Farmers Guardian Scottish 12th July 2024

What Defra needs to do now

NFU Scotland demands clarity as SNP’s defeat changes face of Scottish politics

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The win-wins of reducing a dairy farm’s carbon footprint were discussed at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ Down to Earth event. See p68.

from the editor

Joined-up approach will benefit all

WHAT Sir Keir Starmer’s new Government may lack in farming knowledge and expertise, it can make up for in good old-fashioned joined-up thinking. At least that is the hope.

Steve Reed, the Streatham and Croydon North MP, has taken up his spot as head of Defra following Labour’s victory at the polls last week. While not from farming stock, as Shadow Defra Secretary for the past 10 months, he is well versed in the opportunities and challenges facing UK agriculture.

Some could argue with Defra acting as a revolving door for the Conservative MPs over the past few years, Mr Reed has more experience than several recent incumbents.

That being said, the overriding rout of Tory MPs has led to the loss of a great deal of lived farming familiarity, as previous Farming Ministers Mark Spencer and Victoria Prentis were both defeated, along with Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee members including Sheryll Murray, who lost in South East Cornwall, and committee chair and farmer Sir Robert Goodwill, who had declined to stand.

However, along with his Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, Mr Reed has taken the time to get under the skin of farming, meaning that on day one of the new Government, the department could hit the ground running.

Outlining five key priorities (see p5), Mr Reed promised to ensure food and farming is front and centre of Government policy. In fact, food security is one of Defra’s five pillars – a win for the NFU which has been campaigning for it to be recognised as a priority for several years.

Adding to the business of the week, it is also worth noting that the union’s former president, Minette Batters, who lobbied so hard for this recognition, will join the House of Lords as a cross-party peer in autumn, only bolstering the conversations about food and farming around Westminster and being a voice who can challenge the Government of the day.

By joining the dots between food security, public investment and the national growth agenda the sector will gain confidence and thrive.

What we need now are assurances that the agricultural budget will be ring-fenced. Committing to a multi-annual framework would be another smart move which would help to bring certainty to the sector and rebuild confidence among businesses to invest.

But if the new Government really wants to hit its environmental goals, then there are some other levers it needs to pull fairly quickly. Meeting clean water targets and improving nutrient neutrality are areas which require investment in infrastructure, time and cost, and which can and must be addressed urgently.

mantra of being a ‘grown up Government with public service at its heart’ is to ring throughout the UK,

If the new Prime Minister’s mantra of being a ‘grown up Government with public service at its heart’ is to ring throughout the UK, then there is no better place to start than respecting the work and needs of the nation’s farmers.

Speaking up for farming since 1844

Olivia Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com

PICTURE: JOHN EVESON

With a new Defra Secretary following Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour landslide victory in the General Election, Chris Brayford spoke to Steve Reed on his priorities for the sector.

Defra Secretary vows to fight farmers’ corner

Initiatives including ELM are ‘here to stay’

NEW Defra Secretary Steve Reed has vowed to ‘fight the corner every step of the way’ without indicating what budget could be available for the sector in the Government’s next spending review.

Speaking at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday (July 10), the Defra Secretary confirmed the Labour Government would take a ‘brand new approach’ to engage and listen to farmers and people working in the agricultural sector in order to provide ‘meaningful change’.

Mr Reed confirmed initiatives, including Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, would be ‘here to stay’, albeit modified and repurposed in a way which would work for farm businesses.

He said: “We are fully committed to ELM. We will not rip everything up and create more instability. It is instability which has made things much worse for farmers.

“I want to support the aspects which do well and I will be making an announcement in due course.”

He added he will be listening and working with the sector.

Different approach

He said: “This is a different approach which will be central to our Government, which is very different from the previous Government, and this is a new way of working with farmers.”

The Defra Secretary addressed other issues in the sector, including unfairness in the supply chain and how he wanted to help farm businesses thrive.

He said: “We want the sector to succeed and we have a new deal for

farmers with plans to cut energy bills and harness clean energy through GB energy and create new jobs.”

He added they would rule out trade deals which undermine farmers and seek to renegotiate the veterinary deal with the EU to ‘get British exports moving’.

He added he wanted to see the impact data on the new schemes to see how they were operating.

He added there were many ways in which the Labour Government would ‘put money in the pockets of food producers’.

Review

“I will fight the corner of farmers all the way as we get closer to the spending review.

“This will be key for our new deal for farmers to help reduce their costs and to be much more sustainable in the future.”

MINETTE Batters has been awarded a peerage following a decade of service to the NFU. Ms Batters, the NFU’s first female president, will now be made a Baroness following her nomination. Former Defra Secretary Dr Therese Coffey has also been honoured with a Damehood.

MINETTE BATTERS AWARDED PEERAGE

● NFUS to write to all 57 Scottish MPs

By Chris Brayford

SCOTLAND’S political makeup at Westminster looks very different following the General Election result, with the Scottish National Party losing 39 seats.

First Minister John Swinney said it had been a ‘very difficult’ night for the party, with only nine SNP MPs remaining.

Former farm worker and outgoing Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross, had also failed to gain a seat in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East which went to SNP candidate Seamus Logan.

With a strong cohort of Scottish Labour MPs, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said there were plans to write to all 57 Scottish MPs, highlighting its key asks which could help deliver a ‘profitable and sustainable future’ for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.

He said: “NFUS has always worked constructively with whoever is in Government in the best interests of Scottish farming and crofting.”

CALLS from the farming industry for continuity in the Defra team from the new Labour Government were answered with the appointment of Defra Secretary Steve Reed and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner.

Mr Reed is MP for Streatham and Croydon North and is believed to be a close ally of the Prime Minister, serving as Shadow Defra Secretary since September last year.

Mr Reed has vowed to restore the party’s connection with the countryside with his five priorities, including supporting farmers to ‘boost Britain’s food security’ with farmer

Scotland’s political map is redrawn

He highlighted the importance of the sector to the Scottish economy.

“But future agricultural and rural funding is key – an element that was not included in the Labour party

Continuity as Defra team appointed

confidence low. Other key priorities included cleaning up Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas.

Joining his team is long-serving Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner as Farming Minister.

Mr Zeichner has previously served for four years as Shadow Farming Minister and is described by his Labour party as pro-European and a ‘life-long environmentalist’, with an ‘enduring interest in agriculture and food issues’.

He has spoken in many debates on food security and wider environmental issues, including challenging the former Government’s target on air and water

manifesto for this election,” he said.

“An immediate priority is securing a commitment from the new UK Government on an increased, ringfenced and multi-annual budget

quality. He is also passionate about driving animal health and welfare across the farming industry.

Emma Hardy has taken on the role of Under-Secretary of State.

The Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice MP was formerly a Shadow Defra Minister overseeing flooding, oceans and coastal communities.

Animal welfare champion and president of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, has also joined the department and will serve as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

for farm support across the UK.”

With the majority of rural issues being classed as devolved matters for Scottish Government, including agriculture and the environment, Jake Swindells, Scottish Countryside Alliance director, said the results for Labour could now shape the future of farming and rural communities in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Persuade

Mr Swindells said Scottish Labour would now need to persuade ‘die-hard independence’ voters to back it if it was to regain power in Scotland.

“With current polls suggesting 4547% would vote for independence, this is not going to be an easy victory for Labour in converting these seats to red,” he said.

He added it was very unlikely Labour would now bow to SNP pressure in future calls for a referendum.

New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney during a visit to Edinburgh this week.

Land and tax implications at forefront of farmers’ minds

● Clarity needed to make informed decisions

By Chris Brayford

FARMERS at Great Yorkshire Show have raised a number of concerns regarding the future of land and tax implications following the inception of a Labour Government.

The CLA hosted a breakfast session at the show on Tuesday (July 9), where panelists raised concern about taxes, specifically a potential

carbon tax on livestock following Denmark’s introduction this month, and questioned who would bear the cost.

Andrew Loftus, livestock farmer and AHDB chair of the Beef and Lamb Net Zero Roadmap, said: “I just hope we never get there.

Methane

“We need to ensure the arguments around methane are properly understood and every single carbon footprint attributed to livestock reduction is reviewed, because it is not

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as high as some claim. We should not get to a position where the Government thinks a meat or livestock tax is the right course of action.”

Victoria Vyvyan, CLA president, said farmers had raised concerns regarding the potential of a tax increase on agricultural assets under a Labour Government, and that the industry would be ready to take on the challenge.

Ms Vyvyan added: “People at shows and AGMs have told me they are beleaguered they will be picking up the bill for carbon and increased biodiversity, and picking up the bill in every single direction because neither the suppliers nor the customers are likely to pick it up.”

Dairy farmer Charles Atkinson, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, said the past 14 years had been challenging.

Uncertainty

He said: “It seems all we have known is uncertainty, in being told how farmers should farm from activist groups who see us as a threat to the environment and how we are able to farm through Government policy.”

He questioned whether Labour would back farmers or ‘cast us aside’.

Mixed arable farmer James Polter, from Knaresborough, Yorkshire, said increased taxation, the elevation of

We should not get to a position where the Government thinks a meat or livestock tax is the right course of action

ANDREW LOFTUS

nature over farming, and re-altering British countryside for more homes could ‘destroy’ farming.

He added the party needed to win people round as he believed nothing it intended to do would give farmers a new deal or new start.

Dana Watson, a pig farmer from Skipton, Yorkshire, said she was uncertain about the future of the industry should the new Government make tax changes.

“Tax breaks in recent years have provided a small comfort to keep businesses going,” she said.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner (second from left) and Defra Secretary Steve Reed (centre) attend Great Yorkshire Show.

GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE INDUSTRY ‘UNCERTAINTY’ AND ‘UNFINISHED POLICIES’

WITH uncertainty left by the outgoing Government on policy issues including a Land Use Framework, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) said the new Labour Government needed to focus on developing a ‘comprehensive and cohesive approach’ to food security with an independent statutory committee ‘providing a joined-up cross-Government strategy’.

An AIC spokesperson said a ‘standardised approach to sustainability’ in the food supply chains was also needed to help deliver a ‘modern, sustainable and commercial agriculture’.

DETAIL WANTED ON BARE-BONES MANIFESTO

FOLLOWING the election of a new Government with very little in its manifesto on the direction of travel with farming policy, farmers were looking for clarity from Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.

Steven Lear, a beef and arable farmer from Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire, said he was ‘keeping an open mind’.

“Hopefully, we will be allowed to stay on the same path and there will not be some great upheaval on the way,” he said.

He added he believed there could be higher taxes coming for farmers, but said ‘it is hard to know what is what’ after so much ‘scaremongering’ during the election campaign.

Mr Lear said there had been ‘some big muck-ups’ by Conservative Prime Ministers, highlighting Boris Johnson on pigs and Liz Truss on trade deals.

“Actual farming can do better under Labour, but it is the bigger landowners who might miss out,” he added.

Trust

Rory Christie is a dairy, pig and beef farmer from Port William, Wigtownshire. He said what mattered now was that there was ‘competent governance’ and that trust was restored.

“Agriculture needs capital investment. Scotland has a huge opportunity to provide our nation and the world with food that comes from nature-friendly farming,” he said.

“But we need investment. With farm margins so tight, we cannot do it on our own.

“Agriculture can deliver both food and power but it needs investment.”

Strutt and Parker’s rural research director Dr Jason Beedell said Labour ‘had been quietly’ courting the rural vote. Reassure

He added that sometimes ‘the most important things are those that do not happen’, adding the Labour Party had been ‘at pains to reassure the audience and to not scare the horses’.

“What is not expected are largescale changes to farm policy and agrienvironment schemes,” he said.

Despite fears and warnings from other parties, Labour representatives also made public statements that they had no plans to change agricultural property relief and would not tell

landowners what to grow or the public what to eat.

While they did want to ‘improve responsible access to nature’, this would not be a right to roam over farmland.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it ‘cautiously’ welcomed the new Government.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the manifesto was ‘short on detail and depth’, and when the party was questioned on budgets it had said it needed more understanding of the value and benefits of investments to date.

Mr Stocker stressed a ‘wider and deeper impact assessment was urgently needed’.

What is not expected are large-scale changes to farm policy and agri-environment schemes

DR JASON BEEDELL

Smaller parties increase their presence in Parliament

● Liberal Democrats pick up rural seats

By Jane Thynne

WHILE July 5 saw the Labour Party win a landslide victory, the General Election also brought a hugely-increased Parliamentary presence for the Liberal Democrats, as well as the arrival of four Green MPs and five Reform members under the leadership of Nigel Farage.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, hailed the ‘record-breaking’ result which saw the party go from 11 MPs in 2019 to 72.

The party took a number of key rural seats across the South West, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire.

Key farming champions held on to their seats, including Helen Morgan in North Shropshire and Tim Farron in Westmorland and Lonsdale in Cumbria.

Mr Farron said he feared farming was not high on the new Government’s agenda promising that his party would continue to fight for the sector.

“The fact there were only 87 words devoted to farming in

Sir Ed Davey’s Liberal Democrats gained 61 seats in the General Election.

Labour’s entire manifesto highlights the concerns that many farmers I speak to have that agriculture is not a priority for this new Government.”

However, he hoped Labour’s Defra Ministers would be ‘a lot less cloth-eared’ than their predecessors.

He added: “Liberal Democrats will be challenging Labour to properly reward farmers for their vital work in feeding the nation and stewarding our environment.”

Reform UK was also celebrating

winning five seats, one of which was taken by the party’s business and agriculture spokesperson Rupert Lowe in Great Yarmouth .

Honoured

The Cotswolds-based farmer and former MEP said he was ‘honoured to be fighting for the British people’.

The Green Party won its greatest number of seats, with four MPs.

Ellie Chowns overturned a majority of almost 25,000 to win North

Liberal Democrats will be challenging Labour to properly reward farmers for their vital work

TIM FARRON

Herefordshire, which had been held for 23 years by Conservative farming champion Sir Bill Wiggin. On taking up her new position, Ms Chowns said people in North Herefordshire had ‘made history, and shown that change really is possible here’.

She said: “There is an enormous amount of work to do – to renew our economy, to repair our NHS, and to restore our rivers. I am ready to roll my sleeves up and give this job everything I have got, and I cannot wait to get started.”

By John Wilkes, Washington DC

US agriculture reacts to Labour win

WITH Sir Keir Starmer in Washington DC this week for the NATO summit, US agricultural leaders have shared their thoughts on the Labour Party’s win.

Kent Bacus, executive director of Government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), hailed the ‘admirably civil transition of power’ demonstrated by the UK.

Mr Bacus said: “As the Labour Government forms and inevitable policy changes are made, it is important that our two countries re-engage and build a closer relationship that promotes the livelihood of farmers and livestock producers.

“Agriculture is a vital constituency that underpins food security

and environmental stewardship, and it will be interesting to learn more about Labour’s plans to address the growing economic burdens of food producers.”

He said the 2024 US elections may delay meaningful engagement, but the NCBA ‘will continue to build a positive dialogue across the political spectrum and highlight the importance of complementary trade’.

Similarities

He highlighted similarities between the US and UK.

He said: “We both prioritise animal health and welfare, believe in science-based climate metrics and both countries want an economically viable market that rewards live-

stock producers and encourages continuation of multi-generational farms.”

As allies, Bacus said: “We must continue to promote the nutritional and environmental benefits of beef and push back on the misinformation of the anti-meat agenda.

“The truth is, consumers love beef, whether produced in the Cotswolds or Colorado.”

Stephen Sothmann, partner at agriculture trade policy specialists DTB Agritrade (Washington DC), was uncertain how much will change with the new Labour Government on agriculture trade with the US.

He said: “A UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Part-

nership and the hope that the US returns to that venue sometime in the future, is probably the most viable path forward for deeper economic integration between the two countries under a Biden 2.0 scenario, but even that is a long shot.”

Should Donald Trump win in the November election, he said it was ‘harder to predict’.

In his first term Mr Trump was in favour of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, but talks stalled even with a Conservative Government.

“The US Congress has largely soured on free trade, especially among House Republicans. It is likely even harder with a Labour Government,” he said.

Conservatives left with no seats in Wales

● Plaid Cymru secures four seats

By Rachael Brown

THE Conservative Party has no MPs left in Wales, after Labour won 27 out of the 32 seats, with the Liberal Democrats picking up one, and Plaid Cymru securing four, including a new seat in Carmarthen, where tenant dairy farmer and Farmers’ Union of Wales county chair Ann Davies was elected as MP.

A victorious night for Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in Wales resulted in a ‘difficult night’ for the Welsh Conservatives, with their leader, Andrew RT Davies, defending the party’s work

on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and pushing through a vote of no confidence in the First Minister.

He said: “While the national picture made for a very difficult night for us in Wales, voters in Wales can look forward to our credible, positive alternative platform for 2026, where we hope to form the next Welsh Government.”

Best ever result

In contrast, Plaid Cymru had the party’s best ever result in a General Election – representing the greatest proportion of seats won – retaining two incumbent MPs and gaining two others.

Speaking to Farmers Guardian, Ann Davies said she was humbled to be elected the MP for Caerfyrddin.

Ms Davies, who farms with her husband Gareth on a 40-hectare tenant dairy farm in Llanarthne, milking 120 cows and 30 followers and supplying dairy processor Meadow, said she was passionate about giving rural Wales a voice in Westminster.

She said: “They need to have somebody that understands farming. I am not saying a gentleman farmer and someone who is a landowner with thousands of acres. Somebody who gets their hands dirty on the farm, does the muckspreading, the milking, does whatever needs doing.”

Ms Davies added food security, Wales’ SFS and trade deals were some of her top priorities, as well as rural homes.

She said getting the Welsh Government to understand the importance of homes in rural areas in Wales was like ‘pulling teeth’, adding they ‘do not understand that there is life outside of Cardiff.’

Ms Davies said she will not get sucked into the Westminster ‘bubble’ and was looking forward to continuing milking on Friday mornings and ‘getting my wellies back on’.

Ann Davies

The Conservatives now have no MPs in Wales.

EXCLUSIVE

● UK ‘need not fear’ Free Trade Agreement

NEW Zealand is rolling back from strict environmental legislation and adopting a more collaborative approach to addressing climate and pollution issues, the country’s Agriculture Minister Todd McClay told Farmers Guardian

He said: “The last Government legislated for some very strict rules around water quality, animal welfare and the environment, but these were unworkable and led to lots of resentment among farmers.

“We have the aim of addressing climate change, water quality and improving animal welfare, but we are taking farmers with us to meet those goals rather than impose unworkable rules and targets.”

The new approach led to the Government abandoning the ‘He Waka Eke Noa’ emission initiative in June. It translates from the Maori as ‘We are all in this together’, although it was more commonly called the ‘Burp Tax’.

It would have seen a 20% reduction in the number of beef and sheep in the country and a 5% reduction in dairy.

Rejected

“The primary sector worked collaboratively for years, however, Labour rejected many of its proposals compromising consensus, relationships and confidence across rural New Zealand,” said Mr McClay.

“To restore confidence, the Cabinet has decided to formally disestablish the initiative.”

The move was welcomed by the Federated Farmers of NZ, which said there had been a disregard for the significant and unjustifiable costs the programme would have imposed.

The UK needs not fear the Free Trade Agreement it has signed with

Unworkable environmental rules have been ditched by the New Zealand Government in favour of co-operation with farmers.

With New Zealand in the spotlight on post-Brexit trade deals, Cedric Porter spoke to the country’s Agricultural Minister Todd McClay about NZ’s environmental approach.

New Zealand chooses collaborative path to improve environment

New Zealand, said Mr McClay, adding it opened up new opportunities for greater co-operation.

“New Zealand has a number of high-quality Free Trade Agreements across the world and the UK should not fear that we will flood its market with beef and lamb. We view trade agreements, such as the Pacific CPTPP deal which the UK is a part of, as a way of opening access to growing markets that want our products.”

He identified India as the next big market where New Zealand was look-

ing to build freer trade. The world’s largest country by population and fifth by size of economy has also been conducting trade negotiations with the UK, although they have been interrupted by elections in both countries.

Mr McClay recognised it was taking time for the UK to get used to a post-EU world where it can sign its own trade deals and shape its own farm policy.

Early in his career he was an aide to Lord Henry Plumb when he was head of the European Parliament.

He said: “We were forced to abandon our farm supports out of economic necessity 40 years ago, but you have the benefit of developing a system that will allow farmers to become more efficient and innovative. Our farmers would not want to go back to the old subsidy system and I am sure that will be the same for yours in time.”

Todd McClay

UK imported 28,839t of sheepmeat, most of it from New Zealand. That figure was 39% more than in the January to April period in 2023, according to figures from AHDB.

Last year, New Zealand exported 365,000 tonnes of sheepmeat and 475,000t of beef. That represented more than 90% of production.

China was the largest sheepmeat market at 56% of the total, the UK second at 8% and the USA third at 7%.

China was also responsible for 40% of beef exports in 2023 and the US 5%. The UK was less than 1%. In 1961 the UK took 88% of New Zealand’s sheepmeat and 12% of its beef.

In the first four months of 2024 the

Free Trade Agreements now cover 46% of New Zealand exports, New Zealand’s chief trade negotiator Vangelis Vitalis told a Federated Farmers conference last week, with the UK deal adding 3% to the total and the EU 6%.

The CPTPP deal, which includes Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Chile and Peru covers 27% of trade. As well as the CPTPP agreement, the UK also has a free trade deal with the EU as part of its post-Brexit arrangements and has begun negotiations with a grouping of Gulf countries.

Digital grain passports fail to meet key asks

● NFUS says it remains unconvinced

By Chris Brayford

NFU Scotland has confirmed it will not back the introduction of digital grain passports (DGP) as its six key asks have failed to be met.

Following a round of internal discussions at an NFUS Combinable Crops Committee meeting on June 28, the union said members had concluded that it remained unconvinced about the introduction of a project which would require a digital passport to accompany grain movements.

Conditions set by NFUS to support the initiative, including answering issues on accessibility, efficiency, purpose, costings and data ownership had not been met, the union added.

According to the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the DGP project could enable farm businesses to achieve greater efficiency, accuracy and traceability of data throughout the entire supply chain, while seeking to ensure that confidence in the safety of food and feed is maintained.

NFUS vice-president Andrew Connon said: “NFU Scotland members made the bold but justifiable decision to put the brakes on the introduction of DGP 18 months ago until a clear business case for their introduction could be made.

“After further consultation with members on the latest business case made for the introduction of digital passports, there remains a strong feeling that the current paper system is functioning well for what our farmers need.”

He added the committee’s view remained broadly unchanged.

Question marks

“While we can see some potential advantages, there remain question marks regarding complexity, accessibility, efficiency and proportionate costs.

“There is no doubt that technology is the way ahead for our industry and some merchants are already using technology for feedback on analysis and weights, but technology needs to be proven to have a genuine benefit for our growers, and in the case of DGP it

has yet to satisfy the six key criteria that NFUS originally highlighted.

“In addition, the grain trade needs to decide what it wants as there are still mixed messages coming from Scottish suppliers, hauliers, merchants and end users, with some in Conditions

favour but many others staunchly against the idea.

“With mixed messages from the

trade, it

wonder that Scotland’s

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Organic needs to up its game

AS guests acknowledged during the National Organic Conference (Farmers Guardian, July 5) , UK agriculture faces many challenges.

Organic food and farming, unlike many other initiatives, was not conceived as a commercial opportunity, but as a system based on principles.

Health, ecology, fairness and care, remain core to the mission of the organic sector and it is through these principles that it retains market place confidence.

New approaches such as regenerative farming seek to mirror some of these aims and consequently, the organic movement needs to reposition itself in this new dynamic environment.

In doing so, it must not lose sight of the fact that organic maintains a

Social media reactions

IN response to the Farmers Guardian article on farmers needing to be listened to on reintroductions of predators to the UK, readers had their say on social media.

■ “Farmers and landowners will not be listened to. At least with a population of 67 million, the bears and the others won’t go hungry. The experience of farmers isn’t respected,

distinct point of difference that cannot be replicated.

For too long, many have perceived organic as ‘elitist’ and ‘niche’. In reality, organic represents a fundamental mindset change around food production.

As such, it represents a real opportunity to deliver multiple positive outcomes.

To achieve this, Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) is work-

it’s the charities and single issue lobbyists that’ll be fawned over. See deer, badgers, boar, etc.”

MARK HARRISON

■ “Terrible, terrible idea. Farmers have it tough enough without these predators who will go after the easiest preydomestic livestock. Compen-sation for farmers isn’t enough.”

JENNY MACHARG FOWBERRY

ing to build greater resilience through close collaboration across our innovative networks.

Alongside the English Organic Forum, constructive policy discussions with Defra continue, to ensure organic receives recognition within the new administration.

OF&G believes the organic movement must ‘up its game’ through better communication to consumers, policymakers and influencers.

■ “You only need to read about the wolves in Germany, that are taking farm animals, to know it is a stupid idea.”

LAYLA WALKER

■ “Some advice from Italy – oppose this madness with all your strength. We are no longer able to raise sheep in open meadows.”

LEONELLO PERUGINI

It is time to galvanise the sector, to secure the long-term consistent market growth necessary to deliver the critical mass that will underwrite the sector’s position and support the environment and rural economies.

Many conference attendees agreed that this must be a priority without undermining the benefits that regenerative farmers and others deliver.

Far from the sector being divided, I believe it is more unified than ever. Healthy debate is the only way to secure consensus within the wider organic community. It undoubtedly helps focus minds and the consequent energy and purpose is refreshing. The organic movement is committed to driving growth. The question is not if, but how.

Roger Kerr, Chief executive, OF&G.

RT chair just does not get it

HOW can the interim chair of Red Tractor (RT) begin to rebuild trust and confidence when, in the FG article last week (‘Rebuilding confidence is top priority for new Red Tractor chair, July 5), he belittled the value of auction marts, was con-

have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com

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David Colclough, of Bank Farm, Hassall, Sandbach, Cheshire, sitting on his Fordson tractor aged 13 in 1954. Picture sent in by Judith Colclough.

descending to the views of his own sector board, was patronising to family farmers, commented ‘if the Greener Farms Commitment was reintroduced’ and was confident that RT ‘would always be the premier assurance scheme’.

If Red Tractor is to survive it needs to change, but it appears the current chair ‘just does not get it’.

Graham McLeod, North Devon.

Show some respect Monty

A RECENT Instagram post by Monty Don showed his dog jumping about in a field of wheat, with him admitting it was naughty.

What saddened me, and which I found appalling, was the fact that most people thought it was okay to do this, but the couple of people who dared to mention the farmer, were completely vilified.

The weather this year has made farming extremely challenging and many hours of hard work go into trying to get a decent crop.

So, in future Monty, please show some respect for farmers and their land.

Name and address supplied.

Chris Brayford News and Business Reporter – chris.brayford@agriconnect.com

A mandate for change Leader

FOR the first time in 14 years, the political landscape has altered significantly in Britain.

With Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party now holding the keys to Government, its promise of change offers an opportunity for real progress and a sense of new beginnings.

The ultimate question is whether Labour can deliver that change for farmers and the agricultural sector.

Change brings a sense of optimism, hope and refreshed vigour and heralds the beginning of a new era.

If Labour is willing to provide that new beginning for the farming industry, it could be a driver for economic delivery and innovation the sector has badly needed for so long.

Speaking to journalists at the Great Yorkshire Show, Defra Secretary Steve Reed promised to provide farmers with a new deal to produce food more sustainably, to reduce costs on businesses and to provide fairness in the supply chain.

But what remains unclear, still, is where farming is placed in society and who has the loudest voice.

The influence of environmental activist

Young Farmer Focus

‘I truly feel farming is in my blood, I am grateful’

Growing up: I grew up on my family beef and sheep farm in South Gloucestershire.

Despite this, I was not overly involved in farming until I left school.

My sister had previously completed an agriculture course at Hartpury College and encouraged me to enrol at Hartpury University after completing my A-levels.

Confidence: It took all my confidence to enrol, but I can honestly say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Although I accept that university is not for everyone, I believe it opens doors for young people to expand their knowledge and career prospects.

I am now closely approaching the end of my degree. It has changed my life and I am so grateful for all the opportunities it has given me.

Within these three years, I have carried out multiple work placements on

groups, some of whom claim to support and back Labour, and what that could mean for farmers and their businesses, remains in question.

But the new Defra Secretary has kicked off as he means to go on, stating how he will ‘fight the corner of farmers’ in Government, and whatever your political persuasion, that must be welcomed by the industry.

With warm words come expectation, and the pressure is now on this Labour Government to value agriculture and the role of food producers, while giving farmers a place in delivering the promise of change for the benefit of society.

different farms and learnt a lot about farming, as well as about myself. Before I started at Hartpury University, I lacked self-confidence and had little agricultural knowledge. Three years later, I now have a lot more of both.

Clubs: I have been at Gloucestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs for three years now, and I really wish I had joined at a younger age.

I have learnt so many new skills and met a lot of like-minded people. It has made me feel part of a community.

Young Farmers’ Clubs not only bring young people together, which is needed in rural areas, but they provide an environment to learn new skills and encourage young people out of their comfort zones through various activities and competitions.

I have learnt a lot about livestock through stockjudging competitions,

Bathard

which has also increased my confidence with speaking to people.

Passions: I am passionate about farming because it is the one community that I feel part of.

My parents are both from many generations of farmers, so I truly feel farming is in my blood.

Farming is not just a job, it is a lifestyle.

And having grown up with this lifestyle, it is certainly one I want to keep.

Challenges: As for the challenges farmers face today, there is nearly everything you can think of.

Rising costs, volatile market prices and lack of support are just a few.

I think it is becoming harder for farmers to carry on, which is concerning to me as a young person as I worry about where the industry will be in 60 years’ time.

Looking to the future, however, I hope to use my agricultural degree within the industry, in addition to having my own family and raising the next generation of farmers.

By this time I hope there is still a strong industry for them to be part of.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Alice

Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Alice Bathard, 22, from Gloucestershire is an agriculture student at Hartpury University.

Alice Bathard

Edited by Alex Black – 07880

House building pledge comes amid fears over green scheme

● Renewables focus worries tenants

By Jane Thynne

REFORM of the UK’s ‘antiquated’ planning system, a full-scale review of green belt boundaries, along with a commitment to end the ‘absurd ban’ on new onshore wind farms, were just three of the key pledges delivered by Rachel Reeves in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Ms Reeves also announced that large-scale energy decisions would be taken nationally not locally and that the Government would bring onshore wind back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

She said in order to accelerate

house building, priority would be given to brownfield and grey belt land for development to meet housing targets in areas where need was greatest.

However, the Chancellor’s announcement that priority would be given to ‘energy projects in the system to ensure they make swift progress’, has led to worry among tenant farmers currently fighting plans to protect farmland from major wind or solar schemes.

Emma Sturdy, who is campaigning to save her family’s tenant farm from a large-scale solar development in Old Malton, Yorkshire, said the statement raised ‘real concern’ that applications on ‘good farmland will be rushed through’.

“We need urgent clarity that planning reform to prioritise clean energy

Ember Energy

New

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcements have concerned some farmers.

does not come at the expense of our best and most versatile farmland or our tenant farmers,” Ms Sturdy said.

A spokesperson for countryside charity CPRE said the green belt was ‘vitally important’ for maintaining food security, boosting biodiversity and was also the ‘countryside next door’ for 30 million people.

“But at the same time we do re-

cognise there is a terrible housing crisis in this country and that impacts rural areas too which is something that is overlooked. But what is not going to fix that crisis is just building big, four-bedroom houses in the green belt.

“In the countryside, it is about delivering the kinds of houses rural people need at the scale at which they need it.”

TAX SHIFTS COULD HIT LAND DEALS, WARN AGENTS

POTENTIAL tax shifts could impact land and farm sales, following Labour’s accession to power, a rural estate agent has warned.

Guy Coggrave, managing director of GSC Grays, said changes to agricultural policy or any potential Government action on Capital Gains Tax or Agricultural Property Relief (APR) could lead to disruption of the current buoyant market.

“The farmland market in the north is currently experiencing increased activity, despite there being a shortage of good-sized arable or commercial farms coming to market,” he said.

Roughly balanced

“Supply and demand are roughly balanced, but it would not take much to tip this balance, especially with factors such as debt reduction and changes in farming policy playing a significant role.”

Mr Coggrave said following cautions that taxes will have to be raised in order for the Labour Party to carry out its manifesto, it was

‘expected’ Capital Gains and APR would be targeted, leading some farmers to consider their future farm business.

“Landowners must ensure their farms are active enterprises to benefit from this relief,” he said.

“The quality and presentation of farms is increasingly important and for those considering selling, it is advisable to act promptly to make the most of what currently remains a favourable tax regime, which many commentators anticipate will change this autumn or next spring.”

According to the Treasury, all taxes would be kept under review but the Government has outlined its commitment to farmers and food security and said it will ‘champion’ the sector.

A HM Treasury spokesperson said: “We have set out the need to deliver economic stability, so we can grow our economy and keep taxes, inflation and mortgages as low as possible.”

MORE ON THIS STORY See p17.

● Significant step for NFUS campaign

By Jane Thynne

NEW dairy legislation which aims to protect farmers across the supply chain has come into force, following more than a decade of campaigning by farming groups.

As of this week, the Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 will apply to all new contracts made for the purchase of milk from a producer. The NFU said it was hoped the new rules would establish ‘transparency and accountability’ across the dairy supply chain by stopping contract changes being imposed without agreement.

According to Defra, there will also be a system in place to enable farmers to verify the calculation of variable prices.

Scottish Dairy Hub and NFU Scotland milk policy manager Tracey Roan said the change had followed a consistent campaign by the unions of ‘calling out unfair practices in the dairy supply chain’.

“A significant proportion of the calls that all UK farming union dairy teams receive are from farmers with issues

Unions hail dairy contract legislation

NFUS said a significant proportion of calls were about contract issues.

which ultimately relate back to their milk contract,” said Ms Roan.

“It has taken a great deal of work

Applications reopen for Lincolnshire training

THE application window has reopened for a training, development and mentoring programme in the Lincolnshire Wolds, with the training day being delayed.

Helen Wyman, founder of Cultivate Success, said due to delays in funding the initial training day would now take place on September 9, followed by monthly mentoring sessions.

“The application window has reopened and it will close on August 25, 2024. We encourage both men-

tors and people who would like to take part in the course to come forward – just register through the website. The course is fully funded for those within the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” she said.

For those outside of the area, there were other courses available in York, Oxfordshire, South Cambridgeshire, Cumbria, Northumberland, Shropshire and the South Downs.

from a dedicated team within NFUS to help drive this over the line.”

NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said it marked a ‘significant step’ in a long road of campaigning to improve fairness across the supply chain.

He said: “The NFU has long been campaigning for fairer, more transparent contracts to aid trust and collaboration across the supply chain and prevent some of the worse abuses of power which one-sided contract terms allowed. Any new contract offered to a producer must be compliant with the new regulations. This means, among other things, it must offer a clear, transparent price or pricing schedule.”

Financial penalties

The regulations also include an enforcement regime, which allows the Secretary of State to impose substantial financial penalties to entities who make any breaches.

There will be a transition period of 12 months for existing agreements. All such contracts will need to be compliant with the regulations by July 9, 2025.

Farmers to get 50% of first delinked payment next month

FARMERS will receive the first of this year’s two delinked payments from August 1, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced.

In a letter sent out to farmers this week, the agency said it would be making delinked payments in two instalments, with recipients being given an advance payment of about 50% from next month. The balance payment was to follow from September 30.

The new funding format has been designed to replace the Basic Payment Scheme in England, which is being phased out following the UK’s exit from the EU.

The RPA said it would also provide a payment statement showing how delinked payments were calculated and the progressive reductions which would take place until the scheme ended in 2027.

PICTURE: GETTY

The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers conference focused on ‘More from Less – Land for Food and the Environment’. Farmers Guardian reports.

The UK will need two-and-aquarter times more electricity by 2050, according to recent data.

Electricity expansion offers opportunities

● Demanding schedule for net zero target

TAKING carbon out of the power supply brings major issues for use, said Richard Spencer, of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Electricity generation from renewables and increasing demand will have an effect as it needs to be carried across rural Britain, as pylons, cables and substations will be on rural land with implications for land use.

The UK will need two-and-a-quarter times more electricity by 2050, as it works towards achieving net zero emissions, according to recent data.

In 2022, the UK consumed 321 terawatt (tWh), a unit of energy representing one-trillion watt hours. However, replacing fossil fuels in transport will require an additional 266tWh, and switching gas heating to electric will necessitate another 131tWh. This brings the total annual electricity requirement to 717tWh, marking a 225% increase.

Projection

The Electricity System Operator has projected that achieving a net zero electricity system by 2035 will require an extra 27 gigawatts of generation capacity from a mix of wind, solar, biomass and fossil fuels. To

meet the new demands, the UK will need around 72,840 hectares of additional land dedicated to electricity generation.

Mr Spencer said: “The geography of energy generation in the UK is changing dramatically. Historically, large coal, nuclear and gas plants were centralised in key areas.

“Now, generation is becoming more dispersed, with significantly smaller plants than traditional coalfired power plants. This dispersion means the transmission and distribution system must adapt to collect electricity from numerous small plants and distribute it to load centres.”

Mr Spencer said that the grid would need an additional 36,420ha and 621,371 miles of rights over land. National Grid has said the new electricity transmission infrastructure needed in the next seven years will be more than five times that built in the past 30.

He added Labour’s pledge to achieve fossil-free electricity by 2030 set a ‘very demanding timetable.

NORTHERN IRELAND CARBON MANAGEMENT TRIAL EXPANDS TO UK

A PIONEERING carbon management trial in Northern Ireland which yielded ‘extraordinary’ output results is being piloted across the UK.

John Gilliland, co-founder of the ArcZero trial, professor of practice at Queen’s University, Belfast, and adviser to AHDB and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), said that, contrary to belief, farmers do have the capacity to capture, manage and store carbon, demonstrating the positive environmental impact of farming systems.

The trial’s success hinged on the introduction and consistent use of carbon management baselining over four years, a practice previously non-existent in Northern Ireland.

Each of the seven participating farms found their carbon net position was lower than their gross position by measuring the carbon in their trees, hedges and soil, creating a unique carbon balance for each farm.

Interesting

Mr Gilliland said: “When we started this journey we had no knowledge that seven small farms in Northern Ireland would find half-a-million tonnes of carbon sitting in those habitats. What is even more interesting is 97% of that was in the soil. I am hopeful this figure will rise to 530,000t upon retesting in two years.”

The pilot, spearheaded by AHDB and QMS with a £3 million investment, aims to revolutionise reporting mechanisms available to farmers and shift the public narrative from contributor to gross greenhouse emissions to effective and trusted carbon managers. The initiative will baseline up to 170 farms.

Cost-effective solutions included improving livestock efficiency and soil pH, switching to legumes, displacing nitrogen fertiliser, grazing willows, and planting trees and hedgerows.

New national president for CAAV

SENIOR director of Davidson and Robertson Martin Hall was welcomed in as the new president of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) at the conference.

The former vice-president was elected to the executive committee in 2021 and sits on the CAAV panel of arbitrators.

Mr Hall said the next 12 months will focus on key areas including recruiting new entrants into the sector, meeting greater demand for valuation services and support services, and navigating new demands on land use including renewables, development and recreation and succession planning.

● New high reached for land prices

By Chris Brayford

AGRICULTURAL land remains attractive to investors after a report revealed values reached a record high despite General Election uncertainty.

Global property consultants Knight Frank said the average value of bare agricultural land in England and Wales had reached £9,335 per acre in the second quarter of 2024 despite pre-election doubts, with landowners believed to have paused property plans.

Releasing the data on July 4, Knight Frank said it had seen an increase of 0.9% from the previous quarter and a significant 5.5% rise over the past 12 months, outperforming prime central London residential values, which declined by 2.4%.

The report also revealed farmland values had increased by 32.8% over the past five years and 24.2% over the last decade, with ‘strong indications’ the trend could persist in the future, added Knight Frank.

Long-term

Will Matthews, head of farms and estates at Knight Frank, said the Farmland Index highlighted the strong long-term performance of agricultural farmland as an asset class.

“It is becoming increasingly hard

A report from Knight Frank revealed farmland values had increased by 32.8% over the past five years.

Election fails to dent demand for farmland

to say how much farmland will sell for because the prices we are achieving vary so widely,” said Mr Matthews.

“There are so many factors influencing the market, from tax planning to environmental aspirations, that every parcel of land or farm that comes up for sale exists in its own micro-climate that will determine its value to the eventual purchaser.

“For example, we have recently sold a very large block of land for

Farmers reaping income benefits of diversification

CURRENT market dynamics mean eight-in-10 farmers feel pressured into considering diversification, but many are reaping the economic benefits alternative income sources bring.

According to research from wealth manager Investec Wealth and Investment, which surveyed 100 farmers, the most popular initiative was increasing biodiversity through tree planting or carbon capture.

About seven-in-10 respondents said this made up 15-20% of their farm income.

For 77% of farmers with renewable energy diversification, it contributed 10-15% of their annual income.

Community-supported agriculture,

Top 10 new enterprises

■

■

where customers subscribe to receive regular deliveries of fresh produce or other farm products, was also popular, with 38% diversified in this way.

Tourism

Those farmers running tourist activities, such as a holiday cottage or glamping, and making new products to sell, such as cheese, reported a broader range of incomes from these activities.

Most farmers surveyed had been running these new enterprises for at least two years or more, and said they had experienced an improvement in their farm’s income during this time.

over £20,000/acre, and a smaller –but still sizeable – holding for about £45,000/acre.

“Conversely, some blocks have sold for closer to £10,000.

“It is generally a given that property markets tend to slow down in the

run up to big political events and this General Election has proved to be no different, with potential buyers and vendors sitting on their hands.

“What impact the change of Government might have on the farmland market remains to be seen,” he said.

PICTURE: ALAMY

● Niche o erings see returning customers

By Alex Black

IT has been a tough year for accommodation diversifications, with estimated figures from the Great Britain Tourism Survey, conducted by VisitBritain and VisitEngland, showing overnight stays were on the decrease in 2023.

The weather has also caused issues, with bookings down for many rural cottages, glampsites, and bed and breakfasts.

But with the weather on the turn, David Brown, spokesperson for Farm Stay UK, a co-operative of rural accommodation providers, said some farmers were bucking the trend and already showing record bookings for this year.

Mr Brown runs Hoe Grange Holidays in the Peak District, which was awarded gold in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence this month for accessible and inclusive tourism.

Success

He put the success down to finding a niche – in his case, offering more for guests with disabilities and additional needs.

He said: “We recently became the first UK holiday accommodation provider to be accredited as ‘Dementia Inclusive’ by The Sargent Group, and have been awarded an Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society.”

The number of repeat visitors were testament to their success, with many other farm stays also attributing return visits.

Elisabeth Kelly is a partner at Airhouses, a cluster of four Norwegian lodges in the Scottish Borders, which was awarded ‘Best Luxury Experience’ in the VisitScotland National Thistle Awards last year.

She said: “Our strong repeat

Elisabeth Kelly has a strong repeat customer base at her Norwegian lodges in the Scottish Borders.

UK farm stays buck the trend

customer base shows that people love Airhouses for many reasons as they keep returning and because we keep innovating in small ways – be that opening up our new pop-up coffee shop or introducing ‘plant your own tree’ sessions, to learning an ancient craft or organising bespoke spa treatments in your lodge.”

But it was not only established businesses that were bucking the trend. The Flower Barn in Hanbury, which is situated on a 2.5-hectare flower farm in Worcestershire, launched three years ago and accom-

Tractor sales down in 2024

DESPITE many manufacturers offering tempting finance packages to boost sales, a cautious market reflects a downfall in tractor sales.

The month of June saw registered machines peek at just 869 units, which was 23% lower than the same month in 2023. Total unit sales for the first half of the year stood at 5,882 – down 13% on the previous year.

A spate of bad weather and uncertain yields for this year’s coming harvest might have stopped many buyers from investing in new machinery until margins were clear.

The figures also showed an 8% fall

on the average recorded between 2018 and 2022, which was a period of time revered for factory shutdowns and component shortages due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Replacements

With high capital investment, many machinery users would no doubt want to look at the viability of running machines for longer.

Reduced tillage practices might also have had an effect on machines not clocking as many working hours, reducing the need for continual replacement.

modates groups of up to 22 people, capitalising on the post-pandemic trend for large groups or multi-generational holidays.

Different

Owner Anna Hadley, said it was about offering something different, with large groups looking for unique activities.

“Whether it is a summer picking party, a bouquet workshop or Christmas wreath making, it provides something that is unique, on-site and accessible for everyone, whatever your ability,” she said.

FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION SHOW

PRE-register now for the Farm Business Innovation Show at farmbusinessshow.co.uk.

The Farm Business Innovation Show, which will take place on November 6-7 and is hosted by Farmers Guardian’s parent company Agriconnect, is dedicated to empowering farmers, landowners and agricultural professionals with the knowledge, tools and inspiration needed to drive innovation, diversification and growth in their businesses.

Arla ceases production at Melton Mowbray site

ARLA has ceased production at one of its sites in Leicestershire, which made dairy products such as Stilton cheese for more than 200 years.

Production stopped at its Tuxford and Tebbutt Creamery site in Melton Mowbray on June 25, with about 60 jobs at risk.

Back in January, Arla said it was conducting a ‘strategic operational review’ of the site in order to return a ‘fair price’ for its 2,000 UK farmers, following a ‘decline’ in the cheese market.

However Fran Ball, vice-president of production at Arla Foods, announced a proposal had been made to cease production at the Melton Mowbray creamery.

“We have spoken to colleagues who are affected by these proposals and we are now entering into a period of consultation with those colleagues,” added Ms Ball.

“Our priority right now is to support our colleagues impacted during this challenging period.”

Global Ag View

With the European Union introducing measures to tackle deforestation, Katie Jones takes a look at Argentina’s new certification system.

Argentina looks to meet deforestation regulations

● Geolocation data used for certification

THE Argentinian beef sector has introduced a new certification system, designed to ensure the country’s beef exports are deforestation-free, which is aligned with upcoming EU regulations.

From December 30, 2024, the EU’s new deforestation regulation (EUDR), which aims to reduce deforestation by ensuring that products consumed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, will be enforced.

Argentina has worked with all members of its supply chain to develop a new certification scheme designed to ensure the country’s beef exports are deforestation-free.

The country currently exports about 50,000 tonnes of beef annually to the EU, accounting for 7% of its total beef exports, and is the first country to publicly announce such a scheme.

Our industry is well-positioned in terms of its carbon footprint

ADRIAN BIFARETTI

Speaking at a seminar on livestock and sustainability at the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina to the EU in Brussels, representatives from the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA) said the certification scheme, known as VISEC, used geolocation data to certify the sustainable origin of livestock products, aligning with EUDR requirements.

Full animal traceability would be provided, and the geolocation data would then be used to prove that the animal was not reared in an area where deforestation had taken place

The EUDR defined products to

be deforestation-free as products that contained, had been fed with or had been made using relevant commodities that were produced on land that had not been subject to deforestation after December 31, 2020.

Emissions

It was hoped that by promoting the consumption of ‘deforestation-free’ products and reducing the EU’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation, the new regulation would bring down greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.

Adrian Bifaretti, of the IPCVA, said it was important that Argentina had a transparent system in place so that it could continue to be trusted as a reputable supplier of beef to the EU.

He said: “Along with China, the US, Australia and Brazil, Argentina is one of the five countries with the largest area of natural grassland, and our industry is well-positioned in terms of its carbon footprint.”

He said the new EU regulations were an opportunity as well as a challenge for the Argentinian beef industry.

The IPCVA said the certificates could be used by exporters and importers as proof of compliance

before the authorities of EU member countries.

However, VISEC’s certificates, like other national schemes, were not legally accepted by EU authorities for EUDR compliance, said Davor Percan, of the European Commission’s environment department.

The IPVCA said that while there was no official validation, every element of the EUDR was included in VISEC and would be a suitable scheme for importers to use come the end of 2024.

Trade flows

By using the VISEC scheme, the IPVCA said it hoped the EUDR would not affect normal trade flows to the EU market and would not become a barrier to access.

Mr Bifaretti said: “We want to continue being one of the most reliable suppliers of beef in the EU and prove we can supply steak with the best environmental credentials.”

As a pilot, a shipment of 1.4t of certified deforestation-free beef was made to Germany in June to test the viability of the system.

This was in addition to pilot tests with soy, another of Argentina’s export products that must comply with the new legislation.

Argentina currently exports about 50,000 tonnes of beef annually to the EU.

Farm Profile

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

For more features, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-life

Low-input organic production helps the Barbour family maintain a high-value ecosystem as well as keeping costs down. Wendy Short finds out more.

Mains of Fincastle is an 800-hectare (1,976acre) unit near Pitlochry, Perthshire, and is part of the family’s Bonskeid Estate, with Andrew and Seonag Barbour working on the farm alongside their daughter Catherine and flexi-employee, Jamie Grant.

The main farm was converted to organic production in 2006, with a smaller neighbouring unit at Borenich currently completing conversion, having been taken back in-hand. It supports a 60-cow, spring-calving suckler herd, plus a flock of 700 ewes.

The herd comprises mainly Whitebred Shorthorn cows, which are put to a Limousin bull and usually calved outdoors in March to April. Weaning takes place at about seven to eight months, when the calves are close to the target 300kg weight.

Weaned calves

Historically, they were marketed as 18-month-old stores, but to reduce grazing pressure most are now sold as weaned calves to a local finisher, fulfilling a Waitrose contract.

The cattle are housed in December and fed entirely on silage, hay or haylage.

Andrew says: “With organic concentrates costing twice as much as the standard product, they are not financially viable as a cattle feed.

“For the sheep, they are limited to small quantities for the ewe hoggs and for twin-bearing ewes in the run-up to lambing. The ewes

Wood pasture grazing benefits upland farm

PICTURES: RON STEPHEN

The main farm at Mains of Fincastle was converted to organic production in 2006.

Left to right: Andrew Barbour, Jamie Grant and Catherine Barbour.

Farm Profile Perthshire

are supplemented with preserved forage in the winter – its dry matter content is dependent on the weather at the time for what is usually a single annual cut of grass in July.”

Texel rams are used across the ewe flock, which is made up of Texel cross-breds at Fincastle and Hill Cheviots at Borenich.

“The Texel cross-breds have a scanning percentage of 150, with the Hill Cheviots at 130-140,” says Andrew.

“At present, the aim is to slightly reduce the lambing percentage and enhance lamb survival rate.

“The point of sale will depend on grass productivity for the year, with some lambs sold finished and others marketed as stores to an organic producer.”

The land is classified under the Natura 2000 designations, largely due the underlying limestone and botanically-rich meadows, while much of the ‘semi-natural’ woodland was planted by previous generations and comprises mainly native species. Introduced more than two decades ago, the wood pasture grazing system has fulfilled the family’s objective of increasing

The tree roots promote drainage and the leaf litter improves soil biological activity. They also contribute to the farm’s carbon credentials

ANDREW BARBOUR

tree numbers without sacrificing grazing for the livestock. The trees serve a number of purposes.

“Wood pasture is nothing new and was widely utilised by our ancestors,” says Andrew.

“The region has a short growing season and the trees can bring forward grass growth by a couple of

weeks. The shelter they provide also benefits the animals, particularly by reducing heat stress in the summer. The tree roots promote drainage and the leaf litter improves soil biological activity.

“They also contribute to the farm’s carbon credentials, which are already highly favourable. I feel that carbon audit results will become increasingly significant in livestock marketing in the future.”

Rotational grazing

Rotational grazing is considered essential to the grassland management system, including the wood pasture, some of which has been regenerated from semi-wooded areas.

Andrew says: “The paddocks measure up to 5ha and are electric-fenced. Livestock are excluded until year five, when the sheep are allowed in. They are followed by the cattle, being taller, in year nine.

“As soon as they have eaten the best grass they are moved on to minimise tree damage. The grazing period for the sheep should ideally be three to four days, but in reality it is often five to six days. The whole

ethos is based on the principles of flexibility and adaptability.”

The family relies on a range of measures to maintain soil fertility.

Andrew adds: “Sheep and cattle dung, spread during grazing or applied as farmyard manure, is vitally important. In addition, the farm is hosting a trial [which is] looking at the effect of mixing woodchip with straw for bedding, and composting the material before application to enhance its value.

“The woodchip has been very successful at keeping the bedding dry and we will continue with its use, whatever the outcome.”

The farm is experimenting with making bokashi, which involves treating the farmyard manure with microorganisms to help with the breakdown process, covering the heap with black plastic and composting the material for three years. The results will be compared with the effect of standard farmyard manure on soil fertility.

Lime and rock phosphate are applied on occasion, with soil analysis results used as a guideline. To boost soil nitrogen content

The herd comprises mainly Whitebred Shorthorn cows, which are put to a Limousin bull.

The ewe flock is made up of Texel cross-breds at the Fincastle unit and Hill Cheviots at Borenich.

“A new practice of using a cultivator to slice through the dock roots is being introduced,” says Andrew.

Farm facts specifically, white clover is direct drilled into the grassland periodically. Meanwhile, docks are the main weed problem.

“As organic producers, we must learn to live with weeds to some extent, but docks will greatly reduce preserved forage quality if left unchecked.

“The cultivator will be used in spring, and again in the autumn, and it may result in a small production sacrifice in the spring. Docks are not straightforward to manage, and I suspect that compaction and possibly the soil nutrient balance also come into play.”

Red deer

Two large sheep flocks, which have historically grazed the neighbouring land, have been removed by the owners. This has increased the number of red deer coming on-farm.

“The Scottish red deer population has expanded, and they have moved into the former sheep grazing [area] and beyond. This has caused a rise in tick/fluke pressure, as deer also carry the parasites,” says Andrew.

“Faecal egg counts are conducted routinely, and while the cattle only need very occasional treatment, the lambs do need a regular flukicide. The main method of worm control is the maintenance of clean grazing by alternating the sheep and cattle.”

Andrew’s uncle ran the farm until 1989, and Andrew says: “The holding was conventionally – and fairly intensively – managed until my uncle gave up due to ill health, after which the land was broken up and rented out.

“In the meantime, I worked in the fisheries industry and helped to develop a turbot farming system.

■ 60 mainly Whitebred Shorthorn suckler cows

■ 700 ewes

■ The farm has an annual rainfall of 900-1,000mm

■ The land ranges from 245-457

When much of the land came back in-hand at Fincastle in 1994, I knew that changes would have to be made in order to maintain business viability.

“Input costs were rising and farmgate prices were in decline, while BSE was threatening the beef industry. At one point, there had been 100-plus cows and well over 1,000 ewes on the unit.

“Intensive livestock production was the primary cause of many of the challenges, in my view. For example, it was proving difficult to get on top of heavy lamb worm burdens and there was too much reliance on expensive chemical fertilisers. Nevertheless, at that time you had to look hard to find solid scientific facts and information on other ways to farm.”

The main early aims of the transition to a more ecological method of farming were moving to a rotational, clean grazing system; focusing on soil health; and starting the return to a more biological fertility source.

Andrew says: “I am still seeking the perfect balance of sheep and cow numbers.

“However, the most critical element is the way in which the grazing is managed, particularly in terms of timing.

“Livestock play a crucial role in maintaining our biodiversity, but only if well managed – otherwise, they present a problem.”

metres (800-1,500 feet) above sea level

■ The family won the ‘Climatefriendly Farming Champion’ section of NFU Scotland’s Next Generation competition in 2021

The couple’s two sons, Robert and Patrick, help out at busy times. Robert works for the Sustainable Food Trust in the south of England and Patrick is training as a teacher, having studied environmental sciences.

Next generation

Andrew says: “Seonag and I are trying to retire, although to date we have not been very successful. Our shared goal is to leave the business in good shape for the next generation, who will steer it in whatever direction they see fit.

“There is a real threat that other countries will outcompete the UK and we need to look closely at the quality and provenance of the products coming from abroad. The farm could survive without subsidies for a period despite being on marginal land, but the resulting lack of investment would take its toll on the business in the longer term.

“Farmers are not being very well served by the governance of Scottish agriculture and our representatives. There is currently a disconnect, resulting in very little feedback to producers about future market requirements, aside from the weight and condition of finished livestock.

“What is badly needed is good leadership, and I will continue to try and get this message across to the decision-makers,” Andrew adds.

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786

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Crops bearing up amid disease and weather threat

● Unlikely there will be record-breaking yields

By Jane Thynne

FARMERS across the country continue to face challenges as wet weather, raised pest threat and disease dominate the season.

“Winter wheats are a bit all over the place really,” says Ben Boothman, an independent agronomist and member of the Arable Advisor Group and the Association of Independent Crop Consultants, covering Yorkshire and the North East.

“They are all starting to grow back now and we have seen quite a lot of leaf tipping on some varieties, especially Dawson. They seem to be showing the signs of stress from the season.

“Although I would not say there is excessive disease, we have got some brown rust back in to some susceptible varieties, such as Champion.

“However, the time for spraying them has gone. It is no longer economically viable, as any damage which could be done will have been done.”

Yields

Although Mr Boothman adds that fungicides have done a ‘reasonable job’, it is unlikely, he says, that there will be any record-breaking yields.

“I think on the whole it will be a fairly average season. Spray timings have been bad owing to the travelling and weather conditions.

“T2 flag leafs did not really get on in time, as on many farms ears were already showing. We have had some T4 on, but if they are not on now, then it is not financially worth it.”

T2 flag leafs did not really get on in time, as on many farms ears were already showing BEN BOOTHMAN

Concerns regarding raised disease threat and pest pressures had been voiced by NIAB plant pathologist Dr Aoife O’Driscoll while addressing visitors at last month’s Cereals event.

She said growers needed to accept that recent environmental pressures meant no amount of ‘chemistry’ could have got them ‘out of bother’ this year.

However, Alex Wilcox, a Norfolk-based farmer and agronomist covering Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, says on the whole most combinable crops are looking healthy.

Areas of concern include the quality and yield of winter barley due to the lack of sunlight, but he remains confident that winter wheat and spring barley have ‘reasonable potential’.

He says: “Black-grass has been a

major issue this year, owing to the fact that the ground was so wet. Pre-ems could not be applied on time, which has made a massive difference.

“They [pre-ems] had worked well in autumn, but there is a dramatic difference in the control achieved in spring. For those who have relied solely on a spring contact, it has been a disaster.”

Mr Wilcox says brown rust has been the main problem for many growers as the disease which was helped to carry across the seasons by the warm winter.

Premiums

He says: “It has affected the premiums in terms of milling wheat – if they get brown rust, they will get yellow rust. But if you have been robust with your fungicides and kept your intervals tight you should be fine.

“Markets for milling wheat are still selling at £70 per tonne for premiums which means on a 10t/hectare crop that is £700/ha over feed wheat, it still adds up even if you have had to employ more fungicide.”

The key message this year, according to Mr Wilcox, is that in such conditions, growers had to start early and keep intervals tight.

He says: “Yes, the whole growing season from autumn onwards has been challenging. The spring has been better, because when you have a wet autumn followed by a mild, wet winter, the last thing you want is a dry spring because there is no rooting.

“Yes, disease pressure has been higher, but because we have had regular wet spells, that has given good potential for the cereal planted crop.”

Alex Wilcox says brown rust has been the big problem for many growers.

Across all of the crops reported, OSR saw the largest area decline as a percentage.

20-year low for cereals and OSR planting

● Decline of 21% for OSR areas in UK

By Jane Thynne

PLANTING of cereals and oilseed rape across Great Britain has fallen by 5%, hitting the lowest level for more than two decades, a new study has revealed.

AHDB’s latest Planting and Variety Survey, conducted from April 15 to June 14, 2024, showed what it called a ‘dramatic decline’ in cereals and OSR.

There has been a modest rise in the oats (9%) and barley (6%) areas, but they are more than offset by the decline in wheat and OSR areas (9% and 21% respectively).

Analysts at the levy board say the wet weather has been a major factor, impacting both winter and spring planting. According to the Met Office, rainfall across the UK from September 2023 to May 2024 was the highest on record since 1836, at 1,157mm. It was 25% above the five-year average from 2018/19 to 2022/23.

AHDB analyst Matt Darragh says: “The substantial rainfall across the UK

considerably limited the opportunity farmers had to undertake winter and spring planting. And what is more, it has meant unfavourable growing conditions for the crops that were planted, with sunshine hours the lowest since 1995-96.”

However, Mr Darragh also says the fall in winter cropping and rise in spring cropping were less severe than AHDB’s Early Bird Survey indicated back in March.

“This likely reflects the wetter-thanusual conditions continuing through the spring. Some winter crops, which were in poor condition and targeted to be replaced with spring options, may have been kept because the weather offered limited windows to sow spring crops,” he adds.

“Overall, the reduced area and poorer crop conditions, especially for winter crops, points to lower cereals and OSR production in 2024.”

While some regions of the UK were more impacted than others, most saw declines in cropping. However, in Northern Ireland, the total wheat and barley area was estimated to be up 2% on the year and 6% over the five-year average at 30, 500 hectares.

Key findings of the Planting and Variety Survey 2024

■ For the UK, the total wheat area was estimated to be 1,560,000 hectares, which is 9% down on the year and the second smallest planted area since 1981, behind 2020

■ Total barley area was up by 6% at 1,207,000ha

■ Spring barley area rose considerably (18%) to an estimated 804,000ha, which is the third largest area for at least 20 years

■ Winter barley fell by 12% to 402,000ha in 2024; 2% below the five-year average

PICTURE: GETTY

● Variety performed well on low nitrogen

By Ash Ellwood

AN 11.5-tonne/hectare crop of DSV Champion produced from just 120kg of nitrogen/ha prompted Lincolnshire-based Geo H. Bowser to increase its acreage of the Group 4 hard feed variety for the 2024 harvest.

Last season, the business grew 20ha of DSV Champion for G. Williams and Co Seeds at Retford, Nottinghamshire, and this year it is growing 24ha on Grade 1 silt at Friskney, situated close to the North Sea.

Farm manager Martin Reams says vegetables are a major part of the business and a key reason why it is able to produce good cereal seed crops.

Mr Reams says: “We first grew DSV Champion last year, with two fields of C1 for C2 seed production. Both followed late-harvested vegetable crops on our Grade 1 silts at Friskney, but were sown at different times.

“The first followed calabrese and after ploughing the 12.89ha field to 20cm we drilled the crop into dry soil on November 28 at 200kg/ha using a Kuhn power harrow and Sulky drill combination.

“The Grade 1 silt at Friskney is very forgiving – the crop looked well right from the start, remained exceptionally clean and was green throughout, so it was obvious that it would not be early to harvest.

“Based on the SOYL analysis, the crop received 120kg N/ha in granular form spread at 36 metres and a full PGR programme. We harvested it on August 25 and recorded 11.49t/ha at 13.1% moisture.

“The full PGR programme helped it to remain standing, although some lodging was evident on the 4m headlands because no vegetable crop had been grown there and much of the N remained unused.”

The second field, measuring 8.89ha

Group 4 complements vegetable crop system

and previously into cauliflowers, was drilled on January 4, 2023, at 200kg/ ha using the same establishment system and the seed went just deep enough to be covered, he adds.

First nitrogen

The first N, N30.3 + 10.8SO3 at 170 litres/ha, was applied on March 8, followed by 100kg/ha of TSP on April 16.

Three days later MOP went on at 70kg/ha, along with N30.3 + 10.8SO3 at 260 litres/ha. A full programme of fungicides and growth regulators was applied.

Mr Reams says: “Despite being late drilled, the crop looked good throughout the growing season, remained bolt upright and yielded 10.63t/ha.

“Last season was very challen-

ging, very dry initially then wet. Both fields of DSV Champion remained clean and very green throughout the season.”

With the variety topping the Candidate List in 2021/22 and subsequently the 2022/23 Recommended List with the highest overall yield, DSV’s Sarah Hawthorne says its suitability for both heavy and light soils shows its versatility to a wide range of sites.

“It is one of the few varieties to have overcome the ‘yield/resistance’ tradeoff, making it ideal for fulfilling the high-volume feed market requirements and is one of the highest yielding wheats on the current AHDB Recommended List [RL] when grown as either a first or second cereal,” she adds.

“With outstanding overall yield

performance, it has a robust package for agronomics, disease resistance and grain quality. With medium length straw, it has demonstrated very little lodging during five years of trials in the UK.

“Much of the variety’s versatility and performance is down to the westerly location of DSV’s UK breeding centre in Oxfordshire, which is in a strong septoria pressure area but one which also has a lot of yellow rust too.”

The variety has some of the best scores for yellow rust (8) and septoria tritici (7.9) on the RL, together with strong mildew resistance (7), plus it also offers orange wheat blossom midge resistance, says Ms Hawthorne, adding the latest safe sowing date is mid-February.

Benefits of integrating arable and vegetable production

MARTIN Reams has been farm manager at Geo H. Bowser for the past 13 years, with his BASIS qualification put to good use running a business that integrates both arable and vegetable production.

He says: “The significant area of vegetables we produce means clean land is available to produce excellent cereal seed crops, and because we can store up to six varieties separately, the system works well for us both.”

The business farms 320 hectares of Grade 1 silt, with 160ha of wheat for seed, 40ha of potatoes and 40ha of vining peas.

A further 80ha are dedicated

to vegetable production, including cauliflowers which are harvested from May through until Christmas, over-wintered cauliflowers cut in April or May, plus calabrese which is cleared in October or November and followed by wheat.

Soil health

In recent years, the farm has placed increasing emphasis on soil health, moving away from big tractors to reduce compaction, using cover crops to improve soil condition and replacing the plough and a power harrow in favour of strip tilling when it comes to establishing cauliflowers and calabrese.

Martin Reams

Sarah Hawthorne

Martin Reams drills into dry soil using a Kuhn power harrow and Sulky drill combination.

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Willsbro celebration sale realises 7,000gns

MORE than 1,000 breeders and farmers attended Holstein UK’s open day at Wills Brothers, Wadebridge, which was held to celebrate them winning last year’s Premier Herd Award. The day included a sale of 40 young milkers together with 160 heifer calves, all under a year old, and a choice selection of embryos from some of the herd’s best females.

The sale topped at 7,000gns for the four-month-old calf, Willsbro Lambda Nita 5991, a Lambda daughter. Its dam, a 93-pointed Unix daughter, bought from Messrs Wilson’s Warnelview herd, is one of the best cows in the current Willsbro herd and is a daughter of Final Cut

Heifer tops Bentham dairy trade at £2,620

THE dairy sale at Bentham topped at £2,620 for a 10-day calved 26kg heifer from David Knowles, Kendal, which sold to John Powley, Penrith. Others from the same home sold at £2,400 and £2,320, with a Flechvieh at £2,200.

Mark and Josh Atkinson, Quernmore, also sold four heifers with their best, Wyredale Rapid Marjorie 65 at £2,600, and others at £2,300, £2,200 and £2,150.

The best from John Young, Kendal, at £2,350 was Youngbro Almamater Ademina 4. All heifers, two of which were light of a quarter, averaged £2,107.

Holstein Friesian cows sold to £2,250 for a second calver from Dave Barton, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Friesian

John and Andrew Harrison, Dolphinholme, sold their best Friesian heifer at £2,300, while a threeweek fresh second calver realised £2,150, with other heifers from the same home at £2,000 and cows at £2,050. Daniel Potter-Wharton, Tebay, sold his best Friesian heifer at £2,250.

Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son.

Nita, which scored 97 points and gave more than 120 tonnes of milk, as well as breeding 10 Excellent daughters and many high-priced bulls. The buyer was Phil Stubbs, for the Whitgreave herd, Staffordshire.

Making 6,200gns to John Sherratt, Hope Valley Holsteins, Derbyshire, was a red and white calf by Holliman from the Amazon family which traced back to the Luck-E herd in the USA.

Calves

Members of the Sharon family, which produced Picston Shottle, were in demand and calves by Parfect and Dropbox made 5,800gns and 5,000gns respectively to Messrs Thomasson, Cheshire, and Greentower Farms, Lanark.

Milkers topped at 6,000gns for a VG two-year-old by DG NH Arrow

from the Ashlyn family, whose dam and grandam both gave more than 16,000kg. It sold to Peter Waring, for the Winton herd, East Yorkshire.

An 88-point Hotjob daughter from the Lila Z family, giving more than 60kg daily was knocked down for 5,600gns to Harry Roper, bidding on Marteye, for the Lymehouse herd, Lancashire.

Another Lambda from the Ashlyn family made 5,300gns to James Evans, of Martin Evans Farming, which bought 10 animals for the Priddbwll herd on the Shropshire/Welsh Border.

AVERAGES

40 cows and calved heifers, £4,071.38; 54 2003-born calves, £1,961.94; 104 2004-born calves, £1,740.58; 198 head, £2,271.82; 77 embryos, £677. Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank with Kivells.

Errolston herd leads Carlisle

THE entry of 300 dairy cattle at Carlisle topped at £3,000 for Errolston Attico Geke by Attico Red from the Davidson family, Gretna. Another heifer from the same home, Errolston Lancaster Rose, a daughter of Prehen Lancaster, sold for £2,920.

The Hodgson family, Burgh by Sands, sold four heifers to average £2,500 and topped at £2,980 for Wormanby Sidekick Rose.

British Friesians sold to £2,150 twice for second calvers from the Williamson family, Appleby.

Ayrshires topped at £2,400 for a second lactation cow consigned by Richard Baynes from the Marleycote herd, Northumberland.

Jerseys sold to £1,400 for a fresh second lactation cow from Robert Hunter, Lanarkshire.

Sanders Farms, Isle of Man, sold 59 freshly-calved cows and dry cows to average £1,539. They were mainly Scandinavian Reds or British Friesian cows bred from Holstein cows which topped at £2,250 for a second calved daughter of Lakemead Jingle.

Sale leader, a 10-day calved 26kg heifer from David Knowles, Kendal, which sold for £2,620 to John Powley, Penrith.

AVERAGES: 95 Holstein heifers in-milk, £2,286.40; 4 Holstein cows in-milk, £2,472.50; 16 British Friesian cows/heifers in-milk, £1,670.63; 7 Jersey heifers in-milk, £811.43; 5 Ayrshires in-milk, £1,940; 49 Swedish Red cross-bred cows from Sanders Farm, £1,539.23; 9 faulted/threequartered cows, £1,168.89; 10 Swedish Red dry cows from Sanders Farm, £1,369; 86 Holstein in-calf heifers, £1,666.27; 15 Swedish Red cross-bred in-calf heifers, £958.67; 14 Swedish Red cross-bred bulling heifers, £815.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Norwich stores

STORE cattle sold to £1,460 at Norwich for a 15-month-old British Blonde cross steer from Raven Bros, Bugany, which also sold a 14-month-old Limousin cross steer at the same money.

Breckland Organics, Attleborough, sold a 16-month-old Beef Shorthorn steer at £1,290.

Heifers topped at £1,545 for a 28-month-old Bazadaise from Tom Kemp Farms, East Bilney. A 26-month-old and a 16-month-old Simmental cross from Raven Bros both sold for £1,390, with a 26-monthold Limousin cross heifer from the same vendor making £1,350. In the breeding section older stock bulls sold to £2,100 for a Parthenais, £1,900 for an Aberdeen-Angus and £1,800 for a British Blue.

Auctioneers: Norwich Livestock Market.

● Ram lamb takes second highest price

TOP price of the day at the Charollais premier sale at Worcester was 6,200gns for the pre-sale show champion from the Ingram family’s Logie Durno flock, Aberdeenshire.

This was a shearling ram by Logie Durno All Star and out of a home-bred dam which is sister to the 9,000gns Logie Durno Walking Thunder.

It sold to the judge, Robert Hopper, of the Cogwell flock, Tiverton, in partnership with Patrick Tully, of the Bincombe flock, Bridgwater.

The Ingrams then took 5,200gns for their reserve shearling ram champion, a son of Crogham Aries II out of a Logie Durno Umpire daughter. A brother to the champion of last year’s premier show and sale, it sold to D. and J. Norman, Cockermouth.

Having secured the ram lamb and reserve overall championship, Cavick Cracker from Mitchel and Elizabeth

Charollais premier sale tops at 6,200gns

Britten, Wymondham, then went on to obtain the second highest price of the day at 5,800gns.

The ram lamb was by Cavick Balenciaga, which is owned in partnership with the Ffrwd and Wern flocks, and out of a Loanhead female by Rhaeadr Orlando. It was knocked down to the Ingram family.

The Ingrams then sold a ram lamb by Foxhill Va Va Voom and out of a Logie Durno Untouchable daughter to Paul and Ollie James for the Ditton flock, Bridgnorth, for 4,500gns.

Two more ram lambs followed at 4,000gns. The first was Pembroke

Pre-sale show champion, a shearling ram from the Ingram family, Aberdeenshire, which sold for 6,200gns to judge Robert Hopper, Tiverton, and Patrick Tully, Bridgwater.

High of £2,900 reached twice at Gisburn

BIDDING reached £2,900 twice in Gisburn’s first sale of July, where both sale leaders came from the Corfield herd of W.J. and I. France, Chipping.

Both were by Warnelview Nitrogen, and first up was Marqi 53 with a string of EX dams tracing back to Joylan, Hanoverhill and Sleepy Hollow. It sold giving 32kg. Its herdmate was from the Corfield Randy family, going back to Leachfield and ultimately Philmor.

M. and J. Bristol, Newton-in-Bowland, took a bid of £2,800 on their Claremonth Almamater Sweetmaple 2 by the Westcoast sire, with 15 generations of EX/VG behind it.

Fresh heifers

Two of the five fresh heifers from Jennings Farmers, Ripon, sold at £2,720 and £2,700. The first was a 32kg heifer by Stantons Adorable out of a Sunnybanks dam, and the second was by

dairy sale

Sandley President and also out of a Sunnybanks dam.

Non-pedigree heifers peaked at £2,650 for a 38kg entry from G. and P.S. Fleetwood, Mirfield, while the pedigree cow trade reached £2,500 and £2,480. Firstly, for a 47kg Bowlandview second calver by Rubicon Jones, from J. and I. Garth, Great Eccleston. Next, it was a Sandcrest third calver giving 40kg, from J. and M. Sanderson, Kirkham.

A large entry of in-calf and maiden heifers sold to £2,000 for a Peak Conrad heifer in-calf to the Hereford, from B.R. Fox, Staindrop, Durham.

AVERAGES

Pedigree newly-calved heifers, £2,552; pedigree newly-calved cows, £2,319; non-registered newly-calved heifers, £2,067; in-calf heifers, £1,270; maidens, £683. Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts.

Crafty from Dave Lewis, Narberth. By Foxhill Benedict and out of a 2,000gns Arbryn female, it caught the eye of Tom Newth for his Prestleigh flock, Shepton Mallet.

Home-bred

The other, at 4,000gns, was the best from Adrian Davies, Llandeilo. This was Glyn Coch Corach Rambler by Moelfryn Bouncer and out of a home-bred Wernfawr Ultimate Warrior daughter, which sold to Messrs Britten.

The reserve ram lamb champion, Thackwood Columbia, from Messrs

Wales, Carlisle, was by Boyo Vancouver and was knocked down to J. Lewis, Sandbach, at 3,600gns.

Females sold to 1,800gns for the female champion, a shearling ewe from the Loanhead flock of Gregor and Bruce Ingram, Inverurie. By Logie Durno All Star and out of a Rhaeadr Orlando daughter, it sold to Matthew and Jamie Collard, Taunton.

AVERAGES

4 shearling ewes, £1,443.74; 1 ewe lamb, £525; 14 shearling rams, £2,205; 61 ram lambs, £1,443.31.

Auctioneers: McCartneys.

Ram lamb and reserve overall champion, Cavick Cracker, from Mitchel and Elizabeth Britten, Wymondham, which sold for 5,800gns to the Ingram family, Aberdeenshire.

Leyburn sees champion realise top price of £2,450

AT Leyburn’s dairy show and sale, the judge, Richard Shuttleworth, Skipton, awarded the championship to the Thompson family, Butterknowle, for a freshly-calved Holstein heifer.

It went on to sell for the top price of £2,450 to Winston and Stephen Kirkup, Darlington.

The Thompsons also claimed reserve place, again with a calved heifer, which was snapped up by the Kirkups for £2,400.

The first and second prizewinning in-calf cows from J.S. and E.M. Cloughton, Hawes, sold for £1,500 apiece, and in-calf heifers sold to £1,720 for W.C. Porter and Son, Reeth.

Strong demand

There was a strong demand for rearing calves, which topped at £630 for James Dent and family, Swinithwaite, for a British Blue bull which sold to

Richard Turnbull, East Cowton. Three more, all making £600, came from Stuart Whitehead, West Burton.

Aberdeen-Angus bulls topped at £550 twice for John Pearson, Caldbergh, and Tim Robertshaw, Danby Wiske.

Limousin bulls also sold to £550 for Sandra and Liz Bousfield, Barnard Castle, and the top priced British Blonde bull made £500 for John Pratt, Bainbridge. The sole Charolais bull came from David Smith, Keighley, and made £540.

Heifers sold to £545 for a British Blue from Little Newsham Farms, Darlington, with Messrs Pearson not far behind with one of the same breed at £540.

Jack Simpson, Bishop Thornton, took £470 for a Limousin heifer, and a British Blonde heifer from Messrs Pratt sold for £460.

Auctioneers: Leyburn Auction Mart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Market Results

Dairies to £1990, Cull Cows 203p/kg - £1410.85, Pigs -223.25p/kg - £172.64, Calves BB Bull to £458, Hoggs 182p/kg - £111.02, Lambs 354p/kg - £169.04, Ewes £192

Pedigree Sale

86 HOLSTEINS & SHORTHORNS

Fully Catalogued Sale from some of the Leading Herds in the Midlands and Surrounding Counties. A TREMENDOUS ENTRY already received from: Braemarhouse (5), Briley (40), Cubley, Huddale (2), Leisure (3), Lymm (8), Meldamar (3), Moreben (2), 6 Fresh Milkers from Messrs Hulse, 4 Fresh Cows from Messrs Taylor Incl a Special Entry of 5 Served Heifers & 35 Pedigree Youngstock from the Briley Herd of Messrs Brittlebank.

10 Ped Shorthorn & B/W In-calf Heifers from Messrs Taylor. 8 In-calf Heifers from Messrs Mather & a Ped Hereford Stock Bull (40mths)

TUESDAY 16TH JULY 2024 11AM

For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE Store Cattle Sale

500 STORE CATTLE

SATURDAY 20TH JULY 2024 – Further Entries Invited

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

PEDIGREE SUFFOLK SHEEP SOCIETY

NATIONAL SHOW & SALE

FRIDAY 26TH - SATURDAY 27TH JULY

Comprising 219 head from Leading flocks, viz 15 Shearling Ewes, 6 Ewe Lambs, 5 Shearling Rams and 193 Ram Lambs. Upon instructions from the Suffolk Sheep Society, in conjunction with J Straker Chadwick.

SHROPSHIRE SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL SHOW & SALE

SATURDAY 27TH JULY

Sale to Inc: 95 Head, 12 Breeding Ewes, 34 Shearling Ewes, 20 Ewe Lambs, 4 Rams, 14 Shearling Rams, 12 Ram Lambs. Upon instructions from the Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association

Shrewsbury Auction Centre, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3DR 01743 462620 market@hallsgb.com www.hallsgb.com/auctions

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

& Rams

Friday 19th July at 10:30am Opening Catalogued Sale of 1500 Store Lambs Tuesday 23rd July

Summer Show & Sale of Prime Lambs Sponsored by I’Anson Feeds. Ian Atkinson 07957 256337 Kenton Foster 07711 469280.

Tom Greenow on sheep and cattle trade

Following last week’s highly predictable election outcome, the words of my late granddad ring in my ears: ‘Farming always does well under a Labour Government’. I do hope there is truth in the old saying.

Thankfully, at the time of writing, last week’s sharp drop in lamb trade looks to have recovered slightly, leaving a more realistic average back over the 300p/kg mark.

Despite the drop, the well-fed lambs have been good to sell throughout and will continue to attract a premium as everyone reports grass lambs are not killing out well enough with the weather as it has been. Numbers remain tight, and this will no doubt be helping hold trade firm.

Cast ewes have continued at dizzy heights throughout the year, and where once £200 was a top, it can

and becoming a definite highlight.

Our last sale saw a trade which gave the appearance of milk prices going up 10ppl, and this seems to be the case everywhere – there is a lot of

Beef and cast cow trade holds strong View from the Rostrum

confidence and no doubt that production will be down with silage quality not there.

Beef and cast cow trade continues to hold strong, and this is pushing the flying demand for store cattle, from the very strongest right through to calves. Those farmers choosing to ‘stick with it’ and carry on farming stock rather than some of the alternative schemes deserve credit, and the returns seen must be of some comfort.

Store cattle are now regularly over the £1,500 mark, with some very pleasing averages. The only thing missing weekly is numbers, which appears to be the same everywhere.

Sheep

Most markets are now turning full attention to back-end sheep sales, with some of the earlier sales for store sheep beginning. Early trade for stores is looking fantastic, with plenty of grass, plenty of confidence and the highs of the hogg trade this spring still in mind. Our sales calendar is available to view online, and

we look forward to a busy season. Just where trade for breeding sheep will end up is perhaps anyone’s guess and a topic of much discussion. The strong cast and prime sheep trade points towards a good trade, and with so many breeding sheep having been killed in the spring, things look promising.

Agricultural show season is now in full swing. We will be attending three local shows with a stand alongside Armitstead Barnett –Great Eccleston Show on July 13-14, Garstang Show on August 3, and Chipping Show on August 24 – and we look forward to welcoming customers old and new.

Recently at Brock, we have started a video update of trade on our Facebook page every Thursday morning, so please do have a look to find out about the most recent trade.

Tom Greenow is auctioneer and manager at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart. Call 07572 249 983, or email tom@brockauction.co.uk

A New Route to Market

PICTURE : JOHN EVESON

Saturday 31st August

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY

255 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING

Wednesday 17th July

Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am

Follow Us On Facebook To View Sale Lots

Prior To Sale

70 Cows & Heifers In Milk – 65 In-Calf Heifers –

119 Bulling & Heifer Calves – 1 Bull No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK

QUALITY MILKERS

Quality milkers producing oceans of milk sell in this sale all bred from herds with excellent health status. Prefixes include: Annandale, Ashberry, Bankview, Berryholme, Boclair, Bridgedale, Denmire, Dunnerdale, Espland, Errolston, Feizor, Hay, Kepculloch, Kingcaird, Lesmay, Parkend, Ploughlands, Roansbank, Stowbeck, Tynevalley, Wishingwell, Woodclose BREEDERS CHOICE Several top end animals sell including Feizor Rubels A Kandie Red a great granddaughter of Luck-E Advent Kandie EX95 plus heifers sell from the Rae, Flo, Starlet Red, Gremlin, Rachel, Atlee & Pledge families.

Followed By

193 PEDIGREE HOLSTEINS HEIFERS SELL IN THE VETECH SUMMER SENSATION SALE

For R Veitch, Strandhead, Tarbolton, Mauchline 11 Heifers In Milk - 63 In-Calf Heifers – 77 Heifers Born 2023 & 42 Heifers Born 2024 The VETECH Pedigree Holstein herd is a modern highly productive herd that excels in PRODUCTION, TYPE & HEALTH TRAITS. Currently the herd is averaging 12526kgs 3.98%BF

3.41%P and is managed in a state of the art Lely Robotic facility that was completed in 2015. This outstanding group of heifers are bred from the BEST cow families including; ELEGANCE, ASHYLN, SARA, SHARON, KIM, RAPTURE, JODIE, ADEEN, GHOST, AUGUST & GEOGRAPHY. The finest sires have been used with daughters selling by; ZOAR, BULLSEYE, EYE CANDY, LOGISTICS, LOYALL, A2P2, ARROW, RYDER RED & CHIEF. A large percentage of the heifers selling are bred from prolific cow families with several generations of Excellent or Very Good classified dams. Continued...

This quality group has something for every milk producer no matter what your ambitions are! The catalogue is packed with super cow makers that have the ability to produce oceans of milk, great heifers to start a special cow family and show heifers, all sell.

Herd Health

The herd is vaccinated for IBR & BVD all the heifers are vaccinated for BVD at 11 months old. They are tested free of BVD. The herd is tested each quarter for Johnes. The farm is situated in a four year TB testing area and there has never been a TB case within the herd.

Opening

sale of

STORE LAMBS

Monday 22nd July

Please advise entries –Rory Livesey 07535 0015441

BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Wednesday 24th July

Entries close Wednesday 17th July

“August Fair” sale of EARLY BREEDING EWES

Friday 2nd August

Entries close Wednesday 24th July

Friday 16th August

Shows and sales of MV accredited Rams & Females

PEDIGREE ROUGE PEDIGREE BLEU DU MAINE

Entries close Friday 12th July

PEDIGREE SHEEP DAY

Society Shows and Sale of MV accredited rams and females

Friday 30th August

BLUE TEXEL, DORSET HORN, POLLED DORSET & DORPER

Entries close Friday 19th July

BERRICHON

Entries close 2nd August direct with Society CHAROLLAIS

Entries close direct with Society

DUTCH SPOTTED, BADGERFACE TEXEL and RYELAND

Entries close Friday 19th July

KELSO RAM SALES

Friday 13th September

Entries close Wednesday 24th July

ONLINE SALE

GENETIC SELECTION SALE OF SHEEP SEMEN & EMBRYOS

400 lots semen - 30 embryos

Bidding starts 12.00oon Wednesday 17th July

finishing from 12 noon Thursday 18th July

KIRKBY STEPHEN

Tel: 01768 371385

STORE CATTLE, CAST/FEEDING COWS & OTM CATTLE

Monday 22nd July

Entries close 10am Monday 15th July

LAZONBY MART

Tel: 01768 898313

Sale of WORKING & UNBROKEN SHEEPDOGS

Thursday 1st August

Entries close Friday 12th July

ON FARM SALE

Dispersal sale of FARM MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & SMALL TOOLS at Crowhall Farm, Bardon Mill NE47 7BL on behalf of Crowhall Farms

Saturday 27th July – 10.30am

Sale incudes NH T6 140 tractor c/w loader, NH T6175 tractor, Yamaha 700 quad bike (x2), Sheep trailers Logic sheep snacker, Swaledale sheep trailer, Ifor Williams trailer c/w decks & dividers, Triffitt trailer, Teagle Tomahawk 8500 strawchopper, Abbey 1600 tanker, Watson feed trailer, Watson 16ft feed trailer, Major Topper Cyclone, Bomford hedge cutter, Manitou handler - Full list and online bidding available on MartEye

SKIPTON AUCTION MART

Auctioneers: Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481 Ted Ogden - 07855 958211 Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077 Rob Cloughton 07496 278828

Monday 15th July

SALE OF REARING CALVES

Sale 10.30am

Entries & Enquiries to Kyle PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE

Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available)

SALE OF SPRING LAMBS

Sale 12.30pm followed by PRIME HOGGS & CAST EWES

Wednesday 17th July

60 FEEDING BULLS Sale 10.00am followed by 5 PRIME CATTLE, 25 BEEF FEEDING COWS & 200 STORE & 20 BREEDING CATTLE

Auction of Shares

Sale by Auction of 157 Craven Cattle Marts Ltd

Ordinary £1.00 Shares

Wednesday 17th July 2024 @ 11.00am

Three lots available, with a minimum lot of 50 shares

Shares are sold subject to memorandum of Articles of the Company and transfers are subject to approval of the Board

Prospective purchasers should pre-register their interest with the Company Secretary by Wednesday 10th July 2024

Dairy Cattle

Monday 22nd July

Special Sale of DAIRY CATTLE

To Inc Many Pedigree Youngstock

Sale 12noon of In Milk Cattle followed by 8 in calf heifers due late August and September from A & J Clay, Old Northcote, Kilnsey

Final youngstock (x 30) from the Lofthouse herd of David & Peter Stevenson, Lofthouse, Saltburn Batches from Wychall (Hutchinson), Dalesbrad (Throup) and Hawbank (Ayrton)

Totalling circa 100 head from in calf, served, bulling, yearling and calves. Catalogues by request to Sarah 07710 795585

Wednesday 24th July

Fortnightly Sale of STORE LAMBS

Prize Show & Sale for Down X Lambs & EARLY SALE OF BREEDING SHEEP & RAMS

(Entries close Monday 15th July)

...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart

WEDNESDAY 17TH JULY

Entry

(Entries

Saturday 3rd August

STIRKS, WEANED & SUCKLED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS, STORE & BREEDING SHEEP

(Entries close Monday 29th July)

SHOW & SALE OF PEDIGREE DORSET SHEEP

On Behalf of the Northern Dorset Breeders Club

Retirement Sale

Saturday 27th July @ 11.00am AT EASTHAM HOUSE FARM, GREAT MITTON, WHALLEY

for Mr Stan Ainsworth (who has sold the farm) Comp: New & Vintage Tractors (Case IH 120 Luxxum w/ Loader, Ferguson 135 Grey & Gold, Massey Ferguson 35 x3, IMT – 539 Tractor De-Luxe, Massey Ferguson 135, Fordson Major Diesel, Fordson Power Major, Wignet Compact Tractor & Loader); Merlo Telehandler Panoramic, JCB Loadall 2018, JCB Loadall 2023; 6 Excavators (2.5t-16t) (Hitachi 2x 135 US, Kobelco 2018, Sunward SWE 160F, JMAC JME 28Z Mini Excavator); 8 Plant Trailers (Kane Low Loader, I/W Plant Trailer, Bailey 10t Dump Trailer), ATV’s (Kioti 4x4 Mechron 2200 UTV, Honda ATV); Vehicles (Land Crusier LWB Commercial 23 plate, Ineos Grenadier Commercial 73 plate, Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2007 plate); Qty Plant Equipment, Large Qty of Stone Troughs etc. More details at CCM Website

Pedigree Sheep Sales

Monday 26th August –

PEDIGREE KERRY HILL SHEEP

(Entries close Friday 2nd August)

Saturday 31st August –

PEDIGREE WENSLEYDALE SHEEP

(Entries to the Society)

PEDIGREE JACOB SHEEP

(Entries close Friday 26th July)

RARE & MINORITY SHEEP

(Entries close Friday 9th August)

Sunday 1st September –

PEDIGREE VALAIS BLACKNOSE SHEEP

(Entries close Monday 29th July)

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th September –

PEDIGREE BELTEX RAMS & FEMALES

(Entries close Friday 26th July)

Saturday 7th September –

PEDIGREE BLUE TEXEL SHEEP

PEDIGREE BADGER FACE TEXEL SHEEP

(Entries close Friday 9th August)

Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September –PEDIGREE TEXEL RAMS & FEMALES

Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders Club Members Only – Entries Online

Dedicated Slaughter Market

305 Prime Cattle 450 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am

SATURDAY 20th JULY

100 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST

1st ANNUAL SALE OF BREEDING & STORE SHEEP

Inc Shearling, Ewes, Rams & Store Lambs Entries Welcome

for

MART

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk

07768 594535

16th

at 10.30am 40-50 Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle FARMERS STIRKS, YOUNG STORES & FEEDING BULLS

Wednesday 17th July 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle Inc. 12 Pedigree Holstein Hfrs 5mo 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3000 Spring Lambs & 500 Prime Hoggs

Tuesday 23rd July

Fortnightly Sale of Store Lambs Entries for catalogue close Friday 12th July Saturday 27th July

Summer Sale of Early Breeding Sheep BREEDING EWES & GIMMER SHEARLINGS Followed by RAMS Entries for catalogue close Wednesday 17th July

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

Thursday 18th July at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves The Golden Opportunity Collective Dairy Sale of

323 DAIRY CATTLE

WORCESTER MARKET, WR4 0SQ

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Breeder’s Association Show and Sale 147 Females, 20 Rams Show at 9.30am, Sale at 10.30am British Berrichon Sheep Society Early First Choice Show and Sale 2 Aged Rams, 11 Shearling Rams, 9 Ram Lambs, 10 Aged Ewes, 13 Shearling Ewes, 6 Ewe Lambs to include dispersal sale from the Janos Flock Show at 11.00am, Sale at 1.00pm Dutch Spotted Sheep Society Summer Selection Show and Sale 4 Aged Rams, 19 Shearling Rams, 34 Ram Lambs, 12 Aged Ewes, 28 Shearling Ewes, 26 Ewe Lambs Show at 12noon, Sale at 2.00pm Online bidding available via Marteye For more information and catalogues, Contact Worcester Office on 01905 769770

✰ 42 FRESHLY CALVED COWS & HEIFERS from Allerways, Astrop, Beaconhill, Clenchers, Haydon (Dispersal), Hillbarn, Kingspool, Lanover (Dispersal), Moorshard, Otterwyn, Peacehay, Sherdon & Wiltor

✰ 6 INCALF COWS from RG & JM Thornton

✰ 114 INCALF HEIFERS from Astrop, Braden (Dispersal), Lanover (Dispersal), Murrell (Dispersal), JE Scutt & Son (Dispersal), Skinner & Son, Stbridesvalley (Dispersal) & RG & JM Thornton

✰ 116 BULLING & YEARLING HEIFERS ffrom TJ & LJ Hirst, Lanover (Dispersal), Packer & Rowe (Ayrshires & Jerseys), Peacehay & PH & DA Winter (Dispersal)

✰ 45 HEIFER CALVES from GJ Dalton, Gorvin Farming, RL & ME Trott & PH & DA Winter (Dispersal)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

594 Cattle & 1,110 Sheep - Full report available on our website

594 Cattle & 1,110 Sheep - Full report available on our website

Store Cattle Entries for Monday 15th July

Store Cattle Entries for Monday 15th July

Please call the Bakewell O ce on 12th July before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Please call the Bakewell O ce on 12th July before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Already Entered: 6 AA

Already Entered: 6 AA Cows with AA Calves at Foot Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE

Tel: 01629 812777

THIS SATURDAY - BI-ANNUAL COLLECTIVE SALESATURDAY 13TH JULY 2024

HEATH HOUSE FARM, CHEDDLETON, NR LEEK, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST13 7DQ SALE TO INCLUDE

12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Entries/Enquiries, contact Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com

Already Entered: 6 AA Cows with AA Calves at Foot Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com

07977 449126

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE

Entries/Enquiries,

Tractors & Machinery - Fordson Dexta Tractor, New Holland TC40 4WD Compact Tractor, Case 2090 2WD, Ford 335 Highway, Fitted Cab and Power Loader, Case International 885 2WD, McCormick CX105 2005 Yr c/w Power Loader, Sambron J24 Telescopic Telehandler, JCB Mni Digger 1600 hrs, 2015 Yr c/w 4 Buckets, Takeichi 2.5.T Mini Digger 2003 Yr, JCB Tracked Hip-Tip Dumper 2019 Yr, Kubota 3T Digger, Thwaites 3T Dumper, Komatsu 4.5T Digger.

Implements & Trailers - Lely 770 Tedder, Fleming 12ft End Tow Roller, Taarup Direct Cut Forager, Browns Push/Pull Scraper, Albutt Shear Grab, Post Knocker, Log Splitter, Round Bale Squeeze, Wessex 5ft Topper, Ferguson Post Borer, Chillington Bale Squeeze, Marshall Bale Trailer, Ransomes 6T Single Axle, Drop Side Trailer, Tandem Axle Hook Loader Trailer, JPM Tandem Axle Low Loader Trailer, 19ft

Tandem Axle Tractor Drawn Stock Box, Single Axle Trailer c/w Curtain Sides Body & Ali Floor, West 10T Tandem Axle Trailer, Range of Bale Trailers and Livestock Trailers.

Usual Range of Builders & Contractors Equipment, Usual Range of New & Used Livestock Equipment

Sundry Farming & Building Effects & Timber etc

CATALOGUES AVAILABLE

Enquiries to 07375 105985 or 01538 373308

Email: enquiries@grahamwatkins.co.uk www.grahamwatkins.co.uk

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies/ Langhill Farm

Dairy Herd Manager

UE07 £39,347 to £46,974 per annum plus Variable Hours Premium Open ended (permanent), full time (35 hours per week) plus 3 bedroom Cottage

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is looking for an experienced Dairy Herd Manager for the University of Edinburgh dairy herd at Langhill Farm as part of the larger R(D)SVS/Roslin Institute farm estate. The herd of 220 Holstein cows averages 11,000 litres per lactation, on an autumn/winter block calving pattern. You will oversee the day-to-day management, and take an active role in running all aspects of the dairy herd.

The purpose of the role is to manage the UOE Dairy Herd as part of the larger farm estate. Maximise the use of farm resources to both meet commercial targets and teaching requirements. The facility must be run to a high standard to allow quality assured teaching experience and to maximise research opportunities all within the relevant legislative requirements.

Your skills and attributes for success: You should have extensive knowledge and experience of practical dairy farming and animal husbandry. You must be committed to promoting best practice in animal welfare and have sound skills in animal handling skills. You must demonstrate a highly exible approach to your work and an ability to respond to urgent or unpredictable events 24/7. You must possess excellent communication skills as you will be expected to line manage a small team od four and coordinate with keys uses of the facilities.

The University of Edinburgh offers an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work, and the opportunity to be part of a diverse and vibrant international community, in addition to comprehensive Staff Bene ts, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a de ned bene ts pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and exible work options.

To find out more details about the role and apply, please check the full advert on the University of Edinburgh job site at www.ed.ac.uk/jobs. You can search for this role with the reference number 10737.

Farm Operations Manager Employer: Farms for City Children

Location: Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) (GB) Salary: £35,000 with accommodation

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Farm Operations Manager to join our team at Lower Treginnis, located on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast and the most westerly farm in Wales.

Farms for City Children is a dynamic social mobility charity which exists to remove the barriers that prevent children and young people having meaningful access to the natural world. Through a week on one of our three heritage farms, Nethercott House in Devon, Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire, and Wick Court in Gloucestershire, children and young people experience increased learning and engagement, improved connections and wellbeing, and leave us with an enhanced sense of environmental citizenship. Visiting children are immersed in the natural world of countryside through a food and farming offer that allows them to participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens; caring for livestock and looking after the land; and cooking up a home-grown feast in the farmhouse kitchen. In partnership with our commercial farming neighbours, children experience the benefits of collaboration, enjoy plenty of physical activity, good food, and fresh air, and discover the magical rural environment that is full of new words, sounds and experiences to inspire their creativity. Spending time working alongside real farmers fosters children’s independence and helps them to grow in confidence, develops their self-esteem, and encourages them to become more resilient.

For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com

CURRENT VACANCIES

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

• Relief Milker, Surrey, 370 cows

• Herdsperson, Oxon/Wilts Border, 400 cows

• Tractor Driver/Relief Milker/GFW, North Somerset Relief Herdspersons Nationwide

LKL provides the perfect solution for finding the very best herd carers and managers.

Visit our website for a full list of our current vacancies.

FARM MANAGER / HEAD SHEPHERD

4000 Hectares

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusias c and mo vated individual to manage a large-scale sheep flock comprising of 3,800 sheep on a renown spor ng estate.

The farming enterprise has undergone significant investment in recent years resul ng in First Class facili es for the management of the large-scale commercial sheep flock.

You will need to be pro-ac ve, energe c and capable of undertaking the necessary prac cal work involved in the management of the blackface sheep flock.

The successful candidate will manage all aspects in the day to day running of the flock and be responsible for 1 full me shepherd, and all seasonal and contrac ng teams. You will also be responsible for the grassland management of 300 hectares of inbye land and work as part of a team to deliver a large-scale moorland management plan to complement the spor ng management undertaken on the Estate.

Although a demanding role, it is an opportunity for the right individual to develop a strong career as part of a forward thinking and ambi ous management team.

A generous financial package that reflects the responsibili es of this posi on together with a newly built large 3 bedroom centrally heated house are available for the successful applicant.

All applica ons will be treated in the strictest confidence. In the first instance, please call, write or email to: Kevin Stewart

Email: Kevin@laurencegould.com

Phone: 01383 730538

Assistant Farm Manager (Dairy)

Location: Sutton Bonington, Loughborough

Closing Date: 21 Jul Contract Type: Permanent JOB DETAILS: This role is an opportunity for an experienced person with a proven track record of working in dairy farming to high standards who is willing to take on more responsibility. You will support the Farm Manager (Dairy) in all aspects of animal husbandry, feeding, milking (via Lely Astronauts) and hygiene. Once se led you will provide rota cover for the Farm Manager (Dairy) and will therefore be the responsible person on site for a considerable number of days per year.

For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com

FGBuyandSell.com

Throstle Nest Farms

Working Farm Manager

An exciting opportunity to manage a 300 cow, 360 acre, previously family run Dairy farm in Pilling Lancashire. The business and has an excellent track record for profit. The herd of predominantly crossbred Montbeliarde cattle are autumn block calved, TMR fed and milked through a 36:36 Fullwood parlour. The herd is grazed in spring and summer. Milk is supplied to Arla on an Aldi contract.

Responsibilities would include the day to day running of the farm, management of the current team of 4 and working with the owner on future investment.

Due to the nature of the role you will be required to live on site in the 4 bedroom house provided.

A basic salary with house at minimal rent, KPI bonus and profit share will be worth well in excess of £50K for the right candidate with the opportunity to share farm at a future date

Applications with CV and covering letter to davidrwilk@gmail.com

OAKES MILLERS LTD

RAW MATERIAL BUYER AND STRAIGHTS TRADER

An exciting opportunity to join an ambitious, talented and experienced commercial team. The Oakes Millers Group is a major player in the UK Ruminant, Equine and Small Holder Markets. The company includes the HJ Lea Farm feeds business and the Dodson & Horrell Equine business.

The group supplies customers across the North-West, UK and Internationally. The company operates a number of mills across Cheshire and North Shropshire.

Oakes Millers has a very experienced and capable buying department, however the business has grown significantly over the past few years, both organically and through acquisition. Any successful applicant will have a portfolio of commodities and products that they will be immediately responsible for. However, the appointment will be made with the intention that they will be able to grow in the role, and eventually become the department lead.

The successful applicant, who will report to the Managing Director must be able to:

• Understand commodity prices and risk

• Feedback market trends, risks and opportunities to the wider commercial team

• Be a key decision maker in the purchasing of raw materials

• Build relationships with traders and farmers

• Resolve any supplier issues

• Purchase non manufactured products and assist in their positioning and sales

• Keep the wider sales team up to speed on raw material market changes

MOLE VALLEY FARMERS

Job title: Sales Manager Location: South England Closing date: 31 Jul 2024

Are you passionate about Agriculture and looking to work for a progressive farmer centric organisa on whose purpose and values are core to our success?

Sales Manager Feed - South

£ excellent with bonus, company car & benefits  Repor ng to the Head of Agri Feed Sales, you will be responsible for driving front-end commercial ac vity for our Mole Valley Feed Solu ons business. Leading our Southern fieldbased feed sales team you will deliver a consistent sales approach for our Farmer Shareholders and farming customers.

Responsibili es:

• Working with the Head of Agri Feed Sales you will develop a sales strategy that is aligned to the core values and objec ves of the business

• Working alongside Head of Feed Agri Sales to ensure we are aligned in our approach, we are fit for the future and we lead the industry in the delivery of knowledge, services and products

• You will manage a sales team capable of focusing on the customer and responsible for the execu on of the business strategy who have the ability to deliver product specialisms, industry leading knowledge, advice and work together to deliver growth

• Lead the ruminant sales team in the South, sharing knowledge, skills and best prac ce from a commercial and nutri onal perspec ve in order to deliver on our farmer shareholder ambi ons whilst growing margin, volume and revenue

To be successful in this role you will have sales leadership experience gained within the Agri Sector, you are a commercially driven focussed individual with a passion for delivering results.

Our posi ons are supported with a thorough induc on and management development training plan, whilst benefi ng from a range of benefits to include: Company car (extensive list of Electric and hybrid) up to 25% sta discount, 33 days holiday (inc BH) and pension.

For more informa on on any of the vacancies | please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com

Experienced Beef Stockperson

Location - Devon | Competitive salary

Our client - a Devon family - owned estate dedicated to environmental stewardship and the produc on of premium Angus beef for the supermarket- are seeking an experienced and mo vated Stockperson to join their team.

Repor ng to the Farm Manger, the role would entail all aspects of the day to day management and husbandry, health and welfare, feeding, vet visits, daily record keeping and general stock tasks ensuring the highest standards of welfare are achieved whilst maximising daily live weight gain. The ca le are situated across several sites within close proximity and whilst the focus will be upon the animals in your care, occasional seasonal tractor driving would also come under your remit alongside the usual feeding, bedding and related yard tasks. The successful candidate will have experience in a similar role, be passionate and dedicated to the animals in their care and enjoy the responsibility of the role, taking ownership and pride in the animals they produce.

In return for your e orts we can o er a compe ve salary, regular me o and on farm accommoda on in a beau ful part of South West England. For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

In return we offer:

• Highly competitive financial and benefits package commensurate with the status and importance of the role

• Pension

• Company car allowance

Please apply to: Edward Lea, Managing Director, Oakes Millers, Aston Mill, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8DH

Email: info@hjlea.com

Applicant deadline: July 20th 2024

HEAD HERDSPERSON - DAIRY MANAGER

YOU Will BE RESPONSIBLE FOR 600 COWS AND FOLLOWERs NEAR NEWARK IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

This is a great opportunity for someone wan ng to manage a well-established, successful family-owned dairy business, repor ng to our farm manager.

Responsibili es include all the day to day running decisions of the dairy unit, herd health, team management and leadership.

Our farm:

· 570 hectares u lising 430 hectares for 600 seasonally calving cows and followers

· A modern 40 : 80 parlour for twice-daily milking supplying excellent cheese contract

· Grass based system supplemented with parlour concentrates

· Self-feed silage in winter for 400 cows with silage from bunkers for the rest

· We con nually invest in the farm infrastructure to maintain an enjoyable working environment for our team. Most recently we have invested in the parlour, self-feed silage clamps, addi onal cow tracks, electric foot crush, shedding gate with an auto foot bath

Required skills:

· Enthusiasm and Loves cows

· Excellent stockperson

· Ability to manage and mo vate a team of five full me and part me team members

· Current driving licence and forkli cer ficate

· AI and foot trimming trained

· Grassland management experience

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

ASHBOURNE SHOW

17TH AUGUST 2024

THE POLO GROUND, OSMASTON, DERBYSHIRE DE6 1LU

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY & AGRICULTURAL SHOW SHOW CLASSES FOR SHIRES, HEAVY HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, LIGHT HORSES, POULTRY, CRFT, PRODUCE & ART TRADE STANDS, CRAFT MARQUEE & FOOD HALL SHOWGROUND ENTERTAINMENTS

ONLINE ENTRIES AND SCHEDULES FOR ALL SECTIONS ON WEBSITE WWW.ASHBOURNESHOW.CO.UK

ALL ENQUIRIES 01889 507497 or admin@ashbourneshow.co.uk

United Counties Showground

Carmarthen SA33 5DR

22nd October 2024

One day event showcase dairy animals from across Wales and the Border the show features

small and large business promoting all aspects of the Welsh Dairy industry with top class dairy stock on show. For further information contact 01267 232141 or email: enquiries@unitedcounties.co.uk Tickets available online www.unitedcounties.co.uk

LOVE’S IN THE AIR Christian farmers find love and happiness through the introduction & dating agency for Christians called ‘Friends1st’. You can too. Call us on 0121 405 0941 today to nurture the seeds of yoursocial life and you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of people on our books we will introduce you to. There is no need to be alone anymore. Enjoy an offline personalised supportive service. Visit www.friends1st.co.uk/ christian-farmers-dating to find out all about the service.

Assistance required to look a er Rottweilers & Sheep in exchange for accommodation for personnel and their pets etc.

Tel: 07754 809830 Hudds, S.Yorks (P)

• WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED

• BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS

• 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE

SITE

Orders for Insertion of advertisements in Farmers Guardian are accepted subject to the following conditions:

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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.

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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.

Portable Milking Machine

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

“WITH ENERGY COSTS INCREASING CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE A HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM?”

• GRANT FUNDED

• ESTIMATED PAYBACK OFTEN WITHIN 12 MONTHS

• 60% – 70% REDUCTION TO WATER HEATER RUNNING TIMES

• IMPROVEMENT TO THE COOLING UNITS PERFORMANCE

• HOT WATER AVAILABLE ALL DAY

• DOMESTIC OR OFFICE HEATING

• ALMOST ZERO MAINTENANCE

• HUGE REDUCTION IN YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT POWERED BY YOUR MOO POWER

For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

FOR HEALTHY CALVES

* Freeze only Quality Colostrum *

* Thaw 4litre pack within 20mins *

* Feed immediately after birth *

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

Livestock Equipment

The Captive Bolt Stunner that’s also humane on your pocket!

Used for the humane destruction of animals, no firearms permit is required to use one and at only £320.00 (inc VAT & p&p) this has to be the best value Captive Bolt Stunner on the Market!

The Bolt gun come with a box of 50 blanks a carry case and postage

ORDER YOURS NOW!

For further enquiries and for telephone orders please contact Calton Moor Farm 01538 308697

You can pay by Cheque made payable to M Dickinson, Bank card over the telephone, or BACS, please ring for bank details. BRNO Guns UK

Calton Moor Farm, Swinscoe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2BU.

TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME E&OE www.brnoguns.co.uk

BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass CALF -O-TEL

Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

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

MARTLANDS

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

Dairy Cattle

Beef Cattle

WOOL WANTED All types required. Full payment. L.Pierce Wool Merchant: Scotland & North England - Grace Dobson- 07743 628405 or 07754 702187 or Southern England and South Wales- John Wood 07980 655637

IAN SMITH Livestock

Scanning Services.

Across the North -Tel: 01200 445750 or 07976 539197 (T)

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

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

Easy calving, high growth, hihealth YOUNG BULLS top EBV’s

Choice of 20 from our 180 cow herd

TB4 BVD & Lepto vacc. Call Henry 07866 222062 - details on website

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN BULLS

Annandale herd has a good selection of quality, strong bulls ready for work. Bred from superior cow families. Videos available. Contact Matthew Tel: 07815 796804 Scottish Borders (P)

PEDIGREE BRITISH FRIESIAN BULLS

www.ribbleaberdeen-angus.co.uk

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

BIDLEA HERD

Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale Black & White and some Red & White Plenty to choose from - first come first served!

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

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

Bulls and select Females for Sale from a high health herd, with fully registered pedigrees.

NO DE-HORNING REQUIRED

2

Telephone: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412

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

Further details can be seen on: www.lowergroveherefords.com

HOMOZYGOUS POLLED CHOICE OF 6 RED OR BLACK

• Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.

• High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000

Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com

Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.

SEAFIELD PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS

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

Tel: 077157 64351

Pedigree Charolais Bull

Ribble Aberdeen-Angus TOP PEDIGREE REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS AND HEIFERS. All home bred, quiet to handle.

24 months old, Good bloodlines, temperament and confirmation

Easy Calving Strainfrom a closed herd TB4 Area

Tel: 07400 053752 North Rigton, Nr Harrogate (P)

BROMLEYMARSH PEDIGREE ANGUS

2 Bulls, 15 months - 2 years, both by Quaker-Hill Dead Centre. TB tested, Bio Best high health scheme. Closed herd. Also 2 Pedigree in calf second calvers to Rawburn Black Bush. Tel: 07967 171941

Abbots Bromley Staffs (P)

HEREFORD POLLED PEDIGREE BULL

25 MONTHS OLD, GOOD CONFORMATION, TEMPERAMENT AND BLOOD LINES. HALTER TRAINED, HOME BRED, BVD VACCINATED, JOHNES LEVEL 1, TB4.

TEL: 07967 741492 LANCS (P) LEO’S PRIDE HEREFORDS

Beardie X Border CollieLovely Natured, strong, healthy, two years old.

2 x Border Collie Pups12 months old 1 bitch & 1 dog

1 Beardie X Border Collie Bitch10 months old

Non Registered - Reasonable Priced Illness forces sale - no time to train. Telephone: 07501 121803 (P)

BUFFER-GRAIN

(LIQUID GRAIN TREATMENTS)

For WHOLE AND ROLLED CEREALS

(Moisture Level Between 16% - 22%)

*Applied in one opera on* (No Addi onal Mixing)

*Alkaline Treatment* (Ph 7.5-8.5)

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

*Excellent Stability* Tel: 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk

One Tonne Bags Delivered UK & Wales

Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £255 del Cereal Mixture (Approx. 14% Protein/13 ME) £265 del Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein/13 ME) £285 del Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £305 del

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

Delivery to YO7 4SD Weighbridge on site Prompt payment Tel. 07712 451374, or 07801 687565 Bedwell Bedding Ltd

• Quality baled Dust Extract Shavings also Bale Shavings

• Delivered to Most Areas

• Reasonably priced

Swindell R & Sons Ltd Tel: 01335 370790 or 07968 505014

ABBOTT & CO (WESSEX) LTD HAY, STRAW & SHAVINGS BOUGHT AND SOLD trading for 130 years 01285 653738

abbottwessex@btinternet.com

Richard Tomlinson

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

LOWER YOUR VET BILLS WITH WASHED SILICA SAND CUBICLE BEDDING

* Helps to eradicate mastitis problems and lowers your milk count

* Equestrian sand also available

Tomlinson Bros

Top Quality Hay & Straw. All types of big bales deliverEd. 01829 782378 or 07710 933681

Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130 R.F FIELDING

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

Hay & Straw for Sale in all types of Bales. Good quality.

Tel:01580212141

Mob:07710480259

Email:info@timberspecs.com

Mobilehomes,holidaychalets,loghomes. Allbuilttoyourrequirements,deliveredand erectedanywhere,weofferbuildsinround, 360mm to up log random and cavity square, thick.Housessuppliedtomeetbuilding controlregulations.

FinanceOptions

Tospreadthecostofyourinvestment, wehavepartneredwithiDeal4Finance andTownandCountryFinancetooffera rangeoffinanceoptionstosuityourneeds, includingmortgagesandshorttermloans.

TheNaturalWayToBuild

Property Landscape What to expect from the new Government

Renewable energy investment likely

With the changing of the guard at Whitehall the hiatus remains on several crucial matters, but we can anticipate a push during the honeymoon period. Subject to instant change, but, as I write, on-hold are:

■ The extension of Agricultural Property Relief from Inheritance Tax to cover farmland with an environmental commitment.

■ The role and remit of the newlyproposed Tenanted Farming Commissioner.

■ The final version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive handbook.

■ The programme for HigherTier Stewardship due to open in early 2025.

■ The detail for moving from the old Countryside Stewardship scheme and Higher-Level Stewardship agreements to new agreements.

■ The outcome from the call for evidence on planning and permitted development rights for farm infrastructure, environmental works and farm diversification, etc.

■ A review of planning barriers for controlled environment farming (for example, glass houses), etc.

■ Consultation on Permitted Development Rights for small scale, on-farm wind turbines.

■ Review of the fresh produce sector to include eggs.

■ The withdrawal of the furnished holiday letting regime for Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

■ Easing of procedures for moving used agricultural and forestry machinery to Northern Ireland.

What will proceed

With an eye on what the political parties had already agreed prior to the election, we would expect the new Government to get on with the initial framework for planning, infrastructure and renewable energy generation and transmission.

The Government has already started by effectively ditching local plans and calling for new

development sites to be proposed and has already lifted the moratorium on onshore wind turbines. We can expect swift action on transmission schemes.

With discussion having been around an investment of £54 billion for 2024-2030 and a further £58 million between 2030-35, the aim is to have the electricity system to net zero by 2035. Offshore wind power will be increased and distributed to ‘load’ centres across the GB network. The additional infrastructure spend is reportedly for circa 4,000 miles of undersea cabling and 1,000 miles over land.

The aim is that the renewable energy will displace gas-fired generation and the costs of that system will be reduced and security of provision improved. The plan is estimated to see 20,000 jobs and £15bn per year of investment.

Clearly infrastructure on this scale is going to require access over a great deal of land and new substations will be required. It is therefore imperative that those landowners who are affected in due course, take advice on access and reinstatement concerns.

As a statutory matter, your surveyor/land agent fees will be paid by the acquirer. We would strongly suggest you do not do any negotiations yourself as you will save nothing, as well as be at risk of getting it wrong.

Julie Liddle is a director at PFK Rural. Call 01768 862 323, or email julieliddle@pfk.co.uk

Julie Liddle

A most attractive rural business with farming, leisure and holiday rental income in a secluded location on the banks of the River Tees with access to the Teesdale Way.

• Modernised, traditional stone-built 4 bedroom farmhouse. EPC:E.

• Two 5* holiday cottages. Planning consent for a third. A separate detached cottage. EPC:C-E.

• A 60-pitch fully equipped and occupied, static caravan park.

• Productive grassland of about 118.66 acres (48.02 ha).

• Modern general purpose shed.

• Amenity woodland of about 21.42 acres (8.67 ha).

• Abundant natural capital.

• Sporting and mineral rights included.

About 150.90 acres (61.07 ha) in all. For sale freehold, as a whole.

829203

Exciting opportunity to purchase a fully equipped Mid Northumberland livestock and arable farm with extensive buildings, two main dwellings and outlying barn with permission for conversion Extending to 63 20 hectares (156 16 acres) or thereabouts Available as a whole or in up to 4 Lots

Guide Price (for the Whole): Offers Over £2.65 million.

• The property is subject to an agricultural occupancy restriction

• Rural position adjacent to a working farmland

• Five bedrooms (two en-suite) Contact: 01206 263007

leavenheath@davidburr.co.uk www.davidburr.co.uk

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

A useful block of arable and grassland extending to 91.75 acres in all in close proximity to Ashbourne. Available as a whole or in 2 lots

• Lot 1 – 36.68 acres (14.84 ha) of permanent pasture across good sized enclosures with highway frontage

• Lot 2 – 55.07 acres (22.29 ha) of permanent pasture and productive arable land

• Potential for alternative uses including BNG and Offsetting (STP)

• Vacant possession available

• Good access to A515 & A50

Contract Calf Rearers required in Northern England/Southern Scotland

We supply;

• Calves

• Milk Powder

• Hard Feed

• Vet & Med plus

Veterinarian support

• Full tui on and training

• Fixed contract rearing fee

• PLUS performance bonus

Contract Rearer to supply;

• Suitable shed

(min. 300 sqm)

• Labor

• Straw

• Water

• Electric

• Must be in a TB4 area

Howard Farms and Farming Partners are recrui ng new calf rearers for our expanding Fully Integrated and Regenera ve Dairy/Angus beef supply chain. Each Farming Partners Dairy will deliver 2 week old calves into a designated calf rearer in February and March. Howard & Co Farming will collect the weaned calves at 15 weeks old in May & June.

Please contact Joe Howard for more details 07793 494720 or jhoward@howardfarms.co.uk

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.

We can lend against property Farms, Farm Buildings, Farm Equipment & Machinery

Equestrian Buildings, Shops, Bare Land and Buy-to-Lets.

www.brilliant-finance.co.uk

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.

We are specialists in the supply and repair of augers for all models of tub feeders, grain dryers and header augers for combine harvesters. We also provide a cost-effective repair service for all makes of diet-feeders.

Contact the Roto Spiral team today and see what we can save you.

• 01244 520005 (Office) • 07761 292070 (Mobile)

Roto Spiral (UK) Limited - Unit 33, Engineer Park, Sandycroft, Deeside, CH5 2QB Email: info@rotospiral.co.uk

FERGUSON

tractor parts Direct to your door Phone for best quotes Mobile: 07971 243668 or 01545 570 810 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

CLAAS John Deere, and other makes, combine harvester 2nd hand and new spares. www.jmtcombinehire.co.uk. Tel: JMT Engineering 01926 614345

2008 NEW HOLLAND T7030, 5237 HOURS, 50K POWERSHIFT, AIR BRAKES, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, 4 X MANUAL SPOOLS, 540E/1000 PTO SPEED, AIR SEAT, AIR CON, C/W 22 X NEW HOLLAND 45KG WAFFER WEIGHTS £43,000

2008 JOHN DEERE 7530 PREMIUM, 4767 HOURS!! 40K POWERQUAD TRANSMISSION, TLS & CAB SUSPENSION, COMMAND CENTRE, 3 X MANUAL SPOOLS, 540E/1000/1000E PTO SPEED, AIR SEAT, AIR CON. C/W JD 110KG CHIN WEIGHT.

£59,500

2014 MASSEY FERGUSON 7620,1371 HOURS!!, 50K DYNA 6 TRANSMISSION, SISU TRONIC, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, 4 X MANUAL SPOOLS, 540/540E/1000 PTO SPEED, AIR SEAT, PASSENGER SEAT, AIR CON £POA

2021 NEW HOLLAND T7.210, 2480 HOURS, 50K POWER COMMAND, AIR BRAKES, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, FRONT LINKAGE, 3 X MANUAL SPOOLS, 540/540E/1000 PTO SPEED, AIR CON, AIR SEAT, PASSENGER SEAT.

£67,500

2003 MASTER 270M 27 TON MOBILE GRAIN DRYER, 1,641 HOURS, C/W RETRACTABLE EXTENSION, DUST EXTRACTION, TWIN AXLE, DIESEL BURNER, FULL ELECTRIC DRIVE, ALWAYS DRY STORED, A VERY TIDY EXAMPLE. £39,950

1998 CLAAS LEXION 430 COMBINE, 2840 HOURS, 2487 FIELD HOURS, MERCEDES ENGINE, STRAW CHOPPER, 3D SIEVES, 5 STRAW WALKERS, CHAFF SPREADER. C/W 19FT CLAAS C600 AUTO CONTOUR HEADER. VERY TIDY COMBINE. £POA

2008 JOHN DEERE 6430, 7828 HOURS, 40K POWERQUAD, COMMAND CENTRE, TLS, 3 X MANUAL SPOOLS, 540/540E/1000 PTO SPEED, AIR SEAT, AIR CON, C/W JOHN DEERE 653 FRONT LOADER, ZUIDBERG FRONT LINKAGE. £POA

CLAAS VARIANT 365 RC ROUND BALER, YEAR 2009, NET ONLY, ROTOR FEED WITH CHOPPER. FARMER OWNED FROM NEW, A VERY NICE BALER.

£12,950

PUMA 220 MULTICONTROLLER

Powershift 50kph. 2018, 4000 hours, front weight.

hours.

0% FINANCE On NEW Tractors

Farmall 55A 2 wheel drive with folding roll bar, Mechanical Shuttle.

Farmall 55A 2 wheel drive with folding roll bar, Mechanical Shuttle.

Farmall 55c 2 wheel drive with folding roll bar, PowerShuttle.

Farmall 55c 2 wheel drive with folding roll bar, PowerShuttle.

Farmall 55c 2 wheel drive with full cab, PowerShuttle.

Farmall 55c 2 wheel drive with full cab, PowerShuttle.

Farmall 90A 4 wheel drive, PowerShuttle, air conditioned cab.

Farmall 100A 4 wheel drive, PowerShuttle.

Farmall 100A 4 wheel drive, PowerShuttle, loader ready.

Farmall 100A 4 wheel drive, PowerShuttle, MX loader.

Farmall 100A 4 wheel drive, PowerShuttle, c/w loader.

Farmall 120c MultiController 4 wheel drive c/w U406 front loader.

Vestrum 130 Active drive 8, full suspension, front linkage.

Maxxum 150 CVX 50kph. Front Linkage, Accuguide ready.

Puma 165 X Line Semi PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage.

Puma 165 X Line Semi PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage.

Puma 165 MultiController Full powerShift 50kph. Accuguide ready

Puma 165 MultiController Full powerShift 50kph c/w MX Loader.

Puma 200 PowerShift 50kph. GPS ready, Front Linkage.

Puma 200 CVX 50kph. GPS ready, Front Linkage.

Puma 200 CVX 50kph. GPS ready, Front Linkage.

Puma 220 PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage & pto. Accuguide ready.

Puma 220 PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage & pto.

Puma 260 CVX AFS Connect, 50kph. Front Linkage.

*Finance offered subject to Terms & Conditions

Axial Flow 7150 Combine c/w 25’ Vario header & trolley

OPTUM 300 CVX 50kph. 2020, 2300 hours, Accuguide, front linkage.

Quadtrac 580 c/w rear linkage, Full Accuguide, 2018, 4973 hours.

Puma 200 CVX 50kph. Full Accuguide, front linkage, 2023, 270 hours.

Puma 165 MultiController full Powershift 50kph. 2022, 2150 hours, front linkage.

PUMA 240 CVX 50kph. Full Accuguide, front linkage, 2021, 3145 hours.

MAGNUM 340 CVX 50kph. 2020, 2715 hours, front weights.

FARMALL 75C two wheel drive 12 x 12 Shuttle, 2022, 670

FARMALL 90C PowerShuttle with roll bar, 2022, 4060 hours.

Farmall 100A 4wd. PowerShuttle, Loader ready, a/c. Passenger seat ‘73’ reg.

Machinery

Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com

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

Dean Flower is not one to swap tractors on a whim. Typically, his replacement policy tends to revolve around updating one of his two tractors at seven to eight years old, by which time there will be 7,000 hours on the clock.

Such a policy, however, requires tractors to be reliable, or at least kept with the knowledge that there is an extended warranty to pick up any pieces. Fortunately for Dean, it is the former that has shone through, with a succession of 215hp Claas Axion 810 models passing through the farmgate over the last 17 years.

Dean and his son Marcus farm 404 hectares at Ridge Farm in Chilmark, near Salisbury.

Dean says: “We have enjoyed some great reliability from our Axion tractors. When tractors run this well, there is no benefit in changing too early. Considering the cost of replacement models, you may as well get good value from what you have got.”

The all-combinable farm grows autumn-sown wheat, barley and oilseed rape, supplemented by spring-sown barley and beans.

Ploughing with a five-furrow mounted reversible, complete with an integral press, remains the operation of choice for seedbed preparation on the farm’s chalky flint soils. This is followed by a Carrier to firm up the seedbeds ahead of drilling with a four-metre Horsch Pronto.

While the farm did consider going wider with a 6m Pronto drill, the decision to stay at 4m takes into consideration the steeper parts of the rolling Wiltshire landscape.

“We are better off being the boss of a 4m drill rather than struggling

One Wiltshire grower relies on a pair of Claas Axion 810 tractors for frontline power, citing reliability and comfort among the reasons he has remained with the brand since 2007. Geoff Ashcroft reports.

Two Claas Axions prove a flexible option

Based on the reliability we have enjoyed so far, I am thinking we may get an extra year out of our tractors in future before we change them

DEAN FLOWER

to pull a 6m when ground conditions get damp,” says Dean.

“And likewise, we did not want one high-horsepower frontline

tractor, as it can leave you exposed if there is a breakdown or puncture.”

The decision to run with two identical models is one that provides

With four suspension points and anti-roll bars, the Axion cab is isolated from the chassis.

good flexibility, and the ability to spread risk.

“Either tractor is capable of carrying out any task, which means we can share the workload with total flexibility,” he says.

“And at just over 200hp, we have got the right amount of power and weight for what we need to do.”

Ridge Farm’s shift to Claas tractors followed a period of unrest with dealerships and brands, which culminated in what the farm says was the arrival of a ‘Friday afternoon’ tractor.

Change

“This was to prove the catalyst for change for us,” says Dean.

“At that time, we found it difficult to get a fair resolution with what was a problem tractor, and dealers generally just seemed too complacent when it came to providing quotes for replacement models. Maybe it is why a lot of them are no longer in existence.”

Given the farm’s continued good experience with Claas combines, along with service and support from the then nearby Pewsey branch of what was once Mill Engineers and latterly Claas Western,

Left to right: Dean and Marcus Flower.

The newer model used to carry a front/rear Horsch Leeb 4,000-litre mounted sprayer combination.

he and son Marcus decided to try the German firm’s tractors. That was in 2007, and the family farm has remained loyal to the Claas Axion ever since.

“We have had a few Axions over the last 17 years, and bar the odd hub seal on the rear axles, they have been largely trouble-free,” says Dean.

“What really stood out was the ride quality and comfort, which was probably a legacy of the Renault tractor range that Claas bought in the 2000s. To this day, it is probably one of the best out there for cab comfort.”

After starting out with models using the Hexashift transmission, Ridge Farm has since moved over to the CMatic gearbox, which Dean says has been a huge improvement for productivity and efficiency.

“CMatic is just so easy to use compared to the Hexactive auto-shift,” he says.

“You are never in the wrong gear, and it makes full use of power and rpm so you are not wasting fuel when you do not need full power.”

Dean adds the Axion provides good traction from its 50/50 front/ rear weight distribution, with the farm using 900kg and 1,500kg weigh blocks where required to improve traction with heavy draft.

He says that the change in power unit from John Deere Power Systems in the early models to FPT has been a positive step forward, with better power and torque characteristics matched to the ZF Terramatic-derived CVT.

“We have not had any AdBlue issues, everything just seems to work, and work well,” he adds.

The Flower fleet currently comprises two Axion 810s. The most recent is a special edition 2021 Stage V-compliant model finished

in metallic grey, which has already clocked up 2,500 hours, and an older 2017 Stage IV model with 7,000 hours under its belt, which is due to be replaced. However, its overall condition hides its age and hours, having been frequently treated to a bit of spit and polish.

Marcus says: “The interior trim has held up really well.

“All the controls look as good as new, with little wear on the buttons, and the interior plastics and seat trim still look fresh.”

Marcus cab-hops between the two Axions, with the newer model used to carry a front/rear Horsch Leeb 4,000-litre mounted sprayer combination, which recently replaced a 4,000-litre trailed sprayer.

The sprayer, drill and spreader are all IsoBus, offering plug and play compatibility with both tractors through their in-cab terminals.

Tyres

“We keep just one set of row crops, and with the exception of BKT row crop tyres, both tractors are shod on exactly the same size and make of tyres – Trelleborg TM800s,” says Marcus.

“Tyres are one of our biggest costs, with the flinty soils doing its best to take its toll on running gear. So, matching power and weight is important to maximise tyre life.”

Dean says that Trelleborg tyres have proved to be the most resistant to cuts and abrasion.

“A few years back, we had one Axion on Michelins, which rode really well, but we were forever getting sidewall punctures,” he says.

“Those tyres were sold and replaced with Trelleborgs, and we have stuck with them ever since. And at 7,000 hours, our older tractor still has useful life remaining on its second set of tyres.”

When it comes to differences

The older models’ lights have been supplemented with a lightbar.

The four-post cab is considered spacious and well-appointed.

Machinery

Claas Axion data

■ Model: 810 Cebis

■ Engine: 6.7-litre, six-cylinder FPT

■ Power: 215hp max and 205hp rated

■ Torque: 941Nm

■ Transmission: CMatic, 0-50kph

■ Weight: 8,300kg

■ Rear linkage: 10-tonne Cat III

between the Axion models, the Flowers say subtle improvements have filtered through the range, with each replacement tractor offering something slightly better than the one previous.

“The metallic grey tractor, for example, has better lighting with more LED’s all-round, and the leathertrimmed Premium seat is both heated and cooled – it is just that bit nicer to sit in. And in-cab noise levels keep coming down,” adds Marcus.

Lights

The older model has a roof-mounted LED lightbar, which was fitted by Marcus to improve forward-facing illumination at night, and both tractors have been equipped with mirror guards to offer additional protection.

“Maybe we have been lucky so far, but the newer Axion has electrically-heated and adjustable mirrors,” says Dean.

A newer metallic grey Axion is one of two 810s in use at Ridge Farm.

The Axion’s cooling pack is easily accessed, while banked grease nipples make front axle greasing a straightforward task.

“They will not be cheap to replace, so there is a benefit from having additional protection.”

He says that dealership personnel have good technical knowledge and are also easy to deal with.

“We have had great service, and

have never needed to invest in extended warranty, though the newer tractor had it included as part of the package,” he adds.

“Dealer servicing is our preference, which also helps with service history and residual values, and we

do like to keep our kit tidy. If you look after your kit, it will look after you.

“Based on the reliability we have enjoyed so far, I am thinking we may get an extra year out of our tractors in future before we change them,” Dean says.

Two new hedgecutter models have been introduced, including the smaller 72-Series.

McConnel reveals its two new hedgecutters

By Toby Whatley

D EVELOPED for both contracting and farming businesses, McConnel has added two new Power Arm ranges with the 72 and heavier-duty 77-Series.

Both new models operate with a 70hp hydraulic system which uses a 180-litre hydraulic tank, higher-capacity oil cooler, electric rotor control and soft-start rotor engagement.

Boom options for both series include 5.5-metre and 6m straight arms and 6.5m and 7m telescopic versions.

A 5.5m and 6m variable forward reach option is available for both models, which McConnel says provides improved visibility to the cutting head for greater operator comfort.

The larger 77-Series uses larger diameter pivot pins and can be specified with a higher-capacity 85hp hydraulic system.

McConnel claims that the larger diameter pins allow a 48% increase in wearing bush area which improves durability and machine longevity.

Attachments

Both series can be operated with an optional integrated debris blower located within the rear guard, which is

designed to remove cut material debris from the roadside and improve machine hydraulic cooling by drawing in cool air over the pumps and tank.

Additional new features include LED road lighting, a redesigned hydraulic tank and a two-piece rear guard for easy service access.

The machines can be operated with a range of boom attachments, which includes 1.2m, 1.5m, and 1.6m wide flailheads, sawheads, rotary heads, and cutterbars.

All models can be specified with three-point linkage, four-point hitch, or five-point axle mounting options.

Units can operate with a minimum tractor power of 80hp and weight of 4,000kg, depending on the specific machine specification and boom configuration.

The larger 77-Series can be specified with an optional 85hp hydraulic system. Inset: The larger diameter pivot pins on the 77-Series.

The optional integrated debris blower is located within the rear guard.

● Integrated debris blower o ered

Machinery

Pottinger has added two new mowers to its range, with a steering front-mounted unit and a wider cross augers option on its non-conditioner butterfly kit. Toby Whatley reports.

Following the right curve

● O ers gentle handling of delicate leaf areas

INTRODUCED as a feature on its front-mounted Novacat 3100 disc mower, the Opticurve option allows the headstock to pivot the 3.1-metrewide mower deck to follow a curve and prevent crops from being uncut during turns.

The system works with a rear butterfly unit and uses an IsoBus connection between the machines and the tractor to provide the adjustments required to side-shift the machine during turns.

Pottinger says that the system uses inputs from the tractor wheel position and can also allow adjustments for the tractor when working across a slope to generate a uniform cut.

Added into its Novacat V 9200 centre-suspended butterfly mower range, the CF auger system can be fitted directly to machines operating without a

conditioner and can be used to provide centre swath formed over its 9.2mwide working width.

The system uses a pair of 500mm diameter augers mounted at an incline to the mower beds, which are driven from a V-belt drive fitted to the outside of the unit.

Pottinger says this provides a lower power and gentle handling of crops with delicate leaf areas.

Merging

The unit can be operated by merging both cutting beds or opened up to bypass the augers to allow full-width spreading of the crop before tedding and raking.

When operated in comparison to its cross conveyor belt system, Pottinger claims the cross-flow auger requires 20% less power for the same output.

The enclosed design of the auger is also claimed to reduce soil or foreign object transfer into the crop, improving fodder quality.

Cross augers allow merging with a lower power requirement.

The Opticurve system prevents the crop from being left uncut on curves, claims Pottinger.

Livestock

Edited by Katie Jones –

Waiting to treat flystrike will have impact on performance

l Fly season covers three-quarters of year

AFTER a spell of unsettled weather, farmers are being reminded that waiting to treat flystrike rather than preventing it can have a negative impact on lamb performance.

Elanco technical consultant, Matt Colston, says that historically, omitting preventative treatment in low-risk scenarios was cost-effective in some cases.

However, with the fly season now stretching out over three-quarters of the calendar year, it is no longer the cheapest option and should be avoided.

Mortality

Mr Colston says: “The cost of mortality caused by blowfly strike can be as high as £209 per lamb and £184 per breeding ewe.

“This demonstrates just how damaging flies can be to your bottom line.

“Although mortality is not always the outcome, other costs stem from the impact on lamb productivity, an increased demand on labour to treat struck animals and the costs associated with treatment.”

Mr Colston says the latest scientif-

Whatever strike management plan is followed, research shows it is important that lambs are protected now, when strike risk peaks

MATT COLSTON

ic models show that even in low-risk scenarios, prevention is a more economical solution than treatment.

“Therefore, I would advise farmers to implement a robust blowfly management plan to reduce the risk of strike affecting their flocks.

“Whatever strike management plan is followed, research shows it is important that lambs are protected now, when strike risk peaks, as this is the most costeffective option.”

Streamlined entry process for this year’s Gold Cup

A RECORD number of dairy herds have qualified for the 2024 NMR RABDF Gold Cup through milk recording channels and nominations.

This year, 1,217 dairy businesses recording with NMR and CIS have made the entry criteria and, with herds that have been nominated, will be invited to enter the competition.

The Gold Cup qualifying criteria for milk recorded herds is set at 100 cows or more, 100 with qualifying lactations in the milking herd, an average somatic cell count for the year ending September 30, 2023 of 200,000/ml or less, or 250,000/ml or less for organic herds and a minimum PLI specific to the breed or time of calving for block calving herds.

Mr Colston recommends using a long-lasting insect growth regulator (IGR.)

Depending on the product chosen, lambs can benefit from up to 19 weeks of protection, shielding them during the peak blowfly season.

He says: “Correct application of

This year RABDF, has streamlined the application form and automated data collection for herds milk recording with NMR and CIS.

Background

“This means that these herds just have to tell us some background to the business and an outline of plans,” says Gold Cup competition manager Romany Marshall.

Entries must be submitted by July 22, 2024, and the resulting finalists will be judged by a panel of specialists.

The winner is scheduled to be announced at the Dairy-Tech event in February 2025.

IGRs must not be overlooked. Following the four-stroke application method ensures that lambs receive maximum coverage.

“Remember to take extra care when applying the product to lambs, as smaller animals require greater precision.”

Changes at the top for Limousin cattle society

THERE have been some recent personnel changes at the British Limousin Cattle Society, notably the chief executive and chair.

Alice Swift has stepped down from the position of chief executive after just short of two years in the role.

In a statement to the society members, Ms Swift said it had been ‘a pleasure to lead the Limousin Society through this time of significant change’.

She said: “Over the past two years we have turned the society’s finances around, established new income streams and raised the profile of the breed.

“We have also identified and established the unique Green Genes of the breed that makes it one of the most sustainable beef breeds in the UK and an attractive commercial proposition.

Acceptance

“But change is not easy and transformation needs time and acceptance to bed in across the membership.”

Ms Swift’s departure follows that of Jonathan Watson, who announced last month that he was resigning from the role of society chair, a position he held for two years. Mr Watson has been replaced by Dyfan James of the Cowin herd, Carmarthenshire.

Even in low-risk scenarios, flystrike prevention is a more economical solution than treatment, farmers are advised.

Livestock

Out-wintering cattle and extended grazing were popular topics with delegates at this year’s Groundswell event. Jonathan Wheeler reports.

Out-wintering cattle must be done with care

● Wet winters pose challenges to technique

OUT-wintering cattle can achieve significant cost savings but needs to be done with care, with wet winters posing special challenges.

But anyone adopting the technique should have a plan to start with and several back-ups to switch to in case conditions rendered it inoperable, said speakers on the topic at Groundswell.

Emily Grant, who combines sheep farming in Scotland with consultancy work, said two out-wintering farms she works with have each saved 1,000 bales/straw per winter – one with 220 suckler cows and the other with 120.

Before switching to out-wintering, both farms had to buy in significant quantities of straw to help balance winter silage rations, whereas now

they only have to make or buy a limited quantity of hay.

She said: “Why are you feeding straw to balance a silage ration in the first place? When straw is at the price it is, it is time to do some hard thinking.”

Sustainable

She added she believed out-wintering offered a more sustainable way to use her farm’s resources, while avoiding the considerable costs and workloads of housing.

Her sucklers are only housed from February to April, when they calve.

She said: “They are well adapted to graze upland pastures and use the whole farm’s resources in a more effective way.”

She said she credited the system with both increasing the farm’s biodiversity and enabling the family to achieve a better work-life balance.

MAKING THE SWITCH TO A MULTI-SPECIES MIX

INTRODUCING a multi-species grazing mix as winter feed in place of kale has had multiple benefits for Tom Armitage, who runs a 270-head suckler herd on the edge of Exmoor.

From an agronomic standpoint he said it was helping improve soil structure, texture and infiltration rates.

On the environmental front, the multi-species mix had resulted in huge increases in bird and pollinator populations.

Emily Grant

“We have got our summers back. We are not spending early summer mucking out, making silage and collecting straw.

“When considering resource use efficiency we must not forget the human element. That work-life balance is important.”

One new task is putting bales out in the fields for winter grazing, but she added this was now a single operation completed in summer when ground conditions were good.

Less work

That is preferable – and less work –than moving bales twice; first to the farmstead or storage site and then back to the field, with the second movement often being made in much poorer field conditions.

Angus Nelless, who runs beef, sheep and turkeys in Scotland, decided to make the change when a bench-marking exercise revealed his suckler cows were losing £400/head.

An opportunity to take on an extra block of land which had no buildings gave him the chance to try out-

And the financial benefits were significant, he added.

“The multi-species mixture attracts a £853/hectare payment from the Sustainable Farming Incentive.”

Mr Armitage’s Lower Brown Farm lies between 244-366 metres (800-1,200 feet) above sea level, has Less Favoured Area status and receives between 1,500-2,000mm of rain annually.

Most of the progeny of his suckler cows finish off forage alone between 20-24 months old.

The herd previously out-wintered on kale and bale grazing, but Mr Armitage decided to move away from that to aid soil health and protect the water catchment.

He cited multiple reasons for making the switch.

“I hoped to improve animal health, extend the grazing season and get a ‘second bite’.

“I was also keen to solve a range of soil-related issues and reduce our use

The multi-species mixture attracts a £853/hectare payment from the Sustainable Farming Incentive TOM ARMITAGE

of inputs, and discover whether we could out-winter the herd without needing to supplementary feed.”

As a trial he established four hectares (10 acres) of a 16-species mix, half of which was grass alongside brassicas, legumes and forb/herbs.

Improvements were obvious, he said, with the soil appearing to be in much better condition and more open under the mixture than under the kale.

“The diverse mix greened up faster than the kale and we got one or two extra feeds from it. It also fed a big population of birds.”

Experimenting

He is experimenting with seed mixes, using 14 species including kale, turnips, phacelia, clover and sunflowers last year, which produced much more biomass in autumn.

This year he is looking at an expanded mix, which includes sorghum and Japanese millet alongside kale, turnips, sunflowers, plantains and Italian ryegrass.

And while the seed cost is higher –typically £150/ha (£60/acre) against £65/ha (£26/acre) for kale – he feels the investment is justified.

Tom Armitage

Out-wintering should have several back-ups to switch to in case conditions rendered it inoperable, said speakers at Groundswell.

EXTENDED GRAZING BENEFITS

EXTENDED grazing is helping Cumbrian farmers Claire and Sam Beaumont slash the cost of keeping their Beef Shorthorn suckler cows.

In 2018/19 – the last winter their herd was housed – they estimated the cost of keeping each cow was £395.

That dropped to just £52/head in 2023 and to just £30 in 2023/24 as cattle spent the entire year at pasture.

The couple’s farm runs from the banks of Ullswater into the Cumbrian fells.

wintering with deferred and bale grazing.

He said having the correct genetics was important, as was adapting animals to the system.

“We now out-winter all our youngstock and R1 heifers. It helps them get used to the system they are going to face when they become a cow,” he added.

In summer cattle mob graze 65ha (160 acres) of grassland on the banks of Ullswater.

Further up the slopes there is an area of rougher grazing, wooded pasture and woodland.

Mrs Beaumont said: “While they are grazing the lower pastures, that land is growing their winter feed.”

Above that is fell land, which is used as pony grazing.

Mrs Beaumont said one of the motivations for the system change was that they did not have a building big enough to house the whole herd.

The cost reductions achieved have been transformational, she added.

“Most of the costs are our time and the contractor who comes in to make our hay. We also have an empty shed in which we can do other things.”

Cows graze the lakeside pastures in summer and move to the higher pasture – supported by bale grazing – for the rest of the year.

Winter

And even if it snows during winter they can reach the grazing because the length of the grass means it protrudes through the snow.

She said: “We did some grass tests which proved that the grass still contains good protein in early February, but that it drops off in March.”

That is when they start feeding hay, which comes from their own fields and from the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust, which is speciesrich.

“There is still a lot of thatch on our ground at that stage, but by the

Claire Beaumont

end of March it is losing nutrition,” said Mrs Beaumont.

She added they delayed moving animals to the lower fields so they had some decent spring growth before starting the summer rotation.

And, she said the hay needs to be fed judiciously.

“The moment you start putting hay out the cattle seem to give up on foraging and expect you to turn up with hay every day.”

www.provimi.eu/uk-coolcalver

Speakers at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ Down to Earth event highlighted how reducing a dairy farm’s carbon footprint was a win-win for the environment and business profitability. Farmers Guardian reports.

Embrace win-wins of reducing a dairy farm’s carbon footprint

● Farmers urged to carry out audits

FARMERS should view carbon audits as a tool to improve business and environmental resilience rather than a stick to beat them with, said AHDB environment adviser Prof John Gilliland.

“It is not good enough to go on a journey; we have to tell our story with transparency and integrity,” he told delegates at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ regenerative farming event Down to Earth, held at Grosvenor Farms in Cheshire last week.

He urged all farmers to carry out carbon audits and understand how much carbon they were emitting and storing so facts could be clearly articulated in public debate.

“Do not put your head in the sand on this one – embrace the win-wins. This is about economic resilience as well as environmental resilience,” he said.

This has been clearly demonstrated at Grosvenor Farms. It boasts one of the lowest carbon emissions within the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group milk pool, having reduced emissions by 40% over the past 10 years while simultaneously improving profits.

The average across the supermarket’s 323 farms is 1,158kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per litre of milk. At Grosvenor, this has been lowered to 939kg of CO2e/litre.

It currently milks 2,600 cows at the 2,334-hectare (5,767-acre) farm and boast milk yields of 12,324 litres per

cow at 3.8% protein and 4.54% butterfat – the equivalent of 32 million litres annually.

Although scale plays a factor in helping to dilute emissions, managing director Mark Roach believed what they do was applicable at any scale.

He said: “There is room for all sizes of farms in the sector; it is about how well run they are and if they have the right strategy. On a smaller scale, you can wrap your arms around the business much more tightly.”

It runs a circular farming system, with the arable unit utilising straw and manure from the dairy to feed the soil. Crops are then fed back to stock.

who specialises in helping farmers access Government grants, told the audience that ‘SFI was brilliant spectrum of greys’, but added the high number of scheme revisions made by Defra showed the Government was making it more accessible for farmers.

He urged dairy farmers to assess their options to make up for the shortfall in Basic Payment Scheme.

“The single biggest thing about the schemes is to take action, even if that means making a decision not to enter,” he said.

Good options

ibility lowers enteric and manure methane and drives yield, which lowers greenhouse gas intensity.” She revealed that emissions associated with feed could be cut by 50% by removing any origin soya products and replacing them with rape, protected rape and co-products.

Grosvenor is making good use of co-products and has also been trialling the methane inhibitor Bovaer. It is fed at 1.5g per cow a day and has reduced methane emissions by 31% –the equivalent of 1.3 tonnes of CO2e per cow annually.

There is room for all sizes of farms in the sector; it is about how well run they are and if they have the right strategy

Charlie Steer, arable manager at Grosvenor, said: “It allows us to maintain soil organic matters and soil health. We have not bought any manufactured phosphorus and potassium for 15 years and we apply nutrients using low emissions technology, be it injection or dribble bars.”

About 12-15% of the total area is now in environmental agreements under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship scheme.

Edward Earnshaw, of Just Farm,

Mr Earnshaw said some good options worth considering that did not require a change in farming practice included not grazing intensive silage ground over winter – worth £115/ha (£46/acre) – and also that £45/ha (£18/acre) could be claimed for using no insecticide, which he said presented an opportunity for maize crops.

Meanwhile, Dr Anna Sutcliffe, ruminant technical manager at AB Dairy, explained how making goodquality forage was critical to lowering emissions.

She said: “Improving forage digest-

Adrian Packington, of Bovaer, admitted it was costly but believed there was potential for it to be paid for ‘further up the supply chain’ to help reduce scope three emissions.

However, Prof Gilliland reminded delegates the narrative around carbon must not solely focus on gross emissions, and supermarkets and farmers must look at the full picture when carrying out audits.

“If we are going to win storytelling with the public [the debate must become] multi-dimensional, and we must [also] measure carbon stocks on farms,” he said.

PICTURE: RUTH DOWNING

Farmers need to tell the carbon reduction story with transparency and integrity, said speakers at the Down to Earth event in Cheshire.

GrassCheck

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK

Scotland

19.7 12.6 14.1

The South 48.5kg DM/ha/day (19.6kg DM/acre/day) 18.7 13.5 14.7

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

Region Seven-day forecast 14-day

North

60.5kg DM/ha (24.5kg DM/acre) 68.8kg DM/ha (27.8kg DM/acre)

65.3kg DM/ha (26.4kg DM/acre) 70.9kg DM/ha (28.7kg DM/acre)

40.3kg DM/ha (16.3kg DM/acre) 76.8kg DM/ha (31.1kg DM/acre) Wales 61.7kg DM/ha (25kg DM/acre) 74kg DM/ha (29.9kg DM/acre)

GRASS QUALITY

GROWTH RATES

MANAGEMENT NOTES

■ Despite the recent recorded grass growths being only average at best, with improving weather forecasted, growth rates should be well above average in the next seven to 14 days, which will help regrowth across grazing and silage areas

■ Apply fertiliser and dilute slurry in line with a nutrient management plan to sustain growth over the coming

weeks, as nitrogen utilisation will be higher in July-August than later on

■ Grass quality remains steady for protein, sugars and digestibility

■ For fields which were damaged in spring or were already earmarked for sward improvement, it is not too late to get new seed in. Where quick turnaround is important, overseeding is an option to retain trafficability

GrassCheckGB is a collaboration between The UK Agri-Tech Centre, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Rothamsted Research, AHDB, Hybu Cig Cymru, Germinal, Handley Enterprises, Sciantec Analytical, Yara, Pilgrim’s UK and Quality Meat Scotland. Regular updates will appear in Farmers Guardian.

Get more from an FG membership

Livestock Pigs & Poultry

Feed contamination by mycotoxins is a growing and major challenge facing pig and poultry producers across the UK. Farmers Guardian reports.

Reducing the risk of mycotoxins

The use of mycotoxin binders in pig and poultry diets is becoming an increasingly fundamental strategy to reducing the impact of feed contamination from mycotoxins.

Pippa Handley, feed additives technical manager at Trouw Nutrition GB, says mycotoxins are found in the grains and feed ingredients used in livestock diets. Produced by certain types of mould, mycotoxins can severely impact animal health, leading to reduced productivity and significant economic losses.

Ms Handley says mycotoxins are an increasing global challenge, partly due to climate change, with the UK climate providing an ideal environment for mould growth, especially during wet harvest seasons.

There are six principal groups of mycotoxins affecting animal diets, including areaflatoxins (AF), ochratoxins (OTA), T-2/HT2, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FB) and zearalenone (ZEN).

High concentrations of mycotoxins can lead to clinical symptoms, says Ms Handley, with growing evidence that low levels in feed can have a negative effect on health and performance.

She says: “In pigs, exposure to mycotoxins can cause reduced feed intake, poor weight gain and increased susceptibility to diseases. In poultry, they can lead to poor egg production, decreased growth rates and increased mortality. To ensure the health and welfare of the herd or flock, mitigation strategies are essential.”

Ms Handley adds that mycotoxin

binders are additives mixed into animal feed which reduce the bioavailability of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract of the animals. They generally work by absorbing the mycotoxins, thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.

She says this not only helps in detoxifying the feed, but also ensures the nutrients remain available to the animals, promoting better health and productivity. Several types of mycotoxin binders are available, each with differing effectiveness against particular mycotoxins including clay minerals, activated charcoal, yeast cell walls, enzymes and biotransformation agents.

Increasingly, new products formulated to inhibit multiple mycotoxins are being introduced. The combined mode of action of these formulations has been demonstrated to provide significant advantages for animals exposed to diverse mycotoxins.

Ms Handley says: “The incorporation of mycotoxin binders into pig and poultry diets offers several advantages, making them an important addition to diets as producers face an increasing threat.”

Immune function

In pigs, exposure to mycotoxins can cause reduced feed intake, poor weight gain, and increased susceptibility to diseases

PIPPA HANDLEY

She says by reducing the bioavailability of mycotoxins, binders help prevent the negative health impacts associated with these toxins, leading to improved immune function, reduced disease incidence and better overall health.

“In pigs this translates into better weight gain and feed conversion ratios. In poultry it means higher egg production, better growth rates and improved meat quality.

She adds: “The economic impact of mycotoxin contamination can be significant, leading to losses in feed quality, animal health and productivity. Using mycotoxin binders can mitigate these losses, providing a cost-effective solution for farmers.”

Research and practical applications have demonstrated the effectiveness of mycotoxin binders, and a study conducted on pig farms in the

UK showed that the use of specific mycotoxin binders led to a noticeable improvement in weight gain and the overall health of the pigs. Similarly, in poultry farms, the inclusion of binders in feed resulted in higher egg production and lower mortality rates.

To maximise the benefits of mycotoxin binders, Ms Handley advises regularly testing feed ingredients for mycotoxin levels will help in early detection and effective management of contamination.

She says a thorough understanding of the types and levels of mycotoxins can guide the choice of the most effective binder. And ensuring the correct dosage and thorough mixing of binders into the feed is vital for optimal results.

Continuous monitoring of animal health and performance will help in assessing the efficacy of the binders and making necessary adjustments. In addition, regular feed bin and line cleaning coupled with ongoing assessment of the storage conditions of grains and feed will minimise the overall risk of mycotoxin problems.

Ms Hadley says: “Mycotoxin binders play a key role in safeguarding the health and productivity of pig and poultry enterprises. By effectively mitigating the adverse effects of mycotoxins, binders help to ensure the well-being of livestock, leading to enhanced productivity and economic benefits for producers.”

Including mycotoxin binders in poultry feed resulted in higher egg production, a UK study has shown.

Working conditions, working hours and a health and safety culture are the foundations for addressing the labour challenge across pig and poultry sectors. Katie Fallon reports.

Culture key to agriculture’s labour issues

Recruiting and retaining staff is an increasingly common issue faced across the UK’s agricultural industry. But with the pig and poultry sectors often reliant on the Seasonal Worker scheme to help address the issue, Paul Harris, chief executive at staff specialist REAL Success, says the industry needs to start owning the problem and stop looking to the Government for solutions.

The low availability of domestic labour is largely due to agriculture not competing with other industries in terms of working conditions, working hours and health and safety, says Mr Harris.

He says: “One of the challenges with agriculture is that it is very insular, so it looks for answers within its own industry. What I think we should be doing is looking outside of agriculture to see what other industries have done to solve this problem.”

The construction industry also previously struggled to attract and retain staff due to long working hours and poor health and safety. This has since drastically improved, says Mr Harris, partly due to legislative changes, but also by improving the facilities on offer and ensuring health

and safety is now a culture within the industry and not something that is simply complied with.

Mr Harris says: “In agriculture it is often all about compliance, so I think the industry needs to focus on culture rather than compliance. I think we are often looking for sticking plasters and the Seasonal Worker scheme is a sticking plaster.”

Mr Harris adds working conditions, working hours, and health and safety are the bedrock of attracting and retaining staff, all of which are within the realms of the farmer to do something about on their own farm.

He says: “Where we are going wrong with how to attract people is that we are talking to each other. Go and talk to some people outside the industry about what they have done.”

Change in attitude

While the poultry industry in some cases is considered ahead of other sectors in terms of staff facilities and cleanliness, Mr Harris says the livestock sector in general is difficult to attract people into.

Consequently, the facilities and benefits which farms provide their staff have got to be better than other industries.

“If we are going to say it is a dirty job, let us compensate by providing decent facilities. The farmers that do provide the best facilities get the people to work for them.”

Mr Harris says farmers must recognise the job market is now a candidate’s market, and farms will have to compete with each other when recruiting.

“Farmers have to recognise that every candidate is comparing; no candidate has got just your job that they have applied for.”

Overall, Mr Harris believes the industry needs to be more solutions-

Paul Harris believes the industry needs to be more solutions-focused than problem-focused when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff.

focused than problem-focused when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff.

“I am not bashing the industry and saying your working conditions, working hours, and health and safety are awful. We understand the problems, but we need to now come up with some solutions.”

He adds: “We have got to think creatively because I believe we can make this industry really attractive in the next 10 years, and not somewhere where there is nobody work-

ing in it, because that is the risk. I genuinely think we are staring down the barrel of nobody wanting to work in our industry at all, right across agriculture.”

Mr Harris says people have to be put at the top of the agenda in order to address the labour issue.

“Working conditions have got to be improved, as have staff conditions. Put health and safety at the centre of your business alongside your people, as a culture not a matter of compliance,” he says.

Paul Harris

A move to poultry proves key for one young farmer in transforming his family farm, with laying hens now at the core of the business. Sarah Todd reports.

Laying hens bring Scottish family farm back to life

Like generations of farmers’ sons before him, 29-yearold Ross Learmonth was determined to make a living away from his family’s farm near Ellon, in Aberdeenshire. Mr Learmonth says he is the first to admit that he was lucky to have a head start in this endeavour, in the form of his grandparents’ 32-hectare (80-acre) holding

He says: “I had been working away with a few sheep but was determined not to ‘play farms’ and started looking for something that would enable it to become a viable business in its own right.”

At 21, Mr Learmonth says he was working with the Scottish nutrition

company Harbro, a job that he had taken on after studying at SRUC, where he gained a first class honours degree in agriculture.

He says: “I was originally interested in pigs, but through the day job found out more about hens and went cap-in-hand to speak to my banker.

Grant funding

“I was also successful in securing some young farmer start up grant funding to help buy and relocate some second-hand poultry buildings. In the interim we set about organic conversion, as this was where the opportunity was with local egg packer, Farmlay.”

The first 4,000 organic birds

and Ross Learmonth with their daughter Lois.

■ If you are from a family farm, take time away to plough your own furrow if you can

■ Find what you are good at and leverage it

■ Consider risk and reward together not just one or the other

arrived in 2017, and Mr Learmonth says he soon realised that he could not give the day job as much commitment and that 4,000 birds were not going to be enough.

■ Significant capital and personal investment is required. Do not underestimate either as both can be exhausted if you are not careful

■ Resilience is just as important as return. Build both into your budgets

Not one to let opportunities pass, Mr Learmonth, says he then rented an existing 6,000-bird organic poultry site at Peterhead.

“So, having left my job and with another production opportunity presented, I set about extending the unit to 10,000 birds for spring 2018,” he says.

All eggs are supplied on a contract basis to the Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay.

“During this time Farmlay was still reporting strong demand for organic eggs, but with the constraints of a newly-purchased 150-acre farm on our business we had to look at other ways to allow expansion.”

Ross Learmonth’s tips for fellow young farmers

Molly

Pigs & Poultry Livestock

Meanwhile, Mr Learmonth’s father Eric and uncle Iain, who farm around 445ha (1,100 acres) in partnership, felt the time was right for them to look at diversifying their cattle and combinable crops operation.

Share-farming

Consequently, a share-farming agreement was drawn up, in which Mr Learmonth’s father and uncle own the purpose-built shed, with Mr Learmonth taking care of everything else. On this site, 12,000 birds are now housed, with the muck being used on Mr Learmonth’s organic cereals.

He says: “Home mixing allows the inclusion of home-grown organic crops in our split-fed rations, completing the cycle.”

A blow of bad luck came as Mr Learmonth was about to restock the Peterhead site for the second time, with Storm Arwen destroying both buildings.

“We just had to dust ourselves down and get on with it. It has since allowed me to refocus on things closer to home.”

While Mr Learmonth says he is happy with his own holding’s organic status, it soon became obvious that free-range could be a good option at his father’s farm. And earlier this summer, 16,000 free-range birds arrived after the construction of another new shed.

“We managed to go from steel up, to birds housed in less than 10 weeks – a credit to everyone involved,” says Mr Learmonth.

He adds: “This included the installation of a microgrid, incorporating solar photovoltaics, diesel generator, battery storage and provision of three-phase power for the new shed on the split phase supplied farm.”

Mr Learmonth supplies his eggs on a contract basis to Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay, with the help of two staff, and his wife, Molly, who looks after the admin side of the business since having the couple’s daughter Lois.

It is really important when you are starting out not to underestimate the effort compliance and quality assurance requires

ROSS LEARMONTH

Mr Learmonth says: “Molly has great office skills from her career in the oil and gas industry and it is important to say that record-keeping is a big part of the egg industry.”

He adds: “It is really important when you are starting out not to underestimate the effort compliance and quality assurance requires.”

Winter wheat

Mr Learmonth also farms 61ha (150 acres) of organic winter wheat, spring barley and beans, as well as grazing 340 organic cattle and an arrangement with a contract shepherd, which will see him finish 1,000 hoggs this year.

“I must acknowledge my folks for having the foresight to set me loose and then hold their nerve long enough to let all this happen,” says Mr Learmonth.

“It has been a steep learning curve, but I think eggs are one sec-

tor of farming that lends itself to first generation farmers or existing farms that want to create a role for a family member. So long as you are prepared to listen and learn you do not need decades of experience.

“It means a great deal to me and my family that it has enabled my grandparents’ small farm to provide a living. It had laid under-utilised for 20 years, but stocking it with hens created a business that has been able to invest in land and ways of reducing costs.

“We often wonder what my grandparents would think of what we are doing with the farm now.

“The hens are set to remain at our core as it is their reasonably predicable and regular cashflow that let us build other areas of the business around them,” he adds.

Mr Learmonth originally started with a 4,000-bird organic unit in 2017, which he later expanded to a 10,000-bird organic unit in 2018.

A new 16,000-bird free-range unit was built earlier this summer on Mr Learmonth’s father’s farm, to expand the business further.

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Delayed turnout changes worm control this season. Here is what to do next.

A focused look at worm control

This year’s delayed turnout could bring potential benefits for worm control in cattle, but worm burdens could still negatively impact productivity and profits if proper management and monitoring are not implemented.

Sioned Timothy, technical manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, explains what to look out for and how to manage what could be a challenging grazing season.

She says: “The good news for many producers is that the delayed turnout may have resulted in some overwintered worm larvae dying off. This will have reduced pasture contamination by the time cattle were eventually turned out this spring, and subsequently reduced any early worm infection.

“However, this might not be the case for everyone. If you had to change grazing plans because of wet or damaged pastures, any youngstock which could not be turned out onto clean pastures will still be at risk of parasitic disease and production loss.”

Calves and first-season grazing

youngstock are the highest risk category of cattle for worm infections and should be prioritised for the cleanest pasture on the farm.

This is important, since preventing high worm burdens and subsequent egg shed onto pasture lessens the risk of worm scours later in summer and prevents a knock to growth rates – and subsequent finishing times or bulling age.

Unpredictable year

Ms Timothy says: “This is going to be an unpredictable year for worm control and it could pose more challenges than usual. This is primarily because pasture contamination dynamics are going to be different.

“The usual mid-summer rise, where you see worm larvae peak on pasture, may come later or may not be as high as you would expect.

“This will mean changes to worm control programmes, not only to treat high burdens when they occur, but to avoid worming unnecessarily or at the wrong time.”

Avoiding unnecessary or poorly timed wormer treatments is vital, since inappropriate use can drive wormer resistance.

Worm egg output from youngstock can be a helpful indicator of pasture con-

tamination in the early part of the grazing season and can provide valuable information to help inform later treatment decisions.

“If you have not done any worm egg

Vet opinion

Jim Hopkins, clinical director at Steffan Veterinary Services, Lampeter, says the delayed turnout has already had a huge impact on cattle producers in his area.

“ It was an early housing because of the wet autumn, and turnout was delayed by four to six weeks, so it has been a very long winter here in West Wales.

The result has been significant changes and challenges to grazing plans, with some fields not being grazed as soon as expected.

These fields will now come back into the rotation later than planned, delaying the ability to move cattle later in summer.

counts before, this is the year to start,” says Ms Timothy.

“Faecal egg counts [FECs] are really worthwhile and allow you to be much more precise with your treatment tim-

On mixed holdings, sheep got a head start on cattle and have eaten quite a bit of the grass which would have been available, resulting in changes to paddock availability for youngstock.

Compounding this is a delay in the first cut of silage by up to three weeks, which means silage aftermath which is usually used for youngstock to reduce worm burdens from midsummer will not be available until a lot later than normal. This could have implications for managing worm burdens later in the year.

The uncertainty of overwintered worm larvae survival on pasture means we are not sure whether the warm and wet weather this spring will result

Sioned Timothy (inset) says the delayed turnout may have resulted in some overwintered worm larvae dying off.

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ings. This will ensure you achieve maximum impact from treatments and also helps to reduce the risk of driving wormer resistance.

“Treating too soon in summer, before

in rapid infection from contaminated pastures.

Testing is really the only way we are going to understand what is happening to worm populations on the pasture and in cattle.

youngstock have developed significant worm burdens, means you may treat some cattle unnecessarily.

“But leaving it too late can be worse –there is a risk of animals carrying very

I am advising clients to perform pooled FECs on their youngstock from three to four weeks after turnout and repeat at intervals of less than four weeks.

To get a representative sample, I always suggest taking 10-15 dung samples and avoiding the extremely hard and extremely wet pats.

Once egg counts start to go up and we are seeing 150 eggs/g, we know it is time to treat.

Ultimately, we need to ensure we are treating at the right time; not too early and not too late. And only treating when we really need to – to avoid driving wormer resistance and to limit the impact of anthelmintics on the environment.”

For more information, scan the QR code

Taking an FEC sample

J Ask your vet for an FEC test. Pooled dung samples should be taken from 10-15 individuals. Targeting fresh pats, take a teaspoon full of dung from three separate areas of 12-15 fresh pats and place into a sample pot or small zippered plastic sandwich bag.

J Fill the pot to the brim, pushing the dung down to ensure all air bubbles have been expelled. When using bags, lay the bag flat and squeeze out the air from the top of the bag before closing. This will help stop the eggs from developing.

J Ensure lids and bag zips are securely fastened.

J Label each pot or bag with cattle group name and send to the lab or your vet as soon as possible using provided instructions. Refrigerate if this cannot be done immediately.

high worm burdens, with the resulting impact on their productivity, as well as heavily contaminating the pasture.”

Pooled dung samples from each group of calves or first-season grazers should be taken periodically, ideally every two to three weeks, from turnout until around mid-summer.

As the season progresses, you can monitor the egg output and, as levels increase, you can start to assess whether, and when, any treatment is likely to be needed.

Your vet or suitably qualified person at your local agricultural merchant will be able to provide you with testing kits and instructions on sample collection, and help you interpret the results from the lab and make recommendations on any action you should take.

Wormer brands IVOMEC® Classic Pour-On and EPRINEX® Pour-On are suitable options for mid-summer worm treatments, targeting the most pathogenic roundworm species, including gutworms Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia spp. and the cattle lungworm.

It is important to note that FECs are only useful in calves and firstseason grazers, because they become less reliable as cattle age and immunity develops.

They also cannot be used to determine worm burdens in individual animals. However, they are valuable if carried out regularly to assess trends, rather than as single one-off tests.

Watch the weather

Ms Timothy says: “The watch-out for everyone this summer is that any prolonged hot or dry spell could make worm control more tricky.

“If worm larvae die-off on pasture and the group is still treated, you run the increased risk of selecting highly for resistance, with a reduced diversity of worm genetics on the pasture. Changing our worming practices can help leave some non-resistant worms in refugia, while still protecting overall productivity. To achieve this, consider leaving a proportion of animals untreated. They can be identified by tracking average daily liveweight gains over the grazing period.

“Any individuals which are not making targets, in the absence of any other illness and where sufficient nutrition is available, are likely to be impacted by a high worm burden and should be selected for treatment.

“A small proportion of well-performing animals can be left untreated without exposing them to significant risk, and the benefits of doing so considerably reduces the likelihood of selecting for resistance.”

IVOMEC® Classic Pour-On is a tried and tested wormer that treats and provides protection against reinfection with the most pathogenic gutworm species, Ostertagia ostertagi, for up to 21 days, and the cattle lungworm for up to 28 days.

EPRINEX® Pour-On is a tried and tested zero-milk withhold wormer which treats and provides protection against reinfection with the most pathogenic gutworm species, Ostertagia ostertagi, and the cattle lungworm for up to 28 days.

Jim Hopkins

Cowal flock clinches supreme at Textravaganza

l

Allanfauld Highland King takes reserve

KEITH, Alan and Roy Campbell, Lochgoilhead, Argyll, continued their winning form of this summer when an aged ewe from their Cowal flock took the championship at the Texel Sheep Society’s Farmers Guardian- supported 50th anniversary Textravaganza National Show at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

Having already claimed the Royal Highland Show championship this year, this two-crop ewe by the 65,000gns Lanark purchase from 2020, Hexel Django, is out of a dam by Teiglum Charmer.

Its previous show career success includes being breed champion at the Royal Welsh as a gimmer in 2022 and reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire in the same year.

Tapped out

Having taken the female championship under judge, Robert Cockburn, Knap, the ewe was then tapped out as overall champion by both Mr Cockburn and the judge from the day’s male classes, Jennifer Aiken, Coniston.

Mr Cockburn said: “She is a great working ewe, full of breed character with a great top and carcase.

“She is superbly correct and has great balance throughout. I loved her when I judged her as a gimmer at the Royal Welsh and she has matured into a great ewe.”

Overall and female champion, an aged ewe, from Keith, Alan and Roy Campbell, Lochgoilhead, Argyll.

She is a great working ewe, full of breed character with a great

Claiming the male championship and the reserve overall champion was the winner of the open ram lamb class, Allanfauld Highland King by 20,000gns Sportsmans Grand Slam out of a Clayburny Dunkirk-sired ewe, from Archie and John MacGregor and family’s Allanfauld flock, Kilsyth.

Mrs Aiken said the ram lamb had a great carcase and carriage, with a superb shoulder and gigot to him.

The MacGregors also took the reserve female championship with their first prize gimmer by 22,000gns Plasucha Fireball out of a Sportsmansbred dam by Garngour Craftsman.

The reserve male championship honours went to the winner of the Youth Development Programme (YDP) ram lamb class from James Porter’s Saltcotes flock, Penrith. It was by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a dam by Craig Douglas Dancer.

Taking the red ticket in the aged ram class was Society Spotlight Award winner Ewan MacTaggart, Castle Douglas, with Allanfauld Firecracker. This son of Claybury Dunkirk is out of a dam by a Knock sire.

Shearling rams

Sandy Hunter, Wedderburn, took top spot in the shearling rams with Wedderburn Gucci, a Claybury Dunkirk son out of a Westburnhouse-bred dam by Deveronvale Aftershock.

The Sportsmans flock of Messrs Boden and Davies, Stockport, led the way in the texelplus ram lamb class with a Castlecairn Doodlebug son out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman.

The YDP shearling ewe class winner was another from Mr Porter by Hexel Freaky Blinder and out of a dam by Hilltop Escobar.

The ewe lambs saw victory for another lamb by Sportmans Grand Slam, this time from the Knox family’s Haddo flock, Turriff.

The MacGregor family then took top spot in the group of three class.

The YDP young handlers championship headed back to Aberdeenshire with Logan Knox, Haddo, while reserve went to Matthew MacGregor, Allanfauld.

Reserve overall, male champion and winner of the open ram lamb class, Allanfauld Highland King, from Archie and John MacGregor, Kilsyth.

Reserve female champion and first prize gimmer, from Archie and John MacGregor, Kilsyth.

Reserve male and winner of the Youth Development Programme ram class, from James Porter, Penrith

Youth Development Programme young handler champion, Logan Knox, Haddo.

Contact us

■ As the number one place for weekly working dogs news, we want to publish your trial dates and results. Contact Ellie Layton on 07814 997 407 or ellie.layton@ agriconnect.com.

English results

ROMNEY MARSH (Judge, Mark Paice-Wartling) Open (100 ran) 1, Mark Banham, Jon, 83; 2, Mark Banham, Shabden Glen, 76; 3, Mark Banham, Taff, 75; 3, Tracy Carter, Brew, 74; 4, Jackie Marsh, Star, 67; 5, Jill Bastable, Meg, 67. Novice. 1, Mark Banham, Shabden Glen, 76; 2, Tracey Carter, Brew, 74; 3, Jill Bastable, Meg, 67; 4, Hazel Long, Wren, 54; 5, Wendy Cole, Gipping Valley Lil, 53; 6, Tracey Carter, Copper, 46. Starter (Hazel Long, 70 ran) 1, Grace Gower, Ayesha, 48; 2, Steve Cook, Jamie, 39; 3, Jemma How, Roy, 33; 3, Victoria Clayton, Spot, 27. TRAWDEN (Daniel Purtill) (50 ran) 1, Ricky Hutchinson, Jonah, 79; 2, Meg Hutchinson, Preseli Jet, 76T; 3, Janine Ashworth, Don, 74OLF; 4, Ed Thornalley, Molly, 74; 5, Becky Galloway, Nemo, 72; 6, Brenda Halliwell, Denwyn Moya, 69T.

Trials diary

WALES

July 13. LLANWRST, Llanrwst, LL26 0NR. 8.30am start. Contact 01492 640 859. July 13-14. LLANHARRY, Degar Farm, Llanharry, CF72 9JX (for sat nav use CF72 9LH) what3words: revise.castle.contracts. Secretary, Cerys Millichap, tel: 07800 784 664. Session one and two held on July 13. Session three and double fetch final held on July 14. Max two dogs per session. Single dogs can run in two of the sessions. Top three from each session qualify for double fetch final. 7.30am start, pre-entry required, entries full, reserve list in operation. July 19–20. MATHON, Charity trial in aid of cancer research, air ambulance and local hospices. Upper House, Cradley, signed off A4103 Hereford to Worcester Road. Chair Greg Tustin, tel: 07725 480 456. Local novice (25-mile radius) enter on field, start 6pm, July 19. Pre-entry only, start 7.30am, July 20. Entries for Saturday full, reserve list in operation. July 20. LLANERCHYMEDD, Llanerchymedd, LL71 8BD. 8.30am. Contact 07837 424 839. July 23–24. ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SHOW, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Radnorshire. Open national on both days, Young Handler competition on July 24. Contact: Chloe Lewis, Royal Welsh Livestock Department, tel: 01982 554 404 or chloe@rwas.co.uk. Entries closed. July 27. ABERNANT, Tafarn y Cwm, Abernant, SA33 6ND, signposted. Secretary, Huw Evans, tel: 07721 386 617. Open and combined national, young handler, 7.30am start, catering and bar, enter on field. NEW CROSS AND DISTRICT, Brenan Field, New Cross, SY23 4NA. Secretary: John George, tel: 01974 261 510. Open national, novice national, open South Wales and novice South Wales, 8am start, enter on field, catering available. HENRYD, Henryd North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies

NATIONAL FUNDRAISER (Peter Wood) (38 ran) 1, Steven Allen, Ruby, 93/100; 2, Chloe Cropper, Gus, 90; 3, James Howard, Floss, 89; 4, James Howard, Roy, 89; 5, Alexander Wilkinson, Pip, 88; 6, Alexander Wilkinson, Liz, 88. PITTSWORTHY, Final, 1, David Howells, Pip; 2, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack; 3, Jack Howells, Boss; 4, Kevin Evans, Jet; 5, Alison Sharpe, Sid; 6, Claire Slater, Ted. Day 2 qualifying. 1, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 16; 2, Claire Slater, Whiteley Ted, 18; 3, Alison Sharp, Sid, 19; 4, Tina Eichler, 20; 5, Kevin Evans, Mist, 20T; 6, Mike Edwards, Luke, 23. Day 1 qualifying. 1, David Howells, Pip, 81; 2, Jack Howells, Boss, 77; 3, Kevin Evans, Jet, 76; 4, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 75; 5, Claire Slater, Ted, 72; 6, Bleddyn Charles, Lester Jill, 71.

Scottish results

ST BOSWELLS, Novice, 1, B. McSporran, Cas. Open 1, N. Cambell, Moss, 90; 2, C. Dickson, Tom, 89; 3, C. Dickson, Bill, 88; 4, I. Brownlee, Lark, 87; 5, J. Paterson, Roy, 86; 6, W. Elliot, Cap, 85.

open trial. LL32 8DJ, 8.30am start, contact tel: 07702 016 812. RHESYCAE, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. Rhesycae, CH8 8JQ, 8am start, contact tel: 01352 780 271. July 28. RHOSGOCH, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. LL66 9AA, 8am start, contact tel: 07703 483 863. July 29. BUGEILIAID UWCHALED, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. LL23 7ED, 7.30am start, contact tel: 07772 748 316.

ENGLAND

JULY 13–14. AVON VALLEY, By kind permission of Frank and Dee Hodgkin, LE17 6DH, whatthreewords: Foster.Vanish.Originals. 30 dogs per session, limit of four dogs per handler per session, the same dogs can run in each session. £8 per run, hot and cold catering will be available throughout the day. Preenter with Caileigh, tel: 07860 716 467. Entries are only accepted on receipt of payment. If you choose to withdraw your runs, a refund will be issued if we can fill your space.

July 13. THORNTON TOWER, Held at, NE47 5AN. Ron Bailey Cup competition. Pre-entry for the first 45 dogs, 8.30am start. Contact Mr M Northwood, tel: 07816 533 804.

July 14. BROMPTON REGIS, By kind permission of R. Cowling and family at Ruglands Farm, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9NZ. What3words: socialite.speeds.twit. Classes for Novice, open Maltese cross, best young handler and new handler. Roll House Cup, novice, open driving, best young handler, Kings Brompton Perpetual Challenge Cup. 9.30am start, entries closed. Secretary, Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813 or email: julie@bearwoodfarm. co.uk. Charity trial with proceeds from trial and refreshments to Fishing for Life.

TROUGHEND, Troughend, NE19 1LA. Enter on the field, first 40 dogs, 9am start. Two dog limit, no second dogs to run after 12.30pm. Contact David Corbett, tel: 07821 921 625.

July 20. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Borough Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7HE. Open driving classes. 9.30am start. Entries close after first 60 dogs. Contact David Kennard, tel: 01271 870 056 or info@boroughfarm.co.uk. LILBURN, NE66 4PP. Pre-entry please, first dog to run before 12pm. Contact: Mr M Davidson, tel: 07751 276 513.

July 20-21. SANDRINGHAM, Fiddlers Cottage, St James Road, Castle Acre, Kings Lynn, PE32 2BH. Contact Sam, tel: 07531 145 447 or Kath, tel: 07786 605 419. Judge, Keith Addington, entries closed July, 10. Running orders will be available prior to trials published on our website.

July 21. MID SHIRES, Solihull, B92 0JA. Double gather trial. Pre-entry required. For further details contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732.

SCOTLAND

July 10-13. TRIALS OF BUTE, The Plan Farm, PA20 9LX. Brace trial. Information via https://trialsofbute. co.uk.

July 11-13. TRIALS OF BUTE, Scalpsie Farm. Information via https://trialsofbute.co.uk. July 12. TRIALS OF BUTE, Andros Farm. Information via https://trialsofbute.co.uk. STAFFIN, Held at IV51 9JE. 8am start. Entry on the field, £10 per dog. Enquires to Ian MacDonald 07717 065 500 or 01470 562 388 or email quiraingview@aol.com.

July 13. WATERNISH, Waternish Farm, Waternish, Isle of Skye, IV55 8GB. 8am start, pre-paid dogs only, limit of 50 dogs. £10 per dog, Max two per handler. Entries to Robert Montgomery, tel: 01470

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to sponsor the Working Dogs pages in Farmers Guardian for 2024. Wishing all triallists the very best of luck.”

Christopher Ware Managing director at Gilbertson & Page, manufacturer of Dr. John’s foods for dogs.

592 793, or email: robert@waternishfarm.com.

Catering on field, cheques payable to Waternish Farm. ABERFELDY AND DISTRICT, Croftmoraig Farm, Bolfracks Estate, Aberfeldy, PH15 2EY. First dog runs at 8am. £5 per dog. Entries to Anna McDiarmid, Balbeg Farm, Lawers, Aberfeldy, PH15 2NZ. Please include name, email address, address, contact number and number of dogs. Maximum of two dogs per person. Cheques payable to Aberfeldy and District Junior Agriculture Club. First 65 paid dogs. COLTCROOKS, Huntlywood, TD4 6BB. 8am start. There will be a sign on the main road pointing down the track to the field, enter on the field. Contact John, tel: 07928 165 469.

July 14. ISLE OF BUTE FINAL, Ardros Farm, PA20 0QF. Final for trials of Bute, information via www. trialsofbute.com. Spectators welcome.

July 15. HEBRIDEAN CIRCUIT, Berneray, North Uist. Berneray, HS6 5BQ. Contact Donald Macritchie, tel: 01851 810 579.

July 16. HEBRIDEAN CIRCUIT, Scarista, Isle of Harris. Scarista, HS3 3HK. Contact Donald Macritchie, tel: 01851 810 579.

July 17. HEBRIDEAN CIRCUIT, Ness, Isle of Lewis. Lionel Machair, HS2 0XD. Contact Donald Macritchie, tel: 01851 810 579. BUTE, Eskechraggan Farm, Isle of Bute. 8am start. Entry fee, £7.50, competitors limited to two dogs. Contact Christine Finlay, tel: 07768 955 225 or 01700 500 274.

July 20. ABOYNE, AB34 5NX, 8.30am start. £6 per dog, first 55 paid entries, £4 entry fee for visitors. Contact Eric Middleton, tel: 07966 416 038. GIFFORD, EH41 4PL. Two dogs per handler, 8am start. Catering on field, First 70 dogs, contact Ross Henderson, tel: 07501 268 681.

Left to right: Neil Campbell, Cameron Dickson and Ian Brownlie, pictured after the St Boswells’ open dogs trial.

Market Prices Primestock

SCOTLAND ENGLAND

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: LAA/MartEye

Market Prices Store Cattle

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

WALES

MARKET COMMENT

SHEEP prices saw a significant drop at UK auction marts in England and Wales this week, with falls also seen in the cattle rings.

Lamb prices dropped below the 300p/kg mark, falling 12.2p/kg to 294.50p/kg.

Young bull prices were down 2.1p/kg to 259.5p/kg, while heifer prices dropped 2.3p/kg to 280.40p/kg. Steers bucked the trend after a fall last week, up 1.8p/kg to 270.40p/kg.

Pig prices were mixed, with prices for pigs over 115kg seeing a significant rise as all other categories dropped.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (July 10), UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £196.95/tonne, a fall of £0.55/t on the week.

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

Market Prices

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

N/S deadweight prices for the week ending July 6, 2024.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

WALES

SCOTLAND

WEANER PRICES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

SOURCE:

Market Prices

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £25,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender May 31, 2024, next July 15, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

1.

Last updated July 9, 2024

Source: LAA/IAAS

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the most treasured agricultural events, and this year it is celebrating its 165th show. Emily Ashworth takes a look at its history and what it

GFarming: The Backbone of B

reat Yorkshire Show will celebrate its 165th show in 2024, but its history goes back much further, with roots reaching to the reign of Queen Victoria when the country was in the grip of the Industrial Revolution.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed by a cohort of agriculturalists, led by the third Earl Spencer, and it had five aims to improve and develop agriculture.

not added until 1843, with various towns bidding to host it.

Held annually until 1915, where it was held off due to the First World War, it did not reappear until 1920. It then took place at various locations until war ravaged the country again in 1939.

The first was to establish a major agricultural event – in 1838, the first Yorkshire Show was held.

The ‘great’ part of the title was

is that people love most about it.

Celebrating the 165th Great Yorkshire Show

The show resumed in 1949, and a showground was purchased overlooking Rudding Park in Harrogate, becoming the first permanent showground to be purchased in the UK.

MORE INFORMATION Visit farmersguardian.com/farm-life

Dairydisplayatthe GreatYorkshireShow heldinHullin1930.

History is hugely important at the Great Yorkshire Show and we should never forget that. Without the forward thinking of our predecessors, we simply would not have bought the showground in 1949. Many of our attendees came to the show as children, myself included, and we have continued to introduce subsequent generations to the event. Indeed, this year we have one lady who will celebrate her 102nd birthday here while watching her daughter compete in the rings. There are many families who will have several generations attending, and long may that continue to ensure we keep memories alive.

CHARLES MILLS , GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW DIRECTOR

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society founded Great Yorkshire Show in 1838.

The main ring in 1954.

I have been attending the show all my life; I went with my father and grandfather, and my children and grandchildren have attended too. As a British Pig Association representative, I show every year and have also judged at the show. I enjoy catching up with exhibitors and the buzz you get from showing the pigs. We are involved in the junior pig club as it allows children to get hands-on experience. It allows people, especially children, to learn about agriculture, see some of the best animals in the country and see how farmers care.

TRISHA HORSLEY, PIG FARMER FROM YORK

Members area in 1966.

Queen Elizabeth II attends Great Yorkshire Show in 1957.

Deen Roberts and Peggy Church on Glovers of Ripon stand in 1957.

Show visitors in York in 1937.

Tractor display in the main ring in 1965.

Children enjoying a drink of milk at Great Yorkshire Show in 1961.

Queen Elizabeth II enjoying the show in 1977.

In Your Field

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

HELEN STANIER

Yorkshire Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her parents, David and Anne Shaw, husband, Craig, and their children, Alfred and Hattie, at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers.

When Craig opened the door to a police officer in the middle of the night last week, he knew it could only mean one thing. The heifers were out.

Our yearling heifers graze a large area of meadowland close to the city centre.

The grazing is ideal for them, varied and nutritious and, in turn, the heifers help to maintain the low-input grassland and keep it fertile.

Unfortunately, its suburban location attracts some unwelcome visitors, who treat the land like their playground, leaving gates and fences open and even deliberately cutting barbed wires.

Dashed

We dashed for Mum to stay with the children and woke one of the team to help with the rounding up.

By the time we arrived, a group of 30 rather nosy Jerseys had made their way into a quiet cul-de-sac and were happily munching the hedges, lawns, and flowers!

My colleague and I blocked their

‘At this point they decided that their midnight snacking wasn’t over’

path with the assistance of the police while Craig went to fix fences and arrange an access route back into the field. Fortunately, the heifers are used to following our truck so when we were ready, they soon set off trotting alongside us until we reached a road junction.

At this point they decided their midnight snacking wasn’t over and took a wrong turn towards the city centre.

Craig managed an Olympian sprint, the sort that can only be done when livestock have escaped, and got ahead of them to turn them back.

Eventually, we got them all back through the gate and into the field.

We re-fenced their escape route, checked the remaining fences, and headed home, just in time to start the jobs for the day.

While the local social media was full of excitement about the night’s events, and hedges and lawns will regrow, I doubt anyone appreciated the consequences of the actions taken by a minority of their community. I certainly didn’t. It was an unnecessary drama that we could have all done without.

In other news, we have eventually got some hay cut and baled in between badly-timed rain showers.

The maize is looking healthier now after a few days of hot sunshine (I hope

that’s not the extent of the British summer), but we still have a second cut of silage to gather before straw baling begins.

We have also been very busy preparing for a special year at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. Not only will we be showing our cows, but also this year marks Mum’s 50th year of service in the Jersey breed office tearoom near the cattle stalls.

Along with our amazing volunteers, Mum and I will once again be serving drinks, sandwiches and cakes.

It’ll be wonderful to celebrate her achievement sharing many memories with friends made over the years.

NEXT WEEK

North Wales Dan Jones

West Sussex James and Isobel Wright

‘Our beloved cattle deserve better’

JAMES ROBINSON

Cumbria

James farms Dairy Shorthorns east of Kendal, Cumbria, with his parents Kathleen and Henry, wife Michelle and sons Robert and Chris. The fifth generation to farm at Strickley, he is also vice-chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

Idreamed our bTB test went positive and there was an X Factor-style pause filled with tension before, ‘you are all clear’. Michelle and I hugged, we were relieved, we were clear.

Then I woke up. Unfortunately, the incredibly vivid dream did not manifest itself into reality.

There were no hoards of friendly faces around the yard, and no X Factor announcement of an all clear. Instead, Jaz the vet, who worked brilliantly for the two days, had to write out another TB181 form. One more reactor and three inconclusive to add to the list.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is blood testing these four and, if they are all clear and the reactor cow (Strickley Goldie 213th, because she is not just another APHA number) has no visible lesions, then a ‘non-specific reactor policy’ will be instigated.

This means that we will go onto a six month test next time, due to the fact the APHA has not found any evidence of bTB on any of the 28 animals either slaughtered as reactors or taken after a blood test.

And yet they tell us that the skin test, which has been used for the past 90 years, is so accurate that the chance of getting a false positive is 5,000-1.

Now, either that stat is a load of rubbish or the whole policy is barely fit for purpose. What are we to believe?

The APHA tells us that the skin test is the best way to find bTB within a herd, and yet they are now saying that maybe our cows were reacting to something other than bTB.

How are we ever going to see the end of bTB in our nation’s cattle herd if the test we are using has so many holes in it. It is bizarre to think that it’s the same test as it was 90 years ago. Our

Crossword 1253

vets need better, we farmers need better, and our beloved cattle certainly deserve better.

Better things happened this weekend though; we are just back from an excellent day at a local cheese festival at Courtyard Dairy.

If you have never been to this shop, then you absolutely must. It’s on the A65 on the way to Cumbria (another reason to go) and is full to the brim of the best cheeses and the best people to advise you on everything cheesy.

Creamy

At the festival were some of my favourite cheeses, Stonebeck Wensleydale from Andrew and Sally Hatton, creamy and deep in flavour.

There’s also Fellstone Wensleydale from the Noblett family only a few miles from us – another cheese that I could eat every day and never tire of.

Lowfields Lancashire, a raw milk, wondrously flavoured cheese made from a micro-dairy of Dairy Shorthorns was the best new cheese in my opinion, really good stuff.

I was helping out Nicola from St James cheese, they use our own organ-

ic milk to make a rind-washed soft cheese called St Sunday’s, and a halloumi-style grilling cheese called Lakes-A-Lomi.

Both are incredibly popular. It is just great to see the effort we put into dairy farming being made into something so good.

The support and camaraderie within the artisan cheese world is amazing; it’s just a bunch of really nice people making great food from great milk.

That’s what makes this job worth sticking with.

Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No. 1253, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

ACROSS

1 Bring a shine to East European language (6)

5 Greeting sailor, take over vehicle by force (6)

10 Squeaky bird’s cry’s deserving contempt, we’re told (5)

11 Select refined and not oddly complex instrument (9)

12 Separated meant losing a flat (9)

13 Reportedly chased away, as workhorse might be (5)

14 Put forward for consideration unusually good guests (7)

16 Sales agent to arrange computer windows for a despicable person (7)

18 Formally discussed act about flying mammal (7)

20 Comes near lodgers, we hear (7)

22 Month to advance steadily (5)

24 Possession when pro is involved (9)

26 Vegetable’s outer layer for flimsy paper (9)

27 Closely-spaced animal lairs on centre of field (5)

28 Weep about regularly mealie plant (6)

29 Root vegetable grown finally in northern country (6)

DOWN

2 Some no-hoper adoring musical drama (5)

3 I’m a doctor’s client, tending to be quickly provoked (9)

4 Currently fashionable examinationthe most exciting (7)

5 Place to keep colt sadly left among others (7)

6 Primarily judges extremely simple tests suitable for kids (5)

7 Recoil dubiously about fish, a huge snapper (9)

8 Fights for bits of leftover food (6)

9 Require the French sewing implement (6)

15 Curiously bargained for woven twill fabric (9)

17 Bird to leave long, narrow range of hills (9)

18 Fruit of mother with child (6)

19 Means of access traditionally given at age of 21 (4,3)

20 Nutty fruit (7)

21 Evening meal of one who drinks in small sips? (6)

23 Something else hides joint (5)

25 Bird on church in the future (5)

Recent winners: March, M. Bond, Lancashire; April, M. Kidd, Angus; May, S. Fox, Devon

Answers to crossword 1251: Across: 1 Credit account, 8 Smites, 9 Macaws, 12 Adder, 13 Embarrass, 14 Fences, 15 Accident, 18 Overtime, 20 Edible, 23 Enchilada, 25 Cruel, 26 Cohere, 27 Danube, 28 Reclassifying.

Down: 2 Ramadan, 3 Detergent, 4 Tasked, 5 Comeback, 6 Occur, 7 Newgate, 10 Mayflower, 11 Tsetse fly, 16 Indecency, 17 Impanels, 19 Enclose, 21 Bourbon, 22 Gandhi, 24 Ideal.

Farming Matters

‘The voice of our Young Farmers has to be heard’

Last week saw one of the biggest changes in Government in a lifetime. The last time a Labour Prime Minister had the keys to Downing Street, I was only 10 years old. They are back, 14 years later, but what will it mean for agriculture, rural communities and our way of life?

When the exit poll swept on to our screens at 10pm last Thursday, the writing was on the wall.

A Labour Government was back with a huge majority. More than 400 seats in the House of Commons compared to the Conservatives on just 121, a stark contrast to the results in 2019.

Optimism

However, in 2019, the results sparked far more optimism for this industry and the outlook going forward.

Usually, the results south of the border do not reflect the mood in Scotland. However, on this occasion, Scotland is surprisingly in sync with the rest of the country, electing a majority

of Labour MPs and giving the SNP one of its worst election defeats in history.

Hopefully, this will give them the indication that has been so badly needed, that independence is just not a priority at this moment in time.

Like most things, Labour Party policy and ideas in their manifesto was scarce when it comes to agriculture. This is a dangerous position, but it is also an opportunity to be grabbed with both hands.

Now is not the time to sit back and ‘see what happens’, it is time to stand up and be heard.

All across the industry, farmers, producers and those who make a living from the rural industries need to make their opinions and priorities heard and ensure that this new Government knows what is important.

This is now the perfect time for member-led organisations to shine.

The NFU in all parts of the country has a golden opportunity to help shape the conversation and put meat on the bone when it comes to the priorities of

JOHN McCULLOCH

Trainee auctioneer and former national chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs Agri and Rural Affairs committee

this new Government. The appointment of Steve Reed as the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs appears to have been a positive move, having had several meetings already with the NFU in recent days.

It is not down to the NFU to do this alone. Everyone has to play their part.

Engagement

Young Farmers’ organisations across the four nations also need to engage where possible.

Politics will not be of interest to every one of their members, but for many, they will be in line to take over family farms and will make a living from the industry. Their voice has to be heard.

Having been national chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs Agri and Rural Affairs committee, I have seen first-hand the work which can be done and the meetings that can be achieved with politicians.

They want to hear from young

people in the industry, so don’t miss the chance.

These are the most tumultuous times the agricultural industry will have faced. We simply cannot afford five more years of lukewarm promises and soundbites.

Now is the time for action.

Labour’s victory is decisive across the country and they deserve a chance. However, they have a massive uphill struggle ahead if they are to prove that they are the right party to protect agriculture and our food security going forward.

Sir Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to victory last week, with a huge majority of 412 seats to the Conservative Party’s 121.

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