Industry can see a chink of light amid a tough few weeks
THE scrapping of arbitrary tree planting targets in Wales is proof that the farming industry can bring about change when it is united.
The Welsh Government’s decision was brought about after an impassioned, well evidenced campaign by the unions and farmers who demonstrated – most notably with a display of boots representing the number of farmers who would be forced to quit the industry because of the indiscriminate policy outside the Senedd earlier this year – and acted as one.
This row-back brings hope to a whole industry battling the latest assault on its very existence, sparked by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ raid on family farms.
Meaningful protests and petitions from across our sector led to NFU president Tom Bradshaw’s meeting with the Prime Minister this week. Described by Mr Bradshaw as ‘positive’, it brings a chink of light in what has been a tough and at times dark few weeks for the industry.
The spotlight now falls on the Government to do the right thing and admit it has got this wrong – ideally before Christmas.
Save Britain’s Family Farms
KEEP up to date with the latest Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign announcements and insights from across the industry with Farmers Guardian’s new Farming in Five daily podcast briefing, offering listeners a five-minute update on the day’s big stories. Visit farmersguardian.com/familyfarms, or find on your preferred podcast platform.
a degree in economics (or an edited LinkedIn CV) to figure that one out.
Sheep and cattle numbers are tight and auctioneers are reporting a solid trade, with butchers, and processors prepared to pay a premium to fill their fridges with top-quality British meat and farmers prepared to invest in replacement store and breeding stock.
Retailers are reporting increased sales as consumers seek to treat themselves in the run-up to the festive period, and from all the feedback farmers have received following recent events we know they want to put British food in their baskets.
LISTEN TO THE FG PODCAST
The Budget’s impact on the sector and the risks it poses to food security is something that should have landed with the Prime Minister.
Recent livestock trade has shown just how finely balanced food security is.
Prices, on the whole, are very good. Why? Because supply is so limited and you do not need
FOR weekly podcasts bringing you the latest news, engaging debates and real farmer stories from across the UK, scan the QR code or go to farmersguardian. com/podcasts
So as Christmas sales gear up to spread some festive cheer, farmers surely should be given the gift of optimism for the New Year. want to put British food
Government is facing mounting pressure to acknowledge Treasury figures relating to the impacts of Agricultural Property Relief changes are incorrect. Rachael Brown and Jane Thynne report.
Treasury ‘has got its figures wrong’
l Petition exceeds 250,000 signatures
THERE seemed to be an increased acknowledgement that Treasury figures were incorrect on who will be impacted by the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) as the Labour Government came under increased pressure from across the business sectors.
Representing the UK farming unions, NFU president Tom Bradshaw was called to a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the Budget announcement and left, he said, with some optimism there may be room for change.
Nothing had been confirmed as Farmers Guardian went to press.
Petition
The NFU’s petition on the family farm tax had exceeded a quarter of a million, while a petition for a General Election reached 2.7 million signatures.
The union has also published its own analysis of the impact which it said ‘proves’ the Treasury’s claims of only 27% of farms being impacted do not add up.
NFU analysis suggests around 75% of commercial family farms will be above the current £1 million threshold, which the Treasury has set.
The report said this was because once landowner claims on blocks of
bare farmland and non-commercial farms are ‘removed from the evidence base used by the Government,’ historical claim values are adjusted to reflect current market conditions and the combined impact of claiming Business property relief (BPR) alongside APR is considered, the proportion of farms impacted increases significantly to 75%.
Around 40% of those claiming APR also claim BPR, with both reliefs now falling under the same £1m threshold.
The report also highlights land price increases, which have brought more farms into the scope of the measures.
While it acknowledged farms may have multiple owners which may explain ‘some of the difference between the Government’s 27% and the higher proportion suggested by Defra’s data on the average net worth of farms’, it only goes a small way to explaining the gap.
The report states that Defra and HMRC data was ‘not directly comparable’, as the former showed the net worth of a single farm, while the latter showed the value of the ‘agricultural’ component of a single estate which has claimed APR.
75%
of farms would be hit by the APR changes, NFU analysis suggests.
NFU PRESIDENT MEETS PRIME MINISTER
NFU president Tom Bradshaw met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week to present farmers’ concerns around how the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief could impact their family and their future.
In an online video to members, Mr Bradshaw said the PM was ‘very much in listening mode’ and hoped he was going to act on what he had heard around the ‘very real human impacts’ of Inheritance Tax changes for the viability of family farms, as
well the low returns that many farmers receive for producing the country’s food.
“Outside that critical issue, we also talked about the commitment around national food security and national security, which was in the manifesto, core standards for trade and how we make sure we have a properly operating domestic marketplace that is not undermined by imports.”
Mr Bradshaw added that public procurement and the Defra budget had also been raised in conversation.
The NFU analysis also found that the majority of medium-sized working farms that will be hit by the liability will ‘not be protected by the 10-year payment window’, because the payments would still be ‘unmanageably large’.
Alongside this is the finding that the majority of estates protected by the £1m threshold were ‘too small to be viable working farms’.
Meanwhile, analysis from the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) showed up to 75,000 individual owners of farming businesses could be affected – five times the Government’s own estimation.
The report author, Jeremy Moody, said the Government’s figure of 500 related only to the single year of 2026/27. But as the policy does not only affect those who die in its first year, numbers should be looked at over the cycle of a generation.
Changes
“Much larger numbers of farmers than the Government suggests have reason to see the Budget changes as affecting them and their business and family finances,” he said.
Mr Moody added it was crucial the Treasury reconsidered its figures and called for a compromise. But he also acknowledged the Chancellor would not want to be seen to be backing down on her first Budget.
“There will be an interesting round of discussions to come,” he said.
He said: “I have pushed to have an impact assessment done so we really understand what the current policy means for food production, what it is going to deliver for the environment and what it means for business viability moving forwards.
“It was a really important opportunity. The PM engaged with us and made the time to hear our stories.
“I really hope this marks a moment from which we can move forward and get to an outcome that works for everyone.”
SMITHFIELD MARKET TO CLOSE FOR GOOD
LONDON’S Smithfield meat market is set to close for good after more than 800 years of trading.
The City of London Corporation said its council voted to stop operating Smithfield and Billingsgate fish market on Tuesday (November 26). It had planned to relocate the historic market and Billingsgate to a new £1 billion development in Dagenham.
But support for the relocation of both sites was withdrawn by the Corporation earlier this week. Traders will be able to remain operating at the market until at least 2028. The Corporation said it would work with traders to help them find alternative premises.
“The ideal would be that they remove the changes altogether. But in the short term, making the £1m allowance transferable between spouses may just be a sensible way of easing the pain.”
Another study from a financial think tank also said families may be forced to sell a part of or all of their farm in response to the changes.
The study, published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, said following changes announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget, farm owners ‘might choose, or be forced, to sell part or all of the farm’.
Reeves on the defensive at CBI conference
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves defended her Autumn Budget at the Confederation of British Industry conference, stating despite feedback on her plans, she had not heard many alternatives.
It came after the boss of biscuit giant McVitie’s warned it was ‘becoming harder to understand’ the case for investing in the UK after the Chancellor’s decisions.
The CLA disputed the claim no one was offering alternatives.
Alternative
President Victoria Vyvyan said: “There is an alternative to the disastrous Inheritance Tax reform, but the Government needs to be willing to work proactively with the business community – something it has so far seemed unwilling to do.
“If she needs more revenue, we
can help her find it by unlocking growth, instead of choking it off,” she said.
She added the Government had been elected on promises of delivering economic growth, but there had been no evidence of this so far in office.
“With the right policies, rural businesses could add £40 billion to the UK economy.
“More growth means more tax receipts,” she said.
Potential crisis building in the uplands
● NFU expresses extreme concern
By Rachael Brown
THERE is a potential crisis building in the uplands community, with a concerning gap between the end of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments and the arrival of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, with limited opportunities to access the new Environmental Land Management schemes.
That was the warning from CLA president Victoria Vyvyan speaking at the CLA conference on November 21.
The NFU has also expressed ‘extreme concern’ to reports the Higher Tier scheme was now unlikely to open until mid-2025, but with further information expected to be published by Defra before Christmas.
NFU deputy president David
Exwood said: “If true, it is yet another hammer blow for a fragile farming community many of whom have held conservation agreements for decades.
“This means farmers, particularly those in the uplands, where many are in Higher Tier type agreements, are unable to go that extra mile and deliver for the environment alongside their main role of producing food.
Shame
“It is a shame I have to repeat my call to the Food Security Minister that he ensures all Higher Level Stewardship [HLS] agreement holders receive an uplifted payment to compensate for the loss of direct payment during their agreements.”
He added it was vital for Defra to get this right and bring the application date for Community Stewardship Higher Tier forward. When the issue of upland funding was raised with the
DEFRA SECRETARY SAYS INDUSTRY ‘DESERVES AN EXPLANATION’ OVER LABOUR’S APR CHANGES
IT was just over a year ago, the Defra Secretary Steve Reed, while in opposition, told delegates at last year’s CLA conference that the Labour party had no intention of changing Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
Twelve months on, at the same conference, Mr Reed said that was the position at the time.
“You deserve an explanation,” he said.
“I gave that answer because we did not know the full extent of the country’s financial crisis. None of us could have.
“As the OBR – the Independent Office for Budget Responsibility –has since told us, the previous Government covered it up.
He said there was ‘no way to turn our broken national finances around without plugging’ a £22 billion black hole and the new Government had taken ‘tough decisions’.
But he said the Government wanted to support family farms.
He said land prices ‘artificially inflated by non-agricultural buyers purchasing land for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes’ was making it hard for
young farmers to set up farms of their own.
“Buying agricultural land has become the most efficient way for wealthy individuals from non-farming backgrounds to shield that wealth from Inheritance Tax.”
Mr Reed said wealthy individuals buying land to shield wealth from IHT was ‘not what APR was designed for’, adding it was ‘pricing farmers out of farming’ and was ‘not fair’ or ‘sustainable.’
The CLA fears a crisis is growing in the upland farming community over funding changes.
Defra Secretary, on stage at last week’s CLA conference, he said he would put the concerns to his team.
He said he recognised ‘some of the gaps’ caused by the changes to BPS.
“We have managed the reduction so that the smaller farms get more support as it is reduced.
“But of course, we are listening to further specific concerns.
“The fact is, the financial circumstances of the Budget – we could not protect all spending.
“We have to get spending down to what is available, otherwise you end up continuing to damage the economy.”
Ms Vyvyan said hill farmers and those who live in the west of the country were some of the most ‘vulnerable people in the farming chain’.
“They have not got anything to fill that gap,” she said, adding they felt ‘angry and abandoned’.
“In a year which we knew and they
I have to repeat my call to the Food Security Minister that he ensures all HLS agreement holders receive an uplifted payment
DAVID EXWOOD
knew was going to be the pinch point of agricultural transition. It could not be happening at a worse time.”
Farming roadmap will ‘not tell farmers what to do’
THE Government is developing a ‘25-year farming roadmap’ to transition farming to new models which, according to the Defra Secretary, are more environmentally, and financially, sustainable.
But the new roadmap ‘will not tell farmers what to do’ and will be farmer-led.
Announcing the roadmap at the CLA conference, Steve Reed claimed the roadmap would be the ‘most forward-looking plan for farming’ in the country’s history, focused on making farming and food production more profitable.
He said: “I am not prepared to let so many farmers keep working so hard for so little. We need to work together to agree what we want British farming to look like in 25 years’ time.”
He said he had heard the
‘anguish of the countryside’ on the streets of London a day before and was ‘struck’ by how many said this was ‘the final straw’.
“Those straws have been piling up for many decades now. They are the frustrations of rural communities across Britain who feel misunderstood, neglected and frankly disrespected,” he said.
He added while they may not agree over Inheritance Tax, the Government was ‘determined to listen to rural Britain and end its long decline’.
He said he was concerned by a growing ‘chasm’ with rural communities in Britain, which he said was not just with his party, but between politics and rural communities on the whole.
He confirmed he had a meeting in the diary with No. 10 to discuss this issue.
Defra Secretary Steve Reed at the CLA conference.
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Welsh Government scraps 10% tree target in SFS plan
● Farm figure replaced by overall scheme target
By Rachael Brown
THE widely contested 10% tree figure proposal for every farm in Wales under the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been scrapped in favour of a hedgerow and tree management plan.
However, the 10% habitat figure remains in place. It is part of a series of changes to the proposed design of SFS which were announced by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.
The 10% farm figure will be replaced by an overall ‘scheme-level target’ for trees. A figure has not yet been agreed, but this will no doubt be integral to helping the Welsh Government meet its woodland target of 43,000 hectares by 2030.
Mr Irranca-Davies was asked if he could rule out the possibility of a farmled tree target being introduced
further down the line, if the scheme design target fell short.
‘Wild speculation’
He told Farmers Guardian he was being drawn into ‘wild speculation.’
“I am confident if we set the target right, we can achieve far more than we could have done with the individual farmer targets, but it will require the sign-up of everybody to work towards that,” he said.
Mr Irranca-Davies said a governance group would be important to ‘monitor progress’, but could not confirm whether farmers would be part of that group.
The Welsh Government said the decision to scrap the 10% tree figure came down to social science – the need to change farmer perception around trees.
Monmouthshire farmer Kate Beavan said in the past there had been ‘too much enforcement and policy’ and it was ‘positive’ to see interaction between the Welsh Government and farmers.
The Deputy First Minister also
announced further updates to the design of SFS, including a reduction in universal actions from 17 to 12, with additional optional and collaborative actions; animal health, welfare and biosecurity actions merged into a single, simplified universal action; wash stations on farms moved to an optional action; and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and common land rights to be taken into account in the universal payment; as well as further support in optional and collaborative actions.
WHILE SFS has been brought into political focus this week, it has been 10 days since many Welsh farmers joined the tens of thousands outside Westminster to protest against the Chancellor’s Inheritance Tax changes.
Mr Irranca-Davies said while this was a ‘UK Treasury issue’, he had ‘empathy’ with Welsh farmers and encouraged Defra and the Treasury to ‘listen’ to representations from
We can achieve far more than we could have with the individual farmer targets
HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES
MINISTER EMPATHISES ON IHT BUDGET WILL BE ‘CRUCIAL’ TO SUSTAINABLE FARMING
THE announcement of the changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme ‘marks the end of the beginning’ of the process, but the associated budget and methodology need to deliver, according to Farmers Union of Wales president Ian Rickman.
Mr Rickman said: “With a more accessible and flexible scheme design following significant changes, we must now ensure that the associated budget and payment methodology deliver
SCHEME SUCCESS
real economic stability for our family farms in Wales as we face a backdrop of many other challenges.”
Commitment
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones added: “Securing the Welsh Government’s commitment to a well-funded, multiannual budget for the scheme that matches the scale of our ambition for sustainable growth of the food and farming sector, alongside the delivery of
key environmental outcomes for society is also going to be crucial.”
The Welsh Government confirmed economic analysis and modelling around the new SFS design would be conducted before the summer and would inform appropriate payment rates against the budget.
When the Deputy First Minister was probed if he was concerned about delivering the right budget, he said there were ‘discussions’
farmers and farming unions and ‘respond to the alternative analysis put forward’.
He said his focus was on making sure the ‘future viability of farming in Wales was sustainable in all manners of that word’.
Welsh Conservatives have brought forward a motion in the Senedd on (November 27) calling for the ‘family farm tax’ to be reversed.
ongoing in the Welsh Treasury.
“I think I make it very clear that my intention is to argue for the right quantum of funds and then lining up the individual payments of SFS, underneath that, to ensure we have a scheme that is accessible and also desirable to all farmers to be part of.
“I am very much working hard in securing the right budget to make this scheme work for farmers and work for Wales.”
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies speaking at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair earlier this week.
● It comes amid £200k levy-funded inquiry
By Jane Thynne
CHAIR of troubled Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) Catherine Smith has dismissed a tell-all documentary which delved into the alleged ‘toxic culture’ of the Welsh workplace as a ‘gross misrepresentation’.
Broadcast earlier this week, the S4C programme interviewed anonymous members of the workforce who talked of ‘bullying’, claiming people ‘are in tears’ at their desks in an organisation which operates in an atmosphere of ‘fear, intimidation and dishonesty’.
Since April 2023, 11 of the 30 people employed by the marketing board have quit, including two board members and former chief executive Gwyn Howells. It is thought a further two employees are in the process of leaving.
Earlier this year, it emerged that six members of staff had made allegations of bullying against one single employee. An inquiry was launched and three of the five allegations levelled at the worker were upheld.
The staff member, however, according to the programme, remains in their role.
HCC chair dismisses claims of ‘toxic’ workplace
Ms Smith, who took over as chair in 2022, dismissed the documentary as ‘overarchingly inaccurate’ and a ‘gross misrepresentation’ of the organisation.
She told Farmers Guardian: “There are lots of reasons for people to move on and the inference was that it was just about this one matter and that is absolutely not the case.
“For those figures to be used in that way was a gross misrepresentation. Change causes ripples and we are dealing with those ripples and the board, and myself, care about our staff
deeply and are working really, really hard to support the organisation through a period of change.”
Resignation
In July of this year, following an extended period of leave, Mr Howells resigned. It was subsequently revealed an investigation into his conduct had cost the levy board £200,000.
Ms Smith said: “Naturally I would have preferred to not have spent levy-payers’ money on this, but in an arm’s length organisation like HCC we had to do everything to the letter.
“It was the right thing to do and inevitably it has cost.”
Former board member Glyn Roberts has joined Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd in calling for the Welsh Government to intervene.
In response, Deputy First Minister of Wales Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Our focus is making sure they act as a sponsored body by Welsh Government in the appropriate way of dealing with allegations and any HR issues.
“It is for them as a body to take these issues forward not for Welsh Government to step in.”
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Catherine Smith
MORE than 150 weather warnings remained in place this week as Storm Conall arrived just days after Storm Bert wreaked havoc across the UK.
The Met Office has warned that half-a-month’s worth of rain could fall across southern counties of England, after areas including Sussex and Kent were drenched with 50mm of rain on Wednesday (November 27) morning.
Storm Bert brought heavy rainfall to many western areas from November 23-25. White Barrow, Devon, had the highest rainfall accumulation with 175.7mm.
Treherbert, Tyn-Y-Waun, South Wales, recorded 171.6mm at a Natural Resources Wales rain gauge over the same period. Strong winds were also recorded, with 82mph at Capel Curig, Gwynedd.
In Scotland, blizzards and icy
Farmers battle on as storms wreak havoc across the UK
winds were predominate features, leaving roads closed and some rural areas cut off.
The Met Office issued warnings for central, southern and western Scotland, where gusts peaked at 60mph and even reached more than 70mph along some exposed coasts.
South West Scotland farmer Colin Ferguson said: “It was wet and very windy – we had trees and a few fences down, but it could have been worse.”
Herefordshire farmer Ally Hunter Blair had about 75mm of rain fall in a matter of hours.
“I had made the mistake of redrilling wheat which had been flooded in October. That is now very dead. We have fields of oilseed rape which has also now had its second soaking, so I am not hopeful about that. There are at least 160 acres under water, but I know we are not the worst.”
Viable
Mr Hunter Blair added that he was now ready to put more land into Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes.
“We have been running the farm
on a risk-versus-reward system, but increasingly wet weather means this is no longer viable,” he said.
Payments
Farmers have received payments totalling £57.5 million from the Farming Recovery Fund so far, the Government has confirmed.
Around 13,000 farmers were impacted by severe wet weather, including Storms Henk and Babet, between October and March last year, with more than 12,700 recovery payments ranging from £2,895£25,000 now being made.
Former Minister accused of ‘hypocrisy’ in farmer support
● Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg attends London protest
By Rachael Brown
THE former Conservative Brexit Minister, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, has been accused of ‘hypocrisy’ after outwardly claiming to ‘support farmers’ following last week’s protests in Westminster but privately ‘doing little’ and ‘caring less for those who work tirelessly on the land’.
That was the message from North Yorkshire arable tenant farmers Emma and Robert Sturdy, who were waiting to hear the outcome of an appeal hearing which could result in around half of their
farm being taken out of production for a solar farm development.
The Sturdy family’s landlord is the FitzWilliam Trust Corporation, based in Wiltshire. Ms Sturdy has claimed that one of its six trustees, Lady Helena Rees-Mogg, is the wife of Sir Jacob.
“Over the past couple of weeks, he has accused the Government of attacking farmers, their livelihoods and our nation’s food security,” she said, adding his wife and her Trust were ‘seeking to do exactly this to a tenant farmer’ by evicting the Sturdy family from their land to let it at ‘vast profit to a commercial developer’.
“The hypocrisy is breathtaking,” she added.
“Following a drawn-out public
inquiry, we are now waiting for the Secretary of State to decide on our future. We have no idea when this decision will be made but, if granted, we will be left with an unviable business.”
Compensation
A source in Sir Jacob’s office pointed out that he was not involved in this matter, but that he ‘understands from publicly available documents that the Sturdys have been offered a multiple of statutory compensations’.
“This includes an annual index linked payment of £23,500, which is comfortably ahead of the loss initially claimed by the Sturdys,” the source said.
However, Ms Sturdy said statutory
compensation was required by law and it did not form part of any offer.
She also said the additional offer of compensation ‘does not come close’ to compensating the real losses to the business.
“This was acknowledged by Harmony Energy’s expert, who accepted that the landlord’s offer did not take into account a number of matters,” she said.
Intrinsic
“The land is intrinsic to every part of our business; we are a small farm and simply cannot absorb the loss of 110 acres.”
The FitzWilliam Trust Corporation has been approached for comment.
Storm Bert brought heavy rainfall to many western areas in the UK from November 23-25.
Member anger forces RSPCA rethink over Assured scheme
● Requirement dates for scheme delayed
By Jane Thynne
THE RSPCA has announced further modifications to its hen welfare policy in a bid to placate assurance scheme members.
Earlier this year, RSPCA Assured was forced to pause the implementation date of its new RSPCA laying hen welfare standards to allow its members more time to prepare for the changes, which include the refurbishment of sheds (whether barn or freerange) to meet greater veranda space and natural light requirements.
However, after facing considerable criticism from farming groups, the body has pushed back requirement dates and commissioned research looking into farms which have already achieved the body’s 3% natural light target.
Kelly Grellier, RSPCA Assured’s chief commercial officer, said: “The strength of feeling and feedback on the new standards has been unprecedented. Our members are fundamental in helping us improve hen welfare and
we have listened and taken action.
“We have made a number of amendments and clarifications to the standards. We hope these will alleviate concerns and provide greater support to our members so they can achieve the new standards.”
Although Mark Williams, chair of the British Egg Industry Council, welcomed the changes, he said worries remained.
“The standards around the percentage provision of natural daylight remain a huge concern for the industry, particularly when birds already have access to the range and light is provided by open pop holes,” he said.
Research
“The Laying Hen Welfare Forum has proposed a research project to quantify whether there is any bird welfare benefit to providing 1%, 2% or 3% natural light, so it is reassuring to hear that RSPCA Assured is committed to taking due account of the results.”
The key changes include extending the general implementation date for the standards to May 1, 2025 and lengthening the implementation date for natural daylight for all systems by one year – from 2031 to 2032.
Defra places Capital Grants scheme on hold
DEFRA has confirmed some of the capital grants on offer for farmers will temporarily close to new applications, following initial concerns raised by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
CAAV said there had been ‘some uncertainty’ about the status of the Capital Grants scheme, with members reporting ‘significant delays’ with the progress of applications at agreement and offer stage.
It had been made aware that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), in light of an increase in application numbers and values, and growing budget pressures, was undertaking a review of the scheme, and was not issuing any further offers at the moment.
Nick Mullins, a chartered surveyor and adviser at H&H Land and Estates, said the delays were causing ‘major uncertainty’, with farmers ‘left without the capital support needed to make essential investments’.
“Without clear communication from the RPA and Government, the agricultural community is growing increasingly alarmed about the future of these grants and whether the agricultural budget is truly secure,” he said.
Defra confirmed some capital grants will temporarily close to new applications so funding can be prioritised to ‘where it is most needed’. This will affect a total of 76 grant items.
For those who have applied already, if an application relates to the grants which are temporarily withdrawn, it will be on hold for now. Applicants will be contacted in early 2025 with information about what happens next.
A Defra spokesperson said: “As a result of unprecedented demand some of the capital grants offer for farmers will temporarily close to new applications. Agreements that have already been signed will be met, with further funding prioritised to help build a sustainable farming sector.”
New rules for producers under the RSPCA Assured scheme have been put back.
RSPCA Assured said this will give members seven years from the date of implementation to meet the new standards.
“We will continue to talk to our
members and the industry about the new standards and review how we can improve communication when developing new standards in the future,” Ms Grellier added.
Politicians do not value us
I FIND it bizarre that it has taken nearly 80 years for the farming community to wake up to the reality that the political classes have no respect or do not value the sector.
Irrespective of which political party has been in power, key decisions over these years have damaged the future of our food security, while platitudes from Westminster falsely claim that they are the farmer’s friend.
Examples are too many to mention here, but include policies where standards are imposed only for imports to be welcomed from foreign suppliers whose standards fall well below those imposed in the UK. The supermarkets’ excuse is that the imports are cheaper.
You do not need to be an econo-
Social media reactions
FARMERS have had their say on social media after Defra Secretary Steve Reed said he believed there was ‘no risk’ of empty shelves, with the NFU not in favour of a strike (farmersguardian.com): ■ “Does ending a farming business count as a strike?”
CHYPRAZE FARM PRODUCE
mist to work that out. Ironically, it is Defra that has actively undermined the sector, which included gold plating EU legislation when we were in the EU.
If you want to look at the bigger picture, while our agricultural land is being covered with solar panels, trees and pylons, just consider the housing shortage, particularly in London, where new flats stand empty, owned by foreign investors. If you are unable to see the connec-
■ “Wow, not reading the situation very well is he?”
JACKIE THOMAS
■ “In the same way pre-election you told farmers there was no risk to APR? I shouldn’t be so sure... You have argued you didn’t know you were going to inherit a £22 billion black hole [yawn]. The industry might
tion, it is the same principle that is being applied and why the land grab is a reality. It is all about the money.
Trevor Black, York.
Time to request an open review
SURELY the level of support shown
argue they didn’t expect you not to come to the table and negotiate on the matter. It cuts both ways Mr Reed.”
ROB HALLIDAY
■ “So now we’ve got the Defra Minister using words of the NFU against us?”
WILL MATTHEWS
in London and by comments from the public, mostly in support of food security, demonstrate it is time to request a full and open review of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and its effect on farmers, landowners and food security and supply going forward?
This seemingly hurried Budget decision has not been thought through correctly as the quoted figures on how many businesses will be affected just do not add up to reality.
Please would farming leaders request that an all-party independent review body be set up to carefully assess the decision on IHT on land and its likely long-term effect on vital food security and the well-being of the countryside and its hard working residents.
Robin Metcalfe, Northumberland.
A poem for the Government
I STAND as a farmer, a mother, a voice, in a world where the powerful make the choice.
The land that we cherish, our life’s very heart, could be torn from our family, ripped apart.
They’ve capped the relief on the fields that we tend, forcing sales of our heritage just to meet ends.
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The tax isn’t on money, it’s burdened on land, a weight few in power can truly understand.
Generations have toiled, our roots running deep, but these changes may scatter what we hoped to keep.
The fields of tomorrow, they’re sold to the few, the ‘mega-rich’ gaining what we’ll have to undo.
Costs climbing higher, our margins are thin, a battle that farming may struggle to win.
They say it’s for justice, for closing the gaps, but it’s farmers like us caught tight in the traps.
The soil we’ve protected, the food that we grow, could be lost to a system that doesn’t quite know.
We are stewards of nature, not wealthy by gold, yet our stories are ancient, our values are bold.
Oh Government leaders, please pause and take care, understand what you’re risking, the load that we bear.
For without family farms, the countryside dies, and the cost will be measured in emptying skies.
So listen to farmers, to the voice of the land, for the food on your table was grown by our hand.
Let fairness prevail, let wisdom take reign, for a future where farming can flourish again.
Milly Fyfe, Northamptonshire.
Rachael Brown Chief Reporter – rachael.brown@agriconnect.com
Positive step, but what about the money? Leader
THE Welsh farming industry has responded with cautious optimism following the Deputy First Minister’s announcement on Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) this week, the majority in favour of what they believed were necessary changes made to its design, but all are asking the same question – what about the money?
After all, the collaborative efforts of the Ministerial Roundtable to design a workable and accessible scheme for all, is only worth its weight if there is the financial incentive for all farmers.
The Welsh Government said an updated economic analysis and impact assessment would be next on the to do list for the ministerial roundtable. No doubt this will be one of the most complex pieces of work to date, but undoubtedly one of the most important.
Next month will bring a new Budget. All eyes will be on Huw Irranca-Davies to see whether he can fight the sector’s corner and deliver an SFS which is sustainable, for the environment and
Young Farmer Focus
‘Anyone, regardless of background, can thrive in this dynamic industry’
Family: I grew up in the village of Horsington, Somerset, surrounded by a strong farming community. Despite this, my immediate family have never been involved in farming and many people have the view that I don’t have the same advantages as those with a family farm.
While it is true that I am not going to take on a family farm I have learned that with the right mindset and the willingness to learn, anyone, regardless of their background, can thrive in this ever-evolving, dynamic industry.
Stepping stones: At 14, I took the initiative and approached a local farmer directly for work. What struck me was the sense of community within the farming world. Farmers are incredibly connected with each other which enabled me to quickly build a strong
network of contacts providing me with work during the school holidays. Then came lockdown, but with a little experience I saw an opportunity to start a small poultry business on unused land. I sourced equipment, including an incubator, and raised turkeys, broiler chickens and ducks. I sold eggs, meat and live birds, and by the time I returned to school, I had turned a decent profit. This was when my passion for farming truly took off.
From this point I knew that I wanted to explore the industry more deeply on a global basis, which would allow me to fully grasp what this industry is about and what it means to work within it.
So having finished sixth form, I deferred my entry to the Royal Agricultural University and instead
food production as well as financially. The SFS has come a long way and the removal of the 10% tree farm figure sends a signal to farmers that the Minister is genuinely listening.
As concerns sparked by changes to the Inheritance Tax continue, it was important this week to hear the Deputy First Minister recognise farmers’ worries, urging the Treasury to listen, rather than telling farmers they are wrong, like his opposite number in Westminster.
Edward Preston
spent time working on a dairy farm in Somerset. Here I learned more than I could have imagined thanks to the farmer who was truly passionate about his farm’s operations and the industry. I have used the skills that I learned and knowledge that I have gained from working there to progress through the industry, which led me to a job on an arable and cattle station in Queensland, Australia, where the livestock were integrated into the cropping rotations. While studying at university, I wanted
to start a small business of my own, so I started a lamb meat box business on a smallareaoflandwhereIcankeepasmall flock. This venture allows me to combine studying agriculture with a real business of my own, offering high-quality grassfed lamb boxes delivered to the door. Starting small isn’t a bad thing. Innovation: As I look back on my journey, one thing which has become clear is agriculture is a field that thrives on innovation and new ways of thinking. While tradition certainly has its place, it is crucial for farmers to embrace fresh ideas and new entrants into the industry while looking beyond the local to truly understandtheglobalscopeofthesector.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Edward Preston, 20, is a second-year student studying BSc agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University. Edward Preston
Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
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● UK prices have strengthened
POTATO growers are relieved to have largely escaped the horrors of last year’s harvest, where some crops remained in the ground until spring and many had to be ploughed in. But there is not a big appetite for increasing plantings in 2025 due to the lack of seed, continued consolidation and cautiousness about the future.
There are no figures for the quantity of potatoes harvested in 2024 in the UK, but there is a consensus planting was around the 100,000hectare mark.
Graham Bannister, development manager at GB Potatoes, said: “Speaking to growers, I would say it has overall been an average year.
“Some have had good yields, while others have suffered – especially those that planted late because of the wet spring. That could give a national crop of 4.3-4.5 million tonnes, if the planted area was 100,000ha.”
This makes the 2024 crop one of the smallest on record, with numbers of growers falling rapidly.
Mr Bannister estimated the number of commercial potato growers was at fewer than 1,500. When AHDB Potatoes was disbanded in 2021, the numbers were above 1,700.
Although most growers have finished harvesting, a few are still lifting in the South Lincolnshire patch of agronomist Simon Faulkner, of SDF Agriculture.
He said: “Those growers are normally late, but late planting has pushed back harvesting further. For others, the dry start to November was fortunate, although two to three dry weeks saw some of the heavier textured soils dry out on top while still being wet further down.”
He did not expect or wish for an
As the UK potato harvest draws to a close with a small crop for harvest 2024, Cedric Porter takes a look at the markets.
Some optimism as potato harvest ends earlier than last year
UK POTATO TRADE BALANCE
(IN £MILLIONS)
increase in the potato area in 2025.
“Planting more could upset the market and push down prices, which have responded to a lack of supply,” he said.
Mr Faulkner was surprised by an
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increase in the area of Maris Piper seed because of its vulnerability to bruising.
Maris Piper
He said: “But retailers, fish and chip shops, and processors still seem to understand and like its attributes. Some ware growers returned to it for 2024 [due to] the lack of availability of other varieties, and it appears that the same situation will occur again.”
Price might also be a factor contributing to why growers have still preferred Maris Piper.
Newsletter Potato Call quoted a price range of £300-£400/t last week for Maris Pipers depending on quality, with a £40/t uplift for December delivery.
There has been strong demand for other types, and all of its quotes, including for bulk free market processing potatoes, were above £200/t.
Ten weeks of pig price falls
PIG prices have fallen for the 10th consecutive week, with the EUspec Standard Pig Price down 0.3p/ kg to 206.23p/kg for the week ended November 16. This meant the price was at its lowest level since February 2023. The All Pig Price dropped 0.67p/kg for the week ended November 9, to stand at 208.66p/kg.
The EU reference price stabilised at 165.75p/kg during the week ended November 10 and, with the equivalent UK price dropping back, the gap between the two closed slightly to just over 42p/kg. Historically, this was still a wide gap, putting significant import pressure on the UK market.
There is a consensus that potato planting in the UK in 2024 was around the 100,000-hectare mark.
That price was driven by several tonnes of bruised samples.
The strengthening of prices in the UK contrasted with a weaker European market. Growers at this week’s Interpom fair in Belgium were waiting for processors to announce contract prices for 2025/26. Prices have risen over the last two seasons, but the absence of any announcements was treated with shrugs of ‘no news is bad news’.
It was expected that contract values might slip by as much as 10%, which might limit any increase in production despite the opening and expansion of new processing plants in France and elsewhere.
Conference
Meanwhile, at a potato conference last week in Alberta, Canada, delegates expressed their concern about both expansion by European potato companies into North America and stronger competition from India and China.
India’s frozen fry exports have increased by 60% to 162,000t in the last year, with China’s trade in the products up a third to 177,000t.
Strong demand from the UK has been one reason for the increase in Belgian and French potato processing. In the year to September, the UK imported potatoes and potato products worth £1.410 billion. That was up 16% on the previous year and 156% more than a decade ago, according to figures from HMRC and World Potato Markets.
In contrast, exports fell 2% in 2023/24 and only grew 26% by value
Planting more [in 2025] could upset the market and push down prices SIMON FAULKNER
over the decade, with volumes down. That represents a 259% increase in the UK’s potato trade deficit since 2014/15.
GB Potatoes has continued to establish itself as an important body promoting and aiding the UK potato industry. It was recently awarded nearly £1.4m over three years in residual funding from AHDB Potatoes, with the hope of a further £400,000 in the following two years.
“I believe we are now punching above our weight in terms of the influence we have, and delivering on our core objectives of collaboration, co-operation and communication,” said Mr Bannister.
“The injection of funding from the AHDB for the seven projects gives the industry stability – this is not GB Potatoes’ money but the industry’s money, so potential members should not think there is no need to join now as we can deliver more value to them and the potato industry the more support we can get.”
Red meat production to drop
● HCC raises concerns about sheep flock
By Alex Black
PRODUCTION of beef and sheep meat was expected to drop by 2030, with beef production expected to be down even in a ‘best-case plus’ scenario.
The analysis, by AHDB, showed a ‘baseline’ scenario which applied the 10-year average rate of annual change to the national dairy and suckler herds and the national breeding ewe flock from 2025 onwards.
For beef, the baseline forecasts a 6.1% decline in production by 2030, with more positive market conditions and profitability in a best-case forecasting a 5.2%. Even a ‘best-case+’ which offers a trajectory if producer confidence and efficiency improved further, showed a 2.2% decline.
For sheepmeat, the baseline was a drop of 0.6% with a best-case and best-case+ showing a 3.7% and 8.5% increase respectively.
Hannah Clarke, AHDB lead analyst for red meat, said: “There is a wide
New AHDB analysis has forecast a 6.1% decline in beef production by 2030.
‘landing zone’ for sheepmeat production in 2030. While increases in production are expected in the best-case and best-case+ scenarios, there are steps which can be taken to offset the more pessimistic forecasts.”
AHDB said it was taking actions in-
Processor celebrates revenue hitting £1.33bn
MEAT processor Cranswick is celebrating a series of ‘strong’ results which have seen its half-year revenue increase to £1.33 billion.
The Yorkshire-based company said pretax profits increased to £90.2 million in the six months, which is rise of 3.8% year-on-year. Trading was particularly buoyant in the poultry sector, with revenue growing strongly.
Chief executive Adam Couch said the performance was down to ‘a relentless focus on quality and industry-leading service levels’.
“We continue to grow our poultry
business and we have now committed to spending almost £50m across our vertically integrated poultry operations. Investment in our agricultural operations continues at pace, with a further acquisition completed during the period alongside ongoing organic expansion.
Largest
“We now have the largest pig farming business in the UK which is producing over 34,000 finished pigs per week with self-sufficiency maintained at well over 50%,” Mr Couch added.
cluding protecting and promoting the reputation of the industry, driving domestic demand through impactful consumer marketing while developing overseas markets for UK product, adding carcase value and providing insight and evidence for farm businesses.
No surprise
Sam Charlton, Beef and Lamb sector director, said: “The findings of our work will not come as a big surprise for those working in the industry who have faced challenges with domestic sourcing in recent years.”
He added the analysis raised awareness of the issue by ‘quantifying’ the current direction of travel’. It comes as Hybu Cig Cymru stated at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair that the Welsh industry’s prime concern must be maintaining lamb stocks. The flock figure of around 8.7 million recorded for the last two years was the lowest since 2011. It said critical mass of farms and flock was vital to the Welsh industry’s communities and way of life, and the industry needed to ‘really work hard’ to protect the numbers.
Arla and retailers trial feed additive
ARLA, Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi have joined forces to trial the use of Bovaer, a feed additive which reduces enteric methane emissions from cows on average, by 27%.
As part of its FarmAhead Customer Partnership initiative, Arla said it will work alongside partners Morrisons and Aldi, and with Tesco on its new Future Dairy Partnership initiative, to highlight how feed additives can be introduced to normal feeding routines.
Another plant-based firm goes under
MORE than 60 jobs are at risk at London-based vegan meal producer Allplants after the company was forced to call in the administrators.
The firm, which offered plantbased, freezer-ready meal kits, has posted a notice on its website which reads: “We are saddened to announce that Allplants may be closing down. Thank you for being a part of Allplants; it has been a pleasure to cook for you.”
The company was founded in 2016
by brothers Alex and Jonathan Petrides and has raised £67 million in funding including a £2m cash boost from investors five months ago to stay afloat.
A post on Allplants’ Instagram page said: “With more than 8m meals of magic served, we are devastated to share that after a long hard fight for survival, the Allplants kitchen is on the brink of closing down.”
William Wright and Howard Smith have been appointed as administrators.
The new project, which will also involve about 30 of Arla’s farmer owners, aims to provide a better understanding of how these feed additives can be rolled out across a larger group.
Andrew Barraclough, Arla farmer owner who is involved in the trial, said the industry knew feed additives had potential in helping reduce emissions but they could be expensive, highlighting this was why collaboration was important.
NEW FG ASK THE EXPERT
FARMERS Guardian has launched Ask the Expert, a new monthly series where readers can put their questions to industry experts.
This month the topic is the Budget and succession, with the top five questions being answered by HCR Law.
■ Visit farmersguardian.com/ asktheexpert
PICTURE: JOHN EVESON
● Larger-scale fires reported in 2023
By Alex Black
FARM fires were larger-scale and costlier in 2023, with calls for farmers to review and update fire prevention methods.
According to figures from NFU Mutual, the cost of farm fires increased by 37% to an estimated £110.3 million last year.
There was a 15% fall in the number of fire claims involving growing crops, buildings and farm equipment reported to NFU Mutual in 2023.
But the insurer said the increase could have been due to larger-scale fires and rising values of equipment, building materials and labour.
The main causes of farm fire claims in 2023 were electrical faults, lightning strikes and arson attacks.
The cost of agricultural vehicle fires, which were recorded separately, was at an estimated £37.7m in 2023, driven by a rise in the cost of tractor fire claims.
However, lower summer temperatures and calls for farmers to install fire suppression systems or
Cost of farm fires exceeds £110 million
similar meant the cost of combine harvester fires dropped.
Louise Nicholls, agricultural vehicle specialist at NFU Mutual, said the rise was incredibly concerning.
Maintenance
“It is important for all farmers to make sure that vehicles are regularly maintained and checked for wear and damage, particularly to electrical parts and wiring,” she said.
“For highly vulnerable kit, including combine harvesters, tractors and balers, rigorous attention to maintenance and cleaning is essential. We strongly recommend that farmers fit fire suppression kits to their combine harvesters.”
She also highlighted training workshops for farmers were available.
NFU Mutual’s fire safety advice
■ Have a plan in place: Ensure everyone on site knows what to do in the event of a fire. Evacuating everyone safely is the priority, including people working in or living around the premises, taking special care to assist vulnerable people.
■ Maintain electrics: Electrical faults are a major cause of farm fires, and electric shocks can cause death or severe injury. Do not try and attempt electrical work yourself and always use a qualified and competent electrician.
DIY modifications, poor environmental conditions, rodents, overloaded sockets and simple wear and tear are common causes of electrical fires.
■ Suppress the risk: Suppression systems play a critical role in detecting,
containing and extinguishing fire.
■ Keep on top of housekeeping: Good housekeeping is essential to ensure materials and machinery are stored correctly, and also helps to eliminate dust and debris. The build-up of waste and materials adds to the fuel for a fire and can block escape routes or cause trip hazards.
■ Control hot work: Welding, cutting or grinding equipment, along with blowlamps and blow torches, produce sparks which can turn into fires. If work cannot be done outside, ensure it is done in a clear, open area, far away from combustible materials. Anyone carrying out hot works on-farm should be subject to a strict ‘Permit to Work’ system.
Denmark gives livestock ‘fart tax’ green light
● Deal ‘shows country’s willingness to act’
By Alex Black
DENMARK has reached an agreement on the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions after months of negotiations with stakeholders including farmers, introducing a livestock ‘fart tax’.
The Green Tripartite agreement was first announced in June.
From 2030, farmers will have to pay a levy of 300 kroner (£34) per tonne of methane, as per carbon dioxide equivalent, on emissions from livestock, which will rise to 750 kroner (£84) in 2035.
There were just over 15,000 farms with livestock in Denmark. Around 1,700 of these were organic farms.
Just under 9,000 of these had cattle in 2023, according Statistics Denmark, with more than 2,000 having pigs.
Cattle
There were 1.4 million head of cattle, with around 546,000 of those dairy cattle in the third quarter of 2024.
There are 2.6m hectares of utilised agricultural area in Denmark, with 1.2m hectares of this area for grain production.
Green Tripartite Minister Jeppe Bruus said the Government would do what it could to reach its climate goals
From 2030, farmers will have to pay a levy of 300 kroner (£34) per tonne of methane on emissions from livestock.
and transform large parts of its land from agricultural production to forestry, natural spaces and ‘bring life back to our fjords’.
The agreement also has plans to reduce nitrogen pollution, with increasing biodiversity included in the targets.
The Danish newspaper The Copenhagen Post said 250,000ha of forest would be planted, with 140,000ha of peatlands to be restored.
The Danish minister for climate,
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energy and utilities, Lars Aagaard, said it showed the country’s ‘willingness to act’.
“It also shows the Danish model –broad political majority in the Danish parliament [and] involvement of the sectors that will be affected by the tax and involvement of environmental stakeholders,” he added. He said this is something ‘we could all benefit from’ if the rest of the world could foster such co-operation in the climate fight.
Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
Situated on one of Sheffield’s seven hills, Hangram Lane Farm is in a prime spot to make the most of the affluent customer base which lies less than a mile from the farm gate.
Andrew and Alison Clark and son Matt are aware of this, and the recent expansion of their successful farm shop capitalises on this location. But the family’s passion lies principally with their herd of pedigree Limousins which has established a strong reputation with suckler herds and pedigree breeders locally and further afield.
Andrew bought his first Limousin cow and calf for 1,800gns in 1995 and this proved to be a very wise purchase, as progeny remain in the herd today.
He says: “All my cattle now originate from three or four cows which we bought at the start. For us, it is all about the cow families and we try and buy in as little as we can.”
An
affluent urban fringe setting pays dividends for the Clark family’s farm near Sheffield. Chloe Palmer finds out more.
Prime location drives success of South Yorkshire family farm
Although an animal ‘has to look right’, Andrew increasingly scrutinises genomic data to guide his breeding decisions, particularly when buying a new bull.
Farm facts
■ The Clark family farms at Hangram Lane Farm which is two miles west of Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District National Park
■ The farm extends to 100 hectares (250 acres), of which 73ha (180 acres) are permanent pasture and the remainder is temporary grassland reseeded on a six- to seven-year rotation
“We are looking for a Limousin with two copies of the F94L myostatin gene which is linked to maternal traits, especially easy calving and milkiness, as well as good growth rates. We want a bull which passes on the genes for a short gestation period to his daughters resulting in smaller calves at birth.
■ The Mayfield herd of pedigree Limousins now totals 80 cows, and the Clarks also have 10 pedigree Charolais under the Kirk Edge prefix and 10 crossbred commercial cattle. A total of 220 cattle are on the farm at any one time
■ The best bulls are sold for breeding throughout the year either privately or through society sales, often to return customers, and 20 heifers are kept as
“I believe a calf should be born naturally. Most of our calves born to cows are between 40kg and 46kg at birth.
“We bought a bull to use solely on the heifers and he sires even smaller calves. He was bought for a specific job and was purchased on figures.
“If we buy a bull, he has to suit all of us and he has to look right. Our newest bull, Dyke Toyboy, was bought from Stirling bull sales last spring and has excellent estimated breeding value figures with two copies of the F94L myostatin gene plus good length and power.
replacements or sold for breeding each year. The remaining animals are sold as stores at Skipton
■ The family runs a farm shop which is open three days a week. The farm also hosts two to three weddings a year and several large organised events including the Dig Deep race with 400 runners over two days and a women’s climbing festival called Trad Fest
“We will be selective about what we run with him and save him for our better cows,” Andrew adds.
The cows are split into an autumnand a spring-calving block, with the heifers calving down at two-and-ahalf years old. Calves are fed an 18% protein calf pellet from three weeks of age, but are not weaned until they are 10 months old.
“We wean late because it means the
From left: Andrew, Matt and Alison Clark.
PICTURES: JOHN EVESON
Farm Profile South Yorkshire
cows are working for this period so they do not get too fat. For the autumncalving cows, it reduces the risk of
We take more than 2,000 orders in total at Christmas for poultry, beef, pork, lamb, sausages and vegetables. We could not do what we do if we were not situated here ANDREW CLARK
August bag if the calves are sucking until late summer.
“The calves stay on an 18% rearer nut while they need hard feed and we feed the show bulls a ration.”
Although the family has always enjoyed success in the showring with their pedigree Limousins, Andrew emphasises the herd is run ‘very commercially’ and while they invest in high-quality feed for youngstock and the breeding bulls, nothing is over-fed.
“I am now looking carefully at feed efficiency because there are bulls out there producing progeny which eat less hard feed for increased daily weight gains. It is early days for this trait but I think we will soon be there,” Andrew says.
Controlling costs has been a focus for the family, especially with the withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), and several investments have enabled this. Matt has been keen to upgrade farm machin-
Most calves born to cows on-farm are between 40kg and 46kg at birth.
ery and infrastructure and he says it is paying off.
“We put up a silage clamp two years ago and not only has this cut the cost of wrap, but it has also saved a huge amount of time. Now we can do our early cut in June and pick up 40.5 hectares in a day rather than spend five days baling,” he says.
Bales
“We do not want rocket fuel for our cows, but we do need a good crop. We still make around 120 bales of silage and this year we made 300 bales of hay but we will sell quite a bit of this.”
Buying a straw chopper was also a game changer, Matt believes, and while they were initially reluctant to no longer bed up by hand, it saves an hour and a half and a bale of straw per day when everything is housed.
Andrew is a keen proponent of vaccination, especially for pneumonia, arguing it is a known cost, whereas if infection strikes, the cost of antibiotics
In the run-up to Christmas, rearing and preparing the 1,000 turkeys the family sells each year is the main job.
can spiral. Eradicating BVD many years ago has made a ‘massive’ difference to herd health.
He says: “Eliminating BVD substantially reduced the incidence of pneumonia and other infections and we have significantly lowered our antibiotic use and stress levels.”
The family recently made the decision to sell their flock of Texel breeding ewes and now simply buy in store lambs to fatten. Alison considers this has been the right decision. She says: “We were lambing 120 ewes indoors over a month and it took up so much of our time. We are now too busy in the shop, so we have increased cow numbers but it does not take any extra time or cause more work.”
Focusing energy on the enterprises that are both profitable and fulfilling has come to the fore since the farm shop really took off during Covid-19. The shop is now open three days a week, with their commitment paying off.
Alison says: “We now sell everything from beef joints and vegetables to chocolate and coffee. We are lucky to have lovely customers and they all want to know what we are doing on the farm.
“Our farm is a five-minute drive from one of the top 10 most affluent constituencies in the country and our customer base is largely professional people who want to buy the best from us.”
In the run-up to Christmas, rearing and preparing the 1,000 turkeys the family sells each year is the main job and they have built up an enviable reputation for their birds.
Andrew says: “We buy in Kelly’s bronze and white turkeys as day-old chicks. Because we are looking for the smaller weight birds, 80% of them are females as most of what we sell are be-
tween 6-7 kilos, though they range from 4.5kg to 12kg.
“For the first four weeks, the chicks are under gas heaters and then as they grow, they get a bigger share of the shed. Although they are barnreared, they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
“We have a fantastic team to prepare them. We start on December 12 and it takes two days to slaughter them all and then a day to sort them so we can put the different weights of bird to all our customers.
“Dressing takes two days and then we have a day to make sure everything is correct and ready and then we sell them all on December 23 and 24. We sell 100 birds to one local farm shop and all the rest are sold individually.
Christmas
“We find people still want turkey at Christmas and they come to us because they want the eating quality and a turkey which is reared properly. We take more than 2,000 orders in total at Christmas for poultry, beef, pork, lamb, sausages and vegetables.
“We could not do what we do if we were not situated here. We know there is room for expansion and opening a cafe has been suggested to us many times, but we want to keep the business in the family and we do not have time at the moment.”
Matt recognises the contribution the farm shop and turkeys make to the business, but his sights are clearly set on expanding the pedigree herd.
He says: “I would like to grow the business and one day I would love to be calving 150 cows, but we do not have enough ground at present. We would love another farm in the valley, but round here we are always bidding against Sheffield business
The cows are split into an autumn- and a spring-calving block.
people and it makes it difficult to buy land close by.
“We want to sell more cows with calves at foot as breeding animals to maximise the return on what we produce. We currently do not have the shed space so we are looking to invest in the coming years.”
Andrew agrees, and is upbeat for their future.
He adds: “Losing the BPS does not scare me as I believe farmers should be paid the right money for the food they produce. I do not think we are too far away from the day this happens, when food will be in short supply.”
Spring-calving cows with last spring’s calves.
The family’s farm shop took off during Covid-19.
An advert for the turkeys outside the farm.
Edited by Alice Dyer – 07966 445 458 – alice.dyer@agriconnect.com
For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub
● Valuable early findings from soil study
WHEN the Morley Agricultural Foundation’s Soil and Agronomic Monitoring Sites (SAMS) study began in 2018, the goal was to conduct detailed, repeatable, long-term soil and crop monitoring, potentially over 25 years, with the aim of examining the long-term impact of modern agricultural practices on soil health and productivity.
Initially, it was anticipated that the early years might not reveal many significant trends. However, valuable findings have emerged early on, including an insight into the recovery of soil structure after compaction from sugar beet crops.
The study draws information from a network of monitoring sites, selected using yield data collected across 12 years of combine yield maps to examine yield patterns over time and space. These integrated yield maps, together with the boots-on-the-ground insight of farm manager David Jones, were used to identify 30 15x15-metre sites across the farm.
Mr Jones says: “We believe it is a unique project. There are not many
More information
DAVID Jones and David Clarke were speaking at a ‘Discover the Morley SAMS project’ meeting, part of Agri-TechE’s Agri-Tech Week.
A forward-thinking project underway in Norfolk is aiming to find out more about the impact of soil health on yields, profitability and resilience in arable rotations. Teresa Rush reports.
Taking the long view on soil health
long-term trials, and we are monitoring commercial practice; that is what makes SAMS different.
“We do what is best to make the farm profitable; we know where the monitoring sites are, but not exactly, so if the sugar beet harvester gets stuck in a plot, then that is just how it is.”
Soil measurements being taken include visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) scores, soil penetrometer readings, earthworm counts, aggregate stability and bulk density measurements.
NIAB soils and farming systems specialist David Clarke, who is leading the study, says: “In the medium
term, the idea is to see how these measures interact, so can we see how soil health links to crop and environmental performance.
“Longer term, we are hoping to measure and benchmark how soils are responding to our farming systems as they evolve over the next 10, 20, 30 years.”
Nitrogen surplus
Outlining some of the project’s findings to date, Mr Clarke references the European Commission’s The state of soils in Europe report, which was published in October.
One of the issues highlighted in the report was soil nitrogen surplus
in the autumn, which was put at 50-75kg N/hectare in the east of England.
“That is pretty much in line with what we have got in the SAMS data,” says Mr Clarke.
Autumn soil mineral N recorded across 118 cereal crops in SAMS is just above 50kg N/ha.
With new methods of N management being investigated on-farm, including the use of controlled release foliar fertilisers such as MZ28, SAMS monitoring will reveal whether surplus soil N in the autumn can be further reduced over time, he says.
One of the first SAMS tasks was to categorise the farm’s soils. Initially, this involved taking samples down to 90cm and conducting bulk density measurements at each horizon.
“We did that with an iPhone app called Polycam that can do 3D and LiDar scanning so you can get a good profile of the soil,” says Mr Clarke. The results revealed the farm’s topsoils sit within the sandy clay loam and sandy loam textural classes, but soils are more variable at depth.
“At 90cm, we cover five of the 11 soil classifications, and this variation will affect many aspects of the cropping system, including the soils’ ability to retain organic matter, nutrient
David Clarke
David Jones
Soil measurements being taken as part of the project include visual evaluation of soil structure scores, soil penetrometer readings, earthworm counts, aggregate stability and bulk density measurements.
availability, water holding capacity and leaching risk,” he says.
In 2022, the SAMS fields were soil electrical conductivity (ECa) scanned, with the data collected used to create soil texture maps across the farm.
“What we generally see is that low ECa soils tend to be our lower yielding soils, and in eight out of 10 years we see them drought out; water is limiting and soil texture is driving that yield variation,” says Mr Clarke.
VESS results, of which 350 have been collected to date, are highlighting changes in soil structure in response to pressures and seasons.
To date, few scores have been above the 2.5 measure that would give cause for concern, with the majority scoring 1-2.
“There are some exceptions, [such as] a headland that is always close to 3, as is expected for a turning headland. But what is important is we are not getting into 4s and 5s. If we started to do that, we might be more concerned,” says Mr Clarke.
VESS scoring is identifying where in the rotation the farm’s soils are coming under most pressure, and unsurprisingly, scores increase after sugar beet.
Mr Clarke says: “We tend to see an increase of 0.75 after a sugar beet crop, but it is a really important crop in the rotation for grass-weed control and, actually, our soils are quite resilient.”
Resilience
VESS scores tend to reduce in spring barley after beet in the rotation, and in one field were back to pre-sugar beet scores within two seasons following beet.
“We cannot get away from the fact it sometimes rains all of January and we have got to get sugar beet out, but as long as soils show resilience, then they should have some capability to deal with that stress. VESS is a nice way of measuring that resilience,” says Mr Clarke.
VESS is also a useful proxy for bulk density as a measure of compac-
SOIL AGGREGATE STABILITY
SOIL aggregate stability controls physical, biological and chemical functions in cultivated soils and is one of the soil parameters being measured in the Soil and Agronomic Monitoring Sites study.
Aggregate stability is not easy to measure, says NIAB soils and farming systems specialist David
Clarke, but the free Slakes smartphone app, which uses image analysis, might provide a farmer-friendly solution, and is being evaluated at Morley.
MORE INFORMATION
Find out more at soilhealthinstitute. org/our-work/initiatives/slakes/
tion, he says. Mean VESS scores across the sites over the last four years have been closely correlated with bulk density measurements.
Soil organic matter
With a mixed farming history, the farm’s soil organic matter (SOM) levels show wide variation across the 30 monitoring sites, ranging from 2.2% to 4.8% on current arable land and in equilibrium at 8% on longterm grassland.
“Fields that have a higher organic matter tend to have been in grass, at least up until about 1980, so we have got a legacy effect of long-term grass within those sites,” says Mr Clarke.
He cites an example of one field converted from grass to arable in 1986, which currently has an SOM of 4.1%, while a field in an arable rotation since at least 1946 has an SOM of 2%.
A key question is whether the higher level of organic matter can be maintained with changes to the farming system.
“If that is the case, we would expect those sites at an equilibrium of 2% to start to increase as cover crops, reduced cultivations and the manures incorporated into the rotation start to have an impact,” says Mr Clarke.
John Deere fuel use mapping data collected on-farm reveals that an increase in SOM is improving soil function, with lower fuel use during primary cultivations recorded in areas of higher soil organic matter.
Longer term, we are hoping to measure and benchmark how soils are responding to our farming systems as they evolve
DAVID CLARKE
“A 1.5% increase in organic matter saw a 15% reduction in fuel use in that primary cultivation,” says Mr Clarke.
Earthworms
Earthworm counts on-farm show that higher counts are associated with higher yielding sites, but this does not mean that earthworms increase yield, says Mr Clarke.
“What it is probably showing is that the same factors that increase yield tend to increase earthworm numbers: texture, organic matter, water holding capacity,” he says.
“But it also shows that there is some spatial distribution in earthworm numbers; it is not a completely random factor.”
International effort needed to tackle insecticide resistance
● High levels of pyrethroid resistance
A LONG-term project to monitor insecticide resistance in key pest species has revealed how problems can arrive in the UK from overseas.
The work, led by Rothamsted Research, receives insects from the field and exposes live samples to insecticide compounds at various screening doses.
The most-studied pest was the virus-transmitting peach potato aphid. Peach potato aphids with high levels of resistance to pyrethroids continue to dominate the UK population.
According to the study there have been no detectible shifts in sensitivity to flonicamid, which is the only alternative to pyrethroids available for use in UK oilseed rape.
However, the project discovered a peach potato aphid sample that carried strong resistance to neonicotinoids. It was collected from an OSR crop in Suffolk in autumn 2023, with the resistance identified in aphid screening bioassays that tested two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid.
In these assays, the researchers saw healthy adult aphids that could produce viable nymphs at doses that would normally kill susceptible individuals.
Although this phenotype has never been observed in the UK population before – and screens have been conducted at Rothamsted Research since 1996 – it has been seen in samples from mainland Europe. Molecular assays also supported the finding, which detected a target-site mutation associated with resistance to neonicotinoids. Concerningly, these aphids also carried the super-kdr mutation in a form that confers strong resistance to pyrethroids.
According to Rothamsted, it is a
A long-term project discovered a peach potato aphid sample with strong resistance to neonicotinoids.
genotype and resistance combination never seen anywhere before. In such aphids, neither neonicotinoids nor pyrethroids would work sufficiently.
Testing
Molecular testing at the James Hutton Institute suggests that the unique genotype most likely originates from overseas, where sexual reproduction and mixing of genes occurs.
These aphids could have flown or been blown into the UK. Alternatively, they may have reached British shores on imported plant material.
Also for the first time, pyrethroid resistance greater than usually conferred by heterozygous (SR) kdr was found in UK grain aphid samples.
The issue was first identified by
POOR SPRAY PERFORMANCE
IF an insecticide has been applied optimally in line with the label recommendations and fails to control the target pest as expected, the advice is to not make repeat applications of any insecticide from the same mode of action.
■ Growers are urged to report any new resistance concerns to a BASIS-qualified adviser and contact stephen.foster@ rothamsted.ac.uk to assess the potential to conduct insecticide resistance tests.
a key project collaborator, Dewar Crop Protection, in a Norfolk wheat crop that had received three pyrethroid spray applications. In spring 2024, the pest was at much higher levels than expected.
A sample was taken for genotyping and an insecticide screening bioassay. Although the former did not detect the presence of homozygous (RR) kdr, the latter detected a far higher resistance response than the standard heterozygous (SR) genotypes present in the UK. The researchers say they will continue to monitor the situation.
The frequency of pyrethroid-resistant cabbage stem flea beetles has risen over several years.
Screens
Based on screens of 14 samples collected following harvest 2023, all but one contained pyrethroidresistant adults, ranging in frequency from 7% to 95%. For the first time, resistance was detected in Scotland – one sample contained 27% resistant beetles.
Pollen beetle samples from Hertfordshire also contained pyrethroid-resistant beetles at the equivalent of full label rate.
Potato schemes receive £1.8m AHDB levy boost
LEFTOVER potato levy reserves totalling £1.8 million will be used to fund seven industry projects, according to a joint announcement by AHDB and GB Potatoes.
The move comes following the winddown of levy payer activities within the sector and has been supported by the main potato membership organisations.
Scott Walker, GB Potatoes chief
executive, says following the demise of AHDB Potatoes, the that sector has continued to face a number of serious challenges which the funding will help address.
The funding will support projects including potato blight monitoring, aphid monitoring, virus in seed potatoes, CIPC residue monitoring and nutrient management.
OSR planting at 40-year low
● AHDB Early Bird Survey signals fall
By Jane Thynne
NEXT year’s wheat harvest area looks set to rise by 5.4%, while oilseed rape (OSR) falls to its lowest level for four decades, according to the latest figures published by AHDB.
The levy board’s Early Bird Survey suggests the UK wheat area for harvest 2025 will be around 1.6 million hectares – up on this year’s figure of 1.4m hectares. Although it shows an increase, it remains somewhat below the 2019-2023 average of 1.7m hectares.
There is mixed news too for both winter and spring barley, as well as OSR areas, which are all expected to decrease.
Although the winter barley area is estimated to have fallen by just under 1%, potentially limited by the wet conditions in England in September,
Cropwalk
spring barley looks like it will drop by 13%, after rising sharply in 2024.
AHDB says the spring barley projection of 704,000ha would still be above 2022 and 2023 levels, but with the winter barley area edging lower again, the falls in spring barley would mean the smallest UK barley area since 2014, at 1.08m hectares. If this area is confirmed and without above-average yields in 2025, UK barley production could fall below 2024’s provisional 7.2m tonne crop.
Forecasts
However, forecasts suggest a 17% fall in the planted area for OSR. If confirmed, this would reduce the OSR area to its lowest area in the UK for 42 years.
The area of oats is also projected to rise by a modest 3.5%. At 189,000ha, the 2025 projected area would be slightly above the 2019-2023 average but below 2021’s 200,000ha.
Helen Plant, AHDB senior analyst, cereals and oilseeds, says only a partial
Since my last report in late October we have had very little rain. The gauge has collected just 4mm between then and the time of writing (November 22), and most of that is probably condensation.
This has helped us finish the season in pretty good order. The final maize crops were cut in the first week of this month, ending a less-than-satisfactory season in which crops struggled to mature after the cool and wet conditions that prevailed for much of the
While the oilseed rape harvest area is set to fall, next year’s wheat area is expected to rise by 5.4%, according to AHDB.
area recovery for 2025 could mean UK production remains below average in 2025, showing a ‘mixed picture’.
“While winter cropping has historically strongly rebounded the year after a wet autumn, for example in 2021, that does not seem to be the case for harvest 2025.
“The challenging weather in some areas, plus the fallout from the 2024 harvest on profitability seems to have limited the rebounds. This places extra focus on yield potential. Industry will need to monitor crop conditions closely through the growing season.”
The survey also points to a further
Overall, winter cereals are in a good position
spring and summer. Yields were nowhere near the heady heights of 2023.
Recent warmer weather has helped winter cereal development, which had been slowed by prolonged cool weather. Some September-drilled crops are very well tillered and meeting across the rows.
Weed control has also worked well, with many growers opting to apply pre-emergence herbicides in the benign conditions. Overall, winter cereals are going into winter in a good position; the signs are positive for next year.
Aphids have not been evident this autumn, perhaps due to the cooler temperatures in late September/early October. It remains to be seen whether untreated early-drilled crops or those drilled after grass have been affected by barley yellow dwarf virus – the weather was not conducive to
spraying, and a lot of growers have chosen the IPM4 option under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) so could not use insecticides anyway.
Like winter cereals, stubble turnips have also benefited from the warmth and adequate moisture, as have grass reseeds. Most crops look fine.
Some rain is now forecast, but hopefully not too much. If conditions remain suitable, it would be a good idea to put a cultivator through bare maize stubbles, particularly on sloping land, to alleviate harvest compaction. This will help rainfall to infiltrate and reduce the risk of run-off.
I am up to my eyes in soil sampling at the moment. Anyone entering SFI has elected to carry out soil management planning. This needs to be done within 12 months of signing the SFI agreement, but also needs to be completed before spring, and before the
rise (+51%) in uncropped arable land from 2024’s already high level. However, Ms Plant says it is unclear if this reflects decisions still to be made or land intended for agri-environmental schemes in England, with the largest rises reported for northern England.
Data from Defra shows that between July and October only a further 20,000ha were entered into Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options that take land (grassland or arable) out of production across all farm types.
Ms Plant says Defra’s next figures on SFI uptake are due in February and will need to be monitored.
fertiliser order is completed. Winter is a quieter time of year, so it is easier to take samples and farmers may be able to use the results to benefit crops currently in the ground.
Overall, we have had a much better start to the season than last year. This is my final report for 2024 – l hope things continue in the same vein when I resume next spring.
with Simon Nelson
SIMON Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland. About Simon Nelson
Simon Nelson
PICTURE: STEVE ALLEN
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768
For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales
l 70 head overall averaged £3,123.75
A SHEARLING gimmer from Stewart Craft Farming’s Lakeview flock, Glenrothes, led the trade at 25,000gns at the Three Nations show and sale of pedigree Suffolk females at Carlisle. The daughter of Strathbogie Stallone out of a home-bred ewe by Strathbogie Stradivarious, carrying twins to Kings Cross, sold in a two-way split to Messrs Hutchinson, Annan, and Messrs Christie, Inverurie. Messrs Watson, Millom, then paid 20,000gns for a shearling gimmer by Salopian Solid Gold out of a Strathbogie Ace daughter, in-lamb to Annakisha Champ from T.J. and C.R. Boden’s Sportsmans flock, Stockport.
Shearling gimmer
Next, at 10,000gns, was a shearling gimmer by Castleisle A Kingsman out of a Limestone Aston Martin-sired ewe from Mark Priestley’s Limestone flock, Seaforde. The ET
Suffolks realise top of 25,000gns at Carlisle
sister to UK sire of the year, Limestone Online, sold carrying a single to Ballygroogan Banker, to Messrs Hamill, Co Antrim.
Messrs Bowdler, Ellesmere,
then paid 9,000gns for a ewe lamb by Dunfell Dynamite out of an Ardlea Arbennig daughter from Myfyr Evans’ Rhaeadr flock, Denbigh.
Top price, a shearling gimmer, from Stewart Craft Farming, Glenrothes, which sold for 25,000gns in a two-way split to Messrs Hutchinson, Annan, and Messrs Christie, Inverurie.
Cockermouth champion makes 700p/kg
AT Cockermouth’s show and sale of prime cattle, the judge, Paul Gentry, Woolley Bros, Sheffield, awarded the championship to a British Blue heifer from J.A. Barnett, Shap, which went on to sell for the top price of 700p/kg (£4,396/head).
Messrs Barnett also had the reserve champion, a Limousin heifer which sold for 490p/kg (£3,101). Top price Limousin per head at £3,173 (372p/kg) was from S. Wood, Pennington.
Overall 15 lots sold at 400p/kg or more with 32 head selling to £2,500 or more.
Auctioneers: Mitchells.
Flying trade for store cattle at Lancaster
LEADING the trade at Lancaster’s sale of store cattle at £2,120 was K. and D.E. Woodhouse, Ellel, with an Aberdeen-Angus steer at £2,120, with others from the same home making £2,000 three times.
The same vendors sold British Blue steers to £2,100, £2,040 and £2,000 three times.
Younger British Blue steers were in demand, with a pen of four 16 month olds at £1,670/head from T.H. Wensley, Kirkham.
Limousin steers sold to £1,840
for J. Prest and Son, Bay Horse, who also sold Friesian steers to £1,620 for a pair.
Steers
Fleckvieh-bred steers from M.J. Waller, Lupton, sold to £1,700 and A.J. and D. Knowles, Kendal, sold Charolais steers to £1,520. Herefords sold to £1,580 for a pair of steers from D.H. and M. Kellet and Sons, Thurnham.
Heifers topped at £1,860 for a Simmental from I.D. Bailey, Pres-
ton. G. Sagar and Son, Caton, sold a pen of four Aberdeen-Angus heifers at £1,740, with Pilling Hall at the same price for a single Aberdeen-Angus.
British Blue heifers saw R. Capstick and Son, Ingleton, sell to £1,720 for a trio. Messrs Wensley sold 16-month-old British Blue heifers to £1,520.
AVERAGES
Steers, £1,604; heifers, £1,422. Auctioneers: North West Auctions.
Making 7,500gns was a shearling gimmer by Frongoy Rocket inlamb with twins to Castleisle Blackadder from Lilia Hutchinson’s Howgillfoot flock, Kirkby Stephen, which was knocked down to Messrs McMenamin, Donegal.
AT the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club sale at Carlisle, the first to sell for 4,000gns was Berryholme Davinci Flo by Davinci, which was not entered in the presale show, from the Wright family, Lancashire. The buyer was Messrs Coulthurst, Preston.
At the same money was Feizor Fuel C Dandy from the Booth family, Feizor. It sold to Baltier Farming, Newton Stewart, which also paid 3,600gns for the winning junior heifer in-milk, Feizor Lambda A Kandie from the same home.
John Greenop, Wigton, sold Bridgedale Ranger Snapple Red, a daughter of Ranger Red for 3,200gns to the Murray family, Stafford.
Pre-sale champion
The pre-sale show champion was Kepculloch Lambda Trethelma, consigned by Robert Steel, Glasgow, which sold for 2,600gns to the Marshall family, Dumfries.
Reserve champion was awarded to Newtonmoss Adorable Noreen by Adorable consigned by the Fisher family, Penrith, which went to the Messrs Brough, Carlisle, for 2,500gns.
Overall champion, a British Blue heifer from J.A. Barnett, Shap, which sold for 700p/kg (£4,396/head).
Auction
Dot’s Cafe serves as a welcoming community hub where people gather for good food and conversation, particularly in the current political climate.
Cafe owner Dorothy Macdonald says: “We need to be more supportive to our farmers than ever before, and everything we do is to support our local communities, providing a point of contact and a social hub for everyone.
“We are a collection point for everyone, including for rural businesses nearby. They all know where the cafe is, and we are very busy both on mart and non-mart days, with lots of local support.”
Dot’s Cafe Darlington wins Auction Mart Cafe of the Year
Supported by In association with
That draw, even outside of mart days, has seen Dot’s Cafe add the very popular Sunday lunch to the menu a little over a year ago, with the cafe now open six days a week.
Continuing to source produce locally, with meat, vegetables, eggs and bread coming from local farmers, butchers and suppliers within a 10-mile radius, that community approach prevails throughout the operation.
Third win
No stranger to the Mart’s the Heart Awards, having previously collected this very award back in 2019, and then again in 2021 when the new facility opened at Darlington’s state-of-the-art
auction centre at Humbleton Park, that central location continues to drive a growing customer base.
The key ingredient to the success of the cafe is of course the food it serves. Dorothy and her team prepare and cook traditional-style food from scratch, on-site, using the locally-sourced produce.
Open from 7am to 5pm on Monday and Thursday, 8.30am to 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and then on Sunday from 11am to 2pm, visitors have a rich selection of traditional favourites to choose from.
From full English breakfasts and hand-made sandwiches, to roast dinners, liver and onions, mince and dumplings or sweet and
sour pork, there is something for all tastes. That is before you consider the selection of cakes and bakes made fresh every day, as well as the hearty puddings, such as apple and raspberry crumble. As well as the standard cafe opening times, the team also caters for events hosted in the conference suite, including many farmer and breed society meetings, as the enterprise continues to go from strength to strength.
Dorothy adds: “We just want to say thank you to everybody, all of our customers and our local supporters. It really means the world to us, and we are so pleased to have been given this award again for a third time.”
Sta from Dot’s Cafe celebrate after winning Auction Mart Cafe of the Year for the third time. Pictured with presenter Vernon Kay (far right) and Zanna Dennis (far left), development o icer at the Livestock Auctioneers Association.
Winter Warmers to 3,000gns
● Blue Texel shearlings reached 720gns
SUFFOLKS led the trade at 3,000gns at the Winter Warmers sale of in-lamb ewes at Melton Mowbray for the breed champion, a shearling ewe from Hallam and Eggleston, Loughborough.
Shearling ewes from Stephen Coldbald, Sudbury, topped at 1,000gns, with Suffolk ewe lambs to 450gns for G. and E. Beddie, Swaffham.
Inter-breed champion was a Blue Texel ewe lamb, Blue Diamond Jewel from Anita Padfield, Great Yarmouth, which sold for 900gns.
Blue Texel shealings sold to 720gns for Premier Heaven from Robert Mawer and Emma Benge, Kelby, with the reserve champion, an aged ewe, Littlewood Gill,
making the same money for Josh Geary, Milton Keyes.
Jennifer Lodge’s Heyworth flock, Doncaster, topped the Texels at 850gns for a shearling with ewes from Messrs Cobald selling to 800gns.
Dutch Spotted
A Dutch Spotted aged ewe from S. Ghiorghita, Wilby, sold for 720gns to top the section, with ewe lambs selling to 520gns for W. Clarke Livestock, Norwich.
Charolais ewe lambs sold to 450gns for Andrew and Kate McNeil’s Katem flock, Doncaster.
The annual production sale of in-lamb commercial ewes from Garfield and Heather Stephens, Kirby Bellars, topped at 470gns for pure Texels shearlings, with older ewes to 360gns. Auctioneers: Melton Mowbray Market.
Bentham dairy sale reaches £3,200 twice
THE Christmas dairy sale at Bentham was judged by Aubrey Greenhalgh, Elswick, and Luke Mellin, Preesall, who awarded the championship to Mike Lawrence from P.D. and B.S. Lawrence, Grange-overSands, with their pedigree heifer, Lynholme Renegade Gypsy.
It sold 30 days calved and giving 31 litres, to Mr Mellin at the day’s top price of £3,200.
David Wright, Berryholme, took the reserve rosette, with his first prize heifer from the commercial class, 14 days fresh and giving 27 litres, which sold for £2,500 to
Richard and Olivia Gorst, Ellel, sold their heifer, Saltoke Topshot Rebecca 256, to match the champion at £3,200, when going to John and Richard Powley, Penrith.
Cows sold to £2,920 for the pedigree class winner, a second calver, which from Booth Bros, Skipton. David Whitwell, Austwick, was next at £2,750 with his first prize winning commercial cow, a second calver.
Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son.
Top price and Suffolk breed champion, a shearling ewe from Hallam and Eggleston, Loughborough, which sold for 3,000gns.
Sedgemoor sees strong autumn dairy trade
THE entry of almost 150 autumn-calving cows and heifers at Sedgemoor’s dairy sale topped at £3,675 for the second calver, Braden Score Helen, which was part of the first consignment to disperse Paul and Anna Brunt’s flying herd, Bridport, as a result of their tenancy ending.
Their 30, July to September-calved cows and heifers to include all ages and faults averaged £1,903.
At £3,045, was the commercial fresh second lactation Bomaz Altatopshot daughter from Coombes Manor Farm, Bridgwater.
The same vendor topped the calved heifers with two heifers by Stantons Chief and Peak Altashazam at £2,782.50 and £2,730 respectively.
The continued dispersal for Bowditch, Honiton, saw second lactation cows at £2,782.50 for Otterwyn Harvest Smut GP83. Rea and Son, Herefordshire, sold two calved heifers
Kirkby
Clenchers R2 D2 Whiteheather 2 and Clenchers Applejax Stocking 3, both for £2,625.
A consignment of 30 organic cows and heifers from Raymond Farming, Beaminster, averaged £2,100 selling to £2,467.50 three times for commercial second-calvers by Glamour Achieve, September third-calvers and October second-calvers. A small entry of in-calf heifers sold to £1,732.50 for P. Wedden and Partners, Credition, with Braden Scenic Fancymaid.
AVERAGES
179 mainly autumn calved cows including A lot of heifer calves, £2,378; 57 calves heifers including A lot heifer calves, £2,474; 2 Hereford bulls, £1,775; 74 yearling heifers, £851; 91 heifer calves, £428; 418 head, £1,562.
Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt.
Stephen Limousin
cross heifers sell to £2,000
THE sale of store cattle at Kirkby Stephen topped at £2,000 twice, both times for Limousin cross heifers from Messrs Pickles, Chapel-le-Dale, who also sold Limousin cross heifers to £1,985 and £1,935 and averaged £1,981 for six heifers. Steers sold to £1,955 for a Limousin cross from Messrs Hodgson, Shap, who also sold British Blue cross steers to £1,935.
Bank House Farms, Carnforth, sold Limousin cross heifers to £1,900
twice and £1,885 seven times to average £1,761.25 for 30 Limousin cross heifers. Holstein Friesian steers sold to £1,400 for a pen of three from Messrs Longrigg, Heights, with their run of 10 Holstein/Friesian steers averaging £1,361.
AVERAGES
70 head, £1,720.90.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Lynholme Renegade Gypsy, from P.D. and B.S. Lawrence, Grangeover-Sands, which sold for £3,200 to Luke Mellin, Preesall.
● Overall reserve sells for £3,400
WILSON Peters, Monzie, claimed the overall prime cattle championship at the Aberdeen Christmas Classic at Thainstone for the second year running.
This year’s champion was a September 2022-born 792kg Limousin cross heifer by Carmon Lionbar which went on to sell for the top price of £4,300 to Telinco Farms, Lockerbie.
The second top price of the day was £4,000 for the Young Farmers’ overall champion, Espresso, a March 2023-born 64kg Limousin cross heifer, from Anna Fettes, Braes of Enzie, which sold to Forbes Raeburn Butcher, Huntly.
The overall butchers’ championship went to Harry Brown, Maud, with a December 2022-born 620kg homebred Limousin cross heifer. It sold to B.T. Kitson Butchers, Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, for £3,800.
The overall reserve championship also went to the Brown family, with a home-bred 664kg Aberdeen-Angus cross heifer, which also took home the native heifer award.
It went on to sell for £3,400 to the judge Hugh Black, Lanark.
Taking the reserve champion in the Young Farmers’ section was Cally Harper, Turriff, with a July 2021-born 696kg Limousin cross heifer which made £3,000 to W.T.S. Forsyth, Peebles, Tweddale. The next top price
Champion tops Aberdeen Christmas Classic at £4,300
of £2,900 (500p/kg) was paid for the Young Farmers’ un-haltered champion, also from Cally Harper.
This was a 584kg British Blue cross heifer which went to Bruce of the Broch, Fraserburgh.
Top gross for bullocks was £2,793 (380p/kg) for the first prize 738kg Limousin steer in the Young Farmers section from Rachael Davidson, Keith, which sold to Chapman Butchers, Wishaw.
The 41 heifers averaged 405.1p/kg and the 23 bullocks, 357.6p/kg.
William and David Moir, Cairness, topped the sale of prime lambs for the second consecutive year, with their open champion pair, 49.5kg Beltex which went on to sell for £320/head to J. B. Penman Butcher, Crail.
The reserve open champions from R. Wilkie, Echt, were 48kg home-bred Beltex crosses which made £200/head to John Scott Meats, Paisley.
The butchers’ champions were also
Overall champion from Wilson Peters, Monzie, which sold for £4,300 to Telinco Farms, Lockerbie.
from the Moir brothers, with a pair of 43.5kg Beltex cross lambs which made £300/head to the judge, Stuart Stark, Milton of Campsie, who also paid £220/head for the Young Farmers’
Birness flock earns pedigree accolades at Thainstone
THE pedigree sheep section at Thainstone’s Christmas Classic was dominated by Suffolks from the Stuart family, Milltown of Birness, where 192 sheep sold to average £807.37.
The top price of 5,200gns was for their second prize-winning ewe lamb by Dunfell Dynamite, which sold to Stephen Cobbald, Sudbury.
They also took the championship with the winning shearling gimmer by Sportsmans 5 Star, which sold for 4,500gns to the judge, Angus Brims, Bilbster.
Second
A Suffolk gimmer by Bridgeview Belvenie, from Jimmy Douglas, Cairness, achieved the second top price of 5,000gns when selling to David Moir, Cairness.
Texels sold to 3,000gns for the champion, a ewe by Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants, from Kenny Pratt, Peterculter, which sold to J. Green, Keith.
Beltex topped at 750gns for the champion, a gimmer from Grant Dinnie, Bridgeton, which went to Gary Morrison, Keith. In the Blue Texel section, the championship was awarded to an ewe lamb from J.B. Wilkie and Sons, Westhill, which sold for the top price of 650gns to J. Swanson, Thurso. The Dutch Spotted top price was
Top price
Suffolk, a ewe lamb by Dunfell Dynamite, from the Stuart family, Milltown of Birness, which sold for 5,200gns to Stephen Cobbold, Sudbury.
1,400gns for A. Beatie, Carlaustan, Stirling, with a gimmer which sold to E. Patterson, Turriff.
The Bluefaced Leicesters reached 1,050gns for a gimmer from Matthew Seed, Turriff, which was bought by J. Moir, Inverurie.
Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
champions, 48kg Beltex crosses also from the Muirs.
Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
Gisburn
dairy averages up
A STRONG dairy trade at Gisburn topped at £3,020 for a pedigree Whitecarr heifer by Peak Altaindigo and out of an 11,798kg Nihao dam, from K. T. Cowell, Kirkham. At £2,800, was Hoole Everton Akregloss, from R. and M. Cowgill, Preston. Its dam, a Ranger daughter, had given 10,615kg at 4.4% fat in its second lactation.
The same vendors topped the pedigree cow class at £2,620 with a Delta Fisherman second-calver.
G. and P.S. Fleetwood, Mirfield, led the non-pedigree heifer trade at £2,620, while two from D.A. Wilcock, Blackrod, sold at £2,500 and £2,380.
In the non-pedigree cow class, it was a second-calver from A.R. and C.A. Parkinson, Chipping, which topped the section at £2,150.
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✰ SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus, British Blue and Holstein
To include Herringbone Parlour, Bulk Tank & Dairy Equipment etc. For EC & LK Parker
(Removed from Eastbury Farm, Minehead, Somerset for convenience of sale) ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **
Leek Smithfield
AUCTION MARTS
Tuesday 3rd December at 10.30am
4,500 Store Lambs & Feeding Ewes
LONGTOWN CHRISTMAS SHOW
SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS SHOW & SALE – 35 CLASSES
£3,000 PRIZE MONEY – ENTRIES REQUESTED
Prime Lambs. Prime Cattle. Prime Cows Show at 10am. Sale of Cattle at 12.30pm followed by Lambs Sale includes Prime Cattle & Prime Lambs outwith the show
Sale of Traditional Breed & Fancy Poultry at 10.45am Longtown Primary School Choir at 10.15am Trade stands & stalls
Tuesday 10th December at 10.30am
4,000 Store Lambs & Feeding Ewes
Monday 13th January
11th ANNUAL “LONGTOWN LADIES” EVENING SALE
Show & Sale of Pedigree Texel In-lamb Females & Geld Hoggs
Sale of Dutch Texel, Dutch Spotted, Beltex, Charollais, Suffolk & other MV Accredited In-lamb Females & Geld Hoggs
Entries invited
Gloucester & Border Counties Texel Club
Show & Sale of In Lamb Ewes & Ewe Lambs
Show at 10.00am, Sale at 11.00am
Chaileybrook Platinum Anniversary Celebration Sale 25 In Lamb Southdown Ewes & 5 Southdown Ewe Lambs including a guest consignment from the Littlebrook Flock
Sale at 12noon
Badger Face Texel Sale of In Lamb Ewes & Ewe Lambs Sale at 1.00pm
Blue Texel Show & Sale of In Lamb Ewes & Ewe Lambs Show at 11.00am
Sale following on from Badger Face Texel at 1.00pm
Ryeland Rubies
Inaugural Sale of Ryeland & Coloured Ryeland In Lamb Ewes & Ewe Lambs from six of the most noted flocks in the breed: Bryn Caffo, Cagedale, Catherton, Hawthorns, Mansel and Allerdale.
Sale at 2.00pm
Online bidding will be available via Marteye For more information and catalogues, Contact Worcester Office on 01905 769770
Stirk sales have been a huge success View from the Rostrum
Matthew Middleton on cattle and lamb trade
After joining CCM Auctions back in September, I have settled in and really feel part of the great team at Skipton Auction Mart. Even with a previous two years of rostrum experience, it is never easy taking to a new rostrum for the first time. Despite this, there has been great support from customers on both sides of the ring.
In this short time, I have sold a variety of stock – catching the latter part of the breeding sheep season – and been able to dip my toe into new sections. I am excited to see what the future holds – stock numbers available on-farm are getting smaller, therefore leading to more competition.
Saturday stirk sales have proven to be a huge success. They are becoming more popular with farmer
growers who want to buy younger cattle to grow into strong stores for their own feeding pens or to sell – there is an ever-growing ringside of buyers every sale.
This is allowing farmers to keep more cattle over a 12-month period and sell them much sooner in comparison to keeping a suckler cow. Working hand in hand, the calf ring has also seen an increased interest,
with more rearing farmers buying the younger calves to grow into stirks for the Saturday auctions. Both the stirk and calf sections have seen an increase in price, with more farmers looking at these as options.
The ever-rising beef trade is also providing confidence.
Prime lambs have seen a rise in trade, with a 46p/kg difference on the same week last year, and are looking to hold firm for the foreseeable with plenty of buyer interest. With producer-bred sheep now starting to run low on numbers, we are seeing the start of the bought lambs coming forward.
The bluetongue-restricted zone covers a large proportion of our catchment area in the East, and this might have a knock-on effect on numbers in the hogg season unless restrictions are lifted.
Cast ewes keep coming, with large numbers passing through the market every week and farmers not keeping any unproductive sheep, regardless of age and condition.
Mark Lee: 07980924179
Simon Lamb: 07815 188125
Ryan Spackman: 07725 653542
Mark@nortonandbrooksbank.com
THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER (10:00AM)
Store lambs also have high numbers throughout the year, with more farmers seeing this as a viable option with the way the trade has been and a nationwide shortage of winter grazing.
Non-grazing schemes have had knock-on effects, with some buyers not purchasing the same quantity of lambs as other years and several purchasers chasing the short-keep lamb for more turnover.
We now look forward to our annual Christmas show on Sunday (December 1), which is a real showcase of quality stock from the Craven district and surrounding area.
Judging will get underway at 10.30am, followed by the sale at 12pm. There will also be a huge offering of produce, home baking, and crafts, which are all sold for charity.
Matthew Middleton is an auctioneer at CCM Auctions. Call 07860 659 803, or email matthew@ccmauctions.com
Complete dispersal sale on behalf of Long Partners following the recent sale of the farm. Sale consists of almost 280 cows in milk together with youngstock and machinery. Herd is all year calving but note that over 80 sell fresh in the last few weeks! Holstein herd but with many of the younger cows being first cross Monty or Viking Red. Super robust cattle capable of fitting all systems. Currently 9500kg on simple grass/ maize TMR with modest concentrates. Access to Summer grazing. Note the constituents of 4.7% fat & 3.7% protein SCC110!! Over 130 of the milkers sell in their 1st lactation! All cows cubicle housed and milked 2x daily. Very good health status with recent full herd clear TB test. Further details next week with catalogues available by request and via our website. Sale pictures & info on out Facebook page. INCLUDED- ‘20 KEENAN 400 MECH-FIBRE DIET FEEDER, ‘19 REDROCK 4000G SLURRY TANKER C/W7.5M FOLDING TRAILED SHOE, FARMHAND 4M GRASS DRILL, KUHN TRIPLE MOWERS, CALF TEL HUTCHES, SHEAR GRAB, LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT. LIVE ON MARTEYE.
US ON
Matthew Middleton
BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE
Tel: 01228 406200
79 DARK DIAMOND SUFFOLK SALE
Saturday 30th November – 12.30pm 56 gimmers and 23 ewe lambs
CHRISTMAS PRIMESTOCK SHOWS AND SALES
Kindly sponsored by Grange Quarries, Eric Hall Livestock Agent, Lancashire Meats, Yorkshire Halal & GT Tyres, Carlisle
PRIME CATTLE
Monday 2nd December
Judging 9.30am
All Show animals to be penned by 9.00am prompt 13 classes & Championships
11.00am with Prime Bulls, Prime Cattle, Cast Cows
PRIME SHEEP
Monday 9th December
Judging 9.30am
7 classes & Championships
9.30am CAST SHEEP
11.30am PRIME LAMBS (ballot drawn 11.00am)
IT’S ON A THURSDAY
417 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING BORDERWAY MONTHLY DAIRY DAY
Thursday 5th December - 10.30am
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO VIEW ANIMALS PRIOR TO THE SALE
Comprising: 200 freshly calved cows/heifers –75 late lactation cows - 80 In-calf heifers –62 bulling/yearling heifers Breeds represented include Holstein Friesian, Irish Friesian, Fleckvieh, Viking Red, British Friesian, Ayrshire & Jersey FRESHLY CALVED ANIMALS The sale includes an outstanding consignment of freshly calved cows and heifers all producing large volumes of milk from many of the top dairy farms in the North DISPERSAL SALE The ongoing dispersal of ACREHEAD and LANGHILL herds on behalf of SRUC Crichton Farm, Dumfries continues with 21 freshly calved cows & heifers, 11 mid lactation cows due April, 44 in-calf heifers, 8 bulling heifers & 21 heifer calves.
75 LATE LACTATION COWS 35 Fleckvieh & Pro Cross cows sell from STANNOCK farm all due again in March/April to the British Blue.
80 IN CALF HEIFERS - 44 Pedigree Holstein In Calf heifers sell from SRUC due from January to sexed semen. 20 Pro Cross In Calf heifers sell from STANNOCK farm due March/April to the Hereford.
62 YOUNGSTOCK 16 pedigree Holstein bulling heifers sell from BIRDS HILL FARM, 29 pedigree Holstein bulling & heifers calves sell from SRUC Farm. 7 pedigree Holstein heifer calves sell from the FEIZOR herd. including a well bred group from CARNEL Farm
PLEASE ORDER YOUR CATALOGUE TODAY or connect with someone from the sale staff.
Inc XMAS SHOW FOR BEST BULL, BEST STEER, BEST HEIFER (Entries close Monday 2nd December)
Agricultural Themed
293 BORDER FINE ARTS & BESWICK PIECES & New Sale of AGRICULTURAL THEMED VINTAGE TOYS & COLLECTABLES
Viewing from 9.00am Sale 10.00am
PEDIGREE SHEEP
Annual Winter Show & Sale of 23 PEDIGREE TEXEL FEMALES
Sale 10.30am followed by 13 PEDIGREE BELTEX FEMALES
18 PEDIGREE BLUE TEXEL FEMALES & WINTER SHOW STARS
Sale approx. 11.30am
Annual Winter Collective Sale of 150 Ewes inc Cons from F Joel & J Edmondson & J Wood (Entries to Ted Ogden 07855 958211)
CRAVEN FEATHER AUCTIONS
Christmas Show & Sale of POULTRY, WATERFOWL, HATCHING EGGS & EQUIPMENT
Monday 23rd December
Annual Sale of OVEN READY POULTRY Pre-Entered Birds Only
RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk ...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347
Monday 2nd December at 10am
Usual Sale Fatstock Inc X-mas Show of Prime Lambs & Cattle
See website for classes Friday 6th December 11am
Fortnightly Sale of Breeding & Store Sheep & Cattle
Calves at 11.30am
Monday 9th December
Usual Sale of Fatstock Inc X-mas Show of Prime Pigs
Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com
www.nwauctions.co.uk info@nwauctions.co.uk
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207 www.hawesmart.co.uk
Tuesday 3rd December 10am
2000 Prime Lambs
400 Cast Ewes & Rams
Tuesday
STORE CATTLE
Monday 2nd December Christmas Show of Prime Lambs
Friday 13th December Christmas Show of Rearing Calves & Pairs of Store Cattle
Every Tuesday: 1pm PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP –
Tuesday 3rd December ‘BUTCHERS BONANZA’ Show & Sale of Prime Cattle, Lambs, Pigs & Cast Ewes
Thursday 5th December 10:30am 5000 STORE LAMBS
Thursday 12th December Christmas Show of Calves 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10:30am 100 CAST/OTM CATTLE 11:15am STORE CATTLE & SUCKLER CALVES
Tuesday 17th December ALL CLASSES OF PIGS
Thursday 19th December
10am Special Additional Sale of REARING CALVES 10:30am 5000 STORE LAMBS
Catalogue Entries by Friday 11th December
Saturday 4th January PEDIGREE SHEEP DAY
Society Sale for Beltex, Badger Face Texel & Dutch Spotted In Lamb Ewes & Empty Gimmer Hoggs. Catalogue Entries by Friday 6th December
Vintage Sale Live Online: Friday 29th - Monday 2nd. Monthly Sale Live Online: Friday 29th - Tuesday 3rd. Viewing: Friday 29th, Saturday 30th & Monday 2nd. Collection: Wednesday 4th & Friday 6th.
Friday 6th December 10:30am
Catalogued Sale of 1500 Store Lambs
Tuesday 10th December
Christmas Show & Sale of Prime Lambs
Classes for pairs Bel & Tex, other breeds pens of 5 Judging 8:30am Sale 10am
Sponsored by Hammonds Butchers, Ms Tophams, & Northern Fallen Stock Ltd 400 Cast Ewes & Rams
Christmas Show & Sale of Calves.
Judging 10am Sale 10:30am
Sponsored by Genus Breeding & Wensleydale Creamery.
(Shows for regular vendors only)
Saturday 18th January 2025
Show & Sale of Individual Registered Ewes & Gimmer Lambs on behalf of the Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders Assoc and on behalf of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Assoc, also Sale of other Individual Pedigree Females Entries close 30th December.
Tuesday 18th February
Show & Sale of Prime Lambs for Young Farmers for the JW Cockett & Son Shield. Sponsored by Lane End Farm Shop
Wednesday 4th December
Fortnightly
Tuesday 10th December
Fortnightly Sale of Store Lambs
Thursday 12th December
Elite Breeding Sale- Cancelled CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Wednesday 11th December Rearing Calves
Tuesday 17th December Farmers Stirks
Saturday 21st December Dressed Poultry
See Online for Schedule of Classes
CHRISTMAS IN THE MART
Friday 13th December/ Saturday 14th December Inc. Friday Evening Farmers Carol Concert & Charity Tractor Run. Tradestands etc.
Brockholes Arms
Auction Mart
Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH
01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk
Auctioneer: Tom Greenow 07572 249983
GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents
Saturday 30th November
Tuesday 3rd December, 2024
Christmas Show & Sale of Prime Lambs & Prime Cattle
10.30 a.m. Christmas Show & Sale of Cast Cows & OTM Cattle
Followed by TB Exempt Cattle
Tuesday 10th December, 2024
Christmas Show of Store Cattle & Calves
Wednesday 18th December, 2024
Christmas Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle
Thursday 19th December, 2024
6.00 p.m. Dressed Poultry Sale
See Website For Full Show Schedule www.garstangmart.co.uk
9:30am Weekly CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS 10am 9 BREEDING CATTLE, 9 FEEDING CATTLE, 35 YOUNG BULLS followed by 159 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS inc CHRISTMAS SHOW at 9.30 in the pens
Thursday 5th December
XMAS REARING CALVES show 10amsale 10:30am (1) BBlue Bull (2) Other Cont Bull (3) BBlue Heifer (4) Other Cont Heifer (5) Native Bull or Heifer Prizes from GENUS
XMAS MASSEY FEEDS with LELY LONGTOWN DAIRY CATTLE show 10:15 - sale 11am (1) NC Heifer (2) NC Cow (3) NC Ped Heifer (4) Coloured/ Any other Breed (5) In-Calf Heifer Entries to Eleanor by Fri 29th Nov
XMAS CAST CATTLE show 10am - sale after prime cattle (1) BBlue (2) Other Cont (3) Dairy Bred (4) Native
Saturday 7th December
9:30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS
10:30am ANY BREEDING SHEEP & GOATS
11am STORE LAMBS inc Christmas Show Entries please Saturday 21st December
Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Eli Tattersall 07955 288800 www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376
12:30pm Dressed & Long Legged Festive Poultry Entries to the office please 01200 445376 FESTIVE SHOW DATES
Breed Societies
Stockjudging Competition
To be in with your chance of winning up to £200, test out your judging skills by entering our annual beef stockjudging competition.
Test your stockjudging skills and win up to £200
This year’s beef stockjudging competition is now open for entries. Our annual competition is once again sponsored by Show Time, supplier of specialist livestock products for cattle, sheep, horses and other animals, covering the UK and Europe.
How to take part
Take part by pitting your judging skills against those of our professional judge to be in with the chance of winning one of three cash prizes.
The first correct entry to be drawn at random will receive our top prize
of £200, while two runners-up will each win £50. To be in with a chance of winning, you need to rank the four animals pictured (one being the animal you rate most highly), in the same order as our judge.
Complete the entry form opposite and return it to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ, by January 31, 2025.
ENTER ONLINE
Alternatively, you can enter the competition online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging
ANIMAL X ANIMAL Y
AHDB is seeking a new Chair
AHDB is seeking a new Chair
AHDB is seeking a new Chair
Do you have the experience to chair a board that helps shape the future of the UK food and farming industry? Can you provide strategic direction and expertise to help build a world-class agriculture sector that thrives amid industry changes?
Established in 2008, the Agriculture and Horticulture Board (AHDB) is funded through a statutory levy collected from farmers, growers and parts of the supply chain across four sectors. Our goal is to provide support to these sectors to become more sustainable and competitive by delivering exceptional value through transparency, strategic investment and active engagement.
Essential criteria
1. Interest and expertise in agriculture, farming or food, and an understanding of AHDB’s role
2. Proven experience in chairing board meetings
3. Proven ability to lead organisational transition, manage risk and drive business improvement
4. Evidence of supporting senior leadership teams, ensuring accountability
Salary: £58,000 per annum
Time commitment: 104 days per year minimum, including six board meetings per year
Essential criteria
5. Exceptional ability to engage with stakeholders and cultivate partnerships
6. Confident collaborator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate
7. Practical knowledge of financial management and commercial strategy
8. Commitment to excellence in governance, sound judgement and unquestioned integrity
Location: Attending occasional meetings at AHDB Head Office in Coventry as and when needed
Start date: 1 April 2025 for up to three years
This is a Ministerial public appointment. For further information and for details on how to apply, visit the Public Appointments website: apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8464
Application deadline is 13 December 2024.
All public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition. We positively welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
APPOINTMENT OF TWO BOARD MEMBERS TO HYBU CIG CYMRU (HCC) / MEAT PROMOTION WALES
Remuneration: £300 per day covering time spent in role, plus reasonable travel expenses.
Can you make a real difference to the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat? If you believe you possess the passion and ambition to make a difference to an organisation responsible for developing, promoting and marketing red meat, then the role of member of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) might be for you.
HCC are seeking to appoint motivated individuals to join a Board who are committed to public service, have the capacity to think differently and are determined to achieve these ambitions across Wales. We particularly welcome applications from women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and disabled people who are under- represented on the Board.
The closing date for applications is 13/12/2024
For further details and to apply go to https://gov.wales/public-appointments or for queries contact by email publicappointments@gov.wales
A large print, Braille or audio version of this advert can be obtained by request from publicappointments@gov.wales.
Experienced Stockman
For an organic farm business in South Leicestershire running a pedigree herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and a pedigree flock of Lleyn sheep.
The ideal candidate will:
• Have excellent stockmanship skills and be experienced in all aspects of suckler cow and sheep management.
• Have experience and be enthusiastic about operating a pasture based grazing system, finishing both cattle and sheep for deadweight supply chains.
• Have an understanding of livestock record keeping and rules associated with environmental stewardship schemes.
• Be capable of operating modern farm machinery for feeding, bedding, livestock movements and forage and grazing management.
• Maintain the very best standards in terms of animal welfare, biosecurity, equipment maintenance and general tidiness of the buildings and land.
• Be happy and confident working as part of a small team and independently. Have a full UK driving licence.
The successful candidate will be required to help manage seasonal staff and will report directly to our Senior Stockman.
We offer a competitive salary and regular time off. If accommodation is required, an exceptional cottage is available based in our beautiful village.
Employer: Slawston Grange Estate
Location: Leicestershire
Closing date: 4 Dec 2024
Sector: Beef, Farm Work, General, Livestock, Sheep
Contract Type: Permanent
Role: Farm Worker Manager
For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com
Warwickshire College Group
Job Title: Lecturer in Agriculture | Location: Moreton Morrell, Warwick | Closing date: 20 Dec 2024
An exciting opportunity for a Lecturer in Agriculture has arisen at Moreton Morrell College. We are looking for a passionate individual to join our team on a permanent, full-time basis.
Protection of children and young persons (the children’s act 1989)
Any offers of appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB), a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position as you will be working within “Regulated Activity” within a specific place (i.e. the College).
This role is classed as working within Regulated Activity. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. By applying for this position, you agree to an Enhanced DBS check in line with DBS regulations.
Background to the post
As one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the UK, with unique colleges across two counties, we aim to deliver learning experiences which lead to the development of wider skill bases and improved destinations for all of our students. The Agriculture department is looking for a highly motivated individual with qualifications and extensive experience in UK Agriculture both Livestock and Crops to teach on L1 - L3/T-level programmes and be course manager for one or more courses.
Our recent Ofsted inspection highlights our success and strong focus both on students and on meeting industry needs. We are also one of only five colleges in the UK to be granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council – meaning our higher education academic quality and standards are equal to any university.
Main tasks
1. Teaching – The person appointed will be able to contribute to the teaching programme delivering the subject.
2. Preparation and Assessment – The person appointed will develop and produce teaching materials as required and the relevant paperwork associated with the planning and assessing of the course. He/she will undertake assessment, produce a relevant scheme and keep accurate records.
3. Administration – The person appointed will undertake administrative tasks relating to the programme(s) that they teach on and College requirements, under the guidance of the Head of Department.
4. Quality Systems – The post holder will be subject to Internal Verification as required by the line manager. The College has a lesson observation process and all lecturers will have an observed lesson each academic year.
5. Health and Safety – To ensure a safe working environment for colleagues, students and visitors in line with the HASAW Act and the College Health and Safety Policy.
6. Safeguarding – Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults for whom you are responsible and whom you come into contact with.
For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com
HERDSPERSON/MANAGER
We are seeking an experienced herdsperson/manager to join our team taking care of the day-to-day running of a 250 cow dairy herd in the Lincolnshire Wolds near Alford, providing milk for on farm cheese making.
The position could suit an individual application or a couple. There will be competitive remuneration commensurate with experience and includes a recently renovated 3 bedroom cottage.
For further information or to apply please contact David Burns at dburnsconsultancy@gmail.com
Please email your CV and a covering letter to David.
LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES
We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:-
• Enthusiastic 2IC Herdsperson, East Midlands, 350 cows
• Herdsperson, Monmouthshire, 200 cows
• Head Herdsperson/Manager, Worcestershire, 350 cows Relief Herdspersons Nationwide LKL provides the perfect solution for finding the very best herd carers and managers. Visit our website for a full list of our current vacancies.
Web: www.lklservices.co.uk Tel: 01722 323546
UK GWR
Agricultural, Construction, Drainage and Groundworks
Contractors based in the North West
• Slurry tanking
• Muck spreading
• Muck shifts
• All size excavators
• Tractors and dump trailers
• Bailing
• Bale wrapping
• Mowing
• Screener hire
• Covering all areas of UK
“We have available a wide range of modern agricultural, construction equipment and together with skilled and experienced operators.”
J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD
• BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
• WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD
• WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED
• BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS
• 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE
• FREE QUOTATIONS AND SITE VISITS THE POTTERIES GARAGE SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk
Everglades Nurseries Ltd
Garrett
Stanley Sydney
Passed away in Ashgate Hospicecare on 19th November 2024, aged 90 years.
Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p
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DIVINE ROMANCE
A retired farm manager of Barlow. Loving husband of Iris, a much loved dad of Gillian & Andrew and of step-daughters Debbie & Kathy. A very dear grandad and great grandad. A funeral service will take place on Monday 9th December at 1:10pm, Chesterfield Crematorium.
Stanley loved flowers, so in memory of him the family invite you to bring one flower of your choosing and/or donate to Prostate Cancer Uk if you so desire. This can be given on the day or sent to Alfred Dunham & Son, 56 Snape Hill Lane, Dronfield S18 2GL
Portable Milking Machine
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CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems. For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949
• Daily collections of all classes of cattle direct to our own local UK abattoir - No middle man involved.
• On-farm emergency slaughter catered for, supported with a valid veterinary certificate.
• Same day response guaranteed by fully licensed slaughter men.
• All weekends and bank holidays covered.
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• Out of hours emergency number - Mobile: 07860 636605
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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.
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PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULLS
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Property Landscape
Protecting land from new public rights of way
The creation of new public rights of way can have significant and lasting impacts on private land, influencing its management, operations and potential future development. Public rights of way, such as footpaths, bridleways and byways, are legal routes granting public access across private land.
While many have historical origins, new claims can arise based on long-term usage or historical documentation. Once established, these rights can affect farming practices, restrict privacy and even reduce land development opportunities. Therefore, proactive measures to prevent the establishment of new rights of way are essential for landowners seeking to maintain control and value.
Steps to safeguard land
n Monitor and document access Vigilant monitoring of land is critical to identifying unauthorised access. Under the Highways Act 1980, a new right of way can be claimed if evidence shows 20 years of uninterrupted public use. Detailed records, including dates, photographs and notes of any incidents, provide valuable evidence should a claim arise.
n Challenge informal access early It is important to address any signs of informal public paths promptly. Installing clear signage such as ‘Private Land – No Public Right of Way’ and securing gates or fences can reinforce the landowner’s intent to restrict public access. Timely action can prevent informal use from escalating into a formal claim.
n Use Section 31(6) declarations Depositing a Section 31(6) statement and map with the local authority under the Highways Act 1980 is one of the most effective ways to protect land.
This formal declaration acknowledges existing rights of way while legally preventing the
establishment of new claims. Regular renewals – typically every 10 years – are necessary to maintain its validity.
n Maintain boundaries
Strong and clearly defined boundaries, such as fences, walls, and hedges, discourage unauthorised entry. Regular inspection and maintenance of these boundaries can help prevent encroachment and reduce the risk of claims arising.
Engaging with professional advisers and building relationships with local authorities can be instrumental in resolving disputes and managing access issues effectively.
Expert guidance ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects the landowner’s interests.
While protecting land is essential, it is also important to balance this with the benefits of responsible public access, which can contribute to recreation and community engagement.
By implementing appropriate measures, landowners can maintain this balance while safeguarding their property’s future use and value.
Charlotte Hubbard is a commons and land management adviser with H&H Land and Estates. Call 01228 406 260, or email Charlotte. Hubbard@hhlandestates.co.uk
Advice /Consultancy
www.arcadianestates.co.uk
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Charlotte Hubbard
Immediate
Specialist
Are
Machinery
LAMMA Innovation Award winners 2025
report.
LAMMA Innovation Award sponsor
GOLD: Curve Pilot (Kverneland)
■ THE Kverneland Curve Pilot is a standard function on the triple mower conditioner 55100MT. It automatically controls the side shift of the rear mowing units to minimise stripes between the front and rear cutting units when following curves. It uses a gyroscope fixed on the headstock to sense steering angle which then side shifts the rear cutting units up to a maximum of 400mm.
SILVER: Razorback Blade
Rotary Mower (Mzuri)
GOLD: Fendt 600 Series Vario tractor range
■ THE all new tractor range uses a unique-to-Fendt AgcoPower five-litre, four-cylinder engine. It is the second introduction into the manufacturer’s CORE range and it has been developed with the capability to be refuelled and potentially operate with methane gas or hydrogen fuels.
The new TA150 transmission has been developed specifically for the 600 Series and uses a complete stepless drive to a maximum of 50km/h, with split drive to the front and rear axles.
This provides a tighter turning circle as the front axle can be driven faster, pulling the vehicle into a turn. Hydraulic capacity extends a maximum
■ THE Razorback Blade Mower offers an innovation in safety which sets it apart from previous rotary mowing solutions. With exposed pto shafts being a repetitive source of accidents, the Razorback Blade Mower addresses this concern with its safer design, which removes the risk of the tractors lower linkage fouling and damaging the pto guard and shaft.
The machine uses semi-mounted headstock which ensures the pto shaft remains centralised to the tractors link arms, eliminating the risk of it catching during turning circles.
output of 205 litres/minute, operating at 200 bar.
Mirroring larger Fendt models, leak-free, flat-face hydraulic connections are offered front and rear, with up to five rear remotes plus power beyond and a maximum of two front connections. The VisioPlus cab operates the same FendtONE control system which is now used on all models.
Developments on the blade include redesigning the blade holder and reducing the size of the blades, which has directly reduced the horsepower requirements of the machine.
BRONZE: Crop Speed (New Holland)
■ CROP Speed, the crop blockage detection and prevention system uses a radar sensor mounted on the spout that monitors the speed of the crop as it exits the spout. When the crop in the spout starts to decelerate below 10 metres per
RURAL Asset Finance is delighted to sponsor the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2025. As a specialist direct lender to British rural businesses, we are reminded every single day just how inventive and resourceful this industry is in finding ways to develop and evolve.
We look forward enormously to supporting this excellent work and are excited to see the innovations and meet the people doing so much to take our industry into the future.
second, the operator will receive an audio-visual warning to slow down to minimise the risk of plugging the spout. When the crop speed becomes critically low – below 1.6m/second –the feed rolls will stop, in a similar manner to metal detection, allowing the operator to clear any blockage before the entire machine becomes plugged.
MACHINE OF THE YEAR
■ THE TM280 is a new model and carries over many innovations seen on the larger TM range. The main innovation new to the TM280 is the introduction of the unique DualTech variable transmission, offering hydrostatic at low speed for smooth control and precision, and mechanical direct
drive for fuel efficient roading, giving the operator the best of both worlds. The transmission also features ‘flexi-mode’ for infinite speed control when using hydraulically-driven attachments, such as sweeper and augers, and cruise control for ease of use when traveling at speed. The TM280 has a new hydraulic pickup hitch which allows trailed
SILVER: JCB TM280 Telescopic Wheel Loader
Curve Pilot
Razorback Blade Rotary Mower
Fendt 600 Series Vario
JCB TM280 Telescopic Wheel Loader
MACHINERY AND TRACTOR SUPPLEMENT
For more machinery features, check out your Machinery & Tractor Supplement, free inside this issue of Farmers Guardian.
LAMMA 2025 Machinery
BRITISH AND IRISH MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
GOLD: Weaving Machinery
■ WITH several new products and innovations over the past five years, Weaving Machinery has made significant strides in growing the business and has launched several key products which have garnered widespread recognition and success in the agricultural sector.
The Sabre drill debuted in 2020 quickly became one of the best-selling seed drills in the UK.
Its innovative design and performance captured the attention of farmers across the country.
The business launched the next generation of the Mounted GD Disc Drill in 2023, which gained traction in both UK and European markets. Notably, the disc drill has seen interest from Germany, showcasing the international appeal of our innovative solutions.
SILVER: SlurryKat
■ SINCE being incorporated in 2009, SlurryKat has grown significantly year on year and is now a world-leading brand in slurry management systems.
Initially, this growth was concentrated across UK and Irish markets, however turnover now reflects substantial growth globally
and includes countries such as Norway, Iceland, Spain, France, Canada, New Zealand, Hungary, Australia and Chile.
SlurryKat’s growth, particularly over the last five years, is impressive, with turnover increasing by more than 40% to its current level, which is in excess of £13 million.
Growth in 2024 is again impressive, with sales increasing by 12% for the year to date, despite the challenging manufacturing environment worldwide reflecting SlurryKat’s resilience in both domestic and global markets.
The growth in turnover has been led by the substantial growth in our export markets which are now in excess of £4.5m of total turnover and continuing to grow this represents a 35% increase in export activity over the last five years.
BRONZE: CNH Basildon
tractor plant
■ FOR more than 15 years, New Holland has led the way in producing alternative propulsion products which provide the agricultural industry with products and services towards its goal of sustainability.
Assembled at the plant, the New Holland Compressed Natural
implements to be towed. When not in use, the hitch uses a new stowage feature where it hydraulically lifts up within the machine’s chassis without impacting the departure angle.
BRONZE: Case IH Axial Flow AF10 Combine
■ THE new AF10 combine has been redesigned from the ground
Gas (CNG) line-up features T6.180 Methane Power. Launched in 2019, this is the first and only CNG-powered commercially-available tractor in the industry.
The business is currently working on the release of the T7.270 Methane Power
tractor, an additional product in the alternative fuels line-up.
The Basildon plant is one of CNH’s global Alternative Fuels Centres of Excellence, and the company will continue to innovate and grow in the alternative fuel sector.
DAIRY INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
GOLD: Digital Assistant (smaXtec)
■ THE Digital Assistant is an artificial intelligence dairy herd health management tool. Using the manufacturer’s bolus technology, smaXtec collects precise data from inside the cow’s reticulum.
Data collected is delivered through a digital platform, which the manufacturer claims turns health management into a preventive, efficient and transparent process.
Customised reports are generated daily and accessed via a smartphone or PC. The manufacturer claims this enables the user to implement optimised action plans.
■ LIVESTOCK housing flooring systems often have urine and manure mixing on the surface, where ammonia is released into the air.
The manufacturer claims the Magellan 25mm flooring addresses this issue, draining the liquid waste effectively, reducing the release of ammonia by up to 40%.
Magellan flooring is claimed to withstand heavy traffic and
continuous use, making it a longlasting solution. Magellan’s design is also focused on animal welfare.
The cushioned surface provides comfort for livestock, reducing the stress on their joints and hooves.
BRONZE: FeedStation Mobile (Hanskamp AgroTech BV)
■ FEEDSTATION claims to allow individual and automated concentrate feeding to cows during grazing. This mobile system is designed to improve cow health and welfare while reducing feed costs and optimising milk and meat production.
The FeedStation Mobile can be used in the barn by simply connecting the system to the power supply, or the unit can be equipped with advanced technologies, including 4G internet connectivity and solar panels, making the system energy-independent.
The system is controlled by the Spider feeding computer, which can be linked to a management system for full integration. The RFID transponder allows individual animals to be easily recognised by ear or neck transponders, contributing to accurate feed distribution per animal. up to maximise capacity and crop flow. Major advances in the new AF10 include a 775hp engine, an active dynamic cleaning system, 20,000-litre grain tank, 210 litres/ second unloading rate and headers of up to 15 metres.
The AFXL rotor of the AF10 is 40% longer than the 260 series, offering increased throughput.
The AF10 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of precision technologies, including dual Pro 1200 displays and Harvest Command combine automation.
AFS Harvest Command is a performance-enhancing technology, with user benefits including, minimised losses, maximised throughput and protected grain quality, helping experienced users get even more from their combine.
Weaving Machinery’s headquarters
Magellan Rubber Flooring
Digital Assistant
SlurryKat’s Farmline Trailing Shoe.
Machinery LAMMA 2025
LIVESTOCK INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
GOLD: Revolution Injection Gun (Te Pari Products UK)
■ THE Revolution Injection Gun is a state-of-the-art animal delivery device for precision livestock production. Providing a calibrated dose based on the exact weight of the animal, the device claims to eliminate costly overdosing while also helping prevent treatment resistance caused by underdosing.
When connected to the phone app, animal treatment records can be matched to each animal providing unrivalled quality assurance.
Compact, fast and nimble, the Revolution Dosing Gun can be used in multiple animal species.
The gun’s ‘Smart Variable Dose’ system allows the piston to move to the end of the barrel when ever possible, but will also allow small doses to be accurately delivered
due to the calibrated piston movement. The Revolution Injector also features an integrated RFID reader, which allows the operator to directly read an RFID eartag and match this to the dose record using a phone app.
SILVER: Tornado Pro-Strain System (Tornado Wire)
■ THE Pro-Strain system has been designed for straightforward installation without the need for
specialist tools, claiming to offer time savings for contractors.
The use of larger components, such as 89mm diameter galvanised tubes, ensures the fencing is strong and stable. The Tornado Pro-Strain system claims to be the only metal fencing system which is as adaptable as wood.
It can be customised with different sizes of heel and breastplates to suit various ground conditions.
ARABLE ESTABLISHMENT INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
GOLD: Smart Soil Technology (Kuhn Farm Machinery)
■ THE Optimer six-metre and 7.5m disc cultivators have been upgraded to IsoBus. This development, known as Smart Soil Technolgy (SST), offers users much greater working comfort.
Pressure and position sensors linked to a computer determine the optimum pressure in the extension cylinders for even working depth, even on uneven ground and at high working speeds.
The major innovation of the SST is the Auto-Line function, which continuously corrects the machine’s attitude so that it always works in line behind the tractor, despite slopes, changes in working depth or soil type.
SILVER: Cast Roller (Weaving Machinery)
■ MADE up of three individual pieces, the 700mm British Cast Iron ‘V’ ring packer roller is designed to follow the two rows of legs in a tillage machine, which the manufacturer claims offers a firm and level seedbed.
■ THE HBC Biocell claims to be the only true pasteurisation system for recycled manure solids. The initial concept, design and prototype of the HBC came from Cri-Man, an Italian manufacturer which TT Pumps has been technical partners with for more than two decades.
Since its first installation, TT and Cri-Man have been working together to perfect the system and develop it into what it is today. The HBC now has more than 100 successful installations worldwide, three of which are serving the UK dairy industry.
The HBC Biocell is an aerobic digester which pasteurises separated farm manure for use as hygienic livestock bedding or organic fertiliser for the dairy farm and biogas industries.
GOLD: Raindancer Sector Control (RST Irrigation)
reduce maintenance downtime and costs with individual sections changeable. The rings are paired, with one pair per leg on either side, which the manufacturer says gently presses and closes the slot, ensuring even soil consolidation.
BRONZE: Rotago F (Kverneland)
■ KVERNELAND’S foldable power harrow Rotago 4000 F comes in 4m, 4.5m, 5m and 6m working widths. In conventional tillage systems, once the working depth is set, it is maintained
over the entire field unless with manual adjustment. However, changing soil conditions may require different implement adjustments.
On the Rotago F, all relevant functions can be controlled from the cab by using only one DA valve.
Operators can monitor gearbox temperature and adjust functions through the IsoMatch Tellus PRO 12-inch terminal. IsoBus control can also be run through compatible screens and linked to farm management systems.
■ THE Raindancer system is a GPS-operated, solar-powered unit which monitors irrigation applications. Sector Control ensures the application is only made within the field boundary and not areas beyond.
The system claims to offer even application throughout the crop, as well as increasing application to areas typically not irrigated.
SILVER: Tractor Safety System (Fastview360)
■ THE Fastview360 video-based safety system aims to improve pedestrian safety when around heavy machinery. With the manufacturer
Revolution
Injection Gun
Tornado Pro-Strain System
Smart Soil Technology
Cast Roller
MACHINERY AND TRACTOR SUPPLEMENT
For more machinery features, check out your Machinery & Tractor Supplement, free inside this issue of Farmers Guardian.
GOLD: Smart-Inject (Knight Farm Machinery)
■ THIS retrofittable solution is claimed to offer direct chemical injection into the nozzle stream with the Smart-Inject body fitted between the air-stop/PWM valve. Concentrated chemical is circulated around the crop sprayer boom through a dedicated micro-pipework. Working in conjunction with an optical camera system, valves apply chemical through the dedicated Smart-Inject pipework, giving a concentrated dose of chemical, claims the manufacturer.
SILVER: EZ Web (Tama UK)
■ DESIGNED as an environmentally friendly packaging solution, EZ Web has been developed as a round bale binding solution for all crops, but specifically silage and straw. The recyclable material is claimed
LAMMA 2025 Machinery
FUTURE INNOVATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT
Smart-Inject
to contain two to three times less plastic than standard net wrap.
Design properties also claim to make the material easier to remove than standard net wrap.
Once removed, the material is said to be fully recyclable with strechfilm without the need of separation.
CHNOLOGY INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Raindancer Sector Control
claiming the system can warn drivers about vehicles which are overtaking during right and left turns, issue warnings to the driver and nearby pedestrians too close to the vehicle during operational manoeuvres in buildings, yards and the field.
The system is also claimed to be capable of issuing warnings to the driver and nearby pedestrians in or around the drawbar or pto area while the pto is running.
BRONZE: MU 300 E (Tehnos)
■ DEVELOPED by Tehnos, the MU 300 E mulcher features a patented electric motor. The electric motor is directly integrated into the mulcher’s rotor with hammers, claimed to eliminate the need for traditional mechanical drivelines.
ARABLE CROP CARE INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Tractor Safety System
GOLD: DNA Auto Spore Sampler (Agri Samplers and Polygenyn)
■ THE DNA and LFD Auto Spore Sampler combines innovative technologies from Agri Samplers and Polygenyn. The Spore Sampler captures an air sample and analyses it for the presence of airborne pathogens. This all takes place within the machine in real-time without the need for human intervention for up to eight days. The auto spore trap samples 200 litres of air per minute, collecting airborne particles, such as fungal spores and bacteria, into a sampling tube.
DNA Auto Spore Sampler
Plant-by-Plant AI Algorithm for Carrots
The real-time warning system hopes to aid the operator of a vehicle in identifying and protecting bystanders against potential hazards.
BRONZE: Kverneland Sync and ServiceCentre (Kverneland)
■ KVERNELAND Sync is claimed to aid data flow between IsoBus implements and digital software systems. Enabling easier task management and remote diagnostics, the manufacturer’s system is said to offer continuous connectivity to Kverneland online services, eliminating manual syncing and enhancing efficiency.
This allows data transfer to IsoMatch FarmCentre and Kverneland ServiceCentre regardless of IsoBus terminal.
A remote service, Kverneland Sync gateway offers the possibility to connect remotely to ServiceCentre. Using the system, Kverneland claims technicians will be able to analyse the data and resolve issues remotely.
The spore trap can be flexibly configured by the user to sample for a defined period within a 24-hour period into each pot (usually 6am to 6pm, which mirrors the spore release times). The following DNA assays have currently been developed for use with the DNA Auto Spore Sampler: potato blight, sclerotinia spores, which affect oilseed rape and a range brassicas, yellow rust, brown rust, septoria botrytis and grape powdery mildew.
SILVER: Plant-by-Plant AI Algorithm for Carrots (Ecorobotix)
■ ECOROBOTIX has developed a high-precision sprayer powered by artificial intelligence, featuring a variety of crop-specific algorithms, such as those for onions, lettuce and more.
Growers can select the desired algorithm from their in-cab tablet to start spot spraying with plant protection products and fertilisers, tailored to their specific crop.
Launched this year, the beta carrot algorithm allows the sprayer to distinguish between weeds and carrot plants, spraying only where
necessary. This precision reduces chemical input use by up to a claimed 95%.
BRONZE: Aero 32.1 (Kuhn Farm Machinery)
■ THE Aero 32.1 is Kuhn Farm Machinery’s mounted pneumatic boom spreader for fertiliser, granular herbicides, slug pellets and seeding. Available in four boom widths from 24 metres to 30m, four metering units allow the possibility of four different application rates across the width of the machine, which the manufacturer claims to improve variable rate accuracy. The machine delivers granular material through its booms, reducing the risk of product being thrown off course by the wind.
Livestock
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com
For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub
Future
trade prospects
and
opportunities were one of the topics for discussion at the Sheep
Breeders Round Table
held at Castle Donington. Angela Calvert reports.
Positive outlook for lamb
● 15% rise in global consumption by 2032
WITH demand increasing and supply declining, lamb prices look to remain strong in the short to medium term. There has been huge volatility in the lamb market over the last 12 months, said Tom Dracup, farming sustainability lead at ABP, with prices starting at 580p/kg at the beginning of the year, peaking at 900p/ kg six months ago and now sitting around 600p/kg deadweight, but he expected prices to remain robust.
He added: “Domestic production is down and throughput is down by 8%, with this trend looking set to continue. This is being driven by a number of factors – the weather, uncertainty in the industry and Government policy are all contributing.
“But the positive news is that demand for lamb is increasing. Kantar is expecting a 6% increase in the volume of lamb sold over the next 12 months.
“Globally, a 15% increase in lamb consumption is estimated by 2032.”
Strong prices
Rizvan Khalid, of Euro Quality Lamb, agreed that the strong prices are likely to continue.
He said: “The UK lamb price at Easter was higher than it was in France, which is unusual but it was down to a lack of supply.
“Demand for lamb is robust and the UK is in a good position to supply the global market.
“There are changes to sheep production in a lot of EU countries and it is a similar situation in New Zealand where lamb volumes are down, but for different reasons.
“The world market is growing and the US now imports more lamb than the EU, with most of this coming from New Zealand and Australia, which is changing the world flow of lamb.”
If there is less stock available it means there is less available for export which is a concern.
Mr Khalid added: “We have to be able to give confidence to the supply chain that there is product available and there is the opportunity to raise flock levels to supply increasing markets around the
world, but the EU market is fundamental to the UK sheep trade.
“About 45-50% of lamb is sold to UK retailers, a third is exported – a significant proportion of which is halal – and the remainder goes to foodservice and independents, which means there is a broad range of markets to target but it is important to have options.”
He also explained how Brexit bureaucracy had added £90-£120 million/year of cost to the export process due to export certificates,
RETAILER PERSPECTIVE
CONSUMERS’ buying habits are changing, according to Katie Thorley, sustainability manager at ABP.
She said: “The challenge for retailers is supplying what the customer wants at the same time as being under pressure to meet Government targets.
“Inflation has slowed and loyalty schemes are high on shoppers’ agendas and retailers’ strategies.
“Post Covid-19 consumers have traded up – they are buying more premium brands, but also looking for promotions.
“Rather than eating out, they are treating themselves at home with ‘fakeaways’. But scratch
increased logistics and paperwork, border veterinary charges and taxes, which also result in a day of shelf life being lost.
This excludes costs to importers, which he estimates to be 30% higher at £120-£150m/year, and, he said, veterinary alignment was critical and needed to be accelerated as it would greatly reduce costs.
Mr Khalid also highlighted the importance of the halal market both in the UK and the EU.
He said: “The global Muslim
cooking is at a five-year low, with consumers looking for convenient cooking solutions.”
Sustainability
Ms Thorley explained how ABP was working toward sustainability goals by sending zero waste to landfill, reducing water usage, switching to renewable energy, reducing the use of single-use plastics and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use.
However, she said that 90% of beef and lamb emissions were at farm level, which is why the company created PRISM 2030, a programme to improve the sustainability of red meat.
About 45-50% of UK lamb is sold to UK retailers and onethird is exported – a significant proportion of which is halal.
population is 24.1% of the global population and is expected to rise to 26.4% by 2030. This is predominantly a young demographic which has an increased income.
“Approximately 20-25% of all sheepmeat is consumed by Muslims and the demand for halal mutton underpins the ewe trade.”
MORE INFORMATION
Read more of our coverage from the Sheep Breeders Round Table event in next week’s Farmers Guardian.
ABP farmer suppliers involved in the programme are offered a range of tools, including sustainability grants to help them reduce their carbon footprints.
Data from the farms has indicated a large variation in the kilo CO2e/kg deadweight produced by the top third and bottom third of farms, indicating that there is huge scope for change and reduction.
The key recommendations produced which would help to reduce emissions were improving pasture, reducing age to slaughter, improving livestock health, reducing fuel consumption and using by-product feeds.
PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Livestock Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Overall sheep champion, a pair of Beltex, from Will Gittoes,
Livestock entries were up at this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair, with exhibitors once again putting on a spectacle for the attending crowds. Katie Jones reports.
Reserve overall sheep champion, a pair of Dutch Texels, from the Hall family, Inglewood Edge, Carlisle.
Beltex take prime and carcase wins at winter fair
l
Limousin Twilight takes overall cattle title
AFTER showing sheep at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair for more than 20 years, Will Gittoes, Powys, claimed his first ever overall championship tickets at this year’s event, winning a double header of the overall championship titles in the live pairs and deadweight pairs competitions.
In the live ring, his winners were a pair of Beltex by a tup purchased at Welshpool last year from Dafydd Lewis’ Cothi flock.
Weighing in at 97.5kg, these went on to sell for £650 to Farmers Fresh at the post show sale.
Mr Gittoes, who runs 1,000 ewes comprising commercial breeding ewes and some pure Beltex and pedigree Texels alongside 100 suckler cows, also won with a pair of Beltex in the carcase hall.
The winning carcases weighed in at 22.6kg and 22.3kg at an E3L grade and went on to sell for £620 each.
The live pairs sheep judge, Michael Owen, Ceredigion, said he was ‘splitting hairs’ when it came to choosing his winner over the pair in reserve.
Runners-up
The runners-up in the end came from Royal Welsh Winter Fair regulars, the Hall family, Inglewood Edge, Carlisle, with a pair of Dutch Texels, which were by a Stuart Wood-bred tup and out of home-bred ewes.
Back in the carcase hall, the winning single carcase was a pure Beltex from Arwel Evans, Denbighshire, who was exhibiting at the show for the first time.
Weighing in at 24.4kg deadweight and an E3H grade, the prize-winning carcase later sold for £3,400 to Castell Howell Foods.
Overall cattle and heifer champion, Limousin Twilight, from Tecwyn Jones, Anglesey.
Overall carcase singles champion, a pure Beltex weighing 24.4kg, from Arwel Evans, Denbighshire.
Overall carcase pairs champion, Beltex weighing 22.6kg and 22.3kg, from Will Gittoes, Powys.
Powys.
In the cattle rings, the championship judges, David Thomas and Rob Rattray, both from Ceredigion, had the task of whittling down more than 200 head of stock.
The overall title went to North Wales with Tecwyn Jones, Anglesey.
His winner was Twilight, a homebred February 2023-born heifer by Seisog Rio which was male Limousin champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2022 and sold for 14,000gns at Carlisle last year.
Twilight itself has been shown at several summer shows this year, picking up six championship titles and two reserve inter-breed awards.
Show winner
The show winner went on to make £8,500 in the post-show sale, selling to local butcher Arwyn Morgans, of Morgans Family Butchers, Builth Wells.
Earlier, Mr Jones had taken the runner-up spot in the baby beef championship judging with a full sister to Twilight, a February-born calf named Bella. This heifer has also had a good show season, claiming the baby beef championship at Agri Expo and standing reserve at North East Live last month.
Reserve overall was another Limousin cross heifer, Lulu, from Elfed Williams, Powys. This August 2023-born heifer, bred by Trevor Price, Powys, and bought privately, was out for its first major show following wins at Sennybridge and Brecon over the summer.
This marked another runner-up award from Mr Williams, who has been pipped to the overall win at the Winter Fair on seven occasions. The heifer later sold for £4,800.
Mr Williams, who has three show animals, also won the reserve steer award in the overall cattle judging with Sarkley Uno, which
Royal Welsh Winter Fair Livestock
was bred by E.H. Pennie. This pedigree Limousin is by Plumtree Fantastic and out of Sarkley Punisha.
The winning baby beef entry was a Limousin-sired steer, Deian, from Rhys Owen, Anglesey.
This April-born steer tipped the scales at 381kg and was knocked down in the sale to Richard Whitfield, Liverpool, for £4,000.
Pigs
In the pig sheds, Myrddin James, Ceredigion, swept the board taking the champion and reserve titles in both the single and pairs categories with his Pietrain cross Welsh pigs. The single later sold for £400 and the pair for £350.
Results
Cattle
Overall (Judges, D. Thomas, Ceredigion and R. Rattray, Ceredigion) Supreme and heifer, T. Jones, Twilight (Limousin cross); reserve and res. heifer, E. and S. Williams, Lulu (Limousin cross); sup. steer, Edwards Brothers, Captain Morgan (Beef Shorthorn cross); res., E. and S. Williams, Sarkley Uno (Limousin).
Baby beef (R. Evans, Ceredigion) Sup., R. Owen, Deian (Limousin cross); res., T. Jones, Bella (Limousin cross); res., G. Van Der Gucht (Simmental).
Sheep
Overall (M. Owen, Ceredigion) Sup., E.F. Gittoes and Son (Beltex); res., R. Hall and Son (Dutch Texel).
Native hill and upland (M. Owen) G. and L. Davies (North Country Cheviot); res., I.T. Davies and Son (Kerry Hill).
Continental (M. Owen) Sup., E.F. Gittoes and Son (Beltex); res., R. Hall and Son (Dutch Texel). Cross-bred (M. Owen) D. Jerman (Suffolk cross Cheviot); res., S.M. Rowlands (Border Leicester cross Welsh Mountain).
Butchers’ weight (M. Owen) T. Griffiths (Beltex cross Beltex); res., R. Hall and Son (Beltex cross Beltex).
Welsh Mountain (M. Owen) Sup., D.P. Jones; res., C. Thomas (Black Welsh Mountain).
Lowland (M. Owen) Sup., W. Pugh (Ryeland); res., A. Davies (Ryeland). Pure hill and upland and Welsh Mountain (M. Owen) Sup., G. and L. Davies; res., Williams Partners (South Wales Mountain).
Native (M. Owen) W. Pugh (Ryeland); res., G. and L. Davies (North Country Cheviot).
Lamb carcase single (J. Holden, Lancashire) Sup., A. Evans (Beltex cross); res., T. Bodily (Beltex cross).
Lamb carcase pairs (H. Owen, Pilgrims UK Lamb) Sup., E.F. Gittoes and Son (Beltex); res., N. and L. Standring (Dutch Texel).
Pigs
Pairs (R. Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) Sup., M. James (Pietrain); res., M. James (Pietrain cross).
Single (R. Evans) Sup., M. James (Pietrain cross); res., M. James (Pietrain cross).
Traditional (R. Evans) Sup., R. Davies (British Lop); res., S. Thomas (Oxford Sandy and Black).
Baby beef champion, Limousin-sired steer, Deian, from Rhys Owen, Anglesey.
Reserve overall cattle and heifer champion, Limousin cross Lulu, from Elfed Williams, Powys.
Judging underway in the cattle ring.
Livestock LiveScot
Storm Bert delayed spectators attending the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s LiveScot event at Lanark, but there was still a big crowd. Lynsey Clark reports.
Calypso reigns supreme
● Overall champion later sold for £6,200
JUDGING the prime cattle was Chris Pennie, of the Sarkley Limousin herd, Powys, who selected the heifer champion as best overall.
This was Calypso, an 18-monthold British Blue cross, from Lanarkshire’s Taylor Holloway, who works as a stockman for Allan and Susan Campbell, Galston.
By Springfield Mason, out of a Limousin cross, which was one of just three cows owned by Mr Holloway which he sold to help fund a house purchase for himself and fiancee Jennifer Tennant.
Weighing in at 704kg, Calypso went on to sell for £6,200, to Yorkshire butchers B. and T. Kitson.
Perfect
Describing the heifer as having a perfect combination of ‘conformation and character’, Mr Pennie said: “I look for something with a bit of class and showiness and this heifer is long and clean, but also carries itself well.
“The top end of the cattle were outstanding today, especially my champion and reserve animals.”
Reserve overall was the steer champion, Baby Rambo, a 660kg 13-monthold Limousin cross from the Wilodge team of Christine Williams and Paul Tippets, Shifnal, which had been champion at Agri Expo where Mr Holloway’s Calypso had finished reserve.
This home-bred steer by Graiggoch
Rambo, out of a British Blue cross dam, sold for £4,200 at the sale to Bowland Foods, Preston.
Another Limousin cross finished reserve steer champion.
This was Pal, a 700kg 20-month-old home-bred steer by Maraiscote Rocky out of a British Blue cross dam from
Wilson Peters, Crieff. It sold for £2,730, also to Bowland Foods.
Reserve overall heifer was Black Velvet, an 18-month-old 720kg Limousin cross heifer by Huntershall Odyssey, from Beth Wilkinson and Gareth Small, Leyburn, which had been reserve heifer at Agri
Expo and overall champion at North East Live.
Best in the commercial calves was Maneater, a six-month-old Limousin cross heifer from James Nisbet, Sorn. Bought from Alan Shennan, this Calogale Skye daughter, weighing 350kg, is intended for James’
Overall cattle and heifer champion, Calypso, from Taylor Holloway, Crawlaw Farm, Galston.
PICTURES: RON STEPHEN
Overall champion, Calypso from Taylor Holloway sold for £6,200.
Overall champion steer and reserve overall, Baby Rambo, from Christine Williams and Paul Tippets, Wilodge Hill Farm, Shifnal.
daughter Sienna, to show at the Ayrshire YF Rally next spring.
Reserve in the calves was Robert Hamilton, Chapelton, with Tyson, a home-bred British Blue cross steer, by the same bull as the champion, Springfield Mason.
Out of a pure Limousin dam, this March-born calf, weighing 416kg, was first at Agri Expo and junior male champion at Stars of the Future.
The Housewife’s Choice championship was another from Wilson Peters. Farrah Moan, a 568kg Limousin cross heifer which had been bought at the September Spectacular show and sale at Thainstone, from the Robertson family of Logierait.
By Sarkley Roscoe, it went on to make £3,400 to J. and H. Cairns Butchers, Carluke.
Prime sheep
For the second year in a row, the prime sheep section was led by father and daughter, John and Kirsty Guthrie, Muthill, with their winners this year being a pair of untrimmed Beltex cross wether lambs, weighing a combined 94kg.
By a home-bred ram, they are out of three-quarter Beltex ewes, from the family’s 280-ewe flock.
This is the third overall win at the event for the Guthries, who also secured the reserve overall title, with a pair of trimmed Beltex cross lambs, by the same sire which weighed in at a combined 92kg.
The champion duo sold for £360 per head to the judge, Willie Shearer, Strathaven, who said: “They stood out in a really good show of stock, with meat from end to end.”
The reserve pair made £280 each. Hill champions were the Blackface pair from Angus Kennedy and family, Mitchellhill.
These home-bred wether lambs, by a £2,800 Wester Crosswoodhill sire, weighed a total of 97kg and sold for £215/head, again to the judge.
Reserve overall in the hill section were the Cheviots, wether lambs weighing 95kg, from the firm of Shawhead, Douglas.
By a son of a £3,000 Crossdykes and out of home-bred ewes, they made £172 each.
Dairy
The dairy show was judged by David Wright, Berryholme, Kendal, whose choice of champion was the winner of the junior cow class, Boclair Lambda Joan 6, a second calver from Ian Smith and Sons, Greentowers, Lanark.
A daughter of Farnear Delta Lambda, this one was bought as a maiden heifer and stood reserve at Lesmahagow and Carnwath shows this summer, as well as being champion heifer at the Lanarkshire herds competition and is giving 54kg, having calved three weeks ago.
Finishing reserve was Overside Hartley Dellia, the winner of the senior cow class from Hugh and Andrew Neilson, Strathaven.
This home-bred De Su Hartley-sired cow is out of Overside Truth Dellia.
Taking the inter-breed win at the
Results
Prime cattle
Overall supreme (Judge, C. Pennie, Powys) Supreme and heifer, T. Holloway, Calypso (British Blue cross); reserve and steer, Wilodge, Baby Rambo (Limousin cross); res. heifer, Small and Wilkinson, Black Velvet (Limousin cross); res. steer, W.A. Peters, Pal (Limousin cross).
Butcher’s champion (J. Craig) Sup., G. and A. McFadzean, (Aberdeen-Angus steer); res., C. Smith and Son (Limousin cross).
Commercial calf (C. Pennie) Sup., J. Nisbet, Maneater (Limousin cross); res., R. and J. Hamilton, Tyson (British Blue cross).
Best pure-bred (J.C. Pennie) native sup., B. Harper, Rookwith Gaia (Beef Shorthorn); continental sup., A. Ewing, Sassy (Limousin).
Dairy
(D. Wright, Kendal) Sup., I.A. Smith and Sons, Boclair Lambda Joan 6; res., H. and A. Neilson, Overside Hartley Dellia.
Pedigree calves
Inter-breed (C. Pennie) Sup., R. and J. Graham,
LiveScot Livestock
pedigree show, held on the Friday evening, was the Limousin, Grahams Upbeat, a yearling bull from Robert and Jean Graham’s Stirling-based herd. By Ampertaine Elgin, it was part of the reserve inter-breed pair at Stars of the Future.
Reserve went to the Aberdeen-Angus champion, Foxhill Princess Caroline, from Mike and Melanie Alford,
Devon. This 11-month-old Kilmaluag Eriskay daughter, was junior native champion at Stars of the Future, earlier in the month.
The MV sheep inter-breed was won by a Blue Texel ewe lamb from Gordon and David Gray, Selkirk, while the non-MV winner was a Bluefaced Leicester ram lamb from A. and A. Kirkpatrick, Sanquhar.
Grahams Upbeat (Limousin); res., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline (AberdeenAngus); pairs, K. Watret, Solway View Unrivalled and A. and C.S. Comrie, Stonebyres Utah (British Blue); res. pairs, R. and J. Graham, Grahams Umandy and Grahams Upbeat (Limousin). Galloway (S. Mitchell, Penrith) Sup., J. and S. Ross, Lady Diana 2773 of Romesbeoch; res., D. and C. Logan, Rogan Katie 3. Aberdeen-Angus (J. Rea, Castle Douglas) Sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline A265; res., M. and M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Carina Z178. Beef Shorthorn (J. Rea) Sup., B.R. Wear, Redhill Taunton; res., J.W. Frame, Westbroad Victor. Hereford (J. Rea) Sup., B.R. Wear, Hean 1 Eira 402; res., M. Galbraith, Craigdhu 1 Bracken. Any other native (J. Rea) Sup., J. and S. Ross, Romesbeoch Honey (Belted Galloway); res., R. Forster, Elgany Rosehip (Belted Galloway). Limousin (J.Hendry,Keith)Sup.,R.andJ.Graham, GrahamsUpbeat;res.,R.andJ.Graham,GrahamsUmandy. British Blue (J. Hendry) Sup., K. Watret, Solway View Taffy; res., K. Watret, Solway View Unrivalled. Charolais (S. Mitchell) Sup., M. and M. Alford, Foxhillfarm Victorious; res., K. Watret, Annanview Ugem. Simmental (S. Mitchell) Sup., G. Brown, Springfield Prada; res., G. Brown, Springfield Pentagon.
Sheep
Inter-breed (W. Shearer, Strathaven) Sup., J. Guthrie (Beltex cross); res., J. Guthrie (Beltex cross); hill sup., A.J. Kennedy and Son (Blackface); hill res., Firm of Shawhead (Cheviot).
Blackface (W. Shearer) Sup., A.J. Kennedy; res., J. and T. MacPherson. North Country Cheviot (W. Shearer) Sup., M. Stewart; res., H. Cockburn and Partners. South Country Cheviot (W. Shearer) Sup., Firm of Shawhead; res., TN Cavers, Sorbie. Mules and crosses (W. Shearer) Sup., C and F Frame, Hawthornbank; res., H Cockburn and Partners, Kingside.
Butcher’s (W. Shearer) Sup., J. Guthrie (Beltex cross); res., J. Guthrie (Beltex cross).
Young breeders’ lambs (W. Shearer) Sup., A. Skelton; res., M., L. and R. Garth.
Pedigree sheep
Inter-breed (D. Fleming, Coulter) MV champion, G. Gray, (Blue Texel); res. MV, A. Clark, (Texel); non-MV sup., A. and A. Kirkpatrick, (Bluefaced Leicester); res. non-MV, J. Guild, (Mule).
Overall and reserve winning pens of lambs from John and Kirstie Guthrie, Muthill.
Dairy champion, Boclair Lambda Joan 6, from Ian Smith and Sons, Greentowers, Lanark.
Calf champion, Maneater, from James Nisbet, Sorn.
A conference celebrating 25 years of Northern Ireland’s GrassCheck service looked at how it helps to deliver a sustainable future for ruminant agriculture. Richard Halleron reports.
● Delivers Northern Irish ag internationally
THE detailed analysis of the information amassed by GrassCheck over the last 25 years will help further define the future of sustainable livestock farming, said Jason Rankin, AgriSearch manager.
Mr Rankin, speaking at the ‘Future-proofing our pastures: 25 years of GrassCheck and beyond’ conference in Portadown, Co Armagh, explained the project was currently led by AgriSearch, the Agri-Food and Biosciences’ Institute (AFBI) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise.
He said: “GrassCheck has evolved from a service which simply reports on actual swards’ production levels in real-time to one which accurately predicts future growth rates.
“At the heart of this is the recognition that a 21-day rotation period will drive grazing patterns in most years on the vast majority of dairy, beef and sheep farms in Northern Ireland.
“But, more than this, GrassCheck has amassed invaluable data regarding bespoke sward production trends which have been identified in regions across Northern Ireland.
“And analysing this data will help identify trends for the future which are relevant to farmers in all locations.”
However, Mr Rankin added that predicting grass production levels was ‘only part of the challenge’.
He said: “Finding ways to utilise this forage in the most efficient way possible is of equal significance. And this will be a priority for GrassCheck into the future.”
AgriSearch chair Prof Gerry Boyle said the launch of the service in 1999 had helped to cement the principle in the minds of research scientists and farmers throughout Ireland that grass was a crop which had to be managed in the most effective way possible.
More about GrassCheck
THE current GrassCheck service is delivered by 50-plus farmers at locations across Northern Ireland measuring grass production rates on a weekly basis.
This is supplemented by data generated by 30 weather stations, again strategically placed at locations across Northern Ireland.
In addition, grass plots are cut and physically weighed/analysed on a weekly basis at three locations: AFBI Hillsborough; AFBI Crossnacreevy; and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise Greenmount.
It has been estimated that fewer than 200 farmers in Northern Ireland regularly use tools such as a plate meter to accurately assess sward growth rates and grass stocks on their farms.
Northern Ireland’s GrassCheck service celebrates 25 years
He said: “GrassCheck is a classic example of a tool which has been developed to allow ruminant farmers to make best use of the most important resource they manage – their grasslands.
While specifically reflecting on the key role played by GrassCheck over the past 25 years in improving grassland management standards across Northern Ireland, the event was also used to encourage the greater uptake of regular grass measuring across agriculture as a whole.
It has been estimated that fewer than 200 farmers in Northern Ireland regularly use tools such as a plate meter to accurately assess sward growth rates and grass stocks on their farms.
“Effective grassland utilisation is the key to profitable and sustainable ruminant livestock production.”
Former AFBI director and Daera Chief Scientific Officer Dr Sinclair Mayne highlighted the critical role played by GrassCheck in delivering for agriculture in Northern Ireland on a truly international stage.
He said: “Back in 2002, the officially recognised independence and accuracy of the grass production data gathered by GrassCheck made the key difference when it came to Northern Ireland securing a £4.6 million weather aid package from Brussels.
“The year in question saw torrential rain falling throughout summer, with the result that very large numbers of cattle had to be housed early.
“However, it was the real-time data available from GrassCheck which contributed so much to the case made to the European Commission.”
Four years later, GrassCheck made an equally important contribution when it came to Northern Ireland successfully arguing its case to Brussels for a nitrates derogation.
Dr Mayne said: “This time, the GrassCheck data was used to confirm that the grass growing season in Northern Ireland extended from March through to November.
Success
“The successful securing of the derogation meant that nitrogen fertiliser application rates on grassland could be secured at 250kg per hectare.
“Had the full scope of the measures within the European Union’s 2007 Nitrates Directive been mandated for Northern Ireland, this figure would have fallen to 175kg/ha.
“The impact of such a development on agricultural production would have been very significant indeed.”
December 1. GLAMORGAN NURSERY 9, Mike Edwards, Maes Eglwys Farm, Pantlasau, Swansea, SA6 6NR. ENGLAND
November 30. NSDA, Quebec, Durham, DH7 9RS, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12, 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,
English results
NORTH WESTMORLAND, Keswick (Judge, B. Sendlhofer) Nursery (34 ran) 1, T. Tome, Ted, 61 of 90; 2, N. Westgarth, Meg, 54; 3, J. Burrow, Maddie, 45; 4, K. Cropper, Sam, 36; 5, D. Gallagher, Mik, 28; 6, T. Rome, Chip, 21. Novice 1, A. Temple, Hilltop Rita, 66 of 90; 2, E. Hill, Jess, 65; 3, N. Westgarth, Jim, 64; 4, A. Hughes, Max, 39. New Handler 1, S. Ryall, Maggie; 2, Z. Edwards, Queen. MID SHIRES, Melton Mowbray (N. Vyas) Nursery 1, A. Blackmore, Jody, 66 of 90; 2, R. Curtis, Ned, 56; 3, P. Johnson, Bob, 50; 4, J. McBride, Joe, 49; 5, G.
● Partly-trained dogs sell to £9,100
THE online sale of sheepdogs, hosted by Farmers Marts (R.G. Jones), Dolgellau, topped at £10,200 for Rhysgog Sarah, a fully trained farm or trials
HG3 4AR, Pennine rules apply, any competitor running more than one dog must have one booked in before 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. NSDA, Quebec, Durham, DH7 9RS, contact Frank Whitfield, tel: 07714 590 249, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm. MID SHIRES, Lower Shuckburgh, Northants, NN11 6EB, 8.30am start, nursery/novice/beginner trials, contact Gill, email: gillburbidge2014@gmail.com, tel: 07950 738 732. SURREY, Great Homewood Farm, Honeypot Lane, South Chailey, Lewes, BN8 4QL, nursery and novice trial, contact: Elaine Anstey, tel: 07778 677 955, vernonanstey@btinternet.com. December 7. SOUTH WALES NURSERY FINAL, Carmarthen, contact Anna Prothero, tel: 07795 178 451, email: anna_prothero@hotmail.com. FLYDE, Fylde Nursery,
Baldry, Glaven Black, 26; 6, V. Byfield, Rhona, 24. Novice 1, R. Cure, Dot, 64; 2, A. Blackmore, Peg, 58 OLF; 3, J. Porter, Tan, 58; 4, J. McBride, Boss, 55. Open 1, R. Curtis, Ben.
Welsh results
CEREDIGION NURSERY 5, Brongest (A. Organ) National 1, I. Evans, Mwnt Max, 8; 2, D. Jenkins, Aran Meg, 9; 3, D. Jenkins, Ara Fly, 10; 4, O. Lewis, High Hills Sally, 13; 5, S. Davies, Fly, 15; 6, D. Jarman, Pennant Craig, 16. Young handler 1, S. Davies, Fly, 15; 2, S. Davies, Moss, 21; 3, A. Davies, Celt, 33; 4, A. Davies, Dan, 42. South Wales style 1, D. Jenkins, Aran Fly, 10; 2, D. Jenkins, Aran Meg, 11; 3, O. Lewis, High Hills Sally, 12; 4, I. Grant, Gelli Jan, 13; 5, E. Morgan, Mari, 17; 5, D. Jarman, Pennant Craig, 19. Young handler 1, A. Davies, Dan, 25; 2, A. Davies, Celt, 34; 3, S.
Hall Trees Farm, Chipping, PR3 2NF, 9.30am start, usual Pennine inter-club rules apply, contact Mr Longton, tel: 07736 278 398. SHETLAND, Everor Nursery Trial, Tangwick, Eshaness, Shetland, ZE2 9RS, trial will commence after the conclusion of the Northmavine Nursery Trial, 12pm, £10 per entry, pre-entry, contact Daniel Mainland, tel: 07748 582 031, email: dmainl16@hotmail.co.uk. TRAWDEN, E. Thornally and E. Street, Hull House, Hellifield, BD23 4JP. RYEDALE, Trevor Fields, Manor Farm, Boynton, YO16 4XJ, contact T. Fields, tel: 07980 010 757.
December 8. NSDA, Kirkby Fleetham DL7 0RS, contact Andy Grant, tel: 07710 825 836, Northern Sheepdog Association rules apply, 9.30am start, last booking in 1pm, only one dog after 12pm. MID SHIRES, field postcode to be confirmed, Barston, Solihull, Warwicks, 8.30am start, nursery/novice/beginner trials, contact Gill, email: gillburbidge2014@gmail.com, tel: 07950 738 732. ROMNEY MARSH, Whitehall, Ludgate Lane, Lynsted, Kent, ME9 0RF, nursery, novice, other, 10am field
Davies, Moss, 40. New/Novice 1, I. Grant, Mac, 12; 2, I. Grant, Gelli Jan, 13. CEREDIGION NURSERY 6, Abermeurig (E. Lloyd) National 1, D. Jenkins, Aran Fly, 12; 2, D. Rees, Garn Gron Tess, 17; 3, E. Morgan, Talley Kate, 20; 4, D. Jenkins, Tyddyn Du Cass, 21 OLF; 5, E. Morgan, Mari, 21; 6, D. Rees, Garn Gron Floss, 26. Young handler 1, S. Davies, Moss, 18; 2, A. Davies, Celt, 28; 3, A. Davies, Dan, 35T. South Wales style 1, D. Rees, Garn Gross Tess, 11; 2, D. Jenkins, Aran Fly, 11; 3, A. Llyr, Cloddiau Spotan, 13; 4, O. Lewis, High Hills Sally, 16; 5, D. Rees, Garn Gron Floss, 35T. Young handler 1, S. Davies, Moss, 9; 2, A. Davies, Dan, 12; 3, S. Davies, Fly, 25; 4, A. Davies, Celt, 34. New handler/Novice 1, I. Glant, Gelli Jan, 18; 2, A. Jones, Talley Kate, 32; 3, I. Glant, Mac, 45. BRECONSHIRE NURSERY 5, Cwmdu (S. Lewis) Nursery 1, K. Evans, Valley View Dan, 11; 2, C. Slater, Belway Frank, 19; 3, D. Bevan, Floss, 21; 4, K. Evans, Kemi Cap, 21; 5, D. Evans, Hilltop Tilly, 23; 5, A. Games, Rip, 33. Novice 1, T.
entry, cost per entry: £3 per dog, contact Liz Lauder, email: romneymarsh123@gmail.com.
December 14. RYEDALE, Raylia Dugmore and Will Young, Crosscliff, Langdale End, YO13 0LN, what3words: afterglow.nights.vegans, contact R. Dugmore, tel: 01723 882 434.
December 21. TYNWERN, Llanrhystud, SY23 5BD, 9am start, contact Emyr Lloyd, tel: 01974 272 282. December 22. GOOLE, Stuart Walton, Sandhoe Farm, Carlton Goole, DN14 9RS what3words: started.wildfires. outsize, contact S. Walton, tel: 07789 740 122.
Thewissen, Fynbos Turk, 16; 2, R. Jones, Scott, 29; 3, W. Jones, Erwood Ruby, 44; 4, I. Jones, 44. Beginners 1, A. Piper, Kym, 26. GLOUCESTER AND GWENT NURSERY 1, Bromsberrow Heath (A. Blackmore) B. Lester, Tysswg Lass,15; 2, N. Matthews, Hilltop Lexi, 18; 3, S. Currie, Tom, 23; 4, N. Matthews, Hilltop Zac, 26; 5, M. Jones, Mack, 28; 6, R. Foote, Hilltop Bill, 29. Novice 1, J. Garland, Rhysswg Faye, 17; 2, J. Price, Roy, 21; 3, B. Rees, Flick, 24; 4, B. Rees, Gelli Cloe, 26; 5, M. Jones, Mack, 29; 6, M. Jones, Clint, 34. Young handler 1, Mason Rees.
RADNOR NURSERY 6, Elan Valley 1, J. Jones, Brondrefawr Sky, 19; 2, S. Lewis, Llyn y Ferlen Chance, 20; 3, P. Tomkins, Joe, 28; 4, A. Price, Erwood Queen, 32T; 5, I. Rees, Roo, 33; 6, I. Rees, Pentre Jet, 35. Novice 1, B. Lewis, Brondrefawr Fly, 21; 2, D. Bayliss, Rock, 28; 3, J. Davies, Tess, 39; 4, E. Edwards, Sky, 71.
Sheepdogs to £10,200
bitch by Red Spot, from Kevin Evans, Brecon, which went to a buyer from Ayrshire.
Rhysgog Sarah, a fully trained farm or trials bitch by Red Spot, from Kevin Evans, Brecon, which sold for £10,200 to an Ayrshire buyer.
Making £9,000 was Foinaven Eve, a trials or farm bitch from D.W. Davies, Bryncrug.
Beacon’s Lass, an 18-month-old bitch, also from Messrs Evans, sold for £7,700 to a Co Meath buyer.
Mo, a fully trained daughter of Preseli Jack, consigned by L. Harries, Crymych, made £7,000 and is heading to the USA.
D. Bevan, Builth Wells, sold Glen, a hill dog which is also eligible for nurseries, for £6,900 to a buyer from Gwent.
Ivy, a fully trained Huntaway bitch from E. Rees, Rhayader, sold for £7,600, which is thought to be
“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.
the highest price for a Huntaway sold at auction in the UK.
Topping the partly-trained section at £9,100, and taking the second top price of the day, was Cefneithin Roxy, by Llanfarian Merk from S.C. Jones, Corwen.
The pup section topped at £2,750 for four-month-old Rhydarw Rose from Messrs Evans, which is heading to Shetland.
SHEEP prices saw an uplift at English and Welsh marts this week, with lamb prices jumping up by 14.9p/kg. This meant lamb prices reached 314.4p/kg.
But there were more mixed results in the cattle rings, with young bulls dropping 5p/kg to 292.5p/kg. Heifers were up 8.5p/kg at 318.6p/kg, while steers increased by 4.5p/kg to 298.8p/kg.
Pig prices were also mixed, with porkers down 6.4p/kg at 169.5p/kg, but increases for heavier weights.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (November 27) UK LIFFE wheat prices for May 2025 were trading at £190.50/tonne, a fall of £1.90/t on the week.
Source: LAA/MartEye
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending November 26, 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
PIGS
WALES
SCOTLAND
*Pigpricesarew/eNov19,2024. Source: AHDB
HAY AND STRAW PRICES
November 27, 2024
GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, round bale to £122/tonne, square bale to £130/t, small bale to £152; haylage, square bale to £74-£78/t, round bale to £64-£102/t; wheat straw, square bale to £102-£108/t.
values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £20,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender October 21, 2024, next December 2, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors
In this community section update, we share news from the heart of British rural life, plus Ellie Layton speaks to 21-year-old Fergal Gormley, who has been crowned All-Ireland Senior Young Stockperson for 2024.
A I was brought up on a mixed family farm in Claudy, Co Londonderry, and I farm alongside my father and brother.
We run a herd of predominantly Charolais cross cattle alongside a handful of recipient cows to calve in January, which we use to produce show-quality calves. We also run 150 commercial breeding ewes and we buy-in about 500 store lambs every autumn to finish.
Although I did not show cattle as a child, I have always had an interest, and my father has passed down his eye for stock – I owe my successes to him.
I have always been interested in showing, but I recently graduated from a three-year course at Greenmount College, and my interest did not properly spark up until I attended the Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championship on a college trip, where I fell in love with the atmosphere, competition and cattle.
That evening, I rang my father and said I knew I wanted to be involved.
Q How did you get started?
steer calf from the local market – a British Blue cross which I called Big Bucks – and this is the animal which I first had a taste of success with.
When I purchased him, he was in his everyday clothes and needed a lot of work. But coming in at £970, I tried my luck as I thought he had potential. When he arrived home, I clipped him out completely, washed him with cold water every evening to improve his coat, and worked with him continuously over the next few months.
The following May, we competed together at the 2021 Balmoral Show, where Big Bucks was placed commercial male champion under Welsh judge Dafydd Lewis, Carmarthen.
A Shortly after the college trip, I purchased a Limousin calf from Keith Williamson to show that following summer. However, due to Covid-19, I did not reach the showring.
I then purchased a 2023-born
We then had success with a Limousin steer, Zeus, at the 2023 Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club Show, when we were awarded commercial champion.
Q What qualities do you look for in a show animal?
A The basics are vital for a show animal. I believe that an animal requires correct legs, width and that show presence which grabs the judge as soon as it enters the ring.
You can only get so far up the line without the basics.
But with those things, you can bring on an animal with work and time to create a show animal.
QYou won All-Ireland Senior Young Stockperson 2024 – how does that feel?
A I placed fourth last year; it was an intense experience. It is not like anything you would be used to doing and it really puts you out of your comfort zone. Unlike regular young handlers, it is judged on a points system for dressing of the cattle, a stockjudging competition, and finally an in-depth interview covering all things from animal health to politics.
Following Brexit, the competition has brought an extra challenge, as Northern Irish competitors must use animals from the Republic of Ireland because export regulations mean we cannot move livestock across the border.
That is another disadvantage for finalists from Northern Ireland – we had to work with a completely new animal that we had never used before, while finalists from the South were able to use their own animals. However, this can display our ability to adapt to new animals.
Winning the competition was a real honour, and something that reflects for my true passion and love for the job.
Q What are your aspirations?
A There are three things I aspire to: the first is to win overall commercial champion at Balmoral Show, and I would also like to show over the water at the Royal Highland Show and UK Agri Expo.
I am very grateful to have achieved so much in only a few years and I have been lucky that so many professionals have shared their expertise with me to help me on my way. I hope to do the same when I am older.
I believe you are either cut out for the show world, or you are not. There is far more to it than walking an animal around the ring on the day. Until this year, I have shown boughtin animals, but this year I experienced a win with a home-bred heifer – only then do you really feel that great sense of achievement, seeing the animal the whole way through.
Fergal Gormley
Nativity for charity
JOE Trofer-Cook, a 12-year-old member of Heckington Young Farmers’ Club, is raising money for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Air Ambulance with an on-farm nativity display. One of the youngest registered breeders of four horn Jacobs, Joe has featured on TV in his own merits and with Cannon Hall Farm on SpringtimeontheFarmand WinterontheFarm.
Joe is autistic and finds that working with animals and the very nature of farming suits him. He now has a 55-head flock alongside a small herd of cattle and an award-winning flock of Lincolnshire buff chickens.
With help from friends and his two brothers, Joe is hosting a ticket-only, on-farm nativity on December 19 and 20. More information will be posted on Joe’s Garden Patch.
Herefordshire YFC celebrates 80 years
MORE than 550 past and present members of Herefordshire Young Farmers flocked to the city’s high street to celebrate 80 years of the federation. Formatted into clubs, generations of families and friends walked the streets of Hereford to mark the momentous anniversary. It began with a procession from the town hall which was, in true Herefordshire-style, led by a Pedigree Hereford bull, Buckenhill 1 Trans Am, bred by Matt Gray and Louise Crowther, Bromyard.
Members and associates of 15 clubs made a procession to the cathedral and were met with eight tractors – one from each decade that the federation was celebrating.
There was a celebration service to reflect on the years and members’ talents, and the event continued with an afternoon of reminiscing at Hereford Town Hall with generations of memorabilia from the last 80 years of Young Farmers’ fun.
Despite there being much change seen over the last 80 years, farmers in Herefordshire say the federation remains a reliable and inclusive community for young people to learn new skills, share their talents and make friends for life.
Keep up-to-date with our community news with the hashtag #HaveEweHerd. If you have any news you would like to share, please email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
Radnor YFC raises £20,000 for charity
MORE than 540 people dusted off their bow ties and boots to support Radnor Young Farmers Club’s (YFC’s) county chair Ella Harris at her family farm near Knighton. The evening started with an address from guest speaker Nigel Owens, followed by a charity auction conducted by Lloyd Humphreys from McCartneys, with the 18 lots raising £11,000 alone.
Overall, the event raised a staggering total of £20,000, with £9,000 of this donated to Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, another £9,000 donated to Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and £2,000 donated to Radnor YFC.
Ella says: “The support we have received has been phenomenal, so a massive thank you to each and every one of you who has donated, attended or helped towards the event to support these fantastic charities. It really is appreciated.”
Louise Crowther
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
HELEN STANIER
Yorkshire
Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her parents, David and Anne Shaw, husband, Craig, and their children, Alfred and Hattie, at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers.
There has been little else on my mind this past month other than the Government’s Autumn Budget.
The severe financial implications of the proposed cap to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief are unthinkable, not only to my family, but the many surrounding families which have farmed our area for generations.
It struck me hard a few days afterwards, driving the nine miles of fields to the butcher’s, and by the time I arrived to pick up my order, my eyes were red and filled with tears.
My ancestors have quietly farmed here for five generations, through world wars, disease outbreaks and extreme weathers, keeping food on people’s tables and looking after the landscape.
My parents are now in their 70s and have dedicated their lives to the farm, and they still work all day every day. Despite this history, they never pushed me or my brother into farming.
Nevertheless, after several years away, a feeling I needed to return brought me and my husband back and we have relished the opportunity to develop the farm and add our
‘Alongside a turnout of
40,000-plus
farmers, we made our voices heard’
own skills to take it forward in this generation.
Now we have two children, including an eight-year-old who dreams about what he will do when he is ‘the boss’.
And now, like so many farming families, the rug has been pulled out from under us.
Financially, things are already very hard, with rising input costs, high interest rates, market uncertainties, complex regulations and a changing climate all putting huge pressures on our farm business.
When the worst happens, our family will not be able to pay Inheritance Tax without selling the very land and assets we need to farm.
Even if paid over 10 years, the finan-
Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling
cial burden will make it impossible to invest in the future of our farm, stifling our business, and in direct contradiction of Defra expectations. Additionally, changes to raise the minimum wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions will mean we may no longer be able to offer our student training opportunities.
With all this running through our minds, Dad and I boarded our NFU’s coach to London and, alongside an amazing turnout of 40,000-plus farmers, we tried to make our voices heard at Westminster.
We were fortunate to hear the NFU president’s emotional and inspiring speech, and then we headed to a meeting with our local MP.
I truly hope we helped make a last-
Dealing with a chaotic atmospheric system
STORM Bert really gave the media a feeding frenzy last weekend with talk of ‘unprecedented rainfall’, and ‘biblical floods’.
While undoubtedly for some areas, there was heavy rain which, accompanied with snow melt, led to significant flooding, it is so important that we keep the storm in context.
Deep areas of low pressure in the North Atlantic are not unusual as we head into late autumn and winter.
The contrast in temperature between the pole and equator is at its greatest, fermenting the jet stream and enabling rapid development of low pressure as the storm systems pass
through. What is remarkable is how well forecast the system was.
The track of the area of low pressure was soon nailed down, and the storm was named. It was always forecast to bring heavy rain, especially to windward facing coasts and hills in the west and south west. These forecasts were correct.
And so it is somewhat frustrating to hear politicians immediately seeking to blame meteorologists for failing to warn of the severe weather which was to come. This line of ‘attack politics’ is straight out of the playbook used by politicians following the truly devastating October storms in Spain.
As meteorologists, we should not be complacent about issuing warnings, especially when it is perceived that they have not been sufficient.
Natural Resources Wales has announced a review of the weather and warnings issued this weekend. I have no doubt lessons can be learned and perhaps, on reflection, we may be able to improve communication of those warnings and be more specific about where the impact will occur. However, it is important that we all remember we are dealing with a chaotic atmospheric system, predicting the future of which can at times be unpredictable.
ing impression, but I will admit, tears got the better of me again after I left the meeting.
More generally, it seems that as well as a lack of appreciation of the impacts of this tax on individual farms, there is a huge lack of understanding that farming is an integral part of the agrifood supply chain (worth £147 billion and accounting for 13% of UK employment) and supports our nation’s food security, health and wider rural economy.
I hope someone sees sense soon.
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North Wales Dan Jones
West Sussex James and Isobel Wright
‘How are we supposed to do everything asked of us?’
JAMES ROBINSON
Cumbria
James farms Dairy Shorthorns east of Kendal, Cumbria, with his parents Kathleen and Henry, wife Michelle and sons Robert and Chris. The fifth generation to farm at Strickley, he is also vice-chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.
Iwill address the elephant in the room straight away, as it has caused the biggest collective shock for the farming community that I have ever known, certainly outside of a major disease outbreak.
The repercussions from the Budget will only truly be known once each and every farm business has had time to talk over the details with an expert. And that is everyone, not just family farms.
We will all be affected in some way, most of us negatively. However, the industry will get through this, we always do.
Whatever the country needs from the countryside is always delivered by farmers.
Protection of waterways? Well, help us to plan what we need to do and you have it. Plant more hedgerows? Absolutely – how long and where do you want them? High-welfare livestock production? We have always done that, but thank you for pointing it out.
Clean air, public access, habitat creation, trees, peatlands, wetlands, culture and heritage? Well okay, but I am not sure there is going to be enough money left to pay for it all.
Cheaper food you say? Okay, but how are we supposed to do everything else you have asked for?
Steve Reed may think he has been hard done to by the farming press, but it’s a bit rich to say we have to ‘do more with less’, when the industry has been doing everything asked of it
Crossword 1273
with, in real terms at least, an ever-decreasing budget.
If the stewardship schemes, Sustainable Farming Incentive and Capital Grants were fully open and available to everyone equally, then the current situation would be softened a bit, but the delays and hold-ups to the roll-out of Higher Tier stewardship is nothing short of scandalous.
Defra needs funding properly if the Government wants it to function.
It needs to stick to its promises on the delivery timeline, and it needs to focus on helping those farmers who are quite literally queuing up to deliver everything the Government needs to meet its own ambitious biodiversity and climate change targets.
Storm Bert aside, the weather for November has been incredibly kind.
It has allowed us to get cracking with lots of hedgelaying, a job which is perfect for a frosty, blue sky day.
We held a couple of hedgelaying training days at the beginning of the month, with 20 keen students over a weekend.
There was lots of laughter and banter, with a keen competitive streak which ensured we got a good amount ligged. There was little to choose between my length of hedge and that of the other tutor Claire Whittle, and we were both absolutely made up with the weekend, so much so that we hope to host another day in February.
Improving hedge management is such a great and easy way to make a positive difference to our farm biodiversity, which also hugely benefits our farms and the livestock too.
Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No. 1273, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
ACROSS
1 Range of service provided (6)
5 Crooner in Merseyside town? (6)
10 University student with revolutionary skill way beyond norm (5)
11 Strong heavy working animal (carrots he chewed up) (9)
12 Pungent seasoning on Italy’s top sausage (9)
13 Bungle military intelligence’s event (5)
14 Rant over method in train company (7)
16 Niggled about castrated horse, for example (7)
18 Methodically examine rocky lane, say (7)
20 Put forward for consideration unusually good guests (7)
22 Rummages for underground organs (5)
24 Potentially so topical, relating to the Pope (9)
26 Steady wound I finally feel is base (9)
27 Some macho man is a Gulf inhabitant (5)
28 Good-for-nothing’s addled food (3,3)
29 Son and I can second peaceful protests (3-3)
DOWN
2 A cold male sheep to behave in a troublesome way (3,2)
3 Frighten off vehicle in lane at sea that is used for vessels (5,4)
4 Industrial plant’s truth or story finally (7)
5 Nagging about trivialities, fish in bottom of jug (7)
6 Type of writing of regularly rough amateur (5)
7 Fools, one says, employ this ham producer (9)
8 Pullover for a kangaroo? (6)
9 Take ages to fit in (6)
15 In two shakes of a lamb’s tail a sailor returned for lover (9)
17 Sight lout curiously at bedtime? (6-3)
18 Endless team game where ball’s thrown from one side to the other (6)
19 Wiping out long periods in gaol principally (7)
20 Ones that present to view apparatuses producing sprays of water (7)
21 Puss upset with nervous twitchingway to deal with it? (6)
23 County draught horse (5)
25 Educate in remote areas; lecturer has to make some money (5)
‘Our Muslim communities in the UK are keeping our sheep farmers going and growing’
The halal market is paramount to the British sheep industry and is one of the driving forces behind its more recent success, particularly live market selling. A few years back, deadweight marketing was taking hold. However, the growing demand from halal abattoirs and their unwavering support of the live ring has seen a sharp swing back to live ring selling.
This has led to pricing structures which are focused on the quality and finish of the animal, without the need for the schemes forced on us by supermarkets – many of which have now abandoned British produce in favour of cheaper, poorer quality imported meat to fill the shrinking lamb sections we see on the shelves. There are more than four million Muslims living in the UK today. That’s just 6.5% of our total population, but this minority accounts for
about 20% of the lamb available in the UK – and the Muslim consumption of all meat sold in the UK is growing. Over 60% of Muslims consume lamb weekly compared to just 6% of the non-Muslim population. Not only that, but more than 90% of UK-produced mutton ends up in the halal sector.
Meat consumption
Overall, British consumption of meat has been declining drastically over recent decades. Defra figures show that from 1980 to 2022 the UK reduced its consumption of red meat by 62%, and in 2021-2022 we ate less meat than in any year since the 1970s.
In contrast, a recent report from the UK Muslims Committee Federation estimated that for 2022, 62% of lamb, mutton, beef and chicken sold in the UK was consumed by Muslims. In the aftermath of Brexit, the
FG Farm Dog of the Month
This month we introduce you to Sally, Sophie Barrow’s sheepdog. If you would like your canine companion to be featured next month, please email pictures to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com.
sheep farming sector braced itself for the loss of the European markets, which accounted for the biggest proportion of our sheep and lamb sales. There was talk of mountains of unwanted lamb and sheep farmers failing with nowhere else to sell.
The reality is that demand for our sheep and lamb in Europe has remained strong, despite the rise in values and the cost and paperwork now required for European buyers to import our high-quality meat across the English Channel.
Halal market
But that demand is not the reason our sheep trade has been booming, and neither is the success of trade groups to reopen old export markets such as Hong Kong, Japan and Canada. It is the halal market that has filled the gap – our Muslim communities here in the UK are keeping our sheep farmers going and growing.
The Islamic festivals of Ramadan and Qurbani have become increasingly important to the timing of lamb marketing. But the key to the Muslim market is the willingness of UK farmers and food processors to make sure their meat is halal, or permissible under Islamic law.
Muslims have strict rules governing consumption, and in the case of lamb – or any other meat, apart from pork, which is totally forbidden – it must be raised and slaughtered to standards set out in the Quran.
To be certified as halal, animals must be treated with compassion. They must be raised as humanely as possible, and they must be slaughtered as painlessly as possible, with the blessing of Allah.
British livestock farming has the highest animal welfare standards in the world, so our sheep and lambs already qualify with flying colours.
JAMES LITTLE
Senior auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington
They more than succeed on grounds of quality too, and after some compromises on both sides of the fence, a very high proportion of our mutton and lamb passes the halal test in the way it is slaughtered.
Strictly speaking, traditional halal rules require animals to be slaughtered unstunned, with their heads pointing towards Mecca and their life ended with minimum pain and stress.
Today, the Islamic authorities in the UK permit stunning, and the food processors comply with every aspect of the halal code.
Fundamental
Of all the sheep slaughtered in England and Wales, 72% follow the halal process. This figure shows how fundamentally important the market is to the British livestock industry, and particularly to our sheep farmers, whose livelihoods increasingly depend on it.
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Machinery & Tractor
Latest John Deere T6 700 close up
The T6 700’s list price is £419,098, and the 9.15-metre XA30 header is listed at £66,091.
Earlier this year, John Deere launched its latest range of straw walker combines. James Huyton takes a look.
With a refreshed look for the 2025 season, the T5 and T6 multi-drum walker combines from John Deere have been developed with a focus on future-proofing the combine range with automated advancements.
Six new models sit within the T5 and T6 line-up, adding further power and capacity to the range.
Straw walker combines hold favour with many farmers looking to maximise straw output and quality.
But what does the new series’ lettering denote for prospective buyers?
ENGINE
POWER for the T6 range comes from John Deere’s JD9X engine, with the six-cylinder, nine-litre unit providing 367hp to the T6 700, boosted to a maximum power output of 421hp under load.
The manufacturer claims the JD9X engine offers improved fuel
The leading letter indicates the separation system – in this case, the ‘T’ is a multi-drum walker. The leading number specifies the walker arrangement: five as standard, and six as a wide-body variant.
The final three numbers are the performance group (based on machine capacity) followed by the series, which will increase in steps of ten over time, much like the previous tractor series.
Just shy of the range-topping T6 800, the T6 700 offers near identical specifications and option packages but lacks the 408hp rated output of the larger machine.
efficiency, with savings of up to 20%. The claimed savings come from rpm speeds during road transport, which run at 1,600rpm compared to the former 2,000rpm, and with a further automated reduction to 1,200rpm when stationary.
CABIN
DRAWN from the flagship X9 combine, the T6’s cabin has an extended level of operator comfort and functionality across the range. Inside the 3.68cu.m cabin space, an electronic dust-sealing door is said to reduce debris entering the cabin, providing a pressurised operator environment.
Prospective buyers can also optionally specify ActiveSeat,
offering all-round operator cooling. The main functionality is controlled through the CommandPRO joystick, with the customisable control capable of programming to suit different operators. Using the touchscreen display, operators can also customise the joystick for the operation of header belt speed and reel height, as well as auger control and feeder house tilt.
Continues over the page
The T6 now shares the same cabin platform as John Deere’s flagship X9.
Machinery & Tractor
TECHNOLOGY
THE latest StarFire 7500 receiver is integrated into the combine’s cabin roof, and information is then fed into a pillar-mounted G5 extended screen.
John Deere’s latest G5-plus screen is a high-definition 12.8-inch display capable of displaying precision farming applications, such as Autopath guidance technology.
Beyond auto-steer, operators can also access functionality such as Machine-Sync, which is John Deere’s system of controlled unloading. Ultimately, with two compatible machines, the combine operator can take control of the tractor’s speed, direction and position during unloading, which the manufacturer claims reduces operator error and spills when unloading on the move.
In addition to guidance, prospective buyers looking for greater advancements in yield mapping may wish to consider the optional specification of a Near Infrared (NIR) sensor.
John Deere says the HarvestLab system can sense protein levels in grain in real-time harvest conditions, and claims this will aid farmers in making decisions on the separation and storage of higher-premium crops. The mapped data may also help farmers decide on future variablerate fertiliser applications.
Data produced can be transferred back to the farm office in real time with JDLink, which allows the operator to screen-share so farm managers can assess performance data.
THE T5 and T6 combines offer a real step up in technical functionality from an operator perspective when compared to previous derivatives. The machines provide an opportunity for farmers in this capacity bracket looking to gain greater insight into yield mapping with a Near Infrared (NIR) sensor. Interactive real-time data
sent to a phone, tablet or farm office computer also allows managers to better assess fleet performance and potentially reduce downtime. However, this technological functionality is not going to be for everyone, and it might be a detriment to prospective buyers looking for a simple, lower-cost walker combine.
The combine is compatible with John Deere’s Near Infrared (NIR) sensor, HarvestLab, which allows operators to see real-time crop protein levels.
Changes to the lettering of John Deere’s header range mean the ‘X’ now forms the ‘XA’ range of headers, with working widths starting at 6.7 metres.
FG verdict
THRESHING AND STRAW MANAGEMENT
THE fundamentals for the T6 threshing system remain the same as previous generations. All T6 machines are equipped with 1,670mm feeder housing. The combine’s multi-drum separator has a leading 660mm threshing drum with 10 rasp bars. Following pre-separation, harvest material is fed to the T6’s 800mm separating drum, with separation fingers passing the crop to the discharge beater and onto the straw walkers, giving the T6 a claimed four sq.m of active separation area. Six walker variants also offer a 5.5sq.m cleaning shoe area. John Deere has also introduced a new four-row chopper to the T5 and T6 variants.
With a number of knife options, prospective buyers can also specify Xcel knives from the larger X9 range, which are claimed to reduce chopping drag.
Chopper system
The new chopper system is said to be capable of spreading up to 10.7 metres (35 feet) without the aid of wind paddles. Other new residue management features include the addition of remote counter knife modification and toolless crossbar adjustment.
TANK AND AUGER
THE new T6 combines will boast larger tank capacities – as standard, the T6 700 will have an 11,000-litre tank, or the optional specification of a 13,500-litre capacity.
This comes with the exception of the HillMaster variants, which will only be offered in standard 11,000-litre capacity formats. And with increased tank capacity comes a higher-capacity auger capable of a 150-litre per second unloading output.
The T6’s unloading auger has a maximum crop output of 150 litres per second.
The new T6 chopper unit is capable of spread widths up to 10.7 metres (35 feet).
Now here’s an idea
A spreader that’s so advanced it maximises every £ you spend on fertiliser
Although we take the exceptional output of the ZA-TS range of fertiliser spreaders for granted, it’s the accuracy that counts more and the unique AutoTS gives you at least 17% more yield around the hedge side than any other boundary spreading systems available – but don’t take our word for it; take a look at the independent Innovation Farm trials results.
All this means that you maximise your cropped area to the full and you get more produce in the barn!
Amazone - future ideas that work for you.
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AutoTS border spreading system delivers proven precision with up to 17% additional yield around the field boundary.
The
Machinery & Tractor
Advances in slurry application technology have enabled a mixed farm to make the most of its slurry, which has reduced the need for bought-in fertiliser and improved forage quality. Farmers Guardian reports.
Trailing shoe delivers slurry and cost benefits
Three generations of the Garth family milk 400 cows, rear 300 cattle and farm 323 hectares near Rugeley in Staffordshire. Livestock are bedded on straw which has led the farm’s slurry to be high in dry matter (DM). However, the family has always managed its slurry with minimal reliance on contractors to provide cost-effective natural fertiliser for grass, maize and cereal crops.
Third generation Tom Garth says: “We started farming here 38 years ago and with almost 1,000 head of cattle including the milkers, beef cattle and followers, we are always busy managing slurry.”
The family grows wheat, barley and maize on rotation, along with 153ha of grass. The mixed farm system sees the crops benefit from accurately applied slurry which has reduced the need for bought-in fertiliser. The resulting straw bedding system is cost effective, but has presented challenges for slurry application.
“ We bought our first trailing shoe applicator in 2016 but had our fair share of problems with it. We applied for a Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant for the
Having a 15-metre working width has reduced the number of headland turns, which is also good in the wet because it means less compaction and less time in the field
TOM GARTH
Vogelsang Blackbird in 2019. The macerator was far better equipped to manage our slurry and, when we had the chance to upgrade this year, we chose a wider model with the updated macerator,” says Mr Garth. His new 15-metre model has the latest ExaCut ECQ distributor which operates with cutting blades that provide constant pressure on
the cutting ring to better manage fibrous slurry.
“Our first Blackbird was a 12m, but Vogelsang had a 15m in stock when we needed to upgrade, so we took it and the 18,000-litre Hi-Spec tanker it was mounted to. It is operated with a Fendt 828 with VarioGrip and VF tyres to help reduce compaction, especially in the wet,” says Mr Garth.
Ground conditions
Weather windows have played a part in the farm’s decision to manage slurry application without relying on regular contractor visits. Being able to operate when the ground conditions and weather allows has helped apply more slurry which has consequently reduced the reliance on bought-in fertiliser. Wet conditions that plagued many areas in the winter and spring of 2024 made having the new tank-
Tom Garth says the family is always busy managing slurry.
er and trailing shoe all the more beneficial. However, Tom says that it was impossible to give this season’s wheat crop an application in February or March and that, on occasion, a local umbilical contractor is brought in to help.
“We could not get onto the land, even with the tractor’s central tyre inflation and VF tyres, it would have caused compaction and damaged the soil,” he adds.
The volume of slurry needed is calculated for each field depending on the crop and conditions. Mr Garth then uses the tractor’s forward speed to ensure the slurry is applied evenly.
“Having a 15m working width has reduced the number of headland turns, which is also good in the wet because it means less compaction and less time in the field. However, the bigger benefit of the Blackbird
is not having to constantly adjust the trailing shoes; the whole unit is very easy to maintain, which is saving me a lot of time,” he adds.
The combination of tractor and slurry equipment enables him to apply 32,700 litres/ha, three times a year, to the farm’s grass leys. This is part of a multi-cut silage system that has seen forage quality improve while using less bought-in fertiliser.
Forage quality
“Our P and K values are good, so we only buy in a little N. Because we are bedding on straw and using lime, we find there is little need to spread further lime on the fields. By managing our soil and slurry we have been able to improve forage quality, and it is also good for our maize crop,” says Mr Garth.
This season, 90ha of maize has been grown and previous analysis of clamped maize has shown a DM of 39%, protein at 8% and metabolisable energy (ME) at 11%. The farm’s silage provides 24% DM, with 15% protein and an ME of 12%.
Like many, the farm previously relied on a splash plate, and also has a dribble bar system. Reflecting
on the previous machinery, Mr Garth suggests that not applying the slurry beneath the leaf of the crop was inefficient.
“With Fendt and Vogelsang technology, applying slurry is closer to applying a bought-in fertiliser.
The control box is easy to use and the shoes sit beneath the leaf canopy, which means slurry is applied
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directly onto the soil. However, I have noticed that with our slurry being so high in DM, that fibrous content sits on the soil when the liquid has been absorbed.”
The family has considered a slurry separator to reduce the reliance on the Blackbird’s macerator and reduce the amount of DM in the slurry before it is pumped out.
“It is a logical next step for us, but, like everything, it will need to be integrated into our system. We have a 2.7 million litre concrete store that receives slurry from the sheds. This is pumped out to fill a 2.7m litre tower and we have a 9m gallon lagoon too. If we are to have a separator, we need to decide how to incorporate it,” he adds.
Tom Garth operates a 15-metre Vogelsang Blackbird trailing shoe system, mounted onto a 18,000-litre Hi-Spec tanker.
Typically 32,700 litres/hectare of slurry is applied three times a year to the farm’s grass leys.
Three generations of the Garth family milk 400 cows, rear 300 cattle and farm 323 hectares near Rugeley, Staffordshire.
Machinery & Tractor
With demand for forage crop drilling and environmental work increasing, contractor AJP Agricultural has found the Moore Unidrill a useful addition. Jane Carley reports.
As part of an extensive range of services offered to livestock and mixed farms by AJP Agricultural of Bridport, drilling has always played a role.
But the increasing interest in getting more value from pastures and establishing herbal leys for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments led Andrew Paulley to consider adding a direct drill to the armoury.
He says: “We combi-drill 160 hectares a year on our own farm and contracts, but we thought we could add another string to our bow with a direct drill. We had interest from clients, and the availability of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant made it a viable option.”
Mr Paulley looked at a number of different machines at a local show, and Honiton dealer Halse had the newly revamped Moore Unidrill in
Contractor Andrew Paulley has added an arable-spec Moore Unidrill to his armoury to establish a range of crops.
Multi-purpose drill boosts workload
its yard which he reckoned was worth a try.
“My uncle ran Moore drills in the past, and we are familiar with the Accord metering system, which is straightforward to use. It is also a well-known brand which should help with residual value, and we have got a good relationship with Halse who supply and look after our balers and hedge cutters, and maintain a stock of parts,” he says.
Featuring the familiar Moore disc-drilling system, tungsten-
tipped coulters increase wearing life and can be adjusted as the disc wears out. The coulters are fitted to a rubber suspended twin-arm disc system to follow contours and are pressurised to maintain seeding depth on uneven ground.
“You can choose between 32 and 24 rows on a three-metre drill,” says Mr Paulley.
“The closer spacing is more suitable for grass, but 24 rows at 125mm spacing gives me the flexibility for cereal crops.”
When the drill arrived in August, there were plenty of existing customers ready to test the waters.
“We hit the ground running, direct drilling some forage rape and stubble turnips, plus grass into sprayed-off leys, and we overseeded grass and established some herbal leys,” he says.
Word soon spread and a large local dairy farm became a new customer, with Mr Paulley putting in 70ha of herbal leys for SFI. He says: “We would like to have
[The Moore Unidrill] is pleasingly manual – the simplicity means there is little [that can] go wrong, so it should remain reliable
ANDREW PAULLEY
tried cereals into grass after a pass with the subsoiler, but like lots of other places, our land turned too wet, so we will leave it until spring and drill some spring barley.”
Flexible
While disc drills are considered to be the tool for firm or hard conditions, he says that the Moore has proved to be surprisingly flexible.
He adds: “We put some grass in after forage rape that had been grazed and sprayed off, and the soil was light and fluffy. We set the drill up a bit differently, with more weight carried on the packer, and it was fine. That is another benefit of the wider spacing – it would have struggled to get the soil flowing through with 32 rows.”
As the soggy autumn progressed, Mr Paulley was also impressed with the Moore’s ability to cope.
“We went into some quite sticky conditions and it drilled with no problems,” he says.
He adds that the simplicity of setting up the drill, plus the wide
Andrew Paulley
range of cassettes, provides the flexibility to handle seed for the different crops it is required to establish.
“We had some useful advice from Halse – you might think that you need a fine seed setting for herbal leys, but the mix of seed sizes means that a coarser setting works better,” he says.
With seeding depth set on the
matter what you need it
packer, the Guttler roller ring design has proved to be a good partner for the disc system.
“The individual rings on the packer have some movement, and on clay or loamy soils that will keep you travelling – it is often the packer that brings drilling to an end. We find that the Guttler stays clean,” says Mr Paulley.
Drill control also follows the simplicity approach, with a hydraulic drive and just one lead for the pressure gauge.
“It is pleasingly manual – the simplicity means there is little [that can] go wrong, so it should remain reliable,” says Mr Paulley.
“The one feature that was missing was a low seed alarm, so I have
Machinery & Tractor
fitted a camera inside the hopper which goes to a screen in the tractor cab.”
Weight
The Moore Unidrill is partnered with a 220hp MF 7726, but Mr Paulley points out that the drill needs weight more than power, and the tractor ticks along at 1,500rpm using about 11 litres/hour of fuel to drill.
He says: “I know of some purchasers that have not been able to lift the drill with their smaller tractors as it is heavy; the Massey is the
most convenient of my tractors to use with it and its size means that I do not have to weight it up. We can travel at 8-10km/h, depending on conditions, so output is about 12.5ha/day in the small fields that we are drilling.”
He is looking forward to a busy spring with the drill, alongside slurry and forage work for his five-man team.
He says: “We have already got some clover booked in, plus reseeding. It will certainly keep us busy until we are back on with the foraging and baling.”
Freshly overseeded pastures showing the tight spacing.
HISTORY OF THE MOORE UNIDRILL
MOORE Unidrill was established by Sam Moore Senior in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, in 1974.
The surrounding countryside hosts some of the most intensive dairy farming in all of Europe, and is a region with uniquely high rainfall and a mild climate, which suits grassland production. The demand for grass seeding led to the launch of the original Unidrill direct disc drill.
As the company expanded, Sam Moore’s son, Sam Moore Junior, joined the business. Production capacity was increased in Northern Ireland to meet demand in both the UK and export markets. The Unidrills were also produced under licensing agreements overseas, particularly in the United States.
The Unidrill won silver medals at Balmoral Show, the Royal Welsh and Highland Show, in 1976.
Moore Unidrill entered the arable direct drill market in the late 1970s by designing a wider-row arable version.
Moore also collaborated with Sumo to develop the Sumo Versadrill, which used the proven coulter technology. In January 2009, production of the arable Unidrills transferred to Sumo UK.
However, production also continued in Ballymoney, with a new range of grassland seeders, as well as sportsturf equipment.
Overseeding
A new version of the Grassland Unidrill was introduced in 2011, with a three-metre working width and 32 rows of coulters meaning the row spacing was reduced to 90mm, suitable for grassland overseeding.
In 2019, Agri-Linc in Bourne, Lincolnshire, acquired the business which became known as Moore Unidrill (Manufacturing) Limited, and the drills are built at Carlby, Lincolnshire. Agri-Linc continues to develop and improve upon the original design.
The sectional Guttler roller firms the seedbed, but each ring can move, helping with self-cleaning once soils become wet.
The proven Moore coulter system, fitted to the drills since 1974.
The Moore Unidrill was established by Sam Moore Senior in 1974.
Seeding and Planting
Machinery & Tractor
As tenants, share farmers and contractors based near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, the Parr family, operating as C.J. and B. Parr and Sons, have run a Weaving Sabre 6000M for two seasons. Farmers Guardian finds out more.
Weaving Sabre drill impresses in family’s min-till operation
Operating a min-till system, two years ago the Parr family bought a Sabre 6000M tine drill, providing the farm with the option for direct drilling. This was followed by the purchase of a minimal-disturbance subsoiler, with the two now working in tandem.
Malcolm Parr, who farms with his brother Steve and son Rob, says in a normal year winter wheat, winter beans, spring beans and spring barley go in the ground, but adds that 2024 was a very different sowing year. With Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments now available, 48 hectares were also put down to a wild bird mix in spring, which Mr Parr recalls as one of the most challenging of his farming career.
Mr Parr says he had previously owned one of the first original Sabre drills that Weaving produced. The depth control on the original drill design was challenging, he adds, with the drill’s wheels at the front rather than their now central position. The adjusted position now allows for front-
to-back contour following and even weight distribution.
Having taken advantage of 40% funding on a Government scheme, the Parrs bought the drill new from Weaving Machinery in 2022. Owning another manufacturer’s tine drill in between, he says the new Sabre tine is a superior piece of kit and ticked all the boxes for him at the time of purchase.
The Parrs’ ground ranges from heavy clay to ‘blow sand’ where the ground is so light, it gets picked up by the wind.
Mr Parr says: “We wanted a drill which was suited to all ground types and could drill any sort of seed. The Sabre is an outstanding drill and meets all our requirements.
“This year has been exceptional though. After harvest, the fields will be left much more uneven than normal due to the very wet drilling conditions in the spring, but it has proven it will drill in anything. I was amazed how well the crops came. All things considered, the crops have looked well.”
Consisting of four rows of 12mm tines with tungsten tips and stainless
steel adjustable seed tubes, the drill also carries a double row of following ‘z’ harrows.
With a minimum power requirement of 200hp, Mr Parr says the drill is heavy, but pulled by a Case IH 240 Puma, the two make a good combination.
He adds: “It is three tonnes empty and holds just over 1t of seed, but it sits there and drills at whatever depth it is set at.”
Controller
The drill also comes with a colour touch-screen IsoBus controller with GPS forward speed monitoring.
The system allows up to four metering units or applicators, enabling dual cropping, fertiliser and avadex applications. The IsoBus-enabled software monitors and controls tramlining, hopper level, fan speed alarms, variable rate controls, onthe-go seed rate adjustment and provides activity data.
Easy to maintain, the drill is wellmade, says Mr Parr, with a great paint job. He describes the drill’s calibration as very easy and straightforward.
He adds: “Some drills are very difficult to calibrate properly, but the Sabre is very accurate.”
Sabre drills have electric-driven metering units calibrated using a single point discharge chute and adjustable metering mechanism. The drill is a two-piece fold meaning the metering units are easily accessed as well as the hopper.
The drilling depth is hydraulically controlled and set by spacers on the drill. The ability to raise and lower the depth wheels in this way removes the need for manual adjustment, giving more precise control over the drilling depth.
He says: “There is some wear and tear, particularly on the seed tubes, but we have been direct drilling everything because of the conditions, so that might have something to do with that.”
“It gets on through the work well. We have reasonably small fields here, probably averaging 7.2ha each. With our Case IH Puma and Sabre, we can probably do 4ha an hour. It is also very easy to load seed. It has got a really good design and easy access to the hopper.
“The Sabre tine is on rubber bungs which are clamped to the chassis which take the shock loading out if a stone is hit.”
Direct drilled spring barley established by the Sabre tine.
Malcolm (left) and Rob Parr.
The drill does not have a fixed centre section, unlike most, Mr Parr adds. The side-to-side wing pivots allow for precise contouring and extended settling area for handling large quantities of trash.
With a 2,000-litre plastic hopper on the centre section, the weight – and therefore the depth – is evenly spread out across the whole drill, which gives better depth control and ground-following of the field contours.
Having chosen a six-metre drill to fit into the rest of their system, the farm is also home to a 30m sprayer. The drill fits to the working width and they do not need to half-width shut off to get in the right sequence. Although not fully won over by the regenerative farming model, Mr Parr says they drilled bird seed on a three-year rotational agreement within the SFI scheme because they were not sure if they
were going to be able to get anything in this spring. They are also now looking to drill cover crops using the Sabre on a couple of fields as an experiment.
Direct drilling
He says: “Direct drilling is good in a dry time, but if it is wet, it is not always a great option. If conditions look to improve post-drilling it can be very successful, but if conditions
further worsen like last autumn, it can be disastrous.”
This autumn, Mr Parr planted winter wheat and in spring, he will put barley in ground with particularly bad black-grass problems.
He adds: “Even now, using direct drilling, we still suffer with a blackgrass problem. It is just so persistent. My fear with cover cropping is not being able to tackle the black-grass while the cover crop is in the ground.”
The
Weaving Sabre
Lincolnshire.
Machinery & Tractor
Multiple machinery manufacturers will preview new products at LAMMA 2025, providing the first opportunity for UK customers to see new models and product upgrades from across the sector. Toby Whatley reports.
Diverse range of new products on show at LAMMA 2025
CASE IH
n Axial Flow AF10 (below)
POSITIONED as the centrepiece machine on Case IH’s stand, the new Axial Flow AF10 has been introduced to provide operators of its single-rotor threshing system a new machine which sits above the existing 9260 flagship.
Operating with a new 762mm-diameter AFXL rotor and a 20,000-litre grain tank, the AF10 has been developed with a longitudinal FPT-sourced engine and driveline, providing a maximum power output of 775hp.
Claimed to be the world’s largest single-rotor combine,
the design provides up to 5.1sq.m of threshing and separation area, and operates with the manufacturer’s redesigned cross flow plus cleaning system, which has 8.7sq.m of sieve area and is said to work on side slopes of up to 28%.
The new machine will be supplied with greater connectivity and subscription-free technology, including dual Pro1200 in-cab displays, alongside a range of automatic systems to adjust the machine function and separation set-up based on incoming crop data and harvest quality analysis.
TRAMSPREAD
SUFFOLK-BASED slurry and digestate specialist Tramspread will be unveiling a new large-capacity random wrap hose reeler in its range.
It is designed to handle larger-diameter spools, and can comfortably accommodate 1,400 metres of a five-inch or 1,200m of a six-inch diameter drag hose.
A new optional light bar can now be fitted above the reel, operating with side lights and indicators, while a remote-control fob is used to switch on the main
beam and dip beam headlights and a central worklight bar. This bar also serves as a safety device to stop couplings from potentially damaging the tractor if the reel is operated too quickly.
Demand
Tramspread says the introduction of the larger-capacity reelers is a result of demand from the UK and Europe, with the first five units planned for production already sold to a French customer.
n Farmall C (above) FOLLOWING its European launch at EIMA in Italy in early November, the Farmall C range will be shown in the UK for the first time.
Covering four models from 90-117hp, the new range has been positioned to provide users with higher levels of comfort, technology and machine performance in a smaller, compact tractor chassis.
All models are provided with the same ActiveDrive 2 24x24 transmission, with the option of a 40x40 variant using an additional creeper box. In a change to previous Farmall versions, the new range can
be supplied with factory-fitted loaders, and the machines also have 82-litre/minute hydraulic pumps as standard.
Upgrades
Cab and technology upgrades include the option to fully integrate the machine with the manufacturer’s IsoBus screens, guidance systems and telematics for multiple unit fleet users.
Cab changes include design modifications to the exhaust system to improve forward visibility, and an enhanced LED lighting range plus optional cab suspension.
Machinery & Tractor
JCB
EXPANDING its TM articulated telehandler range, JCB will be showing the TM280S following its launch in mid-November.
The TM280S and TM280 have been developed to occupy a position in the manufacturer’s TM range between the smaller TM220 and larger TM320 models. The machines have been introduced to provide a 2.75-tonne lift capacity and a 4.8-metre lift height, with
an overall machine height of 2.6m. Power is supplied through a JCB DieselMax 448 engine, which provides an output of 109hp and 516Nm in the TM280, with the uprated S version delivering an output of 130hp and 550Nm.
Pump
Both machines use a 140-litre/minute, 240-bar variable displacement hydraulic pump.
MASSEY FERGUSON
MAKING its global debut at the event, Massey Ferguson’s 5M Series has been introduced as a replacement for its existing 5700M Series, with the new range offering increased levels of technology and more factory-fit options.
Covering six models from 95-45hp, all machines are fitted with an AgcoPower 4.4-litre, fourcylinder engine with the firm’s established Dyna-4 transmission.
Externally, the range has been updated with new styling, which Massey Ferguson says brings the range in line with its wider tractor offering.
New LED lighting packages are included in the visual changes, alongside a redesign of the exhaust system, which the manufacturer says has been moved under the cab to provide greater visibility from the 1.3-metre-wide cab with a flat floor.
Machinery & Tractor
KUHN
RETURNING to LAMMA for the first time since 2019, Kuhn will be showing its 13.4-metre-wide GF 13003 mounted tedder, a high-capacity machine designed to improve tedding quality, which folds compactly behind the
tractor to negotiate field gateways. The unit operates with 12 rotors which fold to a 2.99m transport width and a 2.67m transport height.
The GF 13003 is positioned as the largest mounted tedder currently on
the UK market. The tedder features just one gearbox and two hydraulic valves for simple operation.
The smaller diameter rotor is said to decrease the distance between the wheel and tines and therefore reduce
impurities and ground contact, with the manufacturer’s asymmetrical tine design offering a steeper forage pickup angle to ensure all material is collected and to preserve the sward.
Machinery & Tractor
Austrian manufacturer Pottinger has entered the high-speed surface cultivator sector with the release of the Plano, but the firm has not forgotten smaller farms, with the announcement of updates to its plough and drill ranges. Martin Rickatson reports.
Pottinger adds kit for smaller farms and a big shallow cultivator
Pottinger’s Plano shallow cultivator can work down to 150mm, although the maker expects many users to operate the implement at 60-80mm.
With six production plants, 17 global sales subsidiaries and more than 2,000 employees, Pottinger has a sizeable worldwide farm machinery presence, yet some 70% of its business comes from grassland equipment.
However, a recent focus on new soil sector introductions is set to shift that proportion the firm believes.
In 2022, Pottinger announced its intention to extended its arable line, primarily comprising ploughs, cultivators and drills, with the acquisition of specialist precision drill business Matermacc from Chinese former owner Lovol.
Its activities are expected to be integrated into the Pottinger prod-
uct line in the coming months, with further news anticipated in 2025.
In the meantime, launched in a single 6-metre VT 6060 format, with other versions likely to follow, Pottinger has released the Plano, a new shallow cultivator that can work down to 150mm, although it expects many users to operate the implement at 60-80mm.
Depth of the short-frame implement is governed via hydraulically set single or twin jockey wheels at the front, with the setting mechanically transferred to the rear press through a threaded rod adjuster.
Spaced at 160mm, the Plano’s 37 rigid tines are arranged symmetrically in six rows across its two frame sections, a layout said to help prevent the cultivator crabbing on
Spaced at 160mm, the Plano’s 37 rigid tines are arranged symmetrically in six rows across its two frame sections.
Machinery & Tractor
side-hills and when encountering tough patches, while still ensuring full soil movement.
The manufacturer says its designers have paid particular attention to the Plano’s ability to handle high levels of trash and cover crop residue, building in a frame height of 730mm and underframe clearance of 600mm.
Loosening
There is a primary choice of two types of tungsten carbide working metal: 50mm-wide Durastar chisel points for deep loosening and intensive trash/soil mixing, or 200mm-wide Durastar Plus duck foot shares for shallow but fullwidth work.
The Plano’s tines are protected
DRILL UPDATES
ALSO aimed at larger farms, Pottinger has announced new features for its Aerosem VT5000DD/VT6000DD fivemetre/6m trailed drills, principally the introduction of Profiline ‘comfort control’ hydraulic management. This enables electro-hydraulic control of all key operating functions via a valve block supplied by the tractor’s loadsensing connection, using the supplied drill control terminal
by springs that have a breakback pressure of 200kg, while a rigid tine mounting limits sideways movement to retain each precisely within its working path and depth.
Options include Pottinger’s traction control system, a hydraulic weight transfer arrangement adjustable according to working depth.
It is claimed to bring significant traction and fuel economy benefits by transferring up to 1,100kg to the tractor’s rear axle.
At the rear, buyers can specify a number of press options to suit different soil types, while a leading knife roller is optional for processing cover crops and dense residues, as is Pottinger’s Tegosem seeder.
or a compatible tractor terminal’s task controller, providing section and variable rate control.
Automatic adjustment of coulter pressure according to conditions is also now possible, as is headland management according to distance or time, while individual elements can be lifted/lowered during work as required.
Folding/unfolding sequences can be set to complete automatically.
Machinery & Tractor
DRILL UPDATES CONTINUED
POTTINGER’s headland management system can be set to work either via the tap of a button or automatically via Task Controller.
A Task Controller Geo feature allows function control via application maps to alter on-themove factors such as cultivation depth, coulter pressure and seed and fertiliser rates, for example.
Elsewhere in its drill offering, there are updates for Pottinger’s Aerosem FDD front tank/rear coulter-bar models, which feature the firm’s Dual Disc coulters.
The changes centre on adaptation of the coulter rail to match a facelift given to the compatible Lion V folding power harrows.
Available in five-metre and 6m working widths, row spacings of 125mm or 155mm are possible to match the 5m working width of the Lion V 5040 power harrow, 150mm for the 6m model and matching the Lion V 6040, and 125mm for the heavy-duty flagship Lion V Master.
Pottinger says its design engineers paid particular attention to design compactness to optimise weight distribution and visibility.
The standard specification includes a dual metering system and the company’s IDS (Intelligent Distribution System) head, which blends a high volume of air and a low air velocity to protect the seed and any dressing, plus automated outlet control for
functions such as tramlining.
The front hopper is now pressurised to match the demands of high forward speeds.
The 6m folding Lion V 6040, which folds to 2.55m, is a new addition to the firm’s power harrow range.
Designed for tractors up to 320hp, it joins the 4m Lion V4040 and 5m V5040 models.
Able to work at 540rpm or 1,000rpm shaft speeds, a new changeable speed gearbox with high-capacity cooling permits rotor speeds of 342-415rpm, to match different soil types, conditions and desired results.
Compact
Integrating the folding frame into the two power harrow beams has created a more compact design and enhanced weight distribution, says the maker, which claims it is shorter than any competitor models, bringing the centre of gravity closer to the tractor’s rear axle and increasing the load share taken by the front axle.
Working depth is adjusted via a control gauge set with a lynch pin, with intervals of 10mm. Hydraulic depth adjustment is optional.
The levelling board is automatically height-adjusted in tandem with the rear roller setting, independent of working depth adjustment.
Rear-end choices include two toothed and two prism packer rollers with two different diameters, or ring-type or crumbler packer rollers.
Designed for tractors up to 320hp, the six-metre folding Lion V 6040 is a new addition to Pottinger’s power harrow range.
Pottinger’s Aerosem FDD front tank/rear five-metre or 6m coulterbar drills can be combined with a power harrow or, as here, a Terradisc compact disc.
Aerosem five-metre/6m trailed drills can now be equipped with Profiline ‘comfort control’ hydraulic management.
Machinery & Tractor
The Servo 2000 three- and four-furrow ploughs feature hydraulic furrow width adjustment and optional Nova hydraulic leg protection.
PLOUGH AND DISC UPDATES
WITH annual global sales of around 1,000 units, Pottinger is a strong mid-market player in the plough sector with models of six furrows and fewer, and the company has now completed a range renewal which began with the introduction of its larger Servo 4000 four-six furrow and Servo 3000 three-six furrow mounted reversible plough lines.
Entry-level
The firm has rounded out this revision with new entry-level three-/four-furrow models, which become the Servo 2000 series.
Suited to tractors of up to 130hp, new features include hydraulic furrow width adjustment and optional Nova hydraulic leg protection.
There is also a new in-furrow/ on-land working option for Servo
4000 ploughs, which uses the main hydraulic cylinder to bring the plough frame into the on-land position and is compatible with tractors up three metres wide.
Also aimed at smaller farms are the redesigned Fox compact disc cultivators, said to be easier to pull and therefore more fuel-efficient.
Designed to work independently or in combination with a compatible drill, the 3m Fox 3000D has been reconfigured with a stronger but narrower headstock to improve operator view, plus an optional hydraulic depth adjustment system.
The 410mm discs are spaced at 510mm, a combination claimed to provide unimpeded trash passage, with the relatively small disc diameter meaning they rotate at a higher speed to accelerate trash/ soil mixing. Track eradicator tines are among the options available.
The redesigned Fox compact disc cultivators are claimed to be easier to pull and therefore more fuel-efficient, with an optional hydraulic depth adjustment system.
There is also a new in-furrow/ on-land working option for Servo 4000 ploughs, which uses the main hydraulic cylinder to bring the plough frame into the on-land position.
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Machinery & Tractor
Cost-conscious chopping
Agricultural engineer William Muir has brought his skills back to the family farm, utilising reliable and well-maintained kit for the silage harvest. Jane Carley finds out more.
On a small acreage, using an older harvester can give farms the flexibility to do their own chopping, and for the Muir family at Stewarton near Kilmarnock, having some engineering expertise in-house means no worries about maintaining the machine.
William Muir says: “I trained as an agricultural engineer and worked in the trade, but four years ago I came back to the family farm and have been working on our own machines ever since.”
Gilmill Farm takes sucklers through to finishing, and of its 110 hectares, 80ha is cut for silage.
Apart from baling, all field work is carried out by the family, with Mr Muir’s father Tom, sisters and uncle pitching in to help with carting at silage time.
In 2015, they took the decision to upgrade from a Claas trailed forager to a used self-propelled machine.
Mr Muir says: “The alternative was to use a contractor – we had relied on them before purchasing the trailed machine. But over the years the decision to buy our own selfpropelled has been vindicated as it is more and more difficult to get contractors to do the work, and with the tight weather windows we are now experiencing, the flexibility to get silage in at the right time has become increasingly important.”
With a relatively small acreage to
cut, a used machine was the obvious choice, and Mr Muir found a local advertisement for a 1995 Claas Jaguar 682.
Engines
First introduced in the 1987/88 season, the Jaguar 682 SL and 682 S models were fitted with 158kW (215hp) Mercedes OM 441A engines. It featured new V cutting cylinders with staggered bisected knives designed to provide a more uniform
forage crop flow and exert lower clamping forces in the accelerator. To boost crop flow, the cylinder rotation speed and number of V cylinder knives were increased. It was also one of the first to offer headers for wholecrop and ground ear maize, as the smallest model in the range, the 682, was specified with the 2.2-metre PU220 grass header.
The 682 was later rebadged as the 800, which became a standard for many contractors in the late 1990s.
“The first owner had been a contractor, although we purchased from a local farmer,” he adds.
“It had about 3,000 hours on it, but with our acreage we do less than 100 hours a season.”
Mr Muir says that the introduction of the V6 Mercedes engine on this range was a big step forward in terms of reliability from its Perkins predecessor.
“As it was the ‘S’ rather than ‘SL’ version it did not get the hydrostatic drive, but a simpler manual gearbox with variator belt.”
The forager still had its original chopping unit, so after a couple of seasons Mr Muir overhauled it, fitting a new shearbar, knives and belly pan.
“That completely transformed the performance of the machine,” he adds.
Parts
Genuine parts are readily available from Claas via his local dealer, and where there have been gaps in the range he has been able to find spurious or second-hand replacements.
“It has been extremely reliable; apart from that one overhaul it has only been a matter of replacing belts – no real issues,” Mr Muir says. He thinks that it has cost around £2,000 in total – or a few hundred pounds per season.
“The only extras would be my time, of course. If you were relying
William Muir (right) with dad Tom (left).
A classic fleet makes for economical forage harvesting for William Muir and Son.
Over the years the decision to buy our own self-propelled has been vindicated as it is more and more difficult to get contractors to do the work
WILLIAM MUIR
on dealer labour the costs would be higher.”
Carting follows a similar ‘finance-free farming’ path, he adds, using a range of Case IH tractors ranging from the early to late 1990s era.
A list of these tractors reads like a collector’s catalogue; there is a 60hp 585L, three 84hp 4230s, a 95hp 4240, a 132hp 5150, 105hp 1056XL and a 135hp MX 135.
The 1056XL and a 4230 ‘Highlander Edition’ are fitted with TB Turbos – the British-made aftermarket turbo kit designed to increase power output by up to 25%, which was highly popular from the 1970-1990s.
Buckraking
For buckraking, a neighbour continues the theme by bringing along his 105hp 5130 in exchange for help with his own silaging.
Standing out as a bit ‘modern’, the MX 135 is a recent purchase.
William Muir found the 1995-registered Claas Jaguar 682 via a local advert when his family farm took the decision to trade up from a trailed forager.
“The previous owner used to help us out – which is why it is shown in our line-up – so we are familiar with the tractor, which is actually very clean. But when it was in his ownership the four-wheel drive shaft snapped and damaged the gearbox, so I have bought it as a non-runner to repair over the winter before joining our fleet,” says Mr Muir.
Winter work on the farm also brings into play yet more classics, with a 37hp MF35, 58hp MF 165 and 75hp 185 Multipower taking on duties around the yard.
A relatively modern addition to the fleet, a Case MX 135 has been purchased from a neighbour for refurbishment.
Machinery & Tractor
A contractor offering a specialist Avadex application service has boosted his capacity by deploying a pneumatic fertiliser spreader. Jane Carley reports.
Demand met by more capacity
Avadex application is an important autumn task which really causes some head scratching when the season is as catchy and hectic as in recent years.
George Byrd, of GHB Agri, says: “You need accurate, well-maintained kit which might not be used for many other jobs, and more importantly, a good operator who has the PA4G certification to apply Avadex.”
The demand is such that Mr Byrd travels from his base in Northern Ireland to the family home near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, to offer this specialist contracting service.
He says: “I started out seven years ago with a Frazier Agribuggy on which a 12-metre Horstine boom applicator was mounted.
“I was mainly working for family and friends, but the light tread of the outfit has made it extremely popular locally and, in 2023, I covered some 1,400 hectares.”
The Horstine unit also has a slug pelleter fitted, allowing a two-in-one
service and avoiding the need for customers to spread pellets from a quad.
He says: “It is a useful sideline and covers the cost of the spreader and the test.”
The Agribuggy was swapped for a pickup conversion as a skid unit after a couple of years.
Mr Byrd says: “I came across a Toyota Hilux which was in very good condition for what it cost. I have not road-registered it, as it can be towed between jobs on a trailer and it is fitted with the Agribuggy wheels on adapted Hilux centres for the lowest possible ground pressure.”
As the Horstine’s boom height was higher than ideal on a pickup, he also made a three-point linkage to allow the spreader to be lifted up for transport and dropped down in work.
He says: “It is a much more comfortable and spacious cab than the Agribuggy, but is still very lightweight. You can barely see a mark in the field.”
The Horstine has stood the test of time, and Mr Byrd praises its simple, mechanical rate control and accurate spread pattern.
Hoses
Cracked hoses have been replaced with seed hose purchased from nearby drill manufacturer Weaving. He says: “They are cheaper than genuine plastic bands and are more robust, so are more likely to survive a collision with the hedge.”
There are a few downsides – mechanical boom fold takes time and effort and the hopper has limited capacity at 22 x 15kg bags, so Mr Byrd has added a higher-capacity machine for this season.
New solenoids, cables and pins were needed for
George Byrd
One downside of the Horstine unit is its manual boom fold.
the boom fold.
Machinery & Tractor
The Kuhn Aero pneumatic boom spreader is a 2001 model, sourced from a local farm. With a 1,700-litre hopper capacity, Mr Byrd can complete a full day’s work on one fill.
It features the Quantron electronic control designed for manufacturer Rauch – in which Kuhn is a share-
holder – by LH Agro and this has enabled Mr Byrd to operate it with his self-built autosteer on a 2004 plate JCB Fastrac 3185.
He says: “I have used Ag Open GPS software, which has been developed as open source by other users; Arduino autosteer control boards to connect to
The Aero joins George Byrd’s original outfit based on a Horstine applicator and mounted on a Hilux chassis.
the 24-volt motor controller and then onto a wheel angle sensor; and a retrofitted steering motor on the Fastrac.”
The system operates on a free RTK signal accurate to 20mm and the user interface is a basic Panasonic tablet sourced online and with SSD hard drive input better suited to the vibrations experienced in the cab than a more sophisticated model.
He has been able to add a more powerful steering motor for the 188hp Fastrac’s power assist steering.
Having had little use, the Aero was basically sound, which was handy as many of the components used in its manufacture are now obsolete.
Mr Byrd says: “The boom fold is rather complex and was not operating properly so needed new solenoids, cables and pins. I also fitted stronger mechanical boom locks and a new gearbox for the fan drive.”
Setting the metering up was simpler – it can be controlled via radar, GPS or, as he opted for, by fitting a proximity sensor on the prop shaft. Calibration picks up on the turn of the prop shaft, the required output is typed in before driving 100m and it calibrates at the press of a button.
Mr Byrd says: “You can then double check it against the GPS or tractor speedo, and I have to recalibrate once the flotations are on the tractor.
“I found during the season that wheel slip in damp conditions meant the speed was varying, but I could alter the application rate manually on the controller. Radar would be more consistent, but is costly.”
Avadex applicators are subject to an NSTS test, which checks the output and spread pattern using trays and ‘dummy’ product, and Mr Byrd says he gave himself a couple of weeks to get the Aero spot on before the test.
He says: “In any case, once we are up and running, the machine needs to be completely accurate as the pressure will be on.
“It is such a low application rate at 15kg/ha and an expensive product, so it is essential to put it on with precision.”
For that reason, he has controlled the section shut-off manually for the first season before adding section control into the GPS set-up next year.
Simple
He says: “It is simple enough to do using an Arduino relay board, working through a USB to power the relays.”
He says the spreader could cover 80ha per day on larger blocks of land, taking advantage of the 24m booms, and can work at 12km/h.
The ability to get on proved key in this most frustrating of autumns, since wet weather not only affects the ability to travel but persistent rain also affects the application if the rollers get wet.
Mr Byrd says: “I have certainly seen the benefit of the extra capacity when conditions have been right.”
A few improvements have been made, such as upgrading the mechanical boom locks.
Telehandler with PTO & 3-point linkage
The Multifarmer equipped with a 3-point rear linkage and PTO gives extra capacity at seasonal pinch points. This versatile telehandler can perform all the tasks of a telehandler and tractor in one, the true swiss army knift of machinery! For more details contact your local Merlo dealer.
1.5 metre head Hydraulic Roller, Oil Cooler, Pilot Controls, Linkage Mounted.
HEDGE & FLAIL MOWERS
NEW S 60 HEDGECUTTER, 1.5 metre head, hydraulic roller, Pilot controls,linkage mounted.
McHale mounted bale slicers, choice of 2, From £850
2023 Quicke 150 shear grab, c/w Euro brackets, as new,
£1850
Ken Wooten 25’ bale trailer, 340 (mini super single wheels), tidy, £3995
McConnel & Slewtic 9 foot toppers, 2 rotor/4 blade, good condition, From £895
Nutritech 10 cube tub mixer, front conveyor, good auger and blades, £1795
2014 John Deere 331 mounted 3m mower conditioner, good order, £4250
2022 Bunning 90 rear discharge spreader, full spec, very tidy, £20950
2017 Bunning 75 rear discharge spreader, full spec, due in, £18950
2010 AJP 5.5 rotor spreader, wide tyres, as new, £4500
2007 Class & JF Stoll mounted 9’ disc mowers, tidy, From £1995
2012 Claas Liner 470 single rotor rake, very tidy, £3950
2014 Hi Spec 2500 gal vac tanker, c/w auto arm & brackets,
2015 Claas Volto 800 tedder, good working order, £5750
2015/16 AG 175 dispenser, good order,
Browns pto saw bench, choice of two From
New Beaco 14` & 16` mounted grass harrows,
New Beaco 10 ton hydraulic log splitters,
New West Maelstrom 10 rear discharge spreader, slurry door, w/w
New West dual spreaders, very keen deals, (2000 dual in stock)
2019 Kubota MI25 GX-IV c/w LA2255 loader.
2019 Suzuki King Quad
Power Steering, c/w Front Bull Bar
CASE 956 4wd Tractor pick up hitch. assister Ram. Trailer Breaking tidy condition Tel: 077744 99946 (p)
SHEEP SNACKERS
Why settle for bare minimum? With a CFTS-accredited Thorough Examination, you’re not only choosing an expert team to work with, but you’re also choosing a strict inspection standard.
It checks all vital components, from brakes and steering to lifting gear, keeping your tractors, telehandlers, and forklifts safe, legal, and ready for the tough jobs. Have questions? Come and talk to a CFTS LOLER specialist at LAMMA 2025 (Hall 6, Stand 120) for more invaluable information.
Meet our technical team and discover why choosing a CFTS-accredited examiner can bene t your business.
Call: 01344 623 800
Email: technical@thoroughexamination.org
Find your nearest CFTS examiner: www.thoroughexamination.org
CFTS_TE | CFTSThoroughExamination | cfts-ltd
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.
responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.
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from 5t - 25t / hour output.
- New, used & refurbished machines available.
-
- Ideal for straw, hay, green waste, roots, biogas feeds etc. Root Choppers & Cleaners
- Loader, 3 point linkage, free standing PTO and electric drive available
- UK
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- Refurbished, used & nearly new units available
- New Mini Mixer available - Diet feeder parts available- Blades, Conveyor belts, gearboxes, weigh cells.
- All feeders undergo 30 point service
- Finance available subject to terms
- Nationwide delivery available
Current Used Stock: Trioliet 8, 12, 14, 20
Strautmann 14, 20
BvL 15, 17, 20, 24
JF Kongskilde 12,14, 22
Kverneland / Siloking 14, 16,18,22
Keenan 10, 14, 16, 20, 24
Shelbourne 11, 22, CB150 bedder
Hi Spec 14 x 2, 16
Redrock 20
Seko Samaurai 14
Rotogrind x 4
Teagle C12 grinder
Farmhand 880
Profi freestanding root chopper x 3
Breaking for parts -Trioliet 28, Shelbourne 11, 13, 19, Abbey 1500, Strautmann 1250, Siloking 22,
EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS
Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain:
As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment. The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.
Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.
For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems
VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY
Contact us at: 01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info vogelsang.co.uk
Tramspread supplies and manufactures a wide range of slurry handling equipment, all thoroughly tried and tested by our own contracting operation for over 25 years.
GOLLMER & HUMMEL PREMIUM-QUALITY DRAG HOSE
• Tramspread is the largest supplier of G&H slurry hose in the UK and across Europe
• Tramspread has supplied G&H hose for 20 years
• G&H has been manufacturing hose in Germany since 1872
• Large quantities of a range of hoses are held in stock
• Wide range of couplings stocked including Bauer, Storz and Shug types.
NEW G&H RIB PU BLUE RIBBED DRAG HOSE
This latest addition to the Tramspread range is constructed from polyurethane thru-the-weave extrusion, so the fabric is totally embedded in the polyurethane for optimal damage protection.
Features include:
• High tensile strength and flexibility
• Highly abrasion-resistant
• Tight bending radius and small coil volumes
• Very little elongation under pressure
• Also well-suited to irrigation systems
NEW TRAMSPREAD NURSE TANKS
• Three models with holding capacities of 45m³, 70m³ and 90m³
• Recessed wheels leave a clear central section
• Hydraulically-pivoting drawbar
• Generous ground clearance
• Virtually any combination and type of ports available
• Most customer requirements catered for
JCB Power Product Main Dealers
With nearly 40 years’ experience, A & M Generators Limited are a backup power and generator specialist offering JCB’s full range of diesel generators and Riello UPS systems together with all ancillary equipment such as fuel tanks, acoustic enclosures, switchgear and control systems.
New JCB QS 45-330KVA available. Finance available on new generators.
*Subject to terms and conditions.
Range of hire fleet generators from 20-1000KVA for weddings, events, short- and long-term hire.
Orders being taken for PTO generators from 20-150KVA, portable & static. Stock of used generators.
Please call for list of second-hand generators as these change daily.
Please call Aled on 07534 423 331, Office 01559 500139 or email aled@amgenerators.com
Plant Machinery
WHAT WE OFFER
We pride ourselves on supplying quality new and used machinery at a competitive price. All our used machinery is refurbished and serviced to an incredibly high standard by our team of highly experienced engineers, ensuring that it is ready for work on arrival. Service
Using our skills & expertise we carry out an efficient service ensuring all work is done. Export
We have the ability to deliver anywhere in the UK and Europe we are a top choice for all your Construction Machinery needs.
ABOUT US
As Kubota main dealers based in West Wales, UK we pride ourselves on supplying quality new and used machinery at a competitive price. With our reputation of retailing quality machinery and the ability to deliver anywhere in the UK and Europe we are a top choice for all your Construction Machinery needs.
All our used machinery is refurbished and serviced to an incredibly high standard by our team of highly experienced engineers, ensuring that it is ready for work on arrival.
We also supply plant and equipment hire to a diverse range of customers in the construction, civil engineering, utilitiesinfrastructure, industrial and related industries.
Rhino Excavators - Simplicity at its best
Parts warehouse on site. One years parts warranty on all machines. Next day delivery available on most machinesThis is a small selection of our stock, please see website for full range
Micro 0.8 Ton 780mm Wide £4500 +vat HZM 0.8 Ton 900mm Wide £5650 +vat HZM 1.0 Ton £7250 +vat HZM 1.2 Ton Kuboto Engine £9495
ARTIC STEER LOADERS
1.6 Ton, £21995+vat
2.5 Ton, 2 speed, £28000+vat
2.5 Ton, 4 speed, Cummins engine £30000+vat
2024 HZM 45/17 mini jcb 3cx very versatile machine, comes with standard front bucket, waste grab bucket and pallet forks, rear arm on 40 mm pins and piped with twin line aux hyd £18500 plus vat
HERACLES 130 THREE WHEEL HYD DRIVE TWIN WHEELED LOADER
Max lift 300 kg, v twin 500 cc engine, Quick hitch, Aux hyd lines machine comes with bucket and pallet forks, Choice of Agricultural or lawn tyres, manure grabs Available at £600 plus vat Machine is £6995 plus vat fantastic bit of kit for the money
FORK LIFTS
2 Ton Electric £9950+vat
3 Ton Diesel £13995+vat
3 Ton Euro 6 Diesel £15995+vat
4 Ton Diesel £16995+vat
3 Ton Rough Terrain £19450+vat
7 Ton Diesel £29950+vat
2024 RHINO XN80, 8 Ton excavator, quick hitch, camera system, Yanmar Engine, Italian Pumps, removable rubber pads on steel tracks, air con, top spec digger at reasonable price, £49,500+vat
NEW KIDDIES
BIKES
NEW YANMAR VIO50, Hyd hitch, 3 Buckets, In stock, Call for further details
2008 JCB 8014, 2976 Hrs, 3 buckets £5,000 plus vat
2019 KUBOTA U27, 3480 hrs, Hyd hitch, 3 buckets, new tracks, £17,500 plus vat
NEW YANMAR SV86, Hyd hitch, 3 Buckets, In stock, Call for further details
NEW YANMAR SV26, hyd hitch, 3 buckets, in stock, Call for further details
2017 YANMAR SV26, 3544 Hrs, hyd hitch, 3 buckets £17,000 plus vat
Full Range of Rototilt Tiltrotators to suit machines from 1.5 - 43 tonne machines. Transforming excavators into efficient tool carriers, providing agility & precision.
Please call 01254 812937 or email tom@mellorplantuk.co.uk
NEW YANMAR C30R straight tip drop side tracked dumper, in stock, Call for further details
2021 TAKEUCHI TB225, 730 hrs, with Rototilt R1, gripper and 3 buckets, £30,000 plus vat
NEW YANMAR C30R swivel skip tracked dumper, in stock, Call for further details
2015 TAKEUCHI TB260, New tracks, Hyd hitch, 3 buckets, very tidy £22,000 plus vat
2008 YANMAR SV08 MICRO DIGGER, 3 buckets £5,000 plus vat
140,000 miles, £3,250 plus vat
ALLROAD FAMILY-OWNED PICK-UP, 4X4 AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SPECIALISTS
FARM SLURRY LIABILITY TO ASSET
Transform slurry into comfortable and hygienic pasteurised bedding with the HBC Biocell
The HBC guarantees consistent quality and sanitisation of bedding produced from recycled separated solids, even under the most unfavourable conditions, permitting the substitution of traditional bedding materials.
