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Published by Agriconnect
Welcome from the editor
Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com
We must speak up to ensure farmers’ voices are heard
DEFRA Secretary Steve Reed told Parliament this week that ‘change has begun’ and Labour’s new deal for farmers offers businesses a ‘fresh start’. So where is it?
One-hundred days (October 12) into Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership and farmers’ confidence in his ambition for change is fading fast.
Resignations, reshuffling, freebiegate and a planned tax raid all build a picture of a Government in chaos.
Although electorally irrelevant right now, a YouGov poll found that the Prime Minister is currently as unpopular as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage – Sir Kier’s lowest score since taking over as Labour leader.
Economically, the UK is in a difficult position, with several departments in dire need of capital investment. The funding of agriculture is as critical to feed the population as look after them, but the industry needs to recognise the value of communication when presenting this message to those in power, laying out a pragmatic way in which it might be achieved.
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As many, including the NFU, have pointed out, a proposed £2.4 billion fund for agriculture is already more than £1bn short when you take inflation into account. There may be a genuine
thrive, but if it is not backed up by a healthy
report,fgmanifestotoviewthefull sendyourthoughtsto FGeditorial@agriconnect.com andwritetoyourMP. FARMING MUST NOW HAVE ITS SAY
will to see agriculture thrive, but if it is not backed up by a healthy budget, it will not be able to deliver on the shared aims of both the Government and farmers.
Although farming champions including Robbie Moore and Neil Hudson are banging the drum for the industry from the Tory benches, the fact remains that the Labour majority of 200+ renders the Opposition practically powerless. Which is where you come in.
Farmers Guardian’s latest white paper, ‘What farmers and rural businesses need from Labour’, lays out the industry’s key asks and reminds the Government that these are non-negotiable.
FG will continue to hold those in power accountable and we can only do that by listening to your concerns and speaking up on your behalf. to hold those in power
Speaking up for farming since 1844
Olivia
COVER
Brothers Will and George Tomlinson are future-proofing their 556-hectare (1,400-acre) family farm near Wrexham. See p22-24.
As the industry plays a waiting game on the Autumn Budget, farmers are becoming frustrated. Rachael Brown reports.
Farming in a position of ‘paralysis’
l Annoyance over lack of direction
FARMING is in a ‘position of paralysis’ ahead of the Autumn Budget, with farmers becoming increasingly frustrated over the lack of policy direction from the new Government.
Addressing members at NFU council this week, with less than three weeks to go until Rachel Reeves’ Budget, NFU president Tom Bradshaw raised his concerns around the ‘capability of Defra’ to deliver its ambition on food and economic growth.
It comes as Defra secretary Steve Reed was expected to announce a new review of Defra’s regulations with a view to putting economic growth at the heart of its activities.
Mr Bradshaw said October 30 would be the ‘moment of truth’, when farmers will see ‘whether this Government backs British farming or not’. He told Council the Budget was ‘pivotal’ for all nations and, if not secured would have a ‘huge impact’, adding any cuts would mean fairness in the supply chain would be critical and would need to be ‘urgently addressed’.
Little clarity
Mr Bradshaw said members were concerned they had ‘little clue’ over the direction of farming policy. And he conveyed his frustration over delays to the Farming Recovery Fund (see p6).
When probed if the financial support still existed, Mr Bradshaw said he had been told privately the
Minister calls for an amendment to milk regulations
FARMERS URGED TO ‘NIP’ CANCER IN THE BUD
FARMERS and people living in rural communities are being urged to ‘nip it in the bud’ and get checked for early signs of cancer as part of a new UK-wide campaign by The Farming Community Network (FCN). FCN is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms, and to encourage early detection.
Nicky Maynard (pictured), whose family farms in Warwickshire, said in January 2017 she felt a lump in her right breast, but initially delayed going to the GP, as she felt fine and there was not a female GP available for a few weeks.
After eventually seeing a GP, she quickly received ultrasounds and biopsies and was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She said: “I am still not great at listening to my body, but I do force myself to go to the doctor if I am worried about something. Getting to the GP early is essential. Please do not put it off. Nip it in the bud.”
money was ‘safe’, but nothing has been confirmed publicly.
The question of a Tenant Farming Commissioner is still in limbo. But in an House of Commons debate earlier this week there was a degree of optimism offered by Mr Reed, who acknowledged there was ‘merit’ in the idea and an announcement would be made ‘shortly’.
“We know confidence is rock bottom,” said Mr Bradshaw, adding many farmers thought this new Government was a ‘fresh start’.
“I have been adamant that we would not go straight into attack on the new Government, but they are not making it easy for us at the moment.”
Mr Bradshaw said the union was pushing for the food sector to be valued and recognised within the country’s wider industrial strategy, with ‘cross-departmental’ input.
He said if food security remained a ‘Defra problem’ to deliver on then it would be an ‘uphill battle’.
Farmers considering options
ONE in 10 farmers could be willing to walk away from the sector ahead of the Autumn Budget due to uncertainty surrounding tax reliefs.
Mark Chatterton, head of agriculture and business services at Duncan and Toplis, said 10% of its farming clients could retire this month if relief for Capital Gains Tax is taken away.
He said: “This Autumn Budget
could deliver a devastating blow if Capital Gains Tax is hiked as expected. Farmers are already struggling after poor harvests and diminishing subsidies – another financial hit may push many out of the industry.”
He said a rising number were assessing options and those without succession plans were considering capitalising on high land prices.
Fears build over flood funding
● Concerns over getting crops in the ground
By Rachael Brown and Chris Brayford
FEARS the Farming Recovery Fund could be targeted in the upcoming Budget have been raised after it emerged promised payments to affected farmers have been hit by further delays.
According to the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), a decision on how much farmers will be paid is now not expected until the Budget has been delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on October 30, despite reassurances from Defra some weeks ago that payment was imminent.
Farmers impacted by the storms earlier in the year had been promised they would receive help of up to £25,000 through the expanded Farming Recovery Fund offer, but most are still waiting almost six months later.
The continued delay has given rise to speculation the fund could fall victim to Ms Reeves’ spending review, as she seeks to address the deficit left by the last Conservative Government. Blow to farmers
The TFA described the delay as a ‘blow’ to farmers’ confidence, while CLA president Victoria Vyvyan called on the Government to deliver the funding alongside an action plan to avert a repeat of the situation.
She said: “Compensation delays have left thousands of farmers to bear the burden of flooding alone. Rural communities are already struggling,
and this is tightening cashflow when it matters most.
“As climate change worsens, flooding will become more common. The Government must quickly compensate those affected by Storm Henk and create lasting solutions, like paying farmers to store water on their land. Without action, farmers will keep paying for a problem they did not create.”
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “With further heavy rain leaving more fields waterlogged, arable farm-
ers are once again concerned about getting crops in the ground for next season. We cannot keep getting stuck in this cycle – we simply must invest in our water management systems.”
Solution
She added the Farming Recovery Fund was one part of the solution, but a ‘long-term plan’ was needed to protect against what were becoming ‘more regular and expensive’ flooding events.
cognised ‘more must be done to protect farmers’ businesses and homes’ and that the Government was ‘working at pace’ with the farming sector to ‘accelerate the building of flood defences’ through the new Flood Resilient Taskforce.
“All farmers eligible for the initial Farming Recovery Fund set up in April have been offered payment, with further information on the scheme set out in due course,” the spokesperson said.
We need money to help farmers with maintenance of land... It has been radio silence since the General Election
Connor Tindall, Holkham Farming Company Ltd. Norfolk. Harvest 2024.
Food security ‘at risk’ due to staff shortages
● New FSA report highlights challenges
By Jane Thynne
STAFF shortages have been blamed for ongoing problems across the food sector, raising concerns about both the supply and safety of UK food.
A new report, Our Food, published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland, has questioned the resilience of the UK’s food system amid ongoing recruitment issues in key sector occupations including official veterinarians, butchers and meat hygiene inspectors.
According to the findings, food standards remained stable in 2023, despite pressures including inflation and labour shortages.
The lack of official veterinarians was one area highlighted by the report, which said that without a reliable and secure resourcing model there was an increased risk of disruption to the UK meat chain in the years ahead.
This, it found, would lead to increased costs that would be passed on to businesses and consumers.
Prof Susan Jebb, chair of the FSA, said while there was much to be celebrated about the food sector, worries over its long-term resilience remained.
She said: “The food system across the UK continued to experience sig-
nificant challenges throughout 2023, with the rising cost of living and inflation continuing to impact grocery bills for consumers and food businesses grappling with labour shortages and increased supply chain costs. I remain concerned, however, about the ongoing shortages of the key professionals we need to keep our food safe.”
In 2023, there were 4,000 fewer people employed in food manufacturing than in 2022, while those employed in crop and animal production fell from 178,000 in 2022 to 169,000 in June 2023.
Strengthen
The FSA is now calling on Government, industry and regulators to strengthen those parts of the food system that have been in decline.
Without the expertise of these key professionals, the report said, there was a real risk that standards within food businesses, worth £147.8 billion to the UK economy, will deteriorate, putting people at greater risk of illness and risking a loss of trust.
Heather Kelman, chair of Food Standards Scotland, said: “Workforce shortages are stretching resources and placing extra strain on the agencies responsible for keeping food safe.
“This is now the third year where concerns have been raised and we need to act now to maintain high standards and ensure public trust in our food supply chain.”
New delays on upcoming post-Brexit border checks have been announced.
More delays to postBrexit border plans
THE Government has announced two further delays to post-Brexit border plans.
The new postponements mean checks on fruit and vegetables have been pushed back until next July, while the introduction of safety and security certificates for goods entering the UK from the EU shifts from October 31 to January 31, 2025.
Physical checks on products such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs and some flowers and seeds were introduced in April. However, those for fruit and vegetables, initially scheduled for January 2025, have been repeatedly postponed.
Defra has now confirmed they will not be implemented before July 2025, meaning ‘medium risk’ fruit and vegetables will not face import checks at
the UK border or be subject to associated fees.
The department said the move was a ‘temporary measure’ to give the new Labour Government time to thoroughly review the planned implementation of further border controls.
Questions
The postponement has been broadly welcomed by trade groups. However, it has once again raised questions about the efficacy of the Border Trade Operating Model which has been hit by a series of delays since it was launched in 2023.
Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, said the industry was still lacking clear guidance, adding the delay was an opportunity to provide this.
King Charles announced as new patron of NFYFC
KING Charles has been announced as a patron of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
The patronage was previously held by Queen Elizabeth, who served as NFYFC’s patron for 65 years.
NFYFC chair of council, Drew Bailey, said: “NFYFC is honoured that His Majesty The King is our royal patron.
“His Majesty’s commitment to Young Farmers’ Clubs reflects our proud history of nine decades of developing rural young people’s skills.
“As a former president of the NFYFC, we are privileged to now have His Majesty serve as our patron.
Aligns
“His Majesty’s commitment to the countryside and the welfare of rural communities perfectly aligns with the mission of NFYFC and its clubs and counties.
“Much of our work focuses on developing rural young people’s skills and raising awareness about opportunities in the sector,” he added.
Objections to large solar farm
● CA wants to see a ‘rooftop first approach’
By Chris Brayford
MORE than 340 objections have been submitted to stop a large solar development in Scotland from being built on agricultural land.
A planning application was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council on August 2 which could see more than 200 acres of prime agricultural land taken out of production for a 49.9 megawatt solar farm and battery energy storage system at Kinnon Park Farm in the village of Methven, Perth.
On the day the consultation closed (October 4), 342 objections had been received compared to just two which supported Namene Solar’s plans at the farm which produces grain.
It comes as the debate continues about solar on agricultural land, with the Countryside Alliance (CA) calling for a ‘rooftop-first’ approach to building solar energy infrastructure in rural
settings. NFU Scotland commercial manager Tom Graham said he supported the way solar power could help farmers meet the country’s net zero ambitions without using productive agricultural land.
It comes as MPs continue to debate solar developments on agricultural land with the Labour Government focused on clean energy production.
Crawford Niven, of Gloagburn Farm in Tibbermore, said solar infrastructure developments could have ‘lasting ramifications’ to the future of
agriculture in Scotland and the surrounding countryside.
“Prime agricultural land could be lost if the application is successful,” he said.
“Farming is being pushed in a lot of different directions right now. I support solar energy on derelict and brownfield sites, but not on prime agricultural land. It is ridiculous as it could risk our food security, employment and the industries which rely on grain production.”
Mary Creagh, Parliamentary
Under-Secretary for Efra, said solar power was ‘crucial’ to achieving net zero and added solar farms could occupy less than 1% of the UK’s agricultural land.
Namene Solar said the proposed solar farm at Kinnon Park could feed green energy into the grid and support a local reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the area, meet the requirement of up to 19,000 family homes and displace more than 11,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.
The Countryside Alliance wants solar projects in rural areas built on rooftops before any agricultural land is used.
PICTURE: JOHN EVESON
● Transition process ‘not fit for purpose’
By Chris Brayford
THE Government is under pressure to urgently review the application process for Universal Credit after farmers and politicians claim it was ‘not fit for purpose’.
In a letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall last month, North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain said the Government must review the transition from Working Tax Credits to Universal Credits due to the ‘immense stress’ it has placed on farming families.
Letter
On Monday (October 7), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed Working Tax Credits will cease permanently in April 2025, with more than one million people receiving a migratory letter since July 2022 informing them they will have to apply for Universal Credit.
Ms Chamberlain argued the application process was ‘not fit for purpose’ following changes to Universal Credit which ‘does not account’ for the seasonal nature of farming and
The switch from Working Tax Credits to Universal Credit is failing to help many farmers.
Call for urgent review of Universal Credit
when farmers are paid. David Ottley, a livestock farmer from Bacton in Norfolk, has urged the Government to review the application process to make the living payment ‘accessible’ for struggling farming families.
He added: “Despite already working more than 80 hours, seven days a week, I was told during the application process that I would need to get another job. It is absolutely ap-
Ember Energy DEFRA GRANT APPLICATION
palling the way farmers are valued in this country.
“Our family is at breaking point without support.”
Dairy farmer Gill Durbin, of Bickfield Farm in Compton Martin, Somerset, said ‘restricting’ payments could have ‘huge consequences’ for farm businesses.
She said: “When you are in farming, so much is out of your control. Things such as bad weather can wreck havoc on a business and everything can change in a moment.
“There has been a big misunderstanding down the line about how farming works and the challenges
the industry faces with the application process made twice as hard for farming families. This could be the end of small family farms.”
Ms Kendall said the Government would bring forward the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation to get Britain ‘working again’ and end the ‘culture’ of job centres monitoring benefits.
The DWP also said it recognised that farmers can experience periods of low earnings, but added there were a host of measures to support them from the likes of the Farming Community Network and the Future Farming Resilience Fund.
British poultry regains access to South African export market
UK farmers and traders will once again be able to export poultry to South Africa, which is estimated to bring up to £160m to the industry over the next five years.
The development allows UK traders to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years, after restrictions were placed on UK imports following outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK. The UK was declared free from avian influenza earlier this year.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders,
but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy.
“We are one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.”
British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths said its relationships with markets around the world ‘underpins economic growth right here in the UK’.
He added unlocking access to ‘what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting’.
UK first to test cultivated meat
THE UK will become the first country in Europe to draw-up cultivated meat regulations, after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) was awarded £1.6 million in Government funding.
The money will help the FSA develop a ‘regulatory sandbox’ – where interested parties can test products, under a limited timeframe, to streamline the novel food application process.
Professor Robin May, the FSA’s
chief scientific adviser, said: “Cellcultivated products are different from anything that has gone through that process previously. We think very strongly that a fundamentally different type of science needs a fundamentally different approach to regulation.”
The FSA is currently assessing four novel food applications, including one for pet food and another for a cultivated chicken company in France.
● Weather causes concern with regulations
By Rachael Brown
DELAYED harvests and silage cuts, coupled with wet weather, could make preparation for the closed period and compliance with water pollution regulations complicated for Welsh farmers, warned NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader.
All farmers in Wales are now required to comply with the pan-Wales Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations. Those utilising cattle slurry in particular will now be preparing for the closed period.
This is a period over winter where farmers are not permitted to spread manufactured fertilisers and organic manures with high nitrogen contents, and farmers must ensure they have adequate slurry storage for at least five months’ worth of production.
Ms Reader said: “Ground conditions in Wales are deteriorating at the moment, meaning trying to get to closed period with an empty store is going to be difficult for some.”
Farming by calendar ‘not practical’
ready for this do not deserve to be persecuted by groups like that.”
Rural affairs spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, Llyr Gruffydd, said: “We warned [Welsh Government] that a farming by calendar approach was not practical and now we are seeing why.”
Gareth Parry, head of policy at the Farmers’ Union of Wales, said: “While the £20 million in support for on-farm infrastructure is welcomed, notwithstanding potential infrastructure costs of about £450m, the over-subscription of the recently closed Nutrient Management Investment Scheme grant window demonstrates the severity of the challenge farmers have and continue to face in attempting to comply with these now-enforceable regulations.”
Welsh Government confirmed £52m had been offered to support onfarm infrastructure investments since the regulations were introduced.
“There are people waiting for contractors to come and they are in a very long queue. That closed period from October 15 is getting ever closer.”
She said planning and funding to
She said one mental health charity in Wales told her they were experiencing increased calls from farmers who are worried how they would cope this winter during the closed period.
FEATURING SPEAKERS INCLUDING
EMILY NORTON, JOHN GILLILAND AND REGIONAL SPECIAL GUESTS
Natural capital Leveraging environmental assets on farm
invest in infrastructure had been an issue and warned there were activist groups looking to ‘catch farmers out’ and ‘make examples of them’.
“People who have waited to get planning permission and have done everything they can to get themselves
A Welsh Government spokesperson said any issues raised would be considered further ‘as part of the four-year review of the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations’.
“Farmers affected can seek advice from Natural Resources Wales on actions they can take to reduce the risk of pollution,” the spokesperson added.
Farmers utilising cattle slurry in particular will now be preparing for the closed period.
Prioritise food production
WITH increasing global climate change disruption, which is now ‘out of control’, overall food supply will get tighter, which makes me wonder why British farmers are not being encouraged to sustainably produce more.
Government policy continues on the side of conservation rather than food production and this is particularly evident in the hills where we are still being encouraged to keep even fewer sheep.
There is a high risk that the hefted sheep and farmers (local knowledge and skills) will be lost.
Our rural upland economy is declining fast due to continued poor Government policy and, because farming is a medium to long-term business, increasing food produc-
Social media reactions
READERS had their say on Phil Latham’s Farming Matters column which said farming is ‘forgotten and undervalued’ by politicians.
(FG October 4):
■ “It’s another win for the big farms.”
JACQUI WELLS
■ “Yes, very worrying. We as an industry do need to get on with working out how we are going to take things forward for the future if there is
tion again will be very hard if we want to feed ourselves.
Lowland farmers are also feeling the pinch on the climate front and this will only get worse. On top of this, the Government is looking at increasing access to the countryside, which will make our business harder round the edge of towns, where some land has already been abandoned due to interference
very little backing. I spend a lot of my time with agri businesses and farmers at the moment looking at this”
VICKY ANDERSON
■ “I will be heartbroken for my family, although not involved since marrying more than 50 years ago. The land will be broken up to pay Inheritance Tax, then Capital Gains Tax paid on the money, decimating it further. Typical Labour, the party of spite and envy. They do not
from the local population. Then there are certain parties which think that wolves and lynx are a good idea.
From a livestock farming perspective this would be a disaster at a time when we will need more home-produced food, not less.
I can only conclude that the countryside is being run by townsfolk and they are making a right
have a clue about the countryside and those that live and work there.”
MARGARET WHELBAND
■ “High fertiliser prices, high feed prices and taking away family farms through high tax and Inheritance Tax methods, all part off getting people off the land. Money men laughing all the way to their piles of tax-free cash they get as bonuses.”
STEVEN KIRKPATRICK
mess of our future and of our country as a whole.
Stephen Ramsden, Harrogate.
Fund research
THANK you for reflecting farmers’ frustrations about the extensive footdragging going on in Whitehall (‘It is high time Sir Keir revealed what is on the table for farmers’ , FG, October 4). I cannot help but feel a sense of deja vu. Time and again, we hear promises from politicians, yet meaningful action is perpetually on the horizon. At the World AgriTech Innovation Summit in London (September 30), Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner said he would be bringing forward the secondary legislation needed to put precision-bred crops on the agenda. It is welcome news indeed, but I was disappointed he gave no update on the rollout of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and, particularly, ADOPT. ADOPT is the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund, announced by Mr Zeichner’s predecessor last year.
Some £40 million of grant funding was promised to groups of farmers, growers and foresters in England to conduct on-farm experiments and trials.
Pocock and Robin Pocock with the family’s horse, Violet, at Glebe Farm, Bremhill, Wiltshire. Sent in by Robin Pocock.
If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com
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Left to right: Bryan Pocock, John Hobbs, Martin
Defra has since released details of how the fund will work. It looks really good and could significantly bolster on-farm productivity.
It is deeply concerning that the new Government has not given the goahead. It would be all too easy to drop it altogether, blaming the previous Government’s overspend.
But to do so would be to cut off your nose to spite your face – it is the one area of agricultural funding that could stimulate the productivity growth we so desperately need.
Tom Allen-Stevens, Founder of the British On-Farm Innovation Network.
Principles please
AS Budget day approaches and, as Phil Latham says, ‘same trough, but with different snouts in it’ (FG , October 4), MPs should look at the Nolan Principles, the seven principles of public life, on the Government’s own website: selflessness; integrity; objectivity; accountability; openness; honesty; and leadership, and ask themselves how well they measure up.
Or is it going to be yet another example of ‘do as I say, not as I do’?
Gillian Herbert, Herefordshire.
Chris Brayford News and Business Reporter – chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
Young Farmers are the lifeblood of farming Leader
AS the industry marks National Young Farmers’ Week, it is an opportune moment to reflect on how important young people are in shaping and leading the future direction of the industry.
Our weekly Young Farmer Focus column, which provides a platform for young people to share their passions and successes, also documents just how difficult it is to work in farming.
But their enthusiasm shines through and their words are often heart-warming, emotional and inspiring. They speak of wanting to open-up agriculture to more people, tackle mental health challenges and tear down barriers for those wanting to get a foot on the farming ladder.
Young people and their clubs are also working hard to challenge some of the inequalities which still exist, along with the daily battles, from rising production costs, unfairness in the supply chain, the extremes of the weather and rural isolation. The industry cannot afford to forget just how important young farmers are, not
Studies: GraduatingfromHarper Adamslastmonthwasoneofthe happiestmomentsofmylife. HarperAdamsoffersoneofthebest coursesforruralcharteredsurveyors. The experience gained on
placement was also valuable in shaping my final year.
I applied what I had learned on placement to my assignments, adding a layer which you cannot get from just books alone.
The work I carried out on placement was fundamental to the research topic I chose to study for my honours research project.
I investigated the unprecedented real-world challenge that rural professionals face in understanding and solving problems around the cancellation of the High Speed Two Phase Two rail link.
only to the success of the industry in the future, but also in the here and now, and in preserving the rural communities we value so dearly.
These young people will be the farming leaders of the future and champions of British food and farming. The rest of the industry must do all it can to enable them to flourish in an environment which inspires, challenges and motivates them and lets them fulfil their full potential.
Georgie Lee, 23, is from Sandiway, in Cheshire. She has graduated from Harper Adams University with a BSc (Hons) in rural enterprise and land management and will soon start work as a graduate surveyor at Rostons.
I am preparing for a dream career as a graduate surveyor and I put that down to my excellent education and time on placement.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
Georgie Lee
Georgie Lee
Cash-strapped rural councils face bankruptcy over funding
● Call for additional Government support
By Jane Thynne
SIXTEEN county and rural authorities are facing bankruptcy owing to a lack of Government funding, according to a new report.
The study published by the County Councils Network (CCN) found rural administrations were facing the largest deficits in local Government.
It warned without significant support from Westminster, 16 could be forced to declare themselves bankrupt in 2026/27, with a further six the following year, impacting services for more than 16 million residents in England.
According to the analysis, local authorities face a funding shortfall
of £54 billion over the next five years – leaving the prospect of them providing ‘little more’ than care services by the end of the decade in order to avert financial insolvency.
The group has now appealed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address the shortfall in the coming spending review on October 30.
Analysis
Councillor Barry Lewis, finance spokesperson and vice-chair of the County Councils Network, said: “The new analysis shows the bleak financial outlook facing local authorities of all shapes and sizes.
“To meet all their projected service pressures, councils are staring down the barrel of a £54bn funding black hole.
“While council tax rises can reduce this deficit, Government cannot rely on this alone and local
authorities would still be left to find billions each year.”
The Rural Services Network (RSN) said despite facing unique challenges, such as delivering services over vast geographical areas with sparse populations which add significant costs, rural councils have long struggled with funding issues, often receiving less financial support than their urban counterparts.
RSN chief executive Kerry Booth
said: “We have long campaigned for fairer funding for rural councils. Rural areas have a greater proportion of older residents and that ageing population places greater demands on services which cost more to deliver.
“We would ask that rural areas have a fairer allocation of funds, taking into account their higher costs of providing services, to ensure that they can be sustainable in the longer term.”
Farmers are being warned to beef-up security after a spate of ATV thefts.
Warning over quad bike theft increase
drawing in made it easier for thieves.
FARMERS have been warned to increase security and remain vigilant, after a spike in quad bike thefts last month, according to latest claims data from NFU Mutual and the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU).
“High demand linked with common poor security on ATVs continues to make these a highly desirable machine for thieves,” he said.
Intelligence shows that the east and south east of England in particular saw spikes in ATVs being stolen last month, but there were concerns that thieves may travel the length and breadth of the country to scope out and steal these valuable and highlydesirable vehicles.
Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, who leads the NRCU, said nights
“While there has been some recent success with several arrests in relation to ATV thefts in the North, I would ask farmers across the UK to remain vigilant, check that security lights and cameras are working and keep gates closed – these are simple, but we know, effective measures.
“Lastly and, I would argue crucially, if you are not part of your local Rural Watch scheme, you really need to be.”
Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
For more business content, go to
● Pressure on soyabean prices
By Alex Black
PROPOSALS to delay the European Union deforestation regulations have added to pressure on the soyabean market, as UK industry bodies welcomed the development.
The EU Deforestation Regulation would have impacted imports of goods including soya and beef, and was scheduled to come into effect at the end of the year.
However, last week the EU Commission proposed a 12-month delay to allow for implementations, with warnings many suppliers and farmers were not ready to comply.
While the legislation itself does not cover the UK, it was expected to have an impact as the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) warned that the UK livestock sector could face costs of up to £80 million.
Chicago soyabean futures were pressured 2.6% last week (Friday to Friday) on the back of an improved weather outlook in Brazil, favourable harvest weather in the United States, and the proposed delay, according to AHDB.
Delay to deforestation regulation welcomed
intention and it had to obtain agreement from both the European Parliament and the Council.
“It is probably the most sensible option to allow a transitioned introduction and therefore time for the supply chain to adjust to the new conditions, the detail of which requires further clarification,” she said.
Fit for purpose
AHDB said: “If approved by the European Parliament and the Council, this delay will mean any impact from the new regulation on soyabean prices will be longer term, and we could see some pressure in the short-term, with
South American soyabeans continuing to flow.”
Lizzie Wilson, National Pig Association chief executive, said the industry had been expecting a delay, but highlighted this was only the Commission’s
AIC said it broadly welcomed the delay and would now be working hard to ensure the legislation was ‘fit for purpose’ for the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland.
James McCulloch, AIC head of animal feed, said: “We will also need to consider how the UK’s version of the legislation will be implemented and look forward to working with the new Government to achieve this.”
Make it Lamb campaign reaches millions
A UK-wide campaign to celebrate lamb during September’s ‘Love Lamb Week’ reached millions of people across the country. The campaign was a collaboration between the four UK red meat levy boards and supported by the National Sheep Association, NFU, NFU Scotland, Ulster Farmers’ Union and Red Tractor.
On TikTok and Instagram, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) reached about
200,000 users, with Scotch Lamb recipes as well as coverage in local press.
QMS marketing director Emma Heath said: “By collaborating with the other levy boards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to launch this campaign, it ensured consistency of messaging on a nationwide level.
“The first week in September being peak season for availability of new season lamb provides the perfect
opportunity to encourage consumers not only to purchase it, but also to experience how easy it is to cook with and how delicious it tastes – the results of the campaign are very promising.”
Results from AHDB showed that its social media content was seen more than 5.8 million times, including over 1.5m video plays. The organisation also sent recipe leaflets, campaign stickers and children’s activity sheets
Down on the Farm
Grassland P & K in worrying decline
The latest 2023 British survey of fertiliser practice published in July does not paint a good picture for the state of grassland soil fertility in Britain. The overall P & K application rates on grassland, and the percentage area of grassland that receives a fertiliser dressing of P & K has not recovered since 2022, which is a concerning national trend. Only 22% and 24% of grassland receives P and K respectively, down from 37% and 39% in 2021.
On those fields that receive P and K, there was a 1 kg increase in field P rates on both graz-ing and silage from last year and an increase in K of 2 kg and 3 kg for grazing and silage fields respectively. Grazing will be hit hardest if P applications are forgone, while silage yields
to thousands of butchers shops and ensured campaign stickers went on lamb meat packaging.
Similar results were also seen by Hybu Cig Cyrmu in Wales.
In Northern Ireland, the Livestock and Meat Commission chose to launch its 2024-25 post-primary education programme during Love Lamb Week, with 400 demonstrations booked within the week.
are more at risk if K applications are missed or reduced. It should be remembered that K is also lost through leaching, and with above average rainfall comes above average K leaching losses.
The upshot of declining soil P & K fertility is poorer grass growth, and reduced nitrogen use efficiency which hits both the pocket as grass is the cheapest feed source and potentially water quality and nitrous oxide emissions. If farmers apply the same amount of nitrogen on fields with declining soil P & K fertility, then lower yields capture less nitrogen, leaving more residual soil nitrogen at risk of soil denitrification and leaching.
Allowing a transitioned introduction was probably the most sensible option, said Lizzie Wilson, National Pig Association chief executive.
PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Agricultural inflation eases
● Input costs see more stability
By Alex Black
AGRICULTURAL inflation has fallen to the lowest level seen since December 2021, although it still remains elevated on 2020.
Easing inflation can be seen across key inputs, including fertiliser, energy and feeds.
AHDB livestock analyst Becky Smith said with a much more stable picture in terms of farm input costs, this may begin to feed through into farmer confidence and planning.
Lowest
She said: “In July, the overall Agricultural Price Index for all agricultural inputs was the lowest it has been since December 2021.
“Following some extremely high input prices in 2022, linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, we have seen this figure easing back over the past year to levels much closer to those in 2021,” she said.
Input costs have weighed heavily on confidence, affecting decisionmaking and influencing some to scale back or cease production.
“Now, with input costs appearing to stabilise, will we witness a change in sentiment through production figures, or will other market factors take greater effect,”Ms Smith asked.
She said that with other significant structural and policy changes, other factors may continue to play a larger role in on-farm decision-making.
Fertiliser price inflation con-
tinued to ease, back 5.7% on the same point of last year, although maintaining a premium to historic figures.
“We have seen stability in GB fertiliser prices through 2024, with UK AN sitting at £338/tonne in August,” she said.
Adapt
“In the past, we have observed changes in fertiliser application rates, as higher prices forced both farmers and the market to adapt.”
More stability may give farmers confidence to plan their strategy to maximise efficiencies.
She said: “However, rising natural gas prices have created some concern that we may see this translated through to increases in fertiliser prices over the coming months.”
Other key inputs have also eased.
Energy and fuel were back 4.5% in July, compared to the same month in 2023. Straight feedstuffs were back 12.4% year-on-year, while compound feedstuffs recorded a 7.7% fall on the year.
Farmers need certainty to be sustainable
FARMERS need certainty to be productive, profitable and sustainable.
That was the message from one of the organisers ahead of this year’s Northern Farming Conference to be held at Hexham Auction Mart on November 6.
Diminishing Basic Payment Scheme payments, higher farming input costs, unpredictable weather events and a new Government are adding to the volatility being felt by farmers.
Henk Geertsema, CLA communications manager and organising committee member, said speakers will be discussing how agricultural productivity can be improved in an ‘ever-changing operating environment’.
Foundation
He said: “For farming to be productive, profitable and sustainable, certainty is always the solid foundation.”
He added that Government policy needed to be shaped to support farmers to be able to own and manage change for a more resilient and profitable farming sector.
This year’s speakers at the conference include Lord Inglewood, Janet Hughes, of Defra, the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, and the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland, Furness and Eden, Tim Farron.
Aldi announces new £30m investment in dairy farming
ALDI has said it will invest £30 million into dairy farming over the next threeand-a-half years through an enhanced partnership with Arla.
SILENT & EASY SLURRY SCRAPING
The enhanced partnership will run until the middle of 2027 and provide support to enable greater focus on sustainability and animal welfare through Arla’s FarmAhead Customer Partnership.
Through this programme, Aldi will partner in farming projects and innovation which aim to accelerate more sustainable farming practices and decarbonise dairy.
Aldi has also increased its investment in the Aldi Dairy Farm Partnership programme to cover 100% of Arla’s Fresh Milk supply, which extended its support for British farms from 25 to more than 150.
Liz Fox, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said it would allow the retailer to better support farmers while driving positive change.
She said: “This investment reflects our long-standing relationship with Arla and our dedication to delivering high-quality dairy products to our customers.”
Key inputs, including fertilisers, have seen a fall in costs leading to an overall decrease in agricultural inflation in July.
‘Frustration’ over slow SFI processing
● Delay leaving farmers in limbo
By Rachael Brown
THE NFU is ‘frustrated at the slow conversion rate’ from initial Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications being submitted to the agreements offered to farmers.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said while it was ‘encouraging that there were checks and balances to ensure the IT systems were working well’, the sector needed to get to a position where the ‘expression of interest’ process was removed, and
where ‘farmers and growers can expect an agreement offer within weeks to help them plan accordingly’.
James Wright, a beef and sheep farmer in Devon and Farmers Guardian’s In Your Field writer, applied to SFI for the first time in August this year, but a few weeks ago he received an email from the Rural Payments Agency which said the processing of SFI applications was ‘taking slightly longer than it usually would’. Mr Wright had his SFI application approved earlier this week – eight weeks after applying.
He had questioned whether the delay in accepting his new agreement had any link to the ongoing specula-
Speculation around whether the agricultural budget will be cut is leading some to question if this is the reason Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements are facing a delay.
tion around whether the agricultural budget will be cut at the end of October, adding it was a ‘real worry’ and made it difficult to plan.
He said he had been in ‘limbo’ and had hoped to do planting this side of Christmas but had been waiting for his application to be approved.
Figures
Latest SFI figures from Defra as of September 30 showed that just under 13,000 expressions of interest, more than 3,500 applications and 800 agreements had been made.
A recent sentiment survey from Knight Frank’s rural division highlighted less than half of respondents who took part had signed up to SFI.
Henry Clemons, associate and agricultural consultant at Knight Frank, said the full potential of SFI had ‘yet to
be realised’ because many farmers harboured ‘preconceptions’ from past environmental programmes that discouraged them from taking part.
The survey showed barriers to uptake included the cost of change, not wanting to reduce food production and some options being unclear.
Mr Clemons said if the money was not spent, there was ‘real danger, the industry will be returning another £100 million to the Treasury’.
A Defra spokesperson said: “We are rolling out the Sustainable Farming Incentive with expressions of interest accepted, agreement offers being made, and over 1,000 agreements in place under SFI 2024.
“The rollout is being managed to ensure the service is working as expected and that all applicants get the support they need.”
As Wool Month continues, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Christopher Price takes a look at the value of native breed sheep. Farmers Guardian reports. ● Sustainability benefits seen within fleeces
THE market for native breed wool is growing as businesses are recognising its value and sourcing for their products, and farmers and smallholders with native breed sheep are responding.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) chief executive Christopher Price highlighted that increasing the use of native breed wool was good for the breeds and also brought sustainability benefits, with a study the trust conducted last year suggesting native breeds retained a greater carbon content within their fleeces.
Since the fleece of each breed evolved to suit its historic location, wool from the UK’s native sheep breeds has its own unique characteristics.
Mr Price said: “For example, wool from native downland sheep breeds like the Norfolk Horn is excellent for cloth, bedding and futons, while Border Leicester wool is ideal in blends for knitting yarns due to its natural elasticity.
“Leicester Longwool wool is really versatile and great for knitting, rug-making, tapestry, wall hangings, felting, weaving and soft furnishings.”
The active engagement of British Wool in providing logistical and practical support has played an important role in helping smaller producers make the most of the potential opportunities.
Through the network of the Portland Sheep Breeders Group, a group of farmers and smallholders recently supplied a tonne of wool, with support from British Wool, to The Wool Library. The Wool Library is an initiative aiming to nurture a regenerative wool economy by helping produce yarn and wool pieces
Growing market for native breed wool
which enhance the inherent value of British wool. The fine, short Portland wool has been used to create high-quality and unique Portland wool tweeds, throws and knitting yarn.
Hertfordshire smallholder Stephen Tricks led the project on behalf of the Portland Sheep Breeders Group.
He said the approach delivered both on pride and price.
“When RBST first mooted the project in 2021, the price per kilogram from British Wool was very low. The system did not allow for the breed-specific qualities of the wool to be put to best use, and keepers
with small flocks could not benefit from economies of scale,” he said.
He added that in its pilot year the wool achieved a significantly better price as well as the ‘real pride’ of seeing the wool used to make the products.
“The pilot was such a success that we are building on it this year, again supplying The Wool Library and, with logistical support from British Wool, with a significantly larger group of participating breeders,” he said. Duvets
Devon Duvets is a business on the edge of Dartmoor. Devon Closewool farmers sell fleeces to the business via British Wool for its ‘Rare Breeds’ duvet range. The combination of softness and spring in Devon Closewool is ideal for luxury duvets, which are individually handcrafted in the business’ workshops.
Co-founder and owner Pauline Beijen said it was a ‘great quality material that fits perfectly with our ethos of producing the highest quality products through natural, sustainable processes and with local provenance at our core’.
She added: “Importantly, it also supports the heritage of British farming.
“We purchase through British Wool and its traceability programme, because this means it can be formally certified as authentic British wool and [it] supports fair pricing for the farmers we buy from. Consumers are
increasingly looking for natural, sustainable products and want to support British businesses and British farmers.”
For Dumfries and Galloway smallholder Rebecca McLellan, online retail has opened up opportunities all over the world. Her business sells high-end handcrafted pieces made from the fleeces of her Castlemilk Moorit sheep through her Chocflock enterprise.
These fleeces were blended with native Shetland fleece to increase the volume before Ms McLellan worked with a professional handweaver to create the fabric.
She said the fabric was ‘beautiful yet hard-wearing, designed to be a long-lasting, cherished piece of clothing’.
The products were in demand worldwide, heading to destinations including Chicago and Brussels.
“The quality of the produce and the Castlemilk Moorit narrative has universal appeal; scarcity is appealing, and people love the colours,” she said, adding the business was ‘perfect’ for their small flock and gathering together as co-operatives.
Ms McLellan said the retail approach was ‘digital, but farmgate’, with products sold via the Chocflock website and Etsy. Interest was secured through social media, fibre festivals and word of mouth, with customers also valuing talking to the people behind the products.
A group of farmers and smallholders recently supplied a tonne of Portland sheep wool to The Wool Library.
Rebecca McLellan’s business sells handcrafted pieces made from the fleeces of her Castlemilk Moorit sheep.
Farmers ‘watch and wait’ as tensions mount in Middle East
● BoE governor alludes to 1970s energy crisis
By Jane Thynne
FARMERS could be facing higher input costs and rising inflation should the current crisis in the Middle East escalate, an industry analyst has warned.
Sarah Baker, lead economist at AHDB, said it was now a case of ‘watch and wait’ following the spread of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah beyond Gaza to Beirut and Iran.
Last week, the governor of the Bank of England (BoE) Andrew Bailey said geopolitical concerns were currently ‘very serious’, adding that the bank was ‘closely monitoring’ the situation. He acknowledged the growing fears that a worsening conflict between Iran and Israel could ‘severely disrupt global oil supplies’, triggering an energy crisis not seen since the 1970s.
Over the past few days, crude oil rose almost 10% to about $78 (£59.64) per barrel as the fighting intensified. However, as of October 7, no further increase had taken place.
The market, which saw Brent crude oil top $130 (£99.41) per barrel on the invasion of Ukraine, was expected to remain volatile, said Ms Baker.
She added: “The markets are doing everything they can to keep things stable. Throughout the volatility of recent years – the invasion of Ukraine, Covid-19 and climate change – the market has proved to be very resilient.
“Unless it goes to all-out war, I think
the oil market will be able to keep prices steady,” she added.
Both the NFU and AHDB said currently there was no threat to food supplies as goods have been diverted from the Red Sea to trade routes round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This has not yet led to a rise in food prices, although shipping costs could, Ms Baker said, have an inflationary impact, as was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Risk
“The risk here is that the escalation is prolonged, driving domestic inflation and delaying the expected interest rate cuts from the Bank of England,” she said.
“This could put pressure on both input costs and borrowing costs, as well as dampening both economic growth and consumer demand.”
Ms Baker added the BoE governor’s allusion to the 1970s energy crisis which saw oil prices rise twelve-fold had caused a stir, but it was not yet time to panic.
“I know people are now worried about a return to the 1970s situation, and nothing is beyond the realms of possibility. But at the moment, I think it is a watching brief. And unfortunately, there is nothing we can do.
“Farmers did prove they could cope with the fuel prices following the Ukraine situation, but it would be very, very painful to have to go back there,” Ms Baker added.
The countries’ actions over the next few months, along with the outcome of the US presidential election on November 3, will be ‘critical’ she said.
and shipping costs could have a serious impact on the agricultural sector.
Irish Budget measures not enough to tackle income crisis
MEASURES announced in the Irish Budget 2025 last week will go some way towards addressing the pressures in farming but will not do enough to address the income crisis.
That was the message from Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman, who welcomed increased support for suckler cows, sheep and dairy beef calves.
“However, the reality is that these sectors need more support as they drive economic activity,” he said.
Funding was announced for the ar-
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able, potato and field vegetable sectors, but Mr Gorman said while it would help, a medium and long-term plan was needed to protect the sector.
IFA national farm business chair Bill O’Keeffe said that the Budget was a cost-of-living budget, rather than a cost of doing business budget.
“Many measures in the Budget will help families, including farm families with cost-of-living pressures, but will not do a lot to address the cost of doing business which for farmers has increased by 73% since 2017,” he added.
ALL POSTS
Rising oil
HOLLY BONNER
BRIDGWATER & TAUNTON COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET
XHolly Bonner’s journey from a non-traditional educational path to pursuing a BSc (Hons) in agricultural management at Bridgwater and Taunton College of University Centre Somerset reflects her deep commitment to agriculture.
Hailing from Devon, Holly initially chose a level 3 agricultural apprenticeship over A-levels, working on her family farm and gaining diverse experience in livestock sectors and event catering.
This hands-on approach fuelled her passion for farming and laid a solid foundation for her studies.
During her degree, Holly has demonstrated remarkable dedication.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and study, she has excelled academically, with most of her grades consistently above 80%.
Her achievements include reaching the final of The Farmers Club Pinnacle Awards for farm business excellence two years running and securing a silver award in the second year.
These accolades not only boosted her confidence, but also highlighted her commitment to the field.
Holly’s degree programme, which allows for part-time work, has enabled her to continue contributing to her family’s multi-generational beef and sheep farm while also working in event catering. Additionally, she has gained experience working with an independent farm business consultancy, learning about grant
schemes and farm performance improvement. Her role as treasurer of her local Young Farmers’ Club also reflects her active engagement in the agricultural community.
Among her proudest accomplishments, Holly values her degree the most. It symbolises three years of hard work, determination and personal growth.
Her experience demonstrates that alternative educational routes can be just as effective, if not more so, in pursuing one’s passion.
Looking ahead, Holly is keen to continue gaining experience in agriculture and dreams of running her own farm in the future.
For now, she aims to focus on consultancy, leveraging her skills in data and figures to support family farms.
Holly acknowledges the significant challenges facing agriculture, including climate change, soil degradation and financial pressures on farms.
She advocates for increased knowledge sharing within the industry and stronger partnerships between industry and academia to drive targeted research and practical solutions.
Holly believes in maximising workforce potential through innovative approaches such as tenancies and share farming, and emphasises the importance of open discussions among farmers to foster collaboration and improvement.
AGRICULTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
KESTREL LAMBERT ROYAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
XKestrel Lambert’s journey from the London School of Economics (LSE) to the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) exemplifies a deep-seated passion for agriculture and technology.
Despite not coming from a farming background, Kestrel’s curiosity about agriculture led her to pursue an MSc in Agricultural Technology and Innovation at RAU, supported by the Clyde Higgs Scholarship.
Commenting on her passion, she says: “I wanted to be involved in all things agriculture; I hope more people will take an interest as it is so important to our country.”
At the RAU, Kestrel has excelled in her studies and research. Her dissertation focuses on tackling the deer problem in agroforestry by using artificial intelligence (AI) to protect crops and trees.
Partnering with Sapperton Wilder and Conservation X Labs, Kestrel is developing a groundbreaking AI-based algorithm to alert farmers of potential vegetation predation.
This integrates her coding and data science skills to advance sustainable farming practices.
In addition to her dissertation, Kestrel has contributed to academic research as a co-author for an upcoming publication in the Journal of Food and Energy Security.
This article, also slated for adaptation by the UK Parliament,
examines crop species diversity as a strategy for enhancing global food security and climate resilience.
Kestrel’s involvement extends beyond academia.
As a part-time employee at a climate finance firm, she specialises in carbon credits within agriculture and renewables, with plans to help launch the firm’s UK office.
Her role includes carbon policy analysis and advising on Environmental, Social and Governance performance.
Her past experience at LSE, where she revitalised the Tea Society during Covid-19, demonstrates her leadership and community-building skills.
By organising engaging events and supporting start-ups, she fostered a vibrant community.
Looking ahead, Kestrel is eager to continue her research in agriculture, focusing on crop diversification as a strategy for climate resilience.
She believes in the synergy of regenerative agriculture and technological advancements.
Kestrel is committed to bridging the gap between technological innovation and sustainable farming, advocating for a collaborative approach to address climate change and improve agricultural practices.
Her vision for the future includes combining regenerative agriculture with smart technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
XFrom an early age, Elin showed a passion for agriculture, with memorable childhood experiences on the farm marking the start of her enthusiasm.
Her commitment was further demonstrated through her BSc (Hons) degree in agriculture from Aberystwyth University, which included a year in industry as an agricultural banking specialist with Oxbury Agriculture Bank.
This placement provided deep insights into the financial pressures and opportunities within the industry and allowed her to support farmers navigating challenges such as bovine TB restrictions and rising interest rates.
During her placement, Elin not only excelled by sealing significant finance deals, but also faced tough decisions, learning the importance of balancing support with long-term financial sustainability.
Her achievements were recognised with Aberystwyth University’s ‘Best Performance on an Integrated Year in Industry’ award.
Her dissertation on the impact of subsidy changes further broadened her understanding of agricultural and rural policy issues.
Elin has also been deeply involved in Montgomeryshire Young Farmers’ Club (YFC), holding leadership roles that have honed her skills and allowed her to make significant
contributions. As vice-chair of the county rally competition and chair of the field day, she has played a key role in supporting local YFC activities and fostering team spirit.
Her work at Tregynon YFC, including organising skill-building events, led to the club’s success at the county field day and highlighted the power of teamwork.
In addition to her YFC involvement, Elin runs a website breeding Australian Kelpie working dogs and has recently begun establishing a pedigree Limousin herd.
Winning the 2019 Lantra Wales Young College Learner of the Year Award and being named County and Wales Junior Member of the Year in 2021-2022 underscores her dedication and passion for agriculture.
Elin’s future at Oxbury as an agricultural relationship manager will enable her to support clients across Wales and beyond.
Her dissertation on the impact of subsidy changes on Welsh farm businesses reflects her commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges facing the industry.
Elin remains passionate about sustainable agriculture and food security, actively engaging in initiatives to improve farming practices and advocate for the industry.
XElin Rattray, a 21-year-old student at Harper Adams University studying Agri-Food Marketing with Business, is currently on placement at Woodhead Bros (Morrisons), where she has gained valuable experience in the meat processing sector.
Her course choice was motivated by a desire to understand the entire agri-food supply chain, combining her interests in agriculture, food and business.
Elin’s early involvement in the agricultural industry includes working in her family’s retail butcher shop and assisting on their small sheep farm in Aberystwyth.
This hands-on experience provided practical knowledge of both food retail and production.
During her placement, Elin has worked with the livestock team at Woodhead Bros, participating in cattle selection, managing marketing platforms and working towards Morrisons’ net zero by 2030 goal.
Her placement project on export sales has deepened her interest in international markets, leading to her dissertation topic on how overseas lamb markets influence UK demand and how British farmers can benefit.
Actively engaged in the agricultural community, Elin has been a member of Trisant Young Farmers’ Club since the age of 12, participating in various competitions and events.
She has achieved significant recognition, including winning
Ceredigion County YFC Junior Member of the Year and Wales YFC Junior Member of the Year. Her involvement extends to the Ystwyth Valley Agricultural Discussion Group and appearances on S4/C for the Royal Welsh Show and Winter Fair.
Elin’s proudest achievements include receiving the Butchers and Drovers Charitable Institute Bursary and being invited to officially open the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in November 2023.
These honours reflect her dedication and potential in the industry.
Commenting on becoming a finalist in the awards, Elin says: “Being shortlisted for a British Farming Award is a huge honour. I am grateful to Woodhead Bros/Morrisons and Harper Adams University for the opportunities and encouragement.”
Elin aims to work with large-scale meat manufacturers and explore different farming systems through travel to New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Upon returning to the UK, she plans to contribute to the agri-food industry, focusing on sustainability and market opportunities.
She acknowledges challenges such as high land prices and the cost of living crisis, and advocates for better Government consultation and industry collaboration to address these issues and promote British produce.
ELIN ORRELLS ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY, CEREDIGION
ELIN RATTRAY HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY, SHROPSHIRE
Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
For more features, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-life
George and Will Tomlinson have their eyes firmly on the future as they help to run the family dairy farm in North Wales. Emily Ashworth finds out more.
Will and George Tomlinson
farm 556 hectares (1,400 acres) at Rossett Farm Park, near Wrexham.
Brothers future-proof dairy farm by streamlining business
Behind the brotherly banter, there is a real willingness between George and Will Tomlinson to work together and make sure their family farm can withstand whatever the future holds.
They are the fifth generation at Rossett Farm Park in Wrexham, North Wales, which extends to 556 hectares (1,400 acres).
The majority of the land is rented and split between three sites which are within a couple of miles of the main farm.
Things have changed over the years, including the switch to organic 24 years ago, plus the intro-
duction of an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant.
Their 600 cows are a mix of predominantly Irish and British Friesians, Norwegian Reds, Jerseys, Brown Swiss and Montbeliarde.
The cows are normally out for around nine months, but this year they only managed around five and a half months – a combination of the wet weather and heavy clay soil has left their land saturated.
“The idea was to plough some of the grazing fields, but we had to rearrange the whole plan, which we made in winter,” says Will, 25.
“The only thing that survived the flood out of 300 acres (at another
location) was 40 acres of 100-yearold pasture, but that is only good for hay, nothing else.”
Cows are fed a total mixed ration (TMR), more than 90% of which is home-grown.
A combi-crop made up of 40% peas, 40% barley and 20% oats is grown to include in the ration.
Phase out
“We do feed a bit of soya, but this is something we are trying to phase out,” says George, 28.
“We want to be as self-sufficient as possible.”
All cows are artificially inseminated and served for 12 weeks, with
the aim to go down to 10 weeks in the next few years.
Fertility this year has been the best in years, too, with just 8% of the spring calvers empty.
“There are equal numbers of cows in the spring and autumn calving blocks, purely because we do not have the infrastructure,” says George.
“It is nice having two groups. Because we feed a lot of TMR in the spring, it is challenging to get the spring calvers to hit residuals due to feeding so much buffer.
“Having the autumn block allows us to use the springers to pick out the best grass and follow with the autumns to hit residuals.”
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
North Wales Farm Profile
We currently do have cover crops, but we are moving away from herbal leys, as they are not suited to the wet land, towards perennial rye grasses and bare minimum herbs
WILL TOMLINSON
Milking takes place twice a day and they sell into organic Welsh co-operative, Calon Wen. In the future, George would like to implement technology to maximise efficiency and monitor herd health and use data to ‘fine-tune everything; the more data you have, the better the profit per cow.’
They are, however, looking at grass management differently, partly due to the lack of Government financial support for what they currently do.
Leys
Will says: “With multi-species leys, we have done that for the past five years but seen nothing [financial] for it.
“There are people on new stewardship schemes drilling herbal leys into already established swards getting paid a fortune.
“We currently do have cover crops, but we are moving away
Farm facts
■ 600 cows of mixed breeds across 566 hectares (1,400 acres)
■ Twice-a-day milking and a split block calving system
■ Cows are out for around nine months and fed a home-grown ration
■ Milk is sold into organic Welsh co-operative, Calon Wen
■ Hopes of building on their passion for education through a recently opened dog walking diversification, the Tail Trail
“For organic farming, digestate is great for fertiliser and consistency all year round; it is a great soil conditioner.”
from herbal leys, as they are not suited to the wet land, towards perennial rye grasses and bare minimum herbs. Meadow fescue is what survives the floods.”
Around eight years ago they installed the AD plant, a 250-kilowatt engine which runs to around 95% efficiency each year.
Excess gas is burnt in two biomass boilers to dry separated digestate, logs or any other feedstock, and it is run on slurry and waste silage, with chicken muck as a booster for the gas. It also powers around 250 homes a year.
In addition, they have 270kW solar panels on the roof of one of the sheds, although it is southwest facing, so it produces around 225kW.
“Dad had a business making digesters and built his own on-farm,” says Will.
Both are passionate about sustainability, both environmentally and economically, but they feel it is getting harder to make the farm work when regulations seem to be against them.
They do have ideas to sell direct to the consumer in the future, feeling that many others will do so to make up profits.
Linking in with this is the education side, too, and showcasing the industry at its best.
Heroes
“After the war, farmers were put on pedestals, they were heroes, but there are a lot fewer farmers than there were 50 years ago,” says George.
“It seems like the Government wants to cut down production from British farmers and buy cheap food from abroad, where the animal welfare and environmental standards are far less stringent than in the UK, but they will make a profit from it.
“We are hoping to sell more directly to consumers in the future,
The farm generates 225kW from solar panels on the cow shed and 250kW from the anaerobic digestion generator.
The farm is moving away from herbal leys towards perennial rye grasses and minimum herbs, as they are more suited to the wet land.
Cows normally graze for nine months of the year.
Farm Profile North Wales
but we want to do something with education too, to the bridge the gap and put people more in touch with how their food is produced – and show what a great job British farmers do producing food to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards.”
They have started this with the recent business decision to open ‘The Tail Trail’, a dog walking path around one acre of their land.
It is two miles long, split into 23 sections, with a couple of educational posts on the way round.
They want to build on this by adding more, but also incorporate QR codes so the public can easily access farm information.
Donation
There is a donation system at the start of the trail, but the brothers thought of the idea to help the public out after dog walkers flocked to the farm, especially during the pandemic.
From start to finish it was a sixmonth project and is now used by many people.
“We wanted to create a space for them; people with dogs that have poor recall can come and walk them and it creates a community hub,” says Will.
“They put up with us carting our
muck around, so it is nice to give something back and feedback has been good.”
They are keen to make their mark at Rossett Park – Will went to Newcastle University and studied agriculture. George also studied agriculture at Harper Adams University.
Now, having been back for a few years, they can start to see the difference they are making, but also understand that change and
progress does not happen overnight.
George says: “The farm has made significant progress and, year on year, you perform better, and everything is more fine-tuned.
“You are in competition with yourself, to do better than we did last year, and to be a really good farmer you have to be a Swiss Army Knife – accounts, animals, land management, people.
Challenge
“If something is thrown your way, you have to take it in your stride and there is always a new challenge to get your teeth into, but we are comfortable being uncomfortable.”
We wanted to create a space for them; people with poor recall dogs can come and walk them and it creates a community hub
WILL TOMLINSON
hundreds of thousands of views
Will says: “I like the idea of bettering ourselves and proving to our parents and grandparents that we are up to the challenge.
They also want to prove themselves to their family – to be the fifth generation taking the farm into the future with so much change around is quite the feat, but they are determined and are doing so with their own flair.
“Mastering it all will not take a year; it is going to take 10 or 20, and we are in it together.
Their social media is testament to this – with some of their videos having had
“I do not want to let him down and he does not want to let me down.”
A combi-crop comprising 40% peas, 40% barley and 20% oats is grown to include in the
Their dog walk diversification, the Tail Trail, allows people to take their pets for a two mile walk off-lead.
TMR.
Cows are milked twice a day and the family hopes to get a vending machine to sell directly to consumers.
Edited by Alice Dyer – 07966 445 458 – alice.dyer@agriconnect.com
For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub
Coming weeks are critical to contain phoma leaf spot
● Mid-October will see symptom peak
GROWERS are being urged to check oilseed rape crops as the coming weeks will see the peak onset of phoma leaf spot.
According to AHDB, the disease will be at its most virulent in mid-October, with a third of sites passing the 10% symptom date in the seven-day period beginning on October 13.
The disease causes a range of conditions, from leaf spot to stem cankers, and must be treated immediately if the spread is to be curtailed.
Dr Sacha White, lead crop protection scientist at AHDB, says: “This year, temperature and rainfall have been highly variable over the whole of the phoma forecast period.
Thresholds
“Although the forecast is variable, it shows that spray thresholds for vulnerable crops are most likely to be breached in the next three weeks.
“Because of the variation associated with this year’s forecast, it is even more important to assess symptoms in the field.”
AHDB says most OSR varieties on its Recommended Lists (2024/25) have moderate levels of resistance to phoma stem canker (disease ratings 5, 6 or 7), although two hybrid
Mid-October is a crucial time for treating phoma leaf spot, says Dr Sacha White, of AHDB.
varieties have high levels of resistance (disease ratings 8 or 9).
The initial symptoms of white to fawn circular lesions, which later become dotted with small black fruiting bodies, can appear as early as September, Bayer Crop Science guidance warns.
The leaf lesions are green underneath and will occasionally cause partial leaf death before winter, but there will generally be minimal growth effect until spring.
Around six months after initial in-
fection, sunken brown stem canker symptoms appear, which progressively enlarge, girdle the stem and weaken it, leading to early ripening, lodging and plant death.
Dr White says fungicides for the control of phoma leaf spot and stem canker have been evaluated for more than a decade as part of the AHDB fungicide performance project.
The results show good control can be achieved with two well-timed sprays at half the recommended
label rate. The second application should be considered when re-infection is evident (typically, four to 10 weeks after the first application). There are several modes of action available for the control of phoma leaf spot/stem canker, including azole and non-azole options. As part of a robust resistance management strategy, modes of action should be used in alternation or as mixtures/ co-formations throughout the fungicide programme.
Herbicide options for companion cropping
WINTER wheat growers considering companion cropping this autumn need to be aware of herbicide compatibility and machinery requirements to ensure success.
This is according to Ceres Rural consultant and agronomist John Price, who says with linseed or beans, the preferred companion species, the most appropriate establishment method is drilling it together with the wheat. He says: “Establishing wheat into emerged bean or linseed companions puts them at risk from necessary pre-emergence residual herbicides, unless straight flufenacet is used. And at £55/hectare, the Sustainable Farming Incentive companion cropping
payment is unlikely to justify a second drill pass.”
Broadcasting
In the same way, broadcasting, or surface seeding, leaves the companion seeds too shallow and at risk from residuals.
He adds: “Having a dual hopper drill gives you the flexibility to drill them together at a suitable depth, so the right machinery makes a difference.”
Earlier drilling dates are more suited to linseed, which prefers warmer soils with good tilth, while beans are more flexible when it comes to drilling date and soil conditions.
Several pre-em options are available, but both a good stale seedbed and pre-
em efficacy are important, given the lack of post-emergence options.
He says: “Autumn post-emergence herbicides risk companion crop death as soon as you go beyond flufenacet.
“Limited farm trials suggest that companions could tolerate DFF or pendimethalin additions in order to allow a decent top-up of residual chemistry, but post-em options are further reduced.”
Sulfonylureas and florasulam would risk bean survival while fluroxypyr and pyroxasulam will put linseed survival at risk, says Mr Price.
“The lack of actives available at this stage could compromise autumn broad-leaved weed control, so you must plan accordingly,” he says.
In spring, controlling companions with weaker ALS products such as Ally Max will not necessarily work, so additions of CMPP and fluroxypyr for beans and linseed respectively will be required, says Mr Price. Amidosulfuron may be enough to control beans.
“The Arylex active-based products are effective on both companions, as are the pyroxsulam and florasulam formulated products,” he says.
Beans are usually cheaper to kill than companion linseed, he says.
“Beans may be more profitable, but mixing with linseed helps to dilute rotational disease and pest risks, as well as having an additional root type,” he adds.
Now in its fourth year, Hutchinsons’ Sustainable Farming Incentive trials site at Warboys, Cambridgeshire, is starting to reveal some of the long-term impacts of agri-environment mixes. Teresa Rush finds out more.
Why it is key to know what your cover crop options are
● Putting mixes in extends the benefit
PROVIDING a run through of the pros and cons of cover and companion cropping alongside Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options, North Lincolnshire-based Hutchinsons agronomist and cover crop lead Alice Cannon’s take-home message was ‘if you are going to do it, do it properly’.
As cover crops become more important within rotations, how they are managed – and terminated – will matter in terms of the benefits they can deliver, but also the problems they may cause.
“Picking the right species is the first thing you need to do, and then managing them out at the end is the next thing you really need to consider,” said Ms Cannon.
Commenting on individual species, she said tillage radish had a long, strong root that would go deep – unless there was soil compaction.
“It is not the magic bullet; it is not going to solve all your compaction problems in one go. You may still have to go down there with some metal to solve the problem first,
When discussing cover and companion cropping, Hutchinsons’ Alice Cannon said ‘if you are going to do it, do it properly’.
especially if it is deeper than about four inches.
“Once you have done the metal work, put the cover crop in; it will reinforce the cultivation that you have done, but it will not solve all
your problems in one pass,” said Ms Cannon.
Diversity in terms of cover crop species was key, she added.
“That is what gives you the benefits. Growing lots of cereals in an
More information
with land rented out for vining peas.
The farm’s soil types are split roughly 50/50 between Grade 1 fenland and heavy clays.
already cereal-dominant rotation will not give you diversity. What it might do is give you a yield loss,” she said.
Ms Cannon highlighted phacelia as a species she liked to use in cover crop mixes.
On the Warboys site’s heavy clay, high-magnesium soil – which tends to be tight and sticky – phacelia’s rooting action helped open up the top two inches, creating a well-aerated layer with good crumb structure.
Phacelia is also good for beneficial insects, ‘fantastic for bees’ and, as a herb, will tick the requirement for a herb in several SFI options.
Linseed
How cover crops are managed will matter in terms of the benefits they can deliver, but also the problems they may cause.
Linseed and Gold of Pleasure are similar in terms of the benefits they bring, with their rooting systems binding together sandy soils but opening up clays.
When it comes to companion cropping, however, linseed would not be the first choice, said Ms Cannon.
“I am getting a lot of questions on-farm: ‘Can we put linseed in as a companion crop with cereals?’. Yes, you can; it does fit for the small applicator seed box that potentially is easier to put on your drill than spinning some beans and peas on.
“But if you are trying to battle black-grass [then] the linseeds, the Gold of Pleasure, the vetches, [they] will not compete with the chemical. You will find that you have zero establishment, and then you are not achieving your SFI goal and you are in for a fine if you do that.”
Ms Cannon said white mustard was cheap and good for ground
HUTCHINSONS’ Environmental Trial Site is hosted by P.F. England and Son, a 180-hectare family farm growing cereals and sugar beet,
cover, but was not particularly favoured by pollinators, and there may not always be a below-ground benefit, which would be wanted from a soil health perspective.
She said: “It is also high in carbon – its carbon:nitrogen ratio is high. If you have put in a large stand of mustard and another equally high carbon:N ratio crop, such as oats, barley, or any of the cereals, and then you try and put spring barley after this, be prepared for a significant yield loss.
“It will take all the N out of your seedbed to break [the cover crop] down. That N is then not going into your spring barley crop.
“Spring barley grows for a lot
shorter period of time than any of the winter crops; it needs a good start. The first three weeks of a spring barley crop’s life determines its yield –do not hold it up at the start.”
Ms Cannon’s advice was to use white mustard in small quantities.
“You only need 5kg to give a full stand,” she said.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a good companion crop and will tolerate drier conditions, but it needs drilling early.
“It works well as a companion crop and for the spring and the summer cover crop options that have come in with the 2024 SFI,” said Ms Cannon.
If we are leaving legumes in for a long period of time, it could be quite costly on heavy soils
DICK NEALE
Another benefit of buckwheat is that it is an effective scavenger of phosphorus, especially in high pH soils, and it works well as a companion crop with oilseed rape.
“It will solve all your cabbage stem flea beetle problems and it will help your rape to establish. It is very reliable and will grow in the summer quite happily, but as soon as the frost comes you can wave it goodbye,” said Ms Cannon.
Vetch, as a legume, fixes N, and so is useful in a cover crop mix and has quite strong roots.
She added: “People are asking if vetch can work as a companion with wheat, but it will not cope well with the chemicals we like to use [in wheat] and it grows like a cleaver; it will be up through the top of the crop.
“Be careful with what you are putting in. These ideas and options for SFI are fantastic, but think about what you are doing and do not give yourself a headache further on down the line.
“Single species are great, and a lot of them have individual traits that are desirable, but what we really need to be doing is putting mixes in because that extends the benefits and gives us more diversity.
“Let us put a mix in and get all the benefits from the top growth and the bottom growth, and farm more sustainably,” said Ms Cannon.
Original AB15 two-year sown
legume fallows, available in Countryside Stewardship Mid and Higher Tier schemes, were designed to provide food for farmland birds and pollinators, plus be a useful part of the rotation in terms of reducing black-grass populations. But as these fallows begin to be removed, problems are becoming apparent.
Legume fallows
Hutchinsons technical manager Dick Neale said: “We are starting to see a real problem behind these high legume content fallows, and that is that the aggregates we are building in the soil are collapsing into a solid lump.”
As the fallow reaches the end of its life, the N accumulated in its root nodules is released rapidly into the soil and is ‘supercharging’ the soil biology, which then uses the N to consume carbon, said Mr Neale.
Pointing to evidence of this process on the Warboys site, he said: “All this lovely soil aggregation we are seeing, all of that is built around carbon. The microbiology is consuming the carbon; the aggregates that we have built up over three years are just collapsing and it is proving a real problem.
“It is something we need to take into account; if we are leaving legumes in for a long period of time, it could be quite costly on heavy soils,” Mr Neale added.
Vetch, as a legume, fixes nitrogen and has strong roots, so it is useful in a cover crop mix.
● Smaller farms could maximise their profits
TRIALS on one Yorkshire farm have shown the potential benefits that continuous winter wheat could offer some growers.
Hosted by farmer Steve Buckle on his 115-hectare farm at Boroughbridge, near York, 17 winter wheats were assessed, all drilled on a halfacre plot during the second week of October.
Mr Buckle says the annual trials conducted by GrainCo aim to evaluate how individual varieties perform in such a situation.
He says: “I originally began exploring continuous wheat using a single field in 2000. That original field is still in continuous wheat now [which is] a testament to its success and my belief in the financial benefits of the system.
“Although little more than an agronomic concept to begin with, the idea grew as I watched the British Sugar factory, near York, close in 2007, then experienced
Exploring continuous winter wheat
how much more difficult growing oilseed rape became after the neonicotinoid ban in 2018.
“They had been my two major break crops, and with pulses being agronomically challenging to grow in my area and never as profitable as second wheats, the idea of only growing milling wheats did not seem so outlandish – particularly on smaller farms like mine where you cannot drill large areas of break crops to make a decent tonnage.
“For example, if I grew 12ha of
OSR, it would only be one lorry load of seed off the combine.”
In trials, Group 3 winter wheat Bamford achieved a yield of 12.2 tonnes/ha, which was the highest recorded yield in the eight-year history of the GrainCo continuous wheat trial.
Grain quality data
Mr Buckle says: “When we held the trials’ open day in June, it was the most impressive looking plot. So, when the final set of grain quality
Using AI to better understand nematode pests
PROF Sebastian Eves-van den Akker and his team at the Crop Science Centre in Cambridge have developed an innovative, high-throughput phenotyping system using 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the rapid visualisation and analysis of tens of thousands of plants in just three hours, significantly accelerating the ability to study nematodes.
The approach involves infecting
the model plant, arabidopsis thaliana, with beet cyst nematodes and using the custom-designed machines to capture detailed images of infected roots. These images are then analysed using AI-driven software, developed in collaboration with NIAB and Nanjing Agricultural University, which accurately counts nematodes and assesses traits such as size, shape and colour.
This non-destructive method al-
lows the team to track the dynamics of nematode infections over time, providing a holistic view of the entire infection process.
One of the most significant findings from this study is the competition between nematodes infecting the same root area. Contrary to initial thinking that nematodes might assist each other, the study revealed they compete for resources, negatively impacting each other’s growth.
data came through showing a specific weight of 78.2kg/hl, a Hagberg falling number of 300 and a protein content of 9.5%, it underlined how well Bamford had performed.”
GrainCo’s Peter Collins adds: “Although continuous wheat is often seen as a controversial topic, there is no denying that it holds up as a successful business concept for delivering consistent profit margins.
“Second wheats are still one of the most profitable crops, but there are also other additional benefits to continuous wheat, such as easier planning, less machinery kit to consider and fewer establishment decisions.
“That said, successful continuous wheat does rely on delayed drilling, use of seed treatments to tackle take-all and use of glyphosate to destroy the green bridge presented by high weed burdens and volunteers left by the previous wheat crop. It will not suit everyone.
“Steve has found a niche system that works for him, and I can see continuous wheat working for other smaller farms – particularly those with little or no black-grass who struggle to achieve good margins on other break crops and simply want to maximise their profits.
Consideration
“Variety selection for anyone looking at continuous wheat also has to be a major consideration.
“Selecting varieties with the right autumn growth habit and speed of development is key, as well as those that display good early vigour, enabling them to compete well against high weed burdens, coupled with a solid overall disease resistance package.”
Steve Buckle (inset) hosted continuous winter wheat trials on his farm near York, where Group 3 winter wheat Bamford performed best.
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796
For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales
l Reserve champion sells for 6,200gns
NEW highs were seen at the Talybont Welsh ram sale, held at Talybont-on-Usk market, near Brecon, with young breeder, Lewis Pritchard, Crickhowell, setting a new breed record of 26,000gns, doubling the existing breed record of 13,000gns.
The clearance rate was 99.4% for the 336 rams forward, with 11 rams exceeding 3,000gns and 60 selling for more than 1,000gns.
At only his third sale as a vendor, Mr Pritchard dominated the presale show, with three of his seven entries standing in the top four places.
Champion
The top price was for his pre-sale show champion, with the show judged by long-term vendor and market staff member, Wilf Greenow, Penyworlod, Abergavenny.
The yearling was by a Lower Argoed-bred ram and was knocked down to Rob Davies, Brecon. Mr Pritchard’s pen averaged £9,502.50. Next up was the reserve champion
Talybont rams reach record at 26,000gns
from Alun Tay, Ystradfellte, which sold at 6,200gns to David Mantle, Crickhowell.
Mr Greenow bought a yearling from C.D. Jones, Newtown, at 5,500gns and the first of two rams
Gatrog dispersal realises 4,700gns
THE dispersal of Elwyn, Cheryl and Anwen Thomas’ Gatrog herd of pedigree Holsteins at Carmarthen topped at 4,700gns for Churchvale Doorman Jodie, which was bought at the Welsh Sensation Sale last year.
Now fresh with its second calf and giving more than 40kg, it was one of a dozen purchases made by Mark and Caroline Davies for their Tynewydd herd, Haverfordwest.
At 4,500gns, Richard and Bethan Thomas added Gatrog King Doc Lola (EX92) to their Churchvale herd.
Calved
Its dam was bought at Messrs Holgate’s Aliann Sale in 2019 and it calved with its third calf six weeks ago.
Its six-week-old heifer calf by Progenesis Photobooth made 2,000gns to the Llanllwni herd of L. Davies and Son.
The heifer, Gatrog Chief Kansas, a granddaughter of former South Western Dairy Show champion Noremead Baxter Kansas, made
4,500gns to Meurig Davies for the Paxtonview herd, Llanarthney.
Largest volume
The George family, S.B. Farms, Brynhyfryd, paid 4,200gns for an 88-point second-calver by Stantons Chief, from the Roxy family, and were the largest volume buyer at 15-head.
Another Roxy, a calved heifer by Blondin Legend, made 4,000gns to Rhys Griffiths, Carwyn herd. Heifer calves topped at 3,000gns for Gatrog Ryder Jingles, a descendant of the Welsh Dairy Show champion Gatrog Bolton M Jingles, which sold to Irfon Jones, Coedllwyd herd.
AVERAGES
147 cows and calved heifers, £2,783.57; 34 served heifers, £2,152.50; 35 recently served and maiden heifers, £1,372.50; 50 heifer calves, £1,494.15; 266 head, £2,274.87; 7 embryos, £762. Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank with Nock Deighton.
The presale show champion, a yearling, from Lewis Pritchard, Crickhowell, which sold for 26,000gns to Rob Davies, Brecon.
to reach 4,500gns from Rob and Llinos Jones, Builth Wells. The second came from T.O. Jones,
Abergavenny, and joined Messrs Mantle.
Yearling
Again from the champion pen was a yearling at 4,200gns, also selling to Mr Greenow and another at 4,000gns which went to R. Williams, Penderyn.
Aged rams saw a 100% clearance topping at 1,100gns for Julian Rees, Crickhowell, with a Lloyney-bred ram which sold to Rob and Llinos Jones, Builth Wells.
AVERAGES
336 shearlings, £944.14 (+£274.14 on 2023);10 aged rams, £564.14. Auctioneers: Clee Tompkinson and Francis.
Dairies to £2,980 at Gisburn
AN unregistered fresh heifer giving 34kg, from K.E. Robinson and Son’s Kilnhall herd, Carnforth, realised £2,980, topping the 90-plus entry at Gisburn’s dairy sale
The same vendors also sold two of their five pedigree heifers at £2,600 and £2,520 respectively.
First up was a Westcoast Redcarpet from the Whitney family, followed by a Koepon Shield-Red daughter out of an 11,570kg dam in the Squaw family.
The Robinsons averaged £2,264 for six.
Pedigree section
A 31kg heifer from N.E. and E.M. Bargh and Son, Osbaldeston, Blackburn, led the pedigree heifer section.
The Rubicon daughter, from the Folie family, made £2,820. Frankland Farms, Rathmell, then took a £2,500
bid on their Newhall Altatiki Floss out of a high fat Cabriol dam. Second top at £2,720 in the nonpedigree section was a 32kg heifer from J. and B. Rowland, Haighton. Newly-calved cows topped at £2,420 for an unregistered secondcalver from M.T. Fish, Bury, while a 41kg fourth-calver from Belaw Farming, Northallerton, led the pedigree cows at £1,880.
In-calf heifers sold to £2,020 and £2,000 for the top two of five, all incalf to sexed, from R.A. Kirkham, Nateby Garstang.
THE sale of store cattle at Hexham topped at £2,200 for an AberdeenAngus steer from Phillip Tomlinson, Consett, with another from the same home at £2,120.
Continentals sold to £2,160 for a British Blonde cross steer from the Walker family, Tow Law, with a Limousin from the same vendor at £1,960.
A Beef Shorthorn cross steer from the Johnston family, High Fotherley, made £2,060. An Aberdeen-Angus
steer out of a Murray Grey dam made £1,980 for Bill Woolley, West Hepple, who also had the top priced female, an Aberdeen-Angus at £1,900. His 11 steers and six heifers averaged £1,969.
A run of 50 yearling AberdeenAngus bullocks from F.T. Walton, Flotterton, topped at £1,780 twice and averaged £1,415, which is a rise in excess of £100 on the year.
Auctioneers: Hexham and Northern Marts.
Lonks reach 8,000gns
l Aged rams sold to top price of 3,200gns
THE show and sale of Lonks held on behalf of the Lonk Sheep Breeders’ Association at Clitheroe topped at 8,000gns for the pre-sale show champion, a shearling ram from R.S. Howard and Sons, Guide, which sold to A.D. Morton, Waterfoot, and C. Brett, Broadley Farm Fold, Whitworth.
S. and P. Scrivin, Elslack, sold a shearling ram for 4,500gns to K. and S. Kempson and Son, Waterfoot. C. Mitchell, Holmfirth, sold a ram for 4,000gns to N. Brown, Littledale.
Aged rams sold to 3,200gns for C.R. Mitchell, Holmfirth, selling to young breeder C. Riley, Rossendale.
The winning aged ram from Messrs Brown sold for 1,500gns to Heys and Son, Quernmore, who also had the top price ram lamb at 380gns.
Shearling ewes sold to £250/head for S. Field, Burnley, who also had the female champion, a single shearling ewe which sold for £220 to P. Wright, Buxton.
A pen of six gimmer lambs from S. Bosworth, Burnley, made £120/head.
THE sale of crossing Bluefaced Leicesters at Kirkby Stephen topped at £4,000 for a ram lamb from Messrs Archer’s Carry House flock, Hexham, which was bought by Messrs Clarke, Penrith.
Three ram lambs sold for £3,500. Firstly, from Messrs Hayton, Great Asby, selling to Messrs Ivinson and Sons, Ousby; then from Messrs Ridley, Hesket Newmarket, selling to Messrs Tatbutt, Darwen; and thirdly from Messrs Dawson, Kendal, shared between Messrs Lee, Harwood Shields, Hexham, and
Messrs Smith-Jackson, Haydon Bridge. Shearling rams topped at £3,000 twice, firstly from Messrs Carrick and Son, Alston, selling to Messrs Ousby, Newbiggin-on-Lune, and secondly from Messrs Wight and Son, Midlock, selling to Messrs Ivinson.
AN increased entry of 346 Lleyns at Skipton topped at 800gns for the sole entry from Arfon Hughes, Garndolbenmaen, who judged the show. This was Cae Rhos Madog, a shearling ram by the 2022 Royal Welsh Show reserve champion, which sold to G. Hodkinson, Chipping. The reserve champion, Cragg Mylo, a shearling ram from Peter and David Knowles, Kendal, was knocked down for 600gns to S. Alker and M.O. Kinnes, Driffield.
Shearling ewes
The top price shearling ewes at £245/ head were from H. and M. Dugdale and Son’s Borrins flock, Settle, which sold to J. Duerden and Son, Blacko. W.J. and D.J. Williams, Nefyn, sold
British Blues peak at 4,200gns
BRITISH Blues led the trade at the pedigree beef day at Carlisle with 4,200gns for the pre-sale show champion, August 2022-born Knockagh Show King, an ET son of Empire D’Ochain and Knockagh Lass from W.J. Ervine, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.
The buyer was Messrs Baillie, Newton Stewart, who also paid 4,000gns for Top Side Sumo, a November 2022-born son of Dafydd D’Ochain out of Top Side Isla from Ross and Elaine Pattinson, Brampton.
Making 3,400gns was March 2023-born Kenray Thunder by Kenray Krystal, from Beth Hill, Lanark, which was knocked down to Messrs Fish, Aspatria.
Females
Females sold to 3,000gns for Stonebyres Sabrina, a November 2022-born heifer by Stonebyres Ninja from Blaire and Shona Comrie, Stonebyres, which went to Messrs Baxter, Scotby.
Aberdeen-Angus bulls topped at 4,100gns for Tree Bridge Pattinson
Z049, a May 2023-born son of Tree Bridge Prospector out of Tree Bridge Polly Pride T669, consigned by D. Evans, Middlesbrough, which sold to Messrs Martin, Little Orton. At 3,900gns was March 2023-born Lessonhall Kinsman Z037 by Netherallan Peter Pershore E052, from David Steel, Allanton, which went to Gerrard House Farm, Wigton. Next, at 3,800gns, was McCornick Emblem Z044, consigned by Martin McCornick, Newton Stewart, which sold to Messrs Ellis, Wem. Retties Ultravox, a January 2023born son of Westcarse Houdini out of Retties Nina, from Richard and Carol Rettie, Falkirk, sold for 3,400gns to Messrs Baillie.
his best pen of shearling ewes to £240/ head to Messrs Hodkinson.
Ewe lambs peaked at £180 for the first prize pen of five from J. Morton’s Bank Hall flock, Penrith. The buyer was T. Clipsham, Newark, who also claimed a further pen from the same home at £155/head.
The Fort family, Brightonhouse flock, Steeton, sold their best pens of ewe lambs at £170 and £150/head, both to N. Speake, Oakworth.
Messrs Williams took £170/head for their pen leaders, which were knocked down to E. Armstead, Harrogate.
Pre-sale show champion, Knockagh Show King, from W.J. Ervine, Newtownabbey, which sold for 4,200gns to Messrs Baillie, Newton Stewart.
PICTURES: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
Top price Aberdeen-Angus bull, Tree Bridge Pattinson, from D. Evans, Middlesbrough, which sold for 4,100gns to Messrs Martin, Little Orton.
gather at the Farmers Guardian-supported show and sale of Bluefaced Leicesters at Hawes.
Steel flock tops Bluefaced Leicesters at £45,000
● Ram lamb takes second top price
THE Farmers Guardian-supported show and sale of Bluefaced Leicesters at Hawes topped at £45,000 for a ram lamb from J. Hunter and Sons’ Steel flock, Bellingham. By Midlock Magic, it sold to C. Campbell’s Easter Happrew flock, Stobo, and A. Campbell’s Glenrath flock, Peebles.
After taking the pre-sale show championship, a full brother to the sale topper from the same home sold for £30,000 to J. and M. Forbes, Clunebeg. The Steel flock averaged £13,389 for nine lambs.
The second top price of £35,000 was for a ram lamb by Hewgill Z14 out of a full sister to £30,000 N1 Hewgill from Messrs Lord’s Hewgill flock, North Stainmore, which was knocked down to W.M. Hutchinson, Redgate, and G. and H.R. Shields, Skeughdale.
Messrs Lord also had the next top price of £32,000 for a son of a £3,000 Sealhouse ram out of an M39 Hewgill daughter, which sold to Robbie Hallam, High Birkwith; Shaun Procter, Spurigg; J. Wight and Sons, Midlock; and M. Thornborrow, Easter Dawyck. The Hewgill flock averaged £11,800 for eight lambs.
The reserve champion, another son of Midlock Magic, this time from
Ram lamb, from J. Hunter and Sons’ Steel flock, Bellingham, which sold for the top price of £45,000 to C. Campbell’s Easter Happrew flock, Stobo, and A. Campbell’s Glenrath flock, Peebles.
Ram lamb, from Messrs Lord’s Hewgill flock, North Stainmore, which sold for £35,000 to W.M. Hutchinson, Redgate, and G. and H.R. Shields, Skeughdale.
To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow
Martyn Archer’s Carry House flock, Wark, made £20,000 when selling to the judge, Obie Sharp, Longcroft, for the Newbigging Walls flock.
Another ram lamb from the same home, which was a son of Carry House Ronaldo, sold for £18,000 to Messrs Hunter and J. Warnock and Sons, Coulemuir.
Also making £18,000 for Messrs Wight’s Midlock flock was a lamb by M1 Riddings, which sold in a three-way split to M.W. and C.M. Ridley, Shitlington; W.C. Porter and Son, Riddings; and W. and D. Lawson, Gragareth.
The fourth prize winning lamb by S1 Brennand from Marion and William Porter’s Skelgate flock, Reeth, made £16,000 to Jamie Pirie, Blarnavaid.
Shearling rams
Shearling rams topped at £7,500 for J. and R. Caton, Otterburn Lodge, selling to A.C. and K. Pye, Emmetts.
AVERAGES
Ram lambs, £2,572 (+£369 on 2023). Auctioneers: Hawes Farmers Auction Mart Co.
Ram lamb, from Messrs Lord’s Hewgill flock, North Stainmore, which sold for £32,000 to Robbie Hallam, High Birkwith; Shaun Procter, Spurigg; J. Wight and Sons, Midlock; and M. Thornborrow, Easter Dawyck.
Pre-sale show champion, from J. Hunter and Sons’ Steel flock, Bellingham, which sold for £30,000 to J. and M. Forbes, Clunebeg.
Crowds
PICTURES: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
In-lamb Charollais top at 2,200gns
● Sale leader from Logie Durno flock
THE new Oktoberfest sale of inlamb Charollais females at Worcester was dominated by the Ingram family’s Logie Durno and Loanhead flocks, Aberdeenshire, topping the sale at 2,200gns.
The sale leader, from William and Carole Ingram’s Logie Durno
flock, was a Crogham Aries II daughter out of a home-bred Logie Durno Umpire daughter which has already produced a premier sale ram lamb champion. Scanned for twins to Moelfryn Corker, it was knocked down to the breeder of the service sire, Gethin Davies, Llanon, Ceredigion.
Two further females from the same home then shared a 1,600gns price tag, the first was a daughter of
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the 15,000gns Wernfawr Ace and out of a home-bred Rhaeadr Orlando daughter. It sold carrying triplets to Moelfryn Corker to Messrs Pickles, York.
Daughter
At the same money was another Crogham Aries II daughter, this time out of a Loanhead Talisman daughter. Scanned with twins to Corker, it was knocked down to
Swaledale ewes to £1,000 at Hawes
THE annual show and sale of Swaledale draft ewes and shearlings at Hawes was judged by Robert Walker, Dunsop Bridge, who awarded the first prize pen of ewes to P. Hallam, High Birkwith.
They went on to sell for the top price of £1,000/head, to M. Allan, Knock Hall, with another pen of draft ewes from the same home at £680/head. The winning pen of shearlings
Herdwick rams
THE Keswick show and sale of 362 Herdwick rams at Cockermouth topped at 12,500gns for a shearling ram from the Bland family, Mirkholme, which was bought by P. Naylor, Bowerdale, with 29 rams selling for 2,000gns or more.
The 8,673 Herdwick draft ewes topped at £360/head for both the champion pen from P. and J. Bland, Knott Houses, and A. Hartley, Turner Hall.
The sale of 120 continental rams sold to £820 for a Texel shearling ram from K.G. Holliday, Strudda Bank.
were also from Messrs Hallam and sold for £320/head.
Second prize
The second prized pen of ewes were from F. and M.P. Allinson and Son, West Briscoe, and sold for £580, with other pens from this home selling for £450/head and £330/head.
The consignment from R. Marwood and Son, Hill Top, sold to £420, £290 and £230 and M.R. and L.E. Rukin, West Stonesdale, sold three-crop ewes to £400 and £310.
NORTH Country Cheviot rams sold to 1,200gns at Clitheroe for the an aged Hill ram from S.E. and H.B. Robinson, Sykes, which sold to W.P. Brewer and Son, Bleasdale. J.H. Williams, Pengroes, sold an aged Park ram for 1,000gns to J. Runciman, Galashiels. Shearling rams sold to 750gns for J. Wood, Trawden, selling to P. and A.M. Simpson, Dacre.
Female record
A new female market record of £850 was set for the first prize winning Park gimmer shearling from K.O. Stones, Richmond, selling to new breeder, G. Bretherton, Preston, who also paid £800 for
the second prize winner from the same home.
Aged ewes topped at £360 for the first prize Park winner from Luke Bell-Percy, Jervaulx, selling to C.C. Cave, Monmouthshire.
Gimmer lambs from T.W. Bell and Son, Hill Top, sold to £290 and £270 to S.M. Mather, Penwortham.
THE entry of 508 dairy cattle at Carlisle topped at £3,000 for Redcroft Arabia Lurinde, a freshly-calved heifer by Gold-N-Oaks Arabia giving 35kg from Thomas Blackwood, Lesmahagow, which went to Messrs Davies, Conwy.
Next, at £2,900, was Drointon Showtime Bloom from James L. Gray, East Kilbride. Backed by 11 generations of VG and EX dams, it sold to Messrs Millar, Lockerbie.
The Logan family, Ayrshire, sold Holehouse Jordy Tico Red by McGucci Jordy Red at £2,850 to Messrs Davies.
Top price in-calf heifer at £1,950 was Stevenson’s Buttercup 88, an Ayrshire heifer one month off calving to Royal Flush Sea King from Messrs Stevenson, Stranraer. Sired by Stevenson’s Blast from the Past and out of a dam by Cuthill Towers Roderick, it sold to Messrs Gribbon, Dumfries.
Heifers
Bulling heifers sold to £1,700 paid by Ve-Tech Holsteins, Ayrshire, for Feizor Dropbox S Melody, a July 2023-born heifer backed by nine generations of VG and Ex dams, from Messrs Booth, Feizor.
Messrs Shuttleworth, Blencowe, dispersed their youngstock to £1,250 for a run of five served heifers selling to Messrs Forshaw, Longridge.
Heifer calves sold to £650 for a run of January- and February-born calves, which sold to Messrs Huston, Torthorwald, Dumfries.
Champion pen of Swaledale ewes, from P. Hallam, High Birkwith, which sold for £1,000/head to M. Allan, Knock Hall.
PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
North Country Cheviot rams realise £22,000
l Dorrery flock dominates Lairg sale
MARTYN Cook’s Dorrery flock, Halkirk, dominated the sale of North Country Cheviots at Lairg with his consignment of 10 two-shear rams which averaged £7,750.
His sale topper at £22,000 was Dorrery Dizzee Rascal, a son of £10,000 Attonburn Antidote, which joined the Auldallan flock of R. Adam and Son, Newhouse of Glamis.
Next, at £20,000, was Dorrery Dynamite, bred the same as the top price and selling to Bob and Becca Rennie, Attonburn.
Mr Cook also took £8,000 for Dorrery Dazzler, which sold to Paul Spencer, Rhifail, with another at £7,000, which joined the Brachmont flock of John Blackhall, Banchory. Both were sons of Attonburn Antidote.
Next, at £18,000, from Wilma Robertson’s Borgie flock, Thurso, was a son of Inverbroom Thor, which was knocked down to Andrew Elliot, Balnakeil.
Two tups made £11,000. The first, from D.I. Rock Farming, Wooler, was Hethpool Danger Mouse, a Hartside Hill Baxter son, which sold to the Dunlops, Commonside, Hawick.
The other at £11,000, from Hugh
EasyCare sheep top at 2,200gns
THE sale of EasyCare sheep at Carlisle topped at 2,200gns for a yearling ram from G.M. and W.F. Skinner, Huntly, which sold to D.J. Steen, Moffat.
Next, at 1,800gns, was a yearling ram consigned by Sutherland Hillhouse, Lauder, which was knocked down to N.J. and R. Dods, Alnwick. Messrs Skinner then sold yearling rams at 1,600gns to J. and A. Nelson, Castle Douglas, and 1,350gns and 1,300gns to A.W. Sanderson, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Yearling gimmers
Females topped at £210/head for yearling gimmers from Messrs Dods, which sold to J.M. Tyson, Scarborough, with yearling gimmers from Messrs Skinner selling to £200/head to M.A. and J.A. Winn, Kendal.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Mackenzie, Kinbrace, was Badanloch Destroyer by Stouphill B 22568, which sold to George Irving, Benger, Selkirk.
From the same home and making £10,000 was Badanloch Champion, a three-shear Badanloch Xtra Special son which was bought by W.N. Douglas, Whitehope.
Another two rams realised £10,000. Firstly, a two-shear ram by St Johns Kirk Awesome, from Lesley Robertson, Inkstack, Thurso, which went home with Hugh and Sandy Wilson, Newbank, Moffat.
Bob and Becca Rennie, Attonburn, also took £10,000 for Attonburn Drop Out, son of £16,000 Badanloch Xtra Special which sold to Mr Mackenzie.
Mr Cook’s Dorrery flock also
Sale leader, Dorrery Dizzee Rascal, from Martyn Cook, Halkirk, which sold for £22,000 to R. Adam and Son, Newhouse of Glamis.
topped the female trade with a pen of three gimmers which made £450/ head, followed by his second pen of four gimmers at £350/head.
Ewes
Mr Mackenzie took £260/head and £280/head for his first two pens, and Messrs Mackay, Balkeith, sold their best at £260.
Ewes sold to £350/head for a pen from Achentoul Farms, Kinbrace.
Four-crop ewes from Mr Elliot sold to £230/head, with him also taking £190/head for another pen the same age.
AVERAGES
271 rams, £1,776.
Auctioneers: United Auctions.
Ram lamb smashes
A NEW centre record of £7,000 for a Bluefaced Leicester was set at J36 for West Biggins T13, a ram lamb from W.M. Reed and Sons, Westgate. By Highberries H2 and out of a Carry House Jackpot Dam, it found a new home with S. and T. Fawcett, Drebley.
Two ram lambs reached £3,000, firstly the pre-sale show champion, Cottage T13 from J. Bell, Carluke, which joined the Castle Hill flock of P. and A. Fell, Ulverston. The other ram lamb at £3,000 was second prize winning Maqueston T4 from A. Brown, Thornhill, which went to A.R. Edmondson, Hawkswell.
H. Huddleston, Carnforth, took £2,800 for Snab Green T9, which sold to Paul Hallam, High Birkwith.
Shearling rams sold to £2,200 twice, firstly for Red Way S2 from L. White, Derbyshire, who also sold Red Way S1 at £1,800, with both going to J. Handley, Gunnerfleet.
The second shearling to reach £2,200 was Lakeland Valley S1 from R. Lawrence, Greaves, which sold
Crossing Leicesters to high of £6,500 at Penrith sale
THE sale of crossing Bluefaced Leicesters at Penrith topped at £6,500 for the pre-sale show champion, a shearling ram by R2 Hanging Wells from Messrs Lord, Hewgill, which sold to J. Ireland and Son, Frizington.
The reserve champion, a ram lamb by S1 Sealhouses from the same vendors sold for £2,600 to G. Birkett, Lonscale.
The top priced ram lamb at £6,000, also from the Hewgill flock, was a son of R38 Hewgill which was knocked down to S. Procter, Great Musgrave, and J. Wills, Dufton.
Shearlings averaged £1,010.51, with J.W. Twentyman, Applegarth, selling a shearling ram for £2,200 to G. Wharton, Tebay.
Ram lambs
The consignment of ram lambs from Messrs Shields, Skeughdale, averaged £1,950 topping at £2,000.
At the same money was a ram lamb from R.B. and D.J. Bousfield, Renwick, which went to G.R. Wharton and Sons, Murton.
Auctioneers: Penrith and District Farmers Mart.
J36 centre record
to N.R. and C.S. Hodgson, Ravenstonedale.
A consignment from D. Sharp, Flodder Halls, reached £2,000 for Flodder Hall S3, bought by T.L.B. and J. Knowles, High Borrowbridge.
The winner of the shearling class and reserve champion from J. Wight and Son, Biggar, Midlock S74, sold to S. Dugdale, Tilberthwaite at £1,800.
Aged rams sold to £1,500 for M39 Hewgill, a two-shear ram from Messrs
Sale leader, West Biggins T13, from W.M. Reed and Sons, Westgate, which sold for £7,000 to S. and T. Fawcett, Drebley.
Edmondson, Hawkswell. Gimmer shearlings sold to £450 for a Black Edge Midlock J3-sired shearling from Messrs Mycock and Bright, Buxton. Gimmer lambs sold to £250 from R. and L.M. Berry’s Long Garth flock, Cartmel Fell.
AVERAGES: Ram lambs, £983 (+£240 on 2023); shearling rams, £913.04 (+£316); aged rams, £818.75 (+£279). Auctioneers: North West Auctions.
PICTURE: ROB HAINING
PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
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FRIDAY 18th OCTOBER (10am prompt)
AT TILSTONE BANK FARM, TILSTONE FEARNALL, TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE, CW6 9QH
(Just off A51 Nantwich Road, 2 miles Tarporley)
For TJ & SL Mansell ON FARM COMPLETE DISPERSAL SALE
THE PRIZE WINNING PEDIGREE TILSTONE HERD 425 HOLSTEIN
FRIESIANS
★ Former Champion Farm Cheshire Farms Competition ★
★ Tesco Dairy Farmer of the Year Former Runner Up ★
THIS SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER – Sale of Store Pigs & Goats
70 HOLSTEINS & AYRSHIRES
Fully Catalogued Sale from some of the Leading Herds in the Midlands and Surrounding Counties. A TREMENDOUS ENTRY already received from: Alkmonton (4), Bentygrange (4), Braemarhouse (4), Broomhouse (8), Brundcliffe (2), Chardan, Heydale (2), Honeycroft (3), Meldamar (4), Millhurst, Rownall (2), Shieldhouse (4), Sterndale, Sternmoor (4), Timberlane (11) Incl 4 In-calf Heifers, 9 Youngstock (Timberlane) & a Pedigree Limousin Stock Bull (21mths). Also in the Commercials 14 Fleck X Bulling Hfrs (16-18mths)
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2024 11AM
For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE
Forthcoming Dairy Sale
On behalf of D R & A Shuker & Sons, Higher Key Green Farm, Bosley, Macclesfield 80 BROWN SWISS X BRITISH FRIESIANS
Inc. Annual Entry of 70 Char/Sim from Fishwick Farms 944 Stirks, Young Stores & Feeding Bulls
Wednesday 16th October
11am 100-150 Rearing Calves 2.30pm 2500 Cast Ewes followed by 3000 Prime Lambs
Friday 18th October at 10am
Autumn Field Sale of Working Sheepdogs & Pups
Saturday 19th October
Garden Mowers & Items
Workshop Kit, Sundries & Effects
CROSSGATES FARM, CHESTERFIELD, S42 7DA
WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2024 AT 10.30am
2-MF & Ford Tractors c/w Loader
Three Counties October Sheep Fair 1084 Horned & Hill Draft Ewes & Gimmer Shearlings 935 Mixed Ewes & Gimmer Shearlings
500 Horned & 750 Mule/Masham Gimmer Lambs
Inc. Annual Show of Swaledale & Cheviot Gimmer Lambs
Tuesday 22nd October
Fortnightly Sale of 7000 Store Lambs
Inc. 1000 CTL x Lambs from I Woodward
Toyota Land Cruiser 5 Door, 2-Land Rover 90 Defenders
Range of Equipment together with Hay
Non Vat Stone Troughs & Sundries
BLIDWORTH DALE FARM, RAVENSHEAD NOTTS, NG15 9AL
FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2024 AT 10.30am
Case And Claas Tractors, Claas Telehandler &Attachments
Trailers & Bowsers, Land Rover 110
Range Of Pig Arks, Troughs, AI Service Barn
Shelters & Sow Barns, General Sundries, Bulk Leg Bins
Workshop Items & Barley Straw
Entries for catalogue close Friday 11th October
Tuesday 29th October
Extra Sale of Store Lambs
Entries for catalogue close Friday 18th October
Tuesday 5th November
Monthly Sale of Store Cattle
Great Annual Sale of In Calf Suckler Cattle, Cows & Heifers with Calves at Foot Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls
Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com
Young farmers are our future VIEW FROM THE ROSTRUM
Stephen Dodsworth commends our youth
The back end is in full swing, like so many other auctions across the country we are now in to our harvest, silly season if you like, with sales coming thick and fast.
Breeding sheep are superb to sell, females of all classes and noticeably the bigger tups which will put weight in to the finished lambs. Store cattle continue to flourish off the back of the prime trade which continues to set new records week after week and our second-hand machinery throughput is making remarkable gains this year with a full calendar of dispersal and collective sales all receiving support.
As I write this, we have just hosted our inaugural North East Live show, albeit an exhausting process, we are immensely proud of what we achieved and for a first attempt we consider it a very successful venture.
The togetherness of our industry becomes apparent at these events and displays a communal strength which we are very proud to be a part of. The success for me was measured by the wonderful well-wishes and messages of appreciation I received; that made the efforts all worthwhile. So, when the dust settles, we will analyse our first foray into holding a na-
tional show, we will hold on to the positives and try our best to iron out any negatives.
We welcomed trade and livestock exhibitors from all three home nations to Darlington, it was a wonderful day, the people were a pleasure, the show they put on was incredible and we are already looking forward to next year.
I am sure you will read elsewhere of the successes in our showrings, and congratulations go to all the prize winners. They all took home the most stunning rosettes crafted by an impressive young entrepreneur, Iona Park, of Pedigree Rosettes – a name you will do well to remember, she will go far. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
To thank everyone involved in the process of holding such a large event would be impossible; judges, stewards, exhibitor’s volunteers and mart staff alike all pulled together and made it happen, I am, however, going to continue complimenting the next generation, God bless the Young
To be Held at: Tern Farm, Longdon On Tern, Shropshire, TF6 6LN Tools, Equipment & Sundries: 10:30am Machinery, Implements & Tractors: 12:00pm
Sale to Include: 2016 Case Puma 165, 2012 John Deere 6630, 2012 JCB 536 60, 2015 Knight 2050 Self Propelled Sprayer, 1973 Massey Ferguson 135, 2014 Grimme Potato Planter, Grimme GT 1705 Potato Harvester, 2014 Meidema Conveyors, Squire Grader & Hopper with elevator, Grimme CS1500 Destoner, 2020 Baseliner 190 topper, 2013 Toyota Hilux Pickup truck, 2012 Volvo XC60, Masters Super 120 M Dryer, Bailey 10T Rootcrop Trailer, West 14T Rootcrop Trailer, 2007 E31 Bauer Hose Reel, 2011 Greencrop Mobile Pump & Engine, John Deere X300R Ride on Mower, as well as 200x lots of Workshop Tools and Sundries.
Farmers. Plenty of bad press surrounded the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs at its AGM in spring, but let me tell you this, the members are absolute diamonds. They offered to help at North East Live, they were asked to park the cars and they did it with military precision and a constant smile on their faces.
These young folk all across the country offer assistance and support to our industry time and time again, they support local shows and raise funds for charities constantly and often gain little recognition for doing so. The farming community would be a much poorer place without YFC. Hard-working young people are rare, farming has held on to theirs and long may that continue, if one weekend in Blackpool to let their hair down is all they need then so be it, I am just sorry that I am too old to join them.
Stephen Dodsworth is a fieldsperson at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. Call 01325 464 529, or email stephen@dfam.co.uk
Stephen Dodsworth
Upcoming Dates
Monday 14th October at 10.30am (Show at 8.00am)
Prize Show & Sale of 253 Blackface Aged Rams, Shearlings & Ram Lambs
Under the auspices of the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association
Thursday 17th October at 10.00am
Second Sale of 2000 Hill & Lowland Ewes, Gimmers & Ewe Lambs
Friday 18th October at 9.00am
Sale of 1500 Cast Ewes & 6000 Store Lambs
Annual Prize Show & Sale of 700 Limousin Store Cattle & Suckled Calves
Second Sale to purchase a calf for 2024/2025 YFC Competition
Thursday 24th October at 10.00am
Annual Bellingham Sale of Spring Born Calves.
Entries restricted to calves bought after the 1st January 2024
Third Sale to purchase a calf for the 2025/2025 YFC Competition
Entries invited by Thursday 17th October
Friday 25th October at 9.00am
Sale Cast Sheep & Store Lambs
‘Tow Law’ Sale of 550 Store Cattle & Suckled Calves
Fourth Sale to purchase a calf for the 2025/2026 YFC Competition
Entries invited by 10am Monday 21st October
Contact Office-01434 605444
Email-info@hexhammart.co.uk
Mark Lee: 07980924179
Simon Lamb: 07815 188125 Ryan Spackman: 07725 653542 Mark@nortonandbrooksbank.com
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER (11:00AM)
Dispersal sale of the entire HOLLAFRENCH herd, the property of W S Jose & Son (Holsworthy). It cannot be overstated just how good these cows are! A true hidden gem of high yielding and highly classified, modern type cows. 10,000kg 4.2% 3.3 scc143, cubicles, simple TMR, 2x milked. Recently awarded Master Breeder herd with almost 100 VG & EX cows with many superb milking heifers. Top modern sires combined with great homebred families, some with up to 7 gens EX! Over 130 cows in milk sell along with y/stock of all ages. Fully vaccinated IBR, BVD, Lepto. NO TB REACTORS IN OVER 20 YEARS! Really a sale not to be missed by any breeders and serious milk producers. In conjunction with KIVELLS.
SALE ANNOUNCEMENT: 31ST OCTOBER 2024
Dispersal Sale of the entire Forestgate herd (300 Head) the property of IE & TM Speed Ltd, Twomills Farm, Woodbank, Chester, CH1 6EZ. An exceptional herd of commercial, registered Holsteins averaging 11,000kg. To be sold ON FARM. More details next week.
FGBuyandSell.com
FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS
BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE
Tel: 01228 406200
Dispersal of the HAUGHHEAD CHAROLAIS HERD
Wednesday 16th October – 11.30am
On behalf of J Warlaw & Son
Comprising 14 cows/heifers with calves at foot, 3 incalf heifers and 3 bulling heifers
PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY
155 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING
Wednesday 16th October
Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am
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Lots Prior To Sale
81 Cows/Heifers In Milk - 18 In Calf Heifers –56 Bulling/Maiden Heifers Sell No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK
QUALITY MILKERS
Quality milkers producing oceans of milk sell, all bred from herds with excellent health status. Prefixes Include: Ashberry, Bankview, Beechholme, Berryholme,Boclair, Brentwood, Bridgedale, , Chapelhouse Denmire, Drointon, , Drumtall, Dunnerdale, Ernespie, Errolston, Espland, Feizor, Kepculloch, Kingcaird, Littlebridge, Lomond, Netherside, Newtonmoss, Northhill, Norwoodbrae, Potstown, Stowbeck, Tynevalley, Woodclose
BREEDERS CHOICE: Several elite pedigrees are included in this catalogue and include heifers from the; RED ROSE, ASHLYN, MARIE, SABRINA, BARB, SARA, ROXY & ADA, ELEGANCE & APPLE families. FOLLOWED BY THE CARLDANTON AUTUMN OPPORTUNITY SALE
For A. Grimshaw, Smithhills Open Farm, Bolton 9 Cows & Heifers In Milk – 11 In-Calf Heifers –15 Bulling Heifers & 23 Heifer Calves The CARLDANTON Holstein herd is phenomenal on PRODUCTION, TYPE, LONGEVITY & GENETICS. Without exception this is the BEST group of Holstein cattle to ever sell from the Carldanton herd. The commercial aspects of this herd should not be ignored with a large emphasis placed on health & fertility traits. Currently production is running at 11512kg at 4.23% butterfat and 3.25% protein with a 392 day Calving Interval. The heifers selling comprise 13 cows & heifers in milk, 18 in calf heifers, 25 bulling heifers, & 15 heifers born in 2024 and includes several world class pedigrees and individuals that can grace the very best show rings in the country. Carldanton Chief Springsteen EX94 was 2nd in the Production Class and Carldanton Chiefs Springsteen VG86 2yr was 3rd in the Junior 2year old class at UK Dairy Expo this year. Continued...
Progeny from both of these awesome cows sell. The Springsteen cow family has been an incredible addition to the herd as has the ASHLYN, MAHOGANY, MATTIA, SHARON, SARA & LILI cow families.
Herd Health
The herd is tested BVD & Lepto free and is Johnes accredited free. The herd is situated in four-year TB testing area and there has never been a case of TB within the herd.
Rougemont Show Stars Sale of PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN and BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE
Friday 18th October – 4.30pm
On behalf on Mary Cormack
Comprising Limousin: 8 incalf cows/heifers, Beef Shorthorn: 1 stock bull, 2 cows with calves, 2 served cows, 2 maiden heifers
Show and sale
126 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS
Thursday 18th October - Show 10.00am
Saturday 19th October – Sale 10.30am
Second sale of BLUEFACED LEICESTER RAMS & FEMALES
Monday 21st October
Entries close Monday 14th October
CONTINENTAL CROSS SUCKLED CALVES
Mainly hill bred and spring born Wednesday 23rd October
Entries close Monday 14th October
Show and sale of INLAMB SUFFOLK FEMALES
Friday 8th November
Entries close Friday 11th October
Show and sale of OXFORD DOWN INLAMB FEMALES
Friday 8th November
Entries close Friday 11th October
Premier show and sale of ZWARTBLES INLAMB FEMALES
Friday 15th November
Entries close Friday 18th October
JACOB INLAMB
FEMALES
Friday 15th November
Entries close Friday 18th October
ONLINE SALE
Dispersal sale of MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
On behalf of Messrs Shuttleworth, Mount Pleasant Farm
Bidding start from 6pm Sunday 13th October
finishing from 6pm Wednesday 16th October
Comprising MF S5713 (69reg) 1856hrs; MF 1755E scraper tractor 435hrs; Kramer Allrad 680T (64reg) 2324hrs; Weidemann 1160 150hrs; Terrain Corvus (23reg) 2100 miles (red diesel); Hispec 2600 SA-R tanker (2018); Watson landroller (2018); Major topper (2018) –Full list and bidding available via our website Viewing by appointment only
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Tel: 01768 371385
Luke Fair sale of 370 STORE CATTLE also Cast/Feeding Cows and OTM Cattle Monday 14th October – 9.30am
SWALEDALE SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
“C” District RAM SALES
Wednesday 16th October
Judging 8.30am Sale 10.30am 93 aged – 37 lamb rams
Thursday 17th & Friday 18th October
Judging 7.30am Sale 10.00am 714 shearling ram
LAZONBY
2000 BREEDING SHEEP
Saturday 12th October - Judging 10.00am Uncrossed And Crossed
1900 SWALEDALE BREEDING FEMALES - Sale 11.00am Followed by Sale 12:30pm approx
100 BLUEFACED LEICESTER also SWALEDALE
LOCKERBIE MART
Tel: 01576 202332
Show and sale of 410 SOUTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT RAMS
Monday 14th October
Show 8.30am Sale 10.30am
Collective sale of FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT (bidding on site and online) Thursday 24th October
Entries Include Dispersals on behalf of Messrs Wilson, Archwood; Messrs Hamilton, Brieryhill; Sheep Equipment From Messrs Mair, Nether Garrel Plus Many Others
Entries close Monday 14th October
MIDDLETON
MART
Tel: 01833 640281
STORE & BREEDING SHEEP
Tuesday 29th October
Including second sale of Swaledale ewes and gimmer lambs, ewes and lambs of all breeds also rams
Entries close 10am Monday 21st October
STORE & BREEDING CATTLE
Prize show and sale of STORE CATTLE & autumn born SUCKLED CALVES
Includes show and sale of Young Farmers Calf Summering
Competition Cattle also Annual special sale of BREEDING CATTLE
Tuesday 29th October
Entries close 10am Monday 21st October
ON FARM SALE
H W ANGUS PRODUCTION SALE
Saturday 19th October – 3.30pm At Netherton Farm, Blackford Perthshire PH4 1QU
Comprising 24 cows swerved and/or suckling, 6 maiden heifers and 2 bulls
ON FARM & ONLINE
JALEX SELECT HEIFER SALE
88 Gloverstown Road, BT41 3HY Friday 25th October - 7.00pm
Comprising 10 cows & calves, 120 incalf heifers, 5 pedigree Limousin incalf heifers, 2 maiden heifers and 2 Limousin bulls Bidding via MartEye
Dispersal sale of TRACTORS, MACHINERY & IMPLEMENTS
Saturday 26th October – 10.30am At Robbery Farm, Hunsonby CA10 1PP Penrith on behalf of Messrs Horn
}Sale includes: Tractors - Weidemann 3080T (3600); Vatra 163 (63 reg) 6280hrs; Vatra N141 (12 reg) 7500hrs; Vatra N111 + loader (11 reg) 4800hrs; Vatra N111 (09 reg) 7329hrs; MF 135; Implements: Kuhn Euromix feeder wagon; McHale C460 straw chopper; Abbey 2250R tanker; Bunning muck spreader (2013); Bailey silage trailer; 20ft Bailey bale trailer; 2 x Marshall 8 ton trailers & 1 5 ton trailer; KRM L2 plus fertiliser spinner (2017); Claas 240 round baler; Claas 3100L mower; Claas Volto 52 tedder; 4 f Reus plough; MF Cambridge rollers; Quantock post knocker; 12ft Ifor Williams trailer plus Livestock equipment and tools – full list on website – also Crop
47 PEDIGREE CHAROLLAIS FEAMLES & AUTUMN CHARMS SALE OF 41 HEAD
Sale 11.00am Lingfield Ring
Society Supported Major Reduction of the BRADHILL HERD OF PEDIGREE BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE on behalf of Steven Swales Dairy Ltd, Cliviger. Supported by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Sale includes Cows and calves, Incalf cows/ heifers, maiden heifers and one stock bull. All cattle are classified and the sale includes 2 Excellent 93 cows, with remainder VG or excellent except for 1.
Sale at 12 Noon, Viewing from 4 pm on Friday 11th October. Online bidding will be available
SKIPTON MACHINERY SALE FARM MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS, LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & all classes of STONE, TIMBER, VINTAGE & RECLAIM, MISC ITEMS & TOOLS
STONE & WOOD: Sale Approx 12.30pm 150-200 Lots of Stone, Wood & Builders/ Landscaping Supplies
FULL LIST OF ITEMS CAN BE FOUND ON THE CCM WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE. Pre-Sale Commission Bidding Available
Monday 14th October
SALE OF CALVES
Sale 10.30am
Entries & Enquiries to Kyle PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE
Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) PRIME LAMBS - Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES, RAMS & GOATS
FORTNIGHTLY DAIRY SALE TO INCLUDE THE AUTUMN COLOURED BREEDS SALE
Circa 40 head Sale 12noon
Includes fresh heifers (10), in calf Holstein Friesian cows and heifers due before end of year from PS & SP Kershaw (24) and pedigree in calf Jerseys from the Greyleys and Knayton herds – great potential, close to production and high health status from sale vendors
Tuesday 15th October
550 BREEDING SHEEP & RAMS
Comprising 50 Rams & 500 Breeding Ewes/Shearlings
Sale 10.30am Lingfield Ring
Wednesday 16th October
7500 STORE LAMBS & FEEDING EWES
Sale 10.00am Main Ring
Horse Sale
Saturday 19th October
110 COBS, HORSES & PONIES at Upper Austby Farm, Langbar, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0EQ
Incl. Mares and Foals, Horses and Ponies broken and unbroken.
On instructions from BH Gray&Sons.
Wednesday 23rd October
Sale of FEEDING BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE
(Entries close Wednesday 16th October)
Breeding & Store Sheep Sales
Tuesday 22nd October
Sale of All Breeds of GIMMER LAMBS (Entries close Monday 14th October) & 24th Annual Show & Sale of DALESBRED RAMS & FEMALES (Entries to the society)
Tuesday 29th October
Last Tuesday Sale of BREEDING SHEEP & RAMS (Entries close Monday 21st October)
Wednesday 6th November
Society Autumn Show & Sale of 89 PEDIGREE BEEF SHORTHORN BULLS & FEMALES
Including Bulls, Cows with Calves at Foot, In Calf Heifers & Maiden Heifers
Sale of 12 ABERDEEN ANGUS FEMALES
Annual Production Sale of 16 BRITISH BLUE FEMALES from the GREYSTONE HERD & PENDLE HERD
Pedigree Sheep Sales
Saturday 2nd November
Show & Sale of PEDIGREE SUFFOLK FEMALES (Entries close Friday 11th October)
Border Fine Arts & Collectables
Saturday 14th December
Agricultural Themed BORDER FINE ARTS & BESWICK PIECES & New Sale of AGRICULTURAL THEMED TOYS & COLLECTABLES
Store Lambs to commence at 10.30am Breeding Ewes to commence at 12pm
Sale of 44 Supplementary Texel Rams on behalf of the Shropshire & Border’s Texel Club Sale to commence at 1pm
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2024
RHAYADER HARDY RAM SALE
SALE OF 661 WELSH & SPECKLED FACE RAMS Sale to commence 10.30am
THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2024
SALE OF 5950 MULTI BREED EWE LAMBS
Comprising of 880 Speckled/Beulah, 50 Dutch Spotted, 30 Aberfield, 8 Charollais, 960 Welsh, 90 Beltex, 1700 Texel, 1350 Mule, 875 Suffolk Sale to commence at 10am
TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2024
Sale of 800 Store Cattle Sale to commence at 10am
TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2024
Sale of Weanlings /Suckled Calves Entries close Monday 21st October
THURSDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2024
Pedigree Charolais Cattle Sale
On Behalf Of The British Charolais Cattle Society 77 Bulls and 12 Females Show to Commence at 9am, Sale to Commence at 11:30am
Salers Cattle Society Autumn Show & Sale Show to commence at 11am, Sale to commence approximately 1pm
FRIDAY 18TH OCTOBER – 12noon
EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON EX2 8FD SALE OF 200 BEEF BREEDING CATTLE Inc the
�������� CHEGWIDDEN SIMMENTAL & HEREFORD HERD DISPERSAL SALE ��������
On behalf of Mrs Viv Hall, Chegwidden Farm, St Levan, Penzance, Cornwall. Simmentals comprise 20 head in all with 10 cows, 4 calves, 3 in calf heifers, 2 16-month-old heifers, 1 young bull, and one 3-year-old bull. Hereford s comprise 12 Cows & Calves, 2 Heifers & 3 Bulls.
Also on this day
�������� Dispersal Sale of the ‘Tregerrick’ herd of Pedigree South Devon Cattle ��������
On behalf of Messrs FB & FC Thomas of Tregerrick Farm, St Austell
The sale comprises 47 cows, 49 calves (3 sets of twins, 1 cow without a calf), 3 bulls and 15 in calf heifers.
MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER – 11.30AM
EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON EX2 8FD DISPERSAL SALE OF THE CLARKES HERD OF 230 PEDIGREE CHAROLAIS CATTLE
On behalf of Barry Clarke, Exeter The Sale comprises: 100 Cows with Calves at foot, 20 In Calf Heifers, 24 Maiden Heifers & 3 Bulls.
v Polled Genetics, Closed Herd & BVD Free
ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE
today! Brought to you by Farmers Guardian, FGBuyandSell is the new and improved platform for you to sell your items to a responsive farming community.
Monday 28th October Dairy Dispersal Sale on behalf of DJ A & L Sutcliffe, Throstle Nest Farm, Winmarleigh Comprising of 100 In milk / In calf & 40 Young Stock Robot Trained. Catalogue available online & by request.
Saturday 12th October 10.30am Society Sale of 30 CHARMOISE HILL RAMS & FEMALES 11am ROUGH FELL SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION Show & Sale of 134 ROUGH FELL RAMS
10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10:30am 100 CAST/OTM CATTLE 11:15am 250 STIRKS & STORE CATTLE To include 50 Aberdeen Angus 18-20 Months
Saturday 19th October ‘LAKELAND FAIR’
Closing Autumn Sale of Breeding Sheep & Rams To include Show & Sale of Swaledale & Cheviot Rams
Thursday 24th October 10.30am
Fortnightly Sale of 6000 STORE LAMBS
Catalogue entries by Wednesday 16th October
Saturday 26th October 10aam
Sale of Registered & Part Bred Mountain & Morland Ponies, Fell Pony Society & Shetland Pony Society Show & Sale.
Thursday 29th October Young Handler Prime Lamb Show
Thursday 31st October
Second Show & Sale of 500 Suckler Calves
SALE OF 265 REGISTERED DERBYSHIRE GRITSTONE (RAMS & FEMALES)
Saturday 12th OctoberSale 10am, Show 12.30pm on behalf of Derbyshire Gritstone Sheep Society
WEEKLY STORE LAMB SALE + HORNED/ HILL GOING RAMS & BLUEFACED LEICESTER’S Monday 14th October Store Lambs 11am 55 Bluefaced Leicesters (Crossing & Traditional types) and Horned/ Hill Rams. Judging 12 noon and Sale approx 1pm Further entries accepted on the sale day.
WEEKLY PRIMESTOCK
SALE
FORTNIGHTLY
STORE CATTLE
SALE + CALVES/ STIRKS
Tuesday 15th October 12.30pm - Prime Lambs & Cull Ewes
Thursday 17th October 12.30pmTo include suckler bred show. Sale of Young Bulls, Store Heifers & Steers. Rearing calves 12 noon ONLINE MACHINERY SALE
Thursday 17thSaturday 19th October –Viewing of items Thurs 17th, Fri 18th and Sat 19th October
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER ‘OLD FAIR SALE’ of 5000 Breeding Ewes, Feeding Ewes, Shearlings, Gimmer Lambs & Store Lambs –Catalogue entries close Tuesday 15th October
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER ‘OLD FAIR SALE’ of 350 Breeding Rams –Catalogue entries close Tuesday 15th October
Monday 14th October
Usual Sale of Fatstock
Inc Show of Prime Lambs Sponsored by Martin Ellis Feed Solutions
Thursday 17th October at 11am
Sale of Store Lambs, Ewes & Rams
Saturday 19th October at 10.30am Sale Machinery & Sundries Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com
FGBuyandSell.com
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207 www.hawesmart.co.uk
Friday 11th October 10:30am
Sale of 3000 Store Lambs
Saturday 12th October
Annual Show & Sale of 316 Swaledale Gimmer Shearlings & 3245 Swaledale Gimmer Lambs.
Judging 8:30 Sale at 9:30am
Monday 14th October 10am
Third sale of 3000 Mule, Masham Cheviot Mule & Continental Gimmer Lambs
Tuesday 15th October 9:30am 2000 Prime Lambs
400 Cast Ewes & Rams
Second Annual Sale of Swaledale Breeding Ewes & Gimmer Shearlings
Followed by second sale of Terminal Sire Breeding Rams
Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th October 10am
Great Annual Two-Day Show & Sale of Swaledale Breeding Rams on behalf of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association (B District) Sale of Registered Aged Rams, Ram Lambs & Shearlings
Friday 25th October 10:30am
Catalogued Sale of 3000 Store Lambs
Catalogue closes Tuesday 15th October
Saturday 2nd November- “Gregg Day”
New Sale fixture- End of season sale of all classes of Breeding Sheep, Gimmer Shearlings & Gimmer Lambs.
Second show & sale of Swaledale Breeding Rams followed by sale of all classes of Breeding Rams inc Terminal Sires & BFL’s
Catalogue closes Thursday 24th October 12 noon
Ian Atkinson 07957 256337 Kenton Foster 07711 469280.
...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER
*Please Note Change of Sale Times* Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes at 10.15am
18 LimX Hfrs, 12mth, W Gibson & Son
14 Limx Bulls, 12mth, W Gibson & son
6 Limx Str, 16/18mth, S Oddie
4 Lim Bulls, 9mth, J&L Cardwell
4 Sim Hfrs, 18mth, WJ Hollingsworth
30 LimX ContX Hfrs, 18-20mths, Foley Bros Special Sale of Breeding & Store Sheep at 11.30am
Inc. Ewes, Shearlings, Rams & Lambs
PLEASE NOTE
Cattle & Sheep from The Bluetongue Restricted Zone Can’t Attend A Store Sale
Breeding & Store Pigs AT 9am Entries Invited
Contact Office for Details
MART OFFICE: 01757 703347
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535
www.selbymart.co.uk
Dedicated Slaughter Market 350 Prime Cattle 520 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs
PLEASE NOTE Cattle & Sheep from The Bluetongue Restricted Zone MUST be booked in prior to sale Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am
*ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CURRENT BLUE TONGUE RESTRICTIONS*
Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535
www.selbymart.co.uk
For any enquiries contact
Dafydd Davies - 07506 083590 dafydd@farmersmarts.co.uk
- Online Catalogue available from Monday 4th of November 2024 atfarmersmarts.auctionmarts.com
- Bidding to start on Monday 11th of November
- Bidding closes 13th of November 2024
Figures from the 4th of September Sale
Saturday 12th October
9.30am Weekly CAST SHEEP and PRIME LAMBS
First October Breeding Fair of Sheep
4841+
HEAD CATALOGUED
9.30am 2102 BREEDING SHEEP
10.30am 134BREEDING RAMS 12.30pm 2598 STORE LAMBS
Thursday 17th October
10:30am REARING CALVES
10:30am PRIME CATTLE followed by CULL CATTLE
11:00am SEMEX UK & WE JAMESON FEEDS SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY all entries to Eleanor
Saturday 19th October
9:30am CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS
10.30am FORTNIGHTLY BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE to inc dispersal of the LING CHAPEL FARM suckler herd of Continental Cows with May born AA & Lim Calves at foot. BVD tested, all lie in Cubicles. All entries for this sale to the office by Tuesday 15th lunchtime
Thursday 24th October
10:30am REARING CALVES
10:30am PRIME CATTLE followed by CULL CATTLE
11:00am WEEKLY DAIRY CATTLE
12.30pm STIRKS to inc AUTUMN SHOW & SALE Entries to the office by Tue 22nd Oct
Saturday 26th October
Second October Breeding Fair of Sheep
Saturday 2nd November
Second Show and Sale of Suckled Calves
Tuesday 5th November
Last Machinery Sale of 2024 entries for advertising Last chance 24-25 Young Handlers buying is 30th Nov
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
Thursday 17th October at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves The Autumn Gold Collective Dairy Sale of
✰ 48 INCALF HEIFERS from Astrop, PD & JL Biss (Dispersal), Withamhall & AH Warren Trust (Organic)
✰ 13 BULLING & YEARLING HEIFERS from AH Warren Trust
✰ 38 HEIFER CALVES from The Colgrove Partnership, GJ Dalton, Streetaxe, Street (Ayrshire) & AH Warren Trust (Organic)
** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **
On Instructions from T J Bates & Son
At Manor Farm, Kimbolton Road, Pertenhall, Bedfordshire MK44 2AZ On Thursday 24th October 2024 at 10:30am Viewing from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday 23rd October 2024
• The principal role of the Workshop Fitter/Engineer is to repair, service and inspect
• Plant and equipment prior to delivery and on return from hire. This includes equipment from manufacturers such as Takeuchi, JCB, Komatsu, Doosan, John Deere, New Holland, Terex, Hamm, Ammann, and Indeco.
Your Responsibilities:
• Repair & locate faults with equipment in-line with manufacturer recommendations and in a timely fashion to ensure minimum downtime.
• Service equipment in-line with manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Carry our PUWER & LOLER inspections for all equipment.
• Follow the procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with our ISO9001 quality management system.
Professional experience we would like you to demonstrate: Previous experience in a similar role.
Dealership training (manufacturers listed above)
Understanding of engines, hydraulic systems and electrical systems.
Some of the skills you will have:
A professionally recognized qualification in plant maintenance and repair (NVQ level 3 or equivalent Knowledge of Microsoft products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
Excellent communication & organizational skills
A full UK driving license
What’s in it for you?
We offer competitive salaries in the industry and treat our staff fairly and as individual people - we really look after you. We don’t hold anyone back and there are many examples of employee promotions within the business and a lot of our employees have been with us for many years. We like to train and develop our staff to get the best from them and in return for your hard work and commitment, we provide a safe, fun, relaxed and flexible work environment for you to succeed.
Interested in hearing more and coming to join the family?
If so, please submit your CV today. Email: richard.walsh@bphsp.com
Poultry Worker
Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
Head Stockperson - North Notts
Forage based regenerative dairy cross beef enterprise taking 1500 calves per year through to finish by 24 months.
Role is to oversee all cattle, a team of 4 full time staff and associated machinery. Accommodation available.
Skilled Operator - North Notts
Modern diverse family farm growing root crops, cereals, AD maize, sugar beet, grass and forage crops covering 2000Ha with a team of 15 full time.
Role to include straw spreading, irrigation, harvesting, carting, cultivations and maintenance. Accommodation available.
CV’s to jhoward@howardfarms.co.uk Or call Joe 07793 494720
We have
An assistant is required to join an experienced poultry team on a state-of-the-art commercial poultry farm. The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail and an ambition to learn. The ideal candidate will be physically fit, self-motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated.
The candidate will have good communication skills, a keen eye for detail and be able to work methodically and thoroughly in order to complete tasks to a high standard. An attractive financial package, with pension, bonus scheme and other benefits is offered. Housing can be provided if required.
Full-time, up to 48 hours per week. The working week is Monday – Sunday and does include some night on-calls with shift patterns arranged between team members. To apply please email Philippa Fitzgerald at pf@courteenhall.co.uk
Published November 1, 2024
Advertising opportunities now available in our
Speak to Katie O’Hagan today and start converting our readers to your customers. 01772 799454 | fgclassified@farmersguardian.com
the following opening Sales
Media Business Development Manager/ Executive
Agriconnect is the largest multi-platform agricultural information business in the UK. Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectors - arable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance, and equipment.
We offer an excellent package including:
• 25 days holiday increasing to 27 after two years
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in the office each week)
• Flexible working hours available
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Matched pension contribution up to 6%
• Employee assistance programme
• Long service awards and employee of the month
• Employee discount scheme
• Employee referral scheme
For more details on any of our vacanies, or to apply, please scan the QR code or call on 01772 799500.
DIVINE DATES Call-
ing all farmers seeking love! Join ‘Friends1st’, where tried and tested methods trumph modern matchmaking. Cultivate connections rooted in shared values, not just fields. Our offline introduction agency for Christians is tailored for farmers seeking genuine connections, bridging the gap between heart & harvest. Embrace a legacy of love – where faith in farming meets faith in finding The One. Sign up with ‘Friends1st’ and let your heart’s harvest begin! 0121 405 0941
Blezard
Passed away peacefully after a short illness On 1st October 2024 at home in Conder Green, Lancaster.
GEOFFREY THOMAS (GEOFF)
Formally of Hothersall Hall Farm, Aged 76 Years, dearly loved dad of Janet, Carole, Brian and Angela. Grandad of Rebecca, Rosie, Sam, Tom, Maisie, Charlotte, Freddie & Jack.
New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks
Second hand tanks currently available: Mueller 8000ltr, 9000 & 12,000 ltr Fabdec 4000ltr & 6000ltr Packo RMIB 3800ltr & RMIB 6000 ltr New Heat Recovery units in stock 01772 780806 www.ddcooling.co.uk
•
•
•
•
SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit
Great Grandad of Stanley and Nancy. Father-in-law of Jean, Ian & Martin. And a good friend to many. Funeral Service and Committal will take place at Beetham Hall, Crematorium LA7 7BQ on Tuesday 15th October 2024 at 11:00am.
Family flowers only please donations if desired in memory of Geoff May be given to St John’s Hospice. C/O and all enquires to: A.J.Wainman Funeral Directors, Cockerham, LA2 0EF Tel: 01524 791347
WANTED UNBERRIED GREEN HOLLY
In large quantities. Good cash price paid on collection. Ring for details 07977 248198
DAIRY FILLING LINE
For filling bottles 500 ml, one litre and two Litres. Nine valves, three heads, cap elevator, inkjet printer, label applicator.
Includes conveyers and dolly table. Open to Offers
Tel:07977 270311 Somerset (P)
engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
METERS,FEEDERS
Within a 60-mile radius of Preston, Lancashire Willing to cut within a 20 mile radius
“WITH
• GRANT FUNDED
• ESTIMATED PAYBACK OFTEN WITHIN 12 MONTHS
• 60% – 70% REDUCTION TO WATER HEATER RUNNING TIMES
• IMPROVEMENT TO THE COOLING UNITS PERFORMANCE
• HOT WATER AVAILABLE ALL DAY
• DOMESTIC OR OFFICE HEATING
• ALMOST ZERO MAINTENANCE
• HUGE REDUCTION IN YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT POWERED BY YOUR MOO POWER
For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949
MARTLANDS
Lancs, Cumbria, Cheshire. Yorkshire. WILLIAM TAYLOR & SON (PS) LTD
Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
REGISTERED
FGBuyandSell.com
SHEARLING RAMS
(Pedigree Blue Faced Leicester ram crossed with a Pedigree Suffolk ewe)
Excellent conformation, tight skins, ready for work. Heptavac P. Naturally Reared, no corn
Contact Mr Brocklehurst on 07764 196462 or 01260 223338
TEXEL SHEARLING TUPS
Excellent conformation. Extremely well-muscled. All home bred.
Tel: 01298 872500 or Mobile: 07570 272376 Derbys (P)
Shearling Rams
Beltex x Charollais. Charollais. Suffolks
Reasonably Priced.
DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE
A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged. Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476
Buckhurst
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
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Property Landscape Taxation now a main driving force in land market
Sales rise over fear of Budget changes
TTheNaturalWayToBuild
MOBILE TIMBER HOMES
he past month has seen a large increase in the number of both on and off market transactions across farmland in the Yorkshire region, bucking recent trends of limited supply.
One of the main driving forces in the market is taxation, principally driven by the anticipated changes to the capital taxation rates and reliefs currently in place across England.
The autumn Budget is planned for October 30 and many experts are predicting significant increases in Capital Gains Tax rates, potential changes to rollover-relief and tightening of Agricultural Property Relief (APR), particularly in relation to let property and farmhouses.
fers, as well as sales to sitting tenants and open market sales.
Pressure is particularly great where these deals include let land, land held by non-farming investors or where rollover-relief may not be available to the vendor.
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While the new Labour Government wishes to show its power and make changes to taxation with the aim of balancing the books, it must be careful not to see a repeat of the Liz Truss Government with the illfated Budget of September 2022 which triggered market instability and ripples for many months after.
Hints
While all hints from the new Government have been on hikes in capital taxes, industry experts believe that working farmers will remain largely unaffected.
Any significant changes to APR under Inheritance Tax being likely confined to let land and around the taxation of farmhouses.
With increased tax-fee thresholds now amounting to £1 million for a couple who leave their home to their children, the level to which changes to APR on farmhouses affect the industry may be limited for most.
Without a crystal ball at this time, all one can do is to take advantage of the current regimes or accept any future changes.
Many have chosen to rush through deals under the current regime to secure their position, with an unprecedented number of transactions aiming to exchange contracts before the end of the month.
This includes inter-family trans-
Sales to sitting tenants and of land left to non-farming family members have been key areas to review and consider quick action, although without certainty of the future changes, some may take action in error or miss the opportunity to take action. The risks can be great.
Taxation is not the only driving force and properties are bought and sold for a variety of reasons.
We continue to see a growing interest from the non-farming buyers with a particular emphasis on ecoservices, particularly relating to carbon and biodiversity net gain schemes, although these are becoming more focused on cheaper land where more acres can be secured for larger off-setting schemes.
Any taxation changes this autumn may force further change, as investors find land unattractive to continue to hold and seek to leave the market. This could result in further supplies of land to the market in spring or summer 2025.
The market will react to any changes, prices will adjust to supply and demand pressures, and landowners will try to manage their tax affairs as efficiently as possible, even during times of uncertainty.
Andrew Hardcastle is director at Hardcastle Rural Surveyors. Call 07970 027 306, or email andrew@hardcastlerural.co.uk
Andrew Hardcastle
• 44.31 acres (17.93 hectares) of upland pasture land known as Dillicar Common, Lowgill, Kendal LA8 9DG
• Benefits from direct roadside access and a natural water supply
Guide Price: £190,000. (Subject to conditions & Unless Sold Previously)
• Two blocks of meadow and pasture land at Lyth Valley, Levens available as a whole or in two lots benefiting from good access and a natural water supply. Lot 1 extends to 12.99 acres (5.26 hectares) with a steel portal framed agricultural building. Lot 2 extends to 14.58 acres (5.90 hectares)Guide price as a whole £250,000
• 7.19 acres (2.91 hectares) block of meadow and pasture land at Crosthwaite, Kendal with a natural water supply and stock proof boundaries
Guide Price: £80,000
• 5.34 acres (2.16 hectares) of pasture land located in the centre of Crosthwaite, Kendal with natural water supplies and stock proof fencing.
Guide Price: £60,000
• Land and woodland extending to 2.89 acres (1.17 hectares) of productive grassland and woodland located at Sedgwick, Kendal with hardcore yard area and a water supply.
Guide price £35,000
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take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions
Fenced Winter Grazing/Fodder Crops required for 150-200 Mule/ Cheviot ewe lambs. 3 hours of mid Wales
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Ex-demo and display diet feeders for immediate delivery
V Mix 10 1H: Non HDF, window, 400/60R15.5 tyres, weighing, door & chute, 18 mm auger, lights £17,900 + VAT
V Mix 12 1S: Non HDF, window, 400/60R15.5 tyres, weighing, door & combined chute, 18 mm auger, lights £22,500 + VAT
V Mix 14 1S: Non HDF, window, 435/50R19.5 tyres, weighing, RHS door, 1250mm elevator, rear central door, 18 mm auger, basic stainless liner, lights POA
V Mix 15 2S: Non HDF, window, 435 tyres, weighing, front RHS door, rear LHS door, RGB, 18mm augers, lights £34,500 + VAT
V Mix 20 2S: Non HDF, window, 435 tyres, weighing, FXC with side shift & rear central door, work light, mudguards, RGB, 18 mm augers, lights POA
V Mix 24 2S: Non HDF, window, 435 tyres on tandem axle, weighing, front RHS door with 600 mm elevator, rear central door, RGB, 18mm augers, lights POA
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Prices start at £3,500 Designed to withstand winds in excess of
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com
New to Merlo’s line-up, the TF30.7 sets out its stall in our latest test drive, as the little lime green loader tackles a mountain of muck. Toby Whatley and James Huyton report.
Created as a replacement for the livestock farmer’s favourite, the P32.6, Merlo’s Turbofarmer TF30.7 has been designed with the same overall working dimensions of two metres wide and 2m high – a dimension target now being chased by multiple manufacturers looking to provide machinery for work in traditional buildings, poultry units and pig enterprises.
P32.6 machines are claimed to have been sold during the 2009-2017 production run, so the TF30.7 has some big boots to fill, especially since many of these machines are still working as front-line handlers on mixed and livestock farms, with the clock hours to match.
Several hundred of the original
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
POWERED by the 2.9-litre Deutz power plant, the TF30.7 offers surprising grunt from a 101hp four-cylinder engine.
This may be partly down to the
acity to a maximum height of 6.7m. In practice, the maximum reach is closer to 7m when accounting for a bucket or shear grab.
Transmission
Lifting capacity
Headline specs for the new model include a three-tonne lifting cap-
Power is delivered through a 101hp Stage V Deutz engine operating through a two-speed hydrostatic transmission, which should provide the machine with a very similar performance to the 101hp Perkins engine found in the P32.6.
On Test: Merlo TF30.7
to reach maximum road speeds.
hydrostatic transmission, but the customisable nature of the machine gives a user-friendly operating experience. It is understandable that not all operators like a hydrostatic transmission because colder temperatures can often cause it to feel sluggish and slightly numb until the oil reaches its optimum viscosity. This was apparent on colder mornings during the test, as the TF30.7 struggled
The TF30.7 inching peddle provides further precision for finer movements, and considering the machine’s compact nature and ability to work in more confined spaces, it proved a useful addition. Positioned neatly below the bonnet, the engine bay held the usual host of emission-based features. Due to the vertical fan placement, the TF30.7 did not feature a reversible fan, nor is it available as an option. colder temperatures can often
Although, it was felt the hydrostatic transmission was the preferred choice for the size and type of machine, and it was deemed an acceptable compromise when considering the benefits of controllable accuracy when operating.
The two-speed hydrostatic transmission was as simple as the flick of a switch, with high and low ranges offering speeds from 0km/h-14km/h and 0km/h-40km/h respectively.
Inset: Under the bonnet sits a 101hp Stage V Deutz engine.
A two-speed hydrostatic transmission and inching peddle aid smooth operation and precision handling.
On Test Machinery
CAB AND CONTROLS
MERLO says the TF30.7 has the largest cabin in its category, and the cabin did offer a spacious feel for a compact handler.
An array of neatly aligned rocker switches adorned much of the dashboard and side panel. From here, the operator could engage work lighting, choose manual engine regeneration, and select the test machine’s optionally specified boom suspension and auto-revving joystick.
There was also a dial to adjust the settings and EPD mode, which is a cruise control for the machine to aid it running at a lower rpm on the road. The curved glass front windscreen offered good forward visibility for the operator.
The biggest disappointment was the two windscreen wipers, which meant debris could build up in the high-reach eyeline, whereas a singular design would give full operational coverage.
Users unfamiliar with the machine may also find the windscreen wiper button on/off layout frustrating, as the user is required to long hold the rocker switch until an audible beep sounds to indicate the wipers are turned off.
Like many manufacturers, Merlo has opted for a digital display indicating fuel levels and daily operating essentials. This provided a clear upfront display, but the size of many of the features could be an issue for operators who are hard of sight.
Joystick
The fixed joystick offered a user-friendly operating experience, and the rear-mounted toggle provided a quick selection of forward
and reverse functions. This was particularly useful when rapid loading spreaders, and when set to operator preference, this also linked well to the joystick autorevving function.
The left-hand mounted forward and reverse shuttle provided additional functionality for machine control if required. When loading muck spreaders in the field, the TF30.7 showed surprising capability in some challenging conditions, and the ability to manually select diff-lock
Fully retractable and locked into position, the cabin door made for easy access.
Control switches provide easy operation of lights, booms, suspension and auto-revving hydraulics.
The TF30.7 is fitted with 400/70-24 tyres as standard.
when needed was a welcome addition to the handler.
Cabin options
There are three cabin options: lowline, highline and a cab suspension variant. The test machine had the highline version, giving an overall height of 2,120mm. The fully retractable, locking split door gave good user accessibility and the ability to quickly exit the machine when on shorter vehicular movements.
Positioning of the steering column proved cumbersome between operators at times.
The TF30.7 offered a comfortable and refined operating environment.
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Likes and gripes
■ Hydraulic performance
■ Cab size
■ Visibility
■ Service access
■ Joystick control and layout
Although not on the test machine, future UK TF30.7 models will be able to be specified with a hydraulically operated rear hitch.
■ Wipers and wiped area
■ In-cab noise
■ Some switch functions
■ Range of electronic throttle settings
■ Limited lighting from road lights
BOOM AND HYDRAULICS
THIS three-tonne compact contender has a 6.7-metre lift height, which is ample for most applications with this machine.
Loading charts indicate the machine’s overall operating parameters, but when put to the test loading farmyard manure, the TF30.7 held its own when pushed to the extreme of those parameters.
Set up on auto-revving, boom movements had a purposeful feel, and the 100 litres/minute pump gave enough pushing capacity to drive into the field heaps comfortably.
Headlock
Merlo’s headstock with a singular locking pin remains part of the TF30.7, and from an operational point of view it provides good visibility compared to larger headstock designs.
The test machine was also specified with the manufacturer’s
attachment recognition system, which works through two interlocking magnets that are both on the attachment and handler headstock. The handler sensors recognise this and set the machine’s working parameters to suit the application.
However, prospective buyers would have to purchase compatible Merlo attachments to work with this system. Although, the system does not affect the machine’s operating performance with standard attachments, it just means handler configuration will remain in the operator’s control.
The rear of the TF30.7 was also fully equipped with a full assortment of hydraulic couplings and trailer brake points. Our test machine was fitted with a European-style fixed hitch, but following recent type approval, UK models will be available with a hydraulic rear hitch.
Merlo’s headstock remains the same as previous derivatives, with the test machine also featuring attachment recognition.
Both the diesel tank and adBlue tanks are mounted in front of the cabin.
LED work lights gave the TF30.7 ample all-round visibility.
The battery and isolator are accessible under the rear wheel arch.
The hydraulic oil level is visible through a wheel arch-mounted sight glass.
Machinery Cattle Handling Equipment
Using technology to gather more accurate data on cattle growth proves to be a positive move for one upland farmer. James Huyton takes a closer look.
Data-led decision-making with automated cattle weigher
Robbie Newlands’ upland unit, near the town of Forres, Moray, Scotland, covers 445 hectares.
Home to Mr Newlands and his wife Kirsty, Cluny Farm is a mixed farm with around
180 head of Simmental and Salers cows alongside 700 Mule ewes.
In addition, the farm grows in about 68ha of barley used as feed for the fattening enterprise.
Looking to make more data-led decisions on the farm’s finishing operation, Mr Newlands installed a model of Herd Advance’s automated precision performance monitor.
The Stockman is a weighing crate linked to the water trough which all cattle must pass through every time they want a drink, says Mr Newlands.
Using an electronic identification eartag system, cattle data is recorded as they enter the drinker. The entrance gate closes automatically flowing entry to the handling unit, to both ensure a second animal does not enter and also direct the first animal to the drafting unit.
While held, the system records the weight of each animal and its water
intake, while a thermal imaging camera records its temperature.
Cluny Farm uses the automated drafting system to place cattle into separate pens.
Mr Newlands can pre-set multiple drafting criteria based on weight, breed, sex, or age.
Criteria
For example, this could be as selective as pulling out breeding heifers at 14 months old on May 1, by presetting criteria on the smartphone app.
Mr Newlands says: “The older building where I fatten heifers is not ideally set up for handling equipment or a cattle race, but the Stockman was perfect for sitting in an otherwise unused part of the steading.
“It was just a case of diverting the water supply and attaching cattle hurdles to guide the stock to and from the crate.
“The heifers quickly adapted to going there for a drink and the change in their behaviour has been remarkably normal, considering we are asking an animal to walk into an enclosed unit.
“It is not unlike a crush which can instantly create higher stress levels, but they have become so used to the several-times-a-day process that we can stand by the Stockman now and they come and go without a second thought,” he adds.
The Stockman can also be set into training mode where the drinker is placed towards the entrance gate of the system.
At this stage cattle can access the drinker and drinking data is collected, but no weights are taken until the drinker is moved forwards into its final position.
Mr Newlands says: “Wherever possible, we look to reduce animal stress within our system, as it is well known that stress is one of the
Automated drafting allows Robbie Newlands to select cattle by customisable criteria, such as age, weight, breed and sex.
Robbie Newlands
Cattle Handling Equipment Machinery
The heifers quickly adapted to going there [the Stockman] for a drink and the change in their behaviour has been remarkably normal
ROBBIE NEWLANDS
biggest factors affecting retail beef tenderness, so the more that can be done to decrease any stress before the journey to the abattoir is a good thing.”
The Newlands’ send all their fat stock to ABP at Perth and before installing the Stockman Mr Newlands would select cattle ready for the abattoir by eye.
Mr Newlands says: “Kirsty used to have to work the gate for the ones I was picking out and it was a part of the job she really did not like; it was usually a bit of a rodeo and no doubt a risky job to do.”
The Herd Advance system allows Mr Newlands to outline selection criteria based on target weight through the company’s app around 24 hours before a lorry is due to collect.
As the heifers at the target weight come for a drink, they are automatically diverted to a holding pen instead of back to the main pen.
Mr Newlands says: “By the end of the day there might be 10 animals, at ideal weights ready to go, with
no handling or stress for the animals or the farmers.
“Not only does the Stockman eliminate the need for handling the beasts, but it also means that we are only sending them at accurate weights, which improves our profitability,” he adds.
Profits
Mr Newlands says every heifer that is 10kg heavier going to the abattoir could potentially increase profits by £5,000 over the course of the year.
He foresees other benefits that the system could bring to the management of the cattle and the wider business and when asked if he could see the advantages of using similar systems within the wider industry, he says: “There could be real advantages, such as cattle being fattened at grass, to
having something like this in the field that negates the need for gathering in or weighing.
“It would be such a time saver, which is something that every farmer could do with more of.
“To have more data on any kind of operation is good, whether it is fattening, store or breeding cattle, weights and feed efficiency which are hot topics just now.
“Efficiencies in the beef sector could be improved massively by using systems like this one.
“The more information you have, the more inclined you are to pick cattle at the right point and weights that the market is demanding.
“With temperature sensors now available for the Stockman too, a beast that is showing early signs of illness could be picked up straight away, potentially reducing antibiotic use in the sector, and animal
losses too. By it just going for a drink, the volume of valuable data that the Stockman is capable of gathering from each animal is staggering and it will allow farmers the opportunity to meet a multitude of market demands.”
The cloud-based portal is linked to the animal’s ID and passport information, data provided is real time but, Mr Newlands can look back at historical information and pick out individual cattle to look at performance data such as daily live weight gain.
Herd Advance has also given the Stockman system capacity to predict when an animal will be ready for slaughter.
Mr Newlands can specify finished weight and the system calculates when the animal will reach the target weight based on daily data collected.
Mr Newlands says the Stockman is perfect for sitting in an otherwise unused part of the steading.
Thermal imaging cameras monitor cattle temperature and record data sets to help pick out illnesses in the stock.
In training mode the Stockman water trough is positioned with access through the entrance gate. Drinking data is measured via a flow meter connected to the drinker.
GRASSLAND FARMER OF THE YEAR
JOHN BLACKETT MUNGEON FARM, CUMBRIA
XThis is the third category in the British Farming Awards that John Blackett and his family are finalists in.
John manages Mungeon Farm, spanning 200 hectares (494 acres) of lowland pasture in Cumbria, where he has transformed the operation into a cutting-edge example of grassland management.
The farm, previously operated under a Higher-Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement, emphasising sustainable and regenerative practices, with areas of the farm within the Lake District National Park (World Heritage Site). The farm also has a diversification on site which is run by John’s wife and daughter.
John uses his expertise to achieve exceptional yields and high nutritional quality from his pastures, which are primarily grazed by a herd of Belted Galloways.
These native cattle are integral to the farm’s strategy, helping to restore and maintain diverse habitats, while meeting the requirements of the stewardship scheme.
John has shifted from set stocking to a sophisticated rotational grazing system, allocating grass on a dry matter basis and moving cattle daily.
This approach has significantly improved grass growth, quality, and stock performance.
By implementing these advanced grazing techniques, he has enhanced the farm’s productivity and sustainability.
The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its diverse initiatives.
John uses drone technology for site mapping and monitoring, and conducts annual independent audits to track environmental progress.
Sustainable practices include controlled bracken management using helicopters, restoring natural hydrology, and introducing renewable energy sources such as heat pumps in new buildings.
Mungeon Farm also focuses on maintaining and enhancing biodiversity through practices such as grazing management, pond restoration and wood pasture creation.
These efforts contribute to the farm’s negative carbon footprint, demonstrating John’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality, nutrient-dense beef production.
John’s innovative approach to grassland management not only supports the farm’s ecological goals but also positions it as a model of efficiency and sustainability in modern agriculture.
His work exemplifies how advanced grassland management can lead to both environmental and economic success.
Sponsored by
ANDY GOODWIN D. & P. HOLLINSHEAD, CHESHIRE
XAndy Goodwin runs Dayhouse Green Farm in Cheshire, which spans 155 hectares (383 acres), including some rented land.
In 2020, Andy and his wife Katy took over the family farm after her father had an accident.
Over the first year, they modernised the farm, introduced a new herd, and invested in infrastructure such as water systems and tracks.
The farm operates with 300 autumn-calving cows, focusing on high-fat, high-protein milk for their contract with Joseph Heler.
Cows graze from March to mid-October on a 95% grass diet, thanks to meticulous grazing management, measuring and recording results through AgriNet.
In winter, cows are fed a simple diet of grass silage, maize and corn, in troughs with a pivot steer loader.
The Goodwins have achieved a 9% empty rate in their latest breeding season, thanks to in-house artificial insemination and careful planning.
Andy and Katy, along with two full-time staff and an apprentice, run the day-to-day operations.
The farm’s management fosters a positive working environment, investing in staff training and adjusting schedules to increase job satisfaction.
Soil health is a key focus at
Dayhouse Green Farm. The Goodwins have reduced ploughing, implemented cover cropping, and improved soil compaction management.
They also use soil testing for targeted nutrient application, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.
Their efforts have cut nitrogen usage by one-third without sacrificing grass growth.
To ensure sustainability and resilience against fluctuating milk prices, the farm follows a low-cost, grass-based system.
Investments in infrastructure extend the grazing season and reduce reliance on machinery.
The farm is also prepared for future energy efficiency upgrades, with plans to install solar panels.
Andy is committed to improving forage production, reducing waste in the herd and continuously enhancing soil health.
The farm also engages with the local community, hosting school visits to educate the public about sustainable farming practices.
Commenting on being a finalist at the awards, Andy said: “I have always been passionate about grassland farming and I feel privileged to be shortlisted and have the hard work and achievements of the team recognised by the British Farming Awards”.
John and Kath Blackett.
JAMES HERRICK HERRICK PARTNERSHIP, LEICESTERSHIRE
XJames Herrick owns 176 hectares (435 acres) at Folly Farm in Leicester, where the farm is undergoing a significant transition from a mixed livestock and arable system to a grassland-only focus.
This shift stems from an in-depth analysis of the farm’s enterprises, margins and machinery assets, coupled with the family’s passion for suckler cow farming.
A key aspect of this transformation is the transition from set stocking to rotational grazing, a change initiated by James’ father, Eddie.
This system, which involves daily moves based on dry matter allocation, has led to noticeable improvements in grass growth, quality, and livestock performance.
The farm is also shifting its cattle breed from British Blue cross British Friesian to Stabiliser cattle.
This change allows the family to regain control over breeding and align with their grazing system and goals of rearing and finishing cattle on grass.
Currently, the farm is 50% Stabiliser, with the Blue cross cattle being phased out.
Looking ahead, the Herricks plan to increase their herd to 250300 suckler cows, implementing a strategic breeding program with a focus on fertility.
Bulls will be run with large groups of cows for nine weeks, while heifers will have a six-week breeding window.
The farm’s spring calving block and high-health herd status are maintained with minimal reliance on vaccines and wormers.
James, who has progressively taken over the farm’s management, emphasises the importance of mindset in navigating the volatile agricultural markets.
He advocates for economic costing and scenario planning to strengthen the farm’s resilience.
James also sees potential in collaborating with local arable farmers to integrate livestock into their systems, especially under the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
To further enhance sustainability, Folly Farm is committed to reducing machinery usage and housing periods.
They are also participating in the AHDB’s Baselining pilot to measure soil carbon levels and create a personalised carbon audit and action plan.
Through these strategic changes, the Herrick family aims to create a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable farming business that can thrive in the face of industry challenges.
STUART JOHNSON
J.R.G.
JOHNSON, NORTHUMBERLAND
XWest Wharmley Farm, led by tenant farmer Stuart Johnson in Northumberland, spans 430 hectares (1,063 acres) and specialises in beef and lamb production.
The farm supports 300 cattle and 700 ewes, with a small amount of arable land for home use.
Over the past decade, Stuart, alongside his brother James and their parents, has transitioned the farm from a high-input system to a low-input, regenerative model, prioritising soil health and sustainable grassland management.
Central to the farm’s success is Stuart’s innovative approach to grassland management, which has significantly improved both yield and nutritional value.
Since 2012, the farm has adopted regenerative grazing practices, including mob grazing and adaptive multi-paddock systems.
These methods extend the grazing season, reduce the need for supplementary feed and enhance soil health by building organic matter and biological activity.
This has allowed the farm to drastically cut its use of synthetic inputs, such as fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides, while maintaining healthy, productive grasslands.
The farm’s shift to diverse seed mixes in temporary grass
leys – comprising 65% grass species, 20% herbs and 15% legumes – has improved soil fertility and lengthened the grazing season.
This approach has reduced the farm’s reliance on arable land from 73ha (180 acres) to 30ha (74 acres), decreasing the need for winter feed and straw.
Additionally, the farm has transitioned to a Stabiliser cattle herd, better suited to the low-input system and Innovis-bred sheep, which thrive on forage-based diets.
When made aware of being a finalist, Stuart said it was ‘a very nice surprise’ and although their farming techniques feel normal to the family, ‘in the terms of the wider farming community it probably seems quite different’.
Stuart is committed to creating a resilient farming system capable of withstanding climate change and fluctuating government policies.
His focus on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration positions the farm as a model for sustainable agriculture.
The farm is actively tracking its carbon footprint, aiming to demonstrate that it sequesters more carbon than it emits.
Looking ahead, Stuart is planning to simplify farm operations, ensuring that each enterprise is profitable and sustainable.
Livestock
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856
Winners of the breed championships battled it out before the panel of judges at this year’s Dairy Show, at the Bath and West Showground, Somerset, with the final judging coming down to a nail-biting finish. Ellie Layton reports.
Dairy Show tie-breaker sees Holstein take inter-breed win
l National Jersey Show champion in reserve
AFTER the original round of judging by the panel of six breed judges for the overall championship at this year’s Dairy Show, the Holstein and Jersey winners were tied on 46 points.
However, after looking at the number of 10s that each scored, it was the Holstein, Richaven Byway Kay, owned jointly by Richard Brown and Mike Potter, which just edged it to take the win.
The cow resides with the Richaven herd, Upton-uponSevern, Worcester, and is part of the 80-cow herd. This was the first time in 15 years that Richaven cows have been at the Dairy Show.
Fourth calver
Classified at EX95, the November 2018-born fourth calver is an Oh-River-Syc Byway daughter, which calved down in March and is back in calf to Delta Lambda again. It was shown giving 50kg.
Taking the overall reserve interbreed ticket was the winner of the National Jersey Show judging,
CALF SHOW
THE calf show, which is held on the eve of the main cattle show echoed the results of the overall inter-breed judging with the Holstein standing champion and Jersey reserve.
The champion was Eastnook Detective Gem 2, bred and exhibited by Eastnook Holsteins. This Blondin Detective daughter was one of
Rivermead Casino Ceres, which took the inter-breed heifer title before claiming reserve overall for the Davis family, Tiverton.
The home-bred January 2022born heifer is an Elliots Regency Casino daughter out of Rivermead Rufus Ceres, which itself was reserve champion at the 2022 Jersey National Show.
This VG86 classified heifer has had a successful year placing fourth at UK Dairy Day, reserve breed champion at Royal Cornwall Show, champion Jersey at Devon County Show and reserve Jersey champion at Honiton Show.
the youngest calves across the competition, born at the end of January this year.
Reserve went to Mydrim Chocochip Ceres, from James Evans, Carmarthen.
This July 2023-born calf was the youngest in its class.
It is by Avonlea Chocochip JNSF and is out of the show cow, Mydrim Tequilas Ceres.
Back in the Holstein ring, the reserve went to another from the Richaven stable, from Richard Brown. Richaven Jordy Stocking won its junior cow class after calving down at the start of September and was shown giving 46kg.
This April 2021-born cow is a Cycle Mcgucci Jordy Red daughter and is classified VG85.
The Holstein heifer champion, Wowcow Lambda Roza, from Ben Yates, Shepton Mallet, took the reserve inter-breed heifer champion title. This July 2022-born heifer is a daughter of Topfarm Euclid Roza.
Standing reserve in the Jerseys
was Glanmor Matt Iowa from the Warren family, Penzance.
The intermediate cow is a July 2017-born daughter of Wilsonview If Matt.
Les and Tracy Rockett, Devon, took the champion title in the any other breed section, with their Friesian.
Carmarthenshire judge, Iwan Thomas, said he was looking for a structurally sound cow which would perform in a commercial system.
His winner was Greenway Bombardier Billie, which took the reserve title at last year’s show.
The Aintree Bombardier daughter was second at the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show in 2021.
Greenway Jackpot Liv Reserve Friesian was Greenway Jackpot Liv from Sam Owen, Okehampton. This one was bred by Les and Tracy Rockett and is by Nerewater Jackpot.
The Dairy Shorthorn championship was awarded to the junior cow, Brimclose Jean 9 from David and Sarah Slade, Devon. Second at last year’s show, this Bushmills Jazz daughter scored 44 points
Inter-breed and Holstein champion, Richaven Byway Kay, owned jointly by Richard Brown and Mike Potter.
Reserve inter-breed and National Jersey Show champion, Rivermead Casino Ceres, from the Davis family, Tiverton.
Rockett, Devon.
in the inter-breed judging to be placed third overall.
Reserve Dairy Shorthorn was second placed junior cow, Churchroyd Nicola 34, which was first in its class at last year’s show.
Bred and exhibited by the Collins family, Yorkshire, this March 2021-born cow is a daughter of home-bred sire, Churchroyd Koala.
Ayrshire judge, Linda Batty, Derby, chose Wroughton Mayflower 2 as her champion, coming from regular exhibitor, Mike Windel, Swindon. This cow is part
of Mr Windel’s 185-cow Ayrshire herd and was one of his three exhibits, all receiving a red ticket.
The EX92 classified intermediate cow is sired by Wroughton Lord Winston and is producing 36kg daily.
Reserve
Reserve was awarded to Robert Cornish and family, Tiverton, with Butterbesley Pearly Marigol, an August 2020-born junior cow sired by Butterbesley Pearly King.
The junior cow in milk, Trewarnevas Curley Amanda, a
Dairy Show Livestock
Briddlesford Harebells Victor daughter from P. Bottom, Truro, took the championship ticket in the Guernsey judging. This follows its success at UK Dairy Day in
Results
Inter-breed (panel of judges) Supreme, R. Brown and M. Potter, Richaven Byway Kay (Holstein); reserve, Davis family, Rivermead Casino Ceres (Jersey).
Jersey (S. Borland, Canada) Sup., Davis family, Rivermead Casino Ceres; res., Warren family, Glanmor Matt Iowa.
Holstein (J. Doherty, Shropshire) Sup., R. Brown and M. Potter, Richaven Byway Kay; res., R. Brown, Richaven Jordy Stocking. Dairy Shorthorn (D. Madeley, Shropshire)
September, where it was awarded honourable mention. The 2018born Glanmor Levi Okapi, a third calver from Michael Dawes, Banbury, took the reserve spot.
Sup., D. and S. Salde, Brimclose Jean 9; res., Collins family, Churchroyd Nicola 34. Ayrshire (L. Batty, Derby) Sup., M. Windel, Wroughton Mayflower 2; res., R. Cornish, Butterbesley Pearly Marigol. Guernsey (L. Batty) Sup., P. Bottom, Trewarnevas Curley Amanda; res., M. Dawes, Glanmor Levi Okapi.
Any other breed (I. Thomas, Carmarthen) Sup., L. Rockett and T. Marshall, Greenway Bombardier Billie Jean (British Friesian); res., S. Owen, Greenway Jackpot Liv (British Friesian).
P. Bottom, Truro.
Any other breed champion, a Friesian, Greenway Bombadier Billie, from Les and Tracy
Ayrshire champion, Wroughton Mayflower 2, from Mike Windel, Swindon.
Dairy Shorthorn champion, Brimclose Jean 9, from David and Sarah Slade, Devon.
Guernsey champion, Trewarnevas Curley Amanda, from
MORE INFORMATION
See View from the Rostrum on p38, which this week features Darlington’s Stephen Dodsworth.
There was a buzz among exhibitors at the inaugural North East Live event, a new primestock show held at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. Katie Fallon reports.
Black Velvet crowned first North East Live champion
● Limousin cross heifer takes reserve
CLAIMING the overall beef championship at the first North East Live event was the partnership of Beth Wilkinson and Gareth Small, Leyburn, with their heifer champion, Black Velvet.
The May 2023-born Limousin cross heifer was purchased by the pair at Leyburn Auction Mart last autumn, from D. Alderson, East Cowton, and it crossed the weighbridge at 693kg. By Huntershall Odyssey, the heifer also won the champion commercial title at this year’s Wensleydale Show and will be heading to Borderway Agri Expo and LiveScot next.
Standing reserve was the reserve
heifer champion All Eyes On Me, a Limousin cross heifer from Alistair, Elizabeth and Amy Vance, Newton Stewart. Purchased last year from Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart, the April 2023-born heifer by Cloughead Nepolion weighed in at 673kg and resides with the family’s 100-head herd of commercial cattle. Having placed first in its class at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, it heads to Borderway Agri Expo and LiveScot next.
The judge, James Nisbet, Ayrshire, said both his champion and reserve had ‘lovely lines about them and were correct on their legs with lovely confirmation’.
He added: “They showed themselves off, were well behaved and well presented.”
Taking top honours in the baby beef section was John Smith Jackson, Haltwhistle, with Black Pearl, a Limousin cross heifer weighing in at 254kg. By a home-bred stock bull Hightown Jacko, which has bred three consecutive champions at the spring show and sale of continental cross suckled calves at Carlisle, the heifer will be available for purchase next spring.
Standing reserve was a 360kg Limousin cross heifer, Bella, from Tecwyn Jones, Anglesey. The Februaryborn heifer is by a home-bred sire, Seisog Rio, which was male Limousin champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2022 and sold for 14,000gns at Carlisle last year.
Weighing in at 699kg, the Carradale Neptune son was commercial and reserve inter-breed champion at this year’s Otley Show, commercial steer champion at the Great Yorkshire Show and commercial and inter-breed champion at Kilnsey Show. Standing reserve was Fireball, a Limousin cross steer from Hannah Donaldson, York. Purchased from the Huck family, Austwick, out of Pateley Bridge Auction Mart show potential sale last March, it crossed the weighbridge at 596kg.
Pedigree calves
Reserve overall and butchers lambs champions, a pair of Beltex-sired
It was a home-bred Charolais cross steer named Shakem Up’arry from Jennifer Hyslop, Settle, which snatched the champion steer sash.
In the pedigree calf sections, it was another from Ms Wilkinson which took home the champion sash – an eight-month-old home-bred Limousin heifer, Epik Valkyrie, by Huntershall Rosco. In reserve was Mr Smith Jack-
Overall sheep and continental champions, a pair of Beltex-sired
Overall beef and heifer champion, Black Velvet, a Limousin cross heifer, from Beth Wilkinson and Gareth Small, Leyburn.
Reserve overall beef and reserve heifer champion, All Eyes On Me, a Limousin cross heifer, from Alistair, Elizabeth and Amy Vance, Newton Stewart.
lambs, from the Hall family, Penrith.
lambs, from Robert Garth and Sarah Priestley and family, Bentham.
Livestock
son, with a January 2024-born bull, Hightown Vigil, by Pabo Randy.
In the sheep rings, it was the continental champions Robert Garth and Sarah Priestley and family, Bentham, who claimed the overall sheep championship, with a pair of Beltex-sired lambs by a Kingledores tup. Only their first outing and weighing in at 40kg each, they will be heading to Borderway Agri Expo next.
Standing reserve were the champion butchers lambs from the Hall family, Penrith, with a pair of 43.5kg Beltex-sired lambs. Shown by Jonny Aitken and April Skelton, the lambs were sired by a Beltex tup the family purchased out of Carlisle last year, from Sue and Jeff Wilkinson’s Langlands flock, Newsham.
The reserve continental lambs were a pair of Texel-sired lambs, also from Mr Garth and Ms Priestley. The lambs, by Ayrtons Gyspy King, weighed in at 43.5kg and were out of Beltex cross
Results
Beef
Inter-breed (Judge, J. Nisbet, Ayrshire)
Supreme and female, B. Wilkinson and G. Small, Black Velvet (Limousin cross); reserve and res. fem., A. and E. Vance, All Eyes On Me (Limousin cross); male, J. Hyslop, Shakem Up’arry (Charolais cross); res. male, H. Donaldson, Fireball (Limousin cross). Baby beef (C. Howells, Carmarthenshire) Sup., J.W. Smith Jackson, Black Pearl (Limousin cross); res., T. Jones, Bella (Limousin cross).
Pedigree calf (C. Howells) Sup., B. Wilkinson,
ewes bought from Paul Slater’s Whiteley Hey Flock, Macclesfield.
The Hall family also stood reserve in the butchers lambs section with another pair of Beltex lambs sired by a BorderEsk tup from Anne and Rachael Story’s flock, Carlisle. Out of home-bred commercial ewes, the lambs crossed the weighbridge at 50.5kg.
Taking home the champion sash in the native section was Harry Askwith, Crook, with a pair of Suffolk cross Texel lambs weighing in at 42kg. It was the first time out for the homebred lambs, which reside with Mr Askwith’s flock of 300 commercial ewes.
Philip Elliot, Keswick, stood reserve with a pair of North of England Mule ewe lambs. Crossing the weighbridge at 60kg, the lambs were part of the champion pen of Mule gimmer lambs which Mr Elliot purchased last month at Barnard Castle Auction Mart, and were bred by the Bainbridge family, Barningham.
Inter-breed (S. Sutherland, Thurso) Sup. and continental, R. Garth and S. Priestley (Beltex); res. and butchers lambs, Hall family (Beltex). Native (S. Sutherland) Sup., H. Askwith (Suffolk cross); res., P. Elliot (North of England Mule). Continental (S. Sutherland) Sup., R. Garth and S. Priestley (Beltex); res., R. Garth and S. Priestley (Texel). Butchers lambs (S. Sutherland) Sup. and res., Hall family (Beltex).
Baby beef champion, Black Pearl, a Limousin cross heifer, from John Smith Jackson, Haltwhistle.
Champion steer, Shakem Up’arry, a home-bred Charolais cross steer, from Jennifer Hyslop, Settle.
Bigger swards to hold rainfall, improved grass establishment after reseeds and reduced nutrient leaching are the benefits of applying a prescription fertiliser to an organic farm for the first time in over a decade. Farmers Guardian reports.
Organic farm benefits from prescription fertiliser addition
Welsh organic farmer
Keri Davies is on a mission to leave his farm and the environment that surrounds it in a better condition for the next generation.
Since he turned to organic farming 15 years ago, Mr Davies has been
sharing knowledge and trialling new practices to increase efficiency across every operation.
The farm at Crai, South Wales, has 500 ewes with 30 suckler cows and has diversified with holiday lets and renewable energy.
One of the primary aims, and a shared goal with other local farmers in
the area, is to reduce nutrient and water run-off from land that could directly impact the local watercourses.
Mr Davies says the efforts of the group have contributed to this part of the River Crai having the highest salmon numbers across the whole catchment area.
However, soil nutrient retention and the ability to hold large amounts of rainfall on the farm, are still major priorities.
Rainfall
He says: “The farm sits 290 metres above sea level, with land running into the River Crai, a tributary to the River Usk, and our annual rainfall is 2,280mm, which presents specific challenges.
“We must maintain a productive growing environment and increase nutrient sustainability, while supporting nature in everything we do.
“We have learned that by farming more effectively, we can achieve all these things.”
Mr Davies is part of the Welsh Gov-
ernment’s Farming Connect group, which supports knowledge transfer and peer-to-peer learning across the country.
He is also one of the six members of the Brecons Water Group, set up in collaboration with Welsh Water, to address nutrient leaching and find ways to prevent it.
Mr Davies says this is influencing decision-making on the farm.
He adds: “Data is key and it allows us to manage the land effectively and influence change in the right areas.
“We want to create bigger green multispecies swards and maintain covers on the fields.
“This will help us become more sustainable with nutrient use and ensure we can hold nutrients and water on the farm during heavy rain.”
As part of the involvement in the water group, the farmers involved accessed a 90% funding package through Farming Connect for soil analysis, with each farmer testing 15 fields for an in-depth assessment of soil nutrient levels.
Keri Davies’ organic farm at Crai, South Wales, has 30 suckler cows and 500 ewes.
From left: Guillaume Franklin, of Origin Fertilisers, and Keri Davies.
sustained release of phosphate for up to three years.
Our primary aim is to farm more efficiently and if applying organic prescription fertiliser can help achieve this, then I am interested
KERI DAVIES
Mr Davies explains why this was important: “As an organic farmer, I have not embraced any fertilisers, apart from organic manures and lime to address pH imbalances, but I needed to be sure I was not missing something.
“Our primary aim is to farm more efficiently and if applying organic prescription fertiliser can help achieve this, then I am interested.”
Based on the soil data and Mr Davies’ aims, Guillaume Franklin, of Origin Fertilisers, broke down the results and produced recommendations to account for the deficiencies.
One suggestion was applying an organic phosphate called Gafsa Biophos, which offers immediate and
Mr Franklin says: “Phosphate leaching is a big problem in the autumn, so if we can hold more phosphates on the farm, they are in the right place to influence plant growth.
“This is a key driver behind using Gafsa as it helps the swards quickly establish and build the root mass to support defoliation from grazing.
“This root mass then helps to improve soil structure and build covers back quickly.
“The high grade humic and fulvic organic acids in the product also stimulate the release of plant-available phosphate.”
Productivity
Mr Davies regularly reseeds his grassland to maintain productivity and has recently been using Western Seeds’ red clover Magnum ley.
This year, the swards received an application of the phosphate product at 75kg/hectare and polysulphate at 50kg/ha following establishment, which translated into a £2.40/ha (£1/acre) investment in new nutrition sources.
Explaining how the grass responded, Mr Davies says: “We saw an instant impact from the organic prescription fertiliser.
“Grass growth across the first 21 days was significantly improved, which meant soils were covered quicker and more of the nutrition
stayed on the farm. Our silage stocks are at a level where we can increase stocking numbers and the clover is as tall as I have ever seen it.
“The slower release polysulphate also contributed to raising our nitrogen-use efficiency.
“By improving the swards and generating quicker establishment, we can rely on our home-grown forage more, make better use of the nitrogen fixed by clover and reduce bought-in feed to improve farm sustainability.”
Field applications at Mr Davies’ farm are now driven by data provided by a partnership with Gelli Aur College Farm.
The six farmers are using the Tywydd Tywi weather app, which collates data from four weather stations in the area to influence application
timings of fertiliser and organic manures. The aim is to reduce leaching by only applying products when the soil and the crops can use it, making better use of the nutrition.
All applications are logged in the app, with exact date and timings and the opensource software allows the farmers to benchmark against each other to improve future applications. This joined-up approach means they will have more data to inform decisions.
Mr Davies adds: “We need to be managing farms with the weather.
“Instead of closed application periods, which are very binary, we want to encourage farmers to use the data to influence applications and therefore farm with the environment and not be tied by the legislation.”
Barley is grown with a companion crop of peas
SULPHUR AND PEAS
KERI Davies has grown three hectares (7.4 acres) of barley for crimping which was under-sown with a companion crop of peas to provide an immediate source of nitrogen.
This meant the early application of phosphate and polysulphate proved beneficial.
Guillaume Franklin says: “There was a synergy created as the nitrogen being fixed in soil by the peas was made more accessible to
the barley through the increased sulphur content. Without sulphur, nitrogen use efficiency is reduced and therefore limits the crops’ ability to access the nitrogen.
“Polysulphate provides the immediate and sustained release required for consistent delivery of nitrogen.
“As an organic farm, maximising soil nitrogen is essential for crop production and the additional nutrition has improved this.”
The farmers from the Brecons Water Group use the Tywydd Tywi weather app, which collects data from weather stations in the area.
Test plots at Keri Davies’ farm help provide the data which influences decision-making.
Clover in the sward has benefited from the prescription fertiliser.
GrassCheckGB is a collaboration between The UK Agri-Tech Centre, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Rothamsted Research, AHDB, Hybu Cig Cymru, Germinal, Handley Enterprises, Sciantec Analytical, Yara, Pilgrim’s UK and Quality Meat Scotland. Regular updates will appear in Farmers Guardian.
Edited by Katie Jones
Breeding & Calves Special
A focus on efficiencies when growing and finishing cattle, as well as a look at calf and whole-herd health.
82 JOHNE’S CERTIFICATION
New cattle standards introduced
84 PRECISION DATA
Helping to reduce days to slaughter
86 PREVENTION FOCUS
Keeping calf diseases at bay
Tackling rise in navel infections
Navel infections are a common issue in calves and, globally, 25-30% will have a navel infection early in life. One vet practice in the north of England and the Scottish borders has seen a rise in cases this year due to heavy rainfall, especially in those born and raised indoors.
Veterinary surgeon Nick Biggers, of Cheviot Vets, says: “Due to heavy rainfall, stock has been housed for longer than normal, with infection burden in sheds unavoidably increasing.”
He explains that good hygiene and management are essential to help prevent navel infections, and maintaining clean deep straw bedding and providing dry lying spaces are key.
Ensuring that calves have three litres of colostrum within the first few hours of life is also important, as receiving antibodies across the gut wall gives them the early passive immunity against common environmental pathogens they may encounter. If this transfer does not happen then navel problems rise dramatically.
Mr Biggers says: “A number of our clients perform outdoor calving with hill breeds and find that no treatment is necessary, further adding to the understanding that issues are more common when [animals are] housed.”
Despite being a topical antibiotic, blue spray, which is sometimes used to disinfect navels, is water-based, which Mr Biggers says is of very little use if the navel remains wet or is licked.
He adds: “It also has no drying effect and so the navel is wet for a prolonged period. Iodine is often used as it has a good drying effect, however the sticking ability is not as effective and so we have a number of clients who dilute the iodine with surgical spirit in a 60:40 ratio to combine sticking ability with drying effect.
“Unfortunately, we cannot remove the maternal drive to lick the navel and, so often, with particularly attentive mothers, the iodine spirit is licked off before it can have its desired effect, which means it has to be reapplied.”
Dipping
He advises dipping the navel, rather than spraying it, explaining that dipping, to include the abdominal wall, will ensure that the navel is covered in its entirety and dries as quickly as possible. Spraying, if not complete, can leave part of the navel untreated and therefore increase infection potential.
“Due to the widespread spirit and iodine availability issues during 2024, we have been using a new navel dip solution, which rapidly sets to become a
long-lasting waterproof barrier to protect against bacteria in the environment. It improves drying and sticking performance and has a bitter taste to stop dams licking at the navel once treated.”
And, Mr Biggers says that if required, treatment for navel and joint infections involves antimicrobial therapy and pain relief.
“This helps to target infection and ensure that, where possible, we can encourage movement and feeding, helping to keep joints mobile and prevent dehydration occurring secondary
to the infection. In serious cases, intravenous fluid therapy to correct hydration may be necessary.
“In farms with high instances of navel infections, we can submit samples from infected joints or from calves that have died of navel and joint issues to SAC laboratories for testing.
“This allows for culture and sensitivity testing, helping us to ensure we use the most effective and appropriate antibiotic therapy for the particular cause of the infection seen on any given farm,” adds Mr Biggers.
Good hygiene and management are essential to help prevent navel infections.
Breeding & Calves New risk level to Johne’s disease certification for cattle
The new standard being introduced by Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHECS) will see cattle classed as low risk for Johne’s disease and able to receive a star rating from October 1 – Risk Level 1* (RL1*).
Herds which have already achieved an RL1 status will automatically qualify for RL1* status following a subsequent whole-herd annual blood test with entirely negative results. RL1 herds containing animals that have a blood-positive test for Johne’s, which are subsequently faecal negative, will not qualify for RL1* status.
RL1* status will also be accompanied by the number of consecutive years in brackets that herd has held the RL1 status. So, for a herd which has had no animal testing blood positive for four years, its classification will be RL1 (four years).
Tim Brigstocke, CHECS executive director, says: “Control of Johne’s disease is of crucial importance to animal health and welfare, farm efficiency and sustainability.”
It is also increasingly important to customers and consumers.
He says: “We cannot ignore the effect it has on the long-term viability of our herds and their environmental impact. Ultimately, infected herds will be less efficient, with animals that do not thrive, increasing the carbon footprint of the milk or beef produced.”
According to CHECS’ most up-todate figures, there are just more than 6,000 herds signed up to the Johne’s
Disease Risk Level Certification Programme across the UK and Ireland over the various CHECS-accredited cattle health schemes.
Most of these are Scottish (2,717) and English (2,456) herds, with 80% being beef and 20% dairy herds.
Mr Brigstocke says: “Three-quarters of beef herds involved are pedigree herds, although an increasing number of commercial herds are seeing the value in joining the programme. Many additional dairy herds also carry out quarterly individual cow milk antibody testing to assess Johne’s disease status and guide herd management.”
While Johne’s control is not a straightforward process, he says it is one in which data plays a huge part.
He says: “The programmes are playing a part in reducing prevalence and spread of the disease. Although infection with MAP, the cause of Johne’s disease, remains endemic in many herds, prevalence has been significantly reduced.
“In commercial herds, this means
better levels of productivity – and therefore efficiency and profitability – and reduced environmental impact. In pedigree herds, as well as these benefits, it means a larger pool of lower risk animals to be sold or retained as breeding stock.”
The recommendation to add this additional risk level classification status was made by the CHECS Technical Advisory Group (TAG), following the universal agreement of the proposal by every member of the group.
Keith Cutler, veterinary director of CHECS and chair of TAG, says: “It is highly likely, due to the high specificity of the serological tests used, that animals which test blood-positive are infected with mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis [MAP], the cause of Johne’s disease.
High-risk strategy
“Faecal testing remains relevant to try to define whether an animal with a positive blood test is shedding MAP in its faeces and to guide the management of that animal
within the herd. But retaining this animal in a herd, irrespective of a negative faecal test result, is a highrisk strategy.”
Opportunity
In order to give all herds the opportunity to carry out testing to achieve the star, while making sure there is no advantage by being able to publish this before others have reached their testing date, participants in the scheme whose herd test results show no seropositive animals for the year starting October 1, 2024, will be able to use these results to count towards RL1* accreditation.
However, that RL1* herd status will not be published on certificates and pen cards until October 1, 2025. Those interested in finding out more or signing up to the scheme are advised to speak with their regular vet in the first instance, with more information about all of the current CHECS-accredited cattle health schemes available on the CHECS website.
Control of Johne’s disease is of crucial importance to animal health and welfare, farm efficiency and sustainability, says Tim Brigstocke.
HELPING END THE NIGHTMARE OF CALF SCOUR FOR A FAIRYTALE START
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Fifth-generation farmer Ian Pinhey farms 121 hectares (300 acres) at Upcott Farm, Chulmleigh, in Devon, alongside his parents, wife Debbie and their five children. They run a mixed enterprise supplying freerange chickens to Hook 2 Sisters and finishing 300 British Blue cross dairy calves annually.
Cattle are now weighed every six weeks, with clear targets established for each stage of the production cycle to mirror the philosophy of the broiler enterprise.
As a result of meticulous data management, good nutrition and improved early-life growth, age at slaughter has been lowered from 24 months to 19 months. Heifers and steers are fed the same, and average 355kg deadweight at R3 and a kill-out of 53%.
Calves are all sourced from one dairy business in northwest Devon and arrive in batches of 80, with 500 animals on-farm at a time.
On arrival, calves are given an electrolyte straight off the lorry.
Hydration
Mrs Pinhey says: “One thing we have learnt more recently is that hydration is key. Calves that are not feeling 100% often have reduced feed and water intakes, which exacerbates any potential issues. So, we now use an electrolyte during any times of stress.”
They start with six litres of milk (mixed at 135g/litre), to mimic the feeding levels on the dairy unit, but this is increased to seven litres, where it is held until 42 days when milk is gradually reduced over the next two weeks.
Data from automatic feeders allows them to pick up on health problems sooner compared to when they fed calves on buckets.
Mr Pinhey adds: “We can track drinking speed, and if it drops to less than 70%, we give calves pain relief because eight out of 10 times they are getting sick.”
Calves are weaned at 56 days once they are eating at least 2kg of an 18% crude protein nut. They are then al-
Devonshire farmer Ian Pinhey is applying the precision data management acquired from his broiler unit to his beef finishing enterprise to lower days to slaughter. Farmers Guardian reports.
Finisher uses data to lower days to slaughter
lowed 3kg post-weaning, which is provided alongside ad-lib straw.
At weaning they will stay in the same group and move into the opposite side of the shed into one of four straw-bedded pens.
A total mixed ration (TMR) is introduced at 10 weeks to give calves ‘a little taste’. This is gradually increased and the concentrate is pulled back over the next few months until calves are on a full TMR growing ration comprising 14.2% protein by five months of age.
The Pinheys’ feed adviser, Jake Chisholm, ruminant feed specialist for Harpers Feeds, says: “We make sure there is always ad-lib straw provided to achieve that scratch factor. The rumen
is a massive vessel, it is constantly contracting and turning, and straw is springy and opens it up to improve rumen capacity.”
Once calves tip the scales at 200230kg, they move to a growing shed and stay there until they reach 470kg liveweight. Then they move to the finishing shed and are fed a 13.2% protein diet.
All three rations use home-grown maize and grass silage as the main ingredients, with oilseed rape, soya, barley straw, rolled wheat and crimped, home-treated oats or barley added.
Performance
A self-confessed data geek, Mr Pinhey regularly tracks performance. Calves are only weighed twice – when they enter and leave the rearing shed – to reduce stress, but older animals are then weighed every six weeks.
“I love data. Without data, you are stabbing in the dark, and you cannot make meaningful decisions,” says Mr Pinhey.
“When the calves arrive, I load their projected growth curve for the rest of their life and we can see how they are performing compared to the targets.”
Recently, the Pinheys have been trialling feeding cattle an ad-lib feed in the form of a 16% beef finisher molasses mix once they hit 500kg.
The last group finished on TMR ate one tonne of cereal per animal while at the unit, whereas to date, the group fed ad-lib cereal has eaten 750kg of cereal.
■ 38,000 free-range broilers averaging five crops per year
■ 300-310 British Blue heifers and steers finished annually
■ Cattle sold to Dunbia, Hatherleigh Farm facts
Mr Chisholm says: “We decided to use the blend on a 60- to 90-day policy to get them finished faster.”
And Mr Pinhey says it looks like the cattle could end up eating less cereal because they are going to finish quicker.
The results will dictate what they feed finished cattle moving forward.
Ensuring adequate throughput has been a key driver for lowering days to slaughter to 18 months, adds Mr Pinhey.
Overall, cattle are achieving 1.1kg daily liveweight gain (DLWG) from arrival until finishing, with mortality running at 3.5% in total.
But Mr Pinhey wants to reduce mortality to less than 2% and push the pedal further by increasing DLWG so they can lower the slaughter age to 18 months while lifting deadweight to 375kg.
“As we have reduced the finished age, we have sacrificed weight a little bit, losing about 25kg. But the last group averaged 365kg, so it is moving in the right direction,” he adds.
Age at slaughter has been lowered from 24 months to 19 months at Upcott Farm.
From left: Jake Chisholm with Ian and Debbie Pinhey.
Dr. Laura Tennant
Breeding & Calves=
A focus on the careful sourcing of calves, while working closely with the farm vet, has helped the Wilkinson family adopt a preventative approach to their calf rearing system. Katie Fallon reports.
Preventative calf health key to finishing system success
Aprogressive and preventative approach to calf health is the focus for Amy Wilkinson (Farmers Guardian’s In
Your Field writer), who farms together with her dad, David, and mum, Lindsey, at White Otter Farm on the outskirts of Southport, Lancashire. Alongside running 283 hectares
Amy Wilkinson says preventative health is her ‘big thing’.
(700 acres) of tenanted arable land comprising a rotation of wheat, barley, beans, maize and oilseed rape, and 20ha (50 acres) of grassland, the family rears in the region of 500 dairy cross beef calves and finishes more than 300 head of cattle each year.
Miss Wilkinson says all calves are sourced from three local dairy farms to keep disease risk to a minimum, with mixed batches of 20 heifer and bull calves collected every two weeks. Calves are collected between two and six weeks of age, with a target finishing age of 18 to 24 months.
Local farms
Miss Wilkinson says: “We prefer sourcing from the same local farms rather than buying in livestock markets as we know what we are getting. And it works because some farms like to get rid of their calves at six weeks and some at two weeks.”
In previous years, around half of the calves the family reared were black and white bulls, but since the rise of sexed semen within the dairy industry, most calves are now Holstein cross British Blue or Aberdeen-Angus.
Miss Wilkinson adds: “We will take
whatever breed the farms want to use and I think that is why it works so well.”
Since returning home to farm in 2018 after studying at Myerscough College, Miss Wilkinson has been focused on improving the calf rearing system, with preventative calf health a key priority. She has also been proactive in working with the farm vet to create a calf health plan with prevention at its core.
Consequently, all calves are given an intranasal pneumonia vaccination on arrival and are drenched for coccidiosis a week later. The calves are then vaccinated again for pneumonia at four to five months of age.
“We found that this age of four to five months was sometimes a problem area, so giving them the injectable lasts a lot longer,” says Miss Wilkinson. She adds working more closely with their farm vet and creating a calf health plan has been one of the biggest improvements to the system.
“Preventative health is my big thing,” she says.
As well as a greater focus on calf health, advances have also been made in the form of technology, with the family now using an automated calf
All calves are given an intranasal pneumonia vaccination on arrival and are drenched for coccidiosis a week later.
Farm facts
■ 500 dairy cross beef calves reared each year
■ Finishing more than 300 cattle each year into Morrisons, a local butcher’s shop and private sales
■ 283 hectares (700 acres) of arable land, including a rotation of wheat, barley, maize, beans and oilseed rape
■ Calves sourced from three local dairy farms in batches of 20
■ Calves fed via an automated milk machine alongside ad-lib 18% protein grower nuts
■ All calves are given an intranasal pneumonia vaccine on arrival and drenched for coccidiosis a week later
feeder. Previously, all calves were bucket-reared, before switching to an automated machine a couple of years ago after the first calf rearing grant was launched.
When calves arrive on-farm, the machine formulates a feeding plan for each calf, following a gradual weaning curve and giving calves up to six litres of milk per day at the peak of the feeding plan.
Miss Wilkinson says: “You have to put every calf onto the machine at first, but most get it straight away with a handful of calves taking a couple of days to get the hang of it.”
Milk powder
Calves arriving at two weeks old will receive around 800g of milk powder per day, equating to a bag of milk powder per calf until weaning.
Shine Heifer Start milk powder from Bonanza Calf Nutrition is fed to all calves, which also forms part of Miss Wilkinson’s approach to preventative calf health.
She adds the milk power formulation promotes a good gut microbiome
The latest batch of calves on the milk feeders at two to eight weeks old.
NEWCLAIM
Breeding & Calves=
and helps to protect calves from diseases such as coccidiosis.
“We do not have issues with coccidiosis but when we are buying in from multiple places it is better to have a preventative approach.”
From day one, calves have unlimited access to 18% protein grower nuts, alongside home-grown haylage.
Miss Wilkinson says: “We use barley straw for bedding, but feel haylage offers something else within the diet.”
As well as creating a feeding plan tailored to each calf, the automated calf feeder also disinfects teats after each feed, which Miss Wilkinson believes has helped improve calf performance.
Calves are also now kept in larger groups of 20 since transitioning to the automated machine, which Miss Wilkinson says has also had a positive effect on calf performance.
“They seem a lot happier now. You might get a few issues when they first arrive as they are mixing, but they are at an age where we are keeping on top of them and checking on them all the time.”
Calves are weaned at eight weeks of age, when they are moved into a larger
pen and transitioned onto a diet of grower nuts and haylage. At four to five months, the calves are then moved onto a grower ration, with each group getting around 300kg per day through the trough.
Grower ration
Miss Wilkinson says the grower ration is made up of home-grown maize, haylage, wholecrop and a source of protein, which is currently in the form of brewers grains, although homegrown beans are mostly used.
You have to put every calf onto the [automated] machine at first, but most get it straight away with a handful of calves taking a couple of days to get the hang of it
AMY WILKINSON
All calves are dehorned a few weeks after arriving on-farm, with bull calves castrated at three to four months of age during the winter months.
“We do not do any castrating through summer as we keep a couple of Aberdeen-Angus bulls to sell at 14 months old.”
Calves are kept on a grower ration until they go onto the marsh at 12 to 15 months of age. Grazing the local marshland including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds-owned marshland at Southport is an important part of the system at White Otter Farm, with the family grazing 250 cattle on the marshes between May and October each year.
Advances have been made in the form
“We are surrounded by arable land, so the marsh is an important part of our system as there is nowhere else to graze,” says Miss Wilkinson.
“Collectively there are around 800 cows turned out onto the marshes each year. It is all wild grassland in saltwater which means we do not have to worm the cattle due to the parasites being unable to survive in saltwater.”
After October, cattle will return to the farm for winter housing where they are clipped and wormed and transitioned onto a home-grown finishing diet. Miss Wilkinson says they aim to finish cattle between 18 and 24 months of age, at a target liveweight of 600kg for heifers and 650kg for bullocks, and an R4L carcase grade.
“Most cattle are sold direct to Morrisons, but we also sell some privately and sell a handful through a local butcher’s shop. Aberdeen-Angus bulls are also sold to Morrisons at 14 months old at a target weight of 580kg.”
Efficient system
Since Miss Wilkinson’s granddad first took on the tenancy at White Otter Farm, the family has strived to run an efficient calf rearing system, while being as self-sufficient as possible. And, following the introduction of the automated calf feeder and a greater focus on calf health, the system has continued to improve.
Looking to the future, Miss Wilkinson says she hopes to continue fine-tuning the calf system and improve efficiency and performance, while maintaining a preventative approach to calf health.
Calves have unlimited access to 18% protein grower nuts on arrival, alongside home-grown haylage for forage.
of technology, with the family now using an automated calf feeder.
The Wilkinsons aim to finish cattle between 18 and 24 months of age.
PICTURES: JOHN EVESON
Graham Blyth and Cloddiau Bet, winners at Ryedale.
For winning results
English results
NORTHERN, Barningham, Co. Durham, (Judge, J. Atkinson, Waitby, 37 ran) Nursery 1, A. Hunter (Redmire) Tilly, 86 of 90; 2, P. Simpson (Dacre) Roy, 84; 3, F. Whitfield (Quebec) Polly, 79; 4, J. Howes (Bishop Auckland) Bessie, 78 OLF; 5, B. Simpson (Pateley Bridge) Mist, 78; 6, P. Ellis (New Hutton) Lynn, 78. Novice 1, P. Ellis, Tip, 92 of 100; 2, B. Simpson, Gem, 80; 3, E. Hill (Holmrook) Jess, 79. New Handler 1, A. Townson (Dent) Meg, 60. WINDERMERE, Garnett Fold, Skelsmergh, Kendal, (Judge, A. Crisp, Settle, 54 ran) Nursery 1, Thomas Longton (Quernmore) Jip, 69 of 90; 2, Steven Longton (Quernmore) Len, 65; 3, B. Helliwell (Lancaster) Brock, 58; 4, T. Huddleston (Caton) Taylor, 55; 5, M. Metcalfe (Wharton) Roy, 54; 6, P. Rigby (Skelsmergh) Sid, 51. Novice 1, D. Purdham (Holmrook) Tilly, 73 of 100; 2, M. Metcalfe, Gem, 63 OLF; 3, E. Hill, Pentre Roxy, 63; 4, E. Jacques (Huncoat) Cap, 62; 5, C. Cassie (Armathwaite) Belle, 61; 6, D. Purdham, Matt, 56. New Handler 1, A. Townson, Meg. SUCKLEY (C. Lee) Novice. 1, M. Hooper, Gyp, 24; 2, C. Bonar, Wilstone Meg, 32; 3, M. Hooper, Dot, 35; 4, L.
Owen, Bonnie, 37; 5, C. Manfield, Gyp, 50. Nursery, 1, M. Hooper, Tess, 32; 2, M. Hooper, Tyr Banc Jet, 49; 3, K. Evans, Ace, 51. Beginners, 1, S. Williams, Gwen, 51. RYEDALE (G. Gullon) 1, G. Blyth, Cloddiau Bet, 89; 2, I. Murdoch, Moss, 84; 3, J. Atkinson, Scalpsie Riot, 74; 4, B. Harland, Danny, 73; 5, D. Bristow, Greenhow Tess, 72; 6, C. Mellin, Mac, 67; 7, C. Mellin, Nap, 59; 8, J. Goulder, Hilston Sim. Novice. 1, J. Atkinson, Sandy; 2, T. Bennett, Strike. HIGH HILLS, 1, J. Elkin, Moss, 82/90; 2, D. Wood, Cap, 79; 3, A. Blackmore, Jody, 72; 4, J. Elkin, Cap, 70 OLF; 5, P. Johnson, Bob, 70; 6, E. Jane, Sal, 69. BISHOPSTON (P. Davies-Russell, 39 ran) 1, J. Watson, Floss, 86; 2, J. Watson, Wren, 79 T; 3, J. Mills, Milly, 76 T; 4, T. Carter, Copper, 73; 5, T. Carter, Brew, 70; 6, C. Crosse, Flame, 67 T. NSDA, 1, A. Hunter, Tilly, 86; 2, P. Simpson, Roy, 84; 3, F. Whitfield, Polly, 79; 4, J. Howes, Bessi, 78 OLF; 5, B. Simpson, Mist, 78; 6, P. Ellis, Lynn, 78.
Welsh results
GLAMORGAN NURSERY (D. Evans) 1, D. Howells, Mick, 8; 2, M. Edwards, Bronallt Nip, 15; 3, D. Millichap, Rose, 18; 4, R. Ellis, Dewi Ken, 22; 5, J. Howells, Gwen, 23; 6, D. Meek, Craig, 27. Novice, 1, R. Ellis, Dewi Ken, 8; 2, D. Howells, Mick, 9; 3, C. Millichap, Efail Ping, 12; 4, M. Edwards, Luke, 14; 5, J. Howells, Millie, 20; 6, D. Howells, Cai, 20.
Working Dogs
Trials diary
ENGLAND
October 12. RYEDALE, Brekkies, Plum Tree Farm, Glaisdale, YO21 2PZ, contact M. Thompson, tel: 01947 897 351. SHROPSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE, Suckley, WR6 5EJ, nursery, novice and beginners trial, 9am start, enter on field, contact Matt Hooper, tel: 07929 102 338. ALWINTON, Alwinton Show, NE65 7BQ, enter on field, 9am start, second dog to be booked in by 10.30am, contact S. Wallace, tel: 01670 774 600. BLISLAND, Newtown Farm, St Breward, Davidstow, PL30 4PN, what3words: circulate. settled.removers, open driving, novice, open, 9.30am start, entries on field, contact John Carter, tel: 07768 725 714.
October 12-13. AVON VALLEY, LE17 6DH, what3words: foster.vanish.originals, 35 dogs per session, AM and PM, limit of four dogs per handler per session, the same dogs can run in each session, £8 per run, contact Caileigh, tel: 07860 716 467.
October 13. HAMATETHY, incorporating the Cornish novice run-off, Newtown Farm, St Breward, Davidstow, PL30 4PN, what3words: circulate.settled.removers, classes for open driving, novice, open, 9.30am start, entries on field, secretary John Carter, tel: 07768 725 714.
NSDA, Near South Cleatlam, Staindrop, Co Durham, DL2 3QR, all trials are subject to change depending upon weather conditions, membership £5/pp is due on the first nursery date, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in at 1pm, only one dog after 12pm. PENNINE, Holme Nursery, Halifax Road, Briercliffe, BB10 3QZ, enter on field, 9.30am start, contact Shirley Duckworth, tel: 07980 545 437.
NORTH WESTMORLAND, Penruddock, CA11 0RA, what3words: heats.duet.hobby, 9am start, nursery, novice, confined to Cumbria, new handler trial all dogs to be booked in by 1pm, contact Joe Relph, tel: 07494 443 901. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT, what3words: reviews.emailed.etchings. Contact Rhys Groucott, tel: 07791 380 292. October 19. RYEDALE, Egton, on the Glaisdale road out of Egton, field is on the right, Steven Cornforth and Jackie Cook, what3words: cure. acids.crush, no novice, contact S. Cornforth, tel: 01947 895 216. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS, Newnham Estate, Plympton, what3words: spit. sing.fault, then follow the signs up the track, Maltese cross and driving classes, 12pm start.
GLOUCESTER AND GWENT NURSERY (R. Price) 1, J. Garland, Rhyswg Fay, 13 OLFD; 2, N. Matthews, Hilltop Zac, 13; 3, J. Price, Gelli Fig, 15; 4, M. Jones, Mack, 16; 5, S. Currie, Tom, 17 OLF; 6, B. Lester, Glas, 17. Novice, 1, J. Garland, Rhyswg Fay, 10; 2, B. Rees, Gelli Cloe, 13; 3, R. Foote, Hilltop Bill, 18; 4, B. Watts, Sky, 19 OLF; 5, J. Garland, 19 OLFD; 6, D. Cooper, Bryn-Yr-Orsedd Cap, 19.
NANTMEL (R. Price) 1, R. Ellis, Sue, 9; 2, T. Thewissen,
October 20. PLYMPTON, Newnham Estate, Plympton, what3words:spit.sing.fault, then follow the signs up the track, double fetch class, secretary Ross Skelley, tel: 07866 336 875. NSDA, CA17 4LQ, all trials are subject to change depending upon weather conditions, membership £5 per person is due on the first nursery date, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9:30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT, what3words: helpful.scream.breed, contact Jamie Price, tel: 07917 777 661.
October 12 MANOR, Woodhouse Farm, EH45 9JN, 8am start, entry on field, £10 per dog, contact Davie Wallace, tel: 07788 998 196. October 19 DUNNET, Wester Farm, Dunnet, KW14 8XP, 8.30am start, contact, K. Thorburn, tel: 07904 403 072 or D. Simpson, tel: 07853 720 833. October 20. COLMONEL, Cairnhill Farm, Kirkmichael Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 7LA, 8am start, entries on field, £8 per dog, contact neil. gillon@hotmail.co.uk.
WALES
October 12. CEREDIGION, BalaDogsale, RadnorNursery,Brondrefawr,LD65NB,beginners, noviceandnurseryclasses,10amstart,contactJames Jones,tel:07890698907.
October 19. SENNYBRIDGE, SennybridgeDogSale. October 22. RANOR NURSERY 2, GriffinLloyd, Knighton,LD71SL,beginners,noviceandnursery classes,10amstart,contactKarinHaker,tel:07400608 952.
October 26. LLANGELYNNIN, LL369ND,8amstart, tel: 07979156650. PENBWLCH, Llanfarain,8amstart, contactI.Jones,tel:01970617949.
October 26-27 NANT-Y-MOEL HILL, Pontardawe, SA84RT,onesessiononSaturdayandoneonSunday, doublegatherfinalonSundayafternoon,8amstart, contactsecretaryFloydFarthing,tel:07891246997. October 31. TYNYGRAIG, Talybont,SY245HJ,contact DewiJenkins,tel:07894718546.
Oak Ben, 12; 3, S. Lewis, Chance, 23; 4, A. Andersson, App, 24.
Scottish results
LUSS (N. McVicar, 46 ran) 1, H. Mitchell, Dan, 86; 2, S. Davidson, Dan, 84; 3, B. Howitson, 80; 4, A. Kent, Lucy, 78, 5, A. McKenzie, Jess, 77; 6, A. Carnegie, Kim, 77.
SHEEP and cattle prices dropped at auction marts in England and Wales this week.
Steers reduced in value by 4.7p/kg to 272.5p/kg, and heifers were down by 4.3p/kg to 284.3p/kg.
However, young bulls increased by 5.5p/kg, and dairy-sired cull cows were up by 0.3p/kg.
Lambs decreased in value by 1.2p/kg to 277.7p/kg.
Cutter and baconer values went up in price despite a reduction in porkers.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (October 9), UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £189.3/tonne, an increase of £1.55/t on the week.
Source: LAA/MartEye
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Primestock throughput, price and price
Week ending October 8, 2024.
(p/kg).
Source: LAA/MartEye
Market Prices
DEADWEIGHT CATTLE
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
N/S
Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs.
DURING September, Bill Main, retired veterinary surgeon and current captain of the Herefordshire Golf Course; Matthew Pugh and Andrew Cooke, veterinary partners at Belmont Farm and Equine; and local farmer Mervyn Thomas cycled 95 miles from Hereford to Aberystwyth, raising just over £7,000 for local rural mental health charity We are Farming Minds.
Mr Thomas said: “We were very lucky to have beautiful weather which made the day much easier for us. We followed the River Wye from Hay-on-Wye upstream to Builth Wells and onto its source, then had 70 miles of steady climbing ahead of us. There was fantastic scenery over the hills and a fast descent to the seaside. We were very tired but happy to finish the challenge. I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support and generosity.”
The riders have all known people in the farming and veterinary communities who have struggled with their mental health, so the charity is very close to their hearts.
We Are Farming Minds provides a 24-hour support line, funding for professional counselling, free mental health training, resources and advice, plus various social events.
More information can be found at wearefarmingminds.co.uk
Round of a-paws for young triallist talent
THE International Sheepdog Society Trial young handler champion was Oisin McCullough with Jan. Runners up were Andrew Davies with Mac, Donnie MacDiarmid with Todd, and Oliver Watson with Pen-y-Borough Roy.
Rainbow ties: Helping the next generation
CREATED for competitors with autism, rainbow ties are a discreet sign that a competitor may have difficulty understanding and communicating in a showring atmosphere. They have been successfully used at the Stars Champion of Champions horse show, which replicates a Horse of the Year Show experience. The show does not require proof of disability and the ties are available for use by any exhibitor who may benefit.
Keep up to date with our community news with the hashtag ‘#HaveEweHerd’. If you have any news you would like to share, email ellie.layton@agriconnect.com or call 07814 997 407.
Left to right: Bill Main, Matthew Pugh, Andrew Cooke and Mervyn Thomas.
Left to right: Oisin McCullough, Andrew Davies, Oliver Watson and Donnie MacDiarmid.
Clara Elswood, aged 12, with her pony Dymock Kingpin.
Stockman of the Year
Junior:
Recent NFYFC results
Senior: Junior: 1, Lewis Bevan, Radnor YFC; 2, Erin Wright, Lancashire YFC; 3, Enfys, Pembrokeshire YFC/CFFI Sir Benfro.
Senior: 1, Richard Jeyes, Warwickshire YFC; 2, Luned Jones, Carmarthenshire YFC/ CFFI Sir Gar; 3, Tom Retallick, Cornwall YFC.
CFFI Sir Gar Carmarthenshire YFC raises over £6,000 THE group raised £3,110 for Epilepsi Cymru and £2,000 towards the Breast Care Unit at Prince Phillip Hospital, Llanelli, with CFFI Sir Gar, Carmarthenshire YFC, retaining £1,085.24.
Vet tasks: Rhian Lewis, Brecknock YFC/CFFI Brycheiniog
Vet questionnaire: Joint 1, Hannah Marsh, Gloucestershire YFC and Erin Wright, Lancashire YFC
Meat identification prize-winners:
● Places Joseph, Derbyshire YFC
● Edward, Norfolk YFC
● Enfys, Pembrokeshire YFC/ CFFI Sir Benfro
● Lewis Bevan, Radnor YFC
● Becky Roberts, Shropshire YFC
Floral Art
Senior: Intermediate:
Project winner
● Luned Jones, Carmarthenshire YFC/CFFI Sir Gar C
Scottish Young Farmers ‘leave a light on’
MEMBERS of Lesmahagow YFC have released a music video to raise awareness for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (SAYFC) ‘Are Ewe Okay?’ mental health campaign.
The seven-member group, now known as Bagri, consists of singers Neve and Mia Crooks; pipers Tom Armstrong, Fraser Russell and Douglas Pinkerton; drummer John Pinkerton; and highland dancer Elizabeth Leggate. Over several months, the group recorded and filmed their own version of ‘Leave a Light On’, a song made famous by Kilsyth singer Tom Walker.
Speaking on the final day of filming, Fraser Russell said: “We are really trying to raise awareness for the ‘Are Ewe Okay?’ campaign, because mental health is such an important topic in the agricultural industry.
Junior: 1, Jessica, Pembrokeshire YFC/CFFI Sir Benfro; 2, Isobel, Yorkshire YFC; 3, Poppy, Kent YFC.
Best Dish of the Day: Bedfordshire’s steak stir-fry.
Best Presentation: Best Display of the Day:
“We have to make sure that farmers continue to talk as it can be quite an isolated and lonely industry at times. And things like Young Farmers in particular help to keep that network open for communication and make sure that everybody is looking after each other.”
The music video is live on the SAYFC’s YouTube page.
YFC
Best Presentation: Brecknock’s salmon starter. Best of the Day: Yorkshire YFC with their ‘Yorkshire Day’ display.
Brecknock
Left to right (back): Tom Armstrong and Douglas Pinkerton. Left to right (front): Fraser Russell, Neve Crooks, Elizabeth Leggate, Mia Crooks and John Pinkerton.
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
KATE ROWELL
Scottish Borders
Kate is a fifth-generation farmer running the 750-hectare (1,853-acre)
Hundleshope Farm on the Haystoun Estate, Peebles, where the family have been tenants for 150 years. She runs the hill unit with her husband Ed and their four children. She is also a vet and chair of Quality Meat Scotland.
Iturned over the calendar to October the other day and really couldn’t believe how fast the year has gone.
Maybe it’s because our summer was almost non-existent, but it really seems like a few weeks ago that lambing had just ended and we’ve already got more than a third of them finished and away.
We’ve just been away for a couple of weeks on our ‘honeymoon’ – only 25 years after the wedding – and were pleasantly surprised when we went through them once we got back to find how well they had done on the grass and clover field we had kept for them.
The calves are growing well too, although grass is starting to get a bit scarce, and they were getting some silage while we were away.
We’ve just started creeping them with a view to getting them weaned and in the shed in a few weeks, depending on the weather. The barley is still to combine, but again, it ripened a huge amount over the two weeks and we’re hopeful that a decent fine spell in October will let us get it harvested.
It is just a case of stopping the crows and pigeons stealing it in the meantime and hoping for some sunshine.
We were immensely grateful to
‘We’ve just been away on honeymoon – only 25 years after the wedding’
have the holiday of a lifetime in the Seychelles, where there was a surprising amount of rain – but at least it was warm.
I totally appreciate how lucky we are to have both my Dad and our son David at home to look after things and let us get away. Dad is 85 now, but still fit and as sharp as ever (even if you have to shout so he hears you) and his experience complements Dave’s strength and energy, so between them they keep things ticking over.
While we were away, I read on social media that RSABI, the Scottish rural charity, had released the results of a survey they’d done about farmers taking time off. Some of it made pretty
Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling
grim reading as it found that 41% of farmers said that farm-related stress prevented them from taking an overnight break, while only 47% felt confident that someone else could manage the farm in their absence.
Break
The better news was that 37% of participants manage to take a break for seven nights or more annually and that 93% agreed taking a break could improve well-being and productivity.
I completely understand how practically difficult it is for many of us to get away and it certainly takes a lot of preparing for and planning, but it makes such a difference to your outlook on
Hurricane Milton likely to be a standard low
HURRICANE Milton is shaping up to be the storm that many in the meteorological community have been fearing. By the time you read this column, we will know when and where Milton has struck, as well as the impacts it has had.
The development of the hurricane has been remarkable in that on Monday afternoon, the storm rapidly strengthened to a category five hurricane – the highest category. This took place as Milton crossed over a relatively small area of warmer water in the Gulf of Mexico.
The warm water was not only at
the surface of the sea, but extending down into a depth of the ocean which provided fuel for Milton to effectively ‘explode’.
The storm surge ahead of Milton is also remarkable. Again, you will know more as you read this column, but as I type, the storm surge ahead of the hurricane is the largest that Florida has seen.
Storm surges are more dangerous than winds because a surge is additional water on top of standard sea levels, before adding the effect of waves and winds.
As Milton crosses Florida it gets caught up in the jet stream and is
then driven across the Atlantic towards the UK. However, by the time it reaches here next week, the latest model suggestions are that it will be little more than a standard area of autumn low pressure.
What we will notice, not necessarily as a feature of Milton alone, but of the current storm systems crossing the Atlantic, is how warm some days will be.
The tropical air trapped in the storm systems will feed over the UK on some days. The problem with the warmth is that the air can then hold more moisture and so rainfall is more intense.
life to get a fresh perspective every so often.
It’s something I feel we should be working together as a sector on, and a quick search online does suggest there are websites where people can link up to help each other out by ‘farm-sitting’. It may be a bit of a busman’s holiday, but sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
It was World Mental Health Day on October 10 and this year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. It encourages ‘tea and a talk’ as research shows talking is good for your mental health – be it with friends, family, or indeed, fellow farmers.
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
Monmouthshire Emma Robinson
Cheshire Ian Garnett
‘Grandma has become even more of a celebrity’
AMY WILKINSON
Lancashire
Amy works on her family’s tenanted farm at Halsall, Lancashire. Working mainly with her dad, Amy farms 285 hectares (704 acres) of arable crops and 550 beef cross cattle which are all reared through to finishing. You can follow her on Instagram @amygingewilkinson
Since my last column, my Grandma Wilky, who has been mentioned previously, became the star we all know her to be on her favourite TV show, The Repair Shop.
Four years ago, while taking down the old garage on the farm, I came across an old set of drawers and became determined to get into them –mainly because I thought maybe this was where Granddad hid all his cash.
Unfortunately it wasn’t, but I did find Grandma’s old butter churn.
After hearing the story of this object from Dad and knowing my Grandma’s love for the show, I applied, not expecting to get anywhere. So you can imagine my shock when I received a phone call two years later asking us to appear on the show and were we available for filming the following week?
Manic
At the time, we were manic with spring drilling and a two day trip down to West Sussex seemed impossible.
I discussed it with Dad and said, ‘you never know, Grandma might not want to go’. To which my Dad replied, ‘when has your Grandma ever turned down an adventure?’
For reference, this is the same woman who in the past 25 years has travelled to 36 countries, learned to swim, taken herself to see Status Quo and been paragliding at 70.
So it’s safe to say the following week we made the trip down and I’m so glad
Crossword 1266
NAME
we did. Everyone on the show was lovely and I believe Grandma really enjoyed herself seeing the famous barn, talking about how farming has changed over the years and she even got to meet clock man Steve and his three pairs of glasses.
But most importantly for me, it was an experience and a memory with my Grandma I will never forget.
We then made the trip again a few weeks later when the butter churn had been repaired and my Auntie Dianne joined us. We really enjoyed the whole experience and were told that we would be emailed to let us know when the episode would air.
Well, 18 months went by and, to be honest, we were starting to think we
hadn’t made the cut. Until we received the email in September and we were on the next night.
Since then, Grandma has become even more of a local celebrity than she already was, which is quite a feat when everyone, and I mean everyone, knows ‘Auntie Betty’.
So far, Grandma’s television debut has been discussed in church and she has been asked by her flower club to bring the butter churn and answer questions over tea and biscuits.
Since the show, Grandma has taught me how to make butter in the churn and has kindly given it to me. It now sits in pride of place in my living room as a reminder of my adventure with the main adventurer herself.
Recent winners: June: M. Gabanski, Yorkshire. July: E. Coates, Lancashire. August: G. Fletcher, Argyll.
Amy and her Grandma with Dominic Chinea from The Repair Shop.
Farming Matters
‘Combining practical farming and applied science is powerful’
Farmers stand at the heart of the most significant challenges facing the environment. The land management decisions taken today will define the future of our food supply chains and the health of our planet.
Major production challenges –from unseasonal weather patterns and climate change to evolving pest and disease threats – cannot be solved by one organisation, sector, or even country, alone.
There has never been a more important time to grasp the opportunities that come from working together.
I believe cross-sector collaboration has drifted recently with the loss of sector-specific levy boards and resource constraints within companies, removing a vital platform for the industry to address industry-wide challenges. This fragmentation has slowed the urgent need to tackle these issues collectively.
Open innovation research projects provide a solution, bringing experts from various agri-food businesses together to maximise the value of the different perspectives, experiences and knowledge of each organisation and individual involved. Our experience shows it is pos-
sible to put competitive tendencies to one side and collaborate on the big, shared problems.
All too often, farmers, growers and the wider agricultural industry are brought in at the later stages of scientific research projects to check practical applicability, with little input into the design or focus of the research and development. This is an enormous missed opportunity –they should be at the centre from the beginning.
Value
The value that producers – who are arguably scientists in their own right – can offer in the form of wider experience and tried-and-tested expertise in fine-tuning growing methods is second to none in any scientific endeavour.
That is why we bring farmers into the fold right from the very start of our Enigma R&D projects at Fera.
In fact, those ‘at the coalface’ not only contribute to the scientific process of our ambitious research projects, but also provide us with the ideas for R&D in line with the most pressing knowledge gaps, co-creating and co-sponsoring the projects as genuine partners.
Take, for example, our very first
Enigma project, which focused on developing a sustainable solution to wireworm control for potatoes, fresh produce and maize growers.
The key to its success has been ongoing communication and collaboration at every stage. Farmers helped shape the project goals, participated in data collection and have had access to emerging insights as soon as scientists have developed them.
This type of collaboration is not blue-sky research; it is fast-paced problem-solving.
It is never about a report that sits on a shelf; it is about getting things done on the ground.
And it is not just about solving today’s problems; it is also about creating a framework that we can apply to future challenges.
Collaborative
This collaborative approach is already informing our R&D initiatives on other urgent issues, such as tackling cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape crops.
It is clear to me that when we work hand in hand with growers from the start, we can tackle even the toughest of challenges more effectively.
By listening to each other, and
developing concepts together, then working on the science collaboratively in the field and the lab, we can ensure research outcomes are practical, applicable and swiftly implemented by farmers, who can make a real difference.
The combination of practical farming and applied science is powerful, and we need to harness that power to solve the challenges we face.
It is time for collaborative projects to come into their own, and we should be excited for the promising results that we can deliver as a team.
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