Brussels.

On the farm we have 260 breeding ewes and 300 acres made up of 250 arable and 50 grass & woodland. We also have a wind turbine on the farm which was erected in 2015.

I also work for the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Fife and activity levels are almost back to normal after Covid. RHET continues to grow year on year. Angela, my RHET

Fife colleague, and I are always on the lookout for people to go into schools to talk or host farm visits throughout Fife. If you think that you would be interested, please get in touch.

We recently held a ‘Food & Farming’ Day at Pratis Barns, Leven which was a fantastic new venue for us. Over the two days we had almost 400 Primary 6 pupils from Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes primary schools. These events are supported by agricultural organisations and many volunteers who either take sessions or act as stewards.

In November I became chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland. When I joined the committee 2 years ago, I had no aspirations to head the group as I am happier organising in the background ……… yet here I am!

Women in Agriculture Scotland is an important grassroots movement for positive change to empower and increase the confidence of the membership. We achieve this by supporting our members to build and foster networks within the agricultural industry.

Our Autumn event was held at The Den at Culross, which is a relatively new wedding venue, worth a visit if you haven’t been, with Jenna Ross and Nikki Yoxall as guest speakers followed by workshops with Turcan Connell, NatureScot and our own committee leading a speed networking session.

I also recently became a trustee of RSABI – an amazing charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those working within our industry.

I hope to see some new faces at one of our upcoming events or at our popular Royal Highland Show breakfast. Make sure you’re following our social media channels to keep up to date with what is happening.

Meet some of our new Committee Members

Lucy McCylmont

Lucy is from a dairy background and spent her childhood growing up in Dumfries, South-West Scotland. Her passion for the agrifood industry has always remained a priority for Lucy after graduating from Newcastle University in 2019 with a degree in Food Business Managment. She currently works as a Dairy Consultant for Kite Consulting, travelling across Scotland & England working with retailers, processors and farmers. Lucy is a huge advocate for Women in Ag and can’t wait to share her ideas and thoughts with the rest of the committee. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog and attending rugby games at Murrayfield!

Cora Cooper

Cora is not from an agricultural background and is a first generation land owner. Together with her husband David she owns and runs a 5000 acre hill sheep farm in Ayrshire. They

won Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2023. On the farm they have done over 2000 acres of peatland restoration and focus on regenerative grazing on their LFA land. They have three young children. She has a LLB Hons degree from Glasgow University and experience in PR, events, marketing, renewables and community benefit in rural economies. Cora is a volunteer for RHET Ayrshire & Arran and trustee of a charity providing recreational learning experiences at after school and holiday clubs.

Alison Ross

Alison Ross is a farmer’s wife, retired midwife and now part time nurse at Inchmarlo retirement Village, Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

The Ross family are fourth generation farmers on The MacRobert Trust estate near Tarland in Aberdeenshire. Husband Brian, oldest son Stewart and Alison farm in partnership covering 750 acres, of which 350 acres is for malting barley, and the rest to grass for 600 ewes, mules, texel x and blackface, and 40 cows, some of which are pure Limousins. They finish 150 stores bought out of Thainstone. All lambs are finished and sold fat at Thainstone with the best ewe lambs kept as replacements.

She has a small flock of Bluefaced Leicesters which Alison enjoys competing with at the local summer shows. Males are used on the blackfaces and the remaining sold privately off farm.

Alison also sits on the board as a director for the Scottish Tennant Farmers Association.

Alison’s youngest son Duncan Ross is registered blind, he has been working alongside his sister Dr Jenna Ross OBE and Mike Duxbury, The Blind Farmer, to bring Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert to Tarland, Aberdeenshire, driving inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

Southern Belle

Recently we have been bombarded by interviews on the potential content of the next Bridget Jones Diary. A film not even written yet.

The 1990’s hero of women looking for love, now a widow and single mum in her 50’s. There is much debate on how she will now behave as she was a “woman of her time”. She can no longer becalled overweight, as we have less concern over body image now. What then are faked tanned, fake nailed, fake lipped and fake arsed young people doing and why?

One quote from a man (not even sure I can call him that) said the film could talk about menopause in “a more honest way.” Here’s the thing. I can honestly tell you…you, you haven’t a bloody clue what you’re talking about mate! I KNOW I’VE BEEN THROUGH IT!!!!

I’m glad I was a woman of my time and while I appreciate that things change, they don’t always change for the better. Yesterday, I did my regular tour around the village picking up the usual crap (had a warning from my laptop that this word might be offensive to my reader!) people throw out of their vehicle windows – and that includes tractors!. My

generation would never have done that!

I don’t feel I missed out on gaming, Facebook and social media. Although, I do love the ease in which we can keep in touch with one another but still doesn’t beat a coffee with your friends.

We had young farmers, conversation and interaction. We were polite and respectful in the main, but no angels and would never knowingly hurt anyone. Like today’s generation, we drove fast cars (with no seatbelts) but we were petrified of getting caught.

Being people of our time is not an excuse for rudeness, ignorance or bad behaviour in any generation. However, when an 86 year old man, one of the most polite and endearing people I know, asks politely for a coffee in the hospitality suite at McDermid Park and when it is delivered by the young waitress, kisses the back of her hand in true 1940’s style and says thank you my darling…he is immediately accused of sexual harassment, security is called and he is asked to leave, that’s rank out of order!

I’m proud to be a woman of my time and this time and very proud to have been raised by people of his time.

Beatha an eilean

Croitearan gu math draghail mun

air adhart

Feumaidh Riaghaltas na h-Alba tòiseachadh ag èisteachd ris an argumaid gu feumar crathadh is cothromachadh a thighinn air mar a thathas a’ roinn a-mach subsadaidh an àiteachais, a rèir Caidreachas Croitearachd na h-Alba.

Bha a’ bhuidheann a’ bruidhinn an dèidh dha Bile an Aiteachais agus na Coimhearsnachdan Duthchail a’ chiad ìre a chrìochnachadh ann am pròiseas na pàrlamaid.

Bha iad ag ràdh gun robh iad air a’ misneachadh leis an taic a thainig bho grunn bhuillphàrlamaid, gu h-àraidh an fheadhainn a tha a’ riochdachadh sgìrean na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean, ach thuirt iad nach eil am Bile mar a tha e an dràsta idir a’ leanntainn na beachdan sin.

Thathas gu sònraichte draghail dha na croitearan aig a bheil trì heactairean no nas lugha, bhon chan eil cothrom aca-san a thighinn a-steach air an siostam idir.

Thuirt am ball-pàrlamaid Làbarach Rhoda Grannd: “An dràsta tha mu dharna leth dhen bhuisdseat gu lèir a’ dol gu àireamh bheag de dhaoine. Chan urrainn dhan sin a bhith ceart.”

Thuirt i gu feumar dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil am Bile a’ leanntainn spiorad poileasaidhean eile, mar eisimpleir athnuadhachadh fearainn, far a bheilear ag amas air an siostam atharrachadh son a bhith nas cothromaiche.

“Mar a tha cùisean an dràsta, tha sinn a’ brosnachadh an fheadhainn aig a bheil tòrr agus feumaidh sin atharrachadh,” thuirt i.

Thuirt ball-pàrlamaid Shealltainn, Beatrice Wishart: “Tha croitearan agus iadsan le dìreach beagan fearann cudromach anns na sgìrean dùthchail agus anns na h-eileanan.

Feumaidh cùisean obrachadh dhan duine mhòr agus dhan duine bheag agus a bhith freagarrach son feumalachdan croitearan.”

Agus thuirt Tim Eagle bho na Tòraidhean: “Tha e duilich dha croitearan is tuathanaich bheaga taic fhaighinn bhon siostam mar a tha e.”

Thuirt e gu bheil am moladh a th’aig an Riaghaltas gu feumar plana mionaideach a dhealbh son taic sam bith fhaighinn “dol a dh’adhbhrachadh duilgheadas” dha gu leòr.

A’ cur crìoch air an deasbad ann am Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, thuirt ministear nan cùisean dùthachail, fearann agus na h-eileanan, Mairi Gougeon, gun robh i ag aithneachadh cho cudromach ‘s a

tha an fheadhainn a tha ag obair aig ìre nas lugha.

“Tha obair àiteachais air leth cudromach dha eaconamaigh na sgìrean dùthchail,” thuirt i. “Ag obair gualainn ri gualainn le tuathanaich, croitearan, stiùirichean fearann is buidhnean, tha sinn air a bhith a’ coimhead ri dòighean ùra a lorg son taic a chumail ri tuathanas anns an 21mh linn.

“Feumaidh an dùthaich againn na sgìrean dùthchail airson prìomhachasan an àm ri teachd a choinneachadh - sin biadh aig àrd-ìre a tha seasmhach, gearradh truailleadh na h-àrainneachd agus nàdar agus bith-iomadachd athstèidheachadh.

“Tha mi a’ daingeachadh

a-rithist ar gealladh gun tig taic a chumail ri tuathanaich is croitearan ann an Alba. Gluaisidh sinn gu dòighean ùr air coimhead as dèidh an fhearainn agus biadh àrach agus bheir sinn linn gnìomhachas an àiteachais agus coimhearsnachdan dùthchail.”

Ach, thuirt Caidreachas Croitearachd na h-Alba: “Ged tha faclan mar seo math, ‘s e sgeulachd eile a th’anns an gnìomh. Gu mìfhortanach, chan eil na tha tachairt leis a’ Bhile idir a’ coimhead dòchasach.

“Tha an dleasdanas son plana coileanta, rud a dh’fheumas thu dhèanamh son airgead sam bith fhaighinn, a’ cur uallach mòr air gnìomhachasan beaga agus e dol a dh’fhalbh le tòrr dhen taic a tha croitearan a’ faighinn, a thuilleadh air an obair mhòr rianachd a bhios na chois.

“A bharrachd air a sin, anns na sgìrean iomalach, glè thric chan eil eòlaichean ri fhaighinn airson comhairle a thoirt ann an ùine, ‘s tha cunnart ann nach fhaigh croitearan air na riaghailtean a choinneachadh.” Agus, thuirt iad, chan eil “càil anns a’ Bhile an dràsta son dèiligeadh le fearann baile nuair a thig e chun am plana.”

THA AN Caidreachas cuideachd draghail mu na h-atharraichean a tha dol a thighinn air subsadaidh na laoigh.

Bhon ath bhliadhna, ma bhios beàrn ro mhòr eadar beathach mairt a bhith togail aon laogh agus an ath laogh, cha bhith an ath laogh ceadaichte son subsadaidh.

Thuirt an Caidreachas g’eil seo mì-chothromach dha na sgìrean croitearachd oir chan eil cothrom ceart aca air tairbh.

Tha draghan ann cuideachd mu subsadaidh na laoigh

Outdoor Clothing

Need a hard-wearing country trouser that gives you full freedom of movement?

The Harehill Ridgegate range of trousers from Wild & Moor is worth a look. Country clothing designer Harehill saw the need for a durable men’s country trouser that could move and stretch with the wearer, no matter what they were doing; whether working outdoors or enjoying country pursuits.

There are three designs in the Ridgegate range, but it all started with the Ridgegate Original. This is a tough, lightweight trouser that moves with your body and looks great. It’s constructed from tough, but comfortable, Cordura and a 4-way stretch fabric around the knees, backside and crotch, providing ultimate

flexibility and breathability where it’s needed most. For farming, it’s important to have a durable trouser that works with your body movement. Climbing gates, kneeling to fix fences and hopping on and off tractors is much easier with the Ridgegates, as the don’t restrict movement.

The Ridgegate Original trouser features: pre-bent legs for optimal comfort and durability; elasticated back waist for extra comfort; two easyaccess front hip pockets, two concealed zip pockets to the thighs and two rear zip pockets; reinforced triple needle stitching to all main seams for better durability; Cordura reinforced

hem; YKK zips; large back belt loop; and a front rubber D-ring for attaching accessories.

The Ridgegate Cargo trouser is very similar to the Original, but instead of having zipped thigh pockets, there are bellow cargo pockets at the side of each leg, which are handy for carrying a phone, keys, penknife and other bits and pieces.

If you need a comfortable waterproof trouser, then the Ridgegate Waterproof is the one to go for. These are 100% waterproof, with sealed zips, waterproof Cordura and a 4-way stretch fabric. There are two thigh pockets and one rear pocket, as well as a waterproof zipped

air-vent at the side of each leg to give you extra breathability. The triple stitching to the seams holds everything together while the fabrics provides excellent freedom of movement. All Ridgegate trousers are machine washable and available in waist sizes from 30” to 40”. Leg lengths include Short, Regular and Long.

There’s no doubt, these are great-looking technical trousers that have been priced sensibly.

£84.95 for the Original and Cargo

£129.95 for the Waterproof Ridgegate.

The year does not begin when January deposes December. No, after months of steady negotiation the new year walks in gradually, when it is ready, one small step at a time.

Spring

We have . . . testimony of their presence in our area, viz., July 4th 1884, but for obvious reasons we prefer not to state our authority, nor indicate a closer locality . . . At Inveraray the Kite was abundant about 1841–45, His Grace the Duke of Argyll having himself seen nine at one time sailing round the castle. They have disappeared absolutely, all having been killed off by keepers.

J. A. Harvie-Brown & T. e. Buckley,

A Vertebrate Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, 1892

The snowdrops are the first indication of change. An army of milky white heads pierces the cold ground in February. Daffodil shoots appear next. Then the flowers reveal their faces. At

night the tawnies renew their vows, the female’s ‘kerwick’ answered by the male’s ‘whooo’. The cawing ravens follow suit. From the wild fuchsia at my back door, a proud little robin sings its sweet mating song. Soon all of the small birds are darting into hedges and gaps in dykes, carrying moss, grass and nesting material in their beaks. As always, the biggest explosion of the floral firework display comes last. Bluebells shoot up, past leaves and fallen branches. When their flowers are in bloom it is as though a sea of blue has washed over the once-muddy forest floor. I see them and know that spring is here, the old year has gone, the new year begun.

Spring took a long time to come in 2018. Winter kept walking out, then, as if unable to step away from an argument, coming back in again. The weather flummoxed the kites. In the mild temperatures they began to flirt, flying in tandem through the sky, racing in each other’s slipstream. Then came another chill, and survival seemed more important than sex. At last the thaw really did come and they resumed their wooing.

One of the most dramatic sights you can see in nature is two rival kites talon-locking. From up in the clouds the birds come together, take one another by the hand, then plummet, spinning and tumbling, gaining speed as they hurtle towards the

ground. In the final second, when impact seems inescapable, they release their grip, separate and fly off. How this doesn’t lead to an accident is beyond me. It reminds me, strangely, of a scene from my childhood. Like many unfortunate kids across Scotland, every year my teachers inflicted a term of country dancing on us. Two memories linger from those awful days. The first is that I always ended up dancing with a boy. It was either that or dance with a girl, and as a young lad the very idea of doing that was disgusting. My second memory is that at some stage I’d be required to spin my partner. That’s when the dance became a blood sport. The spinning grew faster and faster, deteriorating (inevitably) into a contest to see who would be first to fling their other half into oblivion. It’s that moment – the point just before the carnage – that I think of when I see two kites locking talons. We’d seen less of the squirrels during the colder periods. Minus temperatures rapidly deplete their energy, so they retreat to their dreys, use their tails as blankets and simply try to stay warm. Sometimes these little squabblers, at war for so much of the year, will even deign to share a nest. Two tails, it seems, are better than one. So rarely do they venture out on such days that it’s small wonder so many people believe that they hibernate in winter. With the

In winter, red squirrels grow delightful ear tufts. Those on this particular squirrel were quite amazing! (Rob Allen)

thaw they reappeared and, like boxers training for a fight, began a rigorous routine of bulking up, building reserves for the mating season. They sat inside the feeder boxes for half an hour, sometimes longer, devouring more nuts and berries than seemed possible in creatures so small. Whenever an unsuspecting rival opened the lid an almighty chase began. The dominant squirrel was remarkably dogged in these pursuits. The intruder would try all sorts of evasive manoeuvres, circling trees, leaping from branch to branch, hiding in the canopy, but to no avail. A squirrel chase only ends when the interloper flees.

Weeks passed, winter faded out of memory and, as spring found its feet, tourists returned to Scotland. I was relieved to see them. only when they leave the country over autumn and winter do I realise how much I thrive on their company, their enjoyment of the kites and their enthusiasm for the project. Their return is one of the things that makes spring special – but it is only one. Over the many seasons of rebirth I’ve enjoyed at Argaty, we have seen such great things.

There was the original reintroduced kite who lived such a long, ferocious life that by the age of fifteen she’d been through four husbands. Usually kites mate for life. Not her. We named her Elizabeth Taylor.

Then there were the CCTV kites. In 2011 Mike had two cameras installed in the woods. One was focused on a kite’s nest, the other a buzzard’s. Setting this up had been tricky. These were the days before wireless cameras were readily available. He’d had to string cables from the nest tree, through the woods and down to our visitor centre several hundred metres away. We enjoyed great views of two chicks hatching and subsequently growing.

Sometimes, when Mike was feeding the kites I’d stand waiting in the yard until they dived, then run to the visitor centre and watch as the parents brought the food we’d provided back to the nest. Those were magical moments. A few short

weeks after these particular chicks had hatched, a terrible storm hit. Gale force winds ripped through the region. Mum, Mike and I stood watching the monitor in horror. The tree was swaying violently. We caught a glimpse of the chicks clinging on for dear life as the trunk swung from left to right, then the screen went blank. That moment was very sad. We all agreed there was no way the birds would survive. To have watched them hatch and grow, seen their fluffy white heads craning skywards as their parents presented them with food, made their certain deaths very hard to bear.

The storm abated and Mike ventured back into the woods, expecting the worst. Would he find the chicks dead at the foot of the nest? Perhaps the foxes would have them already. The view on his approach did little to inspire confidence. Giant root plates towered up into the sky. All around trees had dropped like dominoes.

Miraculously, however, both the nest tree and the camera tree remained upright, though the camera cable had been torn loose.

The chicks were okay.

Mike and visitors watch the kites from the hide at Argaty

Mike McDonnell with a barn owl chick. Mike did so much to bring wildlife back to Argaty

Equine Welfare supported to the tune of £5,000 in Movement for Good Animal and Wildlife Awards

SEIB Insurance Brokers and Benefact Group have announced the ten winning animal welfare charities who will each receive £5,000 as part of the 2024 running of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards. Equine welfare was one very worthy cause to benefit from these annual Awards with World Horse Welfare receiving one of the generous donations.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “This very welcome win will help towards caring for more horses in need at our four Rescue and Rehoming Centres across the country. Our dedicated team of grooms, vets, farriers and physiotherapists work closely together to individually tailor and deliver each horse’s treatment throughout their rehabilitation. It can take many months for them to fully recover before they are ready to rehome, and the cost can be considerable.”

The Movement for Good Animal and Wildlife Awards are the first winners to be announced of five Special Draws running in 2024. In each Movement for Good Special Draw this year, 10

awards of £5,000 will be granted. The Special Draws are aimed at helping charities in specific sectors, also including Health, Youth, the Environment and Arts and Culture.

Suzy Middleton, Chief Executive Officer at SEIB said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Movement for Good Awards in general and none more so than, specifically, the Animal and Wildlife Awards. The causes represented in this category are close to the hearts of our team at SEIB and the services provided to equine welfare by World Horse Welfare are indispensable. It really does only take a minute to make a nomination for the Movement for Good Awards and the results can make a huge difference to good causes both large and small.”

Other winners in the Movement for Good Animal and Wildlife Awards included; Birds of Poole Harbour in Dorset, Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd in Yorkshire, Dogs.N.Homes Rescue in Hampshire, Greenacres Rescue LTD in Pembrokeshire, Little Hill Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in the Republic of Ireland, Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter in Tyne and

Wear, Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land in West Sussex, The Cat Welfare Group Ltd in Hampshire.

Now in its sixth year, the Movement for Good Awards is the flagship charitable giving initiative from Benefact Group. This year once again, more than £1million will be gifted to charities up and down the UK and Ireland, following £5million being given to good causes since the initiative started in 2019.

This year, more than 100 charities will be awarded £1,000

donations, while 50 good causes will be awarded £5,000 sums via special grants throughout the year, aimed at helping charities in specific sectors. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. Further grants of £10,000 or more will be awarded in the Movement for Good Larger Grants, later this year.

To find out how to support the Movement for Good Awards and to nominate a cause you care about visit www.movementforgood.com.

Horse owner’s guide to spring fever

Horse owners know all too well how small changes can affect their horse’s moods and behaviours. Our equine companions are sensitive creatures, reacting to even the slightest adjustment to their diet, environment, or weather conditions. With the arrival of spring, you might be noticing some changes in your horse’s energy levels. This is called spring fever and is entirely normal but, as it can present some challenges, you’ll be glad to know that there are some steps you can take to support

your horse. The experts from Horse & Country share their 10 top tips for soothing an anxious or excitable horse at this time of year.

What is spring fever?

During spring, many horse owners observe more anxious or excitable behaviour in their horses. Their horse may spook more easily, start bucking, seem distracted, or refuse to cooperate, which can make riding and training a bit more of a challenge.

While this phenomenon might seem strange, it could be down to something as simple as diet. Research has shown that the sugar content in grass is highest in early spring (Journal of Equine Veterinary Science) while the magnesium content is lowest at this time of year (Journal of Agricultural Science). As your horse grazes on the fresh grass shoots, the higher sugar levels give them an energy boost, which manifests in more erratic, excitable, or anxious behaviour. Similarly, low magnesium levels

in horses may also cause them to become more nervous, sensitive, or fizzy.

Other changes during spring could also contribute to overexcited behaviour. After a period of stabling and training indoors over winter, your horse may be enjoying their increased freedom and open spaces.

10 tips for helping a horse with spring fever

If your horse usually displays symptoms of spring fever or you’re already starting to notice signs,

there are a few things you can do to help support your horse, calm them down, and reduce the effects.

1. Introduce changes gradually: As with any change in your horse’s diet or environment, try to ease them into the season gradually. Slowly introduce spring grass into your horse’s diet while continuing to feed them hay.

2. Limit grazing on spring grasses: To stop your horse from consuming too much spring grass, limit their grazing time and gradually increase it as the season goes on. You can use a grazing muzzle for a few hours to reduce the amount of spring grass they consume.

3. Allow grazing in the morning or evening: Research has shown that the carbohydrate content in grass is lowest in the early morning or evening, so scheduling grazing during these times of the day could help reduce your horse’s sugar intake (Journal of Animal Science).

4. Introduce a supplement: In some cases, it may help to add a magnesium supplement or salt block to your horse’s diet to help top up their magnesium levels. Just be sure to consult a vet before making any changes to your horse’s diet.

5. Ensure adequate exercise: Often, all an over-excited horse needs is time to burn off their excess energy. Make sure your horse is given plenty of time to exercise, whether you give them time to run around in the pasture or work them a little more during training.

6. Give your horse time to warm up: If training has become a challenge due to spring fever, try riding your horse in the afternoon instead. This gives them time to warm

up in the field and burn off excess energy. Another option is to lunge your horse for five to 10 minutes on each side before starting training.

7. Provide mental stimulation: Try to incorporate extra enrichment activities into your training routine, such as obstacle courses and groundwork exercises, to keep your horse engaged and reduce signs of boredom. Similarly, adding puzzle toys to their stable can provide mental stimulation even while resting, which can make them more cooperative while riding.

8. Stick to a consistent routine: Although switching up the way you ride can help your horse concentrate, try to stick to a consistent routine in other aspects of their life. Maintaining a regular feeding, turnout, and exercise schedule can provide stability and predictability for your horse, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety.

9. Ensure a comfortable environment: Alongside dietary changes, spring can also bring weather changes so it’s worth taking some time to assess your horse’s current stabling. Check that it’s a comfortable temperature and that there is sufficient ventilation. Make sure to monitor these too as conditions change each day.

10. Speak to a vet: If you’re at all worried about your horse’s behaviour, make sure you speak to a vet. They can check them over for any potential health conditions that could be leading to their behavioural changes. They can also advise on any other steps you can take to soothe your horse.

Are Robots for Me?

With the ongoing problem of finding good reliable labour, dairy farmers are increasingly asking themselves, should I be looking at robots to milk my herd.

Robots will ‘harvest’ the milk from the cow and do a very good job of it, but the cows still need daily attention. The twice (or thrice) daily contact with the cows, will be lost so you will have to rely on data generated by the robot to make informed decisions on udder health, bulling activity etc.

Ideally you need at least 2 people to share the alarm calls so that there is cover for holidays, nights out etc.

Fully housed AYR herds are more suited to robots although grazing gates along with good grassland management mean cows can be grazed successfully.

Poor mobility within a dairy herd will mean

reduced visits to the robot so hoof care is a priority.

Think how you are going to handle breeding cows, sick cows, routine fertility visits by your vet and TB testing. Self-locking yokes are ideal for this.

Free access allows cows to express themselves naturally and do what they want whereas guided comes in 2 variations: milk first or feed first. Generally, guided traffic systems are more feed efficient and there are less ‘fetch cows’ to deal with.

Make sure you choose a manufacturer with good after sales service.

In conclusion, there are many very successful robotic systems that produce large amounts of milk successfully and that is down to understanding the principles of robotics and excellent attention to detail in management.

finance AMC launches new green loan to support sustainable farming

The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), part of Lloyds Banking Group, has launched a new loan to support farmers and rural businesses transitioning to more sustainable practices.

The Clean Growth Financing Initiative (CGFI) provides discounted lending to help the British agricultural sector reduce its environmental impact.

With a zero per cent arrangement fee for eligible projects, the loan can be used to finance a broad range of green investments from the purchase of low-carbon machinery to renewable energy infrastructure.

Lee Baker, National Sales Director at AMC, says the new product will enable farmers and rural businesses move to and benefit from a low carbon economy. It is hoped the product will also advance sector improvements across priority areas including water, waste, energy use, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

“AMC has a proud record of helping customers achieve their consolidation, diversification, or growth plans and we’ve been working to introduce a green lending product to complement this,” he explains.

“CGFI can be considered for a wide range of sustainable and diversification investments options including energy supply upgrades such as solar panels and heat pumps, adding ecopods or sustainable camping to their farm, enhancing wastewater treatment systems, or enable more sustainable production methods. These will help customers stabilise their energy costs and operate more sustainably, both in terms of the environment and financially, which are both vital steps towards future-proofing farms and businesses.” he adds.

The introduction of CGFI aligns with AMC’s commitment to work side by side with farmers, helping them achieve a more environmentally and financially sustainable future. Central to this has been AMC’s partnership with the Soil Association Exchange; offering a free-to-use platform to help farmers to implement transition practices across six critical farming areas: soil health, carbon, water, biodiversity, animal welfare, and social impact. This partnership facilitates access to financial incentives, supporting measures that make a tangible difference in the transition to greater sustainability as well as providing a consultancy service to AMC’s largest clients.

“The Clean Growth Financing Initiative is the perfect addition to our services, enabling us to support

sustainable farming investments with the added benefit of a zero per cent arrangement fee, which helps to remove financial barriers to transition projects and potentially saving farmers and rural businesses thousands of pounds,” says Mr Baker.

Mr Baker explains how the streamlined approval process and flexible financing options supports farmers’ transition to more sustainable practices in an accessible way, with many projects not requiring additional eligibility assessments.

Mr Baker notes a growing interest among farmers and businesses for renewable initiatives, sharing a recent example: “We’ve got a project in East Anglia underway that’s installing 1200 kilowatts of solar to power both the farm

and a commercial property. This leap towards 100% energy selfsufficiency showcases the loan’s potential,” he says.

“Many farmers are keen to introduce more sustainable practices or investments, but upfront costs can pose a significant hurdle. However, with the introduction of a CGFI loan to our financial support options for farmers, we’re able to equip them with the backing necessary to benefit from green growth opportunities and provide a foundation for long term business sustainability.” said Mr Baker.

“The CGFI loan, coupled with our Soil Association Exchange partnership, equips farmers with a roadmap and the means to benefit from green growth opportunities”, he adds.

Hectare’s Advance Pay, helping farmers get paid for their grain now, with no admin

Hectare, a leading provider of agricultural technology supply chain solutions has announced the launch of Advance Pay, a new embedded finance product that will give arable farmers access to instant cash flow from their grain contracts at a fair market interest rate.

This new product is set to revolutionise agricultural finance by solving the challenges of financing last mile grain supply

chains and being the first to market to offer an independent solution without the heavy costs or administration headaches of traditional finance, lock-in contracts for grain pools, or input financing.

With Advance Pay on grain trades, farmers gain peace of mind that payment worries are a thing of the past. They receive instant payment for up to 80% of the contract’s value, easing

any concerns over trading with new buyers and ensuring timely payments.

With fair market rates, access to constant cash flow will give arable farmers peace of mind, the cash is there on time, every time freeing them up to make trading decisions based on market conditions, not cash flow needs. Hectare sees their embedded finance offering as the sweet spot where digital workflows and digital finance go

hand in hand. Now, farmers can seamlessly receive an advance payment on a grain contract while closing a deal with a buyer—all in one simple transaction using Hectare’s digital trading tools.

This announcement comes at a crucial time when farmers are facing financial and climate challenges. Hectare Advance Pay is here to offer a sustainable financial solution, putting arable farmers in control and supporting them in achieving long-term stability and success.

The best part? There are no costs associated with using Hectare’s crop trading tools, and farmers only pay fair market interest when choosing Advance Pay against a grain contract. It’s all about providing instant cash flow without the hassle.

Vanessa Lenssen, Chief Product and Growth Officer at Hectare says “Hectare was created by farmers, for farmers. We wanted to solve the complex puzzle of last

mile trade finance for our farming community. We faced sceptics, but we felt that just maybe we could do

something special and today, we’re proud to break new ground and support our customers in building

sustainable financial success for their farming businesses every day.”

NFU Mutual shares £54m of Mutual Investment Bonus with With-Profits customers

NFU Mutual shared a £54m Mutual Investment Bonus with eligible With-Profits customers in 2023, the UK’s leading rural insurer can reveal.

Mutual Investment Bonus is applied as an uplift to investments, representing a 1.5%

• Finance new & used machinery & equipment

• Refinance existing agreements

• Release equity tied up in machinery

• Dairy Herd & Milking Machine funding

• New Farm Building Finance

increase in investments for 2023, and is in addition to the annual bonus provided to customers that receive one.

As a mutual with no shareholders, eligible customers who invest in the With-Profits fund benefit from the success

of the fund and its financial strength, reflecting the current and expected economic conditions.

Thanks to the Mutual’s financial strength, over £180m has been added to investments of eligible With-Profits customers

through Mutual Investment Bonus over the past five years. There is further good news for With-Profits customers, as Mutual Investment Bonus is being increased to 1.85% from April 2024.

Saurabh Agrawal, Head of With-Profits at NFU Mutual, said: “We’re delighted to share the benefits of our strong financial position with our

eligible With-Profits customers through Mutual Investment Bonus.

“As a mutual without shareholders, we can share our success with our customers, whether they buy general insurance policies with us or invest in our With-Profits funds.

“After sharing £54m of Mutual Investment Bonus in 2023, we are pleased to announce

we are also increasing the uplift to 1.85% in April.

“Our customers typically stay with us for a long time, which means the long-term investment horizon of the With-Profits fund is appealing to many of them.

“The approach of smoothing can provide many investors with peace of mind in times of market volatility – and can help minimise the impact of adverse

market movements to those withdrawing money.

“The With-Profits funds enable customers to invest in a variety of assets, including equities in companies based in both the UK and overseas, commercial property in the UK, and both corporate and government bonds.”

NFU Mutual offers WithProfits funds to its ISA, pension, and investment bond customers.

Introducing Imagine Asset Finance

With one Director clocking up 12 years in commercial and consumer finance, and another having spent over half his life on a sheep & cattle farm, Imagine Asset Finance might be relatively new to the agricultural sector but they’re fast making a name for themselves.

In operation since 2019 with a focus on car finance, the decision was made late last year to expand into agri & so far, it’s been some success story. With access to a panel of over 70 funders and a team that really get farmers, they’re already looking

at taking on extra staff to handle the workload.

Finance can be applied for on anything from new and used machinery, livestock, farm buildings, milking robots & even farm implements, and refinancing existing agreements including

releasing equity from machinery is also possible too. They’re not tied to any one lender, meaning they’re much more flexible than high-street banks who just don’t understand farmers. 24 – 84 month agreements, seasonal payments & VAT deferrals all possible.

Rural estates ‘singled out’ by carbon land tax proposals

A new carbon land tax would punish rural estate businesses which already making the greatest contribution to achieving net zero, Scottish Land & Estates said today.

The rural business organisation said research already welcomed by the Scottish Government demonstrates that estates are in the vanguard of renewable energy, woodland creation and peatland restoration.

Stephen Young, Director of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Renewable energy on estates accounts for around 60% of Scotland’s generating capacity. Large-scale peatland restoration projects – such as those carried out on rural estates – account for 57% of the peatland that has been restored since 2013. Since 2015, 45,000ha of woodland has been planted on private estate land with support from the Forestry Grant Scheme. That is before we consider the wider economic contribution of rural estates, as well as their role in maintaining Scotland’s food security.

“Independent research has shown that land ownership and use at scale is essential to undertake these types of projects successfully in pursuit of addressing climate change.

“It would appear the Scottish Government is seeking to punish those who are already making the greatest contribution. The Scottish Government had flagged this

tax proposal last year that it was considering exploring this and there are serious questions how this would work in practice.

“If such a measure was introduced, careful consideration will be required as to the impact on food production and economic activity in rural communities.

“We all want to see progress on emission reduction and the sequestration of carbon but it

is difficult to understand why estates are being the ones who have been singled out by the Scottish Government.

“It should not be forgotten that estates are already paying extensive taxes across their wide range of business activities and by introducing a new tax, it will do little to help Scotland’s rural economy and encourage investment and employment.”

KUHN introduces pumpkin drill to precision range

A two-row KOSMA M pumpkin drill has been added to KUHN Farm Machinery’s range of precision planters, offering patch growers an accurate and costeffective option for pumpkin establishment.

The bespoke drill has been specially designed to cater for the growing number of pumpkin patch diversifications across the country. It features two KOSMA row units spaced at 100cm, and new seed discs, with four holes at 4.5mm diameter to guarantee 100cm between each seed, offering 10,000 seeds/ha.

A vacuum fan forces the seed onto the disc for accurate placement and the proven row units feature a 50mm VE rear rubber roller, wide gauge wheels and mechanical drive wheels.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the drill will appeal for a variety of reasons. “The KOSMA M 2.5m will suit pumpkin growers across the country looking for a drill capable of accurately establishing crops for years to come. We have used well-known components from our existing machines to offer buyers a precise drill with proven reliability.”

As well as being a suitable drill for larger patches, the unit could also appeal to several smaller producers looking to improve establishment by purchasing a drill together. KUHN says it can cater for

customers requiring specific features and is willing to work with users to achieve the right product.

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Pivot T80: the new high-performance articulated telehandler

Widely used on farms and construction sites, the articulated telehandler is one of the most popular vehicles for all those who need an easily manoeuvrable machine with high telescopic performance.

Analysing the market demands, in synergy with the rental network distributed worldwide, DIECI has developed the new Pivot T80 high-performance articulated telehandler, providing even more comfort, stability, and agility. Here are all the advantages of the new model.

The new T80 articulated telehandler joins the wellestablished T60 and T70 models, increasing their performance. Ideal for all those companies that need an even more reliable

and efficient vehicle, the T80 surpasses the performance of the T70, offering:

• An increased loading capacity of 3.5 t;

• A higher maximum power of up to 114 kW;

• An increased hydraulic pump, to offer greater travel speed and acceleration;

• The Flow Sharing hydraulic distributor, to perform several movements simultaneously; With these features, the Pivot T80 exceeds the standards already set by its predecessors, increasing the possibilities of use. Furthermore, by equipping the machine with compatible equipment, you can access even more uses, further optimising your investment.

Agricultural

Merchants

Main dealers for KVERNELAND rakes and tedders

Greater Versatility For Strip-Till Preparator

Grange Machinery has extended the versatility of the StripTill Preparator with wider working widths and a range of options to tailor the operation to suit conditions and crop requirements.

The Strip-Till Preparator was designed with the help of customer feedback to improve soil preparation for the establishment of maize, sugar beet and oilseed rape while preserving soil moisture and working a wider range of conditions.

Extensive testing of prototypes on-farm over two seasons led to a range of modifications and the StripTill Preparator went into full production in 2023.

This painstaking development process has produced a machine with a highly effective cultivation layout.

Grange Machinery’s Managing Director Rhun Jones explains: “Three independent rows of 450mm diameter cultivation discs can be hydraulically

adjusted whilst working in harmony with our low disturbance tine and point, which creates a perfectly cultivated row that is ready to plant into. The seedbed is then finished with a zonal Guttler prism roller ring which breaks down any clods that have flowed through the system as well as consolidating the row in readiness for a planter.”

A true one-pass cultivation system, the Strip-Till Preparator can be used immediately before planting or at the convenience of the operator, with no need to ‘freshen up’ ahead of the planter.

“The Strip-Till Preparator provides an intensive cultivation in the row, which preserves soil moisture and facilitates drilling into the perfect environment for successful establishment,” comments Mr Jones. “The discs are uniquely adjustable from the cab for varying soil types and conditions.”

Options include the application of granular or

liquid fertiliser down the low disturbance tine, offering valuable starter nutrition.

To adapt to specific crops and conditions, the Strip-Till Preparator can now be specified in 0.45m,

0.5m, 0.6m, 0.75m and 0.8m row spacing and with either shear bolt or hydraulic auto reset leg protection.

New Precea trailed precision air seeder in 6 m working width

AMAZONE has introduced an additional model in its trailed precision air seeder product line. The new Precea 6000TCC, in a working width of 6 m, complements the highperformance capabilities of the 9 and 12 m models shown at last year’s Agritechnica. A key feature of the Precea 6000-TCC is the option of either the Central Seed Supply seed delivery system or with individual seed hoppers on each sowing unit. In addition, AMAZONE offers both variants with a large singlechamber fertiliser hopper with

We can confirm that the Homburg Delta Draincleaner is eligible under FETF 416 Grant Scheme

a capacity of 3,000 l together with a central, easily accessible fertiliser metering system. The 8 rows can be set to row widths of 70 cm, 75 cm and 80 cm. Row widths of 45 cm and 50 cm based on 12 rows will also be available in the medium term, in order to round off the product range for use in narrower row crops such as sugar beet, rape or soya beans. Effective use, with high outputs in the season, is now possible with tractors in the medium horsepower range from 110 kW (150 hp).

The central seed hopper option provides a capacity of 850 l for increased area coverage. The large and easily accessible hopper opening allows very easy and quick filling from big bags. This reduces the turn-round times. The seed conveying is self-regulating in this system. An air stream transports the seed from the central hopper via the delivery unit to the reception

units above each sowing unit. These act as a temporary store. The air stream, and therefore the seed delivery, is automatically paused when the maximum fill level is reached in this reception hopper. The air flow, and along with it the transport of the seed, restarts as soon as the fill level in the reception unit drops.

A 70 l seed hopper is mounted on each sowing unit in the individual hopper variant. This system offers the advantage of for a quick seed change on farms with a variety of crops or for contractors with varying customer requirements. Filling from small seed containers and emptying out during frequent seed changes can be completed in a very short time and work can quickly continue on the next job without any problems. In addition, micro-granular applicators with a capacity of 17 l can be fitted, thereby increasing flexibility, even on smaller fields.

New Kumm slurry tanker demonstrations

J Riley Agri is the sole importer of the premium Kumm Technik slurry tanker range which is new to the UK. The company is currently undertaking a demonstration tour with a Kumm KTR 20.5m³ twin-axle tanker equipped with a Bomech Farmer 15m trailing shoe applicator.

The tanker’s specification includes a four-tonne capacity adjustable drawbar, airsuspension and Michelin 800/60R32 tyres with central tyre inflation. The tanker itself is divided into two chambers. In the field the rear compartment is emptied first maintaining weight

transfer to the drawbar, a feature which comes into its own when working on undulating ground. Additionally, air can be released from the front axle suspension system for 90 seconds to transfer more weight onto the tractor.

The KTR features a doublehinged 8” filling arm which can be adapted to fill from a tanker docking station or lagoon. The macerator and stonetrap are mounted ahead of the 9000 litre/min pump and application rate is controlled via the Kumm touchscreen display, although the tanker is also Isobus compatible.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the KTR range of Kumm tankers,” says Sion Williams, sales director for slurry equipment at J Riley Agri. “Michael Kumm built his first tanker after being unable to find a machine on the market which was suitable for his contracting business in Germany. Now 15 years later, Kumm Technik is known for its high-quality tankers. The KTR range runs from 14 to 30m³, and we can also supply the KTS 30m³ articulated road tanker which is fully UK compliant.”

For more information and to book you Kumm demonstration please call Sion Williams on 07919 214788.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out July 2024

KRONE and LEMKEN are focussing on autonomy

The 2024 season will see significant expansions in the area of autonomous agricultural technology. The agricultural technology specialists KRONE and LEMKEN are significantly expanding the range of applications for their autonomous process unit by utilising the front attachment space.

With their joint “Combined Powers” project, KRONE and LEMKEN are endeavouring to advance and bring into focus not only the development of autonomous process units, but also the associated work processes by carrying out additional practical deployments at home and abroad. The findings and results of the field trials in

2022 and 2023 were incorporated into the optimisation and further development of various features of the process units.

The functionality of the autonomous process unit has been significantly enhanced by the integration of a front linkage with PTO shaft; this means that two separate, intelligent attachment spaces are now available. This combination can be used profitably in both grassland and arable farming. For grassland specialist KRONE, for example, the use of a front-rear combination significantly improves mowing efficiency. Initial experience was successfully gained using the KRONE EasyCut F 320 front mounted mower in combination with the Butterfly EasyCut B 950 Collect. LEMKEN, on the other hand, utilises the additional function particularly in the areas of stubble cultivation and sowing where rollers and front hoppers can now be easily carried and used.

The VTEs (autonomous process units) were further developed, taking into account ease of maintenance, practicality and optimisation of the sensor carriers. Another highlight is the improvement in the diesel-electric drive. The new generation of machines retains its power output of 170 kW / 230 hp and continues to feature 4-wheel steering with large tyres for maximum tractive power and minimum ground pressure. The transport solution presented at Agritechnica 2023, using a drawbar (VTS = Vehicle Transport System), is possible even in combination with frontmounted implements. The new tractor units are characterised by their uniform paintwork in dynamic platinum grey.

The “Combined Powers” project marks a decisive step towards efficiency and innovation in modern agriculture. The advanced autonomous tractor units from KRONE and

LEMKEN enable large-scale practical trials and significantly improve the reliability of autonomous processes. The test deployments take place on various farms in Germany and neighbouring European countries in order to test the functionality and communication of the autonomous process units (VTE) using various implements under real conditions.

International design prize for nextgeneration AxialFlow combine

The bold new look of the nextgeneration Case IH Axial-Flow combine, set to take the capacity of the Axial-Flow design into a whole new sector and introduce a distinctive new style, has won an internationally-acclaimed prize, taking a Red Dot Design Award for product design. Judged annually, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions, and its label has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after marks of quality for good design.

Core details of the new Case IH AF series Axial-Flow were revealed at Agritechnica 2023, and the new combine recently made its full global debut in North America. It is designed with a renewed focus on helping users to maximize output per engine hour while minimizing losses and grain damage, retaining the proven Axial-Flow principle of rotary threshing and separation.

Major advances in the new AF include a 775hp engine, an active dynamic cleaning system, 20,000-litre grain tank, 210 litres/ second unloading rate and headers of up to 15m (50ft). Users benefit from performance-enhancing technology including AFS Harvest Command, to minimize losses, maximize throughput and protect grain quality, helping experienced users get even more from their combine, and inexperienced ones quickly become proficient operators, to assist in tackling labour challenges.

The new technology is packaged within a fresh AxialFlow style that introduced a new look to the range, designed to show that this is a very different class of combine. The design team from Case IH and its parent CNH will receive the Red Dot Design award for the AF at a special ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best’ ceremony, to be held at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany, on June 24.

Kubota dealer HOSPLANT expands with second depot

Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that HOSPLANT has opened a second depot to further improve access to the Kubota products it sells within its Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk sales areas.

With a new depot located at Wattisfield near Diss, some 45 miles north of HOSPLANT’s HQ at Peldon, Essex, the firm is now better placed to deliver on sales, service, parts and aftercare, across the northern part of its geographical sales area.

“We cover a good stretch of countryside from Essex up through Suffolk and into Norfolk, and until recently, it was all serviced through our Peldon, Colchester depot,”

explains service director and co-owner Adrian Mays. “As we strive to deliver a better and more efficient service for new and existing customers, we really needed to develop a much more local ethos for our business.”

As a dealer for Kubota’s agricultural tractor and implement ranges, plus construction equipment, HOSPLANT says its Wattisfield depot will enable the business to operate more efficiently. While the site provides workshop facilities, parts counter and equipment sales for agricultural and construction machinery, it also operates with mobile engineers and is geared-up to provide a parts delivery service.

MF 9S Series wins prestigious Red Dot Design Award

Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is delighted to receive a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024 for its flagship MF 9S Series tractors. The international jury only awards this sought-after seal of quality to products that feature an outstanding design.

“We are honoured the MF 9S has been chosen for this special award,” says Thierry Lhotte, Vice President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “This confirms our commitment to developing pioneering designs to help our customers enhance their productivity, which the distinguished jury has recognised with the Red Dot Award.

“Developed for farmers by farmers, after seven years of intensive customer consultations and testing, Massey Ferguson first introduced this radical, yet practical design on the MF 8S Series, which received a Red Dot Design Award in 2021. Now, the MF 9S Series builds on the design’s success of the Protect-U and cab, delivering outstanding performance, reliability and an enhanced user experience, along with innovative technology specifically tailored to meet farmers’ different needs,” adds Mr Lhotte.

Six models in the MF 9S Series offer powers from 285hp to 425hp and feature Massey Ferguson’s distinctive Protect-U

engine and cab installation, which delivers unrivalled visibility and comfort. Key to its success is its distinctive design’s unique 18cm gap that isolates the encapsulated engine from the cab.

All MF 9S tractors are equipped with Massey Ferguson’s renowned Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission, which offers new power management to deliver additional torque and horsepower.

Main Dealers for Kramer Telehandlers

Masons Kings Marks 40 Years

A family-run John Deere dealership based in South West England has marked four decades of steadfast service.

Masons Kings was established to provide customers with agricultural and turf machinery in 1984 in Chudleigh and now has depots in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. Today the company has a team of over 120 staff and a turnover of £48m.

“Masons Kings remain committed to its steadfast motto – providing premium support for premium products,” said Roger Prior, Owner and Director at Masons Kings. “This commitment not only reflects our past achievements but serves as a guiding principle for future endeavours in serving

and supporting the needs of our valued customers and the community.”

Representatives from John Deere recently visited Masons Kings to present the team with an award recognising its 40 years of providing top quality products and services.

John Deere Introduces New 5M Tractor

Available with new transmissions and integrated AutoTracTM functionalities in the dashboard, the new John Deere 5M is a versatile machine

in the field, around the farmyard, and on the road. John Deere has also added the 5M 130 to the range, broadening the upper power class portfolio with a

maximum output of up to 135 horsepower.

The new PowrQuadTM PLUS and Powr8TM transmission options provide

farmers with solutions for a wide range of tasks. The technology allows operators to experience continuous pulling power with smooth gear shifts within the selected group. Additionally, a button on the lever eliminates the need for manual clutching when shifting between groups. Thanks to the EcoShift feature, the 5M tractor reduces RPM to save fuel while delivering sufficient power to accomplish transport tasks efficiently at up to 40 km/h.

The integration of AutoTracTM in the dashboard –a feature that 6M Series owners enjoy in the Corner Post Display –enhances precision and efficiency by minimising overlaps during field and grassland work. The guidance system helps to stay on track in straight-line field jobs. An upgrade to more sophisticated guidance functionalities with a G5 Universal Display is possible at any time.

Bold style of new Quadtrac flagship wins international design award

The recently-launched Quadtrac 715, the new flagship of the Case IH tractor range that introduces a bold new look to the top of the brand’s highest-horsepower category, has won one of the design industry’s most respected global prizes, an iF Design Award, in recognition of the striking styling and practical benefits that it brings to the top end of the tractor market.

First presented in 1954, the iF Design Awards are acknowledged as one of the most respected

design competitions, recognising the importance of product design across multiple varied consumer and commercial product categories. Some 10,800 entries from 72 countries were entered for the 2024 awards, and the Case IH Quadtrac 715 was a winner in the Industrial Machine category, following a demanding two-part selection process overseen by globally-respected design experts from across the sector. Products judged to combine innovative style and aesthetics with enhanced functionality are granted the iF seal, recognising their customer benefits while acknowledging the role of the design industry.

The styling of the new Quadtrac 715 sets it apart from established models in the Quadtrac range, underlining not only the tractor’s greater pulling power but also its ability to achieve even greater standards of soil protection via its larger footprint. The styling also has practical benefits: the hood incorporates new air intake grills to cool the larger, higher-output FPT Cursor 16L TST 15.9-litre engine, and features a new lighting design, with new LED road lights as well as new worklights that produce a total output of over 76,000 lumens delivering 11% more illumination power. The styling forms part of a bonnet that can be raised 31% higher for easier service access and is opened and closed via an electric actuator.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Sam Lewis AriensCo, a global leader in outdoor power equipment, is delighted to announce the promotion of Sam Lewis to the position of General Manager of AriensCo UK (Ariens Company Ltd.). Lewis, who previously served as the UK Sales Manager, has now taken on an expanded leadership role within the organisation.

Sam Lewis brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success to his new role. During his tenure as the UK Sales Manager, Lewis played a pivotal role in driving sales growth, expanding market share, and building strong relationships with customers and partners across the region. His strategic acumen and dedication to excellence have been instrumental in positioning AriensCo as a market leader in the UK outdoor power equipment industry

Graeme Jack Glen Nimmo

UK Ministers appoint Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Pork Sector Council Chair and Board Members

Graeme Jack and Glen Nimmo have been appointed as Board members of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Their terms will run from 1 April and 10 April respectively, each for a period of three years.

Mr Nimmo will have the extended responsibility as Pork Sector Council Chair for three years.

Mr Jack brings more than 30 years of experience in the agri-food sector, including as Communications Director for Müller UK & Ireland, whilst Mr Nimmo’s background includes working in a familyrun multi-site integrated pork processing business, covering slaughter, primal processing and retail packing.

These are Ministerial appointments, made by Defra Ministers, with the approval of Ministers in the Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.

The appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair, said:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Glen and Graeme whose combined industry experience will add further value to our skill-based Board. Their experience as business leaders will help us to continue delivering key services and value for money for our levy payers.”

THE BOOK SHELF

Kith: Scottish Seasonal Food for Family and Friends by Sarah Rankin

‘Kith’ is a term which refers to one’s friends, family, and other close relationships, and it serves as the title for MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin’s new Scottish cookbook. The theme of Kith revolves around making food for others, how good food can bring us together, and how everyone has the capacity to develop their cooking skills and invite more friends to their table. In a time where many feel isolated, this book is a breath of fresh air, truly offering something new and accessible for those interested in more intentional, communityoriented cooking.

Sarah Rankin is a Highlander who now lives in Perthshire, and since her time on Masterchef in 2022, she has been working with food full time as a Supper Club chef, caterer, food writer, broadcaster and culinary event host. Her new book centres on her belief that ‘food is love,’ a joyful observation she shares in the introduction. Not only does the book focus on connecting with others through food, but also through cooking in tandem with the seasons. Kith is organised into four seasonal sections, offering recipes and ingredients which correspond to the different times of the year. The book encourages all to be more mindful of what is available in each season and to cook sustainably where possible.

Before the seasonal chapters containing the specifically tailored recipes, there is a helpful section called ‘Firm Foundations.’ This segment includes useful advice on how to ensure your kitchen remains

stocked with great essentials – spices, sauces, pastry, bread, pasta and other staples – that will come in handy when trying any of the recipes. Though the recipes range from intermediate to advanced, they are all clear and thorough, making it possible to develop your skills in the kitchen as you absorb the knowledge in this book.

Kith at its heart is a collection of practical and inviting seasonal dishes, mixing the traditional and the contemporary, and celebrating the extraordinary versatility of Scotland’s larder in a hundred recipes: from Grouse with beetroot and cherry, to Arbroath smokie souffle, Squash ravioli with sage butter, and Lemon posset with caramelised white chocolate and oat crumble. There are also two great sections on drinks and small plates, giving you everything you need to plan a fruitful dinner party, from the appetisers to the desserts. Kith will help reconnect you to the purpose of cooking – to share food and create memories with the ones you love.

Kith: Scottish Seasonal Food for Family and Friends by Sarah Rankin is published by Birlinn in April 2024 (£25, hardback) www.birlinn.co.uk