Farmers Guardian 10th January 2025

Family farm tax LATEST

Farmers plan further action in protest over Inheritance Tax changes

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LAMMA showcases the latest innovations and developments. See p56-58.

Welcome from the editor

Fire and determination burns bright over family farm tax

THE flames from thousands of ‘beacons of light’ which burned bright on farms over the New Year may have gone out, but the heat is still on the Government to amend its damaging family farm tax proposals.

With more protests planned across the country, including one at the Oxford Farming Conference this week, farming’s fightback continues with zeal and determination.

In an emotive illustration of what the changes to Inheritance Tax will mean for the next generation, children delivered handwritten letters to No.10 Downing Street last week, in the hope both the Prime Minister and his neighbour the Chancellor will study them closely and take note.

It is this dignified pressure which not only keeps up the momentum around farming’s plight, but also, importantly, keeps the public on side.

Failing a complete U-turn, it is hoped that maintaining the pressure will see the

DON’T MISS

Government revise or at least adjust its policy in some way.

This would save the Government the embarrassment of holding up its hands and admitting it had got it completely wrong, while demonstrating that it is listening to the valid concerns of businesses and is true to its claim that it wants to see agriculture thrive in the future.

Should the Government continue to dig in its heels, the calls from businesses across the food and farming supply chain will only get louder and louder. Thousands of industries rely on a profitable UK farming sector and this policy is already having an effect on them.

Nevertheless, we fight on and where better to show the Government just how vital our industry is than at the LAMMA Show – where the best in machinery and technology and the agricultural industry come together.

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OUR new Eye on the Grain Market page (p25) will provide a weekly update on the factors impacting the grain and oilseeds trade, written by industry analysts. It will discuss the trends and headwinds both here in the UK and around the world, helping to keep you informed and to make the best decisions for your business.

Government Ministers must be made aware of the wider impact their actions have on the rural and national economy and you can be sure we will be highlighting this to politicians who come through the doors of the NEC (January 15-16) as part of our Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign. We hope to see you in Birmingham.

Olivia Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com

Farmers have set out their next steps in fighting the family farm tax, as Defra Secretary Steve Reed addressed the Oxford Farming Conference. Jane Thynne reports.

Protests loom as Reed unveils longterm farming vision

l Community standing in solidarity

A GROUP of local farmers challenged Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed to ‘come out and talk to real farmers’ ahead of his speech at this week’s Oxford Farming Conference.

The Minister was due to use his appearance at the industry event to outline the Government’s longterm vision for farming, promising to put more money back into the pockets of British farmers.

However, Mr Reed was also due to be met by members of the farming community who were ‘standing in solidarity’ to overturn Labour’s family farm tax.

A spokesperson for the Oxfordshire group said: “We have a clear message for Steve Reed – ‘come out and talk to us’.

Mr Reed was expected to set out

FARMERS fighting to overturn the family farm tax are to take their message directly to shoppers by staging events at supermarkets across the UK.

Theactionisscheduledtotake placeonFriday,January17,anditis hopedmanyfarmerswilltakepart, withtheaimoflettingthepublicknow justhowtheAutumnBudgetwill impactfoodproduction.

JointorganiserSimonOrson, chairofMidlandsFarmers,said: “WewanttoshowtheGovernment wearemobilisedandorganised.We hopetoputtractorsatthefrontdoor ofsupermarketsandeducatethegood peopleofEngland,WalesandScotland astowheretheirfoodcomesfrom.

“We just want Government to know that we will not give up – it is about getting MPs to change their minds. By heading to supermarkets

a raft of reforms which Labour said would boost profitability and drive economic growth across the sector. These included a pledge to back British produce by monitoring food currently bought in the public sector and where it is bought from.

First step

According to Defra, this was a ‘significant first step’ to deliver on a manifesto pledge and make it easier for British farmers to win a share of the £5 billion spent each year on public sector catering contracts. Alongside this was the commitment to introduce planning reform to make it quicker for farmers to build buildings, barns and other infrastructure; support farmers wanting to diversify into selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid; and create a fairer supply chain to boost profitability with new rules coming for

we can educate those in towns and cities – where Labour is strongest –about what is going on.

“WewantaU-turn;simpleasthat. Thisisthestartoffarmersramping upaction.”

Theplannedaction,whichisbeing

We want a U-turn; simple as that. This is the start of farmers ramping up action

the pig sector this spring ensuring contracts clearly set out expectations, and changes can only be made if agreed by all parties.

The Government said ‘similar regulations’ for the egg and fresh produce sectors would follow, and it vowed to better defend farmers in trade deals by ‘upholding and protecting our high environmental and animal welfare standards’.

Mr Reed was expected to say: “The primary purpose of farming has – and always will be – to produce the food which feeds the nation.

“Too many policymakers in Whitehall lose sight of that fact. This Government is putting food production firmly back on the agenda.”

The Defra Secretary was also expected to express his desire to work in ‘partnership’ with the industry to achieve Defra’s vision for the farming sector.

co-ordinatedbythegroupswhich stagedeventsinLondon,North YorkshireandWales,isthelatestevent infarmers’fighttoreversethechanges toInheritanceTax,Agriculturaland BusinessPropertyReliefannounced byChancellorRachelReevesinthe AutumnBudget.

Whiletheyarekeentoclarifythisis notablockadeofretailstores,farmers areurgedtodrivetheirtractors, displaybannersandtointeractwith shoppersina‘non-disruptiveway’. Thislatestcampaignfollowsa slowdrivethroughBeverleyinEast Yorkshirethisweekascouncillors preparedtodebatetheBudgetchanges. AngusGowthorpe,aregenerative farmerfromtheValeofYorkwholed theevent,saidthedemonstration aimedtokeeptheissuesfacing farmersattheforefrontofthe politicalagenda.

Supermarkets targeted in latest round of family farm tax protests

CHILDREN from farming backgrounds have delivered more than 100 letters to Sir Keir Starmer in a bid to make him realise how the family farm tax could take away the ‘dreams and aspirations’ of young farmers to join the sector in the future. The letters and pictures, written and drawn by children ranging from two to 13 years old, were handed to the Prime Minister’s office at Number 10 Downing Street on Thursday (January 2).

Children had written letters and drawn pictures to document their worries about the family farm tax on the future of British farming, and what it could mean to them if they could no longer farm the land as previous generations have done before them.

Save British Farming founder Liz Webster said she was proud to take part on the day and see the future of farming in action, but added it was ‘important’ for farmers to keep up campaigning while keeping the public on side.

Ms Webster said: “It is about positive campaigning and I have been in tears so far by the overwhelming responses from the public. But campaigning is an art and we must not alienate the public with our actions.”

Simon Broad, a beef and sheep farmer from Penshurst in Kent, who came up with the initiative, said it was great to get children’s opinions on the future of British farming. He said: “I never imagined how much sadness the Autumn Budget has caused to young children because they might not be able to become farmers if their families have to sell land to pay a tax bill.”

LISTEN TO THE FG PODCAST

IN this week’s Farmers Guardian podcast, online editor Emily Ashworth visits Myerscough College to talk to agriculture students about the implications of Inheritance Tax on their future. Scan the QR code or go to farmersguardian.com/podcasts

Nationwide day of action planned

FARMERS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have announced plans for a nationwide day of action this month to maintain pressure on Labour to reverse the family farm tax.

The NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and UFU have announced they will participate in a national protest on January 25 to highlight the ‘damage’ of Chancellor Rachel

Reeves’ proposed changes to Inheritance Tax, which could pose a ‘threat’ to the viability of family farms across the UK.

‘We will not give up’

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “There is too much at risk –our families, our future, our heritage and the undermining of the very sector that produces a safe,

secure supply of British food.

Farmers have not taken this destructive policy lying down and we will not give up.

“This date will give everyone that wants to an opportunity to support family farms from right across the UK, to show unity and strength, and for farmers and growers to speak as one in our call for Government to stop the family farm tax.”

● TFA says approach not ‘good government’

By Rachael Brown

TREASURY Ministers have been accused by the Tenants Farmers Association (TFA) of ‘political stonewalling’ on amendments to proposed changes on Inheritance Tax.

Since the Government’s Budget announcement in October, the TFA said it had been in ‘ongoing and detailed discussions’ with the Treasury, HMRC and Defra officials.

But the TFA said it was only allowed one ‘short’ meeting with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, with the Chancellor herself ‘nowhere to be seen’.

Just before the end of last year, the TFA received communication from the Treasury, which said the department had ‘been listening’. But the TFA was told there was ‘nothing more’ it could say on the issue, and it was down to the Ministers to decide whether they wished to ‘amend the policy’.

In the past few days, the TFA confirmed it had received an update from the Office of the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, which said it understood the ‘very strong feelings’ on the subject, but that the Government ‘continued to believe’ the new approach got the ‘balance right’ between supporting farms and fixing public finances in a ‘fair way’.

Leadership

TFA chief executive George Dunn said the industry was at the stage where everything that could be said had been said, and that Ministers must show the ‘necessary leadership’ in taking the next steps.

“Such stonewalling is not a good way to conduct government. Good government is about understand-

Treasury accused of ‘political stonewalling’

ing legitimate concerns and finessing policies accordingly. The stubborn refusal against making any changes will be a detriment to us all,” Mr Dunn said.

The TFA has suggested a series of technical issues that must be addressed in the consultation, including understanding the right level of APR/BPR threshold; whether the threshold should be transferable between spouses and civil partners; changes to the taper on the IHT residence nil rate band on estates valued at more than £2 million; a provision allowing exempt transfers on shorter timeframes for older individuals; and whether

landlords letting tenancies of 10 years or more should have access to a higher zero-rate band.

Strong feelings

A spokesperson for HM Treasury said: “We recognise the strong feelings on this policy, and we have held meetings with leading stakeholders – including the Tenant

Farmers Association – to discuss its impacts.

“Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast and our Plan for Change will protect food security and grow the rural economy. Around 500 estates a year will be affected by APR and BPR changes, and we remain committed to fully implementing the reforms.”

More farmers than forecast will face IHT due to inflation

INFLATION and frozen reliefs mean 19% more farmers than forecast will face Inheritance Tax (IHT) charges in the first decade of the new proposed legislation, according to the latest calculations by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

* DIVORCE & SEPARATION

The CAAV said the Government had not only ‘underestimated the number of farmers who would be immediately affected by a factor of five’ – by overlooking the number of claims only made under Business Property Relief (BPR) and the true value of those claims – but an extra ‘19%’ would be caught by the charges, as inflation ‘eroded the reliefs’.

CAAV secretary and adviser Jeremy Moody said: “Our calculations point to the first decade of the proposed policy ending with 89,500 farming taxpayers liable for

Inheritance Tax on their farm assets.

“The first 10 years alone would add some 14,500 (19%) to the CAAV’s assessment of 75,000 affected farming taxpayers over a generation – simply because of inflation – if there is no policy change. More would follow as each year goes by.”

Mr Moody said the main IHT relief for all taxpayers, the nil rate band, had been frozen at £325,000 since 2009, and the Budget now froze it to 2030, which he said gave no confidence that the £1 million full relief for APR and BPR would be ‘protected’ against inflation.

He said when full APR and BPR were introduced in 1992, the nil rate band of £140,000 was worth 56 acres of typical farmland. The £325,000, frozen since 2009, is now worth 29 acres.

Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn accused the Treasury of a ‘stubborn refusal’ to change.

● Former NFU dairy chair receives MBE

By Chris Brayford

FORMER NFU dairy board chair

Michael Oakes has been named as the recipient of an MBE for his services to dairy farming in Britain.

Having served two years as vicechair of the NFU’s dairy board and eight as chair, Mr Oakes has been a long-term advocate for dairy farmers and has worked hard to ensure the sector has a strong, resilient future.

Driving force

Paul Tompkins, current NFU dairy board chair, said: “As chair of the NFU dairy board for eight years, Michael was a key driving force behind a number of high-profile issues, none more so than helping to get legislation laid in Parliament to ensure fair and transparent contracts for all UK dairy farmers.

“Michael also worked tirelessly on the dairy roadmap, helped set up the dairy export taskforce, fought for support funding for dairy producers during Covid

Farmers named in New Year Honours List

and has always been instrumental in raising awareness of mental health throughout the farming industry.”

Duncan Farrington, farmer and founder of Farrington Oils, was also awarded an MBE for services to agriculture and the food and drink industry, while Julian Sayers, director at Adkin, was awarded an MBE for services to agriculture.

Prof Gerard Saddler, head of

Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland, was also awarded an MBE for services to Scottish plant health and biosecurity.

Other figures

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Other industry figures to have received honours include Dr Amanda Carson, former veterinary lead small ruminant expert group at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, who was awarded an MBE for services to farming and the protection of rare breeds, and Barbara Gardner, founder and chief executive of the Animals Interfaith Alliance and trustee and treasurer of the RSPCA, for services to animal welfare.

Timothy Porter, former chair of veterinary charity Blue Cross, was also awarded an OBE for services to animal welfare.

a whole world

Michael Oakes

Britain’s farmers contend with treacherous weather

l Farmers face snowfall and flooding

By Chris Brayford

ADVERSE weather conditions across the UK have led to farmers being placed on the front lines of emergency rescue missions to support their communities after temperatures dropped to as low as -13degC.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said hail, sleet, snow showers and heavy rainfall had affected farmers and communities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Environment Agency alone issued 164 flood warnings and 154 flood alerts between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

On Monday (January 6), the Government declared ‘major incidents’ in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire after severe flooding led to the rescue of over 100 people, and North Yorkshire Police confirmed a man’s body had been recovered from an area of flooding on the same day.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service managed to save about 20 sheep after there was a ‘real and immediate

risk’ that rising floodwater could drown a farmer’s livestock in Mickle Trafford.

NFU North East member Patrick Sleigh, a potato and cereals farmer from West Fingask, Aberdeenshire, said the past few days had been a reminder of what winters used to be.

He added: “We have had several

New BVD measures ‘crucial’ for Northern Ireland livestock farmers

THE new BVD measures introduced by Daera Minister Andrew Muir have been described by Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) as a ‘crucial’ development that will support the Northern Ireland livestock industry to eradicate the disease.

From February 1, 2025, herd level movement restrictions will be applied to herds containing animals that have a positive or inconclusive BVD test result in a phased approach, with ‘grace periods’ available for the first 12 months.

UFU said restrictions could be avoided if prompt action was taken by farmers to remove or retest the positive or inconclusive animals within these ‘grace periods’.

Movement restrictions will also be applied to herds with animals of unknown BVD status from June 1, 2025. UFU said this would be introduced in three stages, with the threshold number of unknown status animals reducing over a

16-month period. It said farmers who were compliant with the testing requirements of existing legislation would not be impacted.

Cattle born before March 1, 2026, will also now need to be tested for BVD if they do not have a negative or indirect negative BVD status. From February 1 next year, additional movement restrictions will be placed on all breeding age females within herds containing animals that test positive for BVD.

Reducing risk

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “Swift identification and removal of persistently infected cattle is key to eradicating BVD and it is positive to see this being reflected within the legislation. The new measures announced by the Daera Minister will help us to quickly remove infected animals, reducing the risk of further transmission.”

days of hard frost and the stubble is struggling to show. What this weather does show is the challenges shoppers face and how many more food miles are piled on now people have to rely on supermarkets in big towns and not their local suppliers.”

Toll on health

During a debate in the House of Commons earlier this week, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson said dealing with the ‘trauma’ of flooding had placed a ‘huge’ toll on farmers’ health, and urged for the Government to provide practical support as soon as possible.

Aberdeenshire Council thanked

AHDB

Temperatures dropped to as low as -13degC in some areas this week.

farmers for their efforts in helping to clear roads to ensure people could get to work and shops, and live their busy daily lives.

Dr Kathy Owen, founder of Fairfield Community Farm near Ruskington, Lincolnshire, said the business had struggled to stay afloat after sustaining its second flood event within the space of 15 months.

Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Water and Flooding, said farmers had done a great job in supporting communities at risk of flooding, and added the new Flood Resilience Taskforce would ‘strengthen’ resilience in the face of floods.

and Leaf look to bridge

education gap

AHDB has collaborated with Leaf to design a suite of educational resources to be used in school to help showcase the direct links in the curriculum with food, farming and sustainability.

Two versions of the resources have been created: one set to be used by A-Level teachers to aid with curriculum links in schools, and the other for farmers engaging young people in ‘hands-on learning experiences on farm visits’.

Elsa Healey, AHDB senior education manager, said the curriculum linked materials aimed to address

‘misconceptions about the agricultural sector and showcase its positive environmental impact, innovation and relevance to key societal challenges’.

Carl Edwards, Leaf director of education and public engagement, said the partnership would enable the next generation to learn more about agriculture, which their own research found many were rarely given the opportunity to do.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more at countrysideclassroom.org.uk

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

According to NFU Mutual, livestock worrying in 2024 alone cost farmers £2.4 million.

Newspaper slammed for ‘reckless’ video

● Clip shared of dog chasing cows

By Chris Brayford

A VIDEO of a livestock worrying incident has been denounced as ‘reckless’ by the farming community for influencing negative attitudes towards the crime.

On New Year’s Day, British tabloid newspaper The Sun published a video which made light of the owner’s inability to control her dog which was chasing and scaring a herd of cows while off-lead.

The video, titled ‘Woman hilariously freaks out as her dog chases herd of cows’, has since gained more than 400,000 views and over 4,000

Take the Lead signs

FREE signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian’s Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.

To request yours, send a stamped, self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4 Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ

comments from disgruntled viewers and readers who have since called out the incident as ‘irresponsible’.

In 2024 alone, livestock worrying had a profound impact on farmers and their businesses with a £2.4 million bill, according to NFU Mutual.

Countless incidents last year, highlighted in coverage by Farmers Guardian, included crimes which led to the death of livestock and damage to businesses which could have been avoided had the owner placed their pets on a lead.

‘Sickened’

Cheshire farmer Phil Latham said he was left ‘sickened’ after 18 calves were savaged in a pen by dogs which were out of control last year.

The response to The Sun’s video has led to widespread criticism from the public and farmers alike.

Patrick Bradbury, a farmer from the Isle of Axholme in Lincolnshire, said he was ‘hurt and angered’ by the video making light of incidents after being a victim himself just a few weeks prior to its publication.

He said an out-of-control dog attack left a pregnant ewe with severe facial injuries which led to its untimely death.

Others on social media were also quick to condemn the post, calling it ‘highly irresponsible and dangerous’ to have a dog out of control and chasing livestock.

The Sun amended its post and headline following complaints from Farmers Guardian.

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● Hilda has been bred to produce less methane

By Chris Brayford

A RESEARCH institute has successfully pioneered a project which could see the birth of dairy cattle which emit less methane into the atmosphere.

After controversy surrounding Arla’s announcement last month that it would add feed additive Bovaer into its farming practices to reduce the level of methane produced by livestock, SRUC said the birth of a calf, named Hilda, through IVF, could be a ‘hugely significant moment’ for the UK dairy industry.

Earlier this month, Hilda was born as part of the Dumfries-based Langhill herd, established in the 1970s, and the Cool Cows project, which has genetically selected cattle that can produce less methane through conventional breeding techniques.

Emissions

Using Government figures, AHDB said agriculture in the UK accounted for 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions – 62% of which is produced by livestock, 28% via nutrient management and 10% agricultural fuel use – which equates to around 46.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2019).

Rob Simmons, project lead and lead vet at Paragon Veterinary Group, said the creation of Hilda could provide consumers with ‘nutritious food’ while controlling the impact of methane emissions on the environment in the future.

Calf born to reduce emissions could be ‘significant’ for dairy

Professor Mike Coffey, also of SRUC, said the process was set to be repeated in the future, which meant researchers could double the rate of genetic gain and thereby accelerate the accumulation of data to breed more efficient dairy cows.

“This is the first calf that has been born and bred expressly for reducing methane emissions in dairy cows,” he added.

“It will give farmers the tools to respond to the signals sent by consumers and Government that they want more greener produce.”

Mr Coffey also said genetic improvement was ‘permanent and cumulative’, and added Hilda would be the first in the line of ‘improved calves’ which would be ‘much better’ at producing food with less methane.

Damaging

However, Dumfries and Galloway sheep farmer Conny Gilmour said it was wrong to ‘push the narrative’ that cows are the problem for the environment when there are many other activities which have ‘damaging effects’ on the environment.

Charles Ellett, a dairy manager from Castle Douglas, said it was how the cow was reared and what it was fed which was the main problem, and that a system of ‘sustainable, high-welfare dairy farming’ should be the starting point for farmers to reduce the industry’s greenhouse emissions.

French farmers attempt to restart protests

FRENCH farmers have headed to the capital in protest against the EU-Mercosur deal and for better conditions for farmers.

However, those travelling into Paris in tractors on January 5 were met with road blocks by police and were unable to enter the city. Farmers had also attempted to enter Lyon.

Rural Coordination, the country’s

second largest farmers’ union, shared images of farmers in the capital on January 6, posing in front of the Eiffel Tower with signs and placards.

Anger

The signing of the Mercosur deal has caused anger throughout French agriculture, with the deal being signed despite French opposition.

The union said a January 13 meet-

ing with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was too far off and it wanted its demands to be heard.

On X (formerly Twitter), the group said several members had been arrested.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said on TF1 television on Monday that she understood their concerns but farmers must not block Paris.

Applications for RABI’s winter fuel grant to open soon

THE rural mental health charity RABI is offering a £400 grant to those who are eligible to help with fuel costs over winter.

Due to the popularity of the grant in previous years, RABI encourages individuals who are eligible to apply as soon as possible, as there will be limited grants available.

The grant is open to working and non-working farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and applicants must not currently be a full or association RABI beneficiary, or in receipt of regular grants or other discretionary payments.

Once all the grants have been al-

located, RABI will close the application portal.

MORE INFORMATION Applications will open from 9am on January 27. RABI urges those who are interested to check the financial eligibility criteria online before applying by visiting rabi.org.uk/winterfuel

Muller and Dairy UK join forces

MULLER UK and Ireland has joined the processor-led organisation Dairy UK, as it targets ‘further industry collaboration’.

The two organisations hope to foster ‘greater leadership’ across the British dairy sector.

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said she was delighted by the news, which marked a ‘significant step forward’ for the industry.

“This reflects the value of collective action in addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the UK dairy sector today.”

Better future

Rob Hutchison, chief executive of Muller Milk and Ingredients, said: “Our purpose is to deliver a better future for the British dairy industry and, where possible, we want to come together as an industry to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”

He added the whole supply chain benefited from the promotion of British dairy products both at home and on the international stage, and that ensuring sustainability continued to be at the ‘heart of the sector’.

Hilda was born as part of the Dumfries-based Langhill herd and the Cool Cows project.

Defra to repeal cut-off for rights of way recording

l Move a ‘blow’

to farmers, CLA argues

By Chris Brayford

SCRAPPING the 2031 cut-off date for adding unrecorded rights of way has been described as an ‘attack on the countryside’ by farmers and landowners.

Defra has announced it will repeal the 2031 cut-off date for recording historic rights of way brought in by the Conservative Government in May 2023, after arguing that local authorities have struggled under the ‘burden’ of recording historic rights of way in the definitive map.

Labour said the move has been made in order to ‘save’ nature and the environment, while ‘boosting’ mental health and well-being with greater access to the countryside.

The CLA argued the move was a ‘blow’ to farmers and land managers because the decision had been made without engaging with those who would be affected, inflicting ‘significant uncertainty’ on the sector.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said that public access needed to be balanced with productive farming, and added that farmers had continued to receive applications for historic rights of way to be added to the definitive map.

“This current plan simply perpetuates an outdated focus on routes that have not been used for centuries,” Mr Exwood said.

“Instead, the focus should be on a network fit for the future that encourages responsible use, re -

spects working farmland and promotes safety in accordance with the Countryside Code.”

Consequential

Peak District farmer Nicola Naylor, of Blackshaw Farm in Glossop, said the measure to extend the countryside to the public could be ‘hugely consequential’ for businesses financially and emotionally.

“We already receive a torrent of abuse from the public who think they can do as they please in the countryside, while completely ignoring the Countryside Code,” Ms Naylor added.

“The public never stick to paths and are a danger to themselves by

Defra has announced it will repeal the 2031 cut-off date for recording historic rights of way brought in by the Conservative Government in May 2023.

leaving waste and entering fields with dangerous livestock.”

She added it had affected her mental health as farmers always seemed to be ‘the ones to blame’.

Defra Secretary Steve Reed said Labour would save 40,000 miles of footpaths and historic rights of way from Conservative plans to ‘scrap them’.

While Baroness Hayman, Defra’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary, said the Government’s move to reverse the decision meant paths would no longer be ‘lost’ to the public, and added that creating nine new river walks and three National Forests would see ‘decades of renewal’ which could allow ‘millions’ to enjoy nature.

This current plan simply perpetuates an outdated focus on routes that have not been used for centuries

DAVID EXWOOD

Government challenged on rural deprivation

CONCERNS of a growing divide between urban and rural area support have been raised following the publication of a recent Government funding paper. After conducting its initial analysis of the provisional local Government finance settlement, the Rural Services Network (RSN) said it had been disappointed to discover that many rural authorities saw no increase to their core spending power, contrasting sharply with the substantial increases experienced by many urban metropolitan areas – some of which saw increases of almost 10%.

Specifically, urban areas benefited from 36% more funding, while rural residents paid 20% more in Council Tax per head. This year’s figures are expected to further highlight these disparities.

Neglect

Kerry Booth, chief executive of the RSN, said: “This year’s finance settlement not only continues to neglect these areas, but also sets a precarious path towards diminishing local services, which are essential for our rural populations.

“While we strive for fairness in funding allocations, our advocacy is firmly rooted in ensuring that rural areas are not overlooked.”

The RSN is calling for immediate action to address these imbalances and has said the Government’s financial approach not only overlooks the hidden deprivation faced by our rural communities, but also threatens their economic potential.

“The current funding models need urgent reform to prevent further deepening of rural deprivation,” Ms Booth said.

“It is crucial for the vitality of England’s rural communities that we achieve a funding system [whereby] rural areas receive the resources they need to provide the essential services their residents deserve.”

A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson denied rural areas would lose out and said: “Places with a significant rural population will see on average around a 5% increase in their funding and we are making new funding available to rural areas to better support them.”

Volunteers for social care farms

FARM Buddies is urgently seeking part-time volunteers to become area farm co-ordinators across England as the number of social care farms offering a therapeutic service continues to expand nationwide.

This is an exciting time and opportunity, using an innovative, sustainable, low-input model, to be instrumental in connecting up these farms.

From our experience in the South, we know there are now an average of more than 15 social care farming enterprises in each county in England; Kent alone has 30. Through pioneering regional work across six counties in the South East since 2022, we have confirmed the benefits of these enterprises, meeting in-person

Social media reactions

READERS had their say after letters from farming children detailing their concerns about the future were delivered to the Prime Minister:

■ “Theseven-yeargiftingroutecan onlybedescribedasRussianroulette. Peoplethinktheyhaveplentyoftime. Sevenyearsisalongtime.Iwould neverhaveexpectedformyfatherto passawaysevenyearsbeforehedid. Andsadlymanydiemuchyounger,a hellofalotyounger.”

IWAN DAVIES

■ “Ifonlytheycared,butiftheydid theywouldn’thavesetthingssolowto

startwith.Ortheymayhavechanged thingswhenthepersonwhosupplied theactualinformationtheyusedtobase thewholethingonsaidtheyhadgotit wrong.Orevenwhenfarmersmoved ontothecapitalforthefirsttimein years.Theydon’tcare,theyhavea verydifferentvisionforthefutureof thiscountrythanmostresidentsof thisnation.”

KYLE SMITH

■ “Mademecry.That’sayoungperson whowantstowork.Knowswhathe wantsandispassionateaboutitand willworktirelessly[inallweathersand

porting more volunteers in other areas.

■ For more information, contact info@farmbuddies.org.uk, or visit farmbuddies.org.uk.

conditionsandcircumstances]and notgiveup.Hewillhavelearnedthe trade,sonoexpensiveGovernment grantsorapprenticeshipschemes neededtopayoutfortraining.He,like somanyyoungfarmers,areorwillbe readyinstantlytocarryonthefarming industry[toproducefood].They shouldbeencouragedandinvested in,nothaveabrickwallputupinfront ofthem.”

MANDY BIRD

■ “Keepfightingandthepublicare behindyou.”

SUZI WATSON

Wolves lead tough lives

We now seek to extend this farm networking model by finding and sup-

Stephen Sellers, Farm Buddies.

name) on the family farm in Dunton, Buckinghamshire. Picture sent in by her

I ENJOYED reading your recent feature on Maremmano guard dogs (‘Keeping the wolves at bay with Maremmano guard dogs’, FG December 20), but wanted to make a couple of points. Wolves were not ‘reintroduced’ to Europe because they were never extinct from the continent. Their population expansion is occurring naturally through recolonisation.

Umbrian farmers in the Apennines have coexisted with wolves for centuries. They have developed breeds of sheep best suited to the local flora and fauna and an effective animal husbandry that employs Maremmano sheepdogs to guard their flocks.

I am inclined to believe that native sheep will have been habituated to the presence of wolves on the landscape, unlike the Sarda breed in the article. In any case, wherever carnivores and livestock overlap, conflicts are inevitable. Wolves lead tough lives, and in densely populated Europe they were extirpated or driven to remote corners inaccessible to most human activity. High alpine grazing of large

If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com ■ IFyouwouldliketosend

Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. For the purposes of this policy, we are the data controller of personal data provided to us. We are a UK company specialising in providing information services including news, analysis, data, pricing, insight and market intelligence to agribusiness professionals across the globe. This policy sets out how we do this and applies the use of your personal data that you disclose to us by entering into our competition to win £200 for the Stockjudging Competition or £20 Love2Shop vouchers for the weekly Crossword Competition, referred to throughout this statement as the “Competitions”. How we collect your information: We collect the personal data you have provided to us by filling in the form on our website www.fginsight.com OR printed form when entering the Competitions. If you have entered the Competitions via our site we may also collect some technical information about how you use our site, for example, the type of device you are using, your operating system, IP address, uniform resource locator (URL), clickstream and length of visit. How we use the information you provide: We will use your personal information: • to administer the Competitions, on the basis that the use of your personal data for this purpose will be necessary to enter you into the competitions and, if you are successful, contact you to notify you of your prize; and, • if you are new to Farmers Guardian and where you have agreed to this, to provide you with news and updates from time to time about our services; and, if at any point in the future you do not wish to receive any news and updates from us or from, you can unsubscribe from our marketing list at any time by following the steps below. To unsubscribe from any communications using the link on the email we send you or by emailing us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. We will not use your information for any purposes except those listed in this policy without letting you know and getting your permission, if necessary, first. Who do we share your information with? We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent, except where: • it is necessary to enable any of our staff, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or commercial partners to provide a service to us or to perform a function on our behalf; • we have a legal obligation to disclose your information (for example, if a court orders us to); or • there is a sale or purchase of any business assets, or where Farmers Guardian or any of its group companies are being acquired by a third party. Where we use third parties as described above to process your personal information, we will ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to safeguard your personal information. For how long do we keep your personal information? We keep your personal information for 36 months for the purposes for which it was collected or for any period for which we are required to keep personal information to comply with our legal and regulatory requirements, or until you ask us to delete your personal information. Your rights: You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. These include the right to: • find out how we process your personal information; • request that your personal information is corrected if you believe it is incorrect or inaccurate; • obtain restriction on

Pam Mead (maiden

daughter, Rosemary Vale.

flocks of sheep encroaches on traditional wolf habitat.

Wolves are not ‘marauding aggressors’ either. They are carnivores on a human-dominated landscape. Where there is sufficient wild prey and little human perturbation, they fulfil their ecological role with little conflict, even in pastoral settings.

According to a 2023 EU report, only 50,000 of the 68 million sheep and goats produced in the EU are killed by wolves each year. That amounts to less than 1%. However, that is little consolation to the farmer experiencing recurrent depredations irrespective of generous compensation.

This month, the EU Commission downgraded wolf protection and voted to permit member states to set annual quotas of wolves to be killed. That decision is bad for wolves and livestock because an intact pack of wolves is less inclined to depredate on livestock than one which has been torn apart by the death of a parental wolf and falls into disarray.

Moreover, fewer wolves on the landscape mean unchecked numbers of deer and wild boar which are vectors for African swine fever.

We need to leave wild spaces alone, support farmers experiencing difficulties and learn to coexist with the rest of nature.

Katie Jones Head of Livestock – katie.jones@agriconnect.com

Vital for milk prices to remain firm in 2025 Leader

WHILE farmgate milk prices rose steadily in 2024, with a nine-month run of non-stop price increases by some buyers, the pace has slowed considerably.

Already, we have seen announcements from Arla, Muller and Barber’s that prices for the very start of the year at least will remain unchanged.

These price holds are being driven by a combination of increased milk volumes and weakening commodity and wholesale markets.

Indeed, while UK milk production was down at

Young Farmer Focus

‘I now

look at farming with a fresh perspective’

Dairy: Igrewupimmersedintheworld offarming.

Alongsidemyfather,Ihelpmanage thefamilydairyfarmwhichishome toan80-strongHolsteinherdplus replacements.

Fromayoungage,Idevelopeda strongconnectiontothefarming community,becomingamemberof MoneymoreYoungFarmers’Clubat just12yearsold.

Sincethen,Ihaveactively participatedinvariouscompetitions andsocialevents,embracingthe camaraderieandlearningopportunities thecluboffers.

Education: In2024,Igraduatedfrom HarperAdamsUniversitywithaBSc honoursdegreeinagriculturewith animalscience.

Sincethen,Ihaveembarkedonadual careerpath,workingbothonthefamily farmandinthewideragricultural

the start of 2024, increased farmgate prices helped to push production up in the latter months.

Production in the 12 months to the end of October 2024 was up 2.8% to 14,906 billion litres, which is the highest total since September 2023, once again showing the impact supply and demand has on this industry.

However, it is vital that milk prices do remain firm throughout 2025 and beyond as dairy farmers will need to think about investment to meet an increasing number of regulations around issues such as slurry and Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

Processors are also insisting on more sustainability and net zero measures, not to mention the added pressure many will now be feeling following the new Inheritance Tax rules.

Amid all this, we must remember that demand for high-quality dairy products remains strong, the dairy outlook is robust according to market watchers, and this should all help underpin a profitable future for UK dairy production.

industryasageneticsconsultantfor GenusABS.

Mypassionforthefarmingsector andeagernesstogainnewinsightsled tomeapplyingfortheNuffieldFarming Next-GenScholarship. Transformative: Selectedasoneof thefirst‘Next-Gen’Nuffieldscholars alongsideBronaghDempsterand EwanMcCracken,Iembarkedona transformativemonth-longtourof theUK.

Overthecourseof28days,we coveredmorethan3,000milesand visited45dairyfarms,eachofferinga uniqueperspectiveontheindustry. Reflectingbackontheexperience, itisnotaboutthesizeoffarmsorthe numberofcowsafarmermanages, instead,itisaboutthepeoplebehind thesebusinesses. Theirresilience,innovationand willingnesstotakerisksisremarkable.

Thefarmerswemetalongtheway taughtusinvaluablelessons:toenjoythe journey,embraceriskandjustgoforit. Afterall,whatdowehavetolose? Career: Returninghome,Ifoundthat theexperiencenotonlybroadenedmy understandingoftheindustry,butalso helpedreshapemyapproachtofarming andwhereIwanttotakemycareer. BeingapartoftheNext-GenNuffield grouphasbeenincrediblyrewarding..

Cookstown, Co Tyrone Kirsten Henry, 23, is a Nuffield Next-Gen scholar. She is from Cookstown in Co Tyrone and farms alongside her father on the family dairy farm as well as being a genetics consultant for Genus ABS.

Horizons: Inowlookatfarmingwith afreshperspective,focusingonthe peopleandtheirstoriesratherthan solelyonnumbersandproduction. Iwouldencourageanyyoungperson toapplyforthisscholarshipbecause itwillliterallychangeyourlifeandway ofthinking.

Applicationsarecurrentlyopen forthenextcohort.Moreinformation canbefoundbyvisiting:nuffieldscholar. org/scholarships/nuffield-farming-nextgen-scholarships

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com

Doug Pazienza, Whitley Bay.

Kirsten Henry

Kirsten Henry

Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com

Milk prices hold steady into New Year

● Arla price to remain unchanged for January

By Alex Black

DAIRY processors have confirmed price holds as they announced their first round of price updates for 2025 following an increase in milk volumes at the back end of 2024.

Milk volumes overtook year earlier levels from September onwards, with improved prices and margins, good grass growth and drier weather boosting production.

The Arla milk price for conventional milk will remain unchanged from January 1 at 48.54ppl.

For organic milk, the price will also be held at 58.52ppl.

The dairy said global milk supplies were increasing slightly while retail sales continued to grow, however at a low level.

Commodity markets were seeing a weakening after the seasonal Christmas peak, while retail markets were stable.

Overall, Arla said the outlook was

Within cheese markets, Cheddar has proved to be more resilient than mozzarella and Gouda, but has still recorded further reductions

BARBER’S SPOKESPERSON

slightly negative, due to uncertainty on commodity price development.

Meadow will be holding its standard litre milk price from January 1 at 41.5ppl.

The dairy reported good demand for dairy products in the run-up to Christmas, which has seen dairy market prices remain stable.

MEADOW FOODS ANNOUNCES REDUCED PROFIT AND TURNOVER IN 2024

MEADOW Foods has announced a drop in profits in 2024, with the sale process to Fairfax Financial Holdings impacting profitability.

The dairy, which processes more than 550 million litres of milk each year, posted a pre-tax profit of £20.6m in the year ending March 31, 2024, compared to £24.6m for 2023, on a turnover of £488m, down from £588m a year earlier.

The business said it incurred non-recurring transactional costs associated with the successful sale process to Fairfax Financial Holdings during the year, which has impacted profitability of around £3.2m.

Turnover fell primarily as a result of volatility in like-for-like milk prices, the company’s principal raw material. Meadow Foods said the underlying

business remained strong and volumes were stable.

Strong results

Raj Tugnait, chief executive of Meadow Foods, said: “These strong results were achieved despite a continued challenging high-inflation environment. Fairfax Financial Holdings ownership gives Meadow a strong and long-term backer to realise Meadows’ plans.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by teams across the business.

“These outcomes position us well to continue investing in new facilities, acquisitions – for example Naked Foods – and product development, enabling us to grow sustainably and better serve our customers,” he added.

The first round of price updates for 2025 have been announced by dairy processors.

Muller has held its price for February. The dairy said its price would be unchanged from February 1 at 42.25ppl. Saputo’s February price will also be held at 43ppl.

Barber’s Cheesemakers has confirmed a third consecutive price hold for February, with its Barber’s Assured Standard litre price remaining at 44.85ppl.

Dairy markets

The cheesemaker said dairy markets were continuing to face the ‘chilled winds’ created from record-breaking UK October and December milk volumes and the continued reductions recorded in wholesale markets.

A Barber’s spokesperson added:

“Within cheese markets, Cheddar has proved to be more resilient than mozzarella and Gouda, but has still recorded further reductions, Cheddar curd is down for a third month in a row and mild Cheddar for a second.

“Mature Cheddar has remained stable so far [thankfully], but if mild and curd Cheddar markets continue to slide, the pressure on mature Cheddar returns will build.

“Dairy markets post-Christmas and towards the spring are often downbeat, and so it seems again going into 2025.

“Our New Year’s resolution is for the surge in UK milk supply to subside to help restore greater market stability.”

AHDB campaign returns for 2025

AHDB’s Let’s Eat Balanced campaign has returned in January to promote the ‘exceptional taste, flavours and nutritional benefits of lean meat and dairy, as part of a varied and balanced diet’.

The campaign showcases British beef, lamb and dairy as natural sources of essential nutrients such as protein and vitamin B12, as well as highlighting environmentally friendlier practices and bringing consumers ‘closer to the farm’.

The autumn 2023 and New Year 2024 campaigns reached 47 million adults and garnered 94m social media impressions.

Empowered

Seven-in-10 viewers of the ‘This and That’ advert reported feeling em-

powered by the new information it provided about meat and dairy (TwoEarsOneMouth, Feb 2024). This and That adverts will be shown on television, in cinemas, online on YouTube, broadcast streaming services including ITVX, Channel 4, Sky Go, Netflix, and on social media — Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

A partnership with Tasty UK to create ‘Balanced Bites’ videos will encourage the 18- to 25-year-old audience to create healthy dishes using British red meat and dairy. The campaign will also feature in stores and online at seven major retailers. Short videos will also be shown on social media, with levypayers such as Silas Hedley-Lawrence showcasing farming methods.

Irish exports to UK reach a record high

● Beef exports show increase in 2024

By Alex Black

IRISH food and drink exports to the UK reached a record €5.9 billion (£4.9bn) in 2024, marking a 7% increase on the previous year.

According to the latest Export Performance and Prospects report from Bord Bia, the UK remained the largest single destination for Irish food and drink, with 35% headed to the UK.

Overall, global exports of Irish food, drink and horticulture grew by 5% to €17bn (£14.1bn) in 2024.

Bord Bia said this performance marked a milestone year for Irish food and drink exporters, despite enduring global trade challenges caused by geopolitical instability, fluctuating inflation and ongoing high trading costs.

Top-performing

The top-performing category, packaged consumer foods exports, climbed 11% to €2.3bn (£1.9bn).

Meat exports, led by beef, increased by 5%, standing at €1.3bn (£1bn). Pig-

meat exports rose 11% to €150 million (£124m), while poultry surged 16% to €83m (£69m).

The UK continued to be the strongest market for Irish beef, with increased demand for steaks, roasts and mince. Dairy exports were valued at €1.05bn (£871.6bn).

Frontier announces new managing director

FRONTIER Agriculture has announced that Mark Aitchison has stepped down from the role of managing director after 20 years, and Diana Overton has been confirmed as his successor.

Mr Aitchison will remain with the business as group senior executive director to chair a number of the wholly owned subsidiaries and adjacency investments.

Speaking on behalf of Frontier’s shareholders, Jose Nobre, non-executive chair of Frontier’s main board, said: “During the past 20 years, Frontier has become an outstanding industry leading business and both of Frontier’s parent companies, ABF and Cargill, are immensely grateful for the contribution Mark has made to the growth and development of our Company.

“We are pleased to announce that Diana Overton will succeed Mark and will become the new managing director of Frontier with immediate

effect. Diana is well known to us and has served alongside Mark as a joint executive director of Frontier for the past eight years.

Succession plan

“This appointment concludes a carefully considered two-year succession plan culminating in Diana’s appointment to deputy managing director in April 2024.”

Mr Aitchison was the architect of the merger that formed Frontier, having joined Cargill’s agricultural division in 1992. As well as being a director of Frontier Agriculture, he is chair of Navara Oat Milling and an investor director of the main board of Oxbury Bank. He is also a director of the Rutland Agricultural Society.

Ms Overton joined Frontier in 2012 and has most recently had responsibility for Frontier’s group strategy, HR, IT and business development.

Dairy offers mental health boost, say researchers

DRINKERS of plant-based ‘milk’ alternatives are at greater risk of depression and anxiety, according new scientific research.

The study of more than 350,000 people looked at data for respondents aged between 36 and 73 to assess changes in mental health, finding that people who drink semi-skimmed milk were 12% less likely to have depression and 10% less likely to be anxious when taking age, physical health and income into account.

Researchers from the Southern Medical University in China published their work in the Frontiers of Nature journal and wrote: “Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health.”

Misrepresented

Exported drinks rose 3% to €331m (£276m), driven by strong growth in the ready-to-drink and whiskey categories. Steady growth saw horticulture exports rise by 2% to €296m, (£245m), mainly driven by mushroom exports.

Donal Denvir, director UK at Bord Bia praised the resilience of Irish producers and the robust Ireland-UK trade ties.

He said: “This success highlights the quality and diversity of Irish products that UK customers and consumers trust and value.

“This is a remarkable achievement when we consider the ongoing challenges facing global trade, including climate change,

However, a spokesperson for plantbased milk supplier Oatly said the findings had been ‘significantly misrepresented’.

“We have been actively working to correct these inaccuracies. It is important to note such misleading claims can cause genuine anxiety and unnecessary concern among the public – particularly for individuals who cannot consume cow’s milk due to allergies or other health issues,” the Oatly spokesperson said.

sustained high prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

“This would not be achievable without the dedication and output of our farmers, fishers, innovative processors and the other food and drink producers who play a crucial role in our sector.”

Meat exports from Ireland to the UK rose by 5% in 2024.

● Pork display steady at most retailers

By Alex Black

THE UK’s biggest retailers, on the whole, showed steady support for British pork towards the end of 2024.

But there was a significant decline in support from Asda year-on-year, while Iceland recorded just 1% British pork on its shelves, according to AHDB’s latest Porkwatch survey.

Across the 10 retailers surveyed in November, 88% of the pork on display was British, compared with 87% in September and 89% in November 2023.

British

Aldi, Co-op, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s all recorded 100%, with Waitrose on 96%, including 100% British on own brand.

Tesco was on 78% British and Asda 59%, down from 68% a year ago, while Iceland was just 1%.

For bacon, 55% was British, slightly up on last year.

Co-op and M&S were on 100% British bacon, while Waitrose was on 94%. Tesco stocked just 36% British, with Asda on 26%, Aldi 21%, Lidl 17% and Iceland 14%, although this was a 17% increase on last year for the retailer.

British Wool launches Young Farmers training offer

BRITISH Wool and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) have announced they will collaborate again this year to offer subsidised shearing training to YFC members.

For the seventh year in a row, Young Farmers Club members affiliated to the NFYFC can take advantage of a 50% discount on British Wool shearing courses. The discounted offer applies to courses in machine and blade shearing.

Sam Jones, of Ruthin YFC, won NFYFC’s sheep shearing competition in 2025 and advised others to take advantage.

He said: “You must keep going on the courses as you will keep on improving. There is always room for improvement. I try to do a course every year and you can take advantage of the savings through YFC as well.

“Do a few courses, keep travelling and shear as many sheep as you can. Do not give up and keep trying. Never hold yourself back.”

The latest Porkwatch survey shows a decline in the stocking of British pork at some retailers.

Asda support for British pork drops

Ham was 61% British, with M&S (99%), Co-op (95%) and Waitrose (90%) leading the way.

The worst performers were Morrisons at 38%, Asda and Lidl, both on 33%, and Iceland on 13%.

When it came to sausages, 78% were British, slightly up year-onyear. M&S, Aldi, Waitrose and Lidl were the best performers, with Iceland the worst on 44%.

Retail pigmeat volumes saw a 2.9% decrease in the 12 weeks to December 1, 2024, equivalent to 6,227

tonnes less than the same period in 2023, according to Kantar data, summarised by AHDB.

This resulted in spend on pigmeat declining by 1.8% year-on-year despite a slight increase in average prices paid. Pork was the only red meat to decline year-on-year.

Decline

Volumes of processed pigmeat drove this overall decline, with the amount purchased 4.6% down yearon-year over this period.

However, primary cuts, where British pigmeat is strongest, saw volumes purchased increase 1.1% this period, helped by average prices paid reducing by 0.6% yearon-year.

Added-value volumes purchased increased by 13.1%, driven by sous vide-style cooking (vacuum sealed in a water bath), while increased promotional activity for marinades attracted in new shoppers resulting in a 23.4% increase in volumes purchased.

Discounters celebrate after Christmas boom in sales

ALDI and Lidl were celebrating a successful Christmas, with Aldi stating 2024 was its best Christmas ever.

The retailer said British supermarket shoppers ‘traded up’ to premium own-label products to treat themselves following a difficult year.

Aldi also saw strong sales of fresh British products over the festive season, with a record 350,000 fresh British turkeys sold, more than 400 tonnes of British beef, and almost three million British Brussels sprouts.

Aldi UK’s chief executive officer, Giles Hurley, promised to maintain the price gap between Aldi and other

supermarkets to help customers, stating they had dropped ‘hundreds of prices last year’.

Prices

“Our offering of outstanding quality British products at unbeatable prices was a winning combination yet again this Christmas, as customers wanted to celebrate in style after an uncertain year, but with more challenges ahead, they wanted to do it without breaking the bank.”

Lidl said customers also increasingly chose to back British, with it boosting its British supply base by 20% this fes-

tive season. More than 16 million British pigs in blankets were sold, including new flavours such as maple, cheese and cranberry from the retailer’s own Deluxe brand.

British turkeys proved to be the festive staple once again, with one sold every second, it said.

Shoppers purchased 6,500 tonnes of Lidl’s Pick of the Week festive British vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and swede during Christmas week. These vegetables were sold at just 8p, although Lidl emphasised this did not impact the payment to British farmers.

Exchange Market to reward for emissions reductions

● Farmers can earn £60/tonne of CO2e

By Alex Black

A NEW programme to enable supply chains to reward farmers for reducing emissions has been launched.

Developed by Soil Association Exchange, the Exchange Market will operate as an insetting fund without any sales of carbon credits.

Instead, it will pool funds from a range of companies with shared supply chains to pay farmers to reduce emissions.

Support to develop the scheme has been given by Lloyds, which has helped to convene key retailers and landowners, including Co-op, Lidl, Tesco and the Church Commissioners

Rise in tax concerns

CONCERNS about tax have spiked in the latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) quarterly economic survey, with 63% worried following the Autumn Budget.

Business confidence has declined significantly, with 49% of responding companies expecting their turnover to increase over the next 12 months compared with 56% in Q3.

The survey was conducted after the Budget, with data from more than 4,800 businesses across the UK.

Concerns about inflation and interest rates remain broadly similar to the previous quarter.

Profitability confidence has also been hit – 40% of firms expect profits to increase over the next year, while 32% of businesses expect them to fall.

Over half of responding firms said they expected to raise their prices in the next three months, while 43% of businesses expected prices to stay the same and only 2% expected them to decrease.

Labour continues to be the main cost pressure. Investment has also been put on hold, with 24% of firms cutting back.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of BCC, said: “The worrying

for England, to contribute to the fund. The fund has been co-developed with technical experts Finance Earth.

A farmer steering group has also been involved in the development.

Action plans will be led by the farmer and put together with the support of Soil Association Exchange expert advisers and could include actions such as reducing fertiliser usage by introducing nitrogen-fixing companion crops, better fuel efficiency or investing in solar.

Soil Association Exchange chief executive Joseph Gridley said: “Exchange Market is about creating real, measurable change within farming systems while empowering farmers to make decisions which work for them.

“This carbon insetting programme demonstrates that delivering true environmental outcomes can go hand

in hand with financial resilience when farmers and businesses collaborate to build a sustainable future for food and farming.”

He added it demonstrated the power of what can happen through collaboration.

Farmers participating in the scheme can earn £60 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, reduced annually, with half of payments provided upfront to help fund their transitions.

Maintenance

And farmers who have already made improvements will be rewarded, with those with emissions ‘below average’ to be eligible for maintenance payments.

In its first funding round, Exchange Market has secured £1 million in funding.

Farmers can join Exchange Market by completing a baseline assessment and submitting a verified emissions reduction plan – with support from Soil Association Exchange advisers.

Exchange Market is about creating real, measurable change within farming systems

JOSEPH GRIDLEY

Business confidence has declined significantly, with 49% of responding companies expecting their turnover to increase over the next 12 months compared with 56% in Q3.

reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Businesses’ confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes.

“Firms of all shapes and sizes are

telling us the National Insurance hike is particularly damaging. Businesses are already cutting back on investment and say they will have to put up prices in the coming months.

“The Government is rightly coming up with long-term strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. But those plans will not help businesses struggling now.”

Christopher Porter says the additional meadow flowers he is sowing will improve the biodiversity of the land, attracting more pollinators.

With demand for Biodiversity Net Gain units growing fast, landowner Christopher Porter has taken the opportunity to bring units to the market. Alex Black reports.

First BNG units ready to be sold in Northumberland

Housebuilding is in the spotlight across the country, opening up opportunities to tap into the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) market.

Under the terms of the Environment Act 2021, any commercial or residential developer seeking planning approval from their local authority must demonstrate a minimum 10% BNG from their development, which must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years.

As an overall improvement in bio-

diversity can be hard to achieve onsite, developers are allowed to effectively buy the equivalent gain from an ‘off-site’ provider.

Landowner Christopher Porter is now bringing Northumberland’s first BNG units to market for North East developers in a 5.3-hectare field near Corbridge.

Having acquired the grass field in 2015, Mr Porter first approached H&H Land and Estates to help with an application to the Countryside Stewardship scheme.

As that scheme ended, Mr Porter considered making an application to the Woodland Creation scheme but changed direction after hearing the benefits of managing land to create biodiversity units.

dent that we needed to sell the units we were going to create,” he said.

“An essential step in this process involved establishing a ‘metric’ for the present and potential future environmental value of the land.”

Survey data

Baseline survey data was inputted into a spreadsheet, with the environmental enhancements which could be realistically achieved then identified and discussions held on what would need to be done on the ground.

“We had to convert a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan [HMMP] from our version to the Natural England template,” he said.

Mr Porter wanting to do his bit on climate and wildlife.

“What I also think is important is that we will continue to farm the land, to improve from a lowland meadow in poor condition to good condition. We are reseeding the land with wildflower seeds from Rothbury, and we are planning a new hedgerow.

“We will use no fertiliser, and the additional meadow flowers will improve the biodiversity, attracting more pollinators and the subsequent followers in the food chain,” he said, adding there was also a public footpath.

The best advice I can give [...] is to accept that it will take a lot of time and patience, and to get the best professional support available CHRISTOPHER PORTER

He said: “I realised that potentially this could be more lucrative and less intrusive if I abandoned the proposed woodland scheme and instead went down the route of converting my lowland hay meadow from poor condition to good condition, and at the same time plant a new hedgerow.

“To do this, we needed to have a baseline survey, and H&H’s David Morley came at short notice to do the survey in the summer of 2023.”

He added that at that stage, BNG had not been formally introduced, becoming law in February 2024.

“In parallel to this, it became evi-

“Once completed, I progressed a Section 106 agreement with Northumberland County Council [NCC]. Essentially, this is a promise to carry out the work and maintain it for a 30-year period.”

Once the S106, HMMP and the metric were in place, Mr Porter was then ready to apply to Natural England to register biodiversity units.

“Developers can now search the register and see the habitat units being created – the first in Northumberland,” he added.

While the initial appeal was the value of the units as a replacement for Basic Payment Scheme payments, the environmental upside has proved just as important, with

While the process had been ‘long and drawn out’, he said teamwork with his advisers, legal assistance and the NCC ecologist had been the key to success.

“The best advice I can give anyone going down this route is to accept that it will take a lot of time and patience, and to get the best professional support available,” he said.

H&H Land and Estates managing director Tim Sedgewick said: “This is a very complex process, and as our client had made his commitment to pursue this route so early, we had to adapt to significant changes in the rules as we went along.”

He added Mr Porter had been ‘absolutely determined’ to achieve this not just for financial gain, but for the environment and local community.

Avoid rash calls after Budget

By Chris Brayford

Farmers have been encouraged to take a measured approach and avoid making any hasty decisions around succession planning and diversification plans.

Denise Wilkinson, head of agriculture and estates at HCR Law, which provides legal services in England and Wales, said proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief from April 2026 had sent a ‘wave of panic’ across the farming community.

She said farmers had made ‘rash decisions’ over their future planning, including whether they can diversify their businesses or not, following the plans announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget in October, but now called for caution, with the industry still waiting for guidance on succession planning.

Ms Wilkinson said: “When it comes to succession and rethinking business structure, you should not make changes overnight.”

Ms Wilkinson, also a partner at the legal firm, said 2025 was unlikely to bring much respite for the sector.

She added: “The phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme, coupled with uncertainty surrounding habitatbased farming support schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive [or Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales] – particularly regarding budgets, tax implications and required capital investment and infrastructure

– has increased financial pressure on farming businesses.”

For farmers looking to diversify into additional income streams, Ms Wilkinson said a comprehensive review of Stamp Duty Land Tax, which if increased could make buying land more expensive, could also hinder the viability of such ventures in the future.

However, farming families should also consider having discussions involving younger and older family

There may be some things which can be done now and initiating these discussions is key

DENISE WILKINSON

members in asset planning regarding Inheritance Tax reliefs.

She said: “If health permits, exploring life assurance to offset tax liabilities could also be a valuable step.”

Talking to a solicitor and professional team could be essential for making informed decisions around estate planning.

Ms Wilkinson said: “There may be some things which can be done now and initiating these discussions is key.”

Denise Wilkinson

China set to investigate beef imports

l Concern over surge in Mercosur imports

By Alex Black

CHINA has announced an investigation into imported beef, according to the country’s Ministry of Commerce, in a move which could impact the world’s biggest exporters.

US farmers pay tribute to Jimmy Carter

THE US NFU has paid tribute to ‘humble peanut farmer’ and former US President Jimmy Carter as a strong supporter of family farms.

Mr Carter died on December 29, aged 100, and served as President from 1977 to 1981.

NFU president Rob Larew said: “President Carter’s agricultural roots prepared him to serve this country with grace and compassion through a difficult time and continue his humanitarian efforts for the remainder of his life.

“The fact that a humble peanut farmer from Georgia can hold the highest office in this country is a testament to the strength and value of the voice of family farmers and ranchers everywhere. We send our condolences to the Carter family and join the rest of the nation in remembering this great man.”

China’s state news agency, Xinhua, reported the investigation was launched in response to an application submitted by the China Animal Agriculture Association and nine industry associations from major beef-producing regions on behalf of the domestic beef industry.

Increase

It comes after a sharp increase in import volumes over the past five years, which the applicants claimed had significantly impacted the domestic sector.

In 2023, China imported about 2.74 million tonnes of beef, according to Statista.

In 2019, this was 1.66mt. Increased supplies have placed pressure on domestic prices, with values dropping to multi-year lows, causing Chinese beef farmers to post significant losses.

Almost half of Chinese imports of beef come from Brazil. Shares of the Brazilian meat giant JBS

2.74m

slumped after the news, as China looked to protect its domestic meat industry. Other notable exporters to China include Argentina, Uruguay and Australia.

Rules

The Ministry highlighted World Trade Organization rules and procedures, which say investigatory authorities can initiate a safeguard investigation upon the application of a domestic industry if an increase in the import volume of a product causes or threatens to cause substantial damage to the domestic industry producing similar or directly competing products.

The spokesperson emphasised the investigation does not target

any specific countries or regions, nor does it differentiate products based on origin.

It also said the authorities would conduct their work in accordance with the law, fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties, and make an objective and impartial ruling based on the results of their investigation.

Normal trade would not be affected during the investigation period, the spokesperson said. It was expected to conclude within eight months, although this may be extended under special circumstances.

The probe will examine bovine meat imported from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024.

California declares state of emergency in response to avian influenza outbreak

CALIFORNIA has declared a state of emergency to streamline and expedite the state’s response to avian influenza following its spread in dairy cattle in the US.

Governor Gavin Newsom said:

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure Government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak.

Committed

“Building on California’s testing and monitoring system – the largest in the nation – we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture

industry and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information.

“While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The US also reported its first severe case of the virus in a human, aged above 65, who was suffering from severe respiratory illness.

It was confirmed the patient was infected with the genotype of the virus recently detected in wild birds and poultry, not the type detected in dairy cows, human cases and some poultry.

Zoos have also been affected.

Bird flu has been responsible for

the death of 20 big cats over the past few weeks at an animal sanctuary in the state of Washington.

Quarantine

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington said in a statement it was now under quarantine and closed to the public.

A spokesperson said that cats were particularly vulnerable and explained: “This devastating viral infection, carried by wild birds, spreads primarily through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact, and can also be contracted by carnivorous mammals that ingest birds or other products.”

Chinese beef farmers are worried about levels of imports, which have forced down prices, leaving some struggling with losses.

Jimmy Carter

The tonnage of beef imported into China in 2023.

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

Dan Goodman’s progression from farm manager of Marsh Court Farm to taking on the tenancy has led to the establishment of a milking goat herd. Wendy Short finds out more.

Milking goats provide opportunity for expansion

Dan Goodman was appointed manager of Marsh Court Farm in 2012, but a death in the landlord’s family a decade later saw him signing a 20-year Farm Business Tenancy on the unit in Eldersfield, Gloucestershire, which led to a number of changes being implemented.

Some of the original Hereford suckler cows and the arable rotation have been retained, while the introduction of a new cattle enterprise helps with cashflow.

“On my arrival, the farm covered 182 hectares of owned land, plus 20ha rented,” says Dan, who runs the business with his wife Louise.

“We had 140 pedigree Hereford cows, producing breeding heifers and stores, as well as about 73ha of

arable land and a 6ha cider apple orchard.”

The business structure looks very different today, with only the orchard left unchanged, he adds.

“Since taking on the tenancy in 2022, the main enterprise has been the milking herd of 500 goats. Most of their milk is distributed by a wholesaler, but in the summer of 2024, we started making added-value products in our on-site creamery. The male kids are finished for meat,” says Dan.

“The farm size has expanded after we took on another rented unit nearby and we now run 283ha in total. The expanded acreage has helped to supply feed and straw for the livestock, with an added maize rotation.

“After taking a hard look at the

profitability of the suckler enterprise, cow numbers were reluctantly reduced to just 25 to make way for the goats. However, we have started rearing 100 cattle each year on contract.”

Tenancy

The farm owners were at a crossroads after the bereavement, and Dan, who has two sons (Albert, four, and Angus, two) initially approached the landlord with the suggestion of a share farming agreement.

“I was instead offered the tenancy and immediately accepted with thoughts of setting up a dairy unit because I really enjoy working with cows,” he says.

“I put forward a business plan to the bank and it was well received,

Farm facts

■ The soil on-farm is mainly a heavy clay

■ The farm sits at 60 metres (197 feet) above sea level

■ The acreage includes a 40-hectare (100-acre) holding, rented in 2023 on a five-year Farm Business Tenancy

■ Instagram page: goodmansgoats_windrushvalley, and website: marshcourtfarm. co.uk for the cheese products

■ Cheese is sold through Daylesford Organic, The Cotswold Cheese Co, Oxford Cheese Co and Aubrey Allen (cheese and meat supplier)

■ The average goat milk price is 67ppl

Left to right: John, Dan and Louise Goodman.

Farm Profile Gloucestershire

but the stumbling block came when I could not get a milk contract for a spring block calving herd, which I had set my sights on.

“A friend who milks goats told us about a herd for sale and we ended up buying it, partly because it came with a wholesale milk contract for all-year-round sales. With hindsight, everything has turned out for the best for several reasons.

“The milking goats are fully housed, so there is plenty of land left for the other enterprises. All-year-round milk sales are better for cashflow compared with the income from a block-calving dairy herd, and the goats are easier to handle so the children can get more

involved. There are other benefits, including the fact that it seems easier to find staff to work with goats and there is none of the expense associated with slurry spreading and storage.”

Milking

The goats are mainly British Saanen, with a few French and British Alpines. Milked in a second-hand, 52-point rapid-exit parlour, they kid in the spring and autumn.

Dan says: “The twice-daily milking was a challenge when the goats first arrived, as they had come from a 30-point rotary parlour. It took seven hours each session in the first week, but they quickly settled in

and it can now be finished in two hours. The average annual milk yield is 1,100-1,200 litres.

“Like sheep, goats are seasonal breeders. Artificial breeding techniques are used for autumn kidding and the lighting is manipulated to help bring them into season. While they are not robust animals, they can potentially have an extended milking lactation for many years after kidding.

“Giving birth is a risk period and the male kids have a low value, so as long as target yields and replacement rates are met there is no incentive to breed them again. Therefore, nannies are only kidded twice over a lifetime.

“The usual pattern is to breed the females at seven months, kid at 12 months, and re-breed after 12-18 months. Some of our nannies are seven years old and still maintaining a level production figure. They will leave the herd when their yield drops to 1.2 litres/day.”

The wether kids and surplus females are started on a milk powder mix, transitioning to hay and a small quantity of concentrate feed at eight to 10 weeks old.

“They are very much a by-product of the milking herd and are not easy to finish. At about six months old and weighing 40kg, groups are sold through Hereford auction mart and meet a strong

The Windrush Valley goat milk product brand already takes up 5-8% of production, and sales are on a rising trajectory.

The main enterprise at Marsh Court Farm is the milking herd of 500 goats.

The goats are milked in a secondhand, 52-point rapid-exit parlour.

Gloucestershire Farm Profile

demand, along with the cull nannies,” says Dan.

The couple work alongside Dan’s father, John, together with one fulltime employee, two relief milkers and a part-time creamery assistant.

It is early days for the family’s Windrush Valley goat milk product brand, but it already takes up 5-8% of production, and sales are on a rising trajectory.

Dan says: “We bought the rights to use the established brand from a retiring couple. The main product is a plain soft cheese, but we also offer a herb and garlic flavour, a ‘feta’-style cheese in oil with chillies, and a peppered roule.

“The other product is a probiotic

The March- and November-calving

pouring yogurt, which is not unlike the kefir made from cow’s milk.

“The range is mainly sold to retailers and at London markets, but plans to launch online sales are in the pipeline.”

Cattle

Still owned by landlord Lorraine Hobson, the March- and November-calving Eldersfield Hereford herd remains a key driver of the couple’s passion for farming.

“The milking goat herd was a business decision, and some of the cattle housing had to be sacrificed to put in the goat milking parlour, develop the adjacent creamery and adapt the buildings,” says Dan.

“However, we were determined to keep the pedigree bloodlines going, as we get a lot of pleasure out of breeding cattle. The calves are still marketed as stores and a few heifers continue to be sold to other producers.”

The rearing cattle arrive at six months old, weighing 180-200kg, and leave the farm at 400kg for transfer to a finishing unit.

The Aberdeen-Angus cross-bred steers and heifers are produced on contract for the Marks & Spencer Pathway Farming scheme, which claims to offer beef with the lowest carbon footprint in the industry.

The crop rotation has been tweaked over the years and currently

comprises wheat, maize, grass and spring barley.

Dan says: “Maize silage has been a useful addition to the goat ration, helping to save money compared with the previous system, which relied on hay and purchased concentrates.

“I would like to include more homegrown cereals in the diet, but the present policy is better for cashflow and a mill and mix unit would need investment. Apples from the orchard are still sold to a local cider maker.”

The Goodmans have a very good relationship with their landlord, who is supportive of their ultimate ambition to have their own farm.

“In theory, the cheese business could be moved to any location and only a relatively low acreage is required for a housed goat herd.

“However, that is for the future and the main goal at the moment is to consolidate what we have and focus on expanding the added-value business. It would be nice to reach 20% of the goat milk being processed on-farm for direct sales,” says Dan.

The main goal at the moment is to consolidate what we have and focus on expanding the added-value business

DAN GOODMAN

John Goodman in the farm’s creamery.

Eldersfield Hereford herd remains a key driver of the couple’s passion for farming.

In 2024, the Goodmans started making added-value products in their on-site creamery.

Arable

Edited by Alice Dyer – 07966 445 458 – alice.dyer@agriconnect.com

For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub

● Timing is everything when establishing beans

WHILE beans can be a valuable break crop, they often receive less investment and attention compared with higher-margin alternatives. However, invest in them wisely and they will serve you well, says Agrii agronomist Todd Jex.

Mr Jex recently helped one client achieve bean yields of eight tonnes per hectare, but the crop’s benefits extend beyond marketable yield, he says.

According to rotational trials conducted by Agrii, they can contribute to improved soil health because beans’ extensive root systems will help soil structure. There are also biodiversity benefits from healthy bean crops.

“A good bean crop flowers for longer and has more density, making it a highly valuable source of nectar for insects,” he says.

Nitrogen carryover aids establishment of the following crop, potentially reducing the amount of inorganic N needed. Beans will also help in the war against grassweeds and with mitigating soilborne diseases, says Mr Jex.

Timing is everything when it comes to establishing beans, he adds. Winter beans should be planted in late October or early November. Spring beans require early planting, ideally in January or February, to avoid substantial yield penalties.

Beans are also sensitive to soil structure issues.

“It is not enough to quickly direct drill and think it will do. Beans drilled into compacted soil will not establish well,” says Mr Jex.

He recommends growers make use of a penetrometer to reveal soil compaction.

Despite a lack of plant protection products for these crops, Mr Jex

If beans are treated with the same care as other crops in the rotation, the gains can be considerable, believes Agrii agronomist Todd Jex. Farmers Guardian reports.

Do not overlook the benefits of beans

firmly believes that pulses have a strong future.

“The partners in the Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems [NCS] project are working hard to quantify the benefits of growing pulses,

While there are challenges to growing beans, there are also many growers making a huge success of it

overcome the challenges and drive the market to help even out the price fluctuations,” he says.

“While there are challenges to growing beans, there are also many growers making a huge success of it.”

Research

Agrii is one of 17 partners of NCS, a four-year £5.9 million Defra-funded research programme involving 200 UK farms.

Led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation, the project aims to bring about a reduction of 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum (or 54% of the maximum potential for UK agriculture) through increasing pulse and legume cropping in arable rotations to 20% across the UK and replacing 50% of imported soya meal used in livestock feed rations with home-grown legumes.

“Through our trials and working with the farmers within the project,

a group of experts sharing their experience with pulse production and its role in reducing dependency on soya in food systems at the ‘From Soya to Sustainability’ conference in Peterborough on January 22. ■ Visittinyurl.com/FSTSConference formoreinformation

we hope to show how growers can consistently improve returns from peas and beans, and measure the benefits that accrue across the rotation,” says Mr Jex.

Cost savings

The project is steered by science and proven by real farm enterprises, with significant potential benefits for both crop and livestock productivity, including cost savings of over £1 billion per year.

TODD Jex is one of

Nitrogen carryover from beans can potentially reduce the amount of N required in the following crop.

May 24 LIFFE wheat futures closed on Tuesday (January 7) at £190.10/tonne, down £2.45/t on the week.

LIFFE WHEAT FUTURES

THEstartof2025hasbeenamixed bagforglobalgrainmarkets,with USfutureslargelyonthefrontfoot andEuropeanoneslagging.

Bearinginmindthelackofuseful newsflowovertheholidayperiod, muchofthisislikelytoberelatedto end-of-year/start-of-yearpositioning bythekeyprotagonists.

GLOBAL A QUIET START TO 2025, WITH GEOPOLITICS AND OUTSIDE MARKET FACTORS LIKELY TO FEATURE HEAVILY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Forgrains,thenorthern hemispherewillremaininrelative dormancyforatleastthenextmonth ortwo,andwhilepartsoftheUnited

States’SRWwheatcropisunder threatoffrostdamage,itistothe southernhemisphereandthedemand sideoftheequation,wheremarkets willfornowbefocused.

Tothisend,wecanlargelyignore Australia,whichhasawheatharvest thatisdrawingtoaclose,withoutput expectationsslightlyabove30million tonnes.Notabadnumberforour antipodeancousins.

SouthAmericanconditionsare mixed–toowetinnorthernparts ofBrazilandtoohot/dryinArgentina, wherecornisnotyetfullyplanted.

OILSEEDS VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS

RAPESEEDvalueshavebeen increasinglyvolatileoverthelast fewweeks,whilesimultaneously developingadownwardstrend.

Sincetherecentpeakinthe marketaroundDecember12,values havedroppedbyaround£30,taking ustoadeliveredcrushlevelofabout £430atthetimeofwriting.

This recent peak in the market was partly driven by a vessel crash on the Moselle river in France, which damaged a lock and rendered some of the tender points for MATIF rapeseed inaccessible.

This initially caused some panic in markets which was quickly reflected in prices.

Subsequently, news of the lock being fixed in time for these tenders helped the market to give back all of that ‘panic premium’, partly assisted by slow demand for vegetable oils in the nearby months.

AFTER in the first session of the year rising to a two-month high, May 2025 basis futures fell by more than 3% over the next two trading days, before recovering back above the much-watched £190/tonne mark. All that happened with the trading year less than one week old.

Thinner volumes

Certainly, the thinner market volumes typical around holiday periods can enhance volatility, in enhancing the influence of those trades which are completed. However, the likes of rumours

Theoptimalwindowforplanting hasalreadypassed,soanoutput downgradecannotyetberuledout.

Nonetheless,theworldappears tohavesufficientgrainsandoilseeds tomeetcurrentandexpecteddemand levels.So,fornearbypricedirection, itisallabout‘whohasgotitandwho wantsit’,thenmonitoringglobaltrade flowsforeachcrop.

over the Trump agenda, and improved hopes for China’s economic growth, are also making their influence felt in encouraging price swings in a range of markets.

With Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President now less than two weeks away, and large uncertainties over his policy agenda, the scope remains for continued oscillation in financial markets.

For London wheat, other factors

to watch out for include technical support grouped around the £190/t mark, which if it is breached could open the door to lower prices.

A tendency by many farmers to sell around this time of year, with tax payments due, could encourage pressure.

However, on the upside is the influence of supply tightening posed by imminent Russian export quotas, and shrinkage in Ukrainian availability too.

Forward market visibility is particularly poor for now, boosting the benefit of setting price targets and sticking by them.

IntheUK,thereispositivity aroundtheconditionofcropinthe ground.However,wewillneedsome superbyieldstoavoidproducingthe lowestcropinmorethan30years.

Elsewhereglobally,traders focusonSouthAmericanweather conditionsfordevelopingsoyabean cropsinbothBrazilandArgentina, whereoverallproductionissetto berelativelylarge,althoughthemost recentconcernsareinArgentina, whereahotsummerisstartingto damagecrops.

Despitethis,itwilltakealargescaleissuetoaffectthecomfortable upcomingsupplypicture.

UK WHEAT PRICES IN LONDON MAKE ROLLERCOASTER START TO 2025

Rupert Somerscales, Agri-Analytics UK.

James Needham, Frontier.

Mike Verdin, CRM Agri.

Hannah Clarke, technical adviser and Sustainable Farming Incentive delivery lead at Frontier, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of introducing cover crops into the rotation. Farmers Guardian reports.

● Care needed when adding new seed on-farm

FOR farmers who have entered the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme for 2023 and SFI 2024, considering the whole rotation when deciding on the actions to implement on-farm has become increasingly significant.

According to Hannah Clarke, Frontier technical adviser and SFI delivery lead, there is no doubt SFI actions can produce valuable benefits such as improved soil structure and biology, increased organic matter and nutrient capture and retention.

They also, she says, have the ability to reduce soil pests and weeds, improve yields and offer a grazing opportunity while providing natural habitats to encourage wildlife and other benefits on-farm.

However, aside from the many advantages, if not thoroughly planned, there can be disadvantages too, and farmers are advised to take care when introducing new seed and species mixtures on-farm to ensure they do not pose a risk to cash crops.

Important

“It is important to use high-standard and clean seed mixtures from a reliable supplier to avoid inadvertently bringing weeds or pests,” says Ms Clarke.

“We are seeing more SFI actions being used as part of the crop rotation, so we need to be aware of the wider impacts on agronomy.

Counting the cost of unplanned cover crops

“That means knowing the species that may be included in mixtures used as a break, cover or companion crop.”

For instance, legumes such as clover and vetch, and brassicas such as radish, mustard and kale can act as hosts for pests and diseases such as foot rot in vining peas, or can increase clubroot or nematode risk with other species. As a result, end markets for some crops may impose restrictions on their use elsewhere in the rotation.

Ms Clarke adds: “If you are growing beet, potatoes or carrots in your rotation, carefully consider the choice of radish. Choosing a multi-resistant variety can help reduce beet-cyst nematodes and free-living nematodes.

“In addition, different varieties of radish flower at different times

and an early-flowering variety can set seed and become a weed issue, while later flowering types can still be leafy when you want to destroy them. It depends on [the] drilling date of the variety, so talk to your adviser before ordering your radish seed mixtures to ensure you have selected the correct mix for your individual scenario.”

When it comes to companion crops, there is a lot of variability in crop species, establishment techniques and sowing depth. Although trials of pre-emergence herbicides continue, the use of any herbicides in companion cropping situations will be at the grower’s own risk.

Ms Clarke says: “If you are planning on using beans as a companion crop in wheat, the beans may

need testing for stem nematode as drilling untested beans could potentially bring problems to your land. You may be testing your spring bean cash crop seed vigorously, but are you doing the same with your companion crop seed or just taking some off the heap? [This is] something to bear in mind.”

Herbicides

It is important to consider that herbicides used in the previous cash crop could influence establishment of environmental crops. Other treatments used on preceding crops can also limit growers’ options. For example, sugar beet seed treated with neonicotinoids cannot legally grow flowering crops for 32 months.

As a result, Ms Clarke says Frontier has developed a specific mix which contains species that are permitted, but it limits options to mostly cereals and some brassicas.

“If a pesticide input is necessary on an environmental crop, it is essential you ensure the crop is listed on the label or has an EAMU [extension of authorisation for minor use]. For EAMUs, crop safety should always be considered,” she adds.

Winter cover crops can also act as a green bridge for pests. Aphid survival is strongly dependent on temperature, and the increasingly warmer winters which the UK has been experiencing mean more aphid survival.

Cover crops can increase these numbers, and certain species such as brassicas and legumes are also very good hosts, as are crops such

says Hannah Clarke.

as potatoes and lettuce, and weeds such as chickweed, poppy, groundsel, orache and pansy. Therefore, thorough destruction five to six weeks prior to spring drilling your cash crop is essential.

Species

“The species you choose will affect which plants are most attractive to pests such as peach potato aphid or slugs. The ability to control grass-weeds may also be a consideration if you have a high blackgrass burden,” says Ms Clarke.

“You can cut a legume fallow in

Winter cover crops can act as a green bridge for pests such as aphids, so planning is needed to avoid risking cash crops.

Farmers sought for agricultural trial groups

SCIENTISTS at the James Hutton Institute are seeking farmers to participate in trials to measure legume-related benefits following easy-to-use monitoring methods.

The project aims to provide evidence for the ecosystem benefits of legume crops such as peas, beans and clover to monitor their impact.

Entitled ‘LegumES’, the joint European Commission, Swiss and UK-funded research project seeks to address key challenges in modern agriculture by focusing on the environmental, economic and social benefits of legume crops. It promotes legume cultivation as a solution to reduce dependence

the spring for black-grass control, whereas a pollen and nectar mix –which is similar – can be grazed or can be cut with more flexibility.”

While Ms Clarke believes there is ‘absolutely room’ for these SFI actions on-farm, she says growers must ensure they are careful not to sacrifice yield in the main crops. She adds: “You need to consider the implications of the actions. Think about what is best for your rotation and your farm. Look beyond the payment. Getting the correct advice is critical.”

on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health and create more diverse and resilient cropped systems.

Dr Alison Karley, who is leading the farm trials initiative, says: “LegumES aims to quantify the environmental and socio-economic benefits of legumes from data gathered on-farm.

“We hope that working with farmers to run trials will provide much-needed evidence of these benefits and help identify options for promoting the growing and consumption of legume products.

“The findings will hopefully inform policy and practice solutions.”

Farmers can register their interest by emailing legumES@hutton. ac.uk. Financial support and trial guidance will be provided.

Recommended Lists

Meanwhile, AHDB has reissued its call for an oilseed rape grower to join the Recommended Lists (RL) team. Although the RL team received a good number of applications for the pathologist vacancy on the Barley and Oats and Other Cereals Crop Committee, a place still remains on the Oilseeds Crop Committee.

Farmers have until close of play today (January 10) to submit their application to: paul.gosling@ahdb.org.uk

Use high-standard seed mixtures from a reliable supplier to avoid inadvertently bringing weeds or pests

HANNAH CLARKE

To be in with your chance of winning up to £200, test out your judging skills by entering our annual beef stockjudging competition.

Test your stockjudging skills and win up to £200

This year’s beef stockjudging competition is now open for entries. Our annual competition is once again sponsored by Show Time, supplier of specialist livestock products for cattle, sheep, horses and other animals, covering the UK and Europe.

How to take part

Take part by pitting your judging skills against those of our professional judge to be in with the chance of winning one of three cash prizes.

The first correct entry to be drawn at random will receive our top prize

of £200, while two runners-up will each win £50. To be in with a chance of winning, you need to rank the four animals pictured (one being the animal you rate most highly), in the same order as our judge.

Complete the entry form opposite and return it to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ, by January 31, 2025.

ENTER ONLINE

Alternatively, you can enter the competition online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging

ANIMAL X ANIMAL Y

Stockjudging competition entry form Fill in and return this form before January 31, 2025, or go to farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging

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Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

Carry House female sets new Bluefaced Leicester record

l 2022-born ewe sells for 15,000gns

A NEW Bluefaced Leicester female record of 15,000gns was set at Carlisle when the female portion of the Carry House flock was sold on behalf of R.D. Archer and Son, Wark, Northumberland.

The record breaker was a 2022born ewe by Carry House Ronaldo out of a home-bred dam by Midlock G34. It sold, in-lamb to Ballytober Hijack S1, to Messrs Hunter and Sons, Hexham.

Shearling gimmer

Next, at 11,000gns, was a shearling gimmer by Spurring P2 out of an Asby Hall L1-sired ewe carrying twins to Ballytober Hijack S1, which

was knocked down to Messrs Forbes, Pitlochry.

A 2022-born ewe by Farden Popeye out of a Midlock G34 daughter which had been inter-breed champion at Gisland Show sold carrying triplets to

Second prize shearling gimmer, from Robbie Aiken, Wennington, which sold in-lamb for 2,500gns to Messrs Playfair, Kelso.

Border Leicesters top at 2,500gns

THE Border Beauties sale of Border Leicester females at Carlisle topped at 2,500gns for the second prize shearling gimmer from Robbie Aiken’s Spring View flock, Wennington. By Carnew Special One out of a homebred daughter of Muirmouth Ringleader, it sold in-lamb to Silvermuir Upperclass, to Messrs Playfair, Kelso.

The pre-sale show champion and winning ewe lamb, a Muirmouth Kelso daughter from Duncan Whyte’s Mearns flock, Glasgow, made 1,600gns to Messrs Stanley, Melbourne, Derbyshire.

The reserve champion was the second prize ewe lamb by Alticane Churchill from T. Tennant’s Westforth flock, Selkirk, which was knocked down to Messrs Mawson, Seascale.

At the same money was another

ewe lamb by the same sire which was bought by Messrs Playfair, who also paid 1,400gns for the winning shearling gimmer. This was a Westforth William Wallace daughter, in-lamb with a single to Westforth Braveheart, from David and Ian Walker’s Alticane flock, Girvan.

Carrying twins

Also selling for 1,400gns was a shearling gimmer by Elsricklemains First Look, carrying twins to Westforth Braveheart, from John Barrowman’s Knockglass flock, Stranraer. The buyer was Vanish Point Farm, Skipton.

AVERAGES 1 ewe, £1,050; 18 shearling gimmers, £893.95; 21 ewe lambs, £762.50. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Record breaker, a ewe, from R.D. Archer and Son, Wark, Northumberland, which sold in-lamb for 15,000gns to Messrs Hunter and Sons, Hexham.

paid 9,000gns for a shearling gimmer by Ronaldo, in-lamb to Ballytober Hijack 1.

Making 8,000gns was a 2021born ewe by Carry House Jackpot, scanned with triplets to Ballytober Hijack S1, which was knocked down to Messrs Pirie, Dryman.

At the same money was a 2022born Ronaldo daughter, in-lamb to Ballytober Hijack S1, which sold to Messrs Pye, Lancaster.

AVERAGES

42 flock ewes, £3,837.50; 29 shearling gimmers, £3,932.54; 54 ewe lambs, £3,029.44.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Texels sell to 2,800gns high at J36

THE sale of pedigree sheep at J36 included the North West Texel Breeders Club show and sale which topped at 2,800gns for a shearling gimmer by Mullan Firefly from David Gray’s Tima flock, Selkirk. It sold, in-lamb to Sadlerhead Fury, to C. Harkin, Co Tyrone.

The overall champion, a shearling gimmer by Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi, in-lamb with twins to Knap Grumpy, from Boden and Davies, Stockport, sold for 2,000gns to J.R. and M. Richardson, Darlington.

Ewe lambs sold to 1,500gns for the reserve champion from D. and J. Dunlop’s Holtridge flock, Whitchurch.

The sale included the dispersal of the Beautry flock on behalf of Stuart Currie, Rathmell, which topped at 800gns for a ewe lamb with ewes and shearlings to 700gns and an overall average of £535.

Beltex topped at 900gns for the overall champion and winning aged ewe, Hallcrake Head Over Heels from

M. and E. Jennings, Selside, which went to D.W. and M. Jones, Dolwen. Shearlings sold to 700gns for one from T.C. Whiteford’s Tercrossett flock, Brampton. Ewe lambs peaked at 500gns for the first prize winner and reserve champion, Smart Ass Klass from D.E. Owens, Conwy, with the third prize winner from the same home at the same money.

Badger Face Texels sold to 1,000gns for a ewe lamb from Hannah Pedley’s High Ploughlands flock, Kirkby Stephen, selling to E. Thomas, Daventry, with a consignment of ewes from A. and S. Miles’ Red Skye flock, Ulverston, selling to 650gns.

An in-lamb shearling ewe from J. Stead’s Middlemoor flock, Richmond, topped the Dutch Spotted section at 1,000gns to Hurries Farm, Otterburn. Ewe lambs sold to 750gns from Messrs Stead, with the consignment from J.A. Dixon, of the Grayrigg Foot flock, Kendal, reaching 500gns twice. Auctioneers: North West Auctions.

Shearling gimmer, from David Gray, Selkirk, which sold in-lamb for 2,800gns to C. Harkin, Co Tyrone.

Carry House Ronaldo, for 10,000gns to Neil Marston, Cockermouth. Messrs Campbell, Peebles, then

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

PICTURE: ISLA CAMPBELL

Duhonw flock sale tops at 10,000gns twice at Carlisle

● Texel and Bluefaced Leicester lead trade

THE reduction of the Duhonw flocks of pedigree sheep at Carlisle on behalf of Michael James and family, Builth Wells, topped at 10,000gns for Texels and Bluefaced Leicesters and 9,000gns for Badger Face Texels.

Leading the Texel trade at 10,000gns was a 2021-born daughter of Clinterty Yuga Khan out of a Whitehart A Lister-sired dam, in-lamb to Ettrick Gaucho, which sold to Messrs Howie, Parkgate, Dumfries.

Making 8,000gns was a shearling gimmer by Sportsmans Cannonball, also out of an A Lister daughter. It sold, in-lamb to Etrrick Gaucho, to Messrs Ingram, Inverurie.

Also selling for 8,000gns was a 2021-born ewe by Whitehart A Lister out of a Meinspride Usainsired dam which went to an undisclosed buyer.

Bluefaced Leicesters also sold to 10,000gns for a 2019-born daughter of Midlock G1 out of Duhonw F40 by Swathburn E1 which is a full sister to £20,000 Duhonw K1 which has bred sons to £15,000. It

Champion leads Classy Ladies at 9,000gns high

IT was the overall champion, a ewe lamb from Messrs Lord’s Hewgill flock, North Stainmore, which led the trade at 9,000gns at the Classy Ladies sale of crossing type Bluefaced Leicester females at Carlisle. The daughter of Sealhouses S1 out of a home-bred dam was knocked down to an undisclosed buyer. Next, at 6,800gns, was the second prize-winning ewe lamb and reserve champion from Alec Brown’s Macqueston flock, Thornhill. By Hewgill R2 out of a home-bred ewe, it sold to Messrs Fallows and Sons, Lanark.

Another ewe lamb by the same sire from the same home sold for 2,500gns to Hugh Fergusson, Sorn. Making 2,800gns was a shearling gimmer by Riddings P2 from John Wight and Sons’ Midlock flock, Crawford, which sold, carrying triplets to T3 Steel, to Messrs Ramsey, Castle Douglas.

AVERAGES

3 aged ewes, £1,785; 21 shearling gimmers, £1,247.50; 10 ewe hoggs, £2,711.11.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Overall champion, a ewe from Messrs Lord, North Stainmore, which sold for 9,000gns to an undisclosed buyer.

sold, carrying twins, to Messrs Lowe, Shrewsbury.

Next, at 3,500gns, was a shearling gimmer out of the same ewe but by Low Tipalt N1 and in-lamb to Midlock T004 which sold to Messrs Forbes, Pitlochry.

Ewe

Another Duhonw F40 daughter, a 2021-born ewe, again by Low Tipalt N1 and scanned with triplets to Giants Causeway S001, made 3,000gns to Messrs Walker and Son, Clitheroe.

Badger Face Texels topped at 9,000gns for Duhonw Daisy, a 2022-born embryo transfer ewe by Sunnybank Attack out of Whatmore Beeswax. It sold, scanned with twins to Knockmult Foden, to David Roberts, Shropshire.

Next, at 7,000gns, was the dam of the top price ewe, 2020-born Whatmore Beeswax by Whatmore

Texel trade leader, from Michael James and family, Builth Wells, which sold in-lamb for 10,000gns to Messrs Howie, Parkgate, Dumfries.

Xpert, which has also bred progeny to 11,000gns. It sold also scanned for twins to Knockmult Foden, to an undisclosed buyer.

At the same money was Duhonw Delilah, another 2022-born ET ewe by Sunnybank Attack out of Beeswax which sold carrying a single to Knockmult Foden, to Messrs Jones, Llandelio.

AVERAGES

Texels – 9 flush ewes, £5,985; 47 implanted pregnancies, £1,438.72; 42 flock ewes, £1,640; 34 shearling gimmers, £2,300.74; 18 ewe lambs, £1,417.50; Bluefaced Leicesters – 12 flock ewes, £2,266.25; 7 shearling gimmers, £2,505; Badger Face Texels – 3 flush ewes, £8,050; 10 implanted pregnancies, £1,512; 10 flock ewes, £1,669.50; 9 shearling gimmers, £1,738.33; 15 ewe lambs, £1,750. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Overall champion, a shearling gimmer, from R.A. McClymont, Yarrow, which sold for 5,000gns to Kear Jones and Son, Swansea.

Blue Belles champion to 5,000gns

TOPPING the Blue Belles sale of traditional type Bluefaced Leicester females at Carlisle at 5,000gns was the overall champion, a shearling gimmer from R.A. McClymont’s Kirkstead flock, Yarrow, which dominated the trade. By N11 Bonvilston, it sold scanned with a single to S7 Madrissa, to Kear Jones and Son, Swansea. Its full sister, carrying twins to T4 Wallholme, made 4,000gns to Clarilaw Farming, Melrose.

A pair of Kirkstead twins by P1 Blackett House, one carrying twins to

S1 Whinney Hall and the other a pair to Espley R1, sold for 4,200gns apiece, both to Claish Farms, Stirling. Two Kirkstead shearling gimmer sisters by Bonvilston N1 and both scanned with triplets to S1 Whinneyhill, sold for 3,500gns apiece to Clarilaw Farming and Messrs Kay and Sons, Lauder, respectively.

AVERAGES 13 ewes, £835.96; 56 shearling gimmers, £1,250.06; 13 ewe lambs, £575.88.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

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AUCTION MARTS

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS &

LONGTOWN MART Tel (01228) 791215

EVERY THURSDAY - PRIMESTOCK

Prime & Cast Ewes at 7am followed at approx. 12.30pm by Prime Lambs

Cast & Feeding Cows at 1pm

Monday 13th January at 5pm

95 “LONGTOWN LADIES” EVENING SALE 95

Show & Sale of 67 Choice Texel in-lamb Shearlings & Geld Hoggs

47 shearlings & 20 hoggs ex Allanfauld, Cowal, Drumbreddan, Hexel, Knap, Midlock, New View, Orchilmore, Overburns, Sportsmans, Topgun & Vallum

10 Dutch Texel Shearlings & Ewes ex Kings Grange

5 Beltex in-lamb Shearlings ex Vallum

13 Suffolks Shearlings, Ewes & Hoggs ex Topgun MV Accredited. In the mart & live online via Marteye.ie

Tuesday 14th January at 10.30am

250 Store & Breeding Cattle

4,000 Store Hoggs, Cast Rams & Feeding Ewes

Tuesday 21st January at 10.30am

3,500 Store & Breeding Sheep including In-Lamb Ewes of All Classes

Thursday 16th January 2025 starting at 11:00am with Heifer Calves

The Winter Warmer Collective Dairy Sale

CATTLE

✰ 100 FRESHLY CALVED COWS & HEIFERS from Allerways, Beaconhill, Beneknowle, DWC & MA Brunt, Clenchers, Coombes Manor Farm Ltd, Davlea, Hislop & Son, Llanelen, Newmead, Peacehay, Shere Partners, & JB, M, MA & MJ Williams

✰ 38 INCALF HEIFERS HEIFERS from Braden, Chiselborough, RA & DA Plowright & Withamhall

✰ 4 BULLING HEIFERS from Chiselborough

✰ 23 HEIFER CALVES from Beaconhill (A Lots), Gorvin Farming Ltd & Peacehay (A Lots)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

Market Results

Dairies to £2820, Pigs 200p/kg - £153, Calves Lim Bull to £480, Lambs 369p/kg - £148, Ewes to £250, Rams to £250

Store Cattle Sales 400 STORE CATTLE

SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025 – ENTRIES INVITED Store Sheep Sales

SALE OF 2908 STORE LAMBS & BREEDING SHEEP THIS

WEDNESDAY 15TH JANUARY

Dedicated slaughter market

PRIME CATTLE,SHEEP & PIGS

PIGS 9am SHEEP 9.45am CATTLE 10.30am

SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY

SALE OF STORE CATTLE, SHEEP & PIGS

Including 17 LimX Str/Hfr 15-24mth, Smith Bros

Lim Hfr, 8mth, Lim Bull 7mth, I Wilkinson 13 Bld X Strs, 18mth, RD Green 8 Lim Bulls, 12mth, A Smith

4 Linc Rd Bulls, 8-12mth DW Richardson

ShtH Hfr, 18mth, R Watson

Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

*Selby Auction is Now in the Blue Tongue Zone*

Contact Office for Details

Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535

RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535

www.selbymart.co.uk

www.selbymart.co.uk

SKIPTON AUCTION MART

Telephone: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com

Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481

Ted Ogden - 07855 958211

Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077

Matthew Middleton – 07860 659803

Monday 13th January

SHOW & SALE OF CALVES

Show 10.30am Sale 10.45am

Entries & Enquiries to Kyle

PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE

Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available)

SALE OF PRIME HOGGS - Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES, RAMS & GOATS

Wednesday 15th January

SALE OF 1700 STORE HOGGS

Sale 10.30am Lingfield Ring

Saturday 18th January

250 STIRKS, WEANED CALVES , BREEDING & STORE GOATS & SHEEP

Inc NEW YEAR SHOW OF STIRKS

(Entries close Monday 13th January)

Wednesday 22nd January

Sale of 500 YOUNG BULLS, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE (Entries close Wednesday 15th January)

Wednesday 29th January

ONLINE TIMED AUCTION OF WORKING SHEEPDOGS

(Entries close Monday 13th January)

Dairy Cattle

Monday 20th January

Fortnightly Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE

Monday 3rd February

Fortnightly Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE

Entries & Enquiries to Sarah 07710 795585

Skipton Machinery Sale

Saturday 8th February

MACHINERY LINES, VEHICLES, TRACTORS & PLANT EQUIPMENT, RECLAMATION & SALVAGE, STONE, TIMBER & BUILDERS SECTION

Inc Special Section of LAMBING TIME EQUIPMENT

(Entries for advertising by Monday 3rd February)

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

LANCASTER AUCTION MART

Tel: 01524 63308

Every Monday: 10am PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

Every Friday: 10:15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 10:15am 100 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 11:15am 300 STORE CATTLE

J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE

Tel: 015395 66200

Every Tuesday: 1pm PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP –Tuesday 14th January 10:30am ALL TYPES OF PIGS

Thursday 16th January 10:30am 5000 STORE HOGGS

Special Entry of 150 in lamb Mule shearlings, Due end of March, to the Texel / Suffolk

Thursday 23rd January 10am REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10:30am CAST/OTM CATTLE 11:15am STORE CATTLE

Saturday 25th January ‘DIAMOND DELIGHTS’

Rough Fell Females on behalf of the RFSBA Swaledale & Bluefaced Leicester Females

Also this day Multi-Breed Sale of Individual In-Lamb Breeding & Commercial In-Lamb Sheep

Monday 27th January

Milking Herd Reduction of 60 Pedigree HF Cow & Heifers (due to change in farming policy) on behalf of MH&SJ Morris, Wraysholme Tower

MACHINERY SALES

Tuesday

Saturday 1st February

Annual Multi Breed Sale of Individual Breeding Sheep Dalesbred, Swaledale, Herdwick, Cheviot, Blue Faced Leicester, Teeswater & Others

Cruel blow to family farms View from the Rostrum

Richard Hyde on family farm tax and 2024 trade

What a wonderful year it has been for livestock producers in terms of the product price. It is so pleasing to see those who are calving, lambing and rearing get the rewards they richly deserve.

Breeding ewes, store lambs, store cattle, barren cows and prime cattle and sheep have been wonderful trades throughout the year, and it is very gratifying to see the deadweight price being led by auction trades.

Our Government has dealt a cruel blow to the family farms, who are the backbone of the food production system. How many of the massive landowners are livestock producers? Not many. The family farms have existed on low wages because ‘one day, this will all be yours’. The return on capital is pathetic when the value of land, livestock, machinery and crops are

taken into account. To now tax the inheritance shows a complete lack of understanding regarding the security of our food supply.

I have been in this business since 1981 and have seen a great deal of change, but never has there been a complete lack of incentive to produce food of any description. It is an absolutely incredible situation, which in hindsight we will bitterly regret. We are putting thousands of acres into crops that will produce zero food for

several years. No one can be blamed for taking advantage of a system that is there, but farmers generally take pride in producing food and it is incredible to me that the cereal prices are so low after a very poor harvest.

However, global events should surely encourage us to produce as much as possible to be as independent as possible. We have learnt no lessons from the pandemic when commodities were not available.

We have a temperate climate which is appearing to become milder but wetter. Grass and livestock could well benefit from this change, but weather cannot be relied upon. To have a Government that is totally against the backbone of our food supply is scandalous, reckless and incredibly stupid.

In relation to our long-term food supply, it is so sad that people in authority appear to have so little business brain or basic common sense not to understand what effects their policies will have. It is thankfully a long time since World War Two, but

the convoy films made an indelible impression on me, because without food and goods from America and Canada this country would have lost the war and starved.

That was extreme and thankfully we are not in the same situation, but the world is very unstable and the actions of the next incumbent of the White House will be very interesting to follow.

We have a sale today (January 7) with in-lamb ewes to £310, ewes with lambs to £320, baby calves to £500, and weaned calves to £1,140 for bulls and £860 for heifers. Ewe hoggs are to £150, rams to £159.50, mixed to £150, with 4,109 averaging £118.26.

Confidence is flying – if only Government would back the industry to make our food supply secure without dependency upon imports not produced to the same standards.

Richard Hyde is an auctioneer at Hereford Market Auctioneers. Call 07977 467 165, or email hma@herefordmarket.com

Richard Hyde

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

Saturday 11th January

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

Special January show and sale of 800 STORE CATTLE

Wednesday 15th January

Show 9.00am Sale -10.00am

Classes for best Bullock & best Heifer

YOUNG CALVES – 10.00am WEANERS & YOUNG BULLS – 12.00noon

PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY

150 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING

THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY

Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am

Follow Us On Facebook To View Sale

Lots Prior To Sale

40 COWS IN MILK – 98 HEIFERS IN MILK –11 IN CALF HEIFERS - 1 BULL SELL

No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK FRESH MILKERS

A quality selection of freshly calved cows & heifers sell producing oceans of milk sell, all bred from herds with excellent health status.

PREFIXES INCLUDE:

Acrehead, Annandale, Bankview, Berryholme, Chapelhouse, Coppside, Denmire, Drumtall, Dunnerdale, Ernespie, Errolston, Espland, Evening, Feizor, Highbeck, Holehouse, Lomond, Netherside, Nethervalley, , Northhill, Parkend/Lesmay, Ploughlands, Potstown, Stowbeck, Wormanby. BREEDERS CHOICE: Several elite pedigrees are included in this catalogue and include heifers from the; Mahala, Ricki, Delia, Roxy, Elegance, Lasenza & Siesme.

DISPERSAL SALE: The dispersal of the Langhill & Acrehead from the SRUC herds continue with a group of 41 cows and heifers in milk with 20 freshly calved and 21 confirmed pregnant again from April onwards. This is an excellent group of Holsteins.

IN CALF HEIFERS: 11 In Calf heifers from the Langhil dispersal sale are include due in February & March to sexed Holstein bulls. These heifers have high PLI indexes

Opening sale of INLAMB EWES

Monday 20th January

Please advise entries

BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Wednesday 29th January

Entries close Wednesday 22nd January

POULTRY & WATERFOWL

Also hatching eggs, caged birds and equipment

Saturday 8th February

Closing date Monday 13th January

LOCKERBIE MART

Tel: 01576 202332

Show and sale of

NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT

INLAMB FEMALES

Saturday 8th February

Entries close Friday 10th January

MIDDLETON MART

Tel: 01833 640281

80 STORE CATTLE

Tuesday 14th January

Show 10.30am Sale 11.00am (Young handlers summering competition sale)

NEW SALE FIXTURE

Dispersal sale of FARM MACHINERY & IMPLEMENTS

Saturday 1st March

At Abbey Park, Bletarn, Appleby in Furness On behalf of Messrs DJ & S Atkinson

07955288800

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10am Opening sale of Store Cattle 22 BREEDING & FEEDING CATTLE, 44 YOUNG BULLS followed by 287 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS

Thursday 16th January

10:30am PRIME CATTLE then CAST CATTLE 10:30am REARING CALVES

11:00am SEMEX UK & JAMESON FEEDS show & sale of DAIRY CATTLE - entries to Eleanor by Mon 13th

Saturday 18th January

9:30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10:30am BREEDING SHEEP & GOATS, followed by STORE HOGGS, Inc 1st in Lamb Sheep Sale Entries to office by Tue 14th 12noon

Thursday 23rd January

10:30am PRIME CATTLE then CAST CATTLE 10:30am REARING CALVES

11:00am WEEKLY DAIRY CATTLE - entries to Eleanor 12:30pm STIRKS- entries to the office by Tue 21st 12noon

Saturday 25th January

9:30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10:30am BREEDING SHEEP & GOATS, followed by STORE HOGGS - entries to office by Tue 21st 12noon

Thursday 30th January

10:30am PRIME CATTLE then CAST CATTLE 10:30am REARING CALVES

11:00am WEEKLY DAIRY- entries to Eleanor TUESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY – FIRST MACHINERY Entries to the yard Monday 3rd between 8am-2pm STRICTLY

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207

www.hawesmart.co.uk

Saturday 11th January

74 Store Cattle & Cull Cows at 10.30am

Tuesday 14th January

2000 Prime Lambs at 10am

400 Cast Ewes & Rams

20 Calves at 10:30am

Saturday 18th January

58 Ind. Registered Ewes & Gimmer Lambs on behalf of BFL Sheep Breeders Assoc, followed by

28 Ind. Reg. Ewes & Gimmer Lambs on behalf of Swaledale Sheep Breeders Assoc.

Sale of other Individual Pedigree Females including 2 MV Accredited Badger Face Texels, 3 Pedigree Dutch Spotted & 5 Herdwicks, Judging 10.30am. Sale at 11:30am

Sale of Flock Books to follow.

2 Auction Mart Shares for sale at 12.30pm Telephone: 01969 667207

Ian Atkinson 07957 256337 Kenton Foster 07711 469280.

160 In Calf Cows, 2 Cows and Calves and 4 Stock bulls. Prolific and well managed mainly Continental x Cows calving from 1st March 2025 within 12 weeks to British Blue and Limousin X Bulls Fully Vaccinated, Farm Assured, TB Free since 2021, 70% calved in march and only 6 assisted calvings total in 2024. Last Years bull calves averaged 613kg at 431days and averaged 390kg Deadweight, a 63.6% Killing out percentage, including 14% E Grade, 62% U Grade and 24% R Grades. Download the full catalogue from our website.

everyone at Halls, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025.

Saturday 18th January 2025 - 11am Start On Behalf of Apley Estate to be held at Apley Home Farm, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9EL Shrewsbury Auction Centre Halls, Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3DR 01743 462 620 market@hallsgb.com hallsgb.com/auctions

Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700

Monday 13th January

9.30am Prime Bulls, Clean Cattle and Cast Cows. Special Section for TB area 1 Cattle.

650 STORE CATTLE Monday 13th January 650 STORE CATTLE Show 10am; Sale 11am

January Bonanza Prize Show and Sale of 650 Feeding Bulls and Store Cattle Champion and Reserve sold at 12.30pm

Monday 13th January

3pm - Sale of 300 Store Hoggs of all classes

Wednesday 15th January

8am- Cast Ewes and Rams followed at 10.30am Prime Hoggs (Hogg Ballot at 10.30am)

Friday 17th January

10am- Sale of 250 Rearing Calves and Weaned Stirks

Friday 31st January

Monthly Sale of Dairy Cattle of all classes including a Special Section for Dairy Shorthorns Entries close noon Monday 20th January

Friday 7th February

Onsite Collective Sale of Tractors, Machinery, Plant, Livestock Equipment and Small Tools

Please advise entries www.penrithauction.com

(02), Fendt 307 (89), Loaders: Avant 528 Loader (17), Linde H25D-02 Forklift (13), Sprayers: SAM SLc 4000 24m (07), John Deere R962i 36M Trailed (12), Cultivation & Drilling: Vaderstad Rapid 400s (04), Vaderstad Topdown 700 (17) & 300 (07), Horsch Sprinter 8ST (14), Sumo Trio 3 (11), Forage Equipment: Krone MX 370GL Forage Wagon (19), Malone Tedd-Air 570 (22), Claas Liner 3600 (17), Kuhn GA9531 Rake (15), Wessex AR180 ATV Topper (17), Trailers: Bailey 18T Beeteaper (13), Bailey 12T Root (05); Root Crop Equipment: Tong Caretaker 1200 Grading Line, Tong & Walthambury Baggers, Siat Box Sealers, Grimme Harvesters, Large assortment of Misc. Root crop, Irrigation Reels & Equipment, Misc. Conveyors and Roller Tables, Misc: Kuhn Axis 30.1 Fert Spreader (07), Spearhead Twiga Pro 600VFR Hedgetrimmer (14), Stocks Icon Duo (18), John Deere 1150kg Front Weight, Greenstar Starfire 3000 RTK, Assortment of Loader Attachments, Large Qty. Potato Boxes, Misc Wheels & Tyres, Forage: Large Qty. Haylage, Hay & Wrapped Wholecrop Barley

ON SITE AUCTION

On Instructions from C W Hardy

At Round House Farm, Wainfleet Road, Fishtoft, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 9RZ

On Wednesday 22nd January 2025 at 10.30am

Viewing from 10am until 4pm on Tuesday 21st January 2025

Including: Tractors: Massey Ferguson 7618 Dyna 6 (14), John Deere 6910 (99), 2No Massey Ferguson 3095 (95), Massey Ferguson 675 2wd (84), Massey Ferguson 135 Multipower (75); Materials Handlers & Forklifts: Sanderson SB50 TC masted forklift (84), Samsung SF25D diesel forklift (99), plus attachments; Trailers: 2No Armstrong Holmes 10t grain trailers (87), Pettit 8t dropside (75), 2No Pettit 8t (77), 32ft 4 wheel bale; Cultivation Equipment & Implements: Kuhn HR5004DR power harrow (14), Kuhn HR3503D 3.5m power harrow, Dowdeswell DP7D2 4+1f rev plough (96), Howard 3m rotavator, Bomford Super flow, Massey Ferguson 4m trailed discs, Lemken Kompaktor 4m, Hardi 12m sprayer; Misc Equipment & Spares: various wheels and tyres, vintage implements, 20ft metal shipping container (09), wafer weights and large quantity of workshop equipment & spares etc.

For further details contact George Watchorn or Jon Clampin from our St Neots Office

UPCOMING AUCTIONS 2025

17th

13th Feb 2025 - 18th Feb 2025

15th May 2025 - 21st May 2025

ON SITE AUCTION

On Instructions from Walmsgate Estate

At Ketsby House Farm, Walmsgate, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 8QW

On Thursday 30th January 2025 at 10:30am

Viewing from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday 29th January 2025

Including: Combine: Claas Lexion 670 Terra Trac with Claas V900 header (12); Tractors: John Deere 8RX 370 (21), John Deere 7310R (19), John Deere 6R250 (22), Ford 4600 2wd (76); Materials Handler: CAT TH407C (14); Vehicles: John Deere Gator 855D XUV (17), Land Rover Defender 90 (08); Sprayer: Househam Merlin M4-24 MK II 24m self-propelled (17); Trailers: Ken Wootton Marston KW14t grain (06), AS Marston Wootton ACMT 14t grain (01); Cultivation Equipment: Lemken Diamant 11 VOF 8f rev plough (17), Vaderstad NZA 600 (20), Vaderstad Topdown TD500 (17), Vaderstad Rexius Twin RST450 (03), Vaderstad Rapid RDA 600S (22), Dalbo Compact 1230 Plus Cambridge rolls (14), Bomford Hawk Evo 6.0 hedge cutter (15); Misc Equipment: Ryetec Derky DV20NPKS log splitter (21), 20ft (07) & 40ft (95) shipping containers, quantity of workshop equipment and spares etc.

For further details contact George Watchorn or Jon Clampin from our St Neots Office

George Watchorn St Neots 07919 015675 george.watchorn@brown-co.com

Jon Clampin

St Neots 07717 512498 jon.clampin@brown-co.com

Simon Wearmouth

Norwich 07768 465744

simon.wearmouth@brown-co.com

Victoria Walters

Norwich 07990 418021

victoria.walters@brown-co.com

James Walton Humber 07920 496350 james.walton@brown-co.com

Anita Riggall Humber 07966 597930 anita.riggall@brown-co.com

SCAN THE CODE TO VIEW OUR AUCTION CALENDAR

We

•

• Assistant Manager, Newport, South Wales,

• Experienced Dairy Stockperson, East

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated operator to join our team based near York. We farm 2000 Ha of arable land and 400 Ha of carrots using modern techniques and equipment.

Our team cover all farm tasks including cultivations, drilling, fertiliser spreading, spraying, combining, irrigation and a range of specialist operations on the carrot crop. This wide variety of jobs plus year-round carrot harvesting ensures an interesting and fulfilling role.

You will be our ideal candidate if you:

• Have experience of operating farm machinery and GPS technology

• Have a passion for agriculture and a desire to learn

• Are a positive and dedicated team player

We will offer the successful candidate a full time contract with 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays), best in class rate of pay and ongoing training and development. Apply

FGBuyandSell.com

Orders for Insertion of advertisements in Farmers Guardian are accepted subject to the following conditions:

1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practise and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority: and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation.

2. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advertisement.

3. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be, or make a reasonable adjustment to the cost. No reinsertion, or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed

a) The amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose. OR

b) The cost of a further corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.

4. The publisher reserves the right to withdraw, amend or alter any advertisement it considers necessary.

5. Cancellations or advertisements are accepted providing they comply with the cancellation deadlines which are published at regular intervals.

6. Advertisement orders are issued by an advertising agency as a principal and must be on the agencies official form (when copy insutructions not constituting an official order are issued they must be clearly marked at the head “Copy Instructions – not an order”.

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12. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement, is an acceptance of these conditions and any other conditions stated on any type of order form by an agency or advertisers are not applicable if they conflict with any of the above.

Do you enjoy the countryside?

Do you like to socialise and meet new people?

If you are looking for new friends in a relaxed and informal environment, then try Country Link – the social network for the countryside. Open to anyone, and with a national network of local groups, Country Link offers a variety of pre-arranged meetings, events, and activities to suit all tastes, encouraging friendship but is not a dating agency.

Take a look on our website, call 07932 537183, or email contact@country-link.co.uk for more information and to find out what is happening in your area.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Let 2025 be the year you meet someone special and find love in your life. Give ‘Friends1st’ a call today on 0121 405 0941 and let them take away the hard work of finding a Christian companion to share your life. Here’s what one member Patrick said: “Friends1st is good value for money and a fraction what other sites charge for what is offered in return. Setting up real dates and being offline really appeals to me.” Call 0121 405 0941 or visit www.friends1st. co.uk/christian-farmers-dating

Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions

Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Hedging, Various Sizes Available. A standard delivery charge may be added. Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme. BN11 or BN7

Mix Native Packs from £2.91 or £5.31 per metre Including rabbit guards/canes All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change. 269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ

www.evergladesnurseries.com sales@evergladesnurseries.co.uk Tel: 01257 450533

J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD

• BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

• WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD

• WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED

• BOREHOLE PUMPING

QUICKTHORN

NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE

New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs!

20,000 Ltr Roka Silo

16,000 Ltr Delaval

16,000 Ltr Mueller

14,000 Ltr Fabdec 12,000 Ltr Roka DX

12,000 Ltr Fullwood Packo Instant Cooling 10,000 Ltr Fabdec

9,000 Ltr Japy / GEA

8,000 Ltr Roka Silo

7,500 Ltr Surge

7,100 Ltr Delaval

6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs)

6,000 Ltr Mueller

6,000 Ltr Fabdec

5,000 Ltr Packo

5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Roka

4,250 Ltr Japy / GEA

2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.2T Ice Builder suitable for 14/15,000 Ltrs every other day

CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems.

MARTLANDS

COLLECTORS

Competitive prices

PLEASE CALL: 01704 893161 or 07768 051800 (24 hrs)

Martland’s

SON (PS) LTD

For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

SHEEP HOUSE POLYTUNNELS, BUILT TO LAST

Buy online at premierpolytunnels.co.uk

•

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•

•

Products

ex

Premium Grower 16% Bulk £230 ex – Bags £240 ex

Premium Finisher 14% Bulk £220 ex – Bags £230 ex Bespoke Rations available to your requirements

Be

CAUTION

We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print.

Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received.

Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.

BIOMASS BOILERS

600

Equestrian and Industrial Buildings

Property Landscape Planning for a year of change is important

Tony

Rimmer

looks to the year ahead

Firstly, a happy New Year to all readers, Rostons clients and professional contacts.

The New Year and Christmas break is often a time for reflection and, certainly in my household, a time to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, both professionally and in family life.

Sadly, 2025 has started for many farmers with more of the same: wet weather and flooding.

It is clear that years of neglect to watercourse and ditch maintenance is now coming home to bite, with fields of standing water, properties being flooded and old drainage infrastructure collapsing.

This, coupled with the fallout from last autumn’s Budget, continues to put extreme pressure on farmers’ mental well-being and it is becoming a topic that we as a team are much more aware of.

On a number of occasions, we have found that we need to signpost clients in the right direction to get support for the mental challenges they are facing.

We all need to take the time to check on our neighbours and nearest and dearest, and make sure that they ‘really are okay’ and not just giving the standard answer.

Much of this is caused, in my view, by the external pressures that are being placed on farmers.

No longer can farming be a way of life, it is a business – the external pressures are often outside of our control, and you need to concentrate on what is within your control and make sure you do the best that you can in these circumstances.

It is clear to me even while we are only in the early stages that 2025 is going to be a year of change.

More and more farmers and landowners are looking at their businesses and their personal and private expectations and desires, and in many cases questioning why they are doing what they have always done for years, while reviewing matters and putting an alternative strategy and plan in place.

While time to plan and reflect is often difficult to find in the busy 24/7 environment of farming, it can make a difference.

None of us know what is around the corner, all of us will know of people who have had life-changing illness in recent years that was not expected and therefore it really is important to understand what your personal and family desires and needs for the future are.

A plan does not have to be a big document, it can be a simple sheet of paper and a review of the different options open to you.

To enable this, you may need an external, trusted adviser such as your chartered surveyor and agricultural valuer, accountant or solicitor.

Often it will be the three working together to help shape a strategy that enables your business to move forward in the way you want.

Never in my 30 years of practice have I seen a time when it was so important to plan.

Whether that is how your business will be impacted by legislation and environmental measures, or how you can structure matters to pass the assets onto the next generation. To do this, good professional advice and a team around you that you know and trust is essential.

So, in conclusion, 2025 will be a challenging year, but for those who have the desire, drive and determination to make a success of it, they will find a way.

Tony Rimmer is a director at Rostons. Call 01829 773 000, or email tonyrimmer@rostons.co.uk

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

Bank Said NO? We Usually Say YES!

We can quickly arrange loans 3 months - 25 years £10,000 - £5,000,000. Competitive rates for Farm Finance Immediate decision in principle - use for any purpose: Consolidation, Tax bills, Crops, Expansion, New equipment, Livestock etc. Specialist help for Financial Problem Cases Including adverse credit. We can lend against property Farms, Farm Buildings, Farm Equipment & Machinery Equestrian Buildings, Shops, Bare Land and Buy-to-Lets.

If it can be done - we can help - call to discuss: 0800 280 06 05 www.brilliant-finance.co.uk

We are a broker not a lender

Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectorsarable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance and equipment

DO YOU HAVE LAND?

Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.

If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources.

Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.

Tony Rimmer

Estates & Farmland Market Update

What impact the inheritance tax changes might have on the farmland market is something that is generating lots of debate. Land values are currently at historically high levels, with the average value of arable land in England at £11,000/acre and the average value of pasture land at £9,300/acre.

The announcement about changes to the IHT regime has caused a level of uncertainty, but to date we are not seeing signs of deals agreed before the Budget stalling and continue to receive offers for land that is currently on the market.

One of the reasons stated for the IHT changes is to deter non-farmers from buying farmland. Our data points to non-farmers – who are a mix of private and institutional investors and lifestyle buyers – accounting for 56% of sales in 2023, but as approximately 1% of land transacts in any given year this is not reflective of overall land ownership. In addition, in our experience the motivations for non-farmers buying land are very varied.

In conclusion there are some incredibly popular areas of the country where the land market has been very strong and is likely to continue to be so. There are other parts of England dominated by farmer buyers, who tend to be more cautious because they are almost entirely dependent on the income that can be derived from the land so there may be some downward pressure on values, but this is likely to be localised and scarcity of opportunities to acquire land will underpin the market.

Whether you are buying or selling, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions in this evolving market. Please do get in touch.

Sam Holt MRICS Head of Estates & Farm Agency Department

07702 317301

sam.holt@struttandparker.com

Bodmin, Cornwall

Guide Price

£3,895,000

A versatile arable & pasture farm with farmhouse and cottages.

About 235 acres.

Cockermouth, Cumbria

Guide Price

£1,500,000

Traditional Lake District farm with a cottage & consent to convert farm buildings. About 211 acres.

Ingatestone, Essex

Guide

£2,380,000

A first-class arable farm with a range of buildings suitable for alternate uses (STPP).

About 186 acres.

Saltburn-by-Sea, North Yorkshire

Guide Price

£3,250,000

A compact residential dairy, livestock and arable farm in a stunning location.

About 186 acres.

Okehampton, Devon

Guide Price £1,500,000

Livestock farm with farmhouse, farm buildings, productive woodland & river frontage. About 84 acres.

Stadhampton, Oxfordshire

Guide Price

£4,750,000

Regenerative farm & potential environmental, strategic & commercial opportunities.

About 280 acres.

Northampton, Northamptonshire

Guide Price

£3,900,000

Complete grassland farm with a cottage & farm buildings suitable for development (STPP).

About 227 acres.

Commercial mixed farm & a substantial range of buildings, Grade 2 arable land & salt marsh. About 650 acres. A selection of country

Cockerham, Lancashire

Guide Price

£5,850,000

Machinery

Edited by Toby Whatley –

054

When it comes to ingenuity and innovation, agriculture has it by the bucket load. But what do you do with that great idea cooked up in the back of a shed? James Huyton gets an insight from Dr Tim Fray, of Loven Patents and Trademarks.

Ingenuity and invention are at the core of agriculture

Every problem has a solution, and often those that deal with problems that come up on a daily basis are the best ideas.

Against the backdrop of an everchanging agricultural landscape, extra income streams are often a welcome thought.

So how do you protect an idea and leverage the financial benefits from it?

Intellectual property (IP) expert and LAMMA Innovation Awards judge Dr Tim Fray sheds light on the evolving landscape of IP protection in the agricultural sector.

With the legal complexities surrounding patents and trademarks gaining greater relevance nowadays, understanding and using IP has become critical for farmers and agri-tech innovators.

This updated guide explores recent developments, including lessons from the Claydon versus Mzuri case, and highlights opportunities such as the Patent Box scheme, to help farmers and investors safeguard their inventions and maximise their value.

The growing role of IP in agriculture

■ INNOVATION and branding have become the cornerstones of success in agriculture, driven by rapid advancements in robotics, automation and sustainable practices. These innovations demand robust IP protection to ensure they are not infringed upon by competitors.

Dr Fray says: “Patents safeguard the functional aspects of inventions, registered designs protect appearances, trademarks defend brands, and copyright shields creative works such as software. Additionally, trade secrets and unregistered designs are valuable

yet underutilised forms of protection in agriculture.”

Lessons from the Claydon vs Mzuri case: When to act

■ THE 2021 Claydon versus Mzuri legal battle, a significant IP case in the agricultural sector, has set a precedent on how patents are defended.

The case revolved around Claydon’s claim that Mzuri infringed its patent with the launch of the Mzuri Pro-Til seed drill.

The ruling highlighted key factors that inventors must consider when protecting their innovations:

■ Timely application: The case underlined the importance of filing patents before testing prototypes of the invention, even if nobody observes the test prototype in use. Public disclosure destroys the

novelty of a patent application with the word ‘public’ being interpreted very broadly by the courts.

■ Clear documentation: Patents must be detailed and precise to withstand scrutiny in court.

■ Freedom-to-operate analysis: Before launching, conduct thorough research to ensure your invention does not infringe on existing patents.

Farmers and agri-tech companies should take note of this case, as it underscores the need to act swiftly and strategically to protect inventions while avoiding costly litigation.

Intellectual property as a strategic tool

■ IP is not just a defensive mechanism, it is a valuable business asset, emphasising its utility in negotiat-

ing with competitors, investors, and suppliers, says Dr Fray.

“Registered designs, trademarks and patents, while intangible assets, are assets nonetheless.

“They create leverage in negotiations and attract investment by showcasing your company’s innovation potential,” he says.

For example, JCB’s legal victory over Manitou regarding a patented safety mechanism for telehandlers, demonstrated the power of IP.

Even without widespread financial impact, the case sent a clear message about JCB’s commitment to protecting its innovations.

Financial benefits: The patent box advantage

■ ONE of the most significant developments since 2019 is the rising adoption of the Patent Box scheme.

Intellectual property can often be harnessed as a valuable asset to a brand, attracting investment and showcasing a company’s innovation potential.

For smaller agri-tech firms, this can be a vital lifeline.”

The R&D Tax Relief scheme remains a valuable tool for farmers experimenting with new techniques or technologies

DR TIM FRAY

The scheme, which allows businesses to apply a reduced corporation tax rate of 10% on profits derived from patented innovations, is a game-changer for agricultural companies.

Dr Fray says: “In 2024, the uptake of the Patent Box in agriculture has grown significantly.

“Companies utilising this scheme not only reduce their tax liabilities, but also create a financial incentive for continued research and development [R&D] .

“Additionally, the R&D Tax Relief scheme remains a valuable tool for farmers experimenting with new techniques or technologies.

“Whether you are developing stress-resistant machinery or testing innovative materials, you could qualify for substantial tax relief.”

A report published in September 2024 from HM Revenue and Customs states that the value of relief claimed under the Patent Box is estimated to have increased to £1.469 billion in the tax year 2022 to 2023 from £1.327bn in the tax year 2021 to 2022.

This was primarily driven by large companies claiming more tax relief on average.

Protecting your inventions in a crowded market

n THE fast pace of innovation in agriculture often leads to overlaps in technology and ideas, making it crucial to conduct due diligence before launching a product.

Key steps include:

n Patent searches: Ensure your invention is novel and does not infringe on existing patents.

n Trademark analysis: Avoid costly disputes by confirming your brand identity is unique.

n Design registration: If no patents are possible, do not lose heart, focus on the visual aspects of your product to protect its market appeal.

Dr Fray says: “A cautionary tale comes from the famous Trunki versus Kiddee Case, where Trunki’s registered design failed to protect the concept of those animal-shaped wheeled suitcases for children we have all seen in airports.

“The ruling reminds inventors that design protection is about appearance, not functionality or broad concepts.”

IP as a revenue stream

n BY strategically managing IP, agricultural businesses can turn their innovations into profitable assets.

Licensing agreements, for example, are a common way to monetise patents without heavy manufacturing investments.

Dr Fray says: “Most disputes never reach court. Licensing or settlement agreements are more common and often beneficial for both parties.

“These arrangements allow innovators to earn royalties while focusing on core operations.”

He says: “If it does get to court, then any dispute can be costly.

“This is often a reason why companies do not patent their inventions or register their designs or brands.

“However, the Goliaths of the

Dr Tim Fray, intellectual property expert at Loven Patents and Trademarks.

Dr Tim Fray highlights the importance of filing patents before testing prototypes even if nobody has observed the test prototype in use.

Machinery

industry do not always win over the Davids.

“In 2021, Oatly, a large oat milk manufacturer, lost a trademark infringement lawsuit against family owned Glebe Farm Foods, the maker of PureOaty.

“The case highlights the challenges brand owners face when trying to enforce marks that contain descriptive elements.

“It also demonstrates the limits of

trademark law in blocking competitors from operating in the same space.”

Key takeaways for farmers and investors

n AS the agricultural industry navigates 2025 and beyond, the importance of IP cannot be overstated.

Here is how farmers and investors can adapt:

n Act early: Protect your inventions by filing patent applications or

applying to register designs as soon as possible. The Claydon vs. Mzuri case illustrates the risks of delay.

n Explore financial incentives: Use schemes such as Patent Box and R&D Tax Relief to offset costs and enhance profitability.

n Consult professionals: Engage patent and trademark attorneys at an early stage to navigate the complexities of IP law effectively.

n Stay vigilant: Regularly monitor your competitors to ensure your

innovations and brand identities remain protected.

Looking ahead

As the LAMMA Innovation Awards continue to showcase groundbreaking agricultural technology, farmers and manufacturers are encouraged to participate and demonstrate their innovative prowess. Beyond recognition, such platforms emphasise the importance of IP in driving industry-wide progress.

“Innovation in farming is thriving, and protecting these innovations ensures a sustainable future for agriculture while providing financial and competitive advantages,” says Dr Fray.

Innovation in farming is thriving, and protecting these innovations ensures a sustainable future for agriculture

DR TIM FRAY

“Whether you are a farmer with a game-changing idea or an investor looking for opportunities, IP is the key to unlocking potential. With proactive strategies and a clear understanding of IP, the agricultural sector is poised to thrive in an era defined by technological evolution and environmental challenges.”

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on aspects of intellectual property, contact Tim Fray, of Loven Patents and Trademarks, specialists in agricultural IP at tim.fray@loven.co.uk

The LAMMA Innovation Awards continue to showcase the latest innovations and developments.

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com

For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub

● Crucial security for 10 rare breeds provided

THE livestock gene bank is continually developed and maintained thanks to support from Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) members and donors.

Christopher Price, RBST chief executive, says this gene bank fulfils a range of purposes.

He says: “These include providing the ability to recreate breeds or breeding lines if they become lost, supporting in vivo conservation to minimise inbreeding and genetic drift, providing an effective backup if genetic problems occur, and as a resource for scientists carrying out DNA research to support breed survival.”

However, he adds that creating a gene bank is a ‘long-term effort’, requiring very ‘significant funding and multi-decade forward planning’.

“Without Government provision for livestock genetic resources, this work is entirely down to breeders, breeding companies and charities such as RBST,” says Mr Price.

“In 2024, the Native Breed Pig Gene Banking Project demonstrated just what can be achieved through dedication, commitment, innovation and partnership.”

The Native Breed Pig Gene Banking Project has been collecting crucial genetic material for more than 20 years through a partnership between RBST, the British Pig Association and Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, a familyowned business in Northern Ireland led at that time by Robert Overend.

The initial priority at the project’s inception in 2001, driven by the footand-mouth disease outbreak, was to put native boars into an artificial insemination (AI) centre to provide an AI service for fresh semen matings, because boar hire services and the swapping of boars was inhibited by movement restrictions.

Mr Price says: “The project began

The collection and storage of genetic material from rare native livestock breeds is an important part of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s conservation strategy. Farmers Guardian reports.

Gene bank goes from strength to strength

New research and technological advances are bringing the potential for frozen porcine embryos closer

its first collections in 2001 with boars from six rare breeds, [which were] chosen because they were already in Northern Ireland where foot-andmouth disease movement restrictions were less stringent. These early results were very encouraging.

“The project’s earliest goal was to collect 25 unrelated sires across 10 native breeds, however this required a 50-year timeframe.”

He says that in 2016, the project partners established an ambitious but ‘more immediately impactful’ set of interim targets: to secure collections from at least 10 unrelated boars for the 10 breeds, additionally ensuring collection from all the boar lines of each breed (some breeds having more than 10 bloodlines), by November 2024.

He adds: “When these interim targets were set, for some breeds we had by then secured an encouraging number of collections, for example Gloucestershire Old Spot and Tamworths. However, others, such as the Large White and Oxford Sandy and Black breeds, still required a further eight collections each to reach the interim targets.”

Mr Price says RBST is ‘delighted’ that these targets were successfully met in November last year.

“The Native Breed Pig Gene Bank

now totals 114 boars, including 80 lines across 10 breeds. More than 7,500 straws of semen, each containing approximately six billion sperm cells, have been frozen and stored, with robust quality control processes and testing in place,” he says.

“Boars have been carefully selected for bloodlines and also to ensure, using kinship analysis, that they are as unrelated to each other as possible and representing a wide cross-section for each breed.”

Recycled semen

Semen has been recycled from the Native Breed Pig Gene Bank to field test the process, with litters produced from two of the original boars frozen in September 2001 (a Large Black and a Gloucester Old Spot). Boars from these matings were subsequently collected and frozen for the Native Breed Pig Gene Bank. Straws have been exported to other countries for breeding programmes, providing great reassurance on the viability of the stored semen.

Mr Price says the Native Breed Pig Gene Bank is now providing a crucial new level of security for 10 of the UK’s rare native pig breeds.

He says: “This has been achieved despite a number of considerable challenges. The Northern Irish location of

The Native Breed Pig Gene Banking Project has been collecting crucial genetic material for more than 20 years.

Deerpark Pedigree Pigs has been important to the project, especially during foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, but the logistics and quarantine of shipping boars from England to capture the maximum genetic diversity of each breed has at times been complex and had significant cost implications.

“The financial crisis of 2008 led to another very challenging time, when populations of native breed pigs were adversely affected and lack of fresh semen sales threatened to impact the viability of the project.

“The model has only worked thanks to the long-term commitment and generosity of Deerpark Pedigree Pigs and the Overend family.”

As the project partners take the Native Breed Pig Gene Bank forward, Mr Price says a key priority is to secure funding for the long-term storage of collections.

“Alongside consideration of which types and how many future collections will be of greatest benefit to the outlook for our rare breeds, there are several other interesting areas for further exploration. New research and technological advances are bringing the potential for frozen porcine embryos closer, and for the collection of oocytes for future in vitro fertilisation and maturation.”

PICTURE:

Often thought of as a tick box exercise to conform with regulatory requirements, investing in a detailed nutrient plan can deliver significant benefits for dairy and livestock producers, with new technology set to make the task significantly easier. Farmers Guardian reports.

● Targeting cost reduction a key benefit

WHILE there are many good reasons to complete a nutrient plan – including legal obligations – investing the time and resources into really making a plan work can deliver huge benefits to dairy and beef farmers, says AHDB head of farming systems and agronomy Ollie Johnson.

He says: “There is obviously the environmental side of things with an emphasis on making sure applications are matched as closely as possible to crop needs so nutrients do not, for example, end up in water courses – but that is really just the start of it.

“Targeting cost reduction is a key benefit. Nitrogen has reduced in price in recent years as gas prices have come down from the high of two years ago, but it is still a very expensive input.

“A comprehensive nutrient plan will help make sure you are getting

The value of investing in a detailed nutrient plan

the most out of every kg of N and other key nutrients applied so you are getting the best bang for your buck, and that is essential to future sustainability and viability.

“Growers are definitely keen to make more use of organic sources too, and with this in mind we have developed a new manure calculator on the AHDB website which will allow farmers to more easily calculate the financial value of these.”

Other technologies will also make it possible to get more from fertilisers in the future, he says.

“The increase in N prices did make people think a lot when they realised they could not afford to use so much of it when it was at such prices, so things like biostimulants and long-chain methylated ureas are increasingly under the spotlight,” he says.

“A lot of this new thinking is being taken on-board in RB209, and it will increasingly reflect this and provide sound guidelines around these new developments in the future.”

Allison Arden, technical lead for

software company Navigate Eco Solutions, says new technology can also be used to both simplify the process of nutrient planning and improve its overall value to the farming business.

“Every farm has a legal requirement to produce a nutrient plan, but growers need to move on from a simple ‘compliance’ mindset,” she says.

“Investing in a more comprehensive nutrient plan will help you reduce your cost of production, increase recovery of nutrients and achieve better management of the organic resources at your disposal, such as muck, digestates and slurry.

“It is also a way of lowering the carbon footprint of production, which is a key aim of Government in achieving its net zero targets, [and is] also likely to attract marketing premiums in the future as buyers strive to reduce their scope three emissions.

“A good system should show you where you might have been in excess in terms of some nutrients in the past and where you can save money [by] choosing the best products to fit the job in the future.”

Since autumn 2023, nutrient management planning has become a real focus of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Defra has increased the payment rate from £589 to £652 per year for a nutrient management assessment by a FACTS-qualified adviser, Ms Arden adds.

She says: “The aim of the action is to ensure that farmers assess their current approach to nutrient usage and effectively plan how to manage nutrients efficiently and optimise the use of applied organic resources.”

Ollie Johnson Allison Arden

New technology can simplify the process of nutrient planning, says Allison Arden, of Navigate Eco Solutions.

IN THE FIELD L.E. POOLE AND SON, REDMARLEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

MOREaccuratenutrientplanning usingnewonlinenutrient managementsoftwareishelpinga Gloucestershiredairybusinessfulfil itslegalrequirementsmoreeasily, makebetteruseoforganicsources ofnutritionandcutbackonbagged fertiliseruse.

Aswellasensuringallrecords arekeptuptodateandinlinewith regulatoryrequirements,the approachhasallowedthePoole familytofocusonhowtogetthe bestoutoftheslurryandfarmyard manure(FYM)producedbytheir 800dairyandbeefanimals.

MarkPoolesays:“Wehave probablyreducedourgrassland’s nitrogenrequirementbyover100kg N/hectareoverthelasttwoyears sinceusingthesystemandbeenable tomakefarbetteruseofourown organicsourcesonthemaizeland.

“WefarminaNitrateVulnerable Zone[NVZ]withtheRiverLeadon runningrightthroughourfarm,so beingabletokeepprecisetrackofthe nutrientsweareapplyingandhow theyarelikelytobehaveinthefuture hasgivenusrealreassurancetoo.”

The Pooles’ 300-strong dairy herd produces about 9,300 litres/cow at 3.5% protein and 4.4% butterfat, with a winter ration based on a 50:50 grass to maize silage total mixed ration, says Mark, who farms in partnership with his parents, Andy and Jan.

“Aswellasthegrassandmaize,we alsogrowabitoflucerne,withthekey aimofgettingasmuchmilkaspossible fromhome-grownfeeds.Theless reliantweareonbought-infeedsand fertiliserthebetter,”hesays.

“Foritalltomakesense economically,wehavetogetas muchnutritionaspossibleintoour grasslandandthecropswegrow fromtheFYMandslurryproducedby thedairycowsandthe500beefplus dairyreplacementstockwehaveon thefarmatanyonetime.

“Thenthereistheaddedlayer ofhavingtodoallthisinlinewith therequirementsoftheEnvironment Agency,whichareprettystrict whenyouareinanNVZ,plusthere aretheassuranceschemessuch asRedTractor.”

Thefamilyisadvisedby independentcropnutritionspecialist RossLeadbeater,whovisitsthefarm twotothreetimesayeartocollect thedatarequiredbytheNavigate Prosystemtheyuse.

Management tool

MrLeadbeatersays:“Ifyou understandexactlywhateach elementofthenutrientplancan contributeandhowthismightimpact notjustonotherfertiliserneedsin anyoneyear,butalsothefollowing ones,thenyoureallyhaveapowerful managementtool.

“ThePooles’useofslurryand manuresovertheyearshasmeant phosphorusandpotassiumindices haveremainedrelativelystable,but therewerebigopportunitiesto managetheirNrequirementsbetter.

“Inthepast,forexample,they wouldhavebeenapplyingupto 300kgN/haacrosstheirfour-cut silagesystem;wehavenow managedtocutthatbacktounder 200kgN/haforthemainpart.

“WhileRB209providesthedefault

We have probably reduced our grassland’s nitrogen requirement by over 100kg N/hectare over the last two years

MARK POOLE

guidance,wecannowinputspecific analyticaldata,suchassoil,manure andfertiliseranalyses,sotheresulting nutrientmanagementplansaretailored specificallytomeetfarmorfield requirements.

“Thatisperfectlyacceptable,butyou needtobesureoftheprocessandbe abletoshowhowyouhavearrivedat yourdecisions.”

TheNavigateProsoftwaredigitally

connectstoRB209souserscan accessalltheexperienceand researchthatgoesintothat,butthey alsohavetheflexibilitytoadapttheir plantomatchtheirownfarming situation,saysMrLeadbeater.

“So,ifyouknowyourfarm produceshigheryieldsthanRB209 suggests,forinstance,andyouare workingwithaFACTS-trained adviserwhocanprovidesupporting evidencetojustifythis,youcantailor yourplanaccordingly,”hesays.

Reassurance

“Alternatively, you could choose to reduce fertiliser rates without production being affected, with the system providing you with the evidence and reassurance to do this.”

Asthesystemsummarisesthe farm’scompliancewithNVZ regulationsandthefarmingrulesfor water,thewholeprocessbecomesa simplertasktoo,headds.

“Wecanquicklycalculateallthe necessaryfarmandfieldN-Max limitsfororganicmanureproduction andapplicationaswellasquantifying farmstoragecapacity,”hesays.

Left to right: Mark Poole and Ross Leadbeater.

Changes to rodenticide use legislation

l Aim is to protect non-target species

FARMERS and growers are being reminded that it is now illegal to use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) containing bromadiolone and difenacoum in open areas and hedgerows. Ross Goodman, technical director at pesticide specialist Lodi UK, says the new law, which came into effect at the end of 2024, aims to reduce the number of wild and non-target species affected by SGAR residues, with studies showing 80% of barn owls have been found with the residues in their systems.

Judges are announced for Royal Highland Show 2025

THE judges for the 2025 Royal Highland Show have been announced, with John Jeffrey set to take to the ring to judge the inter-breed team and overall beef inter-breed championships.

With 30 years of judging experience, Mr Jeffrey, a former Scottish rugby international and Grand Slam winner, has judged at all Royal Shows, been involved with the Charolais and Simmental breeds and received an honorary fellowship from The Moredun Foundation in recognition of his achievements.

Ashley Fleming will oversee the dairy inter-breed judging.

His 30-plus years of judging experience includes the New Zealand Dairy Show and Space Show in France, and his own Jersey cattle have won 31 breed champions and 11 inter-breed championship titles at the Balmoral Show up to 2023.

Caithness cattle and sheep farmer and former Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland director Kenneth Sutherland will judge the overall sheep inter-breed championship.

The good news is there are alternative rodenticides available that are approved for use in open areas

ROSS GOODMAN

“I appreciate that this change in legislation will mean some farmers and growers will have to reassess how they manage rodents in areas not connected to farm buildings, such as hedgerows and open-sided straw sheds,” says Mr Goodman.

“However, it is an essential step in the right direction if we want to safeguard the long-term use of rodenticides in agriculture.

“And the good news is there are alternative rodenticides available that are approved for use in open areas.”

Cholecalciferol

Farmers and growers looking to bait open areas should now use rodenticides based on the active substance, cholecalciferol.

“This works differently to SGARs

such as bromadiolone and difenacoum,” says Mr Goodman.

“It is a non-anticoagulant rodenticide that operates through calcification, which is a natural bodily process.” He adds: “After eating around 14g of bait, rodents start to feel ill and stop feeding, retreating to die in a secluded spot.

“This ‘stop-feed’ effect significantly reduces the time for damage and disease to spread. And because calcification is a natural process, there is a much lower risk of secondary poisoning for wildlife.”

Cattle breeders conference to focus on ‘herd of the future’

THIS year’s British Cattle Breeders Conference, taking place in Telford on January 20-22 is entitled ‘The Herd of the Future’, and will explore how cattle breeding will need to deliver outcomes that embrace change to meet production and environmental targets.

The conference will kick off with an interactive workshop on Monday afternoon, followed by beef presentations on Tuesday and dairy presentations on Wednesday.

This year, two bovine sessions will replace the dairy workshop.

The first one, on Tuesday, will explore how genetic tools can add value and reduce inbreeding.

The second, on Wednesday morning, will assess the opportunities for monitoring cattle health using artificial intelligence.

Dr Tianhai Yan, head of the ru-

minant nutrition unit at Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), speaking on day one, will reveal the results of a pioneering five-year research initiative, Feed into Beef.

Dr Yan says the initiative is set to transform the beef industry with the introduction of updated nutritional guidelines for beef cattle.

Advancements

The new guidelines, which reflect the latest advancements in cattle genetics and farming practices, are designed to improve feed efficiency, increase production and reduce emissions.

Led by AFBI and SRUC in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) and funded by AHDB, the research has revealed that current feeding standards – last updated in

1993 – are outdated. Dr Yan says the research highlighted key areas that required revision, particularly around the underestimated maintenance energy requirements for dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep.

The Feed into Beef project has developed new models in four critical areas: reduction of feed intake; metabolisable energy requirement and supply; metabolisable protein requirement; and an updated feed database.

AHDB and CIEL will soon recommend these updated models to UK beef producers and roll them out through a consortium of feed companies.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more at cattlebreeders.org. uk/conference

Farmers must reassess how they use rodenticides in open areas.

Book maize seed early for this year

● Early-maturing varieties sought-after

EARLY-maturing maize varieties will be popular this season, so growers should get orders in early to avoid missing out, says Dr Simon Pope, maize manager at Wynnstay.

After the past two unsettled seasons for maize growers, many are opting to reduce risk by using earlier varieties.

Dr Pope says: “Growers recognise the benefits of sowing high-performing, very early-maturing varieties.

“With the weather becoming so unpredictable, we have not got a clue

what the growing season is going to be like next year.”

He says although the later varieties offer a potential yield benefit, they will clearly have a later harvesting date.

“And we do not want growers to be in the position where the weather deteriorates at the end of the season and the maize is still in the field trying to ripen,” says Dr Pope.

There are a few stand-out varieties, some old favourites and some new upand-coming ones, says Dr Pope.

“For me, Prospect is the best early variety – it is above average on every characteristic and has been tried and tested over many thousands of hec-

Farmers are hoping to reduce risk by choosing early maize varieties.

tares,” he says. “We are also seeing a lot of growers going straight to the ultra-early varieties, as they are getting better and better.”

Gema is a good option for the very early-maturing category, he says.

“It always seems to punch above its weight – it looks good on paper, but the results regularly reported from commercial crops are even better than expected,” he explains.

Within the very early varieties, there is a new offering from Limagrain – LG 31.152.

“It looks outstanding,” says Dr Pope. “It is unusual to get a very early variety with a high yield, but with LG 31.152 it looks as if it is going to be one of the best.

“Its metabolisable energy (ME) per hectare looks good too.

“But because it is a new variety,

Get more from an FG membership

there is not a huge amount of seed available. So anyone interested in growing it would need to get their order in soon, because we will sell out.”

Another very early variety that has been included on the current British Society of Plant Breeders Descriptive List for the first time is KWS Temprano.

“For growers who require an extremely early variety, the combination of dry matter yield and starch yield makes Temprano worth consideration,” he says.

There is also LG Highlight, another early variety.

“The performance reported to date shows that it has huge potential,” says Dr Pope. “It has got the highest dry matter yield in the early maturity class, a high starch yield and the ME yield is very high indeed.”

This sheep and lambing special includes advice ahead of lambing, as well as a feature on a Lleyn breeder.

66

SEXED SEMEN

What does the future hold?

By Wendy Short

Interim results from a project to investigate ewe mastitis, which is estimated to cost the UK sheep industry £120 million per year, were revealed at a Farming Connect webinar.

The project found that most cases of mastitis were in ewes with twins and identified two main bacteria responsible for causing the infection, according to data presented by sheep consultant Kate Phillips.

She said mastitis ranked as one of the most significant diseases affecting ewes and can have long-term negative effects on flock performance and profitability.

Mrs Phillips said: “Our knowledge of ewe mastitis has increased, but there is still no effective management control strategy.

“However, we do know that a clean

67

TIPS

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LLEYN BREEDER

72

COLD MILK

What are the advantages?

Understanding causes of mastitis in ewes

environment, along with keeping ewes well fed and at the correct body condition score, are the two main practical measures flock keepers can take for prevention.

“Mastitis cases will usually respond well to appropriate antibiotic treatment. An anti-inflammatory drug is also recommended because the condition is extremely painful and it can limit the ewe’s inclination to let the lamb suckle.”

The ‘Reducing Mastitis in Commercial Ewe Flocks’ project covered

Wednesday 21st May 2025

Tregoed, Brecon, LD3 0SP

the 2024 lambing period. It was overseen by sheep veterinary consultancy Flock Health, with a dozen producer members keeping records and submitting milk samples from affected ewes. The percentage of infected ewes on the study farms will be revealed in a later report.

Mrs Phillips said: “It was discovered that 78% of the infected ewes had twins, and these results were in line with previous research findings.

“It is thought that the increased milk demand from two lambs, rather than a single, predisposes ewes to contracting the infection.

“The farmers who participated used a range of management practices, including indoor and outdoor lambing, with some producers offering creep feed and others on grassonly systems.

“One of the surprising results was that 81% of teats from the infected ewe group appeared normal, with 71% of the teats showing no indications of damage. In addition, there were no signs of orf on 97% of the infected udders.

“The producer records underlined the detrimental effect of ewe mastitis

on flocks. Some 10% of the ewes with mastitis died from the direct consequences of the disease, and the 90% which survived were later culled.”

Participating producers were also asked to recall details of the incidence of ewe mastitis from the 2023 season.

“Producers submitted their own figures from previous lambings and these showed that on average 3.8% of ewes mated were diagnosed with mastitis. The average flock size was 563, which meant 21 cases of mastitis per flock.”

Common

The milk sample analysis from infected ewes in 2024 confirmed that staphyloccocus aureus was the most common bacteria. It was found in 43% of samples, while the bacteria mannheimia haemolytica was second in the ranking at 17% of samples.

The 70 infected milk samples submitted by the producer group were also tested for antibiotic sensitivity.

Mrs Phillips said: “The positive news is that the majority of bacteria associated with the infections were fully sensitive to antibiotic treatment.

“However, 7% of the samples with

It was discovered that 78% of the infected ewes had twins, and these results were in line with previous research findings

KATE PHILLIPS

Sheep & Lambing

“The vaccine is only effective at preventing mastitis caused by staphylococcus aureus and it has to be administered five weeks before lambing, with a second dose two weeks before the due date.

“This means that for the investment to be worthwhile, samples confirming this specific bacterium should have been identified in milk samples from the previous year’s lambing.

“Therefore, while the vaccine is useful, it does not provide a blanket solution for treating the infection.”

Ewe mastitis was selected by producers in the discussion group as one of the most common problems in their flocks, said Mrs Phillips.

There is still no effective management control strategy for ewe mastitis, says Kate Phillips.

staphylococcus aureus were resistant to tetracycline and tylosin, and 25% of the samples with mannheimia haemolytica were resistant to tetracycline.

“The most significant evidence of antibiotic resistance was linked to tetracycline and showed up in the four individual mastitis milk samples which included streptococcus dysgalactiae.

“This bacterium is not commonly

associated with mastitis, but it is a frequent cause of joint ill in lambs. These findings highlight the reason why vets advise against using tetracycline to treat joint ill.

“In terms of the antibiotic types used by participating farmers to treat the infection, 70% of cases were treated with a macrolide. The rest were given penicillin or penicillin/

streptomycin. Only 30% of the infected ewes were deemed to require a second dose of antibiotics, and it was encouraging to find that 83% of ewes also received a painkiller.”

A mastitis vaccine is commercially available, Mrs Phillips said, but it is only recommended for use in cases where a specific causal bacterium has been identified.

“The disease can lead to poor milk yield, reduced lamb growth and higher culling rates, as well as increased ewe and lamb mortality.

“Correct feeding will help to minimise the risk of infection, and prompt treatment will alleviate suffering.

“However, it is more difficult to control the environment, especially in outdoor lambing flocks.

“Maintaining a clean, dry environment as far as possible by keeping pens clean, and/or avoiding bare ground in fields, is another of the producer’s main defences against ewe mastitis.”

Sheep & Lambing

Future for sexed semen within sheep

Sexed semen has been commercially available for sheep breeders since 2019, although very few producers have adopted the practice says vet, Ben Burton, of AB Europe.

Successful results were achieved in a trial which tested sexed sheep semen on seven farms across the country and the management tool has been commercially available since 2019. However, the uptake to date has been extremely low, says Mr Burton. He says: “Sexed semen is widely used in the cattle industry, where there is often a strong preference for female offspring and individual animals have a high value.

“The sheep industry is different, because producers do not necessarily have the same preference for a particular sex and the animals have a low value by comparison.

“The cost of sheep sexed semen, which can only be carried out via laparoscopic artificial insemination [AI], cannot be justified in many situations.”

Service package

Sheep sexed semen is not being marketed as a standalone product. It is supplied as part of a service package which includes the insemination process.

The price of one sexed semen dose is about £30 to £40, with the insemi-

nation element costing about £20 per ewe, depending on total numbers, giving an overall outlay of about £50 to £60 per head.

Mr Burton says: “Flock keepers have the choice of ordering either male or female sexed semen for sheep.

A producer who wishes to use it will submit a semen sample from a selected ram to Cogent, which will process the material and make it available for insemination by the AB Europe vet team.

“Trial results have shown a high level of gender purity, with an accuracy level of 90-96%.

“In terms of conception rates, the figures for sheep in the trials have averaged 65 to 70%, although they ranged from 20% for the poorest results, up to 80% for the most effective.”

Mr Burton says: “Despite being a fantastic tool, it is unlikely to ever

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achieve mass market appeal. It might be a viable option for maternal line breeders who will benefit from having higher numbers of female lambs, while flock keepers who sell pedigree shearling rams may prefer to breed only male lambs from their best ewes.

“The technique might also be useful for repopulating a farm, or for the rapid multiplication of a new breed with a high level of commercial potential.

“Under present conditions, there is little drive to invest in sexed semen for sheep. That might change at some point following the increase in the use of genomics and the drive to breed low methane-emitting sheep.

“One relevant issue is that with animal welfare high on the agenda, there will need to be a reasoned argument for producers to be able to justify a semi-surgical procedure such as laparoscopic AI.”

Soya-free feed delivers sustainable and quick finishing for Dartmoor sheep farmer

Feeding lambs soya-free, locally produced concentrate has become an important USP for Dartmoor farmer Mathew Cole.

Mathew, who lambs 2,000 ewes at Greenwell Farm and the Prison Farm on Dartmoor alongside his brother Neil, was one of the founders of Dartmoor Farmers’ Association, a cooperative for local farmers.

Since its inception some 17 years ago, membership has ballooned to 115 farmers, 60 of which supply lambs. “It was developed when farm payments were decoupled to create a strong voice by working together. We can tell our story better as a collective,” says Mathew.

He is one of these 60 suppliers and says while his farm is inherently environmentally friendly, by the very nature of its location in Dartmoor’s National Park, lambs do require hard feed to achieve a good level of finish. “Hard feed helps give animals a leg up and gets them ready for market because we can’t do it on grass alone,” adds Mathew.

At Greenwell, sheep are run extensively, grazing 2,000 acres of permanent pasture across in-bye, hill and common land. Mathew adds: “Feeding Massey Harpers Greenwell Planet Lamb Finisher Nuts is another feather in our cap. It’s all about building provenance for our product.” The 15% protein Nuts have been specially formulated without soya and instead include Barley, Wheat Gluten, sugar beet pellets and maize distillers, alongside rapeseed meal.

About the sheep system

Traditional sheep breeds are used at Greenwell that can thrive in Dartmoor’s harsh conditions. “You must keep the right sort of animals and manage it sustainably. Farming in Dartmoor is like farming on a wet rock. We have acidic, shallow and peaty soils,” explains Mathew. Breeds include Whitefaced Dartmoor and Blackface ewes, alongside a flock of Bluefaced Leicesters, which are mated to Blackfaced ewes to produce Mule breeding lambs. Progeny

from this flock is sold at Tavistock Market as an ‘autumn cash crop’. The remaining lambs are fattened and sold through Dartmoor Farmers’ Association. Lambing is staggered over six weeks from late March and starts indoors with the Whitefaced Dartmoor and Bluefaced Leicester flocks. The Blackfaced flock is lambed outdoors unless ewes are carrying triplets. Typically, lambing percentage averages 120% and lambs take 7-8 months to finish.

Nutrition

Most lambs reside on hill or common ground with their mothers until weaning in late July/ early August. Greenwell Planet Lamb Finisher Nuts are first introduced to the Mule lambs and then wether lambs, followed by others in groups as lambs edge closer to finishing. “We give them ad-lib creep for 4-6 weeks to get them up to weight and put condition on them.” Lambs are gradually transitioned onto ad-lib creep from grass to prevent acidosis and rapid changes to their diet. “We always have a batch of ewes and lambs we feed from birth, and these teach other lambs to eat out of troughs. Once they are all eating out of troughs, we transition them to ad-lib using creep feeders.”

Mathew has been using the Greenwell Planet Lamb Finisher Nuts since July 2022 and is impressed with the quality. “Lambs gain weight quickly, and within 4-6 weeks, they are ready for sale.” He adds: “We’ve been very happy with how Massey Harpers Feed has taken lambs forward and got them to specification.” Mathew adds that lambs are generally achieving 15-21kg deadweight at O+ and R grades with fat classes of 3. He says feeding creep enables them to finish lambs and add value rather than having to sell them as stores.

Adding value

Mathew has been an early adopter of environmental schemes, the most recent being the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). “We are also looking at CS Higher Tier and Landscape Recovery when it becomes available,” he says. “Hill lambs are often deemed lower value, but they are delivering vital value to the landscape and being able to sell through Dartmoor Farmers’ Association helps us realise a better value for our lambs.”

He says feeding soya-free, low food miles creep was another piece of the puzzle in helping to reduce the farm’s carbon footprint. The product is manufactured just 31 miles from Mathew’s farm. “Every step we take towards a more sustainable future is positive. We want sustainable environments and businesses, and I believe the two can co-exist.”

Farm facts:

• Farming 2,000 acres of grassland and moorland, as well as common ground

• Lambing 2,000 ewes (Whitefaced Dartmoors, Blackfaced ewes and Bluefaced Leicesters)

• Calving 250 suckler cows (Belted Galloway, Galloway and South Devon)

• Within various environmental schemes, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Mid-Tier and Higher-Level Stewardship.

Sexed semen could be useful for maternal line sheep breeders.

Details vital when lambing flocks indoors

Attention to detail, particularly for indoor lambing flocks is essential, says Gwyn James, of Nettex.

Mr James says: “When brought in prior to lambing, ewes can often suffer from a calcium deficiency.

“The nutritional imbalance is caused by the unavailability of metabolisable calcium seen in the final weeks of pregnancy, as ewes are put under significant nutritional stress due to accelerated foetal growth.

“A calcium drench with added energy, magnesium and niacin to support recovery after pre-lambing exhaustion should be used when the first signs of calcium deficiency are observed. These can include coma, paralysis,

rapid breathing, tremors or uncoordinated movements.

“Twin lamb disease, also known as pregnancy toxemia, affects sheep in the late stages of pregnancy. If untreated, the ewe is unlikely to recover. It is caused by low blood glucose levels and symptoms include weight loss, blindness and ewes will be unable to stand or eat.

Transportation

“It can be brought on by stress from handling or transporting ewes. Ewes with too high or too low a body condition score are at greater risk.

“A twin lamb solution containing a high energy liquid should be administered as early as possible. If caught late and the ewe has gone down, twin lamb solutions become less effective.

“An important tool at this stage is to make sure the ewe is hydrated via a drenching gun.”

Mr James says despite the pressure of managing other aspects of the farm, spending the time indoors to make sure lambing pens and overall shed hygiene is at its best is crucial to preventing common diseases.

He says: “Preparation of a hygienic and comfortable lambing area is a discipline all farms tend to observe. However, once lambing starts it is often tricky to maintain.

“Equipment should be cleaned between uses to minimise the spread of any bacteria and disease. Joint ill and watery mouth are commonly caused by poor shed hygiene and can be avoided with disciplined cleanliness.”

Following a successful birth, lambs will benefit from a quality colostrum

THEM THE BEST START

product to help recover from the birth. For lambs that struggle to stand and suckle, an energy boost in the form of colostrum is a must.

Lambs that do not feed quickly are at risk from hypothermia and a colostrum that can elevate blood glucose levels will help lambs to recover and suckle faster.

Housing

Mr James says that being able to identify lambs and ewes as housing fills up is important to ensure lost lambs are reunited with their mothers.

He adds: “It is easy to lapse on marking as lambing gets busy, but it is important to use a quality spray.

“Having a long-lasting spray helps when the flock is turned out, especially in heavy rain.”

Feeding Actisaf ® Sc 47 live yeast and Safmannan® premium yeast fraction in the last six weeks before lambing optimises feed efficiency and supports ewe health, ensuring lambs have the best start and improving performance later in life. Benefits include:

• Up to 25% higher IgG in colostrum

• Immunity support for the ewe

• Up to 20% more milk

• Smoother diet transitions

• Improved digestion of fibre, increasing propionate and subsequent glucose supply

Good shed hygiene is vital, says Gwyn James.

Sheep & Lambing

Lleyn ticks all the boxes for Wiltshire sheep enterprise

First-generation farmer

Reuben Saunders built up his sheep enterprise on a number of rented land parcels in Wiltshire, before acquiring a set of buildings and 26 hectares (65 acres) of land in 2023.

The priority for Boakley Lleyns is to breed functional animals which perform well off grass and the flock is closely monitored using electronic identification tags, with detailed budget forecasts prepared before any changes are made.

Mr Saunders is a member of the Performance Recorded Lleyn Breeders group, submitting data on worm resistance to help with its research project in the early stages. He also conA stringent selection policy has brought

Shearling rams are sold direct from the farm or at society sales.

tributes information for DNA projects run by the Lleyn Sheep Society. The ewes are lambed outdoors with the exception of a singles group, which is housed to facilitate mothering on triplets. The flock grazes a total of 202ha

(520 acres) alongside the cattle and some two thirds of the rented land is low-input grazing. All within a short radius of his base in Malmesbury, the grazing is taken on rolling annual grazing licences with a dozen landlords.

Lambing on the lowland unit starts in April, with an average lambing percentage of 180.

Mr Saunders says: “The lambs have an average birthweight of 5.25kg and an eight-week weight of 21.5kg for twins.

“I also note down mothering ability using a score system of 1-3, and the same method is used to record lamb vigour. The aim is for a twinning rate of 70% plus and therefore I will only use males and females out of twins in

Sheep & Lambing

the breeding programme. Any ewe requiring intervention and is marked as a cull.

“The intervention figure was below 4% for the 2024 lambing period.”

A group of 100 ram lambs is left entire and individuals are gradually removed on the grounds of suboptimal performance and structure over the following months.

The remaining 25 are marketed straight off the farm, or through the breed society sales. Batches of finishing lambs are drawn at roughly 46kg liveweight and they usually achieve an R grade, with around 20% U grades and a deadweight of 22kg.

Farm support payments are limited to the owned acreage, where Mr Saunders has the Sustainable Farming Incentive option for herbal leys.

Drought

“Most of the soil is a heavy clay. Low soil organic matter levels, combined with the lack of summer rainfall, can restrict grass growth and I am hoping that the deep-rooting herbal species will see the livestock through the drought periods,” he says.

“The ewes are set-stocked at lambing time and fed little or no concentrate. In May, they are put into mobs of 100-150 ewes with their lambs and moved to a rotational grazing system with no supplementary feed.

“They go into two-hectare (fiveacre) paddocks, rotated about every four days depending on grass productivity. Two of the groups are kept on a single rented holding, to keep transport times to a minimum.”

Weaning takes place in July and the lambs go on to the better-quality grass.

Meanwhile, 80-100 ewe lambs and some shearling ewes are sold to private buyers in late summer to reduce grazing pressure.

Finished lamb sales start in August and the farm is cleared by the end of January. A dip in grass growth sometimes puts the lambs into a store period until the rains come, but the

The 420-strong flock grazes 202 hectares (520 acres) with two thirds of the rented land being low-input grazing.

Reuben Saunders with his wife, Sam, and sons, Greg (standing) and Finley.

Sheep & Lambing

In May, ewes are put into mobs of 100-150 with their lambs and moved to a rotational grazing system.

grass-only finishing system is key to maximising profitability.

Seven rams are used in the breeding programme and only one is used per group for the first cycle.

Mr Saunders says: “The groups are then joined together, and the rams are given raddles. About 5% of lambs born in the second cycle are not retained for breeding and any ewe which is not pregnant after five weeks will not join the flock for the following season.

“After the ewes have been vaccinated for clostridial diseases and dagged in early March, they are split into management groups according to lamb number.

“Singles go to the poorest grazing and the triplet group is given some hard feed. A week before lambing, one singles group is housed for the fostering programme and fed on hay, while the rest of the singles are strip-grazed to prevent their lambs from growing too large.

Twins

“Ewes carrying twins have access to an energy feed bucket during lambing to improve colostrum quality and lamb vigour, and I condition score the ewes whenever they are handled throughout the year.”

A high standard of health is maintained for the MV-accredited flock.

“I try to alternate grazing parcels with cattle and sheep annually, where possible, to keep worm burdens to a minimum,” he says.

“Although the general lameness level has been less than 5%, I used the footrot vaccine for the first time in the summer of 2024 mainly to reduce scald. Lameness issues are more difficult to control because of all the different grazing sites and lack of

Farm facts

■ 202 hectares (520 acres)

■ 420 pedigree Boakley Lleyn

ewes

■ 39 pedigree suckler cows

■ Store cattle finishing enterprise

■ Reuben Saunders obtained a higher national diploma in agriculture from Harper Adams University

permanent handling facilities. It often starts with scald, caused by physical damage from long whips of grass.

“I held off using the vaccine for a long time because I was worried it might mask any underlying foot structure issues.

“The foot bathing programme had been effective to some degree, but I felt that performance was still suffering and I was using more antibiotic medication than I would like.

“The vaccine has had a beneficial effect and it should produce a return on investment, including a saving on labour input.”

The sheep are not shown due to lack of time, although a couple of outings to the Royal Welsh Show with other breeders have secured second and third places in the senior ram classes.

Mr Saunders has a clear idea of the type of Lleyn he is aiming to breed.

“The goal is to run a 70kg female that will produce two good lambs with the potential to finish at 46kg in the shortest time possible off grass,” he says.

“Heavier females would be less efficient in terms of lamb liveweight production per acre. The breed has good longevity and my ewes will

easily produce six lamb crops. I do not limit my choices to performancerecorded rams, preferring to keep an open mind.

“Flock sires must have good mouths and feet, as well as being easy-doing, deep bodied and wide behind.

“I will avoid broad shoulders in rams, because the trait can be associated with lambing difficulties.

“I have experimented with other breeds in the past, but the Lleyn has the qualities I am looking for. It is a maternal, milky breed, capable of producing meat on a low-input system and requiring minimal care.”

A luxury toilet hire enterprise shared with a business partner has helped to supplement overall income over the years.

Since 2018, Mr Saunders has run a herd of 25 pedigree South Devon cows and 14 pedigree Herefords, also finishing 220 native breed store cattle each year for the Dovecote Park marketing scheme.

Originally from Cornwall, Mr Saunders started his flock with the 2012 purchase of 200 Lleyn females, kept

on 28ha (70 acres) of rented grazing largely acquired through contacts he made while working for a farm contractor and young farmers.

He also had several farm jobs and applied for a couple of tenancies before arriving at his current farming arrangement. He lives with his wife, Sam, and their two young sons on one of the tenanted holdings.

“On reflection, my farm tenancy application rejections turned out for the best, because it may not have brought the security and flexibility of later being able to have my own land and buildings,” says Mr Saunders.

“A lot of hard work has gone into reaching this position and I would recommend anyone with a similar ambition to make as many connections as possible in the farming industry.

“It is also important to be able to think on your feet.

“At present, I have help from my father-in-law and a part-time worker, but if I expand any further, I would really like to take on a full-time employee. That is likely to be the next stage in the development of the business.”

Reuben Saunders has a herd of 25 pedigree South Devon cows along with 14 pedigree Herefords.

Sheep & Lambing

Dermatitis and (strawberry Shelly Hoof, & CODD in sheep.

Consistent lamb prices throughout 2024 have increased confidence among UK sheep farmers, with more than 83% saying they had maintained or increased the number of ewes to the ram last autumn. Farmers Guardian reports.

Sheep farmers are viewing 2025 in a positive light, highlighted by 55% of producers increasing the number of ewes put to the ram last autumn, and 40% of farmers planning to become more reliant on sheep farming within their businesses.

The data comes from the Lamlac Lamb Intentions 2025 survey of more than 100 sheep producers carried out during November 2024.

More than 58% of farmers surveyed saying they feed, or would consider feeding, cold milk to surplus lambs and 38% highlighted an ambi-

tion to rear more lambs off the ewe than in previous years.

Ian Watson, Lamlac global technical manager, says these findings show effective management of surplus lambs and adopting new feeding strategies are important for successful lambing seasons.

“Implementing a surplus lamb rearing system that will save labour, encourage improved growth and reduce the risk of digestive upset, is essential.

“Preparation is key to this, and introducing cold milk feeding will help producers gain valuable time, while maintaining lamb growth rates.”

METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

Clean the wound thoroughly, apply the cream with a spatula to cover any lesions and then bandage, leave for 2-3 days, remove, clean & repeat for a further 2-3 days, remove again and only re-apply if necessary.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & GOATS

Wear gloves

If

If

Seek

Reseal tub after use

Do

Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis and Footrot in cattle and Granuloma (strawberry foot), foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof, Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis in sheep.

IS SUITABLE FOR CATTLE, SHEEP & GOATS

Improving management of surplus lambs on-farm

Feeding cold milk replacer to surplus lambs is a consideration this season, with more than 58% saying they would contemplate using the method, and 12% highlighting it was already their preferred feeding technique.

Cold milk

Mr Watson says: “Lambs fed cold milk replacer from just over a week of age showed no negative impact on their performance.

Do not discharge into drains or the environment

Seek medical advise if needed Reseal tub after use

If swallowed, rise mouth with water

More than half of respondents indicated cold milk feeding either improved or had no difference to lamb growth rates compared to warm milk feeding. Trial work undertaken at Reaseheath College, comparing cold milk-fed lambs, further emphasises the advantages.

If contact with eyes, wash out immediately with water for 15 minutes

If contact with skin, wash off immediately with soap & water,

“In fact, lambs fed cold milk performed marginally better through to weaning, achieving a daily live weight gain of 0.27kg/day, compared with the 0.25kg/day delivered by the warm milk-fed group of lambs.

“Rearing surplus lambs with milk replacer fed cold offers producers additional versatility and a time-effective feeding method in their systems.

“After following recommended rearing practices during the first

CZF PLUS & *CZ HOOF CARE RANGE

Clean the wound thoroughly, apply the cream with a spatula to cover any lesions and then bandage, leave for 2-3 days, remove, clean & repeat for a further 2-3 days, remove again and only re-apply if necessary. Wear gloves

IS SUITABLE FOR DAIRY COWS, BEEF CATTLE, SHEEP & GOATS

Beware of Inferior Imitations!

Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis & Slurry Heel in cattle. Granuloma (strawberry foot) foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) in sheep.

Actively seeking new distributors

CZF & CZ hoof products do not contain QUATS

The latest Lamlac survey says farmers are aiming to rear more lambs off the ewe this year.

week of life, the ability to feed cold can also be useful in situations when rearing lambs of different ages requires milk to be fed at a constant temperature.”

Quality

The survey also highlighted product quality, including milk replacer, to be a top consideration, above other factors such as price and sustainability, with 35% of producers looking to cut costs. They said buying quality over quantity was the biggest driver before considering a reduction in flock numbers or introducing cheaper forms of nutrition.

Mr Watson says: “Feeding a quality milk replacer will allow surplus lambs to develop at similar rates in comparison to lambs running with the ewe, helping farmers achieve consistent live weight gain up to weaning.”

The survey highlighted that pro-

ducers were weaning lambs using a combination of factors: 35 days from birth, weighing 2.5 times their birthweight and consuming more than 250g of solid feed per day for a three-day period.

Supplying creep and water to support the transition was widely adopted.

“We would always advise that abruptly weaning lambs supports effective development of the digestive system,” says Mr Watson.

“Pleasingly, 46% of respondents said that they provide fresh water and creep to the lambs, which is vital to support rumen development, alongside preventing any setbacks in growth or performance when the lambs transition to grass.”

Although the research suggests that 30% of producers are using a mix of age, birth weight and daily creep intake to benchmark weaning, around 27% are relying solely on age to wean. Mr Watson recommends that weaning should not be governed by one factor.

“We advise that a combination of the factors highlighted are essential to ensure lambs are weaned at the right stage,” he says.

Lambs fed cold milk replacer from just over a week of age showed no negative impact on their performance

IAN WATSON

“Lambs should be consuming 250g of solid feed per day for a three-day period, which means having a constant source of creep and fresh water available to help with the transition.

“Cold milk feeding can reduce the cost of warming bottles or using a thermostatic feeder.

“Feeding cold milk also requires less time input, which allows producers to concentrate efforts elsewhere in confidence that growth rates will remain consistent.”

Market Prices Primestock

Source: LAA/MartEye

Market Prices Store Cattle

ENGLAND

SCOTLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

WALES

Source: LAA/MartEye

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES MARKET COMMENT

Primestockthroughput,priceandpricechange(p/kg). WeekendingJanuary7,2024.

CATTLEandlambpricesincreased thisweekasfarmersheadedto auctionmartsinEnglandandWales followingtheChristmasandNewYear festivities.

Steerswerevaluedat 321.4p/kg,upby12.1p/kgontheweek, whileheifersgained20.5p/kgtoreach 336.5p/kg.

Dairy-siredcullcowsroseinprice by6.3p/kgto164.1p.kg,butyoung bullsbuckedthetrendasvalues droppedby1p/kgto314.1p/kg.

Lambpricesincreasedby3.2p/kg to335.5p/kg.

Allpigcategorieswentdownthis week,withporkersreducingthemost by90.8p/kg.

As Farmers Guardian wentto pressonWednesday(January8),UK LIFFEwheatpricesforMay25were tradingat£189.50/tonne,adecrease of£3.05/tontheweek.

Brecon

Source: LAA/MartEye

Market Prices

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

O/SdeadweightpricesfortheweekendingJanuary4,2025.

DeadweightsheeppricesarecollectedfromasampleofGBabattoirs.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

HAY AND STRAW

January8,2025

GOOSTREY: EveryMonday,hay,square bale,£90/tonne,roundbale,£68to£98/t; haylage,£65to£66/t,roundbale,£90/t; barleystraw,squarebale,£116to£118/t, roundbale,£120/t;oatstraw,squarebale, £108/t.

CARLISLE: wheatstraw,roundbale, £32/bale;miniHesstons,£135/t;oatstraw, roundbale,£25/bale.

*Pigpricesarew/eDec28,2024.

Source: AHDB

Livestock Averages

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

Market Prices

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

Thursday,January2,2025(£pertonne).

EastAnglia/London(BW)

Northamptonshire

North-Westgrains/ LiverpoolOSR

Avonmouthfeed/Southbread Yorkshire

Fife/Edinburgh

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

Wednesday,January8,2025(£pertonne).

Source: AHDB

*FaceValuemultipliers **Estimates. Notes: Welsh (expectedfinalclaimyear2029with20% reductionsinpaymentfrom2026). Scottish (2027is expectedfinalclaimyear)FlatRatevalues. Northern Irish historicbasedvalues.Transferswithoutlandsubject toVATiftransferorisVATregistered,subjecttolotsize. 2024 CLAIM VALUES: Scottish R1£147.49(plus£75.89 greening).R2£32.52(plus£12.86greening).R3£9.43(plus £4.31greening). Welsh £117.14/hectare,withanadditional redistributivepaymentonthefirst54haof£111.02/ha. Northern Irish historicclaimvalueindividualtoeach holding,tobereducedby9%in2025.AllBPSclaimvalues for2025tobeannounced. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: EngStatutoryCredit£42,000-£650,000.OffsiteMarket £20,000-£200,000/unitallocatedanddeliveredto developmentsiteplusVATandassociatedfees,subject tolotsizeandLPA.LasttenderDecember2,2024,next January27,2025. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term salesalltypesagricmanexcludingspecialisthabitat creation.Nitrates£2,000-£4,000/unit(max£112,000/ha) fora90+yeartermplusVATexcludingassociatedfees, subjecttolotsize,catchment,soildrainageandrainfall; phosphates£60,000-£75,000/unit(max£127,500/ha) fora90+yeartermplusVATexcludingassociatedfees, subjecttolotsize,catchment,soildrainageandrainfall CARBON: WoodlandCarbon>£30/WCU>£20/PIU. September2024WCGreverseauctionaverage£25. WATER: Englishabstractionlicenceslessthan£3-£15/ cu.mplusVATexcludingassociatedfees,subjecttolot size,catchmentandEnvironmentAgencylocalpolicy.

Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

Thursday,January2,2025 (£pertonne).

Lastupdated January8,2025

CURRENCY WATCH

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

Thursday,January2,2025.

1.

WHEAT

2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London/Essex Yorkshire

3.

BISCUIT WHEAT

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS

Source: LAA/IAAS

Key:Allpricesinpoundssterling.Currency,£/$1.340;£/€1.197 Guidepricesindicatedincludedeliverychargeof£6/tonne. ✸ =Aftersafearrival; F =Firsthalf; S =Secondhalf; ● =December; ✥ =April; ✦ =February/April; ◗ =June/July; ▲ =March/June; ✧ =May/June; ✪ =August/October; ❊ =January.

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

November2024

Source: AHDB

1.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.33pplguaranteedminimumpayment.2.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.50pplmemberpremiumpayment.2.Thiscontract willreceivea1.73pplTescocheesegrouppayment.3.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.00ppldirectpremiumpayment.4.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.54ppl avesustainabilitypayment.5.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.25pplactual13thpayment.Retailerpricesupplementsareincludedwhereapplicable. Supplementslistedareinadditiontolistedmilkprices.Milkpricesshownarethemonthlyandannualaveragepricethatwouldbepaidonacontract for12monthsgoingforwardifthepresentpricescheduleremainedthesame.Priceslistedaboveexcludecapitalretentions,administrationcharges, groupsubsandVATbutincludelevyandseasonalityadjustments.MilkcontractsareprovidedtoAHDBonavoluntarybasis.Allpricesshownare calculatedusingtheAHDBStandardLitre.ThisreflectstheaverageGBfarmandfromApril2024isbasedon1.5mlitres/year,4.20%butterfat,3.38% protein,160ksomaticcellcountand27kbactoscan.TherehasalsobeenaslightadjustmenttotheAHDBlevy,whichcameintoforceinApril2024.To calculatepricesspecifictoyourownmilkvisittheAHDBMilkPriceCalculator.PleasenotethatforBarbersthereisaguaranteethatshouldtheActual MilkPriceEquivalent(AMPE)-2pplmoveaheadoftheBarbers’priceJultoDec2024,Barberswillpaythisontheextralitresabovethebasevolume.

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION

Farming: The Backbone of B

With world shearing championship titles to their names, husband and wife Richard and Ffion Jones run their family farm between pursuing their love of competitive shearing and wool handling. Farmers Guardian reports.

Welsh farmers keep shearing in the family

It is not very often a family can claim to have two world champions living under the same roof, but that is the case for Richard and Ffion Jones, who farm in Glyndyfrdwy, Denbighshire.

Ffion and Richard have both held world shearing championships titles: Richard claimed the machine shearing title in 2019 and is one half of the current champion team, and Ffion is part of the current world wool handling champion team.

After they crossed paths in New Zealand while working out there as youngsters, Ffion migrated north from her home in Sennybridge, Breconshire, to join Richard on the family farm in 2014.

She began rolling wool for her father, John T.L. Davies, while growing up in and around Breconshire and travelling as far as Pembrokeshire and Buckinghamshire.

But her first foray into competitive wool handling was at Brecknock Young Farmers’ Club’s county rally at the age of 14, and she says she came away empty-handed without a prize card.

Ffion continued competing in wool handling competitions into her late teens and recalls that her father and his shearing gang used to be joined by ‘rouseys’ from New Zealand who would give her hints and tips and help her to improve.

She began to thrive, building up her points from being placed second or third, which accumulated in winning the Welsh wool handling circuit five times.

Ffion says: “While going around the shows competing, other girls would also help you to improve. Obviously we were competitive, but everyone was also there to help. I particularly looked up Gwenan Pawai who was particularly knowledgeable, helpful and talented.”

At the age of 19, Ffion travelled to Norway for two months, as many of Wales’ keenest and most compe-

I think it is due to [the children] that my success has grown in competitions in recent years [...] I want to do my best to make them proud

FFION JONES

tent shearers and wool handlers do, where shearing sheep in abattoirs is procedure before slaughter.

Here, she made friends with other likeminded youngsters who she travelled on with to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere’s shearing season.

New Zealand

She says: “During this time, between working in Norway and New Zealand, I learnt an awful lot which really helped me on my way to become a better wool handler.

“We worked hard while we were out there. We might be picked up at 5.30am to work an eight-hour day and would only have days off when it rained.”

She was based in Te Kuiti, a town on the North Island which bills itself as the shearing capital of the world. Its visitors are greeted by a large sign proclaiming this status along with a seven-metre statue of a shearer at work. It is also the hometown of the famed David Fagan and his son Jack, who has also gone on to be an extremely successful shearer.

Ffion says: “Your first year in

New Zealand is always your best as you do not know what to expect. It was also that year when I met Rich in the pub after work. I went on to do three more shearing seasons in New Zealand and would go home to lamb in between.”

Having only won her first major title at the Royal Bath and West Show in 2022, Ffion placed first at the Golden Shears World Shearing Championships at the Royal Highland Show in 2023 alongside teammate Sarah-Jane Rees.

As the other half of the shearing power couple, Richard has had a great deal of his own success after winning the World Shearing Championships in Le Dorat, central France, in 2019. At the most recent Golden Shears held at the Royal Highland in 2023, he and Gwion Lloyd Evans took the team shearing title and, at the same show, Richard stood reserve to Gwion in the individual championship.

Richard started shearing aged 13 with his father on their Denbighshire-based farm, Plas Isaf, in Glyndyfrdwy, situated between Llangollen and Corwen in the Dee Valley. From here, he went on to compete and travel across Europe and New Zealand.

Richard first started to compete in the junior classes aged 15 and worked his way up to the open classes at the age of 19.

Royal Welsh Show

For many of Wales’ shearers, winning the Champion Shearer of Wales title at the Royal Welsh Show is one of the biggest goals. This accolade is one Richard is no stranger to, having won the title five times.

“Ffion’s dad John won it six times, so I am aiming to at least be able to match him. Ffion has also won the wool handling at the Royal Welsh twice as an individual,” he says.

“But nothing in shearing is age

dependent. You start as a junior and work up through the intermediate levels before qualifying to compete in the open. I qualified for the open when I was 19, but it was not until I was about 22 that I started winning finals.”

The couple farm with Richard’s father Huw, and the farm rises to at least 30 metres (1,000 feet) above sea level, running 1,300 ewes and 60 suckler cows on their own ground and a mix of rented grasskeep and grazing rights which can change from year to year.

Life is certainly busy, but Richard is still actively shearing both on the competition stage and on his local run alongside Matthew Evans and Owen Jones, who shear 40,000 ewes annually between them.

Next generation

The couple are now watching their own children starting to come up through the ranks as their daughter Megan, 10, takes to the wool handling stage, which highlights that this is something anyone, at any age, can get into.

Ffion says: “It is wonderful to see the children take so much interest in shearing and wool handling.

“In many ways, I think it is due to them that my success has grown in competitions in recent years. With Megan, Sara and Elis watching on, I want to do my best to make them proud.”

Ffion is also keen to promote the wool industry, and on top of family, the farm and her passion for shearing, she is a British Wool ambassador, having been recruited in the first cohort of the organisation’s scheme.

Ffion says: “I was pleased to be invited to be an ambassador; it gives me a chance to give something back to an industry I have gained so much from.”

Ffion and Richard Jones with their children, left to right: Megan, Elis and Sara.

In Your Field

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

JAMES AND ISOBEL WRIGHT

Devon James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as UK country manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.

January marks my sixth year with Breedr. It all began with lunch on New Year’s Day 2019.

I met Ian Wheal, an Australian living in Sussex, to discuss what was meant to be a part-time advisory position.

That quickly evolved into an all-consuming job, and six years later, I’m still here, running the UK and Europe.

Breedr is like Auto Trader for cattle. We help farmers build up an ‘MOT and service history’ for their animals, tracking things such as medicine usage, weight gain and genetics.

Value

This allows farmers to manage their herds more effectively and helps them market their livestock for maximum value.

What started as a UK-based initiative has grown into a global platform, with farmers worldwide using our technology to improve efficiency and profitability.

UK-based teams develop all of the technology, it is truly a great British agri-tech export story.

On the farm, which is probably

‘UK

teams develop the technology, it is a great British agri-tech export story’

where all of our money goes, the cattle are in the shed, and we’re hopefully halfway through the winter. The calves are weaned, and we’ve got Stabiliser steers for sale if anyone’s interested.

The market seems to be flying, with the deadweight price continuing to climb.

Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

HAPPYNewYear.Whatafascinating festiveseasonofweatherthatwas; storms,snow,rainandjustabout everythingtheweathermachinecould throwatus.

SinceIlastwroteacoupleofweeks ago,theatmospherehasshakenitself upacrosstheNorthernHemisphere (somethingthatisnotunusualformidwinter).Oftenthesechangesin weathercyclesaccompanythe warmestandcoldesttimesoftheyear.

Rightnow,thejetstreamacrossthe Atlanticisintheprocessofbeing disruptedagain.Ashigherpressure hasbuiltinthelatepartofthisweek, andcontinuestodosothisweekend,

thejetstreamwillbeforcedsouthinto centralEurope,takingwithitunsettled weather.

Ashasbeenthecaseinrecentdays, itwillbemeanderingbacknorthagain nextweekandeffectivelysplitintwo; onesectiongoingnorthofScotland, anotherformingwhatwecallacut-off lowintheMediterranean.

Theresultofthisismoresettled weatherintheBritishIsles,butsome veryunsettledweatherforthe MediterraneanandEurope.

Thereislikelytobenotthatmuch rainacrosstheUKinthisweather patternand,althoughchilly, temperaturesshouldnotbe

But I can’t help but wonder, does anyone want to be holding onto cattle if the merry-go-round stops?

After all of the business of buying a farm and standing for election, I was hoping for a quieter year, but this spring is set to be our busiest yet.

We’ve hugely mistimed calving

desperatelycold.However,inEurope, muchmorerainislikelyandIsuspect thisissettingitselfuptogivesome flooding.

Itdoesfeelasifweareexperiencing a‘proper’winter.Onewhichbrought snowinlateNovemberandhasagain deliveredspellsofcolderweatherthis week,withsomeheavysnowacross northernEnglandandScotland.

Nowweseehigherpressure startingtobuildwithaspellofdrier, possiblyfrostyweatherahead.

Willthispatterncontinueintothe spring?Thatissomethingweare focusedonrightnowhereat weatherweb.net

and lambing, as our third child is due the very same week that calving is meant to start.

As soon as calving finishes, we’ll roll straight into lambing.

At least this is going to be the last one. Child that is – hopefully, we’ll be lambing and calving here for many years to come.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE

NEXT WEEK

Cornwall Alan Carter

Kent Dan Hawes

‘Sometimes, a little nibble can go a long way’

DAN JONES

North Wales

Dan Jones farms 650 ewes at the National Trust-owned Parc Farm, which sits on the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises up 208 metres (682 feet) on the North Wales coast near Llandudno. His Farm Business Tenancy covers the 58 hectares (143 acres) at Parc Farm, plus 364ha (900 acres) of grazing rights on the hill.

We’ve had a lovely Christmas here on the Great Orme, with some beautiful winter days despite the challenging snowy conditions. The obligatory post-indulgence walk saw a return to summer visitor numbers, with car parks full as families enjoyed the fresh air. Frustrating-

ly, I was again dealing with dog attacks on our sheep. While not wanting to start the New Year with a negative, it’s become a predictable reality and as emotionally draining and upsetting as every attack gone before.

Back to the positive. I’m excited to share some great news for a farmer striving to balance conservation.

Rewind back to July and to our Annual Grazing Management Meeting.

It is a gathering that brings a delightful mix of sheep statistics, biodiversity updates and the occasional eyebrow-raising moment, with representatives from the National Trust, Plantlife Cymru, Local Authority Park Wardens, RSPB, Natural Resources Wales, and the North Wales Wildlife Trust all in attendance. If it were a concert, we had all the big names lined up. I kicked off with my usual report on grazing numbers and targeted areas, championing our efforts against the pesky ranker grasses that love to choke out the cherished plant species. It’s all about biodiversity, folks. This

Crossword 1279

joint collaboration of organisations, expertise and quite literally, field work, showed measured improvements in positive ecological returns. Cue the applause.

But before I could bask in the warm glow of success, a shadow was cast by a newcomer to our table.

Introducing himself as a concerned farmer and an invertebrates expert, a title that made me want to check my own qualifications, he stated that, despite the abundance and variety of foliage, invertebrate numbers on the Great Orme were alarmingly low, and the problem was overgrazing.

This news was somewhat of a shock, a slap in the face to nine years of progressive collaboration and a working grazing strategy.

As if the universe wanted to respond to this unexpected criticism, Septem-

ber brought a surprise: a new officer dedicated solely to invertebrates. Yes, you heard that right, a job had been created out of thin air.

However, the results from his surveys were astounding. More invertebrates on the Great Orme than any other surveyed place in Wales, and well above the national average. Talk about a plot twist.

We have a small fenced-off area, a mere 5 metres by 5m, set aside to protect some precious juniper plants. You’d think it would be a bustling hub of invertebrate activity, right? Wrong. Those junipers are lonely, having hardly any invertebrate life to keep them company. Meanwhile, outside the fence, our sheep are happily grazing away, proving that sometimes, a little nibble can go a long way in promoting biodiversity.

Sendinyourcorrectentriestobeinwithachanceofwinning£20worthof Love2shopvoucherseverymonth.Sendto:CrosswordNo.1279,FarmersGuardian, Unit4,FulwoodBusinessPark,CaxtonRoad,Fulwood,Preston,PR29NZ.

ACROSS

1 In Feb and Apr cunningly put together this quickly assembled house (6)

5 Doctor got up in a gloomy mood (6)

10 Some temperature I circumstantially recalled - more frosty! (5)

11 ‘Impressive 1000 dollars’ I boasted now and then (9)

12 Comes to shore on promontory to do creative gardening (9)

13 Top removed from chest for storing present (5)

14 Journeying mathematician and codebreaker getting round (7)

16 Son muddles riders’ seats (7)

18 A decline in Latin and North America for an Italian speciality (7)

20 Objects to alien way of thinking (4-3)

22 Produce road traffic sign (5)

24 Distrust Southern US photo, one old one essentially (9)

26 Meany film about husbands dedicated to their wives and children (6,3)

27 Mental picture of one learned person (5)

28 In truth roughly detained with no thanks (6)

29 New Englander’s type of bet in horse racing (6)

DOWN

2 Predominance of downpours we hear (5)

3 Enemy mostly taking time off creating tree cover (9)

4 Gabbing about cosmic explosion (3,4)

5 Disgruntled oarsmen, ones who grumble (7)

6 Way of communicating publicity in city (5)

7 Icy precipitation, singular now following all downpours finally (9)

8 Offspring of hog and frisky elt? (6)

9 Wreckage of young society girl and backward gentleman (6)

15 Long, loose overcoat on fellow, one from north of Ireland (9)

17 I intend to upset arrangement of teeth (9)

18 Produce eggs no longer fresh; put an end to activity (6)

19 Adopted daughter supporting donkey and rising bird (7)

20 Stonework of Madonna holding child (7)

21 Old apple returned for banknote (6)

23 Search deeply, regularly, even essentially (5)

25 Senseless! That is boxing granny! (5)

Answers to crossword 1277: Across: 1 Inconsiderate, 8 Gateau, 9 Saddle, 12 Stern, 13 Squirrels, 14 Outage, 15 Espresso, 18 Inviting, 20 Strait, 23 Tugs-of-war, 25 Inurn, 26 Atonal, 27 Taints, 28 Class struggle.

Down: 2 Nearest, 3 Overnight, 4 Squash, 5 Disguise, 6 Radar, 7 Tillers, 10 Associate, 11 Assorting, 16 Retailing, 17 Know-alls, 19 Vegetal, 21 Abuttal, 22 Crater, 24 Oinks.

Farming Matters

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

‘Hill farmers are ideally placed to deliver gains for nature and deserve to be rewarded’

It is hard to remember a time when farmers have had it so tough.

The Government’s recent Budget announcement on Inheritance Tax comes on top of several big things already taking a toll on farmers.

Extreme weather events – recently including two years of drought followed by a record-breaking 18-month period of rain – are wreaking havoc on planting and harvesting seasons.

We’ve had 10 of the warmest years and six of the wettest on record happening over the past few decades. It’s clear that climate change is biting hard.

Squeezed

With inflation affecting input costs and 95% of food now sold through just 12 retailers, farmers’ profit margins are increasingly being squeezed and any bargaining power compromised.

And then there are the international trade deals struck by the last Government which undermine home-grown food with imports from countries with lower welfare and environmental standards.

With Westminster funding frozen at £2.4 billion, the real-terms cut in

Government support over many years is exacerbated by a very slow and patchy roll-out of new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, five years after the Agriculture Act was passed.

This only makes planning for the future increasingly difficult.

Some are harder hit than others. Just weeks ago, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said hill farmers, who are among England’s poorest, face an ‘outsized’ hit to livelihoods from delays to new farming schemes.

What is up must come down.

Efforts to tackle climate change, restore nature and curb flood risk in lower-lying areas are by extension threatened by a lack of new nature-friendly farming payments to upland areas. This includes slowing the flow of water as it passes down river catchments to reduce pollutants in headwaters.

These hill farmers – many of whom farm National Trust land – are ideally placed to deliver big gains for nature and deserve to be rewarded properly for this work.

We want to see an urgent roll-out and proper resourcing of the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) offer to support farmers in the uplands to carry out this vital work.

But it’s also lowland farmers who are being held back from progressing plans for nature-friendly farming.

Technical holds-ups and a lack of capacity to physically process applications are preventing them from getting into the CSHT too.

And the schemes tend to focus on nature on the margins of fields rather than system changes to drive in-field and in-soil diversity.

Improving

There were some welcome words this week from the UK Government.

Looking to improve the full suite of ELM schemes, we had more details around improving the CSHT offer, increasing the number of agreements year on year and improving compatibility with an expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme.

However, the delays to roll-out remain concerning. We are worried that these delays could see some farmers forced to exit agreements, or even choose to walk away altogether. This would undermine decades of environmental achievements.

Farmers hold so many of the keys to nature recovery and climate resilience, while producing good, sustainable food.

These aren’t diametrically opposed visions for our countryside and landscapes. They are two sides of the same coin.

But we need the Westminster Government to move with greater speed, focusing its energies where they’re needed most – to help farmers adjust and deliver the biggest possible gains for nature and the environment while running sustainable businesses.

Hill farmers are key to nature recovery and climate resilience, says Harry Bowell.

HARRY BOWELL Director of Land and Nature at the National Trust

15-16 January 2025

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