Farmers Guardian 14th June 2024

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

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By your side as we enter a new era

THIS week marks a special moment in Farmers Guardian’s 180-year history, as we kick off our anniversary celebrations with a new look for your weekly magazine.

We listened to your feedback and your refreshed FG is full of more of the content you know and love; analysis on what the latest policy announcements will mean for you and your business; farm features showcasing the pride and passion of our rural communities and we shine a light on the enthusiasm and skill of the next generation coming up through the ranks.

This special edition, which commemorates 180 years of FG, is a veritable time machine which shows how agriculture has evolved over the decades, the opportunities it has grasped and the challenges it has overcome.

The arable section features a grain and straw research experiment which has been running for as long as FG (p26) and our machinery section shows the speed at which agricultural technology has evolved (p68) including six different fuel sources.

Over the coming months, our team will be delving into the archives and featuring the stories of families and brands which have lasted the distance, looking back on FG’s and the industry’s rich history.

erage, market price analysis, technical livestock, machinery, arable content or reporting from the auction marts and showrings, you can rely on our team of award-winning journalists – many of them farmers themselves – to keep you informed and up to date. And whether it is through our print or digital channels, or via our events, you are part of our community.

scan the QR code or go to farmersguardian. com/podcasts

Like you, we never stand still. We are constantly evolving our offering to ensure you get the most value. As part of our 180-year celebrations, we have launched a new membership package (p14). Plus, from today (June 14), all our content at farmersguardian.com will be unlocked for 72 hours – just scan the QR code above which will take you straight to the registration page.

Whether it is the latest news and business cov-

Since 1844, when FG was Joseph Livesey’s Preston Guardian, farmers have been relying on us to ask the tough questions, to challenge those in power and to hold them to account.

With a General Election just three weeks away, the result of which could bring even more change to the industry, you can count on FG to keep you ahead of the field and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Speaking up for farming since 1844

On this week’s cover: Royal Highland

Funding pledges as parties set out stalls

THE Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have both made additional farming budget pledges as the parties unveiled their General Election manifestos ahead of July 4.

A new YouGov/Sky News poll said Labour was ahead with 38%, 18% for the Conservatives, the Reform Party was narrowing the gap with 17% while the Liberal Democrats were on 15%.

In a Farmers Guardian poll of 405 respondents, the Conservatives were ahead with 30% of the vote. Labour was just behind on 27% of the vote, with Reform on 17% and the Liberal Democrats on 14% (see graphic below).

As FG went to press, the Labour Party had not published its manifesto, but you can read the Labour leader’s exclusive column for FG on p102.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled the Conservative Party’s General Election manifesto, which offered British farmers an additional £1 billion funding pledge over the next Parliament, as it looked to convince farmers the party would ‘always’ be on their side.

The announcement comes despite a reported £400 million underspend of the farming budget over the last two years.

Unveiling the manifesto at Silverstone, Mr Sunak said economic stability was now returning. He said: “The economy is growing healthily again, so the question now is who is best to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country?”

The manifesto said that with ‘nearly half of all farmers’ signed up to Envi-

Who is best to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country?

RISHI SUNAK

ronmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, the Conservatives would continue to build on the schemes, ensuring they worked for ‘all farmers, from tenants to uplands and beyond’.

The document outlined how farmers must be given scope to choose what works best for their business to ‘invest in food security and sustainable agriculture’.

The party pledged to introduce a UK Food Security Index, a ‘binding target’, which would later feed into a land use framework – a policy the Government had previously promised would be delivered last year.

Public procurement was also in focus, with the aim of ‘at least 50% of food expenditure’ spent on food produced locally or to higher environmental production standards.

The Conservatives also recognised how the current planning system has stunted the growth of rural businesses, and vowed to ‘reform’ the system.

It also promised to ‘stick’ to the plan to support the agricultural sector with the labour it needs to maintain

food security, while ‘moving away from the reliance on seasonal migrant labour with a five-year visa tapered scheme, alongside clear investment in automation and promoting agrifood careers and skills’.

The party emphasised it would stand up for farmers when negotiating new trade deals, adding it will continue to ‘support UK agrifood and drink attaches in our embassies abroad’, pioneering new markets and new opportunities.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey unveiled his party’s manifesto with a commitment to ensuring everyone can access ‘healthy and nutritious food, produced to high welfare and environmental standards’.

The party would make sure ‘all imported food meets UK standards for health and welfare, and that goods are properly checked’.

It also would accelerate the rollout of the new ELM scheme, adding it would be ‘properly funded’ with an ‘extra £1bn a year’.

Budget

The NFU has previously called for the next Government to increase the UK farming budget to £5.5bn a year.

The Liberal Democrats said it would give farmers the ability to trade with European neighbours ‘with minimal need for checks by negotiating comprehensive veterinary and plant health agreements’ and it would also ‘renegotiate’ the Australia and New Zealand trade agreements in line with the party’s objectives for health, environmental and animal welfare, adding it would withdraw if the standards were not met.

RECORD-BREAKING NUMBERS FOR TRACTOR FEST

MORE than 15,000 visitors attended the UK’s largest tractor festival on June 8-9 at Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire. More than 1,600 vintage and modern tractors were on display, with major displays including orange tractors, European vehicles and the marking of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Farmers’

views on the upcoming General Election

ESSEX arable farmer Robert Graham said while he did not expect agriculture to be an ‘election battleground’, food security might be.

He said: “While I am an environmentalist at heart, the current headlong rush towards bumblebees and beavers is a misguided overreaction to past mistake.”

He said he would expect Labour to be more concerned with food security than the ‘free trade fanatics of the right’.

Wiltshire organic dairy farmer

Peter Gantlett, and member of the Conservative Party, said he hoped the next Prime Minister would appoint someone as Defra Secretary ‘who wants the job, is serious and competent and stays in place for the length of Parliament’.

Suffolk organic arable farmer John Pawsey said his election priorities were to be aligned to a Government which has a firm grasp in dealing with a fragile economy, but also a Government which delivers on positive climate and nature recovery targets.

He said: “I was blue, but have just joined the Green Party. I will probably vote yellow, as long as I think they have a good handle on the economy.”

Samantha Kenyon, who farms sheep and goats in North Wales, was undecided, but said her priorities were health, social care, education and taking climate change seriously.

She said: “I have not stuck to one party since I started voting at 18. Rightly or wrongly, I put my votes with the policies I agree with rather than sticking to one party or voting tactically.”

Farmers fed up of being cast as the ‘villain’

FARMERS are custodians of the land and were ‘understandably fed up with being cast as the villain’ when they have simply been doing what successive Governments have asked.

That was the message from Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who described farmers as custodians of the land. He said the party believed farmers were ‘very much part of the solution’ when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on nature.

He believed in the principle of public money for public goods, but said there needed to be enough money for the principle to work, adding it was clear farmers had been ‘seriously short-changed’.

The Green Party has proposed to ‘triple the level of farm support’, including support for horticulture.

Mr Ramsay said his party recognised the ‘unprecedented threats’ to food security, acknowledging the struggles of small family farms and said Green MPs would push the policies which ‘offer real hope’ for farming communities.

I put my votes with the policies I agree with rather than sticking to one party

SAMANTHA KENYON

Food security should not be overlooked

FOOD and farming may not be top priority for the major political parties, but scores of new rural MPs will soon realise how important these issues are to their constituents, a former Defra Secretary has warned.

George Eustice, who is retiring from his Camborne and Redruth seat at the General Election, said while rural concerns often lose out to what are seen as ‘more important’ issues, any future Government would be wise not to overlook food security and the environment.

Mr Eustice, who spent nine years in Defra, said serving as Defra Secretary was his ‘dream job’.

He said: “I am slightly unusual as it was the only job I ever wanted to do. There were a lot of frustrations along the way, but I also worked with some really fantastic people in that department. Only I know in my own heart what I did and even though it may not have always gone my way, I can say I did not waste a moment.”

Mr Eustice said he believed the policies which have been adopted will stand the sector in good stead

and it was important the next Government kept the Environmental Land Management scheme on its ‘current trajectory’. He also called for the Labour Party to commit to retaining the agriculture budget.

Mr Eustice said now the UK had its borders in place, there should be a more co-operative approach with the EU and a ‘mutual easement’ of certain regulations to ease trade.

After criticising trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, which he counts as ‘battles not won’, he said a new Government should be

cautious when approaching new agreements.

MORE ON THE GENERAL ELECTION

FOR more analysis and exclusive insights on the General Election, go to our dedicated General Election Hub at farmersguardian. com/tag/generalelection-2024, or scan the QR code

Labour’s ‘countryside pledge’ as right to roam row continues

l Television presenter speaks out on access

By Rachael Brown

LABOUR has unveiled its Countryside Protection Plan which the party claims will safeguard nature, increase access to landscapes and end the decline in British wildlife.

Ahead of its full manifesto launch, the party said its promises to rural areas will help restore a sense of ‘national pride’, while at the same time potentially opening up hundreds of miles of river pathways to walkers and swimmers.

Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed outlined a series of Labour Party pledges, which also included the intro-

duction of flood resilience task forces, the planting of three new national forests and ending exemptions around neonicotinoid pesticides.

The party has also said protected areas such as National Parks will be supported to become ‘wilder and greener’.

Mr Reed said: “Nature is under threat. Our children and grandchildren deserve to be astounded by the magnificence of our landscapes and coastlines and enjoy our iconic wildlife, just as we can.”

Mixed reception

The pledges have not proved popular with rural action group Right to Roam which had been hoping for a Scottish-style approach to rural areas.

PLANNING REFORM LOOKS SET TO SWAY RURAL VOTES

BRITAIN’S ailing planning system meant rural businesses were ‘squandering thousands of pounds’ and political parties which promised reform would win countryside votes in next month’s election.

That was the message from the CLA after a new poll found 70% of rural businesses said planning reform would influence their vote on July 4.

The poll of 350 rural business owners found 70% agreed or

strongly agreed that each party’s policy on planning reform would influence the way that they voted.

Thousands wasted

The survey also found nearly three- quarters had been forced to abandon their plans to invest due to planning issues and of those nearly half said they had wasted more than £10,000 on projects before giving up.

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan

Our grandchildren deserve to be astounded by the magnificence of our landscapes

STEVE REED

“Still, so far it is a poor offer that is incommensurate with the challenges we are facing,” the statement said.

“Labour say they want the land-

said planning reform was ‘key to winning rural seats’, adding it ‘cannot afford to slip from party manifestos’.

“The first party who can match our aspirations for a dynamic rural economy will not just secure significant support; they may just win the election.”

Morpeth farmer Peter Hogg said the planning system was ‘crippling’, highlighting an application to convert a farmhouse into a bed and

scape to be a source of ‘national pride’, yet – so far – they are offering little to help us experience it.”

Meanwhile, Former Countryfile presenter and Wye Valley farmer Kate Humble has spoken out against right to roam and said people should learn to treat farmland and the countryside with respect.

Speaking at a recent book festival, the star of Escape to the Farm said: “I do think it is enormously important that there are areas of the country where the public are not allowed.

“We have all walked along footpaths or riverbanks or through urban parks and seen frankly the disrespectful way people treat the countryside.”

breakfast had dragged on more than a year, due to a dispute over adding a sunroom.

“The delay meant we lost a full season and over £30,000 in revenue. And when permission was finally granted, it took just two weeks and £800 to build the sunroom – four times less than what we paid in planning costs,” he said.

Mr Hogg added that both the financial impact and mental toll was ‘profound’.

Action group Right to Roam is pushing for a Scottish-style approach to rural areas.

● Response to industry feedback

By Rachael Brown

CHANGES have been announced to the proposals for a digital grain passport by the Digital Passport Leadership Group.

It follows concerns raised around funding, technical support and whether there would be options available for farmers without a smartphone or computer.

The aim of the digital passport is to replicate the current paper system, with two significant additions – live assurance checks during grain collection and delivery, as well as an obligation to pass weight and quality data digitally from recipient to supplier.

At the end of 2023, the initial proposal was published, which farmers and representatives submitted ‘extensive feedback’ on.

The onus of the business case has switched to a decision on whether the industry would like one universal industry-wide digital passport which holds all data centrally, instead of multiple systems with the data owned by individual businesses.

NFU Combinable Crops Board chair

Digital grain passport changes announced

Jamie Burrows said the union believed its five key principles had been met, as well as issues raised by members.

“The onus of the business case has switched from comparing the proposal against the current paper passport to whether one universal industry-wide digital passport is preferable to different digital passport systems introduced by larger processors and merchants to meet their own needs,” he said, adding the NFU will be engaging with members in the coming weeks.

Automatic updates

The plans state where there is no internet, data will be passed from one device to another via QR codes. The group said this will ensure logistics are not held up and the system would update automatically once the device picks up data signal again.

In-built functionality will make it easy to download a passport as a PDF.

The NFU will be engaging with members over the proposed plans.

For any growers with no computer or smartphone, there will be an option to telephone the AHDB helpdesk, who will go through the one-off process of registering, and can help create and populate passports.

The adoption of a digital passport was dependent on securing grant

funding to cover the build, roll-out and initial running costs, and an agreement from the AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council that it was prepared to take on responsibility for long-term ownership, management, and funding on behalf of all levy payers.

OPEN FARM SUNDAY BRINGS OUT CROWDS

CROWDS flocked to the 18th Leaf Open Farm Sunday armed with questions for farmers as they looked to find out more about how food is produced.

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager at Leaf, said the level of interest had been ‘phenomenal’.

“Our focus this year has been farming with nature, which has been well received, leading to so many farmers taking ownership and showcasing what they are doing, managing soil, margins, hedgerows, woodland and other habitats,”

she said. “The public come for a family day out, but go home with a greater understanding and appreciation of British farming and a commitment to buy British.”

A visitor to Middle Watchbury

Farm in Warwickshire, said it was a ‘genuinely brilliant day’.

She said: “It has led to lots of conversations with my husband about buying British meat.”

The impact on young people was

also highlighted by a visitor to Ernespie Farm in Castle Douglas, Dumfries, who said: “My youngest son wants to be a dairy farmer and has had an excellent day, calling it the ‘best day ever’.”

Farmer celebrates planning victory after year-long battle

● Farm shop and cafe to sell local produce

Ember Energy DEFRA GRANT APPLICATION

By Jane Thynne

A FARMING family from Rochdale is celebrating after winning a 12-month planning battle to open a farm shop and cafe.

Gary Davies, who farms in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, had his initial proposals for the expansion, which also included a firstfloor community space, denied by Rochdale Borough Council in August 2023, as the plans were deemed to be ‘harmful’ to green belt land.

But spurred on by local support, Mr Davies refused to accept the decision and amended the plans which were once again laid before the council.

Trailer

The first-generation farmer, who currently sells a range of on-farm butchered products from a farm trailer near the entrance to the property, decided to attend the council planning committee meeting in person to put forward the farm’s case.

He said: “Nearly all the councillors said it was a good idea and so we were given permission for the shop and the cafe.

“We are now appealing the decision about the community space

and councillors are visiting the farm soon.”

Mr Davies said not only will the shop sell beef, pork and turkeys reared on the farm, but also a range of produce from other farmers in the Littleborough area.

He said he also intends to showcase vegetables from local growers.

Mr Davies added plans for the shop had been a long time in the making as it was his 26-year-old son James who came up with the idea of showcasing farm produce when he began selling eggs outside the farm when he was 10.

Support

“We have had a lot of support from local people who have been buying from us for years. People want to buy locally-produced food.

“They want good food that is reasonably priced and now we will be able to provide more of it,” Mr Davies said.

The council said planning had been granted on the grounds of diversification; improving recreational facilities and by making contributions to the local economy and tourism.

A decision on the community space application is expected over the coming weeks.

Visitors enjoying Open Farm Sunday at Brixey’s Farm, Ringwood, Hampshire.

Medics brand AHDB campaign ‘misleading’

l Health guidelines promote varied diet

By Jane Thynne

LEVY body AHDB has defended its Let’s Eat Balanced campaign after a group of medics accused it of promoting misleading health claims.

The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) and Plant-Based Health Professionals UK (PBHP) sent an open letter to AHDB and Defra to highlight their concerns over the Government- backed campaign which upholds the benefits of meat and dairy as part of a healthy diet.

The organisations demanded the campaign be ‘retracted’ as they believed it was ‘at odds with scientific evidence on healthy and sustainable diets’.

Letter

Dr Matt Lee, DAUK’s sustainability lead, said groups representing more than one-million medical health professionals had signed the letter.

“As clinicians, we have to act on the latest evidence, no matter how uncomfortable,” he said, calling for a reduction in meat and dairy consumption.

However, a statement from AHDB said it strongly ‘refuted’ the claim.

“The Let’s Eat Balanced campaign supports the Government’s foodbased dietary guidelines, the Eat Well Guide, which encourages a varied, healthy and sustainable diet.

“It seems the PBHP and the Doctors’ Association UK do not fully understand what the campaign is about and have not produced solid evidence to back their claims.”

A group of medics has accused AHDB of promoting misleading health claims.

No-confidence vote for Wales’ First Minister

WALES’ First Minister Vaughan Gething has lost a vote of no confidence in his leadership in the Senedd, but said he would ‘carry on’ doing his duty for Wales.

It follows criticism around a £200,000 donation he accepted from a convicted polluter to fund his leadership campaign.

Members of the Senedd voted, with 29 in favour, while 27 were against. The Senedd vote is non-binding and the First Minister is not obliged to quit.

When probed whether he would resign, he said there was ‘no evidence’ he had ‘ever done anything in a way that I should not as a Minister’.

Not just farmers

Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Steve Evans said it proved it was not just the public and farmers who lacked confidence in his leadership.

“Agriculture is very much at a crossroads in how the future pathway goes, but with him having this no confidence vote shadow him then the rural communities should be very wary of his decision-making in future,” he added.

Welsh Government hosts SFS roundtable

THE Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, chaired his inaugural meeting of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) roundtable last week, to agree next steps for the carbon sequestration evidence review panel.

With supporting farming practices which tackle climate change a key objective for the SFS, the Welsh Government has set up the review panel to gather evidence of any and further al-

ternative proposals on carbon sequestration to report to the roundtable.

The roundtable is made up of 19 members from the farming industry, farmers, wider supply chain, veterinary, nature, forestry and food sectors.

Soil Association head of policy for Cymru Andrew Tuddenham sits on the panel and said it was clear ‘all members’ wanted the scheme to work well for both farmers and the environment.

Mr Tuddenham said: “The formation of the Carbon Sequestration Review Panel is the opportunity to bring the best data and science to the fore.” He said farmers who already farm with nature have been ‘left vulnerable following recent budget cuts’.

Mr Irranca-Davies said the roundtable was about a ‘partnership approach’ and was key to developing a scheme which supports a ‘sustainable and resilient agricultural industry’.

Following the 80th commemoration of D-Day and political parties vying for the countryside vote ahead of the first July election since 1945, Chris Brayford takes a look at the vital role farmers played during World War II.

Feeding the nation to victory

Facing the challenges of food shortages, land reclamation, damage from bombing raids and the threat of invasion, farmers played a vital but often overlooked role in Britain’s war effort during World War II.

The UK commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings last week, and with Farmers Guardian celebrating 180 years, FG will be looking back at the people and events which shaped farming as we know it today.

With the Labour Party continuing to dominate in the polls, there were also echoes of the 1945 General Election – the last to be held in July –which saw a landslide victory for Clement Atlee’s Labour Party. Mr Atlee’s Government would go on to change the face of the UK, not least by founding the NHS.

Dr Harry Bennett, an associate professor in history at the University of Plymouth, said the UK today owed a huge debt to farmers for their efforts during the war.

“In a lot of respects, they were on their own,” he said.

“They were tasked with such a demanding role to help feed the nation during a time that must have been incredibly difficult and challenging.

“With men being sent off to fight overseas, there was a need to fill labour shortages on farms. When we think about farming during the war, we think instantly of the Land Girls’ ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign which helped to feed the nation and the men and women overseas.”

Britain had been reliant on food imports since the 1850s. Before the war, it imported 70% of its food, but reversed this as food production became a key focus. The Minister of Agriculture was given powers to regulate the cultivation and management of land, end tenancies and even take possession of land.

“In some respects, farmers were forced to adopt practices used in Edwardian times, with a reliance on horses, using seaweed as fertiliser to keep soil fertilised, and manure spreaders using carriages,” said Dr Bennett.

“So it became common practice for people to grow vegetables in their back gardens to feed themselves.”

When the United States Army joined the war in 1941, this opened a

Without farmers, we cannot live and eat. We are absolutely nothing without them. They played a vital role back then, and they still do today

Dr Bennett said: “This damaged agricultural land, and killed farmers, livestock, crops and their land. Some land was taken out of production to create airfields and military bases.

“The countryside could be filled with army personnel, who would be training to go overseas or who fought during the Battle of Britain.

“In this respect, farmland played such a vital role during the war.”

The farmers who played their part during World War II were ‘the greatest generation who lived and played a vital role in the war effort’, according to the son of two farmers who lived through the conflict.

Bravery

ANDREW GOFF

host of opportunities and transfer of knowledge and goods.

“For Britons, there were imports from the US with machinery such as Caterpillar tractors to provide relief for the war effort,” said Dr Bennett.

“Even today, a lot of farmers are still using the same tractors some 80-plus years later, which is absolutely incredible.”

The Blitz also had major consequences for agriculture, with the Germans ordered to bomb whatever could be seen – farmers were often caught in the crossfire.

Andrew Goff, founder of educational company Interactive Opportunities, spoke of the bravery, determination and resourcefulness of the farming community on behalf of his nonagenarian parents who lived through the war.

Ivan and Rosemary Goff, 97 and 91 years old respectively, are now living in supported accommodation near Tiverton, Devon, but still remember the days of hardship and resourcefulness which fed the nation to victory.

70 years after joining as teenagers.

Despite their ailing health today, they have maintained a will to live for the moment and to keep going regardless of the challenges ahead of them, all while maintaining a love for farming.

Rosemary was six years old at the start of the war, and helped on the family’s Devon farm in Hemyock. Ivan, then 12 years old, was helping on his family’s farm in Dunkeswell, raising cattle and other livestock.

Andrew said: “They were an incredible generation of people who played their part in feeding the nation. Farmers played a vital role during the war. It is something often overlooked in the story of the second world war.”

Andrew’s parents also gained national attention earlier this year for highlighting their passion and enthusiasm for Young Farmers’ Clubs, about

Both Ivan and Rosemary were too young to be called up for service, but their lives were still significantly affected.

“I could not have imagined the worry they must have gone through during those dark times when Britain faced being invaded by Nazi Germany,” said Andrew.

Despite facing the prospect of being invaded and the threat from German aircraft, farmers just kept farming.

“Farmers like my parents faced the challenging burden to increase food production to help fill food shortages. It was a challenge they accepted with no fuss, despite the overwhelming odds which had been

Ivan (left) and Rosemary Goff with a Land Rover Defender similar to the one Ivan drove in wartime.

stacked against them,” said Andrew.

With Devon so close to the English Channel and mainland Europe, the war had been on their doorstep.

lessons could be taken forward about the important role farmers played then, and the role they play today.

He said: “They were on the literal and physical frontline of the war. Imagine: had the Germans succeeded in invading our island, my parents would have been most likely the first to take the fight to them.

“Dad always remembered the long hours on-farm, ensuring the land was in the best possible position to grow crops and keep livestock.

Hurdles

He said: “I am extremely proud to be the son of farmers. They have provided me with the tools I needed in life to succeed. That all came from what they had learned on-farm: the resilience they built during the war and their absolute passion to farm.”

He acknowledged his parents, like many of those who experienced the war first-hand, would not be around for many more years.

“But farmers like them faced insurmountable hurdles, including having resources taken away – in terms of manpower, land and tools.”

Andrew added farmers had been left ‘pretty much on their own’, with families broken up as many headed to fight overseas.

“Part of my dad’s family farm was taken over in 1942 to build Dunkeswell Airfield, which later became a base for the US Navy to hunt for U-boats in the Bay of Biscay,” he said.

“Farmers faced so much, but kept going, which was absolutely crucial if Britain was to stop the invasion and to win the war.”

Reflecting back on his farming background, and with conflicts still raging today in Europe and the Middle East, Andrew said he hoped

“I hope more people will understand the vital role of food, of the farmers like my mum and dad who played such a vital role, and why we should be a little more like them,” he said.

“But I know how fortunate we are that farmers like them played an important role in the story of how the allies won the war.

“Without farmers, we cannot live and eat. We are absolutely nothing without them. They played a vital role back then, and they still do today. We cannot afford to take them for granted.”

Advice

Ivan also provided the following advice to young farmers today about the future and living a happy life.

He said: “Be careful. Farmers need to look to the future. We have one life, so enjoy it.”

An aerial shot of Ivan’s family farm at Dunkeswell, Devon, during the 1940s.

Ivan and Rosemary Goff after World War II at their farm in Devon.

Letters

YFC ‘rot’ not easily remedied

YOUNG Farmers’ Club is a positive experience for the vast majority and the behaviour detailed across mainstream media last week is not something that is encouraged from the top down, but the bottom up.

Agriculture is traditionally slower to adopt cultural and social changes and is frequently cited as being behind the times when it comes to things such as equality, gender norms and social mobility.

The ‘rot’ that has set in and become acceptable in some areas of the organisation is not something that can be swiftly cut out.

Our recent members’ survey identified that women in agriculture experience gender bias, stereotyping and misogyny at all levels and in all areas of agriculture from the farm to the boardroom.

What can be done quickly is to condemn the behaviour, ally with the young women who have been in situations that they have not been comfortable with, and empower all women in agriculture to have a voice against inappropriate behaviour in social and commercial settings.

Contact us

■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, please note that our email address has now changed to fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

A STORY about a farmer in West Yorkshire being handed a suspended sentence after his cattle trampled a man to death and left a woman with life-altering injuries, garnered some strong reaction. Here is a selection of comments:

■ “Sadly the Government needs to educate the public when in cattle fields. Do not blame the farmer.

There may be a cultural issue to address, but women do not have to put up and shut up any more, and the best thing we can all do is encourage any one with experience of it to speak up, call out unacceptable behaviour and to know that you will be supported when you do.

Clare Otridge, Women in Food and Farming Steering Group and former YFC member.

Latham column was ‘a bit rich’

LAST week’s letters page began with two contributors congratulating Farming Matters columnist Phil Latham on his recent article.

I cannot say I felt the same.

His attack on arable farmers was a bit rich when we witness some dairy farmers doing untold damage to soil structure harvesting maize.

Also, the stench that fills the air when they start moving slurry from hundreds of cows which sometimes never go out into a field.

His description of the population as ‘skint’ – I wonder where he has been living.

I never hear of airports making employees redundant, as holidays are people’s priority.

The roads are choked with every vehicle under the sun, not many of which are rust buckets. I lost count of the amount of new Land Rover Defenders I saw on the road when driving to a recent sheep sale.

I thought Mr Latham’s piece

Farmers are just doing their job. Fields are just an extension of the food chain, similar to factories in that they are working environments. If you want to walk into a factory you need to understand the risks.”

SUE FLOWER

■ “No footpaths should be open to walk through when cattle are in the field, with or without calves. Humans would be

read like a Liberal Democrat sales pitch for the next election. And, unlike him, I rather like the new payment scheme. Getting a draw four times a year rather than receiving one big cheque suits me and my business better. I won’t be buying a new car though.

Ian Cantrill, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

wary of strangers walking through a nursery with babies in it. Animals have the same protective instincts.”

MARIAN SIVILL

■ “Cattle are dangerously protective of their calves. I live on a farm but I never go into a field with them let alone when calving. Three quarters of a tonne of beast in protective mode.”

Hannah Davies, (nee Stephens) riding side saddle to the local train station in Builth Wells to sell her eggs and poultry. Sent in by her great-greatgranddaughter, Ruth Rees.

Water needs collaboration

IN light of the uncomfortable truth released by Defra that 40% of water pollution in England stems from agriculture and rural land, I want to stress the importance of water companies and farmers working together as a force for good to improve water quality.

Over the past 10 years we have worked with more than 5,000 farmers and landowners in priority catchments to make crucial changes on-farm, as part of our Farming for Water programme.

This progress is largely attributed to the widespread adoption of the Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS). This funding has enabled farmers to tackle pollutants such as pesticides, nitrates and cryptosporidium.

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

SAM DEEMING

Social media reactions

We have the data to show onfarm initiatives supported by STEPS have eliminated the need for Severn Trent to install new pesticide treatment or nitrate water treatment plants. For example, for every £1 we spend, we save between £2 and £20 in treatment costs.

Further collaboration is still needed to address pollution levels and manage our water resources more effectively.

We must dispel the myth that farmers and water companies are paddling in opposite directions.

Water companies want to collaborate with farmers to achieve mutually beneficial aims, but we need more farmers to step up and let us support them.

We are currently working across 55 priority catchments in the Midlands to protect drinking water quality, and hope to increase this in 2025.

We are also incorporating feedback gathered by our team of advisers to ensure that projects are tailored to each farm’s unique needs. Applications are now being welcomed for our 2024 funding round. Speak to your local water company, or Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, to see how they can support you in making a difference to water quality.

Toby Whatley Head of Machinery and Farm Technology – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com

Farming is leading the mechanical revolution Leader

AS Farmers Guardian celebrates its 180th anniversary, it is timely to reflect on the immense changes and achievements of the industry in the last two centuries. Farming has endured and continued to feed the nation through wars, economic recessions, mass social migration of workers into the urban environment and seven monarchs.

The challenges faced by our readers over this period have often struck a very repetitive note; difficult weather, variable prices and political uncertainty. The industry has always adapted and overcome these challenges, and from my perspective, a change which is greater than any other is the progression of mechanisation.

The demand to produce more food from a decreasing area with a reduced workforce has resulted in the development of some instrumental machinery and implements which have become fundamentally relied upon by both agriculture and the population who depend on the industry’s production.

Young Farmer Focus

‘To

my surprise, the farm gave me a chance’

Studying: I do not come from an agricultural family originally and had never thought of studying agriculture until I undertook a summer job at Manor Farm in Chedworth.

To my surprise, the farm gave me a chance, which as someone without experience, I will be forever grateful for.

It was a very sudden change for me.

My main roles were calf rearing and stockmanship, which included feeding, milking, putting up fences and moving stock.

I fell in love with the job. The fresh air and kind people made it worthwhile.

I knew then that this was what I wanted to do.

Background: Getting into farming without a farming background was very easy.

The farm was keen to take me on while also showing me the ropes.

I was often told how good it was to ‘see more younger people wanting to get into the industry’.

Studying at Hartpury University has enhanced my skills and broadened my knowledge in different sectors of the industry, including arable and livestock. Knowledge: I think it is important that I am able to find my place in the industry by gaining further knowledge.

I currently work at Griffins Farm in Tibberton where I rear calves.

I was lucky enough to be put in contact with the farm and was also able to complete my dissertation research here on how colostrum quality can affect calf health. Working in the agricultural industry is something I love.

Agriculture should be proud of how it has adapted to the many challenges of the last 180 years and adopted new technologies. Erroneously regarded as backwards by some, the use of steam power, diesel engines, satellite guidance, autonomous vehicles and carbon-neutral fuels have all been found in the fields as agriculture continues to be an early adopter and productive user of technology, often without the fanfare or recognition it probably deserves.

There are ups and downs in the job of course.

Knowing that I am a part of such a fantastic industry with some of

is from a non-farming background and is currently a final-year agriculture student at Hartpury University.

the best people to work with always puts me in a good mood. Challenges: But there are many challenges in the industry such as rising production costs for farmers, which is leading to stress and mental health issues.

As well as this, there have been shorter weather windows this year leading to lower yields from crops and farmers struggling to get spring work done due to wet conditions.

To try and overcome these problems, farmers are working at all times of the day whenever possible in the hope of overcoming low yields.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Amy Turner

Balcombe, West Sussex Amy Turner, 22,

Amy Turner

Jodie Rettino, Catchment and biodiversity business lead at Severn Trent.

membership

To celebrate Farmers Guardian’s 180th anniversary we have added some exciting benefits to our membership packages to give you even more content, networking opportunities and access to future farming insights.

*Prices correct at the date of print Anniversary offer from £80 for 1 year from £165 for 1 year PLUS FREE ACCESS to Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer magazines in the app

• Early Digital Access - No more waiting for the post! Get the latest issue a day early via our app.

• Exclusive Reports - Immediate access to three FREE in-depth reports on Diversification, Climate Friendly Farming, and Grants. Plus, future reports.

• Expert Online Events - Join live webinars and roundtables with top industry experts and fellow members, exploring the latest farming trends.

• Premium Networking - Connect with other farmers and professionals at Agriconnect events

like LAMMA, Farm Business Innovation Show, Low Carbon Agriculture Show, and CropTec.

• Editor’s Weekly Digest - Receive a Sunday morning update from Editor Olivia Midgley with insights and highlights from the week.

• Stay Connected at Events - Meet and network with Farmers Guardian at key national events like The Royal Highland Show, The Great Yorkshire Show and more.

Edited by Alex Black – 07880

490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com For more business content, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-business-news-hub

Changes to UK beet seed model announced

CHANGES to the UK sugar beet seed model will tackle recurring issues with growers’ access to seed and give growers more choice and flexibility.

Growers’ contracts will change from 2025, following feedback from growers and changes to how British Sugar markets seed.

The changes mean growers and breeders will be ‘empowered’ to buy and sell seed direct or via third-party suppliers, as well as via the existing UK Seed Account. Growers will also be permitted to grow a wider choice of varieties.

The UK Seed Account – the route through which British Sugar sells seed – will change how it sells. Seed will be sold throughout the year and stocks released for sale as they become available.

There will also be changes to the Recommended List trials, which will be moving to evaluating finished products, rather than genetics alone.

Andrew Fletcher, joint seed lead on the NFU Sugar Board, said: “We are pleased to have worked together with British Sugar to agree these important changes to seed purchasing so that it remains fit for purpose in our sector, which is facing exciting opportunities.”

He added they had listened to growers about what did and did not work for them.

Nick Morris, head of agriculture supply chain at British Sugar, said it was committed to evolving the buying model to meet grower demand.

“The transition to using finished products in the British Beet Research Organisation Recommended List trials will further support growers by providing more relatable information for purchasing decisions on seed,” he said.

Mona closure and Muller buyout fuel dairy farmer fears

● Companies urged to be ‘transparent’

By Jane Thynne

UK dairy farmers are facing more significant upheaval following news that Anglesey-based Mona Dairy has gone into administration and familyrun business Yew Tree Dairy is to be acquired by Muller.

In what has been described as a ‘bitter blow’ by the Farmers’ Union of

Wales, more than 31 farmers, along with suppliers and staff, are set to be impacted after Mona Island Dairy was forced to call in administrators just days after it revealed a shortfall in funding.

Staffordshire farmer Andy Greaves set up a group to support farmers from Mona Dairies, highlighting the continual shifting landscape they had faced.

The group said Mona Dairy had failed to pay farmers money owed, but it had offered reassurances before the news broke.

Support

Farmers were told they would be paid by interim milk buyer Meadow for any milk supplied, but they were then told at a meeting on May 30 that as a ‘goodwill gesture’ Meadow would pay farmers the spot price for milk collected if they signed a contract, otherwise payment would be made to Mona Dairy. It meant some farmers felt there was no option other than to sign.

The group said it would support each other and receive advice from NFU legal representatives, but any farmers were welcome regardless of whether they were NFU members.

Meanwhile, in West Lancashire, 120-year-old Yew Tree Dairy revealed it had agreed to a proposed acquisition by Muller, which would grow the dairy giant’s export opportunities, while

supporting the UK dairy industry.

In response, farming unions urged the companies involved to be as ‘transparent’ as possible with farmer suppliers in order to address this ‘major rationalisation’.

NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said he had met with Muller and Yew Tree following the announcement, and both had offered assurances of their commitment to the dairy farmers who supply them during the ongoing negotiations.

“We cannot knock the fact that Muller wants to invest in the UK and we also have to recognise that the family behind Yew Tree wanted to take their next step,” said Mr Tompkins.

“Muller has made it clear it wants to keep the site fully operational, which will include Yew Tree Suppliers.”

Future

But Mr Tompkins also said he had raised the issue with Muller regarding how the company saw the future of the Skelmersdale dairy.

“We need to know how Muller will view its relationship with its suppliers and we need it to be as transparent as possible so farmers know what will be required of them,” he added.

NFU Scotland said the move was a ‘major rationalisation’ within the dairy sector, which will affect about 100 dairy farmers across Scotland.

Yew Tree Dairy revealed it had agreed to a proposed acquisition by Muller.

For more from the Cereals event see next week’s Farmers Guardian.

Wet weather prompts NFU call for long-term strategy

● Rain could impact self-su iciency

By Chris Brayford

FARM businesses could be at breaking point both financially and emotionally if wet weather conditions continue for a second harvest in a row.

At the Cereals 2024 event in Newnham, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday (June 11), the NFU launched its Your Harvest campaign to raise awareness of the ‘disastrous’ weather conditions over the past year, including how flooding and waterlogged fields have impacted the viability of farm businesses.

With the UK experiencing its wettest 18 months since records began in 1836 according to the Met Office, farmers have struggled to drill and plant crops.

According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, a decline in agricultural output in 2024 could reduce self-sufficiency across all UK farming sectors from 86% to 78%.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said there needed to be a strategy to support cashflows in food production, because another wet harvest over the next six to eight weeks could be crucial in either making or breaking the resilience of farm businesses.

He added: “Having a strategy for domestic food production, as a critical part of resilience in feeding people, should be an absolute priority for Government.

“Where does food production fit within the priorities of Government? It feels like we are sleepwalking into a challenging period as an industry.”

With a General Election on the horizon, NFU Combinable Crops Board chair, Jamie Burrows, urged political parties to fund a Farm Business Investment Loan which could enable farmers to make their farms more resilient to ‘highly volatile commercial conditions’ including wet weather.

Challenges

Richard Heady, an arable farmer from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, said farmers had stepped up to the challenges they faced, but he added that without the correct support, the industry could be left behind.

He said: “If we lost agriculture, the UK could lose so much of what makes it great. We need to build our resilience in producing home-grown in future.”

Karl Franklin, a sheep farmer from Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, said fairness across the supply chain was another way of ensuring farmers could handle the volatility from adverse weather conditions in the future to be more resilient.

SFI OFFERS A REGEN OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMERS

THE Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has provided a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to those adopting regenerative approaches.

Speaking in a panel at the Cereals 2024 event, Clive Bailye, an arable farmer from Burntwood in Staffordshire, said SFI had presented farmers with a fantastic opportunity for those who had transitioned into the regenerative space and to those looking to make the move.

He said: “It has helped to de-risk the business by taking the higher risk of break crop out of rotational crop, usually affected by the volatility of the weather.

“We are getting the diversity in the cover crop to provide the stability in the business and allow us to invest in soil health and wildlife gains for the environment.

“There is still a lack of consistency in the scheme which is putting people

off, but time should be able to address those challenges.

“Going back to the Basic Payment Scheme cannot be the answer and farmers should see the opportunity from the scheme as helping to make their businesses more sustainable.”

Ben Adams, an arable farmer from Bicester in Oxfordshire, who was part of the pilot scheme alongside Mr Bailye, said the scheme had provided ‘value for money’ to the taxpayer.

“People can see the measure of the scheme and how beneficial it is to businesses and the environment,” he said.

“I think it is the right system, but I hope the scheme is merged into one accessible scheme to simplify the process and farmers should get behind it while it is still there.”

He added that he hoped it could keep going despite a potential change in Government.

Farmers at the Cereals 2024 event discussed the challenges that the recent adverse weather was presenting to their businesses.

PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER

Business

As agriculture faces increasing pressure from sustainability drives, Marks & Spencer chair and farmer Archie Norman told the Future Countryside event why the industry should not lose focus of production. Rachael Brown reports.

M&S chair warns industry about increasing imports

l Government should focus on investment

THE UK is in danger of importing more food, but the sector should be planning for exports not imports.

That was the message from Marks & Spencer (M&S) chair Archie Norman, adding the domestic industry had a huge competitive advantage in its food system, and we must grow it and protect it.

Mr Norman wears many hats –former politician, successful businessman and now chair of a major retailer, but he is also a farmer. Speaking at the Future Countryside event, he stressed from the outset that this was a conversation ‘from one farmer to another.’

Speaking to delegates, he raised his concerns around the future of the livestock sector, adding ‘if we carry on the way we are going, we will see a decline in production and will end up importing more’.

Singling out poultry production, he said with the move to ‘more slow-grown poultry’ there was an inevitable requirement for more space, but heavy restrictions were making life difficult for poultry farmers to ‘set-up and grow’.

Livestock numbers

He said the pressure on sustainability and concerns around methane was a ‘discouragement for livestock farmers’, adding ‘we are seeing a decline in numbers’.

“The number of beef cattle in Scotland is the lowest it has ever been. In Scotland, lamb prices are holding up very well, that is because flocks are coming off the hill.”

Mr Norman said as with steel, aluminium and car manufacturing, the UK should regard food production as one of ‘our great national advantages’.

When probed if the Government had got it right when it came to the current subsidy scheme, he said: ‘I doubt anybody in this room, thinks we have got it right’, emphasising the ‘sheer challenge and difficulty’ of allocated subsidy payments based on ‘sustainability objectives’.

He added there was a need to ‘balance sustainability with our competitiveness’.

“What is our plan for agri-business in this country? How are we going to grow it? How are we going to encourage more investment? How are we going to make sure we are beef and lamb exporters not importers? How are we going to make sure we are not importing poultry? We have got to have a plan around that,” he said.

“Your subsidy regime and sus-

tainability regime sits behind that, as opposed to starting from those things and forgetting that we have a valuable and precious industry which is also such an important cultural heritage to us.

“Farming is part of the history of the nature, it just runs through the idea of who we are in this country. The countryside, farming, food production, how we eat, it would be a terrible tragedy to lose all that.”

When probed what advice he would give to the next Government, he said:

The countryside, farming, food production, how we eat – it would be a tragedy to lose all that

ARCHIE NORMAN

“Any incoming Government has to have a view on how to improve income per capita, which comes down to productivity and investment,” he said. He added Defra should be the ‘department of agri-business’.

“I think we have to set the conditions,” he said, adding that it means adopting a view of ‘where you are going to compete’.

“We need a supply-side strategy. I think productivity has flatlined for a decade. It will be a total failure if it flatlines for another decade, but that does require change.”

Responsibility

When questioned about whether supermarkets should take responsibility for ‘farming woes’, he said ‘yes of course’, adding he thought it had ‘improved enormously’, alluding to what M&S had done for its long-term growers and its dairy farmers with its milk pool scheme.

“The idea that we are simply trying to crush peoples’ profits and livelihoods, that is not in our interest. That is not the way that M&S works.”

But Mr Norman acknowledged there were problems with ‘aggressive supermarkets’.

M&S chair Archie Norman has raised concerns that a decline in production will lead to an increase in imports.

● Seasonal decline earlier this year

FOR much of 2024, deadweight beef prices have been trading at record levels. They have recently dipped, but there are few signs of a collapse in values.

GB deadweight steer prices peaked at an all-time high in early March, with values of almost 498p/kg, according to AHDB. That was 3.1% on the year before.

Last year prices continued to increase throughout April and May before a seasonal decline took hold. This year that seasonal decline has come earlier, with prices falling from early March onwards to 481p/kg deadweight at the beginning of June, a 2.2% discount on a year earlier.

Glesni Phillips, intelligence, analysis, and business insight executive at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), said: “There has been a definite dip in the price of prime cattle, but prices still remain historically high compared to where they were two or three years ago.

“More imports of Irish beef have had an impact on supply, but there are some areas of the market where prices are increasing.

“Cull cow prices are rising, despite a 2% increase in throughput numbers so far this year. With cost of living pressures continuing, consumers are favouring the cheaper cuts, such as mince and burgers, which is increasing demand for the cull cow sector.

“As we go into summer, the demand for these types of products may increase further.”

Retail sales

The latest Kantar consumer figures for AHDB and HCC show retail sales of burgers and grills up 3.9% in the 12 weeks to May 12, compared to the same period last year.

That compared to a 0.4% drop in overall beef volumes. Other categories which saw an increase in sales included processed beef, sliced meats, steaks and roasting.

A big drop in stewing beef and mar-

GB deadweight steer prices

With beef prices remaining high despite a seasonal decline, Cedric Porter takes a look at the market.

Dip in beef prices may only be temporary

inades contributed to the overall drop in demand. Burger and grill prices rose by only 0.8%, compared to a 5.4% for all retail beef prices.

In the first 22 weeks of the year, 938,820 steers, heifers, young bulls and cull cows were slaughtered in Great Britain, AHDB figures show.

That was 16,610 or 1.8% more than in the same period of 2023, and also up on 2022, although slightly less than in 2021.

In the most recent five-week period to June 1, throughput was at 206,040 head, 1.3% more than last year.

Ms Phillips said: “The increase in supply echoes the most recent British Cattle Movement Service [BCMS] cattle population figures which show a 2% increase in the number of 12to 30-month beef cattle and dairy males across GB.

“The increase in Welsh numbers is similar at 2%. However, we expect a tightening in supplies later in the year and into 2025, with the number of GB cattle between 0-12 months in the April BCMS figures down 3%, with a 2% drop in Welsh numbers.”

Continuing high costs of production, especially higher feed costs, uncertainty of the future of farm support, difficult weather conditions and the threat of bovine TB are reasons for the reluctance among Welsh and other beef producers to increase beef production, she added.

Auctioneers were reporting that continued tight supplies were holding up prices.

David Kivell at Holsworthy, Devon,

said: “Numbers were still tight this week but a fast trade for all on offer. Top on the day was £1,760 for a nonfarm-assured Aberdeen-Angus.”

Grazing cows and native heifers were selling for between £900 and £1,250 at last week’s sales.

Prime cattle held their recent strong prices at Aberdeen and Northern Mart’s weekly Thainstone sale last week, with under-30-month prime bullocks making up to £2,260.

Prices for all classes of cast cows and bulls were higher on the week, with beef finished cows averaging £1,737. Beef feeding cows averaged £1,392.

MORE ON GLOBAL BEEF MARKETS See page 22.

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With farmers allowing the public onto their land more through diversification, Farmers Guardian takes a look at the pitfalls of inviting public access.

Warning on implications of giving access to private roads

● Risk assessment advised to be undertaken

DIVERSIFICATIONS such as wine tours, visitor centres, campsites and festivals mean landowners are allowing the public onto their land more than ever. But a little-known law means there could be profound implications in allowing this increased access.

With more estates opening to the public, and farms diversifying their revenue streams to help navigate the tough economic climate, landowners are coming within the scope of laws they simply were not aware of, but ignorance of the law is rarely a successful defence.

Amy Cowdell, head of agriculture at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Landowners have few responsibilities when it comes to private roads. There are no obligations to properly maintain them or keep them free of hazards, other than the general laws around negligence.

“However, allowing regular public access means that elements of the Highways Act 1980 may become applicable, for example, providing signage, road maintenance and use by driving licence holders only.”

Defining what is ‘regular’ can be difficult as it is mostly decided on a case-by-case basis. This means landowners must assume any private road which is often used by the public is at risk of being deemed a semi-public highway.

Accidents

James O’Connell, head of vineyards and wineries team at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “Road status will only usually become an issue after there has been a serious accident, so precautionary steps help to minimise risk.

“That starts with identifying roads that could be deemed semipublic and putting up no entry notices on any private roads that branch off them. That will technically turn any unauthorised public use into trespass, thus reducing landowners’ liability,” he said.

Public access may only be between certain times, such as a cafe’s opening hours. This should

Landowners must remain aware of a distinct risk –whether prolonged usage will create a Byway Open to All Traffic situation

JAMES O’CONNELL

be clearly signposted at the road’s entrance.

“Where the public pre-book attendance, then ticket and contract terms can impose limitations helping to limit a landowner’s liability,”

Mr O’Connell added.

Recent changes in the law and lack of funds means the risk of a council compulsory adopting a semipublic road as a public highway has largely receded. But landowners must remain aware of a distinct, but parallel, risk – whether prolonged usage will create a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) situation.

Mr O’Connell said: “Members of the public can petition for regularly used roads on private land to have their status changed to a BOAT, which would impose severe restrictions on landowners, for example, farmers must ensure free-roaming animals do not present a risk to byway users.

“Be wary of a combination of semi-public roads creating shortcuts through estates that the public may want to make permanent.”

To show themselves compliant if a road is deemed semi-public, and to protect themselves against allegations, landowners who allow public access for any reason should undertake a risk assessment which examines potential issues and hazards.

By allowing regular access to private roads, farmers may find that elements of the Highways Act 1980 apply.

Ms Cowdell said: “This can include shrubbery that might need to be cut back because it forces pedestrians onto the road, significant potholes that might cause damage to cars or the need for signage at junctions. It could also mean considering actions such as not using some farm machinery on the road between certain hours of the day.”

Minimise risks

Having identified potential risks, landowners should take all reasonable steps to show they have tried to minimise those risks. The cost of Highways Act compliance can be expensive, and landowners are advised to build it into the costing of any new public venture.

“It is also important that landowners who think their roads may be deemed semi-public contact their insurance providers, as insurance cover provided on the basis of a private road may be invalidated if the road is deemed semi-public after an accident,” Mr O’Connell said.

Global Ag View

PRODUCTION in North America is under pressure, reports global market consultants Rabobank, with reductions in numbers in Europe too.

This is outweighing increased production in Brazil and Australia and expected increases in China.

Latest monthly US Department of Agriculture figures show an average liveweight beef cattle price of US$185/ hundredweight in April, which translates to £2.84/kg.

That price was 8.2% more than in April 2023 and 57% more than three years before. Weekly prices throughout May and into early June have been maintained at those elevated levels.

US cattle production was at £8.863 billion, or 4.02 million tonnes, in the January to April 2024 period.

That was only 0.3% less than the same four months last year, but down 5.2% on the 2022 figure.

The latest Irish beef deadweight cattle prices are a little down on last year at €5.13/kg (£4.32/kg) at the end of May, compared to €5.22/kg (£4.40/ kg) the year before, according to Bord Bia. However, the average price for the year so far is 4% higher at €5.16/kg (£4.35/kg).

EU production in the first three months of 2024 was 4.4% more than in the same period last year at 1.648mt, Eurostat figures showed.

Irish output was 2.8% up, but there was a 2.5% drop in French output.

Production in the first three months of the year was similar to the first three months of 2021, with falls in production in the EU’s two largest beef producers – Germany (down 6.2%) and France (down 7.8%).

A smaller global beef herd is supporting beef prices across the world. Cedric Porter reports.

Global beef production under pressure

other regions are experiencing more subdued pricing.

“Europe finds itself in the middle ground, despite a recent uptick in production. These regional disparities are beginning to influence international trade flows, with the US ramping up its import volumes and major Asian markets maintaining steady import levels.”

Shrinking output

Rabobank’s global beef production index peaked at the end of 2023, with output calculated to be at 3% above 2019 levels.

Angus Gidley-Baird, senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank, said: “North American markets are hovering near record highs amid the contraction in local production, while

It predicts that by the middle of 2025 global production will be back to where it was six years before.

During that time, the world’s population is projected to have increased by 5.8%, reducing overall beef availability per head.

There were a number of external factors having a longer term impact on beef production, said Mr Gidley-Baird.

He added that the threat to Brazil’s large poultry industry from avian flu could support beef prices and exports, while a foot-and-mouth-free declaration by the country could increase global demand for its beef if world animal health authorities followed suit.

Production might also be impacted

by the need for beef producers and processors to meet global Scope 3 carbon emission targets.

He added: “Under the reporting regulations, large beef companies will be required to navigate the complexities of collecting and reporting accurate emissions data.

“At the farm level, carbon calculators and measurement tools will become important to facilitate a bottom-up approach to measurement.”

Global meat production is expected to increase by 0.9% a year between 2023 and 2032 to 78mt, according to the latest estimates by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

This compares with an expected 1.3% a year increase in poultry production. The two organisations expect some longer term pressure on prices, with values down between 10-15% in real terms compared to 2020-22 average.

However, it said red meat prices would be increasingly higher than pigmeat and poultry, due to more limited productivity gains.

US MONTHLY BEEF PRODUCTION/PRICES

“We continue to monitor the recent transmission of H5N1 avian influenza to dairy cattle, although no cases have been reported in beef herds, and beef food safety remains uncompromised.”

Farm Profile

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

Making the most of their farm’s location next to Lancashire’s Pennine Moors is key to the success of the Kempson family’s business. Angela Calvert reports.

to right: Craig and John Kempson, with some of their Derbyshire Gritstone and Lonk shearling tups, which, as native breeds, do well in the moorland setting.

Native breeds suit landscape

Farming on the urban fringe, but with land stretching up on to the moors, means that the Kempson family can make the most of all the opportunities this offers.

Craig and John Kempson farm 412 hectares (1,020 acres), with their dad, Karl, a first-generation farmer and mum, Sheila, along with John’s partner, Gemma, and children, Stanley, six, and Peggy, one, at Waterfoot, Rossendale.

They also have the rights to run 1,200 sheep on the common.

The land comprises 40ha (100 acres) of lowland ground around the farm suitable for mowing, with the remainder mainly moorland.

Livestock is at the heart of the business and knowing which breeds suit the farm is essential. The suckler herd is made up of 35 Galloway cows, which are put to a Whitebred Shorthorn bull to produce Blue Greys.

Craig says: “Initially we had Belted Galloways, but they were quite small

and the progeny was not really right for our market, so we switched to Galloways six years ago.

“We bought a few in individually, but then decided to establish a good, uniform herd, so bought 10 cows with heifer calves and in-calf again from the Maxwell Estate’s Klondyke herd, Dumfries, as foundation females.

“It is a similar type of land to ours up there and they have done really well for us. We have never had to calve one and we can make the same margin on them as other breeds with less inputs.”

Steers

The cows are outwintered and fed in an old quarry, but have the hill to roam on.

The steers are sold as strong stores at about 24 months old through Gisburn Auction Mart and the heifers sold as bulling heifers at Lockerbie.

John says: “There is a really good demand and we have sold them to all parts of the country. But this year we are going to do it a bit differently and

intend to put them in-calf to an Aberdeen-Angus named sire and sell them in-calf at Newcastleton in the autumn.

“The in-calf heifers seem to make quite a bit more than bulling heifers for not too much extra cost, so we will see how that works for us.”

As well as the suckler herd, the family also buys-in store cattle and can have up to 250 on-site at any one time.

These are usually bought by Karl at Gisburn and Clitheroe auctions at six to 12 months old.

John says: “We sell them as strong stores. They are mainly Limousin crosses, but we also like Simmental crosses as they have some size and grow well.

“But there are fewer suckled calves about now, so we have started buying some dairy-bred stores by Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus named sires.”

About 120-head of the store cattle are grazed over summer at Hesketh Bank and then brought home in autumn and sold over the winter, generating steady cashflow.

They also buy-in about 40 young suckler bulls at eight to 10 months old which are sold at 14 months old weighing 500kg.

Craig says: “They are good for cashflow as we cannot graze them, so have to keep selling them.”

The cows are fed silage and feed blocks, with the youngstock on a beef nut, silage and feed blocks with barley bought in for the young bulls.

The cattle are kept on woodchip, with some straw bought in for lambs.

Saving

Craig says: “Woodchip is much drier than straw which means we only have to bed up every four days, rather than every two days, so there is a big saving on labour.

“We do have to leave the muck for 12 months or so before we can spread it on the land. We have done a lot of work to improve the land and do regular soil sampling and make sure we are keeping the pH right.”

The sheep flock comprises 150

Left

Farm Profile Lancashire

Lonks, 150 Derbyshire Gritstones and 650 North Country Cheviot breeding ewes, with the aim of increasing the Cheviots to 1,000 over the next couple of years.

Craig says: “We have always had pure-bred Derbyshire Gritstone sheep, but moved to Lonks and Cheviots within the last 10 years as these hill-bred sheep suit the land better than the previous Swales and crosses we kept before.

“The land rises to 1,400ft and the Cheviots suit the hill with the Lonks and the Gritstones on the better land.”

The flock is closed apart from the occasional bought-in female and rams.

All lambs not sold or retained for breeding are finished and sold through Gisburn and Clitheroe markets.

The Lonk and Gritstone ram lambs are kept entire allowing them to grow on and the right ones be selected for breeding.

Goals

The aim is to keep eight from each breed to sell as shearlings through society sales. One of the main goals is to breed outstanding stock rams for other fellow breeders.

The Lonks and Derbyshire Gritstones carrying twins are lambed inside from April 5 and the Cheviots, having been brought nearer home to

rest the land, start lambing outside from April 20.

Lambs are sent away on grass over winter before being brought home and finished inside for the last month and are sold from Christmas through to spring.

John says: “We keep about 260 ewe lambs as replacements, so have around 1,000 finished lambs to sell. Because of the wet weather they have not done as well as usual this year, so we have been later getting them all away than we normally are.”

They also sell up to 100 draft ewes every year and, for the past few years, the Lonks and Gritstones have sold privately to new breeders looking to

start up, as there is an increased demand for these breeds, with the Cheviots sold through Clitheroe market.

The family focuses on using only the best genetics on their pure-bred flocks to ensure maximum returns.

They set a Derbyshire Gritstone breed record of 4,750gns in 2018 and an in-lamb female record of 1,400gns in 2021.

They usually attend six shows a year, including the Great Yorkshire, where one of their most memorable moments was in 2022 when they had both the Lonk and Derbyshire Gritstone breed champions.

Craig says: “We are prepared to pay for the best genetics. Last year we paid

Blue Grey heifers will be bulled with a named AberdeenAngus sire and sold in-calf.

The suckler herd is made up of 35 Galloway cows, which are put to a Whitebred Shorthorn bull to produce Blue Grey calves.

The flock has 150 Lonks which, along with the 150 Derbyshire Gritstones, are kept on the better land.

Lancashire Farm Profile

Farm facts

■ 412 hectares (1,020 acres) –20ha (50 acres) owned and the remainder rented

■ Rights to 1,200 sheep on the moor

■ Land rises to 423 metres (1,400 ft)

■ 35 Galloway suckler cows plus followers

■ Store cattle and young bulls bought in

■ 950 ewes – 150 Lonks, 150 Derbyshire Gritstone, 650 North Country Cheviots

■ Lambs not sold for breeding finished and sold through Gisburn and Clitheroe markets

■ 1,600 bales of silage made annually

6,000gns for a Lonk tup, but if we can produce good breeding stock to sell at the top of the market, it means we can then invest that money into other stock.

“We like to go to Lockerbie to buy Cheviot tups and if we sell the Lonks and Gritstones well, it means we can buy better quality Cheviots which will give us a better return on finished lambs.”

Diversification

In addition to the livestock, the family has several other diversification enterprises. Craig does a lot of ground, drain-jetting and building work locally. He also trains and sells sheepdogs, achieving his best price of 6,200gns recently at Skipton, and has been on the English National team.

He says: “I have about seven dogs at a time plus some pups and really enjoy

The Kempsons aim to increase their Cheviot flock to 1,000 over the next couple of years.

training the young dogs. I usually run them in nurseries over winter. I then use them myself at lambing for experience and then sell them.”

Three days a week, John does a milk round with his mum and dad, starting at 1am until 8am, delivering to 450500 homes within a five-mile radius.

He says: “We have done this since I was a teenager, but during coronavirus the number of customers doubled and we have retained about 50% of them.

“We buy the milk in locally and deliver 2,500 pints a week, mainly in glass bottles. We do not do any advertising, just a Facebook page, and most people pay by direct debit.”

He also runs a shearing business, clipping about 25,000 sheep, all hill breeds, with a friend from the beginning of June to the end of August.

Storage facility

They are also in the process of setting up a caravan storage facility on a piece of land they own locally.

Craig says: “Because we are so close to a well populated area, we can take advantage of that, with the milk round, the building and ground work and hopefully it will be the same with caravan storage.

“But there are disadvantages. Our biggest problem is dogs as the Pennine Bridleway runs through the land and

we have a lot of problems with off-road motorbikes and quads on the hill and moor.”

As to the future, they remain optimistic for family farms.

Craig says: “We have to keep working, putting the hours in and looking at different ways of generating income, which is why we are setting up the new caravan storage as a diversification business. Hopefully, it will help make up for the loss of subsidies which will hit us hard.

“We have good landlords, but a concern is that if some of the big companies decide to sell land or plant trees, it could have a big impact on our business.”

The family originally ran belted Galloways, but switched to the larger Galloways six years ago.

Arable

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com

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

Long-term experiment providing sustainability answers

Alittle over 180 years ago, in the autumn of 1843, John Bennet Lawes and his colleague Joseph Henry Gilbert planted the first plots in what was to become the Broadbalk winter wheat longterm experiment. Incredibly, this experiment is still in existence today on the same site at Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire.

Sir John Lawes inherited Rothamsted Manor and its estate from his father in 1822.

After developing an interest in soil science and crop nutrition while studying agriculture at Oxford University, he went on to patent a process for treating rock phosphate with sulphuric acid to produce the fertiliser superphosphate, marking the beginning of industrial chemical fertiliser production.

John Bennet Lawes wanted to demonstrate the effects of some of these new inorganic fertilisers on crop yields and nutrient cycling

DR ANDY GREGORY

Soil scientist Dr Andy Gregory, who has responsibility for Rothamsted Research’s long-term experiments, says: “John Bennet Lawes was very successful with his fertiliser company and, in short, he wanted to demonstrate the effects of some of these new inorganic fertilisers on crop yields and nutrient cycling.

“He had a large agricultural estate here at Rothamsted, so he set-up a number of trials, each one focused on a single crop. Broadbalk was his trial with winter wheat.”

Each year since 1843, winter wheat has been sown on all or part of the trial field.

The effects of inorganic fertilisers – supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – and organic manures on grain yield and soil have

Having amassed nearly two centuries-worth of data, the Broadbalk experiment continues to reveal new insights and findings relevant to modern agriculture. Teresa Rush reports.

been compared alongside a control receiving no fertiliser or manure inputs.

Samples

Grain and straw yields have been recorded, and soil and plant samples spanning the entire lifetime of the experiment have been carefully dried and stored in the Rothamsted Sample Archive, providing a ‘time machine’ that allows researchers to look back at changes in agriculture and the environment over long periods.

Modifications have been made to the experiment over time to ensure that it is not threatened by agronomic factors, such as soil acidification or weeds, but also to safeguard its relevance to current agricultural practice.

There have been three main

Winter wheat has been sown on all or part of the Broadbalk trial field each year since 1843.

■ Broadbalk winter wheat

■ Broadbalk and Geescroft wildernesses

■ Park grass

■ Hoosfield spring barley

■ Exhaustion land

phases to the experiment to date, says Dr Gregory.

During the first phase, which ran from 1843 to the early 1920s, the silty clay loam site was entirely under continuous winter wheat. But by the 1920s, yields were starting to decline, attributed in part to problems with weed control linked to labour shortages following the first world war.

■ Garden clover

■ Highfield and Fosters ley-Arable Experiments

■ Long-term miscanthus experiment

■ Large-scale rotation experiments

Source: Rothamsted Research

The first modification made to the experiment saw the field split into five sections running perpendicular to the various treatments, together with the inclusion of a fallow year.

“Within a five-year period, the plots would have had four years under continuous winter wheat and a fallow year,” says Dr Gregory.

This approach remained in place

until the late 1960s, when attention was turned to the future of Broadbalk and how best to maintain its relevance. What is probably the most significant modification to the experiment to date took place in 1968, with the introduction of semidwarf winter wheat varieties and a crop rotation.

Continuous wheat

“The five sections were each divided in two to give the 10 sections we have today, and half of those sections went into a crop rotation, while the others remained under continuous wheat. So essentially half of the experiment has been in continuous wheat since 1843,” says Dr Gregory. Subsequent modifications have included the testing of higher rates

Long-term experiments at Rothamsted Research

Using data from Broadbalk, researchers have found that on plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have been consistently increasing since the 1960s.

of N fertiliser, and the use of herbicides and other agrochemicals, except on selected sections.

Broadbalk’s cropping has also changed over the years. The current rotation includes two years of winter wheat, a year of winter oats, and a further year of winter wheat, with a crop of winter beans completing the cycle.

Oilseed rape would be an obvious break but is technically a difficult crop to include in the experiment because of the small plot size, adds Dr Gregory.

Data

But while impressive for its duration, what is the value of Broadbalk to modern agriculture?

The answer lies in the huge amount of data generated by the experiment, and the opportunity it provides to look both back in time and into the future as we grapple with challenges around sustainability, soil health, climate change and food security.

and Arthur (‘Johnny’) Johnston offered the following description:

“At the most fundamental level it [a sustainable system] is one in which the quantity and quality of agricultural yield can be maintained year after year, that is financially viable for farmers and the local industries dependent on them, and does not cause degradation of the soil, environmental contamination, disruption of habitats for flora and fauna, pollution of watercourses and so on.”

They went on to suggest that answers to some of the questions around sustainability in agriculture were best obtained from long-term field experiments such as Broadbalk.

In recent years, Broadbalk data has been used to answer questions relating to some of these issues. Yield data collected from the experiment challenges the assertion that soil degradation means we only have a limited number of harvests left.

It is not easy to define a sustainable farming system. In a paper published in the European Journal of Soil Science in 2018, Rothamsted Research scientists Paul Poulton

The data shows that it has been possible to maintain or increase yields of wheat over 180 years using either inorganic fertilisers or organic manure. Although, to achieve this, changes in management have been needed to ensure

With its wealth of data, Broadbalk is set to retain its relevance as farming enters the era of artificial intelligence, says Dr Andy Gregory.

Arable

that soil acidity, weeds and diseases are controlled.

Long-term data is also helping to inform thinking around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. Using archived samples and new data collected from Broadbalk, Rothamsted scientists compared a variety of soils, including those that had received N fertiliser inputs ranging from zero up to 288kg per hectare per year, and those receiving only farmyard manure.

Analysis

Analysis of the soil samples showed that emissions from soil of the potent GHG nitrous oxide are drastically reduced simply by the addition of carbon-rich manure.

Other recent studies have addressed the decline seen in grain micronutrient content; the threat to food security posed by weeds in crops, fertilisers and microplastics; and the effects of weather on wheat yields.

With its wealth of data, Broadbalk looks set to retain its relevance as the industry enters an era of artificial intelligence, providing a platform for testing new data collection and analytics technologies, including remote sensing and hyperspectral imagery used to measure a range of factors from crop disease levels to soil carbon.

Perhaps, in due course, the introduction of precision plant breeding technology, the widespread adoption of biological crop protection or

BROADBALK

Soil and plant samples spanning the entire lifetime of the experiment are stored in the Rothamsted Sample Archive.

new techniques for boosting soil health might appear on the experiment’s timeline.

Whatever the changes ahead for UK farming, Lawes and Gilbert

MEAN LONG-TERM

would surely be pleased to see their pioneering experiment continuing to deliver value and support new research almost two centuries after they planted those first plots

YIELDS OF WINTER WHEAT 1852-2022

Rotational 1st wheat farmyard manure + 96kg N/ then + 144kg N since 2005 (plot 2.1)

Best rotational 1st wheat NPKMg (various plots up to 288kg N)

Best continuous wheat NPKMg (various plots up to 288kg N)

Continuous wheat farmyard manure (plot 2.2) Continuous wheat 144kg N + PKMg (plot 8)

(Nil) (plot 3)

of Old Red Lammas winter wheat at Rothamsted.

MORE INFORMATION Visit Rothamsted.ac.uk to find out more.

Protecting rapid leaf growth in pulse crops

● Buoyant bean price warrants investment

By Ash Ellwood

LATE-sown pulse crops which were slow to establish are now racing through growth stages to recover. However, increasing high disease pressure could restrict green leaf area development and yield potential, says Syngenta technical manager Simon Jackson.

He says: “Rust is currently the major risk in spring beans. Growers should target an effective treatment at first pod set, to stop the disease getting established.”

Drawing on last season’s experience of spring beans in similar conditions, it highlighted the benefit of a two-spray strategy with a follow-up application in mid-July to ensure sustained rust control and protect green leaf to complete pod fill.

“Although late-sown beans are growing rapidly – growers might consider a one-spray strategy which may suffice – extending the growing season with robust disease control will help them to achieve their yield potential,” says Mr Jackson.

Bean crop prices have remained consistently buoyant, compared to other combinable crops, which warrants investment to maximise yields.

Mr Jackson advocates an initial ap-

plication of Syngenta’s fungicide, Elatus Era (benzovindiflupyr + prothioconazole) to target rust, along with chocolate spot if the cool and wet conditions persist into the season. That would be followed up with an Amistar (azoxystrobin) application at the midJuly timing to focus on maintaining healthy green leaf through pod fill.

During trials conducted by Syngenta, Mr Jackson says Elatus Era treatment has also had a positive effect on combining peas, as this season’s wet spring weather has been especially favourable for ascochyta leaf spotting, with associated risks of pod infection and pea staining.

Timing

Field trials in combining peas last year reinforced the importance of the early flowering (T1) timing for disease control, with research conducted in Yorkshire showing Elatus Era was the most effective T1 treatment for powdery mildew control, giving 84% reduction in infection, compared to untreated. While at the same timing, BASF fungicide Signum (boscalid + pyraclostrobin) gave a 36% reduction, according to Syngenta.

Mr Jackson adds: “Elatus Era can be applied from growth stage 51 in pulses, right through to 20% of pods having reached full size [GS72]. Growers can make a single application at a rate of up to 0.66 litres per hectare in field peas and beans.”

Rust is currently the major risk in spring beans according to Syngenta’s Simon Jackson.

Sales

Edited by Angela Calvert –

Jalex sale peaks at £18,000

l Bulls sell to £11,000 for Charolais-cross

THE Jalex Select on-farm sale at Randlestown, Northern Ireland, on behalf of James Alexander, topped at £18,000 for Molly, a January 2021-born in-calf Limousin heifer by Ampertaine Foreman, which sold to Messrs Lynn, Co Antrim.

The same buyer also paid £14,000 for a March 2022-born Limousin maiden heifer.

British Blue

Making £10,000 was Weapon, a January 2021-born in-calf British Blue heifer, which was knocked down to Messrs Daly, Co Galway.

Another British Blue cross April

2021-born heifer, in-calf to Elderberry Galahad, made £8,500 to Messrs Tippetts, Shropshire.

Cows and calves topped at £11,000 for Gabriela, a 2021-born British Blonde/British Blue heifer with a heifer calf at foot by Corcamore Romeo, which also sold to Messrs Lynn.

Making £9,200 was a 2021-born British Blue heifer with a bull calf at foot by the same sire, which sold to Messrs Lenehan, Co Sligo.

Bulls peaked at £14,000 for Tiny, a March 2023-born Charolais-cross which went to Messrs Tippetts.

AVERAGES

78 heifers with calves, £4,561.82; 135 in-calf heifers, £3,755.51; 4 cross-bred bulls, £6,700. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Store cattle sell to £1,655

THE sale of store cattle and young bulls at Pateley Bridge topped at £1,655 for a Charolais steer, from J.E. and C.M. Mawer, Wath.

Top priced heifer was a Limousin at £1,605, from Brown Bros, Heyshaw.

Young bulls sold to £1,595 for E. and A.M. Simpson and Son, Heathfield. R.D. Metcalfe and Son, Harrogate, sold an Aberdeen-Angus heifer with an Angus bull calf at foot for £1,550.

Heifers under 30 months old sold to 261.5p/kg for a British Blue from B. Kellett and Sons, Bishop Thornton. Top price per head was an Aberdeen-Angus heifer at £1,425 from the same home.

Over 30-month-old heifers sold

to 252.5p/kg for a Limousin from S. Bradely, Kirkby Malzeard, and £1,597/head for a Friesian from J.C. and D.J. Marshall and Sons, Harrogate.

Cull cows

In the cull cow section, top price per kilo was 205.5p for a Charolais from J.W. and J. Paxton, Goldsbrorough. Top price per head was £1,671.53 for a Brown Swiss, from Horsley Gates Partnership, Ripon.

AVERAGES

Bulls, £1,411.88; steers, £1,261.89; heifers, £1,165.74.

Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.

Dogs top at £11,400 online

LEADING the trade at £11,400 at Skipton’s online sale of working sheepdogs was Dewi Jenkins, Talybont, with his fully broken 13-month-old black and white bitch, Erwood Jess.

By his stud dog, Clwyd Bob, Jess sold to Kelan Savage, Castlewellan, Co Down.

Next, at £5,000, was a partbroken 15-month-old red and white bitch, Foinaven Tess, from Tom Ollerenshaw, a shepherd at Broomhead Estate Farms, Sheffield. Foinaven Tess, by another red and white dog, Boss, from West

Glamorgan’s Lyn Howells, sold to Tom Bebb, Llanfair, Powys.

Black and white

Jim, a September 2021-born black and white dog from William Lawrence, Moneymore, Co Derry, made £2,500 to James Latimer, Hexham.

Top call among the unbroken dogs was £1,400 for a rising four-month-old tri-coloured bitch, Jill, from Donal Mullaney, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, which found a new home with Michael McHugh, Milford.

Auctioneers: CCM.

Pedigree heifers sell to £2,620 at Gisburn dairy

A TOP price of £2,620 was reached three times during Gisburn’s dairy sale.

Two Peak Altavelvet heifers, from G.D. Donkin’s Copdon herd, Blackburn, shared the top price with a Hollinshall heifer from R.C. and S.W. Beecroft, Killinghall.

The Copdon heifers included a 34kg mid-May-calved entry out of a Lovelyhall dam and a 31kg heifer out of a superior production dam in the Donkins’ Better family.

The Hollinshall heifer by Pine-TreeI Pursuit has a 50-tonne, EX90(2) grandam in the Butterpat family.

Another from Hollinshall, also by Pursuit, was one of two pedigree heifers at £2,600, this one out of a Seagull-Bay MVP dam.

At the same price, Jennings Farmers, Ripon, sold its 33kg Abbeyhouse Adorable Amanda, originating from the Startover Amanda family.

The non-pedigree heifer trade

topped at £2,400 and £2,380 for two from J. and B. Rowland, Haighton, Preston, while in-calvers saw a top of £1,800 for a Holstein in-calf to sexed AltaBooyah from D.J. Clarke Farming, Garstang.

Large consignment

Cross-bred in-calf cows from G. France, Liversedge, peaked at £1,580 for a Montbeliarde cross in-calf to the Angus, while a large consignment of pedigree Friesian cows and heifers from organic dairy farmers Leas Farm, Pickering, reached £1,400 for a fourth-calver, and £1,300 for pedigree in-calf Friesian heifers.

AVERAGES

Pedigree newly-calved heifers, £2,350; pedigree newly-calved cows, £1,720; non-registered newly-calved heifers, £1,691; in-calf heifers, £1,635. Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts.

Limousin maiden heifer, from James Alexander, Randlestown, Northern Ireland, which sold for £14,000 to Messrs Lynn, Co Antrim.

Erwood Jess, from Dewi Jenkins, Talybont, led the Skipton online sale of sheepdogs with a price of £11,400, selling to Kelan Savage, Castlewellan, Co Down.

was an entry of

Hoggs with lambs sell well at Thirsk

● Championship title awarded to Mule hoggs

THERE was an entry of 60 hoggs with lambs at the new Farmers Guardiansupported show and sale at Thirsk.

The judge, Giles Broadwith, Thornton Watlass, chose the winning pen of five Mule hoggs from Steven Kirby, Northallerton, as champions. With strong single Texel cross lambs at foot, this pen sold for the day’s top price of £295 (£147.50/life) to David Raper, Brompton. Mr Kirby also had the second prize-winning pen of Mules which sold for £270/outfit.

The reserve champions were the

To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow winning continental hoggs, Texel crosses from James Thompson, Lealholme, which went on to sell for £280/outfit to the same buyer. The third prize winners from the same home sold for £255/outfit. In second place was a pen of Texel cross hoggs consigned by Ian McClanahan, Husthwaite, which sold for £270/outfit.

Auctioneers: Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart.

From left: Auctioneer Ben Wilson, judge Giles Broadwith, vendor Steven Kirby and buyer David Raper, with the winning pen of Mule hoggs.

From left: Vendor James Thompson and judge Giles Broadwith with the reserve champion pen of Texel crosses.

There

60 hoggs with lambs at the Farmers Guardian-supported show and sale at Thirsk.

The champion pen included Texel cross lambs at foot.

PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE

Auctioneer Ben Wilson

● Shearling ewes reach high of 1,800gns

THE dispersal sale of the Gwyndy flock of Charollais on behalf of Colin and Ros Bowen, Pembrokeshire, at Hereford topped at 3,400gns for an aged ewe by Robleston Vrondi. Out of a home-bred Wernfawr Rokocoko daughter, it sold to Messrs Heath and Coles, Tregare, Monmouthshire.

Next, at 2,200gns, was another aged ewe, out of a home-bred Rhaedr Rocket daughter and by Wernfawr Vinnie, which was the pick of Pembrokeshire-based R.G. and R.A. Jones and Son, for their Robleston flock.

An older ewe by Boyo Vancouver and out of a home-bred Rhaeadr Rocket daughter, sold for 1,100gns to C. Lewis, Solva, Pembrokeshire.

Shearling ewes topped at 1,800gns for a Robleston Vrondi and out of a

Gwyndy Charollais dispersal to 3,400gns

home-bred Wedderburn Rogue-sired dam which was also knocked down to C. Lewis, who also bought the top price ewe lamb by Robleston Vrondi and out of a home-bred Wernfawr Vinnie daughter for 920gns.

AVERAGES 24 aged ewes, £813.31; 23 shearling ewes, £584.80; 19 ewe lambs, £384.08.

Auctioneers: Hereford Livestock Market.

Carlisle dairy sale realises £2,850 high

TOPPING the monthly dairy sale at Carlisle at £2,850 was Dunnerdale Adorable Quirky, a daughter of Stantons Adorable bred from a Diamondback dam from Stephen Boow, Millom. The buyer was Messrs Green, Lach Dennis.

The Davidson family, Gretna, sold five heifers to average £2,342, topping at £2,650 for Errolston Attico Baby which sold to Messrs Miller, Brampton.

Andrew and Scott Pounder, Stainton Hill Farms, Barnard Castle, sold four heifers to average £2,466 and topped at £2,550 for

■

Stainton Hill Bouncer Babs by Delta Bouncer. Cows sold to £2,500 twice. Firstly, for a second lactation cow by Lambda giving more than 50kg from the Brewster family, Glasgow. The Fleming family, Kirkpatrick Fleming, sold Hillhead Rubles Gail Red bred from an EX dam at the same money.

Second calver

British Friesian cows topped at £2,150 for a second calver from the Williamson family, Appleby, with nine cows from this home averaging £1,927.

Jerseys topped at £1,800 for a fresh

heifer from Kerricks Farm, Dumfries, and Fleckviehs sold to £2,200 for a heifer in-milk from Gordieston Dairy Trading, Dumfries.

AVERAGES

In-milk – 79 Holstein heifers, £2,199.44; 12 Holstein cows, £2,272.22; 16 British Friesian cows/heifers, £1,708.57; 15 Jersey heifers, £1,303.85; 5 Fleckviehs, £1,778; 3 Ayrshires, £1,416.66; 6 faulted cows/three-quartered cows, £1,375; in-calf heifers – 5 Fleckvieh, £1,604; 5 Holstein, £1,390.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Welshpool sees strong spring lamb trade peak at 456p/kg

THE entry of 5,108 spring lambs at Welshpool on Monday averaged 401.36p/kg (£157.86/head) topping at 456p/kg (£205/head), with several of the best pens selling for more than 430p/kg.

According to the auctioneers there was a premium for ram lambs, with buyers wanting to secure them before for the Qurbani festival. Export and supermarket spec lambs sold well, mainly all trading between 390p/kg and 410p/kg.

Lightweight lambs were slightly harder to place on the week, but still sold between 350p/kg and 380p/kg.

The 1,828 hoggs averaged 286.35p/ kg (£114.88/head) peaking at 374p/kg (£200), but it was a two-tier trade with well-meated hoggs selling well, but leaner hoggs harder to sell. The best middle-weight and supermarket spec hoggs sold from 300-340p/kg,

with smaller hoggs between 230270p/kg.

The 6,216 cull ewes were once again a very strong trade averaging £114.74/head. Cross-bred ewes sold from £160-£200, big Mules from £125-£160, with medium Mules all £110 plus and the very small and lean Mules £70-£100.

Hill ewes

Strong hill ewes were all more than £115 and mainly between £125-£140. Medium hill ewes were anything between £70 and £100, with the smaller but better fleshed hill ewes all £30 to £55.

The heavy ewes sold from the mid £160s to the mid £200s topping at £289 for Texel ewes. Cull rams sold to £175/head. Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales.

Sale leader, an aged ewe, from Colin and Ros Bowen, Pembrokeshire, which sold for 3,400gns to Messrs Heath and Coles, Tregare, Monmouthshire.

Limousin leads Hexham stores

A TYPICAL seasonal entry of 164 store cattle at Hexham topped at £1,970 for the Woodman family, Great Chesters, with a 20-month-old black Limousin cross bullock. Their 16 bullocks averaged £1,733/head and 19 heifers £1,623/head.

Aberdeen-Angus cattle topped at £1,780 for a 22-month-old bullock from Thomas Scott, Bellingham. Heifers sold to £1,770 for a 20-month-old Beef Shorthorn from Messrs Wales, Raughton Head, who also sold another at £1,730 and averaged £1,578/head for seven heifers.

The Davy family, Thropton, consigned six forward Charolais-sired heifers, selling to £1,680, with another at £1,650.

Cattle in the middle age bracket peaked at £1,590 for a Limousin heifer from Messrs Dixon, Consett, while bullocks topped at £1,560 for a steer from Clive Kellet, East Matfen.

Cattle

A run of cattle from David Teasdale, Grindon Hill, topped at £1,430 for three steers and £1,300 for a heifer.

Breeding cattle were also in demand, selling to £2,750 for a Limousin heifer with a steer calf at foot from the Johnson family,West Wharmley.

A small stock cow dispersal from the Armstrongs, East Fourstones, peaked at £1,800 for a 10-yearold Limousin cross cow with a month-old Charolais cross steer calf at foot.

Auctioneers: Hexham and Northern Marts.

HEAD AUCTIONEER AT HAWES

Following the retirement of Raymond Lund, Ian Atkinson has been appointed head auctioneer at Hawes Farmers Auction Mart –taking up the new role this week.

news

Ian Atkinson

PICTURE: COUNTRY GIRL MEDIA

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

11am - Sale of 167 Breeding Cattle & Store Cattle of all classes Comprising: - 15 Breeding Cattle; 152 Bullocks and Heifers.

Wednesday 19th June

8am - Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams & followed at 10am with Prime Lambs & Hoggs (Lamb & Hogg Ballot -10am)

Friday 21st June

10am - Sale of 250 Rearing Calves and Weaned Stirks

Friday 5th July

Tuesday 18th June at 10.30am

40-50 Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle 450 FARMERS STIRKS & YOUNG STORES

Wednesday 19th June

10.30am Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves

11.30am 50-100 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

2.30pm 1500 Cast Ewes followed by 1500-2000 Spring Lambs & 2000-3000 Prime Hoggs

Tuesday 2nd July

July Fair Of Suckler Breeding Cattle & Store Cattle

Tuesday 9th July Opening Sale of Store Lambs

Sale of Pedigree Dairy Shorthorn Cattle, together with other Commercial Dary Breeds Entries close Noon Monday 24th June. Richard Turner &

Pedigree Sale

HOLSTEINS & FRIESIANS

Fully

Incl

Graham Watkins 07976 370894

Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092 Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652 Visit us at www.leekauctions.co.uk

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

Collective machinery sale on behalf of Mr A Baughan & others.

Oak Farm, Upper Boddington, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 6DW. ENTRIES ARE INVITED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

Tractors, telehandlers, diggers, trailers, vehicles, arable, grassland and livestock machinery.

Buttington Cross, Buttington, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8SR T: 01938 553438 F: 01938 554607

MONDAY 17TH JUNE 2024

SALE OF 80 STORE CATTLE

Sale to commence at 10:00am

SALE OF 200 EWE & LAMB COUPLES

Sale to commence at 11:00am

SALE OF 70 COWS & CALVES

Including entries from:

19 - 1st calvers with Lim calves from AG & MT Davies, Llys Farm

12 – Lim x 1st calvers with Lim calves from Guto Davies, Hafodlas

10 – Pure Lim 1st calvers with Lim calves from RS Whitley, Haulfryn Farming

2 – 1st calvers with Lim calves at foot from Ryan Morris, Maestanyglwyden

7 – Hereford x & Lim x 1st calvers with Lim calves at foot from JE & JT Evans & Son, Upper Cefn Penarth

Sale to commence at 11:30am

Together with: Excavators, dump trucks, mini diggers, telehandler and loader attachments, bowsers, generators & agricultural requisites.

Plus: Livestock equipment, workshop equipment, agricultural equipment and rural bygones.

For an entry form or more information please contact Gilly on 07921 511852.

To be sold by auction on Saturday 29th June 2024 at 10.30am.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

THE HOWKINS & HARRISON ANNUAL STRAW SALE will be held on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 at 6.30pm at Lutterworth RFC, Ashby Road, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, LE17 4LW.

To enter your straw to be sold in the swath, baled in the field or as a standing crop please contact 01788 564680.

FGBuyandSell.com

Cast ewe numbers up on year View from the Rostrum

Daniel Lynn on Longtown trade

As fat hogg season looks to be drawing to a close, prime lambs set away with a £30 uplift on the year. Numbers are slowly starting to come forward, with the wet spring weather taking its toll on spring lambs which are currently stated two to three weeks behind this time last year.

These numbers were needed here at Longtown to satisfy ever-growing demand and the increasing number of buyers each week, as the changeover from hoggs to spring lamb looks just over the horizon.

Cast ewe numbers are up once again on the year, coming from all four corners of the UK to take advantage of the 19 active buyers on a Thursday.

The best ewes consistently sell from £250 to £300, with shows anywhere from 4,500 to 7,000 ewes

throughout. Heavy ewes showed an average of £144 right through (£24 up on the year) and the light ewes average £95 (£25 up on the year), with a lot of lean ewes forward due to the wet weather conditions.

Store lambs are set to kick off again, with the opening sale on July 16.Trade looks to be firmer again on last year’s prices, with the fat lamb price currently holding firmly and the

Bakewell Market Results - Monday 10th June

720 Cattle & 1,084 Sheep - Full report available on our website

Store Cattle Entries for Monday 17th June

Please call the Bakewell Office on 14th June before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443 Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126

Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries

Farm Dispersal Sales

HILL FARM, STANTON, BURTON ON TRENT, DE15 9TJ SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024 AT 10:30AM

Genuine Dispersal-All Non Vat

10 Tractors to inc: Ford 5000’s, DB 995, 990 and 880 Fordson Dexter plus many more Suzuki 3 Door Vitara

Trailers, Spreaders, Arable & Grassland Machinery, John Deere Round Baler Large Range of Workshop Items and Spares Livestock Items, Straw, Sundries and Effects

Also special entries of Scania Lorry, John Deere 2140 4WD, Ride on Mower Nuffield 4/25 c/w Loader and Bucket & many more Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com

Tel: 01629 812777

www.bagshaws.com

abundance of grass, store lamb numbers expected to be slightly tighter throughout the backend correlating with the losses of the lambing period.

July 22 sees the annual Longtown Ladies sale of pedigree Texels and other breed females. A strong entry forward already with the sale just five weeks away.

A fantastic crowd of bidders was forward ringside last year, alongside

online bidders via MartEye. Leading the trade were Texel in-lamb gimmers topping at 4,000gns, Texel ewe lambs topping at 3,200gns and Dutch Spotted inlamb gimmers selling to 1,300gns.

Store cattle trade is still strong and, despite the fall in fat cattle trade, grazing cattle continue to be highly contended as the grass keeps on coming.

Cattle numbers continue to tighten across the country, with suckler cow numbers slowly decreasing.

However, a slight resistance is expected in the backend as input costs look to rise again, with straw looking to be in very short supply, while there is a lot less corn drilled, due to the wet weather conditions and countless acres of land being taken up with Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes. Straw certainly looks to be a scarce commodity this coming winter.

Daniel Lynn is an auctioneer at C&D Auction Marts. Call 07584 200 489, or email daniel@ cdauctionmarts.co.uk

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE THURSDAY 20th JUNE 2024

Amanda; Amber; Ambrosia; Anna; Apple; Babe; Bambi; Barbie; Blackrose; Bridget; Cosmopolitan; Cutes; Diamond; Divine; Dolly; Elegance; Erle; Flo; Ghost; Jazz; Jodie; Joy; Lausine; Lila Z; Mahala; Marci; Maude; Melody; Missy; Neoma, Nora; Nova; Ola; Prudence; Rae; Raven; Rosie; Roxy; Samsybil; Shakira; Sharon; Tracy; Vaakje; Whiskey & Zandra.

Daniel Lynn

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

POULTRY & WATERFOWL

Saturday 15th June – 10.00am

(Number of lots entered in brackets)

10.00am Ring 2 – Hatching Eggs (125), Equipment (75), Caged Birds (6) , Peafowl (15), Turkeys (3), Geese (10), Pheasants (10), Guinea Fowl (5), Pigeons (10) and True Bantams (100)

10.00am – Ring 3 – Large Ducks (63), Call Ducks (102), Miniature Ducks (23), Bantams (107), Large Fowl (139)

MONDAY 17TH JUNE

9.30am CAST SHEEP (ballot drawn 9.20am) followed by PRIME SHEEP

11.00am with Prime Bulls, Prime Cattle, Cast Cows 10.00am Crop

PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY

114 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING

Wednesday 19th June

Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am Follow Us On Facebook To View Sale Lots Prior To Sale

15 COWS - 78 HEIFERS IN MILK –21 IN-CALF HEIFERS

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

Quality milkers producing oceans of milk sell in this sale all bred from herds with excellent health status. Prefixes include: Bankview, Berryholme, Boclair, Carldanton, Colvend, Denmire, Dunnerdale, Ernespie, Errolston, Espland, Greengrass Hay, Holehouse, Ingleview, Kepculloch, Killantrae, Kingcaird, Lomond Newtonmoss, Ploughlands, Potstown, Stowbeck, Woodcatt, Wormanby, Continued...

BREEDERS CHOICE Several top end animals sell including BOCLAIR RUBELS APPLE RED 3 a descendant of Apple EX96 plus heifers from the Mahala, Shower, Ricki, Rae Marie, Bria families

LARGE GROUPS include 10 from ERROLSTON, 10 from HOLEHOUSE, 8 from ESPLAND, 8 from STOWBECK

WORMANBY As well as consigning 8 fresh cows and heifers from deep pedigrees with multiple generations of Very Good and Excellent, they are selling 20 well bred in-calf heifers The majority are in-calf to sexed semen and are due between August and November. This consignment includes members of the Sheri, Mahala, Gloriette, Rachel, Twain, Miss America, Rolls and Linda families.

BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Wednesday 26th June – 10.30am

Entries close Wednesday 19th June

Summer sale of 35 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

Wednesday 26th June – 11.00am

Retirement Sale of CONTRACTING EQUIPMENT

On behalf of B Templeton Ltd who are retiring after 33 years in business Thursday 27th June – 10.30am At Borderway Mart

Full list available on website

Charollais Supreme sale of 101 PEDIGREE CHAROLLAIS SHEEP

Saturday 29th June

Show 10.00am Sale 12.30pm

Comprising 11 gimmers, 5 ewe lambs, 2 aged rams, 15 shearling rams, 68 tup lambs

Show and sale of MV accredited PEDIGREE ZWARTBLES RAMS & FEMALES

Friday 2nd August

Entries close Friday 28th June

Summer Selection - Carlisle Show and sale of MV accredited PEDIGREE DUTCH SPOTTED RAMS & FEMALES

Friday 2nd August

Entries close Friday 28th June

ONLINE SALES

GENETIC SHEEP SELECTION SALE

Entries close Wednesday 19th June

Bidding starts 12noon Wednesday 17th July

finishing from 12noon Thursday 18th July

TRADITIONAL HEREFORD

CATTLE SALE

comprising 13 incalf/with calf females, 8 maiden heifers, 6 bulls and 2 lots embryos

bidding starts 12noon Friday 28th June –finishing from 12noon Sunday 30th June

Catalogue available on MartEye

ON FARM SALE

FIRST LOOK @ FIRSTLOOK SALE 85 EXCEPTIONAL PEDIGREE HOLSTEINS SELL

Ivy House Farm | Weston Under Redcastle | Shrewsbury | SY4 5XA Saturday 15th June

Stock Judging 10.30am Q & A with Tim Abbott 12.30pm First look @ Firstlook Sale 1.00pm

WHO’S GOT YOUR BID?

Back again for 2024, the Mart’s the Heart Awards are open for entries. Could you be one of this year’s winners?

Auctions are essential to the success and well-being of any livestock farm and auctioneers are, in many ways, at the forefront of the livestock industry. Their purpose is to bring farmers together to achieve the best price for whatever they are selling.

This year, the Mart’s the Heart Awards are back, with the aim of celebrating this vital sector of British agriculture. This is your opportunity to shout about those within the industry who you feel deserve special recognition.

The Mart’s the Heart Awards were launched in 2015 and the campaign proved to be an outstanding success and was incredibly well received.

In 2023, the awards generated 450 nominations and 19,700 votes were cast for the shortlisted finalists. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 28, 2024.

We cannot wait to celebrate the winners of Auction Mart of the Year, Auction Cafe of the Year and New Auctioneer of the Year at the British Farming Awards. We hope you will help us to reward marts and cafes which are doing a great job for the industry.

For more information and to make your nominations, scan the QR code or visit: britishfarmingawards.co.uk/ MartsTheHeart

A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS

THE Livestock Auctioneers Association is delighted to sponsor the awards, which acknowledge the role auctioneers and their businesses play in the livestock industry and the wider agricultural and rural community, a key part of which is ensuring farmers get a fair and true price for their stock.

The last year has demonstrated the importance of the live market when demand outstrips supply, driving prices and creating trends. This is a great opportunity to recognise the role

auctions play within the industry.

SHEARWELL Data is delighted to be continuing its support of the Mart’s the Heart Awards.

Livestock markets are an integral part of the livestock farming community. Not only are livestock markets a place of business, but also a space where farmers can seek advice and see friends.

CHRIS DODDS

Livestock markets and the live sale rings are key to a buoyant and competitive livestock farming sector and the future of the UK red meat sector.

RICHARD WEBBER Director, Shearwell Data.

2023 WINNERS

2023 winners were Eleanor O’Neill (New Auctioneer of the Year), Auction Eats (Cafe of the Year), and Sedgemoor (Auction Mart of the Year).

THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL

HOW TO ENTER

THE PROCESS

CHRIS DODDS

Executive secretary for the Livestock Auctioneers Association which represents livestock markets in England and Wales.

RICHARD WEBBER

Director of Shearwell Data, the UK’s largest animal tag manufacturer, based at Whedmoor Cross, Exmoor. He also farms 405 hectares.

MYSTERY JUDGE

This year’s mystery judge of the Auction Cafe category will remain anonymous until the awards evening.

Friday, May 10 NOMINATIONS OPEN

Friday, July 26 VOTING OPENS

Friday, June 28 NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Wednesday, August 28 VOTING CLOSES Thursday, October 17 AWARDS NIGHT

WHAT WILL THE FINALISTS RECEIVE?

ALL finalists will have their status raised, with a profile in print and online during public voting. Winners of all three awards will be guests at the British Farming Awards, with their awards presented by Farmers Guardian, the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Shearwell Data.

Photographs of the presentation will be made available to winners and their companies for their own use and will appear in FG.

Each winner will feature in an in-depth profile in print and online, and will receive a prestigious, cast iron commemorative plaque.

g g g

MART’S THE HEART AWARDS 2024 NOMINATION FORM Go to britishfarmingawards.co.uk/MartsTheHeart, or fill in and return this form

YOUR DETAILS

Title: First name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Landline number:

Mobile number: Email:

Tick box to receive email updates of the Mart’s the Heart Awards Tick box to sign up to the Auction Finder email newsletter

Tick box if you are a current Farmers Guardian subscriber

Please return by Friday, June 28, to: Mart’s the Heart Awards 2024, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

AUCTION MART OF THE YEAR

Name of auction mart you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR

Name of auction cafe you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Name of new auctioneer you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

Saturday 15 June

MARTS

D

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS Please call Matthew Middleton 10am PROMPTLY IN THE MAIN RING ONE BLOCK OF 50 SHARES IN GISBURN AUCTION MARTS LTD. Please register interest with James Morrish by 3pm Friday 14th 10am: 11 BREEDING BULLS, 147 BREEDING & FEEDING CATTLE inc notable dispersal of Brogden Farms Suckler herd due to change in farming policy viz; 30 Cont Cow & calf outfits, 20 Bulling Heifers, 2 Ped Lim Bulls – pics on socials, then 34 YOUNG BULLS, 195 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS

Thursday 20 June

WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE

Dedicated Slaughter Market 395 Prime Cattle 410 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am

SATURDAY 22ND JUNE

100 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc 5 BBx Stirks, 9/11mths R Watson Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

MONDAY 8TH JULY AT 5.30PM

Catering & Farm Shop Items for Auction At Selby Auction See details on Website & Facebook

Monday 17th June

SALE OF REARING CALVES

Sale 10.30am

Entries & Enquiries to Kyle PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) SALE OF SPRING LAMBS Sale 12.30pm followed by PRIME HOGGS & CAST EWES Weekly Sale of EWES with LAMBS AT FOOT Sale 11.00am Entries by Friday noon for online catalogue

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am SEMEX UK & JAMESON FEEDS SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY entries please to Eleanor 07706347505

Saturday 22 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.30am CLOSING SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS entries to the office by Tuesday 19th 12noon

Tuesday 2 July

MONTHY MACHINERY entries for pre-advertising

Saturday 6 July

OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE – 11AM

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Sale of 250 + Dairy Cattle

To include 50 fresh calvers. PLUS Herd Dispersal Sale of 100 Pedigree Holstein Friesian Cows and Heifers from the pedigree ‘Bucourt’ Herd on behalf of JA & RS Mills of Torrington. The herd is averaging in excess of 10,000Kgs @ 4.52%BF 3.32%PTN cc125. Herringbone parlour milked and cubicle housed. Simple system consisting of maize and grass silage fed via round feeders with concentrates fed to yield through the parlour and through out of parlour feeders. The cows are vaccinated for BVD, IBR, Lepto and Bravoxin and Johnes screened. PLUS Dispersal of 90 Youngstock including 50 In Calf Heifers and 40 Bulling Heifers from Messrs MJ PJ MN CJ & RM Hugo of Bodmin. PLUS a consignment of British Friesian In Calf Heifers due August/September.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE – 11AM

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Dispersal Sale of 300 Holstein Friesian Youngstock on behalf of Seckington Dairies, Higher Clovelly. To include 100 In Calf / Served Heifers and 85 Bulling Heifers. Herd is vaccinated for Lepto, BVD & IBR. Herd Average – 9,700Kgs 4.40%BF 3.50%PTN

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE – 11AM

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Sale of Dairy Cattle. To include Dispersal of 130 British Friesian, Spring Calving Cows. NMR Recorded. Homebred and Closed Herd. Cows calved February – June. PLUS 100 12-18 month old Youngstock from a 10,000Kgs herd. More information to follow.

FRIDAY 28 JUNE – 11AM

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Production Sale of 120 head. To include 30 Milking Cows & Heifers and 90 Youngstock from the pedigree ‘Bartinney’ herd of Holsteins, ‘Tredinney’ herd of Guernseys and ‘Cardinney’ herd of Jerseys on behalf of Messrs RJ & JR Warren of Penzance.

TUESDAY 2 JULY

PAWTON DAIRY, ST BREOCK, WADEBRIDGE. PL27 7LR

*WILLSBRO PREMIER HERD OPEN DAY & SALE*

Comprising 40 milkers, 160 youngstock & 20 embryos from fantastic Willsbro family lines. In conjunction with Norton & Brooksbank. ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE FOR ALL SALES VIA Full details & Catalogue www.kivells.com For further information, please contact: Mark Bromell 07966 430001 Mark Davis 07773 371774, Robert Speck 07909 538520 or Olly Murrain 07467 437288

The

YORK MACHINERY SALE TIMED ONLINE AUCTIONS

STARTS: F FRIDDAY 2 28 8 JUNE CLOOSES: 1 to 3 J JUULY

Entries close - Thursday 20th June TRACTORS; LOADERS; MACHINERY;

LIVESTOCK

See website for further details

Requirements:

• Willing to work as part of a team and independently

• Willing to work long hours when required

• Full driving licence

• Experience working with modern arable machinery essential - Full Time Position

To discuss the role call Andrew Sharpe on 07970052419 Please send your CV aksharpeandsons@gmail.com

LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES

We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:-

• Beef Herdsperson, Aberdeenshire, 170 cows

• Herd Manager, North Somerset, 450 cows

• Herdsperson, North Yorkshire, 350 cows

• Relief Herdspersons Nationwide LKL provides the perfect solution for finding the very best herd carers and managers. Visit our website for a full list of our current vacancies.

Assistant Market Foreman

Administration, Livestock, Sales & Marketing - Assistant

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team in Ayr as the Assistant Market Foreman/woman on a Full Time basis.

Ideally this person would possess good communication skills as this position would include working with all Market Staff, Customers, Local Authorities and Hauliers along with the ability to manage and organise staff for sale days and after sale processes.

A good knowledge and experience of handling livestock along with animal welfare regulations and Health and Safety policies would be advantageous.

Working Hours will vary during busy times of the year which will include some weekends.

Our current Market Foreman would assist with further training if needed with regards to:

Record keeping of animals

Lairage Management

PAY - Salary dependant on experience

Closing Date for Applications 12 Noon Friday 28th June 2024

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

Breed Promotion Executive

- South-West based - 3 days a week flexible working

Salary £20,000 to £25,000 - Depending on experience

Part time/Self employed considered

The role will involve:

• Being able to liaise with new and existing society members

• Must have good communication and social media skills

• Will be working alongside Society committees and the Society office

• The ability to write market reports, news and press releases

• Knowledge of the beef industry is an advantage

• Must hold a full UK driving licence due to some travelling required

For further details please call Society Chairman Edward Hawkins on 07768 058 760. To apply please email your CV and covering letter to: Edward.Hawkins@Cutseyfarm.co.uk

Applications close 1st July www.sdhbs.org.uk

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

As the CEO you will be leading, inspiring and motivating the staff team to achieve the charity’s strategic objectives. Roles and responsibilities will include but won’t be limited to:

• Develop and oversee the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, driving revenue generation through diverse income streams.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including dairy farmers, industry partners, government agencies, and policymakers.

• Oversee the planning, organising, and executing of a series of events and activities throughout the year, including Dairy Tech, Down to Earth, Women in Dairy and Entrepreneurs in Dairying.

• Measure and evaluate the impact of RABDF’s programs and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimise outcomes and maximise benefits for dairy farmers.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organisation.

• Lead the implementation of RABDF’s strategic plan, working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and staff team to achieve key objectives and milestones.

For more information or to apply, head to

Colclough (David)

Passed away peacefully on 10th June 2024. David aged 83 years of Hassall, Sandbach. Dearly loved Husband of Hilary, Dad to Jayne and John, Grandad of Emma, David, James and Teddie, and Brother of Joan. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to The Christie Charity. Funeral service to be held at St John’s Church, Sandbach Heath on Friday 21st June 2024 at 11am, followed by a private family cremation. All enquiries to Williams & Lowe Funeral Directors, Field House, 40 Congleton Road, Sandbach CW11 1HJ Tel 01270 750852

END YOUR SOLITUDE

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• Borehole Drilling

• Treatment & Filtration

IAN SMITH Livestock Scanning Services. Across the North -Tel: 01200 445750 or 07976 539197 (T)

SHEEP SHEARING North West Lancashire/ Yorkshire covered. Tel John: 07471 209454

CONCRETE GROOVING Neil O’Donnell -Tel: 01900 817009 or 07759 194600 Nationwide (T)

MARTLANDS

Competitive prices PLEASE CALL: 01704 893161 or 07768

BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass

CALF -O-TEL

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

NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE

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

30,000 Ltr Roka Silo – Installed 2021

16,000 Ltr Delaval

16,000 Ltr Fabdec (holds 17,000)

15,000 Ltr Serap

14,000 Ltr Fabdec

12,000 Ltr Fullwood Packo Instant Cooling

10,000 Ltr Roka **NEW SPECIAL OFFER** in stock

10,000 Ltr Fabdec

8,000 Ltr Roka Silo

8,000 Ltr Roka

7,200 Ltr Delaval

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

6,500 Ltr Mueller

6,000 Ltr Roka

6,000 Ltr Fabdec

5,000 Ltr Packo

5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”,

5,000 Ltr Roka

4,000 Ltr Mueller

4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”,

Refurbished 2T Ice Builder suitable for 20 / 25,000 Ltrs every other day

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

Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day

Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day

CUSTOM BUILT

HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED

TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

FOR HEALTHY CALVES

* Freeze only Quality Colostrum *

* Thaw 4litre pack within 20mins *

* Feed immediately after birth *

For more details contact BRITMILK tel : 01387 750459 info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk

AND

Single Phase and Three Phase Batch

Pasteurisers 35 to 120 litres

Single Phase and Three Phase Ice Cream Freezers 20 to 100 litres hour

Dawson 9 head +12 and 26 head poly/glass filling lines

Seital & Westfalia Cream Separators 1,000 to 12,000 litres per

DELAVAL BLUE Diamond 32/32 fast exit, 2010 MM25s transponders etc 01260 226261 (T)

HEAVY DUTY replacement troughs, for any parlour. 01260 226261 (T)

NOVA RED White Star & Purebreds now available. -Tel: 07768 790962 W.Yorks (P)

Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectors - arable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance and equipment F G B uy and Sell

17 72 799 5 00

Portable Milking Machine

Complete

Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

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 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

PEDIGREE BRITISH FRIESIAN BULLS

From the Beaufort Herd. 12 - 24 months. Very good temperament, good blood lines, proteins & butter fats. PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT 07961 320555

Pedigree Holstein Friesian Youngstock

Sired by top AI Sires

From 2 - 12 months old TB 4 Area - Fully Vaccinated

Telephone: 07711 742617 Lancs (P)

BIDLEA HERD

Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale

Black & White and some Red & White

Plenty to choose from - first come first served!

Tel: Ray Brown 01477 532220 or 07885 652718 Cheshire (T)

4 Pedigree Hereford

Bulling Heifers

15 months old

In the Hi-health scheme, TB4 Area

Contact: 07831 726540

Preston, Lancashire (P)

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

NO DE-HORNING REQUIRED

ALL CALVES WILL BE BORN WITHOUT HORNS THE TREDON HERD - (Limousins)

HOMOZYGOUS POLLED CHOICE OF 6 RED OR BLACK

• Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.

Telephone: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412

• High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.

Limousin (Red & Black) & Charolais Bulls Available

Horned & Polled

15 months - 2 years old. Good choice of Bulls. Easy Calving, Excellent Temperaments. PRICES STARTING FROM £3000

Tel: 07889 137367 North Wales/Cheshire Border

SEAFIELD PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS

Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.

Tel: 077157 64351

FRESH REARING CALVES

Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now. Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm. Delivery Nationwide.

Livestock Supplies Ltd

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

SOUTH DEVON BULLS

2 years old

From a long established herd. DNA tested myostatin 0 and 1. Cows and calves & heifers also available Telephone: 01952 222134 or 07811 593260 Shropshire (P)

SALER BULL 26 months old, well grown, ideal for heifers, only for sale as dairy herd has been sold. Tel: 07787 514420 Derbyshire (P)

PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS for sale. Hi Health. TB4. Suit commercial & ped breeders. Oakmoor Angus, Tel: 07563 339979 York (P)

Alderville Polled

Five Red and Black Limousin stock bulls

Offer a selection of bulls for sale. 20-24 months old.

Easy Calving Good EBVS, Whole herd TB tested 21st May , Accredited Johnes, lepto and BVD.

17-22 months. Some Semen tested. TB4 area. Younger bulls also available

Tel: 07999 527108 Derbyshire (P)

Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)

Biscon

(Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £255

(Approx. 14% Protein/13 ME) £265 del Cereal

(Approx. 16% Protein/13 ME) £285 del Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £305 del

Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store

Swindell R & Sons Ltd

• Quality baled dust extract shaving

• Delivered to Most Areas

• Reasonably priced

Tel: 01335 370790 or 07968 505014

ABBOTT & CO (WESSEX) LTD

HAY, STRAW & SHAVINGS BOUGHT AND SOLD trading for 130 years 01285 653738 abbottwessex@btinternet.com

Richard Tomlinson

Top quality hay and straw. All types of big bales and conventional bales. All areas considered. Tel: 07933 783232 Very competitive prices

R.F FIELDING

Quality

BUFFER-GRAIN

*Applied in one

(No Additional Mixing)

*Alkaline Treatment* (Ph 7.5-8.5)

*Protein Incresed*(by 30% - 40%)

Best quality haylage 600 to sell

Tel: 07785 361396 Lancs (T)

Tomlinson Bros

*

* Equestrian sand also available Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130

Milled Bread

Regular 12 months supply Keen prices

Telephone 01226 781 598 07974 835 708

Delivered in Yorkshire Area

Excellent feed value, good protein source Ideal for feeding now or clamping for winter feeding.

Top Quality Hay & Straw. All types of big bales deliverEd.

01829 782378 or 07710 933681

Telephone 01226 781 598 07974 835 708 Delivered in Yorkshire Area

Beetroot Pulp

Contact Sam on: 07895 190959 Chorley, Lancs (P)

FRESHLY HARVESTED Fodder Beet Clean & stone free. Ray Darley 07860 212800 Nationwide Delivery (T) 5FT SQUARE BALE HAYLAGE Meadow grass

LIQUID FEEDS to encourage forage intake. Molasses and molasses blends plus additional minerals if required. J E Morten: 01663 734621 High Peak, Derbyshire (T)

MAIZE SILAGE for sale near J20 M6 Tel: 07711 483828 Warrington (P)

Tel:01580212141

DO YOU HAVE

Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.

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

Tospreadthecostofyourinvestment, wehavepartneredwithiDeal4Finance andTownandCountryFinancetooffera rangeoffinanceoptionstosuityourneeds, includingmortgagesandshorttermloans.

TheNaturalWayToBuild

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

The Sutton Bridge Estate: For Sale on behalf of The Trustees of The Henry Smith Charity.

Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire

Kings Lynn: 12 miles, Spalding: 17 miles, Peterborough: 30 miles

Versatile grade 1 soils suitable for a wide range of crops, let on multiple, principally short-term, Farm Business Tenancies, along with a residential portfolio of 33 properties, generating substantial rental income. The Estate also benefits from an allocation for 210 homes on the edge of Sutton Bridge. Freehold | Council Tax Band = A-C | EPC = D-F

Charlie Paton

Savills National Farms & Estates 020 7409 5916 cpaton@savills.com

Henry King

Savills Lincoln 01522 508 951 henry.king@savills.com

Liam Caudwell

Savills National Farms & Estates 020 7409 8899 liam.caudwell@savills.com

Rural houses outpace urban homes

HOUSE prices have grown faster in rural areas than towns and cities over the past five years, with a semi-detached house in the countryside being the top-performing property type.

According to figures from mortgage lender Nationwide, average house prices in predominantly rural areas have ‘continued to outpace those of other areas’, rising by 22% over the period, compared with 17% in predominantly urban areas.

It followed the trend seen during the pandemic of urban dwellers moving to the countryside amid the closure of offices, shops and restaurants, and looking for more outdoor space. However, there were suggestions that some of this trend had been reversed since the return to normality.

Top-performing rural areas included parts of Devon and the Lake District, suggesting some of the demand might be driven by those buying holiday and second homes, said Nationwide.

Rural terraced homes typically increased by 23% over the same period, as did urban semi-detached, while rural detached properties were close behind at 22%.

● Farmers looking to retain land

By Alex Black

GOOD farmland and larger complete farms were expected to continue to attract strong competition in 2024, unless there was a significant increase in supply of farms to the market.

That was the message from David Jones, partner and head of agency at Robinson and Hall, when highlighting what was in demand in 2023.

He said: “The quantity of available farmland rose slightly in 2023, but still remains below historical levels. With little pressure from the banks, it remains the instinct of many farmers and their families to retain land if possible, even if responsibility for the day-to-day farming is given over to a contractor.

“The family can remain in the farmhouse and can enjoy the amenity of the farm. Diversification projects can be pursued. The taxation advantages of holding farmland have not been eroded. The status quo is appealing to many.”

There was ‘continuous demand’ for farmland and farms from those

Over the past five years, average rural house prices have risen 22%.

Strong competition for quality farmland

within the industry and those outside of it.

“Landowners who have received a welcome windfall from development sales can quickly find themselves at the end of their three-year rollover period, at which time sensitivity to the purchase price is dulled,” added Mr Jones.

“Funds from outside agriculture, particularly for residential properties, is almost limitless.”

Minimum

He said virtually all decent farmland achieved a minimum of about £10,000 per acre last year. But with local competition, this price could be pushed to £12,000/acre, £14,000/acre or potentially even higher.

“For purchasers with many tens of millions of pounds to spend, of which there is no shortage, a residential farm

of 1,000 acres or more is often the target. However, with only a couple of dozen such farms available every year, competition can be fierce,” said Mr Jones.

With the 2024 selling season beginning to get underway, some farms were starting to come forward.

Mr Jones said: “At present, I see no sign that the supply will be much different to last year, and accordingly I would expect to see similar results.

“Smaller blocks of land will be subject to local competition, which can show a significant variation in prices dependent upon the appetite of the immediate neighbours.

“Larger blocks will attract interest from across the country and the expectation is that prices will be in line with the prices which we have seen for the past few years,” he said.

I see no sign that the supply will be much different to last year, and accordingly I would expect to see similar results

DAVID JONES

PICTURE: GETTY

Navigating opportunities in Scottish dairy market

● Robust demand for ready-to-go units

By Alex Black

INTERNATIONAL interest in established Scottish dairy farms continues, with a combination of comparative value for money and advantages driving the market.

According to Savills, buyers appreciated Scotland’s current bovine TB-free status, as well as the Scottish Government’s emerging agricultural support scheme and its focus on rewarding production and innovation.

A two-tier market for Scottish dairy farms was emerging.

Sian Houston, who leads the Savills food and farming team based in Dumfries, said: “There is currently robust demand for firstclass, ready-to-go dairy units from well-financed purchasers across the UK and beyond.

“These buyers are seeking high-

House prices static in May

HOUSE prices in the UK were largely static in May, edging down by 0.1% in cash terms.

However, on an annual basis, house prices rose for a sixth consecutive month, with the average property price now standing at £288,688, according to Halifax.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: “Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook.

Broadly stable

“This has been reflected in a broadly stable picture in terms of property price movements, with the average cost of a property little changed over the last three months.”

She added this period of relative stability should give ‘a degree of confidence’ to both buyers and sellers.

quality land, good slurry storage and practical dairy facilities, including cubicles for milking cows and accommodation for young stock.”

However, dairy farms which have seen little investment in infrastructure, often due to producers nearing retirement, tended to take longer to sell.

“High costs of labour, raw materials and borrowing mean that such units must be very competitively priced to attract interest in today’s market,” she said.

“However, with inflation becoming more controlled and the base rate stabilising, we may see more buyers entering the market as the year progresses. Some buyers are already taking a strategic, longterm approach to purchasing, viewing the cost of finance as just another necessary input for their business operations.”

Pragmatic

Other sellers were opting to take a longer term, pragmatic view. For example, some were selling or developing non-essential assets such as barns, yards, or cottages and using the sale proceeds to improve farm infrastructure, often with an

STRATEGIC REVIEWS CAN HELP MAXIMISE VALUE

A STRATEGIC review can be incredibly useful in creating plans to maximise the value of a property being sold, according to Rupert Shaw, farm consultant in Savills food and farming team in Dumfries.

He said: “Additionally, a specialist valuation provides potential buyers with the best opportunity to assess a property’s potential and secure it at the most advantageous price.

“Scotland’s dairy sector is diverse, ranging from extensively grazed, low-yielding cows to highly intensive, high-input, highoutput herds.”

There are about 880 dairy herds in Scotland, with the greatest concentration in the South West. The region boasts a

eye toward maximising the value of a potential sale.

“Although still significantly higher than the 10-year average, the costs of inputs such as fertiliser and energy have become more stable, and as such the prospect of running a dairy farm is more

long grass-growing season by virtue of its relatively mild climate – a result of the Gulf Stream’s effect on the Solway.

Scale

“There are also some advantages of scale in being located near some of the largest milked herds in Scotland [between 1,500 and 2,000 cows] with the associated benefits of an active local network of agricultural suppliers,” Mr Shaw said.

“The Scottish dairy farm market remains robust despite challenges and fluctuations. As the market continues to evolve, strategic planning, sound advice and understanding the nuances of the sector will be key to success for both buyers and sellers.”

attractive than it has been in recent years.

“Sellers and buyers alike are beginning to see the potential for more manageable operating costs, enhancing the appeal of investing in Scottish dairy farms,” she added.

The prospect of running a dairy farm is more attractive than it has been in recent years, according to Savills.

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

FGBuyandSell.com

Property Landscape

Will the General Election affect the property market?

Legislation currently on hold due to

‘purdah’

With the impending General Election at the forefront of everybody’s minds, particularly as the parties up their efforts on the campaign trail, home county and London markets are reporting an instant downturn in activity, while the more provincial markets appear to be less immediately affected.

All current legislation is now either on hold or abandoned due the to ‘purdah’ period.

This means the Renters Reform Act is out of the window, along with the lifting of safeguarding for HS2 north of Birmingham and tweaks to inheritance tax reliefs for environmental projects.

This leads to a further period of uncertainty as businesses and households grapple with the evolving policies of the various political parties.

Labour, if it wins, has promised to be the party to deliver more homes and to open up the planning system for new housing builds to meet the target of 300,000 houses that the Conservative Party has promised for years, but has been unable to deliver.

Debatable

Whether a Labour Government could actually deliver on that promise is debatable. Reforming the planning system will not happen overnight, as it is under-funded and bogged down with fractured interest groups.

Labour might not have the shackles of rural constituencies saying ‘not in my back yard’, but it will have to answer to green voters and covering the green belt in tarmac and concrete will not go down well with them.

The move from area-based farm subsidy payments to environmental payments under the Sustainable Farming Incentive may have

Mike

some unpalatable impacts on food production.

This was all fine until the war in Ukraine, but food security is back on the agenda, having been abandoned since the 1990s, and no Government can risk a hungry revolting electorate.

A new Government might have to take a polar view on current policy. Recently continued higher interest rates have been seen to begin to bite around the edges of property values and have definitely been having an effect on the less attractive and second-rate farms, land and rural houses.

If a new Government cannot tackle the economy effectively, this is much more likely than any of the other issues to impact values.

What the parties promise and what they can deliver is often very different and policies are likely to be constrained by ongoing global events in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

So, for now, there is uncertainty and probably some reluctance in the market, but ample opportunities for the brave.

Mike Taylor is senior partner at Barbers Rural. Call 01630 692 500, or email m.taylor@ barbers-rural.co.uk

TO LET

Barrowfield Farm, Brigsteer, Cumbria, LA8 8BJ

An exciting opportunity to rent a substantial beef and sheep farm comprising approximately 221.78 hectares (548.00 acres) of sound meadow, pasture and allotment land. Located on the outskirts of Brigsteer, in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Farm is available for letting from 1st September 2024 on a 12-year Farm Business Tenancy as a whole or in three lots.

Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex

• The property is subject to an agricultural occupancy restriction

• Rural position adjacent to a working farmland

• Five bedrooms (two en-suite)

Contact: 01206 263007 leavenheath@davidburr.co.uk www.davidburr.co.uk

SOUTH SHROPSHIRE substantiale farmhouse with character, excellent range of farm buildings, could be used for equestrian or farming purposes. Just over 37 acres, in quiet lovely location, the property is vacant with immediate vacant possession. For details, please call David Parry & Co 01568 708618 or 07836 683324

Taylor

Wistaston, Cheshire

Sandiway, Cheshire

7 19 acres of productive land in a prominent location in the village of Sandiway

Land capable of both arable and grassland cropping with potential for alternative uses, subject to necessary consents

Tender Deadline - 12 noon, 31st July 2024

Urban

Tender

JCB ROUGH TERRAIN FORKTRUCK

Year 1997. Good working order. Good starter.

£5,950.00 + vat Can deliver

John Deere, and other makes, combine harvester 2nd hand and new spares. www.jmtcombinehire.co.uk. Tel: JMT Engineering 01926 614345 (T)

www.elstonmachinery.co.uk

Tel (01257) 451271 Mobile 07774 426694 Elston Machinery Lancashire

Caution.

Be careful anytime you are asked for personal information. If someone asks, don’t provide the information requested without confirming that they are legitimate.

Farmers Guardian only ever ask for your banking information if you are purchasing a product from us and will always call from 01772 799 500 or 01772 799 400.

2010 MF 5455

2452 Hrs, Dyno 4, 340/85R24 Fronts @ 15%, 420/85R34 @ 10%, Radio.

2017 MF 6713

2016 MF 6613

2017 Valta T254 Versu

4694 Hrs, Front Links, 600/65R28 Fronts @ 60%, 650/75R38 @ 60%, Air Conditioning, 4 Rear Spools, Valtra Evolution Seat, Fridge.

10028754 £69,500 W

898 Hrs, 12F & 12R Mechanical Gearbox, Air Conditioning, Air Seat, Telescopic Steering Column, 460/85R38, 380/85R28. 661100 £38,950 F

1646 Hrs, 440/65R28 Fronts @ 60%, 549/65R38 Rears @ 60%, Dyna 4, Air Conditioning, Radio.

2002796 £45,650 T

650/64R38, 540/65R28, Air Seat.

2023 Sany SW305

30029134 £66,750 F Manitou 630-105 Elite

1171 Hrs, 2019, Elite Spec, 460/70R24 @ 80%, Powershift Transmission, Boom Suspension, Air Conditioning, Pallet Tines Included.

10028603 £55,000 W

30 Hrs, 20.5R25 L3, 3rd Function Hydraulic Line, Reversable Fan,

360 Camera, Remainder of 5 years 5000 Hour Warranty.

10027714 £98,750 W

NEW KRONE RAKES

SWADRO 420 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO 460 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO TC640 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

SWADRO TC760 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

NEW KRONE TEDDERS

VENDRO 560 Linkage mounted 4 Row Tedder.

NEW KRONE MOWERS & MOWER CONDITIONERS

Easycut F320 CV front mounted push type headstock mower conditioner.

Easycut R320 CV rear linkage mounted mower conditioner.

Easycut R360 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

Easycut TC320 CV trailed mower conditioner.

ActiveMow R240 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

ActiveMow R280 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

USED SWADRO 38 Single rotor rake.

DEMO BIG PACK 1270 Large bale + Multi Bale system (up to 9 small bales)

STEERING TANDEM AXLE, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, LED work lights, call for full spec.

COMPRIMA V150 XC PLUS variable chamber Round baler, 17 blade cutting system, hydraulic brakes, LED working lights, 500/50-17 tyres, DS500 terminal.

AMAZONE ZA-TS 4200 PROFIS

Hydro c/w Flow control Argus twin isobus

AMAZONE ZAV 3200 Easy set terminal V3. Call for options & specification.

MAGNUM 340 CVX 50kph. 2020, 2715 hours, Full Accuguide, 800/70 x 38 tyres, rear wheel weights.

JCB 8055 EXCAVATOR c/w buckets, 2014, 3200 hours, 5 ton machine from a private user.

*Finance offered subject to

NEW SPEARHEAD SNIPER S 230 Offset c/w roller. £7,950 +VAT

TEAGLE DUAL 280 FLAIL MOWER, 2022, front or rear mount.

NEW SPEARHEAD TWIGA S55 hedge / verge cutter, 1.2m head, linkage mount. £19,750 +VAT

SPEARHEAD S 55 TWIGA Verge / Hedgecutter, 2019, linkage mounted.

JCB 520-40 Telescopic forklift, 2017, 2800 hours, pallet forks, 3rd service.

CASEIH MAXXUM 145 ACTIVE DRIVE 8 + QUICKE Q66 LOADER, 2018, 2900 hours.

FARMALL 90C 4wd PowerShuttle, ROLL BAR tractor, 2022, 4000 hours, drawbar.

MAXXUM 150 CVX 40kph. Full Guidance ‘72‘ reg. 2132 hours, full suspension

CASEIH OPTUM 300 CVX 50kph. Full Accuguide, Front linkage, 2020, 2300 hours, 710/75 x 42 tyres.

PUMA 260 CVX 50kph. Front Linkage & PTO. Lots of spec including leather seats, CaseIH Warranty.

WEIDEMANN 1880 PIVOT STEER LOADER, 2022, 730 hours, pallet forks.

NEW HOLLAND T5.115 c/w CASEIH LOADER, push out hitch, 3425 hours, 420/85 x 38 tyres.

CASEIH

Machinery

Edited by Toby Whatley –

07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com

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

Launching a new machine into the competitive four-tonne, seven-metre telehandler sector, Weidemann has created a machine that promises to deliver in areas overlooked by its stablemates. Toby Whatley put the T7042 to the test.

Designed in the UK, built in Germany; for some machinery buyers, this combination could present the perfect blend of functionality and reliability.

Better known for its compact telehandlers and pivot steer loaders, Weidemann is part of the Wacker Neuson Group, with sister brands that include established telehandler manufacturer Kramer. The Weidemann T7042 is the result of the German manufacturer’s move into the full-size telehandler market, with its launch in 2021. Design of the machine takes place at the company’s engineering site in Hinkley, Staffordshire, with assembly of the machines in Germany. Initial assumptions about the Weidemann machine being an equivalent four-tonne lift, seven-metre reach Kramer machine wearing a red coat are wholly inaccurate. The T7042 is assembled in the same production facility as the Kramer, but the firm says the only shared component is the boom, with the Weidemann machine using a different chassis, engine and cab. The T7042 sits midway through Weidemann’s full-size offering, with a smaller 3.5t, 7m machine and a longerreach 3.5t, 9.8m machine also offered.

ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN

MOUNTED transverse to the chassis and at a claimed off-vertical position to improve operator visibility, the 3.6-litre, four-cylinder Perkins unit can be ordered with power outputs of 122hp or 136hp. The service access for daily checks, alongside more involved fluid and filter changes, was very good, with significant space on either side of the block.

Our test machine was supplied with the higher power output of 136hp, which Weidemann advises is the base specification offered in the UK, unless the lower-powered version is specifically ordered. In operation, the machine did not feel underpowered, with the unit reacting well to changing

On test: Weidemann T7042 – a clear view

rpm demands. Stage V emissions treatment is carried out through a combination of DPF, AdBlue and SCR.

The driveline for the unit is fully hydrostatic with two main operation ranges, offering a maximum forward speed of 40km/h. Drive from the variable displacement motor is directed through the twin-speed gearbox to conventional axles, which include a differential lock option.

A third creeper range is also accessible. However, this is only activated when lowering the pickup hitch to improve the machine’s control when attaching trailers. In general terms, this ‘third’ drive mode was rarely used.

During operation around the yard and when filling a spreader in-field, the operator could predominantly set and forget the drive mode, with no real urgency to change between the two ranges. The higher torque demands when pushing into materials was comfortably achieved in either range, although the lower gear achieved the same performance at a lower engine rpm with reduced in-cab noise.

Available as an option, the handler can be ordered with an additional electronically regulated traction drive. Operated through controls alongside the joystick, the system uses two operation modes of Eco and Auto, which Weidemann claims allows an

improvement in machine operation efficiency, with the option to operate at a lower, fuel-saving rpm.

Tyre choices for UK machines are limited to Michelin 460/70R24 XMCL with a chevron cleat or Bibloads with a hybrid industrial block pattern. Vehicle protection was provided by plastic mudguards.

Although these are not unusual for telehandlers, our test team felt that the position and shape of the plastic profile used on the T7042 was fitted far too close to the tyres, and was at serious risk of being ripped off if muck, mud or grass was pulled underneath it. The guards were also not wide enough to cover the full tyre width.

The T7042 sits midway in Weidemann’s fullsize machine range.

A 3.6-litre Perkins engine provides power, with good access for servicing.

The design of the mudguard could have been improved.

BOOM AND HYDRAULICS

SHARING its boom design with Kramer machines, Weidemann engineers developed the T7042 chassis with a much lower pivot point to aid the driver’s visibility. Users of the larger 9.8-metre machine can expect a similar layout, with the machine using a two-stage version of the boom for increased reach.

A maximum hydraulic output of 139 litres/minute is offered at a maximum working pressure of 261 bar. This should provide sufficient capacity for most high-flow bedding and feeding attachments. Unlike other machines, the hydraulic capacities do not vary with the power output of the engine chosen.

Boom control

Three boom control settings were offered: a bucket mode, which automatically retracted the boom before lowering; a vertical lift setting, which extended the boom as the carriage was raised to provide vertical lift; and a free operation mode, where the boom assembly operated only as required. Available

as an option, a boom float function can be added for users running bucket brushes or yard scrapers.

A popular option for some users is a return to dig function, which is designed to bring the bucket back to a preset position when repeatedly loading materials or when working on a stubble surface. Frustratingly, considering the overall specification of the machine, this option cannot be added to the Weidemann. Offered on sister brands, the firm says this is currently not a function capability provided for the red machine.

Our test machine was fitted with a refined Q-Fit-compatible carriage, with Weidemann offering Kramer, Manitou, pin and cone, and Merlo designs as a factory order. All carriages include a hydraulic release, with an additional pressure release for the third service fitted next to the boom head.

For attachment security, Weidemann says the locking system is constantly pressurised to prevent any movement of locking pins during operation.

On test Machinery

LED lighting provided a good flood of light.

The boom is shared with other Kramer machines, but was mounted lower in the chassis.

Specification

■ Engine: Perkins 3.6-litre 136hp

■ Drivetrain: Two-speed hydrostatic 40km/h

■ Maximum reach: 7.3 metres

■ Maximum lift: 4.2 tonnes

■ Hydraulic capacity: 139 litres/min at 261 bar

■ Weight: 7.65t

■ Tyres: 460/70R24

■ Price (as tested): £95,000

A range of headstocks were offered, including Q-Fit.

■ In-cab visibility

■ Service access

■ Cab access

■ Machine storage

■ Build quality

■ LED lighting

■ Sliding side window

■ Rear hydraulic control location

■ Mudguard size and position

■ Dual start/stop arrangement

■ Some option limits

Likes and gripes

Machinery On test

CAB AND CONTROLS

THE most significant operational and visual impact of the T7042 is its cab – specifically its visibility. Weidemann says that the development process of the machine was focused on creating a telehandler with the best visibility in its class. Somewhat of a marketing script, the unobstructed view of all four corners of the machine was excellent.

The cab is unique to Weidemann and is combined with a lower boom pivot point and two large areas of curved glass at the rear so the operator can look directly at the rear wheels. Upfront, the single-piece curved windscreen is fitted lower towards the dash to provide a remarkably wide field of vision.

The internal fit and finish of the cab was generally very good, with the majority of the switches operated using a robust, colour-coordinated blister pad. Machine information was drawn from an easy-to-read, fully digital seven-inch display, which also included an automatic feed from the rear camera when reverse was selected or the pickup hitch lowered.

Offering a 16-tonne towing capacity, the rear hitch and any external spools were operated by a second button control pad.

Functionally, the switches were excellent. However, their position behind the driver’s right arm, and the requirement to press and hold a control switch on the far left-hand corner of the cab, means operators need to twist across the machine with arms at either side of the cab simultaneously pressing buttons to operate the services.

From a safety perspective, the location behind the driver did force the operator to look towards the back of the machine where the services were being used. But in general use, moving the pad to the lower dash would have eliminated this issue of awkwardly reaching across.

Joystick

The armrest-mounted joystick design was reflective of many other machines, with the upper scroll wheels providing machine direction and boom extension, and the third service positioned as a trigger switch.

Situated below the scroll, a control button to change between ranges was easy to use and may have encouraged users to change drive mode more regularly. The joystick was mounted off-centre and leaning towards the operator as part of its ergonomic

design, and in use, we had no complaints about its position and functionality.

Unlike other servo control machines, the armrest included a large vertical switch arrangement in front of the joystick. Potentially contentious, the design brought the controls for machine lighting, wipers and boom control modes directly in front of the joystick, which was both accessible and aligned to the operator’s hand.

Again, the operation of the switches was very positive, with the main observations being that the functions of the different controls could have been reworked to bring the more regularly used services –such as wipers, lighting and boom suspension – to the top, in replacement of the boom operation modes and joystick lock.

Starting and stopping the machine used a combination of an ignition key and a red start/stop button positioned on the joystick console. This created some confusion, as the key was turned to start the ignition, with the button pressed to start the engine. Switching off was achieved by pressing the stop button and then removing the key to turn off the ignition. We felt the complexity of the

system was unnecessary, with either the button or key start being perfectly serviceable – just not a mix of both.

Cab window

Unlike other farm-focused telescopic handlers, and more reflective of a compact loader or excavator, the cab window used a split sliding opening. Our test team felt this feature was out of place on a handler as it limited natural ventilation even when fully open. Overall, however, access to the machine was very good, with full-width steps and a deep recess to aid operators into the cab.

Positioned underneath the cab, and unseen on any other handlers FG has tested, a sliding storage locker was a practical feature. The substantial drawer was lockable and had the capacity to hold a surprising quantity of chains, straps, pins and tools in a secure location outside the cab.

Surrounding the machine, a layout of nine LED work lights provided a claimed output of 2,000 lumens. Our mid-spring testing did limit the opportunity to fully test this claim, but using the machine in a dimly-lit grain store did provide a uniform flood of white light around the machine.

Unlike other machines,

Looking to the rear, the driver had a clear view of both rear wheels.

Unique to Weidemann, the cab provides very good visibility.

The joystick was mounted to the seat, and included a large switch console.

a vertical switch panel was fitted alongside the joystick.

RECOGNISING its position outside of the mainstream options for buyers, Weidemann has focused significant attention on developing a product which offers some unique features.

The similarities between its sister brands are relatively minimal considering the crossover of engineering and production – a somewhat uncommon situation in a market where a different paint colour is often the only change.

In our test team’s view, the key selling point of the Weidemann over other market options is the machine’s excellent visibility, with

some additional practical features. The machine build quality was very good, with consistent attention to the needs of its operators. Some of the design choices, such as the sliding window or hydraulic controls, were puzzling, but their overall impact could be very much down to personal choice.

Genuine alternative

Overall, there is a lot to like about the T7042 – it appears to be a genuine alternative to other fourtonne, seven-metre machines on the market. Mechanically, the unit draws from a well-tested pool of

components and suppliers, and has clearly been designed to provide an alternative with obvious differences which attempt to address the shortcomings of its competitors.

Wider questions of dealer distribution and locality may play a much greater role for prospective buyers, with there being a well-established network in existence for competitive brands – particularly Kramer through its link with John Deere.

With a purchase price as tested of £95,000, the T7042 sits comfortably alongside its

The T7042 has a four-tonne, sevenmetre reach.

stablemates, and adding a few equipment options to provide an identical like-for-like machine will only push the price up. Users changing machines regularly may not find the same market appetite for used machines.

Functionality

However, owner-operators who change machines on an eight- to 10-year cycle could find that the T7042 ticks the boxes of functionality and driver comfort, with lower concerns for depreciation and residual values.

The seven-inch display included a rear camera feed.

Positioned under the cab, a storage locker was a practical addition.

Reach hydraulic controls were robust and functional, but were unhelpfully positioned.

Forward visibility was improved by a wide-angle windscreen.

FG verdict

As Farmers Guardian celebrates its 180-year anniversary, head of machinery and

Progression of the pow

Harry Ferguson’s Black Tractor:

Harry Ferguson’s three-point linkage revolutionised the use of the tractor as it brought the tractor and implement together as one unit. The invention integrated the implement with the tractor to provide a safe and effective transfer of tractive forces and introduced hydraulic lift and draught control for the first time.

Waterloo Boy: Developed by Iowa businessman John Froelich, the Waterloo Boy Gasoline Engine Company was the first to commercially offer a gasoline-fuelled traction engine.

Claas launches its first self-propelled combine: The Hercules was the first selfpropelled combine produced by Claas. Imported into the UK in the aftermath of World War II, the manufacturer would eventually supply 40% of all combines operating in the UK.

International Harvester AxialFlow combine: International Harvester launched its Axial Flow combine which used a longitudinal rotary threshing system.

County FourDrive four-wheel drive tractor: County Four-Drive was the first UK manufacturer to produce a fourwheel drive tractor. Using a chain drive and skid steering, machines were developed for sugar cane plantations.

The business would eventually be purchased by Illinois-based implement manufacturer John Deere.

Fowler Ploughing: Patented in 1856, John Fowler’s concept of using steam-driven winches to pull a double plough across a field demonstrated for the first time a system where the power units could be moved across a field as the work progressed.

The Ivel tractor: Appearing somewhat ungainly with a three-wheeled design, the Ivel was designed by Bedfordshire engineer Daniel Albone and represents what is believed to be the first internal combustion tractor constructed in England.

Fordson Model F: Using a 20hp, engine, the Model F was developed in response to the wartime requirement of Britain to increase agricultural production. The Model F defined what would now be considered a tractor, and provided the first mass-produced, affordable tractor to UK agriculture.

JCB agriculture-focused telehandler: Invented by the Staffordshire manufacturer to replace the forklift used in construction, JCB would recognise an opportunity in agriculture by providing farmers a dedicated machine to move dedicated machines to move and load materials, in addition to the ability to reach forward.

logy Toby Whatley looks at some of the landmarks in agricultural mechanisation since 1844.

er that helps to feed us

JCB Fastrac: The Fastrac was introduced as a tractor to offer on-road capabilities alongside an ability to operate in conventional agricultural tasks. The design used a centrally-mounted cab with full suspension. It was designed to provide increased road mobility for farms and provided the ability to safely operate at speed with the introduction of ABS braking systems.

Land Rover 90 and 110: Regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles ever created, the Land Rover 110 and 90 would become the Defender in 1991. For many farms, this vehicle became a workhorse both on and off-road.

Lely Astronaut robotic milking system: The availability of improved computer processing, alongside labour challenges were factors in the creation of Lely’s robotic milking system. It provided dairy farmers with the ability to milk cows without the direct need for worker interaction in a parlour for the first time.

Fendt 1050 Vario:

John Deere Autotrac guidance: The ability to accurately position a machine to provide productivity improvements was introduced by John Deere with Autotrac guidance.Automatically steering the tractor for the first time, the system was initially reserved for its high horsepower models.

Launched as the world’s largest conventional wheeled tractor, the 517hp 1050 demonstrates some of the changes since the Fordson Model F 97 years earlier. It shares a lot with its predecessors; nearly 26 times more powerful than a Model F, it sustains the same basic layout. Although much larger, the machine uses a three-point linkage of the same basic design to Ferguson’s invention.

Caterpillar 65 rubber-tracked crawler: Caterpillar created the Mobil-Trac system as farms were demanding more power with an increasing understanding of soil compaction. Steel tracks presented challenges with on-road travel and limited speed, but with rubber track drives longer distance road travel became possible.

Holland T6 Methane Power: As mechanisation began with a carbonneutral fuel – wood, and progressed through coal, paraffin,

petrol and diesel, the fuel source for machines has returned to one to provide carbon neutrality with New Holland’s methane-powered tractors.

New

kerosene,

Machinery Grassland

Organised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and held at Aberystwyth University’s Trawsgoed Farm, the one-day event provided the only opportunity in 2024 to see a range of grassland machinery working. Toby Whatley reports.

Variety of kit on show at Welsh Grassland

With a site covering nearly 250 hectares of heavy and wet first-cut grass, the 2024 Sustainable Grass and Muck Event provided some large demonstration plots

with conditions similar to those experienced by visitors in their own first cut.

Visitors were shown a diverse mix of machinery, with options for large contractors and in-house farming operations.

SIP FSC SILVERCUT 300

GRASSLAND machinery-focused manufacturer SIP demonstrated machines across its range, including its mid-spec Silvercut 300 mounted mower conditioner.

The three-metre wide machine uses a sequential lifting system to lift the inside of the machine before the outer section of the bed. Conditioning is provided

using steel or nylon tines or with the option to fit a roller crimping conditioner.

Driveline protection is provided by a brass pin shear system, which SIP says is unique to its design and allows cheap and easy replacement following an impact on the bed. All machines are supplied with a threeyear parts and labour warranty.

McHALE PROPEL T10 1260

PRESENTED as the largest tedder in the Irish manufacturer’s range, the Propel T10 uses 10 rotors to provide a 12.6-metre wide working width.

McHale says the unit uses an identical chassis and driveline to the smaller T8, with a change to the folding of the outer two rotors, which roll 180 degrees into the two sections of the machine,

before being folded on to the trailing chassis.

McHale says it has seen consistent growth in demand for tedders, with customers requesting wider units to allow productivity increases and maximise tighter weather windows.

The T10 has a claimed upfront power requirement of 110hp, with production machines available to order from the end of 2024.

NEW HOLLAND ULTRAFEED 3

INTENDED for full market release in 2025, the Ultrafeed 3 is the result of a claimed five years of development by New Holland and has been designed to offer futureproofing for its pickup headers to work with its current and longer term forager ambitions.

The header includes multiple changes to earlier designs which presented limitations of throughput to users and did not allow the full capacity of the forager to be utilised.

The Ultrafeed incorporates a belt-driven design and replaces the slip clutch with a hydraulic drive protection.

A larger diameter, twin-flight floating auger is claimed to provide improvements with the consistency of grass intake with

an operation speed of 180rpm. Externally, an operator cutout has been added to improve the machine safety.

The feature is pressed before starting to pull material from a blockage and prevents the operation of the header when trailer drivers are near the machine.

The three-metre, five-tine-bar cam-steered pickup is hydraulically-driven from the centre, with the tines staggered to aid the uniformity of the material being collected.

New Holland says the changes within its new design can offer a 40-50% increase in capacity.

Depending on the individual specification of the forager, the pickup should be retrofittable to machines from 2015 onwards.

SaMASZ MRG 2-900

POLISH manufacturer SaMASZ recently established a UK-based distribution business and demonstrated its MRG 2-900 merger for the first time.

Originally shown as a prototype at Agritechnica 2023, the unit has a base pickup width of seven metres and can be operated in six different configurations, including delivering material to the left, right and centre.

The machine can work over a 10.6m wide area when operating at its widest layout, with swaths created from the centre and left-hand side of

the machine. Material is collected onto the belts using a six tine-bar cam tracked pickup, with a suspended press roller mounted above the pickup. SaMASZ says this provides more even spreading of material onto the belts.

The unit is powered by an internal hydraulic system from a 540rpm pto which powers three inline gear pumps to provide an oil supply for the two belts and pickup reels.

Hydraulic oil is held within the hollow sections of the chassis, with a dedicated oil cooler at the unit’s rear.

POTTINGER MERGENTO VT 9220

SHOWN at a working event for the first time, the Mergento VT 9220 is the first merger to be offered by Pottinger, and adds another option for buyers in the emerging belt merger market.

Providing a working width of up to 9.2 metres for a centrally-grouped swath, and 8.7m for a side-delivered set-up, the machine uses a six-tine bar pickup, which Pottinger claims is positioned 120mm higher than the transfer belts to allow material to fall onto the machine bed.

Rollers under each bed provide ground following with a 475mm vertical movement possible and up to 30 degrees lateral float.

A headland control system is used to start and stop the belts which includes an operational delay, which is claimed to allow the beds to clear before turning at the headland. Adjustment of the start and stop timings for specific crop conditions is performed through the machine controller.

Grassland Machinery

KRONE KWT 1600

DEMONSTRATED for the first time in the UK, the KWT 1600 is the secondlargest trailed tedder in the manufacturer’s range with a working width of 15.3 metres.

Operating with 14, 1.53m diameter wide rotors, Krone says the smaller diameter design with unequal tine length provides improved grass pickup and throw.

In operation, the ground following of

the rotors is independent of the running gear, with the working height adjusted manually.

Aligning with the market demand seen by other manufacturers, Krone has highlighted an increased interest in wider, trailed tedders to allow a combination of increased productivity and the ability to work with a slower forward speed to improve crop turning without reducing output.

KVERNELAND 5387MT

ADDED to Kverneland’s butterfly mower range for 2024, the demonstrated 5387MT provides an 8.75-metre cutting width and was operated with a 3332FT front mower.

The 5387MT and the larger 5395MT sit below the existing wider models.

Cutting widths of the machines are fixed, with the demonstrated unit running a pair of 3.2m, eight-disc beds.

Suspension for the unit is provided

by the manufacturer’s pull-type multi-link system, which provides a claimed 700mm of vertical movement and incorporates a break-back mechanism. Control of the butterfly combination is non-IsoBus and uses an in-cab controller to set-up and adjust the machine.

Both new models can be fitted with belt groupers, with prices for the 5387MT starting at £55,767.

NEW HOLLAND W170D

SHOWN by Carmarthenshire-based dealers T. Alun Jones, the W170D is the second-largest agricultural shovel in New Holland’s range.

Using the same 6.7-litre FPT engine as fitted into the manufacturer’s T7 tractors, the 197hp shovel provides a lifting capacity of nine tonnes with an overall machine weight of 17t.

New Holland says the Italian-built

machine uses a reconfigured engine and cooling pack layout which positions the block at the rear of the machine to improve the counterweight capacity, with a mid-mounted radiator.

The drive is supplied through a powershift transmission, with the unit capable of being fitted with 750-wide tyres for clamp compaction.

From the T5 500 through to the flagship T6 800, all models will be powered by a nine-litre JD9X engine.

John Deere has recently announced the launch of eight new five- and six-straw walker combines. James Huyton reports on what farmers and contractors can expect.

John Deere unveils new T5 and T6 combines

from its X9 flagship machine and incorporates an electronic dustsealing door to reduce dirt from entering the cabin.

By James Huyton

THE manufacturer’s redesign pulls in features including the cabin

Its ActiveSeat with built-in cooling and CommandPRO joystick allow the operator full control of the functionality within the 3.68cu.m cab space.

Operators can set machine preferences on the header belt speed, reel height, unloading auger folding and feeder house tilt through the touchscreen display.

The manufacturer has also integrated the StarFire 7500 GPS receiver inside the cabin roof. A secondary G5 extender terminal can also be installed to relay information to the 12.8-inch G5 touchscreen terminal.

The T5 and T6 combines will also be able to operate with Machine Sync, allowing the operator to control the speed, direction and position of compatible tractors when unloading on the move.

Power

From the T5 500 through to the flagship T6 800, all will be powered by a nine-litre JD9X engine with a maximum power output of 466hp.

The entry-level T5 400 incorporates the smaller six-cylinder John Deere PowerTech 6.8-litre engine with a maximum output of 305hp.

John Deere has engineered the feeder house to be the same width as the rest of the crop channel, claiming this will eliminate flow restrictions through the combine.

Machines built for the 2025 season will be supplied with greater tank capacities.

The T6 will be offered with a tank capacity of up to 13,500 litres and the T5 supplied with tank holding capabilities up to 11,500 litres. The adjustable unloading auger can empty at 150 litres per second at peak output.

Prospective buyers looking for a combine to tackle a range of field inclines will be able to specify a number of different hill compensation options ranging from a 7% incline to a 22% incline on the HillMaster option.

Compatible with the manufacturer’s optional HarvestLab near infrared technology, operators will have the capacity to monitor real-time moisture, protein, starch and oil levels across a range of combinable crops.

The adjustable unloading auger can empty at 150 litres per second at peak output.

● New machines o er enhanced technology

Benefits of exhibiting at LAMMA 25

✔ Engage with key decision makers

✔ Promote your products and services

✔ Increase brand awareness

✔ Increase brand credibility

The UK’s Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show 15 - 16 January 2025, NEC, Birmingham

40,000+ 650+

✔ Launch new brand, product or service

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87% 88% of exhibitors were satisfied with the event of exhibition space is booked exhibited at LAMMA 24 attended LAMMA 24 To

Livestock

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

For more livestock content, go to

A mix of Holstein, British Friesian and Viking Red breeds has proved beneficial for the Blamire family who farm near Carlisle. Katie Fallon finds out more.

Trio of breeds adds value to Cumbrian dairy farm

Situated in the hamlet of Whinnow, near Carlisle, Mid Whinnow Farm is home to Ian and Gillian Blamire, who farm together with their three children, Tom (24), Amy (26) and Emma (28). The Blamire family has farmed at Mid Whinnow Farm for four generations, after Ian’s granddad purchased the farm from the Crofton Estate in 1908.

Farming across 202 hectares (500 acres), including 153ha (380 acres) of grassland and 49ha (120 acres) of

cereals, 65ha (160 acres) of which is rented, the family milks a mixed herd of 280 pedigree Holsteins, British Friesian and Viking Reds, under the Whinnow prefix.

Originally home to a herd of 80 British Friesian cows ran by Ian’s dad, the family has predominantly milked Holstein cows over the years, until around 10 years ago, when British Friesians were reintroduced, along with a handful of Viking Red cows.

Ian says: “One of my best friends was emigrating to New Zealand, so we

bought some British Friesians and Viking Reds from his Skyhigh herd.”

Working together

After seeing how all three breeds worked well together, Ian says the family then purchased a selection of British Friesian cows from Adam Lawson’s Lismulligan herd and some heifers from Jim Morrison’s Inch herd.

Tom says: “These cows put the herd in good stead and provided some good bloodlines to work from.”

Since then, the family has focused

on breeding strong, robust cows across all three breeds, with some key cow families proving influential.

Ian says the main Holstein families within the herd include the Racer, Ivy, Jill, Myra, Orchid and Princess families.

“We have had a lot of high index cows from the Racer family which are bred from Clear-Echo Observer 2283. At one point five of the top 100 Profitable Lifetime Index [PLI] milking cows in the country were here in the Whinnow herd.”

He adds: “Whinnow Convincer Ivy

From left: Tom, Gillian, Ian, Emma and Amy Blamire.

The herd is currently averaging 10,420 litres across both farms.

was one of the best cows we have ever had. She was 21 years old when she left the herd and produced over 180 tonnes of milk in her lifetime. She was the fifth highest yielding Holstein in the country at the time.”

British Friesian and Viking Red families have also played an important role in the herd’s development, with the Pricilla, Pauline and Wendy British Friesian families, and the Orreja, Saga and Strimma Viking Red families being particularly influential.

Today the herd’s make-up is about 70% Holstein, 20% British Friesian and 10% Viking Red, and is run across two units, the homesteading at Mid Whinnow Farm, and the recently purchased Whitehouse Farm.

Expansion

Ian says the family purchased Whitehouse Farm, a neighbouring dairy farm, three years ago, to expand the dairy enterprise. 110 cows are now milked at Whitehouse Farm through two GEA robots, with the remaining 140 cows milked twice-a-day through a GEA 16:16 herringbone parlour at Mid Whinnow Farm, with all milk sold to Arla.

A family affair, Ian, Gillian and Tom work full-time on the farm, with two part-time members of staff helping with relief milking and scraping out sheds in the winter months. Both Amy, a veterinary nurse, and Emma, an agricultural solicitor, help with relief milking and general farm work in their spare time.

Ian says: “We are very lucky to have Dave Steers working part-time for us who does seven milkings a week in the parlour.”

The family says they decided to install robots at Whitehouse Farm

to combat future staffing challenges and retrofitted the robot system to the original buildings to include 117 cubicles and 13 newly-installed fans.

All of the breeds work well together and all have a place within the herd. You have to be more patient with the Friesians, but they are definitely more robust

Ian says: “The original idea when we bought Whitehouse Farm was to install a big parlour for 250 cows but we decided finding reliable staff like Dave will only become more difficult in the future, so we went for the robots instead.”

Tom, who now lives at Whitehouse Farm, says the family started milking through the robots in January last year, after moving 90 of the highest yielding cows to the new site.

He says: “It worked well, and I think because the cows were used to the outof-parlour feeders at Mid Whinnow, they took to the robots pretty well. There are currently 110 cows on the robots averaging over 40 litres.”

The herd is currently averaging 10,420 litres at 4.57% butterfat and 3.50% protein across both units and across all three breeds.

Ian says: “All of the breeds work well together and all have a place within the herd. You have to be more patient with the Friesians, but they are definitely more robust.”

The robot herd is housed all-year-

Farm facts

■ Milking a mix of Holstein, British Friesian and Viking Red cows

■ 153 hectares (380 acres) of grassland, 49ha (120 acres) of cereals

■ The herd is run as one across two units

■ 110 cows milked through two GEA robots

■ 140 cows milked twice-a-day through a GEA 16:16 herringbone parlour

■ Averaging 10,420 litres at 4.57% butter fat and 3.50% protein

round, with the milkers at Mid Whinnow grazing outside between April and October. The cows on both units are fed the same ration comprising a mix of grass silage and wholecrop, with concentrates fed in the robots and out-of-parlour feeders.

“We also have out-of-parlour feeders in the robot shed, but any cows which go to the feeders and are due to be milked will not receive any concentrate feed, encouraging them to go to the robot,” adds Ian.

Calving

With an average calving interval of 394 days, the herd calves all-year-round, with all cows calved at the homesteading. The dry cows are kept on straw yards, with close-up cows moved to a smaller pen closer to the house for monitoring. Fresh cows will stay at the homesteading for a couple of days, while calves are fed colostrum, before being taken to Whitehouse Farm or staying at Mid Whinnow Farm.

All of the breeds are bred pure, with

The robot milking herd is housed all-year-round.

New fans have been installed in the building where the robot herd is housed.

Livestock

no cows cross-bred, says Ian. He explains most of the Holstein cows are served with sexed semen and conventional semen is used on the Viking Red and British Friesians.

Tom adds: “We started serving the Holsteins with sexed semen to build numbers up in preparation for the new robot system. We are now up to around 500-head of cattle and are starting to sell any surplus heifers.”

The remaining cows not served pure are put to a Wagyu beef sire, with calves reared for two to four weeks before being moved to one of Warrendale Wagu’s rearing units.

Gillian says: “We started with the Wagyus in April last year and reared 120 calves in the first year.”

Gillian, who manages the calf rearing on-farm, says all calves are fed colostrum for the first couple of days before being transitioned onto milk powder and ad-lib concentrate feed from around three to four days of age.

She says: “We wean the calves at around six to eight weeks old, but we tend to go by how the calf is doing rather than just age.”

Tom adds: “It is a simple system, but it works.”

An important part of the dairy enterprise at Mid Whinnow Farm is

selling pedigree breeding bulls, and the family are known for their reputable British Friesian bulls.

Ian says: “We started selling British Friesian bulls around 10 years ago and sell between six and 10 bulls a year, mostly at Carlisle auction market with some sold privately on-farm.

“We have also sold two bulls to Genus; Whinnow Pacemaker and Whinnow Principal.”

Highest price

The family achieved their highest price to date this year, breaking the sale centre record at Carlisle with Whinnow Gateway, an 18-month-old bull which sold for 10,000gns.

Ian says: “We sold three bulls that day to an average of 7,300gns.”

He adds: “It is a big responsibility breeding bulls because they can have a huge impact on the buyer’s herd. So, we have three criteria which we look at when selecting them; is the pedigree strong enough? Is the cow good enough to breed from? And would we want to use a bull off that cow in our own herd?”

Tom says: “We would not sell a bull which we would not use ourselves.”

The Blamires have also been successful with their Viking Red bulls, having bred three bulls which have

sold to the genetics company, Cogent, with the latest bull, Whinnow Voltage, currently residing at the company’s stud farm.

As well as achievements in the sale rings, they have also successfully shown cattle over the years, claiming the reserve British Friesian championship at this year’s UK Borderway Dairy Expo.

Tom says: “We won with the heifer, Whinnow Jingle Pauline 5, and also

placed first in the Iron Grandma class with Whinnow Solo Pauline.”

Not just successful with cattle, the family also runs a small flock of 25 pedigree Zwartbles ewes and three pedigree tups. Gillian, who is chair of the Zwartbles Sheep Association, says the flock is predominantly her’s and Tom’s passion.

Flock

She says: “We started the flock when Tom was eight and used to show a lot. We were breed and female champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2022 and female champion at last year’s show with Whinnow Jellybean.”

Following the herd’s expansion and completion of building work at Whitehouse Farm, the family says they are looking forward to the future with the new robot system and are focused on creating the best environment for the herd.

Ian adds they will continue to breed British Friesian and Viking Red bulls for the pedigree dairy market, with the goal of breeding a polled British Friesian bull in the near future.

The milkers at Mid Whinnow graze outside between April and October.

At Whitehouse Farm 110 cows are now milked through two GEA robots.

The herd’s make-up is about 70% Holstein, 20% British Friesian and 10% Viking Red.

PICTURES: JOHN EVESON

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The 400 agricultural shows that cover the UK are at the core of the rural community, but as times change, shows are evolving and future-proofing. Ellie Layton reports.

Agricultural shows are synonymous with rural communities, and while most started as a social event for farmers to display and promote their finest livestock and crop exhibits, modern-day shows have become a coupling between countryside and urban communities.

In excess of 6.5 million people visit agricultural shows every year. Many show societies originated in the 1700s, established by the industry stalwarts of the time, who were keen to showcase the latest innovations for boosting productivity, and by the mid-1800s shows were evolving into the events we know today.

Agricultural shows through the years

in bringing families together. Shows provide a plethora of activities and sights, both educational and entertaining, while displaying the best of great British food all in one place.

get close to livestock, but he says they also play a major role in the well-being of exhibitors – providing an occasion to leave the farm, socialise with like-minded people and compare their livestock against those of the same and other breeds.

as they are for the public we cater for.” He is pleased that the importance of agricultural shows to rural Britain has been recognised by politicians in recent years.

Paul Hooper, secretary of the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations, says: “Agricultural shows of today and in the past have a major role in education. But following Covid-19, their role became even more crucial, having a huge influence

BURWARTON SHOW

NOW one of the largest one-day shows in the country, Burwarton Show, Shropshire, can trace its history back over 130 years to 1891, when the Burwarton and District Farmers Club held the first ever Burwarton Show in a village field.

The 1914 show was abandoned when the First World War broke out, and there was a long gap until the show was reformed in 1947 following the Second World War.

In 1971, there was a real danger the show would be disbanded, but since the construction of a new committee in 1972 the show has gone from strength to strength.

“They are a reflection of the countryside, rural life and urban life, and bring everyone together to look positively toward the future.”

Livestock

From a livestock perspective, Mr Hooper believes that shows provide a rare occasion for urban families to

Burwarton Show attracts more than 700 sheep and 150 cattle entries.

He adds: “Shows provide a place for exhibitors to market their livestock to fellow breeders. Accolades gained in the ring can be a big influence on sales and breeding choices. Shows are a huge commitment, but their benefits are as much for farmers

Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay, said: “Britain has a long and proud tradition of agricultural and county shows. They fuel economic activity in our rural communities and provide incalculable value to the societies they celebrate. They showcase the very best of farming – a sector that contributes about £115 billion a year to the economy.”

Future

Thinking about the future of agricultural shows, Mr Hooper recognises the financial outlay that shows are to individual exhibitors and the show committees, but believes they are in good health for generations to come.

He adds: “You only have to look around to see the multi-generational involvement at a show and the enthusiasm the next generation holds for the events. Most shows across the country are organised and carried out by thousands of volunteers, and I believe this is what makes them so successful.

“Their hard work and forward-thinking will help to keep them in place for years to come.”

A Lincolnshire Curly Coat pig being shown in the 1800s.

The Jubilee Royal Welsh Show at Machynlleth.

PICTURE: ALAMY

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

ROYAL WELSH SHOW

THE first Royal Welsh Show attracted 442 livestock entries, and in 1908, 23 special trains comprising 224 cattle trucks and horseboxes arrived at the show, along with 100 passenger coaches bringing visitors.

Today, the Royal Welsh sees about 250,000 visitors walk through its gates over the four days, while in the

TRANSPORT AND THE WAR

LOCAL exhibitors were initially relied upon for livestock entries at shows, but the rise of the railways brought a big change and drew entries from further afield.

Mr Hooper says: “Many shows had railheads built with them in mind. The well-known equestrian David Tatlow told me how, in the 1920s and 1930s when his father, Harold, worked for Lady Astor, he would ride the hunter and herd the cattle from the estate through the village to the railway station, put them and the horse on the

livestock rings approximately 8,000 animals are shown.

The future looks bright after the show recently won a battle with the Welsh Government about its timing, and will continue to be held in the school summer holidays.

Welcoming the news, Aled Rhys Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural

Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis and Footrot in cattle and Granuloma (strawberry foot), foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof, Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis in sheep.

Society chief executive, said: “If our show had been forced to happen while Welsh children were still at school, its future viability would be in question.

“It is the biggest event of its kind in Europe and contributes massively to Welsh culture and the economy. With

pupils now free to attend the show, we can continue to provide them with the same valuable extracurricular experiences and opportunities which we have always done. We can continue to be partners in educating our young people.”

train to compete at a show and then repeat the process to get home.

“Throughout the war years, no shows were held, but show societies were still active. They produced Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food papers on growing crops and keeping livestock to inform the people who were left at home running the farms while many of the men were at war.

“Following this period, and with encouragement from the Government, shows really began to thrive.”

Foot-and-mouth

DUE to foot-and-mouth, 2001 was a watershed year for many agricultural shows. Financially, many exhibitors and sponsors found alternative means of promoting their products and unfortunately did not return to showgrounds.

use

Following foot-and-mouth, there

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was also the introduction of many new rules and regulations, which have only multiplied over time and sometimes increased the burden on those who run shows.

More than 6.5 million people visit agricultural shows every year.

Shows have had to adapt and bring in new attractions in order to appeal to a wider audience.

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Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis & Slurry Heel in cattle. Granuloma (strawberry foot) foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) in sheep.

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Judging in the beef ring at the Royal Welsh Show in 1983.

A scene from Cumberland Show, published in Farmers Guardian in 1980.

NSA Scotsheep, at Aikengall Farm, East Lothian, attracted a record-breaking crowd along with a record number of trade stands. Katie Fallon reports.

● Farmer well-being and support in focus

WITH more than 4,500 visitors and 216 trade stands, this year’s National Sheep Association (NSA) Scotsheep, hosted by the Hamilton family in East Lothian, was a record-breaking event, which focused on both the future of sheep farming in Scotland and the importance of farmer well-being.

Speaking in the opening ceremony, Colin MacPhail, chair of the NSA Scotsheep 2024 organising committee, said the most important resource on any farm was its people.

Consequently, Mr MacPhail said

Record-breaking day at NSA Scotsheep

the social aspect of NSA Scotsheep and bringing the industry together, following this year’s relentlessly wet spring, was most important.

Officially opening the event, former editor of The Scottish Farmer, Ken Fletcher, said not only had the weather ‘ravaged lamb and ewe survival’ this

spring, but more importantly the mental health and well-being of those farmers whose lives are dedicated to their flocks.

However, in his closing remarks he said: “As seen today, there are a lot of positives in sheep farming, which is testament to a hard-working family who, in simple terms, do the job right.”

we still seem to be talking about the same things and we still have no idea where we are heading.

Mr Fletcher referred to the Hamiltons, who hosted the event as a commitment to their late father, John, as a progressive hill farm and family who make the most of opportunities that come their way.

Future

As well as highlighting the importance of industry unity, the event’s seminar programme was tailored around the industry’s future, in the way of animal health, Government support and farm business profitability.

Speaking on the implementation and benefits of changing support in Scottish agriculture, farmer and businessman Jim Walker said the industry had no idea where it was heading.

He said: “It is like Groundhog Day;

“Whatever anybody tells you, there is less money available and you are going to have to do more to have access to that money whether you like it or not. We are told to plan by bankers, we have strategic decisions to take, we have financial decisions to take, but we cannot do that in a policy vacuum and that is exactly where we are today.”

Mr Walker said the calves and lambs which have been born this spring, particularly the cattle, would be impacted ‘completely and utterly’ by decisions and the implementation of policy next year.

While some farm businesses, particularly bigger businesses, will be involved with whole farm plans, biodiversity audits, nutrient management plans and carbon audits already, as they can see the economic benefit, Mr Walker questioned what outcomes the Government was seeking, for the remaining farm businesses which were being forced down that road to access payments.

Visitors tour the fields at Aikengall Farm during Scotsheep 2024.

The biennial event attracted record numbers of visitors and trade stands.

He said: “What are individual businesses going to do with it other than tick the box, claim their money and move on?”

Mr Walker added there was also an issue regarding the accountability of decisions in Government.

“How many times over the years have well-meaning politicians or officials introduced various initiatives and grants across the country and the unintended consequences mean that the industry or sector is undermined.

“We could talk about eggs until we are blue in the face,” he said.

Mr Walker also highlighted how the industry was still aligned to EU policies and rules which lead to the ‘continued bureaucracy of regulation that was completely unnecessary’, such as unannounced on-farm inspections.

Wedded

He said: “We are still given inspections which are unannounced and, if you do not play ball, you do not get the cash. We are still wedded to the past and have no clear vision for the future.”

Mr Walker added he believed the long-term vision for the Scottish sheep sector, which has dropped 30% in the last 20 years, must be based on real markets and not just on subsidies.

He said the past year to 18 months

Results

SHEEP RESULTS:

n The overall champion pair of ewe hoggs was a pair of Texel hoggs from A. MacGregor, Allanfauld, which sold for £650 per life to Messrs Bryson, Laigh Logan

n The reserve champion, a pair of Mule hoggs from A. McKenzie and Partners, Ardgate, sold for £240 per life to Messrs Malone, Pitcairn

BREED SOCIETY STAND:

n 1st – Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association

n 2nd – Beltex Sheep Society

n 3rd – Dalesbred Sheep Breeders Association

INDOOR TRADE STAND:

n 1st – Agrii

n 2nd – Kate Simpson Art

n 3rd – BHC

had seen sheep prices that the industry could only have dreamed of, but added this was a result of market demand in ethnic communities and exports, not a result of the UK’s retail sector.

He said: “It is a classic example of,

GrassCheck

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK

STOCKJUDGING:

n 1st – Maureen Hamilton

OUTDOOR TRADE STAND:

n 1st – ATV Services Scotland

n 2nd – GP Smart and Son

n 3rd – Quad Crate

FENCING:

n 1st – M. and A. Fencing

n 2nd – Sampson Fencing

n 3rd – H.V.B. Fencing

NSA NEXT GENERATION

SHEPHERD OF THE YEAR:

n 1st – Ian Armstrong

n 2nd – Tyler McKinlay and Harry Gemmill

SHEEPDOG TRIAL OPEN:

n 1st – John Allan

n 2nd – Fan Brownlie

n 3rd – David Wallace

where you can break free from the shackles of the multiple retail dominants of our industry and various sectors, you can actually get a decent return and the market is sustainable.”

Concluding his presentation, Mr Walker said that Scotland’s Less

SHEEPDOG TRIAL SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS:

n 1st – Lynn Ronaldson

n 2nd – Daniel Worthington

n 3rd – Ben McSporran

SPEED SHEAR SENIOR:

n 1st – Jacob Taylor (29.38 seconds)

n 2nd – Stuart Robson (35.39 seconds)

n 3rd – Kev Sutherland (36.98 seconds)

SPEED SHEAR TEAM:

n 1st – Simon Bedwell (28.93 seconds) and Adam Berry (30.38 seconds) 59.31 seconds

SPEED SHEAR OPEN:

n 1st – Simon Bedwell (29.66 seconds)

n 2nd – Adam Berry (32.80 seconds)

n 3rd – Hamish Mitchell (35.97 seconds)

Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) was absolutely crucial to the upland and hill sheep producers across Scotland.

“LFASS support needs to be changed and it needs to be changed quickly,” he said.

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

GROWTH RATES

MANAGEMENT NOTES

n Recorded grass growth is lower this week, but is still close to the long-term average, but a substantial drop is forecasted for over the next seven days

n With this reduction in mind, plan now how to maintain the rotation length at least at 21 days and keep the average farm cover above 2,100kg DM/ha (850kg DM/acre)

to avoid running into a deficit n Herbage quality on farms is only adequate at 10.7 ME, so farmers should continue with selective topping of paddocks n Walk any recent reseeds – once seedlings are established, there is a window of opportunity to apply postemergence herbicide if there is a high weed burden present

Livestock

The findings of the UK’s largest survey of dairy cow mobility and foot health highlights there is still a significant opportunity to reduce the economic, welfare, social and environmental consequences of compromised mobility. Farmers Guardian reports.

Opportunities to improve foot health still significant, survey reveals

l Better appreciation of cost consequences key

MORE than 350 farmers completed a survey this spring, with the results giving a detailed picture of foot health on UK dairy farms. The survey was commissioned by Stride, a not-for-profit industry initiative headed up by partners Ceva, HerdVision, IVC Farm Vets, Neogen and Zinpro.

Announcing the results at a press briefing in London, dairy vet Matt Dobbs, chair of the Stride technical board, said that mobility issues had remained stubbornly high for many years, reflecting the complex and multi-factorial nature of compromised mobility.

“Compromised foot health is not a simple problem. It is influenced by genetics, nutrition, management protocols and cow comfort and environment. Foot health can be affected by both infectious and non-infectious conditions. This means a holistic and long-term approach is required.”

Preventative measures

The survey showed that compromised foot health was an issue for all farm sizes and management systems and that there was a variable uptake in the preventative measures available. All the major causes of poor foot health – digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, foul and overgrown claws remained issues on-farm.

Mr Dobbs added: “While businesses know the key components of a preventative programmes such as mobility scoring, foot-

trimming and footbathing, the uptake across respondents was variable, suggesting there needs to be clearer communication of the benefits and clearer recommended protocols.

“The survey highlighted inadequate clear delegation of responsibility on many farms, especially where a range of farm staff and external specialists are involved is an issue. Identifying the person most motivated to improve foot health and giving them the resources to do so could bring about big improvements.”

Costs underestimated

The report also highlighted that there might be a degree of underestimating the consequential cost of a case of poor foot health. Respondents generally said they felt foot health had a small impact on profitability, possibly because incurred direct costs were only a small part of the total, with most being lost production, which was rarely measured.

“Better reporting of the real costs could provide a motivation to manage the condition more aggressively,” said Mr Dobbs.

“However, it is important to understand that for many people involved with foot health onfarm, cost is not actually the prime concern.

“For someone milking cows, the problems caused by poor foot health are more practical, such as extended time getting cows in for milking, or the time spent treating problem animals. Finding what really motivates someone to im-

The survey showed that compromised foot health was an issue for all farm sizes and management systems.

prove foot health will benefit the herd and also the team.

“To begin the drive to reduced levels of foot issues, the industry needs to work more closely to help dairy farmers and their teams and advisers to develop more comprehensive preventative strategies. Key to this will be clearer allocation of responsibilities, improved skills development, better appreciation of the consequences and benefits and embracing the new technologies that can make a difference on-farm.”

KEY FINDINGS

n While many farmers are managing mobility effectively there is still an opportunity to improve cow mobility

n Inconsistent uptake of preventative measures

n Unclear delegation of responsibilities

n Lack of understanding of key motivators to improve performance

n The true cost was not communicated adequately

n New technologies offer huge potential

n Holistic industry approach will help

Prevention is vital to improve foot health long-term

SPEAKING at the Stride survey launch, Laura Randall, of the University of Nottingham and chair of the Register of Mobility Scorers, stressed the importance of basing improving for health on prevention, starting with an understanding of the risk factors.

She emphasised that because poor foot health could be from infectious or non-infectious causes it was multi-factorial and complex to manage.

“Environmental factors contributing to poor mobility include the standing and milking surface, standing and lying times, track surfaces and maintenance and general hygiene and cleanliness.

“Cow factors include the thickness of the digital cushion, cow body condition, milk yield and energy balance, and the impact of previous

foot health events on long-term pathology and anatomical changes.”

Previous lameness

As much as 80% of foot health problems can be attributed to previous lameness in the herd, so Dr Randall stressed the importance of understanding the risk factors on the farm and implementing comprehensive prevention protocols.

“Prevention will always be better than cure, helping reduce the incidence and costs of compromised mobility. Farms should focus on early detection and prompt effective treatment. The sooner an affected cow is assessed and treated, the lower the costs and losses will be.

“In particular, I would urge all producers to focus on foot health in heifers, making them a priority for preventative management.”

Trials history

● Auld Hemp most influential sheepdog

THE first official sheepdog trial was held in October 1873, in a field near Bala, Wales, organised by Lloyd Price. Shepherds met for the first time to test their skills and determine individual superiority among their collies.

A Scottish shepherd, James Thompson, who was working in Wales, won with his dog Tweed. This same trial has been running for nearly 125 years.

Since then, trials have spread to every major sheep-producing country of the world. In the UK alone, there are 400 trials each year.

In 1915, James Reid, secretary of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) in the UK, first used the term ‘border collie’ to distinguish those dogs registered by the ISDS from the Kennel Club’s collie or Scotch collie, including the rough

English results

collie and smooth collie which originally came from the same working stock, but had developed a different, standardised appearance following introduction to the showring in 1860 and mixture with different breeds.

National

Since 1922, National trials have been run each year in Scotland, Wales and England, with the 12 highest scoring dogs from each country competing in the International trial. Ireland joined the competition in 1967.

The most influential sheepdog is said to have been Auld Hemp, who sired more than 200 pups.

All lines of border collies can be traced back to Auld Hemp and between 1906 and 1951, all 29 International champions were its descendants.

READ MORE

Inside the kennel of a champion triallist, see p98-99.

CORNWALL (Judge, T. Hopper) (25 ran) 1, J. Nicholls, Lil, 91; 2, F. Richards, Lola, 86OLF; 3, D. Cole, Tan, 86; 4, D. Heard, Thistledown Ava, 85; 5, D. Heard, Fly, 83; 6, W. Carter, Jen, 79; Maltese cross (T. Hooper) (10 ran) 1, D. Cole, Juno, 80; 2, A. Hendy Spike, 73; 3, W. Carter, Frank, 64. Open (A. Hendy) 1, T. Hopper, Pip, 65. TRETHERN CHARITY (L. Lock) Driving (25 ran) 1, W. Carter, Jen, 89; 2, W. Carter, Rob, 83; 3, J. Nicholls, Lil, 77; 4, W. Carter, Belle, 75OLF; 5, F. Richards, Becka, 75; 6, F. Richards, Bee, 72. Maltese cross (J. Nicholls) (8 ran) Novice, 1, W. Carter, Frank, 58. Open, 1, L. Lock, Bear, 72; 2, W. Carter, Lad, 68; 3, L. Lock, Mac, 65; 4, T. Hopper, Pip, 62T. LYNSTED (H. Plant) (25 ran) 1, Caileigh Eddie, Bonnie, 75T out of 100; 2, Mark Banham, Taff, 73T OLFD; 3, Caileigh Eddie, Sally, 73T OLF; 4, Hazel Long, Ted, 73; 5, Mark Banham, Jon, 72T; 6, Jo Dorrell, Gipping Valley Jack, 68T. Novice, 1, Jo Dorrell, Gipping Valley Jack, 68T; 2, Grace Gower, 64T; 3, Elaine Anstey, Ben, 61T; 4, Elaine Anstey, Joy, 54T; 5, Hazel Long, Wren, 52T; 6, Karen Gearing, Swan, 40T. Starter (H. Long) (70 ran) 1, Elizabeth Lauder, Jake, 40; 2, Steve Cook, Jamie, 29. EUSTON (R. Little) 1, Ed Thornally, Molly, 65; 2, Dee Chapman, Killibrae Kyle, 58; 3, Andrea Bartrum, Dilly, 45; 4, Lucy Allison, Jet, 43. STEPHEN RELP CHARITY (John Harrison) Morning session (53 ran) 1, B. Jordan, Judge, 94; 2, C. Cassy, Pip, 93; 3, F. Satterthwaite, Tweed, 91; 4, J. Scriven, Kim, 89; 5, B. Helliwell, Moya, 88; 6, W. Van Dogan, Heath, 87. Afternoon session (P. Telfer) (59 ran) 1, Gary Miller, Barney, 93 out of 100; 2, John Harrison, Meg, 90; 3, Thomas Longton, Luna, 89; 4, Gary Miller, Pik, 88; 5, Gavin Fearon, Dave, 87; 6, Lindsay Threlkeld, Lark, 85OLF. DEVON AND EXMOOR, 1, A. Hendy, Spike; 2, J. Carter, Frank.

Welsh results

GRIFFIN LLOYD (Iwan Rees) Morning session (35 ran) 1, Gary Davies, Josie, 16; 2, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Taz, 19; 3, Aurwen Price, Mirk, 20OLF; 4, Aled Owen, Jim, 20; 5, Yvonne Abrey, Leah, 22OLF; 6, Kelvin Broad, Kinloch Ciaran, 22. Afternoon (Erinna Rogers) (45 ran) 1, Aled Owen, Llangwm Tom, 9; 2, Irwel Evans, Gwnnws Jet, 16; 3, Jack Roberts, Roisin, 23OLF; 4, Steve Lewis, Mist, 23; 5, Stan Harden, Kennox Fly, 24; 6, Tarcio Michelon, Bola, 26.

Scottish results

MONYMUSK AND BENNACHIE (George Simpson) (57 ran) 1, C. Dierson, Tom, 97; 2, I. Sutherland, Dan, 94; 3, M. Shearer, Cap, 93; 4, V. Shearer, Misty, 93; 5, L. Ronaldson, Bob, 91OLF; 6, E. Nilsson, Jacob, 91.

Trials diary

WALES

June 15. LLANRHAEADR, LL16 4NL, 8am start, tel: 07767 482 390. June 16. BERWYN (Final), LL20 7LH, 8am start, tel: 01691 600 860. June 22. LLANLLYFNI, LL54 5TP, 8am start, tel: 07784 939 733. GLYNLLIFON, LL54 5DU, 8am start, pre-entry required, tel: 07747 600 454.

June 23. BRONDAI, Novice, Carmarthen, SA19 9RU, classes restricted to novice handlers, dog not to have been placed in an open, handler not to have been placed in an open in the past five years, a class restricted to handlers who have not been placed in an open or novice trial and suitable for new inexperienced handlers, 9.30am start, pre-entry, contact Michelle Thomas, tel: 07944 708 068.

June 28. ACORNS, Novice charity, Suckley, WR6 5EJ, restricted to handlers who have not won an open trial, 3pm start, pre-entry, Matt Hooper, tel: 07929 102 338, entries close June 20.

June 29. SARN, Open trial only, LL53 8RG, 9am start, tel: 07816 357 238.

June 30. NEW INN, St Florence, SA70 8NR, one dog in each session, same dog can run twice, 8am start, enter on field, contact Bettina, tel: 07867 993 649.

ENGLAND

June 15 and 16. ROUGHTOR, Camelford, PL32 9QG, what3words: passage.relief.dairies, 9am start, Open driving, novice Maltese cross, open Maltese cross classes, entries close June 9, contact secretary Trevor Hopper at trevor_ hopper01@btinternet.com or tel: 01872 501 886. June 19. MID SHIRES, Hall Barn Farm, Lower Shuckburgh, Daventry, NN11 6EB, entries restricted to 40 dogs and two dogs per handler, contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732.

June 21 and 22. ALSTON, Open June 22, 8.30am start, Local trial June 21, 4.30pm start, entries £5 per dog, two dog limit in open trial. June 22 and 23. BRENDON HILLS, Exmoor,

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to sponsor the Working Dogs pages in Farmers Guardian for 2024. Wishing all triallists the very best of luck.”

Christopher Ware Managing director

at Gilbertson & Page, manufacturer of Dr. John’s foods for dogs.

signed from B3190 near Wimbleball Reservoir, what3words: hacksaw.name.crispier, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs R. Cowling and family, classes for Open driving, novice driving, best young handler, highest pointed ordinary member, best OLF, Maltese cross and new handler, 9.30am start, entries close June 15, enter via Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813, or email julie@bearwoodfarm. co.uk.

June 23. NORBER, Open, Austwick, LA2 8DJ, 8.30am start, enter on the field, those running multiple dogs one needs to be booked in by 11am, last book in time 2pm, contact Chris, tel: 07812 589 621, or Hannah, tel: 07375 057 621. June 27 to 30. SHABFEST 2024, six qualifying trials over three days, final for the top 25 dogs on Sunday. June 30. NORTHUMBERLAND, Evistones Farm, NE19 1RY, enter on field, first 40 dogs, 9am start, two dog limit, no second dogs to run after 12.30pm, contact David Corbett, tel: 07821 921 625. MALTON, Scampston Park, YO17 8NG, contact Malton Show office, or website for pre-entry and start times.

SCOTLAND

June 16. BLAIRGOWRIE, Open, Cronan Farm, PH13 9EX, 7.30am start, entries on field, £7 a dog, catering on field, contact Sharon, tel: 07713 919 248.

June 21. FORSIE, Caithness, KW14 7QR, contact Ian Sutherland, tel: 07826 487 510. June 22. BADANLOCH, Open dog trial fundraiser for the Scottish National at Kinbrace, entry £10 per dog, two dogs per handler, contact Jan Mackenzie, tel: 07909 697 508. ROBIN LAURIE, held at Westbold Walkerbold. June 28. KILDONAN, Open trial, Home Farm, Brodick, Arran, enquires to Iain McConnell, tel: 01770 600 897 or 07825 038 955.

June 29. SCOTTISH FUNDRAISER, Fundraiser for the Scottish International, Milton Farm, KA3 6HS, 60 dogs, £10, 8am start, entries prepaid to Matilda Young, tel: 07393 879 348.

The International Sheepdog Society trials at Hyde Park, London, in 1964.

Crowds flocked to Wadebridge for all three days of the Royal Cornwall Show, where the rings were filled with quality livestock. Ruth Wills reports.

The beef inter-breed championship started proceedings at the Royal Cornwall Show, with an emotional win for Mary Cormack, Leominster. She was awarded the top spot with her Limousin bull, Foxhillfarm Titan.

In reserve was Melanie Alford, Cullompton, with her Aberdeen-Angus heifer, Foxhill Princess Caroline. Particularly special for the winners was the fact that both supreme and reserve champions were bred by Mrs Alford.

Two-year-old Foxhillfarm Titan, by Derrygullinane Kingbull and out of Foxhillfarm Grace, was being shown for the first time by Mrs Cormack, who bought him for 30,000gns in

Titan leads the way in beef showring

October. Mrs Cormack also won the Beef Shorthorn breed championship with her two-year-old bull, Willingham Spitfire by Willingham Lieutenant Commander.

Mrs Cormack said: “It has been an incredible show; it absolutely means the world to me.

“It has been a really hard spring; at one point I did not think it was

going to come together, but it has, and it has been amazing – it is my first time here too. We are heading to Three Counties next week.”

Judge Keith Redpath, Kelso, said: “The bull is just a little over two years old, and what a great carcase on him. He is really well balanced and moves well – a very worthy champion.”

The Aberdeen-Angus heifer, also just over two years old, is by Kilmaluag Eriskay T203 and out of Blelack Princess Caroline T867.

“The Angus heifer in reserve is a great shape; she will turn into a show cow in the future I am sure,” added Mr Redpath.

The South Devon National Show saw Liskeard-based father and son Peter and Ashley Rowe win the

Inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Foxhillfarm Titan, a bull from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Reserve inter-breed beef and Aberdeen-Angus champion, Foxhill Princess Caroline, a heifer from Melanie Alford, Cullompton.

PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Judging of the beef inter-breed class at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Royal Cornwall Shows

breed championship with their bull, Z Lumbylaw Quintus 14.

Ashley Rowe said: “We are absolutely delighted, particularly with 67 South Devons entered.

“Even though he is a bought-in bull, we see this as a fantastic achievement and an opportunity to showcase him as one of our main polled sires.”

Dairy

In the dairy ring, it was Jersey cow Rivermead Verdi Pixie EX94 which claimed the supreme title, exhibited by the Davis family, who milk 230 Jerseys near Tiverton.

The home-bred cow is almost six years old and is by Futuredreams Valentinos Verdi, out of Rivermead Colombus Pixie. Having calved in March, it is currently giving 43kg daily.

Mr Davis said: “She has had five calves, was reserve champion at the National Jersey Show in October and the Jersey champion at UK Dairy Day.”

In reserve spot was the four-yearold Holstein, Beaconhill Sidekick Rae 2, exhibited by Oliver and Rebecca Reed, Exeter. Sired by Walnutlawn Sidekick and out of Beaconhill Mogul Rae, the third calver is giving 50kg a day and was also reserve breed champion at the South West Dairy Event.

Sheep

It was certainly a tough competition in the sheep rings, with the largest number of entries the show had ever seen – totalling 1,592. Having scooped reserve in the inter-breed beef, Michael and Melanie Alford had success in the sheep ring too,

Continues over the page.

Dairy inter-breed and Jersey champion, Rivermead Verdi Pixie EX94, a cow from the Davis family, Tiverton.

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Beaconhill Sidekick Rae 2, a third calver from Oliver and Rebecca Reed, Exeter.

Showing cattle in the inter-breed beef pairs class.

The inter-breed dairy pairs class.

Shows Royal Cornwall

gaining the supreme champion title with their home-bred, 2021-born Charollais ewe. The Rockville Ferrari daughter was also inter-breed champion at Devon County Show.

In reserve was a Suffolk shearling ram by Strathbogie Magic Mike, exhibited by Brandon Roth from the Tolgus flock, Redruth, Cornwall, which had been male and reserve breed champion at Bath and West.

Judge Anthony Hartley said: “The Charollais is a beautiful sheep right through, from the legs to the style.”

Over with the pigs, it was a Large White gilt, Portbredy Houri, which claimed the supreme title for the Dorset-based Loveless family. Born in 2023, Portbredy Houri is out of Portbredy Houri 5711 and by Portbredy McFlannel 4869.

Reserve pig

In reserve was another 2023-born gilt, Prestcombe Paperasse 20, a Pietrain sired by Prestcombe Vanfred and out of Prestcombe Paperasse, exhibited by Alice Newth, Winkleigh.

This year saw the largest number of sheep entries ever at the show – totalling 1,592.

Results

Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, K. Redpath, Kelso) Supreme, M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan (Limousin); reserve, M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline (Aberdeen-Angus).

Devon (G. Hunter, Huntington) Sup. and male, R.D. and J. Youngman, Priorton Useful; res. and female, R.C. and J.M. Hawke, Dorcy Daisy 5; res. male, R.C. and J.M. Hawke, Bollowal Invincible; res. fem., R.C. and J.M. Hawke, Dorcy Tulip 3. South Devon (P. Claridge, Middle Claydon) Sup. and male, P.S. and A.P. Rowe, Z Lumbylaw Quintus 14; res. and fem., M.R. and R.J. Rowe, Tregondale Dewdrop 180; res. male, D.J. Thomas and Son, Treguddick Ephraim 2; res. fem., P.S. and A.P. Rowe, Trewint Jill 630. Hereford (J. Kemp, Bishop Auckland) Sup. and male, E.G. Mills, Severnvale Rogue; res. and fem., F.J. Wood and Son, Solpoll 1 Pansy T17; res. male, F.J., R.P. and J.M. Hawke, Hustyn Starnberg; res. fem., F.J. Wood and Son, Allwood 1 Kinella. Aberdeen-Angus (O. Tunney, Cuddington) Sup. and fem., M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline; res. and res. fem., M. Alford, Gretnahouse Evas Honey; male, G.G. and J.M. Jenkin and Son, Mabec Barrett; res. male, A. Edmunds, Cosmore Bonzo. Charolais (S. Nesbitt, Darlington) Sup. and male, R. Hopper, Lochend Nighthawk; res. and fem., W. Glover, Starlight Umbrella; res. male, M. Alford, Gretnahouse Ulri; res. fem., W.F. Palmer and Son, Trenestrall Toffee. British Limousin (R. James, Cynwyl Elfed) Sup. and male, M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan; res. and fem., A.K. and J.K. Smith, Dinmore Tremendous; res. male, P. Greed, Killerton Uncanny; res. fem., P. Greed, Killerton Tomato.

British Simmental (N. Robson, Ballydare) Sup. and fem., S. Hooper, Tregnether Nellie; res. and male, S. Hooper, Tregnether Proper Job; res. male, S. Hooper, Tregnether Prince; res. fem., S. Hooper, Tregnether Pixie.

British Blue (I. Hartley, Nelson) Sup. and fem., A. Luxton, Highland Blues Spruce; res. and male, G. Ellis, Trencrom Smee; res. fem., A. Luxton, Highland Blues Tay. Beef Shorthorn (M. Stoker, Malmesbury) Sup. and male, M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire; res. and fem., A.K. and J.K. Smith, Oceanview Perfection; res. male, A.K. and J.K. Smith, Cherry Valley Topgun; res. fem., A.K. and J.K. Smith, Treventon Treasure.

Any other pure breed beef (O. Tunney) Sup., T. Atkinson, Brownhill Netta (British Blonde); res., E. Johnson-Smith, Cornerstone Priscilla (Lowline). Any other pure continental breed (O. Tunney)

Sup., T. Atkinson, Brownhill Netta (British Blonde); res., T. Atkinson, Hallfield Plato (British Blonde).

Any other pure British native breed (O. Tunney) Sup., E. Johnson-Smith, Cornerstone Priscilla (Lowline); res., M. Bradley, Ailbhe Of Marrick Park (Highland).

Commercial (R. Venner, Bridgwater) Sup., M. Kirby, Hands-Free; res., L. Gould, Pina Colada. Dairy

Inter-breed (Judge, A. Cope, Lichfield) Supreme, M. Davis, Rivermead Verdi Pixie (Jersey); reserve, O. Reed, Beaconhill Sidekick Rae 2 (Holstein).

Any other pure breed dairy (G. Bell, Vernon) Sup., A.R. and D.L. Walters, Coppertone Mandys Eileen (Dairy Shorthorn); res., Thuborough Farms / W.H. Ley and Partners, Culverden Udoro Honeysuckle (Brown Swiss).

Jersey (R. Hunter, Shotts) Sup., M. Davis, Rivermead Verdi Pixie; res., M. Davis, Rivermead Casino Ceres.

Guernsey (C. Evans, Carmarthen) Sup., R.J., J.R. and S.M. Warren, Tredinney Charming Brenda 15; res., N. Bottom, Trewarnevas Drone Lavender 2. Holstein (J. Arrell, Wenn) Sup., O. Reed, Beaconhill Sidekick Rae 2; res., I.M. Davies, Davlea Solomon Lulu.

Ayrshire (I. Thomas, Neath) Sup., W.R.C. and J.E. Christophers, Rosehill Pink Indiana; res., W.R.C. and J.E. Christophers, Rosehill Panache Whisky. Dairy Shorthorn (G. Bell, Vernon) Sup., J.T. Rowe, Cargenwen Crumple 12; J.T. Rowe, Cargenwen Little Jane 111.

Sheep

Inter-breed (Judge, A. Hartley, Broughton-inFurness) Supreme, M. Alford (British Charollais); reserve, B. Roth (Suffolk).

Badger Face Texel (P. Douch, Carmarthen) Sup. and female, res. and male and res. fem., H. Payne and S. Ley; res. male, J. Harding. Beltex (A. Story, Carlisle) Sup. and male and res. male, A. and S. Payne; res. and fem. and res. fem, A. and S. Payne.

Blue Texel (A. Andrews, Stroud) Sup. and fem and res. fem., G. Hardman; res. and male, H. Payne and S. Ley; res. male, S. Chambers.

Border Leicester (C. Evans, Wrexham) Sup. and male, M. Pile; res. and fem. and res. fem., S.D. Martyn; res. male, C. Shute.

British Charollais (A. Coombe, Bath) Sup. and fem., res. and male and res. male, M. Alford; res. fem., T. Nancekivell.

British Rouge (W. Price, Wern) Sup. and male, res. and fem., res. male and res. fem., C.L. Moorhouse.

Coloured Down (D. Jenkins, Gillingham) Sup. and

male and res. male, Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer; res. and fem. and res. fem., G. and L. Richards.

Coloured Ryeland (A. Howell, Gower) Sup. and male, C. Lockyer; res. male, S. Williams; fem., Chapel Farm Partnership; res. fem., T. Nash. Devon and Cornwall Longwool (B. Franklin, Delabole) Sup. and male and res. male, G. and D. Tucker; res. and fem. and res. fem., J.A. Darke. Dorset Horn and Dorset Poll (F. Fooks, Bridport) Sup. and fem., M. Warring; res. and res. fem., G. and J. Hutchings; res. male, J. Carpenter. Dutch Spotted (J. Corbett, Newent) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., C. and N. Lockyer; male, A. Carter; res. male, L. Monk. Exmoor Horn (K. Branfield, Minehead) Sup. and male, J. Scripps; res. male, S.G. Routley; fem., J. Edwards and D. Loosemore; res. fem., J. Acland. Greyface Dartmoor (W. Dawe, Tavistock) Sup. and fem. and res. male, C. Rush; res. and res. fem. and male, R. Mortimore. Hampshire Down (K. McCarthy, Comber) Sup. and fem., male and res. male, R.A. Rundle; res. fem., T. Simmonds.

Jacob (M. Wakelin, Lampeter) Sup. and male, K. Gaden; res. male, C. Slee; fem., B. Osborne; res. fem., C. Fisher.

Lleyn (R. Twose, Whitland) Sup. and fem. and res. male, D. Searle; male, A. Glessing; res. fem., S. Carter. North Country Cheviot (J. Webster, Ashbourne) Sup. and fem. and res. male, S. Pedrick; res. and male, and res. fem., J. Muirhead. Primitive breeds (L. Henson, Exeter) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. fem., C. Bulmer; res. male, E.M. Gilbert.

Roussin (G. Jones, Pencader) Sup. and fem., res. and male, and res. male, A. Carter; res. fem., S. Reed.

Ryeland (S. Rowe, Stembridge) Sup. and male, and res. fem., C. Hawken; res. and fem., M. Varmen; res. male, R. Statton.

Scotch Blackface (A. MacKinnon) Sup. and male, S. Cornelius; res. and fem., res. fem. and res. male, S. and T. Cornelius.

Southdown (H. Wood, Pontypool) Sup. and fem., Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer; res. and male, and res. fem., A. and C. Brown; res. male, D.S. and P. Humphrey.

Suffolk (V. Samuel, St Weonards) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. male, B. Roth; res. fem., J. Howard.

Texel (J. Hartwright, Bringsty) Sup. and fem., A. Carter; res. and male, X. Flashman; res. fem., K. Dawe; res. male, L. Winsor. Whiteface Dartmoor (P. Abel, Tavistock) Sup. and fem., O. and A. Mortimore; res. and res. fem. and male, K. Wreyford; res. male, M.A. Dufall. Zwartbles (A. Selway, Storminster Newton)

Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, a home-bred ewe from Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton.

Reserve interbreed sheep and Suffolk champion, a ram from Brandon Roth, Redruth, Cornwall.

Sup. and male, and res. fem., J. Kestell; res. and fem. and res. male, G. Browne. Any other pure native breed (R. Rossitter, Kingsbridge) Sup. and fem., res. and res. fem. and male, C. Burrough (Clun Forest); res. male, H. Coad (Kerry Hill). Any other pure continental breed (R. Rossitter, Kingsbridge) Sup. and fem. and res. and male, E. Collison (Valais Blacknose); res. fem. and res. male, C. Slee (Valais Blacknose). Commercial (R. Berry, Exeter) Sup., H. Payne and S. Ley (Bleu du Maine/Blue Texel); res., S. Hooper (Texel/Zwartbles).

Pigs

Inter-breed (Judge, K.P. Matthews, Scarborough) Supreme, S.J.S. Loveless, Portbredy Houri (Large White); reserve, A. Newth, Prestcombe Paperasse 20. Large White (D.J. Finch, Benfleet) Sup., S.J.S. Loveless, Portbredy Houri; res., J.W. and O.J. Lightfoot, Perrytree Champion Turk. Welsh (D.J. Finch) Sup., A. Collings, Clowen Model 42; res., W.A. and C.A. Uglow, Edgcumbe Ted 4470. Pietrain (D.J. Finch) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Paperasse 20; res., G. and A. Pawson and Family, Warburton Pauline 41.

Duroc (D.J. Finch) Sup., H. Loveless, Hazeway Bold Stoke 2; res., H. Loveless, Hazeway Haunbjerg 6.

British Lop (D.J. Finch) Sup., G. Eustice, Bezurrell Thatcher 15; res., J. Collings, Liskeard Cornishman 67. Landrace (D.J. Finch) Sup., M. Brown, Whitecross Cordelia 17; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Belinda 4.

British Saddleback (M.A. Todd, Colyton, Devon, and P. Churchyard, Attleborough) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Grand Duchess 14; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Golden Arrow 43. Gloucestershire Old Spot – Sup., M.V. Hicks and Sons, Windmill Bluebell 30; res., M.V. Hicks and Sons, Windmill Princess 72. Oxford Sandy and Black – Sup., I. and K. Coleman, Arfleet Iris 3; res., D. Ballard and E. Hallam, Ridgeway Cynthia 38. Large Black – Sup., P.G. Snell, Sock Doreen 258; res., J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8. Middle White – Sup., M.W. and C.A. Dunstan, Eaves Carnation 10; res., C. Baker, Rockwood Mischief 8. Tamworth – Sup., M.V. Hicks and Sons, Stoneymoor Golden Rose 64; res., M.V. Hicks and Sons, Windmill Dream Boy 2. Berkshire – Sup., S. Barnfield, Kitesfarm Lady; res., H. Heeley, Alkington Peter Lad 2.

Central & West Fife Shows

Charolais is champion of champions

● Texel cross Cheviot Mule takes sheep title

THE Charolais heifer, Lochend Rollo, claimed the overall supreme title at Central and West Fife Show for Craig and Teen Malone, Lochgelly. The three-year-old daughter of Gretnahouse Ming, which was shown with a bull calf by Balthayick Muskateer, was bought from Mrs Malone’s dad, Ian Millar, at his dispersal sale.

After claiming the continental championship, it went on to win the inter-breed beef title before winning the champion of champions award ahead of the two-yearold Clydesdale filly, Shielhill Platinum Queenie from Robert Sibbald, Dollar.

The commercial Champion, C.C. Cindy, from Wilson Peters, Crieff, took the reserve inter-breed beef championship. The 20-monthold Limousin cross heifer by Carmon Lionbar was reserve at Ayr and picked up several awards last year.

Results

Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, A. Jackson, Cummertrees) Supreme, C. and K. Malone, Lochend Rollo (Charolais); res. W. Peters, C.C. Cindy (commercial).

Aberdeen-Angus (D. Allan, Alnwick) Sup., R. Hassell and R. Wyllie, Idvies Elisa Z150; res., R. Hassell and R. Wyllie, Brailes Black Bee Y245. Any other pure native (D. Allen) Sup., W.P. and K. Watson, Saltire 1 Ruth 3 (Hereford); res., Saltire 1 Cathy 8 (Hereford). Beef Shorthorn (D. Allan) Sup., T. McMillan, Eskechraggan Sara; res., J. Wood, Wells Lochinvar.

Lincoln Red (D. Allan) Sup., H. Mylius, St Fort Hill Conker; res., H. Mylius, St Fort Lady Thora. Belted Galloway (D. Allan) L. Brown, Brodale Fenella Rose; res., R. Lawson, Mourneview Palona.

Highland (S. Hunter, Shotts) Sup., D. MacNaughton, Alama of Rannoch; res. D. MacNaughton, Amrcia of Rannoch. Continental (L. Ballantyne, Girvan) Sup., C. and K. Malone, Lochend Rollo (Charolais) res., R. and C. Rettie, Rettie’s Tiffany (Charolais).

Limousin (R. Paterson, Dunblane) Sup., B. and J. Thomson, Beath Tianna; res., B. and J. Thomson, Beath Upbeat.

British Blue (R. Paterson) Sup. and res., G. and G. Scott, Thistle Show a Leg; res., G. and G. Scott, Thistle Tilt Yer Kilt.

Simmental (L. Ballantyne) Sup., G. Clark, Broombrae Harriet P2; res., G. Clark, Broombrae Delight N22.

Commercial (L. Ballantyne) Sup., W. Peters, C.C. Cindy; res; B. Duffton and S. Smith, Little Miss Muffit.

The dairy inter-breed champion from the Wilson family, Cupar, was the Holstein, Billincoat Secretariat Veronese EX 93-3. By All Nure Secretariat out of Billincoat Veronese EX 92, it is currently producing 53 litres, having calved in December.

The third calver which won at Fife Show a fortnight earlier, was supreme at this show last year and champion at both Fife and Kinross.

Sheep

The sheep inter-breed champion was a three-crop Texel cross Cheviot Mule from Kim Stretch, Crieff, which was shown with a Beltex cross ewe lamb at foot.

The inter-breed reserve sheep champion was a Zwartble gimmer from Ally McLaren, Dunblane. Greystone Laurel stood champion at Drymen Show the week before.

The show was host to the Scottish National Dorset Show, with the championship going to Fiona Harley, Kinross, with shearling ram, Bamburgh Flex.

Dairy

Inter-breed (C. Telfer, Lochgelly) Sup., Wilson family, Billincoat Secretariat Veronese (Holstein); res., A. Lawson, Lisnamulligan Rosalyn 2 (Dairy Shorthorn). Holstein Friesian (C. Telfer) Sup., Wilson family, Billincoat Secretariat Veronese; res., B. Weatherup and Partners, Lesmay Dalliance Patent.

Any other dairy breed (C. Telfer) A. Lawson, Lisnamulligan Rosalyn 2 (Dairy Shorthorn); res., A. Lawson, Lisnamulligan Beauty 3 (British Friesian).

Sheep

Inter-breed (D. Allan) Sup., K. Stretch (Texel/ Cheviot Mule); res., A. McLaren (Zwartbles). Scotch Mule (M. Stewart, Melrose) Sup. and res., Balcaskie Estate. Suffolk (M. Stewart) Sup., A. Barr; res., S. Lathangie.

Texel (A. Ballantyne, Girvan) Sup., A. A. B. and C. Allan; res., K. Stretch. Zwartbles (H. Preston, Bingley) Sup. and res., A. McLaren. Shetlands (D. Alcorn, Biggar) Sup. and res., K. Sharp. Cross or half-bred (A. Ballantyne) Sup., K. Stretch; res., J. Messenger. Any other pure-bred native (A. Ballantyne) Sup., R. Dewey (Cheviot); res., Balcaskie Estate. Any other pure-bred continental (J. Ballantyne) Sup., A. Wiseman (Valais Blacknose); res., J. Goldie (Beltex).

Dutch Spotted (A. Jackson) Sup., A. McKerrow; res., L. Roberts. Dorset (S. Driver, Chisworth) Sup., F. Harley; res., I. and G. Farmer.

Inter-breed sheep and cross or halfbred champion, a Texel cross Cheviot

Champion of champions, beef inter-breed, continental and Charolais champion, Lochend Rollo, from Craig and Teen Malone, Lochgelly.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein Friesian champion, Billincoat Secretariat Veronese, from the Wilson family, Cupar.

Mule, from Kim Stretch, Crieff.

Judge Ali Jackson selects his beef inter-breed champion.

PICTURES: RON STEPHEN

There was a strong turnout right across the livestock sections at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex. Angela Calvert reports.

l Dairy championship claimed by Holstein

INTER-breed beef judge, Jimmy McMillan, Buckinghamshire, chose Wissington Topwoman as overall supreme at the South of England Show.

This was the Charolais champion, a January 2022-born heifer by Elgin Oliver out of Drumshane Pretty Woman and in-calf to Cloonglasna 11 Tarzan, from John and Jenny Rix, Nayland, shown by stockman Darren Knox.

Mr McMillan said his champion was ‘a tremendous heifer with length, style and great locomotion’.

It was a good day for the Charolais breed which also claimed the inter-breed team of four with Topwoman along with the reserve

Charolais triumphs at South of England

Charolais champion, Wissington Trixie, from Robert and Nichola Tremayne, Cranbrook, Goscombe Treasure from Sarah Jackson, Hampshire, along with the continental junior champion, Drumshane Urbangirl from Mr Knox.

The reserve female and reserve overall champion rosettes went to Solway View Spice, a June 2022born British Blue heifer by Dodou de St Remacle, out of Solway View

Kesha, from David Seels, Buckinghamshire, brought out by stockman Joshua Jack.

Having been bought at Carlisle last May, the heifer was breed champion at Bucks County and Kent County and reserve champion at Hertfordshire County Show.

The male champion was Cinderhill Upperclass, a two-year-old home-bred Limousin bull by Loosebeare Riddle, from Sam Drury,

Crowborough, which had been champion at Heathfield earlier in the year. Upperclass was also one half of the winning inter-breed pairs along with Mr Drury’s heifer, Cinderhill Upsydaisy.

Coopers Poll Regent 3, a sixyear-old Sussex bull from Jane Howard, Hadlow Down, took the reserve male championship.

The junior native championship went to Dosan Bheag 3 of Harham,

Inter-breed beef and Charolais champion, Wissington Topwoman, from John and Jenny Rix, Nayland, shown by Darren Knox.

Reserve inter-breed beef, reserve female and British Blue champion, Solway View Spice, from David Seels, Buckinghamshire.

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Ayrshire champion Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena, from John Smith, St Osyth.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut, from John Smith, St Osyth.

a January 2023-born Highland heifer from Sandra Tedbury, Pulborough.

On his first time competing at the show, John Smith, St Osyth, claimed the dairy inter-breed title with his Holstein champion, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut, a second calver by Outlay which has recently classified VG80 and was also inter-breed champion at Suffolk Show.

The judge, Tom Barrett, Buckingham, said his champion had ‘great style and strength of loin, had great depth of rib, a tremendous udder and walked well on good feet and legs’.

Mr Smith also took the reserve inter-breed rosette with his Ayrshire champion, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena 2, a February 2021-born heifer by Hawaiian, which was reserve inter-breed champion at Suffolk Show.

The Jersey champion was Lightening Tequila Mazie Blondette, a third calver from Luke Rayfield, East Grinstead. It is kept with

Results

Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, J. McMillan, Buckinghamshire) Supreme and female, J. and J. Rix, Wissington Topwoman (Charolais); reserve and res. fem., D.M. Seels, Solway View Spice (British Blue); male, S. Drury, Cinderhill Upperclass (Limousin); res. male, J. Howard, Coopers Poll Regent 3 (Sussex). Aberdeen-Angus (M. Clarke, Suffolk) Sup., G. Long, Rosemead Bella Maid; res., V. Marsh, Golden Estelle Dream Y027. Sussex (A. Smith, Nottinghamshire) Sup. and fem., Buchanan family, Black Ven Koskimo; res. and res. fem., J.M. and E.J. Hobden, Nunningham Sylph 2; male, J. Howard, Coopers Poll Regent 3. Hereford (M. Clarke) Sup., H. Jackson, Havenfield 1 Archer; res., T. Yaldren, Banjos 1 Gilly Athena.

British Charolais (A. Smith) Sup., J. and J. Rix, Wissington Topwoman; res., R. and N. Tremayne, Wissington Trixie.

British Simmental (J. Hughes, East Sussex) Sup., R. Grenham; Boars Head Karina 12; res., J. Griffin, Hemingford Nellie. British Blonde (T. Corbett, Powys) Sup., H. Jones, Egerton Parvati; res., H. Jones, Egerton Txintxurreta.

British Limousin (R. Priestley, Cumbria) Sup. and fem., S. Drury, Cinderhill Tinkerbell; res. and res. fem., S. Drury, Cinderhill Upsydaisy; male, S. Drury, Cinderhill Upperclass.

Beef Shorthorn (T. Bradley-Farmer, Dumfries) Sup., H. Horrell, Podehole Tessa Radiance; res., W. Clarke, Meonside Secret Sushi. Highland (R. Mumford, Shropshire) Sup., S. Tedbury, Dosan Bheag 2 of Hardham; res., S. Tedbury, Dosan Bheag 3 of Hardham.

South of England Shows

Inter-breed sheep and Southdown champion, from Sargent, WakehamDawson and Harmer, Lewes.

Reserve interbreed sheep and Suffolk champion, from SallyAnn and Kevin Hasemore, Chichester.

Maggie Howe, Kent, along with the any other breed champion Hoppickers Snowman Opal, a Dairy Shorthorn third calver from Janet Dean, Ashford.

In the sheep rings the supreme award went to the Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer team, Lewes, with their Southdown champion, a 2022-born ewe by Ridings Acrobat from their Offham flock.

Exceptional

The judge, Matt Prince, Chesterfield, said it was an ‘exceptional sheep, full of flesh from head to toe and was a great example of a modern breeding female’.

In reserve was the Suffolk champion, a home-bred shearling ewe from Sally-Ann and Kevin Hasemore’s Chidham flock, Chichester, which had been reserve breed champion at Edenbridge and Oxsted and Kent County shows last year.

The supreme pig title went to the Large Black champion, Framfield

Dexter (M. Kay, Dorset) Sup., C. King, Northbrook Thor; res., C. King, Northbrook Lilly. Belted Galloway (R. Priestley) Sup., Tottingworth Farms, Tottingworth Mary 2. Galloway (R. Priestley) J. and S. Wareham, Wareham’s Gracie 2. Parthenaise (T. Corbett) Sup., T. Hodges, Trouble; res., S. and P. Marsh, Updown Uptown Girl.

British Blue (R. Priestley) Sup., D.M. Seels, Solway View Spice; res., D.M. Seels, Hooton Pearl.

Commercial (B. Maskell, Cumbria) J. and S. Wareham, Star Bar; res., J. and S. Wareham, Brandy Snap.

Dairy

Inter-breed (Judge, T. Barrett, Buckingham) Sup., J. Smith, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut (Holstein); res., J. Smith, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena 2 (Ayrshire).

Ayrshire (I. Thomas, Wales) Sup., J. Smith, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena 2; res. M. Howie, Ridley Hill Jenny. Holstein (I. Thomas) Sup., J. Smith, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut; res., M. Howie, Lea Court

McCutchen Flossie.

Jersey (I. Thomas) Sup., L. Rayfield, Lightening Tequila Mazie Blondette; res., J. Dean, Hoppickers Brownies Querubica. Any other breed (I. Thomas) Sup., J. Dean, Hoppickers Snowman Opal (Dairy Shorthorn); res., J. Dean, Hoppickers Biever Razzle Dazzle (Brown Swiss).

Sheep

Inter-breed (Judge, M. Prince, Derbyshire) Sup., Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer

Diana 300, a four-year-old sow by Westerly Majestic Eagle which is due to pig in four weeks’ time.

Owned by the show’s chief pig steward, Maria Naylor, Framfield, and shown by Josh Bell-Tye, it was reserve inter-breed champion at Devon County earlier in the year.

Reserve went to Emily Paddock, Cheadle, with the British Saddle-

(Southdown); res., K. Hasemore (Suffolk). Southdown (D. Bunting, Hertfordshire) Sup., Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer; res., F.A. Lambert.

Suffolk (T. Blunt, Buckinghamshire) Sup. and res., K. Hasemore.

Texel (A. Pinney, Warwickshire) Sup., N. Botwright; res., Clayhill Texels. Lleyn (T. Blunt) Sup. and res., S. Waters. Zwartbles (B. Mills, Somerset) Sup., D. Barr; res., G. Gribble.

Any pure continental (C. Beck, Suffolk) Sup. and res., D. Barr (Dutch Spotted).

Any other longwool (T. Davis, London) Sup., A. Parsons (Wensleydale); res., E. Van der Meer (Border Leicester).

Any other hill/heath breed (T. Davis) Sup., S. Blunden (North Country Cheviot); res., J. Knight (White Faced Woodland).

Any other down/shortwool (T. Blunt) Sup., K. Mitchell (Coloured Ryeland); res., K. Mitchell (Hampshire Down).

Kerry Hill (G. Latimer, Northern Ireland) Sup., H. Glover; res., A. Howard.

Butchers lambs (A.J. Moss, Sussex) Sup. and res., S. Bull.

Pigs

Inter-breed (Judge, N. Overend, Northern Ireland) Sup., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana 300 (Large Black); res., E. Paddock, Prestcombe Lady (British Saddleback).

Berkshire (C. Impey, South Wales) Sup. and male, J. Tiley, Fernlea Namatjira; res. and fem., J. Tiley, Fernlea Farewell 17; res. male, J. Tiley, Fernlea Orlando 2; res. fem., J. Tiley, Fernlea Farewell 16. British Saddleback (C. Impey) Sup. and fem.,

Inter-breed pig and Large Black champion, Framfield Diana 300, from Maria Naylor, Framfield.

back champion, Prestcombe Lady, a three-year-old sow, in-pig for July, which had been breed champion at Devon County Show.

The judge, Nigel Overend, Northern Ireland, said his champion ‘caught his eye as soon as it came into the ring, was an excellent example of the breed and was in great condition’.

E. Paddock, Prestcombe Lady; res. and res. fem., C. Wilson, Rother Molly; male, E. Paddock, Lewin Guardsman 2; res. male, E. Paddock, Lewin Prefect 2.

British Lop (C. Impey) Sup. and fem., E. Paddock, Eaves Actress 7.

Large Black (C. Impey) Sup. and fem., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana 300; res. and res. fem., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana 406; male, M. Naylor, Framfield Super 414.

Oxford and Sandy Black (M. Paddock, Stoke on Trent) Sup. and fem., J. Farrell, Nightingale Clarissa 11; res. and male, J. Farrell, Nightingale Jack 4; res. fem., D. Aldous, Tan Sybil; res. male, J. Farrell, Nightingale Alexander 3. Gloucester Old Spot (M. Paddock) Sup. and fem., C. Wilson, Rother Princess 71; res. and male, T. Cook, Millfields Rufus 431; res. fem., M. and D. Dallaway, Meathgreen Bluebell; res. male, T. Cook, Millfields Rufus 417.

Middle White (M. Paddock) Sup. and fem., O. Giles, Tedfold Fair Lady 400; res. and male, O. Giles, Tedford Mischief 407; res. fem., O. Giles, Tedfold Fair Lady 409; res. male, O. Giles, Tedfold Mischief 10. Duroc (C. Impey) Sup. and fem., O. Giles, Tedford Lena 200; res. and male, O. Giles, Tedford Hulk; res. fem., O. Giles, Tedfold Lena 214. Any other modern breed (C. Impey) Sup. E. Paddock, Lewin Glamorous 8 (Welsh); res. and male, P. Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer, Offham Earl 4 (Welsh); res. fem., P. Wakeham-Dawson and Harmer, Offham Jean 2 (Welsh). Kunekune (M. Paddock) Sup. and fem., P. Bennett, Pencommins Trish 11; res. and male, P. Bennett, Pencommins Tutaki 1; res. fem., M. Naylor, Framfield Kereopa 5; res. male, M. Naylor, Framfield Kereopa 9.

Market Prices Primestock

ENGLAND

Source: LAA/MartEye

Market Prices Store Cattle

ENGLAND

SCOTLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

1/800.0 3/823.3 12/62.5 35/328.8 27/263.5 26/199.7 23/135.9

-/- 4/1032.5 49/112.7 91/286.6

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

WALES

MARKET COMMENT

CATTLE prices increased at auction marts in England and Wales this week, with the exception of dairy-sired cull cows.

Young bulls improved the most in value by 14.6p/kg to 264.3p/kg, while heifers were up by 9.4p/kg to 278.0p/kg.

Steers increased in price by 7.2p/kg to 270.8p/kg, but dairysired cull cows bucked the trend to decrease by 4.0p/kg to 155.5p/kg.

For sheep, prices had gone up by 4.3p/kg to 366.2p/kg.

However, all pig categories were down in value.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (June 12) UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £204.55/tonne, a reduction of £10.80/t from the previous week.

Source: LAA/MartEye

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

Week ending June 11, 2024.

Brecon

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.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

HAY AND STRAW PRICES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

SOURCE:

Market Prices

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF DATA: average of 2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £25,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender May 31, 2024, next July 15, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m.

Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors Jul-24

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

UK DELIVERED WHEAT

1.

2.

3.

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

Last updated June 11, 2024

Source: LAA/IAAS

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION

-/- 1/1080.0 Skipton -/- -/- -/- -/Wigton -/- -/- -/- -/-

Mo 17/1767.1 2/1650.0 -/- -/-

Tu -/- 22/1204.1 -/- 1/1420.0

Ayr Tu 13/1215.40 1/1500.00 -/- -/Lanark -/- -/- -/- -/Stirling (ua) We -/- -/- -/- -/-

Farming: The Backbone of B

Described as one of the most talented dog handlers of his generation, Kevin Evans started working with dogs at just four years old. Ellie Layton finds out more.

Dedication and patience are two qualities that Kevin Evans believes are pivotal to becoming a successful dog handler.

Taking up dog handling as a hobby with his first dog at the age of four, he followed in his dad’s footsteps, who has been part of the Welsh National team four times.

Born and bred at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, Kevin, 43, lives with his two boys, Ellis and Osian, and partner Clair near his parents David and Marian. His parents have been instrumental in helping him become one of the greats in modern-day dog handling.

Penclyn Farm is in Libanus, on the outskirts of Brecon, and the family runs a flock of Welsh ewes after the decision to remove cattle from the system 20 years ago. This family farm setting provided a playground for Kevin as a child, where he was surrounded by working sheepdogs.

After his grandfather gave him a puppy at four years old, all he thought about was training his dog. Although his father was not actively trialling at the time, he did not want to dim Kevin’s spark with dogs, and so he helped Kevin train the puppy. Kevin competed with this dog at his first trial at seven years old.

He says: “I spent hours watching other handlers at trials as a boy, and along with my father – this is where I learnt the most. In Wales, we are fortunate to have some of the strongest handlers in the world, but learning from the best meant I was competing against them too.”

These hours in the field allowed him to emulate other handlers and discover his own style of trialling.

Throughout his career, he has been extremely fortunate, he says, to have been supported by fellow dog handlers.

“Over my early trials, I was approached by trainer Mostyn Issac, who had a bitch, Maid, that he was struggling to find the right handler for. We just clicked, and he encouraged me to take part in local trials, ferrying me around Wales with fellow handlers and their dogs,” he adds.

Mostyn played such an influential role in Kevin’s early trialling days that he is part of Kevin’s prefix, Kemi, which is a blend of their initials.

Mostyn gifted Maid and her papers to Kevin for his 10th birthday. They competed together for three

I spent hours watching other handlers at trials as a boy, and along with my father – this is where I learnt the most

KEVIN EVANS

years around trials before he was selected for the One Man and His Dog ‘Young Handler’ competition at only 13 years old.

His first Welsh National trial followed the year after in 1994, and with litters from Maid he continued his success in the coming years, winning multiple titles. In 1998, at the age of 17, he won Welsh brace champion, where dogs are run together.

Career

Following his triumphant win with his dog Mirk at the International Sheepdog Trials in 2008, Kevin started to build up his career. About 10 years ago, after training as a bricklayer and running a successful business, he made the decision to hang up his tools and concentrate solely on sheepdogs.

From there, he has built up his career and role in breeding dogs, now having a major influence in modern-day working and trialling sheepdogs – he has become one of the most well-known names in the farming press.

In 2019, he picked up his fourth international title when he won the individual and brace championship –something which had not been achieved since John Templeton in 1972.

Throughout Covid-19, most trials had to be postponed, which steadied his calendar. But with events back up and running, he competes in about 50 trials a year. It is a big commitment, with Kevin having a constant turnover of dogs on-farm, which means he relies on his family team and full-time employee Misena, who has relocated

seven.

from Slovakia, to keep things running.

“Dogs need persistent work, so I am lucky [to have] our team and a good group of friends that help give the dogs experience. This enables me to travel – my sheepdogs take me across the globe for trials and training,” says Kevin.

His sleek operation at home sees mainly private sales of dogs, but he also uses online sales, which he says have boomed in popularity since the pandemic.

Online sales

Kevin says: “Online sales have exposed sheepdogs to the public eye and highlighted high prices, but the turnover and trade have not really changed. Using online sales, it is easy for people to advertise dogs and videos of them working – it can eliminate travel for buyers.”

Among many high prices – including a world-record price of £20,000 in 2020 for the highest price ever paid for a dog at an official sale, with a tri-coloured bitch, Henna – Kevin says the excitement in breeding never dulls.

Kevin aims to always have some-

thing for sale at every stage of a dog’s life, from a pup to a working/trial dog. He admits all his best dogs have been for sale at some point, but some make his team as they develop.

“The breeding is a huge part of what keeps me in the game; every litter of pups is different, with every dog having a different personality and skillset.

“I do not have one style of dog; they are all different, and I like to see different things in dogs I can work with. They require a natural focus and drive to be trained, as they do not see a lot of general work.

“I can work with all different faults – like the handler, no dog is perfect, but I seek a dog with a natural ability, which is keen to work with energy, along with speed and a good outrun,” he adds.

But not all dogs are trial dogs, and Kevin wants to breed something that will deliver on the stake but also with the ability to find sheep in an open field or hill and not run blind.

With a big team of dogs, Kevin rotates them around the trials with many variable factors including the sheep, judges, course and upcoming

Kevin Evans first competed in a local trial at the age of

PICTURES: RUTH REES

trials. Dogs will typically run from four to eight years old.

Preseli Ci

However, one that has exceeded this is 10-year-old queen of the kennel Preseli Ci – one of the most influential dogs in Kevin’s career. Preseli Ci is a two-time international winner in 2016 and 2018, champion of every major UK trial, and the only dog allowed in the house. But he believes Tanhill Glen, which

he calls the ‘backbone of the kennel’, influenced his breeding.

“Breeders will contact you if they think they have your style of dog, and 10 years ago I purchased 15-month-old Glen. He is the type of dog that will leave his stamp on a litter, providing consistency in ability,” he says.

Glen went on to win European nursery champion in 2015 and was reserve Welsh Nursery champion before being sold to Texas as a three-year-old.

But after seeing Glen’s pups, Kevin regretted the decision. After four years in the United States, he returned to Wales for a summer with his owner, Steve Drake.

After seeing Glen’s bond with Kevin and the quality of his offspring, Steve generously left Glen in Brecon to finish his career

The understanding is something Kevin says is a different relationship between every handler and their dog.

The understanding between each dog and handler is different, says Kevin.

He adds: “It is hard to describe my style, and to the unknown eye you cannot tell the difference. It is an art in the way you handle the dog and the dog handles the sheep.

“As a team, we want to control all sheep in the same cool, calm manner that makes sheep comfortable and look easy.”

Left to right: Kevin’s son Osian, his parents Marian and David, Kevin, his partner Clair Slater, and his son Ellis.

In Your Field

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

JAMES AND ISOBEL

WRIGHT

Devon

James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as a product manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.

It is hard to describe what it is like to walk out of your front door to your cows with your children hand in hand. It is something I have dreamed about for so many years.

I know how fortunate we are to have achieved that reality.

Even though it has been a cold spring and we have about half as much grass as I was hoping for, we genuinely feel like we are living the dream – the cattle look great and the lambs are growing well.

Supporting

We are incredibly lucky that we have walked into a farm that is really well set up, with great cattle and sheep handling facilities and a network of supporting contractors and neighbours who have been able to point us in the right direction and help us solve issues as they come up.

We have been slightly spoiled as tenants not having to worry about water pipes. As farm owners, we are discovering the expense of new water troughs.

Earlier this year I was offered the opportunity to stand for Parliament in the Liberal Democrat

‘We

need more people in politics who understand the pressures of farming’

held seat of Bath, where I grew up. I believe we need more people in politics who understand the pressures of farming, what it takes to build a business and who have families.

Those that represent us and make legislation on our behalf in Westminster should understand the challenges of the real world.

Since Rishi Sunak called the election my evenings and weekends

have become a blur of doorsteps, handshakes and village halls, as I travel up and down the patch to meet as many voters as possible.

There are many fantastic farmers standing for Westminster, including Conservative Robbie Moore, who has been serving as the Junior Minister responsible for floods – we need more people like him in Parliament.

Upon the election being called,

Arctic air brings a chill to first half of June

IT has certainly been a chilly start to June. After writing in this column last week about how mild spring was, the weather has put us right since the start of the month.

We use the Central England Temperature (CET) series as the benchmark for measuring long-term daily temperature averages in the UK.

This temperature series takes several weather stations bounded by Oxford, Newtown, Manchester and Cambridge and then averages temperatures recorded here.

The CET series then attributes a value to each day and we now have

a temperature for each day going back to 1772. It is an excellent way of comparing any period of days in one year with another and, in fact, if we just compare months then the records go back to 1659.

June 2024 has so far brought a mean CET temperature of 12.5degC up to June 9. Now, there are, of course, many more days to go and temperatures are likely to be rising a little next week and into the end of the month.

But just taking the first third of the month, June 2024 is currently ranking as the joint 18th coldest since 1659.

There has not been a colder June since 1838, and there were no other colder Junes at any time in the 20th Century, a real measure of just how chilly it has been.

The reason for the cold has been that the northerly wind has allowed Arctic air to drain through the country and, with a lack of tropical warmth reaching our shores, the dense, cold air has been able to dominate.

There is a hope the final part of the month and the early part of July may become warmer, something we are watching for in the longer range models at Weatherweb.net

we quickly sheared the sheep, treated the lambs with a pour-on to prevent flystrike and squared the cows away so we can have a quieter few weeks, without any big jobs, until the election is over. Whatever the result, I look forward to returning to the farm in the early hours of that Friday morning on July 5, where I will be either packing my bags for Westminster, or returning to the farm.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE

Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

NEXT WEEK

Cornwall Alan Carter

Kent Dan Hawes

‘Laughter can be the best reward for a day’s work’

DAN JONES

North Wales

Dan Jones farms 650 ewes at the National Trust-owned Parc Farm, which sits on the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises up 208 metres (682 feet) on the North Wales coast near Llandudno. His Farm Business Tenancy covers the 58 hectares (143 acres) at Parc Farm, plus 364ha (900 acres) of grazing rights on the hill.

As the nation prepares to cast its votes in the upcoming election, one crucial demographic is watching the political stage with bated breath – farmers. With agriculture playing a vital role in the UK’s economy and food security, it is no surprise that the outcome of this election could significantly impact

the farming community. But what do we want from a new Government?

Farmers are seeking stability and certainty amid the ever-changing landscape of international trade and environmental policies.

With Brexit’s implications still unfolding, we need assurance that our livelihoods will not be jeopardised by shifting trade agreements and market access.

Protect

Moreover, the farming community is looking for a Government that recognises the importance of sustainable agriculture and supports initiatives that protect the environment, while maintaining the industry’s viability.

This means investment in research and technology to help adapt to climate change.

We need a commitment to addressing the labour shortage. With many relying on seasonal workers from abroad, uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has left farmers

Crossword 1249

struggling to find the workforce needed to maintain their operations.

Farmers are hoping for an administration that prioritises mental health support for rural communities.

The upcoming election is not just about choosing a Government, it is about ensuring that we have the support needed to continue feeding the nation and protecting the land for generations to come.

Focusing on the day-to-day, the lambing season has finally come to a head, the ewes are dagged, and the workload lessened.

It is an opportunity to move away from home and boost the cashflow.

This week has taken me to a fencing contractor and work on a picturesque beef and sheep farm that could easily

grace the pages of ‘Fancy Farm Quarterly’. With their early lambing system, I could only admire the envy-inducing livestock. Most of this year’s lambs have already made their grade.

As much as I would like to claim that I am in it for the physical labour and educational experiences, the camaraderie and laughter shared with the lively fencing crew is what truly keeps me coming back for more. With each new day our banter grows stronger, and the jokes more outrageous.

So, dear reader, if you ever find yourself yearning for a break, swap your well-worn routine for an adventure on new terrain. Trade in your solitude for the company of like-minded comrades. Laughter can be the best reward for a hard day’s work.

Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No. 1249, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

ACROSS

1 Before church risk about drink (6)

5 Flashing light of coarse diamonds put back within limits of safe (6)

10 Offender not at first close to centre (5)

11 Last greeting of benevolent medieval hero we’re told (4,5)

12 Male animal with passion for cattle food (9)

13 Crude fellow’s joyful cry (5)

14 Old lady acting spryly, essentially, in storehouse for corn (7)

16 Filled to satisfaction, agent allowed little finally (7)

18 More flexible provider (not international) (7)

20 Increasingly embarrassed about European hoofed animal (3,4)

22 On the subject of regularly weakish stenches (5)

24 Unusually soigné, gay and indolent (4,5)

26 Rowdiness about boring verbosity (9)

27 Morning publication sent back letter (5)

28 Crossword compiler’s a dog! (6)

29 ‘Observe gaol!’ It’s said. ‘It’s picturesque.’ (6)

DOWN

2 Humorously sarcastic, not right, relating to ancient Greeks (5)

3 Crazy American team in small dance (9)

4 Coarsenss of place for keeping swine (7)

5 Someone who kills small owl? (7)

6 What Big Apple mayors do - it’s not set (5)

7 Large Stilton maybe for important fellow (3,6)

8 Knapsack where you might pack up your troubles (or puss?) (3,3)

9 Futile, now and then fortuitous event essentially (6)

15 Fruit we’re told, never falls far from this provider of carpentry wood (5,4)

17 Teacher of sport with scruffy Australian topless rogue (9)

18 Careless writing of small capitals on crude line (6)

19 Possibly does caviar that’s expensive, by the sound of it (3,4)

20 Opposes exams taken for a second time embracing touch of stubbornness (7)

21 Slattern’s receptacle for discarded garments (6)

23 Speedy bird (5)

25 Statement of my sexual nature in poetic measures? (5)

Answers to crossword 1247: Across: 7 Samosa, 8 Treasury, 9 Red admiral, 10 Ugly, 11 Yeti, 12 Greenhouse, 13 Intervening, 18 Vegetables, 21 Glow, 22 Epic, 23 Inundation, 24 Set piece, 25 Choose.

Down: 1 Wavelet, 2 Rotation, 3 Lad mag, 4 Bed linen, 5 Pseudo, 6 Artless, 8 Turkey Vulture, 14 Examiner, 15 Negation, 16 Deep-sea, 17 Soloist, 19 Escape, 20 Seduce

Farming Matters

‘We will introduce the first rural crime strategy’

My first ever job was on a farm. I was about 14 years old, growing up on the Surrey-Kent border and you could make decent pocket money clearing stones from the fields for local farmers.

I loved growing up there. Surrounded by rolling pastures, you could play football, quite literally, until the cows came home.

And whether it is holidaying in my mum’s favourite corner of the country, the Lake District, or having tea and cake at Minette Batters’ farm on a brisk autumn morning, that freedom and open space always takes me back to my youth.

I remembered that feeling when I visited Rupert’s farm near Solihull last year.

Rupert grew cereal crops and had a herd of beef cattle. One of the things he said to me has really stayed with me ever since – he said that sometimes it feels like farmers are not listened to.

That stuck, because respect is so important to me.

But over the past 14 years, that sense of respect for people has been eroded by a Government that has often done things to people rather than worked with them.

Decisions are made by people who live miles away from the people those decisions affect, with little understanding of the challenges people face.

This is particularly true in rural communities.

When I visited Cawood in Yorkshire, for example, people there told me about the problems with antisocial behaviour and flytipping.

Police

They explained that the only police station was miles away, on the other side of the county.

Or take mental health. Farming has the highest levels of mental ill health of any sector. Shockingly, one farmer or agriculture worker takes their own life every week.

My changed Labour Party is back in the service of working people.

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

SIR KEIR STARMER Leader of the Labour Party

And I know full well that no-one works harder than our farmers.

So we have a plan: to support farmers, respect rural communities and boost agricultural industries.

That plan starts with first steps towards economic stability, more police in our communities, Great British Energy, more NHS appointments, secure borders, and the teachers we need in our children’s schools.

So we will kickstart rural growth, with a new deal for farmers to boost Britain’s food security. We will seek a veterinary agreement with the EU to cut red tape and get food exports moving.

And we will back British produce, with a target that 50% of food in hospitals, army bases and prisons will be local or produced to high environmental standards.

Taskforce

We will set up a new COBRA-style flood resilience taskforce to protect land, rural homes and businesses from flooding.

We will protect our natural environment, plant more trees and nurture nature-rich habitats.

A new British infrastructure council will get investment in rural areas, with broadband rolled out across rural communities.

We will introduce the first rural crime strategy and put 13,000 more neighbourhood police in communities to crack down on behaviour that too often goes unpunished.

We will slash NHS waiting lists, with 40,000 extra appointments each week, 8,500 more mental health professionals and a ‘young futures’ mental health hub for

under 25s in every rural community. Finally, we will give young people in rural communities the opportunities they deserve and safeguard the future of farming in the process.

We will boost employment skills with a new apprenticeship levy, so agricultural businesses can upskill their workforce.

We will open specialist technical excellence colleges, so rural communities can get the skills they need – from land management to sustain farming businesses, to technical skills in manufacturing that will turbo-charge rural factories.

And we will make sure young people can get good, well-paid jobs for decades to come.

My Labour Party will always listen to farmers and rural communities. Together, on July 4, we can stop the chaos, turn the page, and start to rebuild our country.

Holidaying in the picturesque Lake District holds fond childhood memories for Sir Keir Starmer.