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December 8 2023 | £4.10 | Become a member from £2.09 | farmersguardian.com
THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN
CROPTEC SHOW
MACHINERY
Sheepdog handler showcases farm life
Report and highlights from this year’s event
Polaris electric UTV put through its paces
PAGE 92
PAGES 16,26,72
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TURNING POINT
● Arla announces December rise
● Production falls support markets
DAIRY producers were hopeful the end of 2023 could mark a turning point for dairy markets, after Arla delivered some pre-Christmas cheer with a December milk price rise. It follows more than a year of milk price declines and holds, and comes amid falling production in the UK and abroad. Arla increased its price for conventional and organic milk by 0.89ppl. This means the UK manufacturing price for conventional and organic milk will be 36.10ppl and 43.54ppl, respectively. For January, Barber’s and Saputo announced increases, while Muller held its price at 36.5ppl. Saputo confirmed its January negotiated base price for all core volume would be 36.5ppl, agreed with Davistow Creamery Direct, a rise of 1ppl on December. The Barber’s standard litre increased by 1ppl to 36.15ppl. Dairy market analyst Chris Walkland said the market had been ‘a lot stronger in recent months’. He added whether it was a turning point would depend on production,
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PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER
By Alex Black
For January, Barber’s and Saputo announced increases, while Muller held its price at 36.5ppl.
which he said had ‘fallen off a cliff’, and post-Christmas demand. He said: “Buyers have now bought everything they need for Christmas and most of quarter one. They are not in a rush to buy supplies and sellers are not in a rush to sell.” Mr Walkland pointed to supplies in France and Germany, which he said had dropped significantly, as well as domestic production.
NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes said production had been dropping on the back of tight margins and, in some cases, no margin at all, adding the rise was ‘much needed’.
Less milk He said: “If the market did not respond, there would be even less milk around.” He highlighted the industry also
needed demand to pick up, adding China was a massive player in that demand globally and was expected to come back to the market, but not at levels seen previously. He said: “But we also need to remember that below 40ppl is still for a lot of people below cost of production. Farmers are still feeling the pressure.” NFU Scotland’s milk policy manager Tracey Roan, who manages the Scottish Dairy Hub, said: “It is a welcome announcement from Arla for its Scottish producers, giving them a nice Christmas bonus, but, more importantly, putting down a marker with all milk purchasers on the direction that milk prices need to be going. “Milk volumes in Scotland will continue to dip in the coming months, so the price needs to rise next year. “We cannot push for more milk production on a such a low, unsustainable milk price. The current feed price versus milk price ratio shows how little incentive there is currently to increase production. That needs to change.” AHDB dairy lead analyst Susie Stannard expected the tightening in production would continue into the next CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
06/12/2023 17:12
James and Claire Hewetson-Brown were the first farmers to grow and sell wildflower turf. See p18-19.
INSIDE
December 8 2023 2
NEWS
82 WORKING DOGS
10 COMMENT
84 MARKET PRICES
11
LETTERS
13
BUSINESS
92 FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN
Defra Secretary sets out ag commitments
17 18
Collaboration key to resilient supply chains
GLOBAL AG VIEW
Irish beef factories under fire
Tough conditions at Westmorland trials
Young sheepdog handler showcases Welsh farm life
94 IN YOUR FIELD With Kate Beavan, Monmouthshire, and Ian Garnett, Cheshire
DIVERSIFICATION
Wildflower turf delivers fair returns for food and nature
20 FARM PROFILE
Gin gives young farmer chance to diversify family farm
94 WEATHER 95 CROSSWORD 96 FARMING MATTERS
‘At times like this you need to have faith in the system’, says Phil Latham, dairy farmer and equestrian centre owner
23 ARABLE
Recommended Lists aim for quality over quantity
30 SALES
Black and White sale tops at 13,000gns
68 MACHINERY Innovative kit on show at CropTec
74 LIVESTOCK
Ancient cattle breed has modern role
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MART’S THE HEART
Limousin steer claims championship at Bakewell’s FG-supported Christmas show and sale.
2 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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First Minister pressed over rural budget By Rachael Brown A GROUP of Welsh farming and environmental organisations have presented a united front in a jointly written letter to the First Minister of Wales, stressing the importance of maintaining the rural affairs budget for 2024/25. The letter to Mark Drakeford has been co-signed by several organisations in Wales, including CLA Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), NFU Cymru, National Trust Cymru and RSPB Cymru. The groups have called for budgetary certainty for the rural affairs pot. The Welsh Government is due to publish its draft budget later this month. The Welsh Government had previously warned it faced its ‘toughest financial position since devolution’ and had already made a number of in-year budget cuts including a £37.5m cut to the rural affairs pot, to address significant funding shortfall. The letter stressed the level of concern over a budget which has ‘not seen an increase for a decade or more’, adding farmers were having to deliver ‘far more for society now in a challenging economic landscape’. It emphasised any further cuts would ‘threaten and undermine rural communities’ and their ability to meet a ‘shared aspiration’ to produce climate and nature-friendly food.
NFU Cymru president and dairy farmer, Aled Jones, hoped the letter would ‘impress’ on the First Minister the importance of protecting the rural affairs budget, adding the Welsh public backed investment into farming. Haverfordwest dairy farmer Steve Evans said cutting the rural budget would impact consumers and ‘undoubtedly lead to food security issues’ in the future. FUW president and sheep and beef farmer, Ian Rickman, added the fact that organisations which ‘do not normally have a common theme to work with’ had backed the letter, spoke volumes and ‘showed concern across the rural community’.
Respond A Welsh Government spokesperson said they would respond to the letter in ‘due course’. The spokesperson said: “This year we have prioritised the Basic Payment Scheme 2023 budget, which remains at £238m, and balance payments will be made later this month. Glastir 2023 payments are being made and, as this EU-funded scheme draws to a close, we have responded to farmers’ calls for an interim scheme by developing Habitat Wales, which has attracted more than 3,200 applications. “This has been delivered as we manage the ongoing impact of leaving the EU.”
NFUS demands answers NFU SCOTLAND president Martin Kennedy has demanded an urgent meeting with First Minister, Humza Yousaf, for clarification, after receiving what NFUS described as ‘hollow promises’ from previous and current deputy first ministers that withdrawn money for agriculture would be returned. In a letter sent to the First Minister on December 4, Mr Kennedy called for a meeting, ahead of the upcoming budget statement next week, to confirm when and how withdrawn agriculture money would be returned to the rural affairs pot. It came after the union’s proposal for funds to be handed back within the
2023/24 financial year, via a top up of basic payments and greening, was blocked by the Deputy First Minister. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The Deputy First Minister has written to the NFUS President and reiterated her commitment to return the funding to the Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands portfolio at the appropriate time. “As set out in our Programme for Government, this year we have also started direct payments in September, earlier than ever, to provide farmers and crofters with much-needed financial security. In the coming year, we will pay Scottish farmers and crofters £550 million.” farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 15:53
NEWS
Resilience of farming shown as snow falls
rCumbria police
declared ‘major incident’ FARMERS’ resilience has been praised as snow fell across parts of the UK this week. The industry has navigated winter weather alongside the other pressures facing the industry, from pressure on margins, uncertainty about future support and the impact on mental health. Cumbria Police declared a ‘major incident’ after heavy snowfall affected the county. Hundreds of homes and businesses were left without power, with many people stranded in their cars as tourists were warned to stay away from the Lake District. Cambridgeshire farmer Charlie Deller, from Fosters Farm in Whittlesford, said preparation was key to getting through the winter months. “I think it is important to understand the bigger picture and be as prepared as you can for winter and making sure
PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
By Chris Brayford
Heavy snowfall was seen across Cumbria with tourists warned not to travel to the Lake District.
everyone has enough dinner on the table for Christmas,” said Mr Deller. “Cattle and sheep have been brought in for winter. Sugar beet has
been drilled early and we have had a really great yield. “We are getting ready for next year as early as we can. The really wet
Two new BTV Morrisons launches ‘Buy cases found British’ section online FARMERS have been urged to remain alert after two new cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) were identified in Kent. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss confirmed two further cows had tested positive for the disease on Tuesday (December 5). In total, BTV has been detected in seven cattle in Kent, which have been culled to ‘reduce the risk of onward disease transmission’. Defra said the new cases were identified within the existing 10km temporary control zone, which had been in place since November 11 when the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Pirbright Institute found the first case near Canterbury.
MORRISONS has become the first major supermarket to implement a ‘Buy British’ section online for customers in a move to ‘back farmers and British produce’. Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans confirmed the news (December 5) after he helped organise a crossparty group of 121 MPs to sign a letter which urged retailers to make it easier for consumers to support British farmers. NFU president Minette Batters and Dr Evans congratulated Morrisons for ‘putting farmers and consumers first’, but urged more supermarkets to make changes. Rami Baitieh, chief executive
Tenant Farmers farmersguardian.com
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of Morrisons, said he supported the aims of the campaign to back British farmers.
Support “We support the aims of the campaign and want to make it as easy as possible for customers to back Britain’s farmers and the high-quality food they produce,” said Mr Baitieh. “I am pleased to confirm we have implemented a ‘British’ section to morrisons.com which enables customers to quickly navigate to British meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products including milk, cream, butter, cheese and eggs.”
chris.day@abfltd.co.uk
weather lately has not helped, and we do have a battle competing for a fair price for our produce, but being determined to succeed in this industry keeps me going.” Beef, sheep and arable farmer Roger Hopley, from Stone in Staffordshire, said it was important to see problems as solutions. “There is always the worry crops will not grow because of the severity of the weather,” said Mr Hopley. “It can be dangerous transporting produce on roads, with a great amount of safety precautions undertaken to keep ourselves and others safe.” He added that margins were tight. “It is very difficult for farmers at the moment and they face so many problems during the winter months,” said Mr Hopley. “In truth, I do not see myself as resilient, but the more I think of it, I start to see how I am overcoming problems every day to see the positive. “After all, farming is in my blood and I am very passionate to be a farmer and want to leave a legacy for my family to continue farming.”
Chris Day on Tel: 07769 705004 DECEMBER 8 2023 | 3
06/12/2023 16:57
THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Editor Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com Head of News and Business Alex Black, 01772 799 409 alex.black@agriconnect.com Chief Reporter Rachael Brown, 07974 039 778 rachael.brown@agriconnect.com News and Business Reporters Jane Thynne jane.thynne@agriconnect.com Chris Brayford, 07773 110 733 chris.brayford@agriconnect.com Business Reporter Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com Arable Technical Specialist Ash Ellwood, 07786 190 188 ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley, 07583 054 831 toby.whatley@agriconnect.com Machinery Reporter James Huyton, 07787 242 185 james.huyton@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Sales Angela Calvert, 07768 796 492 angela.calvert@agriconnect.com Livestock Specialists Ellie Layton, 07814 997 407 ellie.layton@agriconnect.com Katie Fallon, 07815 003 227 katie.fallon@agriconnect.com Online Editor and Features Editor Emily Ashworth, 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com Head of Creative Services Gillian Green, 01772 799 417 gillian.green@agriconnect.com Picture Editor Marcello Garbagnoli, 01772 799 445 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com Sales Director Stephanie Ryder, 07917 271 987 Stephanie.ryder@agriconnect.com Group Publisher Ben Briggs ben.briggs@agriconnect.com Circulation Subscription hotline 0330 333 0056 help@subscribe.farmers-guardian.com Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434 UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50. FG digital subscriptions: £109 News trade distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001 Published by Agriconnect The plastic used to wrap Farmers Guardian can be recycled. If you do not have access to plastic recycling, please send to: Polyprint Ltd, Unit 7D, Wendover Road, Rackheath Ind Estate, Northwich, NR13 6LH. Farmers Guardian is printed from FSC approved sustainable sources.
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NEWS CONFERENCE
Defra Secretary sets out ag commitments rFocus on innovative,
productive farming By Rachael Brown
PROTECTING farmers, boosting innovation and breaking down barriers were the priorities set out by Defra Secretary Steve Barclay, in his first major speech at the CLA conference. He used the speech to set out his commitment to being on the side of rural business. He said: “I have always been clear we need to protect our farmers. Indeed, as Health Secretary, I blocked a proposal which would have allowed schools to impose a vegetarian diet.”
Innovation Mr Barclay also outlined his passion and vision for an ‘innovative and productive agriculture sector’, announcing an extra £45 million in grants to help continue to develop a more sustainable and profitable agriculture industry. He said ‘tearing down the barriers’ to getting ‘game changing innovation’ from the lab onto farm would be at the heart of his approach. CLA president Victoria Vyvyan warned Mr Barclay about the common narrative of Defra secretaries saying ‘this is not my department’ and pleaded for him to work outside of his silos to drive productivity and growth in the rural economy. He said: “It is key priority for me. Having worked in Treasury, Cabinet
Defra Secretary Steve Barclay outlined his backing for farming.
Office and No 10, I have an understanding of how Whitehall works and how we work with different bodies, so that Defra can take more ownership of these issues. We can be more proactive as an economic growth department. How we interact with the Treasury is key to that.” Mr Barclay was on the charm offensive to win rural votes, reiterating the Conservative party ‘will always be the party of the countryside’. He pointed out in his speech the party’s credentials, when it came to farming and rural communities, with the Prime Minister representing a major constituency for livestock farming, Mr Barclay representing a large rural constituency and the Farming Minister being ‘an actual farmer’.
“In contrast Labour, had three leaders all from north London and a Shadow Defra Secretary who cut his political teeth leading an inner city council and represents a London constituency,” he said. “Our understanding of rural communities is from our own experience, Labour sees them as a place you may occasionally visit on holiday.” On water pollution, Mr Barclay said there should be no bonuses for water companies who do not abide by the rules, promising to take a ‘tough approach’. Mr Barclay said by the end of the year he hoped to have monitors across all storm overflows in England to monitor pollution, highlighting the absence of such scrutiny in both Wales and Scotland.
Badger cull to continue in ‘short-term’, says Labour LABOUR will continue with the badger cull ‘in the short-term’, but said it was not a ‘sustainable longterm solution’ to tackling bovine TB (bTB) and the vaccine must get over the line. That was the message from Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed when probed about Labour’s position on the badger cull after hearing England’s bTB levels were the lowest they had been in 15 years. He told Farmers Guardian, at the CLA conference, that the cull would continue in the short-term, adding there ‘was enough reason to see it was a way of ‘preventing transmission’. But he added it was not a
‘sustainable answer to the problem’, and said it was ‘slow, cumbersome and imprecise’ and the science was not absolutely clear. Mr Reed said: “We want to work with farmers to get the vaccine. “What we will not do is anything that damages farmers’ ability to manage their herds effectively.”
Funding When probed on an increased agriculture budget under a future Labour Government, he said there were so many areas that deserved decent funding, but although farming was a priority area, it would have to wait until the economy had grown. Mr Reed said his party was
committed to a target of 60 per cent of food being consumed in the UK being home-grown. A clear passion of Mr Reed’s was also cutting decisions on planning permission down from ‘years to months’. While he did not say how this would be achieved, he emphasised his credentials in his previous role as chair of a strategic planning authority, outlining the frustrations of an ‘incredibly slow planning system’. From the outset Mr Reed was on a charm offensive for the countryside adding now was the ‘time to turn the page and embrace a decade of national renewal with the countryside at its heart.’ farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:50
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05/12/2023 15:53
NEWS Clarkson’s Farm gets fourth series JEREMY Clarkson has put an end to months of speculation about his future as a farmer by confirming two further seasons of his hit farming show will be back on Prime Video. Mr Clarkson made the announcement last week on Instagram in a video where he tried to round up sheep into the shape of a four to resemble the extension of Clarkson’s Farm into a fourth series. Prime Video has yet to release the date when the third series will be
broadcast, despite filming officially ending back in October. Cannon Hall Farm has also confirmed a new series of a winter farming favourite just in time for Christmas. Farmers Dave and Rob Nicholson, who recently won the Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture accolade at the British Farming Awards, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, said they will return to television screens for a festive edition of Channel Five’s Winter On The Farm.
r‘Confusion’
Methane target is one of ‘lazy’ lobbyists
surrounding net zero A LEADING environmental adviser has urged governments to ‘follow the science’ when it comes to methane emissions and to reject the ‘lazy lobbying’ of green ‘extremism’ ahead of the food and agriculture day at this year’s COP28 climate summit. Fifth-generation farmer, researcher and AHDB policy expert Prof John Gilliland said it was time to end ‘soundbite media’ and for agricultural policy to focus on evidence-based methane metrics. “There is a lot of confusion surrounding net zero,” said Prof Gilliland. “It is about getting businesses down to net zero, yes, by reducing emissions, but also building carbon stocks, displacing fossil fuels with renewables and minimising waste. It is net not gross zero. If you want gross zero, that is no animals and no humans. We have to move away from the extremism.” Prof Gilliland highlighted the work of two major scientific studies which advocated for a change of methane measurement from GWP100 (the average warming potential over 100 years) to Global Warming Potential* (GWP*), which models the impact
PICTURE: JOHN EVESON
By Jane Thynne
Jeremy Clarkson announced the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm on Instagram last week.
The issue of methane has become a hot topic at COP28, which is being held in Dubai this year.
of methane, accounting for its faster breakdown time and giving a clearer picture of the short-lived gas’ actual warming impact. The latter method has also been backed by the United Nations’ Farming and Agriculture Organisation.
He said: “This new metric is not an excuse for farmers to do nothing. The issue requires transparency and integrity. We have always followed the science, so why not now?” The issue of methane has become a hot topic at the climate conference,
Complaints made after Beef Battle show INDUSTRY bodies have launched Ofcom complaints following a documentary which has caused ‘outrage’ in the farming community. AHDB and the Association of Independent Meat Supplies (AIMS) have complained about Channel Four’s The Big British Beef Battle, presented by paralympic athlete and writer Ade Adepitan. During the documentary, Mr Adepitan said he wanted to change people’s minds and culture to stop ‘everyone in the UK from eating beef’ due to ‘high’ greenhouse gases emitted from cows. AHDB said the programme was ‘incredibly biased’ against 6 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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beef - particularly highlighting an intensive and feedlot-style of production - with ‘very limited scientific evidence’ which used global statistics. Using the GWP* method, AHDB said there had been ‘no additional warming’ from UK methane emissions over the last 20 years.
Attack Tony Goodger, spokesperson for AIMS, described the programme as an hour of ‘ill-judged broadcasting’ and suggested Mr Adepitan should ‘keep away’ from British farming. Cotswolds farmer Harry
Metcalfe said the documentary was a ‘direct attack’ on British farmers and got beef farming production ‘spectacularly wrong’. He said: “Stop demonising us. It is man and our addiction to energy which is the problem of climate change.” Beef farmer Richard Heady, from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, said the programme reflected a ‘2D’ perspective of farming. “On paper, people are saying eat less beef to help save the environment and stop global warming, but this actually misrepresents the impact it will have on the cyclical nature of cattle methane,” he said.
which is being held in Dubai this year. Last week, representatives from China and the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, delivered a joint announcement stating they would commit to ‘accelerate actions to cut methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases’ as the fastest way to reduce ‘near-term warming’. The statement said by cutting methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases, 0.5 degrees of warming could be saved by 2050. It also said methane gases were responsible for almost 500,000 deaths every year from respiratory illnesses and between five to seven per cent of global crop losses. It concluded that rapidly reducing non-CO2 emissions offered a threein-one solution, advancing global climate, health and food security objectives simultaneously. However, Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association, said the environmental arguments were just going ‘round and round’ with no one considering carbon sequestration. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 15:55
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NEWS rIndustry at a
critical ‘pivot point’ By Rachael Brown WHEN it comes to tackling bTB, the biggest challenge is a ‘them and us’ approach between Government, farmers and vets. Speaking at this year’s National TB conference, held in Worcester (November 29), farm vet and TB advisory service technical director Sarah Tomlinson said ‘collaboration was key’ as the industry hit a critical ‘pivot point’ in dealing with bTB, with disease levels in England at their lowest in 15 years. When asked if achieving TB-free status by 2038 was realistic, she said she did not think it would be ‘too far off’, as long as the UK used all the tools in the box.
Successful She said if ‘we get everything else right’ the cull had done what the industry wanted. “We now need to engage in knowledge-based trading, looking at the biosecurity, and getting rid of the disease with sensitive testing in endemic herds. If we get that right hopefully we do not have to go back to culling badgers.” But Ms Tomlinson added that not having the cull available as an optional tool, even if not used, could negatively impact farmers and vets engaging with the other tools and ‘hold everything else back’. Ms Tomlinson emphasised the need for sensitive testing, but warned under current rules the tests had the potential to ‘take out a lot of the cattle’ within endemic TB herds and should be approached with caution.
Sarah Tomlinson speaking at the National TB conference.
‘Them and us’ attitude biggest barrier on bTB She said how antibody-tested positive animals were treated needed wider discussion.
Empowerment Ms Tomlinson believed greater empowerment for private vets and farmers was important, similar to how other infectious diseases, such as Johne’s and BVD, were managed. “Private vets should have the confidence to engage with APHA and challenge them a bit on what the process should be on-farm.”
Bovine TB elephant in the room on net zero FARMERS blighted by bTB struggle to engage in positive steps towards carbon footprint and net zero as they are ‘too busy fire-fighting’ the disease to have the ‘physical and mental energy to do anything else – that is what bTB does’. Ms Tomlinson said bTB was often ‘the biggest elephant in the room’. She said: “It should not be treated in isolation and we need to see how it fits into the whole approach.” That is where social science comes in, she said, and the understanding of bTB through people’s behaviours,
an area of work that Defra’s social researcher Dr Ruth Little was committed to. Ms Little said when it came to bTB, we must move away from a ‘paternalistic relationship’ idea that Government has complete control and instead adopt a more ‘co-design approach’. She said: “It is also that wider picture of trust in Government. Farmers need to trust the agency who is delivering on their behalf so they feel some sort of agency in dealing with the disease on-farm.”
Information needed at market MORE information about the seller’s farm at auction marts was needed, with one vet at the conference asking why there was no details about how long the origin farm had been bTB-free at the point of purchase.
Implementation Ms Tomlinson said there was a case to make it mandatory, but questioned who would implement it. Farm vet Keith Cutler added ‘a little bit of homework’ before buying animals would be beneficial and urged farmers 8 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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to use the interactive mapping tool iBTB, although some questioned the practicalities of being able to use it at market. Robert Addison, auctioneer and managing director of Hexham auction market, was at the conference listening to this. He said at Hexham they have quite a few Scottish buyers who will come and ask for information before sale. He said: “Auctioneers are trying to help, but farmers have to help themselves.” farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:16
NEWS rVital role of soil
highlighted by report By Rachael Brown SOIL health needs to be put on ‘the same footing’ as water and air quality when it comes to Government policy. That was the message from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee on World Soil Day (December 5), as it published a report outlining how soil was vital in ‘sustaining life on earth, producing food and sustaining rich ecosystems’. However, it warned soil in the UK had become heavily degraded, through ‘over use, compaction and pollution’.
Soil as important as water and air quality The Efra Committee has called for measures to improve soil health.
Targets It examined how Government could ‘turn the tide’ on soil degradation by introducing statutory targets on soil health, alongside existing water and air quality targets by 2028, adding it must be underpinned by data and agreed soil health indicators. The report recommended that the Government should fund the widespread, standardised testing of soil through its Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes and
worked with industry on an agreed set of metrics on soil health by next year. The committee also suggested the Government aimed ‘for nearly all farmers and growers, 90 per cent or more, to be part of an ELM scheme by 2040’. Despite the importance and
potential of the ELM scheme to improve soil health, the report pointed out it cannot work alone and was not the ‘whole story’. The committee instead called for a regulatory framework to focus on preventing soil degradation and
contamination across various sectors, including construction and planning, as well as agriculture. Chair of the Efra committee, Sir Robert Goodwill, said: “Threats to soil health are, in turn, threats to our domestic food supply. “The Government’s ELM schemes are a good start, but we call on the Government to make these schemes more ambitious, aiming to get nearly all farmers involved and ensuring that they adopt a variety of sustainable soil management practices across their land. “We also encourage the Government to use ELM schemes to fund the collection of the data we desperately need to understand our soils.” Mr Goodwill reiterated it was not only farmers who have an impact on soils and encouraged England-wide regulation to ensure ‘everyone’ played their part in protecting soil health.
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LEADER
Olivia Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com
Farming will always fight back against anti-livestock narrative
And finally... For those craving a dose of realism, Jeremy Clarkson has announced his hit Prime Video show Clarkson’s Farm is coming back for a much anticipated new series. Visit farmersguardian. com for the full story and to see some of the highlights from previous shows.
CHANNEL 4’s inaccurate portrayal of UK beef production in its programme The Great British Beef Battle has seen farming’s social media stalwarts spring into action to set the record straight – informatively and truthfully. Complaints have been lodged with regulator Ofcom and hopefully an investigation will find that the broadcaster has breached editorial standards, with what farmers have blasted as a ‘one-sided’ and ‘biased’ programme – but has the damage already been done? In case you missed it, here is an abridged version: presenter Ade Adepitan suggests that giving up beef can help save the planet. He seemingly came to this conclusion by referencing global livestock emissions, highlighting figures from countries outside the UK, where beef is not predominantly grass-fed, as it is on these shores. As a general viewer, you would be forgiven for not challenging this. After all, Channel 4 is a respected provider of trusted, quality journalism. But
as a broadcaster, it has a duty to present a fair, balanced and accurate picture to its audiences. And the climate change debate is extremely nuanced, particularly when it comes to food – of all types and forms. By referencing global livestock emissions when talking about British beef production, it gives a false picture of the meat’s impact on the environment. Amid the COP28 summit, and as farmers take to social media to demonstrate good soil practice in marking World Soil Health Day, it also neglects to mention two very important points. One being that grass-fed livestock production plays a pivotal role in soil health and in keeping the countryside green; the other being the sector’s unique positioning as a carbon sink as well as a carbon source. Oh, and its ability to produce a delicious, natural, healthy, nutrient-packed product. While farming will undoubtedly bear the brunt of misinformed views and those with an anti-livestock farming agenda, it is incumbent on the industry to tell its story straight and tell it proud.
YOUNG FARMER FOCUS ‘As British farmers, we should remain proud’ Goalposts: The job of agriculture is never ‘done’, and although the social and environmental goalposts are ever-changing, the fact remains that people will always need to eat. To those who work in the meat and dairy sector, it will come as no surprise to know we have received significant negative press as far as public relations are concerned, and this has placed enormous mental strain on the farming community. Despite the deafening noise of a minority opposed to livestock production, Kantar data shows approximately 90 per cent of UK households still consume red meat on a weekly basis - a reassuring statistic which appears fairly static. But as with every challenge, there is an opportunity. And, if anything, it reminds us how valuable our world-class products are. 10 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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As I write this, I am five weeks into a six-week health challenge, which is 20 per cent exercise and 80 per cent nutrition - with protein playing a major part. Now, I do not claim to be an expert, but how on earth anyone could complete this challenge without protein from meat and dairy is beyond me. By the end, I suspect they would either be disappointed or unwell (or quite possibly both). Health: Meat and dairy are so fundamentally important for our health, and as British farmers, we should remain fiercely proud of the natural, whole foods we produce on these beautiful, rain-soaked isles. For me, working in the beef and lamb supply chain is a privilege and has provided no end of opportunities to learn. I have been with Dunbia for almost five years, having built my way up to an
Matthew Rollason Great Harwood, Lancashire Matthew Rollason, 27, is a beef farmer and agriculture manager at Dunbia.
Matthew Rollason. agriculture manager position, where I work on key retail customer accounts. Although I am based at our Sawley site, the role can take me almost anywhere in the UK, and means I get to work with really passionate farmers and industry partners. Australia: Earlier in the year thanks to the support of Dunbia, The Farmers Club and The Worshipful Company of Farmers - I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Australia studying the genetic drivers shaping their beef industry.
I must say, the Australians are committed and staunch when it comes to beef production - they know their market, they know their product and they certainly know their cattle. Travelling over 3,107 miles (5,000km) to 30 studs left quite the impression and has tempted me to use some exciting genetics on my own pedigree Herefords back home in Lancashire. Let us see what the spring has to offer next year. Positivity: I have made some amazing friendships in Australia over the years, and what amazes me is how farmers everywhere are so capable of overcoming adversity. It reminds me that, despite our industry woes, it is hard to be negative for long. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 17:19
Write Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Facebook facebook.com/FarmersGuardian Twitter @farmersguardian Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
LETTERS
Methane traps response ANTHONY Bradley’s reponse to my letter on methane (FG letters, November 24) provides no evidence to support the claim that ‘methane traps heat more than carbon dioxide, several times more’. Repetition of a statement without the scientific evidence to support it does not increase its credibility. We need to see experimental proof that the very low concentration of methane in the atmosphere has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than the much higher concentration of carbon dioxide before accepting drastic proposals to reduce the production of red meat. I will continue my search for the origin of the ‘fact’ that methane has a GWP 25 times higher than carbon dioxide.
FG
Duncan Pickard, Balmullo, St Andrews.
SFI application problems I HAVE just read your article in FG’s grants special (December 1). I find it interesting that 6,600 farmers are still to submit their Sustainable Farming Incentive application. I opened my application in October and have been in contact with the Rural Payments Agency numerous times – when the callback service works.
Contact us ■ IF you would like to make your voice heard by sending us a letter for consideration, please note that our email address has now changed to fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
CLASSIC ★★★
1952
Muriel Carton and David Smith sugar beet hoeing at Springwell Farm, Essex, in 1952. The tractor was owned by Ken Pumfrey, purchased from Cleales of Saffron Walden. Sent in by Michael Pumfrey.
If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com
The computer program was easy to navigate, but it is not fit for purpose as it throws up endless problems. I am told it is technical issues their end. Maybe that is why so many farmers have not yet submitted their application and I am sure those who have will not have chosen the parcel options to their full potential. This grant will not replace the Basic Payment Scheme, but I want to join to help protect the environment and our family’s future livelihood on the farm.
Social media reacts to World Soil Day TO mark the Soil Association’s World Soil Day this week, farmers have been sharing tips on protecting soils on social media. Here are some of the best:
■ Eversfield_organic: We are getting dirty for nature and climate this #worldsoilday because soil stores carbon, protects us form droughts and floods and helps us grow healthy food. ■ Bentheoandrews: World Soil Day today. Keep your damn soil covered over winter. Especially around watercourses. Go out and #getdirty
for #worldsoilday to show what you are doing to protect soil.
■ Farmer_in_training: 1. Soil stores carbon, helping combat climate change. 2. It filters and cleans water, keeping our water sources healthy. 3. It provides habitat for countless micro-organisms and soil fauna, creating a complex ecosystem. 4. It is a key player in food production, supporting the growth of crops and plants. 5. Soil is a non-renewable resource so we need to preserve and protect it for future generations.
Name and address supplied. Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions Farmers Guardian is part of the Arc network (we, us, our) and we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are registered under company number 07931451 and have our registered office at Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. For the purposes of this policy, we are the data controller of personal data provided to us. We are a UK company specialising in providing information services including news, analysis, data, pricing, insight and market intelligence to agribusiness professionals across the globe. This policy sets out how we do this and applies the use of your personal data that you disclose to us by entering into our competition to win £200 for the Stockjudging Competition or £20 Love2Shop vouchers for the weekly Crossword Competition, referred to throughout this statement as the “Competitions”. How we collect your information: We collect the personal data you have provided to us by filling in the form on our website www.fginsight.com OR printed form when entering the Competitions. If you have entered the Competitions via our site we may also collect some technical information about how you use our site, for example, the type of device you are using, your operating system, IP address, uniform resource locator (URL), clickstream and length of visit. How we use the information you provide: We will use your personal information: • to administer the Competitions, on the basis that the use of your personal data for this purpose will be necessary to enter you into the competitions and, if you are successful, contact you to notify you of your prize; and, • if you are new to Farmers Guardian and where you have agreed to this, to provide you with news and updates from time to time about our services; and, if at any point in the future you do not wish to receive any news and updates from us or from, you can unsubscribe from our marketing list at any time by following the steps below. To unsubscribe from any communications using the link on the email we send you or by emailing us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. We will not use your information for any purposes except those listed in this policy without letting you know and getting your permission, if necessary, first. Who do we share your information with? We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent, except where: • it is necessary to enable any of our staff, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or commercial partners to provide a service to us or to perform a function on our behalf; • we have a legal obligation to disclose your information (for example, if a court orders us to); or • there is a sale or purchase of any business assets, or where Farmers Guardian or any of its group companies are being acquired by a third party. Where we use third parties as described above to process your personal information, we will ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to safeguard your personal information. For how long do we keep your personal information? We keep your personal information for 36 months for the purposes for which it was collected or for any period for which we are required to keep personal information to comply with our legal and regulatory requirements, or until you ask us to delete your personal information. Your rights: You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. These include the right to: • find out how we process your personal information; • request that your personal information is corrected if you believe it is incorrect or inaccurate; • obtain restriction on our, or object to, processing of your personal information; • ask us not to process your personal information for our own marketing purposes; and • obtain a copy of your personal information which we hold about you. We will take steps to verify your identity before responding to your request and will respond as soon as possible and in any event within a month. If you would like to exercise any of your rights or find out more, please email us at dataprotection@farmersguardian. com. Complaints: If you have any complaints about the way we use your personal information please contact us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com and we will try to resolve the issue. If we cannot resolve any issue, you have the right to complain to the data protection authority in your country (the Information Commissioner in the UK). If you need more information about how to contact your local data protection authority please let us know. Contact us: Please read this policy carefully and if you have any questions, concerns or comments about this policy or, specifically, how we might use your personal information, please contact us by email at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.
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DECEMBER 8 2023 | 11
06/12/2023 16:03
NEWS rOfficials ‘dragging
their feet’
By Jane Thynne LANDOWNERS and farmers have been left feeling ‘suicidal’ owing to the lack of action by the Government following the cancellation of the HS2 trainline, MPs have been told. Rail consultant Trevor Parkin, who has also co-authored several technical papers relating to HS2, told Members of the Commons’ Transport Select Committee he believed HS2 officials were ‘dragging their feet’, adding they could be hoping for ‘another policy U-turn following a General Election’. After the announcement the line would not continue beyond Birmingham at the Conservative Party Conference in October, more than 1,174 hectares of land purchased between Birmingham and Crewe has been abandoned alongside property on the final leg to Manchester. But since the announcement, Mr Parkin said there had been minimal or no communication from HS2 and no evidence of removal
PICTURE: GETTY
HS2 pushes farmers to brink More than 1,174 hectares of land purchased between Birmingham and Crewe for HS2 has been abandoned.
of its ‘paraphernalia’ from sites. Mr Parkin’s comments were echoed at a recent meeting of Staffordshire and Cheshire NFU members in Crewe, where farmers talked of being in ‘limbo’ and confused by the many rules which surround the reselling or disposal of land. Sarah Faulkner, NFU Midlands policy manager, said: “We now need to see HS2 provide relevant information to farmers as to how land will be offered back, the process for buying it back and at what rate.
“For many businesses, overdue compensation payments are also an ongoing issue.” HS2, which was responsible for the construction of the line, said the decisions now rest with the Department for Transport. It said it was expected to take time to ensure the programme provided value for money for taxpayers and did not disrupt local property markets. According to the Department for Transport, all sales will be in accordance with Treasury rules on the use of
public money. It has also said many properties will be offered back to their former owners at the current market value, under long-standing Crichel Down rules. A spokesperson for the department said they were developing a clear programme for selling land and would set out more details ‘in due course’. “We will ensure our approach provides value for the taxpayer and will fully engage with the communities who are affected throughout this process,” they said.
Devon farmer fined after cow attack his dog, Lad, on a public footpath in June 2022 when the attack occurred. An investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after the incident, which found cattle with young calves – known to be protective and unpredictable – were being kept in a field with a public right of way across it. HSE inspector Simon Jones said
it was fortunate the injuries sustained by Mr Atherton were not life-threatening as the end result could have been ‘far worse’.
!
A FARMER has been prosecuted and fined after a dog walker sustained injuries after being attacked by cows on a public footpath in Devon. John Hallett, of Birdcage Farm in Ottery St Mary, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Exeter Magistrates Court earlier this year. Patrick Atherton had been walking
Final BPS payments made in England
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Aggressive “Cattle are extremely protective of their calves and even calm cattle can become aggressive if they think the calves may, in any way, be threatened,
THOUSANDS of farmers have this week received their final Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payment ahead of next year’s move to delinked payments, the Government has confirmed. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) said a further £525 million had been released into the rural economy as 97 per cent of farmers received their funds within the first few days of the payment window. It added that so far more than 91,000 applications and claims have been completed across the BPS, Countryside Stewardship revenue and Environmental Stewardship schemes. Around £70m under the
even by members of the public walking past,” he said. “Farmers should not place cattle with calves in fields where members of the public have a legal right to walk. Had Mr Hallett followed this simple rule, this incident could have been prevented.” Mr Hallet was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,500.
Environmental Stewardship scheme will be issued in the next few days. RPA chief executive Paul Caldwell said: “This year, farmers and rural businesses have continued to face a number of challenges and that is why the RPA has been working hard to improve cash flow and make sure farmers receive their final BPS payments as quickly as possible.” The latest announcement precedes the move to delinked payments which are due to replace BPS in England in 2024 and will run until the end of 2027. Delinked payments will be based on the average BPS payment made to the business for the 2020 to 2022 scheme years. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:05
BUSINESS Migration plan sparks labour fears
Edited by Alex Black – 01772 799 409 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
rGovernment raises
salary requirements By Jane Thynne
THE Government’s new plan to cut immigration has sparked concern among food producers who have accused the Home Office of fail-
ing to understand the labour market. Home Secretary James Cleverly this week unveiled his five-point plan, announcing that the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa would rise to £38,700. The rule allowing the most-needed professions to be hired at 20 per cent below the going rate, will be scrapped. He said the plan would reduce immigration
From page 1 milk year, after a year of two halves for production. The first half of the year ran ahead driven by the higher prices at the tail end of 2022 and wet weather in summer helping forage availability. She said: “This situation flipped in September as the lower milk prices and increasingly pinched margins, along with high levels of precipitation, brought the longanticipated declines in milk flows.” She said so far reductions had been driven by yield reductions rather than herd size. “However, until prices begin to recover or input costs reduce significantly, and probably unrealistically, there will be little incentive for farmers to push cows. “We could yet see herd reductions
in winter, which could further exacerbate production levels.” In Northern Ireland, Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has warned the winter bonuses being applied to milk cheques should not disguise a poor base price. UFU dairy chair Kenny Hawkes said: “Northern Ireland dairy producers should have already seen a 1ppl increase in the base price, yet processors are saying dairy farmers are unlikely to see an increase until late winter.
Third worst “Instead, Northern Ireland has the third worst milk price in Europe, with one major dairy company lagging further behind its competitors. The need for farmers to see a meaningful increase in their base milk price is long overdue.”
New immigration rules could hit the food industry.
figures by about 300,000 per year. However, Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, said the Government was in danger of imposing ‘blanket rules to achieve arbitrary migration targets’ without considering the very different labour requirements and challenges of a range of industries. Mr Allen said: “If companies have to start paying migrant workers more than the ‘going rate’ for a particular job simply to achieve the threshold and fill a vacancy, this will very quickly spark wage inflation across many industries as existing UK workers demand the same salary. In the case of the food industry, this will fuel more food price inflation.” Communications director at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) Tony Goodger said the
new rules could affect the country’s ability to employ vets, which in turn would have a significant impact on abattoirs. He said AIMS was now calling on the Government to extend its Health and Care visa to include vets. He said: “At a time when it is becoming harder to recruit and retain vets to work in abattoirs, the rise in the earnings threshold for overseas workers to £38,700 is bound to place even greater pressure on the supply chain.” Mr Goodger also questioned the Home Secretary’s description of ‘cutprice’ overseas labour, which he said included the highly skilled butchery trade. He called for a ‘free flow of labour’ to grow the economy and added this week’s announcement ‘appear to thwart that ambition’. Defra was approached for comment.
Broughton-in-Furness’ last sale HARRISON and Hetherington will hold its last sale at Broughton on Monday, December 11. The last sale, its annual Christmas Show, was due to be held on December 4, but was delayed due to wintry conditions. H&H managing director Scott Donaldson said it had been a
Down on the Farm
‘real privilege to have been involved with Broughton Mart’. He said the decision to end services at the centre, which he stressed was not made lightly, was influenced by factors beyond their control, citing falling stock numbers and a dramatic increase in running costs
with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.
Adaptation for a new weather reality The less predictable nature of our climate now is a real challenge every year on grassland farms. To oversimplify the situation might be to say that our growing season is characterised by more frequent and longer dry or wet periods. The last year has been very challenging with drought conditions in early summer, followed by a wetter than average second half of the summer into Autumn where growing conditions were favourable but making silage and graz-ing was a challenge. The range of forage crops grown may need to be expanded, so that we can manage more effectively periods of low grass growth. Examples of this might be late spring sown forage brassicas, which can fill a proportion of the feed deficit for grazing instead of relying solely on conserved forage. Diverse species leys which include different grass and non-grass species is 01472 889250
farmersguardian.com
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@Yara_UK
f Yara UK
agronomy.uk@yara.com
also worth bear-ing in mind, benefiting from different rooting profiles and seasonal growth patterns. Although growing more diverse species leys has many advantages, they do require a different set of skills to manage, and this is important to bear in mind. With second cut yields suffering over the past few years due to dry conditions, pulling our 1st cut mowing date back to early May can help counteract this risk, which then allows sufficient second cut recovery and regrowth before the drier soil conditions hit. Now is a good time to assess the situation and take the necessary steps, in making your farm more resilient in the light of changing weather patterns, using digital tools and agronomic advice.
For more information please visit www.yara.co.uk/agronomy-advice DECEMBER 8 2023 | 13
06/12/2023 15:58
BUSINESS value sustainability By Rachael Brown FACED with increased pressure from external stakeholders, investors and its customers, Marks & Spencer was focused on collecting data to help share the sustainability story of its agricultural supply chain. That was the message from M&S Food’s head of sustainability Lucinda Langton, who said the retailer was a ‘leader’ in sustainability and agricultural standards and keen to maintain the ‘clear blue water’ between it and its competitors. Speaking at last week’s CLA conference, she said the most important thing was collaboration, shared risk and working with the supply base, and ultimately the farmers, to ‘build business resilience’. Ms Langton said: “Farmers are in this increasing world of volatility. As retailers, if our farmers cannot grow it, we cannot sell it. So we need to help them build that resilience into the supply chain and their own farm businesses. “If we are going to get anywhere near net zero, we have to work with our agricultural supply chains.” M&S has set a net zero by 2040 target, with the focus on its agricultural supply chain and animal feeds, which it had calculated contributed a total of 82 per cent of its overall emissions. To meet those goals, M&S was
Collaboration key to resilient supply chains M&S has set a net zero by 2040 target, with the focus on its agricultural supply chain and animal feeds.
PICTURE: ALAMY
rM&S customers
focused on innovation, communication and data. “Ultimately, if we cannot measure it, we cannot manage it. Increasingly we are being asked more questions, so we need that rigour and robustness in what we are able to report back,” said Ms Langton. She added they also needed to tell farmers’ stories, adding there had been a ‘step change’ in the past year with how M&S was
No sugar contract agreement reached BRITISH Sugar has confirmed details of its latest offer as an agreement is still yet to be reached on next year’s beet contract. Dan Green, agriculture director at British Sugar, said they had reached alignment on ‘the vast majority’ of commercial terms but have not reached a final agreement. “The only outstanding contract term which is now disputed is around the Futures contract. It is particularly disappointing that an issue which affects so few people – currently just 1 per cent of our grower base – will delay us agreeing an offer which will benefit the vast majority,” he said. In the latest offer, growers have a choice of a £40/tonne fixed price or £38 plus market-linked bonus. “The Futures contract is a highrisk product which has only been attractive to a small minority of growers. We have offered to launch it for next year on the same basis as the 2023/24 price.” He said NFU’s insistence on a 14 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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fixed discount today presented a significant risk to both growers and British Sugar. “Arbitration is time-consuming for all and could take between two and three months to finally conclude,” Mr Green said. “So, British Sugar will reopen both the contract and seed order screens on Monday, December 18 so growers can confirm their intentions. More information will follow on this process.”
The only outstanding contract term which is now disputed is around the Futures contract DAN GREEN
telling stories from its supply chain. Ms Langton shared success stories so far, including a reduction of 46 per cent food waste in the supply chain by introducing initiatives such as scrapping use-by dates from over 300 fresh products, as well as repurposing foods to give them a longer shelf life. In recognition that investing in innovation within its supply chain was key to achieving its net zero target, M&S had funded several advisory services for its farmers and growers.
Funding She said 50/50 split funding was available to any suppliers or farmers that presented viable ideas to reduce carbon, and urged farmers to ‘keep the ideas coming’. She gave the example of the AgriSound box as an on-farm investment, which had been trialled on two farms and would be rolled
If our farmers cannot grow it, we cannot sell it. So we need to help them build that resilience into the supply chain and their own farm businesses LUCINDA LANGTON out to a further 18, and which had given farmers the ability to understand the impact of intervention on-farm for pollinators.
Control of DairyPro and PigPro moves from AHDB to BASIS MANAGEMENT of DairyPro and PigPro has moved from AHDB to BASIS. Membership of the online training records for the dairy and pork sectors were unaffected. However, there were new contact details for both services. AHDB’s AgriLeader senior knowledge exchange manager, Izak Van Heerden, said: “Following
last year’s Shape the Future levy payer vote, it was clear levy payers wanted us to focus on promoting and protecting our reputation in the dairy and pork sectors at home and overseas. “We had to look at what work can be delivered by others to allow us to concentrate on these priorities.” farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:54
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29/11/2023 17:22 05/12/2023 10:51
BUSINESS CROPTEC SHOW Disappointing harvest protects UK grain prices
MORE FROM THE SHOW For more from CropTec, see pages 26-27 and p72-73.
Growers were coming out of a difficult autumn with plantings, said Richard Johnston of Frontier Agriculture.
PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
LONDON May 2024 wheat futures set a four-week low last week, but were somewhat protected by the UK’s disappointing harvest and the likelihood of a ‘weak harvest’ for 2024 compared to their global counterparts. CRM AgriCommodities senior analyst Mike Verdin said the reduced need to compete for exports has been reflected in the relative stability in London futures markets.
Barley “This outperformance is, however, not extending to barley, for which the UK retains a need to compete for trade, as highlighted by this week’s first official grain balance sheet estimates for 2023/24,” he said. These showed 1.4 million tonnes of barley available for export this season; down a modest 12 per cent year-on-year. For wheat, the figure was down by more than half. “With barley retaining the need to win substantial export business, its discount to feed wheat is holding above £25/t, rather than narrowing as it typically does late in the calendar year as seasonal growth in demand for livestock rations focuses attention on the cheaper feed grain,” he added. “With the UK likely to see a surge in spring barley sowings too in a few months’ time, to fill the void left by wheat, the discount is likely to remain exaggerated for a while yet.”
Utilising data can improve marketing rWet autumn holds
drilling back By Alex Black
DATA and information can be a key tool in marketing plans, helping remove the ‘emotion’ when deciding what to do and when to sell crops. That was the message from Richard Johnston, head of grain, digital and procurement at Frontier Agriculture, speaking at the CropTec Show last week in Stoneleigh.
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“With data, with information, you can make a more qualified decision about how you might market grain,” he said. Visitors to the Frontier stand were keen to discuss how they could make best use of the data they had. “It removes the emotion in these very volatile markets that we have,” he said. “Whipsawing markets can cause us to maybe move away from our grain marketing plan.”
Navigate Mr Johnston added that understanding the real drivers around farm businesses and what grain needs to be sold for can help farmers navigate the markets. Looking to the markets, Mr Johnston said growers were coming out of a difficult autumn with plantings.
He said this was not having a positive impact on the market in terms of old crop, with a lot of feed wheat about. He added: “For old crop, little rallies in the market are certainly worth taking and making the most of, I would say.” Discussions around drilling were a key conversation point at the event. David Hunter, of AHDB, said there had been a big range in people’s positions. He said: “There have been people who have not managed to get stuff in, people who have got stuff in which is now sitting underwater or has come up and is sitting on wet, cold ground.” He said the differences mainly came down to geography, with many of those he spoke to on lighter land having managed to drill.
Focusing on sustainability FARMERS are engaging and looking at how they can change their farm for the better, with the focus on sustainability. That was the message from NFU vice-president David Exwood speaking to FG at CropTec. He said farming was in the heart of transition, and finding
new markets for carbon and biodiversity was of real interest to farmers. “It is a real time of change. It is a challenging time; it has been a tough year,” he said. “But actually, there are some positives in looking to the future and how they can change their farming systems for the better.” farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 13:50
GLOBAL AG VIEW
Irish beef factories under fire rIFA accuses buyers
of ‘acting like Scrooge’ By Alex Black IRISH beef factories are ‘acting like Scrooge’ and failing to reflect the strength of the beef markets in the prices paid to farmers in the run-up to Christmas. The Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA’s) Brendan Golden has criticised buyers of Irish beef, despite prices moving on a further 10c/kg (8p/kg) this week. He said despite the upward trajectory in quotes, the prime Irish composite price continues to lag 28c/kg (24p/kg) behind the prime export benchmark price and this was unacceptable. He said: “Demand for beef in our key export markets in the lead up to the Christmas trade has been very firm, creating strong demand for Irish beef. Factories are currently filling orders for this market and, with supplies of suit-
The Irish Farmers’ Association’s Brendan Golden has criticised buyers of Irish beef.
ably finished in-spec cattle tight, prices must move on to reflect the full value of this market.” Base prices for steers are now making €4.75-€4.85/kg (£4.07-
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£4.16/kg), while heifers are making €4.80-€4.90/kg (£4.12-£4.20/ kg), with higher deals for larger and specialised lots. He said factories were having
to pay up to 10c/kg (8p/kg) above quotes to secure cattle this week. He advised beef farmers to sell hard as factory demand was outstripping supplies. Factories buying sheep meat were also under fire, with the IFA sheep chair Adrian Gallagher criticising what he said were unjustified attempts to weaken lamb prices this week. He also advised farmers to ‘sell hard’. Mr Gallagher said numbers of suitable lambs were tight on the ground and there was no rationale to weaken lamb prices. He said this behaviour only served to undermine confidence within the sector and said the IFA has called on factories to increase prices at this critical time of the year for sheep farmers. Factories are offering €6.50€6.70/kg (£5.58-£5.75/kg) on weights to 23kg, with higher deals for groups and larger lots. Cull ewes are making €2.70€3.10/kg (£2.32-£2.66/kg) in general.
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DIVERSIFICATION As the first farmer to grow and sell Wildflower turf to customers nationwide, James Hewetson-Brown was excited about the prospect of growers being rewarded fairly for improving biodiversity on their farms. Sara Gregson reports.
Wildflower turf delivers fair returns for food and nature
F
armers are in the best place to deliver on biodiversity, with a focus on wildflower turf a recipe for success for Hampshire farmers, James and Claire Hewetson-Brown Ashe Warren Farm, located a few miles west of Basingstoke in Hampshire, was bought by his father, David, in 1983. A first-generation farmer, his father had initially bought a farm near Winchester, but moved further up the county when the M3 cut through the original holding. The 285-hectare (704-acre) arable farm has light, thin soils with flints overlying chalk and is one mile from the source of the River Test, renowned for its clear waters and trout fishing.
Tricky His father farmed it conventionally producing high quality arable crops of winter wheat, spring barley and herbage seed. “Managing grass can be tricky and requires great attention to detail,” Mr Hewetson-Brown said. “Keeping it clean, harvesting at just the right moment and storing it at the right temperature are all really important. “We grow mainly DLF varieties and sell to agricultural merchants. “We use a six-year rotation, comprising two feed wheat, two spring barley and then two grass. “We also have land under Countryside Stewardship, including areas with trees, ponds, hedges and James Hewetson-Brown and his wife Claire grow wildflower turf at Ashe Warren Farm.
We mix up the growing medium to our own recipe including green waste and coir with wildflower seeds in it JAMES HEWETSON-BROWN 18| DECEMBER 8 2023
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wild bird seed and wildflower margins.” On his return to the farm, Mr Hewetson-Brown put his energy and enthusiasm into building up the fledgling turf business. His father had pioneered an irrigated, soil-less growing system, growing conventional amenity mixtures for instant lawns, which was sold to landscapers, local authorities and housing developers. In 2003, Mr Hewetson-Brown started experimenting with wildflowers, successfully including them into the turf mixtures and producing
the first ready-to-go wildflower turf in the country. “In 2013, the RSPB’s ‘State of Nature’ report revealed that 60 per cent of British native species were in decline and one in 10 were heading for extinction,” said Mr Hewetson-Brown. While agriculture was blamed, housing, road building, industry and the need for maintained public space were also named as contributors. “Farmers are encouraged to provide biodiverse habitats through Government schemes and consider
themselves as custodians of the landscape, wishing to ensure a healthy environment from one generation to the next. “But it is also their business to supply food and their produce is desperately needed,” he said. He added planners, landscape architects and developers should be encouraged to look at urban landscapes as an opportunity to provide habitats, something which will become even more relevant with Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. Mr Hewetson-Brown’s system farmersguardian.com
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DIVERSIFICATION Farm facts
Wilfdflower turf was supplied to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
produces a mat of nursery-grown pre-established wildflower plants that are specifically chosen and set in appropriate quantities to provide an even distribution of species. The turf is developed using a manufactured growing medium which is inert and therefore entirely free of weed and unwanted grass seeds which might compete while the wildflowers establish. The result is a complete meadow, much further along than if the ground had been seeded, offering the customer immediate, guaranteed and risk-free results. “We mix up the growing medium to our own recipe including green waste and coir with wildflower seeds in it. “We are working towards 100 per cent peat free, and are almost there,” said Mr Hewetson-Brown.
Stabilise The mixture is laid out onto sheets of impermeable membrane and biodegradable netting is added to help bind and stabilise the roots. This is all lifted and laid into place using specially adapted machinery in 20.4ha (50 acres) of turf fields. The growing season is from April to September. Turves can be ready in 12 weeks and there are sometimes two harvests from the same piece of ground. A custom-made turf lifter and stacker harvest the ready-to-lay product before despatch. The turf fields are permanent, mainly because of the need for water and robust irrigation systems. Production now revolves around a team of 25 staff over three sites, in Yorkshire and Shropshire as well farmersguardian.com
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n 285 hectares (704 acres) n Elevation of 162 metres n 750mm rainfall n Light soils over chalk n 11ha (27 acres) Countryside Stewardship n 60ha (148 acres) winter wheat n 63ha (156 acres) spring barley n 40ha (99 acres) grass for seed n 40ha (99 acres) wildflower seed n 20.4ha (50 acres) wildflower turf n Content n 23 people working in the turf business, as well as James’ wife Claire and son Olly n Two farm workers
as Hampshire, with an annual capacity to supply more than 250,00sq.m of turf. This is sold to ‘business-to-business’ customers. The company was awarded the 2012 Olympic Games contract, supplying 6ha of wildflower turf for areas around the athletes’ village, for use in the opening ceremony and post-event transformation. Originally buying in the wildflower seeds, Mr Hewetson-Brown is now growing many species on the farm. “I have invested in a small on-farm laboratory where we can test for seed purity and germination to make sure we are using the best seed. “Wheat and barley have been bred and bred to respond to inputs, but wildflowers have bred themselves to produce seed, ripen and then grow new plants in the surroundings they find themselves in,” he said, adding it took three years to get sufficient numbers of wildflower seeds to sow. “If we lose a crop to rain – that is it. There is no alternative market to aim for – such as how milling wheat can go to feed. There is risk involved.” Mr Hewetson-Brown is involved with the newly expanded Environmental Farmers Group (EFG), a farmer-owned, natural capital, trading co-operative which aims to encourage landscape-scale conservation. He added he could see the difference he was making by growing wildflowers in the turf and for seed. “We have many birds of prey including barn owls, red kites, kestrels and buzzards which hunt across the meadows in search of voles and shrews which in turn hunt for beetles and small insects. This is the food chain at work,” he said.
“There is also a thriving population of lapwings producing many chicks each year. But as an individual farmer it is difficult to gain monetary reward for all the good things I believe we are
doing. But collaborating with other farmers will allow me to tap into bigger private funding pots which are now appearing on the horizon.” He added that farmers were ‘in the best place’ to deliver good biodiversity because they had the understanding, equipment and scale to do it. “Being a member of the Test and Itchen EFG, will help us get our hard work recognised and pay for it ,while benefiting from the co-op’s experience of making trades. I would struggle to do this on my own,” he said.
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SECTION SECOND BROW FARMHERE PROFILE Edited by Emily Ashworth – 01772 799 446 – emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com
Award-winning Tipplemill Gin is made from wheat grown on the family farm at Sutterton, South Lincolnshire, where sustainability and farming in harmony with nature are at the forefront of the business. Angela Calvert finds out more.
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Lily Craven
PICTURES: TIM SCRIVENER
haring a gin and tonic may not be the usual way to start a conversation about farming, but Lily Craven, the driving force behind Tipplemill Gin, hopes that it will do just that. Lily and her brother James are the fifth generation of their family involved with the 150-hectare (370acre) farm in South Lincolnshire. Their great-grandfather Frank was a miller by trade, milling locally grown wheat for the region’s farmers. The success of this business enabled him to buy land meaning he could then mill his own wheat. The following generations have continued the farming tradition, expanding the business with wheat, potatoes and daffodils as the main crops. While Lily had always helped out on the farm, she had never really considered farming as a career until Covid-19 changed everything. She says: “I was in my final year at Newcastle University, so came home during lockdown. “While I had always dipped in and out of helping on the farm, I had never experienced working a whole year cycle and decided it was something I wanted to do.” Her father Stephen agreed, and one of her tasks was to look at where management efficiencies could be made alongside environmental improvements. Lily says: “The farm is in a Mid-Tier [Countryside Stewardship] scheme, but we have implemented quite a lot of other changes which have had real biodiversity benefits. “We have laid more than 4km of hedges as well as planting more, and have taken out quite a few awkward field corners and planted wildflower meadows. “We are part of a bird ringing project with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and it has shown that there are now many more species of birds on-farm. We have also seen a big increase in insects.” Boosting soil health is key too. Cover crops are used which have big taproots and can help to break up compaction in the soil, improving drainage and structure. Sheep graze the oil radish down to the stem in February, before the remaining root then gets used and put back on to the field with manure. Potatoes are a major part of the enterprise, with some varieties grown for supermarkets and other varieties grown specifically to be bagged for chip shops.
Gin gives young farmer chance to diversify family farm Lily says: “As potatoes can only be grown one in seven in a rotation, it means we have a number of years to get the land in good health through growing cover crops including oilseed radish, two-year legume mixes and renting land out to other farmers to grow crops including carrots. “This year has been difficult because of the wet weather. We grow a lot of Maris Piper, which is a challenging crop to grow and handle as they have potential to bruise so easily. “Fortunately, we have family mem-
bers’ eyes on all stages of its life, from planting and growing to harvest, and as these are on the best land they were lifted early. It has, however, been an extended season with the other varieties.”
Daffodils Like many farms in the area, daffodils have also always been a staple crop, but these too can be challenging as they are very labour-intensive. Lily says: “Being at home full-time also prompted me to start looking at what we were producing in a differ-
ent way. Normally, you grow a crop of wheat, load it onto a lorry and off it goes – you have no idea where it ends up. I realised I wanted a closer connection to our customers and to make something ourselves with the crop we are growing. “I had always taken living on a farm for granted, but I began to realise how little other people knew about the countryside and farming, and I wanted to be able to tell our story.” After much research and discussion, the decision was made to farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 12:03
LINCOLNSHIRE FARM PROFILE
The Cravens have partnered with Ramsbury Brewery and Distillery. Inset: Tipplemill Gin is produced from wheat grown on-farm.
produce gin from wheat grown on-farm, with Lily taking charge of the process. She says: “We decided that if we were going to produce gin it had to be of the very highest quality. This meant it had to be a London Dry Gin. We wanted to produce a gin which is complex but balanced, with a smooth texture which is very drinkable.” Lily explains that the definition of London Dry Gin is that the base spirit has to be of agricultural origin and distilled to above 96 per cent alcohol, and the finished product must be more than 37.5 per cent ABV. In addition, all flavour must come from the botanicals which are added
to the base spirit, with no additional flavourings or colourings added after the distillation has taken place. The starting point for the gin production is wheat, and while several varieties had always been grown on-farm, 12ha (30 acres) of Astronomer are now planted specifically to produce the base spirit from which the gin is made. Lily says: “We wanted the whole process to be as sustainable and traceable as possible, and also maintain the links with our family heritage, so the wheat is milled locally at Moulton Windmill. This is the tallest working windmill in
the UK and was built in 1822. “It is now run by volunteers and, of course, is reliant on the ultimate renewable energy source – wind, which has to be blowing at 15-20mph to turn the millstones at the optimum speed to create the perfect flour consistency.”
Distillery The next stage is creating the base spirit from the milled wheat, which is a complex process requiring specialist expertise and equipment. For this reason, the Cravens have partnered with Ramsbury Brewery and Distillery in Wiltshire. Lily says: “At this early stage, it is not realistic to have our own distillery. At Ramsbury, they are experts in their field, but have the same ethos as us; brewing and distilling from wheat grown on their estate. “Heat for the distillery is powered by biomass from their woodland with wastewater funnelled back onto the land through wildlife-friendly reed filtration beds, and spent grain
from the distillery is fed to their cattle.” The process of creating the base spirit takes 12 days, with each stage requiring precision and constant monitoring. Fundamental to the taste of the gin are the botanicals, each of which bring something unique to the final flavour. Lily says: “We wanted to make sure the botanicals were of the highest quality and responsibly sourced. “One which is quite unusual is sweet fennel, which is grown on-farm within winter bird food cover where, because of its strong structure, it acts as support for the weaker-stemmed, seed-bearing crops such as white millet and buckwheat. “I collect the seeds in autumn, which are dried naturally on the stalk before being shaken out. It adds a mild aniseed flavour to the gin which is not too strong.” Elderflower is another important botanical, with much of it also grown on-farm. It is harvested in late May and early June, with the flower
Wheat, potatoes and daffodils are the main crops grown by the Craven family.
I began to realise how little other people knew about the countryside and farming,and I wanted to be able to tell our story LILY CRAVEN farmersguardian.com
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FARM PROFILE LINCOLNSHIRE heads laid on racks to dehydrate before being stored for later use. The other botanicals used are juniper berries from Tuscany, coriander seeds from the Black Sea coast, grapefruit and orange peel from the Mediterranean, angelica root from Belguim and orris root from Morocco. Lily says: “Although we have to source some of the botanicals from around the world, we are in touch with all the producers to make sure they meet our sustainability criteria.” A traditional copper still is used to create Tipplemill Gin, and once the 96 per cent ABV spirit has been produced it is reduced to about 50 per cent ABV with water from a natural borehole and the botanicals added. The distillation process goes through a number of stages to create a smooth refined gin. The final step is reducing the gin to bottle strength by adding pure water, and although the minimum strength for a London Dry Gin is 37.5 per cent ABV, Tipplemill is bottled at a strength of 44 per cent, which maximises the botanical flavours. Lily admits the whole process of producing gin has been a steep learning curve but extremely rewarding. It always comes back to the farm, and on their website the message is clear: ‘A farm is more than land, it is a family’s heritage’. She says: “There has been a lot to think about; not only making the gin, but bottling, labelling and packaging, as well as marketing. “We wanted a bottle which was distinctive, so came up with a blue, slightly tapered bottle with a cork stopper and a millstone shaped top, and the wrap-around label has been specially designed to showcase our milling and farming heritage. “At the moment, the gin is being bottled at Ramsbury and then brought to the farm, where we have a bespoke labelling machine, but we may look to distill and bottle here in the future.” The gin is dispatched from the farm in bespoke recyclable packaging, and there are also specially designed gin Botanicals are fundamental to the taste of gin, and each brings something unique to the flavour.
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We wanted the whole process to be as sustainable and traceable as possible
Astronomer wheat is planted specifically to produce the base spirit from which the gin is made.
LILY CRAVEN glasses printed with the Tipplemill story available. It is still early days for Tipplemill, which was officially launched in September, but it received a massive boost by winning the ‘Best Gin’ award at the New York World Wine and Spirits competition. Lily says: “It was very much a lastminute entry as we only had the final product ready just in time. We were awarded double gold which means all 12 judges gave it a gold award, and then to win ‘Best Gin’ overall was incredible. “We have since been featured in Forbes magazine, which has created a lot of interest from the United States. “We are not selling there at the moment, but it is something we may have to consider in the future.” A more recent accolade has been winning the Drinks Producer of the Year title at the Lincolnshire Food and Farming Excellence Awards.
The Craven family also keep beehives on-farm.
Future plans Currently, Tipplemill is mainly sold online, but it is available in a couple of pubs locally, including The George at Stamford. Lily says: “I plan to attend food fairs and shows, and hope to get the gin into some farm shops and independent retailers in the near future. “I do not think many people think there is a connection between gin and farming, but I hope that by being able to tell our story, we can educate people not only about how it is made, but about the wider farming industry.”
Sweet fennel, one of the botanicals used in Tipplemill gin, is grown on-farm as part of a winter bird food cover crop.
Farm facts ■ Mill Farm is 150 hectares (371 acres) plus additional rented land ■ In Mid-Tier Stewardship Scheme ■ More than two miles of hedges have been laid and new hedges planted ■ Cover crops established on arable land prior to spring cropping ■ Wildflower and bird seed mixtures planted to enhance biodiversity around the farm ■ Beehives kept on-farm making fabulous honey ■ Main crops are wheat, potatoes, vining peas and daffodil flowers farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 12:04
ARABLE
Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com
The latest edition of the AHDB Recommended Lists (RL) sees shorter variety tables compared with previous years, including the first Group 1 wheat addition since 2017 and the first six-row hybrid barley with BYDV tolerance. Ash Ellwood reports.
SY Buzzard could be of interest to growers looking to gain the Sustainable Farming Incentive zero insecticide payment, says Paul Gosling.
Recommended Lists aim for quality over quantity rSix new varieties
on spring barley RL THE winter barley Recommended List (RL) saw two new varieties: two-row feed barley LG Capitol and six-row feed SY Buzzard hybrid variety with barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) tolerance. Six varieties were removed, making the list shorter than previous years. LG Capitol has a high fungicide-treated yield in the East of 107 per cent; 3 per cent ahead of KWS Tardis. The new variety also has a good disease package with an untreated yield of 89 per cent, which is 4 per cent ahead of KWS Tardis and only 1 per cent behind Lightning (known for its disease resistance). SY Buzzard boasts a UK farmersguardian.com
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The Hagberg should provide some reassurance to growers after a summer like we have had that we are going to get a great grain quality PAUL GOSLING fungicide-treated yield of 102 per cent; 1 per cent ahead of KWS Feeris, which is the other BYDV
tolerant variety on the RL. A popular hybrid variety without BYDV tolerance, SY Kingsbarn, yields 4 per cent higher than SY Buzzard. However, Paul Gosling, manager of the RL, says this is to be expected. He says: “These new traits, like BYDV tolerance when they bred into elite varieties, produce a yield drag for a few years, which is why we have specialist categories. “SY Buzzard is an interesting variety which is going to be of interest to those that are looking to gain the Sustainable Farming Incentive zero insecticide payment.”
Spring barley The spring barley RL includes six new varieties currently undergoing testing for malting. This includes three malting varieties – NOS Gambit, LG Aquarius and
Bounty. Bounty is a very high-yielding variety offering 105 per cent treated yield, rising to 107 per cent in the East. Two dual-purpose brewing and malting varieties have been added, which are Olsen and Belter, and one malting-only variety – NOS Munro. The spring barley RL format has been adjusted this year to make it clear to growers which varieties are undergoing testing and which varieties are approved. The first Group 1 wheat since 2017, SY Cheer, has been added, featuring 97 per cent treated grain yield in the UK, rising to 98 per cent in the west and north regions. SY Cheer has provided a big step forward in untreated yield, scoring
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ARABLE
The first Group 1 wheat since 2017, SY Cheer, has provided a big step forward in untreated yield, scoring 84 per cent.
84 per cent compared with Cruesoe at 75 per cent, Skyfall at 66 per cent and KWS Zyatt at 71 per cent.
Soft varieties Group 3 has seen two new soft varieties: Bamford and Almara. Mr Gosling says: “Bamford has extremely good yields, with an East yield of 105 per cent, West yield of 107 per cent and a northern yield bracketed [limited data result] of 105 per cent, which is way ahead of the competitors. “This puts it up there with the best of the feed wheat varieties, so it is a big step forward in Group 3.” Almara has only been recommended in the North, with 102 per cent treated yield; 2 per cent ahead of LG Illuminate and 5 per cent ahead of LG Astronomer, there-
fore boasting a good northern yield. Group 4 soft wheat includes one new variety, Blackstone, with a UK-treated yield of 103 per cent; 1 per cent ahead of LG Skyscraper. The North yield is also 103 per cent. Mr Gosling says: “The North yield is based on limited data, so we will have to wait and see if that stays at that level, but at the moment it is 2 per cent higher than LG Skyscraper, which is by far the most widely grown wheat in Scotland.” LG Beowulf is a new variety for the Hard Group 4 wheat RL, as Mr Gosling describes the list as a very good selection with strong varieties available. The new variety matches Champion at 106 per cent UK
treated yield and 106 per cent East/West yield; 2 per cent ahead of Graham, which has been the main variety grown in the West for many years. LG Beowulf has a Hagberg Falling Number of 253, which is better than Champion, but not quite as good as KWS Dawsum or Graham. The specific weight is 78.3 – a good way ahead of Champion, but not matching KWS Dawsum (79.9), which is the class-leading specific weight across the whole wheat table.
Spring wheat The spring wheat RL includes a new Group 2 variety, WPB Mylo, which has a fungicide-treated yield of 103 per cent; 2 per cent higher yielding than KWS Cochise.
Mildew rating contains limited data but is currently an eight, and septoria is bracketed seven – better than KWS Cochise – and the variety also has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. Hard Group 4 has had a new variety currently listed as SEW193003SW, with a proposed name of ‘Everlong’, which will be added to the Great Britain and Northern Ireland variety lists in spring 2024, provided no representations are received. Everlong has a fungicide-treated yield of 107 per cent, a specific weight of 80.4 and a Hagberg Falling Number of 330. “The Hagberg should provide some reassurance to growers after a summer like we have had that we are going to get a great grain quality,” says Mr Gosling.
YIELD BOOSTS FOR OILSEED RAPE VARIETIES WINTER OSR 2024/2025 lists see the addition of four hybrids, one conventional and one herbicide-tolerant variety. LG Adeline has an East/West yield of 106 per cent, matching Turing, which has the best East/West yield on the RL. North yields are 108 per cent gross output, matching LG Wagner, which is the highest-yielding variety in the North. LG Adeline has good stem stiffness at eight and medium maturity at five, plus the variety does claim pod shatter resistance. Mr Gosling says: “Pod shatter 24 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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resistance is not tested in the RL – it is a breeder claim but it is widely accepted.” The DSV hybrid variety Dolphin is not recommended in the UK or the North due to low yield, and is only recommended for the East/West region where it has 106 per cent yield output, which matches Turing and the three new varieties from Limagrain – LG Adeline, LG Academic and LG Armada. Dolphin has a leaf spot rating of six – which is one point behind Ambassador – and a very high stem canker rating of seven, which fits in
with its East/West recommendation. Dolphin has a verticillium resistance rating of moderately resistant and is one of only seven varieties on the new list to be rated as moderately resistant. “That increased rating fits in with the East/West recommendation, where we see more instances of verticillium stem stripe,” says Mr Gosling.
Pi Pinnacle One general-purpose conventional variety, Pi Pinnacle, has been added, including a UK gross output of 92
per cent which matches Tom – the highest-yielding conventional variety on the list. Pi Pinnacle has a particularly high East/West yield at 103 per cent, which is 2 per cent ahead of Tom, 5 per cent ahead of Acacia and 7 per cent ahead of Aspire. “I guess the only real weakness of PI Pinnacle is its stem canker rating of four, which is a little bit low, but none of the conventional varieties have a particularly good stem canker rating as it is only 1 per cent less than Tom, Acacia and Aspire,” says Mr Gosling.
farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 13:53
ARABLE Pink peas and chocolate spot ratings are among developments featured on the new Descriptive List. Teresa Rush reports.
With 11 new varieties added to the Descriptive List and a strong pipeline of candidate varieties, pulse variety prospects look promising, says PGRO’s Dr Chris Judge.
Pulse variety prospects look promising rYields down in 2023
for all three pulse groups PEA and bean growers are set to benefit from the addition of 11 new pea and bean varieties to the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) 2024 Descriptive List (DL). A total of six combining peas, two winter beans and three spring beans join the new list, which is funded by the PGRO Pulse Levy. Speaking at the launch of the list on November 27, PGRO senior
technical officer Dr Chris Judge said that many winter bean trials struggled with frost damage last winter, but harvest conditions were good in the summer. Conversely, spring bean trials suffered in the heat. The hotter-than-average June led to similar yields to 2022, when heatwaves also struck during key stages of crop development. “The control yield for peas, spring beans and winter beans were all very similar to the 2023 DL,” said Dr Judge. “Looking at the five years currently used in the datasets, yields
were slightly enough down in 2023 data to compared to add into the table 2022 for all three pulse officially.” groups.” HowNew for the ever, in the 2024 DL are a last five years pink pea category there had been Dr Chris Judge and the addition of enough data for chocolate spot disease ratings to be included ratings for winter beans. on the DL. Most winter bean varieties Dr Judge said: “We always have scored a 5 for chocolate assess chocolate spot when presspot, with Vincent (6) and Vespa ent, but if we only get it at one or two (7) having higher ratings. locations we do not consider that
accommodate the variety Flamingo from Cope Seeds and Grain. In trials, it was the lowest-yielding pea, with a rating of 78. It has a downy mildew rating of 7, just behind Rivoli, which is top-rated at 8. According to Gemma Clarke, managing director of Cope Seeds and Grain, pink peas are attracting interest in human consumption markets via Hodmedods, as well as the Japanese snack pea market plus bird and pet feed markets.
Shazam from Senova and Reacher from IAR Agri are the two green peas making their debut on the list, and both have good all-round qualities in terms of yield and disease resistance. Shazam is a later-maturing variety with the joint tallest straw and a standing ability of 7. Reacher has resistance genes for pea seed-borne
NEW COMBINING PEAS THREE yellow combining peas have been added to the Descriptive List (DL) for 2024. Concerto from LS Plant Breeding and Batist from Senova join the list as the two top-yielding yellow peas, with yield ratings of 115 per cent and 113 per cent of control respectively. KWS Flam is the third new yellow pea, with a yield rating of 110. A new pink pea category has been created for the DL to
NEW WINTER AND SPRING BEANS TWO new winter bean varieties, LG Arctic from Limagrain and Ninja from Senova, have made it onto the 2024 Descriptive List. LG Arctic has an above-average yield rating of 104 and is ranked in fourth position for yield behind Vespa, Vincent and Bumble. It shares a top rating of 6 for downy mildew resistance with Vincent and Norton. Ninja has the earliest maturity rating in the winter bean category
Batist is one of three new yellow combining peas added to the 2024 DL.
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mosaic virus and pea enation mosaic virus, and joins LG Aviator as the only two green peas with resistance to powdery mildew. One new marrowfat pea variety, Vision, joins the list as the highest yielder in that category, achieving a rating of 100, and has the best downy mildew rating for any marrowfat (7).
at 8, and also has the highest protein content of all winter beans. Synergy from Saaten Union is the highest yielding (107) of the three spring bean varieties joining the list for 2024, closely followed by Navara from Senova at 106, and LG Hawk from Limagrain at 101. Synergy is a new low-vicine/ low-convicine (LVC) variety and is higher yielding than the other two LVC varieties, Futura and Victus.
More information MORE information on the 2024 Descriptive List is available on PGRO’s
YouTube channel, the PGRO ‘Inside the pod’ podcast and at pgro.org DECEMBER 8 2023 | 25
05/12/2023 13:54
ARABLE CROPTEC SHOW Visitors to The CropTec Show held in Warwickshire, November 29-30 were met with industry advances including plant protection product regulations, bioinsecticides and a call for drainage grants. Emma Penny reports.
Visitors to CropTec had the chance to hear about a wealth of new advances and issues important to agriculture.
Post-Brexit regulatory issues risk crop protection products rCompanies paying
more to sell into GB
ISSUES due to post-Brexit regulation mean UK farmers are likely to lose out on using both new and old plant protection products that European competitors have access to. That warning at CropTec came from Dave Bench, who leads Croplife UK, the trade association for companies which supply crop protection products. Speaking at a seminar on ‘Crop protection and changing legislation’, he said that the regulatory environment for registering products had become ‘massively difficult in the UK since Brexit’. In the EU, companies pay a single fee and send a single submission at a cost of a few hundred thousand euros, which, if successful, will allow them to sell their product in all EU markets. 26 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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Since Brexit, Great Britain is now doing this separately and differently to the EU, and Northern Ireland is also running its own separate regulatory process, he said. This means companies are having to bear much higher costs in order to be able to sell into Great Britain and, separately, to Northern Ireland.
These costs, along with other rising prices, were making companies question the viability of registering products in the UK. Mr Bench previously headed the UK’s regulatory body on plant protection products, and said that in 2015/16 it had the best performance of any of its peers in the EU. “Since Brexit, it has dropped off a cliff,” he said.
Deadline
Products might drop out of the UK market as a result, but still be available in the EU, putting us at a disadvantage DAVE BENCH
“One of our members has just taken two years to get a new product approved; the legal deadline is 12 months. What is shocking is that companies are now planning for the assumption that it will take two years. “The increasing costs and burdens coupled with reducing regulator performance means many fewer products are coming onto the market. “This is affecting even biopesti-
cides; one new product is not being brought to the UK, but will be available in the EU. “We have potentially not seen the worst of it yet. “It is a legal requirement that plant protection products also have to be reviewed every 10 years, and this will need resource and capability that they [the UK regulators] just do not have – it will slow things further and increase costs. “Products might drop out of the UK market as a result, but still be available in the EU, putting us at a competitive disadvantage.” He said there were some key things Government and the regulator could do to make the process easier and swifter, and the sector was expecting a long-awaited action plan from Government. “This would be a chance for us to engage with Government and say how important these tools are to grow crops in the UK.” farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 14:15
MORE FROM THE SHOW For more from CropTec, see pages 16 and 72-73.
CROPTEC SHOW ARABLE
BIOINSECTICIDES HAVE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSIVE GROWTH A FAVOURABLE regulatory landscape for biopesticides could see the market expand very quickly, with Brazil seeing a 30-40 per cent year on year increase in their use as a result. Speaking at CropTec’s Smart Farming hub, Miles Taylor, global bioinsecticides technical development manager for UPL, said Brazil’s growers were ‘really embracing’ the products. “They are expected to account for 30 per cent of the market in the next few years,” he said.
Bioinsectisides can offer potential advances for farmers.
Successfully He said that while the products could sometimes be expensive for bulk crops, they were being used successfully in the South American country in sugar cane, soya and corn crops, including the firm’s Nimaxxa product. In Africa, bacterial extracts from Bacillus thuringensis were now the backbone of pest control in cotton crops, and could be the source of more exciting products, he said. “It will produce different
metabolites and we are only at the start of the journey understanding what they might do.” Research had produced some exciting new developments in the sector, he added. It had enabled pheromone technology to be microencapsulated, which meant it was much more persistent, while isolating a viral agent for another product was allowing targeted
control of a particular moth pest, he said. However, getting new products to market was tricky as biopesticides were considered new active ingredients, meaning a full, lengthy and expensive registration process. “Bio-insecticides remain expensive, mainly due to registration costs and low volumes,” he added.
Like many farmers having endured a wet autumn, Guy Smith believed there was a strong case for Defra to reintroduce drainage grants.
INSECTICIDE SFI OPTION ‘MOST DISCUSSED’ THE Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) option of no insecticide use (IPM4) has been the most widely discussed by clients, according to Rob Wilkinson, farming consultant and associate director with Strutt and Parker. Speaking at the ‘Crop Protection and Changing Legislation’ seminar, he said, however, the payment of £45/ha/ year for not using insecticide did require some thought. “Will it work on farm?” That question — considering the practicalities and impacts — was key to all IPM options included in SFI, he said. There were new options and it was also more flexible and adaptable.
Costings Some SFI IPM options could be an alternative to poorer performing crops, he said, advising growers to work through option costings. Knowing the data was crucial, and thinking about what to do needed a considered approach. He said: “Look at the financials. SFI is not necessarily the be-all and end-all, but some options may be better than some break crops. “Know your system and what works, rather than following what is out there on social media. “You can approach it by dipping a toe into the water and adding to it.” Seminar chair Will Oliver, who farms on the Leicestershire and Warwickshire border, said he was embracing SFI. He said: “It gives us options. But think about getting some independent advice on how the options stack up financially.”
CALL FOR DEFRA TO RE-INTRODUCE DRAINAGE GRANTS CHANGING weather patterns and the option of being able to put farms into environmental schemes mean arable growers may need to decide whether to invest huge sums in water management, or to walk away from food production. That warning came from Essex farmer Guy Smith, who famously runs ‘the driest farm in Britain’. Speaking at a ‘Future of Farming’ panel at CropTec’s Water Hub, he said he was wondering whether the volatility in rainfall was here to stay. If intense rainfall events were
farmersguardian.com
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followed by drought, as has been the case in recent years, he said he would need to invest heavily in water storage and drainage. “If we see harvests being compacted, we may need to invest in another combine too.” However, with volatile markets and current wheat prices, that level of investment would be hard to justify, he said, adding that now environmental schemes are available he could ‘just walk away from crops’. Like many farmers having
endured a very wet autumn, Mr Smith said he believed there was a strong case for Defra to re-introduce drainage grants. Badly drained or structured soils were potentially a problem in wet weather when they could not cope.
Regenerative “I believe in regenerative principles, but they will not overcome bad drainage. “I know that historically, NGOs have felt that drainage has created issues, but we have got
to get the balance right. If we can invest in drainage, we could concentrate on conservation on other parts of the farm.” Fellow panellist Chris Hewis, catchment adviser with Anglian Water, said that when drainage grants were available in the past, Government had ‘appreciated the need to produce food’. He believed drainage was important. He said: “We do not want damaged, compacted land which is prone to run-off.” DECEMBER 8 2023 | 27
06/12/2023 14:15
ARABLE
Farmer-led independent cover crop guide launched rScientific research
supports information By Ash Ellwood THE UK’s first independent guide to selecting, establishing and terminating cover crops, codesigned by farmers has been launched. As a free and easy-to-use online tool, the Cover Crops Guide is scientifically supported to give farmers the most up-to-date information and advice on cover crop varieties and their management. Using an interactive plant species selection tool, growers can assess the suitability of different brassica, legume, cereal and other varieties of cover crops. Each species is profiled for winter hardiness, root depth, grazing potential and nitrogenfixing and storing qualities.
Reliability Details of each species’ sowing period, depth and rate, seed size and insect benefits are provided, as well as growth rate, reliability and soil benefits. Useful details on species establishment and termination help farmers on their cover cropping journey, case studies of farmers who have trialled and settled on established cover crops rotations are available, and there are recommended resources for further information. Award-winning Yorkshire far-
It gives farmers an informed resource to make decisions about which cover crops to plant, where and when, and how to manage them DR DAVE GEORGE 28 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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Species suitable for cover cropping are profiled for winter hardiness, root depth, grazing potential and nitrogen-fixing and storing qualities.
mer Angus Gowthorpe, an early adopter of regenerative agriculture techniques who has led the project, says: “This new guide has been developed with input from a dedicated steering group of farmers and soil experts, brought together by the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society; individuals with years of on-farm experience of what works and what does not in different soils and climatic conditions. “What makes this a particularly comprehensive resource and the first of its kind in the UK, is the intelligence that has been contributed by the wider farming community. “It also draws on carefully curated literature and scientific research on cover crops. “We hope this tool proves to be useful for anyone who is looking to get started in cover cropping, or who wants to fine tune their species mixes to maximise benefits to their soils, wherever they are in the UK.” Mr Gowthorpe runs a 200hectare mixed farming enterprise near York and, with support from the Farmer Scientist Network,
he secured project funding through the Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK, in collaboration with Defra, as part of the Research Starter Competition. Dr Dave George, chair of the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and precision agronomist at Newcastle University, says: “There is so much innovative work going on at grassroots level in British agriculture to farm smarter and more efficiently at a time when financial support for the industry is being increasingly linked to environmental gains.
Benefits “Part of this story is the use of cover crops, which have clear tangible benefits to soil health. “Poor decisions at any stage of the process, from seed selection to termination, can result in failed crops, wasted time, financial loss and missed opportunities. That is what makes the Cover Crops Guide a game-changer;it gives farmers an informed resource to confidently make decisions about which cover crops to plant, where and when, and how to manage them.”
The guide has been delivered in collaboration with key partners, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Kings Crops/Frontier, Newcastle University and David Purdy Soils. AHDB supported the development of the guide by providing access to evidence-based information. AHDB will continue to curate independent cover crop guidance and build on the foundations laid by the Cover Crops Guide. Isobel Eames, knowledge exchange manager for AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, says: “We are proud to support this initiative and we will explore ways to build on its legacy. “Appropriate species selection is essential for farmers to unlock the full benefits of cover crops. “As understanding builds, guidance must move with it. We look forward to being at the forefront of the next phase of the Cover Crops Guide’s development.” MORE INFORMATION For updates from the Cover Crops Guide, follow @CoverCropsGuide on X. Or access the guide at covercropsguide.co.uk farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 12:05
LET THE
COMMENCE The UK’s first Farming Simulator League is coming to LAMMA 2024 8 teams will battle it out to win a prize pot of 15,000€
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Scan the QR code (bottom right) to register for the UK Farming Simulator League
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06/12/2023 13:11
SALES Black and White sale tops at 13,000gns
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
rUnborn Jersey heifer
duo sold for 5,800gns
TOPPING the Black and White sale at Carlisle at 13,000gns was a first choice from three heifers consigned by Noel and Daniel Willis, Northern Ireland. The heifers will be granddaughters of Erbacres Snapple Shakira, the current World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair champion. The direct dam of the heifers is Erbacres Diamond Sparkle, an EX93 daughter of Daimondback, which is the highest classified daughter of Shakira. The buyers were Wormanby Holsteins, Burgh by Sands, and Aubrey Greenhaugh, Preston, who also paid 12,000gns for Wiltor Ashton Babe. This October-born calf consigned by David and Claire Jones, South Wales, was a daughter of the 2022 reserve grand
champion from the Royal Winter Fair, Jacobs High Octane Babe. Also making 12,000gns was Leagh Lamborghini from Tim Fitzmaurice, Co Kerry. This was an October-born daughter of Lambda whose dam, Handercroft Fever Bazooka, was grand champion at the Eastern Ontario Championship Show. It sold to John O’Connor, Co Cork. Luck-E Altitude Aussie Red, a daughter of Luck-E McGucci Afro EX94 from Luck-E Holsteins, Illinois, USA, sold for 9,500gns
to Messrs Garvey, Newry, Northern Ireland. The yearling heifer Wiltor Legend Shakira by Blondin Legend from Messrs Jones sold for 9,000gns to Messrs Grimshaw, Bolton. Also at 9,000gns, David and Francis Wright, Kendal, sold Berryholme Rubicon Lustre, a daughter of Dalais Silver Lustre, which went to John Greenop, Wigton. Messrs Garvey paid 9,000gns for Overside Parfect Flo 2, from Hugh and Neilson, Strathaven.
Ayrshire A choice of two Ayrshire heifers sold for 6,500gns to David Forsyth, Ayrshire. This was Marleycote Sea Lily 36 from Richard Baynes, Northumberland. An unborn duo of Jersey heifers
from Donald and Laura Millar’s Treasure herd, Lockerbie, sold for 5,800gns to the Silly Willys Partnership, Staffordshire. They were daughters of Homeridge T Annett, which sold for USD$105,000 (£83,117) in the 2022 Amplify sale after being supreme champion of the junior show at World Dairy Expo. AVERAGES 94 Holstein yearling heifers, £4,010; 4 Holstein heifers in-milk, £3,911.25; 3 Holstein in-calf heifers, £3,500; 1 Ayrshire yearling heifer, £6,825; 1 Jersey heifer, £6,090; 1 Dairy Shorthorn, £2,625; 1 Brown Swiss heifer, £4,515; 25 embryos, £819; Goldwyn semen, £262. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Beltex claim Thirsk championship
Supreme champion, a Limousin heifer from E.H. Pennie and Son, Llandysill, which sold to David Jones, Jones Brothers, Wrexham.
Cattle champion sells for £10.20/kg IT was a record-breaking day at Market Drayton’s Christmas show and sale where prime cattle topped at £10.20/ kg, with 50 selling for more than 300p/kg and 10 for more than 350p/ kg to average 270p/kg (£1,565.33). The sale leader at £6,099.60 (£10.20p/kg) was the supreme champion, a Limousin heifer from E.H. Pennie and Son, Llandysill, which sold to David Jones, Jones Brothers, Wrexham. The Farm Assured champion was a 538kg Limousin heifer shown by Team Hancock, Elton, which made 500p/kg (£2,690) to the judge, Alex Nield. The reserve champion was a 554kg Limousin heifer from the same home which sold for 520p/kg (£2,880.80) to Ray Sargeant, Bramhall. Messrs Pennie also topped the steer section at 390p/kg (£2,316.60) with a Limousin. 30 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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The champion bull was the Farm Assured class winner, a 730kg Limousin consigned by Edward Evans and family, Halfway House, which went to the judge, James Williams, on behalf of Ralph Pearson Wholesale Butchers, Bradford, for 340p/kg (£2,482). Prime lambs averaged 278p/kg overall selling to 500p/kg (£197/head) for the champion pen; 39.4kg lambs from Madders and Johnson, Deer Park, which sold to Scott Shepley of Shepley Butchers, Market Drayton. In reserve were the winning Farm Assured lambs, weighing 44.4kg from Lipley Beltex, Cheswardine, which made 360p/kg (£159.84) to Vivers Scotlamb. Commercial lambs topped at 370p/ kg for 39.6kg lambs from D. and J.M. Williams, Basford. Cast ewes sold to £228 for Beltex from Sarah Jones, Bryn, and averaged £89.55. Auctioneers: Barbers.
AT Thirsk’s Christmas show and sale, the sheep championship was awarded to Dan Stainthorpe, Whitby, with a pair of 39kg Beltex which sold for £340 (872p/kg) to the judge, Lee Reade, for Field Fresh Trading, Conwy. Alister Sutcliffe, Carlton in Cleveland, took home the reserve championship with his first prize single lamb, which sold for £218 to Charles Ashbridge for Taste Tradition, Hutton Conyers. The winning ewes were from the Wilson family, Kirkbymoorside,
and sold for a price of £230/head. The prime cattle championship went to the Swann family, Little Ouseburn, with a Limousin cross heifer which sold to Phillip Marley’s Butchers, Ripon, and Richard Horner, Thirsk, for 590p/kg (£3,608). The reserve champion went to the Marwood family, Leyburn, with a Limousin cross heifer which sold for 395p/kg to Knavesmire Butchers, York. Auctioneers: Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart.
Left to right: Judge Lee Reade, Dan Stainthorpe with his champion Beltex sheep, and market chairman Ian Woodhead. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 14:16
MART’S THE HEART SALES
Limousin steer claims Christmas championship rDevonshire Cup
IN spite of four inches of snow on show morning, Bakewell’s Farmers Guardian-supported Christmas show and sale attracted a big crowd, with standing room only at the mart’s traditional carol service. The prime cattle were judged by Sam Woolley and his grandfather, Brian, who was judging the show 60 years after his first assignment at Bakewell. They chose as champion a 568kg black Limousin steer from P.J. Blackwell, Bakewell, which had been bought at Hexham mart in May. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire were at the ringside to present their family’s Devonshire Cup to the champion, which went on to sell the following day for the top price of 510p/kg (£2,896) to
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
presented to champion
Limousin steer from P.J. Blackwell, Bakewell, which was chosen as champion and sold for 510p/kg to Sam and Brian Woolley, Sheffield.
the judges for their Woolley Bros Wholesale Meats, Sheffield. The reserve champion was a black Limousin cross heifer weigh-
A big crowd attended Bakewell’s Christmas show and sale. Champion prime lambs from David Warttig, which sold for 445p/kg to to Owen Taylor Butchers, Alfreton.
farmersguardian.com
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ing 740kg from Michael and Ellie Wynne, Matlock, which sold for £4/kg to Laurie Ibbotson, Dovecote Park.
The High Peak Livestock Society Trophy went to a 616kg red Limousin from Tom and Jack Gratton, Riber, which sold for 390p/kg (£2,402) to the judges. The Gratton family also won the Robert Walker Trophy class with a 660kg heifer which made the top heifer price of 405p/kg (£2,673). The young handler’s class was won by 12-year-old Blossom Dickinson, Belper. Dan Binns, Huddersfield, judged the prime lambs, awarding the championship to the winners of the best pen of five lambs weighing 4044.5kg from David Warttig, which sold for 445p/kg (£200.25/head) to Owen Taylor Butchers, Alfreton. Auctioneers: Bagshaws.
Auctioneer Oliver Hiles. Auctioneer Peter Ovens selling prime lambs.
DECEMBER 8 2023 | 31
06/12/2023 15:58
SALES
UK’S LARGEST AUCTION DIRECTORY Visit the UK’s most comprehensive auction listings at auctionfinder.co.uk
rEwe lambs sold to an
average of £2,921.62
TOPPING the Dark Diamonds show and sale of pedigree Suffolk females at 12,000gns was a ewe lamb from
John Gibb’s Cairnton flock, Fraserburgh, which had been reserve champion at the Scottish Nationals. By Bridgeview Belvenie and out of a home-bred daughter of Millhouse Remarkable, it sold to Messrs Theyer, Oxfordshire.
Prime cattle champion sells for peak of 610p/kg AT the Christmas show and sale of prime cattle at Pateley Bridge, the championship went to a 673kg Limousin heifer from Olivia Matten, Thirsk. It later sold for the top price of 610p/kg and £4,105.30/head to the judge, Nick Dalby, Brimham Rocks, on behalf of Kendall’s Quality Butchers, Pateley Bridge. The heifer was bought by Olivia Matten at Pateley Bridge for £1,800 in February 2023 from J.A. Butler, Rochdale. Reserve championship went to a 680kg British Blue heifer from Rodney Bros, Healey, which sold for 505p/kg (£3,434) to Andrew Warren, Cleckheaton. The steer championship was awarded to Matthew Brown, Bridlington, with a 661kg Limousin, which sold for 395p/kg (£2,610.95) to R. Pearson Wholesale Butchers, Bradford. Reserve steer was a 648kg Lim-
ousin from R. Anderson, Middleham, which sold for 415p/kg (£2,689.20) to Kitsons Quality Butchers, Yarm. Heifers averaged 403p/kg and steers averaged 350p/kg. The prime lamb championship went to a pen of three 47kg Beltex from Rodney Brothers, which later sold for £260/head (553p/kg) to judge Harry Woods, Bowland Foods, Preston.
Reserve Reserve championship went to a pen of three 49kg Beltex lambs from Ellis Brothers, Addingham, which sold for £250/head (510p/kg), also to Bowland Foods, which also paid £190 (510p/kg) for the winning single lamb, a 52kg Beltex from Rodney Bros. The 140 lambs forward averaged 304.73p/kg. Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.
Overall champion heifer which sold for 610p/kg (£4,105.30) with (left to right) vendors Olivia and Robert Matten and judge Nick Dalby. 32 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON
Dark Diamond Suffolks reach 12,000gns
Sale leader, a ewe lamb from John Gibb’s Cairnton flock, Fraserburgh, which sold for 12,000gns.
Next, at 10,000gns, was a gimmer by Howgillfoot Sniper out of a dam by Crewelands Kingpin from Graeme Christie, Inverurie. It sold, carrying twins to Castleisle Blackadder, to Stephen Cobald, Suffolk. Messrs Boden, Stockport, then paid 9,000gns for a ewe lamb by Rookery The King out of a Birness Freedom daughter from George Stuart’s Birness flock, Ellon, and 5,500gns for a ewe lamb by Sportsmans 5 out of a Limestone Leg-
acy sired dam from the same home. A gimmer by Cairness McCoy, in-lamb with a single to Cairnton Ninety Nine from Jimmy Douglas’ Cairness flock, Fraserburgh, sold for 7,000gns to Messrs Moir, Fraserburgh. AVERAGES 65 shearling gimmers, £1,646.07; 20 ewe lambs, £2,921.62; 1 recipient carrying a pregnancy, £1,260. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Limousin steer claims Gisburn championship A BLACK 660kg Limousin steer from D.M. and R.E. Capstick, Skipton, won the championship at Gisburn’s Christmas primestock show and sold for the top price of £3,636 (600p/kg). Having won the red rosette in the home-bred class, it sold to Lancaster-based farm shop, Countrystyle Meats, owned by Alan and Heather Beecroft, who are also on-site butchers at Gisburn mart. Standing reserve was the continental steer class winner, a 762kg Limousin from D.A. Wilcock and Sons, Ashton-in-Makerfield, which sold at 395p/kg (£3,010) to Harry Wood, Bowland Foods, Preston. Messrs Wilcock sold six steers and heifers, averaging 572kg and a sale price of 382p/kg, and also won the Gisburn Auction Marts Trophy for the highest annual throughput in the beef ring at the market. Young Farmers class winner was Rathmell Young Farmers’s Club member Thomas Capstick, who won the A.M. and E. Hartley cup with a 556kg home-bred British Blue heifer, which made 410p/kg (£2,280) to Whalley butcher, S.R. Hallworth. A 522kg Limousin heifer from Paul Baines, Gisburn, won the unhaltered class and realised 388p/kg (£2,025) to K. and J. Green Butchers, Chorley. Winner of the native breed class
was a 528kg Aberdeen-Angus heifer from T.K. Drinkall, Newton-leWillows, which sold at 362p/kg (£1,911) to Simon Duerden on behalf of Brian Hodder Family Butchers, Claytonle-Moors. In the young bull class, prices peaked at £2,808, when an 826kg Limousin from Andy Rigby, Slaidburn, took the red rosette before selling at 340p/kg to Bowland Foods.
Store cattle Store cattle champion was a 25-month-old red Limousin steer from P. Coates Farmers, Barrowford, which topped the sale at £1,800. It was Bowland Foods’ Peter Briggs who judged the prime lamb show and found his champion pen of three, in local vendors William and Michael Oldfield’s 40kg Beltex, which made 925p/kg (£370/head) to Countrystyle Meats. Reserve went to Anthony Thompson and family, Foulridge, whose 44kg Beltex lambs made £320/head, also to Countrystyle Meats. D. and L. Coar, Darwen, had the champion pen of cast ewes, which sold at £200/head to Yorkshire Halal Meat Suppliers, with Mr Thompson’s Beltex in reserve and selling at £215/head. Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts. farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 17:06
PICTURES: CATHERINE MACGREGOR
SALES
Pre-sale show supreme champion, Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen, from Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran, which sold for 26,000gns.
rReserve female
sold for 18,000gns
AT the Next Generation sale of Simmental females and weaned calves at Carlisle, the pre-sale show supreme champion, October 2022-born heifer Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen, from Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Co Fermanagh, sold for 26,000gns. This set a new record for a Northern Ireland female, as well as a sale and Simmental centre record. By Saltire Impressive out of Coolcran Ellas Heidi and a big winner in
the showring this summer, the heifer sold to the judge, Reece Simmers, Keith. Lifting the reserve female championship and taking the second top price of 18,000gns was April 2022-born Overhill House Neva from Richard McCulloch, Armadale. The first female to be offered for sale by Pistyll Kingsman, out of Overhill House Kitty Kat and an Aultmore Goliath daughter, it sold to Ryan Smith, Keith. M.A. Barlow and Sons, Leyland, averaged £5,754 for their team of 10, with two animals at 10,000gns. First at this money was January
Simmental females break records at Carlisle 2022-born Denizes Melody 48, by Blackford Galaxy 15 and out of Denizes Melody 31, which was one of seven purchases made by Alex Bulmer for his Habton herd, Malton. The other to make 10,000gns was Denizes Melody 52, an August 2022-born daughter of Denizes Hamish out of Denizes Melody 18. It was knocked down to R.E. and S.H.W. Streggles, Honingham, Norfolk, who also paid the leading maiden heifer price of 8,000gns for Denizes Eve’s Beauty. Selling at 9,000gns was the youngest animal in the catalogue and the weaned heifer calf
champion; April 2023-born Islavale Peaches from W.S. Stronach, Keith, Banffshire. The first heifer to be sold by Islavale Lucifer 20 and out of Islavale Honey, it had been Simmental female and overall junior champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show. The buyers were the Burns family for their Tippetcraig herd, High Bonnybridge. AVERAGES 34 served maiden heifers, £5,583.53 (+£363 on 2022); 3 weaned calves, £5,180; 1 cow and calf, £6,300. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Matt’s flock tops Blue Texels at 3,200gns LEADING the trade at 3,200gns at the Blue Texel Society sale at Carlisle was Matt’s Gin Fizz. The shearling ewe – by Matt’s Firetrap and out of the Joe’s Alvin daughter, Hackney Caryl – was from Matthew Burleigh, Enniskillen. Scanned with a pair to 10,000gns Sams Houdini, it was knocked
down to Kevin Jones, Oswestry. Samantha Allen and Allen Shortt, Strabane, sold Derg Gangsta Girl, also by Matt’s Firetrap and out of Derg Coco Chanel, for 2,800gns. Scanned with twins to 20,000gns Beili Blue Hulk, it was knocked down to C. Roberts, Abergele.
Skipton dairies sell to £3,000 AT Skipton’s Christmas dairy show and sale, the championship went to Aytonian Annie 557, an October-calved white heifer giving 30kg from H.S. Petch and Sons, Great Ayton. It sold for the day’s top price of £3,000 to the judge, Kevin Midgley, Malton. A Splendid Lucid Red-sired, November-calved heifer was second in the heifer in-milk class and followed on to be reserve champion for Robert and Matthew Webster, Stocksbridge. It made £2,600, selling to Mark Goodall, Tong. It was the end of an era when farmersguardian.com
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Sally Wellock and family, Oakworth, sold the last four black and whites from their Harehills herd, and took first and second place in the in-calf heifer class with Denovo Outlay daughters, also topping the in-calf trade at £1,680 with their third heifer. The same price was achieved by one of three in-calf heifers consigned by Jack and Alan Wilson, Green Hammerton.
The same vendors sold two for 2,000gns apiece. The first going to Dave Thompson, Blandford, was Derg Glamour Girl, also scanned with twins to Beili Blue Hulk. Matching that at 2,000gns when snapped up by Stephanie Dick, Stirling, was Derg GingerSpice by Beili Blue Euphoric and scanned with twins to 30,000gns Sunnybank Fergus. Kevin Watret, Annan, led the ewe lamb trade at 1,200gns twice
for a pair of full embryo sisters by Sunnybank Exchange Rate. Mark Oare, Holywell, bought the first, Solway View Heart, while Laura Beck, Halesworth, bought the second, Solway View Hale, which won the ewe lamb class. AVERAGES 6 aged ewes, £805; 59 shearling ewes, £837; 15 ewe lambs, £445. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Shearling ewe, Matt’s Gin Fizz, from Matthew Burleigh, Enniskillen, which sold for 3,200gns to Kevin Jones, Oswestry.
Bulling heifers Bulling heifers sold to £950, again for Sally Wellock, which went to Rob Johnson, Felliscliffe. Auctioneers: CCM. DECEMBER 8 2023 | 33
06/12/2023 10:04
SALES
TOP STOCK Browse, sell, buy at FGBuyandSell.com
Sheepdogs reach £12,000 online SKIPTON’S online working sheepdog sale peaked at £12,200 for 17-month-old Cefneithin Gyp, a black and white bitch from Kevin Evans, Brecon. By his own Hendre Sam, out of Cefneithin Jet, it sold to Levi Joensen of Klaksvik on Bordoy, the northernmost Faroe Island. Next, at £5,600, was Moss, a part-broken 12-month-old black
Sale leader, Cefneithin Gyp, from Kevin Evans, Brecon, which sold for £12,000.
and white dog from David Wood, Bamford, Derbyshire, which sold to Ewen Macmillan, Lurg.
Unbroken section Mr Wood also claimed top price of £2,050 in the unbroken section, with black and white Ben, a sixmonth-old son of Kemi Bert. Making £3,700 was Rock, a fully broken June 2021-born
tri-coloured dog from Padraig Doherty, Co Donegal, which sold to Martin Duffy, Omagh. Philip Mellin, Oakworth, sold his three-year-
Texels top Worcester pedigree sale rTop price from James
Theyer’s Clanfield flock
A EWE lamb by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice was the top seller at 3,000gns at the Gloucester and Border Counties Texel Club’s Christmas Present sale at Worcester. From James Theyer’s Oxfordshirebased Clanfield flock and out of a dam by 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression, it sold to Jack Robb, Leighton Buzzard. Next, at 880gns, was an in-lamb gimmer by Clarks Wizard from the Chave family’s Peacehay flock, which
sold in-lamb to Usk Vale Fandabidozi to Kayleigh Dawe, Holsworthy. Leading trade for Dutch Spotted females at 1,600gns were Tom and Louise Nash, Pembrokeshire, with the in-lamb gimmer, Merryboro Fran. By Ty-Gwyn Dustin and scanned in-lamb to Dutch Dominator, it was knocked down to C. Riggs, Winbourne. At the same money was another in-lamb female from Sara Gibbons, Brecon. Whatmore Flycatcher by Whatmore Elite sold having run with Whatmore Forty Winx to Tom Buckland, Caerphilly. Badger Face Texels saw a top call
old fully broken black and white dog, Hendy Jack, to Jim Brocklehurst, Derbyshire, for £3,500. Auctioneers: CCM.
Sale leader, a ewe lamb by the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice, from James Theyer’s Clanfield flock, Oxfordshire, which sold for 3,000gns.
of 800gns for Tordown Edna, a ewe lamb by Whatmore Babdit from Steven Ley and Hannah Payne, Liskeard, which sold to Trevor Prew.
Blue Texels Blue Texels saw a top call of 750gns twice. Firstly, for the pre-sale champion, Glan-Y-Mor Goddess, an in-lamb gimmer by a Turbo Blue ram, from M. and A. Jones, Talsarnau. The buyer was M.J.C. Hocken, Cheltenham. Also at that money was Whatmore Gin by Whatmore Chaos from Sara
Gibbons, which sold to S.L. Evans, Brecon. AVERAGES Texels – 1 aged ewe, £525; 17 gimmers, £594; 2 ewe lambs, £1,785. Dutch Spotted – 4 aged ewes, £931.88; 8 shearling ewes, £1,207.50; 3 ewe lambs, £980; 3 recipient ewes, £752.50. Blue Texels – 7 aged ewes, £450; 11 shearling ewes, £633.82; 11 ewe lambs, £362.73. Badger Face Texels – 4 ewe lambs, £656.25. Beltex - 2 shearling ewes, £341.25; 1 ewe lamb, £210. Auctioneers: McCartneys.
High of 3,200gns for Dutch Spotted Strong dairy trade at Market Drayton THE sale of Dutch Spotted sheep at Carlisle topped at 3,500gns for Milltown Good Girl, a ewe lamb by Carlaustan Extrovert out of Glencoy Cherry from T. Jackson, Co Down. It sold to Messrs Watson, Pennington, and its ET sister, Milltown Gabby sold for 2,400gns to the same buyer. Making 3,000gns was Merryboro Fleur, a shearling gimmer by Dutch Dominator out of Merryboro Diamond, consigned by Tom and Louise Nash, Haverfordwest. It sold, in-lamb to Mcdermotts Fireman, to Messrs Williams and Co, Abergele. 34 | DECEMBER 8 2023
p34 Dec8 MB AC.indd 2
Brian Davies, Haverfordwest, sold the imported gimmer, Flymetothemoon, in-lamb to Dutch Magic Man, for 2,200gns to Messrs Ridley, Richmond.
Imported gimmer Another imported gimmer from the same home, but in-lamb to Irthing Valley Elvis, made 2,000gns to Messrs Skinner, Huntly. AVERAGES 6 aged ewes, £1,137.50; 34 shearling gimmers, £1,190.51; 32 ewe lambs, £696.60. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
A SECOND calver at £3,100 and two heifers at £2,800 added sparkle to the Christmas festivities at Market Drayton’s show and sale, supported by the Western Holstein Club. The top price of £3,100 was for the first prize pedigree cow and reserve champion, Clayden Yeast Roxy, one of three second calvers from the Clayden Farm Partnership, Crewe, with their others selling for £2,450 and £2,300 to average £2,616.
Champion heifer The champion heifer which made £2,800 was the pedigree, Rowarton
Applejax Favourite 2, from G.J. Sutton, Congleton, with their third prize pedigree heifer making £2,400. The second prize heifer from the Glanmarton herd of Whitticase family, Oswestry, matched the top price of £2,800 with their other heifers selling for £2,500, £2,400 and £2,350 to average £2,512 for four. Ayrshire heifers from S.N. Bailey and Partners, Crewe, sold to £2,000. AVERAGES Fresh cows, £2,157; fresh heifers, £2,073. Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards with Barbers. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 10:09
MART’S THE HEART SALES rPure Rouge lambs
AT Thrapston’s Farmers Guardian-supported Christmas show and sale there was a clean sweep in the prime cattle section for Will and Natasha Burden, W.R.B. Farming, Ringstead. They claimed the overall prime cattle championship with a home-bred April 2022-born Limousin steer. It went on to sell for £2,090.50 (370p/kg) to W.H. Thomas Farm Shop, Ecton. They also took the reserve championship with a home-bred Limousin-sired heifer out of a British Blue cross cow, which sold for £2,159.40 (366p/kg) to P. Fraser, Leighton Buzzard. Mr and Mrs Burden run about 60 suckler cows, with most progeny sold as stores but some are retained for showing. Both champion and reserve were by a stock bull, Mereside Ontario. The native sired winner from G.R. Fountaine and Son, Milton Keynes, was an Aberdeen-Angus-sired heifer, which sold for £1,494.40 (282p/kg) and the unhaltered class winner from E. Sansom and Son, Deenethorope, made £2,077 (322p/kg). Taking the champion and reserve titles in the sheep section was Ann Wilson, Harpole, with pure Rouge lambs.
Pen of three The champion pen of three weighed 61.5kg/head and sold for £250/head (405p/kg) to A.J. Neal and Son, Kings Lynn, with the 57kg reserve champions selling for £190/head (333p/kg) to the same buyer. Mrs Wilson lambs 40 pure Rouge ewes which are run alongside a 100-head commercial flock. The sale of show and commer-
PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE
top sheep categories
Lambs being sold at Thrapston’s Farmers Guardian-supported Christmas show and sale.
Limousins take champion and reserve at Thrapston cial lambs had an SQQ of 291p/kg. Champion pig was a five-monthold Duroc cross from Paul Winderspin, Pidley, which had been bought as a weaner from the market. It sold for £200 to Joseph Morris Butchers, Rugby. The charity chosen by the Thrapston and District Fat Stock Show Society was Marie Curie and more than £1,100 was raised at the Christmas show, with fundraising to continue at the society dinner.
Champion pen of three sheep, pure Rouge lambs, from Ann Wilson, Harpole, which sold for £250/head.
Auctioneers: Bletsoes.
Prime cattle champion, a Limousin steer, from Will and Natasha Burden, Ringstead, which sold for £2,090.50. farmersguardian.com
p35 Dec8 MB AC.indd 2
Reserve prime cattle champion, a Limousin-sired heifer out of a British Blue cross cow, from Will and Natasha Burden, Ringstead, which sold for £2,159.40. DECEMBER 8 2023 | 35
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AGRICULTURE’S NA
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FGBuyandSell.com 38-46 Auctions
46-47 Careers
48-51 Livestock
51-52 Feedstuffs & Bedding 52-55 Buildings & Building Materials
Shropshire & Borders Texel Club
Christmas Sale
142 In Lamb Ewes 18 Empty Ewe Lambs
At Welshpool Livestock Market On Thursday 14th December Sale at 6pm
To include final dispersal of the Trefonnen Flock, Production Sale of Claybury Texels & Dispersal of Aldan Flock
For Catalogues please call:
01938 553438
Bakewell Market Results - Monday 4th December 381 Cattle & 1,651 Sheep - Full report available on our website Store Cattle Entries now being taken for Monday 11th December Deadline 12 Noon on 8th December Call 01629 812777 Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com ********************** THURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443
*********************** CHRISTMAS OPENING AT BAKEWELL MARKET
Thursday 21st December - Thursday Lunchtime Sheep Sale Monday 25th December - CLOSED Tuesday 26th December - CLOSED Thursday 28th December - Thursday Lunchtime Sheep Sale Monday 1st January - CLOSED Tuesday 2nd January - MARKET OPEN
Tel: 01629 812777
www.bagshaws.com
Leek Smithfield • Barnfields • Leek • Staffordshire • ST13 5PY • www.leekmarket.co.uk
Market Results Dairies to £2040, Cull Cows 199p/kg - £1456, Clean £600 - £3660, Pigs - 380p/kg - £376.20, Calves BB Bull to £360, Lambs 710p/kg - £319.50.30, Ewes £230 TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER – Herd Dispersal of 40 Cows & Heifers In-milk & In-calf on behalf of Messrs Whittaker, Bosley. Cubicles & Herringbone, Genuine Herd Dispersal. (Following the Usual Commercial Entry).
Store Cattle Sales 400 STORE CATTLE SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2023 - Entries Invited Store Sheep Sale Sale of 3200 Store & Breeding Sheep THIS SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2023 10AM Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894 Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092 Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652 Visit us at www.leekauctions.co.uk
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WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER (10.30am after the weekly sale) AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW (moved from Bank Farm, Leominster, for sale convenience DISPERSAL SALE OF THE ENTIRE MILKING HERD OF
65 DAIRY CATTLE
★ HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS ★ RED & WHITES ★ BROWN SWISS ★ ★ 65 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★ ★ 9,444kgs 3.82%F 3.46%P cc118 ★ CUBICLES ★ ★ 70% 1st to 3rd lacts ★ All year calving ★
For EA & NJ Griffiths & Son
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NORTH WEST AUCTIONS LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS
www.nwauctions.co.uk
info@nwauctions.co.uk
LANCASTER AUCTION MART
Tel: 01524 63308 Monday 11th December 10.30am PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP Followed by the fortnightly sale of STORE LAMBS
J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE Tel: 015395 66200 Tuesday 12th December 10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 1pm 2000 PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP
-------------------------------
Friday 15th December (Last Cattle Sale of the year) 10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11am DAIRY CATTLE 11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE & FARMER STIRKS ------------------------------
Friday 22nd December 10am DRESSED POULTRY *NO CATTLE SALE*
BARNARD CASTLE AUCTION MART Teesdale Co Durham, DL12 8AD
35-40 OTM Cattle 10 Breeding Cattle 42 Feeding Bulls & 290 Store Cattle Sale at 10am
-------------------------------
Thursday 14th December 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of 5000 STORE LAMBS -------------------------------
Thursday 21st December (Last Cattle Sale of the year) 10am REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am STIRKS & STORE CATTLE -------------------------------
Friday 22nd December 2pm DRESSED POULTRY
LIGHTWEIGHT LAMBS REQUIRED FOR WEEKLY COLLECTION - Contact Bradley Thompson on 07867000244.
PATELEY BRIDGE AUCTION MART Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HN
SATURDAY 16th DECEMBER Sale of OTM/Prime Cattle Feeding Bulls & Store Cattle & Store lambs Sale at 11am CATALOGUES FOR ALL THE ABOVE SALES
Brockholes Arms Auction Mart
Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH
01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk Auctioneer: Ian Atkinson 07944 237516 Tuesday 12th December 2023 9.00 a.m. 750 Prime Lambs & 200 Cast Ewes/Tups Belly Clipping Required. Service available on site Christmas Show & Sale of Pairs of Store Cattle Show to commence 9.30 a.m. 10.30 a.m. 100 Store Cattle Christmas Show & Sale of Calves Show to commence 10.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 60/80 Rearing Calves, Weanlings & Stirks Wednesday 13th December 2023 10.30 a.m. OTM Cattle Sale PLEASE NOTE NO TB Exempt Cattle 12.00 Massey Feeds Christmas Show & Sale of 40 to 50 Dairy Cattle to incl. I/C Heifers Thursday 21st December, 2023 6.00 p.m. Dressed Poultry Sale
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CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR WEBSITE
Monday 11th December @10.00am Usual Weekly Sale Inc Christmas Fatstock Show For Prime Pigs
www.barnardcastleauctionmart.co.uk Tel Libby Bell Auctioneer on 07818435728
Friday 22nd December @11.00am Fortnightly Store & Breeding Sale Store Lambs, Store Cattle & Calves Christmas Dressed Poultry 5pm
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP
Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam@auctionmarts.com
CLITHEROE AUCTION MART
www.auctionmart.co.uk T: 01200 423325 • Jeremy: 07815 727993 WEEKLY Tuesday 12th December 12.30pm PRIMESTOCK Hill Prime Lambs & Ewe Show SALE Classes for pens of 4
O e
W
ONLINE Thurs 14th - Sat 16th December MACHINERY Viewing of items Thurs 14th, Fri 15th SALE 9-4 and Sat 16th 9-12noon
Tuesday 12th December 2000 Prime Lambs at 10am 400 Cast Ewes & Rams Friday 15th December 1000 Store Lambs at 10am Tuesday 2nd January Show & Sale of Prime Lambs for Young Farmers for the JW Cockett Shield. Sponsored by Lane End Farm Shop, Tong Saturday 13th January 100 Store Cattle & Cull Cows. Cat closes Tue 2nd Jan.
Telephone: 01969 667207, 015396 20895, 07974 126397, 07711 469280. December 8, 2023 |
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VIEW FROM THE ROSTRUM
Christmas shows are well underway all types of livestock and I highly recommend attending such a show at your local market, taking in some of the Christmas atmosphere and enjoying a bit of time with like-minded people. One of the highlights near Christmas time is always the dress poultry sale. As many of you will be aware, the regulations for selling primestock change next week with vet attestation coming into power from December 13.
Ian Atkinson on Brock Auction’s Christmas
A
s I sit and write this article, many auction markets are busy with their Christmas shows. For many, it is a slightly quieter time on the farm, so people are able to come to the market and enjoy some festive spirit. This has certainly been the case at Brock Auction Market. We have enjoyed our first Christmas show which has been the prime lambs. We had a wonderful crowd here enjoying the Christmas spirit and witnessing a record price, with a wonderful pair of prime lambs selling to a market record of £300 each. At the Christmas shows and sales, we are always grateful to our buyers for their support throughout the year. Especially to our butcher buyers who support the markets throughout
Exported Ian Atkinson
the year and particularly at Christmas when they are buying the champion primestock. So, we kindly ask readers to please go on supporting their local butcher and thank them for supporting us in turn throughout the year Over the coming weeks we will continue to have Christmas shows for
Farmers Guardian
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES CHRISTMAS EDITION Friday 22nd December
The reason for the vets’ involvement is so that the carcases and offal can be exported. For those that are farm assured, there will be no change in selling primestock, but vendors who are not farm assured need to attain an attestation number from your vet and bring this to the market. If you are at all worried or need more advice on this please, contact your local auctioneer who will be more
than happy to advise you or assist in any way. Like many of you, here at Brock Auction Market we have enjoyed a good 2023, but now we are looking to the future. We have many exciting new plans in place. I am looking forward to developing the market as well in the near future with some new exciting sales, so keep your eyes on the press for the announcement shortly. So, on behalf of the directors and staff of Brock Auction Market, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Let us hope the buoyant trade for prime sheep and cattle continues into the new year. And there is slightly more optimism in the dairy sector as the price of milk show signs of improvement. Ian Atkinson is auction manager and auctioneer at Brock Auction Market. Call 07944 237 516, or email ian@brockauction.co.uk
Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700 Wednesday 13th December 8am Cast Ewes and Rams followed at 10am with Prime Lambs (Ballot 10am) Friday 15th December 10am- Sale of Rearing Calves and Weaned Stirks Monday 18th December Sale of Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Entries close noon Monday 11th December Wednesday 20th December
Copy Deadline - Wednesday Dec 20 11am Alterations/Cancellations - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am
Sale of Store Lambs of all classes entries close Wednesday 13th December
NEW YEAR EDITION
Andrew Maughan 07717 611952 Paul Gardner 07552 589141
th
Friday 29th December Copy Deadline - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am Alterations/Cancellations - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am
Please note
www.penrithauction.com
The Livestock Auctioneers Association
The Farmers Guardian office will be closed
The business centre
from Thursday 21st December, will re-open for
for all farmers
one day on Wednesday 27 December and will th
remain closed until Tuesday 2 nd January 2024
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
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| December 8, 2023
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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions
SKIPTON AUCTION MART
Tel: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com
Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481 Ted Ogden - 07855 958211 Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077 Rob Cloughton 07496 278828
FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE Tel: 01228 406200
PEDIGREE HOLSTEIN CATTLE PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY 144 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING Wednesday 13th December 2023 Show 10am Sale 11.00am FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO VIEW SALE LOTS PRIOR TO SALE 132 COWS & HEIFERS IN MILK & 12 BULLING HEIFERS No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK QUALITY MILKERS An excellent offering of highly productive cows and heifers sell all from herds with excellent health status. Prefixes include: Ashberry, Bankview, Berryholme , Carsewalloch, Chapelhouse, Colvend, Dalserf, Denmire, Drumtall, Dunnerdale, Ernespie, Espland, Errolston, Harhill, Heathersgill, Kepculloch, Kingcaird, Liscabank, Newtonmoss, Petteril, Ploughlands, Potstown, Soulseat, Stardale, Stowbeck, Swaites, Wellhouse, Woodcatt, Wormanby BREEDERS CHOICE This catalogue is packed with amazing pedigrees and includes members of the FLO, RUBY, MAHALA, ASHLYN, ELEGANCE, JODIE & ROSE & RED ROSE cow families. SPECIAL JERSEYS a special consignment of Jerseys sell from the WELLHOUSE Herd in Stranraer
CHRISTMAS STARS TEXEL SALE
Monday 18th December – 6.00pm presenting 87 In-Lamb Females with consignments from Clanfield, Cowal, Craig Douglas, Glenside, Haymount, Hilltop, Knap, Midlock, Milnbank, Orchilmore, Sportmans & Mellor Vale, Strathbogie Annual sale of
ROUGH PLUCKED & DRESSED POULTRY Friday 22nd December Please advise entries
Monday 11th December SALE OF REARING CALVES Sale 10.30am PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) SALE OF PRIME LAMBS Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES Dairy Cattle Monday 11th December Show & Sale of 20 DAIRY CATTLE Groups of all ages of in milk, in calf and youngstock
TEXEL IN LAMB SALE
on private register to both buy and
On behalf of Solway & Tyne Texel Club Friday 5th January 2024 Entries open date: 4th December and close 15th December 2023
sell Contact Sarah on 07710 795585 Wednesday 13th December 2812 STORE LAMBS & FEEDING EWES
“BORDER BEAUTIES” BORDER LEICESTER FEMALES
Inc Annual Addingham Sheep Breeders Charity Show & Sale of Mule Wether Lambs
Monday 8th January Entries close Monday 11th December
Sale 10.30am Saturday 16th December
“BLUE BELLES”
registered inlamb traditional type
BLUEFACED LEICESTER FEMALES Monday 8th January Entries close Monday 11th December
PEDIGREE 48 TEXEL FEMALES Sale 10.45am followed by PEDIGREE 23 BELTEX FEMALES PEDIGREE 5 BADGER FACE TEXEL FEMALES
PLEASE SCAN TO VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUES
PEDIGREE 53 BLUE TEXEL FEMALES Online bidding available please pre-register 200 WINTER SHOW STARS Annual Sale of MV Acc & Non MV Acc Females Inc Annual Consignments from F Joel & J Wood
Visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk or follow us on Facebook & Instragram
332 BORDER FINE ARTS & BESWICK Agricultural Themed
02476 697731 rugbyfarmersmart.com
Online bidding available please pre-register 100 STIRKS, WEANED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS, STORE & BREEDING SHEEP (Entries close Monday 11th December)
Wednesday 20th December Annual Christmas Sale of OVEN READY POULTRY – Pre-Entered Birds Only
Viewing 9.30am – Sale 10.30am
YOUNG FEEDING BULLS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE (Entries close Wednesday 13th December) Wednesday 3rd January New Year Opening Sale of YOUNG FEEDING BULLS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE – Please note entries for this sale will close Wednesday 20th December 4.00pm Xmas Sale Arrangements Monday 25th December – No Sale Thursday 28th December – Sale of PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP Monday 1st January – No Sale
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December 8, 2023 |
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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
T
his 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 15, 2024. ENTER ONLINE Alternatively, you can enter the competition online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging
Could your stockjudging skills win you one of three cash prizes?
ANIMAL
A
42
| December 8, 2023
Class Showtime Stockjudging Oct27 AC OM KR GG SIGNED OFF.indd 2
SPONSORED BY
www.showtime-supplies.co.uk
Return the form opposite, scan this QR code or enter online at farmersguardian.com/ showtimestockjudging
ANIMAL
B
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06/12/2023 12:16
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today HOW TO ENTER Return the form below or enter online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging
ANIMAL
ANIMAL
X
Y
Stockjudging competition entry form
Fill in and return this form before January 15, 2024, or go to farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging
Completing Section A of the form enables you to be entered into our free prize draw. However, we’d like to know a little more about you to help us provide information about relevant products. Fill in Section B if you would like to provide this additional information.
Section A Title:
First name:
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Mobile/telephone number: To keep up-to-date with the latest news, enter your email address to receive our electronic newsletters:
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Secondary occupation: (tick one box only): Farm Owner Contractor 0
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Total farm size in hectares: Dairy (livestock numbers):
g
Beef (livestock numbers): Sheep (livestock numbers): Privacy Statement: Data protection – your personal data will be collected and processed in accordance with our Privacy Statement which can be viewed (see p11). From time to time, Agriconnect would like to use the personal data you have provided in this form to contact you via email, post, phone and text about Agriconnect goods and services that we think will be of interest to you. If you would like to receive this communication, please confirm this by ticking this box. Your personal data will not be shared with third parties. If you have any queries or concerns about how we hold your data, please write to the Data Protection Co-ordinator, Agriconnect, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, PR2 9NZ, or email dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.
Please return by January 15, 2024, to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. Terms and Conditions: 1. The competition (prize draw) is open to UK residents (aged 18 years or over), with the exception of ‘employees’ or ‘relatives of employees’ of Agriconnect. 2. Inclusion in the prize draw is subject to entry to the competition. 3. Entry to the draw will close January 15, 2024. 4. Only one entry per person is permitted. 5. Winners will be selected at random from all valid and correctly answered entries. 6. The judge’s decision is final. No correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. 7. Prize is non-refundable and no prize alternative is available. 8. Completion of the entry form implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.
FGbuyandsell.com
Class Showtime Stockjudging Oct27 AC OM KR GG SIGNED OFF.indd 3
December 8, 2023 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Auctions SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
01278 410250 | livestock@gth.net, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6DF (J24 M5) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net/sedgemoor/livestock-special-sales Saturday 9th December
GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents
Tom Greenow - Market Manager 01200445376 Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803
Saturday 9 December 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS CHARITY PRIME LAMB SALE and YOUNG FARMERS SINGLE PRIME LAMB SHOW Competitors aged u18. Classes for best: (1) Monthly Catalogued Sale of Continental (2) Native ENTRIES AND ENQUIRIES TO MATTHEW PLEASE 10.30am 3 SHEEPDOG PUPS & 1420 STORE LAMBS Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Catalogue online Enquiries to Rachel Sale commences at approx 12.30pm Ring 1 Wednesday 13 December ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie ** GISBURN FESTIVE CAROL SERVICE All very welcome to this festive evening with Clitheroe Entries to date include:- G R E E N SwLwA wD E. g Tt Ah Y. nL eO tR H U N T Brass Band, Bethel Chapel Choir, Gisburn Hospitality • 10 Bulls – Aberdeen Angus, British Blue, Charolais, Hereford, and Refreshments served. Money Raised to go to RABI and Field Nurse Charities Highland & Limousin Thursday 14 December • 41 Cows & 41 Calves at foot – Ped Hereford, Ped Highland, Ped 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE inc SHOW for (1) Limousin, Aberdeen Angus, Bazadaise, British Blue, British Friesian, British Blue (2) Other Continental (3) Dairy Bred (4) Native Blonde, Charolais, Hereford, Longhorn, Limousin & Sussex 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am WEEKLY SALE OF DAIRY • 58 Incalf Cows & Heifers – Ped Hereford, Ped Limousin, Aberdeen 12.30pm STIRKS inc CHRISTMAS SHOW for best 01278 410250 | livestock@gth.net, SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Angus, British Blue, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Saler &SOMERSET, Shorthorn TA6Male NORTH PETHERTON, 6DFBest Female - entries by 4pm Monday 12th Saturday 16 December • 3 Maiden Heifers – Ped Highland 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS Included in the above 1 Bull, 6 Cows & Calves, 4 Incalf Cows & 1 Incalf 10.30am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE entries by Tuesday 12th Heifer – predominantly Pedigree Limousin & Limousin cross being a Thursday 21 December genuine dispersal due to retirement on behalf of EA Cox & Son. 1 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE Bull, 3 Cows & Calves and 14 Incalf Cows - Pedigree Herefords being 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am CHRISTMAS SEMEX UK & JAMESON a genuine dispersal due to retirement on behalf of IC & CM Tucker, FEEDS SHOW SALE OF DAIRY (1) Fresh Ped Glastonbury. Heifer (2) Newly Calved Ped Cow (3) Newly Calved Heifer (4) In-Calf Ammended festive sale dates Thurs 14th THE CHRISTMAS ONLINE SPOTLIGHT SALE SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER – NO SALE at gth.marteye.ie ONLINE ELITE SALE OF HOLSTEINS; JERSEYS: THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER – NO SALE SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER – NO SALE GUERNSEYS & BROWN SWISS TUESDAY 2ND JAN – NO MACHINERY SALE
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Families Incude: Amber; Amy; Ashlyn; August; Clover; Dawnette; Eve, Galys-Vray; Goldchip; Ghost; Lausine; Lila Z; Melody; Mist; Molli;
ASHLEY WALLER AUCTIONEERS HORTICULTURE Christmas Trees & Wreathes every Wednesdays, Thursdays No Sale Wednesday 27th Dec FURNITURE Next Sale 20th & 21st December PRODUCE 12.30pm every Monday No sale Monday 25th December, 1st January Special sale Tuesday 2nd January MACHINERY Next Sale Tuesday 12th December. Entries to date include 1998 6T Kubelco Excavator, Leyland Tractor, JCB 3C, 5T Thwaites Dumper etc.... 10 Reg Range Rover, Rav 4, Transit and Iveco crew lorries. Rotavator, power harrow, 400BP roof sheets, gates, S towers, pig scales, cow mats, mber etc.... Usual machinery and workshop sundries CHRISTMAS POULTRY Annual prize sale Monday 18th December 10am other entries an cipated every Wednesday info@ashleywaller.co.uk www.ashleywaller.co.uk www.easyliveauc on.com
www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376
Okalibra; Rae; Raquel; Savoire Fare; Shakira; Shower; Spot; Spottie; Tara; Veronica; Etc GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT www.gth.net
Buttington Cross, Buttington, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8SR
T: 01938 553438 F: 01938 554607
www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk
A New Route to Market
THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER Sale of MV Accredited In Lamb Pedigree Females 16 Charmoise – Sale at 2.15pm 49 Dutch Spotted – Sale at 2.45pm 32 Beltex – Sale at 3.45pm 35 Blue Texel – Sale at 4.30pm 20 Badger Face Texel – Sale at 5.15pm 163 Texel – Sale at 6pm To include the Final Dispersal of Trefonnen Flock, Production Sale of Claybury Flock & Dispersal Sale of Aldan Flock
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 44
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:00:43
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Breed Societies
Auctions
BENTHAM AUCTION MART
015242 61444 - Sale Days 61246 Stephen 07713 075 661 Greg 07713 075 664 Will 07590 876 849 www.benthamauc on.co.uk
Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December CHRISTMAS IN THE MART Superb Selection Of Trade Stands From Local Artists, Craft Makers, Bakers And Creators Today Friday 6.30pm Charity Christmas Tractor Run 7pm Farmers Carol Concert inc. Kirkbylonsdale Silver Band Saturday - Christmas Market inc. Childrens’ Entertainments Tuesday 12th December at 11am
4000 STORE LAMBS
Thursday 14th December at 6pm ELITE BREEDING SALE Evening Sale of 45 Pedigree & Commercial Elite Breeding Females Viz. 8 Beltex, 8 Blue Texel, 2 Charollais, 8 Dassenkop, 13 Dutch Spotted, 2 Ryeland, 3 Suffolk, 1 Zwartbles. MV & Non MV Sections Tuesday 19th December Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle Christmas Show & Sale of FARMERS STIRKS & YOUNG STORES Entries for catalogue close Friday 8th December Wednesday 20th December 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle 7pm ONE AUCTION MART SHARE To Be Sold In Top Ring
RTS Richard Turner & Son
120 Breeding & Store Cattle inc 8 ContX Cows(5/6 mths incalf) with Lim Calves as foot from D & J Gawthorpe 5 AAx Hfrs, 18/21mth, S Stickels 8 LimX Bulls, 8/10mth, S&P Padfield 3 Lim Bulls 9/10mth AS Green & Son Breeding & Store Sheep inc 40 TexX Lambs, S Middleton Breeding & Store Pigs Entries Welcome Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am
TODAY Carlisle: Ca Fri 8 Dec
Inc Ardstew Ardstewart Flock Production Sale Dispersal Sale for Loandhu Flock
Details: H&H 01228 406230
.................................................................
Beltex Belters @ Lanark: Sat 9 Dec Inc Production Sale for Heatheryhall Flock
Details: Lawrie & Symington 01555 662281
Christmas Show & Sale of Prime Sheep & Pigs Pig to be auctioned for charity kindly donated by Abbey Garth Pigs
.................................................................
435 Prime Contact Cattle 450 Prime 200 Prime Pigs Office forSheep Details PigsMART 9am Sheep 9.45am 10.45am OFFICE: 01757Cattle 703347
Details: Welshpool Livestock 01938 553438
THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER at 5pm RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535
Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535
office@beltex.co.uk
www.beltex.co.uk
www.selbymart.co.uk
Breed Societies
SHEEP SOCIETY
.................................................................
Dungannon: Fri 15 Dec Exeter: Fri 15 Dec Skipton: Sat 16 Dec Kendal Jct 36: Sat 6 Jan 2024
Christmas Sale of Dressed Poultry www.selbymart.co.uk Turkeys, Geese, Ducks & Chickens
BADGER FACE TEXEL
Welshpool: Thurs 14 Dec
Est 1803
The Livestock Auctioneers Association The business centre for all farmers CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
BELTEX IN-LAMB SALE DATES 2023 Breed Belters B with Beltex
SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER
Wednesday 13th December 11am Christmas Show & Sale of 100-150 REARING CALVES (Judging at 10am) 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3500 Prime Lambs Christmas Show & Sale of SHORTWOOLED PRIME LAMBS (Judging at 5pm)
AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS
BELTEX
...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
20
(5 entries)
B info@pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk
T 01768 870523 l f
Your one stop shop for all agricultural sales Search by sale type, mart, auctioneer or region
www.auctionfinder.co.uk FGbuyandsell.com
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FGBuyandSell.com Breed Societies
Business Development Manager Agriconnect is a business unit within the Arc network, a global events, data, and media platform. Arc is a fast-growing global events, data, and media platform with a varied portfolio content led portals, magazines, and events. Agriconnect’s mission is to empower, inspire, and connect people and business in agriculture by creating trusted content and connections that help the industry thrive. Since 1844, the brands of Agriconnect have been the trusted source of information for farmers and with brands like Farmers Guardian, events, like LAMMA and Farm Business Innovation, and digital platforms, like FG Insights, Agriconnect continues to bring together the British farming community.
14 Dec 2023 - Welshpool 15 Dec 2023 - Swatragh 27 Jan 2024 - J36 Kendal
THE ROLE:
• We are now looking for a motivated and driven salesperson to join our Sales team. • The main function of the role is to develop business through growth in revenue, yield, and to increase customer numbers. You will be required to identify new opportunities and influence companies’ media buying habits within the agricultural sector. Due to the ever-changing nature of the industry, this person will have the ability to spot new avenues and exploit market trends. • Hours: 35 hours per week – Mon – Fri • Location: Preston – temporary hybrid remote • Salary: Competitive, dependant on experience.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: www.dutchspottedsheep.co.uk secretary@dutchspottedsheep.co.uk 07818 131242
BLUE TEXEL
SHEEP SOCIETY
IN-LAMB SALE DATES Welshpool – Thursday 14th December Sale: 3.30pm Show: 4.30pm 35 Head ..................................................................
Dungannon – Friday 15th December
Show: 11am Sale: 12.30pm 30 Head ..................................................................
Skipton – Saturday 16th December
Show: 10.45am Sale: 12pm 53 Head ..................................................................
Kendal – Saturday 6th January
Further details to follow ..................................................................
St Asaph – Saturday 13th January Entries Close – Friday 15th December
www.blue-texel-sheep.com E: office@bluetexelsheep.co.uk
T: 01768 870523
Office: Holme House, Dale, Ainstable, Carlisle CA4 9RH 46
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• Own, support and fully develop specific market sectors • Conduct sales presentations by telephone, email or face to face to existing and prospective clients in order to develop existing business and generate new business wherever possible. • Advise existing and new customers on the most effective solution to meet client needs within the Agriconnect portfolio. • Continually seek and develop new sales & opportunities. • Ability to accurately forecast future sales • Keep abreast of all current trends, activities and relevant news within agriculture and specific sector • An interest in agriculture • Highly motivated & driven, with an ability to meet ambitious performance goals • Be enthusiastic and motivated to continually explore new opportunities, whilst possessing a natural inquisitive nature • Excellent communication written and interpersonal skills
We offer an excellent package including: • • • • • •
A competitive basic salary 25 days holiday increasing to 27 after two years An extra day off on your birthday Free life assurance Contributory pension scheme Employee assistance programme
Arc has ambitious plans for growth, and this is an opportunity to be part of our continuing success story whilst enjoying a fabulous work/ life balance. We strive to create a culture that is open and respectful, where differences are valued and celebrated. We want everyone to be able to reach their full potential, so we are committed to cultivating a company that promotes inclusion and belonging.
To apply for this role, please email amber.tabiner@agriconnect.com FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 14:17:57
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
Published December 29, 2023
General Manager Have you got drive and aspiration to be a part of a team that provide rural and agricultural communities with the support they need to succeed? If the answer is yes then you may be the person that we are looking for at Carrs Billington. We have two exciting opportunities at Carrs Billington location in Cumbria. We are looking for 2 General Managers, one for our Penrith Store and one for our Carlisle store. We are looking for someone who can lead the teams at branch, to maximise the sales opportunities across the whole site, ensuring customer service standards and continuous business development are high on the agenda, including delivering on the Company Strategy. Job Specifications: • Lead the Retail Branch Team driving sales and profitability to achieve targeted contributions. • To ensure all available resources are managed effectively, keeping costs within budget, so the store achieves targeted contribution. • To ensure all Branch colleagues deliver exceptionally high customer service, to optimise sales opportunities, in Branch and on farm, and take a lead in ensuring all customers have a positive customer experience. • To support, develop, mentor and drive colleague performance within the branch, so that key talent is optimised and retained, and we continue to be an attractive employer for future talent. • To manage stock to hit stock targets for the Branch, including aged stock. • To manage all customer debt, to ensure it is kept within company credit policies. • To ensure that all operating procedures are adhered on a daily/weekly/ monthly basis. • To adhere to Company and Group policies and procedures, including but not limited to those relating to Safety, Health and Environmental. • To ensure all relevant legislation and approved codes of practice, are adhered to in respect of ongoing compliance, including but not limited to UFAS, FIAS, & NOPS assurance schemes.
NEW YEAR NEW CAREER Advertising opportunities now available in our next
CAREERS SPECIAL Get your brand seen by decision makers, influencers, farm owners and managers!
Skills and Experience requirements: Essential: • Proven track record and experience of leading a multi discipline site. • Experience of managing a branch P&L. • Experience of driving growth in sales and logistics savings. • Ability to analyse data, identify trends and make informed decisions. • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure. • Experience of budget and financial management principles. Desirable • Agricultural experience. • Strong Machinery technical knowledge. • IOSH Managing Leading Safely qualification. • Experience of Microsoft D365 and IBCOS operating systems. What will we offer the successful candidate? • We offer a very competitive salary. • Superb company benefits, including pension, cycle to work, life assurance, perks at work, cash plan and many others.
Send CV’s to people@carrs-billington.com
carrs-billington.com/joinourteam
FGbuyandsell.com
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Speak to Katie O’Hagan today 01772 799 454 katie.ohagan@farmersguardian.com
December 8, 2023 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Public Notices
Personal
Passionate about creating a positive future for wool? Apply now for a British Wool board position…
Mid-For es, White Bull, seeks Heifer with show ring poten al and a Jersey type of calmness. 6 , privately educated, shaven head, thick built, financially independent with own agricultural business. Gives the impression of tough physically working, confident, with fire cracking personality, whereas in reality I am more of a fireplace, shy and reserved pen pushing type, which your hard-working Dad may describe as a lazy work dodger, but Mums usually like me. Looking to build an old-fashioned & long-las ng rela onship with a no-nonsense, feet on the ground, common-sense homemaker who is also capable of enjoying the finer things in life such as expensive holidays and fine wines. Please reply sending a map of land ownership, latest set of accounts, number of your siblings & udder size, joking apart preference will be given to kind, considerate, caring, gentle & understanding lady with good sense of humor, even if she comes penniless. Please send replies to: PO BOX 1041 Farmers, Guardian, Caxton Road, Preston PR2 9NZ
Retired Farmer, living in the North of England, would like to meet and correspond with a likeminded lady aged between 60 and 75 years old. All replies will be answered PO Box 1039 Farmers Guardian, Caxton Road, Fulwood, PR2 9NZ
FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500
Personal Services SINGLE BUT hoping?
Wondering if you will always be a farmer with no back up at home? You too could find someone lovely to be your partner and soulmate! Let ‘Friends1st’ the introduction agency for Christians - introduce you to someone special as we have for many other farmers! There are so many more people out there than you realise. And the right person will be willing to join you on your farm. For information view www.friends1st. co.uk or Call our friendly team on 0121 405 0941 today.
Contractors
Non-Execu ve Board Member Nomina ons and Elec ons
At Bri sh Wool our aim is to maximise returns for our farmer members. The organisa on is at an exci ng point in its evolu on building awareness of the sustainability and value of Bri sh wool, and a real focus on opera onal efficiency to minimise costs and maximise returns. With increasing awareness of sustainability, plas c use, and traceability, this provides opportunity for further value growth for Bri sh Wool members, as we look to find new and high value markets for wool.
WATER WELL DRILLING
• Borehole Drilling • Treatment &
Filtration • Water testing
To help us maximise the opportuni es ahead, we need farmer representa ves on our board who can provide leadership and insight, ensuring the organisa on con nues to work to deliver long-term value for members.
Join us…
If you are a sheep farmer or have an interest in the tex le industry in the English Northern or English Central regions who wants to make a difference, then we invite you to apply for a posi on as a farmer-elected non-execu ve board member. It’s a paid role, involving around 30 days’ work per year a ending mee ngs and represen ng Bri sh Wool in your region. Depending on the number of applicants, elec ons will be held in January 2024 and those appointed will hold office for three years, from 1st April 2024. We are par cularly keen to promote diversity on our Board, and welcome applicants from all different backgrounds, including those with off-farm experience.
About us…
Bri sh Wool is owned by approximately 35,000 sheep farmer members and operates under coopera ve principles. We collect and grade wool from all farmers regardless of type, loca on, and quan ty. We then market the wool collec vely in a managed way throughout the year to maximise value. Alongside this we work con nuously to drive demand for Bri sh wool from consumers, manufacturers and retailers through our licensing scheme and promo onal campaigns. Bri sh Wool’s non-execu ve board consists of nine regionally elected and two publicly appointed independent members. The board is responsible for the success of Bri sh Wool, provides strategic direc on to the execu ve team that manages the business and reviews business performance, major business ini a ves and investment.
Details of the role: • • • •
Non-execu ve board members are expected to work approximately 30 days a year, a ending board mee ngs and other relevant commi ee mee ngs over a period of two to three days each month. They are also expected to represent Bri sh Wool in their region. Current annual remunera on is £9,218 pa. Reasonable business expenses will also be paid. Successful candidates will receive a full induc on and be offered relevant training to assist them in carrying out their du es. For more details on this exci ng role, visit h ps://www.bri shwool.org.uk/boardmembers
If you have any ques ons please contact Board Secretary, Andy Whelan by email: andywhelan@bri shwool.org.uk
Nomina on process
Civica Elec on Services (CES) are administering the nomina on process for the Board Member Elec ons in 2024 on behalf of Bri sh Wool. To submit your nomina on online, please complete the form via the ‘Start’ bu on on the website: www.cesvotes.com/bwnomsform Nomina ons will open on Friday 8th December 2023 at 9am. Should you require any assistance regarding the nomina on form, please contact CES by emailing: support@cesvotes.com or calling: +44 (0) 208 889 9203. For any general enquiries rela ng to these elec ons please contact: BW Head Office – 01274 688666 or via email - Kam Dlay-Lewis - KamDlay-Lewis@bri shwool. org.uk / Gareth Jones garethjones@bri shwool.org.uk Online nomina ons should be received no later than 6pm on Thursday 4 January 2024.
01625 878411 www.blairdrilling.co.uk
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
We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions FG
Family announcements Milking Equipment
Horticulture
Michael Slinger Formally of Massey Ferguson (now part of AGCO) sadly passed away on 29th November 2023, aged 65. For all who knew him, a funeral service will be held in his honour at 10.45am on 14th December at St. Andrews Church, Longton, Preston, PR4 5AA
48
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Nursery Fresh For Planting Success
TOP QUALITY TREES & HEDGING PLANTS
N R O H T K IC U Q
Cold stored for freshness Also rabbit guards, canes, stakes and ties.
Call now for professional advice Growing Since 1973
Woodgrow Horticulture Ltd
BURTON ROAD, FINDERN DERBY DE65 6BE
Tel: (01332) 517600
New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks Second hand tanks currently available: Mueller 8000ltr & 9000 ltr Fabdec 4000ltr & 6000ltr Packo RMIB 3800ltr & RMIB 6000 ltr New Heat Recovery units in stock
01772 780806 www.ddcooling.co.uk
www.woodgrow.com
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:05:49
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Trees & Shrubs
Milking Equipment
Everglades Nurseries Ltd
Dairy Equipment For Sale
THE QUICKTHORN NURSERY
Quickthorn (hawthorn)
20/40cm 0.32 40/60cm 0.43 40/60cm bushy 0.83 60/90cm 0.59 90/120cm 3ft /4ft bushy 1.41 Blackthorn 40/60cm 0.41 60/90cm 0.50 Beech 40/60cm 0.82 60/90cm 1.19 90/120cm 1.90 Privet 40/60cm 0.60 60/90cm 0.95 Hornbeam 40/60cm 0.55 60/90cm 0.80 90/120cm 1.75 Box 20/30cm 1.28 30/40cm 1.62 English Yew 30/40cm 2.15 Cherry Laurel 40/60cm 1.95 60/90cm 2.45 Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Specimen Plants, Hedging, All Sizes Available. A standard delivery charge may be added. Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Ring for native tree whips availability and prices. Delivery will commence the week of the 13th November. All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change. 269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ
• 2012 Fulwood 18/36 Milking Parlour - Quick exit at 90degrees with auto ID, Cotswold Backflush • Mount Pleasant electric backing gate • Fulwood 2 way segregation gate • 4 Fulwood out of parlour feeders Telephone Philip - 07738 391889 North Yorkshire (P)
ment troughs, for any parlour. 01260 226261
(T)
We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions FG
Milking Equipment
Complete new/used cooling solution NEW / USED TANKS FROM 50-50,000 LITRES, HORIZONTAL OR SILO
Complete solutions from milk storage tanks, to ice builders, plate coolers, condensing units, heat recovery systems, glycol systems, tank wash systems. We also buy used tanks & part exchange. Quality used milk tanks available along with refurbished ice builders & condensing units. We also supply quality batch & the latest flow pasteurisers. This allows you to add more value to your milk in the way of vending or creating your own branded cream & milk.
KRISTAL D&D LIMITED ESTABLISHED 1978 ADDRESS
3 Porthouse Industrial Estate Bromyard, HR7 4NS Tel: 01885 483576 | Email: info@kristaldd.co.uk
WEBSITE www.kristaldd.co.uk
Our ice builders & plate coolers are built in our factory along with our condensing unit & heat recovery systems
CALF DEFENDER (TRANSITION MILK) “HEALTHY CALVES”
CALF DEFENDER is an energised Calf Milk with an extensive package of health promoting ingredients to stimulate the immune system and promote a healthy gut.
For further information contact:
BRITMILK
01387 750459 FGbuyandsell.com
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Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
HEAVY DUTY replace-
www.evergladesnurseries.com sales@evergladesnurseries.co.uk Tel: 01257 450533
CONTACT
Portable Milking Machine
FarmersGuardian Orders for Insertion of advertisements in Farmers Guardian are accepted subject to the following conditions: 1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practise and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority: and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation. 2. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advertisement. 3. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be, or make a reasonable adjustment to the cost. No reinsertion, or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed a) The amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose. OR b) The cost of a further corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose. 4. The publisher reserves the right to withdraw, amend or alter any advertisement it considers necessary. 5. Cancellations or advertisements are accepted providing they comply with the cancellation deadlines which are published at regular intervals. 6. Advertisement orders are issued by an advertising agency as a principal and must be on the agencies official form (when copy insutructions not constituting an official order are issued they must be clearly marked at the head “Copy Instructions – not an order”. 7. Advertising Agency commission will only be granted to those Agencies who are currently recognised by the Newspaper Society at the time of placing an advertisement order and copy. The rate of commission is determined by the publisher. 8. When credit is allowed payment is due within 7 days. Monthly accounts are due in full each month. “We reserve the right to charge additional costs and interest for non payment within our credit terms”. 9. Only standard abbreviations are permitted by the publisher. List available on request. 10. Classified display advertisements must be at least 3cms in depth for every column wide, and the minimum size of any advertisement is 2 lines. 11. Every endeavour will be made in order to forward replies to box numbers to the advertisers, as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss, or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies, however caused. Circulars and the like should not be distributed through publisher’s box number facility. 12. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement, is an acceptance of these conditions and any other conditions stated on any type of order form by an agency or advertisers are not applicable if they conflict with any of the above.
info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk December 8, 2023 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Milking Equipment
Livestock Equipment
NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE
V-Mac Silos 07/07/2016 13:54
LIVESTOCK_EQUIPMENT_3x3.indd 1
New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs! 25,000 Ltr New Roka Silo - *Very Special Offer – IN STOCK* 20,000 Ltr New Roka Horizontal RKC *IN STOCK – Special Offer* 16,000 Ltr Delaval 14,000 Ltr Fabdec 10,000 Ltr Fabdec 8,600 Ltr Delaval (holds 9,000 Ltrs) 6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs) 6,000 Ltr Roka 6,000 Ltr Fabdec 5,000 Ltr Packo 5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Roka 4,000 Ltr Mueller 4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”, 2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day
CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
A Winder & Son Cumbria
0777 9444 174 ND Jeans Somerset
01963 370 044
WYNNSTAY RETAIL Wales
01691 662690
www.vmacsilos.co.uk
Poultry BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass
CALF-O-TEL
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
Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328
COLLECTORS OF DEAD ANIMALS THROUGHOUT LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE Competitive prices PLEASE CALL: 01704 893161 or 07768 051800 (24 hrs) Martland’s the name, knackering’s the game Established over 100 years CONCRETE GROOVING Neil O’Donnell -Tel: 01900 817009 or 07759 194600 Nationwide (T)
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Plain, Cows & Bulls Wanted. Also casualty collection service with veterinary certificates direct to our own abattoir. 24 hours a day 7 days a week collection for emergencies BAMBER BRIDGE Lancs, Cumbria, Cheshire. Yorkshire.
S
MARTLANDS
EN T A R
Tel: 01524 261144 or 01524 263022 or 01274 833196
Livestock Services
YL O
Daily collections of all types of fallen stock throughout the North of England.
Battery operated with end of day dimming. IDEAL FOR ALL TYPES OF POULTRY HOUSES
Tel: 01722 413440
www.roosterbooster.co.uk
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
Livestock Services
ROBINSON MITCHELL LTD
Rooster Booster
12-volt lighting system for free-range poultry
TEXT OR TELEPHONE STEPHEN: 07860 636 605 OFFICE: 01772 626 951
Dairy Cattle
BIDLEA HERD
Dairy Cattle
DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged.
Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale Black & White and some Red & White Plenty to choose from - first come first served! Tel: Ray Brown 01477 532220 or 07885 652718 Cheshire (T)
BUYING LIVESTOCK?
Bulls. Good selection of young bulls ready to work. Excellent pedigrees. Tel: 07768 645124 (P)
01827 300 333
BRITISH
FREISIAN
- Free up cash flow - Simple application - No major upfront costs
Business Use Customers Only. Shire Leasing PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:19:31
Waterbeck. Tel: 01461 600257 or 07729 405369 Lockerbie (P) Beef Cattle
FRESH REARING CALVES Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now. Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm. Delivery Nationwide. Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
Further details can be seen on: www.lowergroveherefords.com
PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULLS
FOR SALE Easy FROM Calving, Good temperament. LEESEMANOR BEEF Johnes & BVD accredited, Quality, home-bred Limousin cross lepto vaccinated. British Blue young cows and heifers, Ready at forfoot. work, with Lim x and BB x calves Herd never had TB
Also two excellent Lim x British Blue bulls. Tel: 01948 770408 Mob: Eager for work, all07714 quiet, 089001 TB Malpas, tested andCheshire ready to go. ALWAYS NEGATIVE FOR TB
Animal Health
Wilf Lomas - 01606 832142 or 07769704628
AYNHO
TOP PEDIGREE REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS AND HEIFERS.
FOR SALESome Semen tested.
High Health, Bulls fertility tested TB4 area. Younger Contact Alex bulls also Tel: 01869 810202 S Northants available
All home bred, quiet to handle. Delivery available.
07885 594143 or 01394 460408 (East Anglia)
Dogs & Pets COLLIE PUPS
Red and White. Dogs and Bitches. Fully Vaccinated and Microchipped. Tel: 07774 471234. Midlands. (P)
Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today
Feedstuffs & Bedding
North Yorkshire 01756 720210 - 0777 99 20202 More details visit: www.whitehillherefords.co.uk
Telephone: 01981 250301 www.ballofmadley-hereford.co.uk
Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available. Functional, fertile, forage fed young bulls
from our 120 cow herd reared at 1000ft suitable for pedigree, dairy and suckler heifers. Performance recorded, Fertility tested. Johnes, BVD, IBR accredited Pilsbury Nationwide delivery Aberdeen Angus 07966 360210 Peak District, Derbyshire AA ABBERTON ANGUS bulls &
heifers,TB1, biobest elite health 15 years accreditation IBR, BVD, Lepto Johnes - Tel: 01386 462534 or 07592 798555 abbertonaberdeenangus.co.uk
FGbuyandsell.com
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PEDIGREE ABERDEEN Angus Bull. Very well grown, 3.5 years old. Genuine reason for sale. Tel: 07977 402535 Derbyshire (P)
for work Bulls ready Excellent choice of bulling heifers Elite Status High Health, TB4 North Yorkshire 01756 720210 - 0777 99 20202 www.whitehillherefords.co.uk
20 BRITISH BLUE X FRIESIAN HEIFERS 8-9 months old TB 4 Area
Ideal Suckler Cows
Tel: 07748 028448 East Anglia (P) ABBOTT & CO (WESSEX) LTD
HAY, STRAW & SHAVINGS FGinsight.com FGbuyandsell.com BOUGHT AND SOLD trading for 130 years 01285 653738 27/06/2018 13:50:21 abbottwessex@btinternet.com
Tel: 07933 783232 Very competitive prices
If it’s not our name on the bag, It’s NOT our salt!
SEAFIELD PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS
Tel: 077157 64351
PEDIGREE HEREFORDS FOR SALE
Top quality hay and straw. All types of big bales and conventional bales. All areas considered.
PEDIGREE HEREFORDS
BULLS FOR SALE
Cambridgeshire (P)
Feedstuffs & Bedding
Richard Tomlinson
Tel: 01254 830044 or 07860 267293 Chorley Lancashire (P)
Excellent choice. Great conformation, colour and temperament. Ready to work. High health accredited for IBR, Lepto, BVD and Johnes 1, TB4
Choice of Red & Black, Choice of 10. Good conformation and temperament. High health status. TB4. Ready For Work
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Tel: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412
Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com
Five Red and Black Limousin stock bulls ANGUS BULLS AND FEMALES 17-22 months.
Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P) PEDIGREE HEREFORD CATTLE FOR SALE DUE TO HERD REDUCTION 60 | June 29, 2018 Excellent bloodlines, high heath status BVD tested, TB4 area, easy to handle Stock bull - 21 months p060.indd 60 In calf cows due to calve in February - Various ages
Also Heterozgous Polled.
R.F FIELDING Hay & Straw for Sale in all types of Bales. Good quality. Reasonable prices. TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249
Tomlinson Bros Top Quality
COSISAN
Ultimate Bedding Conditioner Containing a DEFRA APPROVED Disinfectant Drier Beds • Sanitised Beds 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk FODDER BEET
Clean & stone free. Ray Darley 07860 212800 Nationwide Delivery (T)
CLEAN FODDER Beat
& Potatoes available. A Whitfield 07885 261391
Midlands
HAYLAGE
for sale www.haylageforsale. co.uk Tel: 07785 361396
(T)
Hay & Straw. All types of big bales delivered. 01829 782378 or 07710 933681
AK SHARPE & SONS ALL TYPES OF HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE & WANTED Competitively Priced Andrew 07970 052 419 Phillip 07973 208 384 LANCS (T)
SHINE LICKS SUN
SUNSHINE
FARM FEEDS BURNLEY www.sunshinefarmfeeds.co.uk Nick Wilkinson Mobile 07952 078732 Growth Promoter Licks Fertility Licks Easy Calving Licks Wormer Licks Coccidiosis Licks Orf & Ring Worm Licks Staggers Licks Pneumonia Licks Easy Lamber Licks Nationwide Delivery any Quantity Design your own Licks or bagged minerals to your own farm and requirements Store Open at Gisburn Auction Mart on Thursday & Saturday
Quality Pays Everytime We do same day delivery We will respond to your enquiries the same day! We deliver to every area twice a week.
December 8, 2023 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Feedstuffs & Bedding
Pigs & Poultry Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein /14 ME) £190 ex store Cereal Mixture (Approx. 14% Protein /13 ME) £210 ex store www.bigdutchman.com Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein /13 ME) £235 ex store Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein /13 ME) £255 ex store PIGS & POULTRY_3x3.indd 1
BRAND NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA One Tonne Bag Collections Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store
CALL NOW 01949844700 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk CALL NOW 01949 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk
Nutri-Sol
*Making better use of Slurry* *Capturing more of the Nitrogen* *Liquifying the solids* *Easy spreading* Tel: 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk
Tomlinson Bros Top Quality Hay & Straw. All types of big bales delivered.
01829 782378 or 07710 933681 LIQUID
F E E D S to
encourage forage intake. Molasses and molasses blends plus additional minerals if required. J E Morten: 01663 734621 High
Peak, Derbyshire (T)
FODDER BEET Cleaned, Competitive Prices, Direct from the grower Collect or Delivered in all sizes of loads Tel: 07843 012225 Lancs
CLEANED / WASHED
Fodder Beet. Carrots and Potatoes. All delivered I D Bailey & Son Tel: 01772 690002 / 07968 362227 Lancs
(T)
LOWER YOUR VET BILLS WITH WASHED SILICA SAND CUBICLE BEDDING * Helps to eradicate mastitis problems and lowers your milk count * Equestrian sand also available
Earny 2
10/08/2016 15:17
THE INNOVATIVE HEAT EXCHANGER
• Improved house climate for healthier birds • Reduced emissions from the house • Significantly lower ammonia, dust and odour levels • Supplied ready for installation • Available in a range of models and three sizes – M, L and XL
SAVE UP TO
60% ON HEATING COSTS
Finance options available
Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130
BEST QUALITY FODDER BEET for sale. Delivered in 28/16 Tonnes loads. Payment on delivery. Tel: 07710 016442
FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500
Call Newquip Limited on Tel. 01677 428600 or visit www.newquip.co.uk
Buildings SPRAY FOAM INSULATION To Crop & Livestock Stores, Poultry Sheds, Cattle & Pig Buildings, Workshops & Barns. Frost & Condensation Protection. Temperature Control Energy Saving
Tel: 01405 812682 www.webstersinsulation.com info@webstersinsulation.com
Agricultural, Equestrian and Industrial Buildings • Specialists in Steel Framed Buildings • Design, Fabrication & Installation • The best quality materials are used within our manufacturing process for all buildings
Office: 01630 409009 Mob: 07498 357997 Email - sales@bridgewater-construction.co.uk www.bridgewater-construction.co.uk 52
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A New Route to Market Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:09:36
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today g in ck Ba
AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL & EQUESTRIAN BUILDINGS
it Br h is
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Quali
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sured B As u
ONE OF THE UK’s LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF STEEL FRAME BUILDINGS WORKSHOP SHED OFFER 60’ x 30’ x 12’ From £17,000* Including Concrete Panels * Ex. Works
LIVESTOCK SHED OFFER 100’ x 40’ x 15’ + 4ft 6″ Cantilever From £26,500* Including Concrete Panels. * Ex works
Scan for the latest building offers
Made in Britain 20 years’ Experience Nationwide Delivery Bespoke Buildings 5* Customer Service
Call us for your free quote & Special Offers.
01270 781158 info@gh-construction.co.uk @GrahamHeathConstructionLtd
@GrahamHeath Construction
www.gh-construction.co.uk
@GHConstruction
Building Materials
We manufacture, supply & build... • Cubicle Buildings • Lambing Sheds • Dairy Units • Equestrian • Workshops • Grain Stores • Industrial Units • Bespoke Design • Nationwide Coverage
01630 655 555 | sales@flgb.co.uk | www.flgb.co.uk
CUMBRIA CONCRETE PRODUCTS LIMITED
www.cumbriaconcreteproducts.com
HIGH QUALITY PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE PANELS For a competitive price please contact
01228 674 561
or email: carlisle@cumbriaconcreteproducts.com
Design, fabrication and installation For further details and a no obligation quote, please contact us:
01829 423 123 info@acjackson.co.uk
www.acjackson.co.uk
S U P P LY I N G A N D E R E C T I N G S T E E L F R A M E D B U I L D I N G S F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S
Agricultural buildings ACJ-FarmersGuardian-70x132.indd 1
FGbuyandsell.com
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Equestrian buildings
Industrial buildings 26/01/2021 18:39
INSULATED ROOFING AND SIDE CLADDING SHEETS MANUFACTURED TO YOUR LENGTHS Range of colours, thicknesses, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 60mm 80mm + lowest prices. ICP Ltd. Tel: 07702 701776 www.icproducts.co.uk
December 8, 2023 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Building Materials
Panel Systems
NELS CK PA IN STO
ONC
ED C TRESS S E R P F
01270 258076 ACTURER O ANUF
er RS E Ov A C YE IEN 10 ER P EX
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even on bespoke orders
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01270 258076
www.concretepanelsystems.co.uk
Composite Panels Made to order Choice of colours and thickness Nationwide Delivery Very Competitive Prices Full Range Of Accessories For Friendly Advice and a Quotation Call Tel: 01246 858222 FREE HARDCORE Col-
lected. Must have U1 exemption. Ring Martlands 01704 893161
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@concretepanels
@concretepanelsystems
CONCRETE SECONDS PIPES AND RINGS
Various sizing and priced accordingly
Tel 07976 103807 jim@beaverfit.com CRASH
BARRIERS
Telegraph poles, Sleepers, Concrete Panels, Security fencing. Henmans Tel- 07768 533741 Nationwide Delivery (T)
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 13:05:34
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Building Materials
Caravans & Log Cabins 35f Status Super Static Caravan In good condition, valeted and new carpets fitted. Suitable for on farm accommodation. £5900 ONO. Delivery can be arranged. Tel: 07375 728452 Lancashire (T)
Tanks
Diesel, Oil & Water Tanks SUPPLYING EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE FRAME Working direct with British farmers British farming family owned manufacturer 30 year guarantee on all EUROSIX fibre cement sheets Fast 3-5 day delivery in the UK with offload included
Apply for an account
Supporting British farmers for over 40 years
01934 641 446
• Septic Tanks • Diesel Dispensers • Bunded Oil Tanks • Waste Oil Tanks • Water Tanks • Diesel pumps, hoses, filters & nozzles
FREE UK Mainland Delivery* Tanks For Everything Always BEST prices:
0800 0568 350
briarwoodproducts.co.uk sales@briarwoodproducts.co.uk
www.tanksforeverything.co.uk Building Materials
Pre-Stressed Concrete Wall Panels Inspired by the latest technology in Pre-stressed Concrete Wall Panels and with the desire to continue in meeting our customers’ requirements regarding Quality, Design, Volume & Delivery ... ... we have opened a new & improved manufacturing facility in Greenfield, Flintshire, North Wales
• Brand new precision • Selection of Concrete built moulds & tooling Lego Blocks • Larger range of sizes & • Increased capacity loadbearing options • Made to measure (95, 145, 200 & • Shorter lead-times new 240, 280mm)
• Established Quality Assured CE marked products • Design & Bespoke Project capability
t: 01352 719182 f: 01352 837690 e: tracey@jonesbrothersconcrete.co.uk www.jonesbrothersconcretepanels.co.uk
We know farming. Farmers Guardian brands are embedded in the agricultural community and have a position of authority and trust FGbuyandsell.com
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FGBuyandSell.com Farms & Property
PROPERTY LANDSCAPE
National figures suggest demand outstripping supply
Agriculturally Tied Dwelling
Harry Morshead gives a market update
The Cheese Press
F
rom a layperson’s perspective, there appears to have been more land and farms on the market for a generation. The reality, however, is that the analysis of the market nationally suggests by the end of June 2023, the amount of publicly marketed land was 10 per cent below the 10-year average. These figures do not account for private sales or the unprecedented late season which appears to be occurring. Northumberland, despite the national figures, has offered more farms and land for sale than it has done in the past 12 years, and yet nearby Co Durham and North Yorkshire are both down more than 6 per cent on the year in terms of sales. As the national figures suggest, demand is outstripping supply. This is despite the fact that in the North East there has been a 10 per cent drop in farmer buyers. Private investors, lifestyle buyers and the new environmental buyer are increasingly active and ensure that even with increased supply (for example, in Northumberland) the demand remains as strong as ever. The 10 per cent drop in farmer interest is not because farmer interest is not there, as it is, rather it is the affordability of land and the ability to service the purchase.
Generating an income The ability to generate an income from land and thus service a loan, as well as live, is a serious issue and one which needs addressing. It may not be a concern for the seller, who is achieving an optimum price. It should though be a concern for policy makers as the reality is that in many cases whether there is a loan to be paid off or a rent is to be paid, the ability to generate a sustainable and viable income from land by farming is not there. I feel that the trend of farms and land coming to the market is set to continue unless issues relating to income and profitability can be quickly addressed.
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Chadwick Lane, Hartlebury, Kidderminster DY11 7YH • Detached 5-bedroom property • Subject to Agricultural Occupancy Condition • For sale by private treaty • Set in 1.12 acres with the opportunity to purchase additional garden area • Guide price £585,000
Please contact Chris Jones on 01743 267063 or email chris.jones@berrys.uk.com
Harry Morshead
A snapshot of the age of farmers and their potential successors will point to a generation of farmers who may well be at retirement age (or in many cases be passed it). These people are sitting on a valuable asset, but one which in relative terms produces very little return. On top of this they also may well have no real successors, given the lack of youth entering the sector; a consequence of successive generations being disenfranchised with the industry; a direct consequence of poor returns compared to that of other industries. Given the age old adage that you cannot make any more land, I do not think there will ever be a position whereby supply outstrips demand. However, with income falling, the trend for farms and land coming on the market may well be set to continue, particularly perhaps in the North, where returns and profit are often marginal at best. In the North, there is the increasing demand from lifestyle and environmental buyers and I see this being set to continue. As buyers’ requirements become more niche, so does the market – it is more complex now than ever. Buyers can easily be alienated by overpricing, or at least mispricing, and thus it is crucial that any marketing campaign is conducted with a full understanding of the market. Harry Morshead is associate director and rural chartered surveyor with youngsRPS. Call 01434 609 000, or email harry. morshead@youngsrps.com
berrys.uk.com
Don't miss our latest podcast
Announcement
Featuring Justine Fulton AKA ‘Rack of Glam’: The female butcher who is challenging stereotypes and championing the industry
Available from December 08, 2023 Scan the QR code or listen on
farmersguardian.com/podcasts
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:11:35
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Land To Let
Finance
TO LET
FARM LOANS &
Molland – South Molton – Devon
RE-MORTGAGES
108.53 Acres Pasture 129.68 Acres Pasture
Bank Said NO? We Usually Say YES!
As a whole or in 2 Lots To let on a 5 year Farm Business Tenancy From 25th March 2024
Details available from DixonSmith LLP www.dixonsmith.uk T: 01392 325178 E: Charles Dixon - charles@dixonsmith.uk
Grazing / Wanted LAND TO LET Land at Green Farm Gisburn Road, Hellifield, BD23 4LA
We can quickly arrange loans
3 months - 25 years £10,000 - £5,000,000.
Competitive rates for Farm Finance
Immediate decision in principle - use for any purpose: Consolidation, Tax bills, Crops, Expansion, New equipment, Livestock etc.
Specialist help for Financial Problem Cases Including adverse credit.
SHEEP GRAZING Grass or Roots
We can lend against property
Farms, Farm Buildings, Farm Equipment & Machinery Equestrian Buildings, Shops, Bare Land and Buy-to-Lets.
Advanced monthly payments Any Area Tel: 07766 475799
www.wbwsurveyors.co.uk An excellent block of c. 127 acres of predominantly meadow land situated in a ring fence on the edge of Hellifield village. Bounded by a mix of stone walls and fences, it is ideally suited for any livestock based system.
BPS Entitlements, BNG, NN, Carbon & Water
Available for a term of up to 15 years from 25th March 2024.
If it can be done - we can help - call to discuss:
0800 280 06 05 www.brilliant-finance.co.uk We are a broker not a lender
Tenders are invited by 12 noon on Friday 22nd December 2023.
Motors Head over to www. mathewsons. co.uk for sale of cherished plate
01756 692900
Advice /Consultancy
MC07 MOO and other CSH plates Tel: 07973 879190 (T)
A www.arcadianestates.co.uk
DO YOU HAVE LAND?
Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development. If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources. Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.
Telephone: 01625 890000 Email: michael@arcadianestates.com
FGbuyandsell.com
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Preliminary Notice
Commercials
Volvo FM 13ltr 500 New tyres, alloy wheels, hydraulics, new clutch, test April 24 £18500 Please call Ian Denham Haulage and stock feed
07791 001003
BNG National Sale January 2024 Informal Tender All types of habitat throughout England Register your interest
01392 823935
A New Route to Market Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com December 8, 2023 |
57
06/12/2023 16:32:29
FGBuyandSell.com Muck & Slurry
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WATER STORAGE IRRIGATION RESERVOIR
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Materials meet EA and SEPA requirements, installed and fully tested by TWI / CSWIP CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS Covers comply with EA and SSAFO legislation
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Published January 12, 2024
Advertising opportunities now available in our next
MACHINERY AND TRACTOR MAGAZINE incorporating The Official
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Speak to Eva Bailey today 01772 799 500 | fgclassified@farmersguardian.com 58
| December 8, 2023
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:32:48
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today
Muck & Slurry MUCK AND SLURRY_3x6.indd 1
05/07/2016 19:33
YOUR DEPENDABLE PARTNER FOR SLURRY STORAGE SOLUTIONS SLURRY INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT ROUND 2 - ENGLAND
Gantries
Dry-Matter
Enviroseal provide a complete range of products for slurry storage SLURRY LAGOON LINERS Comprehensive 25 year warranty Materials meet EA and SEPA requirements Installed and tested by certified technicians
On the second round of the grant, you can get a contribution towards a slurry separator and gantry as part of your project to increase storage capacity. Separators can make slurry easier to store, move around the farm and apply in line with a nutrient management plan. You can apply for this grant now! www.storthmachinery.co.uk
Tel: 01524 781900
SLURRY LAGOON FLOATING COVERS
Keeps rainwater out of slurry Reduces odour from lagoons Covers comply with EA and SSAFO legislation
enquiries@enviroseal.co.uk t: 01695 228626 www.enviroseal.co.uk
‘HOT & COLD PRESSURE WASHERS & AIR COMPRESSORS’
Professional Cold Water Pressure Washers, Hot Water Pressure Washers, Electric Pressure Washers, Petrol Pressure Washer or Diesel Pressure Washers, you’ll be sure to find the best deals here and we won’t be beaten on price! W. Bateman & Co. GARSTANG ROAD, BARTON, PRESTON, LANCS TEL: (01772) 862948 FAX: (01772) 861639
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com FGbuyandsell.com
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www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk
December 8, 2023 |
59
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FGBuyandSell.com
Puma & Optum tractors
NEW whee Case
CASEIH FARMALL 90A 12x12 PowerShuttle 40kph. Air conditioned cab, 420/85 x 34 tyres. Pre registered from £42000.00 + VAT. CASE FINANCE 6 + 30 at 0% subject to Terms & Conditions. OPTUM 340 CVX 50kph. AFS Connect, front linkage ‘73’ reg.
CASE POW LOAD condi
OPTUM 300 CVX 50kph. Front linkage ‘70’ reg. 2000 hours, Accuguide. OPTUM 300 CVX 50kph. Front linkage + PTO. 2021, 4200 hours, Accuguide. 240 CVX 50kph. Front linkage, Accuguide ready, 2021, 676 hours. 240 CVX 50kph. Front linkage, Full Accuguide, 2021, 3144 hours. 240 CVX 50kph. Front linkage, Accuguide ready, 2020, 2500 hours. 240 CVX 50kph. Front Linkage & pto. Full Accuguide, 2022, 1600 hours. 260 CVX 50kph. Front linkage & pto. Lots of spec. 2023, Low hours. 175 CVX 50kph. Front linkage & pto. 2021, 1776 hours. 175 CVX 50kph. Front linkage, Full Accuguide, 2020, 1673 hours.
CASE ready NOT
160 CVX 50kph. Front linkage & pto. 2015, 5373 hours. 220 MultiController 50kph. Front weight, 2018, 3500 hours. 165 Semi PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage, 2019, 2067 hours. 165 PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage & pto. 2019, 5430 hours. CASEIH FARMALL 100C 24x24 PowerShuttle 40kph. Air conditioned cab, 420/85 x 34 tyres.Pre registered from £44000 + VAT. CASE FINANCE 4 + 44 @ 0% subject to Terms & Conditions.
AXIAL FLOW 6150 c/w 22’ header & trolley, unused, terrific value.
AXIAL FLOW 7150 c/w 25’ Vario header & trolley, 460hp. 2022.
165 Full PowerShift 50kph. Front weight, 2020, 1973 hours. 165 Semi PowerShift 50kph. Front weight, 2018, 2160 hours. 160 Full PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage, 2016, genuine 1135 hours.
AXIAL FLOW 2166 c/w 16’ header & trolley, 2200 Rotor hours.
STARTIN TRACTORS LTD
TWYCROSS CV9 3PW
CASEIH 633 TELESCOPIC forklift, 2022, 2100 hours, 6m & 3300kg. Pin & Cone.
Tel: 01827 880088 Email: sales@startintractors.co.uk
*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.
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06/12/2023 13:32:01
NEW Susp Case
CASE 2 whe 2019
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today
NEW CASEIH FARMALL 55 two wheel drive, folding roll bar. CaseIH Warranty. Case Finance.
JCB 520-40 TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT, 2017, 2783 hours, Pallet forks, 3rd service.
ISUZU DMAX UTILITY Extended cab, load liner, towbar, diff lock. 4120 miles.
ISUZU DMAX V-CROSS double cab, 2022, 13125 miles, lots of spec. £32,995 + VAT.
CASEIH FARMALL 95A POWERSHUTTLE + LRZ100 LOADER, 2015, 1600 hours, air conditioned. Cab.
CAT CHALLENGER MT765, 2005, 6260 hours, rear linkage & pto.
ISUZU DMAX UTILITY Double cab Automatic, Mercury Silver metallic, 500 miles. £28,995 + VAT.
ISUZU DMAX V-CROSS Automatic, 2023, call for full spec. £36,995 + VAT.
.
CASEIH FARMALL 95C Loader ready, 2021, low hours, 40kph. NOT AdBlue.
KUHN GF 502 DIGIDRIVE TEDDER, 2012, 5 metre working width.
ISUZU DMAX 40 DL Automatic, 2022, 3878 miles, rear canopy. £33,995 + VAT.
NEW ISUZU DMAX DL40 Automatic, Onyx black metallic, lovely truck. £36,099 + VAT.
s.
NEW CASEIH VESTRUM 130 CVX Suspension. Front Linkage & PTO. CaseIH Warranty.
BIG X 770 FORAGE HARVESTER, 2016, 1422 hours.
NISSAN NAVARA Double cab TEKNA 2.3 TDi Automatic ‘71’ reg. 17960 miles. £26,495 + VAT.
FORD RANGER WILDTRAK Double cab 2L Auto. 2021, 25680 miles. £29,995 NO VAT.
klift, g.
CASEIH FARMALL 55C 2 wheel drive 12x12 PowerShuttle, 2019, low hours.
AMAZONE 3M POWERHARROW air drill combination, RoTech coulters, Wedge ring packer.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY TD6 SE Automatic, 2017, 60358 miles. Good spec. £22,995 + VAT.
FORD RANGER WILDTRAK Automatic, 2021, 21292 miles, lots of spec. £28,995 + VAT.
de.
guide.
.
urs.
STARTIN TRACTORS LTD
TWYCROSS CV9 3PW
Tel: 01827 880088 Email: sales@startintractors.co.uk
*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.
FGbuyandsell.com
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December 8, 2023 |
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06/12/2023 13:32:45
FGBuyandSell.com Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps Farmers Guardian
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES
GET READY FOR WINTER WITH THE EBARA SUBMERSIBLE PUMP RANGE
CHRISTMAS EDITION
» For use with dirty water and sewage
Friday 22nd December
» Suitable for soft solids up to 50mm » 7m max. submersion depth
Copy Deadline - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am Alterations/Cancellations - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am
» Long life and reliable
from
NEW YEAR EDITION
+vat
Friday 29th December
£375.00
Copy Deadline - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am Alterations/Cancellations - Wednesday Dec 20th 11am RIGHT 75
Please note The Farmers Guardian office will be closed from Thursday 21st December, will re-open for
DW VOX
one day on Wednesday 27 th December and will T. 01777 871100 | W. whisperpumps.com | E. sales@whisperpumps.com
remain closed until Tuesday 2 nd January 2024
BRAND NEW UNUSED
DIESEL GENERATORS FOR SALE T: 01254 476679, 07595 116 466 or 07783 222 309 AG275-275KVA
THE BIG ONE AG50E - 50 KVA AG60E - 60 KVA AG70E - 70 KVA AG80E - 80 KVA
£19,995 +VAT
£4,750 +VAT £5,250 +VAT £5,495 +VAT £5,995 +VAT
50KVA
60KVA
70KVA
80KVA
100KVA
150KVA
AG100 - 100 KVA £7,995 +VAT AG150 - 150 KVA £10,995 +VAT AG175 - 175 KVA £12,995 +VAT AG275 - 275 KVA £19,995 +VAT
175KVA
FULL STOCK OF PARTS AVAILABLE
COLLECT SAME DAY! - NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE
www.affordablegenerators.co.uk
62
| December 8, 2023
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 15:32:30
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps PTO
& Diesel Generator Specialist. Quality new & used. Est 25 yrs. JSPUK LTD. Tel: 01432 353050 (T)
Hot and Cold P.T.O. Pressure Available to Hire and Buy 3000 p.s.i. 16-30L/min 2nd Lance Available Fully Tractor Powered Hot & Cold Water Pressure Washers
Farmers Guardian
Find us landywashers
Parts & Servicing facebook.com/flailsdirectltd 01427 718561 WWW flailsdirect.co.uk sales@flailsdirect.co.uk FLAIL BLADES & HAMMERS, TO SUIT MOST MAKES OF MACHINERY MANY AVAILABLE FROM STOCK FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY
the best Tel: 01756 794291 Skipton. N.Yorkshire
environment
www.LandyPressureWashers.com
GENERATORS PTO & DIESEL
for your brand
SALE’S, HIRE & REPAIRS. LARGE STOCK
message
P COWELL & SONS 01772 653569
Parts & Servicing > THE GENUINE PARTS PEOPLE
Blades available from stock to suit various feeder wagons
MARSH LANE, LAUGHTERTON LINCOLN, LN1 2JX
AGRISPARES
Agricultural Replacement Parts & Accessories
BEST PRICES FOR These axle and transmission brands are commonly found on: Agco/Case
Fendt
Komatasu
McCormick
Valmet
Caterpillar
Fermec
Landini
Mecalac
Volvo
Claas
Foton Laval
New Holland
MST
Wacker Neuson
CNH
Ford
Matbro
Same
Xcmg
Cukrova
Hydrema
Mahindra
Sonalika
Xtreme
Duetz-Fahr
JLG
Manitou
Terex
Zetor
Escourts
John Deere
Massey Ferguson
Valtra
MASSEY FERGUSON
Replacement tractor parts Direct to your door Phone for best quotes Mobile: 07971 243668 or 01545 570 810
FGbuyandsell.com
p063.indd 63
HESTractec
@HESTractec
BREAKING MASSEY 699, 575, 3070, 3080, 3095, 2645, 6140, 3680 & 8120 Also tractors wanted for breaking Tel: 07710 153603 W.Yorks
masseyfergusontractorbreakers.co.uk
Rakes, Tedders & Mower Parts (all makes) Maize Header parts, Kemper, Claas RU/ORBIS Filter kits for SPFH & Tractors (all makes)
BREAKING FOR SPARES Claas 492, JD7000 Series, Krone BIG X 700,
T: 01452 733106 E: ag@grouphes.com W: tractec.grouphes.com @HESTractec
Forage Harvester spares (all makes)
CLAAS John Deere, and
other makes, combine harvester 2nd hand and new spares. www.jmtcombinehire.co.uk. Tel: JMT Engineering 01926 614345 (T)
and NH FX60 Feed roller assembly’s and chopping units.
TELEPHONE: 01380 850001 EMAIL: sales@agrispares.co.uk www.agrispares.co.uk December 8, 2023 |
63
06/12/2023 15:24:53
FGBuyandSell.com Parts & Servicing
ATVs
2016 Polaris Sportsman
Easy steering and strong traction for stable rides.
4x4 570 EFI - Combat Green 400 hours - 6700 Miles Good Condition - New Tyres £4250+vat
#NeverStopRising on any field.
Tel: -
07785 361396
Wigan / Bolton (P)
Farmers Guardian the best environment for your brand message
SHEEP SNACKERS
Ground drive sheep feeders, all types of atv trailers single and tandem axle, Delivery anywhere Rob Astley trailers ltd Tel 01938 810393
(T)
Tractors & Equipment
Find us at the LAMMA Show 2024 Hall 6 Stand 6.330
UNBALEIEVABLE BALE FEEDERS
Trade enquiries: enquiries@ascensotyres.co.uk | 01205 743163
www.ascensotyres.co.uk Agricultural
|
Industrial & Construction
|
Earth Mover
|
Forestry
ORDER ONLINE ON OUR WEBSHOP
6020 SERIES LED Suppliers of New and HEADLIGHT UPGRADE IN STOCK
Used Parts For John Deere Tractors We supply to UK & Overseas
www.blaneyagri.com For info or local dealer CALL
028 2587 2801
SUPERIOR SUPER 16 CONTRACTOR
STOCKISTS FOR: • Telephone: 01673 828883 • Fax: 01673 828892 • www.nytractorparts.co.uk • email info@nytractorparts.co.uk
THUNDERPOLE
64
| December 8, 2023
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thunderpole.co.uk
RADIO
2019, very clean & tidy.
Call Stephen on 07816 511636 West Wales (T)
Unit 2, The Forge, Moor Road, North Owersby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3PR
CB
USED FOSTER D750 FORAGE BOX
Potato Harvester
F.G. ROWLAND LTD Clitheroe Lancashire Tractor Hire & Sales New Tractor & Handler Spares for all Makes New Michelin & Kleber Tyres most sizes in stock
Tel 01254 826295
www.rowlandtractors.co.uk
20/30 TPH, factory overhauled, solid chilled rollers, 12 months warranty, part exchange welcome, finance available, delivered and commissioned, ex works
£32500+vat
other mills and spares available for most makes. 12 months warranty
Please ring for further info on Richard 07879 551739
Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today
Grimme DL1700, wheel drive, flotation wheels, picking off band, Dolman rollers. £4000. AK Sharpe & Sons Cheshire, Tel: 07970 052419 Andrew or 07973 208384 Philip (P) QUICKFENCER Manual
and hydraulic clamping available. Hydraulic, nothing to lift off www. quickfencer.com Tel 07966 285240 Lancs
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 13:53:10
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Tractors & Equipment Townson Tractors Ltd, West End, Hellifield, North Yorkshire, BD23 4HE
New & Used Tractors, Telescopic Handlers, Machinery & Equipment RICHARD ECCLES. 07977 932948 ED TINKER. 07977 932950 STEVE BENNETT. 07770 890760 JOHN CRAIG 07971 599185
3m Spiral Blade Aerator
12ft Rotating End Tow
Bull Feeder - (Creep Gates Optional)
Stock bale Transporter
Calf Creep Feeder
Silage Feeding Trailer
Bunker Feeder
email: agri@walter-watson.co.uk
FOGGY GILL, FELL END, KIRKBY STEPHEN, CUMBRIA. CA17 4LN • DAVID TUNSTALL: 079295 63907 • CHRIS TUNSTALL: 078178 32978 • RICHARD TUNSTALL: 078178 32978
New & used Muck Spreaders New Marshall rota spreaders in stock - choice of standard red or premium green paint from ......................................................................................£6200 New Fleming mini MS 150 rota spreader.................................................£2500 New Fleming MS 700 rota spreader, choice of tyres...............................£5800 New Fleming MS 1000 rota spreader, big tyres.......................................£7500 Used Marshall MS 105, 10.5 c, yards ......................................................£8800 Used Marshall MS 90 ...............................................................................£6800 Used Fleming MS 1000, serviced & ready to go .....................................£5300 Used Fleming MS 450, Hyd lid.................................................................£2500 New Fleming H.duty yard scrapers............................................................£810
New & used Trailers New Marshall 4 ton tipping trailer ...........................................................£3800 New Fleming TR10 HD dump trailer ......................................................£10500 New Fleming TR8 grain trailer ..................................................................£7500 New Fleming TR8 drop side trailer ..........................................................£6800 Used Red Rock 1300 tanker ....................................................................£3200 Used Wootton 12 ton grain trailer ...........................................................£6500 New Marshall BC 21 bale trailer on wide tyres ........................................£6800 4 years 0% finance available on all new Hurlimann tractors in stock, offer ends 23rd December.
View all our other tractors and machinery on line at www.tunstalltractors .com
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2023 JCB 4220 FASTRAC ICON 90 Hrs Pro-Line Full Spec F/L & PTO Full GPS Auto-Steer LED Light Kit ....... ................................................ .........................................POA
2019 John Deere 6115 RC 2230 Hrs 115HP C/Quad 40K TLS Heated Air Seat Quickie Q4 P/Loader Excellent ............................ ....................................POA
2018 JCB 135 Skid Steer 1475 Hrs Full Cab Air Con Radio EH Joystick Controls Excellent Spec ................... .....................................POA.
2020 JCB 403 AGRI-PLUS 50HP 280Hrs 2 Speed 30 Hydro Trans Full Cab Heater Euro Head Excellent .....................POA.
2021 New Holland L318 Skid Steer 760 Hrs SUPER BOOM 2 Speed Hand & Foot Controls Bucket ......... .....................................POA
New SCHUITEMAKER FEEDO 6010 Forage Feeder Front Cross Conveyor Left & Right Discharge Simple & Reliable ......................POA
2015 PICHON 2500G Vac Tanker Fully Galv Sprung Drawbar 10 Stud Comm Axle 850 Telleborg Tyres Excellent .....................POA
New SWALEDALE ST804 Trailer Sheep Gates & Lamb Boxes’ 5 Sheep 5 Stud Axle 10.0/75x15.3 Wheels & Tyres ...........POA
6.3m Hyd-Folding Ballast
Hogg Feeder
FGbuyandsell.com
New New Holland T5.140DCT 140HP 24x24 DynamicCommand 40K 3 Speed PTO 110LPM Pump Mid Mount Valves Loader Ready .......POA 4+44 0% Retail Finance Subject To T&C’s
Please see website www.townsontractors.co.uk for full details Telephone: 01729 850374 Email: sales@townsontractors.co.uk
BERWICK UPON TWEED T: 01289-331904 TRACTORS, TELEHANDLERS & TRAILERS
FENDT 828, 60kph ‘67 Reg c/w 7000 hrs, reverse drive, remaining warranty FENDT 828, 60kph ‘16 Reg, c/w 6000 hrs, front linkage, 5 rear spools VALTRA T195D, 57 kph EX DEMO 4 rear spools, hyd top link – high spec VALTRA T144 HIGH TECH, ‘16 Reg, c/w 6500 hrs, suspension, green metallic MASSEY FERGUSON 7718S EXCEL, 50 kph D6 ‘68 Reg, c/w 5950 hrs, front linkage, 4 spools MASSEY FERGUSON 6480, 40 kph D6 ‘12 Reg, c/w 8500 hrs, 4 rear ccls spools DEUTZ FAHR 6160, ‘65 Reg, c/w 6300 hrs, front linkage MERLO TF42.7-140CS ‘67 Reg, c/w 5500 hrs, boom suspension, air con, air seat MERLO TF33.7, ‘20 Reg C/W 3900 hrs, boom suspension, PUH, air seat MERLO TF30.9-PLUS, 20 Reg C/W 5300 hrs, air con etc MERLO P32.6 PLUS, ‘11 Reg C/W 8400 hrs, boom suspension, PUH, air seat BATEMAN RB23 4000 ‘22 Reg 32m c/w approx. 3900 hrs, VGC CHALLENGER ROGATOR 645 ‘16 Reg 32-36m booms c/w approx. 1350 hrs
SECOND-HAND MACHINERY
EX DEMO FENDT 1290XD TANDEM AXLE SQUARE BALER c/w air brakes SUMO 3M FRONT MOUNTED MULTIPACKA c/w tines SUMO 6M MULTIPRESS TRAILED c/w auto reset SUMO 5-4-3 LEG SUBSOILERS c/w auto reset SUMO 3M TRIO c/w 6 leg auto reset and packer. Straight leg model NRH 3-5 LEG SUBSOILERS, Auto reset – EX STOCK EX DEMO - TEAGLE SUPER TED 221 – 6 hours of work LELY WELGER RP160 V XTRA ROUND BALER c/w 2.4m pick up, 25 knives, 21547 bales MASSEY FERGUSON 3130F ROUND BALER c/w 2.2m pick up, 17 knife cutter, 2020 mode WELGER RP435 ROUND BALER c/w 17 knife, 26000 bales, 2013 model MCCONNELL DISCAERATOR 3000 c/w auto reset, 5 legs SUMO FRONT WEIGHT BLOCKS – 2000kgs, 1500kgs, 1000kg – ALL EX STOCK NEW NC ENGINEERING 16 TONNE GRAIN TRAILER c/w hi speed hydraulic door etc NEW – NC ENGINEERING 16-18T DUMP TRAILERS – EX STOCK NEW – TEAGLE 8500-9500-1100 BEDDER/FEEDERS – EX STOCK ** BERWICK – KELSO – MACMERRY – SWARLAND **
WWW.ANCROFT-TRACTORS.CO.UK
Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today December 8, 2023 |
65
06/12/2023 14:05:05
FGBuyandSell.com Tractors & Equipment
Please call our used sales team on 01704 468009
CASE 175 CVX 2022, 3514 Hours, 50kph, Air Brakes, F/L PTO, Leather Seats, 710/600 Tyres, £95,000 + VAT
JOHN DEERE 6R 185 2023, 480 Hours, CommandPro 50K, AT Ready, Air Brakes, F/ Links PTO £148,000 + VAT
JOHN DEERE 6215R 2021, 450 Hours, Autopowr 50K, AT Ready, Air Brakes, F/ Links PTO £145,000 + VAT
JCB 4220 FASTRAC ICON 2023, 200 Hours, 70KPH, F/Links PTO, Novatel Guidance, Like New, £162,000 + VAT
REDROCK 3500G TANKER 2021, Hyd Pump, 750/65/26, Air Brakes, Steering Axle £28,950 + VAT
ABBEY 3000G TANKER
NEW REDROCK 200/20.0 SILAGE TRAILER 2022, 28.8/40.0m3 capacity, Sprung drawbar, Comm Axles, Rear steer axle, Air & Hyd brakes, £29,850 + VAT
NEW REDROCK 20T HALF PIPE DUMP TRAILER Hyd Tail Door, 10 Stud Sprung Axles, Air/Hyd Brakes, £24,950 + VAT
NEW MASCHIO BISONTE 280 Front & Rear Flail Topper, 2022, 21 Spline PTO, Hyd Offset, 1000rpm £7,950 + VAT
NEW MASCHIO TIGRE 280 REAR FLAIL TOPPER 2022, 540 rpm, Cat II, 6 Spline PTO, Hyd Offset £6,750 + VAT
SIP SILVERCUT DISC 300F S Flow Hitch, Quick A Frame Linkage, Road Safety Kit, £15,450 + VAT
SIP SILVERCUT DISC 1000C Hitch, Swath Wheel Outer/Inner, 9.40/9.80m working width £31,750 + VAT
2019, Single Axle, Air Brakes, Auto Fill, 800 Tyres £17,500 + VAT
SIMON GILBERT: 07825 647986
PROCUT 210/240/280 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRASSLINE TECHNOLOGY FOR PROFESSIONALS
Quick Fit Blades Walterscheid PTO Shaft with Overrun Protection (Drive Shield Module) Protection in Cutter-Bar Galvanized Folding Frame Power Band Belt
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Quick Fit Blades Walterscheid PTO (Drive Shield Module) Protection in Cutter-Bar Direct Drive with Friction Clutch Hydraulic Floatation Suspension Swarth Wheels
Hook Tine 7 Tine Arms Per Rotor Walterscheid PTO with Radial Pin Clutch Hydraulic Stabilisation Headland Management Light Kit Spare Wheel
0% FINANCE on all Grassline products for UK customers *T&C’s apply
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| December 8, 2023
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Quick Fit Blades Walterscheid PTO (Drive Shield Module) Protection in Cutter-Bar Direct Drive with Friction Clutch Hydraulic Floatation Suspension Swarth Wheels Heavy Duty Cutter-Bar with 25mm Gears
PROCUT 3000 TC
TEDD-AIR 570/840 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
SALES: +353 94 9360 500
PROCUT 3000 MP
PROCUT 285/320 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
simon.gilbert@malonefm.com
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
WWW.MALONEFM.COM
Quick Fit Blades Walterscheid PTO (Drive Shield Module) Protection in Cutter-Bar Direct Drive with Friction Clutch Spring Super Floatation System Belt Driven Steel Tine Semi Swing Conditioner Heavy Duty Cutter-Bar with 25mm Gears Spreader Veins
TEDDER-AIR 846T
PROCUT 3000 MC
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Hook Tine 7 Tine Arms Per Rotor Walterscheid PTO Shaft with Overrun Cam Clutch Protection Light Kit Spare Wheel Excellent Ground Contour
Quick Fit Blades Walterscheid PTO (Drive Shield Module) Protection in Cutter-Bar Direct Drive with Friction Clutch Spring Super Floatation System Belt Driven Steel Tine Semi Swing Conditioner Heavy Duty Cutter-Bar with 25mm Gears Spreader Veins
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
06/12/2023 14:06:14
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today
LATEST USED STOCK www.chandlers.co.uk
MT775E 2015, 6896 Hrs, 400 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 25 Track %: 50 RG655B
MT765B
MT765B
2013, 5816 Hrs
2006, 9000 Hrs, Track: 30 Extreme Ag Tracks
2006, 9000 Hrs, Track: 30 Extreme Ag Tracks
£39,950.00
£39,950.00
£55,000.00
Guidance Ready, 16/4 Powershift Transmission
£77,500.00
LESS THAN
1500 HOURS
1500 1000 HOURS
HOURS
MF 1735M HP
MF 5S.135 EFD6
MF 6S.165 EFD6
MF 7718 ESD6
£27,500.00
£68,750.00
£110,460.00
£67,000.00
2022, 35 HP Tyres: 24 X 8.5-12 (100%) 315 X 80D16 (100%)
LESS THAN
LESS THAN
1000 500
2021, 1250 Hrs, Tyres: 440/65R28 (100%) 540/65R38 (100%)
2022, 300 Hrs, Tyres: 480/70R28 (95%) 580/70R38 (95%)
2019, 2750 Hrs, Dyna 6 Transmission Essential Spec
MF 8S.205 EFDE 2021, 675 Hrs, 205 HP Tyres: 600/65R28 (90%), 650/65R42 (90%)
LESS THAN
LESS THAN
1000 500
Dyna e-Power Transmission, Guidance Ready, Spec. Package: EFFICIENT, Front Suspension, Cab Suspension
£127,500.00
1500
HOURS
HOURS
FENDT 211
FENDT 516
FENDT 724
FENDT 936
£85,000.00
£98,500.00
£166,750.00
£85,000.00
2021, 190 Hrs, Profi Plus Spec, Comfort Front Linkage
2021, 2750 Hrs, 160 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (50%) 650/65R38 (50%)
2023, 1400 Hrs, Tyres: 600/65R28 (85%) 650/75R38 (85%)
2014, 7250 Hrs, Tyres: 600/67R34 (30%) 710/75R42 (30%)
FENDT 942 LESS THAN
1500 1000 HOURS
HOURS
VALTRA T174EA 2020, 695 Hrs, 170 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (90%) 650/65R38 (90%)
£75,000.00
2019, 2241 Hrs, 415 HP Tyres: 650/65R34 (80%) 710/75R42 (80%)
LESS THAN
1000 500 VALTRA T175 EA 2022, 400 Hrs, 175 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (95%) 650/65R38 (95%)
£105,000.00
Profi Plus Spec, VARIODRIVE Transmission
VALTRA T234V ST 2020, 4385 Hrs, 235 HP Tyres: 600/65R28 650/75R38
£229,500.00
£75,000.00
VALTRA T235D 2022, 960 Hrs, 220 HP Tyres: 600/65R28 (100%) 710/60R42 (100%) Front Suspension, Power Beyond
LESS THAN
1500 1000
£136,500.00
HOURS
LESS THAN
1500 1000 HOURS
JCB 531-70
JCB 532-60
JCB 542-70
£44,000.00
£59,950.00
£77,000.00
2019, 6698 Hrs, 145 HP 7m Reach, 3100kg Lift 4 Wheel Steer Crab
2021, 1950 Hrs, 109 HP 3200kg lift, 6.2m Reach Tyres: 460/70R24 (80%)
2021, 774 Hrs, 150 HP 4200kg lift, 7m Reach Tyres: 460/70R24 (70%)
LESS THAN
1500 1000 HOURS
MANITOU MLT 634
MANITOU 841
MANITOU MLT 634
MERLO 42.7 4WD
MERLO P32.6 PLUS
£36,000.00
£90,000.00
£22,000.00
£42,000.00
£36,000.00
2016, 6577 Hrs 6m Reach, 3400kg Lift, 460/70R24 (30%)
2022, 788 Hrs 8m Reach, 4100kg Lift
2007, 6000 Hrs 6m Reach, 3400kg Lift Tyres: 460/70R24 (70%)
2017, 5253 Hrs 7m Reach, 4200kg lift Michelin Tyres: (50%)
2015, 2294 Hrs 6m Reach, 3200kg lift Hydrostatic Transmission
Errors and omissions excepted. All prices +VAT
AG SALES: Graham Peall: 07970 121109 | Andrew Elms: 07860 464753
FGbuyandsell.com
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ME
Scan fr om y our late our mobile fo r st used stock.
December 8, 2023 |
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MACHINERY
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
The new Polaris Ranger Kinetic is a full electric UTV.
U
tility vehicles (UTVs) have become a popular choice for many farms looking for more capacity over an ATV. However, the burdensome drone of a diesel powered engine often leaves considerable room for improvement in many vehicles. Even manufacturers opting for petrol alternatives leave questions over fuel consumption and noise levels.
Fuel cost
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With the increasing cost of petrol and diesel, alongside environmental pressures, a battery-powered electric vehicle may provide a viable alternative in the UTV marketplace. Polaris has developed an electric vehicle (EV) version of its popular Ranger UTV to offer that solution, on test we see if it can live up to the hype.
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Silence is golden with the Polaris Ranger Kinetic EXTERIOR FROM the exterior, you would be forgiven for thinking the Kinetic is just another in a long line of diesel vehicles, with little change in body styling against the existing line-up. But subtle changes in lighting and body colour indicate this is not your average UTV, with the Kinetic’s standard lighting package enhanced
by LED strip lighting along the front grill. The manufacturer has specified the unit with larger 29/9 R14 front tyres and 29/11 R14 rear tyres, giving the electric variant 25mm (one-inch) greater ground clearance as standard over its combustion engine counterparts. Trivial though it may sound, the extra clearance could make all the
difference in tricky conditions. A new chassis design has been formed to better incorporate battery and motor mounting. Considerable effort has been made by the manufacturer to ensure sensitive components are well protected and the ingress of debris is kept to a minimum with moulded panelling.
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ON TEST MACHINERY MOTOR AND DRIVETRAIN PROSPECTIVE buyers can choose from two power options, with the test vehicle being in a premium format, offering 14.9kWh from an lithium-ion battery. The higher specification ultimate variant is powered by a 29.8kWh lithium-ion battery. The overriding performance difference between the two vehicles is the manufacturer’s claimed travel range. Polaris has opted for an in-house automotive style platform, with power delivered from the battery powering the drive motor, which in turn, powers the drive train via a toothed belt. This removes the need for a continuously variable transmission in this particular variant, as with other electric vehicles, the rpm of the motor takes care of forward speed. Three power modes can be selected via a rocker switch on the dashboard — sport, standard and eco-plus.
The redesigned chassis neatly holds the battery and motor.
CAB USERS familiar with the existing Ranger lineup will feel at home in the Kinetic with little difference in fit, finish and trim. Minor changes with gear selection now mean forward and reverse are selectable through an electric switch positioned on the gear lever. From there, a choice of park, neutral and low/high range can be selected through the singular sliding lever — much the same as the petrol and diesel variants. One of the most considerable changes to the dashboard, is the digital display now indicating battery load rather than a rpm tachometer and battery level rather than a fuel gauge. General cabin storage has remained plentiful, including stowage bins underneath the passenger seat. Depending on the locality of the charging points, prospective buyers may wish to have a secondary charging cable or carry it permanently within the vehicle. Supplied with a bag, the six-metre automotive-style charging cable can be neatly contained, but did make the optional under-seat storage box better suited to charging cable than general cabin storage.
The vehicle has a familiar operator environment to users of existing petrol and diesel variants. Operator comfort aside, the optional in-cabin heating system was seen as a missing necessity on-test, particularly when working in freezing temperatures. Windscreen visibility soon became compromised by ice build-up, as no additional heat was generated due to the lack of any combustion engine.
One of the major benefits of the Kinetic was its quiet cab, barely reaching 41dB in the cab for general yard use. Road surfaces did give the inevitable tyre drone expected from the well-shod off-road tyres, which transferred to an 80dB reading travelling at 30mph, but considerably less on field surfaces
at 64dB at equivalent speeds. Notably, the tone of the road noise still made operator comfort on the road surfaces considerably better than combustion engine variants. This allowed both operator and passenger to speak and hear normally in the cabin during operation.
Continues over the page. farmersguardian.com
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MACHINERY ON TEST CARRYING AND CAPACITY EXCEEDING the load bed carrying capacity of the manufacturer’s current offering, the Kinetic presents no compromise to prospective buyers. Boasting a 567kg capacity, the Kinetic can carry 113kg more than the manufacturer’s existing platform. Although the Ranger may not be required to carry such loads on a regular basis, for the purposes of the test, a 500kg bag of seed was transported around the test yard with ease.
Performance Range and battery performance under varying conditions can be frequent concerns for many regular users considering the switch from a combustion engine to an electric vehicle. With that in mind, the Kinetic was loaded with 150kg in the load bed and with the operator and passenger taken on a 14.3-mile journey averaging 48kph (30mph). During this it encountered mixed terrain, temperatures of -4degC and a 12.4 per cent incline during 1,000 metres of the journey. Starting at 97 per cent battery, the journey concluded with 55 per cent battery remaining on standard performance mode.
It comes supplied with a six-metre automotive-style charger, optional fast chargers can reduce charge times from five hours to three hours. This equated to a 0.54km (0.34-mile) usage per battery per cent consumed. In real-world terms, this would give the vehicle a comfortable 54km (34-mile) range based on the test parameters. Notably during the test, the Kinetic did achieve the
manufacturer’s estimated 72km (45-mile) range with a single operator and no cargo. This was deemed ample for most daily activities, but users requiring greater range may wish to consider the Ultimate variant supplying a claimed 136km (85-mile) range.
Vehicle stability and ability to carry load during conditions remained consistent through the test, impressing with instant and continuous torque under load. This was particularly recognisable during inclines carrying cargo, with an unyielding response to load.
Low noise levels and zero emissions make the Kinetic well suited to working in indoor and outdoor environments. 70 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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ON TEST MACHINERY The towing capacity of 1,136kg matches the existing Ranger line-up.
HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE ON test, each drive mode was selected for various tasks. The different modes gave the operator varying levels of throttle control and performance. Light yard duties feeding young stock and moving calves benefited from the lighter throttle response in eco-plus mode. In towing and carrying weight across rough terrain, the standard mode offered the best performance in mixed duties. Standard mode offered ample performance on road surfaces, but sport mode was the preferred choice on-test, giving the vehicle acceleration far beyond any diesel comparative. The manufacturer claims an estimated range of 72km (45 miles) on the 14.9kWh variant. Although considerable differences in battery longevity were noted in the different performance modes. Even with sport mode making a considerable dent in battery levels, with access to a full 100 per cent of battery load, it still
managed to achieve a 65km (40 miles) range on test. Following existing Ranger sales trends, most farm users would opt for the non-homologated unit allowing operating speeds up to 96kph (60mph). With the on-test tractor unit having full road homologation, top speeds were limited to 64kph (40mph) which was deemed more than ample throughout the test. Polaris incorporates a pin code secure limiter to both variants, allowing owners to limit vehicle speed based on operator experience and the environment. The dual A-arm suspension front and rear with anti-roll bars give the Kinetic a planted feel, which almost gives the UTV the feel of a car when cornering, with limited wallow and good directional control when steering. Suspension spring tension can be adjusted with a collar and sliding scale on the suspension arm, which allows changes to suit operation and weight on the load bed.
The Kinetic has a 113kg greater carrying capacity than its existing Ranger counterparts.
FG verdict MIXED-use considerably extended battery longevity over continual high speed and load work, but it would be important to point out that regular users should consider their typical daily use. As most vehicles may only encounter high-intensity usage for three to four hours a day, the rest of the time they traditionally would be idling or carrying out low-intensity duties. Mindset change is certainly important when considering
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an electric UTV. Although daytime charging was not deemed a necessity to get through the working day, it was a sensible option to do so at times of vehicle standing, to ensure ample capacity was available if needed. With the test vehicle requiring a five-hour charge time from zero to 100 per cent, higher capacity charging variants can offer reductions down to three-hour charge times. Offered as a direct competitor
to its petrol and diesel counterparts, the electric vehicle impresses on many levels, with reductions in noise levels and improvements in operator comfort, as well as working in enclosed spaces with zero emissions emitted from the vehicle. Power and performance matched and at times exceeded combustion engine counterparts, undoubtedly battery longevity in use may not suit the needs of some operators, but in those circumstances, the higher capacity battery would be
a certain consideration. Undoubtedly the Kinetic is a very capable vehicle often exceeding the performance of its combustion engine counterparts. But with an on test price of £32,531.50 it has a considerable price difference over its petrol and diesel variants with prices hovering in the region of £25,000. With this in mind prospective buyers would have to consider, whether the whole life running costs prove enough of a saving to justify the upfront cost. DECEMBER 8 2023 | 71
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MACHINERY CROPTEC SHOW Spray technology, field data collection and drill customisation were some of the features at this year’s CropTec Show, held at the NAEC at Stoneleigh for the first time. Toby Whatley reports from the event.
Innovative kit on show at CropTec
J.J METCALFE SPREADER COULTER DESIGNED to work with Horsch Sprinter drills from 2016 onwards, the spreader coulter is supplied as a complete replacement of the existing point and coulter boot, which converts the machine into a direct drill. Metcalfe says the 125mm-wide point creates a seeding band with a greater seed quantity on the outside edges of the established strip. This is claimed to create a more uniform seed distribution between rows and allows a more consistent light penetration into the row. Each replaceable point uses tungsten carbide wear tiles in addition to carbide and hard facing on more exposed areas. Metcalfe advises typical costs of £130 per leg for the system, with the wearing points supplied at £80 each.
AGRIFAC CONDOR MOUNTAIN MASTER HOLDING a difficult to ignore position at the event, the high-clearance Condor Mountain Master from Agrifac is the first of its type to be sold in the UK. Developed for crops including maize and sunflowers and typically seen operating in eastern and southern Europe, the machine has been supplied to a specialist seed producer in Dorset. Powered by a 287hp Cummins engine, the 5,000-litre machine is height adjustable from 1.2 metres
to 2.2m, with the lifting cylinders mounted directly to the wheel hubs, which allows the machine to also adjust its track width hydraulically. Fitted with 36m booms, the variable height control includes slope compensation adjustment with a variation of up to 20-degrees. This is designed to keep the chassis and tank level when travelling up, down or across slopes with the boom control and pivot following the actual terrain. Spray control and droplet size are
SOILMANIA SOIL SENSOR ORIGINALLY developed for the horticultural sector, Soilmania’s multi-sensor can be used to wirelessly report data on the temperature, moisture, salt, pH and oxygen level of the surrounding soil. Information is viewed through a web portal on a PC, tablet or smartphone, with new data reported every 20 minutes. Power is supplied from an internal battery with an
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additional option to add a solar charging system for continual use. Information from the device can be used to determine establishment timing, nutrient application and required water volume in irrigated crops. Notification of conditions can be supplied by SMS message or email, with unit costs of £400-£1,200 each, depending on the number of sensors.
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MORE FROM THE SHOW For more from CropTec, see pages 16 and 26-27.
controlled through a pulse width modulation-based system, which varies the air inclusion pressure to change the application rate and target droplet size.
Nozzle The High Tech Air Plus system uses a fixed stainless nozzle and includes an option to automatically vary the droplet size based on the machine’s forward speed to create uniform application and reduced drift.
CHAFER CENTRAL TYRE INFLATION SYSTEM TRAILED and self-propelled sprayer manufacturer Chafer has introduced a central tyre inflation system (CTIS) option for its 4,000- to 6,000-litre Sentry trailed sprayer range. Using 50kph-rated BPW-sourced axles, air pressure is supplied through the middle of the hub and is linked with the overall air system used to
operate the braking, section control and boom flushing.
Pressure Control of the tyre pressure is monitored and adjusted in-cab using a PTG system. Chafer says that improvements in VF tyre technology and increases
in travel distances and speed have driven the development of the CTIS system, which allows customers to optimise implement tyre conditions for both field and on-road use. All 2024 Sentry machines will be offered with the option of CTIS, with the ability to retrofit the system if required.
RAVEN SMARTSTRIKER X SPOT-SPRAY SYSTEM DEVELOPED to operate as a retrofit system, the SmartStriker X uses forward-facing cameras mounted every three metres along the boom with nozzles positioned at 250mm centres. The system requires individual nozzle control and pulse width modulation capabilities of the host sprayer, with the vision system offering green-on-brown application for clearing stubbles and green-on-green application for specific weed targeting in established crops.
Plant information Target plant information alongside the crop type are predetermined in the control module. Raven says its results of targeting thistles in sugar beet resulted in an 80 per cent chemical reduction and a £30/hectare cost reduction.
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LIVESTOCK
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com
New Holstein entrant peaks in pole position rDenovo 2776 Leeds
ranking of the top 10 bulls for the HealthyCow index (£270). Progenesis AltaVandyke is a new entry in fifth position (£PLI £887), transmitting exceptional weights of fat at 55.6kg, combined with 38.4kg protein.
bumped to second
A NEW entrant in the shape of Peak AltaOrvar has hit the number one position on the genomic Holstein sires list, published this week by AHDB. Ranked on Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI), this young bull – sired by AltaZeolite and out of an AltaPlinko dam – is predicted to excel for daughter fertility, with a Fertility Index (FI) among the breed leaders at 12.8. The bull also has high Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for protein at 37.2kg and +0.12 per cent, all contributing to a £PLI of £925. In taking the lead, AltaOrvar edges the former front-runner, Denovo 2776 Leeds, into second position, now with a £PLI of £901. Leeds’ PTAs of 1,308kg milk and 91.3kg fat plus protein combined indicates daughters will have exceptional production.
Profitability
Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB, says: “We know that using £PLI as your primary selection index is the best way to increase profitability on a commercial dairy unit, and the top 100 list shows the remarkable way in which many young sires can help achieve this. “Most of these bulls FOR OTHER transmit impressive DAIRY BREED production, but INDEXES, VISIT increasingly they AHDB.ORG.UK/ excel for health, KNOWLEDGELIBRARY/DAIRYPeak AltaOrvar is the new number one on the genomic fertility and lifeHolstein sires list, published by AHDB this week. span, with the BREEDINGaverage daughter AND-GENETICS Moving up into third position is transmitter in the top of the best bulls Peak AltaMorpheus (£PLI £897), 10. Daughters of this predicted to live over which is also the highest lifespan bull are expected to live six months longer than 168 days longer than average. those of an average bull. “All of this contributes to Another former leader, Wilra Top 10 Holstein genomic young sires (£PLI) continued improvements in their SSI Faneca Ebersol, retains a top 1 Peak AltaOrvar – £925 environmental credentials, since five position, now ranking fourth, 6 DG Peace – £886 2 Denovo 2776 Leeds – £901 their EnviroCow indexes continue with a £PLI of £889. Ebersol trans7 Denovo 19495 Hargrove-P ET – £885 3 Peak AltaMorpheus – £897 to climb, emphasising the role mits outstanding udder health (-3 8 Progenesis Pineapple – £880 4 Wilra SSI Faneca Ebersol – £889 genetics can play in addressing Mastitis and -28 somatic cell count 9 Peak AltaKalon – £877 5 Progenesis AltaVandyke – £887 the needs of the industry to cut [SCC]), alongside other fitness 10 Peak AltaPeak AltaCalabria – £873 carbon footprint.” attributes, making him the highest
New genetic choices available for spring grazing herds NEW at the top of the latest Spring Calving Index (£SCI) is the high health and fertility Jersey sire, VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster, which has 94 UK daughters contributing to excellent milk solids figures and earns an £SCI of £583. The bull also has the highest daughter lifespan of the top 20 sires and high daughter fertility. Equally impressive on daughter fertility is the Holstein sire, Progenesis Wimbledon (SCI £582), which ranks second. A higher kg milk transmitter than the number one placed Jersey, this bull also rates well for udder health. 74 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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Holstein sire, Denovo Invictus, stands third and is on a par with Wimbledon for daughter fertility. Retaining the number one spot in the Autumn Calving Index (£ACI) is Progenesis Wimledon (£ACI £678).
Lameness Advantage This bull has the highest combination of fat and protein percentages of the top 20, and leads for Lameness Advantage across this group. Westcoast River climbs a few places to reach second position (£ACI £677), and stands out for
Top five bulls (£SCI)
Top five bulls (£ACI)
1 VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster (Jersey ) – £583 2 Progenesis Wimbledon (Holstein) - £582 3 Denovo Invictus (Holstein) - £571 4 VJ Hoeholt Jern James DJHB (Jersey) - £559 5 Westcoast Guarantee (Holstein) - £544
1 Progenesis Wimbledon (Holstein) – £678 2 Westcoast River (Holstein) – £677 3 FB Kenobi Targaryen (Holstein) – £664 4 Westcoast Guarantee (Holstein) – £660 5 Aardema Pistolero (Holstein) – £657
good udder health traits and daughter fertility. A new entry in third is FB Kenobi
Targaryen (£ACI £664), which becomes the highest protein transmitter of the group. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 12:11
BULL PROOFS LIVESTOCK GENOSOURCE CAPTAIN LEADS AS UK DAUGHTERS ADDED TO HIS TALLY
Gensource Captain has 180 daughters milking in the UK.
GENOSOURCE Captain has been a long-term leader within the Holstein breed both as a young, genomic sire and now that he has daughters of his own. With 180 milking in the UK adding to his international figures, he weighs in at the top of the pack in December’s genetic evaluations. With a £PLI of £814, Captain is established as a leading production bull, with 1,219kg PTA for milk. The sire also has good ratings for Calf Survival (2.4) and is the leading bull in these rankings for FeedAdvantage, meaning producers can expect efficiency of feed
conversion from daughters. Second place is taken by FB Kenobi Targaryen (£PLI £808), which graduates from the young genomic sire listings, with 134 UK milking daughters contributing to its figures. High protein PTA of 39.6kg confirms this bull’s genomic prediction, and it is a big SCC improver at SCC -25. Even more impressive for udder
health is Westcoast River, which has an SCC Index of -30 and Mastitis at -3. With over 100 new UK milking daughters bolstering this bull’s figures, it rises to third position and has a Lifespan Index of +134 days, outstanding Fertility Index (16.1) and earns a HealthyCow of £337. Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB, says: “The
Top 10 daughter-proven Holstein bulls (£PLI) 1 Genosource Captain – £814 2 FB Kenobi Targaryen – £808 3 Westcoast River – £789 4 Bomaz Kettle – £762 5 Denovo 14744 Ginetta – £759
6 Silverridge V Einstein – £750 7 Progenesis Wimbledon - £721 8 Aardema Pistolero - £712 9 Peak AltaPlinko - £710 10 Genosource Johnboy – £706
majority of producers now use high £PLI genomic sires for breeding dairy replacements, but these proven sires affirm the good sense of that choice. “Although it is usually about four years later that young, genomic sires graduate to the proven ranking, they are doing so with continuity across their daughter performance figures. “And while many producers may not choose to return to them once they are daughter-proven, these older bulls, which have stood the test of time, should give producers confidence in their use of genomic predictions on which to base their breeding choices.”
HIGH MILK SOLIDS RISE TO THE TOP AMONG NON-HOLSTEIN BREEDS DUTCH-BRED Bloemplaat Hoeve Ewoud continues to move up the Friesian rankings to take the lead in this breed’s evaluations. This son of Bernard transmits high milk solids, with PTAs of 13.7kg fat and 13.1kg protein, alongside cell count reduction (SCC -11), all of which helps earn a £PLI of £303. Black and white breeders are reminded that Ewoud’s daughter FI of 3.7 represents better fertility than that of a Holstein with the same score, because FI - as with all breed-specific evaluations is calculated only within each breed, and in this case the
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Friesian genetic base (or average) is higher for this particular trait. A new leader has risen to the top of the Jersey rankings in the shape of Danish-bred VJ Hoeholt Jern James, with a £PLI of £442. This good udder health improver (-20 SCC, -1 Mastitis), also scores well for daughter fertility, at 7.5.
Aryshire VR Vilano is the new number one in the Ayrshire ranking, offering a favourable Lifespan of +82 days, high daughter FI (+9) and good all-round production. He now weighs in with a £PLI of £442, edging the former number one sire, VR Venom, into second place.
Dutch-bred Bloemplaat Hoeve Ewoud, which has taken the lead in the Friesian rankings. DECEMBER 8 2023 | 75
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There are about 1,000 White Park females in the UK, but those involved with the cattle say the breed has a lot to offer to modern-day farming. Jonathan Wheeler reports.
PICTURES: TIM SCRIVENER
LIVESTOCK
Ancient cattle breed has modern role
T
he White Park is an ancient breed with a very bright future, says Lawrence Alderson, who this year retires after 40 years as chair and president of the breed society. He leaves the breed in a far stronger place now than it was when he was one of the key forces behind the founding of the society in 1983. Mr Alderson, who is also founder of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and later, Rare Breeds International, started recording the population of White Parks in 1969. His initial survey revealed that there were just 64 breeding females left and those managing several key herds were considering quitting. Now it has some 1,700 females, with about 1,000 in the UK, small populations in Germany and France as well as countries such as New Zealand and Australia.
Outside the UK, the biggest population is in the USA and Canada, a presence inspired by Winston Churchill. He became concerned that a breed that he regarded as an important part of British heritage might be eliminated if Britain was invaded during World War Two, which led to a number of animals being exported to Canada.
Dynevor Mr Alderson ran the Dynevor herd of White Parks near Lavington on Salisbury Plain until 2022, when he retired from active farming. The herd was originally located at Dynevor Castle in Wales, with records indicating it was founded in the ninth century by Rhodri Fawr — at a time when the cattle were used in sacrifices and as currency. When Mr Alderson retired, he transferred custodianship of the herd to father and son Martin and
Michael George, who run Whitworth Bros, flour millers, based at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. They already ran a small White Park herd at their Blatherwycke Estate in the north of the county. The new combined herd is playing a crucial role in the changes the family are making to the 1,214-hectare (3,000-acre) estate. That includes introducing 80ha (200 acres) of grassland into the 1,012ha (2,500 acres) in the arable rotation. The cattle graze the meadows around Blatherwycke Lake and elsewhere across the estate, including the grassland now being established within the arable rotation.
Carbon
The White Parks are crucial to the business plan at Blatherwycke. 76 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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The George family want the estate to ‘pay its way’ and work in an environmentally sound way, says estates director James Perks. He says: “The whole business is looking at its carbon footprint and the milling business uses a huge amount of energy. So the estate needs to provide a carbon offset for those activities”. Their original animals – seven heifers, six calves and a bull – arrived nearly four years ago, with
the Dynevor cattle joining them more recently. They require very few additional inputs, says Mr Perks and the only specialist equipment they needed to buy was a cattle crush that enabled them to handle horned animals. Future breeding selection will be made by examining genetics and pedigrees, with temperament also playing a key role. “We have a good number of fields to which the public has access and it would be very restrictive if we could not graze the animals on them,” says Mr Perks.
It would be a shame to have a lovely herd of animals like this and have to put them where the public could not see them JAMES PERKS farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 16:12
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Left to right: Henry Rusch, White Park Cattle Society chair; James Perks Blatherwyke estates director; and livestock manager James Cardall.
“It would also be a shame to have a lovely herd of animals like this and have to put them somewhere where the public could not see them.” One issue he needs to keep a close eye on is ensuring the herd only grazes permitted areas, as
many parts of the farm are entered in a variety of different environmental schemes. On a day-to-day basis the cattle are tended by James Cardall, who runs a beef and sheep enterprise on the farm next door. The herd calves in spring, with
HISTORY OF THE WHITE PARK BREED DURING his time as society chair, Lawrence Alderson made some major discoveries about the breed. First among those was finding its origins. He used his qualifications as a geneticist to work with German colleagues and trace the breed back to the Middle East. He says: “The Tawe cow family in the Dynevor herd has the same haplotypes as the founder cows in the Middle East and shared with cattle from Anatolia in Southern Turkey. “The same haplotype is also found in two other herds in Britain — one in Wales and another in Scotland.” Mr Alderson says that from southern Turkey the breed reached Britain via northern Italy, where it was crossed to Aurochs bulls. As a result, its previous brown
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colour gave way to what is now described as ‘porcelain white’, with distinctive black (or very occasionally red) points on the ears, nose, socks and teats. He also secured the evidence that the breed is responsible for the naming of one of beef’s most important cuts. Documents show that King James I dined on beef from the loin of a White Park animal while visiting Hoghton Tower in Lancashire. Hoghton was one of the herds founded in the thirteenth century when the ‘Charta Forestae’ allowed people to turn forests and hunting chases into enclosed parkland. The King is recorded as enjoying the beef so much, he took out a carving knife and ceremonially knighted the joint; the name ‘sirloin’ was born.
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The cattle are hardy, but are housed in winter to protect the heavy ground at Blatherwycke from poaching.
cows and calves being turned out then. While they are quite used to living outside all year round, at Blatherwycke, they are housed in October to protect the heavy land pastures from poaching risks. When housed, they feed on haylage made from some of the older pastures, some rolled barley and concentrates if needed. Animals typically finish at about three years old and produce a 350kg carcase. White Parks have a reputation for producing fine, well-marbled, flavoursome beef and that is key in marketing the meat from the Blatherwycke herd. It will be sold by the estate’s existing meat business, which already markets game from the shoots the estate hosts, with the expanded herd being a key factor
in ensuring continuity of supply. The estate also sells the venison from the herds of deer which live in Rockingham Forest and farm staff recently recorded an individual herd of 1,400 Fallow deer. While they provide an excellent source of meat for the business, they can take a heavy toll on arable crops, says Mr Perks.
Black-grass The estate is all heavy land and winter wheat must be sown early to reduce black-grass problems, with some spring barley grown for malting. Beans are their chosen break crop because the combination of flea beetle and the deer made oilseed rape very hard to grow. “One year we did lose about half of our 300 acres of oilseed rape
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to flea beetle, but the deer also tucked into it. They do not seem so keen on beans early in the season, although they can trample it and eat the pods later. They also help
the black-grass germinate as their hooves break the barrier provided by the pre-ems. We shoot several hundred a year and the populations barely change.”
THE BREED IN THE MODERN DAY THE breed is renowned for its hardiness, something appreciated by Henry Rusch, current chair of the breed society. He runs 40 White Parks on his 128-acre (50-hectare) Broad Ecton Farm, Ashbourne. “The farm is over 1,000 feet above sea level and, when we started the herd in 2009, we had no barns in which to shelter livestock. “That hardiness is a major asset. The cattle stay outside in
minus temperatures; even when there is snow on the ground.” Mr Alderson says this complements the breed’s key assets. He says: “It is a very efficient forager and thrives on coarse grassland. In fact it will preferentially graze coarse grass rather than richer meadows. “That makes it very well suited to modern farming, and for use in environmental schemes and regenerative systems.”
The White Parks graze the meadows around Blatherwycke Lake. farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 16:07
LIVESTOCK rRainfall has affected
how crops matured
THE unusual maize growing season means that while many crops have yielded well, quality is more variable and generally lower than in 2023, which will present some challenges when included in rations. Dr Liz Homer, ruminant technical development manager at Trouw Nutrition GB, says the unprecedented rainfall in late August onwards combined with lower than usual sunshine affected how crops matured, particularly cob development and starch deposition. Reviewing the results of more than 750 forages analysed at the company’s laboratory in Ashbourne, Dr Homer says there is considerable variation in most nutrients between crops, which is unusual as maize is usually a very consistent forage. “The dry matter [DM] of 2023 crops is generally lower, reflecting both the growing and harvesting season. There is also a more skewed distribution of samples meaning there is far more variation within the average,” she says. “Starch averages this year are 27.8 per cent DM compared to 35 per cent DM last year, indicating a lower proportion of cob in the crop. And 10 per cent of crops were below 24.6 per cent DM starch. “Overall, starch degradability is slightly elevated, meaning more of the starch will be fermented in the rumen. Combined with the lower total starch content,
MAIZE ANALYSIS 2023 Nutrient Dry matter (%) Crude protein (% DM) Starch (% DM) Starch degradability (%) Bypass starch (g/kg DM) DyNE (MJ/kg DM)
Analysis of individual clamps and fine-tuning of diets will help you get the best from maize this winter.
A focused look at this year’s maize analysis this has resulted in lower bypass starch levels. “This could impact supplementation and energy source choices as ground cereals are needed for firing up the rumen, while rolled cereals
may be required as bypass energy for making milk. Only by having your own clamps analysed will it be possible to get starch supplementation as precise as possible. “We are also seeing higher NDF SOURCE: TROUW NUTRITION
Average 2023 33.6 7.9 27.8 79.7 55.4 6.5
Average 2022 33.9 7.9 35 77.5 77.6 6.9
and lignin content which indicates the vegetative parts of the plant were less digestible. The combination of lower starch and more fibre will have implications for how crops will feed.” Dr Homer urges farmers to get their own clamps analysed this year and not to rely on average figures. “With greater variability this year it will be vital to know exactly what is in your clamp and to balance forages precisely. I would also advise getting clamps analysed regularly during the season,” she says.
Changes to salmonella testing for poultry farmers FOLLOWING the release of the eighth British Lion Code in June, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has tightened rules around salmonella testing before a new flock is brought on to farm. Speaking at the recent British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) conference at Telford International Centre, deputy chief executive of BEIC Gary Ford explained the new rules were there to help farmers comply with industry rules and stand up against imported eggs. farmersguardian.com
p79 Dec8 KJ MB AC.indd 2
He said: “New Animal Plant and Health Agency regulations mean there is no longer an allowance for a negative salmonella test before a new flock enters a shed, with no opportunity to retest the shed like there has been previously. “We have therefore replicated rules in the eighth Lion Code, meaning we can help support farmers produce successful tests to make receiving a new flock go as smoothly as possible while retaining consumer support.” The new rules require a gauze
swab or sponge pad to be taken from nine areas of each house. This is following the depletion of all birds from the previous flock, post-cleaning and prior to a new flock going into the house and includes newly built houses.
Concern These rules have concerned members of BFREPA, and this was voiced by Tom Lander, of Country Fresh Pullets. He said he believed there was a balance that must be struck between maintaining the
Lion’s excellent food safety record, meeting consumer demands, but foremost ensuring producers are not disadvantaged financially or otherwise by the administration of the scheme. However, Mr Ford said version eight of the Lion Code had incorporated egg producer opinion alongside the latest scientific and veterinary advice, as well as industry expertise, in a bid to ensure British Lion eggs continue to be produced to the highest standards of food safety. DECEMBER 8 2023 | 79
05/12/2023 16:08
LIVESTOCK New rules are being introduced this month for UK livestock farmers who produce stock destined to be exported to the European Union. Ellie Layton finds out what producers need to do to comply.
Complying with new vet attestation rules A animals to be exported rVital when allowing
CHANGES in legislation from December 13, 2023 will require all producers selling livestock for slaughter to have had an annual farm veterinary visit to allow their animals, and/or part of any animal, to be exported out of the UK. The purpose is to comply with export requirements to verify the absence of notifiable disease and provide general advice on farm biosecurity. Carmarthenshire vet Hannah Jarman, of ProStock Vets, explains who the rules apply to, what you need to do to comply and the practicalities of the new regulations.
Q A
What are the rules as part of the new legislation? From December 13, 2023, each holding will need a Vet Attestation Number (VAN) to allow animal products to be exported to the European Union. The number will travel with each animal, just like a County Parish Holding (CPH) number, but will change annually.
Q
Who needs to comply to these new rules?
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p80 Dec 8 KJ EL MB AC.indd 2
If you are part of a qualifying assurance scheme, you are already seen as being compliant and do not need to complete the veterinary declaration. Membership of these farm assurance schemes is accepted as evidence that a premises of origin meets the requirement for regular health visits from a vet. The qualifying schemes are the Animal Health and Welfare Review (England only), Quality Meat Scotland, Farm Assured Welsh Livestock Beef and Lamb Scheme and Red Tractor. For farms not involved in farm assurance schemes, Defra recommends every farm should register for a VAN. Store animals technically do not need a VAN, as it is the last farm before processing that needs the attestation. Even when meat from animals is not intended for export to the EU, there is a high likelihood that some of the animal products or by-products derived from them may be included in exports to the EU. So, it is recommended that all farm businesses ensure a veterinary visit has taken place at their farm. I believe this will make the new regulations easier for buyers, vendors and markets.
Q A
How do you become compliant? If you have not had a vet on farm for 12 months, a visit should be carried out. To meet the requirements of this attestation, the vet must assess animal health through an on-site inspection. Sampling and examination of individual animals are not required. The vet will provide advice to the farmer on any biosecurity concerns and consider the associated diseases and risks of the species present on the farm. Farmers should be aware each CPH number will require an individual VAN.
Q A
How often do I need a vet visit? Obtaining a signed veterinary attestation must be done every 12 months and can be combined with any other routine veterinary visit, including government-supported initiatives such as the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in England. Vet attestations are valid for 12 months and it is the farm business’ responsibility to ensure that a vet visit takes place at least annually.
Q
What does the VAN look like?
A
The VAN will be made up of visiting vet’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons number, CPH number and visit date. You will receive a certificate, which farmers must keep a copy of for their records. In England, if your farm has had an annual visit as part of the Defra Animal Health and Welfare Review Pathway scheme, then this visit will fulfil the requirements. The vet will provide you with an attestation alongside pathway documentation.
Q A
How is this applied when moving animals? On a practical level, for the moment, farmers will need to write the VAN next to the Additional Food Chain Information box on page two of a movement license accompanying animals to market or the abattoir. However, EID Cymru and similar bodies are looking to add a designated space to movement licenses.
Q A
What are the cost implications? Every vet practice will have a different policy. But, with most, there will be a stand-alone cost for the certificate itself, and if a farm visit is required the cost will be tied in. farmersguardian.com
05/12/2023 16:13
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05/12/2023 12:50
WORKING DOGS rClean outrun and lift
secure championship England: Elaine Hill
IT was a wintry landscape at Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, for the North Westmorland trial where the parkland setting had a covering of snow. Wiet van Dongen judged the entry of 50 dogs. The majority of handlers chose to go left where the dogs covered the holding pen. In packets of four, the Swaledale hoggs responded best to quiet handling for, if pressured, they
Arthur Temple and Rhydarw Jess.
English results NORTH WESTMORLAND, (Judge, W. van Dongen, Carlisle) Nursery (50 ran) 1, A. Temple (Holmrook) Rhydarw Jess, 70 of 90 OLF; 2, H. Hutchinson (Kirkby Stephen) Smokey, 70; 3, V. Meadley (Cockermouth) Jazz, 69; 4, V. Meadley, Binsey Fell Gem, 67; 5, N. Bennett (Silverdale) Meg, 64 OLFD; 6, J. Relph (Greystoke) Ben, 64. Novice 1, H. Svobodova (Hallbankgate) Tristan, 72 of 90; 2, H. Hutchinson, Molly, 71; 3, E. Wills (Embleton) Gael, 61 OLF; 4, B. Sendlhofer (Threlkeld) Elf, 61. New Handler 1, J. McDaid (Gilsland) Jim. FYLDE, (C. Cropper, Bacup) Nursery (26 ran) 1, N. Bennett, Meg, 65 of 90; 2, T. Birkett (Carnforth) Ben, 64; 3, Thomas Longton (Quernmore) Clay, 59; 4, T. Birkett, Spot, 55; 5, A. Temple, Pentre Roxy, 54; 6, A. Temple, Rhydarw Jess, 52. TRAWDEN, (V. Ibbotson, Silsden) Nursery (36 ran) 1, R. Hutchinson (Littledale) Chrissy, 73 of 90; 2, L. Bancroft (Barnoldswick) Fly, 72; 3, J. Burrow (Silverdale) Roy, 70; 4, A. Kyme (Lumb) Blue, 69; 5, G. Brierley (Lanehead) Ella, 67 OLF; 6, D. Purtill (West Houghton) Ruby, 67. RYEDALE, (E. Gautier, Withernsea) Nursery (15 ran) 1, S. Aconley (Winteringham) Sally, 79 of 90; 2, I. Murdoch (Sutton-on-the-Forest) Del, 71; 3, R. Murdoch (Sheriff Hutton) Huthwaite Bear, 69; 4, J. Goulder (Pickering) Hilston Sim, 66; 5, P. Exelby (Nun Appleton) Bett, 64; 6, C. Townson (Dent) Gorse, 60. MORTON, (H. Plant, Rugby) Nursery (13 ran) 1, S. Mynard (Thrapston) Winston, 82 of 90; 2, J. Porter (Broughton Astley) Nan, 74; 3, S. Mynard, Bonnie, 62; 4, P. Johnson (Burton upon Trent) Matt, 58; 5, M. Bastard, Fern, 32; 6, R. Cure (Alvechurch) Dot, 27. Novice 1, P. Johnson, Inch, 82 of 100; 2, J. Porter, Lass, 81; 3, V. Beech ((Byfield) Gypsy, 65. NORTHERN, Waitby, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, (J. Atkinson, Waitby) Nursery (36 ran) 1, A. Grant
Tough conditions at Westmorland trials tended to split up. Running early at number six, Arthur Temple and Rhydarw Jess set the standard in the nursery class. Jess slightly overran at the end of her left-hand outrun, before walking gently on to her hoggs to have a nice lift. Although the hoggs could be difficult, she kept them on a good line down the fetch and turned them into the left-hand drive. She caught the first drive obstacle well, before having a slightly wide turn into the cross-drive where the line was between the fetch gates and a tree. The hoggs could pick up speed over the second half of the cross-drive, but Jess kept her packet settled, hit the obstacle and had a tight turn into the return, where many went wide. The sheep were not easy to pen, although a couple did just sneak up the side she turned them and scored 70
points. With a later run, Harry Hutchinson and Smokey matched that score, however, with better out-bye work Arthur and nineteen month old Jess took the title, their second win in their first season. Vicky Meadley, who ran in the new handler class last year, was delighted with her two runs being placed third in the nursery class with Jazz on 69 points and fourth with Binsey Fell Gem on 67. Helena Svobodova running Tristan earned the highest score of the day with 72 points in the novice class. Tristan went out well to the right, lifted his sheep nicely and brought them down through the fetch gates. He had a steady drive catching both obstacles and keeping a good line over the cross-drive. His hoggs were cheeky at the pen, breaking a couple of times before eventually going in.
Harry Hutchinson was the runner -up with Molly and Jane McDaid was the best new handler running Jim. With an early run at the Fylde nursery, held at Caton, Nick Bennett and Meg took their second title of the season. Over a pasture that dipped in the middle, the running was on tricky to manage Lonk hoggs. They were not easy to lift and often fought the dogs around the course. They had to be given the opportunity to stand and look before going into the pen. However, having used up much of their time over the outfield many competitors were beaten by the clock at this final task. Chloe Cropper judged the entry of 26 dogs. With a score of 65, Nick and Meg won with a single point advantage over Colin Birkett who had a later run with Ben.
(Ripon) Kate, 85 of 90; 2, J. Drinkwater (Bowes) Cassie, 83; 3, S. Lopizzo (Quernmore) Bertie, 80; 4, J. Drinkwater, Gyp, 78; 5, E. Jacques (Huncoat) Cap, 77; 6, T. Birkett, Spot, 76. Novice 1, M. Metcalfe (Wharton) Gem, 72 of 100; 2, J. Peel (Outhgill) Branshaw Fenton, 69. MID-SHIRES, (J. Aldridge, Daventry, 28 ran) Nursery 1, S. Mynard, Winston, 79 of 90; 2, B. Smith (Harborough Magna) Ben, 70; 3, S. Mynard, Bonnie, 67 OLF; 4, R. Cure, Dot, 67 OLFD; 5, S. Varney (Kilburn) Jack, 67; 6, S. Varney, Gemma, 64. Novice 1, V. Beech, Gypsy, 64 of 100; 2, D. Cooper (Tewkesbury) Cap, 58. Open (3 ran) 1, A. Blackmore (Ledbury) Rosewood Moss. SURREY, (S. Frost, Horley) Nursery (30 ran) 1, M. Banham (Chipstead) Jon, 94 of 100; 2, J. Watson (Postbridge) Scott, 90; 3, J. Dorrell (Dover) Gipping Valley Jack, 87; 4, R. Moore (New Forest) Bud, 81; 5, R. Hawke (Bishopstone) Mirk, 78; 6, W. Cole (Tillingham) Gipping Valley Lil (Kim), 71. Novice 1, G. Gower (Lydden) Kelsal, 81 of 100; 2, S. Stone (Chalfont St. Peter) Meg, 79; 3, J. Dorrell, Tip, 70; 4, J. Watson, Jan, 67. NORTHUMBERLAND, (R. Macrae, Netherwitton) Nursery (16 ran) 1, R. Mitcheson (Belsay) Mitch, 85 of 100; 2, P. Telfer (Haydon Bridge) Cumhatchbach Kiss, 75; 3, P. Telfer, Telf Biff, 73; 4, B. Jordan (Whitfield) Chase, 72; 5, B. Jordan, Marshall, 69; 6, B. Jordan, Zoomer, 66. Novice 1, G. Rastall (Felton) Sassy. BUTTERTON MOOR, - Postponed due to bad weather.
(Strathnaver) Mali, 78; 4, D. Worthington’s Bob (Albert), Skarfskerry, 76; 5, H. Cooper (New Deer) Roy, 72; 6, J. Grant (Dunbeath) Nell, 63 Outbye. SPOTTISWOD, (D. Gilchrist) Nursery (12 ran) 1, A. Dickman (Oxton) Lady, 85; 2, J. Foster (Earlston) Cap,74; 3, I. Jackson (Ancrum) Zac, 70; 4, W.S. Elliot (Yetholm) Roy, 70; 5, B. McSporran (Wester Middleton) Cass, 64; 6, J. Robinson (Coldingham) Nap, 63; Novice 1, B. McSporran (Wester Middleton) Cass, 64; 2, J. Bain (Ettrick) Izzy, 57; Young Farmers 1, B. McSporran (Wester Middleton) Cass, 64; 2, E Runciman (Lauder) Meg, 66. MUTHILL, (A. Sim, Powmill) Nursery (16 ran) 1, E. Nilsson (Alyth) Dalriada Amy, 85; 2, S. Martin (Cashlie) Cherry, 84; 3, C. Maitland Gardner (Muthill) Max, 83; 4, M. Gallagher (Alyth) Dalriada Chief, 82; 5, K. Dickson (Fintry) Llwynsarn Sky, 81; 6, A.D. Carnegie (Comrie) Dot, 80; Novice K Doig (Invergowrie) Templehall Cridhe, 52; Young Handler L. Moore (Brechin) Finn, 50. EVEROR, SHETLAND, (B. Anderson, Ollaberry) Nursery (11 ran) 1, J. Nicolson (Scalloway) Abby, 81; 2, J. Ramsay (Ollaberry) Sally, 80; 3, R. Colclough (Westsandwick) Reg, 70 Outbye; 4, I. Sutherland (North Roe) Vida, 70; 5, J. Ramsay (Ollaberry) Lyn, 62; 6, B. Smith (Dunrossness) Glen, 55.
Spottiswood win for Andrew and Lady
Scottish results YONDER BOGNIE, (I. MacKay, Leanach) Nursery (20 ran) 1, G. Simpson (Forgue) Greiston Mick, 94; 2, G. Simpson (Forgue) Carlos, 80; 3, N. Sutherland
Welsh results SOUTH WALES Nursery Final, (Logan Williams and Elin Hope), 1. K. Evans, Thornbury Max, 17; 2. K. Evans, Hendre Tex, 25; 3. N. Watkins, Jed, 29; 4. F. Farthing, Nant y Moel Nip, 31; 5. D. Jenkins, Becca, 32; 6. D. Evans, Hendre Jet, 34; Reserves, M. Owen, Helen, 44; J. Jones, Brondrefawr Sally, 46. Team results, 1. Brecon, 137; 2. Ceredigion, 150; 3. Glamorgan, 155; 4. Radnor, 174; 5. Carmarthen, 195; 6. Gloucester and Gwent, 222; 7. Pembroke, 229.
Trials diary ENGLAND December 9. NORTH WESTMORLAND, Nursery, novice and new handler, Garthfolds Farm, Lazonby, CA10 1BA, 9am start, enter on field by 1pm, novice confined to Cumbria. December 9 and 10. EAST ANGLIAN, Worlington, Suffolk, IP28 8RU, Saturday, cradle and novice handler, Sunday, nursery and novice, both 9am start and entry closed. December 10. MID-SHIRES, Nursery, novice and beginner, Framlands Farm, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1LB, 8.30am start, enter on field. NORTHERN, Nursery, novice and new handler, Great Fencote, Kirkby Fleetham, Northallerton, DL7 0RS,
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9.30am start, enter on field by 1pm. NORTHUMBERLAND, League, nursery, Mains Rigg Farm, Whitfield, NE47 8HR, 11am start, enter on field. RAINOW, Nursery and novice, Yernslow Farm, Rainow, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5XH, 9am start, enter on field by noon. RYEDALE, Nursery, Fridlington Farms, Sheriff Hutton, York, YO61 1EE, 10.30am start, enter on field by 1pm, more than one dog first by noon. WINDERMERE, Nursery, novice and new handler, Bowers Farm, Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5JP, 9.30am start, enter on field by 2pm. ROMNEY MARSH, Cradle, young handler, nursery and novice, Whitehall, Ludgate Lane, Lynsted, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 0RF, 10am start, enter on field by 11am. COME BYE AND AWAY
CLUB, Novice, Maltese cross followed by open and novice driving, no points, Middle East Street Farm, Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NN, 9am start, enter on field.
WALES December 9. ALL WALES NURSERY FINAL, Cwmdu, Crickhowell, What Three Words: propose. bombard.dispensed, 9am start, spectators welcome. December 15. TYNWERN, Llanrhystud, SY23 5BD, Tregaron 2024 Welsh National Fundraiser, Open National, two sessions, same dog can run twice, start 8am, enter on field, catering, contact E. Lloyd.
Scotland: Sine Robertson A VERY sound run from Andrew Dickman’s Lady earned a long lead over the field at Spottiswood. Cheviot mule hoggs ran well on a big, flat field that ran down from the starting post, but they were not easily penned. Lady ran out to the spot and lifted and fetched very well. The hoggs bent their line on the drive away, before Lady put them through the gate and made good work of her cross drive. Like others, Lady had her work cut out to pen her sheep, but once she had done that, she completed her winning run with a long lead over the field. Stephen Martin’s Cherry set the standard at Muthil with the first run of the day, only overtaken with a single point by Elinore Nilsson’s Dalriada Amy. Trees on the course distracted some young dogs, and the cross hoggs were not easily controlled at the handler’s feet or at the pen. Amy ran out and lifted cleanly and had a good fetch. Her drive was a little more difficult. She penned after a struggle and a clean shed set the seal on first place ahead of a very closely packed list, with the top seven of 16 dogs separated by one point apiece. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 10:11
WORKING DOGS One-two in South Wales for Kevin Evans Wales: Michelle Thomas LAST weekend saw another testing course for the Welsh nursery dogs as the best competitors of the southern counties all gathered in Pembrokeshire to compete for the title of South Wales Nursery Champion. The flat field looked deceptively uncomplicated, yet threw up many challenges for the competitors. The outrun caused dogs to come in along some of the furrows, which unsettled the pack of four sensitive Romney lambs. They tended to stop and give the dogs a chance to regain contact, before being brought around the post and taken on the left hand drive. Only a handful of competitors caught the fetch gate all day. The first was experienced Carmarthenshire trialist, Nigel Watkins. Nigel and Jed went on to have a competent run under the circumstances, but missed the second drive gate for an eventual score of 29 that saw them secure third place. The lambs, which handled best for the dogs who approached them in a wider, calm manner, were good to
made friends with the sheep, he crept up and nudged them through with minimum fuss. Back at the shed, Mr Evans’ skill and understanding of sheep was evident as he kept the confidence in their packet by quiet purposeful handling for a textbook shed.
Skittish
South Wales nursery champion Thornbury Max with owner Kevin Evans and his reserve champion, Hendre Tex.
shed and pen. Kevin Evans, running Hendre Tex, was pensive as he stepped to the post at run 24. Having studied all the runs until that point, he was aware that the sheep were not easy to read. He sent Tex, right-handed and onlookers were shocked as his sheep bolted down the fetch and missed the fetch gate. With the sheep close at hand for the turn around the post, he sent Tex
off on the drive. The dog responded well to his commands, but also read the sheep well, demonstrating great feel as he gave them a little more room yet kept his positive contact. Heading towards the first gate, Tex kept everything quiet, the sheep were allowed to amble, with the cross drive looking okay, Tex was a little off contact by the second gate, but having
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Next it was the pen, here, with Tex’s tongue on the floor and Kevin’s concentration paramount, they both worked hard. The packet, now skittish tried hard to avoid going in, but calm commands kept Tex in control and the lambs soon submitted. It was a good run in the conditions, but the fetch proved costly for a score of 25. Striding to the post in a hail-storm that fell for the duration of his second run, Mr Evans and Thornbury Max looked ready to battle and win. This time his packet were on line for the fetch, and they caught the fetch gates much in a similar way — gentle pressure to guide them through. A good shed and pen put the pair in the lead on a score of 17 that was impossible to beat.
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p82 83 Dec 8 OM MB EL.indd 3
Call 0330 333 0056 and quote H302 DECEMBER 8 2023 | 83
06/12/2023 10:11
MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK ENGLAND All prices quoted in p/kg. STEERS Market day(s) week ending Dec 5
Acklington Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown Louth Ludlow Malton Market Drayton Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Newark Newton Abbot Northallerton Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Ruswarp Salisbury Scots Gap Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Skipton South Molton Stratford Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Wooler Worcester York
Total cattle number
HEIFERS
YOUNG BULLS
CULL COWS
Light average
Medium average
Heavy average
Light average
Medium average
Heavy average
Light average
Medium average
Heavy average
Total cow number
Th 45 Tu 57 Mo\Th 124 We Tu\We We Tu 72 Tu\We 6 Mo 182 Th 8 Tu We\Sa(wk) 211 Tu 68
272.00 236.50 280.29 276.25 320.00 281.92
288.75 280.58 297.81 282.00 296.79 230.70 318.20 285.96
247.25 272.83 288.38 269.00 294.28 240.50 308.90 305.78
118.00 314.00 356.00 248.17 334.33 287.56
221.22 297.33 350.19 316.00 124.33 314.98 331.45 300.43
257.06 339.50 325.66 266.50 126.00 310.96 349.72 310.00
249.25 240.67 194.25 231.00 271.50
251.00 263.12 219.00 254.36 236.50 295.50
290.25 274.50 -
25 24 54 54 3 32 333 4 52 1
-
133.70 -
142.00 135.26 101.50 129.44 117.50 119.88 -
155.88 166.00 171.26 115.33 131.00 188.89 124.50 168.74 169.50
693 1482 1766 345 2696 308 617 831 2888 657 412 1816 485
We Mo\Th Mo We Sa\Th We Th Tu We Tu Tu We Mo Tu Th Tu Fr\Mo Tu We Th Mo Mo Tu Mo\We We Sa\Tu\We
224.00 223.00 217.25 270.67 211.00 300.50 339.00 236.00 298.00 190.75 248.75 260.70 248.50 256.50 349.50 227.00 152.00 193.50 231.01 315.28 321.50 289.50 224.75 281.33 291.55 252.30
287.33 241.07 258.93 375.60 246.00 302.93 305.43 295.50 265.00 246.00 279.50 259.50 310.91 313.92 287.91 277.33 285.15 340.00 355.50 255.50 275.45 288.22 219.32 251.91 315.45 298.04 291.80 233.28 297.53 325.00 246.67 278.07
288.86 226.50 253.71 352.50 238.50 314.00 361.50 249.50 258.50 271.50 310.92 258.42 293.98 294.00 420.00 248.33 300.90 250.08 299.10 319.79 265.35 292.34 319.05 259.83 298.93
267.00 205.00 212.20 281.57 335.50 345.67 345.00 222.75 144.00 284.17 293.00 237.35 251.60 288.19 252.00 300.50 210.00 270.33 158.50 204.83 338.50 270.50 278.50 229.50 193.00 235.60 259.50
335.43 232.38 229.11 321.73 186.62 341.32 314.43 372.50 242.50 330.17 265.00 284.60 307.28 298.02 269.30 308.32 276.67 329.50 259.33 280.00 230.70 242.47 312.72 319.56 317.00 239.12 313.35 353.00 279.68 310.11
319.33 249.50 248.50 277.05 267.00 328.33 310.00 270.00 400.00 256.00 470.00 238.50 289.50 300.50 297.80 311.58 322.98 303.28 239.00 223.00 247.50 254.00 287.00 211.50 245.57 316.08 324.82 310.00 241.17 297.90 365.44 271.20 305.38
247.25 232.40 251.50 288.00 222.47 195.50 240.71 229.50 232.83 229.50 241.67 252.94 215.83 235.67 259.00 253.30
263.43 279.94 254.70 246.33 278.50 260.54 226.50 257.94 249.83 222.50 277.43 251.56 248.09 234.00 262.22
299.64 303.33 219.50 165.00 270.53 281.25 269.93 256.03 287.43 253.50 248.00 304.62 261.20 272.67 249.43 277.97
78 18 64 52 13 2 63 8 11 6 47 18 31 26 1 7 8 124 42 57 26 61 20 18 32 54 32 16 4 18 38 50 34 12 9
195.60 -
124.36 -
130.92 94.50 114.12 128.10 132.50 117.50 125.00 128.41 130.75 132.08 139.91 147.30 127.25 123.61 110.00 109.58 122.30 127.75 142.30 126.50 148.69 123.64 125.50
161.57 120.79 145.77 156.85 134.08 65.00 174.75 158.50 107.50 160.67 172.36 150.17 186.00 126.38 119.50 161.93 170.12 165.41 142.81 175.67 145.55 171.23 156.00 147.24 132.52 172.34 170.00 181.04 110.90 185.24 159.67 141.08 156.07
636 1453 1131 333 1893 415 432 2024 1455 993 618 521 81 1352 726 2833 800 865 747 3934 218 1972 79 1765 116 1660 833 2147 591 2559 967 1171 56 509 413 198 423 2775 699 432 309 1277 387 150 421 1372 538 1208 93
296.00 288.00 309.50 257.50 285.00 297.00
326.00 286.38 288.24 307.83 268.00
325.63 252.62 290.50 295.75 268.43
255.50 263.08 290.00 139.10
302.02 293.33 298.00 292.91 301.28 313.00 284.91
339.80 274.33 293.50 254.44 301.42 304.72 298.55
183.50 -
160.00 289.00
243.20 -
122 33 5 40 41 69 248 191
-
-
117.70 129.30 134.00 103.30 130.90 -
155.00 165.40 139.10 166.90 193.80 137.40 168.70 168.60
2358 1329 2423 317 754 748 640 5222 1317 1450 1052 5507 1422
Tu\We We Mo Mo\We Mo Mo Mo Tu Mo\We We Tu Mo Th Tu We Th Sa\Th We Tu Sa\Tu\Th We We Mo
252 25 105 112 16 60 25 8 8 20 13 6 3 161 71 260 205 278 6 12 12 40 75 30 243 276 180 18 43 149 97 92 184
Grade 1 average
Grade 3 average
Dairy sired average
Beef sired average
Total N lambs
SCOTLAND Ayr Mo\Tu Caithness Tu Castle Douglas Mo\Tu Dingwall Tu Dumfries We Forfar Huntly We Kirkwall Mo Lanark Mo Lockerbie Newton Stewart We Newtown St Boswells Mo Stirling (caledonian) Th\Tu Stirling (ua) We\Th Thainstone Th
84 | DECEMBER 8 2023
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 100
59 12 10 76 112 78 38
farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:20
88
00
6
3 0 89 50
74 50
7 79 77 85 08 0
5 50 50 67
36 7 00 38 0 3 2 41
81
67
55 3 00 4
52
34 00
4
0 24 67
8 07
00
40
0 90
80 0 70 60
Where stated, data provided by AHDB.
Source: AHDB/LAA
SHEEP Total N/S lambs
N/S lambs light average
N/S lambs standard average
N/S lambs medium average
N/S lambs heavy average
N/S SQQ average
Total Ewes
Ewes average
693 1482 1766 345 2696 308 617 831 2888 657 412 1816 485
220.83 244.15 224.85 249.17 263.89 253.00 206.66 -
275.78 250.02 252.79 223.09 223.69 243.00 261.56 254.37 286.46 260.96 275.61 244.59 277.95
264.41 251.78 266.82 251.65 257.03 255.04 267.41 263.75 283.16 256.06 249.36 265.48 292.17
248.81 248.03 257.97 250.47 256.20 260.57 262.77 266.22 278.54 249.73 245.82 264.41 295.06
265.48 248.40 263.12 246.70 252.16 254.11 265.46 262.53 283.59 257.42 253.87 259.60 288.66
221 217 508 206 1674 14 545 39 236 301 185 248 88
80.92 77.34 99.68 59.46 80.61 90.89 87.89 105.03 95.33 79.46 70.66 66.00 71.15
636 1453 1131 333 1893 415 432 2024 1455 993 618 521 81 1352 726 2833 800 865 747 3934 218 1972 79 1765 116 1660 833 2147 591 2559 967 1171 56 509 413 198 423 2775 699 432 309 1277 387 150 421 1372 538 1208 93
187.40 193.00 223.50 220.33 238.82 173.93 253.00 210.57 193.78 223.00 162.84 225.80 235.00 238.66 233.00 228.49 161.00 205.73 212.00 160.00 193.06 245.50 264.00 310.67 235.00 -
231.94 252.94 248.46 257.88 262.60 268.24 242.53 224.20 277.75 299.92 232.10 248.26 245.17 270.36 264.00 285.83 263.07 267.88 223.69 269.42 257.71 271.39 246.00 268.36 296.48 247.00 264.81 271.71 245.63 276.80 212.00 226.17 315.32 241.22 263.59 262.87 239.83 191.25 291.95 278.17 275.33 365.86 239.81 260.73 263.00
254.18 273.02 256.74 260.05 261.66 265.63 257.91 244.99 261.46 272.99 261.13 252.39 265.62 262.98 257.85 297.50 251.87 268.41 251.83 269.41 249.82 270.00 246.95 283.89 248.18 265.86 276.86 254.11 263.56 284.81 264.74 269.31 228.72 251.62 275.05 263.56 258.94 270.50 260.89 248.29 246.56 288.25 267.72 269.56 268.32 301.21 263.01 264.01 260.76
256.68 270.95 256.97 265.09 258.79 258.07 257.47 253.41 257.43 258.10 271.73 251.84 269.15 261.19 260.52 279.58 258.34 260.89 254.99 261.05 251.72 264.43 269.53 273.54 242.62 259.19 275.20 255.39 263.64 266.91 267.60 260.51 252.67 256.80 272.07 254.44 260.72 264.17 259.91 246.09 258.96 280.79 261.25 251.58 265.95 288.19 248.73 264.30 264.19
252.74 269.58 255.21 259.44 260.40 265.88 256.10 237.70 261.50 270.55 257.36 252.02 262.11 261.67 258.17 291.67 252.26 268.30 245.01 268.56 249.82 269.23 246.95 275.85 248.00 266.23 278.76 247.91 263.10 281.90 261.03 270.99 211.71 239.71 280.62 260.10 259.51 269.01 260.89 246.73 243.78 288.86 268.66 269.56 269.68 304.23 259.63 263.48 261.46
295 710 94 697 267 1127 8 160 163 75 349 112 397 88 252 308 4435 27 352 134 394 29 1334 184 277 47 3316 187 681 86 200 15 83 335 755 277 138 25 329 65 117 27 161 359 626 73
91.05 84.56 61.00 83.19 83.08 80.63 85.38 92.04 65.06 86.53 74.64 84.64 81.37 65.57 96.29 60.96 86.30 105.93 85.36 83.54 88.69 72.31 83.18 90.51 62.62 50.83 96.31 89.86 91.59 64.27 69.91 86.07 90.42 80.64 78.18 82.72 80.09 89.76 111.71 65.82 74.85 57.19 53.65 92.74 73.90 71.86
2358 1329 2423 317 754 748 640 5222 1317 1450 1052 5507 1422
15.67 263.63 234.00 231.16 242.56 250.00 195.25 237.59 -
243.50 247.17 265.55 213.71 250.87 253.66 234.60 252.22 267.49 263.31 233.89 246.20 261.26
266.14 244.24 263.03 232.94 264.48 252.39 231.34 261.11 263.54 270.25 264.30 264.48 262.90
261.24 242.92 262.62 237.90 265.27 252.77 232.61 255.99 259.99 265.53 257.40 260.65 259.67
264.06 244.59 263.76 231.56 260.54 252.54 231.42 258.64 263.80 268.88 261.80 260.59 262.67
farmersguardian.com
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 101
Source: IAAS/ScotEID 274 76.43 284 84.20 415 82.42 572 78.33 150 76.09 1973 70.50 135 78.25 259 79.04 944 59.05 1772 76.11 -
WALES
All prices quoted in p/kg. Source: AHDB/LAA
Market day(s) Total week ending cattle Dec 5 number Bala Th Brecon Tu Bryncir We Builth Wells Fr Carmarthen Fr 2 Crymych We (wk) Dolgellau Mo Gaerwen Tu\We Hay On Wye Knighton Th Llandeilo Mo Llanrwst Tu 6 Llanybydder Mo Machynlleth We Mold Mo 112 Monmouthshire Mo\We Newcastle Emlyn Tu Rhayader Market Th Ruthin Fr\Tu 17 St Asaph Th 169 Talgarth Fr 9 Talybont-On-Usk Tu Welshpool Mo 9 Whitland Tu -
STEERS Light average 220.20 400.00 246.60 352.50 393.01 -
YOUNG BULLS Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymych Dolgellau Gaerwen Hay On Wye Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont-On-Usk Welshpool Whitland
HEIFERS
Medium average 224.40 267.00 248.63 347.50 328.31 346.00 -
Heavy average 261.05 345.00 300.42 -
Total cow number 32 98 21 63 24 9 3 5 23 -
Grade 1 average -
Light average 235.40 375.00 317.67 300.00 -
CULL COWS
Medium average 281.67 270.67 394.80 333.95 388.75 187.00 -
Heavy average 278.85 370.00 313.16 363.50 318.40 -
Dairy sired average 116.29 123.73 61.50 100.93 103.50 -
Beef sired average 139.96 146.46 143.45 136.47 132.38 164.29 137.33 246.40 176.22 -
Light average 270.00 320.00 219.00 -
Medium average 248.80 310.18 -
Heavy average 258.75 294.86 -
Total N/S lambs
N/S lambs light average
N/S lambs standard average
N/S lambs medium average
N/S lambs heavy average
N/S SQQ average
Total Ewes
Ewes average
595 588 731 1852 318 521 456 820 368 1144 1224 347 219 1715 1025 4699 2407 1279 1761 4268 584
228.06 230.39 220.45 232.83 196.69 229.92 221.15 206.48 224.89 223.75 226.98 259.38 245.30 224.48 226.46 244.15 240.52 232.23 -
235.15 238.19 240.55 256.29 235.43 237.62 240.29 234.00 229.51 232.82 230.08 239.72 258.33 256.25 248.01 245.59 262.38 265.65 239.95 256.67 246.62
233.00 253.49 241.55 255.16 248.90 261.23 251.00 263.76 238.45 251.59 259.14 246.62 260.12 254.68 257.12 267.01 277.72 271.48 253.91 264.43 258.98
231.67 258.48 239.42 256.22 237.10 248.21 262.31 246.52 244.41 257.74 251.23 256.51 261.24 262.31 265.71 266.36 256.45 262.98 245.40
230.21 248.29 235.14 250.32 239.94 232.26 242.28 263.48 232.26 235.62 252.22 234.69 259.83 253.72 253.96 253.54 271.37 268.94 247.53 257.54 255.09
198 116 494 22 366 142 186 134 110 168 25 859 22 537 517 261 68 1888 86
74.75 70.01 47.93 63.45 61.00 88.65 67.34 67.69 40.38 76.13 40.44 77.06 36.68 70.50 71.01 80.69 54.86 75.94 98.45
Grade 3 average -
SHEEP
Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymych Dolgellau Gaerwen Hay On Wye Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont-On-Usk Welshpool Whitland
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com DECEMBER 8 2023 | 85
06/12/2023 16:20
MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE ENGLAND STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED) Market day(s) w/e Dec 5
Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown Louth Ludlow Market Drayton Melton Mowbray Middleton-In-Teesdale Newark Newton Abbot Northallerton Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Salisbury Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Skipton Tavistock Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Worcester York
Tu Mo We Fr Tu We Tu Fr Tu
Mo Fr We\Fr Th\Sa We\Mo Th Tu Fr Tu We Mo
Fr Tu\Sa Fr Mo We\Mo We
We We Mo Mo Tu\Mo We\Sa Tu\We Mo Fr Tu\Sa We Tu Th Sa Th
6-12 month steers
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
STORES
STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 18+ month heifers
6-12 month steers
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
18+ month heifers
6-12 mon steers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
23/846.3 9/861.1 -/-/-/1/620.0 -/3/1113.3 3/683.3 -/1/770.0 7/666.4
-/3/920.0 -/-/-/8/791.9 1/840.0 48/1160.9 3/950.7 -/-/3/750.0
4/905.0 13/1290.0 -/-/-/1/550.0 1/920.0 98/1388.9 26/1157.3 -/3/1005.0 3/1140.0
9/755.6 5/670.0 -/-/-/7/862.9 -/17/681.2 1/645.0 -/3/520.0 5/596.0
-/5/815.0 -/-/-/18/770.3 2/935.0 48/983.2 7/822.1 -/-/6/661.7
6/793.3 20/1095.0 -/-/-/8/788.1 11/1046.4 90/1187.1 19/1027.3 -/1/700.0 1/735.0
53/686.5 2/505.0 -/-/-/3/513.3 1/920.0 1/900.0 12/580.8 -/1/700.0 6/790.0
4/848.8 10/1050.0 -/-/-/6/299.2 2/985.0 34/963.2 4/599.3 -/-/4/638.8
13/1107.3 33/1033.3 -/-/-/5/740.0 4/1107.5 54/1252.4 41/1018.2 -/-/11/1125.9
17/450.0 2/420.0 -/-/-/-/-/3/443.3 17/583.5 -/-/-/-
12/656.7 -/-/-/-/8/643.8 -/22/827.7 15/696.5 -/-/6/638.3
6/825.0 19/920.3 -/-/-/5/940.0 7/1061.4 20/1009.8 45/1028.1 -/2/885.0 8/843.1
1/180.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/270.0 -/1/390.0 -/-
-/10/1000.5 68/854.9 6/761.7 6/1226.7 2/565.0 30/523.0 -/21/639.5 13/895.4 8/883.1 5/864.0 5/992.0 -/-/-/-/30/762.5 4/632.5 -/1/860.0 -/19/484.7 16/954.1 -/-/-/5/727.0 -/-/3/681.7 -/-/-/50/604.1 -/-/-/-/13/852.3 -/-/1/740.0 3/1231.7 -/4/818.8 5/729.0
-/14/1137.5 19/890.5 9/844.4 10/1128.0 6/811.7 16/820.3 -/-/18/1346.1 -/18/883.1 3/1120.0 -/-/-/3/1090.0 27/988.9 -/-/6/957.5 -/1/350.0 16/1028.8 -/-/-/5/1296.0 1/500.0 -/18/1241.7 -/-/13/815.4 40/805.0 -/9/762.2 -/-/1/1200.0 -/10/1167.0 1/780.0 9/1070.6 14/1173.6 -/-/-
-/10/1203.0 62/1284.1 15/1142.7 26/1301.3 -/13/1231.2 -/-/67/1505.4 2/1400.0 1/1175.0 4/1130.0 -/-/-/20/1279.0 29/1141.9 -/-/-/-/-/40/1113.6 -/-/-/10/1377.0 -/-/47/1446.7 -/-/40/1144.5 67/1090.4 -/4/1130.0 -/-/31/1081.8 -/36/1141.7 15/1205.0 27/1419.4 26/1386.5 7/1221.4 3/1206.7
-/5/905.0 36/618.1 18/630.6 7/748.6 11/772.7 26/470.0 -/7/570.0 7/941.4 -/9/690.0 6/870.0 -/-/-/-/70/622.3 -/-/1/890.0 -/34/392.9 11/727.7 -/-/-/5/646.0 5/430.0 -/1/895.0 -/2/342.5 5/710.0 36/515.4 -/-/-/-/12/717.5 -/-/1/440.0 -/1/1075.0 4/790.0 4/710.0
-/25/1056.2 11/626.4 18/563.6 17/1060.0 4/672.5 10/794.5 -/1/560.0 25/1180.0 -/27/728.9 -/-/-/-/2/970.0 63/743.7 -/-/2/955.0 -/7/555.0 34/835.0 -/-/-/13/985.4 -/-/12/1285.0 -/1/310.0 17/619.7 33/596.2 -/8/891.3 -/-/3/856.7 -/7/1000.0 1/530.0 17/862.1 20/1337.0 -/7/863.6
-/33/1244.8 46/1078.5 25/1065.4 50/1200.5 1/570.0 23/1098.9 -/-/36/1477.8 4/1025.0 5/872.0 -/-/-/-/26/1324.2 20/1025.3 -/-/2/970.0 -/-/70/952.6 -/-/-/22/1264.8 -/-/47/1386.7 -/-/6/1148.3 50/903.0 -/5/1034.0 -/-/20/1139.5 -/22/895.9 5/1054.0 31/1067.6 45/1407.4 3/636.7 8/943.8
-/3/763.3 36/668.6 9/745.3 10/691.0 16/513.8 34/605.3 -/13/570.4 3/400.0 -/10/472.0 -/-/-/-/-/17/647.6 -/-/-/-/16/493.1 7/772.1 -/-/-/2/897.5 2/737.5 -/-/-/-/34/610.1 34/678.5 -/-/-/-/18/827.8 -/-/11/575.5 -/-/3/646.7 2/660.0
-/7/999.3 21/810.0 26/929.7 5/1168.0 4/505.0 3/826.7 -/-/10/1249.5 -/6/858.3 -/-/-/-/4/1260.0 13/838.8 -/-/-/-/7/609.3 10/885.5 -/-/-/3/1010.0 -/-/7/955.0 -/4/430.0 12/801.3 35/688.7 -/-/-/-/29/988.6 -/3/846.7 1/1060.0 1/705.0 3/1068.3 10/954.5 2/960.0
-/8/993.1 51/1108.0 50/1248.3 5/1252.0 9/835.6 27/970.4 -/-/30/1416.0 -/4/1007.5 -/-/-/-/35/1402.0 48/1171.3 -/-/-/-/-/45/889.4 -/-/-/19/1422.6 -/-/26/1142.7 -/-/60/1071.0 89/1070.8 -/2/1070.0 -/-/86/1047.6 -/1/700.0 23/1041.1 13/915.0 5/1215.0 3/938.3 1/1090.0
-/1/750.0 14/604.6 7/495.7 8/626.3 7/360.0 29/518.8 -/-/2/300.0 -/12/353.3 -/-/-/-/-/29/456.9 -/-/-/-/38/336.8 1/650.0 -/-/-/-/1/550.0 -/1/715.0 -/6/493.3 18/483.9 36/441.1 -/-/-/-/7/628.6 -/4/535.0 7/547.9 -/-/13/513.1 1/565.0
-/2/942.5 21/530.5 14/395.4 8/741.3 6/615.0 5/538.0 -/2/530.0 1/1100.0 -/3/771.7 -/-/-/-/1/500.0 24/564.4 -/-/-/-/4/487.5 10/691.0 -/-/-/11/929.1 1/845.0 -/6/903.3 -/6/450.0 23/580.7 68/595.8 -/1/400.0 -/-/10/895.0 -/-/2/695.0 -/3/998.3 11/664.5 1/925.0
-/11/1115.9 28/736.3 31/911.9 24/1009.2 19/675.5 11/818.2 -/1/700.0 30/1126.3 -/9/1068.9 -/-/-/-/31/1341.3 48/1013.6 -/-/-/-/-/29/742.6 -/-/-/9/1253.9 -/-/11/1108.6 -/-/48/879.4 70/900.1 -/1/1080.0 -/-/32/751.5 -/-/20/964.3 23/930.2 8/1055.0 15/735.0 7/1047.1
-/-/4/400.0 2/160.0 1/480.0 -/9/301.1 -/-/-/-/2/285.0 -/-/-/-/-/1/290.0 -/-/-/-/4/240.0 3/383.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/237.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
2/840.00 -/2/930.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/70/1314.36 43/1434.26
-/-/5/990.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/80/1502.75 71/1695.23
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/600.00 -/-/-/1/540.00 23/761.96 31/891.13
4/622.50 -/-/1/1325.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/71/1166.41 35/1333.71
1/940.00 -/2/770.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/110/1290.32 68/1905.69
1/860.00 -/3/500.00 -/-/-/-/1/600.00 -/-/-/-/2/430.00 73/718.97 18/1071.67
4/860.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/45/1249.89 14/1172.50
1/860.00 -/24/975.83 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/107/1356.40 52/1400.08
1/640.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/40/584.88 13/792.31
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/18/1017.78 17/1258.82
-/-/1/1580.00 -/-/-/-/3/900.00 -/-/-/-/-/73/1238.29 48/1386.54
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
SCOTLAND Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone
Tu Mo Tu
Mo Mo
Th We Tu\Fr
86 | DECEMBER 8 2023
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 102
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/800.00 -/-/-/-/-/47/945.11 36/1098.19
farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:20
Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.
Source: AHDB/LAA STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)
+ month fers
6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers
o. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
825.0 920.3
1/180.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/270.0 -/1/390.0 -/-
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/1063.3 1/635.0 -/-/-/-
-/-/4/400.0 2/160.0 1/480.0 -/9/301.1 -/-/-/-/2/285.0 -/-/-/-/-/1/290.0 -/-/-/-/4/240.0 3/383.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/237.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
940.0 061.4 /1009.8 /1028.1
885.0 843.1
1115.9 /736.3 911.9 /1009.2 675.5 818.2
00.0 /1126.3
068.9
1341.3 /1013.6
/742.6
253.9
1108.6
/879.4 /900.1
080.0
/751.5
/964.3 /930.2 055.0 735.0 047.1
580.00
900.00
1238.29 /1386.54
Where stated, data provided by AHDB.
Native heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
28/1096.8 4/875.0 -/-/-/-/-/37/1229.5 7/777.4 -/1/805.0 -/-
-/2/56.5 -/7/50.3 -/-/2/17.5 14/33.6 3/56.0 -/-/-/-
-/10/185.7 -/3/338.3 -/-/1/125.0 27/157.2 9/162.4 -/-/-/-
-/8/174.6 -/-/-/-/-/28/132.7 6/132.5 -/-/-/-
-/8/90.1 -/7/172.7 -/-/-/19/106.1 8/91.9 -/-/-/-
-/14/62.2 -/4/82.5 -/-/2/108.0 20/65.8 11/87.1 -/-/-/-
-/-/-/1/490.0 5/826.0 4/773.8 6/390.8 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/12/704.6 -/-/-/-/2/332.5 1/540.0 -/-/-/2/840.0 -/-/12/1025.0 -/-/-/1/910.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/865.0 -/-/-/-
-/-/7/792.9 5/916.0 3/910.0 1/880.0 -/-/-/-/-/9/854.4 -/-/-/-/2/975.0 8/1045.0 -/-/-/-/-/14/650.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/12/986.7 -/-/2/640.0 28/805.9 -/-/-/-/8/852.0 -/3/660.0 9/923.3 3/1075.0 4/1260.0 -/-/-
-/-/2/75.0 18/38.9 5/97.8 -/-/-/1/95.0 -/-/21/58.7 -/-/-/-/-/13/37.4 3/241.7 -/-/-/39/72.0 15/29.7 -/-/-/-/4/102.3 -/-/-/1/6.0 4/24.0 25/68.5 -/12/40.8 -/-/-/-/8/35.5 -/-/-/-/-/-
-/-/24/184.0 49/217.6 17/268.4 -/-/-/8/337.5 -/2/387.5 61/222.2 -/-/-/-/2/220.0 28/277.1 4/367.5 -/-/-/124/251.0 9/224.4 -/-/-/-/9/182.8 -/-/-/6/214.2 13/159.7 102/164.8 -/60/254.7 5/311.0 -/-/-/3/280.0 25/106.9 -/-/-/3/376.7
-/-/29/132.6 27/135.6 23/254.6 -/-/-/11/231.8 -/-/88/114.6 -/-/-/-/-/23/172.1 8/381.9 -/-/-/94/207.1 5/164.0 -/-/-/-/20/180.0 -/-/-/3/211.7 7/75.0 84/114.7 -/69/176.4 2/250.0 -/-/-/4/232.5 13/68.2 -/-/-/2/340.0
-/-/-/-/26/105.8 17/48.5 42/135.4 41/88.1 15/249.7 16/67.2 3/111.7 3/104.7 -/-/-/-/10/185.3 8/120.3 -/-/-/-/33/155.2 21/86.2 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/217.5 5/128.0 15/150.3 15/61.9 4/390.0 2/342.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/134/153.6 139/89.3 16/110.9 21/93.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/141.3 6/147.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/100.0 6/110.0 18/102.9 19/36.1 92/113.5 73/57.1 -/-/24/97.2 30/101.9 2/232.5 2/135.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/188.3 10/138.0 16/104.3 14/36.7 -/-/-/-/-/-/2/365.0 -/-
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/11/940.91 -/-
1/890.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/18/894.44 10/875.00
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/62.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-
3/250.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/343.33 -/-/-/-/2/307.50 -/-
2/215.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/235.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-
Source: IAAS/ScotEID -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/240.00 -/-
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 103
Source: AHDB/LAA STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED)
CALVES (7-42 DAYS) Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls
farmersguardian.com
WALES Market day(s) w/e Dec 5
Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
6-12 month steers
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
18+ month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
-/We\Fr\Mo 52/834.1 -/Mo -/-/-/Fr -/We 37/958.8 Th -/-/Th 18/671.7 -/-/-/Tu\Sa 20/924.0
-/24/1056.3 -/-/-/-/11/1002.3 35/966.7 -/-/6/1033.3 -/-/-/24/1239.8
-/14/1260.7 -/-/-/-/43/1305.9 41/1157.1 -/-/14/1358.6 -/-/-/28/1339.3
-/66/642.0 -/3/260.0 -/-/3/615.0 41/731.6 -/-/16/546.9 -/-/-/11/540.0
-/33/781.5 -/-/-/-/5/479.0 19/844.5 -/-/18/915.0 -/-/-/14/984.3
-/35/1180.0 -/-/-/-/16/1223.1 23/1141.5 -/-/23/1155.2 -/-/-/28/1189.3 18+ month heifers
STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 6-12 month steers
Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
-/16/559.4 -/-/-/-/9/422.8 9/948.9 -/-/4/570.0 -/-/-/1/900.0
-/3/896.7 -/-/-/-/4/810.0 16/1001.6 -/-/4/780.0 -/-/-/21/844.8
-/17/1215.6 -/-/-/-/21/1145.2 36/1022.2 -/-/8/973.8 -/-/-/34/1027.5
-/21/555.5 -/-/-/-/6/275.0 2/627.5 -/-/5/166.0 -/-/-/-/-
-/12/557.1 -/-/-/-/5/724.0 9/689.4 -/-/4/677.5 -/-/-/10/705.0
-/10/963.0 -/-/-/-/13/1062.7 14/864.3 -/-/7/993.6 -/-/-/32/834.4
STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)
Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
CALVES (7-42 DAYS)
6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers
Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av. No. / Av.
-/1/270.0 -/-/-/-/-/2/385.0 -/-/9/357.2 -/-/-/-/-
-/2/395.0 -/-/-/-/8/466.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/842.1
-/6/838.3 -/-/-/-/18/813.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/630.0
-/36/69.0 -/-/-/-/7/57.0 7/13.7 1/110.0 -/-/-/-/-/7/80.1
-/76/173.4 -/2/190.0 -/-/32/118.3 8/197.1 5/132.0 -/29/187.8 -/-/-/17/160.0
-/60/150.0 -/-/-/-/24/127.6 8/196.5 1/142.0 -/22/195.5 -/-/-/12/118.8
-/31/113.9 -/2/187.5 -/-/24/88.7 13/139.1 6/152.2 -/11/150.5 -/-/-/16/101.6
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Native heifers
-/28/83.3 -/3/100.0 -/-/24/47.2 9/119.3 6/64.3 -/17/46.5 -/-/-/6/59.2
MARKET COMMENT
Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending December 5, 2023. ENGLAND AND WALES Category
Throughput
Price
Change
Young bulls Steers Heifers All cattle NS/OS lambs (SQQ) Porkers Cutter Baconer Other Dairy cull Beef cull
955 1,195 1,821 3,971 60,757 175 225 206 89 845 995
267.69 278.26 297.01 284.31 261.03 184.97 191.88 191.15 162.49 127.12 158.24
11.95 1.65 9.18 8.58 1.66 29.51 25.13 26.22 6.47 4.02 4.96
GREAT BRITAIN Category
Throughput
Price
Change
Young bulls Steers Heifers All cattle NS/OS lambs (SQQ) Pigs Dairy cull Beef cull
978 1,319 2,088 4,385 76,663 695 940 1,393
266.92 279.73 296.68 284.95 260.74 186.16 126.14 160.05
11.53 -1.19 5.64 5.92 1.54 24.20 3.10 7.26
Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS
CATTLE prices increased at auction mats this week, despite a small decrease in steer throughput. Young bulls were valued at 266.92p/kg, an increase of 11.53p/kg. Heifers jumped by 5.65p/kg to 296.68p/kg, while cull cows rose by 4.80p/kg to 145.91p/kg, but steers were down 1.19p/kg to 145.91p/kg. In the sheep rings, new season lambs increased by 1.54p/kg to 260.74p/kg, and cull ewes grew by £2.89/head to £80.62/head. Pigs expanded rose by 24.20p/kg to 186.16p/kg. As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (December 6), UK LIFFE wheat prices for May 24 were trading at £196.45/tonne, an increase of £1.45/t on the week.
DECEMBER 8 2023 | 87
06/12/2023 16:20
MARKET PRICES DEADWEIGHT CATTLE STEERS Region
Throughput
Southern 2851 Central 3630 Northern 3528 Scotland 2898 HEIFERS Southern 2098 Central 3087 Northern 2809 Scotland 2715 YOUNG BULLS Southern 92 Central 618 Northern 267 Scotland 266 COWS Southern 2280 Central 4159 Northern 2284 Scotland 981
Deadweight prices for the week ending Dec 2, 2023.
Average
-U3
-U4L
-U4H
R2
R3
R4L
R4H
O+2
O+3
O+4L
O+4H
-O2
-O3
-O4L
-O4H
473.4 473.6 485.7 498.1
493.6 493.3 491.1 503.2
472.8 487.6 496.0 501.7
490.7 482.0 490.8 503.6
-
486.9 485.0 492.8 501.6
489.6 481.2 495.8 499.3
484.7 481.8 494.6 501.4
-
471.0 473.4 485.4 495.6
471.1 472.5 484.9 493.4
467.6 469.8 481.0 489.9
-
449.8 449.1 463.6 467.3
442.3 445.2 472.5 470.0
449.0 370.0 475.8 464.1
463.9 467.6 479.3 497.9
492.3 498.1 495.1 507.2
493.8 493.4 493.7 505.3
487.2 488.0 484.0 502.3
-
484.3 486.7 488.8 499.8
483.7 484.6 490.9 499.5
483.1 476.4 490.6 499.7
-
466.2 470.5 480.5 489.8
471.0 472.6 481.7 493.5
450.8 470.5 481.8 492.4
-
445.7 430.4 449.3 464.5
444.6 443.8 464.7 460.6
433.5 427.7 462.0 480.7
464.8 457.7 464.9 470.6
491.3 468.8 486.2 485.1
449.0 484.5 488.3
475.0
475.8 473.3 474.9 467.2
477.3 472.4 475.5 478.6
463.4 476.8 480.2
473.5
461.4 450.0 445.3 452.8
432.5 451.2 455.8 470.2
405.0 442.2 434.5 478.5
434.0 -
438.9 421.3 409.0 421.4
445.0 424.2 422.8 445.2
415.5 440.0
-
278.9 283.2 303.2 328.4
-
-
-
-
335.8 340.5 346.3 354.1
340.7 347.3 343.4 357.7
333.1 340.1 334.9 349.8
-
328.4 329.1 338.5 345.8
317.4 332.1 338.5 348.2
324.2 326.8 328.9 336.9
-
317.6 316.1 320.6 320.9
325.5 313.2 322.6 328.2
322.0 312.6 320.5 312.9
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND STORE LAMBS w/e Dec 5
Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Blackmoor Gate Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Lazonby Leek
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
Source: AHDB/LAA
Day
Th Tu
Fr Tu Th Mo Fr Tu We Mo Fr We We Th Fr Tu Fr Tu We Mo Th
Th
No.
Ave.
Day
68 3972 240 9 547 247 196 109
50.7 81.1 87.8 73.0 81.8 66.2 76.4 60.5
67 1115 1811 221 712 177 601 5971 3242 192 140 10 2766 809 -
71.7 89.3 92.5 66.6 84.0 69.0 67.7 85.2 95.1 67.5 78.3 69.6 74.1 65.2 -
Leyburn Fr Longtown Tu Louth Mo Ludlow Market Drayton We Market Harborough We Melton Mowbray Tu Newark Newton Abbot Northallerton We Oswestry We Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Mo Salisbury Sedgemoor Sa Selby Shrewsbury Skipton We South Molton St Johns Chapel Stratford Tu Tavistock Thame Fr Thirsk Thrapston Sa Truro We Ulverston Tu Wigton Worcester Sa York
Source: AHDB/LAA
Day
Brecon Bryncir Dolgellau Fr Gaerwen Mo Knighton Llandeilo Mo Mold Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Market Ruthin Th St Asaph Sa Welshpool Mo
88 | DECEMBER 8 2023
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 104
No.
359 4217 1 28 13 877 498 172 283 2289 3434 113 172 152 42 113 902 -
Ave.
87.9 80.9 32.0 69.4 67.0 84.9 89.7 63.8 76.7 86.1 75.2 71.9 92.2 68.9 83.8 80.6 80.3 -
SCOTLAND
WALES STORE LAMBS
Source: AHDB
No.
Ave.
955 119 90 578 54 1553 507 1089
49.2 45.8 63.0 70.1 60.2 61.0 63.7 73.6
STORE LAMBS
Source: IAAS/ScotEID
Day
Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone
Tu\Mo Tu We
Mo Fr
Mo Mo Th
No.
Ave.
1007 263 26 668 1690 -
76.6 65.5 36.4 81.2 64.7 -
5895 7624 201
80.8 79.6 70.6
N/S deadweight prices for the week ending Dec 2, 2023. SQQ 2 3L 3H E 599.3 (125) 604.6 (583) 596.0 U 600.9 (1021) 599.3 (4454) 594.5 R 593.8 (6715) 591.5 (14889) 590.1 O 580.2 (5318) 580.5 (4871) 577.4 P 534.0 (372) 545.5 (11)
(113) (1619) (6202) (1232)
4L 575.9 569.4 567.5 560.4
Source: AHDB 4H (12) (201) (690) (86)
544.6 547.1 527.5
(10) (27) (2)
Average:588.1 (49,397) Medium E U R O P
2 599.4 601.0 595.2 586.0 473.3
(124) (979) (5853) (2423) (6)
3L 604.6 599.3 592.4 584.5 480.0
(578) (4388) (13816) (3203) (1)
3H 596.2 594.6 590.7 578.3
(112) (1606) (5922) (1030)
4L 575.9 569.4 567.5 559.5
4H (12) (201) (674) (81)
544.6 547.1 527.5
(10) (27) (2)
Average:591.5 (41,338) Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs. The sample accounts for about one-third of deadweight sales; prices quoted p/kg are averages for all qualities 12-21.5kg.
DEADWEIGHT PIGS
Latest prices for Great Britain.
STANDARD PIG PRICE (SPP) Week ending November 25, 2023
ALL PIG PRICE (APP) Week ending November 18, 2023.
Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg na na na 60 - 69.9kg 1,365 204.92 -4.87 70 - 79.9kg 7,986 218.18 -0.06 80 - 89.9kg 22,010 219.04 -0.34 90 - 99.9kg 23,913 217.77 -0.42 100 - 104.9kg 6,331 216.13 -0.60 105.0kg and over na na na All clean pigs 65,664 216.53 -0.63 70 - 104.9kg 60,240 218.11 -0.33 EU spec average 216.53 -0.63 UK spec average 212.84 -0.64
Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg 698 184.45 na 60 - 69.9kg 2,294 214.54 -1.65 70 - 79.9kg 9,585 219.05 -1.73 80 - 89.9kg na na na 90 - 99.9kg na na na 100 - 104.9kg na na na 105.0kg and over 3,119 199.00 na All clean pigs 69,366 216.68 -0.30 70 - 104.9kg na na na EU spec average 216.68 -0.30 UK spec average 212.97 -0.31
PIGS
Source: AHDB
Source: AHDB/LAA
Prices in p/kg.
Market day w/e: Dec 5
Leek Market Drayton Selby York
Tu Mo\We We Mo
Pigs total 152 113 173 82
Porkers average 221.56 173.55 138.00 131.47
Cutters average 215.61 172.50 186.52 156.84
Cull sows Baconers average Total Average 220.82 1 174.00 168.85 22 87.50 191.22 13 86.00 177.33 0 0.00
WEANER PRICES
SLAUGHTERINGS
Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.
Estimates for GB (per head), W/e Dec 5, 2023 2023 %change (2022) Pigs 170,463.49 -9.96 Sheep 255,926.09 -0.69 Steers 16,419.74 -13.44 Heifers 14,035.64 -8.52 Young bulls 2,256.89 -15.28
HAY AND STRAW PRICES
December 6, 2023
GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, square bale to £80/tonne, round bale to £102/t; barley straw, square bale to £112/t, round bale, to £59/t; wheat straw, square bale to £82/t; mixed straw, square bale to £70/t, round bale to £72/t; wrapped silage to £48/t; fodder beet to £34/t. farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:20
GB AVERAGES
Where stated, data provided by AHDB.
LIVEWEIGHT STEERS
DEADWEIGHT STEERS SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS
SOURCE: AHDB
290
520
280
500 480
260
p/kg deadweight
250 240 230
460 440 420
220
400
210
380
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS
2022
Mar
2023
360 May
Feb
Jan
190
2022 Mar
2023
Apr
200
Feb
DEADWEIGHT HEIFERS SOURCE: AHDB
SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS
300
520
290
500 480
270
p/kg deadweight
260 250 240 230
460 440 420 400
220
380
210
360
2023
2022
LIVEWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS
DEADWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS SOURCE: AHDB
SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS
780
380
2023
360
2022
740 700 p/kg deadweight
320 300 280 260
660 620 580 540
CULL COWS
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
2022
Mar
Feb
2023
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
460 Feb
500
220 Jan
240
PIG PRICE INDICATOR SOURCE: AHDB
215
230
200
140
farmersguardian.com
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 105
170 160 150
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Dec
Nov
Oct
SPP (2022) APP (2022)
SPP (2023) APP (2023)
140 130 Sep
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
110
Aug
Dairy-sired (2022) Beef-sired (2022)
Dairy-sired (2023) Beef-sired (2023)
Jul
125
180
Nov
155
190
Oct
170
210 200
Sep
185
Aug
p/kg deadweight (EU spec)
220
Jan
p/kg liveweight
340
p/kg
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
340 May
Apr
Feb
Jan
2022 Mar
2023
200
Jan
p/kg liveweight
280
Dec
p/kg liveweight
270
DECEMBER 8 2023 | 89
06/12/2023 16:20
MARKET PRICES UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY Thursday, November 30, 2023 (£ per tonne).
Source: AHDB
Delivery
East Anglia / London (BW)
Northamptonshire
North-West grains/ Liverpool OSR
Avonmouth feed /South bread
Yorkshire
Fife/Edinburgh
Bread Wheat Price Change Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 256.50 -2.50 Jan-2024 258.00 n/c Feb-2024 261.00 -1.00 May-2024 265.00 -2.00 Dec-2023 266.50 -3.00 Jan-2024 268.00 n/c Feb-2024 270.50 -2.50 May-2024 275.00 -2.50 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 -
Feed Wheat Price Change 183.50 -2.00 185.50 n/c 187.50 -3.00 191.50 n/c 196.50 -2.50 -
Feed Barley Price Change -
Oilseed Rape Price Change 377.50 +4.50 379.00 n/c 380.50 +3.50 383.00 unch 379.50 +5.50 381.00 n/c 382.50 +4.50 385.00 +1.00 -
UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES Source: AHDB Dec-2023 377.50 380.00 379.50 -
Jan-2024 379.00 381.50 381.00 -
Feb-2024 380.50 383.00 382.50 -
May-2024 383.00 385.50 385.00 -
-
FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT) Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (£ per tonne). Price LIFFE £/tonne Jan 24 Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Nov 24 Jan 25 Mar 25 May 25 Jul 25 Nov 25
187.95 191.45 195.00 200.80 207.00 210.50 214.50 218.05 217.05 215.05
MATIF
Price €/tonne
Dec 23 Mar 24 May 24 Sep 24 Dec 24 Mar 25 May 25 Sep 25
216.75 223.50 227.75 228.25 231.75 232.25 232.25 233.25
Last updated Dec 6, 2023 BPS ENTS English Deadline – Early 2024* Price at deadlines
Average prices (2023)
Non-SDA SDA Moorland
£80.59 £99.41 £24
-
BPS ENTS Welsh Deadline – May 15, 2024 Price at deadlines £50**
CME
Price US cents/bushel
Dec 23 Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Sep 24 Dec 24
543.75 572.00 588.00 601.75 616.00 632.75
Average prices (2023) £65
BPS ENTS Scottish Regions 1, 2 and 3 Deadline – April 2, 2024 Price at deadlines
Average prices (2023)
Region 1 Region 2 Region 3
£149.47 £40.34 £15.44
£130** £35** £10**
BPS ENTS Northern Irish Deadline – May 3, 2024 Price at Average deadlines prices (2023) x 1.0**
Thursday, November 23, 2023 (£ per tonne). Oilseed Rape East Anglia / London Erith Liverpool Hull / Selby
BPS ENTITLEMENTS, BNG, CARBON AND WATER
x 1.0
*For trading Delinkage ref amounts; £1 per £1 of Delinkage reference amount. ** Estimates. ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF AMOUNTS: average of 2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.46/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer at 4% interest. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £20,000£25,000/unit post-November 11. Current market £15,000-£90,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales of 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 >£30/WCU >£20/ PIU. Nov 2022 WCG reverse auction average £22.61. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors
SUPERMARKET RED MEAT PRICES Week ending Dec 5, 2023 (prices in p/kg). This week Last week
CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES Thursday, November 30, 2023 (£ per tonne).
WHEAT Milling Bread
South East South West Midlands Eastern North East North West England & Wales South Scotland Central Scotland North Scotland Scotland Great Britain Northern Ireland United Kingdom Change on last week (£/t)
-
Source: AHDB
Other
Feed & Other
BARLEY Malting Premium
Other
Feed & Other
192.70 192.70 192.70 -2.20
187.10 180.50 180.50 180.50 -5.00
-
-
162.90 168.10 163.60 163.50 163.50 +4.50
OATS Milling
Feed
-
-
FIELD PEAS/BEANS
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 90 | DECEMBER 8 2023
p84 91 Dec8 MB AB.indd 106
Dec Jan Feb
Micronising peas
Dec 6, 2023 All prices £/tonne ex-farm Feed Feed peas beans
£329.00 £331.00 £333.00
£245.92 £247.92 £249.92
£235.75 £237.75 £239.75
BEEF Roasting Joint Sirloin Steak Rump Steak Fillet Steak Diced Braising Steak Lean Mince Standard Mince
1016 2027 1611 3388 1088 0 707 500
1016 2027 1611 3388 1088 0 707 500
LAMB Whole Leg Shoulder (Bone-in) Shanks Steaks Chops Diced Standard Mince
1223 1026 1349 1593 1559 1873 1075
1254 997 1349 1593 1559 1873 1075
PORK Leg (Boneless) Shoulder (Boneless) Fillet (Tenderloin) Loin Steaks Chops Diced Belly Slices Ribs Lean Mince
553 445 819 880 789 818 827 750 577
553 445 819 880 789 818 827 750 577 Source: AHDB
farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 16:20
CURRENCY WATCH
Last updated Dec 6, 2023
€1=£0.8571
£1=€1.1676
$1=£0.7940
Where stated, data provided by AHDB.
£1=$1.2594
UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES
NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES
Thursday, November 30, 2023. 1. FEED WHEAT Avonrange Central Scotland East Anglia East Devon Lancashire London North Humberside Northamptonshire Oxfordshire South Humberside Southampton Tyne & Wear West Midlands East Midlands
DEC 183.50 -
JAN 191.50 185.50 -
FEB 187.50 -
MAY 196.50 -
NOV -
2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire
DEC 266.50 256.50 -
JAN 268.00 258.00 -
FEB 270.50 261.00 -
MAY 275.00 265.00 -
NOV -
3. FULL SPEC. BISCUIT WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire Scotland
DEC -
JAN -
FEB -
MAY -
NOV -
DAIRY CATTLE PRICES
Last updated Dec 3, 2023 Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS COLOURED
Newly-calved Newly-calved
Newly-calved Newly-calved
heifers
cows
heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
Bentham Carlisle Exeter Frome Gisburn Holsworthy Lancaster Leek Leyburn Market Drayton Norton And Brooksbank Otley Sedgemoor Shrewsbury Skipton Wigton Mold Whitland Ayr Lanark Stirling (ua)
-/143/1897.9 -/5/1842.0 32/1715.9 17/1592.4 5/1822.0 16/1498.1 -/49/1774.5 -/-/41/1662.4 13/1629.2 -/-/14/1792.9 -/5/1900.00 -/-/-
-/80/1539.6 -/3/2253.3 3/2076.7 15/1342.0 4/1662.5 3/1883.3 -/20/1617.5 -/-/4/1802.5 4/1327.5 -/-/2/1700.0 -/-/-/-/-
-/1/480.0 -/1/1710.0 -/-/-/1/1780.0 -/6/1606.7 -/-/-/-/-/-/8/1912.5 -/-/-/-/-
-/7/1325.7 -/1/1550.0 -/-/-/-/-/3/1143.3 -/-/-/2/1565.0 -/-/1/1980.0 -/-/-/-/-
We Th\Sa We Fr Tu\Sa We
Sa Tu
Mo Tu Tu
December 498.00 498.00 230.00 283.00 305.00
January 497.00 497.00 230.00 293.00 305.00
268.00 P.O.A. 200.00 P.O.A. P.O.A. 292.00
268.00 N/A 200.00 304.00 N/A 292.00
cows
Source: Straights Direct February - April 471.00 471.00 230.00 293.00 305.00 270.00 N/A 200.00 281.00 N/A 292.00
Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.2422; £/€1.1557 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne. ✸ = After safe arrival; F = First half; S = Second half; =Sept; ✥ = Oct; ✦ = September/October; ◗ = November; ▲ = December/January; ✧ = May/June; ✪ = August/October
MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE December 2023
Source: AHDB
Aligned liquid milk Müller Milk & Ingredients M&S Müller Milk & Ingredients TSDG (Tesco) Müller Milk & Ingredients Sainsbury’s Arla Foods - Sainsburys Müller Milk & Ingredients Co-op Dairy Group
Monthly price 46.18 42.27 41.33 40.96 40.35
Annual average 46.12 42.27 41.27 40.78 40.29
Standard Liquid Milk Lactalis - Caledonian Cheese First Milk Manufacture2 Barber’s Cheesemakers Wyke Farms Belton Farm Leprino Foods South Caernarfon Creameries4 UK Arla Farmers Manufacturing1
Monthly price 36.23 35.97 35.67 35.63 35.00 34.21 34.14 33.64
Annual average 36.23 36.04 35.67 35.56 35.00 33.88 33.51 33.43
A&B
Monthly price
Annual average
36.66
36.46
Freshways
HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN
GREAT BRITAIN We\Fr\Sa
Last updated December 6, 2023 Commodity Hi Pro Soyameal – North Hi Pro Soyameal – South Soya hulls Maize distillers Maize gluten Non-GM HP sugar beet pellets (delivered) Whole maize PCR Negative Palm kernel expellers Rapeseed meal basis Erith Kent Rapeseed meal basis Humber Distillers dark grains
1. This contract will receive a 1.33ppl guaranteed minimum payment. 2. This contract will receive a 0.50ppl member premium payment. 2. This contract will receive a 1.78ppl Tesco cheese group payment. 3. This contract will receive a 1.00ppl direct premium payment. 4. This contract will receive a 0.40ppl actual 13th payment. 5. Formerly Glanbia - Llangefn. Retailer price supplements are included where applicable. Supplements listed are in addition to listed milk prices.
UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION UK milk deliveries in September 2023 were down 1.2 per cent on the year at 1,137 million litres. Cumulatively, this was 0.3 per cent up on the year to date. September 2023 GB milk deliveries down 1.3 per cent for the same period at 963 m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date were 0.3 per cent up.
In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.
HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS Week ending Dec 10, 2023.
Quality North East E Yorks N Mids E Mids C Mids E Counties S East South S West S Wales SE Scotland
Trade comment: Increased demand for barley straw.
Big bale hay
Pickup baled hay and straw Seed Meadow Barley hay hay straw
Wheat straw
Big sq. baled straw Barley Wheat straw straw
80 100 80 75 75 80 90 100 95 -
130 125 130 130 -
80 80 65 80 -
75 65 60 70 65 65 72 90 75 78 -
120 100 100 120 -
100 80 75 80 -
60 55 50 70 50 50 59 75 60 65 -
App Edition
farmersguardian.com/app
Source: British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association
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DECEMBER 8 2023 | 91
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Erin Fflur McNaught is probably best known for her successful appearance on hit BBC show One Man and His Dog. Gaina Morgan visits her to find out about her passion for dogs, farming and family.
S
avvy about showcasing her sheepdog handling on social media, Erin Fflur McNaught is well used to lobbying top politicians and hanging out with some of the country’s top presenters. She is a sheepdog handling star and an influencer, but Erin’s life is firmly rooted in her Snowdonia farm where she has a shrewd eye on the future. Working with sheepdogs is as natural to Erin as the air she breathes and she has been British Champion Young Handler, International Young Handler and half of the duo which won the 2019 BBC TV show One Man and His Dog. The family farm lies at the foot of Garth Goch, where the first ever sheepdog trials were held in 1873.
Tradition The event was the result of a debate between a Welsh and Scottish landowner as to which country had the best dogs. She carries on the family’s traditional involvement and is secretary of the Bala Sheepdog Committee. They have all continued to play a pivotal role in the annual sheepdog trials and sales. Erin took on Pandy Farm, on the outskirts of Bala, at the tender age of 18, due to her ‘taid’, or grandfather, Rob McNaught, becoming unwell. He let out the land until she finished school. She has had to focus on restocking and revitalising the 142-hectare (350acre) hill farm, which includes rugged mountain terrain rising to 1,800 feet.
My mum would push me out in a pushchair and plonk me in the field while she ran her dogs ERIN FFLUR McNAUGHT She says: “Ever since I was a child I was always out. “My mum would push me out in the field in a pushchair and plonk me in the field while she ran her dogs. “So, it is something I have always been involved in from being a young child. That is enough to inspire you to continue. “Because I was keen to farm at home, it was a necessity to have a good sheepdog, so I began to train my own dogs and I started to compete while still working them on the farm every day. “We have a very mountainous landscape, with a lot of hills, so we cannot take a quad bike to most places. “A dog is essential to be able to gather the sheep down. I think it is great to have that bond with the dog.
“Just think about lambing time and having to move a stubborn ewe, it just makes life so much easier. It is just great to have a friend by your side in the lambing fields by night. Farming can be a lonely job sometimes.” Erin worries that the skills involved in training sheepdogs are being lost. She feels collies tend to be a one-person dog and, for her, the best dogs are the ones she has trained herself. There is a special bond between trainer and dog. The family specialises in breeding dogs which are good at work and trialling. They spend many hours with each dog, working, gaining respect and generally bonding. They currently have 10 dogs, including four undergoing training. The family sell pups, but when it comes to trained dogs, they ask potential buyers to come to the farm to see one working and then work with it to begin the process of bonding. Training is important, but breeding is critical and the Pandy bloodlines go back almost 100 years. “The dog has to be very precise to be able to respond instantly to a command and move possibly just inches,” she says. And she is sanguine about the random nature of any competition, saying: “You have to be able to win and to enjoy being on top. But then you always have to take the bad days and take it in your stride.” Erin wears her responsibilities lightly; the challenge of taking on the farm business could be all-consuming. She has had to restock, selecting affordable Welsh Mountain ewes that she is now improving using a Talybont ram. There is also a flock of early lambing Texel cross ewes. They lamb indoors in February to hit the early lamb trade in Ruthin Market, selling at more than 40kg and averaging £2.70/kg this year. The Welsh ewes lamb outside in
I feel very passionate about sharing the farming story The farm at the foot of Garth Goch bears a plaque to commemorate its place in sheepdog trial history. 92 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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ERIN FFLUR McNAUGHT
April and the lambs are sold to a local abattoir at about 15kg deadweight which is around 35kg liveweight. The farm is still understocked and she is working towards doubling the Welsh Mountain flock to at least 600. Improving the land has had to take precedence, with reseeding by direct drill to improve productivity. But she has also resumed her education and is completing a degree in geography and environmental science. The Open University course tackles climate change issues and she fits it in around her work, with the aim of ‘having a Plan B’ as well as for her personal development. She is an NFU Ambassador too and is currently on the Welsh Government’s Agri Academy programme, having recently enjoyed a two-week trip to Canada. A strong social media profile is also important, and she is passionate about showcasing farming to the wider public.
Knowledge Bala is a tourist honeypot, and she is very aware that so many of the visitors walking the hills and enjoying the watersports have little or no knowledge of the importance of agriculture and of the local farmers. She says: “The power of social media is amazing. “I suppose I feel very passionate about sharing the farming story and connecting people back to the land. “I think what we can do as farmers to showcase what we do and where our food is produced, is something that is very valuable. It is great to be able to educate people about where their food comes from. It is something we need to do more of, especially when talking about climate change. “The food we do produce is of nutritious value, but it also helps to combat climate change through cattle and sheep grazing the mountain and improving soil health. “This consequently increases the amount of carbon that is sequestered. It all ties in together.” The future is uncharted, but bright and her priority is to do her bit to secure her family’s link in the farming chain locally and to continue to produce climate-friendly food on the rugged hills of North Wales. And, of course, never far from her side are her beloved dogs. MORE INFORMATION Visit farmersguardian.com/farm-life farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 14:24
PICTURES: RUTH REES
FARMING: THE BACKBONE O
PICTURES: RUTH REES
E OF BRITAIN
Edited by Emily Ashworth 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com
Erin Fflur McNaught and her family specialise in breeding dogs for work and trialling.
Young sheepdog handler showcases Welsh farm life farmersguardian.com
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DECEMBER 8 2023 | 93
06/12/2023 14:24
IN YOUR FIELD
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK KATE BEAVAN
Monmouthshire Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122ha (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees.
T
he controversial requirement to join the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales, to have 10 per cent tree cover excluding hedgerows, has resulted in ‘trees’ becoming a swear word among some farmers and it shouldn’t be. At the Agroforestry Show in August, I bumped into Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, who informed me that he had heard some negative feedback from the commoners regarding our tree planting charity. I always like to tackle issues head on, so I offered to come and talk to the group. Cut a long story short, the Stump Up For Trees team talked at the Welsh commons forum AGM last month. What a lovely bunch of farmers and they found it refreshing to hear our approach of being there to support decisions made by farmers, rather than pushing an agenda. Thank you to Phil for organising. It would be interesting to find the origin of the ‘10 per cent trees’ mantra. I recently stumbled across a document, published in February
‘Trees is becoming a swear word among some Welsh farmers and it shouldn’t be’ 2022. It was evidence given to the Welsh Affairs Committee titled ‘The economic and cultural impacts of trade and environmental policy on family farms in Wales’. When asked by the chair ‘are you concerned that Wales is seeing a disappearance of high-quality land that is suited for food production, in the name of tree planting?’, Minister for Climate Change Julie James replied: “No, our policies are very clear. We are looking at farmers across Wales converting around half a hectare on each farm to tree planting. That would give us the tree cover that we need.”
Later she added, ‘we are expecting each farmer to plant a very small amount of their land, 5 per cent to 10 per cent around the edges – hedges and edges we call the policy’. So how did half a hectare and 5-10 per cent of the land including hedges, suddenly become 10 per cent of farms not including hedgerows?
Final consultation The final consultation on the scheme is out soon and I urge everyone to respond, particularly regarding hedgerows being accepted as trees. We are planting 6,000 trees on our
farm this month in hedgerows and shelterbelts. Right trees, right place. This week, BBC News reported on ‘sustainable aviation fuels’ made from corn grown in America and airlines ‘offsetting’ ( I do hope this is not buying farms to plant trees) so we can enjoy ‘guilt-free flying’. Call me a cynic, but this news is not sitting well with me. As financial uncertainty in Welsh agriculture continues, it is heartening to hear the result of a recent survey revealing high levels of public support for government spending on Welsh farming. Keep banging the drum, it is good to talk.
Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling
Science just about as clear as it can be COP28 has been underway this week with the usual round of politicians, scientists, pressure groups and others, each peddling their opinions and trying to educate others as to their ‘vision’ of the world. Excuse me for being rather negative in my view of COP28, but I struggle to see how such summits, and the vast expense that surrounds them advances the need for humans to limit output of greenhouse gases when we know that it is more than likely that we are causing excess heating of the planet. Now, some of you may throw up your arms in despair at such a suggestion, but the science is just 94 | DECEMBER 8 2023
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about as clear as it can be. We now have 45 years of satellite observational data which has confirmed land observations that temperatures are rising. We also have more than 60 years of single site CO2 data from Mauno Lao, which has been the accepted standard site, showing that CO2 continues to rise, and this coincides with rising industrial CO2 output. Like many of you, I am not a ‘do-something-about-climate-changesoon-or-else-we-are-all-doomed’ person, my view is more pragmatic and I am confident that we can come up with a solution and have probably
already started; lowering CO2 emissions in some countries, a move to zero-carbon, electric vehicles, greener energy etc. Yes, there is still much to do, but even on our farms, as we make changes step by step, we are doing our bit. As a forecaster it goes with the job to be asked my views on climate change and the above is pretty much how I respond. Ultimately it is probably better to do something rather than nothing and see what happens. Can we do more? Yes of course, but let us stay optimistic that this is a problem we can solve through human ingenuity and collective will.
For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE
0906 599 9308 Calls charged at £1.55 per minute, plus telephone company access charge. Calls from mobiles and some networks may be considerably higher. Average call length two-three minutes. Service available 8am–6pm, seven days a week. Service provided by WCS Ltd. For complaints or queries about the premium rate 090 service, please call 01902 895 252.
farmersguardian.com
06/12/2023 17:17
NEXT WEEK Cumbria James Robinson Yorkshire Helen Stanier
‘We are very grateful to our own team on-farm’ Cheshire Ian farms in partnership with his family near Knutsford, Cheshire. They manage 700 commercial pedigree Holstein/Friesians on 445ha (1,100 acres). Replacements are home-reared and cows are on a composite system. Ian is a representative for Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group and sits on the AHDB Genetics Advisory Forum.
E
arly December and finally a little dry weather, or should I say a gap in the rain, has arrived. The past few weeks have seen plenty of activity; housing youngstock, reorganising buildings and feeding the milking cows for winter rations.
The experiment of splitting the herds on one farm to feed appropriate blend for a fresh group up to 100 days, then, post-100 days basically just concentrate in the parlour up to 4kg a day maximum with 1kg blend, has proven interesting. It looks to have delivered a 15 litres/ cow/day yield from forage. Usually during the winter, 10 litres of yield from forage was acceptable as a good financial footing, then aiming for 15 litres/cow/day from forage during summer.
Mindful If things continue at this rate, then more than half the milk sold through the farm gate will be from forage alone. But I am mindful that a year is a long time in the world of farming, so let us just see how this one progresses. With the drier weather, we have finally started grazing the stubble turnip/forage rape mix with round bales. Early results look good, although I
am reminded that last year the final quarter of the plot was decimated by frost so by the time we get halfway across the field there could be nothing left after the recent subzero temperatures. Looking back on 2023, I think it would be fair to say it has been a challenging year weather-wise. Each harvesting window has been tight and we are very grateful for our relationships with our local contractors and, particularly, to our own team on-farm who do most of the fieldwork. It serves to remind me how important it is to have a team on farm who are practical, positive and adaptable. Farming seems to throw so many curve-balls at us and we as a family are so grateful for the team here who seem to rise to the occasion each time, often recalling what could be our motto; ‘change of plan’.
CROSSWORD 1222
The first correct entry received by next Friday will receive £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers. Send to: Crossword No. 1222, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
ACROSS
1 Give a sharp blow and leave abruptly in a careless way (8) 5 Dairy product said to put a smile on your face (6) 10 Engineers involved in washing themselves - inspiring! (9) 11 Excessively criticise Sunday joint, maybe (5) 12 Three working together, group trading drugs in China (5) 13 Plate of food - element that is dull some say (9) 14 Dangerous driver mounted on, we’re told, large US motor cycle (4,3) 16 New shoot; one easily taken for a ride (6) 19 British system for type of LeicesterCheviot sheep crossbreed (6) 21 Enduring the French confidence trick (7) 23 French fry cooked a lot with a sausage (9) 25 One who covers roofs - not initially - by and by (5) 26 Civilian expounder of Muslim law (5) 27 In no sense, we hear, do guilty people have this (9) 28 Cherishes sharks (6) 29 Prime minister essentially attends first showing (8)
NAME ADDRESS
POSTCODE
By the time you read this, turkey plucking should be in full flow. We are pleased with how they have grown and relieved to have avoided bird flu. Hatchings of turkey poults for the year are significantly down across the country. Equally the cost of living crisis is very much in evidence so it will be interesting to see if the spares market provides famine or feast. On a sombre note, many of us will have lost people dear to our hearts this year. Mental health challenges in our industry are becoming more widely publicised, but are still very difficult to recognise. In this increasingly pressured, isolated industry it could affect anybody, often someone you would least expect. Let us hope mental health is a field where the agricultural industry makes significant progress in 2024.
DOWN
1 Signal of distress about British Conservative’s pitiful tale (3,5) 2 Coffee Yankee maybe ordered at first (9) 3 Old-fashioned father consuming tea endlessly (5) 4 Hasten along and enjoy lively party (7) 6 Lakeland sheep produce ultimately satisfied whickers (9) 7 Precise performance chasing one-time partner (5) 8 Total anger pursuing field of medicine (6) 9 Gets rid of English tales of adventure (6) 15 Curiously dry ox hide for chemical compound (9) 17 Being troubled, exit scene (9) 18 Distress and sadly give rage (8) 20 Route that is for rock group’s rigger (6) 21 Student left job that pays (7) 22 Version of cinema killer (6) 24 Popular umpire comes back to conclude from evidence (5) 25 Behold cold university master, one standing in for another (5)
Answers to crossword 1220: Across: 1 Escape, 5 Warmth, 10 Tempo, 11 Tiredness, 12 Telegraph, 13 Cargo, 14 Circuit, 16 Private, 18 Physics, 20 Conquer, 22 Erase, 24 Apartment, 26 Splashing, 27 Ideal, 28 Twelve, 29 Digits. Down: 2 Similarly, 3 Along, 4 Extract, 5 Worship, 6 Redaction, 7 Their, 8 Static, 9 Ashore, 15 Universal, 17 Amusement, 18 Please, 19 Seaside, 20 Changed, 21 Rattle, 23 Allow, 25 Tying.
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CROSSWORD COMPILED BY CHALICEA. SOLVERS MAY EMAIL COMMENTS TO CHALICEA.CROSSWORDS@YAHOO.CO.UK
IAN GARNETT
DECEMBER 8 2023 | 95
06/12/2023 17:17
FARMING MATTERS
Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture
‘At times like this you need to have faith in the system’
I
t is that time of year again. I do not mean the festive season, but that time when your heart is in your mouth as the callipers squeeze what looks like a bottom lump on a cow when having your six-monthly bTB test. There is temporary relief as the swelling is insufficiently large to be considered positive, and we are left in temporary limbo for 60 days as the test is deemed inconclusive; under restriction, yes, but living in hope that at the next test she is clear. Time flies when your fields are soaked, your cows are not milking as well as expected and your milk price falls by 14ppl. At the retest she has a
bigger lump than before – not quite as big as the one in my throat – and she is a reactor, so the green tag is out and her fate is sealed. The cycle of bTB infection – reinfection from residual sources or from the environment – does not matter, because the immediate costs of a bTB failure mount up, especially for an autumn-calving herd. It is at times like this you need to have faith, not in a supreme being – I have a wife, after all, who fulfils that role – but in the system. I think at this point, the mental pressure builds. I know I have not bought a cow in for more than 25 years; the odd bull perhaps, but we have never had a posi-
PHIL LATHAM
Dairy farmer and equestrian centre owner, Cheshire
tive bull. I know that we have had bTB problems in Cheshire’s badgers and at this point in time, the Animal Plant and Health Agency county report attributes 65 per cent of bTB to badgers. BTB is falling in Cheshire; herds under restriction have fallen by nearly 50 per cent since 2017, which is good news. There can be no doubt that this is due to the lowering of the badger population density through the rather blunt tool of culling by cage trapping and free shooting under licence. We know this because we deployed all the other enhanced testing methods for a decade prior to culling and the disease got worse every year. The problem is that politics rather than science is shifting policy away from something that evidently works.
Policy
In the Welsh review of bTB policy in 2017, it was identified that persistent herds should benefit from a targeted badger cull policy.
In the Welsh review of bTB policy in 2017, it was identified that persistent herds should benefit from a targeted badger cull policy. I think this is why it is particularly frustrating to hear Joyce Watson making a statement that persistently infected herds should consider their options going forward. Her apology for the outrage this sparked was equally as feeble and sought to justify the outrageous remarks. It is the assembly members’ choice to partially implement a
Tell us your views Post Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ J008780_iblon-ad_Together_FG-strip-ad-on-OBC_145x50_AW2.pdf 1 24/11/2023 09:40 Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
UNRIVALLED BROAD-SPECTRUM WHEAT DISEASE CONTROL. TOGETHER WE’RE ON IT.
policy, ignoring the wildlife contribution to bTB, and it is their failure they are hoping farmers accept. If there is one thing we have learned from the evidence in the ongoing Covid-19 inquiry, it is that politicians make choices for lots of reasons which conflict with the goal of disease reduction. They may have no understanding of science, but make choices with people’s lives to suit their own ends and their careers. It is this which creates a weight of mental angst as you come to realise that the facts do not matter, but the interpretation of them does. During Covid-19, we also learned the value of those in front line jobs. Having just been to A&E with my son’s broken fingers, I was shocked to see the patients lined up in the corridors and the working conditions for nurses. Memories are short and it appears we have forgotten the value of key workers and their contribution to society. The importance of the family farms’ contribution to national food security, like the bravery of nurses, is being forgotten.
In next week’s
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06/12/2023 10:14