Scottish Farming Leader - March 2025 by Countrywide Publications

LEADER

Flocking to the top: The Sheep Game

CAMMY WILSON

From the Editor Diana McGowan

LEADER SCOTTISH FARMING

NFU Scotland, Rural Centre, West Mains Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8LT

0131 472 4000

Tel: 0131 472 4000

www.nfus.org.uk nfuscotland @NFUStweets

www.nfus.org.uk nfuscotland @NFUStweets @nfuscotland

Editor Diana McGowan editor@nfus.org.uk

Editor Diana McGowan

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Managing Editor

HOW often do you see or learn about something and think ‘I’m up for that’, but then never actually realise that positive thought/ silent commitment? Possibly too often or not at all.

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In this month’s magazine, our two features cover inspiring stories and highlight just how rewarding delivering on such thoughts can be both for the individual involved and others who may benefit along the way.

Diana McGowan

I’m writing this just after the 2025 national conference, AGM and annual dinner have taken place in Glasgow. In what was a packed two days, those attending were treated to a programme of NFU Scotland business, informative and inspiring conference sessions, and very sumptuous lunches and dinner. There was a vibrant buzz from start to fi nish and a few tears shed by the entertainment prepared as part of our send off to our now most recent Past-President, Martin Kennedy. We now have a new Presidential team in place who were put straight to work, doing interviews for the amassed media – all of which they carried off with aplomb. Congratulations to Andrew Connon (President) and Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill (Vice-Presidents) on their appointments.

In this month’s issue you’ll ﬁ nd Andrew’s ﬁ rst Presidential introduction (page 4) and a round-up of the conference on pages 24-30. There will be more to follow in the next issue so please keep your eyes out for that.

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We’re only a few weeks away from the Royal Highland Show. Over the course of four days, thousands will flock to the show to compete, judge, exhibit, organise, educate and socialise. We’ll see the best of the best and relish the atmosphere. Among the highlights and away from the main show ring, this year will see the welcome return of the Golden Shears Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling World Championships. Taking place at the MacRobert Theatre, the 2023 Worlds will see more than 30 countries compete for the prestigious title and it promises to be an action packed showcase of the art, skill and techniques required to be a world champion.

Perhaps a less well known event taking place at this year’s Highland is the final qualifying round of the 2023 Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition.

Taking part in this event for the first time is Kyla Graham from Kirkcudbrightshire. Kyla first spotted the event at the Show last year and while watching it thought ‘I’m up for that’. Kyla knew however she couldn’t just enter there and then. Like any competition, she understood you need to be ready for it and without knowing if she would even enjoy it, she set her mind to it to finding out if she would. Kyla shares her journey from that moment to the present and highlights how she’s benefited already in so many ways both mentally and physically, and explains about the positive impact her preparation has had on her working life.

During the conference, NFU Scotland CEO, John Davidson, launched our new SAYFC membership category. This has been delivered on the back of our partnership agreement with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) signed at the Royal Highland Show in 2024, and the organisation’s drive to grow and strengthen its membership by attracting young people in agriculture to join. Engagement with the next generation is crucial for the industry. NFU Scotland SAYFC members will not only have access to all the resources, expert advice, events and discounts the Union provides but also have an opportunity to help shape and secure a sustainable and proﬁ tably future for Scottish Agriculture.

The other feature looks at how a casual conversation during a Christmas lunch turned into the most rewarding and humbling experience for Next Generation Chair, Matthew Steel, one of the many volunteers who have recently delivered much needed 4x4 vehicles to Ukraine to support the war effort. Matthew explains his contribution to the ‘Pickups for Peace’ campaign and reflects on how the unexpected reception received from the Ukrainians has impacted him and those who were involved.

This month’s feature is an interview with Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game. Cammy joined NFU Scotland shortly after buying his fi rst sheep fl ock and stressed the value he found in meeting other members. Through Union meetings, Cammy found land to rent and discovered new and improved methods of sheep farming. Passionate about the industry, Cammy is now a successful online infl uencer who’s recently acquired his own farm with his partner Lizzy. He shares his career experiences to date on pages 32-36 and some advice for the next generation of farmers and crofters, which I hope will be inspiring and of interest to all readers.

Elsewhere we also we share updates from the regional, policy and political teams and some additional news of what’s been happening since the last issue – we’ve packed a lot in on your behalf in the past month. The magazine can only provide a snapshot. For more up-to-date news follow us on our social media channels, via weekly updates and online.

Finally, as we head towards the longest day, with the hope of some warmer weather on the horizon, I hope you’re remembering to dress for the weather and wear protective sunscreen and hat when you’re out and about. The strength of the sun even on a dull day can prove harmful if exposed without protection. If you need a new baseball cap, visit the NFU Scotland website and purchase one from the branded merchandise in the Members’ Benefits section.

“We’ll see the best of the best and relish the

From the PRESIDENT Andrew Connon

Iam incredibly honoured and proud to be elected President of NFU Scotland. I am also delighted and looking forward to working with Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill as our new Vice-Presidents.

relations to name a few.

Closer to home, Scottish Government must deliver more detail on future agricultural support that allows farmers and crofters to do what they do best; producing high-quality food whilst delivering for the environment and

determined to ensure that climate mitigation and adaptation policies are based on factual evidence rather than hearsay and myth.

We must ensure farmers and crofters enjoy fair returns on their investment and supply chain endeavours through stakeholder

Keep up to date with all the news on Facebook or follow us on @martinkennedyvp and @NFUStweets

For the weekly news sent to your email, please send your name and membership number to info@nfus.org.uk

Firstly, some thanks. I would like to thank Alasdair Macnab and Mike Davis for bringing the best out in us all during the election campaign, I wish them both the best for the future. On behalf of everyone, I must also thank Martin Kennedy for his tireless and successful term as President as well as his previous years as Vice-President. Finally, my thanks go to you, our members, for your support on my journey to presidency and for the overwhelming good wishes I have received since being elected. It is now time to look to the future. We are in a period of signiﬁcant economic, environmental and social change, all of which are shaping the world of Agri-Politics and the environment farmers and crofters ﬁnd themselves. The policy challenges are endless, not least from Westminster with proposed inheritance tax changes, but also with supply chain fairness, food labelling, labour, trade and EU

We must keep pressing for increased government investment through ring-fenced and multi-annual funding.

underpinning rural communities.

At our National Conference on 7 February, we welcomed words of support and commitment from the First Minister that 70 percent of direct support will be delivered through Tier 1. We also secured the return of the outstanding £46 million, not to mention a three-year LiDAR project to accurately map carbon habitats and water quality across Scotland. These are hugely successful and hard-fought wins for NFU Scotland.

However, there is still much to be done. We must keep pressing for increased government investment through ring-fenced and multi-annual funding. I am also

engagement. Rest assured that your Union will work tirelessly to deliver a proﬁ table future for all.

This year will see an increased focus on member engagement as well as recruitment and retention. NFU Scotland works best as one team, with the Presidential Committee, Board Members and professional staﬀ together with grassroot members. If we all work together, this period of industry change will present an opportunity to secure a proﬁ table and sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.

Your Presidential Team is up for the challenge and we look forward to working closely with you all.

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News FROM THE UNION

Members set to save at the fuel pumps!

NFU Scotland members are set to save every time they fill up at the pumps thanks to the launch of an exciting new partnership between NFU Scotland and UK Fuels. By signing up for a free UK Fuels fuel card members will have access to discounted fuel at over 86 percent of UK fuel stations, including Shell, ESSO, BP, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Applegreen, Texaco, Moto and many more, when using the card.

Announcing the new partnership, the Union’s CEO John Davidson, commented, “We are thrilled to offer this fantastic new benefi t to our members. The partnership with UK Fuels not only provides significant savings on fuel, on average 15p per litre, but also enhances the convenience and efficiency of managing fuel expenses. This is yet another example of how NFU Scotland is committed to delivering value to our members.

“The fuel cards are free to acquire, widely accepted across the country and guaranteed to save our members money every time they are used. Signing up for this benefi t is an easy process. I encourage all members to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to save on fuel costs and streamline their fuel management.”

The new NFU Scotland Presidential team

Andrew Connon is the new NFU Scotland President. The Counc I l elections took place on Friday 7 February in Glasgow. Making up the Presidential team for the next two years are Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill who were also elected to take on Vice-President roles. Great credit on well-fought

campaigns were also given to Alasdair Macnab and Mike Davis who were unsuccessful in their bids for the Union’s top jobs.

Andrew, Duncan and Robert had little time to relax as they met with the First Minister, Cabinet Secretary and Farming Minister. With Andrew then chairing the fi nal session of the Union’s conference.

Potatoes in Practice 2025

Potatoes in Practice (PiP), Scotland’s largest fi eld-based potato event, will take place on Thursday 7 August 2025 at The James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm in Invergowrie, near Dundee.

Bookings for outdoor exhibition and static machinery spaces must be submitted by Thursday 1 May.

Potatoes in Practice is hosted by JHI through the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and Agrii and is a must-visit for all those in the potato industry.

The annual event aims to foster

learning and agricultural innovation, off ering a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in the potato industry.

For more information, the What’s On section of The James Hutton Institute website.

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#StopTheFamilyFarmTax RALLIES

NFU Scotland organised tractor rallies and events took place on the first weekend in February to highlight how the UK Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax threaten the viability of family farms across the whole of the country and the impact this would have on businesses up and down the supply chain. It is also an opportunity for farmers and crofters to say thank you to the public for their ongoing support and engage with MPs and local politicians.

News FROM THE UNION

Rallies had originally been planned to take place on Saturday 25 January however, due to the widespread damage caused by Storm Eowyn, the Union postponed these at late notice to allow the emergency services and many of its members to focus on the clear up operations that followed this violent storm.

Speaking about the events Martin Kennedy, said, “Scotland’s farmers and crofters once again demonstrated their key, but often unnoticed, role in rural communities by helping with the clear up operations following the devastating storm on 24 January. Our decision to postpone events scheduled on 25 January was welcomed and commended by emergency services.”

The rallies were well supported the length and breadth of the country and received great coverage via social media and the print and broadcast. A huge thank you to all organisers and supporters.

Peatland ACTION

Restoring Scotland’s peatlands for the many benefits to people and to nature.

Climate change is the most serious threat to Scotland’s environment. Early action is central to overcoming these impacts.

Peatland restoration offers a solution.

Helping us to reduce the effects of climate change by storing carbon.

Benefiting farming through mutally beneficial grazing, and improving access for both stock and people.

Regulating water flow and quality, improving flood management, fisheries and source water supplies.

Internationally important habitats, home to rare and often unique plants, invertebrates and birds.

We provide bespoke advice on restoration management and funding.

News FROM THE UNION

Petition delivered to No10

Ahead of the ‘nationwide day of action’, NFU and NFU Cymru Presidents delivered a petition to No10 Downing Street. On behalf of the four UK farming unions, Tom Bradshaw and Aled Jones handed the plea signed by more than 270,000 individuals directly to government and urged it to abandon proposed changes to inheritance tax. Regrettably due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of Storm Éowyn, neither NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy nor Ulster Farmers’ Union President William Irvine were able to be in London as planned. Both appreciated Mr Bradshaw and Mr Jones’ efforts on their behalf.

Schmallenberg virus devastates flock in Ayrshire

Following a deadly infection of Schmallenberg (SBV) on his Ayrshire farm, NFU Mutual Group Secretary Michael Goldie wrote of his heartbreaking experience and shared preventive advice in a guest blog. Readers can find the blog on our website www. nfus.org.uk.

SBV is a viral infection affecting sheep, cattle, goats and deer, and is transmitted by biting midges. It does not infect humans and there is no risk to public health or food safety. While symptoms for adult animals are relatively mind, pregnant animals can pass the virus to the foetus, causing birth defects and deformities. Farmers and crofters are reminded to remain vigilant for signs of SBV and contact vets in the case of difficult births for infected pregnant animals.

Fond farewells from the Board

On the eve of this year’s AGM, four people were thanked for their time on NFU Scotland’s Board of Directors. As well as Martin Kennedy stepping down as President, Board members said thank you and fond farewells to Horticulture Chair Iain Brown; Orkney Regional Chair Colin Flett and Duncan Macalister, who stepped down as Argyll and the Islands Regional Chair and was subsequently successful in his bid to be elected as a Vice-President.

Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards returns for 2025

The biggest ever Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is back for 2025 with a new prize and plans for a 40th birthday celebration.

The new Urban Forestry Award, sponsored by Future Woodlands Scotland is all about celebrating the projects that are turning towns and cities into greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.

Meanwhile, the trustees are proud to be celebrating four decades of championing the contribution woodlands and forestry make towards

the Scotland’s environment and economy.

Entries are now open with a deadline of 31 May.

A glittering awards ceremony will take place in November when there will be the added chance to celebrate National Tree Week.

For more information about all categories visit www.sfwa.co.uk

Pictured: 2024 Winner of the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods, Scott and Hannah Farquhar for Constablewood Estate, near Largs, Ayrshire

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Fight against food poverty

Combating heat stress

Fight against food poverty

NFU

Mutual hails the work of FareShare, who

NFU Mutual hails the work of FareShare, who are supported by Southern England Farms

Parametrics Dairy Heat Stress

are supported by Southern England Farms

Protect Your Dairy Farm from Heat Stress with NFU Mutual’s One

Invest wisely and use your allowances

NFU Mutual hails the work of FareShare, who are supported by Southern England Farms

of a Kind Insurance Solution

DWWWhile many people look forward to traditional festive fare at this time of year, others are unable to afford even the most basic food for themselves, and their families.

hile many people look forward to traditional festive fare at this time of year, others are unable to afford even the most basic food for themselves, and their families.

Khile many people look forward to traditional festive fare at this time of year, others are unable to afford even the most basic food for themselves, and their families.

airy farmers across the UK are no strangers to challenges, but one issue that’s increasingly making headlines—and impacting farms—is heat stress in dairy cattle. With rising temperatures and changing climate patterns, this issue is set to stay. Heat stress affects cattle both indoors and out, causing reduced milk yields, increased health risks, and can result in significant financial strain on farm businesses.

The cost-of-living crisis – and rising cost of even basic foods – has made it even more difficult for many people to put a meal on the table this year. In fact, more than 13 million people in the UK face food insecurity, according to FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste.

eeping all of your money in cash savings accounts may seem like a safe option. But you may miss out on the potential to grow your money, particularly if interest rates don’t keep up with inflation. Now could be a good time to reconsider how and where to keep your money, and understanding your allowances can be helpful.

Learn how to make your money work best for you with advice from NFU Mutual on investing wisely and understanding your allowances

KEY BENEFITS OF NFU MUTUAL’S HEAT STRESS INSURANCE

• Tailored Coverage:

NEED ADVICE?

Choose from three levels of cover—£50, £75, or £100 sum insured per cow, for a minimum of 50 cows.

• Simple Claims Process:

Top up your pension

Fortunately, NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, now offers an award-winning innovative solution for their Farm Insurance customers.The UK’s first Dairy Heat Stress (Dairy Supply Chain) parametric insurance product has been designed with specialist partners to help dairy farmers combat the financial impact of heat stress.

At the same time, every year, more than three million tonnes of good-to-eat, surplus food goes to waste on UK farms. That’s enough for seven billion meals, according to FareShare, which takes good-to-eat surplus food from across the food industry, sorts it and passes it onto a network of nearly 8,500 charities and community groups across the UK.

WThe current tax year ends on 5 April 2024. Here are some things for you to consider:

What is heat stress and why does it matter?

What is Parametric Insurance?

Investing for Children

on

businesses

ith climate change driving hotter and more extreme weather, it’s no wonder that research conducted by NFU Mutual shows that heat stress in cattle is becoming a bigger consideration for farmers.

Payments are automatically calculated and sent within 30 days of the set payment windows.

• Flexible Use:

Richards, of Southern England Farms in Cornwall

• Reduced milk yields from cows.

To learn more about NFU Mutual and our community support initiatives, visit www. nfumutual.co.uk/ fightfoodpoverty/or scan the below QR code with a smart phone

In 2022-2023, the charity redistributed 54,000 tonnes of food: enough to make 128m meals, or four meals every second. At NFU Mutual, we see it as part of our role to make positive impacts on the welfare of those working and living in rural communities in the UK, and we are only too aware of the growing impact of food poverty in rural communities.

Heat stress occurs when a cow retains more heat than it can dissipate. It’s not just about soaring temperatures, humidity plays a significant role too. Industry experts Skyline Partners use leading weather data to calculate the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) to measure when heat stress events occur.

But what is heat stress and why is it a problem?

Heat stress can result in:

Putting money into a pension is one of the most tax-efficient ways to invest for the long term. The government helps you invest – for every £80 you pay into your pension, HMRC currently pays an extra £20 tax relief making your actual contribution worth £100. In a pension, any growth is free from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. There are however rules on the amount you can contribute to your pension each year and still receive tax relief.

• Reduced milk yields—farmers see fewer litres from their herds.

Pensions and Income Tax

• Health issues—from lameness to reduced fertility and increased risk of disease.

This is why our NFU Mutual Charitable Trust – which exists to promote and support charities working in agriculture, rural development and insurance – is proud to support FareShare’s fight against food poverty. Since 2021, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has donated a total of £250,000 to the charity.

The cost-of-living crisis – and rising cost of even basic foods – has made it even more difficult for many people to a meal on the table this year. In fact, more than 13 million people in the UK face food insecurity, according to FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste. same time, every year, more than three million tonnes of good-to-eat, surplus food goes to waste on UK farms. That’s enough for seven billion meals, according to FareShare, which takes good-to-eat surplus food from across the food industry, sorts it and passes it onto a network of nearly 8,500 charities and community groups across the UK. 2022-2023, the charity redistributed 54,000 tonnes of food: enough to make 128m meals, or four meals every second. At NFU Mutual, we see it as part of our role to make positive impacts on the welfare of those working and living in rural communities in the UK, and we are only too aware of the growing impact of food poverty in rural communities. is why our NFU Mutual Charitable Trust – which exists to promote and support charities working in agriculture, rural development and insurance – is proud to support FareShare’s fight against food poverty. Since 2021, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has donated a total of £250,000 to the charity.

Heat stress occurs when cows retain more heat than they can release, affecting both indoor and outdoor herds.

As farmers know all too well, this surplus food will often end up getting ploughed back into the ground, used for animal feed or sent to landfill.

• Financial losses—studies reveal losses ranging from £24,000 to £90,000 annually, depending on herd size*.

As farmers know all too well, this surplus food will often end up getting ploughed back into the ground, used for animal feed or sent to landfill.

You can invest up to £2,880 per child each tax year into a pension and HMRC will top this up with a further £720 to give a total of £3,600. This is a long-term investment, designed to give children a head start.

As farmers know all too well, this surplus food will often end up getting ploughed back into the ground, used for animal feed or sent to landfill.

Unlike traditional insurance, parametric insurance doesn’t require proof of specifi c losses. Instead, it’s based on measurable triggers like THI data. When conditions exceed predefi ned thresholds, during the cover period, payouts are automatically calculated and paid to policyholders, within the set payment dates.

• Reduced farm income, putting pressure on fine margins and profitability.

Build

an ISA nest egg

But the Surplus with Purpose scheme avoids thousands of tonnes of surplus fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products being wasted. Even cupboard items, and chilled and frozen foods, find a new home as part of the scheme.

• Health-related issues such as increased risk of disease, lameness and reduced fertility. There is also evidence to suggest that it affects the unborn calf and their subsequent performance.

Use the payout to cover losses or invest in heat stress mitigation measures.

Capital Gains Tax

To learn more about NFU Mutual and our community support initiatives, visit www. nfumutual.co.uk/ fightfoodpoverty/or scan the below QR code with a smart phone

dairy cattle.

when you make the gift. Inheritance tax planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

• Expert Support:

• Provide suitable access to water troughs, ensuring they are in good working order.

With over 280 NFU Mutual agency offi ces nationwide, help is always nearby.

The cause is due to a rise in environmental temperatures and humidity and an increase in the cow’s heat production associated with increasing milk yields. To monitor heat stress levels, the industry uses the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) which indicates how severe the condition could be and suggests that action needs to be taken.

You can invest up to £20,000 this tax year in an ISA, building up a nest egg free of UK Income tax and Capital Gains tax. The same tax benefits are available with Junior ISAs, which you can use to build up a pot of money for a child – they’ll be able to access that when they’re 18 years old. The maximum Junior ISA contribution is £9,000 in the 2023/4 tax year.

Furthermore, farmers tell us they’re not always aware of the extent of the financial losses they’re suffering from heat stress in cattle.

NFU Mutual’s parametric insurance, which has been developed with Skyline Partners and is underwritten by Markel, works by monitoring weather data from the three closest weather stations to your farm’s postcode. If the THI exceeds the pre-determined trigger criteria at your insured farm’s location, you will receive compensation based upon the duration of the event and the risk criteria you have selected. This allows you to manage the financial fallout, whether by off setting lost milk income or investing in herd welfare.

Key actions you can take

Putting money aside for children can also help reduce your potential Inheritance Tax bill.

Why act now?

Things you should know:

How farms are donating their surplus for good Farms and rural businesses throughout the are also doing their bit to help. They can participate through FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme, which helps businesses to cover the extra costs of redistributing their unsold food to people who need it most.

How can farmers protect their farms?

How farms are donating their surplus for good Farms and rural businesses throughout the UK are also doing their bit to help. They can participate through FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme, which helps businesses to cover the extra costs of redistributing their unsold food to people who need it most.

Reducing heat stress often requires long-term investments: installing shade, upgrading ventilation, or planting trees. While these are effective measures, they take time and resources. That’s where our Dairy Heat Stress (Dairy Supply Chain) parametric insurance steps in as a financial safety net.

In recent years industry studies have highlighted the condition and the impact it can have on farm businesses. It’s generally acknowledged that heat stress can result in:

Once you reach 55 (57 from 2028), you can take money from your pension as you wish. The first 25% will normally be tax-free, any amount over and above is added to your other income and taxed. So withdrawing lump sums from your pension could push you into a higher Income Tax bracket. Spreading withdrawals over a number of tax years could help reduce the impact of any tax liabilities. There’s also a limit on the annual pension contributions you and your employer can make if you’ve already taken a taxable withdrawal from your pension. This could mean you miss out on valuable employer pension contributions in addition to your own.

Heat stress risks are rising, but many farmers are still unaware of the full impact on their bottom line. NFU Mutual research** revealed that:

It’s wise to take a long-term view on inheritance planning, so that your heirs don’t pay more tax than they need to.

Don’t forget Inheritance Tax planning

Our latest research has found that just over four in ten (41%) say that heat stress is a priority risk for their business while 70% are yet to take further steps to reduce the risk. *

• 41% of farmers recognise heat stress as a priority risk.

One grower making the most of the opportunity presented by the scheme is Southern England Farms, based in Hayle, West Cornwall. The business works over 6,500 acres and is a key supplier to several major UK retailers, including a number of supermarkets, of Cornish-grown courgettes, cauliflower, broccoli, spring greens, sweetheart and savoy cabbage. Co-owner Jane Richards, along with her 400-plus pickers, works with FareShare to ensure any excess vegetables never go to waste. Since 2019, they have donated 396 tonnes of excess produce to the charity.

Should you suspect heat stress with your dairy cattle this summer, Dr Tom Chamberlain** highlights some of the key actions that you can undertake to reduce heat stress whilst cows are grazing:

• Yet 70% admit they are doing nothing to reduce this risk.

Jane says: “No farmer ever wants to see their produce go to waste. But sometimes circumstances mean there is a surplus that will often go into the waste trailer or simply become compost.”

With reduced subsidies and increasing costs, safeguarding productivity and profi tability has never been more critical.

One way of doing this is to make gifts to your loved ones, taking advantage of the annual £3,000 gift allowance, or the ‘gifts out of normal expenditure’ exemption. Larger gifts can also be exempt from Inheritance Tax as long as you live more than seven years from

Jane says: “No farmer ever wants to see their produce go to waste. But sometimes circumstances mean there is a surplus that will often go into the waste trailer or simply become compost.”

She adds: “The scheme with FareShare is a brilliant way of ensuring excess produce is redistributed to those who really need it. It is so very rewarding when we find out how many meals our surplus veg has gone on to make. It is great that NFU Mutual has embraced the scheme so wholeheartedly and supports their customers who wish to participate in ‘Surplus with Purpose’ too.”

Protecting your dairy farm from heat stress starts with a conversation. Contact your local NFU Mutual Agent to learn how Heat Stress Insurance can support your business. They’ll provide a tailored quote, explain how the policy works, and off er advice on managing heat stress on your farm.

• The tax benefits of pensions and ISAs depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future.

Those selling or gifting shares, or property other than their main home, will see the amount of tax-free gain they can enjoy fall from £6,000 to £3,000 from April 2024.

• When buffer feeding adding suitable feed additives to maintain rumen health and ensure peak nutrition.

• Implementing ‘Siesta’ Management where appropriate – this technique involves cows grazing directly after milking and then being ‘housed’ at around 10am, with buffer feed available to them. Cows are then sent back out to graze after afternoon milking to graze until dusk.

• The value of your pension and investment funds can go down and you may get back less than you invested.

• Adjusting milking times to coincide with the cooler periods of the day.

• Installing shade and fans in holding yards.

We at NFU Mutual applaud Jane and all the team at Southern England Farms for their outstanding efforts in supporting the work FareShare does to alleviate food poverty in our communities.

You can purchase your cover up until 1 May subject to underwriter acceptance, and this would provide cover for identified heat stress events within the 12 month policy period.

We at NFU Mutual applaud Jane and all the team at Southern England Farms for their outstanding efforts in supporting the work FareShare does to alleviate food poverty in our communities.

We’re proud to support FareShare –and we praise all farms and rural businesses who participate in the Surplus with Purpose scheme.

Call your local NFU Mutual Agent to ﬁnd out more. Find your local NFU Mutual Agency at nfumutual.co.uk/agency-oﬃce

• Implementing a tree planting programme at the boundaries of grazing paddocks to provide suitable levels of shade within the grazing environment.

We’re proud to support FareShare –and we praise all farms and rural businesses who participate in the Surplus with Purpose scheme.

* Dr Tom Chamberlain & Lallemand Animal Nutrition, November 2022

For more information about FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme, and how you can participate, visit www. fareshare.org

** NFU Mutual Research with Dairy Farms and Dairies, September 2021

For more information about FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme, and how you can participate, visit www. fareshare.org

To find out more about NFU Mutual insurance or financial services, speak to your local NFU Mutual agency office or visit nfumutual.co.uk/tax-allowances NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you get in touch, they’ll explain the advice service and charges.

To find out more visit nfumutual.co.uk/ heatstress or contact your local agency office.

Jane

Jane Richards, of Southern England Farms in Cornwall

ROUND UP Political

Westminster MP meetings

President Martin Kennedy and NFU Scotland Deputy CEO and Director of Policy Jonnie Hall, met with a number of Scottish MPs in London in January to discuss inheritance tax changes. They met with: Labour: Elaine Stewart MP, Alan Gemmell MP, Lillian Jones MP, Graeme Downie MP, Douglas Alexander MP and Chris Kane MP.

Alistair Carmichael Convener of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Liberal Democrat MP SNP: Seamus Logan MP and Spokesperson for Agriculture and Fisheries MP and Dave Doogan MP Conservatives: Harriet Cross MP, David Mundell MP and John Lamont MP.

During each meeting, NFU Scotland emphasised the crucial need for the UK

Government to consult with the agricultural industry ahead of implementing its IHT changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). We also underlined Scotland’s Rural College’s (SRUC) analysis of Scotland’s Farm Business Survey (FBS) that suggested that only 26 percent of Scottish farms included in the survey will fall under the £1 million relief cap, further highlighting the need for consultation.

Beatrice Morrice Political A airs Manager

Al Walker Political A airs Assistant

First Minister on farm meeting

First Minister, John Swinney MSP, and Minister for Connectivity and Agriculture Jim Fairlie MSP held a roundtable with NFU Scotland members on Lurgan Farm in January to discuss the Scottish Budget. During the meeting, we highlighted the consequences of not delivering a multi-annual budget. We also spoke about the return of the £46 million to our sector, fairness in supply chain, how we collectively proceed with the Good Food Nation Act, and the Galloway National Park proposal. We welcomed the First Minister’s commitment to continue to work with us.

UK Government trade strategy

NFU Scotland submitted a response to the Department for Business and Trade Trade Strategy Consultation in January. In the submission, we reiterated that Scottish agriculture should be at the heart of future decision making when negotiating trade deals with other countries.

Home Office on farm meeting

Representatives from NFU Scotland met with UK Government Home Office Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP and Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, MP at Barra Castle Farm, Oldmeldrum to discuss possible refinements to the Seasonal Agricultural Workers scheme.

Next Generation and SAYFC Ministerial Meeting

The Next Generation Committee and SAYFC members met with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform, and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP in the Scottish Parliament in January. We highlighted access to land, access to finance, and future upskilling and training. We urged the Scottish Government to work with our sector to support young farmers within the sector and to create opportunities for new entrants.

Policy & PRACTICE

Sarah Cowie Senior Policy Manager

CCC publishes advice on the UK’s seventh carbon budget

At the time of writing, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is getting ready to publish the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget advice report. This is based on an extensive programme of analysis, consultation and consideration by the Committee. It will recommend an amount that the Government legislate for the next UK Carbon Budget, which is a cap on greenhouse gas emissions over the period of 2038 to 2042. This has been set in line with delivering Net Zero by 2050. This is signifi cant as it sets in motion a process by which the CCC will then provide advice to the Scottish Government, from which it will set out its next climate change plan update. This was originally due to be published late last year but has now been delayed until at least May 2025 to consider the CCC’s advice. This could have signifi cant impacts for agriculture as could infl uence how the Scottish Government plans to tackle emissions from agriculture over the next fi ve years. We will be engaging closely with the CCC and the Scottish Government as this process develops.

NatureScot consultation on National Parks closes

On 14 February, the NatureScot consultation on the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway offi cially closed. NFU Scotland submitted its robust response following months of member, stakeholder and government engagement. We ran a member survey over the months of December-January to gather views on the specifi c proposals NatureScot were consulting on. This invaluable information you provided fed into our fi nal submission. As well as this, Regional Manager, Mhairi Dawson and I had regular meetings with NatureScot throughout the process. Overall, as has been the case throughout this process, the majority of our members are against a new National Park. We have therefore maintained a clear opposition to this bid and will continue to do so as this process moves to the next stage. You can read our full response as well as our ‘what happens now’ blog post on the NFU Scotland website.

Rhianna Montgomery Policy Manager

LLand Reform

and reform continues to be a huge workstream for myself, and the Legal and Technical Committee. We are now approaching the end of stage one of the Bill (end of March) and we have been working hard, going through the Bill line by line collating our amendments. Stakeholder engagement

has also started for some aspects of the Bill, looking at developing guidance on proposals such as Land Management Plans (LMPs). Our aim is to ensure that LMPs are as light touch and easy to complete as possible, ensuring they do not cause issues for members. The beginning of this stakeholder work has allowed us to raise our concerns in a public forum, as well as gaining information as to what other organisations may be looking for. This work will continue throughout 2025.

The Scottish Land Commission has

recently appointed new commissioners, one of which being the Tenant Farming Commissioner, Robert Black (pictured above). We will be looking to organise a meeting in the near future, as we continue our work on the Agricultural Holdings aspects of Land Reform.

Bovine EID Stakeholder Conference

WLisa Hislop Livestock Policy Manager

e have been lobbying for the introduction of bovine EID for some time with very slow progress until now, the First Minister confirmed that the Scottish Government will be backing our calls for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Aff airs and Islands confirmed this will be introduced by the end of 2026. While it

Ian Davidson Scottish Land Matching Service

By the time you read this there will be a new NFUS Presidential team in place and I would like to record my personal thanks to Martin Kennedy for all his support in the setting up of the Scottish Land Matching Service. He has always been a strong advocate for finding opportunities for the next generation and his encouragement for what SLMS does has been much appreciated. I wish the new team all the very best as they take on their new responsibilities and look forward to working with them going forward.

is great to have this confirmed, we must continue to tease out the details of what the introduction means and how this will be rolled out. While we have been clear on the benefi ts of UHF outweigh the LF alternative, particularly for the dairy sector due to UHF’s anticollision properties which enable continuity with LF parlour systems.

The First Minister’s announcement came off the back of a Bovine EID Stakeholder Conference with industry and government representatives from across the whole UK. Scottish Government arranged the conference with an aim to really “kick the tyres”

of where we are with the potential introduction of EID across the UK.

Over the course of the conference day, our Chief Veterinary Offi cer Shelia Voas, alongside UK CVO and Welsh CVO highlighted the need for the cattle traceability system to be robust, accurate and timely so that we can maintain our highly respected traceability which is fundamental to disease surveillance processes.

Scottish Government officials also gave an overview of last years Cattle Identification and Traceability consultation, which underlines the industry’s request to see tangible progress with EID after over 20 years of debate and discussion.

As a reminder our position as laid out in our response to the consultation is as follows:

• The roll out of EID technology should start with newborn cattle being EID tagged. The remaining herd should be re-tagged under an event driven approach supported by funding through the future support framework to support the transition.

• The mandate should only apply to the primary tag, individuals should have the freedom of choice regarding the secondary tag.

• Government must publish a clear and detailed timetable to illustrate the next steps.

Both our Livestock and Milk Committee will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the whole supply chain, including ScotEID to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you Martin Kennedy for your support

We have also seen the retirement of Bob McIntosh as Tenant Farming Commissioner (TFC) recently. I have been very appreciative of Bob’s help and guidance during his time as TFC. His thoughtful and measured approach to fi nding solutions and/or giving guidance on seemingly diffi cult problems in the sector has been hugely valuable. It is a warm welcome to Robert Black as TFC and wish him well in this important post. I look forward to having the opportunity to meet with Robert to discuss SLMS and how we can fi nd more opportunities for new entrants.

SLMS attended the FAS Conference

2025 - Farming for the Future held at Perth Racecourse at the end of January. Our young people will be one of the most important elements of the future of farming and crofting. We must therefore as an industry ensure that we do all we can to fi nd opportunities, either in education, training, employment and business, to secure the future. There are so many competing land use options around and single focus on any one aspect is not healthy – fi nding balance is the key. I fi rmly believe that by doing that we can create more opportunities for new entrants.

& PRACTICE Policy

Tracey Roan Policy Manager

Milk Contracts – Is your existing contract compliant?

The deadline for all existing milk contracts to be compliant with the new The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 (FDOM24) is 9 July 2025.

While it is usually clear what constitutes a ‘new’ or an ‘existing’ contract, there are some cases where this may be unclear.

The status of contracts during the transition period could be as follows;

Scenario 1:

New milk contracts entered into on or after 9 July 2024

Where a producer and a purchaser enter into a new supply agreement on or after 9 July 2024, they will need to agree a contract in writing that meets the requirements of the Regulations.

Scenario 2:

Existing milk contracts that remain unchanged after 9 July 2024

Where the parties have an existing milk contract that was in place before the 9 July 2024, they can continue to make

Esupplies under that contract until 9 July 2025, after which point, the contract will need to comply with the Regulations. We anticipate that industry will use this transition period to ensure that their existing contracts meet the requirements of the Regulations, and by 9 July 2025 all milk contracts must be compliant.

Scenario 3

Existing contracts that change between 9 July 2024 and 9 July 2025

It is possible that variations that are made to existing contracts could constitute a new contract and bring it within scope of the requirements in the Regulations before 9 July 2025.

We strongly advise seeking independent legal advice concerning compliance with the Regulations and possible contractual disputes.

There are links to guidance notes and up to date information on the NFU Scotland website: www.nfus.org.uk/policy/dairy.aspx

Scottish Dairy Herds fall to 764

Figures released from the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association, the organisation who maintain the data base of Scottish Dairy herds, show the total number of milking herds is now 764.

This is 30 less than the same time last year, a 23.7% decrease over the last 10 years.

During the same period there was a decrease of 257 cows making a current total of 180,391.

The average herd size continues to rise and now stands at 236, up by nine on the year.

Ayrshire saw the biggest decrease with a net loss of 15 herds followed by Dumfriesshire with a net loss of fi ve herds.

Read the news release issued 28 January on our website for more information.

Supply Chain Activity

Gemma Cooper Head of Policy

nvironment, Food and Rural Aff airs Committee Submission

We have submitted written evidence to the call for evidence into fairness in the supply chain from the Environment, Farming and Rural Aff airs Committee (EFRA). The evidence gave us the opportunity to underline some of our key policy asks around regulation of the supply chain and how it functions in the future.

In our evidence we highlighted:

• The need to extend the scope of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) and associated Code, as well as reducing the threshold to cover more retailers.

• The need to keep pace with developing sectoral fair dealings regulations, with adequate resources from DEFRA.

• The need for a vision on how the GCA and new Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) will function, including how they will share information.

• The need to extend the fair dealings work to include the cereal supply chain.

NFUS Next Generation & SAYFC representatives visit Scottish Parliament

NLucy McGillivray Policy Assistant

FUS Next Generation and SAYFC representatives recently visited Scottish Parliament to meet with Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform, and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP. It was a successful meeting, with the Next Generation Committee clearly outlining what we need from Scottish Government to support the next generation in agriculture.

The main themes focused around the Committee’s priorities; access to land, access to finance and training and upskilling.

In the meeting we explained access to land is a key issue, and the proposals in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill are causing concern in relation to the future of letting land. The provisions must ensure confidence in the let land sector, while encouraging supporting future landlords to enter into tenancies. The main concern for the next generation is the future availability of land, and we called for the Scottish Government to ensure that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill supports rather than restricts the next generation,

by ensuring future availability of land is not reduced as a result of the proposals. As part of this discussion we also urged the Scottish Government to consider and take forward the findings from the review of the Starter Farm Programme.

In terms of access to finance, we underlined how important capital investment is to the next generation. We called for some of the reallocated funds from the Scottish Budget, announced on 4 December, to be used in a way that encourages the next generation into Scottish agriculture, and supports those who are trying to invest in their farming businesses.

Previously we presented a proposal for a government backed loan scheme to the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) group and recently received a commitment from the Scottish Government to fund research into the

viability of the proposal. We believe this proposal will be key in supporting the next generation therefore in the meeting we asked for the research to be undertaken as soon as possible so we can work together to finalise next steps.

The group also underlined the importance of access to training and upskilling, specifically the success of the practical training funds and how this funding should continue.

Overall, it was a positive meeting and next generation representatives did a fantastic job of delivering the key lines and asks of Scottish Government. We closed the meeting by agreeing specific actions, and we look forward to further engagement with Cabinet Secretary and Minister Fairlie.

Changes to rodenticides access

John Flanagan Senior Policy Manager

There are changes coming for how you can access professional rodenticides. Rodenticides play a key role in necessary pest control on farms and are a key part of your farm assurance scheme.

From 1 January 2026, there will be only two options available when it comes to the purchase of rodenticides. The two options which the sellers of professional use rodenticides will consider as proof

of competence for the purchase and subsequent use of professional use rodenticides in the UK are:

1. Proof of certifi cation to a CRRU UK approved training course within the past fi ve years.

Or:

2. Proof of certification to a CRRU UK approved training course more than fi ve years ago and current membership of a CRRU UK approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

It is important to note that users joining a Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK approved CPD scheme for the fi rst time will need to join as soon as possible in 2025, and

complete their membership criteria during this period, in order to be ready for the 1 January 2026 changes.

We urge you to prepare for these changes now as this marks a signifi cant shift away from the current situation. Farmers can either get ready for the changes by going down the CPD route noted above or hiring Pest Control professionals who are already complying with this change. Please note that Membership of Farm Assurance Schemes will not be accepted at the point of sale, for the purchase of professional use rodenticides, from 1 January 2026. For more information visit www.thinkwildlife.org

& PRACTICE Policy

Jonnie Hall Director of Policy

Farm Assurance Review

Reexamine, Revamp, Reset

In January, the independent UK Farm Assurance Review (FAR) Report was published. We, together with the other UK farming unions and AHDB, commissioned the review early last year.

Here’s what I think of it and, more importantly, some thoughts on ensuring the clear recommendations are acted upon.

On balance, I think the FAR Report is excellent. Its independence is crucial and its thoroughness unquestionable. Critically, it addresses the concerns and issues that we know many of our members have about farm assurance in general and certain assurance bodies and schemes in particular.

While the FAR was commissioned by the UK farming unions and AHDB, the views expressed within it are those of the independent Commissioners.

It is thoroughly objective and based on extensive data and evidence gathering, including discussions with farmers and their representative organisations; primary research with farmers, growers, and crofters, and with other representatives of the industry, the wider food chain and governments; and secondary research from relevant literature, international case studies,

etc. In addition, the FAR engaged with selected farm assurance providers.

The evidence points to a complex farm assurance environment and an even more complex view from the farming industry about the extent to

needs to be much better in practice”.

It suggests smaller farm assurance schemes, often those in the devolved nations (including Scotland), have developed a more constructive working relationship with their farmer members.

the overriding message within the FAR Report is that farm assurance needs a ‘fundamental reset’

which they feel that farm assurance is, in some cases, being ‘done to them’ rather than ‘delivered with them’.

As a result, the overriding message within the FAR Report is that farm assurance needs a ‘fundamental reset’ as it is not currently working in the best interests of farmers.

The FAR Report makes it clear that “farm assurance is right in principle but

However, that appears not to be the case for larger schemes, with the view of many farmers that some schemes are not delivering any benefi ts other than a route to market for their assured produce.

The Report also makes it clear that, whilst farm assurance schemes are intended to be voluntary and to be of value, the demands placed on farm

& PRACTICE Policy

businesses by other actors in the supply chain have ramped up the audit, time, costs, and stress levels encountered by farmers.

It’s made clear that there continues to be a fundamental need for farm assurance, not least because the vacuum left by removing the current system could be filled by an even more fragmented approach to market access and product integrity.

But it’s equally made clear that, in some instances and even when farm assurance schemes involve farmer representatives, some new standards are being generated by the demands of processors and retailers and there is a lack of clarity about the removal of standards that have been ‘overtaken’ by regulatory requirements.

The significant ‘output’ of the FAR Report is the nine strategic recommendations it makes. The nine strategic recommendations are backed up by 56 practical, actionable recommendations.

How the recommendations are taken forward and acted on will be critical if we’re to see the changes that FAR Report clearly sets out as being necessary – and for which we and many of our members have been advocating.

The nine strategic recommendations are

• On-farm audits must be reduced, simplified and delivered more consistently.

• There must be a transformational step forward in embracing technology and managing data to deliver more effective farm assurance with greater added value for all.

• Farm assurance schemes need to reset and/or restate their decision-making structures to establish farmers as the driving voice in standards development.

• A new industry-led initiative must set out the future environmental ambitions for farm assurance, establishing this as an area of competitive advantage for UK farming.

• The inclusion of regulatory requirements within farm assurance standards and audits should be conditional on government and regulators agreeing a form of ‘earned recognition’.

• There must be greater coordination in the way in which farm assurance operates across the UK nations.

• Farm assurance schemes must better position the UK farming industry in world food markets and in competition with imported food.

• All farm assurance schemes must review, and, where necessary, improve their methods of communication with the farming industry.

• The Red Tractor scheme must complete the implementation of recommendations in the Campbell Tickell report.

The recommendations are intended to improve the operation, communication and governance of farm assurance schemes in the UK, to ensure farm assurance is an asset for all in the food supply chain and is valued by farmers.

The expectation is that actions should begin immediately and that the majority of the shortterm recommendations should be successfully implemented within six months of publication.

Change is required to improve the operational delivery of the UK’s farm assurance system and clarity about its strategic purpose and direction.

For that to happen, the FAR Report highlights that scheme owners hold most of the responsibility for action and must embrace change –including about operational practice, communications, internal governance, etc. It will be the adoption of the recommendations by the scheme owners in particular that will matter most, but also supported, where relevant, by governments, farming unions and other industry bodies.

Ultimately, the FAR Report is unequivocal in stating that farm assurance is necessary but there’s significant work to be done, via the Report’s recommendations, so that the entire agri-food sector is sustainable, productive, competitive, innovative, and resilient - whilst maintaining the trust and support of farmers and crofters, and of course consumers.

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Conference round up

The 2025 NFU Scotland national conference, dinner and AGM was packed with activity, discussion, debate, awards, delicious food, lively entertainment and socialising. The following is a brief summary of some of the highlights.

More information, news releases, blog posts, presentations and recordings of Kirsty McNeill MP’s and First Minister John Swinney MSP’s speeches can be found on the NFU Scotland website.

Martin Kennedy delivers final address as President

In a fi nal powerful and impassioned speech as President, Martin Kennedy refl ected on all he has faced through his four-year tenure. He issued a strong call to action for both the UK and Scottish Governments to address critical issues impacting Scottish agriculture such as proposed changes to inheritance tax and severe labour shortages. He also highlighted issues with food labelling, addressed the Farm Assurance Review, the importance of the Farm to Fork summit, and the need for pragmatic regulation in river

and species management. He urged the Scottish Government to address outstanding issues such as public procurement, fair supply chains and the proposed Galloway National Park.

Concluding with a refl ection of his time at NFU Scotland, Mr Kennedy expressed his gratitude to colleagues, staff and family for their support. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in achieving the Union’s goals.

Read the news release and blog on the nfus.org.uk website for more detail.

NFU Scotland SAYFC membership launched

Young farmers in Scotland can now have access to a unique membership through the Union’s new partnership with Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC). This new membership category has been set to embrace the next generation’s passion and prospective as it shapes policy to secure sustainable and profi table future for Scottish agriculture. The Union has previously committed to encouraging younger members to get involved in the organisation.

Any eligible young farmer joining as a NFU Scotland SAYFC member will enjoy two years of free membership. After this initial period, a modest annual fee will apply. NFU Scotland SAYFC members will have access to all the Union’s affi nity membership benefi ts including UK Fuels fuel cards and vehicle deals. They will also receive an electronic copy of the organisation’s fl agship monthly

magazine Scottish Farming Leader. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to attend NFU Scotland events such as the AGM and onfarm networking events and qualify for members rates where applicable. They will receive access to all member

communication materials and have the opportunity to shape and infl uence priorities through various networks such as branches, committees and monitors.

SAYFC members can opt-in by using visiting joinnfus.org.uk/sayfc-members/

Diversity and Inclusion report published

The Union’s CEO John Davidson published in full the Diversity and Inclusion report undertaken by Caroline Millar and confi rmed that the Union is accepting all the report’s recommendations. The comprehensive report follows a thorough review process conducted last year by Caroline, a former NFU Scotland Board Member and sector lead for Scottish AgriTourism. Its publication marks a signifi cant milestone in NFU Scotland’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive organisation. The report, which involved extensive engagement with members and non-members across all 10 of the Union’s regions in the review process, includes 14 overarching recommendations aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within NFU Scotland. In addition to implementing all 14 recommendations, the Union will publish a report every six months to track progress and making Diversity and Inclusion a standing item on every agenda for future Board of Directors meetings. For more information visit www.nfus.org.uk where you can read the report and news release issued on the topic.

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill MP address to AGM

In what was her second meeting of the week with NFU Scotland, Scottish Under Secretary of State Kirsty McNeill MP addressed delegates on day one of the conference. On taxation proposals and the #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign, the Minister said: “We have had a disagreement, not a falling out - a diff erence of opinion on one question should not - must not - prevent us from talking about all the others. And talking is what we will continue to do. We will continue to engage with stakeholders in meetings like this and on farms, and we will continue to strengthen relations with the Scottish Government, respecting the

fact that agriculture policy is devolved.

“That’s why in the coming months the Scotland Offi ce will host a food and farming roundtable where we will invite the industry and the Scottish

Government to sit together and discuss these important issues. This will allow us to keep these conversations going.”

You can read her full speech at: www.gov.uk/government/speeches

Lanark office’s Nigel Power, Oban’s Euan Warnock and journalist Eddie Gillanders scoop top honours

During the Union’s Annual Dinner, Martin Kennedy awarded NFU Scotland’s Flame, Miskelly and Ambassador awards for 2025.

Group Secretary Nigel Power, from the Lanark offi ce, was announced as winner of the Flame award, which recognises outstanding eff orts in recruitment and retention of members. Colleague Keith Thom collected the award on Nigel’s behalf.

One of NFU Scotland’s highest

accolades, the Miskelly award, was awarded to Argyll and the Islands Group Secretary Euan Warnock for his service and dedication to farming and crofting in the region.

The NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual’s prestigious Ambassador Award went to Scottish agri-journalist legend Eddie Gillanders, marking his retirement from reporting after almost sixty years. Eddie was accompanied by his wife Marion and grandson Aaron.

First Minister addresses delegates

NFU Scotland was delighted to welcome the First Minister John Swinney MSP to the its annual conference to deliver a keynote address during the fi nal session of the conference programme. Accompanying the FM was Cabinet Secretary for Rural Aff airs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP, and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP. The ministers held a joint Q&A session in-front of members and hosted by newly elected President Andrew Connon.

In his address, the First Minister confi rmed that at least 70 percent of direct support will be delivered through the new Tier 1, acknowledging increased conditionality such as Whole Farm Plans

(WFPs). This is a signifi cant win for NFU Scotland as it aligns with its consistent calls for this level of support.

Additionally, the First Minister announced the return of the uncommitted £46 million. A new fl exible capital grant scheme will focus on new entrants, young farmers, environment resilience, and funding will also be available for food processing, cooperation and marketing beyond the farm gate. This commitment is a major step forward in investing in the sustainability and profi tability of our agricultural sector.

The First Minister also announced an additional £7 million in 2025 through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme

Coming next month:

More from NFU Scotland's conference, AGM and annual dinner in next month's issue of Scottish Farming Leader.

(AECS) to support activities that benefi t nature, climate and biodiversity alongside food production.

On the topic of bovine Electronic Identifi cation (EID) the First Minister backed NFU Scotland’s call for mandating ultra-high frequency technology enabling Scotland to lead the way across the UK.

A three-year programme of national land LiDAR remote sensing will be undertaken to accurately map terrain, providing valuable data for land management and agriculture planning was also announced.

The First Minister also provided further details on how the Scottish Government’s agricultural route map to implement a new agricultural support framework will work, ensuring clarity and direction for the future.

Supporting the next generation of Scotland’s farmers and crofters, a summit will be hosted to bring key individuals and stakeholders together to fi nd pragmatic solutions to enable greater farming opportunities.

The continuation of the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme was also confi rmed, ensuring ongoing support for these vital sectors.

Signifi cantly, the First Minister addressed the management of lynx and other species, including sea eagles, highlighting the importance of balanced wildlife management in agriculture areas. He committed that the Scottish Government would not be supporting the reintroduction of lynx or any carnivorous species.

Thank you - speakers, sponsors and suppliers.

Sponsored by

Everyone at NFU Scotland would like to say a very big thank you to all our speakers, sponsors and suppliers for supporting the 2025 NFU Scotland Conference, annual Dinner and AGM at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. Your contributions to the two days are hugely appreciated by all and ensured it was a great success.

“Cammy’s the name, sheep’s the game,” became a familiar sound as Cammy Wilson, better known as The Sheep Game, built his career one vlog at a time.

Having only launched his YouTube channel in 2019, Cammy, an Ayrshire sheep farmer turned social media star, has had meteoric success. With a current 393,000 subscribers and over 180million video views, his passion for Scottish Agriculture has opened countless opportunities. Now, with help from partner Lizzy, three children Jock, Angus and Bonnie, they tend to a fl ock of 1,500 breeding sheep and document the highs and lows to online sheep fans as they go.

As he took a well-earned break from essential sheep business and Dad duties, 34 year-old Cammy refl ected on his online career to date and shared advice for the next generation of farmers and crofters.

“I started out online the oldfashioned way,” he said. “I used to do a lot of Snapchat stories and these would be almost like a vlog of banter and things going wrong all the time. It got quite a good wee following locally and then slightly further afi eld.

Flocking to the top: The Sheep Game

393,000 subscribers and over 180million

video views.

“The fi rst 14 months of YouTube, I spent trying for 1,000 subscribers, just absolutely slogging it out. I’d spend eight hours editing a video for 90 views, whereas now, everyone starts on TikTok where overnight you can get 10,000 subscribers, then fl ip the following over to YouTube.”

Cammy remembered noticing YouTube’s potential through Tom Pemberton’s channel, which followed his life as a Lancashire dairy and beef farmer. With a steady following already brewing from his Snapchat account, Cammy identifi ed an interest and gap in the market for outdoor sheep videos, “folk just seemed to like the content,” he remarked modestly.

At the time of launching The Sheep Game, Cammy was serving as a Police Offi cer in Glasgow City Centre. Despite being passionate about working in agriculture, he like many, had no direct

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route into the industry and no land or business to inherit:

“I was born and bred into farming, grew up working with sheep all the time as my dad was a shepherd. But he always encouraged me to find a job with better pay, better days off, a pension and less physical work than shepherding,” he said.

“Around the time I was thinking

about what I wanted to do, the SNP had just come into power and pledged to introduce 1,000 new police officers as part of their manifesto. I saw one of their adverts, applied, then five months later I was in the police.”

Perhaps unexpectedly to the 18 year-old budding sheep farmer Cammy, he then spent 12 years in the force. Meanwhile, he continued to take

every opportunity to work with sheep and helped his dad until 2016 when he sadly passed away, leaving Cammy devastated:

“Most of the things I do are based from nostalgia,” he said outside his mum’s back garden. “After my dad died, I went and bought myself four sheep and put them here in my mum’s wee half acre as a coping mechanism for grief.

“At that time, I was only really thinking about the immediate pain.”

An escapism from his high-pressured city job, Cammy continued to grow his flock following his dad’s death and now breeds Scottish mules full-time on multiple seasonal let acres around Kilmarnock.

He owed his husbandry, patience and care to his father’s teaching but admitted having his own sheep has been a learning curve:

“When you’re young, growing up on the farm and your dad says, ‘right we’re dozing these today’, you just get stuck in and don’t question it because your dad is God and if he says this is what you’re using, it must be right.”

He added: “The problem a lot of young people have is you think your dad’s always going to be there so you don’t bother to ask questions.”

Cammy became a NFU Scotland member shortly after buying his first sheep flock and stressed the value

he found in meeting other members. Through Union meetings, Cammy found land to rent and discovered new and improved methods of sheep farming.

As his networking and social media allowed his platform to grow, Cammy was soon approached by the BBC to feature on its long-running agricultural show, Landward, which he continues to do.

“One of the most difficult things I’ve found working with the BBC on Landward is, everything you do, they say ‘it’s great’ and tell you nice things. Whereas, no one in shearing or farming says nice things to you but you know they’re being honest.”

Referring to his Deacon Blue, Landward colleague, he added: “Dougie Vipond’s great, is Cammy Wilson? Probably not.”

Despite his humility, Cammy’s media appearances have received fantastic response and has boosted his profile, and that of The Sheep Game’s, to new heights. With this, he gained new leverage to an issue Cammy remains passionate about; livestock attacks.

“I’m just showing people the reality of farming near the town,” he said in exasperation. While committed to avoiding shocking content on The Sheep Game, Cammy has included instances of dog attacks on his farm,

in vlogs. “90 percent of people whose dogs attack sheep are decent people, they just don’t know animals, they’re just idiots, and shouting and bawling at them is not going to do anything.”

With policing experience, Cammy has access to all perspectives involved in livestock worrying. He encouraged farmers to take their phones out the instant they witness an attack, not only to call the police but also to film:

“We as farmers are guilty of expecting miracles from the police. If they arrive at a call where there’s a sheep injured and a guy holding a dog saying, ‘that dog was chasing my sheep’ but the owner denies it, what are the police meant to do?

“Are they meant to ask the dug?”

He also stressed that farmers and crofters should have What3Words on mobile phones to help them locate rural areas.

As son Jock arrived excitedly at Cammy’s side, he once again weighed the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation. When asked of his advice to other young people looking to build a business and social media presence, he said:

“There’s two main things that have got me to the point we’re at here. The first thing is luck and I’ve had loads of it. The second one is networking and the more you network, the luckier you get.”

He smiled as he said: “The third one’s hard work but most farmers do that anyway so they’re alright.”

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Regional ACTIVITY

REGIONAL POLICY ADVISOR

John Laughton 01856 872 048

john_laughton @nfus.org.uk

Branch AGMs

January was a busy month for NFUS Orkney with a good number of branch, as well as region, AGMs having taken place. Turnout was good throughout the isles and this is vital to ensure that not only Orkney, but also individual islands within Orkney, have a voice when it comes to national matters.

President and Vice-President hustings

As well as the various branch AGMs, the two Presidential and three VicePresident candidates were present at a well-attended hustings towards the end of January. All fi ve candidates were posed challenging questions by the audience – it was good to witness the Orkney members putting the candidates through their paces!

Tractor rally

Orkney joined forces with the rest of Scotland in participating in the Weekend of Action, postponed from the originally planned weekend due to Storm Éowyn. Orkney held a tractor rally on Sunday 2 February. A total of 30 tractors (and a gator!) congregated at Orkney Auction Mart before doing a procession through the streets of Kirkwall to highlight the damaging impact of the Labour budget on the farming industry. Upon arriving back at the Mart, the audience was addressed by Orkney Region Chair Stevie Hay, Alistair Carmichael MP and Liam Macarthur MSP. The Orkney media were also out in force ensuring the message was relayed to a very supportive Orkney community.

ORKNEY

It’s

REGIONAL MANAGER

Holly Fitsimmons

07775 838 926

holly.ﬁtzsimmons @nfus.org.uk

great to be back!

Ahuge thank you to Mhairi and Sheena for holding the fort this past year whilst I enjoyed some time with the littlest addition to our family.

There haven’t been too many changes to Ayrshire’s Regional Board this year with John Kerr continuing as Regional Chair, and Sally Kennedy and John Andrew as Vice-Chairs for 2025. I would like to thank Andrew Taylor and Colin Mair for their time and commitment to the ELU and L&T committees as they both stand down this year. We welcome Cora Cooper to the Board as our ELU representative and Alice Wilson as our new L&T representative.

Cora said “I am delighted to be joining the Environment and Land Use committee as Ayrshire’s representative. It’s so important to have farmers’ voices heard and have the opportunity to actively engage with all that the ELU committee cover.”

If I could make a request to all members, it is not to be a stranger. Please reach out to myself and your regional representatives and share your opinions, knowledge and experiences. Everyone has a part to play in the work the union carries out and I encourage you all to come along and get involved in branch, regional and national events.

Our fantastic Group Secretary Andrew White recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary with NFU Scotland and NFU Mututal Ayr and Stranraer. Thank you for all the great work you do for members Andrew!

REGIONAL MANAGER

Sheena Foster

07789 796 582

sheena.foster @nfus.org.uk

Exciting Updates from the Forth & Clyde Regional Board!

We’re thrilled to announce the newly elected Regional Board following our recent AGM. A huge congratulations to Mark Donald (Balfron and Menteith), who has been re-elected as Regional Chair and Rona Nicolson (Balfron and Menteith), who continues as Vice-Chair. We’re also excited to welcome John Owen (Forth Valley) to the leadership team as Second Vice-Chair. In addition, the following dedicated individuals will represent our region at the national level:

Regional Chair:

Mark Donald (Balfron and Menteith)

Regional Vice-Chairs: Rona Nicolson (Balfron and Menteith) & John Owen (Forth Valley)

Meet Your Regional Representatives

Our committees and working groups play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming and rural aff airs. Here’s who will be leading the way:

Combinable Crops:

Willie Harper (Renfrewshire)

Environment & Land Use: Freda Scott-Park (Dumbarton & Kilpatrick)

Legal & Technical: Rona Nicolson (Balfron & Menteith)

Less Favored Areas:

Sandy Taylor (Balquidder & Killin Branch)

New Generation:

Michael Allison (Clydesdale)

Livestock: David Mitchell (Clydesdale)

Milk: Alistair Nicolson & Andrew Paterson (Balfron & Menteith)

Poultry: Nicolas White (Clydesdale)

We’re eager to hear your thoughts! If you have ideas for events or initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a committee member or get in touch with me directly. Let’s work together to make this an exciting and impactful year for our region!

Alice Wilson

Andrew White and John Kerr

Cora Cooper

Regional ACTIVITY

LOTHIAN AND BORDERS

REGIONAL MANAGER

Lindsay Brown 07780 441 750 lindsay.brown@nfus.org.uk

Regional AGM’S

Regional Board AGM was held in January and James Playfair-Hannay was re-elected as Chair, looking forward to another busy year. This year we will be focusing on getting new members joined up.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Douglas Alexander MP

Douglas Alexander MP for Lothian East and Martin Whitfield MSP for South of Scotland came out to East Lothian. Hugh Broad, Woodend Farm, Gifford was our host. As Mr Alexander has just won the East Lothian East seat this was an opportunity for Martin Kennedy and Jonnie Hall to join us to discuss the implications of the UK Budget changes and how this will have a detrimental

impact on the future of the family farm and the wider rural economy in East Lothian and across Scotland. We covered the Scottish budget and the missed opportunity to share the budget increase with agriculture. Taking a walk out on to the farm Hugh shared how he valued his staff and was concerned about the availability of affordable housing locally. This was a great opportunity to build a relationship with a Cabinet minister.

REGIONAL MANAGER

Mhairi Dawson

07718 425 053 mhairi.dawson@nfus.org.uk

Grassland Society Farm Walk

Many members enjoyed an interesting day out at Girvan Mains in January for the South West Scotland Grassland Society farm walk. Lots of prizes came back to Dumfries and Galloway! Well done to all those who took part and to the society for organising such a successful day. The society is currently looking for a new secretary if anyone is interested, please do get in touch with them. Thanks go to retiring Secretary Andrew Best who has served the society and the grassland industry well for many years.

Who are your Regional Representatives for 2025?

The following members were elected to Head Office committees. Remember, they are here to represent your views so make sure to use them. You will find their details, and any additional co-options, in your Regional handbook when it arrives.

Regional Chair: Stewart Wyllie

Combinable Crops: Timothy Hamilton (Wigtown branch)

Environment & Land Use (ELU): John Locke (Stewartry)

Legal & Technical: David Butler (Langholm)

Livestock: Robin Spence (Dumfries) and Hamish Waugh (Langholm)

Less Favoured Area (LFA): Lorraine Luescher (Langholm)

National Park

The consultation officially closed on 14 February. We would like to thank all members who responded to our surveys and the formal consultations, lobbied their MSPs, attended meetings and represented NFU Scotland at some of those many meetings. In the last weeks before closing, Regional Chair Stewart Wyllie met the First Minister and the DG Executive Committee, and Policy Manager Sarah Cowie met with NatureScot to once again, relayed concerns. NatureScot are expected to submit their report to Scottish Government by the end April or early May.

Milk: Rory Christie and Colin Ferguson (Wigtown)

Next Generation: John McCulloch (Stewartry)

Pig: Gregor Christie (Wigtown)

Poultry: James Baxter (Wigtown)

30 years service Margaret reflects on

SHETLAND

NREGIONAL POLICY ADVISOR

Lee Smith

07554 741 030 lee.smith@nfus.org.uk

FU Scotland recently acknowledged 30 years of service from Shetland’s longstanding Group Secretary, Margaret Farquhar.

Margaret started as Group Secretary for NFU Scotland Shetland Area in November 1994, taking over from her predecessor Iris Sinclair.

The post was a full-time position in partnership with NFU Mutual, in an offi ce at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre. Margaret was excited and eager to get started, however, that excitement soon subsided when she arrived at her new offi ce to fi nd there was no furniture. NFU Mutual had mistakenly sent the offi ce furniture to the other end of the country which

fi nally turned up in Penzance!

From the Toll Clock Shopping Centre Margaret moved to her new premises at the North Ness Business Park in 2006 – where you can fi nd the offi ce today.

Margaret has enjoyed her job working for NFU Scotland, “I have worked with so many kind and capable people and have many fond memories. I have assisted members through national outbreaks such as BSE, Foot & Mouth and on a local level, many consultations on Less Favoured Areas Support, Animal

Transport and issues aff ecting Shetland Agriculture”, she recalls.

Members commented on Margaret’s time in NFU Scotland, saying she is a friendly face in the local offi ce who always fi ghts for Shetland and has the members’ interests at heart.

Margaret plans to hang up her NFU Scotland and Mutual jacket in June when she plans to retire. Shetland is excited to see what she does next but will be very sad to lose an amazing lady who has fought Shetland’s corner and has a wealth of knowledge and experience unique to our Island.

Regional ACTIVITY

NORTH EAST

REGIONAL MANAGER

Lorna Paterson

07786 860 453

lorna.paterson@nfus.org.uk

Hustings

Members enjoyed a wellattended Hustings in mid-January, with all fi ve candidates showcasing their very best. Challenging questions from the fl oor were well received, with Regional Chair, Kevin Gilbert managing the situation timelessly.

Recruitment is a key role for all of us currently, and Dee Don Branch were delighted to join up Anthony de Winton from Aboyne in January. I had previously frequently spoken with Anthony, but it is the positive impact made by Chair Andy Smith and other members like Davie Winton who really persuade new recruits. This makes our Group Secretaries role so much easier and rewarding. Welcome to Anthonywe hope NFU Scotland will benefi t from enjoying his talented involvement in the region’s future events.

CEO John Davidson, Andrew Connon and Livestock Chair Hugh Fraser,

Policy Manager Lisa Hislop and myself enjoyed a very interesting discussion on the future of the Scottish Livestock sector. We fully recognise the need to work collaboratively with industry partners and try hard to halt the decline in breeding stock numbers.

Livestock Health Scotland’s Chair, Nigel Miller met up with local members who are participating in the Clipfi tter

lamb castration project. Members are keen to trial this equipment as a potential alternative to eff ectively castrate young lambs painlessly and eff ectively in advance of the potential rubber ring ban.

We have had great support for the recent Tractor Rally (part of the UK wide day of action). Our messages were heavily supported by local design and printing company: Minto Branding (Inverurie) who generously off ered to produce tractor boards for us at cost price. Louise Alexander has been ultra helpful and adds value to our social media posts too. Thank you to Bob, Louise, Gary and all Minto staff.

The end of an Era

In Highland Region we are in a process of change within our Group Secretaries and NFU Mutual Agents the latest change has seen the retirement of Elgin Senior Agent Murray White. As most of you will be aware local Branch Secretary and NFU Mutual Agent Murray White retired at the end of last year after more than 42 years in the role.

Murray started in the Dingwall office in July 1982 covering the areas of Ross-shire and Inverness-shire. Then, in October 1998, Murray moved to become Senior Agent in the Elgin office. The Inverness branch followed Murray to Elgin to join with the Moray, Nairn and Strathspey branches (later amalgamated to form the current MINS branch).

To mark Murray’s retirement, we held a relaxed lunch at Highland Rugby club in Inverness where 90 members, customers and friends of Murray enjoyed the food, drink and company on what was an excellent afternoon. Murray was given a presentation of a voucher towards getting an original commissioned painting of a subject of his choice, to be done by local talented artist Carolyn Milne of Kennieshillock farm.

Colin Manson made a short address that summarised Murray’s personality and his standing within the farming community where he is viewed as a great friend, as well as a highly knowledgeable representative of NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual. It was delivered in Colin’s usual outstanding manner with all listening intently. Murray thanked everyone for coming along and hoped they were enjoying the day as much as he was.

Thanks to Highland Rugby club for the use of the clubs’ facilities and to Highland and Ross Sutherland Rugby clubs for putting on an excellent game of rugby for those there to watch.

As always anything that you think NFU Scotland can be of assistance to you please get in touch.

Regional ACTIVITY

ARGYLL

AND ISLANDS

FREGIONAL MANAGER

Lucy Sumsion

07787 434 104 lucy.sumsion@nfus.org.uk

ollowing a successful AGM held in early January the Argyll and the Islands Regional Board appointed a new Regional Board Chair. After fi ve years in post, Duncan Macalister (Kintyre) stepped down and Sybil MacPherson (Lorn) was elected as the new Chair. Sybil took the opportunity at the AGM to thank Duncan for all that he has done for the region during his time on the Board and presented him with gifts to mark their appreciation.

The Regional Board for 2025 is made up of the following members.

David Colthart – Lorn

AIastair Dixon – Mid-Argyll

David Henderson – Arran

Robert Kennedy – Bute

Stuart Lamont – Islay, Jura & Colonsay

John MacAulay – Lochaber & Sunart

Angus John MacKechnie – Tiree

Sybil MacPherson (Chair) – Lorn

Dan MacRae – Cowal

Andrew Millar – Kintyre

Claire Simonetta – Mull

Argyll & the Islands Regional Board 2025

Argyll & the Islands Stalwart Award 2025

Also, at the AGM in January there was a double celebration and congratulations to NFU Scotland Argyll & the Islands Group Secretary, Euan Warnock.

Euan received gifts and a certificate from NFU Scotland CEO John Davidson for 30 years’ service with NFUS. In addition, and in recognition of the huge contribution that he has made to the Union and the wider agricultural industry in Argyll during that time, Euan was awarded the Argyll & the Islands Stalwart Award (awarded in memory of Mull farmers Bert Leitch & Lachlan MacLean).

Arran Young Farmers Club

With the launch of our NFUS SAYFC membership category, we are delighted to see the successful re-launch of the Arran Yong Farmers Club. First launched in 1945, the club has been inactive for a few years but has recently seen renewed activity. Their first event in 2025 was a very successful Car Treasure Hunt, which saw almost 70 people across 16 cars take part. This was followed by their AGM, which had 28 members in attendance, with eight sending their apologies - a strong start to the year ahead! Good luck to all from NFU Scotland.

All members of SAYFC can sign up for NFUS SAYFC membership and benefi t from all the discounts and resources NFUS offers. Hopefully all those in the region take this offer up. For more information visit www.joinnfus.org.uk/sayfc-members/

Who’s my representative?

Regional Board

FREGIONAL MANAGER

Kate Maitland

07919 001 23 kate.maitland@nfus.org.uk

ollowing on from the recent AGM of the East Central Regional Board, your representatives at national level for the coming year have been appointed. They are there to represent you and your region, so make sure you use them.

Robert Bell from West Fife and Kinross Branch remained in post as Chair. Val Smith from Perth Branch was appointed as Vice-Chair. Many thanks to Ian Sands from the Perth Branch, who stood down as ViceChair, your support has been really appreciated.

Chair:

Robert Bell, West Fife and Kinross Vice-Chair: Val Smith, Perth Branch

Committee/ Working Group members

Livestock: John Ritchie, Crieff Branch

Milk: To be appointed

Environmental and Land Use: Ian Sands, Perth Branch

Legal and Technical: Hamish Coutts, Perth Branch

LFA: Finlay McIntyre, Highland Perthshire Branch

Combinable Crops: Amy Geddes, Angus Branch

Dave Bell, North East Fife Branch

Poultry Committee: Robert Thompson, Angus Branch

Potatoes:

Andrew Gray, Angus Branch

John McLaren, Crieff Branch

Soft Fruit and Field Veg: Peter Thomson, Blairgowrie Branch

Martin Cessford, Angus Branch

James Porter, Angus Branch

Mike McLaren, Blairgowrie Branch

Jen Marshall, Blairgowrie Branch

Ian Brown North East Fife

Next Generation: Holly Hume, Angus Branch

Make woodlands work for you

Fight against food poverty

NFU Mutual hails the work of FareShare, who are supported by Southern England Farms

MWost farmers will know the value of their land whether they are grazing stock or growing crops.

hile many people look forward to traditional festive fare at this time of year, others are unable to afford even the most basic food for themselves, and their families.

But when it comes to woodland and forestry it can be harder to calculate potential profits.

But that’s where timber harvesting and forestry management specialist Agriforest can help. By taking on your woodland management projects the company claims it can help you reap huge rewards from your woodland.

“It’s not all about cutting down trees and selling timber,” says Agriforest managing director, Douglas Mathison. “Making sure that you apply the correct management for your woodland is crucial. There are a lot of issues to consider when taking on this kind of project.”

Woodlands often lack a diversity of structure, and don’t provide the vital deadwood and open spaces that wildlife needs. Deer and other mammals can have a severe negative impact as can the presence of pests and invasive species such as rhododendron.

Additionally, the increasing change in our climate makes it difficult for trees to adapt to altering rainfall levels and temperature fluctuations.

Severe weather events such as storms, droughts and wildfire, put additional pressure on woodlands.

This is why our NFU Mutual Charitable Trust – which exists to promote and support charities working in agriculture,

But a well-planned approach to managing woodland allows you to identify the threats while considering what objectives to prioritise – such as timber production, supporting biodiversity or recreation. This allows you to develop a course of action that best supports your objectives and ensures your woodland continues to deliver important ecosystem services.

As farmers know all too well, this surplus food will often end up getting ploughed back into the ground, used for animal feed or sent to landfill.

It was to offer customers the best solutions for managing their woodlands that Mathison set up Agriforest in 2016. Today, it is an independent company specialising in timber harvesting and forest management on farms and estates and offering a range of services to help customers get the best from their woodland resources.

“We can show you how thinning can help achieve a better final crop,” says Mathison, “or why clear felling is necessary when trees are at the end of their growing cycle. I believe we can offer the best solutions for all your woodland needs.”

so wholeheartedly and supports their customers who wish to participate in ‘Surplus with Purpose’ too.”

We at NFU Mutual applaud Jane and all the team at Southern England Farms for their outstanding efforts in supporting the work FareShare does to alleviate food poverty in our communities.

Agriforest boasts a team of experts with over 100 years of experience between them, a fleet of eight top-ofthe-range harvesting machines and currently harvests over 50k tonnes of timber every year and plants more than 280k trees too.

But there are other benefits to managing your woodlands.

We’re proud to support FareShare –and we praise all farms and rural businesses who participate in the Surplus with Purpose scheme.

“Most people are simply unaware of the true financial benefits that effective woodland management offers,” says Mathison. “We help by providing a management plan that creates a structured environmental and financial solution.”

For more information about FareShare’s Surplus with Purpose scheme, and how you can participate, visit www. fareshare.org

FSC and PEFC certification means the company can sell timber to any market and get the best price for its customers – all based on a “no upfront fees” policy which, says Mathison, is unique within the market.

Jane Richards, of Southern England Farms in Cornwall

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