Whilst our campaign to protect the Agriculture Budget was successful, the Chancellor hit us hard with other changes, and none worse than inheritance tax.
These changes are cruel, destructive and they’re based on the wrong data.
The NFU started fighting this before the budget, since then our campaign has gone in to overdrive with wall to wall media coverage, 160,000 people signed up to demand change and relentless lobbying of government, publicly and privately.
For the sake of today’s farmers, and tomorrow’s, the NFU and its members, who make what we do possible, will not stop fighting this damaging policy.
If ministers think we’ll get tired and give up, it’s just another example of how little they understand farmers.
Alistair McBain reduces Aberdeenshire free-range egg and packing firm’s carbon footprint by 57%. See p66-67.
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Welcome from the editor
United against the big ‘C’ and big ‘B’
AS farmers and industry chiefs finalised plans ahead of the mass demonstration in London next week, another meeting was taking place in Parliament with a rallying call of a different nature.
Farmers, key industry stakeholders and politicians of all stripes gathered in the House of Lords for the launch of the Farming Community Network’s Nip It in the Bud campaign.
In conjunction with Macmillan Cancer Support, Nip It in the Bud raises awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.
Ultimately, the campaign aims to address the stigma around the ‘big C’, by sharing stories of those who have overcome it, while also addressing the disparity in access to cancer services and support in rural areas.
Lord Don Curry, who sponsored the event, said in the wake of the Budget and the resulting stress and anxiety which continued to reverberate across the sector, there was a danger farmers’ physical and mental health would be pushed even further down the priority list.
professionals speaking at the event noted their challenge was to find a way to ‘reach the hard to reach’. These people included migrant and seasonal workers who are a vital part of the agricultural community, but who face extra barriers when needing care.
Communicating openly about people’s experiences with cancer and the positive outcomes is important, especially in farming communities.
Talking to and collaborating with others to find solutions was something articulated by cancer survivors Andy Venables, dairy farmer and founder of marketing agency Hillsgreen, and Warwickshire farmer Nick Maynard, who told their own stories, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
While we were in Parliament, many of us took the opportunity to make contact with MPs and rally support ahead of next week’s mass lobby. It is only by speaking up, united with a clear message, that change can be brought about.
Whether it is tackling the big ‘C’ or the ramifications of the big ‘B’ – farming will come together and stand united.
The ‘tough as old boots’ mindset and the temptation to neglect oneself and soldier on is intertwined within farming’s culture, but with one in two people expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, cultural change is now desperately needed.
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Like most things, it will require a joined-up approach to tackle it effectively, including an education piece across the NHS around the uniqueness of the sector and the challenges those in rural areas face in accessing services. Healthcare
■ Read more about Farmers Guardian’s Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign, including a template letter you can fill out and send to your MP, plus information about Tuesday’s mass lobby of Parliament, throughout this week’s magazine.
Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore said he was pleased to support FG’s campaign, adding the ‘cruel’ Family Farm Tax was ‘catastrophic for the industry’.
He said: “It is clear that our farmers are not a priority for this Government. Labour needs to urgently admit its mistake and make a change before it is too late.”
Liberal Democrat North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire also threw his weight behind the campaign and said he was looking forward to welcoming farmers into Parliament ‘so that we can make their case heard loud and clear’.
Readers are encouraged to call on their own MPs to back FG’s campaign, by sending the letter drafted below.
l Research debunks Chancellor’s figures
FARMERS could face Inheritance Tax (IHT) bills that would wipe out their profits every year for 10 years following changes announced in this year’s Budget, an industry body has warned. It comes as farmers and sector leaders prepare to lobby MPs and protest
Write to your local MP
g Families will be to sell 20% of th to meet new far
g
in London next week, with Ministers once again doubling down on their claims the Budget announcements would not affect small farms.
The CLA said its latest modelling counteracted Government claims only ‘wealthy’ landowners would be affected by the swathe of changes which would be applied to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), IHT and Business Property Relief (BPR).
Dear ___________________________________________,
My name is _______________________________________ and I am one of your constituents in ____________________________________. I am writing to you today to raise my concerns over changes to Agricultural Property Relief in the Autumn Budget. These changes will have an impact on family farms across the country and our agriculture industry – I urge you to stand with British farmers.
British farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and provide food produced to high standards for all of us. Despite the Chancellor and Defra Secretary’s assertions that the changes will protect small family farms, analysis from those within the industry shows quite clearly that many family farms will be affected.
The changes will make it significantly more difficult for farmers to pass on their farms to the next generation. Tenant farmers will also be badly affected as landlords review the options for their land. It comes at a time when farmers are already facing pressure from every side – from high input costs and the increased cost of doing business, to the challenges of the climate. Losing family farms will impact food security, the environment and the country, which relies on British farms to produce high-quality, nutritious and affordable food.
I urge you to vote against the legislation and write to the Chancellor on behalf of your constituents to persuade her to overturn the family farm tax. The future of family farms in Britain relies on your support, and I call on you to stand with British farmers and back Farmers Guardian’s Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign.
Thank you.
by MPs on changes to d the real impact the
reports.
forced eir land m tax
According to CLA modelling, a typical 80.9-hectare (200-acre) arable farm owned by an individual with an expected annual profit of £27,300 would face an IHT liability of £435,000. If spread over a period of 10 years, this would require the farm to allocate 159% of its profit each year to cover the tax bill. To meet this payment, successors could be compelled to sell 20% of their land.
Similarly, a 101-hectare (250-acre) arable farm owned between a couple (in the way the Chancellor expected to be possible) with an expected annual profit of £34,130 would face an IHT liability of £267,000, amounting to 78% of its profit each year over a decade.
The research debunked figures released by Chancellor Rachel Reeves which said three-quarters of farms would be unaffected once combined allowances were taken into account.
Judicaelle Hammond, director of policy and advice at the CLA, said the introduction of the taxes showed a ‘lack of understanding by Ministers’ regarding farming’s long-term future.
“The model outcomes are unsustainable and will not promote growth,” she said. “This is before we have factored in BPR, Capital Gains Tax, higher em-
FARMING
THANKS
BRITISH PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT
THE Worshipful Company of Farmers, supported by the NFU, Massey Ferguson, Red Tractor and Surrey Docks City Farm, showcased the importance of British agriculture to spectators and a live BBC television audience at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.
ployer National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises.”
Gavin Lane, deputy president of the CLA, added: “Either the Government is not being honest with the public about the true impact of these reforms, or they do not understand the nature of rural businesses.
“While they frame this as a tax on the wealthy, the reality is that ordinary family farms will be hit just as hard.”
A spokesperson for Defra said the Government had made a ‘difficult decision’ in the face of ‘crumbling’ public services and a ‘£22 billion fiscal hole inherited from the previous Government’.
“About 500 claims each year will be impacted and farm-owning couples can pass on up to £3 million without paying any Inheritance Tax – this is a fair and balanced approach,” the spokesperson said.
It comes as the Treasury confirmed, in response to a question by Guido Fawkes, that one of the ‘think tank’ experts which suggested the changes were ‘reasonable and fair’ was the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation, run by Arun Advani and Andy Summers, who consistently call for tax hikes – including on APR.
THOUSANDS TO HEAD TO LONDON
FARMERS are expected to attend two mass lobby events in London on Tuesday (November 19) to demonstrate their strength of feeling towards the Chancellor’s changes to Inheritance Tax.
The NFU confirmed its event at Church House, Westminster, was full, with 1,800 members registered to attend, and warned this was ‘just the start of the fight’.
‘From the heart’ Farmer and grower members in attendance were being asked by the NFU to get in front of their MP, to ‘look them in the eyes and tell them from the heart how the changes to Agricultural Property Relief will affect farming and growing businesses’.
The NFU stressed it was important Ministers understood the industry would ‘not get tired’ and farmers would ‘not go away’ until the message had landed and changes were ‘overturned’.
Another ‘complimentary’ event has been organised by a group of
farmers to be hosted on the same day, and while the NFU stressed it was not responsible for organising it, president Tom Bradshaw encouraged members to attend both events.
With the number of attendees swelling beyond the capacity of Trafalgar Square, the organisers –farmers Clive Bailye, Olly Harrison, Martin Williams, Andrew Ward and James Mills – have relocated the event to Richmond Terrace on Whitehall. Attendees have been asked to gather from 11am, with speakers from across agriculture, TV and politics – including Jeremy Clarkson –expected to address the crowds. Following the speeches, a procession will take place to Parliament Square, spearheaded by a number of children on toy tractors.
Food bank donations
The organisers have also asked those attending to bring British produce to make a mass food bank donation, with drop-off points at key transport hubs.
PICTURE:
Investment projects put ‘on hold’ following IHT changes
l Farmers pull plans due to tax concerns
By Rachael Brown
FARMERS have been forced to put investment projects ‘on hold’, with many considering the implications of the Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes proposed by the Chancellor.
David White is a third-generation farmer from Cambridgeshire, farming 145 hectares, with a mixture of owned and rented land.
Mr White had intended to build a ‘small grain store extension’ to help with the ‘serration of the more niche grains’ grown on his farm and to give him access to a market premium, as well as a shed to store machinery out of the weather.
He said both projects have been pulled.
He said: “From doing a project each year, the chequebook is now closed to any capital investment either building or machinery, with anything other than cost of inputs to grow a crop being on stop. We need to build a fighting fund to help our family successors deal with this tax raid.”
A FORMER Labour adviser has claimed Britain ‘no longer needs farmers’ in a row over Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
John McTernan, who was director of political operations under former Prime Minister Tony Blair and a former head of policy for the Scottish Government, said the farming industry should be ‘closed down’ in a similar vein as the mining industry was shut down by ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, if farmers protest against changes.
Speaking on GB News, Mr McTernan, who has also advised former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, said: “Farmers still get a privileged status for their farms and, for me personally, I am in favour of doing what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners.
“She closed down the industry. It is an industry we can do without. We do not need the small farmers.”
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said it was ‘shocking’ Mr
We need to build a fighting fund to help our family successors deal with this tax raid
DAVID WHITE
When the Defra Secretary, Steve Reed, was probed in a rural affairs debate in Parliament earlier this week, if he had considered how capital investment would be negatively impacted by IHT changes, he said a ‘full impact assessment’ would be available once the Finance Bill was published and before legislation came into force in 2026.
Mr Reed said ‘the vast majority of farmers would not be affected at all by the changes’, and urged farmers ‘not to believe every alarming claim or headline’.
Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for
McTernan had once been so close to Government policy, after making the ‘worrying’ comments about farming.
Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe has called on Mr McTernan to apologise for the comments, which he said were ‘offensive, incorrect and deluded’.
Disrespected
Conservative Rural Forum member and Farmers Guardian In Your Field columnist, James Wright, said the former Labour aide’s views had ‘disrespected’ rural people and the countryside.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he ‘totally disagreed’ with the comments and added he would do ‘everything’ to support farmers. Speaking at the AIC conference, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said Mr McTernan did not speak for the Government.
“He is wrong. Small farmers and the entire farming system are crucial for the future of our country,” he said.
Farmers say many projects on-farm have been shelved in the light of the Budget decision to change Inheritance Tax rules.
Whitehaven and Workington, in Cumbria, called on Ministers to consider some form of transitional support for those who will pass down their farms in the coming seven years – who may be caught out by changes announced in the Budget.
Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said Labour’s choice to change IHT for farmers would achieve ‘the exact opposite’. She said the current policy meant ‘tenant farmers and farmers in the middle’ would struggle, ‘not the wealthiest’.
Ms Atkins said she was contacted
FARMING
FARMING Minister Daniel Zeichner has acknowledged the anxiety being felt by the sector postBudget, but says he ‘stands firmly’ with the Chancellor on the decisions which have been made.
Speaking at the AIC conference on Wednesday (November 13) Mr Zeichner acknowledged the disagreement on the figures, adding they were working with others to understand the discrepancy, but he was confident the Treasury’s figures were a ‘very strong starting point’.
“I do not in any way underestimate how nervous and anxious people feel,” he said. When questioned where the
She added that some tenants were worried their farms would be sold off, so some landowners can enter into ‘greenwashing agreements with corporates’.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner rejected the idea the Government was wrong and said it was ‘striking’ how many farmers have said ‘you are right’ to make this change.
MINISTER ‘STANDS FIRMLY’ WITH CHANCELLOR OVER LABOUR’S BUDGET
CHOICES
action was to back up the Government’s aspiration to create productivity and investment, Mr Zeichner highlighted the £5 billion which had been secured for the agricultural budget over the next two years.
“That is taxpayers’ money. That is a big vote of confidence because the Chancellor had to make some pretty big decisions on how we are going forward,” he said.
Mr Zeichner also said the threshold on Agricultural Property Relief would not be changed, as the Budget was set. But he denied there was a lack of clarity and urged people to look at the detail. by a Welsh landowner who said he must tell ‘six multigenerational farming families’ that he will have to sell the farms.
Efra Committee wants your views
THE Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee has launched an online survey asking stakeholders to contribute their views on the issues they think the committee should prioritise in 2025.
The survey also asks stakeholders to share any ‘long-term or emerging issues’ that they think the committee should scrutinise over the next five years.
The committee said it wants to ensure it is hearing from people and organisations that are affected by Defra’s responsibilities.
MPs want to find out how they could better gather and represent stakeholders’ concerns and the views of those in the sector, in the remit of the committee’s work.
Feedback from the survey will be used to help shape the committee’s future programme of work and inform its strategic approach to scrutiny.
MORE INFORMATION
Deadline for submissions is 12pm on November 25, 2024. The survey can be accessed via farmersguardian. com/news/4377866/efra-committeepublishes-survey-industry-concerns
l Supply chain feeling impact
By Jane Thynne
ALONGSIDE the radical shake-up of property relief as announced in the recent Budget, farmers are also facing a rapid reduction in direct payments in the coming year.
As of 2024, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) was replaced by a system of delinked payments with funding due to reduce gradually for qualifying landowners until 2027. Although the phased reduction in the payments had been announced through to 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed on November 5 that delinked payments to farmers would be cut by 76% for 2025 compared with the 2020 base level, taking a previous
MEAT TAX RULED OUT
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out introducing a ‘red meat tax’ as part of the UK’s efforts to hit net zero.
Speaking at global climate conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan this week, Sir Keir unveiled a pledge to cut UK emissions by 81% by 2035 and called on other nations to follow suit.
Sir Keir argued the move would not be achieved by instructing people how to ‘live their daily lives’ but by a switch to greener, cleaner power sources.
When asked whether following previous recommendations from the Climate Change Committee, if the Government would enforce a 10% cut in meat and dairy consumption, the Prime Minister said: “The target is my target and the plan is my plan. I am not borrowing from someone else’s. I do not think that as we tackle this really important issue the way to do it is to tell people how to run their lives and instruct them how to behave. I am not going to do that.”
Cuts to payments will harm uplands
£30,000 payment to just £7,200, with no payments above that level.
Hard
Former executive director of the Foundation for Common Land and chair of the Uplands Alliance, Julia Aglionby, said upland and common land farmers would be hit particularly hard by the changes.
“Farmers in the uplands may still be on historic Higher-Level Stewardship and they are worth a lot less than Sus-
tainable Farming Incentive [SFI] schemes. Many are tied in until 2028 and are already losing money.
“What farmers may be facing now is a loss of BPS and no access to any schemes for some time. Farmers are under a huge amount of stress anyway and for tenants the situation is dire. Without a rethink on SFI, there could be real hardship in the uplands.”
Ed Barker, head of policy at the Agricultural Industries Confederation, said the organisation had already
heard from farmers worried about the impact of the Budget announcement.
“Because this is a 2025 implementation issue, businesses are already starting to work out what this means for their cashflow. [The cut] is clearly going to impact purchases on inputs for the year ahead.
“We have already had concerned phone calls from farmers on how they are going to manage that and how they will be able to address that for the year ahead,” Mr Barker said.
National Insurance contribution changes to impact farm businesses
WHILE much of the focus following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget has been on Inheritance Tax, changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs) will also have a major impact.
Employers’ contributions will rise from 13.8% to 15% and the threshold at which employers will start paying NICs on an employee’s salary will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. Al-
though the employment allowance will be increased from £5,000 to £10,500 per year, the prior year £100,000 eligibility cap will be removed. All changes will take effect from April 6, 2025.
Lucy de Greeff, director at chartered accountants Saffery, and a member of the firm’s land and rural practice group, said the changes were likely to impact wages and employment costs.
“In terms of the employment allow-
ance, domestic workers are currently excluded and while the Budget removed the current size limit, it was silent on the other exclusions being removed. The application of the allowance is therefore still to be confirmed.”
Ms de Greeff said for a small family farm employing four part-time agricultural workers, with three earning around £20,000 per year and one earning £15,000 per year, the farm
owner could expect to face NICs of £8,254.80, a rise of almost £3,000 under current rules. However, once the new NICs after Employment Allowance rules are applied, the farm business would have nothing to pay.
According to Ms de Greeff, the changes outlined in the recent Budget should be beneficial for such a farm. She added it was key businesses were aware of all the allowances available.
The Government is to earmark another £50 million to combat the effects of future flooding.
Further £50m pledged for flood defences
● Recovery fund payments due in days
By Jane Thynne
A FURTHER £50 million to help protect farming communities from future flood damage has been pledged by the Government.
The new financial support was unveiled alongside an announcement that farmers impacted by flooding last spring will get their Farming Recovery Fund payments in a matter of days.
A total of £60m will be distributed to around 13,000 eligible farm businesses via recovery payments of between £2,895 and £25,000. Payments are set to land in farmers’ accounts from November 21.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said the additional £50m support will be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), the public bodies responsible for managing water levels for agricultural and environmental needs in a particular area.
Described as a ‘transformational investment’, Ms Hardy said the money would put IDBs on a firm footing to
NFU director of strategy to take on GWCT role
NFU director of strategy Nick von Westenholz has announced he is leaving his role at the union to take on a new position as chief executive of The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
Mr von Westenholz will taker over from the current chief executive, Teresa Dent, who after 22 years has decided to stand down from her position.
One machine multiple uses
deliver their vital role in flood and water management for years to come.
The funding will be set aside to carry out repairs to flood barriers and embankments, and to maintain watercourses in order to reduce the risks and impact farming and rural communities in England face from extreme rainfall.
Ms Hardy highlighted that farming communities faced the ‘heavy consequences’ of more intense weather events.
“That is why this Government is reforming how flood funds are distributed to protect businesses, rural and coastal communities as we invest over £2.4 billion in flood defences across the country,” she said.
The Government has also vowed to reform what it termed as an ‘outdated funding formula’ which is currently slowing down the delivery of new flood schemes through a complex application process and which Defra said also neglected more innovative approaches to flood management, such as nature-based approaches and sustainable drainage.
A consultation will be launched in early 2025 which will include a review of the existing formula.
New OF&G chief executive appointed
ORGANIC Farmers and Growers (OF&G) has appointed the former chief executive of the farming charity, Addington Fund, as its new chief executive.
OF&G said Bill Young, who starts the role on December 2, brings ‘extensive experience’ in agricultural quality assurance.
Designed as a true multi-tasker with a combination of levelling boards, heavy duty spring tines, seeder unit and option of towing a roller, the new Grass-Combi is capable of rejuvenating grassland but also acting as a cover crop establishment tool.
• Sprung shattaboards
• Hydraulically adjustable spring tines
• Fitted with Cat II linkage hooks and clevis hitch
• Folds to within 2.5m for transport
Multi purpose field roller
GRASS ROLLER
Hydraulic folding rollers for effective consolidation across the full working width. Add harrow tines, a levelling bar and seeder to create a multi-purpose, effective machine.
• SAT system - Follows contours for even consolidation
• Water ballasted - increase weight to around 1 ton/m
• Chamfered roller ends - prevents damage on headland turns
• 610mm & 710mm diameter rolls
• Working width 3m – 8.2m
Distributed by
Getting farming into schools
● Support from key industry bodies
By Emily Ashworth
THE industry has long championed putting farming on to the national curriculum and now it has a chance to do just that.
In 2017, farmer and TV star Adam Henson called upon the Government to create a GCSE for agriculture – he said if children can choose religious studies or business, why can they not choose farming?
It would provide pupils with the chance to delve into the sector and all the opportunities agriculture has to offer, many of which are unknown to those outside the industry.
It is also all-encompassing: business, finance, animal welfare, science, marketing. Farming is not one dimensional, and at a time when public support is needed more than ever, getting agricultural-based information and learning into schools could really help to educate from a young age. And now farming may just have its chance to shape the curriculum going forwards.
Farming and all that comes with it is not presented as a viable career route
ADAM HENSON
The National Curriculum Review is now open to suggestions (see panel) and in an open letter to the industry, which is supported by Farmers Guardian, The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) has brought together some key industry bodies to urge farmers and growers to participate.
This, however, goes beyond careers. Allowing children to have a connection with basic food and farming education will give a better fundamental understanding of health.
Mr Henson said: “I have long voiced for agriculture, land use and conservation to become part of the curriculum – whether that be as its
own GCSE or incorporated into other subjects. Students have the opportunity to learn about every other profession, but farming and all that comes with it is not presented as a viable career route.
“We as an industry need to make it clear that there is a place for those who want it. Come and be an agricultural accountant or come and work in genetics; come and develop new machinery or work in policy. This is not just about working the land, there are so many cogs that make the countryside go round and by having your say through the National Curriculum Review, you could help shape the future of learning – and farming could just be part of it.”
Industry support
In a bid to rally the industry, the letter, signed by Richard Longthorp, chair of the Industry Careers Action Plan on behalf of key careers stakeholders; AHDB, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Country Trust, Fresh Produce Consortium, Lantra, Leaf, National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and TIAH, said that the current curriculum severely under-represents farming and growing, often misrepresenting it entirely.
He added: “This has resulted in a false impression and a lack of understanding of what our sector can offer in terms of food provision, sustainability, addressing climate change and aspirational career opportunities. This contributes to our industry’s talent shortage and public misconceptions.”
Farmers Guardian’s Careers in Agriculture campaign is built around showcasing the world of farming to those outside the industry, and one of the biggest hurdles is representation. Getting into schools is a way to break down barriers and give children insight into the potential job prospects, but also the wider value farming brings to society.
How to have your say
THE Industry Careers Action Plan group – a collaboration of leading industry stakeholdersis preparing a co-ordinated response to the review. Complete this short survey by November 19, or fill out the Government survey directly and have your input on education by visiting: farmersguardian.com/ education
Key industry figures have called for farming to be included on the national curriculum in a bid to get more young people into the sector.
Welsh farming unions call for ‘clarity’ on funding allocation
● Reduction would not be sustainable
By Rachael Brown
WELSH farming unions have expressed their concerns and called for ‘clarity’ over a speculated move in funding allocation towards the Barnett formula, which could see Wales’ proportion of total UK agricultural funding fall ‘by almost a half’.
In a letter to the Defra Secretary, Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) president Ian Rickman warned the move could see the Welsh funding allocation potentially fall from ‘around £337 million (based on the 2019 baseline) to around £216m per year’.
“A reduction of £146m per year [relative to the amount committed to English agriculture last week] is not sustainable or equitable. We need urgent clarity on this matter,” he said. EU funding for UK agriculture was previously allocated across the UK nations based on criteria (under the Common Agricultural Policy formula) such as the size, number and nature of farms. FUW said this resulted in ‘9.4% of the UK agriculture budget coming to Wales’.
But a rumoured move in funding towards the Barnett formula would mean a UK Treasury model ‘calculates the amount of block grant each of the devolved nations should receive based on populations’.
“While the Welsh Government will ultimately have the final word on the Welsh agriculture budget, any such drop in funding for Wales is likely to fall well short of the funds required to reflect inflation and the plethora of public goods farmers are increasingly expected to deliver,” Mr Rickman said.
‘Clarification needed’
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones echoed these concerns.
“We are seeking clarification on this issue,” he said.
“We firmly believe that future uplifts in support for agriculture should not be subject to the Barnett formula.”
The issue was raised by Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, Ben Lake, in the rural affairs debate this week.
In response, Mr Reed said: “The consequentials will work in the way in which they always work. Devolved administrations have some discretion as to how they will spend the money that is made available to them.”
Bluetongue complacency warning
WALES cannot afford to be complacent on animal diseases, with two incidents of bluetongue in Gwynedd and Ynys Mon being ‘near misses’.
That was the message form the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Climate Change Huw IrrancaDavies, who confirmed surveillance has found ‘no further evidence of infection’ and bluetongue restrictions have been lifted from both affected farms in Wales. In both instances BTV-3 infected animals were moved into the area.
In a written statement, Mr IrrancaDavies thanked those involved in resolving the incidents and the farmers for their cooperation.
“I must re-emphasise the importance of responsible and safe sourcing of livestock to keep bluetongue out of Wales. Livestock movements pose by far the greatest risk to Welsh livestock,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary confirmed the Welsh Government’s policy of not allowing the movement of susceptible
animals from the restricted zone in England, except to designated abattoirs, will remain in place.
He added: “It is crucial that farmers, vets and livestock traders work together and exercise caution, verifying the origin and health status of animals before movement. We have a collective responsibility to protect the health and welfare of our flocks.
“For now, vigilance and reporting any suspected signs of bluetongue to the APHA is essential in preventing the establishment of the disease.
“While temperatures are currently lower, midges are still active and infected midges can still cause new infections if they take a blood meal.”
Mr Irranca-Davies said his ‘policy goal remained to keep bluetongue out of Wales’.
In England, two new cases were confirmed on November 8 in Norfolk and Buckinghamshire, bringing the total number of cases in Great Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season to 157.
A move to the Barnett formula could potentially see Wales’ proportion of UK agricultural funding fall ‘by almost half’.
Starmer has run out of ideas
I THINK most people know that farming is like professional gambling – so this would mean that you have a 50/50 chance of making any money. So why does Sir Keir Starmer want to stack the deck of playing cards by slamming Inheritance Tax on the green belt? We are already keeping the country alive with low-cost food. Now he wants to rob us again to feed the poor. He has already run out of ideas.
James Wilson, via email.
Enough is enough
AS if we have not got enough problems with poor Government policy towards agriculture and the homegrown food supply industry over the
Social media reactions
READERS had their say as FG’s online editor Emily Ashworth reflected on the importance of food security while remembering the issue of food production during #WW2:
■ “Yes, we have rather convenient memory block when it comes to efforts made by farmers in the UK to feed the nation in WW2, likewise the efforts to carry this on after the war. Since the end of rationing in the mid-1950s, we in the UK have not known what was like to go without food. One of the problems
last few years, now the very negative Budget is going to make things a lot worse for farmers’ and landowners’ businesses of the future.
Looking after the countryside and producing food is a long-term business, and if the tax man thinks he can take this amount of money out of our industry with the partial loss of Agricultural Property Relief and
is the industry has not been vocal enough or lobbied Governments since 1997 enough. There are too many people setting policy who aren’t concerned with feeding people, but with making a name for themselves.”
CHRIS SPALDING
■ “It’s too easy to forget that we’ve never been self-sufficient and always traded internationally.”
ANDREW FALCONER
■ “I’ve said this for a long time, we say ‘lest we forget’ but we have forgotten.
increased Inheritance Tax, then the decline in our agricultural industry will continue with no light at the end of the tunnel for the present and future generations of farmers and growers.
So we have two options: we either suck it and see, or we have a general strike on the supply of food leaving all our farms for perhaps a week to
We have forgotten what it took to defeat that evil, and the importance of self-sufficiency.”
KYLE SMITH
■ “Unfortunately, most people have forgotten that the British Isles were almost starved into submission during WW2.”
EDWIN THOMAS COLLINS
■ “In WW2, some farmers were thrown off their farms if they weren’t farming it properly as food was so important.”
LYN HODGSON
Fox.
start with. We should also ask our fishermen and haulage industry ‘friends’ to join our cause, as ‘united we stand, divided we all fall’. What have we got to lose? The future of our food industry and family businesses is on the line, and enough is enough with the way successive British Governments have treated us all in recent years. The survival of our industry and the countryside is at stake here, as the supply of food is a ‘weapon of war’ – as clearly shown in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip – on top of the problems of climate change affecting us all today.
Good luck.
Stephen Ramsden, Harrogate.
The writing was on the wall
SPITEFUL .jealous.ignorant. are the three words that would best fill a what3words grid in Number 11 Downing Street following Ms Reeves’ single-handed attempt to completely destroy the agricultural industry in one short afternoon. The writing was on the wall: no
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mention of agriculture in the election manifesto, an Agricultural Minister conspicuous in his absence (save for some hopelessly overpriced wellington boots), and delays to the agricultural budget while more pressing Government departments took centre stage. Although, seemingly, without food, Whitehall would probably cease to function.
The proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief smack of someone who clearly has zero knowledge of asset values, little or no business acumen and is blissfully unaware of the current factors affecting farm profitability – or indeed the future threat to food sustainability.
The last 18 months in terms of weather (the biggest driver in farm commodity profitability, or lack of it) have been unprecedented, and the dedication and hard work by farmers and their families to overcome these adversities should be brought more often into the public domain.
If other walks of life adopted the same resilience and fortitude coupled with a seismic shift to more self-employed in the UK, then we might not be finding ourselves gazing into ever-changing black holes, and then being taxed for the privilege of getting out of them.
Hugh Wroth, Wiltshire.
Alex Black Head of News and Business – alex.black@agriconnect.com
Industry fury over Thatcher comment Leader
OUTRAGEOUS comments from a former Labour adviser calling for farmers to be treated how Margaret Thatcher treated the miners have understandably caused fury throughout the sector.
While the Government has been keen to distance itself from the comments, it shows the kind of thinking the industry is up against in some quarters, as well as the disconnect as to farming’s wider contribution to society.
Farmers are already feeling anxious about the impact of changes on the sector and the future of family farms, and calls to shut down the industry from John McTernan, a former Director of Political Operations under Sir Tony Blair, will simply add to the feelings of frustration, despair and anger.
Whatever your views on Mrs Thatcher’s politics and treatment of those striking, it is undeniable that the mining communities affected still bear the scars of the pit closures.
Farmers are already pulling investment in response to the changes, with the Agricultural In-
Young Farmer Focus
‘A sense of community holds me to farming’
Memories: Farming has always been a part of my life, even if only through treasured holiday visits to my farming family. I’d join them in the lambing shed, bringing sustenance and supplies, and stand beside my cousin bundled in her waxed jackets, breathing in the earthy, comforting scents of farm life.
Years later, whenever I step into friends’ farm kitchens and through porches crowded with boots and coats, I’m greeted by the same smell — a blend of waxed cloth and heating oil — that brings those memories rushing back.
America: Six years ago, we began farming on rented land in the Usk Valley with just a handful of Suffolk mules and followers. Around the same time, an opportunity to move to America arose.
I visited New Jersey and was
struck by the absence of livestock –so different from home where the fields are full of life — finding the largest flock, a modest 300 head, kept indoors.
I chose to stay in the UK, knowing ground was hard to come by and America would always be there. Community: It is not only the love of animals that holds me to farming; it is also the sense of tradition and community that infuses every aspect of it.
Meeting generational farmers, a tradition I was surprised to learn was that many put up their Christmas trees on Christmas Eve, while my own November birthday always meant early celebrations, with the tree looking a bit worse for wear by Christmas Day.
Being part of a community that is charitable and steadfast is a privilege,
dustries Confederation speaking of the ripple effect being seen down the supply chain.
The consequences of shutting the farming industry down would be felt by everyone in the country, but particularly in our rural communities where agriculture is so vital to the local economy.
And with the world today so uncertain, from Donald Trump’s potential impact on global trade to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, increasing our reliance on imports for something as vital as food seems a foolish move.
but it is also clear that we are facing uncertain times and great threats. Working together: As I write this, we are looking ahead to Tuesday’s farmer rally in London, with the hope that Government will listen to our calls for policy change and look toward agricultural leaders for guidance on the future. I understand completely the urge to do something and not be passive bystanders, but despite this, I worry that the event could jeopardise
Monmouthshire, South Wales
Naomi Williams-Roberts, 30, is a Student and Young Farmer Ambassador for the NFU. Alongside farming with her husband Josh, she is a technical account manager for a global packaging company which supplies large meat and egg producers.
public goodwill toward UK farmers, with splinter groups adopting extreme and disruptive tactics at a time when we need public support the most. Some may warn: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds’, but I would respond: ‘Don’t bite the hand of those who buy from the hand that feeds’. We need to work together to ensure farming remains a valued and vital part of British life, preserving its traditions for future generations.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
Naomi Williams-Roberts
Naomi Williams-Roberts
PICTURE: NFU
Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
Trump’s US Election victory leaves grain market uncertain
Donald Trump has promised to impose tariffs of 10% on all imports, with a rate of at least 60% for all Chinese imports.
After the result of the US Presidential Election, Cedric Porter takes a look at the reaction from international grain markets.
● Political picture has not altered fundamentals
DONALD Trump’s victory in the US Presidential Election injected volatility into the market, but it has not given much support to UK grain prices.
At the start of the week (w/b November 11), November 2024 feed wheat futures were at £177/tonne on the London ICE market. This was the same price as the week before and the lowest price since March this year. In contrast, corn prices on the Chicago Board of Trade exchange rose 5% in the week to US$4.30 a bushel (US$169/t or £131/t) although for much of the first half of the year they were above those levels.
Mike Verdin, senior markets consultant at CRM AgriCommodities, said: “The short-term impact of the US Election has been to give some support to prices, but there is also evidence that more distant futures positions are underperforming because of uncertainty as [to] what
the President Elect might do in office, particularly when it comes to the imposition of tariffs. Changes could be significant, but will probably take some time to materialise.”
Chinese tariffs
Mr Trump has promised to impose tariffs of 10% on all imports, with a rate of at least 60% for all Chinese imports. Speculation that this would make used Chinese cooking oil imported into the US more expensive supported soyabean prices.
The danger for US farmers would be if China retaliated and imposed its own tariffs. The US National Corn Growers Association calculated that if China cancelled its existing tariff waiver on grain imports it could mean an 84% or 2.2 million tonne drop in US corn (maize) imports, with US soyabean exports to China down 52% or 14-16mt, while a 60% retaliatory tariff would more or less wipe out trade between the countries.
That would benefit Brazilian and Argentinian farmers in particular,
but leave a large volume of US grains looking for a home.
The US National Corn Growers Association said: “A reignited trade war would reduce both US soyabean and corn prices and the combined production area of the two crops. If it were to occur, a trade war would not only reduce the value of production for US farmers, but also have a ripple effect throughout the US economy.”
Mr Trump has also promised to bring the war in Ukraine to a halt on the first day of his Presidency. If he did deliver on that promise, even if it took longer than his first day, it could increase supplies from both Russia and Ukraine, although it might take some investment in damaged infrastructure.
Fundamentals
The uncertain political picture has not altered the fundamentals of the market. World grain stocks tightened in November, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s latest world supply and demand report. It calculated that there were 770mt of grain in stock during the month, which was a 2.5% drop on the year before. Wheat stocks were down 3.2% to 257.6mt.
AHDB turned its short-term
wheat market barometer to bearish, but said worsening conditions for US winter wheat and lower Russian and Argentinian production could support prices.
The barley market might gain support from stronger maize prices. Current shortages of oilseeds were pushing prices to 20-month highs, but the arrival of South American soyabeans could put pressure on the market in the new year.
UK wheat prices
“UK wheat prices are under pressure because of greater confidence about winter plantings for next year’s crop and adequate import supplies,” said Mr Verdin.
“But that does not mean there will not be selling opportunities in coming months, and growers should keep an eye on what could continue to be a volatile market.”
Early this week (w/b November 11), November 2025 London feed wheat futures were trading at £189/t amid greater confidence about the size of the 2025 British crop, with November 2026 wheat trading at £195/t.
MORE INFORMATION
To read more about how Donald Trump’s US Presidential Election win impacts agriculture, see p19.
Increasing resilience is key to future of farming
● Businesses tell of growth success
A MORE resilient agricultural system is needed in the UK and beyond if farms are to stay in business and the world is to be fed in an increasingly challenging climate and political environment.
That was the message from speakers at last week’s Institute of Agricultural Farm Management (IAgrM) national conference held in London. Against a backdrop of political uncertainty, farmers can still congratulate themselves on what they have achieved and with some confidence for the future, said Jack Bobo, head of the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham.
“World food production has more than tripled since 1960, but the land used for agriculture has increased by not much more than 10%,” he said.
Challenge
“The world population is forecast to grow by almost 20% by 2050, so we will need to continue producing more food, or wasting less, for another 25 years. After that, the challenge will be managing a gradual reduction in the demand for food.”
Maximo Terero, chief economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, said despite a near tripling of the world population since 1960, malnutrition rates fell from one-third of people in the developing world to 10% by 2017.
However, he said a changing climate, conflict and crises such as Covid-19 have meant it is on the rise again, with 733 million in chronic hunger and 2.3 billion food-insecure. He said: “There is not enough global funding to prevent the increasing number of harmful, but somewhat predictable events. It has been esti-
The world population is forecast to grow by almost 20% by 2050, so we need to produce more food
JACK BOBO
mated that 55% of crises fall into this category. The Red Cross has calculated that a £1 invested in anticipatory action delivers a £7 benefit, while reacting after an event has taken place will only deliver £3 of benefit.”
While governments have a responsibility to make the global agrifood system more resilient, it is advisable for individual farming businesses to do so.
The conference heard from three second-generation businesses that grew from small farms to ones worth many millions of pounds.
John Shropshire, chair of vegetable business G’s, said that focusing on margin rather than getting bigger has helped the business grow to one with £700 million in annual sales.
Good relations with supermarkets have helped, but over the past 30 years, the company has had to weather a 330% increase in fuel costs, a 280% increase in fertiliser and spray costs and a 250% increase in wages – while lettuce prices have only risen by 30%.
David Jones’ father got into farming through running a drainage business, which allowed him to buy a farm.
Individual farming businesses have a responsibility to become more resilient, the
conference was told.
The Warwickshire farm now has 1,100 hectares, with a mantra of attention to detail and deep involvement in the everyday operation of the farm helping to build it.
The father of sisters Vicky Scott and Kate Moore established Pockmor Pigs in 1996, with just 20 hectares of land and 800 sows.
Now the business finishes almost 60,000 pigs a year.
Despite, the 2021/22 pig crisis when large volumes of pigs could not be moved off-farm for slaughter because of a lack of butchers, the business continues to expand with the
purchase of another farm last year. Technology will continue to play a big role in the future, albeit through Artificial Intelligence and robotics, according to Matt Percy, of John Deere, and Ed Ford, technology manager at Dyson. There was some concern among delegates that the adoption of expensive technology would leave some farmers behind, while digital connectivity was also raised.
Mr Percy said that John Deere was investigating the Starlink system of low-level satellites developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company rather than relying on the cell phone network.
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IAgrM
Renewables Farm Business Innovation Show
● Audience urged to support FG’s campaign
PLAN for the future but do not rush into any big decisions – that was the resounding message from a panel of experts discussing the Autumn Budget at the Farm Business Innovation Show (FBI), held at the NEC on November 6-7.
While last month’s Budget has sent shockwaves through the rural business community, there was still plenty of time to take stock, get some good advice and plan for the future.
Changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) from April 2026 have grabbed the headlines, and Andrew Shirley, chief surveyor at the CLA, told the show that its own modelling had estimated about 70,000 farms would be affected.
“All relievable assets are being classed the same, so the more diversified you are, the more exposed you are,” said Mr Shirley.
He added businesses would need to weigh up passing on the farm to the next generation in lifetime versus the Inheritance Tax (IHT) impact of continuing to own the farm on death.
The use of trusts in family tax planning should not be overlooked and may be a preferred option over the outright gift in some cases.
Positive
Samuel Nobbs, senior rural surveyor at Bidwells, said while the Budget announcement might not bring the growth and investment the Chancellor had set out to achieve, the outlook could be worse, and changing mindsets when it comes to succession and the viability of family farms in the future should be seen as a positive thing.
He added: “We are in the new world
Visitors to the Farm Business Innovation Show were keen to explore options for diversification and gain advice following the Budget on how it might impact investment decisions. Alex Black and Olivia Midgley report.
Diversifications ‘more exposed’ after Budget
now and I would not recommend waiting to see if the next Government rows back on any of the changes.
“For those businesses which are in a position to do so, look at business structure and what is feasible for the enterprise, rather than letting the tax tail wag the dog.”
Chris Coupland, partner at law firm Birketts, said the Budget had uncovered a disconnect between what rural
CAR PARKS COULD BRING PROFITABLE INCOME STREAM
CAR parking could create a new income stream for farms with event businesses, those in the right location, and those wanting to deter crime and people parking on farm property without permission. And with automatic number plate recognition systems, there could be no up-front costs for farmers, with cameras enforcing and policing the car park for the landowner.
Michael Mcferran, marketing manager at Smart Parking, said a lot of businesses did not realise there was an opportunity.
He said farmers needed a plot with some kind of hard standing, or the option to put something in place.
“If they have a plot of land near
an airport or local train station, they can put one of our cameras up and a payment machine,” he added.
Additional income
For farms that had diversified into a tourist attraction, it was a way to add additional income through parking or to monitor who is on-site and that they are utilising the car park as intended.
“You can monitor that people are genuine customers,” he said, adding it would deter people utilising the car park for other purposes, such as dog walking, without visiting the business on-site.
Cameras were also a deterrent for criminals.
businesses deliver for the rural economy and what the public and Government think they deliver.
All the panellists encouraged audience members to pledge their support to campaigns such as FG’s Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign.
Mr Coupland added: “Of course, it is easier to plan if you are in your 50s than if you are in your 70s or 80s, and a lot of people will be caught out and will not be able to do the restructuring that they need to. IHT can be cruel in the way it works.”
ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS ENTREPRENEURIALISM
DIVERSIFYING the core farm business takes ‘grit and determination’ but farmers should realise that they do not need to do everything themselves and should have confidence to lean on others with specific expertise.
Speaking as part of a roundtable at the Farm Business Innovation Show and recorded for the Farmers Guardian podcast, Rob Ward, a Nuffield Scholar whose family farm in Shropshire has diversified into garden centres worth millions of pounds, said: “If you did go to business school, they would say diversification is destined for failure because it is the highest risk thing you can do: new markets, new customer, everything is new, which makes it likely to fail.
“So you have actually got to be an incredibly fast learner and find ways to mitigate your risk.
“Around this table we have all
had those moments of not knowing what is going on and that fear. But if you have got that entrepreneurial spirit, you will find a way through.”
Mindset
Richard Bower, whose family opened a successful children’s play park on their mixed farm in Stafford during the pandemic, added: “Farmers are renowned for thinking they have to do everything themselves and changing your own mindset is a big thing. We have outsourced a lot of work so we can focus on the core business. For example we outsource the bookkeeping to a specialist company which sends me a report each month for me to analyse.”
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
To listen to the podcast, visit farmersguardian. com/podcasts
From left: Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley chaired the FBI’s Budget discussion between Andrew Shirley, CLA; Samuel Nobbs, Bidwells; and Chris Coupland, Birketts.
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
SOLAR A SMART BUSINESS DECISION
SOLAR panels offer opportunities for those looking to generate electricity for their own use, as well as those looking at field-scale projects to feed into the grid.
And changes to Inheritance Tax could weaken one of the barriers to installing solar projects on-farm, according to Chris Thyer, partner at Bidwells, with a key consideration in the past having been concerns over losing Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
For those looking at in-field panels, Mr Thyer said an offer of around £2,470/hectare (£1,000/ acre) was always going to be ‘difficult to turn down’.
But those who likely had suitable sites with a grid connection were probably already aware of the potential, as it was likely companies had been in touch to gauge their interest.
Richard Simmons farms alongside his wife at Yew Tree Farm in Somerset, and has embraced different diversifications from the dairy farm, including free-range hens and a milk vending machine, as
well as hosting farm visits, such as ‘meet the cow’ sessions.
Solar panels have been installed on the rooftop and buildings and the family were currently in the process of considering in-field solar.
Mr Simmons said: “We have now been approached for a project, it will be a business decision.”
He added they had considered concerns the village would not like it, but believed the project would not have too much opposition.
Rooftop solar was often simpler in terms of planning, according to Nick Spicer, chief executive at YourEco, and could give a return on investment within three to six years.
Mr Simmons said they had saved £35,000 in the past two years.
“It was great when I was paying 68p/unit,” he said, adding it was less valuable now but still an asset.
Solar is still the predominant option in the renewables space.
The panellists were asked, with
solar less effective in the winter months, why wind power was not utilised more in this time.
Mr Thyer highlighted that the new Labour Government had lifted the ban on wind farms, which could pave the way to more onfarm wind projects, but both he and Mr Spicer highlighted the difficulty of sourcing farm-scale turbines as manufacturers had moved focus elsewhere once support had been removed.
Left to right: Nick Spicer, Richard Simmons, Chris Thyer and FG’s Alex Black.
Berry growers’ labour costs hit 59% ahead of wage hike
● BBG highlights key asks of Government
By Alex Black
FAIRER contracts, clearer Government policies and increased recognition are the key objectives outlined in a new report published by the British Berry Growers (BBG).
The 95-page document was designed to produce both ‘quantitative and qualitative data’ and is, according to the organisation, ‘the most comprehensive assessment of the value, challenges and opportunities for the British berry growers ever undertaken’.
Compiled by accountancy firm Ernst and Young, the independent study found that the total value of retail sales rose 9.8% between 2020 to 2023, although volumes for last year were down 0.8% on 2022 figures, sitting at just under 100,000 tonnes.
According to the report, the British berry industry contributed £624 million to the national economy in 2023, despite more than a third of growers (38%) experiencing a rise in costs ranging from 21% to 40%.
Nick Marston, chief executive of the BBG, said he hoped the report highlighted both the opportunities and barriers the sector was facing.
“Contracts are very important. Retailers are starting to engage, but we
The BBG has published a report outlining the key objectives for the industry.
need longer term agreements. Annual ones are unhelpful as growers have had to commit often before talks with retailers even take place. Farmers cannot cancel production.
“We need more certainty to prevent a contraction of the industry,” he added.
Labour costs
A major challenge for the sector is rising labour costs which account for 53.9% of producer operating expenditure. The National Living Wage increased 59% from 2016 to 2024 and
Mr Marston said the further hike announced in the Budget of 6.7% from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour from April 2025 along with employers’ National Insurance contributions, which will rise by 1.2%, will be ‘yet another significant increase’ for growers.
The organisation has now laid out key asks of Government which include a greater championing of British food; longer seasonal worker visa stays; financial support to improve productivity; changes in retailer relationships; and finally improved scientific development such as targeted
precision breeding, artificial intelligence and robotics.
“We want to increase the profile of the contribution of the berry sector to both the national and the rural economy. As the report shows, there are some clear policy changes required if berry growing is to remain sustainable in what are some very challenging times.
“Key to this, is the route to market and the change which is needed in contracts and the way they work – or do not work – in relation to known increases in cost,” Mr Marston added.
THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has approved Arla Foods Ingredients’ acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business.
It comes after the two companies signed an acquisition agreement on April 18, 2024.
Luis Cubel, group vice-president and managing director of Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “This is a welcome decision at a time when demand for high quality whey ingredients is growing.
“It means we are a step closer to a significant acquisition that would consolidate our position as a leader in the whey nutrition space. We will now move forward with the formal process necessary to make Volac’s Whey Nutrition business part of Arla Foods Ingredients.
“Once that is complete, we will be
able to comment further on the many advantages of bringing together these two major manufacturers of whey ingredients – not just for both companies, but also for our customers and the industry as a whole.”
James Neville, joint owner of Volac, said: “We were always confident that Arla Foods Ingredients had the necessary expertise and values to take our Whey Nutrition business to the next level, and we are delighted to have
FEED MILL DEAL HALTED OVER COST CONCERNS
THE Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into food producer Boparan’s proposed purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill site over concerns farmers and consumers could face higher prices.
The CMA said the plans to takeover the Norfolk plant could lead to a ‘substantial lessening of competition’ giving Boparan the
‘ability and incentive to harm rival poultrymeat producers’. This in turn, it said, could lead to higher poultry feed costs for chicken farmers and processors which may then be passed to retailers and consumers.
Higher costs
Joel Bamford, executive director of mergers at the CMA, said: “We are concerned this deal could worsen
reached this important step in the acquisition process.
“It is great news for Volac Whey Nutrition, and for the whey ingredients sector, that these innovative companies have been allowed to join forces.”
competition between poultry feed suppliers in East Anglia – leading to higher costs for farmers which could then be passed down to shoppers.
“It is now up to the companies to offer solutions to address our concerns and avoid the deal moving to a full Phase 2 investigation.”
The CMA did not find concerns in relation to the feed mill site Boparan is planning to acquire in Radstock.
By John Wilkes,
Trade with US might be more complex
THE UK’s trading relationship with the US has become potentially more complex in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential Election.
The idea of a trade deal between the UK and US is very open at the moment and no-one knows how it will proceed.
In the past, David Lammy and others in the Labour Party have made negative comments about Mr Trump. But Nigel Farage has a relationship with Mr Trump and, ironically, his input might have more sway than the UK Government; this is something to be mindful of, but we could get a deal.
We actually did have a deal pending in the closing minutes of the previous Trump administration. Shortly before the inauguration in 2021, there was a mini trade deal on the table between the US and the UK.
On the table
It was mainly aircraft-related, however there was also something on Scotch whisky. Ultimately, the UK aviation industry would not accept the final terms the US had set forth and the deal fell apart, but it was on the table.
That deal was with a Conservative Government. How Mr Trump deals with a Labour Government might be different.
It is a similar situation to when Joe Biden became President. He had Boris Johnson as Prime Minister – a Conservative – and there was no love lost between them for many reasons. Now there will be a juxtaposition: a Republican working with a Labour Government.
One should not forget that Mr Trump reported the UK to the regulatory body that oversees elections in relation to election interference, because Labour-centric supporters came over and campaigned for Kamala Harris. All these little things add up to potentially making the situation more difficult.
“I believe US farmers did vote in large numbers for Donald
I believe US farmers did vote in large numbers for Mr Trump because of trade and deregulation, and the fact he says he is going to do something about immigration and sort out the worker visa process.
Trade deficit
Money from the Inflation Reduction Act did not resonate with farmers. The trade deficit for the current fiscal year is $32 billion (£25bn); it is projected to be $42bn (£33bn) for 2025. During the campaign, Mr Trump often referred to the $32bn (£25bn) deficit being due to Joe Biden’s policies and countered by saying that when he won things would be better.
Mr Trump is very pro-ethanol and biofuels, so the National Corn Growers Association is pleased because he will approve the use of E15 ethanol year-round.
FARMER CONGRATULATIONS AND FARM BILL CONCERNS
TARIFFS were not on the list of issues raised by the US Farm Bureau Federation when it congratulated Donald Trump on his victory. It urged the new administration to finalise a new Farm Bill, which has been outstanding for two years.
Federation president Zippy Duval added: “The new
administration must also address the impending tax hikes, which would crush many of America’s farmers and ranchers when stacked on top of inflation, high supply costs and market instability.
“Another big issue on farmers’ minds is the labour shortage and skyrocketing costs.”
PICTURE:
Trump,” says John Wilkes.
Christmas Gift Guide
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Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
For more features, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-life
Sonja and Perin Dineley’s dream is to balance agriculture with biodiversity across their three farms in Cranborne Chase. Sara Gregson finds out more.
Regenerating land using commercial enterprises
We are
most
striving for the
cost-effective
and efficient system so we can navigate a positive way forward
SSONJA
DINELEY
onja and Perin Dineley run 3,000 New Zealand Romney ewes across Manor Farm, Stonehill Farm and Bigly Farm, which are all located in and around villages close to Shaftesbury, Dorset.
The farms have a wide range of soils including chalk, greensand and clay, and each are at different stages of regeneration.
The 142-hectare (351-acre) Manor Farm is an ex-arable farm, now largely permanent pasture in a longterm Countryside Stewardship (CS) scheme; Stonehill Farm is 445 hectares (1,100 acres) and also has soils depleted from continuous arable cropping; and Bigly Farm is a further 163 hectares (403 acres), which is a mix of old permanent and improved pasture as well as some CS ground. Sonja says: “While we are running a complex sheep breeding business, we are also doing everything we can to protect biodiversity and improve
soil health. We did a Holistic Planned Grazing course with 3LM of the Savory Network in 2019. This gave us a really good framework for thinking about our land and how we want it to change, while still being agriculturally productive.
“In times of huge uncertainty for British farming, we are striving for the most cost-effective and efficient system so we can navigate a positive way forward. We are in transition, and the road is often bumpy, but we will keep going.”
Flock
One thousand elite ewes are single-sire mated and performance-recorded with Signet, and their lambs are recorded from birth. Another 1,000 pure-bred Romney ewes are treated just as the elite flock but are not recorded, and the final 1,000 ewes are bred to terminal meat rams.
The flock is closed and regularly monitored for the iceberg diseases,
with high health status being extremely important to the Dineleys.
The key breeding objective is for all the ewes to produce their own bodyweight in lamb (32kg) while also easily looking after their own needs on just forage, without getting too thin.
Perin says: “We are trying to produce a balanced package [and avoid] focusing on one trait to the exclusion of others. We do feel we are making great progress with IgAs for resilience against parasites.
“Everything lambs outdoors with minimal interference from humans and no concentrates are fed. Our shepherd, Martin Fletcher, has been with us since 2014 and is very selective over mothering ability, which makes lambing time simpler and less stressful.
“All the flocks are treated the same and face the same challenges – the elite ewes do not get preferential treatment.”
Lambing starts no later than April 10 to make use of the high-quality grass that grows in spring. Lambing percentage stands at about 170% in the stud ewes, and any triplets are taken off their mothers and put onto an automatic milk feeder.
Once all the ewes have lambed, the flocks are brought to the yards for one day for the lambs to be tailed, castrated and vaccinated against clostridial diseases, while the ewes are given a fly strike treatment.
Grazing
Groups of ewes and lambs – mobs of 300 ewes with single lambs and mobs of 200 ewes with twins – are set stocked for the first two to three months on the highest quality grass pastures.
The lambs are weaned at 10-11 weeks of age and divided into replacements and breeding stock or finishing lambs. They are grouped according to weight and put into
Sonja and Perin Dineley
Farm Profile Dorset
the most appropriate fields – including herbal leys – to grow on or finish, and are marketed as soon as possible.
Perin says: “We have been rotational grazing lambs for several years, achieving growth rates of 400g/day or more. They are moved every three to four days on multi-species swards containing a lot of clover, plantain and chicory.
“We are also working with DLF [and] trialling Relish, their new grazing red clover. This works on sheep farms in New Zealand and we are helping to see if it works here too. We have also grown kale, turnips, crimson clover and plantain mixtures, which work really well for winter grazing ewes.”
Rams
A modest quantity of rams, both Romney and terminal sires, are sold each year off-farm, but most remain on-farm. Depending on the season’s feed availability for the lambs, a combination of fat lambs are sold through ABP Food Group and some store lambs are sold privately.
No meat is currently sold directly from the farm, but the Dineleys have recently become Pasture for Life certified in anticipation of doing so in future.
Sonja says: “We are so busy working across the three farms that we are very poor at marketing.
“We have been raising animals on just forage for 30 years or more, and we need to find a way of getting this nature value through to consumers.
“Pasture for Life has a lot of direct-
Farm facts
■ 754 hectares (1,863 acres) across three farms
■ 3,000 New Zealand Romney ewes
■ 1,000 ewes Signet-recorded
■ Selling breeding stock
■ Selling meat lambs to ABP
Food Group
■ Different grazing/forage options
■ No concentrates fed
■ Small suckler herd
selling members, and I am sure we can learn a lot from them.”
As well as the sheep operation, Sonja and Perin run a couple of small cattle enterprises, including 120 Warrendale Wagyu calves which arrive at 180kg and leave at 450kg. The Dineleys never own the animals and are paid per kilo of weight gain while they are grazing on-farm.
Added to this is a small herd of 26 Belted Galloway cross Shorthorn suckler cows, which calve outdoors, graze and are never offered concentrates.
Biodiversity
“Having the cattle grazing has made a huge difference to the biodiversity at Manor Farm,” says Sonja.
“This year, the number of different species of wildflowers was spectacular, including hundreds of bee orchids. In fact, they were so good the people from the National Wildflower Centre – part of the Eden Project – came and did a very
■ 120 Warrendale Wagyu growers
■ Regenerative focus
■ Soil analyses to be taken this year
■ Former arable land being fenced –33ha (81.5 acres) in 2024
■ Variable weather – 840mm rainfall, but can have summer droughts
■ Two full-time shepherds with three shepherds at lambing
gentle brush harvesting of flower seed to sow on one of their projects.
“We are also a hot spot for Duke of Burgundy butterflies – reportedly the best in the South of England. So small actions can really make big differences.
“While sheep are our main focus, we realise that we do need other species on-farm to create a number of different habitats and income streams. So definitely more cattle, and maybe in the future some pigs or pastured chicken. And these enterprises could also bring more people to work on-farm.”
Sonja and Perin are keen for their work not to be seen as rewilding, or even as sustainable farming, but as truly regenerative: using sheep and other animals to create a myriad different habitats, which can build soil life and diversity.
Sonja says: “We see our work as restoring damaged ground, which is much better than merely ‘sustaining’ it – who wants to sustain really depleted soils?
“Behind everything we do – what
There is also a small herd of 26 Belted Galloway cross Shorthorn suckler cows on-farm, which calve outdoors, graze and are never offered concentrates.
The flock of 3,000 New Zealand Romney ewes is closed and regularly monitored for the iceberg diseases.
we plant and how we graze – our main aim is to improve the soil. There is nothing more depressing than dead soil. Forage diversity with differing root formations and root depth is crucial to rebuilding soil health, particularly in the fields that have been most degraded.”
Wool
Sonja is also keen to make more of the wool clip.
Shearing takes place in mid-summer after weaning. With their own wool press, the Dineleys send
the wool directly to the mill in Bradford.
“There are lots of other things we could use wool for,” says Sonja.
“It makes superb compost and can be used, for example, as a mulch around young trees, returning carbon directly to the soil.”
Perin says: “We want to be biological farmers, creating healthy, living networks in the soil and above ground, while producing good food for people to eat.
“Agriculture is not easy at the moment, with the reduction in payments and loss of faith from consumers.
“But if we can demonstrate that production agriculture can be integrated with caring for nature, then there is plenty of scope for us to succeed, and to be at the forefront of the future direction for farming.”
We want to be biological farmers, creating healthy, living networks in the soil and above ground, while producing good food for people to eat
PERIN DINELEY
The couple are working with DLF and trialling Relish, their new grazing red clover, says Perin Dineley.
Lambs are rotationally grazed, moving every three to four days on multi-species swards containing a lot of clover, plantain and chicory.
Edited by Alice Dyer – 07966 445 458 – alice.dyer@agriconnect.com
For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub
An arable farm on the edge of the Lake District is exploring new ways to produce crops while preserving its carbon-rich peatlands. Farmers Guardian reports.
Known locally as ‘Little Holland’, in reference to its topographic similarities with the Netherlands, Holker Estate Farm is exploring ways to capitalise on its often waterlogged, peatheavy soils.
It is one of twelve Natural England Paludiculture Exploration Fund grant awardees nationally, and this will see the estate take a systematic look at the long list of wetland-friendly crops that could be grown on areas of land currently producing either marginal cereal crops or lying uncultivated.
First, the estate must decide what to grow, with the options surprisingly varied.
Working alongside Savills’ rural research team, the estate team has narrowed it down from an initial 123 crop options to three prime contenders and, in the course of doing so, revealed some of the key risks and barriers to progress.
The Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology at Ernst-
Cumbrian farm looking to capitalise on waterlogged soils
Moritz-Arndt University in Germany has a worldwide database of potential paludiculture plants.
While globally there are thousands, many are being grown in climates and soils bearing little relation to the cold, wet conditions of north west England.
along with the UK performance of species growing naturally in our wetlands, to compile Holker’s list of paludicultural crop candidates.
The experiences of farmers in countries such as Holland, Canada and Germany were therefore more intensively studied,
Holker Estate Farm’s land agent, David Harvey, explains: “Paludiculture crops are diverse, not least in terms of their water requirement.
“Bulrush and water mint, for example, will grow while submerged, whereas the vac-
WHAT IS PALUDICULTURE?
PALUDICULTURE, or farming on rewetted peat, is a system of agriculture for the profitable production of wetland crops under conditions that support the competitive advantage of these crops.
SOURCE: Defra
associated with their current (dryland) agricultural use.
In 2020, emissions from drained agricultural peatlands in England were estimated at 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
In the context of lowland peat soils, it is usually achieved through raising the water table to achieve wetland conditions.
Paludiculture offers a potential solution for maintaining the profitable use of lowland peatland while significantly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions
This is around 3% of England’s emissions.
While the term “paludiculture” is a recent one, its practice in England goes back generations.
In wetlands such as the Norfolk Broads, there are deep traditions of managing and harvesting reed to provide thatch for houses.
cinium species, such as blueberries and cranberries, require their roots to be aerated, with the water table raised only to within 20cm of the soil surface.
“Another significant distinction is between plants suited to bog areas which are largely rain fed, have a low nutrient status and are slightly acidic; and fen areas which are largely ground-
One of the peatland areas at Holker Estate Farm which is currently unviable for crops.
Holker Estate Farm is looking at ways of bringing currently underused land into commercial use.
water-fed, have alkali subsoil and a higher nutrient status.”
Some of these distinctions can be overcome via appropriate husbandry, although the ability to transfer to more conventional systems easily, as with celery and blueberries, makes production in a wetland situation less attractive, Mr Harvey adds.
“Crop choice cannot be purely a costing exercise, since profitability depends on several factors, such as
intensity of management, the rate of agronomic development, the choice of site and the effort required for market development.
Potential
“All options have the potential for high profitability under expert management.
“An important factor in this area is, of course, site investment, which in turn depends on the specific site that is selected as no two sites are the same.”
Picking a paludicultural crop to grow
HOLKER’S final report defines a set of 13 metrics via which it assessed each candidate crop, bringing a system and a degree of science to the process. In brief, the 13 metrics were as follows:
1
New demand drivers: All paludiculture crops are attractive because of the potential association with carbon reduction and positive environmental management but are there other drivers such as legislation or technical development that provide particular benefits to the product?
For example, a prospective legislative change to ban peat consumption will change the raw materials used in formulating potting compost and probably raise the price.
This is likely to be positive for the future of sphagnum moss production as it already proven as an effective alternative to peat in compost.
2
Market entry: This is assessed in three ways. Is there an established supply chain for a similar product?
Is there an organisation that has already actively developed the market?
Can sales be made through existing farm or estate relationships?
3
Market displacement: Are there other products already meeting the market need that would have to be displaced?
For example, typha has a prototyped application as a form of internal building insulation, but there are already high-performing building insulators on the market.
4
Potential market competition: Would the successful establishment of the market attract others to enter perhaps using a product from a wild site that is likely to be cheaper to harvest?
5
Price sensitivity to supply: How easy would it be to overproduce, leading to a price collapse?
Is there some supply management or are there major barriers to entry?
6
Environmental threat: Does the plant have the ability to invade neighbouring environmentally sensitive areas or genetically contaminate plants with a high genetic value?
Holker’s farmland borders a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a nature reserve, which may present issues.
7
Site suitability: How easy is it to create the right conditions for production?
For example, depending on the selected crop’s requirements, can the water level be raised, contained and lowered if required to create the right conditions for planting, growth or harvesting?
8
Agronomic development: Has agronomic development taken place either through commercial production in other countries, via research organisations in this crop, or via established similar crops?
9
Machinery: This a very important metric that applies to cultivation, harvesting and processing. In all instances, can existing
machinery be used, or does specialist machinery need to be developed?
Some crops require harvesting in up to 20cm of water – what are the implications for machinery operation, assuming the water table can be lowered sufficiently?
10
Centralised processing of bulky material: Transport costs are significant for some materials. Is transport cost significant relative to product value and can transport cost be readily reduced by on-site processing?
11
Expertise required: Is the management complex and is there support available?
12
Market champion: Is there an organisation that will manage the market on behalf of the farm?
Beadamoss is already using sustainably micropropagated sphagnum to produce a sustainable sphagnum growing media as a horticultural peat alternative. They have established their market, so is there an opportunity to partner with them?
13
Development champion: Is there an organisation that has an interest in improving production, providing guidance on cultivation and co-ordinating agronomic development for the growers?
A good example would be Ponda, a biomaterials company which is developing novel textiles from truly regenerative fibres.
Top of the crops: Based on this, crops to come out on top for Holker to grow were sphagnum (moss), T. latifolia (bulrush, reedmace, cattail) followed by vaccinium (cranberry, marsh cranberry, small cranberry).
Local variables, not least site selection and soil conditions, make this exercise unique for every farm seeking to explore a future that includes paludiculture.
However, Natural England’s grant support means the development of the science around crop selection is underway in Holker’s corner of south Cumbria, and knowledge of how rewetting wetlands could become commercially viable through paludiculture is emerging rapidly.
Sphagnum was one of three potential crops chosen after research.
Sphagnum moss grows naturally in the peat bog areas at Holker.
Cambridgeshire farmer, Jamie Stokes manages his family’s 1,000-hectare arable farm for his 96-yearold grandfather. Years of succession planning had set a route for a fairly painless transition down two generations in one step.
However, now if his grandfather survives until April 2026, at least 200ha of the farm must be sold to pay the tax bill, Mr Stokes says. And having just adjusted the business to survive the loss of subsidies, the maths on losing a fifth of the farm’s land poses another major challenge. Here he considers his options going forward.
AS the dust starts to settle around the new Agricultural Property Relief (APR) rules and the anger subsides, I am left like most of you pondering the question of how does my farm come out of this?
Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to travel round the world on a Nuffield Scholarship, studying different farming practices. My background is in high input, high output arable farming and I have set my business up in the style of the big efficiency driven companies, chasing economies of scale.
Having got as far as I could with that, I wanted to find some new inspiration from the small area farmers. I was aware that there were people with successful businesses on plots of land that ‘my system’ said was too small and too awkward to be worth farming, and I wanted to know what they knew that I didn’t.
I’ve visited more than 60 growers and producers on four different continents, and their total farmed area would fit inside one of my fields. To summarise, everything I have seen
his land.
Doing more with less: Finding a way to survive APR changes
is hard, from aquaponics on the banks of the East River in New York city to a vertical dairy goat farm on an industrial estate in Singapore –I’ve seen it all.
It was in Singapore when I learned about the APR changes, but chatting to a farmer from a country whose total farmed arable area is about half
Mr Stokes visited some of the smallest producers in the world, including a rooftop farm in Singapore.
my farm added some perspective. We were 52 floors up at the highest urban farm in the world, discussing ‘flavour’ production for the three restaurants below us. When the conversation came round to the news that there was now a strong possibility that I will have to sell a fifth of my farm in the near future, they shared my devastation and then looked quizzically and said ‘but you’ll still have a very big farm, right?’.
Like many of us, I’m going to have to rethink how I use my land to remain profitable while farming a significantly smaller area, and it feels like some of the philosophies of these smaller producers might suddenly have a lot more relevance.
I hadn’t set out to find cereal growers on my travels, but a baker I met in Detroit was insistent that I should go and see their supplier, Randy Hampshire.
‘Oh my goodness, his cornmeal is amazing. Like the most flavour you can find’, he said.
The starting point for his ‘wonder’ corn was what we would call a heritage variety, but Randy himself has been selecting the best cobs to be kept for seed for the last 15 plus years. He then feeds it with his own secret blend of molasses and other organic feeds and mills it himself to create a flour that has flavour levels beyond anything commercially pro-
duced. Randy was originally aiming to produce a ‘nutrient dense food’ but ended up ‘growing flavour’, which is something I had never really considered.
We in the UK often call ourselves food producers, but most of our consumers are much more interested in flavour. The skyscraper farm doesn’t have the space to grow the food for the restaurants, but by working with the chefs, the farm produces the flavour producing herbs and spices.
Enabling the selection of varieties that maximise taste and can be harvested at the right moment, rather than having to grow for the mass market and the compromises that come with it. I know we don’t all have access to restaurants on our doorstep, and I don’t think home selecting wheat seeds is going to pay that 20% tax bill. But maybe there is another way to run a profitable arable farm?
It would take a brave person to walk away from the variety Recommended List and discover what flavour they could actually grow, and then a cleverer person to figure out how to sell it, but it’s a system that works on a small scale around the world, so why couldn’t British farmers become famed for their flavours?
‘Doing more with less’ might not be a choice, but perhaps it’s an opportunity for a rethink.
Jamie Stokes is exploring how he can maximise his farm’s potential if he loses a fifth of
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768
796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales
Suckled calves sell to £6,500 at Middleton
l Reserve British Blue cross sells for £1,900
AT the show and sale of suckled calves at Middleton-in-Teesdale both the championship and reserve went to David Mallon, Pallet Crag, with both calves by the British Blue bull, Brennand King.
Claiming the top spot and setting a new sale record of £6,500 was the winning British Blue cross heifer.
It sold to Haig Murray, Gretna, for further showing.
The reserve was the winning British Blue cross steer which was knocked down to the judge, James Crichton, Cumbria, for £1,900.
Mr Mallon also had the leading average, selling 15 calves to average £1,852.
Overall, calves, which were mainly six to eight months old,
averaged £1,264.17, with steers levelling at £1,284.47, which was up £58 on the year, and heifers
averaged £1,236.81, up £100/head.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Solid dairy trade seen at Gisburn
PEDIGREE newly-calved heifers peaked at £2,880 and non-pedigrees £2,800 at Gisburn.
Topping the 90-plus entries at £2,880 was the first prize winning Sunnybanks pedigree heifer, a 32kg Pine-Tree Pursuit daughter, from Jennings Farmers, Ripon, whose five entries levelled at £2,342.
R.B. and M.J. Webster, Stocksbridge, sold a Farnear Delta Joltsired heifer at £2,780. Close behind
at £2,700 was a Solarpower daughter from the Claremont herd of M. and J. Bristol, Newton in Bowland.
At the same price, K.E. Robinson, Carnforth, sold Monkroyd Akke 135, a Peak Altaindigo daughter.
W.J. and I. France, Chipping, topped the pedigree cow trade at £2,700 with a 38kg third calver, Corfield Rapid Randy 28.
The £2,800 non-pedigree heifer
leader and red rosette winner came from J. and B. Rowland, Preston, who also sold a herdmate at £2,700.
TOPPING the sale of breeding cattle at Kirkby Stephen at £4,600 was a Limousin cow with a Limousin steer calf at foot, from Messrs Hodgkinson, Buxton, which were bought by Messrs White, Middleton-in-Teesdale.
The winning outfit, a second calved Limousin cow with Limousin calf at foot, also from Messrs Hodgkinson, went on to sell for £3,100, to Messrs Hayton, Asby Grange.
Messrs Robinson, Kirkby Stephen, sold a Limousin heifer with a Limousin heifer calf at £3,850 to Messrs Dobson, Bishop Auckland.
Heifer
Messrs Wilson, Middleton-in-Teesdale, sold a British Blue heifer with a steer calf at £3,800 and two more heifers with calves to £3,700, with all three bought by Messrs Dargue, Forest-in-Teesdale.
Also at £3,700 was a Limousin heifer with steer calf from Messrs Edmondson, Ulverston, selling to Messrs Ayre, Eggleston.
Topping the in-calf section at £3,950 was a Limousin cross heifer in calf to a British Blonde bull from Messrs Thompson, Sedbergh, which went to Messrs Brass, Soulby.
The 28 in-calf heifers from Messrs Bradley, Settle, topped at £3,700 twice, firstly for a Limousin selling to Messrs Warren, Bradford, and a British Blue selling to Messrs Brass, Soulby, and averaged £3,331, up £196.58 on the year.
AVERAGES
Heifers with calves, £2,975.34 (+£242.40 on 2023); cows with calves, £2,380.63 (+£107.10); in-calf heifers, £2,809.76 (+£320.29); in-calf cows, £1,970.91 (+£500.91).
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Whitebred Shorthorns top at 5,000gns
THE sale of Whitebred Shorthorn and Galloway cattle at Carlisle topped at 5,000gns for the second prize Whitebred Shorthorn bull and reserve champion, Hottbank Usyk, an April 2023-born son of Blackburn Jethro out of Hottbank Lucy 28.
Consigned by John Pattinson, Hexham, it sold to Eskdalemuir Forestry, Langholm.
Next, at 3,000gns, was the winning in-calf heifer, female and supreme champion, May 2022-born Glentyne Ava, by Lochdochart Crusader out of Burnedge Ava B, and in-calf to Glen-
tyne Harold, from M.G. and J. Taylor, Castle Douglas.
The buyers were Messrs Jackson, Newcastleton.
Winning
The winning senior bulling heifer, Milnholm Louise by Milnholm Talisman from A. and A. Hogg and Son, Langholm, was knocked down for 2,000gns to Messrs Elliot, Langholm.
Pedigree Galloways sold to 2,200gns for the first prize winning intermediate bulling heifer and reserve female champion, September
2022-born Nancy 2 of Haining House, a Gauntlet of Hottbank daughter from G. and C. Neve and Son, Brampton, which went to Messrs Worrell, Gretna. Non-pedigree Galloways topped at £2,000 for the second prize heifer incalf/milk from G.J. Kyle, Brampton, which sold to Messrs Moore, Brampton. The reduction of the Whitehill herd on behalf of W.J. Henderson, Lockerbie, peaked at 3,200gns for 2016-born Myrtle 710 of Whitehill by Neilman, of Whitehill, which sold with a heifer calf at foot by Ben Lomond
Tamdhu and in calf to Trojan of Whitehill to Messrs Nixon, Carlisle.
The champion British Blue cross heifer, from David Mallon, Pallet Crag, which sold for £6,500 to Haig Murray, Gretna.
Pendle herd tops British Blues sale
l Heifers sell to 6,000gns at Skipton
MAIDEN heifers from Mark and Elaine Hartley’s Pendle herd, Roughlee, topped the sale of British Blues at Skipton.
The sale leader at 6,000gns was Pendle Talulah, by Greystones Noveltee, out of Pendle O Witchy, which was bought by Amy Mountain,
Silsden. Pendle Tickety-Boo, by Henlli Wishmaster out of Pendle Orchid, from the same home, sold for 5,500gns to Joe Crust, Spilsby.
The sale included a consignment of heifers from Alan and Graham Coates’ Greystone herd, Stainforth, which sold to 5,200gns for April 2022-born Greystones Scirocca by Newroddige Highflyer.
It sold in-calf to Auchenlay Ranger, to A. Watret, Annan.
Messrs Thompson, Yeovil, paid 3,000gns for Cannon Hall Gladys in the Cannon Hall Christmas Crackers sale.
Cannon Hall sale to 3,000gns high
LEADING the trade at 3,000gns at the Cannon Hall Christmas Crackers sale of Valais Blacknose and Dutch Spotted sheep on-farm near Barnsley was Cannon Hall Gladys.
The shearling gimmer by Drumhirk Decider out of Hill Top Esme, sold in-lamb to Back Tor Gunner, to Messrs Thompson, Yeovil.
Another shearling gimmer, Cannon Hall Gillian, in-lamb to the same sire, but by Lower Argoed Elite, made 2,000gns to Messrs Whiteford, Brampton.
At the same money was Cannon Hall Hail Mary, a ewe lamb by Craigdoo Flight Risk. The buyer was Messrs Pickup, Bolton, who also paid 1,900gns for Cannon Hall Hunky Dory, a ewe lamb by Tiptop Godspeed.
Valais Blacknose topped at 1,000gns for Cannon Hall Jo, a 2022born ewe by Highland Bertie, in-lamb to Cannon Hall Jack, which was knocked down to Redcarpet Valais, Shropshire.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Pendle Talulah, from Mark and Elaine Hartley, Roughlee, sold for 6,000gns to Amy Mountain, Silsden.
Making 5,000gns was Greystone Satin, an Almelay Ginola daughter, again in-calf to Auchenlay Ranger, which went to Henley Livestock, Tadcaster.
A pair of 2022-born Pendle Brucesired maiden heifers, Greystone Saver and Greystone Sapphire, made 4,200gns and 4,000gns respectively, both going to J. Cardwell, Doncaster. Another 2022-born heifer, Greystone Smiley, a Bandit Van Het
Lindeveld daughter, made 4,200gns. The only cow and calf entry, 2015born Greystone Arctic daughter, Greystone Korky, sold with an Auchenlay Ranger-sired bull calf, Greystone Ulay for 5,500gns to John Wood, Trawden.
AVERAGES
In-calf heifers, £4,340; maiden heifers, £4,083.
Auctioneers: CCM.
Western Wonders sell to 3,200gns
THE Western Wonders Suffolk sale at Monmouthshire Livestock Centre topped at 3,200gns for the pre-sale champion, a ewe lamb from Myfyr Evans’ Rhaeadr flock, Denbigh.
By Carony Cha-Ching out of a home-bred ewe, it sold to the judge, Gareth Jones, Haverfordwest.
Next, at 3,000gns, was the reserve champion, a ewe lamb, again from Myfyr Evans’ pen. By Carony ChaChing and out of a Lakeview dam, it sold to S. Elsworthy, Chulmleigh.
Gary M. Owen, Morris flock, Anglesey, sold to 2,200gns for a ewe lamb by Claycrop Colada which went to Harry Lyons, Congleton. Another lamb from the same pen by Morris Medellin, sold to Dafydd Jones, Llanon, at 2,000gns.
Topping the shearling ewes at 1,500gns was Ross Lawrence’s Roundacre flock, Winkleigh, with a Strathbogie Magic Mike daughter and in-lamb to Castleisle Blackadder, which caught the eye of R.D. Chesters, Herefordshire.
Older ewes topped at 1,000gns for the second prize ewe from Huw Thomas, Abergorlech, with a Seagrave Anniversary daughter, in-lamb to Bridgeview Beat Em Up, which sold to D.M. Griffiths, Swansea.
AVERAGES
21 flock ewes, £727.50; 43 shearling ewes, £808.99; 54 ewe lambs, £798.19. Auctioneers: J. Straker, Chadwick and Sons.
Suffolks peak at 5,000gns
THE show and sale of pedigree Suffolk females at Carlisle topped at 5,000gns for a shearling gimmer from Jimmy Douglas’ Cairness flock, Fraserburgh. By Bridgeview Belvenie out of a Clyda-bred dam and in-lamb to a Strathbogie ram, it sold to Messrs Moir, Fraserburgh.
Next, at 3,500gns, was the winning ewe lamb and overall champion from
Myfyr Evans’ Rhaeadr flock, Denbigh. By Carony Cha-Ching, out of a home-bred ewe by Ardlea Arbenning, it was knocked down to Messrs Lonsdale, Bishop Auckland.
Messrs Lewis, Narbeth, then paid 3,000gns for a shearling gimmer by Sportsmans Black Label out of a Strathbogie Peaky Blinder daughter, carrying twins to Jalex X Factor, from
Steven Buckley’s Sitlow flock, Buxton, and 1,800gns for another gimmer by the same sire, also in-lamb to X Factor from the same home. The winning shearling gimmer and reserve champion, a Salopian Solid Gold daughter out of a Strathbogie Ace sired dam, from T.J. and C.R. Boden’s Sportsmans flock, Stockport, sold for 2,200gns to Connell Farms, Lauder.
The pre-sale champion ewe lamb from Myfyr Evans, Denbigh, sold for 3,200gns to Gareth Jones, Haverfordwest.
Also making 1,800gns was the third prize winning ewe lamb, a Cairness Cooper daughter from John Gibb’s Cairnton flock, Fraserburgh, which went to Messrs Goldie, Kilmarnock
AVERAGES
1 aged ewe, £525; 50 shearling gimmers, £1,038.45; 21 empty ewe lambs, £742.26. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
With
Hexham and Northern Marts wins Auction Mart of the Year
Supported by In association with
It has been a combination of taking a progressive approach to providing great business opportunities, while also supporting the wider community, which has been instrumental in Hexham and Northern Mart’s Auction Mart of the Year Award success.
In some respects, the move to the current main mart site in Tyne Green spearheaded that focus on progress, relocating from the former Hexham town centre site which had been home since 1901.
Hexham and Northern Mart’s managing director Robert Addison says: “When we moved out of the centre of Hexham into the current purpose-built facility back in August 1995, we became an agri-hub before the term was even thought of, with many firms relocating with us.”
Today, the site’s modern facilities continue to provide a competitive professional service to local and national farming clients, alongside the two other centres within the business, Rothbury and Scots Gap auction marts.
While Rothbury focuses on furniture and antique sales, Scots Gap acts as a seasonal satellite mart, selling prime sheep from the end of June through to December.
At Hexham, the team of five full-time and two part-time auctioneers, headed up by Mr Addison, are supported by three full-time o ice and four full-time yard sta , with upwards of 20 part-time support sta on sales days.
Together they are drawing stock from a catchment area which stretches from Northumberland to Durham, across to Cumbria and up to the Scottish Borders.
Mr Addison says: “This attracts buyers from all over, with plenty of stock going east to the feeding centres of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
“For sheep, our consignments go all over the country, with a lot of stock heading down to the Midlands and the South West.
“The stock in this part of the world is rightly perceived to be of good quality, so it is very well sought after, geographically, anywhere.”
Commitment
Beyond the sales ring, a commitment to the wider community is very important to the mart. It was one of the first to introduce a Young Farmers’ Calf Wintering Competition, and certainly the first to introduce a show element to the initiative, remaining a popular feature with Young Farmers’ Club members.
Mart visitors have access to regular health checks, as well as advice and support from the likes of the Farming Community Network, while a friendly face can always be found in the mart cafe.
The exhibition hall and function suite is not only host to the Northern Farming Conference, but is also the venue for many other activities throughout the year, including popular car boot sales.
“We have a good team, and are fairly chu ed to have that recognised and endorsed with this award recognition. We took a full team down to the awards, but were all surprised to be named Auction Mart of the Year.
“We strive to provide as good a service as we can, as do all marts, and we are very pleased to have this recognition,” says Mr Addison.
Sta from Hexham and Northern Marts celebrate after winning Auction Mart of the Year. Pictured with presenter Vernon Kay (back) and Richard Webber, of sponsor Shearwell Data (far right).
Limousins sell to 6,000gns
l
Overall champion sold for 5,000gns
DYFRI Trooper, bred and exhibited by society president Aled Edwards, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, led the trade at 6,000gns at the British Limousin Cattle Society show and sale at Brecon.
The November 2022-born double F94L bull was out of the Fenomen daughter Dyfri Oasis and is the first bull to be offered for sale by the French National Show junior champion, Narko. The buyer was M.A. Lean and
Sons, Bridgend. Next, at 5,500gns, was the reserve overall and reserve senior champion, Woodmarsh Tank, a son of Aultside Meanmachine, with a F94L/NT821 myostatin pairing, from M. and J.C. Gould, Shrewsbury, which was knocked down to G. Jones, Brecon.
The overall and senior champion, Nealford UK, was the first of three bulls to be snapped up for 5,000gns. The March 2022-born bull by Loosebeare Nelson with a NT821/Q204X myostatin combination, which was from J.H. Neale and Son, Launceston,
Beef Shorthorns reach 4,200gns
HEIFERS from Andrew Thornber and Daughters’ Blackbrook herd, Barkisland, claimed both the top price and championship at the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society show and sale at Skipton.
The sale leader, at 4,200gns, was March 2023-born Blackbrook Lancaster Tilly by Millerston Roly and out of Highlee Luscious Ruby, which sold to Thomas Cheetham, Bothamsall. The champion from the same home was March 2023-born Blackbrook Phantasy Thora, a daughter of Highlee Phoenix out of Delphead Phantasy Nina. The buyer was Andrew Holgate, Rathmell, who took home five Beef Shorthorns.
The Thornbers also topped the cow and calf section at 3,900gns with three-year-old Blackbrook Waterloo Robyn by Muiresk Nevis, which sold with its Perseus of Upsall-sired bull calf, Blackbrook Vulcan, and in-calf
and sold to A.C. Simpson and Son, Bishop Auckland.
M.D. Pryce, Shrewsbury, also paid 5,000gns for homozygous polled and double F94L Deri Universe, an 18-month-old son of Romarin from T.B. Griffiths, Llangain, Carmarthenshire.
The final 5,000gns bull, also from Messrs Gould, was another with myostatin of F94L/F94L. It was the reserve junior champion Woodmarsh Umpire by Westpit Omaha, which
went to A.L. Davies and Son, Llangammarch Wells, Powys.
Females sold to 3,800gns for the champion, Rhiwllech Underwater by Petteril Ravello, from D.M. Howells, Port Talbot, which was knocked down to G. Morrison, Moray, Aberdeenshire.
THE 377 dairy cattle on offer at Exeter were in demand, with the dispersal of British Friesians on behalf of Nick and Shane Willis, Kennford, topping at 2,250gns for a second calver by Inch Dec. Heifers sold to 2,120gns, with sixth calving cows to 1,800gns.
C.B. Johns and Partners, Ivybridge, dispersed their 30-head Holstein Friesian herd, topping at 1,950gns for a fresh heifer. Fourth and fifth calving cows sold to 1,850gns.
Yarmleigh Farm, Crediton, sold the first consignment to disperse their cross-bred herd, with the dearest trade seen for some time. Top price was 2,150gns for a Jersey cross heifer. Cows sold to 2,020gns and 2,000gns twice.
Tiverton, made £1,900 and its monthold heifer sold for £650.
The annual production sale of 73 Ayrshires from the Hilltown herd of Messrs Nicholls, South Molton, topped at £2,050 for a fifth calver, Hilltown Star 616 VG85, with others to £2,000 for a second calver, Hilltown Tulip 105 VG85, and two more fifth calvers made £1,900. In-calf heifers sold to £1,600 for Hilltown Snowball 1149.
A.C. and D.C. Walters, Launceston, sold a consignment of mainly served heifers to £1,000 three times.
Other in-calf heifers saw organic Holstein Friesians from Mark Persey, Bradninch, top at £1,680.
again to Crichton Snoop Dogg, to L. Driver and Son, Oakenshaw.
In-calf heifers sold to 3,500gns twice, for Cutthorn Camilla’s Teal and Cutthorn Ruby’s Tempest, both Cairnsmore Phenomenal daughters in calf to Healind Sergeant and from Alistair Gibson, Burnopfield, Co Durham. They both sold to Mr Holgate, who also paid 2,600gns for July 2023-born Cutthorn Melody’s Tasmin, also by Phenomenal and from the same home.
Cows with calves peaked at 2,100gns for Emma Andrews, Holstead herd, Holmfirth, with an outfit bred by Chris Bellerby, Dale herd, Weeton, which sold to Michael Daggett, Wharfe herd, Hartlington.
AVERAGES Maiden heifers, £2,156; in-calf heifers, £2,332; heifers and calves, £2,905; cows with calves, £1,872. Auctioneers: CCM.
Pedigree Jerseys topped at £1,850 for a second calver, Whitenhill Esbentlys Losie GP83, from Whitenhill Jersey Partners, Umberleigh, who also sold heifers to £1,700 twice. Gareth Hutchings, Launceston, sold a Jersey heifer at £1,650 and an Ayrshire cross heifer at £1,600. A Brown Swiss heifer from G.C.B. Davis,
AVERAGES
Yarmleigh Farm – 38 Jersey cross-breds, £1,795; N.J. and S.J. Willis – 55 British Friesians, £1,654; Messrs Nicholls – 19 pedigree Ayrshires, £1,628; Whitenhill – 5 pedigree Jerseys, £1,690; C.B. Johns and Partners – 30 Holstein Friesians, £1,483. Auctioneers: Kivells.
Ruswarp suckled calves
AT Ruswarp’s show and sale of mainly five- to eight-month-old suckled calves, champion and reserve went to Tom Thompson, Lealholm. He topped the sale at £1,900 with his reserve champion, the winning Limousin cross steer, and his champion, the winning Limousin cross heifer, sold for £1,650.
Mr Thompson also had the second prize winning steer and heifer, which sold for £1,700 and £1,620 respectively. All four cattle went to Paul Blacker,
Goole. Young bulls sold to £1,500 for a Limousin from A. Barker, Wykeham.
Dyfri Trooper, a double F94L bull from Aled Edwards, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, which sold for 6,000gns to M.A. Lean and Sons, Bridgend.
Blackbrook Lancaster Tilly, from Andrew Thornber and Daughters, which sold for 4,200gns to Thomas Cheetham, Bothamsall.
and
● Female champion leads section at 6,500gns
AT the Farmers Guardian-supported show and sale of pedigree Salers at Castle Douglas, top price was 11,000gns for the junior champion, Rednock Tarzan Poll, an April 2023-born bull by Senateur out of Rednock Dandelion Poll from Gill and Malcolm Pye, Rednock Estate, Stirling, which sold to the Livesey family, Carnwath.
Next, at 7,500gns, was the male and overall reserve champion, Cuil Seattle, from Colin McClymont, Newton Stewart. The August 2022-born bull by Dranford Powerhouse and out of Cuil
Salers top at 11,000gns at Castle Douglas sale
Petal sold to R.A. Austin, Gatehouse of Fleet.
Rednock Estate sold Rednock Trojan Poll, an April 2023-born son of Rednock Oswald Poll for 6,200gns to Glenkiln Farms, Dumfries, and March 2023-born Rednock Toreador by Icare for 6,000gns to B. Lyburn, Perth.
The overall and female champion was Cleuchead Hope 1873, an April 2023-born heifer by Noble out of Cleuchead Hope 1356 from the Livesey family. It went on to top the female section at 6,500gns, selling to J. Martin and Sons, Swinlees, Ayrshire.
The Livesey family also sold Cleuchhead Carat 1908, a May 2023-born heifer by Essil Olly, for 3,800gns to K.M. and C.A.W. Gowthorpe, York.
The production draft from Judith and Patrick Boyd, Isle of Tiree, topped at 4,000gns for the November 2022born Icare daughter, Drumaglea Select, which sold to H. Limond, Kirkmichael, followed by 3,200gns for Drumaglea Sonsie, a December 2022-
To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow
born heifer by Django, which sold to James Morton and Sons, Melrose. Rigel Pedigree, Yarm, sold Rigel Vixen Poll, a March 2023-born heifer by Rigel Orlando for 2,600gns to A. Henry, Knockallan.
Leading the overall commercial trade at £2,900/head was Messrs Austin with four 24- to 26-month-old heifers in-calf to Drumaglea Perseus. The buyer was Ian Stark, Inchture, who bought four 24- to 26-monthold heifers at £2,700/head from the same home.
Bulling heifers topped at £2,400/ head for five from the Livesey family which went to R. and M. Dunlop, Girvan.
Fully Catalogued Sale from some of the Leading Herds in the Midlands and Surrounding Counties. A TREMENDOUS ENTRY already received from: Bradnop (5), Brundcliffe (3), Meldamar (4), Millhurst (4), Moreben, Rownall, Sternmoor, Tissington (4)
Incl a Pedigree Friesian Stock Bull (29mths), Limousin Stock Bull (19mths) & a Pedigree Aberdeen Angus Stock Bull (29mths)
TUESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2024 11AM
For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE
Forthcoming Dairy Sale
On behalf of DRK Agriculture, Smiths Green Farm, Lower Withington, Macclesfield 200 NZ FRIESIANS
Dispersal of the Entire Autumn Calving Herd. All Newly Calved, Cubicles & Herringbone. Bulk Sample 4.96%F 3.66%P cc167
TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2024
Store Cattle Sales
500
SATURDAY
6022 Store Lambs & Breeding Sheep
THIS SATURDAY
Leek Smithfield
Barnfields
Sunday 1st December
CRAVEN CHRISTMAS SHOW
Christmas Show of CALVES Entries & Enquiries to Kyle CHRISTMAS SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY CATTLE
Classes for Pedigree & Commercial In-Calf, In-Milk & Maiden Heifers
Welcoming new sponsor Genus ABS Inc. consignment of x10 pedigree bulling heifers from P Baul, Ravensgate herd £100 for vendor of Champion £100 for purchaser of top priced animal Entries by Tuesday 19th for catalogue
Entries & Enquiries to Sarah 07710 795585
Wednesday 27th November
Sale of STORE LAMBS & FEEDING EWES
(Entries close Monday 18th November) Working Sheep Dogs Wednesday 27th
31 Fully Broken, 18 Part Broken & 4 Unbroken Bidding commences 8am Monday 25th Nov & Bidding finishes from 5pm Wednesday 27th Nov
Primestock, Carcass, Cookery & Children’s Sections, Produce & Charity Auction Schedule Available Online
- 43 Heifer Calves Sell No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK QUALITY MILKERS
Quality milkers producing oceans of milk sell, all bred from herds with excellent health status. PREFIXES INCLUDE: Bankview, Barony, Berryholme, Bridgedale, Chapelhouse, Denmire, Drumtall, Espland, Feizor, Grosvenor, Holehouse, Holmeswood, Kepculloch, Killantrae, Kingcaird, Lesmay, Netherside, Nethervalley, Newtonmoss, Northhill, Parkend, Potstown, Rattrig, Stowbeck, Vetech, Wormanby.
BREEDERS CHOICE: Several elite pedigrees are included in this catalogue and include heifers from the; GAIL, VAAKJE, APPLE, FLO, LASENZA, BEAUJOLAIS, LILA Z, TIPPY, DANDY, BLACKBIRD families.
GROSVENOR FARMS are selling 60 special animals from their world leading dairy herd. This special group of 16 freshly calved milkers and 43 heifer calves (born Jan/Feb 2024) are all sired by the BEST sires in the breed and all come with impressive genomic indexes.
SRUC are selling 30 cows and heifers in milk. This includes 20 recently calved cows and 10 cows that are back in calf due in the Spring.
THREE NATIONS SHOW & SALE
89 SUFFOLK IN-LAMB FEMALES
Friday 22nd November
Show: 3.00pm Sale: 5.00pm
Comprising 70 shearling gimmers, 19 empty ewe lambs from some of the top flocks in the breed.
BEEF BREEDING CATTLE
Wednesday 27th November
Entries close Wednesday 20th November
DARK DIAMOND SUFFOLK SALE
Saturday 30th November
Christmas Shows and Sales of PRIME CATTLE & PRIME SHEEP
Monday 2nd December
CONTINENTAL INLAMB SHEEP
Friday 13th December
Entries close Friday 28th November
ONLINE SALE
GENETIC SELECTION SALE OF CATTLE & SHEEP SEMEN & EMBRYOS
Bidding starts
Wednesday 11th December finishing from Thursday 12th December
Entries close Wednesday 20th November.
ON SITE SALE
Dispersal sale of PLANT, MACHINERY, VEHICLES & WORKSHOP TOOLS
Friday 22nd November – 10.00am at Glendinning Groundworks, Walkerburn EH43 6DD
Live Auction Sale with Online Bidding via Marteye All buyers must register with Auctioneers prior to bidding
Entries include various Doosan Excavators & Buckets, Kubota Excavators & Buckets ; DAF XF Euro 6 Tractor Unit 2017; Case 125 Maxxum Tractor; Manitou Telehandler; Kane 14ton various trailers, Mitsubishi Pickups; Toyota Pro Ace Vans; 900L & 200L Fuel Cubes; Drainage & Groundworks Equipment; Site Office Portacabin with Kitchen; Workshop Machinery & Equipment; Storage Sheds; Fuel Tanks; Water filtration systems and equipment
All maintained to a high standard. Please note all lots to be removed from site by 30th November.
‘BIG BANG EXPORT SALE’ OF DUTCH SPOTTED, BADGER FACE TEXEL & SUFFOLK FEMALE SHEEP
Saturday 16th November – 12.00 noon
Online bidding available via MartEye
H&H GROUP PLC (H&H)
SALE OF 5832 SHARES OF £1 EACH IN H&H GROUP PLC BY AUCTION
Friday 29th November 2024 –
1.00 pm following the AGM
In Ring 1 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle
If you are unable to attend the auction, you can make alternative arrangements to purchase shares either by phone or by leaving commission bids with Margaret Irving on 01228 406334, 07912 485326 or margaret.irving@hhgroupplc.co.uk
Please note that copies of the Annual Report for the period to 30th June 2024 and Interim Report to 31st December 2023 are available on our website at http://hhgroupplc.co.uk/share-news/
Please note that only existing shareholders or restricted investors will be permitted to bid for these shares.
If you are Interested in purchasing shares you should contact Margaret Irving to establish whether you meet the eligibility criteria as a relevant investor under relevant legislation.
Investments in shares are for the long term. The value of your investment and the income derived from it can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. You should not invest unless you are prepared to lose the money you invest. Investment is high risk and you may not be protected if something goes wrong.
If you are in any doubt about purchasing shares, you should consult an independent financial advisor authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
This financial promotion has been approved by SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (“SAPL”) under s21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act. SAPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SAPL makes no recommendation as to the suitability of shares in H&H Group plc as an investment.
FGBuyandSell.com
Brockholes Arms
Auction Mart
Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH 01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk
Christmas Show & Sale of Prime Lambs & Prime Cattle
Wednesday 4th December, 2024
Christmas Show & Sale of OTM Cattle
Tuesday 10th December, 2024
Christmas Show of Store Cattle & Calves
Wednesday 18th December, 2024
Christmas Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle
See Website For Full Show Schedule www.garstangmart.co.uk
Saturday 16th November at 10.30am
Machinery & Sundries
Monday 18th November
Usual Sale of Fatstock
Friday 22nd November at 11am
Usual Sale of Breeding/Store
Cattle & Sheep Inc X-mas Dairy Show
Sponsored by I’Anson Bros, Masham
1900 Ordinary Auction Mart Shares to sell by Auction at 12 noon in the Main Ring
Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771
Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com
THE 95th MIDSHIRES PRODUCE AUCTION. Approx 6,000 Tonnes on Farms and Estates in the Central Midland Counties.
To include a comprehensive selection of HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE & SILAGE in all sizes, easily accessible to towns including Birmingham, Daventry, Kenilworth, Leicester, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Northampton, Rugby, Tamworth and Towcester.
Together with:
100 Tonnes Maize Silage at Church Lawford, Rugby. Plus: Hay, Straw & Logs for delivery.
Also included:
7 General Purpose Farm Buildings extending to 1,294m2 Approx. 89 acres of grazing, mowing and arable land for rent. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION ON Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 2.30pm. The buildings and land will not be sold before 4pm. Lutterworth Rugby Football Club, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4LW
(3 Miles from Junction 20 of the M1 Motorway) What3words: ///facelift.testing.prevented.
Catalogues & Information Tel: 01788 564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207 www.hawesmart.co.uk
Saturday 16th November
Christmas Show & Sale of 100 Store Cattle.
Beef Breeding Cattle & Cull Cows. Judging 9:30am. Sale 10.30am. Sponsored by Yorkshire Dales Accountancy (Hawes) & Wensleydale Vets
Tuesday 19th November 10am
2000 Prime Lambs
400 Cast Ewes & Rams
20 Calves at 10:30am
Friday 22nd November 10:30am
Catalogued Sale of 2000 Store Lambs
Tuesday 10th December
Christmas Show & Sale of Prime Lambs & Calves.
Kindly sponsored by Tophams, Hammonds
Butchers & Northern Fallen Stock Limited
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday 28th June 2025
Hoghton View Pedigree Hereford Herd
10 Year Anniversary Sale on Farm
Ian Atkinson 07957 256337
Kenton Foster 07711 469280.
Tuesday 19th November at 10.30am 40-50 Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle 175 SUCKLED CALVES followed by 550 STIRKS, YOUNG STORES & FEEDING BULLS
Wednesday 20th November 10.30am Christmas Show & Sale of 50-75 DAIRY CATTLE Inc. 6 Ped. In Calf Heifers Pedigree & Non-pedigree classes- £285 cash prizes 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves Inc. 10 4mo Hereford x Weanlings
2.30pm 2500 Cast Ewes and 3000 Prime Lambs
Saturday 23rd November at 10.30am (Moved to Bentham Auction for convenience) DISPERSAL SALE OF FARM
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
On Behalf of F & ML Lee & Son, Oak Head Bank Izuzu D-Max Pickup, 2017, 11month MOT, 68,000miles 5 Tractors Viz. MF5711 Dyna 4 4wd Tractor, 2021 – 557hrs MF390 4wd Tractor, Shuttle Box, L reg (1994) – 5311hrs c/w Chilton Loader, MF135 2wd Tractor (1972), JCB 4tonne Digger (2006) c/w 3 Buckets, Mustang 2044 Skid-Steer, 2016, 836hrs Quad Bike Honda TRX420 FE1 (2300hrs/17,000km) Farm Machinery Viz. Graham Edwards GP84D Twin Axle Calf/Sheep Trailer, Ifor Williams 12ft Twin Axle Trailer c/w Sheep Decks, 2x Sheep & 1x Cattle Dividing Gates., Fleming MS700 Muck Spreader (2022), Claas Mower Conditioner 9ft (2019), Vicon Fanex 523 Tedder, Claas Liner 390s Rake, MF15 Conventional Baler, PZ300 Haybob, MF40 Disc Mower, Abbey 1100gal Slurry Tanker, 9ft Field Roller, Mobile Milk Bulk Tank, Ritchie Yard Scraper, Vicon/MF Single Spinner Fert Spreader, TFM ATV Trailer, Single Axle Tipping Trailer, Chain Harrows, TF Tipping Trailer c/w Silage Sides, Browns Woodworker PTO Saw Bench, 3point linkage Rear Bale Spike, Transport Box, British Lely Bale Chopper, Hardi 300l Sprayer, Parameter Post Knocker, Colman Electric Elevator, Slewtic Loader Bucket, Muck Fork on Chilton Brackets, Belle Electric Cement Mixer, Petrol Generator Livestock Equipment & Sundries Viz. Cattle Crush, IAE Lamb Scales, Metal Lamb Adopter, Lista Nova Clipping Machine c/w Hand Piece, Alley Ladders, Qty Cattle Feed Troughs, Qty Bale Ring Feeders, Qty Sheep Hay Racks,Qty Hanging Sheep Troughs, 2x Solway Recycling Bins, Qty Railway Sleepers & Timber, Electric Fence Energisers, Qty Fence Posts, Strainers & Wire, Qty Drain & Service Pipe, 150approx 6inch Clay Tiles, Qty Stone Flags, Wilson Saw Bench, Wood Plaining Machine, Keruing Timber for Trailer Flooring, Qty 2024 Big Bale Silage By Permission Set of Pens to hold 100 sheep, 6x Walk Through Troughs, 3x Free Standing Barriers, 2x Bale Feeders, 2x Portequip Calf Feeders Photos & Schedule Online
Further Entries Invited by Permission
Tuesday 26th November Fortnightly Sale of Store Lambs
GISBURN AUCTION MARTS
Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents
Rachel Capstick 07713 075659 Jack Pickup 07710 708326
Eleanor O’Neill 07706 347505
Saturday 16th November
9:30am Weekly CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS
10am 50 BREEDING CATTLE, 3 FEEDING
CATTLE, 29 YOUNG BULLS followed by, 228 STORE CATTLE
Thursday 21st November
10:30am REARING CALVES
10:30am PRIME CATTLE followed by CULL CATTLE
11:00am SEMEX UK & WE JAMESON FEEDS SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY Entries to Eleanor by Mon 12pm
Saturday 23rd November
9:30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS
10:30am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE
12:30pm STORE LAMBS CHRISTMAS SHOW best pens
10 Cont/Native Entries to the office by Tues 19th Nov, 12noon
Thursday 28th November
10:30am REARING CALVES
Show 9:15 – Sale 10:30am XMAS PRIME STOCK all cattle penned by 8:45am - all cattle must be haltered CLASSES: (1) Continental Bull (2) Native Bull (3) Continental Steer (4) Continental Heifer (5)Traditional Heifer/Steer (6) Best animal purchased through Gisburn Auction (7) Best exhibitor bred Steer/Heifer (8)Young Farmer under 26yo
11.30am CULL CATTLE
11:00am WEEKLY DAIRY – Entries to Eleanor 12:30am STIRKS inc CHRISTMAS SHOW & SALE
PATELEY BRIDGE AUCTION MART
SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
CHRISTMAS PRIZE
SHOW & SALE OF OTM CATTLE
FEEDING BULLS & STORE CATTLE Sale at 11am
SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
CHRISTMAS PRIZE
SHOW & SALE OF PRIME CATTLE, PRIME LAMBS & YOUNG HANDLERS LAMBS Sale at 11.30am
(Entries close Saturday 23rd November) ST JOHNS CHAPEL AUCTION MART
TOMORROW SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
SALE OF 1400 STORE LAMBS Sale at 11am BROUGHTON AUCTION MART
MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2024
CHRISTMAS PRIZE
SHOW & SALE OF STORE CATTLE PRIME CATTLE & PRIME LAMBS & YOUNG HANDLERS LAMBS (also, sale of store lambs) Judging 4.30pm - Sale 6pm Entries close Tuesday 26th November For catalogues for all the above sales
...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
WEDNESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
Dedicated Slaughter Market
350 Prime Cattle 500 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am
Christmas tree sales now every Wednesday, 8000 last week
info@ashleywaller.co.uk
www.ashleywaller.co.uk
www.easyliveauction.com
FESTIVE SHOW DATES
Thurs 28th Nov STIRKS
Sat 30th Nov STORE CATTLE
Sat 7th Dec PRIME LAMBS
Wed 11th Dec Annual Christmas Carol Service
Thurs 5th Dec CALVES, MASSEY DAIRY, CAST CATTLE
Sat 14th Dec CAST EWES, Charity Lamb & YH Lamb show
Thurs 19th Dec SEMEX & JAMESON DAIRY
Sat 21st Dec FESTIVE DREESED & LL POULTRY SALE
CHRISTMAS SALES CALENDAR ONLINE NOW! Last chance 24-25 Young Handlers buying is 30th Nov!
SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc 15 Lim/Charx bulls,8-9mo,D Swinglehurst
Breeding & Store Sheep & Goats
Breeding & Store Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am
*ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CURRENT BLUE TONGUE RESTRICTIONS*
TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER
CHRISTMAS PRIME CATTLE SHOW & FAIR
Show of Prime Cattle, Pork Pie, Sausage & Cake Competitions
Contact Office for Details
MART OFFICE: 01757 703347
Machinery & Trade Stands, Live Music, Bar, Food, Visit from Santa and much more Everyone Welcome
RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk
Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347
RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk
Irish Charolais Cattle Society
NOVEMBER 2024
87 Bulls Catalogued
• All animals are export tested
• All animals are Genotyped, Myostatin tested & Pre-sale inspected
• All bulls are fertility tested
• All animals sold in Euros
• The Charolais Society will give €250 back to the purchasers of the first 20 bulls to sell for over €4,500 in the ring at this sale.
• Free Transport available to the UK Mainland following the quarantine period after the sale.
• Online bidding available through Mart Bids.ie
• €100 paid towards transport costs to Northern Ireland or free transport can be arranged Catalogues available at www.charolais.ie – ELPHIN MART –SATURDAY 30TH
Irish Charolais Cattle Society Unit 2, St Johns Court, St Johns Grove, Johnstown, Co Kildare W91 V38Y
Climax Industrial masted forklift, Grain bucket to suit industrial forklift, GP Bucket Sanderson brackets; Sprayer: SAM Sprayers 24m self-propelled sprayer (80); Trailers: AS Marston F10 10t grain (81), Pettit 7t dropside
rev. plough, Bomford twin leg subsoiler, trailed mole plough, David Brown 3f conventional plough, Dowdeswell DP1 6f rev. plough, Cousins V Form 7 leg, Simba X-Press with ST Bar (06), RECO-Maschio 4m power harrow, KRM Maxi-drill 4m, Triton 3m fixed tine drill with Weaving tank (20), Cousins Sidewinder 9.4m Cambridge rolls, Sulky DPX24 fertiliser spreader (07); Misc Equipment & Spares: Trimble EZ Guide guidance system, 24ft container, various vintage tools and equipment etc.
Brand new website
Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
VI Chair
The Voluntary Initiative (VI) seeks a new independent Chair to promote the responsible use of plant protection products (PPPs) through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-based approach.
LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES
We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:-
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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.
Web: www.lklservices.co.uk Tel: 01722 323546
The Chair will champion the responsible use of PPPs and act as a brand ambassador for the VI. They will be expected to lead and develop VI strategy in conjunction with the VI Strategy Group and engage with Government Ministers, regulators and other stakeholders to promote the aims of the VI.
The successful applicant will have an excellent understanding of agriculture in the UK and a desire to contribute to continued sustainable food and feed production. They will also be aware of the issues surrounding PPPs and the potential impacts of their use on the wider environment.
Able to think strategically, the Chair will need to be an excellent networker and experienced communicator.
Ideally the successful candidate will have experience of managing corporate/strategic change.
Experience of business and people management would also be advantageous.
The role, which is Government supported, requires approx. 3 days per month with some flexibility needed, and will be paid at an agreed rate.
Further details and job description can be found via the QR code below:
Please apply with a CV and covering letter to info@voluntaryinitiative.org.uk by 18.00 Friday 22nd November 2024. Interviews will be held in early December 2024.
Trainee Official Auxiliaries: North of England East of England Wales and West of England
Qualified Official Auxiliaries: East of England Wales and West of England
Apply now Scottish Agronomy Ltd AGRONOMIST
Due to ongoing business development, Scottish Agronomy is seeking an additional Agronomist to join our team on a permanent basis. The role can be adapted to reflect the experience of the individual. They could be an established adviser with a track-record of on-farm service. We are seeking candidates who have an aptitude for arable agronomy and agri-environmental management, a positive attitude, an inquisitive nature, a willingness to learn and enjoy contributing as part of a team. This role can be modified depending on candidate experience. This role can be adapted depending on candidate experience and the location is flexible within Scotland. We will consider applications from those wanting to start their career.
Remuneration packages will reflect experience.
Benefits: Enhanced Pension, Death in Service, Private Medical, Life Assurance & Vehicle
Contract Type: Full, Permanent, Average Hours 42 per week
Starting Date: January 2025
Reporting To: Senior Agronomist For more information or to apply, head to
FGBuyandSell.com
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2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.2T Ice Builder suitable for 14/15,000 Ltrs every other day
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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
Beltex X Texel X Charollais Shearling Rams
Excellent conformation, tight skins, ready for work. Heptavac P. Naturally Reared, no corn
Contact Mr Brocklehurst on 07764 196462 or 01260 223338
TEXEL SHEARLING TUPS
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We are the best weekly title at farms of all sizes in the 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
Has a selection of working bulls and bulling heifers for sale From a closed herd. Easy Calving. Telephone: 01978 780368 or 07986 113221 Wrexham (P)
Tested free of Johnes, BVD, IBR, Lepto, TB 4 Semen Tested, Performance recorded Nationwide Delivery Available Kurt – 07715 448366 Richard - 07816 173689 Lancs (P)
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.
PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULLS
Easy Calving, Good temperament. Johnes & BVD accredited, lepto vaccinated. Ready for work, Herd never had TB. Also pedigree bulling heifers available
We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print.
Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received.
Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.
Property Landscape Now is the time for unity in our industry
Attending a rally is a sign of solidarity
Farming and the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) are certainly front and centre in the media. From the tabloid press to social media channels, much is being written about the recent Labour policy and the impact on family farms.
The rallies that are proposed for November 19 are a time when the industry should be coming together to show solidarity. The NFU rally has a place, in my opinion, as does the coming together of farmers who may not be NFU members but who are equally affected by the change.
While the impact on family farms will be significant, the uncertainty that this is creating in the industry has a knock-on effect to all those involved in the agricultural community, whether that is the feed suppliers, agricultural merchants, farm building construction firms, auctioneers, land agents, solicitors and so forth. We all have a duty to support our rural client base in a time of need and to provide a united front.
As well as the rally, those involved in agriculture should take the time and trouble to write to their MP. There are various template letters circulating social media channels and these provide a good base, but I would urge all farmers to personalise them with the particular impact for their farm or their families. In my experience, all farms are different, all family farms have different structures, and the impact can be varied.
That said, currently the Finance Act has not been approved, so there is still time for changes to be made. Equally, the current proposals are that it does not take effect until 2026, which allows for planning.
Farmers are traditional and do not like to see change. Some of us involved in advising the agricultural community can remember the days pre-1995 when APR did not exist in the current format. This led to many plans to reduce values and change farming structures, but remember, tax is only one element. If you get your planning right you
may have made a substantial saving, but equally, if you get it wrong, and some unexpected event takes place with people dying in the wrong order or, dare I say it, divorce, the cost can be substantial. Divorce can, in some cases, lead to a tax of 50% which is far higher than the 20% APR tax rate.
Rostons recently held a seminar for farmers on the implications of the Budget and the Trump regime in America. We looked at what this is going to mean for the wider economy with factors such as interest rates, and what our clients should be doing to plan for the changes to APR if they get approved.
While in this short article I cannot hope to explain what was covered in an hour-long seminar, the overriding issue was that we currently have time to plan and, often, the best solutions are simple and can be achieved with sensible planning.
Your next actions should be:
■ Attend the rallies on November 19 and/or write to your MP.
■ Review your business structures, land ownership and associated values, and start to plan what steps are necessary to protect your ultimate Inheritance Tax position.
■ Finally, keep concentrating on what you can control and do not lose sight of what your business requires to continue to trade in a profitable manner while you plan around that. If your business is running profitably, borrowing is always an option.
Tony Rimmer is a director at Rostons. Call 01829 773 000, or email tonyrimmer@rostons.co.uk
A traditional livestock rearing farm incl a farmhouse, traditional and modern farm buildings set in 60 Acres There are approx 55 acres of farmable grassland
Initial 10 Year Farm Business Tenancy commencing on 1 February 2025 subject to contract
Open Viewing Dates
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Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 1pm to 2pm
Informal Tenders deadline 12noon on 11 December 2024
For further details visit www.shpvaluers.co.uk
Contact: Adam Pickervance MRICS adamp@shpvaluers.co.uk
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Pennant Finance is a broker not a lender and is independent with access to the whole of market.
Pennant Finance (FCA Number 955468) is an Appointed Representative of Watts Commercial Finance Ltd. (FCA Number 718058) which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.
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Machinery
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com
Increasing sophistication has made utility vehicles more comfortable and capable in recent years, and Bedfordshire farmer Guy Owen is certainly appreciating the progression in his new Can-Am Traxter 9HD.
Guy runs Beancroft Farm, near Marston Moretaine, with his brother. They are the third generation of their family to do so, and have 166 hectares in-hand with another 166ha as part of a share farming agreement.
A former cattle enterprise has been diversified into business units, leaving the brothers to manage the arable side and a farm shoot.
Guy says: “I have had a couple of Polaris 570s in the past which were good machines, but I saw the Can-Am with my local dealer, MKM Agriculture, and thought it was worth a look.
Powerful
“It is a more powerful machine at 976cc and, as these vehicles have become more refined, prices have gone up, making it a larger investment.”
Purchase price was a factor in the type of engine chosen, with the petrol Traxter HD9 coming in a bit cheaper than the diesel equivalent (although Can-Am does not offer a diesel engine in this range).
Utility vehicles were always noisy and basic, but as they are used on an increasing number of farms, more refined versions are entering the market. Jane Carley hears how a Can-Am Traxter is fitting in.
Trading up to a Can-Am Traxter
The Rotax V-Twin puts out a hefty 65hp driving through CanAm’s Pro-Torq continuously variable transmission.
Guy says: “We have a petrol station virtually next door, so fuelling is not a problem, and it is also much quicker than a diesel – although I never reach the 65mph it is capable of.
“Lower cab noise is another big plus – it is less tiring over a long working day and you can have a conversation with a passenger if you need to.”
Going up in power has practical advantages around the shoot, with the Traxter capable of pulling a gun trailer and a bowser with ease.
The larger chassis also makes for a comfortable cab, with a threeseater layout.
Guy says: “It would be a squeeze with three, but there is plenty of room for two, plus a large amount of storage and space for the dogs.
“There is a heater fitted to demist the windscreen, but the heat from the engine also helps to keep the cab warm. At the other end of the scale, I can tip the screen on a hot day.”
Cab access is one of the few areas to come under criticism, with the door hinges having a retaining cable rather than a gas strut.
Guy says: “The doors swing open or shut too easily. If the door latches are triggered accidentally, the doors could swing right open when the vehicle is moving.
“I have fabricated some guards
to stop my dogs catching them as I am driving along.”
Guy says that despite it being a larger vehicle than its predecessors, there are no issues with access for the Traxter to rides or spinneys. He says: “It is very manoeuvrable and the electronic power steering is excellent. It also has diff locks all round, so keeps going well in the wet.
Benefit
“One benefit of the strong Bedfordshire clays is that they do not tend to rut, but if it gets really deep I do have an old 250cc quad I can use.”
Maxxis Coronado tyres on 14inch cast aluminum wheels are standard specification, paired with double A-arm and TTA suspension and 280mm travel, offering comfort and a steadier ride on difficult ground.
Continues over the page
Guy Owen regards the Traxter as an invaluable runabout on-farm.
Guy Owen picked up a second-hand back for the vehicle and modified it to fit, keeping equipment and feed dry.
Guy Owen is enjoying increased comfort and sophistication from a Can-Am Traxter HD9 utility vehicle.
Machinery ATVs & UTVs
Electronic power steering makes the Traxter highly
Winter is when the Traxter really comes into its own, Guy says, allowing him to travel cross-country around the ring-fenced farm, rather than using the roads, to access hedging and ditching jobs.
The 2,041kg winch came as standard and has been used for pulling fallen trees out of ditches.
Guy has fitted a second-hand TFM load bay cover, sourced from MKM.
Saving
He says: “You do need a back to keep everything dry; it took a bit of modifying, but offered a good saving over new.”
The manual tip bed gives good access to the engine for maintenance; air filters are at the front under the bonnet.
manoeuvrable.
Where water and mud get in, they need to be able out get out again, and Guy says there are fewer
You do need a back to keep everything dry; it took a bit of modifying, but offered a good saving over new
GUY OWEN
nooks and crannies to wash out than on some machines. He says that operationally, the Traxter is very straightforward, with a choice of drive modes and a good digital display which is easier
to use than the old analogue dials he is used to.
“I have since looked at a budget priced side by side and they do just lack that level of equipment. We specified full road homologation
Even with the truck top in place, the bed lifts easily for access to the engine.
There is more storage under the seat, as well as in the centre armrest.
Generous travel and double A-arm suspension help when the going gets rough, and 14-inch wheels and Maxxis Coronado tyres are standard.
and I have since had indicator buzzers added as they are not self-cancelling and do not ‘tick’, so it is easy to leave them on.”
Another modification has been to add a USB socket to power appli-
ances rather than use unreliable 12-volt adaptors.
Road performance is praised –Guy has to cross the A421 and travel on its downgraded forerunner and he says that the extra
speed is useful to avoid delaying motorists.
He has added a rear view mirror as it is easy for the wing mirrors to get pushed out of place when working among trees.
He says: “It looks quite economical so far, achieving 22mpg.” Guy aims to keep a utility vehicle five or six years and says that choosing a higher spec machine should help with residual values.
A more refined interior includes a digital display and stacks of storage, including a removable toolbox.
Guy Owen has fitted a rear view mirror for extra road safety should a wing mirror get knocked out of position.
Machinery Conference
Hosted at the Rothamsted Research Centre, the Institute of Agricultural Engineers’ annual Landwards conference brought together a range of industry specialists, posing the question: ‘What do we want from agricultural engineers?’ James Huyton reports.
Agriculture has faced some challenging headwinds in recent years, with inclement weather, economics and a turbulent political backdrop to boot.
So, how can the industry progress and stride forward to meet the demands of more food from less land mass, in a more sustainable way, with a lack of skilled labour?
Speaking at the conference, Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer at the Food and Drink Federation, said: “The food and drink sector is smaller than pre-Covid-19. Food needs calling out as a priority, as it did not fall into the Government’s top five areas for growth.
“The industry needs investment to meet future challenges.”
Smart engineering solutions and robotics have the potential to meet many of the challenges faced, but investment is needed to make viable cost-effective solutions.
Mrs Halliwell said: “We can go faster alone, but further together.”
The UK’s exit from the European Union has not been without its challenges, but with the right outlook, Mrs Halliwell said, we could go faster alone with genetic engineering.
She said: “But how we gain the investment for those changes is a challenge. We need a grown-up conversation on how much consumers are charged for food.”
Engineering has been a key driver for progressing agricultural efficiencies and boosting productivity for
Ag engineering is a solution for the future
decades. But how will engineers help take the industry forward when met with some of the most challenging times of a generation?
Jelte Wiersma, secretary general of CEMA, said: “If you can bring knowledge together, you can really move forward. Manufacturers require plenty of affordable clean energy.”
Component shortages, energy prices and raw material price spikes have been real drivers in machinery cost increases in recent years, but what industry changes can be made to ensure it is competitive in the future?
Forefront
European agricultural engineering has been at the forefront globally for many years, often outweighing American innovation in many cases, said Mr Wiersma.
“Farmers need direction, with technology and mechanical innovation at the centre of that. Solutions to problems are often far beyond the imagination of what policy and lawmakers feel can be achieved.”
Ultimately, the industry needs to be at the table with policymakers providing productive solutions, alongside
predicting and being ahead of the curve.
Mr Wiersma said: “Data collection has been a real driver in aiding farmers to make informed decisions, and artificial intelligence offers more promise for the future.”
Digestibility
But that data has to be accessible and digestible to farmers – one of the biggest industry fears is often who owns the data and who can access that information.
In a tight marketplace, farmers need to constantly look at ways to add value to their commodity, get a handle on data, and putting a value to it is imperative.
Kieran Walsh, agronomist at Grounded Agvice, said: “I advise all my growers not to give their data away and charge firms for access.”
One of the biggest challenges farmers face is how they interpret such data collected without OEM software to deliver it in an understandable format.
James Price, partner at Perdiswell Farm, said: “Software compatibility can be one of the biggest challenges of managing data on-farm.
“Manufacturers and software engineers need to do more to make it easier to manage data.”
The idea that job sheets drawn up in the farm office or from the agronomist can be seamlessly transferred to the operator is not always the case, said Mr Walsh.
IsoBus was developed as a joint project to ensure implements could be seamlessly transferred and operated across all brands. This is yet to become the case with data management.
The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) is a non-profit organisation founded to improve cross-manufacturer compatibility in agricultural equipment.
Mr Wiersma said: “The AEF is working towards aligning data platforms between manufacturers, but it is a real challenge with multiple different systems already operating in the market.”
Particularly in the arable sector, the growing season can be fast-paced
James Price, Perdiswell Farm, commented on how real-time operational information has transformed how he allocates cost to the business and makes decisions with yield mapping, but more collaboration across the sector is needed to enable mixed fleet users to record data on the same platform.
and collecting and processing data can cause bottlenecks in the system.
Even if farmers and agronomists are collecting plant material and sending it for analysis, it can often be too late when results return to take action.
Mr Walsh said: “I want to see faster ways of measuring crop disease pressures and nutrient efficiency in the field.”
Mr Price added: “Yield mapping has become the most important task of the year on our farm. You cannot go back and recombine a field once it is cut.”
The information gathered from Mr Price’s yield mapping goes into much of next year’s planning.
Mr Price posed the challenge to the room of engineers of both improving the safety and security of GPS
receivers and delivering a solution to direct injection with chemical application. But solutions have to be accessible and affordable.
Claire Morgan-Davies, livestock scientist at SRUC, said: “Low uptake of technology in the sheep sector remains an issue.
“Research carried out in 2019 showed 62% of European sheep farms did not have any technology, such as EID readers or management software. Yet 60% of the farms surveyed considered EID as an opportunity for the business.”
As with the arable sector, livestock shares the same issues around cross-compatibility of data collection tools and management software.
Mrs Morgan-Davies said: “Often
technology and solutions exist for the livestock system, but issues remain. We need solutions from engineers which are available, affordable and accessible.”
Often the biggest issue can be access to both electricity and phone signal in remote areas, with the lack of 4G signal an issue in transmitting realtime data, said Mrs Morgan-Davies.
Value
Jake Pickering, senior agricultural manager at Waitrose and Partners, said: “Consumers want value from agriculture. When they look at packaging in the supermarket, they want to feel they are doing the right thing.”
The more technology can build a connection to prove the benefits of
the industry in the UK, the better, Mr Pickering added.
“As a responsible retailer, we have to make food production profitable for farmers. Investment is not viable in a boom or bust industry.
“The more we can do to provide real-time data in the supply chain, the better.”
Dr Mark Moore, president of the Institute of Agricultural Engineers, said: “It has never been a more exciting time to be an agricultural engineer. We need to work across various sectors to help provide sustainable food security.
“But we cannot always contain work in the silos we have done before. The industry has to have a desire to talk to people outside each sector and collaborate.
“Stakeholders often look to engineers to answer the questions, but we are not always brought to the table, as the value we bring is not always recognised.
“The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations claims we will need to produce 60% more food by 2050.”
Technological development will play a major role in achieving this aim.
Kieran Walsh highlighted how the industry was still fragmented when it comes to data collection.
Technological development offers real potential in adding efficiency to the industry, but it was concurred it has to be affordable, accessible and user-friendly.
Dr Mark Moore, president of the Institute of Agricultural Engineers.
Left to right: James Price, Jake Pickering, Kate Halliwell, Claire Morgan-Davies and Jelte Wiersma.
Livestock
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786
With more than 370 calves entered at the 14th Stars of the Future calf show, it was another successful year for the Stirling event. Katie Fallon reports.
l Aberdeen-Angus takes championship
IT was the East Sussex-based husband and wife team of Jason and Sarah Wareham who judged the inter-breed championships at this year’s Stars of the Future event, supported by Farmers Guardian and held at United Auctions, Stirling.
In the native inter-breed section, Mrs Wareham chose the senior Aberdeen-Angus champion, Foxhill Princess Carina Z178, from Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton, Devon, as her champion.
The home-bred heifer was calf champion at this year’s National Aberdeen-Angus Show at Kelso and placed yearling champion at Borderway Agri Expo earlier this month.
Reserve
Reserve senior native champion was the senior any other breed champion, Rogan Katie 3, a Galloway heifer from Dexter and Carolyn Logan, Alva.
The November 2023-born heifer was reserve any other breed champion at Kinross Show this summer and forms part of the couple’s herd of five Galloway females.
The junior native inter-breed champion was another AberdeenAngus heifer from Michael and Melanie Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265.
It was only the third time out for the January 2024-born heifer, which also placed junior female champion at Agri Expo and native inter-breed and reserve overall champion at Agrifest South West.
Reserve junior native champion was the junior Beef Shorthorn cham-
Quality on show at Stars of the Future
pion, Meonside Volantis, a January 2024-born home-bred bull from Tom Bradley Farmer, Dumfries.
On selecting her senior and junior champions, Mrs Wareham said: “I just could not get past them, especially the junior champion.”
In the senior continental interbreed section, Mr Wareham chose the senior commercial champion Shaboozey, a Limousin cross heifer from the Vance family, Newton Stewart, as his champion.
Out of Too Glam To Give A Damn, a Limousin cross cow, which previously placed reserve heifer champion at LiveScot, it was reserve commercial champion at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show and commercial champion at Wigtown Show.
Reserve senior continental champion was the senior British Blue champion, Solway View Taffy, from Kevin Watret, Annan.
Brought out by Ali Jackson, the Boheard Overdose daughter was
inter-breed and British Blue champion at this year’s Agri Expo.
Claiming the top spot in the junior continental inter-breed was the junior Charolais champion, Huttonend Veda, from Sean Mitchell, Skelton.
Only its first time out, the January 2024-born heifer is the first calf to be registered in the UK by the Irish sire Clenagh Jasper 2.
Standing reserve was the junior commercial champion Black Pearl, a Limousin cross heifer from John Smith Jackson, Haltwhistle.
Brought out by Jennifer Hyslop, the April 2024-born heifer was baby beef champion at Darlington’s North East Live event last month.
Memorial award
Winning the Joe Watson Memorial award for the best pair of animals owned by the same exhibitor were the native pair champions from Robert and Dianne Bradley, Bradford, with their Highland bull and heifer, Maverick Of Moorside and Bonnie Melody Of Moorside.
In the continental pairs championship, it was a Limousin bull and heifer, Graham’s Upbeat and Graham’s Umandy, from Robert Graham’s herd, Bridge of Allan, which claimed the winning ticket.
Taking the top spot in the new team of three competition and awarded the Prince of Wales Royal
Aberdeen-Angus senior and native senior inter-breed champion, Foxhill Princess Carina Z178, from Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon.
Aberdeen-Angus junior and native junior inter-breed champion, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265, from Michael and Melanie Alford.
Commercial senior and continental senior champion, Shaboozey, from the Vance family, Newton Stewart.
Stars of the Future Livestock
Charolais junior and junior continental inter-breed champion, Huttonend Veda, from Sean Mitchell, Skelton.
Smithfield Club Trophy was the British Blue breed. The winning trio included the reserve senior continental inter-breed champion, Solway View Taffy, from Kevin Watret; Coul Blue Tequila, a heifer from Coul Estate, Laggan; and Clifftown Up To No Good, a bull calf from Dylan Townend, Malton.
The Charolais breed stood reserve.
Overall young handler, which was judged by Jason and Sarah Wareham on the evening prior to the calf show, was Jim Goldie of the Newbiemains herd, Annan, who led the junior section with an August 2023-born bull, Newbiemains Priceless.
Results Beef
Inter-breed continental (Judge, J. Wareham, East Sussex) Senior supreme, A. and E. Vance, Shaboozey (commercial); senior reserve, K. Watret, Solway View Taffy (British Blue); junior sup., S. Mitchell, Huttonend Veda (Charolais); res., J. Smith Jackson, Black Pearl (commercial).
Inter-breed native (S. Wareham, East Sussex) Senior sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Carina Z178 (Aberdeen-Angus); senior res., D. and C. Logan, Rogan Katie 3 (Galloway); junior sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265 (Aberdeen-Angus); junior res., D. and T. Bradley Farmer, Meonside Volantis (Beef Shorthorn). Aberdeen-Angus (A. Cormack, Fife) Senior sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Carina Z178; senior res., R. and R. Anderson, Andersons Elsa Z320; junior sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265; junior res., G. Gray, Ettrick Belle A350.
Beef Shorthorn (B. Birch, Staffordshire) Senior
sup., B. and J. Landers and Son, Cairnsmore Trigger; senior res., B.R. Wear, Redhill Taunton; junior sup., D. and T. Bradley Farmer, Meonside Volantis; junior res., R. Taylor, Strathendrick Aphrodite.
British Blue (A. Price, Maidstone) Senior sup., K. Watret, Solway View Taffy; senior res., D.S. Townend, Clifftown That’s My Girl; junior sup., H. Jewitt, Sunnybank U Beauty; junior res., D.S. Townend, Clifftown Up To No Good. Charolais (D. Connolly, Ballynahinch) Senior sup., AJR Farms, Newlogie Uroyaleclipse; senior res., R. McNeill, Douneside Umbro; junior sup., S. Mitchell, Huttonend Veda; junior res., A. Hornall, Falleninch Valderrama.
Commercial (K. Ludgate, Bedfordshire) Senior sup., A. and E. Vance, Shaboozey; res., A. Ireland, Duffers; junior sup., J. Smith Jackson, Black Pearl; junior res., J. Nisbet, Stardust. Hereford (M. Birch, Staffordshire) Senior sup., J.M. Cant and Partners, Panmure 1 Plum B2; senior res., G. and S. Harvey, Harveybros 1 Boabby-theBarman; junior sup., I. Skea, Bennachie 1 Boss;
junior res., D. Holmes, Back O Hill Bengal. Highland (S. Hunter, Lanarkshire) Senior sup., R. and D. Bradley, Bonnie Melody Of Moorside; Senior res., R.D. Schuster Fold, Ben Cruachan 4th Of Castles Estates; junior sup., Glasgow City Council, Alistair Of Pollock; junior res., Brindle Point Croft, Eilidh Of Brindle Point Croft. Limousin (W. Smith, County Meath) Senior sup., A. and J. Gammie, Westpit Uist; senior res., R. and N. Barclay, Harestone Upperclass; Junior sup., S. and T. Illingworth, Glenrick Vesuvius; junior res., R. and J. Graham, Graham’s Violet.
Simmental (J. Barlow, Preston) Senior sup., R. Reid, Bowhill Petal; senior res., C. Maciver, Coltfield Perfect; junior sup., R. Hamilton, Drumclog Richard; junior res., Delfur Farms, Delfur Roxy. Any other breed (A. Cormack) Senior sup., D. and C. Logan, Rogan Katie 3 (Galloway); senior res., K. Maxwell, Croasdale Una (Belted Galloway); junior sup., S. Mitchell, Huttonend Veda 11 (British Blonde); junior res., L. Ralston, Jedforest Unbeatable (Salers).
Hereford senior champion, Panmure 1 Plum B2, from J.M. Cant and Partners, Arbroath.
Grahams Upbeat, which with Graham’s Umandy won the continental pairs championship for Robert Graham, Bridge of Allan.
Highland senior champion, Bonnie Melody of Moorside, from R. and D. Bradley, Bradford.
Removing soya from hen diets has helped an Aberdeenshire free-range egg and packing business cut its carbon footprint by 57%. Farmers Guardian reports.
Soya alternatives help slash egg firm’s carbon footprint
With a number of farms spread across the county and a central packing station, Duncan Farms packs eggs under both its own brand and on contract for Morrisons, M&S and Lidl.
Farm operations manager Alistair McBain says: “As a business, we had already begun exploring options to reduce and remove soya from the diet on some of our farms.
“Soya has such a big impact – typically, up to 60% of the carbon footprint of an egg comes from the use of South American soya.”
The move to soya-free was supported by a Nuffield Farming Scholarship sponsored by The MacRobert Trust, which was awarded to Mr McBain in 2022.
His aim was to explore alternative
protein sources to drive UK egg production towards net zero.
“For egg producers, there are a number of emissions which are difficult to manage, so replacing soya in the diet is a silver bullet to substantially reducing carbon footprint.”
While a Nuffield Farming Scholarship had always been on Mr McBain’s radar, a lack of industry knowledge on protein sources outside of soya inspired him to apply.
“As we started to investigate reducing soya use and finding alternative protein sources, I felt there was a lack of information in certain areas.
“I wanted to explore what soya-free options were going to be the most promising for the UK egg sector.
“I also hoped to understand the performance of hens when they are fed on these alternatives, what impact it has
on carbon footprint and if it is economically viable.”
Mr McBain visited Canada, the USA, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands to study what other protein sources are being used across the globe.
He also visited Brazil and Argentina to look at sustainable soya initiatives.
“I felt it was important to understand what could be done to make soya more sustainable, as it is a good protein to use.
“South America was eye-opening and it was interesting to visit farms that are part of the Round Table of Responsible Soy to learn what they were doing to reduce its environmental impact.”
Direct replacement
“The option that has the most potential in the UK is faba beans. We can grow them easily here and they need a relatively low input to grow, meaning the carbon footprint is fairly small.
“They also have a reasonably high protein content when compared to other options.”
Mr McBain also explored the use of processed dried distiller’s grains (DDGS) from bioethanol production. He says: “Over in the USA they are processing DDGS further to remove the fibre content and increase the protein level to 50%, making it a great feed for poultry.
“However, due to the quantities currently available there is not an export market and the process is still in its infancy in the UK.”
Alistair McBain says the move away from soya has been successful.
However, Mr McBain’s primary focus was understanding what could be used as a direct replacement for soya, both in terms of protein content and amino acid profile.
He split his research into four categories: combinable proteins, industry byproducts, insect proteins and single-cell proteins.
He identified that combinable proteins such as peas, beans, oilseed and hemp, and industry byproducts such as dry distiller’s grains and animal proteins could be used relatively soon, whereas insect proteins and single-cell proteins were likely to be further in the future.
Thinking ahead, Mr McBain spent time looking at what alternative proteins could make an impact in the future. He found that processed animal proteins are being used in both the USA and Europe.
“It is a good option thanks to the high nutritional value and high protein content, as well as the fact that it is a waste product. However, regulation means that it cannot currently be fed in the UK.
“There are also concerns around the public perception of using animal waste products. But, while this was a concern when its use began in Europe, there was not actually much pushback from the public.”
Similarly, the use of insect protein is also currently limited by regulation, meaning changes to these rules would be needed to make this a viable option.
Soya has such a big impact. Typically, up to 60% of the carbon footprint of an egg comes from the use of South American soya
ALISTAIR MCBAIN
“Some of the insect farms I visited were feeding insects with products that could be fed directly to livestock.
“If regulations changed, then lowgrade food waste and other options could be used, and this could make it more financially viable.
“It is often said that ‘insects are what they eat’ and so if they are eating low-grade food waste, then the nutritional quality of the final product is also going to be low.
“Variability is also a potential challenge, but with further research, this could be a great option, as ultimately the carbon footprint could be small.”
Another feed source that shows promise is single cell proteins, with
It has taken some time, but we have now developed a feed mix that reduces our carbon footprint
ALISTAIR MCBAIN
some of the most exciting work already taking place in the UK.
A team of researchers at Nottingham Trent University are working with Drax Power Station to capture carbon dioxide from the site and use this to feed microbes, which can then be harvested and processed to extract the protein.
A similar project in the USA is exploring the potential of algae as a protein source.
“These projects are very much at the research scale now and a while away from being scaled up to a commercial level,” says Mr McBain.
“But it is certainly something which could be exciting for the future, particularly given the opportunity to make use of waste products.”
Back at Duncan Farms, Mr McBain has put the findings of his scholarship into practice.
By removing soya from the diets on some of its sites and using renewable energy, an egg range which has a 57% carbon footprint reduction has been created. The range is sold nationally through Lidl.
Home-grown mix
Soya has been replaced with a largely home-grown mix of wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape.
A synthetic amino acid supplement is also added to ensure that the mix stacks up to soya nutritionally.
The move has been successful so far and Mr McBain hopes that they will be able to expand its use over more of the business.
“It has taken some time, but we have now developed a feed mix that reduces our carbon footprint without compromising on palatability, egg production and hen welfare.
“However, using this alternative protein mix does come at a higher price point and this means the eggs need to be sold as premium products.
“But if there is consumer demand and our customers are looking for it, then we could certainly expand its use over more of our sites.”
Their work in this area has not gone unnoticed. Duncan Farms received the Driving Sustainability Award at
Duncan Farms packs eggs under its own brand and for some supermarkets.
the Northern Star Business Awards in April 2024, and Mr McBain has also received the Scotland Low Impact Farming Award at the M&S Select Farm Awards in June 2024.
Outside of his day job, Mr McBain also has his own plans to build a 32,000-bird free range unit with his wife.
The plan is to supply Duncan Farms and will satisfy a life-long dream for the couple.
“It is a really exciting time to be part of the poultry sector.
“Completing a Nuffield Scholar-
Duncan Farms has been looking at replacing soya in hens’ diets as part of its net zero commitments.
ship has not only helped me grow my knowledge in an area which will be important to the industry’s future, but it has also helped me expand my network, both in the poultry sector and wider agricultural industry.”
However, it does not stop there for Mr McBain. As a member of the Nuffield Farming poultry group, he has already taken part in several study tours and wants to continue looking for ideas to take his business forward.
He says: “Constantly learning and building your knowledge is an important part of business. We are currently
going through an expansion period at Duncan Farms so having a forward-thinking attitude is crucial.
“When you are busy it can be so easy to get tied up in your own business and industry sector, but hearing what other people are doing and taking time away opens your eyes.”
NUFFIELD FARMING CONFERENCE
Mr McBain will present the findings of his scholarship at the 2024 Nuffield Farming Conference in Belfast on November 19-21. For more information visit nuffieldscholar.org
PICTURES: GRANT ANDERSON
There was a strong turnout of livestock at Agrifest South West at Westpoint, Exeter. Angela Calvert reports.
Heifers reign supreme at Agrifest
l
Texel gimmer lambs are sheep champions
CLAIMING the supreme beef championship at Agrifest South West, held at Westpoint, Exeter, was The Mistress, a May 2023-born Limousin cross heifer from Mike and Melanie Alford, Cullompton.
Weighing in at 634kg, the heifer was bought at Carlisle in the spring and had been second at Agri Expo earlier in the month.
The judge, Jonathan Lyon, Bourne, said his champion was an outstanding heifer which was full of meat, straight through its top with tremendous width over its plates.
In reserve was the home-bred and fed champion, Check Me Out, a 678kg April 2023-born heifer by the British Blue sire, Black N’Blue Playboy from James May, Bromsgrove.
The baby beef title went to Lin and Paul Calcraft, Honiton, with Toffee, a 290kg home-bred heifer by their own Limousin bull, Uptonley Living the Dream, out of the former British Blue cross show cow, Top Toffee.
The reserve title went to Hayden Lloyd, Hereford, with his March
2024-born 352kg Limousin-sired heifer, My Girl.
For the fifth time, the supreme sheep title went to Robert Garth and Sarah Priestley, Bentham, this time with their pure-bred section champions, home-bred Texel gimmer lambs by Ayrtons Gypsy King.
They also had the native champions, Suffolk gimmer lambs by a Claycrop ram, and the reserve commercial lambs, 45kg Beltex.
The reserve supreme and reserve pure-bred titles went to Jack and Sam Bodily, Abergavenny, with a pair of Blue Texels.
Commercial
They also claimed the commercial championship with a pair of Beltex cross Rouge lambs which will next head to the Welsh Winter Fair.
The pedigree calf championship went to the Alfords with Foxhillfarm Victorious, an April 2024-born Charolais heifer by Lochend Nighhawk, whose dam, Gretnahouse Masweety, was bought at the Gretnahouse dispersal as a foundation female for a new herd.
The Alfords also took the reserve championship with Foxhill Princess
A265, a January 2024-born Aberdeen-Angus heifer by Kilmaluag Eriskay.
The event also hosted the South Devon performance championships with the overall supreme going to the female champion, Grove Prin-
Results
Sheep
(Judge, C. Davies, Brecon) Supreme and sup. pure-bred continental, R. Garth and S. Priestley; Texel res. and sup. commercial, J. and S. Bodily (Beltex/Rouge); reserve pure-bred continental and res. pure-bred, J. and S. Bodily (Blue Texel); res., res. native, R. Garth and S. Priestley (Suffolk); res. commercial, R. Garth and S. Priestley (Beltex).
Beef
Pedigree calves (G. Ellis, St Ives, and R. Ford, Market Harborough) Sup. and continental, M. and M. Alford, Foxhillfarm Victorious (Charolais); res., and native, M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265 (AberdeenAngus); res. continental, Arradfoot and Newland Pedigree Livestock, Arradfoot Vera (Limousin); res. native, N. and E. Bunkum, Tregarrick Olympia (South Devon); sup. young bull, Arradfoot and Newland Pedigree Livestock,
Priestley and Robert Garth, Bentham, took the supreme sheep title with their purebred section champions, home-bred Texel gimmer lambs.
cess 88, a 2022-born daughter of Trewint Maverick, in-calf to Lumbylaw Quintus from Grove Farms, Moreton in Marsh.
They also had the male and reserve champion, the February 2023born bull, Grove Pompey 99.
Arradfoot Ultimate (Limousin); res., F. Power, Lewemcor Tango Bell (British Blue).
Baby beef
(J. Lyon, Bourne) Sup. and fem., P. and L. Calcraft, Toffee (Limousin cross); res. and res. fem., H. Lloyd, My Girl (Limousin cross); male, D.E. and S.J. Cheaker, Maverick (Limousin); res. male, A. Edmunds, Bruiser (Limousin cross). Primestock Sup., M. and M. Alford, The Mistress (Limousin cross); res. and sup. homebred, J. May, Check Me Out (British Blue cross); res. home-bred, P. and L. Calcraft, Uptonley Uphoria; best opposite sex to champion, R.J. Wright, Archie (Limousin); sup.
native, Columpark and Sapphire Livestock, Spotify (Speckle Park cross). South Devon performance championships (G. Tully, Brixham) Sup. and fem., Grove Farms, Grove Princess 88; res. and male, Grove Farms, Grove Pompey 99; res. fem.,
Caroline
Sarah
Baby beef champion was Toffee, from Lin and Paul Calcraft, Honiton.
The Mistress, a May 2023-born heifer from Mike and Melanie Alford, Cullompton, was supreme beef champion at Agrifest South West.
Mike and Melanie Alford, Cullompton, also won the pedigree calf championship with April 2024-born heifer, Foxhillfarm Victorious.
Royal Welsh Winter Fair Preview Livestock
With livestock entries up on the year, this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair showcase promises to be a treat for visitors and exhibitors alike. Farmers Guardian reports.
Winter Fair countdown on
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair is all set to open its gates again for 2024, marking the start of the festive season for many.
Visitors are expected to flock to the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, for the two-day event on November 25-26. This year’s event, the 34th Royal Welsh Winter Fair, will be opened by brother and sister Steffan and Elin Rattray, Aberystwyth. Both have a keen interest in agriculture and are heavily involved in the family butchery business.
An increase in livestock entries across the board for 2024 looks set to attract a busy ringside for spectators, as well as some healthy competition among exhibitors, before prize-win-
ners go under the hammer in the exhibition rings on the Tuesday.
Poultry show
This year will also mark the return of the poultry show after a five-year absence due to avian flu. The poultry show will return on the Tuesday this year, with classes for large hard and soft feather birds, bantams and rare breeds, waterfowl, turkeys and eggs. Trade stands will give visitors plenty of opportunity to indulge in some early Christmas shopping, with stands set to include everything from the latest machinery and agri-tech to crafts and clothes. This is the last event in the calendar for the 2024 feature county Ceredigion, its president Denley Jenkins and ambassador Esyllt Griffiths.
■ When: Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26; event opens at 8am
■ Where: Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY
■ Tickets: Monday – Adult, £24; child (aged five-15), £5; Tuesday – Adult, £22; child (aged five-15), £5; two-day admission, £40; discounted tickets available for Royal Welsh Agricultural Society members
MORE INFORMATION rwas.wales or cafc.cymru
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• Join Farmers
Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2024
PICTURE: JOHN EVESON
The sheep ring at last year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair.
A passion for producing quality livestock continues to drive one North Wales breeder who is still holding the halter 30 years later. Ellie Layton reports.
Regular exhibitors at Winter Fair get set for this year’s event
Producing quality livestock continues to be a life’s work for North Wales farmer Tecwyn Jones, who farms with his wife, Janice, in
Llantrisant, Anglesey, following a move from Llanrwst in 2021.
The family are regular exhibitors at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair and won the baby beef in 2017 with Little Mix, a
Up-and-coming Limousin bull, Seisiog Untouchable, at 11-and-a-half months, is an Ampertaine Elgin son out of Wilodge Opulent.
Powerhouse Elite daughter out of a Limousin cross dam.
Their move to Caer Gwrli farm brought about a change in farming system for the Jones family, however Tecwyn Jones says the principal aim is the same; to breed quality cattle that are destined to do well in the showring and have the pedigree on paper to match.
Mr Jones says: “We moved to Caer Gwrli three years ago, where we run 28 hectares (70 acres), after making the decision to downsize stock numbers and slowly disperse the sheep after a shoulder operation.
“Our eldest, Llion, emigrated to New Zealand in 2019 and lives with his wife, Grace, and son, Noa Goronwy.
“Our daughter Sian lives in the Llyn Peninsula with her husband Dyfed, while Dylan is based in Llanrwst and Llyr in Stafford, with both Dylan and Llyr shearing all over the world all year round.”
While the majority of the sheep were sold this autumn, the best ram and ewe lambs have been retained and selected to sell as a final crop next autumn.
The dispersal included their Texel and Beltex flocks, which were used to produce commercial rams to be sold at the NSA Builth Wells and Welshpool Crossbred sales since their establishment.
They also parted with their flock of Denbighshire type Welsh Mountain sheep, which Mr Jones bred alongside his father, and have previously sold Welsh Mountain rams to £13,500.
Record
All of the sheep were sold in Ruthin, with their Welsh yearlings setting a new breed record at £450 and aged ewes selling up to £200.
The current herd is built around nine pedigree Limousin cows and three Welsh Blacks which are flushed and carried using British Blue cross recipients. Winter housing is provided for the cows, while show calves are housed during the summer with access to a nearby field for regular exercise.
The building includes lockable yokes and pens for ultimate cow comfort and ease of handling. Traditional
Janice and Tecwyn Jones.
Royal Welsh Winter Fair Preview Livestock
The building used for housing show cattle has lockable yokes and pens for cow comfort and ease of handling.
stone buildings also feature on the yard, which are used as isolation units following shows.
“High health is vital to our herd. Producing quality cattle which are aimed at high-quality herds, it is vital we keep a clean status, which will keep the cattle performing the best they can,” says Mr Jones.
Welsh Blacks have always been part of the farming system, but it was when Mr Jones started showing commercial cattle at primestock shows that he found his love for the Limousin breed.
His success started in the late 2000s with a win at NBA Beef Expo with a Limousin cross heifer, Black Beauty, from Trefor Jones, and has continued ever since.
One of the best years the family saw was in 2011 with a bought-in steer, Jagerbomb – a July 2010-born Saphir-sired steer bred by the Jones family, Ruthin. It won the NBA Beef Expo, champion steer title at the Royal Welsh Show, supreme champion of champions at Shropshire and West Midlands show, reserve overall cham-
Producing cattle which are aimed at high-quality herds, it is vital we keep a clean status, which will keep the cattle performing the best they can
TECWYN JONES
pionship at the National Limousin show, supreme at Countryside Live followed by the Borderway Agri Expo.
Success followed the following year with a John Smith-Jackson-bred heifer, Black Beauty, who helped Mr Jones claim his third consecutive overall championship at Countryside Live and later win the UK Agri Expo and reserve champion at the Smithfield show.
“To begin, I would purchase show potential calves, but as our interest grew we started to breed them ourselves,” Mr Jones says.
Limousin genetics have dominated the success the Jones have seen in the showring and influenced the start of their pedigree Limousin herd in 2017,
which shares the Seisiog prefix with the Welsh Blacks.
The foundation genetics were started with an embryo from the Brenmick herd and a Trueman Halliwell heifer.
Flushing
Driving the female lines forward, two cows have recently joined the herd on the flushing team.
Whinfellpark Royalty, reserve champion at the Limousin Red Ladies sale, and Wilodge Opulent, came from the Wilodge production sale and were both purchased in the winter of 2021.
“We are seeing an average flush of 14 eggs, with highs of 18. We hope that this way of breeding will be able to see us make the most of the small
herd while retaining high quality,” says Mr Jones.
Despite being in the breed a relatively short time, the Seisiog breeding has delivered, particularly with producing males.
One of the first pedigree calves on the ground was Seisiog Ned, which won the overall male Limousin title at the 2018 Royal Welsh show as a 14-month-old bull, before selling to the Montgomery herd for 9,000gns.
While their next offering, Seisiog Snowball, sold to the Loosebeare herd in October 2022 for 10,500gns.
But the most recent success was seen with Seisiog Rio, which also claimed overall male Limousin title at the 2023 Royal Welsh show and went
The Jones’ Rio-sired, baby beef team member, Bella, was Agri Expo baby beef champion this year.
Young Limousin heifers from the Jones’ pedigree herd.
Livestock Royal Welsh Winter Fair Preview
on to sell for 14,000gns in Carlisle to the Moir brothers, Aberdeen.
Mr Jones says: “Rio has made a real impact for the herd, not just in the ring. We took semen and it has worked well, siring our heifer Twilight which was first at last year’s UK Agri Expo and English Winter Fair.
“Twilight has also had success at shows, claiming five commercial championships, two inter-breed and two reserve inter-breed titles.”
Their Rio-sired baby beef team member, Bella, which has also been successful at the winter shows, claimed reserve champion at the North East Live show in October and most recently, won the baby beef section at the UK Agri Expo. He
is also excited about an up-and-coming bull calf he has bred, Seisiog Untouchable.
The Ampertaine Elgin son is out of Wilodge Opulent and, at 12 monthsold, is showing promise.
Success
But despite his success with male genetics, Mr Jones admits he aspires to win at the Royal Welsh Show with a female.
To be selected on the Seisiog team, cattle need to have character and style matched with a pretty head to give ring presence.
“My father was told that you should start judging cattle from the ground, with good feet, legs and locomotion,
and this is something that is key for our cattle. Following this the conformation must be there with a good topline,” he says.
This is all taken into account when selecting AI bulls to draw on the genetics.
As the Welsh winter showcase approaches, bringing home the red ticket is something the Jones are striving for.
“We have been very fortunate, claiming high prizes at the summer and winter show, however we have never won the Winter Fair and that is a lifelong ambition of mine which I hope to one day achieve.
“Both the summer and winter Royal Welsh Shows see some of the best live-
stock gather in one place and are, for us and many other breeders, the place to come home from with a rosette.”
Farm facts
■ Lowland farm Caer Gwrli, 28 hectares (70 acres)
■ Pedigree Limousin and Welsh Black cattle run under the Seisiog prefix
■ Sheep numbers have been reduced to focus on the cattle
■ Embryo work is being carried out to maximise genetics
■ The family has been showing at winter shows for more than 20 years
The Jones moved to Caer Gwrli on Anglesey three years ago.
The Jones’ cows are housed in the winter. The current herd is built around nine pedigree Limousin cows and three Welsh Blacks.
One of this year’s young calves.
Trials diary
WALES
November 16. CEREDIGION NURSERY 5, Coedperthu, Beulah, N.C.E., 9am start, contact: Aled Evans, tel: 01239 851 014. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT NURSERY 8, GL20 6EU, contact: Anne and Dave Cooper, tel: 07813 027 090. BRECON NURSERY 4, Awellach, Llanafan, LD2 3PL. November 17. GLAMORGAN NURSERY 7, Glyn Evans. November 23. RADNOR, Elan Valley, LD1 6NY, beginners, novice and nursery classes, 10am start. CEREDIGION NURSERY 7, Gilfachyfran, Abermeurig, SA48 8PH, 9am start, contact: Carol Hope, tel: 01570 470 458. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT NURSERY 9, Bumsberrow Heath, Ledbury, HR8 1PB. Contact: Angie Blackmore, tel: 07855 843 226. November 24. RHOS YR HAFOD, Llanarthne, SA32 8LG. GLAMORGAN NURSERY 8, David Howells, Treguff, Cowbridge, CF71 7LT.
English results
HOLME, Haslingden (29 ran) 1, C. Kempson, Elstan Glen, 76; 2, C. Kempson, Cowpe Bottom Tweed, 63; 3, J. Wood, Ruby, 62; 4, T. Huddleston, Betty, 61; 5, J. Ashworth, Zac, 60; 6, T. Birkett, Jim, 57. ROMNEY MARSH, Lynsted (Judge, E. Lauder) Nursery (31 ran) 1, P. Griffiths, Duchy, 79; 2, M. Banham, Beacons Ben, 78; 3, R. Hawke, Macey, 74; 4, K. Reed, Prince, 67; 5, A. Nikalls, Sky, 50; 6, G. Eusden, Jan, 44. Novice, 1, E. Anstey, Ben, 89; 2, J. Dover, Rhydale Tip, 79; 3, K. Reed, Thistledown Greg, 70; 4, G. Gower, Ayesha, 54; 5, W. Cole, Moss, 50; 6, Gearing, Hove, Swan, 47. Cradle, 1, S. Walker, Taw, 50; 2, H. Storey, Tweed, 37. Rookie, 1, H. Long, Wren, 81; 2, J. Dorrell, Kurt, 73; 3, J. Bastable, Meg, 68; 4, J. Dorrell, Jack, 59. RYEDALE, Kirbymisperton (E. Gautier) (35 ran) Nursery, 1, I. Murdoch, Dunelle Mouse, 74; 2, G. Blyth, Cloddiau Bet, 73; 3, J. Goulder, Hilston Sim, 72; 4, D. Bristow, Greenhow Tess, 71; 5, S. Aconley, Hilston Rob, 68; 6, T. Bennett, Denwyn Anni, 68. Novice, 1, S. Brown, Shelly, 64; 2, T. Bennett, Strike, 63; 3, K. Acres, Malta Bess, 60. New handler, 1, J. Allison, Sherlocktown Pixie; 2, H. Cheadle, Suki. YORKSHIRE, Silsden (E. Thornalley) (25 ran) Nursery, 1, J. Harrison, Tweed, 76/90; 2, B. Helliwell, Brock, 70; 3, M. Hutchinson, Tweedale Tenley, 69; 4, V. Ibbotson, Sugarhill Moss, 65; 5, C. Mellin, Mac, 64; 6, R. Atkins, Bill, 62 OLF. WINDERMERE, Shap (R. Briggs) (62 ran) 1, T. Birkett, Jim, 78/90; 2, P. Rigby, Grace, 76; 3, S. Morgan, Jammie, 72; 4, T.W. Longton, Brodie, 71; 5, T. Birkett, Spot, 70 OLF; 6, A. Tolonson, Meg, 70. Novice, 1, P. Ellis, Pip, 85/100; 2, N. Westgarth, 80; 3, N. Bennett, Meg, 79. New handler, A. Townson, Meg, 70. NORTH WESTMORLAND, Shap (S. Richards) (56 ran) Nursery, 1, H. Svobodova, Ebby, 76/90; 2, T. Birkett, Jim, 72; 3, K. Cropper, Hillrunner Ben, 70; 4, R. Harrison, Nidge, 69; 5, T. Birkett, Spot, 63 OLF; 6, G. Miller, Reef, 63. Novice, 1, E. Hill, Jess, 77/90; 2, G. Fearon, Cap, 74; 3, A. Temple, Hill Top Rita, 72; 4, E. Hill, Pentre Roxy, 71. New Handler, 1, R. William, Rebel; 2, Z. Edwards, Queen.
November 30. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT NURSERY 10, Mynyddislwyn, NP12 2BU, contact: Jamie Garland, tel: 07725 995 270. CEREDIGION NURSERY 8, Tynwern, Llanrhystod, SY23 5BD, 9am start, contact: Emyr Lloyd, tel: 01974 272 282. December 1. GLAMORGAN NURSERY 9, Mike Edwards, Maes Eglwys Farm, Pantlasau, Swansea, SA6 6NR.
ENGLAND
November 16. RYEDALE, The Menagerie, Skipwith Road, Escrick, York, YO19 6EH, what3words: crispier.childcare.dabbling, contact: J. Atkinson, tel: 07850 710 837. FYLDE, Rooten Brook Farm, Quernmore, LA2 9EJ, 9.30am start, usual Pennine interclub rules apply.
November 17. RYEDALE, The Menagerie, Skipwith Road, Escrick, York, YO19 6EH, what3words: crispier.childcare.dabbling, contact: J. Atkinson, tel: 07850 710 837. NSDA, Downholme, Richmond,
NORTHERN, Leyburn (R. Green) (30 ran) Nursery, 1, A. Dick, Kirbymoor Spot, 73/90; 2, Robert Hutchinson, Jet, 72; 3, H. Fawcett, Nessie, 67 OLF; 4, J. Drinkwater, Teak, 67; 5, A. Hunter, Tilly, 64; 6, J. Heart, Shep, 62. Novice, 1, E. Hill, Pentre Roxy, 68/100; 2, J. Tourish, Tara, 67; 3, J. Peel, Branshaw Fenton, 53. New Handler, 1, S. Ryall, Maggie, 50.
Welsh results
CEREDIGION NURSERY 4, Blaencwm (K. Broad) National, 1, D. Jenkins, Aran Meg, 10; 2, D. Rees, Garn Gron Tess, 12; 3, O. Lewis, High Hills Sally, 12; 4, D. Jenkins, Tyddyn Du Cass, 13; 5, D. Rees, Garn Gron Floss, 13; 6, D. Jenkins, Aran Fly, 14. Young handler, 1, A. Davies, Dan, 19; 2, A. Davies, Celt, 42. South Wales, 1, D. Rees, Garn Gron Tess, 6; 2, D. Jenkins, Aran Meg, 7; 3, D. Jenkins, Aran Fly, 8; 4, D. Rees, Garn Gron Floss, 10; 5, O. Lewis, High Hills Sally, 11; 6, E. Morgan, Mari, 11. Young handler, 1, A. Davies, Dan, 7; 2, A. Davies, Celt, 18. Novice/new handler, 1, I. Glant, Jan, 15; 2, I. Glant, Mac, 24. BRECON NURSERY 3, Beulah showground (R. Games) Nursery, 1, K. Evans, Kemi Cap, 15; 2, T. Thewissen, Fynbos Turk, 30; 3, K. Evans, Valley View Dan, 33; 4, Misena Oaksheepdogs, Oak Bill, 34; 5, M. Dubenova, Oak Ellie, 35; 6, A. Games, Rip, 38. Novice, 1, L. Bevan, Lyn, 31; 2, W. Jones, Erwood Ruby, 34; 3, G. Davies, Nell, 34; 4, R. Jones, Scott, 44. Beginner, A. Turner, Nell. GLAMORGAN (L. Harries) Nursery, 1, M. Edwards, Lexi, 9; 2, D. Howells, Mick, 10; 3, D. Howells, Kate, 15; 4, R. Ellis, Avon Rob, 19; 5, D. Meek, Wyverne Craig, 20 OLF; 6, M. Edwards, Bronallt Nip, 20. Novice, 1, D. Howells, Mick, 7; 2, J. Howells, Millie, 10 OLF; 3, D. Millichap, Rose, 10; 4, M. Edwards, Luke, 14; 5, L. Howells, Storm, 17; 6, R. Ellis, Avon Rob, 19.
GLOUCESTER AND GWENT (T. Thewissen) Nursery, 1, N. Matthews, Hilltop Lexi, 26 OLF; 2, B. Lester, Tysswg Lass, 26, 3, B. Watts, Sky, 27; 4, M. Jones, Mack, 28; 5, S. Currie, Tom, 29; 6, J. Garland, Rhysswg Fay, 36. Novice, 1, M. Jones, Clint, 25; 2, N. Matthews, Hilltop Lexi, 32; 3, A. Blackmore, Rosewood Peg, 33; 4, B. Lester, Tysswg Lass, 34; 5, R. Lewis, Preseli Mel, 39; 6, M. Jones, Mack, 41. Young handler, M. Rees, Meg. RADNOR NURSERY 5 (K. Haker) 1, P. Tomkins, Joe, 10; 2, S. Lewis, Llyn y Ferlen Chance, 15; 3, J. Jones, Brondrefawr Skye, 25; 4, A. Price, Erwood Queen, 30; 5, J. Jones, Brondrefawr Ben, 34; 6, I. Rees, Roo, 35. Novice, 1, B. Lewis, Brondrefawr Fly, 35; 2, J. Davies, Tess, 65. Beginner, L. Bowen, Gwen.
Working Dogs
Leyburn, DL8 5HF, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm, contact: Rod Green, tel: 07432 782 269. SHROPSHIRE/ HEREFORDSHIRE, Tilsop Farm Nash, Ludlow, SY8 3AX, 9.30am start, £2.50 per run, nursery/novice and beginners, contact tel: 07394 467 958. MID SHIRES, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 6EU, 8.30am start, open trial, contact: Gill, email: gillburbidge2014@gmail.com, tel: 07950 738 732. November 23. HOLME, S.Duckworth, Cloughead, Grane Road, Haslingden, BB4 4AT, 9.30am start, cafe and toilets on-site, Pennine rules apply, contact: Shirley, tel: 07890 545 437. November 24. NSDA, Valley Farm, Bowes, DL12 9RH, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm, contact: Rob Hutch, tel: 07849 238 567. MID SHIRES, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1LB, 8.30am start, open trial, contact: Gill, email: gillburbidge2014@gmail.com, tel: 07950 738 732.
November 30. NSDA, Quebec, Durham, DH7 9RS, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm, contact: Frank Whitfield, tel: 07714 590 249. FYLDE, Hollins Head Farm, Quernmore, LA2 9NA, 9.30am start, usual Pennine interclub rules apply, contact: Mr Longton, tel: 07736 278 398. YORKSHIRE, P. Simpson, Woodmanwray Farm, Dacre, HG3 4AR, Pennine rules apply, competitors running more than one dog must have one booked in by 12pm and take the next available run. Contact: Carol Mellin, tel: 07891 871 298.
December 1. RYEDALE, Stuart Walton, Sandhoe Farm, Carlton, Goole, DN14 9RS, what3Words: started.wildfires.outsize, contact: S. Walton, tel: 07789 740 122.
December 7. FLYDE, R. Dean, Old Trees Farm, Chipping, PR3 2NF. TRAWDEN, E. Thornally and E. Street, Hull House, Hellifield, BD23 4JP. RYEDALE, Trevor Fields, Manor Farm, Boynton, YO16 4XJ, contact: T. Fields, tel: 07980 010
“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.
John Harrison with Tweed, winners of the Yorkshire Pennine Nursery Trial at Sycamore Farm, Silsden.
Market Prices Primestock
ENGLAND
Source: LAA/MartEye
SHEEP
Market Prices Store Cattle
ENGLAND
Ludlow
SCOTLAND
| NOVEMBER 15
Source: LAA/MartEye
Source: IAAS/ScotEID
MARKET COMMENT
THERE were price increases for cattle and sheep at auction marts in England and Wales this week.
Heifers were up the most by 12.5p/kg to 309.2p/kg, followed by a 6p/kg increase for dairy-sired cull cows, valued at 155.9p/kg.
Young bulls went up by 5.6p/kg to 287.7p/kg, and steers rose in price by 4.7p/kg to 289p/kg.
For sheep, values grew by 10.6p/kg to 296.6p/kg.
However, all pig categories were down, with porkers reducing the most by 23.5p/kg to 168.2p/kg.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (November 13) UK LIFFE wheat prices for May 2025 were trading at £187.20/tonne, a reduction of £5.75/t on the week.
Source: LAA/MartEye
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Primestock throughput, price and
Week ending November 12, 2024.
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
Hexham Fr 6245 102.1
WALES
SCOTLAND
*Pigpricesarew/eNovember5,2024. Source: AHDB
HAY AND STRAW PRICES
GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, square bale 2024 to £124/tonne, round bale 2024 to £117/t; haylage 2023, square bale to £80/t; barley straw, square bale to £127/t.
In the second of a brand-new series, Next Generation Hill Farmers, Emily Ashworth speaks to Welsh farmer Katie Davies about keeping her family’s legacy alive.
‘I have a deep feeling of belonging to the land’
Visit any hill farm across the country and no doubt you will find a story attached to it that reaches back hundreds of years.
One of the most traditional ways of farming, there is a certain rawness to the upland communities; many are tied to the land and the rugged beauty of the landscape which they know intrinsically.
With some controversy over the future, the next generation of hill farmers have a task on their hands to showcase the value of this way of life, but it is one that Katie Davies is ready for.
Farming in partnership with her father and husband, Katie, 35, is proud of the history attached to Nantymoel Farm, which sits in the Ogmore Valley in South Wales.
“I am the fourth generation,” says Katie.
“My great grandfather, Major Stanley Evan Pugh, rented the farm in the 1930s and ran 770 ewes plus 300 wethers to keep the boundaries, with the addition of 12 milkers.
“A shepherd ran the farm postWorld War II as my great grandfather was a civil engineer and helped to rebuild many parts of London.”
The family then purchased the farm from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Commission and now runs 1,100 breeding ewes. Most are South Wales Mountain sheep which are indigenous to the area, with female lines dating back centuries.
Views
The farm extends to 600 hectares (1,500 acres), reaching to 563 metres (1,850 feet) at its highest point, with views spanning out across the valley for miles.
They also run some South Country Cheviots and 40 suckler cows.
They are keen to source the best genetics for their pure Stabiliser cattle so the cows ‘can thrive and perform in the harsh landscape’.
There is uncertainty, though, with the change in subsidies and rising cost of production – being resilient, says Katie, is key to being able to adapt to the ever-evolving policies and incentives.
The weather has also taken its toll this year.
Hill farmers have been guardians of some of our most valuable ecological resources and landscapes for centuries
KATIE DAVIES
She says: “In the blink of an eye, what seems like heaven can change.
“Mother Nature can be cruel, and you must adjust farming practices on a daily basis.”
Showcasing the value of hill farms is something she is passionate about – all you need to do is look around Nantymoel to see how nature is thriving here.
Farmers are, she says, part of the environmental solution, but that disconnect is an ongoing battle.
“We are under constant scrutiny and criticism and told that farming is bad for the environment,” she says.
“Our farm has an array of flora and fauna and high-value habitats – the bees, bugs and wildlife tell a story in itself; that this way of farming is part and parcel of sustaining the environment we live in.
“Hill farmers have been guardians of some of our most valuable ecological resources and landscapes for centuries and play an intrinsic part in protecting and enhancing the environment.
“Despite this, their existence hangs in the balance.”
Katie, however, is someone you would certainly want to represent the sector. She is forward-thinking and not willing to sit still.
Last year she was named as NFU Cymru’s Wales Woman Farmer of the Year, with judges noting her business acumen, demonstrated by her development of a meat box scheme and her dedication to balancing production with nature and championing her
heritage. Her participation in the Glastir scheme, for example, has allowed her to invest in rebuilding dry stone walls and sheepfolds.
She says: “Winning Wales Woman Farmer of the Year was a real honour. There was a great sense of pride in both raising the profile of women in farming and being recognised for my passion and contributions to safeguarding the future of farming in Wales.
“It has never occurred to me that I would not farm being a woman. The most important thing for us as an industry is that we have the best people for the job.”
But in order to drive the future of hill farming forward, she believes education – for both the public and the industry – is of great importance, with her other role being a lecturer at Bridgend College.
Cultural bond
Sustainability and efficiency will, she says, play a ‘crucial role in upland farming and providing public goods’, alongside holding on to what is at the core of many hill farms: a cultural bond.
“Education is the cornerstone for sustainable food production and the preserve of our rural communities,” says Katie.
“The future can be promising but it requires a commitment to change; we must embrace technology and innovation, but we must also hold on to the traditions which have moulded this landscape into what it is today.
“Heritage and tradition are integral to the existence of farming and I want to contribute to its future.”
Welsh farming has seen its fair share of change over recent years, and despite the challenges, Katie would not want to be anywhere else.
The responsibility for the land and the influence she and her family can have on it is motivation enough.
She says: “I have a deep feeling of belonging to the land; I am as hefted to the farm as my flock is. I feel a great responsibility and hope to pass this on to the next generation as my father did to me.”
Katie Davies with her daughter, Evie-Rose.
WATCH THE VIDEO SERIES
You can watch the Next Generation Hill Farmers video series by scanning the QR code or visiting farmersguardian. com/hillfarming to take a look at Katie’s farm and all she is doing to preserve it.
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
AMY WILKINSON
Lancashire
Amy works on her family’s tenanted farm at Halsall, Lancashire. Working mainly with her dad, Amy farms 285 hectares (704 acres) of arable crops and 550 beef cross cattle which are all reared through to finishing. You can follow her on Instagram @amygingewilkinson
In October, I was very lucky to be invited to the British Farming Awards, after being a judge in the farm worker category.
I was very excited booking a hotel weeks in advance as, after an incredibly tough harvest, I thought it would be the perfect thing for me to look forward to and have a break from the farm.
And it didn’t disappoint. If you ever have the chance, I would definitely recommend going.
The fun started on the train down to Birmingham. I found my seat quickly and soon spotted what can only be described as ‘farmers on tour’.
As a sector, we stick out like sore thumbs on public transport – in the typical uniform of best boots, checked shirts or polos, fleeces or gilets.
I said ‘hello’ as one bloke plonked his, not overly big, duffel bag on the table. Now I don’t know what Mary Poppins magic was working on this bag, but this fella started pulling out, first a Pringles tube, and then can after can for all his mates – enough for three each – that his wife had packed them.
He reassured the group that his suit was also in there. I just sat gobsmacked, half expecting him to pull a freestanding lamp out of this tiny bag next. Once we arrived, I bid the blokes
‘As a sector, we stick out like sore thumbs on public transport’
farewell and headed off to my hotel to get ready for the event.
I was amazed by the number of people there, but also by how chatty everyone was. After catching up with a few people, we all headed to our tables which, very nicely, had a bucket of free Hawkstone beer and cider, as well as wine on. As for the food, I have to say every course was incredible.
And then it was time for the main event: the awards hosted by Radio 2’s Vernon Kay. I just want to say here a massive well done to all the nominees; the standard in that room was incredibly high and, let me tell you, judging was no easy feat.
Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling
Massive celebrations were heard from each table when a winner was announced. Ours was no different –the Grassland Farmer of the Year was sitting with us. We may have all banged the table so hard that one of our glasses walked off the edge. Oops.
Once the last winner was announced it was time for the party to really start. I had the best time dancing and chatting with all sorts of people and, when my poor feet needed a break, I would go hide out with the Farmers Guardian team.
I was having fun with friends on something called a 360 photo booth –basically a podium that you dance on
Climate change predictions are coming true
AS I have written before, there are few weather events which present themselves as evidence of humanenhanced climate change.
These smoking gun events aren’t hot days or a week or two of dry weather, hurricanes or tornadoes, but extremes which go beyond the boundaries of normal climate.
What I’m writing here is only my take on an event and how I see the climate change story. It may not necessarily be the scientific line, but as with everything to do with climate change, one has to see the story through to reach a reasoned conclusion.
I suspect one such smoking gun
event was the recent floods in eastern Spain. While flash flooding is not uncommon in Iberia, especially after a long, hot summer, the intensity and longevity of the rainfall event was.
It does seem that the warmer-thanaverage sea temperatures which existed in the Mediterranean and western Europe this summer (and now for several years) have provided a cauldron of energy which, when atmospheric conditions conspired, was set to be released.
The trigger for the energy release was colder air at mid to high levels in the troposphere (that’s the lower part of the atmosphere where most
weather occurs). The contrast in temperatures between the surface heat and the colder air at high levels encouraged rapid convection, building cumulonimbus clouds with vast updraughts capable of sustaining raindrops and hail until they became too heavy and fell to earth.
The devastation was clear, with torrents running through usually small streams. As the Convention on Climate Change (COP29) gets underway this week in Azerbaijan there is much to discuss. Whatever the ifs and buts, it does seem that climate change predictions are coming true and we should be preparing for their impacts.
while a camera spins around and films you. This is when I spotted the fellas from the train laughing at me.
So I dared them to join me and, I have to give it to them, they went all out dancing, to the point where one stumbled off the podium. And yes, I have the video evidence.
It was an absolutely fantastic night and as I headed back on the train I am so glad I took the time away from the farm to enjoy it.
Although, as I sat in a slightly delicate condition, a lady getting on the train with a bag full of ferrets did make me question if public transport was the way to go.
For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE
NEXT WEEK
Monmouthshire Emma Robinson
‘Bagpipes at the stand helped draw the crowds’
KATE ROWELL
Scottish Borders
Kate is a fifth-generation farmer running the 750-hectare (1,853-acre)
Hundleshope Farm on the Haystoun Estate, Peebles, where the family have been tenants for 150 years. She runs the hill unit with her husband Ed and their four children. She is also a vet and chair of Quality Meat Scotland.
And just like that, we’re back to dark nights, bare trees and Christmas aisles in supermarkets – I have no idea where this year has gone.
After a drier October, the calves are now weaned and in the shed, while the cows were quite happy to get back outside after a few days of noise and settle into their winter routine. We have
some really good second-cut silage this year, which will be perfect for the sheep pre-lambing, but the first cut was mostly mediocre, so it’s destined for the cattle.
The bulls were only out for seven weeks this year as we’ve gradually shortened our calving period, so it’s a bit of a nervous wait, although there’s been no sign of anything bulling.
Grass
The tups are out with the cross ewes, and there’s still a bit of grass growth to keep them going.
The next job that we’re all looking forward to (not) is gathering the hill ewes, which are looking really fit this year after a summer that really suited the higher ground, even if it didn’t particularly suit any of us.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) work always ramps up at this time of year, with lots of meetings, conferences and visits, and 2024 has been no exception.
I joined our business development team and the Cabinet Secretary for
Crossword 1271
Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, at SIAL, an enormous food trade show near Paris, where thousands of countries and companies showcase their food to the world. It’s hard to describe the sheer size of the event, with hundreds of stands in the meat hall alone.
It was really encouraging to see the increasing international demand for high-quality red meat from Scotland.
Beef, in particular, is in tight supply around the world, with a reduced herd in both the US and Europe, and strong demand that shows no sign of falling any time soon.
In fact, compared to two years ago, there were hardly any stands pushing plant-based, lab-grown or 3D-printed meat, so it definitely looks like con-
sumers prefer the real thing and are happy to vote with their wallets.
What was also clear was that natural, sustainable and environmental marketing is here to stay, with almost every country making green claims about how their cattle are reared.
We’re hugely lucky that, here in Scotland, it’s easy to show that our farming is sustainable and nature-friendly, and it was obvious from the number of importers looking to buy from our processors that this is widely recognised across the globe.
The piper playing her bagpipes at the stand helped draw in the crowds, as did the samples of delicious Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork. We’re now only a few weeks away from Christmas – I can’t wait.
to: Crossword No. 1271, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
ACROSS
1 America’s harvestman doggedly lands in a turmoil (5,8)
8 Santa very disorganised, needs this to find his way! (3-3)
9 Ferocious woman twice turned traitor (6)
12 Notable people found in Surinam especially (5)
13 Brave dame developed this structure for amphibious rodents (6,3)
14 Distance from centre in banner ad I usually trimmed at both sides (6)
15 Little songbird in socialists’ pastry dish (8)
18 Removed clothes of detective inspector (dressed in robes!) (8)
20 Distinguishing characteristic of pain between sides of chest (6)
23 Short prayer, not initially for one who seeks to acquire things (9)
25 Girl with bit of old rope for catching animals (5)
26 Spoil alcoholic drink allowance (6)
27 Very big quarry for bird (6)
28 Courage nourishing orphaned lambs, say, this may be how (6-7)
DOWN
2 Mad Lear, distraught and struck with fear (7)
3 Extinct creatures do Russian dancing (9)
4 The French very advanced buyer’s option for a washbasin (6)
5 Hard shells of crazy folk? (8)
6 Generous but we don’t want criminal to be at this (5)
7 Graduate supporting magnificent old lady (7)
10 Establish opening passage with one-time Italian dictator (9)
11 Produced as a substitute, I’m exactly what is needed at siloing from time to time (9)
16 Cut into curves, unfortunately collapsed (9)
17 Life, maybe! This is a good example (8)
19 Fiery mount, one that is likely to erupt (7)
21 Someone no longer popular possesses pulse, it’s said (3-4)
22 Established routine; stock essentially put in small wood (6)
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Farming Matters
Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture
‘Rachel Reeves’ Budget declared war on the whole of British ag as we know it’
Since campaigning for the pig sector a couple of years ago during the backlogs, I’ve since reflected on why the farmer has such a small voice when it comes to various crises.
The problem with our (very complex) food system and supply chains is that the different sectors within farming go through different challenges at different times, be it soaring costs of production, poor farmgate prices, cheap imports, or yet another Government policy hung around our necks – all of which are individual sector specific.
It is rare that all farming sectors are hit at the same time.
Uniting
So in one way, I feel I should congratulate the Labour Party in uniting the whole of British Agriculture, including their trade partners and a groundswell of public support.
Although clearly I would argue that swinging a wrecking ball through the heart of our sector, jeopardising our children’s futures and risking the nation’s food security, perhaps is not the best way to unite folk, especially if they are uniting against you as a party in Govern-
ment, fresh into power with approval ratings that are already tanking a little over 100 days in power.
At a time of serious geopolitical challenge, anything that compromises our nation’s food security surely would raise some red flags while devising this farce of a Budget?
And whoever set the threshold over what constitutes ‘small family farms’ should be fired.
I have even heard it suggested that perhaps Defra has got hectares mixed up with acres when looking at valuations. This actually would not surprise me, given the continued misunderstanding by Governments (past and present) of our sector.
The great Dwight D. Eisenhower’s quote has never been quite so pertinent as now – ‘Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and you’re a 1,000 miles from the corn field’.
Farmers are the last to protest. We may moan on social media, but we do not protest, even while Government, assurance bodies and the supply chain pile ever more red tape on our shoulders, continuously adding costs for no more income at the farm gate.
Indeed, we accept that we are price
takers rather than price makers, taking all of the risk and little of the reward financially, hence this is why we are asset rich, but very cash poor.
We begrudgingly accept that as the status quo in farming with the knowledge that we can pass this 24/7 way of life on to our children (and it is a life, not a job) if they so wish, as many farm youngsters do having lived and breathed it from childhood.
The knowledge is transferred through the generations on a family farm.
Hare-brained
We are used to Governments continuously ‘poking the bear’ – different parts of the bear via different individual farming sectors – with the latest hare-brained policies concocted by people who have never set foot on a farm, never mind have any understanding of the ramifications said policies have, so long as they tick a box.
But this Budget is threatening to rip the heart out of the bear and at the same time threatening her cubs.
Rachel Reeves’ Budget declared war on the whole of British agriculture as we know it.
So Sir Keir, Rachel, I hope you’re
ready to finally listen on November 19, because the bear – the whole of British agriculture, trade partners and the public that value food security – are saying ‘enough is enough, we’re coming to town’.
And, unlike this Government, we are a resilient bunch and are signed up for the long game.
And we are prepared to come again and again and again, whatever it takes.
ANNA LONGTHORP East Yorkshire pig farmer
Anna Longthorp says the Budget, with its new Inheritance Tax rules, swings a wrecking ball through British farming.
