Farmers Guardian Scottish 17th May 2024

BLUES BLOSSOM

FOOD IN FOCUS

By Jane Thynne and Rachael Brown

FARMING leaders welcomed positive commitments from the Government at this week’s Downing Street Farm to Fork Summit, although concerns regarding the implementation of many of the proposals remain.

The UK’s ability to feed itself ranked high on the agenda as the first Food Security Index was launched.

The document, which is to be published annually, was in response to asks from both the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and the farming unions.

While the data used is from 2022, the document was hailed as a positive by union leaders, with NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy saying it was ‘about time the penny dropped on food security’.

He said: “In the face of geopolitical events and climate change, it makes no sense that we do not produce as much food as we can across the UK.”

Alongside this was a significant boost for horticulture, with the launch

of a new strategy to support the sector, the announcement of a new Supply Chain Adjudicator Mark Thompson and the pledge to appoint a Tenant Farming Commissioner by autumn. However, as many farming leaders pointed out, there was no timescale delivered as part of the announcements, nor was there any short-term plans to help farmers currently struggling on the back of the wet weather.

Tom Lancaster, land analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “In only running to 2022, the new Food Security Index is lagging behind the impacts of the extreme weather and climate change we have seen in the last 18 months.

“Any farmer trying to drill a crop or tend to livestock this winter will know it is a now risk, not some theoretical concern for the future.”

Speaking to Farmers Guardian, Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer said the plans reflected a ‘short-term journey to get on to that long-term aspiration’ and that the approaching General Election would not deter the Government from getting to work on its proposals.

He said: “We are up and running from day one, constantly looking at how the sector can move forward.

“The way we get re-elected is by setting out a clear agenda for the country which is optimistic and positive and demonstrates we are on your side.”

He acknowledged there were challenges but wanted to make sure the agricultural sector had a ‘strong voice in the election process’.

He said: “It is a huge political opportunity for us as a sector. Having the Farm to Fork Summit at Number 10 tells me the Prime Minister realised how important we are so let us seize that as an opportunity and continue to maintain that profile.”

PICTURE: SIMON WALKER

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosting the Farm to Fork Summit.

PM commits to a Tenant Farming Commissioner

rClear guidelines must be in place, says NFU

THE Government will appoint a Tenant Farming Commissioner this autumn, as part of a series of measures announced at this week’s second annual Farm to Fork Summit.

The commissioner’s role and terms of reference are still not defined, but the position will be independent and had been previously pitched at aiming to provide further scrutiny of conduct in the sector, alongside the code of practice.

The chair of the Rock Review, Baroness Kate Rock who this week was appointed one of Defra’s new non-executive board members to monitor the department’s delivery, said she was ‘delighted the Government had accepted the vital need

for a commissioner to ensure fairness within the tenanted sector’.

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said it was crucial the role was ‘fair and balanced for landlords, agents and tenants’ and was a ‘well-respected neutral party with a good understanding of the agricultural world’.

Invaluable

Alastair Paul, partner in Knight Frank’s rural consultancy team, said it could prove invaluable if its terms of reference allow for it, the powers were effective and the appointee promotes collaboration. But he said he did not believe the role should be used solely to ‘police poor practice’, adding the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors can address such issues and should not ‘interfere with the existing dispute resolution options available to landlords and tenants’.

HORTICULTURE TAKES CENTRE STAGE

HORTICULTUREwasputcentrestage attheFarmtoForkSummit,witha raftofmeasuresunveiledincluding anewblueprintentitledGrowingthe UKFruitandVegetableSector.

Itsetsouthowindustryand Governmentcanworktogetherto increasedomesticproductionand driveinvestment,withPrimeMinister RishiSunakaddingfarmersand growerswere‘vitaltothesecurity andthefabricofourcountry’.

AccordingtoMrSunak,thenew measureswillensurethesectorhas accesstoaffordableandsustainable energyandwater;receivesaround £80millioninvestmenttoboost innovation,aswellasbenefiting fromplanstocutredtapeto buildglasshouses.

NFUhorticultureandpotatoes boardchairMartinEmmettwelcomed theproposalsbutsaiditwas importantdetailsofhowtoaccessit werequicklysharedwithgrowers.

Delighted

BritishApplesandPearssaiditwas ‘delighted’withtheproposalswhich alsopromisedorchardgrowers£10m forequipmentandtechnology,adding itwouldgivethesectorconfidence.

RebeccaLaughton,horticulture campaigncoordinatoratthe Landworkers’Alliancesaiditwasvital individualproducersandsmallerscale agroecologicalgrowerswerealso supportedandurgedGovernment to‘lookbeyondtheattractionof technologicalfixes’.

PICTURE: SIMON WALKER

FARM TO FORK SUMMIT NEWS

Left to right: Farmer Will, Jessie Wynter, Hannah Jackson and Rishi Sunak.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said the union supported the move in principle, adding it would help to change the culture and provide ‘much-needed scrutiny of bad practice and conduct’ but clear guidelines needed to be in place.

Tenant Farmers Association national chair Robert Martin said it would help ‘develop sustainable and collegiate landlord-tenant relationships’, but questions remained on how it would assist with ‘dispute resolution, reforming arbitration and feed into legislative and fiscal changes’.

FARMERS CARRYING UNDUE PROPORTION OF RISK

FAILING to get farming and environmental policies right could lead to a ‘catastrophic situation’.

That was the warning from Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning, speaking ahead of the summit, adding farmers were carrying ‘an undue proportion of the risk’, at a time when little profit, if any, was being made.

Ms Browning said investment in the right sort of infrastructure and support which gives farmers confidence was key if the UK wanted food on the table.

The UK could not continue to rely on imports from countries affected by climate change, she added.

A new poll commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) showed 72 per cent of farmers in the poll were worried about climate change.

Support

Tom Lancaster, land analyst at ECIU, said farmers were ‘on the climate coal face’ and needed support ‘to adapt’ and become resilient, whether this was shortterm support to get through the wet winter or longer term policies to improve resilience.

He added getting to net zero was crucial to ensure food security.

BPS pause ruled out

THE NFU’s call for a halt to the phase out of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) has faced criticism from other parts of the industry.

Chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network Martin Lines said the calls were ‘missing the bigger picture’ and instead urged the Government to push ahead to ‘ensure farms can deliver sustainable systems that reward active farmers for the right actions’.

Despite Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer ruling out any such pause, NFU president Tom Bradshaw defended the message, urging the Government to use its reported underspend of more than £200 million to ‘recognise the cashflow crisis’ many farmers are facing or will face.

Mr Bradshaw said events at the summit showed the Government focus was more on strategic, longterm policies.

“I think they [Government] need to take critical steps to get the industry on a much firmer footing,” he said.

Pressure

While reaffirming the decision not to change tack on BPS, Farming Minister Sir Mark did however, acknowledge the huge pressure farmers had been under owing to the weather.

The Minister said the Government could ‘mitigate some of the impact in Sustainable Farming Incentive and stewardship schemes’, suggesting where people had committed to putting in buffer zones or bird mixes and had then been unable to, the Government could possibly look at whether they could still be paid.

He added Defra wanted to ensure it got the remaining BPS payments out on time.

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

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NEWS

King accepts agricultural patronages

KING Charles has accepted patronage for major agricultural societies across the UK, following a review of more than 1,000 royal patronages and charity presidencies since The King’s Accession.

Patronage of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) has been accepted by The King after the society was first granted its Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1840.

RASE chief executive David Grant said: “Welcoming The King as our new patron marks a new chapter for RASE as we continue supporting the progression of knowledge and innovation within the agricultural community.”

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has also announced King Charles as its patron.

Chief executive Alan Laidlaw said: “We are honoured and humbled that King Charles is to continue the Royal Family’s long-standing tradition of supporting Scotland’s agricultural and rural communities through the work of the society.”

After showing consistent support to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), having visited the Royal Welsh Show on seven occasions from 1969 to 2019 and also opening the Winter Fair in 2021, RWAS has announced King Charles as its patron.

Chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones said it was ‘very special’ and The King was a ‘true champion of rural matters and has a deep affection for Wales’.

The Royal Association of British

Dairy Farmers has also announced The King as its new patron.

Title

King Charles will continue to be patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society after being given the title in 1998 as The Prince of Wales. Other agricultural patronages included the Royal Agricultural University and The King has retained his patronage of the Soil Association.

Welsh SFS pushed back for another year

rIndustry welcomes scheme delay to 2026

By Rachael Brown

THE Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in Wales will be delayed until 2026, to ensure the scheme was in the right place to get ‘full sign up’, according to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies.

Mr Irranca-Davies confirmed the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) would continue to be available to farmers in 2025, with the proposed SFS transition period starting from 2026. Although the BPS budget for next year has not been finalised yet.

The announcement of a delay comes almost a month after Mr Irranca-Davies said an SFS launch date for January 2025 was ‘realistic’ and that there were no plans to pause SFS.

Speaking to Farmers Guardian, the Cabinet Secretary said using 2025 as a preparatory phase for SFS allowed ‘issues to be worked through’ via the

Ministerial Roundtable, adding they had always been clear the scheme would only be taken forward once it was ‘good and ready’.

Mr Irranca-Davies said he had seen some of the interim analysis from the SFS consultation, adding there were issues around evidence, data, alternative suggestions to carbon sequestration, as well as recognition around social value.

“We have got intense work to do in technical, scientific and evidential matters to try and grind out the final details of the scheme,” he said, adding there would ‘undoubtedly’ be areas where ‘complete full agreement’ will not be achieved.

Rejected

The Cabinet Secretary rejected suggestions the scheme was not ready due to his predecessor, Lesley Griffiths, not listening to farmers.

He added there had been ‘really good engagement over the last eight years and throughout the consultation period’.

With some questioning whether

Wales was ‘trailing behind’ England, Mr Irranca-Davies said the Welsh Government was trying to create a ‘once-in-a-lifetime generation opportunity’, adding a scheme which was ‘co-designed with people in the genuine meaning of that word.’

“It is not a piecemeal approach. It is something that all farmers can and want to be part of. That is quite different,” he said, adding there has to be a solution which was ‘bespoke’ for farming in Wales.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said the decision to continue with BPS was ‘sensible and pragmatic’, adding an economic impact assessment of SFS must be carried out.

When probed on publishing economic analysis, Mr Irranca-Davies said it was not something he wanted to rush, but it would be ‘reflective of the final scheme, not some halfway house.’

WWF Cymru said it is ‘disappointed’ by the delay, adding ‘we are running out of time to act’ and ‘yet another year of uncertainty for Welsh farmers’.

The King will continue to be patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

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BSE case detected in Scotland

rZero risk to human health, officials say

By Chris Brayford

INDUSTRY organisations have hailed the effective workings of the surveillance systems following the detection of a case of classical BSE in the UK for the first time in more than two years.

The Scottish Government has confirmed precautionary movement restrictions at the Ayrshire farm following confirmation of the BSE case on May 10 as a result of routine surveillance and stringent control measures.

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said while the case of classical BSE had been disappointing and a huge concern for the farmers involved, it was testament to the ‘highly effective surveillance programme’.

The last UK case was detected at a Somerset farm in September 2021.

Officials from Food Standards Scotland, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Ruminant Health and

Welfare network have confirmed investigations remain ongoing to identify the origin of the disease.

The animal did not enter the human food chain and there was no risk to human health.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said the quick detection of the case had been proof the Scottish Government’s surveillance system had worked effectively with Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas reassuring the public and farmers that the risk was ‘minimal’.

Impact

Donald Ross, a mixed-arable farmer from Easter Ross in the Highlands, looked back at the impact of BSE back in the 1990s saying the new case had come at the worst possible time.

He said: “The handrail breaks just as you grab on to it, sending you right back in the hole. This, after a hard winter, will break people. Let us keep an eye on everyone.”

Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, said it was not ‘totally unexpected’ for the detection of a BSE case, but praised

Ember Energy DEFRA GRANT APPLICATION

the

the rapid detection. Ms Nevel said she expected the impact of trade from the isolated case to be ‘minimal’ and confirmed beef could continue to be exported as normal.

Tony Goodger, spokesperson for

the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, said there was ‘zero risk’ to human health, but urged the Scottish Government to provide more funding to strengthen on-farm surveillance.

Upland sheep support scheme starts paying out

SHEEP farmers have started to receive their share of around £6.6 million in funding through the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme.

Scottish Government confirmed more than 1,000 sheep farming businesses started getting their support on May 10 to support producers who rely on poorer quality rough grazing landworth £61.38 per eligible ewe hogg compared to the £61.25 rate in 2022.

Jim Fairlie, Scottish Agriculture Minister, said it was important for

farmers to receive the funding ‘as soon as possible’ to give them the confidence to plan and budget for the year.

NFU Scotland said 115,627 animals and 1,134 businesses had been eligible to apply for the scheme. Peter Kennedy, less favoured areas committee chair at NFU Scotland, a hill farmer from Glendaruel in Argyll, said attention must now turn to how the livestock producers in some of Scotland’s more remote and challenging areas will be supported going forward.

UFU welcomes Daera clarity

THE Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed clarity around the direction of travel in the new Farm Support and Development programme.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Minister Andrew Muir confirmed plans for future farm support.

UFU president William Irvine welcomed the clarity, but said it was important all sectors were supported.

“More work must be done to improve long-term resilience, growth and ensure key animal health issues are dealt with. It will be challenging for

the agri-industry; however, it is vital Daera acts promptly and ensures the new Farm Support and Development programme works for all farming enterprises,” he said.

“Investing in and supporting our livestock, arable and horticulture sectors is essential for productivity, job creation, and economic and environmental delivery – all critical elements that translate into a prosperous future for the agricultural industry.”

He added agriculture was the backbone of the economy and farmers were enduring ‘another testing year’.

While of huge concern,

detection of the BSE case is testament to the surveillance programme, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said.

John Swinney has been urged to show he understands the needs of farmers through his policy agenda.

Agriculture needs to be at heart of policy

rFarmers feel priorities have been ignored

By Chris Brayford

FIRST Minister John Swinney has been told to place the interests of rural Scotland firmly at the heart of his Government’s agenda by farmers and politicians across the Scottish political spectrum.

In a letter, Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Rachael Hamilton said the Scottish National Party (SNP)-led Government had ‘ignored’ and left farmers in a ‘black hole’ over agricultural policies and deferred funding of the agricultural budget.

She pinpointed eight key demands, including the imminent restoration of £45 million-worth of funding to the rural budget, to reset the SNP’s relationship with rural Scotland.

“The priorities of farmers have been ignored for far too long. I am demanding the latest SNP leader finally shows he understands the needs of those communities through his policy agenda,” Ms Hamilton said.

Correct ‘errors’

Donna Smith, chief executive at the Scottish Crofting Federation, said Mr Swinney’s Government could correct the ‘errors’ of the previous administration in driving a fairer and greener Scotland through legislation including

the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill and the Land Reform Bill.

At present, she said, crofters felt they were being let down.

“There is a real risk that the measures introduced via the new tiered system will be pushing crofters over the cliff edge, effectively excluding them from any meaningful support, while further pouring public money into the pockets of the largest private landowners who do not need to be subsidised,” she said.

Wendy Chamberlain, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said political instability had left farmers with very little confidence.

“Mr Swinney should restore funding to the rural budget, support those affected by recent floods, invest in new

housing for rural workers and make clear that he sees farmers and crofters as being at the heart of our future as a country.”

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, a former Scottish Labour spokesperson for the Rural Economy, said farmers and crofters had been ‘in the dark’ over future support.

“Chaos and continuity simply will not cut it,” he said, calling for a change of Government both at Holyrood and Westminster.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it has supported initiatives to address depopulation and affordable housing in rural areas while providing £82m in schemes to support economic growth in areas including the Highlands and the south of Scotland.

PICTURE: GETTY

New AHDB emissions pilot will ‘alleviate’ pressure on farmers

rScheme to individually

baseline 170 farms

By Jane Thynne

A NEW project to showcase the importance of on-farm environmental baselining and to alleviate pressure faced by farmers to deliver on environmental targets is being launched by the AHDB.

The £2.5 million levy-funded pilot, which is being run with support from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), will aim to individually baseline up to 170 farms across Great Britain. It is part of the levy body’s commitment to create a nationwide standardised dataset across the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors.

In Scotland, the pilot will be a collaboration between AHDB and QMS, which are investing £375,000 to support participating beef, sheep and pig farmers.

AHDB said the project aimed to bring ‘integrity to the industry’ by facilitating more accurate reporting of emissions and the environmental impact of agriculture.

Demonstrating

The board’s chief executive Graham Wilkinson said: “Agriculture faces the biggest challenge of a generation in demonstrating the positive impact that farming systems can have on the environment. This is amplified by a lack of accurate, on-farm-level data.

“Our industry-first pilot will help change the story of British agriculture, which has been dominated by gross greenhouse gas emissions.”

The pilot focuses on accurate measurements to reveal the net carbon position (the balance of emissions and carbon removals/stocks) of farm busi-

AHDB said the project aimed to bring ‘integrity to the industry’ by facilitating more accurate reporting of emissions and the environmental impact of agriculture.

nesses, including carbon sequestration potential. It will also provide a dataset which shows the range and variety of results from individual farms, which will allow the industry to move away from relying on national and international averages.

By measuring greenhouse gas emissions, landscape and soil carbon stocks, water run-off, as well as using soil analysis of individual farms, the data collected will help to demonstrate the real environmental benefits of British agricultural products, both domestically and overseas. It will also provide a more accurate reflection of its position and progress towards net zero.

Sarah Millar, chief executive of QMS, said the pilot would help provide the evidence needed to underline the positive environmental credentials of Scottish food production.

“Through this pioneering baselin-

Defra’s bovine TB consultation closes

DEFRA’S industry consultation looking at the future of bovine TB policy and its plan to eradicate the disease has now closed.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned a ‘swift response’ to the consultation was essential to avoid ‘stagnation’ in the current trajectory of getting rid of bTB.

Mr Bradshaw said that while cattle vaccination trials ‘were underway’, it was not there yet and the industry must ‘not be complacent’, adding he

was looking forward to hearing a Government update.

Mr Bradshaw said: “The success of the bTB eradication strategy is dependent on a range of methods to tackle the disease, including badger vaccination, responsible cattle movements and badger control.”

He added the recent Birch report had showed how important the cull had been in support of other measures, saying it was vital to continue where necessary.

ing project, we have a unique opportunity to showcase tangible evidence of what we already know: that Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork actively contribute to landscape preservation and carbon sequestration as well as food production,” she added.

The proposals have received strong support from across the industry.

Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association, welcomed the announcement and said: “The fact that this is net emissions is vital for the livestock industry.

“We keep being challenged on our emissions, but the industry sequesters a huge amount of carbon.

“One of the points I raised with the Secretary of State at the Farm to Fork Summit was why the Government’s own Climate Change Committee continues to challenge the devolved countries to reduce livestock numbers when this will lead to greater imports, more emissions and have an impact on food security. So yes, we very much welcome AHDB’s moves to drive calculators that will find net emissions.”

Independent agronomist Neil Fuller said the standardisation process was ‘massively important’.

“It is vital that farmers get a really good view of their carbon values in numbers. So the system has to be easy and straightforward. What we have to do is turn carbon calculations into a management decision-making tool.

“We are looking to drive the carbon agenda through really good farming

It is vital that farmers get a really good view of their carbon values in numbers. So the system has to be easy and straightforward NEIL FULLER

practices. To achieve climate-smart farming, farmers need that baseline data and in my view AHDB has a fantastic role to play here.”

Recruitment

AHDB and QMS are currently in the process of recruiting farms to join the pilot project.

Chris Gooderham, AHDB livestock science and environment director, said: “The pilot is the starting point to measure any changes delivered by the farmers taking part. However, it will also provide a huge dataset from which we will be able to draw some early observations. For example, the relevance of carbon stocks, the potential for increasing soil carbon storage and what impacts it.”

Cutting through the insurance jargon

In my role at BASC, I make the needs of individual members my priority and, while focusing on the various threats and challenges that sustainable shooting faces. Although we all hope that insurance is something we never need call on, BASC’s insurance is a key part of our offering to members.

The majority of BASC members join for the insurance cover and then stay due to a broader recognition of the work we do. The insurance package could be seen as the bread and butter of a very packed sandwich.

When the pheasant hits the window

The BASC members’ insurance policy is a policy of ‘first resort’ which means in the event of a claim, the expert claims team will take control and deal with it, regard-

less of what other policies you may have in place.

However, many of the cheaper membership insurance products out there are policies of ‘last resort’, which means if you make a claim on one of them, the policy will not respond until you can prove you have no other insurance in place which could cover the claim.

If you hold household contents insurance, for example, this will almost certainly cover your personal liabilities and would be forced to respond to the claim before your membership cover.

Picture the scene… you have just shot a pheasant, the Gun next to you shouts “good shot” but while you are mentally rehearsing your lengthy anecdote on the situation, the bird drifts on a

gust of wind and smashes through the window of a Grade II Listed conservatory.

The cost of repairs will be substantial, and the homeowner is understandably angry… but you are a BASC member and know your insurance provider will now begin working on your behalf. In the real-life version of this story, the insurance covered thousands of pounds of damage and the expert skills needed to repair the property.

Imagine the alternative scenario, where you had opted for a cheaper insurance product. You would have spent the first hours and days of this delicate situation trying to prove to your insurance provider that your household contents insurance did not some-

how cover this accident.

Consider having to explain the format of a game shoot to a company you chose due to its policy and expertise on domestic flood damage. And don’t forget the increasingly irate conservatory owner who will justifiably be getting more and more frustrated nobody is taking any action.

I personally would find considerable comfort in knowing my insurance provider was not going to spend time looking for other insurance to cover a claim of accidental damage I caused to someone else’s property through my legal shooting activities.

Not a yet a member of BASC? Join us today. https://basc.org.uk/join

LEADER

And finally...

This week’s Backbone of Britain is all about celebrating the rural community. Read it on p92-93.

THIS year’s Farm to Fork Summit saw mostly positive responses from the farming figures invited behind the famous door on Tuesday (May 14).

Having the ear of the Prime Minister himself and an opportunity to emphasise the importance of our industry for the economy, food security and national security, has been a welcome outcome and part of former NFU president Minette Batters’ legacy.

But with a lot of talk about long-term ambitions, questions were left unanswered over what can be done to solve the immediate issues farmers face with the impact of this spring’s weather.

And with the Conservatives looking at a spell on the opposition benches, if the polls are to be believed, when the Prime Minister finally announces a date for the next General Election many farmers will also be left wondering how much of those longer term goals really could be delivered.

Presuming he is in the hot seat this time next year, it will be interesting to see whether Sir Keir Starmer continues the annual summit.

Of course, a lot of words of support have come

Long-term pledges, but what about the here and now?

out of the process, but what is more important than talk is how much the Government was really listening.

Food, Farming and Countryside Commission farming futures policy lead, Dr Charlie Taverner, highlighted ‘if politicians actually want to transform the food system for the better, they should start by listening closely to farmers’.

And listening to what farmers really need to thrive will be key in rebuilding confidence in a sector where there is so much uncertainty and caution over the future.

In Wales, there were also hopeful signs that politicians may be listening to farmers, with a delay to the controversial Sustainable Farming Scheme to 2026.

Hopefully, the delay will enable the Government to go over the consultation responses with a fine tooth comb and come back to the table with an offer which encourages farmers to sign up.

Although, after eight years of conversation, many may say that listening to what is being said should have started much earlier.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS

‘There is never a shortage of ideas for the farm’

Background: Ifollowedarather backwardsrouteintofarming.

Igrewuponthefamilyfarm,then movedawaytostudylanguagesat DurhamUniversity,beforespending ashortperiodabroad.

Ihadplannedtofollowthecrowdinto bustlingcitylifeonmyreturn,butIsoon realisedIhadapassionforthefarm.

Soonafterreturningin2021,we decidedtotakeonanewdiversification: avineyard.

Fortunately,Igainedexperiencein theChampagneregionduringmy studiesandmylanguageshavebeen usefulbuyingEuropeanmachinery.

Variety: Notwodaysarethesame. AlthoughIamnotaloverofbeinginthe office,Idoenjoyleadingonbusiness plans,conductingmeetingsand bringinggeneralordertoourprojects. Italsooffersthechancetosort marketingandeventsforthevineyard. Butyoucannotbeatasunnymorning

withthevinesoranafternoon haymaking. Leadership: OnedayIwillmanage thebusinesswhichmyparentshave diligentlybuiltoverthreedecades.

Thisisahugeresponsibilityand notonewhichItakelightly.

Itisvitalthatfarmersknowhowto leadteamsandtheirbusinesses,and thisissomethingAgriLeadershipWeek (May19-26)issettochampion. Bringingasenseofleadershipinto thefoldhasbeenimportanttocreating ournewstructure.

Wearenolongeratwo-manband. Weareabusinesswithemployees–albeitfamilymembers-whoneedto haveboundaries,goalsandplans.

Leadershiphasputthisallonpaper, helpedusmakebusinessplansand seenusholding‘farmupdate’meetings. Leadershipishelpingourbusiness fusetwogenerations.

Ideas: Leadersneedthinkingtime–and

Buisman

Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Hannah Buisman, 26, is a farmer and vineyard manager from Welwyn in Hertfordshire. She farms alongside her parents and partner and was a recent recipient of The Farmers Club Charitable Trust Snapshot Studies Fund.

thisisaviewsharedbymanyfarmers takingpartinAgriLeadershipWeek. Evenifthismeansinvestinginextra helportakingtimeout,ifyouaretrying toleadandundertakealltasksyourself, itisdifficulttogenerateenoughtimeto processnewideas,evaluatethemand ultimatelyseethemthrough. Thereisneverashortageofideas forthefarm.

Ouraimistoworktowardsalowinputarablesystem,specialisingin nichecrops. Asnaiveandoptimisticasitmay

sound,Iwouldliketoseethearable farmabletowithstandmarketvolatility and,dareIsay,makesomeprofit. Proud: Ourgreatestsuccesshasbeen, withoutadoubt,theestablishmentof oursix-hectarevineyardin2022.

Thetime,effortandinvestmentthat hasgoneintoithasbeenimmenseand thisyearwearedueourfirstharvest. Itwillbeanincrediblyproudmoment whenwepickthefirstgrapesand, betterstill,whenwetryourfirstwine.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Hannah

Hannah Buisman

HSE continues to fail farmers

I CANNOT help but wonder if the changes to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections will make any difference at all.

In my experience, the HSE has been only too happy to threaten whistleblowers with prosecution, often in attempts to silence those who warn of dangers in agriculture.

At the same time, the HSE has failed to enforce its own regulations, including COSHH, RIDDOR, Pesticide, and Health and Safety at Work regulations.

Effectively protecting those who harm people also protects the HSE. Of course, by failing to properly inspect farms and prosecute they will save much time and money and give the false impression that farms are much safer than they actually are.

There are none so blind as those who are willing to be paid not to see the truth. But hiding vital truths does not make them any less true.

Just a look through those past letters pages in Farmers Guardian is evidence enough.

Meanwhile deaths and serious injuries in farming are still too high, despite ever fewer people being involved in the industry.

The HSE has failed far too many injured people.

Richard Bruce, Isle of Wight.

Survey to aid sheep keepers

I AM writing from the Livestock Information Service.

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

a member of the land girls. Right is Overtown June, a five-year-old mare, pictured with Jim Clowes, son of Samuel. Picture sent in by Phillip Moss grandson of Samuel Clowes.

Our team is dedicated to developing digital solutions for the UK Government which enhance livestock traceability.

We are currently seeking insights on sheep keeper preferences concerning the reporting of sheep movements in England.

To this end, we have crafted a survey to gather experiences and any suggestions keepers might have for improving the methods used to record these movements.

The feedback will play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to improve the services for sheep keepers’ benefits.

James Taylor, Livestock Information Service.

Social media soundbites

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak wrote for Farmers Guardian’s Farming Matters section (May 10) ahead of the Farm to Fork Summit. Here is a selection of responses on social media:

■ “If everyone wants to eat good quality food, he has no choice really, but back the British farmers.”

MARK POLAND

■ “Sounds like more red tape.”

DIARMAID O’DRAIGHNAIN

■ “We cannot pay bills with a big thank you.”

ROB MERCER

■ “How many thank yous buys a tonne of fertiliser?”

LYNDON HULL

■ “After oxygen and water, farming is the life-blood of the planet, citydwellers included. Food does not come from Tesco — it just sells the stuff. Food comes from farms.”

PAUL CRAWFORD

■ “That is why he champions a Brexit that will destroy UK farming.”

MARTIN DEFREITAS

■ “Where is that plan to back British farmers then, I have never seen it? A plan for everyone to become woke/snowflake/vegan, now I can see that plan happening.”

CLIVE-TINA HODGE

■ “I am guessing it may take a little more than a thank you.”

CATHERINE PICKERING

and Terms & Conditions Farmers Guardian is part of the Arc network (we, us, our) and we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are registered under company number 07931451 and have our registered office at Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. For the purposes of this policy, we are the data controller of personal data provided to us. We are a UK company specialising in providing information services including news, analysis, data, pricing, insight and market intelligence to agribusiness professionals across the globe. This policy sets out how we do this and applies the use of your personal data that you disclose to us by entering into our competition to win £200 for the Stockjudging Competition or £20 Love2Shop vouchers for the weekly Crossword Competition, referred to throughout this statement as the “Competitions”. How we collect your information: We collect the personal data you have provided to us by filling in the form on our website www.fginsight.com OR printed form when entering the Competitions. If you have entered the Competitions via our site we may also collect some technical information about how you use our site, for example, the type of device you are using, your operating system, IP address, uniform resource locator (URL), clickstream and length of visit. How we use the information you provide: We will use your personal information: • to administer the Competitions, on the basis that the use of your personal data for this purpose will be necessary to enter you into the competitions and, if you are successful, contact you to notify you of your prize; and, • if you are new to Farmers Guardian and where you have agreed to this, to provide you with news and updates from time to time about our services; and, if at any point in the future you do not wish to receive any news and updates from us or from, you can unsubscribe from our marketing list at any time by following the steps below. To unsubscribe from any communications using the link on the email we send you or by emailing us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. We will not use your information for any purposes except those listed in this policy without letting you know and getting your permission, if necessary, first. Who do we share your information with? We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent, except where: • it is necessary to enable any of our staff, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or commercial partners to provide a service to us or to perform a function on our behalf; • we have a legal obligation to disclose your information (for example, if a court orders us to); or • there is a sale or purchase of any business assets, or where Farmers Guardian or any of its group companies are being acquired by a third party. Where we use third parties as described above to process your personal information, we will ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to safeguard your personal information. For how long do we keep your personal information? We keep your personal information for 36 months for the purposes for which it was collected or for any period for which we are required to keep personal information to comply with our legal and regulatory requirements, or until you ask us to delete your personal information. Your rights: You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. These include the right to: • find out how we process your personal information; • request that your personal information is corrected if you believe it is incorrect or inaccurate; • obtain restriction on our, or object to, processing of your personal information; • ask

Three horses being sold in the retirement sale of Samuel Clowes (pictured left) in March 1939 at Overtown Farm, Congleton. Mr Clowes is holding Overtown May, a black yearling. Overtown Gem is held by

with tenant farmers to drive change.

With tenant and landlord relationships in the spotlight, Rachael Brown spoke to the Church Commissioners about how it works with its tenants.

Institutional landlord targets transparency with its tenants

rSupport for Tenant Farming Commissioner

TRANSPARENCY is the key aim for the institutional landlord Church Commissioners when working with its tenant farmers.

Spanning more than 33,000 hectares of land from Cumbria to Kent, the Church Commissioners’ farmland portfolio offers a real mix of tenancies and farming systems, uniquely positioned with over 90 per cent of its farmland being ‘highly productive’ graded land.

When probed how the relationship with its own tenants had historically changed, Guy Webb, principal asset manager within the farmland team at Church Commissioners, said it was ‘much more direct’ and ‘open’ now, adding ‘through collaboration with tenants, more work can be achieved’.

Mr Webb said: “We visit multiple tenants, and on multiple occasions. We are not doing it once every five years, but trying to build on that relationship. It is that open book and transparency that we are targeting and aiming for.”

This week the Prime Minister committed to appointing a Tenant Farming Commissioner in autumn. Mr Webb said it was ‘very support-

ive’ of the role, adding it allowed for difficult conversations, ‘where they needed to be had’.

“Anything that can drive forward the tenanted sector we are supportive of because we are a let portfolio. We are reliant on working with tenants.”

Creative approach

When asked what makes its tenant relationships successful and allows the sector to thrive, Ciara Williams, principal asset manager within the farmland team at Church Commissioners, said taking a ‘more creative approach to conversations’ with the firm’s tenants was key.

Ms Williams said: “It is about that greater level of understanding, really trying to get below what is effectively a red line on a plan, to the detail of who these people are, what they are trying to achieve and what their interests are.

“I think it would be difficult as a landlord to only view it as a single point, as a business you have to recognise there is a community behind it as well.”

The Church Commissioners were committed to ‘improving the landscape and creating a better environment’, but emphasised the importance of taking tenants with the company.

It is that open book and transparency that we are targeting and aiming for GUY WEBB

When asked if there were any set targets for livestock numbers across the estates, Ms Williams said it was not ‘fixated on targets or numbers’, but instead ‘committed to real-world change’, adding it was about ‘supporting’ tenants to go through that transition.

Ms Williams added it was not only a responsibility which sat with it as a landlord, but also with wider industry support and investment from stakeholders in the supply chain.

“There are lots of opportunities we are exploring with our [dairy farmer] tenants. It might be methane capture on-farm, with covering slurry lagoons, and using that methane on the farm as energy to perhaps power the parlour.

“We are not necessarily looking

at or putting targets on livestock numbers, it is very much how we can support the tenants and understand what the individual challenges are on that holding.”

Ms Williams said in a recent tenant survey commissioned by the Church Commissioners, many flagged the demands for ‘a lot of data’.

She added: “It is about making sure we can equip our farmers with the knowledge they will need.”

Progress

The Church Commissioners encourages its farmers to knowledge share, invites them to events, such as Groundswell, introduces them to ‘experts’ in the sector, and runs farmer cluster groups, helping the tenants to get a ‘baseline knowledge’ of how to progress forward.

Ms Williams said: “It is about linking up experts and people at the forefront of data collection, but looking at how they can support our tenants for change, rather than us telling farmers what to do.”

On succession, Ms Williams added ‘early’ conversations were actively encouraged with ‘next generation tenants’ on Agricultural Holdings Act or Farm Business Tenancies, but it should be about ‘what is the future of the business, rather than pure succession’.

The Church Commissioners is actively working

rThoroughly vetting potential employees vital

ANIMAL activists are becoming more sophisticated than ever before, and it is important for farmers to be vigilant.

That was the message from Aled Owen, partner in HCR Law agriculture and estates team.

He highlighted a recent warning from National Pig Association chair Rob Mutimer that activists were increasingly targeting both farm businesses and processors.

Mr Owen said that while encountering activists on your premises was extremely challenging, it was essential to remain calm in the heat of the moment and take the right steps to help protect your business.

“When activists are present onfarm, it may be tempting to engage with them. However, it is crucial to refrain from doing so,” he said.

Police involvement

“Prompt involvement of the police not only helps manage the situation, but also eliminates the necessity for any commentary due to the incidence being ‘subject to police inquiry’.

“And, although activists have the right to protest, the methods they employ may sometimes lead to legal violations. It is therefore important to let the police handle these matters professionally.”

He advised all farms and processors to adopt more robust preventative measures to protect their operations and proactively mitigate potential disruptions.

“Security measures such as CCTV, security lighting and fencing are essential. However, what often

Activists were increasingly targeting both farm businesses and processors, warned National Pig Association chair Rob Mutimer.

With

Steps to protect your business from activists

gets overlooked is the importance of thoroughly vetting potential employees,” Mr Owen said.

“I would recommend conducting thorough background checks and scrutinising potential employees, especially when their experience appears questionable or misaligned with the job they are seeking, or when their qualifications do not match the job requirements.

“Make sure employment contracts include specific conditions that prohibit employees from working with third parties, as any breach of these terms constitutes fraud.”

Security measures such as CCTV, security lighting and fencing are essential

ALED OWEN

Bank of England holds interest rates

INTEREST rates have been held at 5.25 per cent with the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey wanting to ‘see more evidence’ of price rises slowing before cutting rates.

However, Mr Bailey said he was optimistic things were ‘moving in the right direction’, suggesting cuts to interest rates could be coming in the next couple of months if inflation falls as expected.

Two members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted for reducing rates and the remaining seven for holding them.

Following the comments by the Bank of England, markets were now expecting a cut to 5 per cent by August, with a further fall before the end of the year.

But Mr Bailey was keen to emphasise cuts were not guaranteed.

He added it was a problem which was unlikely to go away.

“I would therefore suggest that all farm businesses and processors em-

ploy preventative measures and take the right steps in the event of being targeted, to help protect themselves and their businesses.”

Edited by Alex Black – 01772

Live auction sales top

rExceptional sheep trade highlighted

By Jane Thynne

OVERALL turnover from live auctions across England and Wales topped £2.2 billion last year, up nearly £115 million on 2022, according to the latest figures from the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA).

Total throughputs for store and breeding livestock totalled 3,962,000, with cattle, dairy cattle, calves, prime sheep and cull ewes all seeing increased numbers sold through the live ring.

The market for prime cattle and cull cows remaining largely similar to the previous year.

Yet despite this, and a fall in national breeding herd and flock numbers, the LAA said the results demonstrated the continuing strength of the live auction system.

Defra livestock population figures across the UK state that as at June 1, 2023, the total number of cattle and calves had decreased by 0.8 per cent on the year, while the breeding herd decreased by 1.9 per cent.

Lambs

The total number of sheep and lambs fell by 4.1 per cent, while lambs, accounting for almost half of all sheep, saw a decrease of 6.1 per cent on the year.

The livestock markets saw an increase in prime sheep and cull ewe throughput figures in England and Wales, as well as store and breeding cattle. Dairy and calf figures remained

fairly static, with a slight increase in calf numbers.

The value of store and breeding sheep rocketed in 2023, with a 12 per cent increase in store sheep in England and a 10 per cent rise in value yearon-year for breeding sheep in Wales.

Store cattle prices rose 8 per cent in England and 10 per cent on the year in Wales, while prime cattle saw an 11 per cent upturn in England, equating to an extra £177 per head.

Dairy cattle prices followed a similar trend, up 13 per cent in England and 7 per cent in Wales, or an extra £176 or £84, respectively.

Chris Dodds, LAA executive secretary, said: “These figures represent a very positive picture for members of the red meat sector.

“There is pressure out there. For example, the decline in the national herd and flock. But some members have increased their market share, especially in prime sheep.

“Trade continues to be strong, which increases prices and competition. The figures also show that farmers still appreciate live auctions as a means to facilitate competitive trade.”

Stephen Dennis, senior auctioneer and market manager at Bentham Auction Mart, said he was confident high prices would continue as ‘demand continued to outstrip supply’.

He said: “Our figures show while we have not seen an increase in stock numbers, which have been largely static, we have seen an increase in turnover, which is down to inflated prices. There are always seasonal ups and downs, but as supply continues to be outstripped by demand I would expect to see prices remain higher than in the past few years.”

Livestock markets

rUK futures increase on global trends

By Alex Black

GRAIN prices increased again this week, with global markets continuing to find support from Russian weather concerns and the release of the latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report.

On Monday (May 13), November 2024 UK LIFFE wheat prices closed at £225/tonne, with Chicago wheat futures and Paris milling wheat futures also gaining on last week.

Both Chicago and Paris maize markets were up on the week, according to AHDB.

In the released USDA WASDE figures, global wheat ending stocks for the 2024/25 season were pegged at 253.6 million tonnes; below the average analyst estimate of 257.4mt.

US maize production for the 2024/25 season was estimated at 377.5mt – down 3.1 per cent on the year and slightly below what had been expected by analysts. This also meant that US ending stocks next season were down on estimates.

AHDB senior analyst Helen Plant said: “These figures supported Chicago futures prices on Friday.”

Argentinian maize was revised down to 53mt, although this was higher than expected and much higher than the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange estimate of 46.5mt. The Brazilian maize crop was also revised down to 122mt,

Grain prices continue to rise

which was below analyst expectations but still well above Conab’s estimate of 111mt.

Russian weather

“Another bullish factor in the market last week was Russian weather. Following concerns over dryness in southern parts of the country, May frosts caused three of Russia’s key grain-growing regions to declare a state of emergency on Thursday due to damaged crops,” added Ms Plant.

“SovEcon said on Friday that it expects the country’s 2024 wheat crop to be 89.6mt, down from its previous forecast of 93mt in April and the 92.8mt harvested this season [2023].”

Agri-Analytics UK chief analyst Rupert Somerscales highlighted there had been large moves in a short period of time.

“The impetus for these gains were made from offshore factors,

Arla announces boost to UK manufacturing

DAIRY cooperative Arla has announced new investments at four of its sites, bringing its total UK investment commitments in 2024 to £300 million.

In addition to previously announced plans for its Taw Valley site, Arla said it would update and expand its dairies and creameries at Lockerbie, Stourton, Aylesbury and Westbury as it looks to create more opportunities for British milk and cheese production.

The cooperative currently operates nine production sites across the country.

In Taw Valley, the investment will allow the business to capitalise on the potential for export.

Bas Padberg, managing director

of Arla Foods UK, said: “What this means is that our farmer owners are investing in UK food security –as they are not only producing our milk, but they are backing this investment in our production sites.”

Committed

Fran Ball, vice-president for production at Arla Foods, added: “We are wholly committed to UK manufacturing to ensure we continue to produce the nutritious dairy products that are a staple in millions of fridges across the country.

“The investments will allow us to make significant upgrades across our portfolio, making our facilities fit for the future of dairy production here in the UK.”

as is typical, but a weaker sterling/ euro exchange rate over this period will have also contributed,” he said.

“As is expected for a nation that is not going to meet its domestic wheat needs next season, our new crop wheat price is trading at a modest premium to continental markets. Does this price spread need to widen out further? Much will depend on the size of our domestic crop.”

Notice of Meeting

To receive the annual accounts and the reports of the

On Monday (May 13), November 2024 UK LIFFE wheat prices closed at £225/tonne.

[The UK’s] new crop wheat price is trading at a modest premium to continental markets RUPERT SOMERSCALES

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (NFU Mutual) will be held at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue, Hinckley Island, Watling Street, Hinckley, LE10 3JA at 2.30 pm on Thursday 27th June 2024 for the following purposes: and for the purposes of any other business which may properly come before the meeting. By Order of the Board, S Johns, Company Secretary 2nd May, 2024

Notes

1. The annual accounts and the reports of the Directors and the Auditors for the year ended 31st December 2023 are available on NFU Mutual’s website www.nfumutual. co.uk, or can be obtained by a member by ringing 0800 072 1065 or by writing to the Company Secretary, NFU Mutual, Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ.

2. A member entitled to attend, speak and vote at this meeting may appoint any person as their proxy to attend, speak and vote on their behalf at the meeting. 3. A copy of this notice of meeting will be available on NFU Mutual’s website at www. nfumutual.co.uk/agm from the date of this notice until the conclusion of the meeting.

PICTURE: GETTY

With shearing season just around the corner, Chris Brayford visits British Wool in Bradford to discuss the future for the wool industry.

Traceability and sustainability focal points for British Wool

RETAILERS and consumers need to understand the viability and sustainability of wool to support the future of the wool industry.

British Wool highlighted the highquality, traceability and variety of wool, which it said was the unique selling point for the product.

Promoting British wool as one of the most durable, sustainable and natural fibres in the world has been essential for British Wool chief executive Andrew Hogley, who said traceability could help change the tide of understanding.

“We want brands to care that they are using British wool in their products,” he said.

“Over the past few years, we are now starting to see brands caring about sustainability-focused brands and products which care about the high-quality and recyclability of their clothes.

“It can be a battle to get manufacturers to specify British wool while others want the cheapest wool, but we want to achieve the maximum price for our farmers.”

He highlighted 70 per cent of clothing was ‘plastic, synthetic and fossil fuel-based’ which was ‘cheap, bad for the environment and had no traceability’.

But British wool could be a solution.

“The traceability of wool and telling the stories behind wool from farmers – knowing where the wool in mattresses came from – means we can charge a premium,” he said.

“In the last financial year, it generated an additional £150,000 for our members.”

Understanding

Consumers understanding the processes and value of the product was critically important to the future viability of the industry, said Mr Hogley.

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“Most of our costs come from warehousing, logistics and transporting of a bulky commodity product.

“We have to operate as efficiently as possible while maintaining a highquality service for our members,” he said.

“Wool is a global commodity. Our buyers trust the quality of the product, which has been generated over many years.”

He also highlighted much of the manufacturing base had disappeared over the past 30 years.

“If we lose wool scouring in the UK, the whole industry is in real danger. We are down to two processing plants in Europe,” he said.

Consumers also needed to understand the importance of paying more for higher quality.

He added: “The average person in the UK gets through 169 pieces of clothing a year. We need to buy quality and buy well. Yes, it costs more, but it is about the quality which you just cannot beat.”

Positive

Mr Hogley added he believed wool had a positive future, but consumer behaviour needed to change.

“We are seeing it at the quality end of the market, but there is a long way to go,” he said.

Graham Clark, director of marketing at British Wool, stressed the

importance of farmers and the challenges they have faced this year with the wet weather.

“Without the farmers, there is no business,” he said.

He added there was a fantastic story of British wool, and that farmers were behind this.

“Agriculture should be placed on the highest pedestal because of how important it is to people in their everyday lives,” he said.

Katie Allen, a shepherd at Great Cotmarsh Farm, Wiltshire, and owner of Loopy Ewes which sells a variety of clothing and garments from her Castlemilk Moorits and Portland flock, said the place it had ‘gone wrong’ was with retailers, not consumers.

She said there was a crisis in the food system, which also affected the wool industry due to competition from cheap and synthetic fibres.

“If you walked into a fashion retail outlet and wanted to buy a jumper worth about £400, maybe £1 of that might go back to a farmer which is just scandalous,” she said, adding these customers would pay more to support farmers if they were aware.

“There is just too much demand for cheaply made products which is crippling farm businesses at every level.”

She added it was on retailers to ensure all players in the supply chain were paid fairly.

PICTURE:

MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Consumers understanding the value of the product was critically important to the industry’s future viability, said British Wool chief executive Andrew Hogley.

rWool competing with cheap synthetic fibres

rOrganic sales see renewed growth

By Alex Black

ORGANIC farmland has declined further in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023, with UK organic farmland now down almost one-quarter since 2011.

The UK had a total area of 498,000 hectares of land farmed organically, a decrease of 2.1 per cent on 2022.

But Scotland was bucking the trend, with fully organic land increasing by 11.8 per cent in 2023.

The Soil Association said it also understood Scottish Government had seen a ‘surge’ in applications for support for organic conversion so far in 2024.

Soil Association certification commercial director Alex Cullen said there was a missed opportunity for British farmers.

She said: “We are seeing growth in

Scotland bucks trend as organic land declines

organic sales, but this has largely been fuelled by imports not home-grown produce – with growth flat-lining in English and Welsh organic farmland.

“Last year threw so many challenges at our farmers and organic was no exception to that. Nature-friendly food production has not been easy, but the tide is starting to turn, with both politicians and shoppers investing in this way of farming.”

She added organic could bring ‘financial resilience’, as well as ‘benefits for the environment, nature and health’.

She said: “We have seen a real buzz and interest in regenerative practices in farming. And as the most recognised and trusted form of regenerative farming with robust and legally-enforced standards, organic is the natural choice.”

The Soil Association has also urged political parties to use organic to realise environmental promises as they draw up election manifestos.

Soil Association senior farm adviser Jerry Alford said there were challenges in some sectors, but real and immediate opportunities in others.

He said: “Dairy, horticulture and many cereals are in big demand and will ensure a secure future for farmers switching to organic.

“Big suppliers have proven that with the right focus organic can achieve credible market share.

“Yeo Valley has driven strong representation of organic in the dairy aisles, while growers such as RB Organic are growing organic carrots at scale with a significant share of total retail carrot sales in the UK.

“We now need to focus on developing some relatively quick wins, such as cereals, leeks, potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, kale and apples where the UK is more than capable of meeting the demand for organic,” he added.

BEEF FARMER OF THE YEAR

Achieving net zero beef production is the key driver for Greg and Rowan Pickstock at Brogain Farm, Llanfechain. Katie Fallon reports.

Producing carbon neutral beef by 2030, using only commercial and affordable methods, is the aim of father and son duo Greg and Rowan Pickstock.

The newly-built Brogain Farm is home to a semi-extensive beef finishing system where dairy beef calves are reared from two to four weeks of age, through to finishing between 18 and 22 months of age. Cattle are then processed at the family’s processing site in Telford.

Since building the farm in 2019, both Greg and Rowan have strived towards the shared goal of achieving net zero beef production. Among many changes made to try and achieve this, genetics has been a key focus for the duo, including the use of composite bull semen on supplying dairy farms, to source dairy cross Aberdeen-Angus calves of a higher genetic merit. So far, a 5 per cent improvement in growth rates and reduction in finishing times have been recorded.

A mob grazing system has been implemented alongside the reseeding of long-term perennial ryegrass and clover leys. As a result, daily liveweight gains have improved and purchased feed has halved, as have the associated emissions.

Greg says gaps in hedgerows are also being filled in, with

FARM FACTS

X Newly-built beef finishing system

X Dairy beef calves are reared from two to four weeks of age and finished at 18 and 22 months of age

X Focus on Aberdeen-Angus genetics has seen a 5 per cent

trees planted on unproductive farmland, including in corners of fields not cut for silage and adding trees into hedgerows.

He says: “This is all to improve carbon sequestration and biodiversity on-farm, while demonstrating that trees can be planted without impacting productive land.”

A Bokashi fermentation trial has taken place on the farmyard manure with the aim of producing a nutrientdense fertiliser. Consequently, purchased fertiliser has reduced and is only utilised in targeted areas, with soil samples taken regularly to monitor soil health, carbon stocks and organic matter content.

Housing

Investment in cattle housing has also proved beneficial in terms of profitability and production, including specialised ventilation systems and sloped floors for optimum drainage. Automatic calf feeders have also been installed to reduce labour costs and milk powder usage to help achieve profit growth.

Both Greg and Rowan say there will be many opportunities available for UK agriculture over the coming years and they remain excited about the future of farming.

Greg adds: “It is important to

improvement in growth rates and reduction in finishing times

X Mob grazing system implemented

X Gaps in hedgerows replanted and trees planted on unproductive farmland

X Bokashi fermentation trial For more

keep innovating as it is the future, we have a young family and Rowan has taken [the farm] on well.

“We have tried a lot of things and done a lot of trials to try and take a sustainable approach and meet what the customer wants.”

WORD FROM THE SPONSOR

XAt ABP, innovation and environmental responsibility drive our commitment to the future of British agriculture.

We continuously innovate in product development, ensuring consistently tender and flavoursome beef through our patented Ultra Tender® process. Our added-value and convenience food ranges boost sales in UK supermarkets.

Our commitment to environmental sustainability includes

Reflecting on winning the award, Rowan says: “We were over the moon to have won the award and were not expecting it at all.”

“I am proud to work in this industry as I have been brought up with it; it is in the blood.”

groundbreaking work on our research and development farm. We conduct trials on feed conversion, cattle slaughter age reduction, genetic development and methane reduction, achieving significant emissions reduction.

Fresh thinking is fostered through our ABP Talent Academy, welcoming a pipeline of fantastic graduates.

Sponsored by

Greg (left) and Rowan Pickstock at last year’s awards.

AGRICULTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Naomi Ramsay, last year’s Agricultural Student of the Year winner at the British Farming Awards, has faced many challenges to get where she is today. Emily Ashworth finds out more.

If there is anyone who can truly prove that if you put your mind to it and put yourself out there you can achieve your dreams, it is Naomi Ramsay.

Having studied a BSc in agriculture at SRUC and having faced multiple obstacles, Naomi found her place in agriculture while studying.

She hopes she can be an example to others, especially those who come from nonfarming backgrounds and facing their own personal challenges.

Naomi was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, but instead of letting this hold her back, she described this as her ‘superpower’, and during lockdown, after years of questioning her own abilities, she finally decided to pursue her dream of working outdoors with livestock and applied for college.

This was, however, after being accepted numerous times before.

It was at SRUC that her pathway changed direction after finding she had a passion for agronomy, and she has since decided to defer her fourth year.

She says: “I am really pleased because I was offered a trainee agronomy job with Agrovista. I start in September.”

Shocked

The 28-year-old, who lives in East Lothian, was shocked to find out she had been nominated for Agricultural Student of the Year.

A surprise, she says, is an understatement. But the exposure and networking opportunities as a young farmer are key.

Naomi says: “It is a humbling feeling knowing your lecturer believes in you and it gives you a real confidence boost, especially

when you are from a non-farming background.

“People know me from [the British Farming Awards] now. While on my last lambing job, I had another student say she recognised me from the awards.”

She adds that although the awards are a chance to take a step

back, get away from the farm and look at what you have achieved, they also offer an opportunity to show others what you can bring to the table.

She says: “As a student, this is vital in securing jobs in the future.

“As they say: nothing ventured,

nothing gained. Studying an agricultural degree is your one opportunity to go for it; you are only going to be an agricultural student once.

“Even if you do not win, it makes you stop and think: actually, I have this skill or this quality. Do it for yourself.”

Left to right: Last year’s host and comedian Jim Smith, Naomi Ramsay with Richard Charles, senior manager, aftersales training information and content development at Agco (last year’s category sponsor).

Italy sends in army to tackle ASF

rNew measures to protect pork industry

By Alex Black

ITALY has announced plans to send soldiers to hunt wild boar as it looks to protect its prosciutto and sausage industry from African swine fever (ASF).

Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, described ASF as a ‘crucial issue’ as he announced a series of actions in the food and farming industry.

He announced 177 army personnel would be available to tackle ASF.

“It puts production chains at risk,” he said, adding it did not just affect pig farming but the wider industry and thousands and thousands of pigs were at risk of being killed.

He also highlighted the impact on its export sector.

“We are intervening firmly,” he said, adding it was both an economic and social issue.

Funding

He also announced funding for companies to carry out biosecurity interventions, with the Government also asking the European Union to review export regulations, which he said at the moment were too ‘generalised’.

Italy has an estimated one million

African swine fever poses a significant threat to Italy’s prosciutto and sausage industry.

to 1.5m wild boar which can be carriers of ASF and pose a significant threat to Italy’s prosciutto and sausage industry.

Other measures announced by Italy included a ban on the installation of new solar panels with modules placed on the ground, and on increasing the extension of existing ones, in areas classified as agricultural.

Agricultural businesses affected by the ‘kiwi death’, a disease which has devastated Italian kiwi orchards,

were also given access to the National Solidarity Fund.

Davide Calderone, director of cured meat association Assica, welcomed the involvement of the army, saying wild boars jeopardised the industry.

“There is a big problem here that puts a big supply chain at risk, and it is right to use all means to contain and eradicate it,” he said.

“It is not like you are going to see the military shooting wildly. It is all co-ordinated and competently done.”

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Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

At just 21 years old, Elin Meredith has returned home to take over the family farm at the foot of the Brecon Beacons. Ellie Layton finds out more.

Young farmer determined to keep hill traditions alive

Farming at the point where the Brecon Beacons meet the Welsh Valleys, third-generation farmer Elin Meredith and her family have a rich history in sheep farming and are keen to keep the hill traditions alive at Danygraig Farm, Merthyr Tydfil.

The farm was bought by Elin’s maternal granddad, Dilwyn John, in 1968, and Elin now runs it with help from her mother, Delyth, and her father, David, who works for Welsh Water and runs a separate farming business six miles away.

Danygraig is 72 hectares (176 acres), but joining land has also been bought and they now manage 93ha (230 acres), plus grazing rights on Vaynor and Cilsanws common which is used throughout the year.

Elin says: “When my grandfather came to Danygraig, he carried out a

lot of work, developing land to be more fertile and modernising buildings, but stock was his passion and he had great ambition to be at the top of his breed; the South Wales Mountain.”

It is from her granddad, who sadly died last year, that Elin has inherited a passion for nurturing the Welsh hills and the sheep that graze them.

Following her studies in agriculture at Pencoed College, she worked at Kepak in Merythr Tydfil on the procurement team alongside helping on the farm. But in 2022, she decided to return home.

The family run 600 Glamorgan type South Wales Mountain ewes, which are local to the area. Most of the ewes are kept pure to breed replacements plus breeding stock to be sold.

These ewes run the hill on the top side of the farm – which reaches 365 metres (1,200 feet) – all-yearround, except for when they are

wintered on a tack agreement in Cowbridge as ewe lambs.

“Running on the hill, the ewes are only brought down for earmarking in May and weaning in August. As an easy lambing breed, most lambings are unassisted, with

the exception of a few yearlings,” says Elin.

Before they start lambing in April, the ewes are scanned to an average of 140 per cent and the twins are brought down to be lambed inside while the singles stay on the hill.

PICTURES: RUTH REES

Elin Meredith is a third-generation farmer at Danygraig Farm, Merthyr Tydfil.

The family runs 600 Glamorgan type South Wales Mountain ewes.

FARM PROFILE BRECON BEACONS

I believe young farmers are more important than ever [...] it is vital we remain in the industry; if we were to leave, so would the traditions of the hills

ELIN MEREDITH

“We are fortunate that the hill is quite dry, so we feed blocks outside and supplement with a small amount of concentrate. The twins are lambed inside with the other ewes to avoid mix-ups, although they are often put out the same day as they lamb,” she adds.

Suffolk and Texel rams are also used on some of the Glamorgan ewes to produce a more saleable lamb, as Elin says they have seen a decline in demand for lighter Welsh lambs in recent years.

“These cross-bred lambs are lambed inside and reach 40-45kg when they are sold in the autumn. They suit our system as they get away quicker, leaving more grass for the ewes before tupping.

“Historically, we have sold them deadweight, but in recent years we find trade favours liveweight, and these are now mainly sold through Talybont market,” she says.

The Glamorgan ram lambs are all kept entire and weaned first to give

Farm facts

■ Danygraig Farm is run by Elin Meredith and her family near Merthyr Tydfil

■ South Wales Mountain

the best selection for their annual consignment of breeding rams.

Any which do not make the grade are sold as stores, with most reaching 35-38kg and the heavier rams hitting 40kg around Christmas time, when they are sold through both Raglan and Penderyn markets.

Ewe lambs

All of the single Glamorgan ewe lambs are retained, along with the best of the twin lambs. Surplus ewe lambs are sold for breeding at the local market, Penderyn, along with four-year-old draft ewes – both of which see keen demand from farmers over the border in England, and on kinder ground nearer the coast.

Elin says: “Our favourite and busiest time of year is ram sale

Glamorgan type sheep are run alongside Black Welsh Mountain and Badger Face Texels

■ An annual consignment of Glamorgan breeding stock is sold at Penderyn market

■ A continental suckler herd has recently been restarted

season. This is something my granddad took great pride in, and I have fond memories of.

“There are two major breed ram sales each year held at Nelson and Penderyn, where we sell 15 to 20 yearling rams.

“We sell at one sale, as we do not want to split our bunch – we have a reputation in Penderyn and it is also renowned for breeding stock.”

The Glamorgan sheep are neat and compact with a thick tail dock and are renowned for their red collar, thick bone, and red and white face markings.

They should also have neat horns which sit curled, and this is something that the family pays close attention to throughout the year in preparation for the sale.

The Limousin and British Blue cross cows are grazed outside from April to October.

Elin started her flock of Badger Face Texels following an 18th birthday present.

With the ambition to breed high-quality stock, they have achieved many top prices including a breed record of £5,000 in 2011, which was the peak of Elin’s granddad’s career, and they topped it later in 2015 at £7,100.

Last year, when Elin judged the sale, she tapped out the champion which later made £14,500.

Alongside the Glamorgan Welsh, they run a flock of Black Welsh Mountain sheep. It was originally a small flock which was started by Delyth in 1996, but when Elin was younger they increased to 50 ewes. However, in recent years the flock has been cut back to 30 breeding ewes, which are lambed indoors with the cross-breds.

“We retain the best ewe lambs and ram lambs, while breeding stock are sold at the society sale in Raglan market, where we have sold ewes at £400,” says Elin.

Showing

It is with this breed that Elin and her family have spent many summers at local shows, securing a number of prizes.

Elin has also had success with the most recent additions to Danygraig’s sheep system – her flock of Badger Face Texels, which was started following an 18th birthday present and has now grown to 10 breeding ewes.

So far, they have been bred naturally, but this year Elin is keen to try some embryo work for the first time.

For more than 10 years the farm had mainly been sheep, but during the Covid-19 pandemic Elin bought a few bucket calves in Whitland market.

Elin and her family have secured a number of prizes for their Black Welsh Mountain sheep.

All of the single Glamorgan ewe lambs are retained, and surplus ewe lambs are sold for breeding at Penderyn market.

She says: “They were only bought with the idea to rear and sell them afterwards. However, we liked having something different and retained some heifer calves.

“There are now 10 Limousin and British Blue cross cows, which we would like to take up to about 15.

“They calve in the spring, while they are housed and are grazed outside from April – when ground conditions are dry – until October.

In February, we sold our first crop of calves in Brecon market at 15 months old, averaging 600kg.”

She says the muck is a useful tool for adding nutrients to the ground on-farm, and is also helping to give the farm a change with a mixed farming approach.

This is helping her efforts to reseed and improve the grass leys, which Elin wants to pay more

attention to in the coming years in order to start making their own hay.

Future

Looking to her future, Elin is optimistic, as she says: “I hope to have a long, successful future farming, but there will be a lot of change, especially with the uncertainty which currently lies with Welsh agriculture.

“I believe young farmers are

more important than ever, and we must look at carbon opportunities and the new schemes which are available. But, it is vital we remain in the industry; if we were to leave, so would the traditions of the hills and they would be lost forever.”

Nearly every farm in the valley has diversified, and this is something Elin is paying close attention to so that she can ensure Danygraig has a solid future.

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786

New technology farms aim to measure the productivity and environmental benefits achieved by integrating data capture, analysis and management strategies. The first of four is now in operation. Farmers Guardian reports.

Technology farms to drive production and efficiency ARABLE

Technology has the potential to lift production to new heights of efficiency, while delivering a new era of sustainable food production for all, believes Agrii’s digital agronomy development manager Lucy Cottingham.

But the biggest benefits will be achieved through a synergy of different technologies working together to inform best practice, with a level of detail and farm- specific insight that could only have been dreamt of a few years ago.

She says: “We are entering an era where farming by averages is rapidly being replaced by management based on accurate and individual data which, in turn, will underpin a level of precision not seen before.

“Whether it is using inputs as cost-effectively as possible, minimising potential environmental issues, reducing the carbon footprint of production, or optimising yields from available resources, data will become the agronomist’s most powerful tool.

Transforming

“The biggest wins will come from combining data from a variety of sources and technologies and turning this into in-field agronomic and management practices capable of truly transforming farming businesses.”

With this in mind, Agrii’s Digital Technology Farms (DTF) initiative slots neatly into the company’s wider research and development strategy, with a focus on using several connected technologies that can be used to make agronomic decisions at field scale throughout the growing season.

She says: “Our aim is to bring the ‘field of the future’ to our agronomists and growers today through data gathered from a variety of digital tools and technologies in a connected way to both support and drive crop management decisions throughout the year.

“Furthermore, this will give us the opportunity to develop, evaluate and demonstrate the most effective technologies at commer-

cial farm scale and share this with our wider customer base.

“By comparing standard farm practices alongside decisions in-

formed by our combined new technologies, we aim to identify not just greater efficiency, but real benefits on a farm’s triple bottom line too.”

Grower Peter Cartwright (left) has incorporated a range of data capture and monitoring technologies with help from Agrii’s Jonathan Trotter (right).

The combination of technologies should give us a level of data and insight that we have not seen before

JONATHAN TROTTER

Peter can monitor above ground crop growth, information from this could be enhanced by data on below ground nitrogen levels from in-situational soil nitrogen sensors such as Plentysense nitrogen blades.”

Above ground crop information can be enhanced by data from below ground nitrogen sensors such as Plentysense.

The first of Agrii’s DTF centres to be up and running is at the 2,400-hectare Revesby Estate near Boston in Lincolnshire, where farms manager Peter Cartwright is already a signed-up advocate of data-driven farming.

Mr Cartwright says: “We are big fans of technology.

“All of our tractors are on satellite-controlled RTK positioning, for example, and we are operating a 10-metre controlled traffic farming system across the business.

“We use a precision farming approach with variable rate seed and nitrogen applications, we have been direct drilling for nearly 10 years now and we have been growing cover crops for some time.

“I would say we are a pretty forward-thinking business.

Weighbridge

“We even bought our new combine harvester based on the accuracy of its yield monitoring and have recently installed a new weighbridge with an infrared sensor to measure the nitrogen content of the harvested grain.

“Fortunately, the combine and the weighbridge mirror each other perfectly, which is reassuring.

“Our thinking is very much if you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.

“We even measured organic matter by field zone before it was a requirement for the Sustainable

Farming Incentive [SFI], with all yield and soil analysis data logged back into [digital agronomy platform] Rhiza, and we are moving to use this for all of our agronomy recording and management in the future,” he adds.

Arable production at Revesby currently consists of 1,100ha of commercial cropping based on a seven-year rotation featuring winter wheat; winter barley; oilseed rape; spring oats; spring beans; marrowfat peas and canary grass seed.

Optimising input use is very much a priority across the business, with the use of Skippy Scout drone technology to measure crop green area index and give an accurate picture of nitrogen requirements being a good example of this, says Mr Cartwright.

“We do not want to put on more of anything than we need to and generally our attitude is that while we are keen to use fewer inputs, we need to know we are still going to get the same margins if we do this.

“So, in the past when we have done N rate trials, for example, and seen great results with 270 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare in wheat, we have settled at 220kg N/ha – up from 190kg N/ha when I first joined – and our yields are still about one-tonne/ha more than they were.

“At the end of the day, we obviously want to be a sustainable business and protect the environ-

ment, but we also need to make money to invest in the future and that is where the DTF initiative comes in.”

Agrii’s technology trials manager Jonathan Trotter says Revesby Estate’s approach to combining productivity improvements with a solid environmental focus, makes it the perfect partner for the project.

“Peter’s attitude to technology is really positive and we want to be able to capitalise on that and drive some exciting new ideas forward. Revesby is a great environment to do just that.

Integrate

“The idea behind DTF is to understand how we can leverage and integrate different technologies to make decisions on-farm and see how they can enhance decision making compared to a traditional agronomic approach.

“So, while the Skippy Scout drone system we are using with

Revesby Estate profile

■ Situated in Boston, Lincolnshire

■ 2,400 hectares, including 1,100ha arable enterprise

■ Seven-year arable rotation: Winter wheat; winter barley; oilseed rape; spring oats; spring beans; marrowfat peas and canary grass seed

The nitrogen blades are able to sense N-availability at three different levels in the soil including 10cm, 20cm and 40cm depths, with a telemetry head that sits on top of the blade reporting real-time data on the availability of nitrogen at that time.

Mr Trotter adds: “We can then understand how the N is moving through the soil profile to help decision making around nitrogen management.”

He says the DTF site at Revesby is a 40ha field with 10 different soil zones that have been mapped, with each featuring a different technology or combination of technologies that could all eventually link into the Agrii’s Rhiza online Contour platform.

He says: “Each zone has at least one N-Sensor on it.

“Some of the zones have a Soiltech Wireless soil moisture and temperature sensor dug into the ground, so that is feeding us information all the time as well.

“Another system being used is Fieldmate disease monitoring which is based on a small weather station sitting in the field, that provides disease predictions for different crops based on climate, leaf wetness and other factors.

“The combination of technologies should give us a level of data and insight that we have not seen

■ Current technology on-farm includes controlled traffic farming; variable seed and nitrogen rates; Skippy Scout drone monitoring; Plentysense nitrogen blades; Fieldmate disease monitoring and N-Sensor

ARABLE

We would love to use drones to fly across the farm, from the office, to see what problems are emerging PETER CARTWRIGHT

before. Then depending on what the technology is telling us, we can make the most informed decisions around the crop’s management moving forward, based on outputs from these innovative technologies such as field-by-field crop nutrition and agronomy plans.”

Such precise data and knowledge of individual fields could deliver significant advantages in terms of overall production efficiency, cutting waste, and farming in line with environmental requirements, but there are other benefits, Mr Trotter adds.

Justification

“There is the whole integrated pest management piece too in terms of validation and justification of action,” he says.

“To have the data to say this is the issue we needed to address, this is how we treated it, and this was the result, is going to be of huge value moving forward.

“The technologies we are currently using are really a first iteration, but the DTF concept will be an infrastructure that we can add to all the time. For example, we have been talking about robotics to introduce at a later date.”

The Robotic Mechanical Weeding SFI action is paying up to £150/ ha for the use of a system across a three-year period, so if this technology could be included at the site, Mr Trotter says it would equate to £6,000 additional income per year across the 40ha site at Revesby Estate.

“It is important to evaluate the efficiency of such technologies and this is very much part of the DTF remit,” Mr Trotter adds.

“If we introduced robotic weeding, for example and it did not control weeds to a high enough standard, then it would not be seen as worthwhile, despite the financial incentive.

“A lot is going to change in the next few years.

“There is a lot of exciting drone technology, for example, which we are working on in the background, but the legislation is not quite there to allow us to use it.

Trials

“The Government has said this year there will be more demos and trials than ever before, certainly on the ‘beyond visual line of sight’ element of drone use, and as part of this process, we will be demoing this at one our technology centres this spring.

“It is hoped that such systems will be commonplace in the UK across a number of applications and industry sectors by 2027.”

Mr Cartwright believes Revesby Estate is only at the start of its technology journey and has high expectations of the DTF initiative.

“We would love to use drones to

fly across the farm, from the farm office, to see what problems are emerging before a human eye can pick them out.

“Even if it is just identifying hotspots that you can then walk around with the agronomist,” he says.

Mr Cartwright can also see the advantages of using drones for applications.

“If we could get a drone to identify and drop seed in bare patches within OSR, for example, that would be a really exciting development.

“Even if it is something like phacelia just to block out light and stop black-grass coming through, that would be really beneficial,” he adds.

In five years, Mr Cartwright would like to be using technology that can identify diseases better, help the estate to utilise nitrogen more efficiently, and spot weed problems before they take hold. He says: “Unlocking technology to improve productivity and use inputs more effectively in this way is going to lead to far more sustainable production long-term than simply chasing yields and trying to produce 20t/ha wheat every year.”

Skippy Scout drone technology measures crop green area index and gives an accurate picture of nitrogen requirements, says Mr Cartwright.

At least one sensor is used in each zone of the farm, including the SoilTech wireless soil moisture and temperature sensor.

With the growing season being described by many as a high septoria year, growers are being encouraged to incorporate robust fungicide programmes into their T2 spray, but to match spend with crop potential. Ash Ellwood reports.

High septoria year calls for robust fungicide programmes

rPoor rooting systems a key concern this year

IN a year where rainfall has been increased, earlier drilled wheat crops generally have higher levels of septoria than later drilled, even those that are the more resistant varieties on the AHDB Recommended List, according to Mike Thornton, head of crop production at ProCam.

Septoria might be more prominent in wheat crops this year, partly due to the continued rainfall, but when the weather warms up, Mr Thornton warns of potential increases in septoria pressures.

He says: “When it does warm up, it could create a perfect storm.

“I am advising growers to think carefully before they cut [fungicide] rates or use cheaper inputs, in case we have a septoria surge.”

The weather patterns between the T1 and T2 spray timing can determine the disease pressures of the year, according to Andrew Watson, head of technical membership services at NIAB.

He says: “If we get more rainfall and showery weather, the risk of septoria goes up and so far, that is exactly what is happening.

Pressures are high

Mr Watson would describe the current septoria pressures as ‘quite high’ although this varies depending on variety and drilling date.

“Septoria pressures are higher than normal as we keep getting rain every few days and each time it rains, it creates a splash event which spreads the septoria up the plant.

“I am advising my growers not to skimp at T2, and go with robust products. If you have a choice between a lower and a higher dose of fungicide at T2, you are probably better to pick the higher rate.”

One of the key concerns for both winter and spring drilled crops this year is poor rooting systems, Mr Thornton adds.

“When the ground is wet, crops do not go looking for moisture, so they end up with root systems very near to the soil surface.”

If the weather does dry and causes the water table to drop, the plants are then unable to respond, creating increased stress and vulnerability to disease.

“If the weather turns dry, this could create a yellow and brown rust favourable year whereas, if it stays wet but warms up, this will be perfect conditions for septoria to spiral,” Mr Thornton says.

T1 timing ‘a challenge’

Many T0 applications were abandoned due to weather or ground conditions, while timing T1 sprays appropriately has been a challenge.

This will impact product choice at T2, according to Mike Ashworth, cereal fungicide product manager at Corteva Agriscience.

He adds: “It may be that curative activity is needed on top of the requirement for long-term protection to ensure the plant can fight disease during the key yield-building weeks ahead.”

A FURTHER factor to consider is the expected return on investment of the T2 spray; the fungicide timing where farmers traditionally invest the most in chemistry to tackle disease.

Mr Ashworth says: “This year it is important to match fungicide spend to the potential of the crop. Where crops have limited potential, growers are going to be looking for value for money in terms of disease control and product reliability.”

Predominantly used at the T2 fungicide timing, Corteva’s Univoq [fenpicoxamid and prothioconazole] claims to protect the crop for four to six weeks after application.

A standard application of Univoq at the T2 timing is 1.25 litres per hectare, but rates can be adjusted up to 1.5 litres/ha or down

If the warm, wet weather continues, it could create the perfect conditions for septoria to spiral.

to 1.1 litres/ha depending on variety and disease prevalence.

Dr Aoife O’Driscoll, plant pathologist at NIAB, says: “This season growers will be really looking at the cost of their programme and how much of a return they are likely to get from their investment, and Univoq should have a leading role to play. For many years in our trials, it consistently shows excellent disease control which transfers into a yield uplift.

“For example, in years like 2023 where a dry June saw disease stopped in its tracks following T2 applications, Univoq added around 0.3 tonnes/ha over its currently available competitors. In wetter years where the pressure is on to keep flag leaves clean, this yield advantage can reach up to 0.7t/ha.”

A closer look at return on investment for the T2 spray

Edited by Angela Calvert –

British Blue bulls top at 25,000gns

rPre-sale show champion in demand

THERE was a strong demand from commercial buyers for British Blue bulls at the breed society sale at Carlisle, which topped at 25,000gns.

The sale leader was the pre-sale show champion, Almeley Shaggy, from Graham and Kathryn Morgan and sons, Owen and Barney, Tillington, whose 10 bulls averaged £8,946.

The June 2022-born son of Crackley Bank out of Almeley Nerissa sold to Kevin and Sonya Fletcher, Coul Estate Partnership, Perthshire.

Second

The Morgans also claimed the second highest price of 16,000gns, for August 2022-born Almeley Sterling by Gass Okay out of Almeley Kiera, which went to Smallburn Farms, Elgin.

Two bulls sold for 12,000gns apiece, with the first of these being Maes Supernova, the reserve senior champion from the Jones family, Corwen.

The two-year-old bull is the result of a flush between Colos Van Daisel and the Kilowatt D’Ochain-sired Ridge Dean Jasmine. It sold in a two-way split to John Smith-Jackson, Haltwhistle, and Neil Hardisty, Ennerdale.

Tycoon tops Limousins at 11,000gns

The other, at 12,000gns, from Blair and Shona Comrie, Lanark, was Stonebyres Saracen, a 23-month-old son of Stonebyres Ninja out of Stonebyres Leona, which was knocked down to Aucheneck Estates, Killearn, Stirlingshire.

Shona Laird, Cumnock, paid 10,000gns for Top Side Seth’s Lad, an ET-bred son of Blanc Dos Du BoisBrule and Top Side Isla from Ross and Elaine Patterson, Brampton.

Females topped at 7,500gns for Solway View Stella, an August 2022-born ET daughter of Solway View Elengance and General

Simmentals at Carlisle reach 7,200gns high

GRANGEWOOD New Hope 22 from Andrew and Yvonne Leedham, Pickering, sold for 7,200gns to lead the Simmental sale at Carlisle.

The August 2022-born son of Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17, out of the Dinton Nautical daughter Grangewood Jackie, is in the breed top 5 per cent and 10 per cent for terminal production and self replacing indexes. The buyer was J.C. Innes and Sons, Huntly.

Selling at 7,000gns was the pre-sale show champion, Popes Picasso 23, from Jimmy and Vikki Wood, Preston.

The first bull offered for sale by €52,000 Euro Clonagh Lucky Explorer and out of Popes Princess Kiki, it sold to Irving Pearson, Penrith.

Jim and Patricia Goldie, Annan,

bought two bulls at 6,000gns and 5,000gns. The first was September 2022-born Auchorachan Newbie 22 by Greencap Kane 19, from D. and R. Durno and Sons, Ballindalloch. At 5,000gns from Messrs Leedham, was January 2023-born Grangewood Paddington by Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17.

The Goldies themselves then sold the overall reserve champion, July 2022-born Newbiemains New Moon 22, by Carbery Lightening, for 5,000gns to D.F. Crew, Lockerbie.

Pedigree females topped at 3,000gns for Tilbrook Netty, a December 2022-born heifer by Clonagh Latin Lover, from Peter Burgess, Hexham, which sold to L. Renshaw and I. Brassington, Derbyshire.

Shaggy from the Morgan family, Tillington, which sold for 25,000gns to Kevin and Sonya Fletcher, Perthshire.

De L’Ecluse, from Kevin Watret, Annan, which passed through the ring unsold, but later sold to Corrigan Loughcrew Enterprises, Meath.

The Morgan family sold 14-monthold Almeley Tangerine by Negrita Du Lac for the second highest female price of 7,200gns to Messrs Owens, Shobdon, Leominster.

AVERAGES

49 bulls, £6,777.14; 25 heifers, £4,670.40.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

THE sale of pedigree Limousins at Brecon topped at 11,000gns for Woodmarsh Tycoon, from M. and J.C. Gould, Shrewsbury. The November 2022-born bull, by Wilodge Cerberus out 25,000gns Wilodge Onhigh, has a myostatin pairing of F94L/Q204 with a top 1 per cent muscle depth score, and growth, milk and beef value estimated breeding values in the top 10 per cent of the national herd. The buyer was Wilodge Limousins, Shifnal. Next, at 8,000gns, was the senior and overall reserve champion, Nealford Tinker, an April 2022-born son of Loosebeare Nelson from J.H. Neale and Son, Launceston, which was sold to W.I. and J. Adams, Swansea. Three bulls sold for 7,500gns, two from D.G. and M.J. Edwards, Cilycwn. First was Dyfri Tonto, a 24-month-old son of Fenomen, which sold to R. Lewis, Glanelan. The other was Dyfri Tutor by the same sire, which sold to E.H. Harmer and Son, Brecon.

Also making 7,500gns, from E.W. Quick and Sons, Crediton, was the reserve senior champion, Loosebeare Tinker, a 23 month-old bull by Ampertaine Jeronimo. The buyer was R.W. Williams, Llangadog. Females topped at 4,000gns for the female champion, Meadowrig Una by Ronick Roulette, from Mary Cormack, Stoke Prior. It sold to Jeff Jenkins, Carmarthen.

AVERAGES

21 bulls, £5,895 (+£324 on 2023); 9 heifers, £2,875. Auctioneers: McCartneys.

Grangewood New Hope 22 from Andrew and Yvonne Leedham, Pickering, which sold for 7,200gns to J.C. Innes and Sons, Huntly.

A feature of the sale was the Simm X High Health sale of bulling heifers. Leading the way with a pair of Simm Luing heifers at £2,450, and a further pair at £2,400, was Angus Freeman, Windermere, which sold to A.J. and L. Birkett, Ambleside.

AVERAGES 19 bulls, £4,603.42; 2 heifers, £2,887.50; 36 high health heifers, £2,020.83. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

PICTURE: MACGREGOR

Almeley

AUCTIONS STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

In our latest Mart’s the Heart Standing the Test of Time series, supported by the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Shearwell Data, Chris Norton reflects on a 50-year career.

Chris Norton, of dairy auctioneers Norton and Brooksbank, celebrated 50 years as an auctioneer by selling at the Whitecarr sale for the Cowell family, Preston. Mr Norton, while stepping back a little, will remain involved with the business along with his founding partner Tom Brooksbank.

He says: “I have had a long association with the Cowell family and wanted to mark the occasion in Lancashire where our first sale was and where we have always had such a great rapport with farmers.”

The son of a lawyer who also had a dairy farm, Mr Norton was fascinated by pedigrees from an early age.

He says: “At home, we had a small herd of Shorthorns before moving to Friesians, and I loved the cows and also developed a real interest in pedigrees – whether that be cows, horses or humans.

“So, on leaving Cirencester Agricultural College, dairy auctioneering seemed an obvious career choice and I joined Hobsons, the principal dairy auctioneers of the time.

“Initially, I was mainly cataloguing and clerking, and in those days we also had to number the cows for sale.

“I was told it could be five years before I was allowed to sell, but it was actually only about six months. I sold bulling heifers at my first auction

Celebrating 50 years of auctioneering

sons’ senior partners led them to make the decision to set up their own business as Norton and Brooksbank.

The auction system is still the best way to sell the best end cows, particularly pedigrees

CHRIS NORTON

in April 1974, and my auctioneering career continued from there.”

Mr Norton says two of the most memorable sales while at Hobsons were the dispersal of the Grove herd for Dyfrig Williams, Carmarthen, in 1983, and the Sharcombe herd for Sir Keith and Lady Showering in 1981.

Mr Brooksbank had joined Hobsons a year after Mr Norton and they continued to work together up until 1983, when the retirement of Hob-

Their first sale was the monthly dairy sale in January 1984 at Lancaster, where they continued to sell regularly for a number of years.

The business continued to go from strength to strength, and was responsible for a huge number of major dispersal sales as well as production and private sales, with the sale of the Ullswater herd for Tom Carrick, Appleby, in 1989, as one particular standout for Mr Norton.

He has undoubtedly seen many changes to the industry during his career.

“When we started, 200 cows was a big herd, but now 400-500 is the norm and there are also a lot more private sales,” he adds.

“Computerisation has been another big change for everyone, as has – more recently – the introduction of MartEye enabling people to buy cattle from

anywhere. We were the first company to use it after Covid-19 and it has been fantastic. Nowadays, farmers do not always have the time to travel to auctions, but they can still view the sale and buy. At a recent sale, 40 per cent of buyers were on MartEye.”

In spite of current industry challenges, Mr Norton is still optimistic for the future of dairy farming and the auction system.

He says: “Consumers will always want milk, but I would like to see more stability for farmers. At the moment, milk prices are too volatile, governed by supply and demand, and farmers are buying cattle not knowing what their milk price might be going forward.

“The auction system is still the best way to sell the best end cows, particularly pedigrees – all the best racehorses are sold at auction.

“I have had a great career and made many friends over the year, but it is now time to take a step back.”

Chris Norton set-up Norton and Brooksbank with his Hobsons’ colleague Tom Brooksbank in 1983. PICTURE:

rRam lambs realise 2,200gns top

THE May Fair sale of Poll Dorset and Dorset Horns at Exeter topped at 4,000gns for Ballytaggart Fritz, a January-born shearling ram by Wilsey Dreckly from Thomas Wright, Co Antrim. The buyer was Richard Fitton, Bolton.

Next, at 3,200gns, was the second prize-winning shearling Newtoncoombe Falcon, by Lisnafillan Elvis from Keith May, Bodmin, which sold to Fooks Bros, Bridport.

Ram lambs sold to 2,200gns for Ballytaggard Groucho, also by Wilsey Dreckly from Messrs Wright, which was knocked down to Matthew and Adam Care for their Burhos flock, Looe, Cornwall.

Hydes Farming, Essex, claimed both the overall champion and reserve in the pre-sale show and sold the reserve at 1,600gns to Richard and David Rossiter, Kingsbridge.

The champion made 1,000gns to Messrs Wright.

David Lewis, Narbeth, sold the

Dorsets sell to high of 4,000gns at May Fair

ram lambs Pembroke Ghost at 1,800gns to Les French, Launceston, and Pembroke Grasshopper at 1,500gns to Christina Johnston, Bamburgh.

Individual females sold to 800gns

Sale topper Silverwood Tom, from N. McKnight, Co Down, which sold for 6,200gns to Neil and Jess Barrett, North Yorkshire.

Carlisle sees 6,200gns

top for British Blondes

THERE was a complete clearance at the British Blonde Cattle Society show and sale at Carlisle which peaked at 6,200gns.

The sale topper was two-year-old Silverwood Tom, a son of the French bull, Drop, out of Silverwood Opal from N. McKnight, Co Down. The buyers were Neil and Jess Barrett, North Yorkshire.

Next, at 6,000gns, was the reserve champion, Hallfield Tyne by Aaron Jaigo consigned by P. Weightman and Sons, Peterlee, which went home with M. Harrison, Shap.

From the same home, the pre-sale show champion Hallfield Thumper 22

by the same sire sold for 5,500gns to T.W. Brown, Richmond.

Females

Topping the female entries at 2,800gns apiece were two heifers from Messrs Weightman. First was Hallfield Toyota, a daughter of Jiggywigs Oscar which sold to A. and F. Moore, Market Rasen. Followed by Hallfield Talia, a heifer by Brack-aBroom Rob which went to Rebecca Jenkins, Caithness.

AVERAGES 7 bulls, £4,950, 8 heifers, £2,323. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Ballytaggart Fritz, a Januaryborn shearling ram, from Thomas Wright, Co Antrim, which sold for 4,000gns to Richard Fitton, Bolton.

for the third prize-winning shearling ewe from Emma Crosfield, Lower Langham Farm Partnership, Gillingham, which sold to Jeremy Durrant, Hydes Farming, Essex.

The champion, a Sandy Lane Capercaillie-sired shearling from Rob and Richard Hole, Sherborne,

Dorset, sold at 600gns to Messrs Smith and Taylor, Derbyshire.

Hoggets

Horned hoggets sold at 500gns and 480gns for J.H. Kemball and Son, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

MV and registered females sold to 550gns/head for the champion pen from Fooks Bros, which went to Arthur Jones, Salisbury.

Messrs French sold hoggets to 370gns twice.

The first prize pen of ewe lambs from Messrs Hole sold for 280gns/ head and registered non-MV hoggets peaked at £245 for pens from S. and D. Cole, Torrington.

AVERAGES

115 rams, £857 (+£36 on 2023). Auctioneers: Kivells.

Dairy youngstock sale tops at £2,450 for in-calf Holstein heifer

THE sale of dairy youngstock at Carlisle topped at £2,450 for a Holstein heifer by Applejax, in-calf to Mecca P (sexed) from Alan Reid, Lockerbie, which sold to Bluestone Farming, Duns.

A heifer by Marvel, due in July to Monk (sexed) from the same home sold for £2,400 to Messrs Forest, Annan, with the 30 heifers from this home averaging £2,170.

Irish Friesian in-calf heifers from Cumrue Farming Partners, Dumfries, topped at £1,250 on several occasions.

Holstein bulling heifers topped at £1,600 for Winton Sidekick Ghost

from Peter Waring, East Yorkshire, who also sold Winton Chief Tippy at £1,300.

Heifers

Yearling heifers topped at £1,300 for Belaw Rager Cloda, a heifer consigned by Belaw Farming, Northallerton. Irish Friesian heifer calves from Cumrue Farming topped at £280.

AVERAGES

49 Holstein in-calf heifers, £2,021.59; 45 Irish Friesian in-calf heifers, £926; 11 Holstein short-bred heifers (due November), £1,205.45. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Kirkby Stephen breeding sheep

THE New Fair show and sale of breeding sheep at Kirkby Stephen topped at £202/life and £404/ outfit for the winning pen of 10 Texel hoggs with lambs from Messrs Whiteford, Tercrosset, Brampton which were bought by Messrs Simpson, Wigglesworth. Messrs Maughan, Great Asby, sold a pen of two- and three-shear continental ewes with twin lambs at £178/life (£534/outfit) and a pen of four-shear ewes with twin lambs to £140/life (£420/outfit) to Messrs Dodd, Temple Sowerby. They also sold Beltex hoggs with lambs at

£184/life (£368/outfit) to Messrs Simpson.

The first prize-winning Mule hoggs with Suffolk lambs from Messrs Winter, Clickham, sold for £160/life (£320/outfit) to Messrs Ryeland, Kendal. Their second prize pen of 10 continental hoggs sold for £162/life (£324/outfit) to Messrs Birkbeck, Soulby. A pen of three-crop Suffolk cross ewes sold to £160/life (£320/ outfit) from Messrs Brown, Ravenstonedale, selling to Messrs McCrone, Carlisle.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

PICTURE: EMILY

Limousins sell to 8,400gns at Skipton

THE championship and top price of 8,400gns at the Craven Limousin Day at Skipton went to Mark Nelson, Clapham, with Bullandcave Trouper.

The ET son of Hunters Hall Nutcracker out of Gunnerfleet Hicks daughter, Hunters Hall Retha was sold to Thomas Robinson, Slaidburn.

Next, at 7,400gns, was the overall reserve champion, Tomschoice Trademark, a December 2022-born bull by Tomschoice Lexicon, since sold to Norbreck Genetics and now the number one bull in the Republic of Ireland for genetics and easy calving.

Consigned by James and Sarah

Cooper, Dacre, it sold to the Towler family, Grindleton. The Coopers also sold November 2022-born Tomschoice Tanqueray at 6,800gns to A. Cussins and Sons, Kirkbymoorside.

Topping the consignment from the Priestley family, Kirkcambeck, at 6,800gns, was the July 2022-born third prize intermediate bull, Brontemoor Theo, a Goldies Northstar son which caught the eye of R. Gill and Sons, Sabden.

A second intermediate bull from the same home, September 2022born Brontemoor Theheatison, by Cowtham Justice, made 5,100gns

Trouper tops Charolais at 10,000gns

rOverall champion sells for 8,000gns

LEADING the trade for Charolais bulls at Carlisle, at 10,000gns, was November 2022-born Thrunton Trouper, a son of Thrunton Nevada, from J.H.C. Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland. Carrying one copy of the Q204X gene, it went home with J.C. Hobday and Son, Hawick. Next, at 8,500gns, was December 2022-born Newhouse Toddy by Ballinlare Phantom from R.M. Adam and Son, Forfar, which was knocked down to Evans and Corfield, Ludlow.

The overall champion, Elgin Teuchter from R. A. Milne, Elgin, was an October 2022-born bull by Glenericht Pegasus, which sold for 8,000gns to P. Smith and Son, Biggar.

Caylers Thunder, a November 2022-born myostatin-free bull by Meloman from Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, also sold for 8,000gns to W.K. and P. Drysdale, Blairgowrie.

The female trade topped at 6,000gns by W.P. Bruce, Meigle, with the May 2022-born heifer, Balmyle Tiara, a Maerdy Onedirection daughter, which sold to F.A. and P.J. Pilkington and Son, Ashbourne.

The sale concluded with the sale of a

PICTURE: ADRIAN LEGGE

Champion Limousin, Bullandcave Trouper from Mark Nelson, Clapham, which sold for 8,400gns to Thomas Robinson,

when joining the Shaw family, Huddersfield and Brontemoor Ute, a February 2023-born son of Shatton Pedro, sold for 6,100gns to J.W. Peacock, Wymondham.

Leading the female trade at 3,500gns was the first prize maiden heifer and female champion, Lowflan Totty, from Ian Wilson and Carol Wood, Ulverston. May 2022-born and

AVERAGES

Senior bulls, £3,570; intermediate bulls, £5,088; junior bulls, £3,150; maiden heifers, £2,403; cows in-calf/ with calves at foot, £2,940.

Auctioneers: CCM.

J.H.C. Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, had the top price of 10,000gns for Thrunton Trouper, which sold to J.C. Hobday and Son, Hawick.

draft of cattle bought at the Gretnahouse dispersal in November 2023 that had been prohibited from export with the closure of the Irish market due to Bluetongue.

The trade peaked at 6,000gns for two lots. The first from C. Todd, Co Down, was Westcarse Jimmy-sired, Gretnahouse Oasis which sold, in-calf to Lochend Nighthawk, to Barlow Brothers, Leyland.

Andrew Ewing, Annan, Dum -

friesshire, also paid 6,000gns for Gretnahouse Obaywatch, a 2018-born Blelack Fabulous-sired heifer by Gretnahouse Baywatch, with a bull calf at foot, Gretnahouse Urchin by Lochend Nighthawk, consigned by C. Ferris, Co Down.

AVERAGE

31 bulls, £6,076 (+£35 on 2023); 14 females, £4,822.50 (+£641).

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington. by Lowflan Razor, it was bought by CCM trainee auctioneer and surveyor, Ed Dews, Wakefield.

Exeter dairy dispersal sale realises

THE dispersal of the Swallowdale and Crystal herds on behalf of Chris and Catherine Elmes, Swindon, at Exeter saw just under 50 per cent of the milkers making £2,000 or more, topping at 2,700gns for Swallowdale Outside Kitty Grace, a daughter of Comestar Outside, which sold to Tom Laarveld, Honiton. At 2,650gns, was Swallowdale Raffaello Bluebell, a fresh heifer, which sold to volume buyer Messrs Tolley, Somerset.

Cows topped at 2,520gns for Swal-

lowdale Flame Frivole 18 VG85, a second-calver by Vieuxsaule Flame.

Dry cows topped at 1,420gns for Swallowdale Kingstar Mickie 40 VG88, due its fourth in June.

In-calf heifers sold to 1,300gns for Crystal Advance Tiara Red 2, a red and white heifer due in August.

Yearling heifers sold to 750gns with heifer calves topping at 550gns. The milking portion of the herd including all cows with faults averaged £1,758.

The best of the fortnightly entry

topped at £1,850 for a blue roan Shorthorn third-calver from Roy and Fred Collins, Honiton, who sold another at £1,620.

Phil and Paul White, Kingsbridge, sold Holsteins to £1,700 for a fresh second-calver.

Normande heifers from Lingens Farming Company, Worcester, sold to £1,550. A cross-bred heifer from Steve Loud, Colyton, sold at £1,500.

A pedigree Jersey heifer from Tim

2,700gns

and Julie Garry, Bridport, made £1,500. In-calf heifers sold to £1,300 for Messrs White. Autumn born grazing type yearlings sold to £380 for Messrs Yarmleigh, Crediton.

The pure-bred herd of Jerseys from Wayne Jefferey, Truro, topped at £1,350 for a February-calved second-calver. The youngstock were a more difficult trade, with maiden heifers to £350 and heifer calves to £150. Auctioneers: Kivells with Norton and Brooksbank.

Slaidburn.

WHO’S GOT YOUR BID?

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

Auctionsareessential tothesuccessand well-beingofany livestockfarmand auctioneersare,inmany ways,attheforefrontofthelivestock industry.Theirpurposeistobring farmerstogethertoachievethebest priceforwhatevertheyareselling.

Thisyear,theMart’stheHeartAwards areback,withtheaimofcelebratingthis vitalsectorofBritishagriculture.Thisis youropportunitytoshoutaboutthose withintheindustrywhoyoufeel deservespecialrecognition.

TheMart’stheHeartAwardswere launchedin2015andthecampaign provedtobeanoutstandingsuccess andwasincrediblywellreceived.

In2023,theawardsgenerated450 nominationsand19,700voteswerecast fortheshortlistedfinalists.Theclosing dateforentriesisFriday,June28,2024.

Wecannotwaittocelebratethe winnersofAuctionMartoftheYear, AuctionCafeoftheYearandNew AuctioneeroftheYearattheBritish FarmingAwards.Wehopeyouwillhelp ustorewardmartsandcafeswhichare doingagreatjobfortheindustry.

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

A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS

THELivestockAuctioneers Associationisdelightedtosponsorthe awards,whichacknowledgetherole auctioneersandtheirbusinessesplay inthelivestockindustryandthewider agriculturalandruralcommunity,akey partofwhichisensuringfarmersgeta fairandtruepricefortheirstock.

Thelastyearhasdemonstratedthe importanceofthelivemarketwhen demandoutstripssupply,driving pricesandcreatingtrends.Thisisa greatopportunitytorecognisetherole

auctionsplaywithintheindustry.

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

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

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

RICHARD WEBBER Director, Shearwell

Data.

2023 WINNERS

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

CHRIS DODDS

Livestock Auctioneers

THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL

HOW TO ENTER

THE PROCESS

CHRIS DODDS

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

RICHARD WEBBER

DirectorofShearwell Data,theUK’s largestanimaltag manufacturer,based atWhedmoorCross, Exmoor.Healsofarms 405hectares.

MYSTERY JUDGE

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

Friday,May10 NOMINATIONS OPEN

Friday,July26 VOTING OPENS

Friday,June28 NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Wednesday,August28 VOTING CLOSES

Thursday, October 17 AWARDS NIGHT

WHAT WILL THE FINALISTS RECEIVE?

ALLfinalistswillhavetheirstatus raised,withaprofileinprintand onlineduringpublicvoting.Winners ofallthreeawardswillbeguestsat theBritishFarmingAwards,with theirawardspresentedby Farmers Guardian, theLivestockAuctioneers AssociationandShearwellData.

Photographsofthepresentation willbemadeavailabletowinnersand theircompaniesfortheirownuse andwillappearin FG. Eachwinnerwillfeatureinan in-depthprofileinprintandonline, andwillreceiveaprestigious,cast ironcommemorativeplaque.

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

AUCTION MART OF THE YEAR

Title: First name: Surname:

Address:

Name of auction mart you are nominating:

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

Postcode:

Landline number: Mobile number: Email:

Tick box to sign up to the Auction Finder email newsletter

Tick box to receive email updates of the Mart’s the Heart Awards

Tick box if you are a current Farmers Guardian subscriber

AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR

Name of auction cafe you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue

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

NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Name of new auctioneer you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue

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Bakewell Market Results - Monday 13th May 841 Cattle & 1,445 Sheep - Full report available on our website Store Cattle Entries for Monday 20th May

Please call the Bakewell Office on 17th May before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777 Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

Please Note: Monday 27th May - CLOSED Tuesday 28th May - Market Open **********************

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

Market Results

Pedigree Sale

Cull Cows 190p/kg - £1542.75, Pigs -208p/kg - £172.64, Calves Lim Bull to £445, Hoggs 421p/kg - £202.25, Lambs 501p/kg - £204.53, Ewes £184

80 HOLSTEINS, SHORTHORNS & JERSEYS

Incl Shorthorn Society Show & Sale

Fully Catalogued Sale from some of the Leading Herds in the Midlands and Surrounding Counties. A TREMENDOUS ENTRY already received from: Appleberry (8), Burbrook (3), Braemarhouse (4), Brundcliffe (4), Hollyhurst, Meldamar (3), Millhurst (3), Tanat (3)

Leek Smithfield • Barnfields • Leek • Staffordshire • ST13 5PY • www.leekmarket.co.uk

Incl 12 Ped In-calf Heifers (due June onwards) from Messrs Shirt, 8 Ped In-calf Heifers from Messrs Godber, 20 Commercial Shorthorn Youngstock & a Ped Dairy Shorthorn Stock Bull (26mnths) & a Ped AA Stock Bull (24mtns)

Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries www.bagshaws.com Tel: 01629 812777

POPLARS FARM, BARTON IN THE BEANS CV13 0DJ SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 2024 AT 10.30AM Deutz Agrofarm 100, JCB 4CX & MF 4255 Sanderson Teleporter, Trailers, Machinery County 1124 and 4 Classic Tractors Collectables, Anvil, Non-Vat Items Together with Over 120 Lots From Local Vendors Including 12 Tractors Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com

HOLSTEINS, FRIESIANS, SCANDINAVIAN RED X & MONTBELIARDE X ★

★ 90 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★

★ Young herd ★ 29 heifers ★ 11 2nd calvers ★ 22 3rd calvers ★

★ 7,847kgs 4.11%F 3.43%P cc180 ★ CUBICLES ★ HERRINGBONE ★

★ Grazed herd Spring to Autumn ★ All year calving to Beef and Holstein ★ ★ On Behalf of JB & Mrs M & MA Williams ★

TUESDAY 21ST MAY 2024 11AM

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

On behalf of Messrs Waterfall, Underhill Farm, Stanford on Soar, Leics 50 NZ FRIESIANS

Genuine sale of an unselected group of 50 NMR Recorded FRESH NZ Friesians. An abundance of milk on offer having all calved in the last 5 weeks. Vac Lepto, BVD & IBR & Johnes Monitored. Cubicles & Herringbone. Herd Av 6000kg 4.10%F 3.55%P cc183. 12 monthly TB & never had a case!

TUESDAY 28TH MAY 2024 (Following the Usual Commercial Entry)

Store Cattle Sales

500 STORE CATTLE

SATURDAY 25TH MAY 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

Smithfield

Barnfields

NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS

LAMBS &

HOGGS Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES Sale of EWES WITH LAMBS at FOOT

Sale 11.00am Followed by INLAMB EWES & STORE SHEEP (Entries to the office by Friday for Online Catalogue)

Tuesday 21st May ON FARM SALE

On Farm Dispersal of Telehandler, Discovery & a range of Livestock Equipment on behalf of Messrs Phillip, Green Farm, Hellifield List of Entries Online Sale 1.00pm

Wednesday 22nd May

140 FEEDING BULLS Sale 10.00am followed by 10 PRIME CATTLE, 30 BEEF FEEDING COWS, & 350 STORE BULLOCKS & HEIFERS

LINGFIELDS BEEF CATTLE FAIR Multi Breed sale of 20 PEDIGREE BEEF BREEDING BULLS & FEMALES

Sale 12.30pm followed by 30 BREEDING CATTLE

to inc 1st Part Dispersal of 15 Cont x/AA Hfrs & Cows with AA/Char/Sim Calves at Foot for D Pawson & Son

Saturday 25th May

Show & Sale of 27 PEDIGREE BELTED & WHITE

GALLOWAY CATTLE Show 10.30am Sale 12noon

SALE OF POULTRY, HATCHING EGGS & EQUIPMENT

Sale 11.00am

Tuesday 4th June

ONLINE SALE OF WORKING SHEEP DOGS

(Entries close Wednesday 22nd May)

Monday 20th May

Show & Sale of 10-15 DAIRY CATTLE Sale 12noon

Monday 3rd June

Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE

For more details on either sale contact Sarah Liddle on 07710 795585

Monday 27th May

BANK HOLIDAY BLUES

Annual Sale of Pedigree Blue Texel, Badger Face Texel & Other Pedigree Ewes with Lambs at Foot & Empty Gimmer Hoggs

(Entries close Friday 17th May)

2nd SHOW & SALE of HOGGS with LAMBS AT FOOT & PENNINES FAIR SALE

Horned & Hill Going Ewes with Lambs & Foot & Geld Gimmer Hoggs

Saturday 1st June

AIREDALE ANGUS ON FARM SALE

Production Sale of 74 head of Cows with Calves or In Calf, Young Bulls, Embryo’s & Semen For D & J Isherwood Sale 1.00pm

Wednesday 5th June

Sale of FEEDING BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, BEEF

FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE

To Inc Production sale of 20 Contx/AAx Hfrs & Young Cows with Lim/Char Calves at Foot for S & CR Battye

(Entries close Wednesday 29th May)

Thursday 6th June

ON FARM SALE

On Farm Dispersal of Machinery & Equipment on behalf of TJ Crocker, Hayhills Farm, Silsden List of Entries Online

Saturday 8th June

Sale of STIRKS, WEANED/SUCKLED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS, STORE & BREEDING SHEEP

(Entries close Monday 3rd June)

Hfrs with Hereford Calves (BVD Tag Tested & Vac.)

Friday 7th June

Monday 20th May

Fatstock Sale as Usual Friday 24th May @11am

Store/Breeding Sale

60 Ewes & Lambs & Store Hoggs Young Bulls, Feeding Cows & 250 Store Cattle Calves at 11.30am

Inc 3 Hol Fr Stirks suitable for breeding

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May

Usual Fatstock Sale

POULTRY at 12 noon approx

Drop off from 8am

Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com

Dairy Cattle

Mark Lee: 07980924179

Simon Lamb: 07815 188125

Ryan Spackman: 07725 653542

Mark@nortonandbrooksbank.com

THURSDAY 30TH MAY-10:30AM

PALEFENCE FARM, SHOTTLE, BELPER, DERBY, DE56 2DP

DISPERSAL SALE OF THE ‘HAZE’ HERD OF HOLSTEINS (370 HEAD)

Dispersal sale of the entire HAZE herd of Holsteins, the property of J F & S J Hayes. Sale includes almost 240 cows in milk together with youngstock of all ages. A truly superb herd of high yielding cows displaying great strength and body condition along with super udders, making them ideal modern dairy cows. Breeding over many years for the ideal medium stature cattle capable of high yields with huge components. Exceptional production of 11,400kg 4.4%fat 3.4%pro SCC1108. All cows housed in cubicles and milked 2x daily Simple grass/ whole crop TMR with emphasis on quality forage, COWS RECEIVE NO MAIZE! All cows also graze during the Summer. All year calving with large proportion due through the Summer months. OVER 120 SELL IN THEIR 1st & 2nd LACTATION!! Pregnancies to top sexed sires along with beef. High health status being BVD, Lepto & IBR vaccinated. Rigorous Johnes screening over many years. Recent full herd TB clear with very good TB history. Live on Marteye. Transport available to all parts of UK.

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

500 BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Friday 24th May – 10.30am DISPERSAL SALE OF THE CROWHALL COMMERCIAL HERD

On behalf of Crowhall Farms, Bardon Mill

95 Limousin & British Blue Cows & Heifers with Limousin x calves

1 Pedigree Limousin stock – Kinniside Pal BVD & Lepto vac, clear of bull

Followed by BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

10.30am 300 cows and heifers with calves

12.30pm bulls followed by 200 bulling heifers

MAY FAIR Society sales of PEDIGREE EWES with LAMBS

Friday 24th May 12.30pm

Zwartbles - 6 Ewes & lambs

Beltex - 1 Ewe & lamb, 4 pedigree lambs, 6 shearling gimmers

Badger Face Texel - 4 Ewes & lambs, 4 pedigree Lambs, 5 shearling Gimmers

Blue Texel - 12 Ewes & lambs, 3 Pedigree Lambs & 5 shearling gimmers

Dutch Spotted - 6 Ewes & lambs, 32 Pedigree Lambs, 52 shearlings gimmers, 6 Graded Ewes & Lambs

Dorpers – 6 ewe lambs 11.00am

VALAIS BLACKNOSE

Reduction Sale of the Westmorland Flock11 Ewes & Shearling gimmers

Reduction Sale of the Horsemill flock12 Ewes & Shearling Gimmers

Dispersal of the Kinneff Flock15 Ewes & shearling Gimmers, 5 Ewe Lambs, 5 Rams, 2 wether lambs

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN CATTLE

Wednesday 26th June

Sale of bulls and unhaltered females

Entries close Monday 20th May

MULTI BREED PEDIGREE BULL SALE

Wednesday 26th June

Entries close Monday 27th May

KIRKBY STEPHEN

Tel: 01768 371385

Friday

Evening

Being

ONLINE SALE

SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items

Sale bidding starts 10.00am Wednesday 5th June until 10.00am Thursday 6th June

Wednesday 29th May

or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791

NEW SALE FIXTURE

CHAROLLAIS SUPREME SALE

Saturday 29th June

On behalf of Charollais Sheep Society Within Borderway Mart & Online

Entries close Friday 31st May

H&H Group plc (H&H) SALE OF 5201 SHARES OF £1 EACH IN H&H GROUP PLC BY AUCTION

Wednesday 22nd May - 12.00 noon

In Ring 1 at BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

If you are unable to attend the auction or would prefer not to, you can make alternative arrangements to purchase shares either by phone or by leaving commission bids with Margaret Irving on 01228 406334, 07912 485326 or margaret.irving@hhgroupplc.co.uk

Please note that copies of the Annual Report for the period to 30th June 2023 and Interim Report to 31st December 2023 are available on our website at http://hhgroupplc.co.uk/share-news/

Please note that only existing shareholders or restricted investors will be permitted to bid for these shares. If you are Interested in purchasing shares you should contact Margaret Irving to establish whether you meet the eligibility criteria as a relevant investor under relevant legislation.

Investments in shares are for the long term. The value of your investment and the income derived from it can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. You should not invest unless you are prepared to lose the money you invest. Investment is high risk and you may not be protected if something goes wrong.

If you are in any doubt about purchasing shares, you should consult an independent financial advisor authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

This financial promotion has been approved by SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (“SAPL”) under s21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act. SAPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SAPL makes no recommendation as to the suitability of shares in H&H Group plc as an investment.

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP

Saturday 18th May

Show & Sale of 160 Store Cattle, Beef Breeding Cattle (inc. annual consignment from JW & ME Taylor & Sons, Dent) & Cull Cows. Judging 9.30am. Sale at 10.30am. Main Sponsors: John Warren ABP & Fountain Hotel, Hawes.

Tuesday 21st May

500 Prime Lambs & Hoggs at 9:30am.

300 Cast Ewes & Rams

150 Ewes with Lambs at Foot at 11.30am including consignment of 55 Ewes with Lambs at foot from S & A Bland, to include 35 Mule Hoggs with Cont x Lambs & 20 Swaledales with Mule Lambs. 20 Calves at 10.30am

Sale of Tractors, Implements, Tools etc at 12noon including CLH Sheep & Calf Trailer (2yr vgc), Kranzle Pressure Washer, 10ft IW Cattle Trailer with Decks, Claas Roland 44 Round Baler, Hardy Crop Sprayer, Westwood Ride on Garden Mower, 2xKruger (gwo), Livestock Trailer, Small Muck Spreader, Sheep Race, Cattle Trailer (Tri Axel), Ifor Williams Canopy, Foster Link Box, Vicon Fert Spreader PS11-54, Marshall Spreader MS60, Fella Kruger TH 4 DN, 2x 3t Tipping Trailers, G Edwards ATV Trailer, lamb creeps, post knocker & many small lots. See website for details.

Tuesday 11th June

Show (for pairs) & Sale of Spring Lambs. Telephone: 01969 667207, 015396 20895, 07974 126397. 07711 469280

Genuine retirement sale on behalf of G Braithwaite of workshop tools, Equipment and miscellaneous vintage items. Items can be viewed at ‘Joiners Workshop’, Rear of Edge End Terrace, Bolton Road, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8BX Thurs 16th, Fri 17th 9am-4pm and Sat 18th 9am-12

Thurs

close Wednesday 29th May

Saturday 25th May 10am Entries for advertising

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

SHEEP 11.30am SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Friday 24th May

10.15am 150 REARING

Tuesday 28th May 11am

2ND SHOW & SALE OF HOGGS WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Thursday 30th May

10am 150 REARING

Delivery: Monday 20th

Saturday May 25th.

Usual sale of 350 store cattle. Special entries include: 150 conti x Suckler bred steers and heifers,(100 cattle 10-14 months, 50 cattle 14-20 months) for Margaretting Hall. Please note that these are quality cattle and considered well worthy of attention from prospective purchasers. 12 conti x Suckler bred 8-10 mo for Davis Dairies. 10 AAX heifers, 8 mo for SG Lutkin. Also breeding cattle,50 calves. 1000 sheep.

www.norwichlivestockmarket.com

Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents

Tom Greenow - Market Manager 01200445376

Rachel Capstick 07713075659

Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803

Saturday 18 May

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS Please call Matthew Middleton 10.30am 12 GOATS, 293+ OUTFITS SHEEP & LAMBS, 336+ OUTFITS SHEEP & LAMBS catalogue now online. Enquiries to Rachel Capstick Commencing at 10am 8 BREEDING BULLS, DISPERSAL OF BLUE & LIMOUSIN SUCKLER HERD ON BEHALF OF EA & H HANSON, GRINDLETON, 40 COW & CALF OUTFITS & IN CALF, 33 YOUNG BULLS, 354 STEERS & HEIFERS catalogue now online. Enquiries Jack Pickup

Thursday 23 May

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

11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY

12.30am STIRKS entries by Tuesday 21st 12noon

Saturday 25 May

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

10.30am OUTFITS OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS

Thursday 30 May

10.30am PRIME BEEF including Month End Show followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY

Saturday 1 June

Claiming date for On Farm Machinery Sale in the Bury Area to inc a comprehensive set of grassland kit: ‘19 Deutz 5125 cw Stoll loader, ‘20 MF 5712s, Ford 3600, McHale F5400, McHale991 Wrapper, Kverneland 2324m Mower, West 1600 Dual Spreader, Vicon Andex 394 Rake, Vicon Fanex 524 Tedder, Teagle xT24 Fert Spreader, Twose 9ft Roller and much much more

Saturday 1 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

10.00am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE

Tuesday 4 June

MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE entries to the office for advertising

BARNARD CASTLE AUCTION

BROUGHTON AUCTION MART

TUESDAY 21ST MAY

PRINCIPAL SALE OF EWES & LAMBS

*****PLEASE NOTE SALE AT 10AM*****

****PLEASE NOTE **** Due to unforeseen circumstances THE CATTLE SALE WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY 24TH MAY AT 2PM Sale of OTM & Breeding Cattle Prize Show for Store Cattle

See website for catalogues

FARM DISPERSAL SALE

Thursday 23rd May At 11:00 am

Wolf Dale, Ruston Spencer, Macclesfield SK11 0RA

To include Case IH 4230 4wd tractor c/w Quickie 340 loader, Ifor Williams 12ft flat bed trailer, Ferguson trailer in very good order, MDL Power 3PL PTO Chipper, Screw log spitter, Fleming transport box, loader attachments, Sundry Farming Effects, large collection of workshop tools inc. welders, spanners, anvil, tool chests & stores, various garden tools and machinery including Viking ride on lawnmower, Honda rotovator, Chainsaws and generator

Enquiries contact John Wilson or George Pullin Tel: 01782 - 522117

Email: george.pullin@whittakerandbiggs.co.uk

Catalogue: http://www.whittakerandbiggs.co.uk/ images/farm-dispersal-sale-report.pdf

On instructions from The Executors of the late David Bird

A complete smallholder’s dispersal sale at Ash Lodge Farm, Melton Road, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8HX.

To include: 1978 Massey Ferguson 590 Tractor, Massey Ferguson 135 Industrial Tractor, 1947 Fordson Major E27N Tractor, Ferguson T20 Petrol TVO Tractor. Together with: 1985 JCB 3CX-4 Sitemaster Digger, 1983 Sambron J24T Telescopic Handler, 1998 BMW Z3 soft top sports car, 2006 Vauxhall Tigra convertible car, 1998 Ifor Williams 4.2m commercial trailer, Yamaha Timberwolf Quad Bike. Plus: Trailers, Grassland Machinery, Agricultural Requisites, Workshop Equipment, Rural Bygones, Garden Equipment, Recreational Equipment, Household Furniture. To be sold by auction on the premises on Saturday 25th May 2024 at 10.30am.

On instructions from Messrs SA & E Friswell (who are streamlining their farming operations).

West Farm, Brinklow, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0LY.

To include: 2017 Massey Ferguson TH7038 Telescopic Handler, 1993 Matbro TS260 Turbo Telescopic Handler, 2011 Massey Ferguson 7620 Dyna-6 4WD Tractor, 2002 Massey Ferguson 4365 4WD Tractor c/w MF 945 power loader, c.1955 Fordson Major Diesel Tractor c/w Cooks two-speed forestry winch. Together with: Kuhn 313FC mower conditioner, Kuhn GF10601 TD 10-rotor tedder 2003 Mitsubishi Equippe SWB Shogun. Plus: Livestock, Commercial & Farm Trailers, Grassland, Livestock & General Farm Machinery, Arable Machinery, Massey Ferguson Spares, Contractors’ Plant & Machinery, Livestock Equipment, Agricultural Requisites, Workshop Equipment and Poultry Equipment.

Also included: A dispersal sale on behalf of Brian Evans to include 2009 Massey Ferguson 7485 Dyna VT 4WD Tractor, 2008 Hitachi ZX80 SBLC Excavator, 2015 NC beaver tail low loader, c. 2002 Bomford Falcon 6T hedge cutter, 2007 Ifor Williams TT2515 Power Tipper 2.5m twin-axle trailer.

MACHINERY SALE TIMED ONLINE AUCTIONS

STARTS: FRIDAY 31 MAY CLOSES: 3 JUNE TO 5 JUNE

Entries close - Thursday 23rd May TRACTORS; LOADERS; MACHINERY; TRAILER; GROUNDCARE; LIVESTOCK EQUIP. See website for further details

Included in the sale: 2002 Massey Ferguson 6280 4WD power control tractor, 2017 Shelbourne Reynolds 18 Power Mix diet feeder, 2020 Bailey 20T low loader, 2016 Ifor Williams 4.3m tri-axle livestock trailer. And: A complete stock dispersal sale on behalf of Modulamb Ltd of new sheep equipment to include handling systems and trailers, sheep handling aids, hurdles & gates, lambing and feeding equipment and dog runs. To be sold by auction on the premises Saturday 1st June 2024 at 10.00am.

EXPERIENCED STOCKPERSON

Due to retirement after 27 years, we are looking for an enthusiastic person to work with Goldies Charolais Cattle and Lleyn Sheep, along with associated tractor work using TMR Feeding in a modern set up. Conscientious approach and attention to detail are more important than pedigree experience. Farm house on bus route and close to good schools.

Apply in confidence with experience and details of 2 references to

Hamish Goldie Tel no 01387 830150/07968 800921

South Bowerhouses, Ruthwell, Dumfries

LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES

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

• Feeder Person/Stockperson, Yorkshire, large herd

• Herd Manager, Somerset, 1200 cows

• Stockperson/Assistant Herdsman, North Norfolk, 360 cows

Relief Herdspersons Nationwide

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

Web: www.lklservices.co.uk Tel: 01722 323546

ORGANIC DAIRY CONTRACT FARMING OPPORTUNITY

Location: South Gloucestershire

Role: Herdsperson, Lead, Manager, Specialist

Closing date: 3 Jun 2024

Sector: Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock

350 cow pedigree British Friesian herd calving in two blocks, the herd supplied by the Estate owners (part ownership considered). Muller organic milk contract.

Forage based system with approximately 570 acres of organic land available to the dairy, additional organic forage or cereal crops may be available on an annual license.

Comprehensive facilities including new 24:48 herringbone parlour and single rate cake feeders, cubicles, silage pits and slurry storage

The contract will operate for a term of 5-10 years by agreement.

The successful applicant to supply all labour and non-fixed equipment for the day to day operation of the dairy

Substantial, five bedroom farmhouse and three bedroom annex are available for the use of the successful applicant

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

Tortworth Estate Company, Estate Office, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, Glos, GL12 8HF

Come and work for Agriconnect.

We have the following openings

Content

Social Media Executive

Marketing

Events Copywriter/PR Manager

Partnerships & Awards Marketing Manager

Sales

Business Development Executive - Publications

Business Development Manager - Digital

Agriconnect is the largest multi-platform agricultural information business in the UK. Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectorsarable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance, and equipment.

We offer an excellent package including:

• 25 days holiday increasing to 27 after two years

• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in the office each week)

• Flexible working hours available

• An extra day off on your birthday

• Matched pension contribution up to 6%

• Employee assistance programme

• Long service awards and employee of the month

• Employee discount scheme

• Employee referral scheme

• Exceptional career progression. We are ever-evolving, if you work hard and do well - with our help and support there are no limits to your speed of progress

For more details on any of our vacanies, or to apply, please scan the QR code or call on 01772 799500.

Our Brands

Manager/Auctioneer

Gisburn is one of the leading Livestock

Auction Centres in the North of England, with twice weekly sales of all classes of stock. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day running of the market and will be expected to have:

• Experience managing a large and diverse team of staff.

• An excellent knowledge of Health and Safety

• and experience in managing compliance.

• The ability to communicate effectively and report to the Board of Directors Experience in credit control

Auction and Rostrum experience, although beneficial, is not essential and a lack of this experience should not deter applicants

Remuneration Package will be dependant upon experience

Recruiter Spotlight

Latest Jobs From Real Success

Herdsperson

Cullompton, Devon - REAL Success

We are seeking a Herdsperson to join our team in Cullompton, Devon with a 320 herd on an organic farm. Superb accommodation available.

Location: Cullompton, Devon

Closes: 15 May 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £30,000.00 - £35,000.00 per annum

Herd Manager

Warwickshire - REAL Success

Due to the continued expansion of our dairy farming business, we are looking for a Herd Manager at one of our units near Ashby St. Ledges & Kilsby.

Location: Ashby St. Ledgers, Warwickshire

Closes: 15 May 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £38,000.00-£45,000.00 per annum

Herdsperson

Edgmond, Shropshire - REAL Success

We are seeking a Herdsperson to join our team in Edgmond, Shropshire on our farm, working with 400 pedigree Holsteins.

Location: Edgmond, Shropshire

Closes: 15 May 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £27,181.00-£29,605.00 per annum

Assistant Herd Manager

Crediton, Devon - REAL Success

We are looking for an Assistant Herd Manager to join our team near Crediton, Exeter working with 300 grass-based Friesian cross Jersey cows.

Location: Edgmond, Shropshire

Closes: 15 May 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £35,000.00-£41,000.00 per annum

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

PRINCIPLE FARM AND ESTATE WORKER

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and conscientious operator to join our small team in North Hampshire. The estate covers around 550ha, of which around 360ha is cropped. We have just started a Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement and also have forestry operations and a shoot.

We are looking for someone who can carry out all the major arable operations. In addition, they will be a key member of the wider estate team, assisting with machinery maintenance and work in the woodland.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

· A high level of attention to detail.

· An ability to work autonomously

· A strong awareness of health and safety.

· PA1 and PA2. Telehandler, Chainsaw and PA4s are also desirable, but training will be given.

· The ability to keep complete, accurate, records.

In return, we offer a competitive remuneration package with accommodation, opportunities for further training and continuing professional development. The role is available from June 2024.

Livestock person Montreal estate

Livestock person required to join a friendly Estate team.

We are a 1000Ha Estate which comprises 400Ha of arable, 400Ha of woodland and 200Ha of grassland. The Estate is based on the fringes of Sevenoaks, Kent.

We are looking for someone to take responsibility for our 60 strong breeding herd of award winning, high health accredited, pedigree Sussex cattle in addition to a 50 strong flock of sheep. We would like additional flexibility to introduce some pigs to support our meat sales locally. You will need to be computer literate.

Reporting to and liaising with the Farm manager, the right person is required to be able to work independently, be a team player with a ‘can do attitude’. The role also involves selling our Estate produce locally to build up the meat brand.

Usual duties would include: Daily feeding, bedding and care of all cattle and sheep (rota system at weekends). Responsibility for calving and lambing.

• Borehole and Geothermal drilling

• Agricultural borehole drilling

• Water treatment solutions

• Borehole Installations

• Borehole Maintenance M&D Drilling Co. Ltd 07930 823645 or 07976 634802 www.md-drilling.co.uk • mail@mdboreholes.co.uk

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

1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practise and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority: and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation.

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METERS,FEEDERS

clusters, pulsators, jetters, pumps ACRs and robot spares 01260 226261 (T)

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

2. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advertisement.

our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

3. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be, or make a reasonable adjustment to the cost. No reinsertion, or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed

a) The amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose. OR

b) The cost of a further corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.

4. The publisher reserves the right to withdraw, amend or alter any advertisement it considers necessary.

5. Cancellations or advertisements are accepted providing they comply with the cancellation deadlines which are published at regular intervals.

6. Advertisement orders are issued by an advertising agency as a principal and must be on the agencies official form (when copy insutructions not constituting an official order are issued they must be clearly marked at the head “Copy Instructions – not an order”.

7. Advertising Agency commission will only be granted to those Agencies who are currently recognised by the Newspaper Society at the time of placing an advertisement order and copy. The rate of commission is determined by the publisher.

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

8. When credit is allowed payment is due within 7 days. Monthly accounts are due in full each month. “We reserve the right to charge additional costs and interest for non payment within our credit terms”.

9. Only standard abbreviations are permitted by the publisher. List available on request.

10. Classified display advertisements must be at least 3cms in depth for every column wide, and the minimum size of any advertisement is 2 lines.

11. Every endeavour will be made in order to forward replies to box numbers to the advertisers, as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss, or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies, however caused.

Circulars and the like should not be distributed through publisher’s box number facility.

12. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement, is an acceptance of these conditions and any other conditions stated on any type of order form by an agency or advertisers are not applicable if they conflict with any of the above.

01704 893161 or 07768

Tel: 01461 600257 or 07729 405369

MODULAMB

in the sale can be viewed online. Further details at www.modulamb.com Further information & catalogues available from Howkins & Harrison www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions

Calf Hutches. Complete with

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

A Winder & Son Cumbria 07779 185 562

FRESH REARING CALVES

Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country

Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now.

Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm.

Delivery Nationwide.

Livestock Supplies Ltd

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)

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

BIDLEA HERD Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale

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

POULTRY MANURE for sale, buyer to collect. Tel: 07766 610240 Kendal (P)

Black & White and some Red & White

Plenty to choose from - first come first served!

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

DAIRY CATTLE

Contact: Paul on 07730095062 paul@lowergroveherefords.com

Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus

Have a great selection of 2023 born 12-16 month old pedigree bulls for sale. SAC Hi-Health Member Tested free of Johnes, BVD, IBR, Lepto, TB 4 Semen Tested, Performance recorded Nationwide Delivery Available Kurt – 07715 448366 Richard - 07816 173689 Lancs (P)

Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328 We take a farmercentric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions Farmers Guardian

Quality, home-bred Limousin

British Blue young cows with Lim x and BB x calves Also two excellent Lim x Eager for work, all TB tested and ready ALWAYS NEGATIVE Wilf Lomas - 01606 or 07769704628

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

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

environment

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

easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.

Tel: 077157 64351 Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very

WHITEHILL HEREFORDS

Herefords

Royal Highland Show Preview

A bumper 52 -page look ahead to this year’s event, to be held in Ingliston on Thursday, June 22, to Sunday, June

As the Royal Highland Show approaches, Farmers Guardian will run an exclusive preview for readers to find out what’s in store at this year’s show.

This will be with readers from Friday June 14, 2024. From getting up close to the top quality livestock, to tasting local food and supporting local producers, the Royal Highland Show is an iconic event which draws national interest.

Display advertising deadline: Friday 31 May

Classfied advertising deadline: Friday 7 June

We are currently aware of a number of

advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print.

Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received.

Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the

As

the UK gears up for a General Election, Ian Barnett, of Leaders Romans Group, looks at what a change in Government could mean for planning. Farmers Guardian reports.

Land sales, politics and timing

With a General Election due within months and the polls predicting a Labour landslide, change seems inevitable.

That was the message from Ian Barnett, national land director at Leaders Romans Group, who added that landowners wishing to sell for development might be thinking about whether to wait for an end to uncertainty or enter into an agreement now.

He said: “My advice is that –bearing in mind the long timescales associated with land promotion, planning consent and land sales – it is always beneficial to plan ahead.”

He highlighted that the process of signing a contract with a developer takes about six months, and the process of gaining planning consent takes anything from six months to several years, depending on whether the site is allocated in the local plan and the stage of the local plan.

“But most importantly, your financial return is considerably increased if you have a promotional agreement or an options agreement in place, as land is considerably more valuable with planning consent than without,” he said.

“Assuming that Labour forms the next administration and that substantial changes to the planning and development process take place as promised, the period following the General Election will see a significant increase in activity, with local authorities overwhelmed by new planning applications and appeals against

refusals which took place under the previous administration.

“So it is certainly beneficial to get an agreement in place at the beginning of that curve.”

Little known

But there was little known about Labour’s proposed changes to planning policy, apart from the ‘single, but momentous’ inclination to make more greenfield development available for housing, which would include a review of the green belt.

Mr Barnett added this focus was due to rural and suburban locations becoming increasingly popular and, provided they were well located for sustainable transport, they faced fewer planning hurdles.

However, a Labour Government would have to tackle the view the green belt was already being ‘concreted over’.

“In reality, no less than 12.6 per cent of England is protected by green

Labour has proposed to make more greenfield development available for housing.

sition of land at a reduced price by effectively stripping out ‘hope value’ –the price premium that landowners gain when selling land with the potential of planning permission,” he said.

Mr Barnett added this had raised concern among landowners, but such direct means of land value capture were talked about but ‘frequently stalled’.

“As far as the development industry is concerned, there are already many forms of indirect land value capture in existence, from biodiversity net gain to Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy,” he said.

belt, which is increasing year-onyear,” said Mr Barnett.

He highlighted the green belt around London was three times the size of the city, with only about a quarter of the UK’s green belt accessible to the public.

“I believe that Keir Starmer is on the right track in accepting that the green belt must be reviewed to address the housing crisis,” he said.

“Furthermore, it is possible to both enable more greenfield development and expand the green belt overall. But a strategic approach is needed and the backlash among rural communities should not be underestimated.”

However, he highlighted not all policies would benefit landowners, with another proposed policy of ‘land value capture’ allowing local development authorities the power to buy up land, under compulsory purchase, at a fraction of its potential cost.

“The law would facilitate the acqui-

“A further land tax of such magnitude could threaten the viability of some development schemes to the point whereby the level of all housing delivered, including affordable housing, is reduced to zero – counter to all objectives.”

He added there was also the possibility that the Conservative Party would win the next General Election, or enter into a coalition.

He asked whether they could expect a continuation of existing policies or a further move towards preventing rural development.

However, he said he would anticipate further change.

“But under a Conservative Government, I would anticipate less greenfield development and a greater focus on urban areas.

“Either way I anticipate considerable change, and either way I would advise landowners to act early to avoid some of the complications that come with that change,” said Mr Barnett.

PICTURE: GETTY

PROPERTY LANDSCAPE

Water: A very real consideration

Resilience against unpredictable weather

As we move forward there is a feeling –and evidence – that whatever is happening with the weather, the one sure aspect is that it is impacting us all day to day, and how long this unsettled weather will last is an unknown. Farmers might therefore be wise to consider future-proofing their businesses in terms of the weather.

The weather could pass, or it could get worse, but one thing is for certain: if farmers are prepared, they will manage the eventual outcome better.

In the summer of 2022, there was a long drought, yet the 202324 winter has produced one of the highest rainfalls on record, saturating land and causing no end of difficulties with crop establishment and lambing losses.

Wet weather

So – what needs considering? The first and most obvious consideration is the wet weather, as it seems to have been with us for months on end – but what about when it stops? What then?

At first, it will be ‘happy days’ as the sun shines and grass/crops grow. But what if the sun keeps shining and a sustained period of dry weather then produces a drought? Should farmers be resilient to whatever the weather throws at them, or – more likely – do they try to cope with what is happening around them?

To be resilient is the ideal position to be in – it means landowners and managers have thought ahead of the curve.

Water capture facilities, larger guttering, grey water separation for water from roofs, drainage, creating shade, improving soils, and new technologies are all areas to consider.

The problem is that although many farmers would be happy to consider such matters and their impact, it all costs money – and

there is usually always something else that needs to be paid for.

It really requires a focus and desire to see the water issue –either excess water or a shortage – as something that needs to be dealt with.

Within the industry, it is regularly commented on that food, energy and water have been cheap for far too long.

Unsettled weather, legislative changes and pressures on farming businesses to produce more for less means that some wider thinking is needed.

Ultimately, technology will be the answer for increasing resilience, but this all comes at a cost.

That is why farmers need to keep abreast of all the opportunities available; they may not all be a good fit for the business, but farmers need to be informed in order to discount those that are not suitable.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency’s recent invitation for farmers in England to join a new screening study for assessing and ranking water resource options for agriculture is one worth considering.

Those who apply to be part of the study are noted on their website, but ultimately the study will look at potential water resource options and welcomes farmers working collectively.

Julie Liddle is a director at PFK Rural. Call 01768 866 611, or email julieliddle@pfk.co.uk

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Julie Liddle

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Following a difficult winter of heavy rainfall, James Huyton takes a look at some of the management options available to get the best out of your grassland.

Rejuvenating your grassland

Grassland offers the cheapest form of forage for many farmers, but following the aftermath of wet weather this winter, where is the best place to start rectifying issues?

Excessive rainfall can pose a range of challenges for farmers managing grasslands. It can lead to soil compaction which affects the health of swards and can limit productivity and yield.

Wet winter weather dragging on into spring has led to delays in field work, with some swards now too far advanced in growth for remedial tasks such as harrowing.

Therefore, an adaptive mindset may be needed to tackle winter issues going further into the growing season.

AHBD senior knowledge exchange manager and national specialist for grass forage and soil, Katie Evans, says: “Begin by assessing the soil conditions on your grassland. Identify areas prone to compaction and evaluate the extent of the damage.

“Alleviating soil compaction and improving grassland health are crucial aspects of sustainable farming.”

Understanding different soil types across each field is the first port of call, soil sampling to assess soil type and pH will indicate any remedial action necessary, including lime spreading that might need to take place.

It is important to plan ahead and, although many areas of grassland in the UK are now drying out, many areas will still have unsuitable

conditions for invasive cultivations such as grassland sub-soiling. Some of this work may be better placed as the soil continues to dry after first cut.

Encourage uptake

Geoffrey Wox, of Wox Agri Services, says: “Spring harrowing and rolling correctly will open the sward up to dry it out and thus warming the ground to encourage the uptake of slurries and dungs that have been applied, maximising the plant’s opportunity to get a good start. Al-

Assessing grassland and soil conditions following a wet winter could help make informed decisions to improve productivity going forward.

though, many swards may now be pushing towards first cut, others may still be a little backwards in growth with late nutrient applications, due to ground conditions.

“It may not be too late to harrow and roll, but it is important to assess the crop condition and take appropriate action to boost performance.

“The harrowing and rolling actions also aid in pulling out shallow-rooted grasses which typically offer unwanted competition to the more desired, deeper rooting grass species, allowing more potential

Katie Evans

Geoffrey Wox

Glenn Bootman

Improving drainage via subsoiling and aeration could extend the grazing season and turnout times.

It may not be too late to harrow and roll, but it is important to assess the crop condition and take appropriate action

GEOFFREY WOX

nutrient availability to other plants that would be better served.”

Offered in multiple working widths from 2.5-eight metres in both mounted and trailed variants, Guttler’s Greenmaster range from Wox features a standard ripper board, with a combination of 12mm U-shaped tines which intensively work the sward, taking out unwanted grasses and thatch to leave open space for new seeds.

In conjunction with the ripper board, it is supported by two rows of 12mm tines which are fully adjustable for depth and rake, which offers both levelling and fracturing of poached ground, aerating the surface in a single pass.

The Guttler following roller is designed to emulate the cloven profile of a sheep’s foot, pressing seeds into the soil. The bruising action

encourages tillering in the sward, as well as a claiming to increase stem strength.

Mr Wox says: “From an ecological point, the ripper board and tines scarify existing sward, exposing the ground to allow crows to pick off leather jackets which have been drawn and exposed to the surface by this activity.”

Ms Evans says: “Where and when suitable, consider using subsoilers to break up compacted layers.

“Subsoiling equipment can penetrate deep into the soil, fracturing compacted layers and improving water infiltration.

“Mechanical aerators can also be used to improve soil aeration.

“These machines create chan-

nels in the soil, allowing for better water and air movement.

“Avoid heavy equipment during wet conditions – minimise the use of heavy machinery on wet soils, as this can lead to compaction.

“Choose appropriate times for field operations, especially during periods when the soil is dry enough to prevent excessive compaction.”

Sward lifting

Glenn Bootman, grassland product specialist at Opico, says: “Alleviating soil compaction by sward lifting can help restore the structure of damaged soil, improving soil permeability and drainage, plus air and nutrient movement throughout the soil profile.

“It promotes root growth to allow the potential to extend the grazing period.”

Dry soil conditions offer the best machine performance when subsoiling, capable of lifting and fracturing the soil profile.

Digging test pits is a good way to assess the soil before carrying out any work.

This visual process allows pinpointing of any compacted layers and sets the working depth and if conditions are fit to work.

Subsoiling provides the best performance after prolonged dry spells and, depending on the seasonal weather conditions, the operation would be best considered early to mid-summer.

Subsoiling may not be a viable

Ascertaining the depth of the pan is vital when setting up a subsoiler, with digging a test pit the easiest way to determine this.

MACHINERY

option in every field, differences in topsoil depth and subsoil type, can dictate the type of equipment used.

Aerators offer a less invasive solution to alleviating compact or shallow soils.

Available in 2.5-3m working widths in both trailed and mounted formats, aerators use spade-like tines to cut and lift the grass sward.

Mounted on a ballast roller design, the tines cut into the sward at a set depth, leaving an open slot also consolidating in a single pass.

Mr Wox says: “Aerating the ground in the spring can bring huge benefits also, however the ground must not be too wet or dry for the activity as it could be money wasted.

“The ground needs to be at a ‘green’ stage, thus allowing the action of the aerator to perform cor-

rectly lifting and opening the sward for oxygen to get into the ground to stimulate aerobic bacteria.”

Aeration also offers other benefits, breaking up any capped surface area, allowing water to filter into the soil surface, as well as stimulating any legume nodule activity.

Alleviate

Ultimately grassland management goes far beyond the mechanical tools on offer to help alleviate compaction and rejuvenate grassland.

But in a world without direct payments, it is important farms get serious about the correct management to aid both grassland and farm resilience.

Going forward, overseeding may still form a viable option of sward rejuvenation following first cut.

Alstrong aerators are offered in 2.5-metre and 3m variants with mounted and trailed options.

Ms Evans adds: “Consider implementing a crop rotation and diversifying your plant species within a sward and do not underestimate the power of the root.

“Different crops have varying root structures, which can help break up compacted soil layers and enhance overall soil health, water infiltration and nutrient cycling.

“Soil health plays an important

role in building resilience in our agricultural ecosystems and how they respond to environmental challenges, such as floods and drought.

“Our soil health is a key contributor to long-term sustainability in food production.

“Therefore, it is important to conduct soil tests to understand the current nutrient levels, pH and soil structure,” she says.

Overseeding could provide opportunity to rejuvenate swards following first cut.

Single pass harrowing and seeding can be achieved with the Guttler Greenmaster. Inset: Seed distribution units follow the harrow, with the trailing roll pressing the seed into the seedbed.

Now in its 58th year, the Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the country and reflects The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The 2024 award winners were announced earlier this month (May 6) and among them were some noted agricultural businesses which have found success in overseas markets.

UK agricultural manufacturers prove you can still make waves globally with export sales, James Huyton reports.

Royal recognition for ag manufacturers

TEAGLE MACHINERY

AFTER significant growth in global sales, Cornish machinery manufacturer Teagle has won a King’s Award for Enterprise.

The Truro-based manufacturer gained recognition following outstanding growth in sales to overseas markets such as Europe and the USA.

The family-run business, which has specialised in agricultural machinery for more than 80 years, currently employs 150 staff.

Most livestock farmers will recognise the brand’s popular range of Tomahawk bale choppers with their distinctive red and yellow decals.

Success

Following UK success, Teagle now markets the Tomahawk bale processor to more than 120 countries worldwide, with the manufacturer recently opening new markets in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile and China.

Managing director of Teagle Machinery Tom Teagle says: “It is a testament to every member of the team at Teagle that customers return

ADF MILKING

FOLLOWING success at the British Farming Awards last year, ADF Milking has picked up the accolade of King’s Award for Enterprise for its patented milking technology.

InVent uses a system whereby a vacuum is monitored within the mouthpiece chamber of the milking liner to cater for different sized teats throughout the dairy herd.

If a threshold vacuum level is exceeded, clean filtered air is admitted into the mouthpiece chamber, improving milking conditions and reducing udder trauma.

Now exporting to 34 countries across the world, ADF Milking has seen sales bolstered by 30 per cent globally.

James Duke, founder of ADF Milking, says: “With our InVent technology we are proud to have a product that will really add value to dairy farm operations, both in the UK and around the world.

“We have managed to achieve that with a simple and costeffective solution that is applicable to any dairy farm. Our product’s success is based on the value we give our customers.

“And I am pleased to say that our high level of sales and positive customer feedback suggests that InVent continues to give value to dairy farmers by improving cow welfare and longevity.

“We believe we have a truly revolutionary product and achieving the King’s Award has confirmed that for us.”

to us time and again, which has culminated in receiving this award.

“A focus on increasing export footprint gains us a wide range of experience, with our products operating in the most challenging

conditions. The King’s Award for International Trade is one of the highest accolades any business can receive, and the success we have achieved illustrates the vital role small businesses like Teagle can

contribute to the reputation of UK manufacturing. This award marks a milestone in the history of the company and is welcome at a time that farmers globally are facing significant challenges.”

The InVent, intelligent venting liner from ADF milking.

Teagle bale processors are exported to more than 120 countries.

MACHINERY

Doubling baling output by trading-in a four-string baler for a six-stringer has increased harvest productivity and reduced bale handling time. Farmers Guardian reports.

After nine years of running a four-string Lely baler, Kevin Atkin wanted to streamline his harvest baling process by adopting a larger machine to reduce labour requirements and increase daily output, so that he could clear several days of combining in one hit.

He had entertained using a contractor to bale straw and hay across his 600-hectare farm, but not being able to control when he baled was not ideal. So, after searching the market, he eventually settled on a Kuhn SB 1290 iD to replace the older machine and admits he has been surprised by the gains made during its first full season.

Mr Atkin says: “I would say we are twice as fast with the Kuhn SB baler than our previous machine, as we are making bigger, better-quality bales.

“The increase is not just baling output in the field, as there are also fewer bales to load and cart plus bigger bales to use when bedding in the winter – the time-saving adds up across the whole farm.”

The mixed farm in Barrow upon Trent, Derbyshire, has a 200-strong beef suckler herd complimented by 450ha of arable land. Mr Atkin aims to be self-sufficient, and 95 per cent of the feed used for the cows is homegrown, with the farm relying heavily on straw.

He says: “Our beef suckler herd is bedded on straw throughout the year, so we bale everything behind the combine. We run a six-straw walker machine, which leaves large fluffy

swaths of straw – that has posed issues with previous balers.”

The baler arrived in spring 2023 and was initially used to bale hay. Although he had not run a Kuhn baler before, Mr Atkin was convinced to buy one after seeing the plunger design working at a demo. His local dealer, Rea Valley Tractors, spent time making sure he knew the machine inside and out.

He says: “I did a lot of research into the Kuhn balers, and especially the double plunger Twinpact system.

Solo square baler improves bale quality

The increase is not just baling output [...] the time-saving adds up across the whole farm

KEVIN ATKIN

After trialling a few other machines, I saw the SB working and was impressed with the smooth operation and output. It also had a low power requirement for a big square baler and offered high density and a well-formed bale. We run it on our Deutz 6215 and it handles it with no issues.”

Improved bale quality in both hay and straw is one of the main benefits of the double plunger. The baler claims to achieve bale weights of 600kg in linseed, 450kg in straw and 560kg in hay crops. Mr Atkin says the

weights are good, but a bigger positive is that the consistency of each bale is identical, making loading and bedding-up much easier.

The upper and lower plungers of the Twinpact system compact the bale on alternate strokes to increase the applied force. The split design also means the 485kg flywheel and driveline are the same as a standard 120x90 baler.

Forward speed

Forward speed has a big part to play in the operation and, like any baler, it must be kept full to work at its optimum. The integral rotor and feeder forks fill the pre-chamber to produce each flake, before a measuring plate then releases it into the main chamber for the double plunger to form the bale.

The Twinpact system aims to avoid peak loads on the baler and achieves a claimed 25 per cent higher bale density than a single plunger design. Mr Atkin says the smooth operation is a big benefit.

He adds: “The double plunger means there is not the relentless thud

and subsequent rocking motion associated with a single plunger action on large square balers. We are getting denser, better-quality bales from a baler that is more enjoyable to operate.”

The consistent bale formation has offered advantages when feeding and using material in the ration. Bales are opened on the floor and used in the ration when required, plus individual flakes can be removed without the whole bale falling apart.

Consistency

“I have never seen a baler produce a bale with such consistently-sized flakes and as constant a density as this one. Removing individual flakes like this demonstrates the quality of the formation,” says Mr Atkin.

Since there is a wider 2.2-metre

pickup on the SB 1290 iD, unlike on Mr Atkin’s old four-stringer model, it can cope with wider fluffy swaths directly from the combine, so there is not as much weaving and watching the rows.

The intake rotor also helps achieve the higher output, which means he is confident to combine for three days, leaving straw on the ground, with the baler capable of clearing the rows in just one day.

He says: “Our stubbles have never been so clean; the SB 1290 iD pickup is fantastic and does a great job of collecting the straw from the deck and leaving it clear.

“This makes our min-till cultivations easier as we are not dragging patches of unbaled straw around. It also has wider 620/50 R22.5 flotation tyres to help spread the weight in the field.”

One extra Mr Atkin added was a

Mr Atkin says individual flakes can be removed without the bales falling apart.

moisture meter to keep tabs on material throughout the day. He says that although it is not essential it has become a handy addition, especially when baling late into the evening.

Streamlining winter bedding and feeding works to keep costs in check is something Mr Atkin is constantly looking to do. Using homegrown feeds such a crimped barley, peas, beans, wheat and wholecrop, he is controlling a large percentage of the feed supplied to his herd.

Savings

He says: “I try to grow all the proteins for the ration and reduce the exposure to external feed cost fluctuations. When bedding up, we are saving 45 minutes per day as the bales are bigger and more time is spent spreading the bale rather than shunting back to the

stack for another. The savings are also noticed at weekends when it is usually only one person bedding up.”

Mr Atkin creates square stacks, six bales high, with the fifth row turned 90 degrees to brace the four bottom rows. This offers improved structure by preventing the end columns of bales becoming detached and potentially falling away. It also makes the stack safer for operators when removing high bales.

“We recently had a health and safety audit, and the assessor commended us on how we store the bales. It is much easier to build strong, safer stacks with square bales,” he says.

Although the baler was a large investment for the farm, the wider benefits across different aspects of the business mean Mr Atkin is pleased with the decision.

The Kuhn SB 1290 iD was purchased to replace a nine-year-old Lely machine. Inset: The machine uses a twin plunger design.

The baler includes an optional moisture meter, which helps when baling into the evenings.

LAMMA 2024 WAS A RECORD BREAKING EVENT

DON’T MISS OUT EXHIBITING AT LAMMA 2025

Visitor Stats*

Taken from the 2024 event

40,000+ 650+ 87%

Over

80% of exhibition space is booked of exhibitors were satisfied with the event

Benefits of exhibiting at LAMMA

✔ Engage with key decision makers

✔ Promote your products and services

✔ Increase brand awareness

✔ Increase brand credibility

✔ Launch new brand, product or service

✔ Meet current customers

For all sales enquiries or to book a stand scan or click on the below QR code and fill in the form:

We’ve had a really great show here at LAMMA – Full of quality conversations. Our stand is particularly interactive this year so it’s been really drawing people in. We’re looking forward to next year already!

-AGCO-

LAMMA is a great place to meet up with our existing clients and meet new, it’s what brings us back each year. The show has been very busy for us once again.

-Agrifac-

LIVESTOCK

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786

Worm egg counts needed to determine timing of treatment

rRegular parasite monitoring is required

DATA on worm egg counts in lambs from the last five years has revealed yearly changes in the risk period and serves as a warning to all farmers to take regular faecal egg count tests to help prevent unnecessary losses.

Results from the 25 monitoring farms in the Zoetis Parasite Watch Scheme found last year peak faecal worm egg counts occurred between June and October, with the highest average count in September of almost 600 eggs per gram.

The suggested threshold for considering treatment is 250 eggs/g. This is compared to 2019, when the risk period started in early March and ran through until the autumn, with moderate levels throughout the season.

Now in its ninth year, the data from Parasite Watch shows that no two years are the same. This means farmers should monitor their lambs for gastrointestinal parasites throughout the grazing season, to ensure they are being treated only when needed.

Zoetis vet Patricia van Veen says: “The only way farmers can truly understand what is happening in

their flock and time treatments appropriately is to regularly monitor faecal egg counts, lamb growth rates and body condition.”

Nematodirus

Data is also available for nematodirus, a gastrointestinal parasite disease that often occurs before eggs appear in the faeces. Parasite Watch data for nematodirus from the previous year alongside the SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast data can be used to highlight the real- time risk, enabling targeted treatment.

Devon sheep farmer Peter Baber has been monitoring faecal worm

egg counts in his flock for more than 30 years and breeding worm-resistant sheep in his flock of 900 ewes, which consist of Exlana, Suffolks, SufTex, and Texels. He says it is difficult to predict when worms will pose an issue.

He says: “You have to monitor worms to be able to manage them responsibly. That means keeping an eye on stock condition and performance as well as regularly taking faecal egg counts. Once we have made our breeding selection, there are very few situations when we need to drench everything in the flock. Most times, we can selectively

Data collected over nine years shows that no two years are the same in terms of worm egg counts.

treat groups of animals depending on the severity of the infection.”

Mr Baber says he believes monitoring is ‘vital’.

“It just makes no sense to drench any sheep without checking to see if they really need it; and then check again after drenching, to see if the drench actually worked. We have got the technology; it is really simple to do and it is so important that it is used,” he adds.

MORE INFORMATION Farmers, Registered Animal Medicines Advisers and vets can use Parasite Watch for free and sign up for alerts at parasitewatch.co.uk

HCC funding for beef finishing pilot project

A NEW pilot project, which aims to boost the profitability and sustainability of the Welsh beef sector, has been awarded a grant of £100,000.

The project – Decarbonising PGI Welsh Beef – will appraise the impact of varying the age of finishing beef cattle on both economic return and greenhouse gas emissions.

Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is currently recruiting 50 farmers –25 from Ceredigion and 25 from Carmarthenshire – to participate in the project, funded by the ARFOR Challenge Fund.

Benefits for those involved include free carbon audits and free financial analysis which could lead to increased profits for farm businesses.

Data gathering

HCC’s policy development lead Russ Thomas says: “This project will use historic and current market intelligence, along with individual farm performance data. It will focus on the factors that influence behavioural change to promote and encourage beef finishing within a reduced

rearing period, through evidencing economic efficiency while mitigating methane emissions.”

By working with a group of 50 farmers, the work will generate information and results to inform and benefit the wider industry across Wales.

These include increased Welsh prime beef output with reduced stocking density and emissions, brand improvement for PGI Welsh Beef with evidenced sustainability, and improved confidence in the beef sector for consumers.

LIVESTOCK

Farmers must take care with first silage cuts

rSoils are ‘fragile’, so should be the focus

AFTER the wettest 18 months recorded in England, experts are urging growers to ‘go softly’ with first cuts.

Janet Montgomery, Barenbrug’s agricultural product manager, says while grass is resilient in comparison to winter crops that have suffered from waterlogging and flooding, it is not invincible and, in particular, soils should be the focus.

She says: “With all that rainfall, 1,695.9mm, to be precise, soils have been thoroughly saturated again and again. They are in a fragile state.” In emerging or establishing crops, there is little protection for the top

layer of soil, which can lead to soil erosion, a compacted top layer and the loss of aeration, Ms Montgomery adds.

“But established silage grounds will have a more mature, more robust root structure,” she says.

“That will have helped to maintain a more favourable soil structure, despite the saturation.

“However, with soils still so wet, it will be very easy to cause lasting damage even in those fields.

“And that will have a lot of knock-on effects down the line, especially with future silage yields.”

The added complication, adds Ms Montgomery, is the relatively mild winter which, coupled with an abundance of moisture, has seen grass reach an unusually advanced growth

GRASSCHECK

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK

Scotland

59.4kgdrymatterperhectareperday (24.0kgDM/acre/day) 26.5 11.3 13.6

The North

54.9kgDM/ha/day (22.2kgDM/acre/day) 27.2 12.2 8.3

Wales

70.2kgDM/ha/day (28.4kgDM/acre/day) 25.9 11.9 3.8

The South

69.7kgDM/ha/day (28.2kgDM/acre/day) 30.5 12.0 4.1

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

Silage machinery can play havoc with soil structure if the fields are still too wet.

stage by this time of year. That will put farmers under added pressure to proceed with an early first cut.

“However tempting it may seem, my advice would be to hold off until you have made a thorough assessment of the field and soil conditions,” she says.

Deeper

“All that heavy silage machinery will play havoc with soil structure if it is too wet – visible surface damage to the crop, and the deeper, unseen but often more damaging effects brought about by compaction.”

Soil types often vary across a farm, especially where ground is rented away from the main holding.

“Obviously, if you can attend to

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

Region Seven-day forecast 14-day forecast

NorthEngland 61.2kgDM/ha(24.8kgDM/acre)

GRASS QUALITY

lighter soil types first, there is less risk of damage and you give more time for the heavier types to come good.”

Ms Montgomery also advises paying attention to power to weight ratios, tyre pressures and axle weights, as well as trailer sizes if you have a choice.

Once a field is deemed ‘safe’ to travel, Ms Montgomery says cut height should be chosen very carefully.

“Having taken every precaution to protect the soil, the last thing you want to do is to damage the sward,” she says.

“That can often happen when a heavy crop is cut very short.

“Just avoid the temptation to go for a bumper first cut.

“That is why we say go softly. If you are easy on it now, it will reward you later in the season.”

BULLETIN 8

Week beginning May 13

GROWTH RATES

MANAGEMENT NOTES

■ Recorded grass growth is now on track, with the long-term average and steady growth forecast for the next seven to 14 days

■ Grass protein levels are good at 18 per cent, but ME is disappointing at 10.8 which may reflect the size of covers being grazed and stem building from the base at this stage

■ Watch rotation speed and residuals to maintain average cover of about 2,100kg DM/ha (850kg DM/acre) which will help to balance supply and quality

■ Conditions are now perfect for oversowing, with ideal soil moisture, temperature, day length. Take opportunities to stitch in grass and/or clover as soon as crop is harvested

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.

Thistles reduce grazing and can increase the chance of Orf in sheep.

Thistlex gives outstanding control of all species of thistle, killing down to the root so they won’t grow back.

Kind to grass, it also controls nettles and dandelions. Stock can return to the field just 7 days after application.

If you have a problem with broad or curled leaf docks, Doxstar Pro’s concentrated formulation combines the power of triclopyr and fluroxypyr to deliver outstanding dock control.

It is highly effective on chickweed and dandelions too and is very safe to your grass.

Dandelions

Chickweed

Docks

Creeping Thistle

Spear Thistle

LIVESTOCK

Woodhouse Farm, in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, is run by husband and wife team Robert and Lucy Noad. Between 1998 and 2009, the farm was run organically, however when organic milk prices dropped, the couple switched to a more conventional system with a liquid contract.

But this came with problems along the way.

Mrs Noad, who is also a qualified vet, says: “After we made the change, we found we were just chasing litres, trying to produce more and more milk without really seeing financial benefits.

“We realised we would only get paid just enough to get by. Our costs were always going to expand, and therefore counteract any increases in milk price, meaning our margins would never increase.

“Soon we started to feel burned out, so decided to take a different approach. This focused more on sustainability and regenerative practices to improve the farm for future generations and put the fun back into farming.”

Now 10 years on, the Noads’ focus is on ensuring long-term durability of the business while working to improve environmental sustainability.

Mrs Noad says: “When we first started on this journey, the milking herd was housed in loose yards, which was not getting the best out of the cows. So we decided to invest in better infrastructure.

“Starting with a covered yard

Farm facts

■ Thefarmcomprises213hectares (526 acres) with 120ha (297 acres) down to permanent pasture and the remainder a mixture of spring peas and barley and herbal leys

■ Themilkingherdof160-head averages9,700litresperyear, withatargetof50percentofmilk comingfromhomegrownfeed

■ Therearealso150dairy youngstockand180beefcattle on-farm

Emphasis on soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare has led to the Noad family’s farm being nominated for VetPartners’ Sustainable Dairy Farmer of the Year Award. Farmers Guardian reports.

Focus on small steps brings recognition for Wiltshire dairy farmers

and cubicle shed, over the past decade, we have put up a new building every year to gradually upgrade the facilities and future-proof the farm for the next generation.

“This was a long-term decision which has welfare as well as productivity at its core.”

In 2023, the farm switched to supplying First Milk on a manufacturing contract which paid more for high-solids milk.

Best fit

Mrs Noad says: “We felt this contract was the best fit for our goals as we have always selected genetics which deliver fat and protein, rather than for high yields.”

Four years ago, the farm had a bovine TB breakdown about 10 days before calving, where it lost 27 cows and 13 heifers.

As a closed herd, it has taken time to restock and go on and expand, all

VetPartners’ Sustainable Dairy Farmer of the Year Award

VETPARTNERS’ Sustainable Dairy Farmer of the Year Award is intended to recognise farmers working to improve their business or environmental sustainability and are dedicated to improving the welfare and productivity of their herds.

Practicesandconsultantsfrom acrosstheVetPartnersgroupput forwardnominationsforfarmersthey

believearecommittedtoconsistently improvingtheirdairyoperations.

TheNoadfamilyandtheirteam werenominatedforthe2024award bySarahBolt,technicalknowledge exchangemanageratKingshay,part oftheVetPartnersgroup.

ShesaystheteamatWoodhouse Farmhassetambitiousgoalsfor thenextstepsinitsregenerative andsustainablefarmingjourney.

the while selecting cows and breeding heifers to suit the tight calving block system, adds Mrs Noad.

She says: “To help continue the best genetic lines, we use sexed semen on all cows for the first six weeks of the block.

“We find these individuals have the best genetic merit and produce a tight block of heifer calves which suit the block calving system, so we actively select these lines.”

To ensure the best possible health and sustainability options are considered for the cattle and the business, the Noad family works with a team of experts, including Kingshay dairy consultants, who regularly visit the farm.

Mrs Noad says that Kingshay consultant Sarah Bolt has been a huge help with holistic management decisions around establishing crops and pasture improvement.

She says: “Our local farm vet

She adds: “The family is establishing a farm education facility to share their journey with other farmers and with their community. They continue to support new entrants into the industry, with a British Army veteran joining the team to headup the dairy herd management and the regenerative cropping policies.”

The milking herd of 160head averages 9,700 litres per year, with a target of 50 per cent of milk coming from homegrown feed.

comes out every two weeks during the breeding season to help keep things on track. He regularly provides training to staff on topics such as fertility, calf health and foot-trimming.

“We also work with James Breen, of the University of Nottingham, who is here regularly during the breeding season, and Richard Cooper, of Map of Ag, who provides our nutrition work.”

Portfolio

As First Milk sends out a detailed portfolio of schemes farmers can partake in to increase their financial rewards, there is clear steer given for ways the Noad family can improve sustainability.

Mrs Noad adds the couple has chosen to do this in several ways, including improving soil health and biodiversity.

She says: “We have prioritised soil health in recent years and have established cover crops to keep a living root in the soil for most of the year.

“But more recently we have been trialling under-sowing our maize with clover to improve soil health and provide a cover crop through winter.

“We have also been using our regenerative scores through First Milk to benchmark our biodiversity

and track improvements from actions such as hedgerow management, wildflower establishment and tree planting.”

Mrs Noad is a firm believer that although farmers are in a privileged position to live in the countryside, they should be paid for the work they do to improve the environment.

“Improving biodiversity has both an environmental and economic value and I do not think farmers should be afraid to reach out to companies which can help them receive financial reward for the work they do,” she adds.

Our local farm vet comes out every two weeks during the breeding season to help keep things on track

LUCY NOAD

A focus on sustainability and regenerative practices has allowed us to improve our farm for future generations, says Lucy Noad.

rAll purchased livestock should be isolated

PRACTICAL and often simple steps can be taken on-farm to reduce the risk from ‘iceberg’ diseases. Alison Braddock, of SRUC Veterinary Services, says good biosecurity measures which support livestock health and welfare can help control production costs and minimise antibiotic usage.

She says: “Buying-in livestock can be a risky business. Ideally purchasers are looking to buy healthy animals that will suit the farm and turn a profit. It is understandable that vendors want to maximise returns and advertise livestock as ‘tested’ or ‘high health’ for certain diseases, but buyers should check what this means in reality.”

Ms Braddock says a healthy-looking animal could be carrying disease, so it is worth checking to see if vendors have followed the same strict biosecurity and testing proto-

Protecting

■ Remember that shared transportation from a sale increases the risk of cross infection unless all animals have the same health status for a particular disease

■ Check fence and boundary security and prevent nose-tonose contact with neighbouring animals; both CHeCS and PSGHS stipulate two-metre (6.5ft) double ring fencing for sheep and 3m (10ft) double ring fencing for cattle and goats

Keeping infectious animal diseases at bay

cols as those from official health schemes.

“Farmers selling cattle for breeding are often members of official cattle health schemes following the rules set by the Cattle Health Certification Standards [CHeCS]. Search online CHeCS membership databases prior to the sales by visiting the relevant CHeCS provider’s website.

Certification

“All animals from a CHeCS scheme should be accompanied by an upto-date certification or health status report for up to six diseases, so check that the correct animals are listed on the certificate and it is within date with the correct owner details.

“Many health schemes support the BVDFree database and many CHeCS members are listed there too.”

Pen or sale cards are produced by CHeCS health scheme providers, adds Ms Braddock, and used to display both the herd’s disease status and individual blood test results.

She says: “Individual animals that are not from CHeCS-accredited herds can be sold with a pen card, however the second column showing herd accreditation boxes will be blank. Vaccinations are also listed for the purchaser.”

In the case of sheep or goats, Ms

Vendors want to maximise returns and advertise livestock as ‘tested’ or ‘high health’ for certain diseases, but buyers should check what this means in reality ALISON BRADDOCK

Braddock advises buyers visit the Premium Sheep and Goard Health Scheme (PSGHS) website to check maedi visna (MV) or Johne’s disease accreditation or monitoring scheme membership by breed, scheme, county and name.

Ms Braddock says just one infected animal can be responsible for introducing infection to an entire flock or herd over time.

“An example of this is MV and Johne’s disease, both of which have a long incubation period and

by the time disease is diagnosed in a flock or herd a substantial proportion of the animals may be infected. Sometimes the only option is to restock.

“This is why CHeCS and SRUC health schemes are based around disease testing protocols as well as biosecurity rules. Some diseases are best monitored by testing individual animals, while other diseases are best controlled using a whole flock or herd approach.”

Isolation

And Ms Braddock says all purchased livestock should be isolated on arrival for at least one month and the vet should advise on tests to be conducted during this period and before the purchased animals can be added to the flock/herd.

“It is important that the home flock or herd is monitored for signs of disease so that money is not wasted buying-in animals with the best genetics and health status only for them to become infected with endemic disease from your existing animals.

“Talk with your vet and make the most of low-cost testing packages to monitor the flock or herd and undertake proactive health planning with the vet focusing on areas of improvement.”

livestock tips

Just one infected animal can be responsible for introducing infection to an entire flock or herd over time.

rCommercial champion clinches cattle supreme

FOR the second year in a row the sheep inter-breed title at Nottinghamshire County Show went to George Hoggard’s Manor House flock, Newark. This time it was with a home-bred shearling ewe by Foxhill Vavavoom, which was a naturally-born triplet. It next heads to the Royal Welsh Show.

Standing reserve was the Hampshire Down champion, a homebred shearling ewe from Sophie Manners and Joe Dilibero’s Seawell flock, Towcester. By Wilstrop Legend out of a Yarcombe-bred ewe, it also claimed the breed

There were strong entries at one of the first major shows of the season, Nottinghamshire County. Angela Calvert reports.

Charollais takes sheep title for second year

championship at the show last year as a ewe lamb.

The judge, Alan Lyons, Burnham-on-Sea, said his champion was ‘pure class’ and caught his eye as soon as it came into the ring, but

Results

Cattle

Inter-breed (Judge, M. Hardy, Newark) Supreme, B. Beckitt (commercial), Pickle; reserve and sup. continental, D. Plested, Maes Sexyspice (British Blue); res., continental, J., N. and W. Nicholls, Hitchettshill Uptowngirl (Limousin); sup. native, P. Stanley, Blackbrook Yelenah (Longhorn); res. native, V. and J. Clowes, Monochrome Jack The Lad (Belted Galloway). Commercial (I. Wildgoose, Chesterfield) Sup. and fem., B. Beckitt, Pickle: res. and male, A. Dickinson, Fireball; res. fem., A. Dickinson, Cover Girl; res. male, L. Todd and A. Smith, Ashby. Dexter (R. Murray, Cumbria) Sup. and male, J. Nuttall, Reedshaw Moss Bar; res. and fem., J. Nuttall, Jordeth Sammie; res. male, J. Nuttall, Jordeth Tommy Lee; res. fem., J. Nuttall, Linford Lotus. Hereford (J. Brigg, Ross on Wye) Sup. and fem., S. and V. Elwess; Elwess Pendant W2; res. and male, R. Johnson, Real 1 Adonis; res. fem., S. and V. Elwess, Elwess Lady Lynda A6; res. male, L. Dodwell, Radcombe 1 Alvin. Highland (L. Wardle, Ipstones) Sup. and fem., M. Burgess, Ebony of Nortwelle; res. and male, M. Burgess, Perseus of Laneside; res. fem., S. Morphy, Zara; res. male, M. Burgess, Magnus of Nortwelle. Lincoln Red (A. Hargreaves, Spalding) Sup. and fem., B. Holden, Toft Hill Gift C3; res. and res. fem., N. Hodgson, Brackenhurst Diana V444; male, B. Holden, Toft Hill Charlie; res. male, H. Williamson, Williamsons Anhur. Longhorn (J. Brigg) Sup. and fem., P. Stanley, Blackbrook Yelenah; res. and res. fem., B. and T. Stanley, Melbourne Park Kearstay IV; male, P. Stanley, Blackbrook Gunner; res. male, D. Walker, Aberdeen Xscalaber.

Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, a home-bred shearling ewe from George Hoggard, Newark.

the reserve was a great example of a modern Hampshire Down.

Cattle

In the cattle rings it was the commercial champion which took the supreme accolade. This was Pickle, a 670kg two-year-old home-bred heifer by the Limousin, Shaws Rascal out of the British Blue cross Limousin cow from Ben Beckitt, Newark, which has now been sold as a breeding cow.

In reserve was the continental and British Blue champion, Maes Sexyspice, an April 2022-born heifer from David Plested, Oxford. By Bringlee Carlos out of Sheehills Fivestar, it had been bought privately from the breeder and was being shown for the first time.

The 10-year-old Longhorn cow, Blackbrook Yelenah, claimed the native championship for Patricia Stanley, Coalville. The daughter of Blackbrook Uruk-Hai out of

Reserve interbreed sheep and Hampshire Down champion, a home-bred shearling ewe from Sophie Manners and Joe Dilibero, Towcester.

Any other native (R. Murray) Sup. and male, J. and V. Clowes, Monochrome Jack The Lad; res. and fem., J. and V. Clowes, Monochrome Killer Queen; res. fem., J. and V. Clowes, Monochrome Jean. British Blue (A. Neachall, Staffordshire) Sup. and fem., D. Plested, Maes Sexy Spice; res. and res. fem., J. and S. Crowther, Making Place Sheila B; male, P. Bodily, Quinbury Showman.

Any other continental (A. Neachall) Sup. and fem., J., N. and W. Nicholls, Hitchettshill Uptowngirl (Limousin); res. and res. fem., B. Allsop, Rosebank Pepper Potts (British Blonde); male, J., N. and W. Nicholls, Hitchettshill Ureg (Limousin); res. male, S. Watkins, Hooton Ulysses (Charolais).

Sheep

Inter-breed (A. Lyons, Burnham on Sea) Sup., G. Hoggard (Charollais); res., S. Manners and J. Dilibero (Hampshire Down).

Beltex (J. Aiken, Wennington) Sup. and fem., J. Clamp; res. and male and res. fem., M. Prince. Charollais (G. Biddulph, Macclesfield) Sup. and fem., male and res. male, G. Hoggard; res. and res. fem., C. Sercombe.

Suffolk (G. Biddulph) Sup. and fem. and res. male, E. Boby; res. and res. fem., C. and L. Beck; male, S. Read.

Blue Texel (J. Long, Worcester) Sup. and fem. and res. and male., E. Benge and R. Mawer; res. fem., G. Hoggard; res. male, A. Carter. Texel (J. Aiken) Sup. and fem., res. and male, res. fem. and res. male, A. Carter.

Castle Milk Moorit (C. Dodd, Hampshire) Sup. and fem., B. Pearson; res. and male and res. fem. M. Ballard; res. male, W. Sullivan.

Kerry Hill (D. Whybrow, Letchworth) Sup. and fem.,

res. fem. and res. male, A. Fisher; res. and male, G. Bretherton and N. Pagett. Lincoln Longwool (C. Hilton, Immingham) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. fem. R. Lawson; res. male, M. Stone. Southdown (J. Long) Sup. and fem., J. Stanger; res. and male, R.J. and C. Windsor; res. fem., J. Morton; res. male, C. Levell.

Shetland (A. Lacy, York) Sup. and fem., male and res. male, D. King; res. and fem. J. Szabo.

Any other primitive (C. Dodd) Sup. and male, C. Whybrow (Manx Loaghtan); res. and res. male and fem., J.D. Cassie (Hebridean); res. fem., J. Goodall, (Boreray).

Any other native or hill (A. Lacy) Sup. and male, W. Whybrow (Norfolk Horn); res. and fem., K, Jewell (Border Leicester); res. male, R. Donnelly (Balwen); res. fem. S. Crossland (Bluefaced Leicester).

Hampshire Down (S. Short, Halifax) Sup. and fem., res. and male, res. fem. and res. male, S. Manners and J. Dilibero.

Any other down/shortwool (S. Short) Sup. and male, A. Fisher (Clun Forest); res. and fem. and res. fem., J. Newland (Poll Dorset).

Any other continental (S. Short) Sup. and fem. J. Clamp (Badger Face Texel); res. and male, A. Carter (Rouge); res. fem., D. Cavanagh (Berrichon); res. male, R. Barker (Dutch Spotted).

Pigs

Inter-breed (A.Warriner,Easingwold)Sup.and traditional,S.Bowers,NorthrodeBountiful181(British Saddleback);res.andsup.modern,E.Paddock,Lewin Glamorous8(Welsh);res.,traditional,C.Hudson, MaeroseExcelsa945(Berkshire);res.modern, S.RobertsandJ.Fairclough,RaisinhallAnna27 (Hampshire).

Berkshire (K.P. Matthews, Scarborough) Sup., C. Hudson, Maerose Excelsa 945; res., H. Heely, Alkington Louise 11. British Lop (K.P. Matthews) Sup., M. Paddock, Eaves Actress 7; res., M. Paddock, Eaves Thatcher 26242.

British Saddleback (K.P. Matthews) Sup., S. Bowers, Northrode Bountiful 181; res., P. Foster, Twindale Ivy 2.

Large Black (K.P. Matthews) Sup., J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8; res., J. Holroyd, Addison Golden Harvest 4. Middle White (K.P. Matthews) O. Giles, Tedfold Fair Lady 400; res., E. Paddock, Lewin Dorothy 41. Gloucester Old Spot (K.P. Matthews) M.V. Hicks, Windmill Star 38; res., M. Garbutt, Fowgill Dolly 464. Mangalitza (K.P. Matthews) I. Soar, Scolebrook Princess; res. I. Soar, Scolebrook Ronnie 2. Tamworth (K.P. Matthews) M.V. Hills, Windmill Rita. Oxford and Sandy Black (K.P. Matthews) Sup., S. Woods, Waywood Cynthia 360; res., S. Woods, Waywood Claire 298.

Duroc (A.J. Brown, Somerset) Sup., O. Giles, Tedfold Hulk 195; res., O. Giles, Tedfold Lena 200. Hampshire (A.J. Brown) Sup., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Anna 27; res., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Peterbilt 10. Landrace (A.J. Brown) Sup., G. Bretherton and N. Pagett, Hedgerow Bodil 166; res., C. Hudson, Maerose Lorenzo 200. Pietrain (A.J. Brown) Sup., P. Foster, Twindale Pauline 17; res., G. and A. Pawson and family,

Warburton Murray 3. Welsh (A.J. Brown) Sup., E. Paddock, Lewin Glamorous 8. Large White (A.J. Brown) Sup., S. Hudson, Crimwell Fanny 5131.

Inter-breed cattle and commercial champion, home-bred heifer Pickle, from Ben Beckitt, Newark.

Blackbrook Peach has had nine calves in seven years, including two sets of twins, but was being shown for the first time.

The junior and reserve overall continental champion was Hitcettshill Uptowngirl, a 15-month-old Limousin heifer by Carrickmore Maximus from J., N. and W. Nicholls, Staffordshire.

Reserve native beef champion was Monochrome Jack The Lad, a two-year-old Belted Galloway bull from Jonathan and Vicky Clowes, Ilkeston.

The inter-breed pig title went to the traditional breeds champion,

Northrode Bountiful 181, a July 2022-born British Saddleback sow from Syd Bowers, Holmes Chapel. By Northrode Prefect 86, it is in-pig with its third litter.

Reserve

In reserve was the modern breeds champion, Lewin Glamorous 8, a September 2023-born Welsh gilt from Emily Paddock, Cheadle, which was being shown for the first time.

The judge, Andrew Warriner, Easingwold, said his champion was an extremely good sow, good on its feet with a nice straigh back and good underline.

WORKING DOGS

Trials diary

WALES

May 19. FFOS Y FRAN, SouthWalesSheepdogTrial Association(SWSDTA),Pre-entryrequiredandcurrently full,contactAnnaProthero,tel:07795178451.

May 24. ACORNS CHARITY NOVICE,SWSDTA,Novice, Suckley,Worcester,Wales,12pmstart.Restrictedtonovice handlerswhicharenottohavewonanopen.Pre-entry required,contactAnnaProthero,tel:07795178451.

May 26. OBLEY NOVICE,SWSDTA,Novice,Craven Arms,Obley,Wales,12pmstart.Restrictedtonovicedogs andhandlers,neithertohavewonanopen.Pre-entry requires,contactAnnaProthero,tel:07795178451.

ENGLAND

May 17. LITTLEDALE TOP PITS, AMandPMtrial.35 runsineachsession.Ofthesixtrialstakingplacethatweek overthreedays,ahandlercanruninthreesessions.Two dogsmaximumperhandler.Thecoursesgettrickierasthe weekprogresses. AVON VALLEY FARM, AMandPM sessions,bykindpermissionofFrankandDeeHodgkin. Limitoffourdogsperhandlerpersession.Thesamedogs canrunineachsession. CROOKHILL, CrookhillFarm, Derwent,HopeValley,S330AQ.AM,twodogsperhandler, first25dogs,PM,nolimit.Contactlyndawood73@gmail.com or07866586280toenter.

May 18, STOKESLY SHOW OPEN TRIAL, Kildale, England,fieldentry. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE TRIAL, North WalesSheepDogSociety(NWSDS)—AffiliatedSocieties

TRIALS AND DATES

RESULTS and trial dates provided by the Working Sheepdogs website. Established by Lancashire dog trialler and farmer Will

TrialsOpen,SY78BH,7.30am,pre-entryrequired,contact 01588660357. ABBEYSTEAD, MarshawFarm, Abbeystead,Lancaster,Lancashire,LA29PS.7.30am start,fieldentry£5.Contactjohnmarkhuddleston@gmail. comor07940723374. TRYINGHAM ARMS TRIAL, Noviceandopentrial,Trethern,Delabole,9amstart,field entry,01840213339. May 18 and 19. FYLDE OPEN TRIAL, RootenBrook Farm,Quernmore,LA29EE,£10perrun,50dogsperday. May 19. LES JONES MEMORIAL OPEN, Kildale,England, 12pmstart,fieldentry. WEST ROSE TRIAL, Noviceand open,Trethern,Delabole,PL339DA,9amstart,fieldentry. Contact01840213339. May 21 and 22. WHARTON OPEN TRIAL, Open, CA174GJ,9amstart.Preentryrequired,buttrialis nowfull.Contactkaty.croppersheepdogs@gmail.com or07836586878.

May 22. CROOKHILL, Open,CrookhillFarm,Derwent, HopeValley,S330AQ,8amstart.Fieldentry,£10perdog. May 24. TRAWDEN SPRING OPEN TRIAL, Cold WeatherHouseFarm,Blacko,BB96NH,9amstart. Pre-entryrequired,formoreinformationcontact 07824644099.

May 25. PENNINE CIRCUIT, Open,Woodmanwray Farm,Dacre,Harrogate,HG34AR,12pmstart.Field entry,contact07980545437formoreinformation. NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE OPEN TRIALS, Shirlaw Hope,NE658EN,08.30amstart.Noseconddogsrun after12.30pm,fieldentry,formoreinformationcontact 07375397106.

May 26. PENNINE CIRCUIT, HullHouse,Hellifield,

Hurley, it aims to have the full results and diary for the UK’s sheepdog calendar. If you would like your trial dates or results included in Farmers Guardian

The reserve traditional breeds champion was Maerose Excelsa 945, a January 2021-born Berkshire sow from Chris Hudson, Newark.

Skipton,BD234JP,8.30amstart,fieldentry. OPEN TRIAL, Gallowshaw,Netherwitton,NE614NL,12pmstart. Pre-entryrequired,maximumentryoftwodogsper handler.Contact07531587675formoreinformation. NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE OPEN, Gallowshaw, NE614NK,9amstart.Pre-entryrequiredtoKateMcCrae on07531587675,first45dogsballeted. ROSELAND TRIAL, Noviceandopen,PennareFarm,Veryan, TR25PH,09.30amstart.Pre-entryrequired, entriescloseMay21,contact01872501886 ortrevor_hopper01@btinternet.com.

SCOTLAND

May 18. INTERNATIONAL FUNDRAISER, Hazeldean Farm, Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, ML9 3PB. 7.30am start, field entry, £10 per dog, no two dogs after 1pm. Contact 07967 959 434. May 22. DOUGARIE OPEN, Glenloig Farm, Shiskine, Arran, Scotland. Pre-entry to 01770 600 897. May 25. KINROSS TRIAL, Open,KY130NX,12pm start.Pre-entryrequired,£10perdog.Formore informationcontact07979012569. LESMAHAGOW FARMERS SOCIETY, Oppositeshowfield,ML119PS, 12pmstart.Maxtwodogsperhandler.Pre-entry required,enteronlineatlesmahagowfarmerssociety. co.uk,£6perdog. PENTON DISCUSSION GROUP TRIAL, Noviceandopen,ShielingMoss,Harelaw,near Canonbie,DG140RP,12pmstart.Pre-entryrequired, £5perdog.Contactbecky.pentonsdt@gmail.com.

and the Working Sheepdogs website, go to workingsheepdogs.co.uk, or contact Ellie Layton on 07814 997 407, or ellie.layton@agriconnect.com.

Inter-breed pig and British Saddleback champion, sow Northrode Bountiful 181, from Syd Bowers, Holmes Chapel.

Raisinhall Anna 27, a July 2023born Hampshire gilt claimed the reserve modern breeds championship for Stuart Roberts and Jodie Fairclough, Bedale.

English results

Wenningside Open Trial (Judge, Thomas Huddleston, 49 dogs ran) 1, Stephen Duckworth, Fleet, 90; 2, Ricky Hutchinson, Chrissy, 88; 3, Sarah Jenkins, New, 83 OLF; 4, Thomas Longton, Luna, 83; 5, John Harrison, Jill, 82; 6, Shirley Duckworth, Dale, 81. Wenningside Opens (Joe Relph) (29 dogs ran) 1, Larry Cowper, Geno, 71; 2, John Huddleston, Ticktock, 70; 3, Ricky Hutchinson, Chrissy, 66; 4, John Harrison, Jill, 65; 5, Chris Taylor, Redgate Midge, 62; 6, Chris Taylor, Peggy, 59.

Avon Valley Farm, 1, Ben Smith, Ben, 91; 2, Ben Smith, Roy, 86; 3, Ben Smith, Kirby, 84; Harry Plant, Floss, 75; 5, Sean Mynard, Winston, 70, Caileigh Eddie, Sally, 66T. Trethern trial (Ross Games) Open, 1, Frank Richards, Lola, 88; 2, Dan Heard, Taff, 81; 3, Matt Evans, Jock, 78 OLF; 4, Tarcio, Bigu, 78; 5, Jed Watson, Ed, 77; 6, Paddy Fanning, Ben, 76.

Yorkshire SDS annual Open trial with championship (Robin Dean) (70 dogs ran) Open, 1, Carol Mellin, Petre Bet, 80; 2, Brenda Helliwell, Moya, 77; 3, Arthur Temple, Jan, 75T OLFD; 4, George Bonsall, Jake, 75; Jim Scriven, Mynach Kin, 73 OLFD; Ian Ibbotson, Sal, 73 OLFD.

Avon Valley Farm, 1, Ben Smith, Kirby, 86; 1, Ben Smith, Ben, 85; 3, Nij Vyas, Cap, 81; Lisa Kasel-Seibert, Frost, 80 OLF; 5, Ben Smith, Roy, 80; 6, Nij Vyas, Cai, 78. Trethern trial, Open, 1, Mark Banham, Brook, 48 OLF; 2, Jed Watson, Jock, 48; 3, Claire Neil, Henry, 45; 4, Debbie Surilla, Mia, 44; 5, Conn McGarry, Spot, 43; 6, Kevin Dodd, Tiz, 42.

Welsh results

Bala Trial (6 dogs ran) Open, 1, Robin Macnaught, Sam, 21; 2, Dafydd Evans, Bet, 28; 3, Mia Artela, Kemi Daz, 37.

Reserve inter-breed cattle, continental and British Blue champion, heifer Maes Sexyspice, from David Plested, Oxford.

Inter-breed native and Longhorn champion, Blackbrook Yelenah, from Patricia Stanley, Coalville.

Young Farming Hero

Are you a young farmer who has gone above and beyond to provide support on their family farm under exceptional circumstances?

If you’ve stepped up or know a young farmer who has, enter now!

* Please note

Are youFarmin

Are you a budding inventor or engineer in the making?

This award is looking to champion a young innovator who has an idea on how to make farming more efficient.

This can be across any farming activity, but you need to be able to provide drawings with an explanation as to how your idea would work on the farm.

* Please note

you a Young British g Awards champion?

n six worthy young farmers in the new ‘Young BFAs’!

6 and 16 years. The awards launch with four new categories:

Young Handler of the Year

Are you a upcoming champion in the show ring?

The Young BFAs are looking for a young handler who has consistently performed within the show ring and being actively involved in rearing the livestock that has been shown.

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a registered young farmers club.

Young Farmers Club of the Year

Are you a member of a Young Farmers Club that has gone above and beyond to serve their local community or raise significant funds for a charity? If your club has made a impact then let the Young BFAs know!

* This award is open to all Young Farmers Club that are registered with the NFYFC (England & Wales) or SFYFC (Scotland). There is no limit to the size of the club, or the age range within the club.

Shortlist winners will be announced in August.

MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: LAA/MartEye

YOUNG BULLS

MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE

SCOTLAND

Market day(s) w/e May 14

ENGLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

2/775.0 14/914.3

Source: LAA/MartEye

WALES

MARKET COMMENT

THERE was a decrease in livestock prices across all categories at auction marts in England and Wales this week, with only sheep bucking the trend.

Young bulls were down 2.5p/kg to 264.3/kg, while steers had reduced by 1.5p/kg to 270.1p/kg.

However, dairy-sired cows had increased by 2.7p/kg to 163.9p/kg, and heifers had gained value by 2.6p/kg to 277.4p/kg.

In the sheep pens, new season lambs returned an increase of 7.2p/kg to 400p/kg.

For pigs, porkers were up by 2.3p/kg to 175.6p/kg, whereas cutters and baconers were both down from the previous week.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (May 15), UK LIFFE wheat prices for Nov 2024 were trading at £220.50/tonne, an increase of £7.85/t on the week.

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

Week ending May 14, 2024.

MARKET PRICES

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

O/SdeadweightpricesfortheweekendingMay11,2024.

DeadweightsheeppricesarecollectedfromasampleofGBabattoirs.Thesampleaccountsforabout one-thirdofdeadweightsales;pricesquotedp/kgareaveragesforallqualities12-21.5kg.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (£ per

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

MARKET PRICES CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

2020/21/22claims.Seller’s2023claimnotneeded. Estimatedreturn£1.20/£1refamountwithbuyer’s delinkpaymentlessthan£30,000post-transfer. SubjecttoDelinkagevalues2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English:Defra estimates£25,000-£200,000/unitexcluding VATandassociatedfees,subjecttolotsize. LasttenderApril19,2024,nextMay31,2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-termsales alltypesagricmanexcludingspecialisthabitat 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.May2023WCG reverseauctionaverage£19.76. WATER: English abstractionlicenceslessthan£3-£15/cu.m. Source:

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS

WeekendingMay19,2024

Last updated May 14, 2024

Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.255; £/€1.162 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne.

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

March 2024

Source: AHDB

1.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.33pplguaranteedminimumpayment.

2.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.50pplmemberpremiumpayment.

2.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.64pplTescocheesegrouppayment.

3.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.00ppldirectpremiumpayment.

4.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.40pplactual13thpayment. Retailerpricesupplementsareincludedwhereapplicable.Supplementslistedareinadditiontolistedmilkprices.

FARMING: THE BACKBONE

In this community section update, we share news from the heart of British rural life, plus Young Farmer Bethan Anthony tells us about her onstage experiences.

Celebrating rural communities Celebrating rural communities rural communities

NFYFC Drama Finals: Backstage access

A member of Eardisley Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) in Herefordshire, Bethan Anthony says she is a ‘die-hard’ Young Farmer.

She has been a member of the federation since she was 10 years old, and has had a varied career with her club. She was county chair from 2020 to 2022 - the only Herefordshire county chair to have a two-year stint.

She may be schoolteacher by day, but since Christmas Bethan has spent her evenings rehearsing for the YFC Drama Festival with 30 fellow Young Farmers.

After winning their county and regional rounds, Eardisley placed third in Leamington Spa during the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) Drama Finals in April.

this being her last competing year. She has been nominated for ‘Best Actress’ five times.

The performance and public speaking competitions are what Bethan says she has benefited the most from, with both helping her get to where she is today.

She says: “Without YFC, I do not believe I would have the confidence to be a teacher and hold a role like county chair. At university, I was surprised at how few people could speak in front of an audience, which is a skill I gained from a young age through the organisation.”

Being dyslexic, Bethan can find learning her lines difficult, but says her club has always helped her with any challenges.

Our producers are good at helping to get the best out of each member. If people are shy, they often help backstage to help them build confidence.”

Bethan adds the competition is her favourite because it brings so many members of the club together.

“As an older member, I can see the impact the competition has on younger members. It is a competition with many different layers – few seen plainly from the audience,” she says.

Bethan’s top tips

1. Never say no, even if you feel silly

2. Do not do things halfheartedly –that is when you will feel silly

3. Lines are not the most important part of a role

4. Serve your time doing less desirable roles

5. Listen to your producers; they have been in your shoes

6. Just because your friends stop doing the competition, does not mean you should 7. Project your voice

This is not the first time it has got this far; the club has qualified for the National Finals an impressive five times in the last 18 years.

Although Bethan is not directly involved in agriculture, this has not tarnished her YFC experience. Bethan has been a part of 14 Eardisley shows, with

The rehearsal process begins with script read-throughs to help people get to grips with their lines, before rehearsing the individual scenes. The club has a cast of about 30 members every year, with a role available for anyone who wants one.

Bethan says: “I am usually given a comical role, and I am not much of a dancer so I usually sing.

Reflecting on her time onstage, Bethan says she has played a variety of roles; from a non-speaking bear, to a leek (where she wore a children’s play tunnel as a costume – pictured above), to a singing tea lady.

“In my first year, I played a merryman and wore a pillowcase as my costume; I soon realised I should not take myself too seriously,” she says.

One of her favourite memories is when Eardisley performed its 2019 national-winning piece for locals, and more than 650 people came to watch. Caught

by surprise, the club was trying to find chairs from numerous village halls before the curtains opened.

With her time in NFYFC about to draw to a close, Bethan says this competition has made her realise her love for theatre and she is keen to help the club with future productions, and join another performing arts club. This year, she carried out her first onstage judging role for the One Plus competition in the neighbouring county Brecknock.

OF BRITAIN

Edited by Emily Ashworth

Alex McMenemy

YFC members ‘break a leg’

Welly boot marathon

National Drama Finals

Drama Finals

1. Buxton YFC, Derbyshire; 2. Builth Wells YFC, Brecknock; Joint 3. Eardisley YFC, Herefordshire, and Gelligaer YFC, Glamorgan; Best Female Actor: Annie East, Eardisley YFC; Best Male Actor: Thomas Broadley, Buxton YFC

Senior member of the year

Gillies Boyd, a 20-yearold student at SRUC, is putting his wellies on at the end of the month to run the Edinburgh Marathon, all in a bid to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

1. Alex McMenemy, County Durham YFC; 2. Angharad Thomas, Carmarthenshire YFC; 3. Maddie Kimble, Buckinghamshire YFC

Tune in to Scottish farmers

A video of the song ‘Stand by Me’ sung by The Farmers’ Choir and produced by agricultural charity RSABI with an aim to uplift farmers, was viewed more than 20,000 times in the first 24 hours and shared over 500 times. Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, says: “We know that some families have been finding it hard to cope with stress and anxiety, and the pressure has been hard to bear for some. So it is incredibly important to share the message – particularly to those working alone – that farmers have the backing and understanding of so many people. The team at RSABI are at the end of the phone 24/7 on 0808 1234 555, and our live webchat is available via rsabi.org.uk.”

RSABI offers free practical, financial and emotional support, including counselling services, and is also offering free licenses to its Thrive Wellbeing app –worth £100 each – which can be requested by calling the helpline or emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk.

Shearing competition: Gavin Mutch

Having had friends and family personally affected by cancer, Gillies understands how much the disease can affect people, and wants to put an agricultural twist on his race by running in wellies.

Senior of the year Keep up-to-date with our community news with the hashtag ‘#HaveEweHerd’. If you have any news you would like to share, please email ellie.layton@agriconnect.com or call 07814 997 407.

If to donate you Giving

If you to can page

If you would like to donate to Gillies, you can visit his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/page/gillies-boyd

St Ishmel YFC celebrates 90 years

As Carmarthenshire Young Farmers’ oldest club, St Ishmel is delighted to have reached its granite anniversary, celebrating 90 years. The club enjoyed its ‘decades-long’ concert in March, and is looking forward to celebrations later in the year with its ‘it’s a knock-out’ dance and grand dinner.

Back to school for Montgomery YFC

Scottish shearer Gavin Mutch has made his mark on the continent by winning an open competition on his debut venture to Spain. The Aberdeen native, who now resides in New Zealand, was hosted by Josep and Jordi from Boletin Esquiladores, the Spanish importers of Heiniger clippers. Gavin secured first place in the four-man final at the Salon Ovino, with the fastest time on the board – 10 minutes and 36 seconds – plus second lowest board and pen marks.

Members of Montgomery YFC, Lucy Morgan from Four Crosses YFC, and Ffion Suckley-Jones from CFFI Dyffryn Tanat YFC visited Ysgol Brynhafren school along with Ffion Jones, county development officer, to deliver a presentation on Farm-to-Fork as a collaborative project with Wynnstay Agriculture. The children had been learning about farming as their topic this term, and had some brilliant questions. The team believes it is vital that future generations are educated about where their food comes from and how important farmers are in rural communities, and of course – promoting women in agriculture too.

IN YOUR FIELD

Every

week we follow the

ups and downs of farmers around the UK

DAN

Kent

Dan Hawes grew up on an arable farm in Suffolk and now produces strawberry and raspberry plants for the UK fruit market with Blaise Plants, sister company to Hugh Lowe Farms, Kent. The business grows outside, under tunnels and in glasshouses and produces more than four million plants a year. The arable side includes environmental schemes, with a mix of wheat, oilseed rape, beans and barley crops.

Hopefully since my last article you will have seen some British strawberries start to appear on the shelves.

Glasshouse crops kicked off at the end of last month and field crops under tunnels are now ramping up production. Hopefully the sun will make a more frequent appearance, both for the plants and all of us.

On the propagation side, it finally stopped raining long enough to cultivate a couple of fields in preparation for installing beds used for producing strawberry tray plants, which will go on to produce fruit in 2025.

Optimistic

On the schedule, I had it planned to be all but completed by the end of March, but maybe I was being too optimistic.

But hey, we have gone for it while the sun shines and are happy with the progress made – with just the poly to put on.

Ironically, by the end, the wind and sun had dried out some of the clods like concrete and a bit of rain would

‘The

shorts have been out more in the past few days than the whole of 2024’

actually have been useful, so naturally I complained about the weather again.

We have adapted the five beds between sprinklers design. We merged the outside two beds, allowing us to give each tray line more space and provide optimum spacing to each plant without heavily reducing overall density, as well as giving it a little slope to remove standing water.

More recently we were filling pots ready for raspberry cane production, using a pot filler machine and a bunker. We aim to mechanise where possible, using the little tractors to lay

them out in the rows. The plugs arrive next month so we are well ahead of schedule, but I have got lot of other stuff to do next month and need the shed space.

Mixed in with this, I have been fortunate enough to go over to California on an International Conference with the NextGen Fruit Group, a group of young professionals all in the fruit production industry, where I am currently writing from.

Thanks to the committee, it has been a great trip – we have been to a mix of production, breeding, process-

Summer weather patterns around the globe

WELL,thatwasarelief.Somebetter weather,warmertemperaturesanda littleraintoo.Suddenlythingsare growing.

Youhavebeentellingmeabout concernswithdiseasenowthat temperatureshaverisen,andthe NFUhashighlightedtheriskfrom bluetongue,especiallygiveneasterly windsbringingmidgesfromoverseas.

Itissomethingtomonitoras temperaturesstaymildtowarmoverall thisweek.

MaysofarhasbeenwarmintheUK, Irelandandmuchofcentraland westernEurope.Whilemanyofthese areashavebeendry,ithasbeenwetin

partsofFrance,westernGermanyand Switzerland.

Anotableareaofcoldweatherhas affectedwesternRussia,extending southwestintopartsofeastern Ukraine,butwesternUkrainehas beenwarm.

ForChina,themonthhasbeen warmanddryinthenorth,butmuch coolerandwettertothesouth.

OntheothersideofthePacificthe westernandcentralUSAhasbeen coolwithmixedrainfallpatterns,while theeasthasbeenwarmandwet.

Thesecontrastingtemperatures haveledtosomespectacular tornadoes,manyofwhichhavebeen

live-streamedonYouTube—wellworth awatch.Canadahasbeenwarmwith dryweatherintheeastandnearer averagerainfallinthewest.

IntheSouthernHemisphereInotice howcoldithasbeeninChileand Argentina.SouthAfricahasbeen warm,ashasmostofAustralia. EasternAustraliahasbeenwetandthe coaststherearecolderthanaverage. NewZealandhashadacoldyetdry endtoautumnandstarttowinter.

Globalweatherpatternsarenow lockingthemselvesintotheirsummer andwinterpatterns,nowallwe havetodoiswatchandseewhat happensnext.

ing, automation and research locations mainly focusing on soft fruit.

The 11-hour flight has definitely been worth it, and the shorts have been out more in the past few days than in the whole of 2024 back in the UK.

As soon as I get back, it is a drive from Heathrow to Elveden Forest Center Parcs to join the family on a holiday.

I am terrible at taking time off, so very much looking forward to that. It is the small things in life that count, and I have learned to value these times as I get older and life gets busier.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE

Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

HAWES

NEXT WEEK

Scottish Borders Kate Rowell

Lancashire Amy Wilkinson

‘The first rotation was grown without fertiliser’

ALAN CARTER

Cornwall

Alan Carter farms in partnership with his parents, Paul and Christine, on a 162 hectare (400-acre), 400-cow dairy unit at Constantine, Cornwall, with 130 milking cows, supplying Saputo. Alan, also a Parish Councillor, and his wife Sarah, have two children, Ross and Dana.

Iam so pleased to say it finally did stop raining.

We turned the cows out by day on April 15, and full-time on April 17.

The grass around the grazing fields is looking good, almost too much. The first rotation was grown without fertiliser, just a good coat of dung over winter.

This April grass did not feed that well, and the milk has only

increased since the weather has warmed.

At the start of the following week we turned 150 cattle out and sold 11 dairy steers deadweight.

These achieved a good price and the beef cattle have sold well this year.

We turned out over three sensible days. One of the fields we use is around 16 hectares, covering two fields, streams, woods, croft, and bogs.

Stores

We usually put around 45 Hereford cross cattle there which we will sell as stores the following winter.

They are dropped off at the gate over a few loads and run off down the hill. They could travel around half-a-mile before reaching another hedge.

I would then spend the next few days or weeks trying to get them together to check them and they would always get out at least once.

This year we put them into two much smaller fields for a fortnight,

giving them a chance to get used to being outside and boundaries and so far it has worked. This will now be the plan in the future.

At the end of April, Dad had an operation on his eye. It was a day case, but under general anaesthetic.

He was told he could not lift or bend down for two weeks and to rest. He did take this on-board.

To fill his day with something not too strenuous, he has been sorting the office.

This is in my old bedroom, which I left 11 years ago, and has seen its

CROSSWORD 1245

NAME

most serious tidying since. I have been hearing about some of the old papers he found.

The lowest milk price was 16ppl and, at this time, my parents were leasing quota at 12ppl.

So, some of the milk sold was for 4ppl. He said he did not know how they kept going.

It was by working very hard and having to borrow.

We only have a dairy industry in this country because of those that did keep going in the past, in the most illogical circumstances.

Sendinyourcorrectentriestobeinwithachanceofwinning£20worthof Love2shopvoucherseverymonth.Sendto:CrosswordNo.1245,Farmers Guardian,Unit4,FulwoodBusinessPark,CaxtonRoad,Fulwood,Preston,PR29NZ.

ACROSS

6 Troubled over merchandise, this dairy treat from the south-west (10,5)

9 Cooked limes used at first for breakfast cereal (6)

10 Conservative prophet in a small oval boat (7)

11 Sadly not praised - treated condescendingly (10)

13 One who fibs returns to scoff (4)

14 Partly clear the soil (5)

15 In the main, breath of fresh air is provided by this apprentice in South America (5)

19 Still one abominable creature (4)

20 Restaurant rubbish is pursued by endless sequence (10)

21 Abolish army regulation for type of eclipse (7)

22 Neglected, like broken promises (6)

23 Word about large smashing having momentous effect (5,10)

DOWN

1 Earfuls about horse’s unwillingness to jump (7)

2 It’s a wine when it’s tipped up! (4)

3 Sticky type of rayon (7)

4 Concerning crops son propagates (10)

5 Point towards and make it a metamorphosis (4,3)

7 Derived from visual evidence, keep watch mostly at one town hall now and then (13)

8 One who destroys discs? He surpasses previous best achievements (6-7)

12 A neutral is extraordinarily to become a citizen of another country (10)

16 Figure of witch followed by endless anguish (7)

17 Narrow road climbing round territory, going on and on (7)

18 Suspect I’m panicking, holding these kettledrums (7)

22 In the past part of Mount Olympus (4)

Answers to crossword 1243: Across: 1 Partnership, 9 Extract, 10 Signify, 11 Processed, 12 Throb, 13 Needs, 14 Zinfandel, 16 Limestone, 18 Pants, 20 Natal, 22 Outerwear, 24 Campari, 25 Noisily, 26 Thistledown.

Down: 1 Petroleum, 2 Readers, 3 Notes, 4 Residence, 5 High tea, 6 Prior, 7 Weapon, 8 Symbol, 14 Zoologist, 15 Dandelion, 16 Lunacy, 17 Syllabi, 18 Portico, 19 Strays, 21 Tempt, 23 Tinge.

FARMING MATTERS

‘Is food security forgotten in the net zero agenda?’

Iwork in business development at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, working across the agri-food supply chain to accelerate innovation. In this role, I was able to attend the George Scott Robertson lecture in February, entitled: What does climate change mean for the UK food system?

Dr Pete Falloon, of the Met Office, provided data and discussion around weather patterns; drier, hotter summers; unsurprisingly milder, wetter winters; and increasing volatility.

There was a lot of discussion on what this means for the agrifood supply chain, as well as on

topics such as changing plant breeding strategies, breeding cattle for greater resilience to heat stress and altering seasonal patterns of farming.

Resilience

While this was a really fascinating presentation and we must continue to push forward our climate ambitions, an important point was raised by Prof Chris Elliot – previously of Queen’s University, Belfast – after the presentation: Is resilience and food security being forgotten in the net zero agenda?

Food security is a topic that

ANNIE WILLIAMS

Business development manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre

has had a rising profile since the Covid-19 pandemic when there were empty shelves. But even during Covid-19, it probably was not taken that seriously – yes, there was panic buying, but I do not believe there was any genuine concern among most people that the UK would run out of food.

This is countered by experts who tell us that we should be concerned about national and global food security. Climate change and volatility, political agendas and trade deals are all multifaceted in their potential effect, and it is not just something we should sweep under the carpet.

I have recently returned from Brazil as part of my Nuffield Farming Scholarship, and food security was frequently mentioned in conversation with a variety of stakeholders in the agri-food supply chain.

Research

I have a research background, and it is often easier to think of singular problems in isolation and try to solve them – fundamentally, that is just how the human brain works.

Currently, a lot of the research is being directed towards net zero. But is the net zero agenda in opposition with the concerns about food security? And if so, are there

opportunities to bridge the gap and take a more joined-up approach?

The drive to net zero is usually coupled with increasing efficiency, but it can also be met with suggestions like a reduction in animal numbers or decreased food imports.

Mitigate risks

The ambition to reach net zero is essential – and this exists across all sectors – but in the agricultural sector I believe it is critical that it is coupled with consideration of food security. What can we do to help primary producers mitigate the risks that climate change brings?

We often find ourselves in the position of suggesting farmers ‘should do x’, or ‘we will incentivise to do y’. But farming is inherently risky, and with greater volatility from climate change, from drought to floods, we must arm farmers with the tools to mitigate those risks.

And we must ensure that farmers can access the finances to allow them to utilise those tools, bridging the gap towards net zero and providing stability for food security.

Food security is a topic that has had a rising profile since the empty supermarket shelves during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Annie Williams.