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Welcome from the editor
Like the weather, ‘resilience’ cannot be switched on overnight
FLOODED roads, waterlogged crops and chilly temperatures – welcome to ‘summer’ 2024.
It takes me back to July 2007 when I was reporting for a local newspaper, the Spenborough Guardian. Houses on a brand-new estate had flooded and I was charged with speaking to angry residents who were not aware their properties had been built on floodplains.
The rainwater was at such a high level on the estate I had to abandon my car, and I arrived back at the office with my shoes squelching. My news editor put the heating on so I could dry my shoes on the radiator before I went off to the next job, which happened to be taking photographs of a family of ducks swimming down Cleckheaton High Street.
While ‘extreme weather events’, as they are termed, have unquestionably been part of our farming past, they do appear to be occurring more and more frequently, piling extra pressure on farmers to ensure their businesses are ‘resilient’ – another buzzword – in the face of multiple challenges.
The dent in farm income figures shown in our analysis on p9 illustrates the volatility of the farming sector and, with so many external factors outside the industry’s control, is something which is likely to continue.
With 2024 already being a year that many will
want to see the back of, the pressure is on to make the most of a tough season. But as businesses strive for survival during the dry spell, the harvest advice on p22 is timely: looking after yourself and your families, coming home safe, must be the priority.
Weathering the storms and challenges farming faces is not insurmountable, but it needs to be backed by strong leadership and a political will to do the right thing for our sector. The deafening silence as to the importance of rural matters did not go unnoticed in this week’s King’s Speech, and the chaotic situation in Wales has been seen as a major distraction among the nation’s farmers.
But hopefully brighter days are on the horizon, and next week’s Royal Welsh Show will no doubt provide a rousing call to action –all politicians, but particularly those in Wales, would do well to listen.
PICTURE: RUTH REES
ON August 1, FG will be hosting a digital round table with industry leaders to discuss ‘What farming needs to see in the first 100 days of a Labour Government’. See next week’s FG for the full details about how you can join and have your say.
Switching from commercial to pedigree cattle has given the Gilbert family fresh enthusiasm to progress with their beef system. See p19-21.
What’s inside?
HCC leadership in spotlight over bullying allegations
l
Welsh Government will not step in
By Jane Thynne
THE leadership of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) has once again been called into question after the Welsh red meat body revealed the findings of an inquiry which said its former chief executive Gwyn Howells would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not resigned.
The statement said: “The board decided that the seriousness of the matter necessitated that the discipli-
nary officer should be allowed to deliver a final report to conclude the process properly. That report concluded that there was sufficient evidence of gross misconduct on three separate counts related to Mr Howells’ management and leadership.”
The announcement has followed months of speculation about the work culture at the Welsh levy board and the ‘potential wider damage’ the disruption was having on the country’s red meat sector.
Last month board directors Prys Morgan and Rhys Davies both stepped down.
Concerns had been raised by Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd back in February, who demanded the then Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths ‘intervene’ as a matter of ‘public interest’ after it was revealed six employees of HCC had issued separate complaints about one member of staff, alleging multiple instances of bullying which had taken place on numerous occasions.
HCC said at that time Mr Howells was on a period of extended leave which it insisted was unconnected to the claims and was due to sickness.
Norman Bagley, head of policy at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, said: “A few weeks ago, I described what was going on at
WELSH FIRST MINISTER QUITS
WALES’ First Minister, Vaughan Gething, resigned this week after four of his own cabinet members including the former Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, announced they were stepping down, just four months into his premiership.
They cited concerns over Mr Gething’s acceptance of a £200,000 donation from a convicted polluter as part of his leadership campaign as well as the sacking of Hannah Blythyn, MS for Delyn, over allegations she had leaked information to the media, which she denies.
Plaid Cymru has called for a snap election.
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman warned
Welsh agriculture was at an ‘important crossroads’ and another cabinet reshuffle may hinder the progress made on agricultural policy in recent months.
Candidates
Speculation has now turned to who will be the next First Minister, with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, rumoured as one of the candidates expected to run as Farmers Guardian went to press.
When asked if he would run as the next leader, Mr Irranca-Davies refused to answer.
He said: “This is not the day to reflect on runners and riders.
“It is to reflect on how we get
It is not for Welsh Government to step into them [HCC] as a body, it is for them to actually resolve those issues
HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES
HCC as a clown’s show and as far as I can see, nothing has changed and it is only a matter of time before the Minister will have to get involved.”
However, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Climate Change Huw Irranca-Davies told Farmers Guardian he had been reassured by HCC chair Catherine Smith that the body was ‘focused on the day job delivering for its stakeholders particularly within the red meat sector’.
“There are internal governance issues indeed within HCC. It is not for Welsh Government to step into them as a body, it is for them to actually resolve those issues,” he added.
that unity back into the party.” With the Royal Welsh Show a few days away, the Cabinet Secretary was keen to not let internal divisions distract from the ‘raft of announcements’ outlining what farming support in Wales will look like for 2025, as part of what he refers to as the ‘preparatory phase’ of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
He said: “We are working hard on [farmers’] behalf to make sure we deliver the SFS scheme, taking the time over this preparatory year to get it right.”
He added that once it was brought forward, it would be a scheme that was both ‘fit for purpose’ and would work for ‘all farmers’.
Gwyn Howells
KING Charles has been gifted seven Jersey heifers for the Highgrove Estate by the Jersey Milk Marketing Board after his visit to the island earlier this week. The heifers have been carefully selected from the island’s leading herds.
With the Jersey Herd at Windsor complete, King Charles requested the cattle be sent to Home Farm, which is part of Highgrove Estate, Gloucestershire, where Duchy of Cornwall tenant farmer Henry Gay will care for them.
Scots farmers desperate for prolonged spell of dry weather
l Floods also cause travel disruption
By Rachael Brown
AFTER several months of wet weather, with some areas of Aberdeenshire receiving between ‘50-80mm’ of rain last week following a yellow weather warning, farmers in the north east of Scotland said they were desperate for some prolonged dry weather and sunshine as they approach harvest time.
There was also major weather-related disruption for farmers and industry representatives travelling by
train to the Go Falkland event in Fife on July 17 and 18.
Many trains were cancelled north of Preston, Lancashire, due to flooding, despite the sun shining at the event on Wednesday.
Warmer weather was expected for much of the UK this weekend, although some rain was also likely.
Aberdeenshire seed potatoes and malting barley grower Patrick Sleigh said: “This is where farmers have to work where mother nature allows and hopefully we will get some fine weather in harvest.”
He said his malting barley crop was ‘looking well’, but added the
crops were now in need of sun ahead of harvest.
“If we do not get sunshine, the yields are not going to be there. That is basically it.”
Mr Sleigh said he was working towards a ‘fairly fine timeline’, for his seed potatoes, with everything needing to be finished by November.
“We cannot leave them in the ground for too long,” he added.
He said the last year had been ‘horrendous’, adding that even though farmers were ‘pretty resilient’ and had dealt with poor weather conditions many times before, it still impacted people, as well as the crops
and livestock. Mr Sleigh said without the machinery and advanced engineering, the situation for farmers would have been a lot worse.
“If we had the machinery we had 40 years ago, last harvest would not have happened,” said Mr Sleigh.
“So we have that to be thankful for.”
Rory Christie, a dairy farmer in South West Scotland, said grass growth had been ‘below expectations’. He said: “Weather has been sub par since last July.
“Rainfall and air temperature data tells us we are having a below average year.”
● Industry calls for change in management
By Rachael Brown
FARMERS and auctioneers have branded the comments made by the interim Red Tractor chair Alistair Mackintosh in a recent interview with Farmers Guardian as ‘condescending’ and ‘thoughtless’.
Mr Mackintosh provoked anger from farmers and auctioneers after comments he was achieving better prices due to Red Tractor assurance than he would have done at the auction mart.
Russell Steer, auctioneer and director of agriculture and livestock at Kivells, said if senior management removed audit points and reduced bureaucracy it would have more time to sell and promote its ‘premium’ product to the halal and export markets.
“Instead, he seems happy to bang the drum for the large-scale retailers in this country, those same retailers that are more than happy to drop our product as soon as a cheaper antipodean alternative comes along,” he said.
He added Mr Mackintosh would do well to remember the ‘basis of all deadweight quotes’, adding it was not Red Tractor or a streamlined supply chain which had pushed sheep prices to unprecedented levels this spring.
“One observation I have made recently is that many sheep producers seem to be benefiting from having dropped the endless box ticking, hoop jumping and associated cost of
Frustration with Red Tractor interim chair
Red Tractor, and in return obtained a vet attestation number and paid a little commission instead.”
Letter
Mr Mackintosh has since apologised for the way his answer was worded, adding he was a ‘staunch supporter’ of marts.
Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, questioned Mr Mackin-
tosh’s view that Red Tractor brought value and was a one-stop shop for retailers.
He highlighted the sheep sold in export markets and halal markets.
“I would categorically state where is Red Tractor, why has Red Tractor not done anything.”
He called for a fresh approach to management with a change from outside coming in, adding if someone from within was chosen as the new
UK assurance standards higher than European counterparts
RED Tractor has once again topped an AHDB report comparing English beef and lamb farmgate production standards with those of key international markets, due to its ‘more prescriptive nature’.
The latest study focuses on EU markets including Ireland, Germany, Poland, France and the Netherlands and follows an earlier report on Australia and New Zealand in which Red Tractor also scored higher in most areas than its counterparts.
The report, which has been published ahead of a farmer questionnaire regarding wider farm assurance in England, found Red Tractor achieved a higher weighted average score than the other schemes assessed.
However, the Netherlands’ Beter Leven assurance system scored higher in husbandry procedures and youngstock management.
It also matched Red Tractor for animal health and welfare. Germany’s Quality System scheme scored the
highest in livestock transport, food safety and traceability.
Tom Dracup, AHDB red meat lead analyst, said: “The publication of the second report is an important step, delivering evidence to support crucial discussions for the beef and lamb sector, including the impact of standards on farmgate returns and maximising value from standards when it comes to market access or returns.”
The independent report was delivered by Birnie Consultancy and independently reviewed by experts.
chair, it would feel as though there was not enough change.
“You have got to have the farmers playing an important role, as anyone else. They should not control or run it, but they should have as big a voice as everyone else does.”
Mr Mackintosh was also criticised for saying family farms and small producers in the beef and lamb sector ‘just do not get it’ when it comes to understanding the value of Red Tractor.
North Devon farmer David Chugg said the comment was a ‘slap in the face’ for hardworking small farmers, adding contrary to what Mr Mackintosh believes he ‘does get it’.
He said: “If, instead of trying to alienate the beef and lamb farmers in particular, the leadership tried to work together with producers in a positive way then things might be completely different now and I believe any disquiet would have been put to rest.”
MORE ON THIS STORY
Read Alistair Mackintosh’s letter apologising for how his answer was worded on p12-13.
Farmers encouraged to complete farm assurance survey
THE commissioners leading the review into UK farm assurance have published an online survey for farmers to complete.
The independent review will use the responses as evidence, to assist in recommendations which are expected to be published by the end of the year.
The project was jointly set up by the NFU, AHDB, along with NFU Cymru,
Ulster Farmers’ Union and NFUS and will focus on ‘repurposing UK farm assurance for a post-Brexit world’.
Your chance
Dr David Llewellyn, the lead commissioner for the review, said:
“This is your chance to tell us your experiences of farm assurance so that we hear directly from the farming
community. The survey will take around 10-15 minutes to complete.
“Our evidence gathering will also involve direct engagement by the commissioners with other key stakeholders. By responding directly to the commissioners and not to the sponsors of the review, we intend to ensure that our work will be both independent
and transparent and that we can hear from a wide cross section of stakeholders in farm assurance systems from across the UK.”
MORE INFORMATION
You can take part in the survey here: app.onlinesurveys.jisc. ac.uk/s/promaraf-2021/the-uk-farmassurance-review
Red Tractor’s interim chair Alistair Mackintosh (inset) caused anger among farmers and the auction sector following his comments in a recent video interview with FG.
● Parliament focuses on the economy
By Jane Thynne
COMMITMENTS to back farming or food security did not appear to be high on the agenda of the new Labour Government as it detailed its plans for economic growth at the State Opening of Parliament this week.
Unveiling Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s vision for the UK, King Charles outlined proposals on planning reform, increased devolutionary powers and the formation of Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company to be headquartered in Scotland.
Principles
According to Sir Keir, the legislative programme was ‘mission led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.’
He also pledged that any ‘significant tax and spending changes’ would be subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said it was vital the Government did not leave rural communities behind.
Ms Vyvyan said: “The rural economy is 16% less productive than the national average and closing that
No food or farming in King’s Speech
gap could add £43 billion to UK gross value added.
“With the right support, rural businesses can generate growth, creating good jobs and prosperity for every community.”
Farmers back latest seasonal worker review
THE Seasonal Worker Visa scheme must be retained in order to protect food security, according to a new report.
The latest study by the Migrant Advisory Committee (MAC) said agriculture’s reliance on seasonal workers cannot be compared with any other industry and has urged the Government that, should it want to ‘maintain current levels of domestic food production’, the scheme should be retained past the planned 2029 cut-off.
It also suggested greater visa flexibility by shortening the ‘cooling-off’ period from the current six months to three months and allowing employees to work any six-month period in an individual calendar year; fairer work and pay for workers; a tightening of employee rights; and to give consideration to the Employer Pays Principle which would remove the ‘debt bondage’ seasonal workers currently bear in terms of both their visa and their travel to and from the UK. Alan Stevens, who grows brus-
sels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and seed potatoes on his farm in Fife, highlighted that farmers needed to plan 10 years ahead, so there was ‘no point’ in policies which changed every one or two years.
“There is a real shortage of labour in this country that wants to do hard work.
“The younger generation does not want to do stuff like hand weeding, so the industry does need foreign labour,” he said.
Flexibility
Hertfordshire based Lea Valley Growers Association secretary, Lee Stiles, said growers would welcome a more flexible and permanent commitment to the scheme.
“An extended nine month visa is essential for British growers who have been surviving on 3% margins for far too long,” Mr Stiles said, adding UK workers were not looking for this kind of work and the benefits system disadvantaged it.
The Countryside Charity (CPRE) director of policy, campaigns and communications, Elli Moody, said while housebuilding was greatly needed, the Government should look first to the ‘shovel-ready brownfield sites’ rather than encroaching on the countryside.
“The Green Belt is the countryside next door for 30 million people in the UK and has huge benefits for food security, physical and mental health, and nature restoration. Protections for it must be maintained in the policy framework.”
Former Defra Secretary and current Shadow Minister Steve
Call to show your support for #farm24
#FARM24 is just around the corner on August 8 and farmers have been called on to show their support for Farmers Guardian’s annual campaign.
With all the challenges facing farming, it is more important than ever to showcase the positives about the industry in the UK’s biggest agricultural, digital event.
READ MORE
Visit farmersguardian.com/farm24 to find out more and make a pledge, or see pages 86-87 of this week’s FG.
Barclay said the announcements proved the Labour Party’s lack of interest in rural affairs.
On X, he said: “This Labour Government’s first King’s Speech has confirmed that they are already ignoring rural communities.
“Having had just 87 words on farming in their manifesto, there is nothing for farming or fishing in their plans announced today.”
Devon council mulls meat and dairy ban
A MOTION has been put forward by a Green councillor which could see meat and dairy products banned from council-operated menus and schools in North Devon as a ‘solution’ to climate change.
After Farmers Guardian went to press, a meeting was due to take place at 6.30pm on July 17, to discuss Green Party Councillor Ricky Knight’s proposal for the local authority to transition to a 100% plant-based food system as ‘one of the key solutions to the climate crisis’.
The motion could also see a ban on the advertisement of meat and dairy products in ‘any space where the council has influence’, including schools, while promoting plantbased eating to residents in ‘whichever way the council can’.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at the State Opening of Parliament where the new Prime Minister’s agenda was unveiled.
Farm profitability falls by £1bn
● Diversification income increases
By Chris Brayford
TOTAL farm income profitability fell by more than £1 billion in 2023, according to latest figures from Defra.
The department said large decreases in crop outputs, poor yields and high costs from the war in Ukraine had driven a 19% drop in farming profitability in England between 2022 and 2023.
Overall total farm income had stood at £4.5bn, while farming’s overall contribution to England’s economy also fell by 8.7%, but income from diversification had increased from £1.321bn to £1.393bn.
Defra said the cost of production totalled £15bn for farmers in England, with animal feed costs contributing £5.459 million, with the value of intermediate consumption items remaining stable despite fertiliser prices decreasing by £337m following easing of prices on the global market.
Largest decline
Crop output fell by 13.1% in 2023, with wheat seeing the largest decrease at £1.2bn less than in 2022. The area and yield of wheat planted in
There was a 19% drop in farming profitability in England between 2022 and 2023.
England fell between 2022 and 2023 by 5.3% and 5.6% respectively.
The value of milling wheat and feed wheat had also decreased by 13% and 21.6% respectively.
Poor weather led to variable wheat quality, reducing the percentage of homegrown wheat which could be sold at the highest price category.
Total livestock output in 2023 had remained at £12.4bn, with an increase in poultry output of £380m and a £353m decrease in the value of milk.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw
Shropshire chicken farm development challenged
SHROPSHIRE Council has been challenged by an environmental campaigning group over its decision to allow the development of a poultry production unit which could house more than 200,000 birds.
River Action, opposed to the ‘further spread of industrial chicken farming’, said it has funded a Judicial Review regarding the council’s decision to grant L.J. Cooke and Son permission for four poultry rearing buildings, each more than 100 metres (328 feet) long, and a biomass store with boilers at North Farm in the village of Montford Bridge back in May.
Planning had initially been refused after Natural England advised three protected sites could be ‘sensitive to impacts for aerial pollutants’ from the proposed poultry unit alongside a ‘lack of detail’ on how to handle manure without an anaerobic digester.
Dr Alison Caffyn, the claimant in the case and member of River
Action’s advisory board, said she was opposed to the development due to the potential ‘devastation’ and ‘ecological damage’.
Pollution
Represented by the environment team at law firm Leigh Day, Dr Caffyn said a Judicial Review had also been launched over claims that the development could cause groundwater pollution and affect the integrity of a designated protected site and the deterioration of habitats.
“Before we know it, the River Severn will soon be suffering the same pollution load as the neighbouring Wye – all because of these misguided and ill-informed planning decisions by Shropshire Council,” she said.
Shropshire Council said the decision to grant planning permission for four poultry buildings at North Farm was made having taken ‘full account of the likely environmental impacts’, including on water resources.
said the last few years had demonstrated the ‘volatile environment’ in which farmers and growers were trying to make a living.
“We have moved from high commodity prices and soaring production costs in 2022 caused by the tragic situation in Ukraine, to much
lower income figures in a weatheraffected 2023, as commodity prices fell but production costs remained high,” he said.
“While farmers are well used to dealing with variation year-on-year, the volatility we have seen in the last few years is not sustainable.”
Poor connectivity is holding farmers back
● Three-quarters have signal gaps on-farm
By Rachael Brown
POOR mobile and broadband connectivity continues to significantly hinder farmers’ ability to run effective food-producing businesses.
That was the key message from a recent NFU survey, which found over three-quarters of farming members reported ‘some level of unreliable mobile signal’ on their farms.
The survey found 6% of NFU members still had ‘no access to 4G or 5G’ on their smartphones, despite farmers and growers experiencing a ‘10% point increase in 5G access’.
Although broadband speeds have improved, with 58% of members
claiming the speed was ‘adequate’ for their farm business needs, the survey revealed overall greater coverage was needed so rural and farm businesses can take advantage of new opportunities, including agri-tech innovations such as robotic milking or precision farming.
Safety impact
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “It is very worrying that three-quarters of farmers still have mobile signal gaps on their farms. This not only impacts the day-to-day operations of rural businesses but also the safety of our workforce.
Leaving a farmer with no way of communicating in a crisis is dangerous, and this lack of access is preventing UK farmers and growers from doing what they do best – run-
Public wants productive farm industry
A LARGE majority of the British public support increasing self-sufficiency with almost 75% having a favourable view of farmers and 91% of the public feeling farming is important to the UK economy.
Farmers are the most valued profession after nurses, according to a new survey from the NFU.
The survey was published at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the General Election.
It found that 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry while 85% of people support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.
On trade deals, 87% think it is important to ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries where the UK imports food from.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said farmers were grateful for the public’s support and did not take it for granted.
Lack of signal on farms has a day-to-day impact on operations and poses a potential safety risk.
ning successful and profitable food producing businesses.”
Ms Hallos said while she welcomed the new Government’s pledge to deliver gigabit broadband and 5G by 2030, a ‘detailed’ plan and timeline was needed.
She said: “[That] is still six years away and waiting that long for better connectivity is a huge burden for rural businesses.
“The lack of sufficient mobile and broadband connectivity is a barrier to greater productivity, growth and investment into the rural economy, especially at a time when businesses are being required to meet more of their legal and regulatory obligations online. That is why we are asking the Government to prioritise improving rural connectivity,” Ms Hallos said.
Warning after slurry leaks impact Welsh beaches
MEMBERS of the public have been advised to avoid swimming or entering two beaches in Wales after a pollution incident linked to a farm.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it had first received a report of discoloured water flowing from the Afon Hawen on to Llangrannog
and Cilborth beaches at 8am on Friday (July 12).
The Welsh Government body said the cause of the leak had been from a farmer’s slurry lagoon higher up the catchment area.
After declaring an ‘abnormal situation’ at Llangrannog and Cilborth
bathing water, an environment officer said the farmer was already taking steps to stop pollution at the source.
NRW lifted the ‘abnormal situation’ status on July 16 stating there had been no evidence of ongoing pollution following an investigation on July 15.
He called on the new Government to recognise how much the public values farmers and the food that they provide.
Food security
Mr Bradshaw added: “As outlined in the Labour manifesto, food security is national security.
“To ensure we deliver on this shared mission and that the public continues to see a safe supply of food in the face of climate change and a volatile global outlook, confidence is key. But confidence of agriculture businesses is at an all time low.”
He added it was imperative policies revitalised confidence.
“The number one priority to achieve this long-term confidence is for Government to set a UK-wide agricultural budget of £5.6 billion,” he said, adding this was an investment so farmers could ‘do more of what the public value them for’.
The number one priority to achieve confidence is for Government to set an agricultural budget of £5.6bn
TOM BRADSHAW
With climate in focus at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, farmers and industry groups made the case for delivering on environmental goals. Chris Brayford reports.
Farmers have the solutions to climate-related challenges
carbon emissions and biodiversity uplift.
FARMERS have the skills to deliver on food security and climate change despite facing unprecedented challenges in a time of change, but data could be used more effectively.
During a panel discussion at the Great Yorkshire Show on July 10, farmers discussed the challenges the industry faced in controlling its narrative on delivering more than just food production, but for the environment and climate, with agriculture in a unique position to take on these challenges.
Nature restoration
Molly Biddell, head of natural capital at 1,416-hectare rewilding project, Knepp Estate, in West Sussex, said it was important for farmers to build a business case in how the industry can deliver for the environment and for individual businesses.
“Nature restoration and ecosystem resilience is the best ally to food production,” she added.
“Farmers have the solutions to the problems retailers face in climate change in the management of landscapes through regenerative agriculture, sustainable food production, creating highly nutritious and sustainable calories, restoring degraded ecosystems, reversing
“We need to show how we can provide additional benefits and charge a premium for creating those truly multi-functional resilient and layered landscapes that are delivering multiple income streams.
“Farmers cannot deliver those benefits for free or at a discounted rate because they are not charities.”
Vital role
Jodie Bolland, director of agricultural sourcing at Morrisons-owned Woodhead Brothers, said the British landscape has played a vital role in highlighting the importance of British farmers.
“Customers want to know more about their farms and where their product comes from,” she said.
“Our landscape is incredibly unique to the healthy products we produce. Remain engaged and do not get left behind because there is a positive story for the future of British farming.”
Prof John Gilliland, a willow and livestock farmer from Northern Ireland, said knowledge exchange and data can hold the keys to unlock the future in agriculture.
He said: “There is a tsunami coming our direction and we need to be ready for it. Supply chains will be asking for data on how to answer scope three emission declarations.
“The Government are under real
The focus at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show was on how farmers can have a positive impact on climate change.
pressure every year to report the national gas infrastructure. “Granular data about your farm is
your asset and ally, not your enemy, in delivering for the environment and the profitability of businesses.”
Views wanted on bluetongue
LIVESTOCK farmers have been urged to take part in a survey to highlight the risks of bluetongue and how to shape Britain’s response to tackling the disease in the future.
Increase in cases
The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, which works to find solutions to the nature and climate crisis, has asked cattle and sheep farmers to get involved in a study which could help provide information about the best way to deal with
Down on the Farm
Achieving more effective grassland weed control
If we’re spraying to control grassland weeds in the weeks ahead, spray selection and spraying weeds at the right growth stage are key points for effective weed control. We are also seeing advantages of applying a multi nutrient foliar fertiliser with the herbicide to improve outcomes. The foliar fertiliser stimulates the growth of both the target (weeds) and non-target species (grass). An actively growing weed will translocate the herbicide around the plant and down into its roots more effectively, than a less active growing weed. It’s important to get the herbicide down into the roots to completely control grassland weeds such as docks and thistles.
Grass herbicides can often ‘check’ grass growth after spraying and
the insect-borne viral disease moving forward.
Since last November, there have been 126 cases of the disease in cattle and sheep at farms in Kent, Suffolk and Norfolk.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed there was a very high probability of a new introduction of the virus into England, Wales and Scotland during summer, with higher temperatures and rainfall creating ‘favourable conditions’ for biting midges to spread.
especially when growing conditions are not ideal. The application of a foliar fertiliser in combination with the herbicide helps offset this ‘check’ on swards. Also, in newly established leys, foliar nutrition can give grass seedlings a much-needed nutrition boost, which promotes tillering, helping to reduce light and space for any new germinating weeds.
We recommend YaraVita Croplift Pro at a rate of 5 kg/ha (2 kg/acre) for inclusion in a tank mix with your chosen grass herbicide. This foliar fertiliser containing multiple nutrients and micronutrients for foliar application on grassland is ideal at times of stress or periods of rapid growth. It has excellent plant absorption properties, giving an immediate and long-lasting feeding effect on grass and herbal leys.
with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.
Healthy food is ‘a human right’
YOUR Welcome from the Editor (A Healthy Nation starts With Food, FG, July 5) nailed many of the huge issues the new Government must resolve with regard to diet and health.
This is a point often missed by farmers themselves. Just look at the diets adopted by many and the size of their bodies.
Observe the many cafes at cattle markets and other places where there are large farming groups and question the nutritional balance and value, never mind the quantity consumed. We do not often act as we expect others to.
Social media reactions
IN RESPONSE to Alistair Mackintosh’s Red Tractor interview:
■ “Does it not frustrate Mr Mackintosh how supermarkets drop British produce when they find something similar the other side of the world at a cheaper price with
As for schools, and even hospitals, there is a huge goal waiting to be grabbed. Stop talking about adopting healthy diets and actually start delivering and consuming them.
That means better quantity balance and better quality.
To deliver on this will require massive cuts in the excess power
very little traceability, if any. Also, the paperwork to comform to it is madness, more and more each year. It insults the farmer’s intelligence.”
MARK HOOPER
■ “How on earth has he managed to get a 10x return on his RT outlay? I think
wielded by the big corporate interests supplying the consuming public.
Simultaneously, we need everyone to be educated properly about diet and, in particular, to illustrate that it is not unaffordable to have a good healthy diet – it is about priorities, quantities and composition. Plus a decent amount of exercise.
after he has sacked his accountant someone should treat him to a new working calculator.”
STEVEN TOLHURST
■ “Best he tell us the secret, I don’t get any value from Red Tractor.”
ROBIN KINGHAM
Contact us
■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
Ben Watkins of Great House, Abergavenny, loads bales into an RAF helicopter to feed sheep trapped by snow. Sent in by his son, William Barnard. 1963
If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com
I accept that maybe 10%, of people are genuinely financially crippled and cannot afford what they should be buying. Yet, if one critically analysed the budgets of the majority and their priorities, there is the answer. Healthy diets must come first.
The NHS should be sponsoring such a shift in attitude, understanding and delivery, rather than acting as a repair service for those who get it so wrong and by the time they are seen, often find it is too late.
Everybody is obsessed by what they perceive as their ‘rights’. There is only one ‘right’ that we should insist everybody has, which is healthy food, water and air.
Get rid of all the superfluous additives, ultra-processed foods and unnecessary ‘treatments’. Get portion sizes back to being what we need and not gluttonously might want.
Oliver Dowding, Wincanton, Somerset.
Sheep dip risks were raised
I WAS interested to see the letter on sheep dip in your July 5 edition as I unfortunately suffered ill health after using organophosphate (OP) dips.
I was aware of how toxic they could be after reading scientific articles while at Seale-Hayne. As a result,
when compelled to use them I wore full protecting clothing, but still suffered and concluded there was no means of preventing contamination by the vapour. Safety rules provided did not include vapour as a risk.
At one time I was involved in the preparations for a joint action, but withdrew on legal advice that my financial position was at considerable risk. I often wondered why the case failed. The recent evidence brought to light regarding sub-postmasters [of which I was one for 22 years] has reinforced my concerns about cover-ups. The years following my reporting my last use of OPs as an accident to the Health and Safety Executive were very interesting.
Because I had been attempting to warn others of the dangers on Radio Cymru, I was approached by a stranger who recommended I put my farm records in a safe place. They later disappeared from my office. This was reported to the local Agriculture Department. I did not receive any farm inspections for the next 20 years, at least.
Dafydd Williams, via email.
‘We will not always get things right’
MR McLeod raises valid concerns over my remark about auction marts (July
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12). The truth is, auction marts remain essential to livestock farmers as a route to market, as well as providing price transparency and social benefits.
I myself am a staunch supporter of marts: as shareholder in two marts businesses and having sold over 100,000 lambs through marts in recent years. My point – admittedly worded badly – was that Red Tractor gives access to the full range of markets which, over time, can only increase competition and returns for animals meeting specification.
I apologise for the way my answer was worded. My recent experience could just have easily been a better price at the mart than direct – having the option is the point.
The fact that many farmers ‘do not get’ the value provided by Red Tractor is on us, and the responsibility to change this lies with us and Red Tractor’s owners. I explain our accountability for communications in the full interview, where I also make it clear that Greener Farms Commitment is dead and such a scheme would only be considered in the future if farmers clearly demanded it.
Red Tractor is listening, and trying. We will not always get things right, and I will not always explain points perfectly, but we welcome the feedback. Please, let’s keep talking.
James Huyton Machinery Reporter – james.huyton@agriconnect.com
Weather woes reflect across the continent Leader
OFFICIAL figures showing the UK’s largest annual population increase in 75 years and the wettest 18 months since records began in 1836 make for some poignant reading.
Clearly, the sector is facing significant challenges and this should not be brushed aside. Policy-makers must view the industry as part of the solution.
More people means more food is required, but sustainable production is key to that success. The industry requires continuity and reassurance from the new Labour Government to plan for the future.
Farmers and contractors have invested heavily in Sustainable Farming Incentive-focused machinery in recent years, with many counting on the scheme continuing with some sensible development and progression.
This week’s Machinery & Tractor supplement (inside FG Buy & Sell) focuses on using technology and innovation to meet the challenges of soil degradation, biodiversity and weed suppression.
This season’s cold and wet weather is a chal-
Young Farmer Focus
‘You have to keep fighting to see the
better days’
THEY say when you work in farming, you never stop learning.
From my own experience as a new entrant, I can say this is definitely the case.
Perspective: Having worked on a farm for the first time just 10 years ago, I look back at all the experiences from which I have learnt from and to see how far I have come in that space of time.
I am now in a position where I teach people on farm who are from non-agricultural backgrounds.
Seeing the challenges they face when hesitantly operating a telehandler or completely freezing when sheep run off in the wrong direction is really enlightening.
Not too long ago, that was me.
I am grateful to all those throughout the years, both in this country and abroad having spent time working in Australia and Argentina, for the
opportunities, encouragement, and support they have provided. Without them, I would never be where I am today.
Farm Life: Now, I work on a 1,100-acre estate in the Cotswolds where the farm manager and I look after 400 commercial ewes, a 50-ewe rare-breed flock and a suckler herd of Longhorns.
I also run my own flocks of sheep; buying in stores and breeding pedigree Wiltshire Horns.
Everything I do, I love and when things get tough, you have to pick yourself up and keep fighting to see the better days. Despite all this, there is something no amount of experience can prepare you for.
Telling a new entrant how hard it is to secure a farm is often met with naivety, innocence and stubbornness.
I often hear people say, ‘I will work hard, earn the money and write up the
lenge faced by most of Western Europe. Potential harvest yield remains an unanswered question, with weather hampering early harvest progress.
Cautious buying habits remain in focus, with the latest Agricultural Engineers Association figures showing a sharp drop in tractor sales compared to 2023. Many manufacturers are looking for market rebalance following a sales explosion post-pandemic. But, in an industry of eternal optimists, much can change with some good weather.
perfect business plan to secure the remaining funds’.
Sadly, however, in this day and age, the average agricultural worker’s wage will just about cover the cost of living, let alone leave you anything aside to invest in your future.
Adding to that, there are the high application rates for farm tenders and high prices for farm purchases.
I must muddle along with my sheep on rented ground knowing that, despite my dreams, having my own farm someday is practically impossible, unless I win the lottery.
Politics: As expected, the election result is a hot topic.
Politicians enjoy talking a big game when it comes to backing our farmers, yet they seem to be consistently inconsistent with their promises.
However, it is a significant concern when there are critical elements missing from a manifesto - especially Labour’s lack of commitment to a farming budget.
This lacks enticing new entrants further – of which there is not even a mention.
As with anything, only time will tell.
Alistair Mackintosh, Interim chair of Red Tractor.
Sophia Ashe
Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Sophia Ashe, 25, is from the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. She works on a farm and runs her own sheep flock.
Sophia Ashe
Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
For more business content, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-business-news-hub
● Improvements seen in animal health
By Jane Thynne
CONCERNS over milk pricing and its failure to cover the cost of production remain the biggest worry facing UK dairy farmers, according Kingshay’s latest Dairy Costings Focus Report.
While there were several positives for the sector, including an increase in herd size, a growth in milk yield and an overall improvement in animal health, the industry had faced a number of ‘unprecedented challenges’, most notably a sharp drop in milk price to an average of 36.49ppl in July 2023.
The report also showed fluctuations in the gap between the highest and lowest milk prices, peaking at 13.8ppl in March 2023 before narrowing to 11.6ppl in March 2024.
Kathryn Rowland, Kingshay’s senior farm services manager, said the findings revealed the impact both consumer and retail demands were placing on farmers.
“Given the increased focus on climate change, it is essential the market can deliver premiums to cover the extra effort and costs on-farm,” she said.
“Milk processors like First Milk are already offering premiums for regenerative farming practices, and going forward it is likely the range in pricing even within
Milk market volatility is biggest challenge
Kingshay’s latest Dairy Costings Focus Report showed fluctuations in the gap between the highest and lowest milk prices, peaking at 13.8ppl in March 2023.
milk yields, remaining in the mid 8,000 litres/cow range. However, milk solids had hit a new record of 646kg/cow, marking an almost 11% increase over the past decade, outpacing the 5.4% rise in milk yield.
The report also showed average herd sizes had increased by two head year-on-year, and stood at 219 cows compared to 185 in 2014, with the organic herd size growing by 19% to 243 cows. Stocking rates had also risen, reaching 2.39 cows/hectare compared to 2.25 a decade ago.
Herd health
In terms of herd health, there was general improvement in nearly all areas. Mastitis cases had decreased to an average of 26 cases per 100 cows, indicating better management, facilities, breeding and recording.
contracts – let alone between them –is going to widen.”
Similar trends in milk prices were seen in organic herds, with the margin over purchased feed per cow dropping
Milk yields
Similar to last year at 8,441 litres per cow
Milk from forage
Down 3% to 2,691 litres per cow
Milk prices
by 13.9% to £2,048, compared to £2,380 the previous year.
Kingshay also provided an insight into trends over the past 10 years, which revealed an increase in average
(for the period ending March 2024)
Number of herds
Although lameness declined annually since 2020, it jumped by four cases per 100 cows to 37 last year, which was attributed to poor weather conditions that led to longer housing periods.
1,068 conventional herds and 83 organic herds
Herd size
Rose by 1% to 291 cows in a herd
Organic trends
Organic milk prices fell by 10% to 45.62ppl
Averaged 38.2ppl (down 17% from 46.2ppl last year)
MOPF per cow
per cow
per litre
ppl
Feed use
All purchased feed use – 2,984kg/cow
Feed costs
Fell to 12.02ppl (with conc. prices at £339/t)
Health trends
Mastitis cases Lameness cases
Fell by three cases to 26 cases per 100 cows
Fertility trends
Cost of extended calving interval dropped to £4.88 per day
Rose by four cases to 37 cases per 100 cows
Cow longevity
50.2% of cows leave the herd within their first three lactations
PICTURE: GETTY
Sell ahead of the cattle rush but do not hurry lambs
● Farmers considering mart data closely
By Alex Black
SELLING cattle before the August and September rush could be a good business decision for beef farmers, but sheep farmers have been warned not to sell lambs before they were well finished.
That was the message from Grant Anderson, commercial sales manager and sales team leader at Harrison and Hetherington, highlighting prices for store cattle were good and supply was tight.
Across its eight marts in Scotland and northern England, store cattle have seen sales averaging £1,400 recently and prices for calves, stirks and young bulls have lifted.
This year’s beef trade started well, and although it has slowed with the poorer weather, Mr Anderson said: “The less than summery weather
has definitely impacted beef sales, but prices are still good and supply is likely to tighten again.”
Mr Anderson said sellers were considering mart data and this could help them target the right period to sell their stock to make the best margin.
“We are seeing our customers taking a much closer look at costs and returns at the moment,” he said, adding the most common question asked was what the trade was like this week.
“Farmers could consider selling differently this year and get their cattle to the mart over the next two to three weeks for margins which will match the same six weeks later.”
Hold on selling lamb
Lamb prices have seen some highs this year, but he warned farmers against selling light.
“It has been a perfect combination of key celebrations rolling into one another and we have seen
La Nina could return this summer
WEATHER organisations were predicting a high chance of a La Nina event forming this summer, which could have implications for the global grain and oilseed markets.
American weather forecaster NOAA predicted a 65% likelihood of a La Nina weather event developing during July to September and an 85% chance November to January.
A La Nina event happens when the South Pacific temperature drops more than 0.5degC below normal. The cooler the temperature, the more severe the event.
According to AHDB, it could have several implications for major crop reducing areas. South American crops could be hit by drought as a result, which could impact global soyabean and maize markets, creating a bullish sentiment.
Gabriel Odiase, AHDB cereals and oilseeds analyst, said: “However, the
actual impact on crops will depend on the severity of the La Nina event, which is still uncertain at this time.”
Global impact
Floods could be seen in Australia, with timing key as important crops reach key growth stages in September and October, while if it intensifies towards the end of the year it could impact rapeseed crops.
“La Nina is linked to mixed weather conditions across the US,” Mr Odiase said, adding it causes drier conditions in the South, affecting winter wheat and cooler and wetter conditions in the Midwest.
This could benefit 2024 maize and soyabean crop yields this summer.
“With an uncertain wheat outlook and a higher dependence on US maize yields for global grain supply, a La Nina event could boost US maize crop, potentially driving prices down,” he added.
lambs go for £50-£100/head more than we had ever imagined, but there is now a bit of a lull in the trade so buyers are looking not for numbers, but for quality,” he said.
“This is hard when at this time of year farmers are keen to get lambs off farm to get much needed income and to avoid the cost of feeding them to reach target weights, especially after another cold and wet lambing,
but we are just not seeing the prices unless they are well finished.
“Lambs should be at least 43kg to get the maximum returns.”
Going forward, he said there would be fewer lambs available this year due to the bad weather and disease affecting lambing, which may mean lower supply again next year. There was also a high cull value in ewes.
Prices for store cattle are up, with supply tight.
Labour approves solar plans
l Ed Miliband gives three projects the go-ahead
By Chris Brayford
PLANS to build one of the largest solar developments in the UK have caused ‘shock and upset’ to an agricultural community as it could result in productive farmland being taken out of use.
Suffolk County Council said the decision to enable the construction of a £600 million solar farm by renewable energy company Sunnica on farmland in West Suffolk and Cambridgeshire was a ‘massive blow’ to agricultural communities.
New Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband said he wanted to unleash a UK ‘solar rooftop revolution’ to make the UK a green superpower, after approving three solar farm projects on Friday (July 12), including Sunnica’s 1,130-hectare solar facility across land in West Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
He said: “Some of these cases had been held up for months before I arrived in the department.
“They were put on my desk on Monday [July 8] and I have made a decision in three days.”
However, Suffolk County Council’s Richard Rout said the approval of Sunnica Solar Farm was a ‘massive blow’ to agriculture, nature and landscapes in Suffolk.
He said: “This scheme will permanently and detrimentally impact the landscape of a vast part of West Suf-
folk and remove thousands of acres of land from food production.
“Residents will quite rightly be asking what it takes for a project to be refused, when the worst project we have dealt with gets consented in the face of so much opposition.”
Devastating
Dr Catherine Judkins, chair of the community group Say No to Sunnica, said the Energy and Net Zero
Renewables do not need to threaten food production
IT is time to ‘bust the myth’ that the UK must choose between renewable energy generation or agricultural production, according to Sarah Spencer, land manager at Balance Power. She said the topic of solar farms had become contentious, with many framing the issue as a threat to food production.
She said: “Just last month, councils were urged by Ministers not to approve planning permission for solar farms on high-quality farmland as part of Rishi Sunak’s drive to protect food security, reinforcing a perception that it is a ‘one or the other’ [scenario].”
However, she said a ‘dangerous divide’ had been created between agriculture and clean energy, when they had ‘much to gain from each other’.
Labour’s manifesto committed to tripling solar power capacity by the end of the next parliament.
The party also said it would look to decarbonise the UK’s electricity grid by 2030.
She highlighted that, even with plans to quadruple solar energy capacity, this would only cover 0.5% of land used for farming.
She added farmers could continue to farm around solar panels, either by planting crops or allowing sheep to graze under them.
One option on the table for farmers was a ‘behind-the-meter’ model of energy generation on their land, which would directly power local businesses with clean energy, and could be a quicker option with a faster return.
Sunnica’s plans to build a 1,130-hectare solar facility across land in West Suffolk and Cambridgeshire have been approved.
Secretary’s decision to permit planning permission was ‘devastating’.
She said: “It is striking that this seemingly rash decision is totally at odds with the pledges Labour made before and during the election about food security being a matter of national security – that under Labour we would not see swathes of productive farmland being taken out of action, and the promise of a land use framework to protect farmland.
“Seeing such promises being quickly cast aside completely undermines
any trust in our political and planning system.”
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said the nation’s food and economic security could be at risk by placing climate policies above it. In a statement, Sunnica said it was immensely pleased with the decision by the Energy Secretary to grant development consent for the project, and that it was making a ‘nationally significant contribution’ towards the UK’s obligations to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Arla highlights UK farmers’ potential in energy production
FARMERS across the country can be part of the solution to decarbonise energy and boost energy independence.
That was the message from Arla Food’s UK agricultural director Paul Dover, who added that solar panels on shed roofs and the ability to create green energy from cow waste could make a ‘huge difference’ when it comes to achieving the country’s national targets for energy and emissions.
Mr Dover said it was clear the Government was determined to move quickly. But he said there was too much focus on the ‘transmission network and speeding up connections for major new generating assets such as wind farms’, and not enough attention
and investment into smaller-scale projects like on-farm solar panels. He said: “Technologies like on-roof solar arrays are often frustrated by the cost of securing a connection to the distribution grid, delays in getting these connections and other red tape.
“And there is huge potential for anaerobic digestion to play its part, but the lack of a joined up national strategy is holding it back.”
Impactful
He added that hitting the target of making clean energy by 2030 was ‘not going to be easy’, but said it would be helpful if the Government embraced some of these ‘smaller, but impactful measure’.
PICTURE: GETTY
● Important step to reduce carbon emissions
By Alex Black
BRITISH Sugar has restarted carbon dioxide (CO2) production at its Wissington factory, following the signing of a long-term agreement with Air Liquide.
The plant, which is one of the largest sources of biogenic CO2 in the UK, is located next to Wissington’s bioethanol facility, ensuring no extra transport miles are needed to get the raw product to the facility. It is strategically positioned to derive biogenic CO2 as a by-product of the bioethanol process.
Once the sugar has been extracted from sugar beet, the residual juice
British Sugar restarts CO2 production
is used by the bioethanol plant to produce a low-carbon transportation fuel (E10). It is during this fermentation process of the residual juice that the raw CO2 is produced.
Cefetra is new CMG marketing partner
CEFETRA has confirmed it will be the new marketing partner for Crop Marketing Group (CMG), which is made up of more than 300 members. This change will take effect from
harvest 2024 onwards. CMG managing director Andrew Buck plus senior administrators Sophie Meadows and Gail Perren have joined the business.
Under the new agreement, Air Liquide will purify and liquify the raw CO2, producing about 20,000 tonnes annually which will go to customers across various industries, including food and beverage, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
In recent years, the food industry has faced shortages of CO2, which is used in many parts of the sector including packaging, brewing and slaughter.
The CO2 produced at Wissington would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, with British Sugar call-
Under a new agreement, Air Liquide will purify and liquify raw CO2 produced at British Sugar’s Wissington factory.
ing it an ‘important step to reduce carbon emissions from the processor’s end-to-end site operations’. This reduction amounts to about 5% of Wissington’s scope 1 total emissions.
Reducing waste
Keith Packer, managing director of British Sugar, said: “We are delighted to reopen the CO2 facility at our Wissington site in conjunction with Air Liquide.
“At British Sugar, we continue to look at ways to reduce any waste from the sugar production process as much as we possibly can, and this is yet another initiative to be able to deliver on this.”
Elliott Fisher, British Sugar’s site general manager at Wissington, said: “As a site, we are always looking at ways to use every part of the sugar beet that is delivered to our factory.
“We generate large amounts of CO 2 through the fermentation process when producing bioethanol, so to be able to reuse this on-site to deliver a reliable supply of biogenic CO2 is important in helping to increase the country’s domestic supply.”
REGOs with Clare Haigh, Head of Environmental Markets, C-Zero Markets.
Maximising Value From Your REGOs
The Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) market has seen significant changes in recent years with growing demand driving up REGO values, increasing potential returns for renewable energy producers.
REGOs are certificates issued by Ofgem for each MWh of electricity generated from a renewable source and they cost nothing to claim. As green tari s have become more popular with consumers so has the need to obtain REGOs to evidence their credibility. This has fuelled an increase in the REGO price. Originally REGOs traded for pennies but at the end of last year prices peaked north of £20.
This has fundamentally changed the REGO landscape. They are no longer small change – leaving REGOs unclaimed or siting in your Ofgem account can leave substantial value on the table, whilst also preventing them from doing their intended job of rewarding investment in renewable technology.
C-Zero have a team of people who help generators register with Ofgem to obtain REGOs. We also administer the export data inputs needed for the claims and assist with finding the best route to market. Some counterparties only deal in large volumes so we play an important role in aggregating volumes from smaller producers to make larger batches attractive to these buyers.
PICTURE:
Global Ag View
● Surprise hung Parliament in France
By Alex Black
FRENCH farmers’ needs must not be ignored in the face of the political upheaval in France, after elections resulted in a hung Parliament.
The results of the election in France took many by surprise, with expectations of a right-wing win.
But a loose alliance of left-wing parties, The New Popular Front, gained the most seats at 188 after the second round of voting, after a campaign which aimed to keep out the right-wing National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen.
Ensemble, the centrist coalition led by French President Emmanuel Macron, came second with 161 seats, with National Rally and its allies gaining 142.
A coalition will now need to be formed, with 289 seats required for a majority.
Support
The French constitution provides that Mr Macron, as President, appoints the Prime Minister, but they will need the support of a majority of lawmakers.
Turnout, at 66.63%, was the highest in a parliamentary second round since 1997, with politicians employing tactical voting techniques to try and keep Ms Le Pen’s party out of power.
Following the election, the National Federation of Agricultural Workers’ Unions warned the urgency of farmers’ demands must not be sacrificed in the face of the absence of a clear majority.
It highlighted the examination of draft laws for sovereignty in
The French constitution provides that President Emmanuel Macron (inset) appoints the Prime Minister.
Farmers’ needs must not be sacrificed after French election result
agricultural matters and bringing in the next generations in agriculture, as well as draft texts for the
Nigerian poultry pressure
ALMOST one-third of Nigerian poultry farms have closed down in the past six months, with major challenges in the sector, according to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).
National publicity secretary at PAN, Godwin Edbebe, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the shutdowns were due to the operational costs.
He said: “About 30% of local poultry farmers nationwide have shut down their farms due to the hardship faced in the sector in the first half of the year.
“The Government needs to know the severity of the situation poultry farmers are facing in the sector.
“The disbursement of palliatives is not alleviating the ills in the sector; we seek sustainable solutions to the problems on the ground.”
He added many farmers were leaving because they could not sustain the cost of operating their farms.
“Some have sold their cages and some have sold their farms,” he said.
Cost of feed
The cost of feed was also highlighted as putting pressure on farms, with the price of poultry and eggs rising as a result.
He said: “The price of poultry produce keeps increasing because the price of feed increases every other week.”
Transportation was also affecting the price of poultry and eggs, with cost increasing.
Egg prices have increased by about 25% in the country, with inflation also seen in other staple food products.
income means of production and dignity of farmers, were suspended by the dissolution.
Common sense
A spokesperson said: “More than ever, there is an urgent need to return to the course of common sense for French agriculture, which is facing an economic, moral and social crisis without precedent for 30 years.”
It called for the national representation to organise itself as quickly as possible.
The spokesperson added: “The agricultural world cannot remain without a response any longer; this would only fuel a dangerous feeling of distrust towards the public authorities. There is no question of agriculture once again becoming the great forgotten of public debate.”
Calls to end ‘race to the bottom’
SHEEP processors in Ireland have been called on to end the ‘relentless race to the bottom’ on lamb prices, with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) warning it is destroying confidence in the sector.
IFA Sheep chair Adrian Gallagher said this behaviour at a critical time of year must stop. He said: “It has been an extremely difficult year lambing ewes, with enormous weather challenges con-
tributing to increased costs and losses encountered.”
He added processors needed to do more to reflect the cost of production and stand up to retailers, who were keen to shout about their green credentials, but were also quick to undermine local farmers with cheap imports.
Sheep farmers have seen 20% price cuts in recent weeks, but Mr Gallagher highlighted this was not reflected on shelves.
Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 –
A
George and Harry Gilbert have taken the lead in their family’s switch to a pedigree Aberdeen-Angus herd.
switch from commercial to pedigree has given a family on the Welsh borders fresh enthusiasm to progress their beef system. Ellie Layton finds out more.
The decision to completely change a farming system is not one that is taken lightly, however, it is one that the Gilbert family have not looked back on.
Traditionally, a mixed beef herd of Limousin, Salers, British Blue and Simmental cross cows and Charolais and Limousin bulls was run at Nantyglasdwr Farms near Hay-on-Wye.
Brothers Phil and Nick farm with Nick’s two sons, Harry and George, who have taken the lead in re-evaluating and developing the change in their cattle system.
Harry says: “Health and calving concerns had taken the enjoyment out of the cattle system, leading us to look at other avenues.
“We looked at working on the health status and various other breeds we could use.
“After researching, we decided to purchase 18 Aberdeen-Angus heifers in 2018 which were kept separate from the rest of the herd.
“The Aberdeen-Angus breed was chosen for our demand to run a cow that would look after itself, calve unassisted, but also produce high-quality animals for today’s market. We did not want a massive
Welsh border farm overhauls beef system
cow, just one with a moderate frame that is milky, fertile, and has a quiet temperament.”
The family admits the purchase was a bit of an experiment for the first year.
The heifers were artificially inseminated to the Australian bull
Millah Murrah Klooney K42, with a Limousin bull used as a sweeper, with the aim of them calving at two years old in the spring of 2019.
With their initial success, the decision was made for all of the commercial cattle to be sold in one hit through Hereford market.
Harry says: “Selling the cows in one bunch allowed us to work from a clean slate and allowed us to focus on a high health status and a breeding plan.”
To begin with, the family selected the best heifers that they could source, using estimated breading
values and genetics to guide them, but their primary requirement was high health status.
A further 10 heifers were bought from Dark Lane in 2019, and a bull
from the noted local Oakchurch herd joined them to be used alongside artificial insemination.
This saw them establish the Harewood prefix for their pedigree herd.
Aberdeen-Angus were chosen as a breed which is easy to manage.
Farm Profile Herefordshire
By using home-bred bulls, we know their history and, most importantly to us, their health status
HARRY GILBERT
This early breeding put their herd in good stead, with many of the first calves creating firm foundations and still being part of the herd today.
One of their first calves, Harewood Jack V694 was retained and used across the herd, but has now been sold on for further breeding, due to a number of his heifers being retained.
They now prioritise producing breeding stock, with the attitude, ‘sell the best and retain the very best’, keeping 10 heifers annually.
Harry pays close attention to breeding lines and performance, which are recorded and play a large part in making these decisions.
Breedplan is used and has been helpful in decision-making within the herd.
Many other attributes are also recorded daily to gather a full overall picture of the herd’s performance.
This helps accurately record breeding decisions at the time they are seen.
The same is done at calving, acknowledging ease of calving, milk, assistance and calf vigour as they believe this system helps to produce a herd that continues to improve.
The cows are grazed as late as they can be before they calve indoors from January until March.
Once the calves are on the ground, they are weighed and double tagged, which includes BVD and DNA testing within 24 hours.
Fertility and calving performance are important factors for the herd, so if there is an issue or they
do not produce a calf, they are culled.
The same method is used for temperament and milkiness.
“We do this because we wish to tighten our calving pattern and in the long run we believe this will help our herd,” Harry says.
They are currently running two stock bulls, both of which are home-bred.
“By using home-bred bulls, we know their history and, most importantly to us, their health status.
“We ensure any closely bred cows are kept separate and we artificially inseminate those, to keep variation in the progeny and potentially breed another bull we
The Gilbert family chooses bulls with a nice head and, for ease of calving, keep away from the myostatin gene.
can use on the herd,” says Harry. They have experimented with synchronising cows for artificial insemination, but they found only a 40% success rate.
In comparison, they are now spotting natural heats for AI, and instead they have found a 70% success rate.
When selecting a bull, the Gilberts choose something which they like to look at, with character and a nice head and, to keep ease of calving, they keep away from myostatin genes.
Harry says: “We try and strike a balance of breeding good females that we can retain which will then produce a bull that we can sell.”
Cows are grazed as late as possible before they calve from January to April.
Herefordshire Farm Profile
Over the past five years, they have set up a strong roster of selling bulls from home, producing 20 annually which find a home with pedigree, commercial and dairy herds.
George says: “All of our bulls are sold by word of mouth or online, which we advertise via our social media pages. These pages mean people can see the journey of the cattle.”
They have not yet ventured to the sale ring, which is something that they would like to try, but selling from home allows them to show customers their whole system and a range of bulls.
Attractive
When choosing a breed, the Aberdeen-Angus premium was attractive for stock which could not be sold for breeding purposes.
In their previous commercial herd, all bulls used to be kept entire and finished at 15 months, then sold through ABP, while heifers were held until 18 to 20 months old and sold through ABP.
This is still the case for their pedigree bulls and heifers which do not make the grade for breeding, still being sold to ABP.
Harry says: “Part of changing the system was to cut costs and reduce inputs. Cows receive no concen-
Farm facts
■ 220-hectare (543-acre) farm with 70 pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cattle, 1,100 Suffolk cross Mules and Hardy Speckled ewes
■ 80ha (198 acres) of crops
■ Fourth-generation tenant farmers
■ Lowland ewes scan at 170% and upland ewes at 150%
■ Finished beef sold to ABP
trates, however first-calve heifers receive 2kg of concentrates a day following calving to help them get back to condition.
“Apart from this, females are grazed for as long as possible and fed silage and straw in the winter.
“Bulls are fed silage and straw with a home-grown mill and mix containing oats, barley and peas with additional minerals.”
The boys are pleased with the progress they have made within a short period of time.
But looking forward, they say they would like to grow the herd to 100 cows and sell more breeding animals as the Harewood herd becomes more established.
Alongside the cattle, an indoor
lambing flock of 700 Suffolk Mules are run on their lower ground.
Texel and Suffolk cross are bought through breeding sales and crossed with a Texel, with the lambs sold fat at 40kg through Kington market.
The lambs are fed to get away and the older ewes culled.
Their second flock of 400 Hardy Speckle ewes lamb.
These are grazed on the higher ground at 305 metres (1,000 feet).
Bought as full-mouth ewes, they are lambed outside and sold on as culls two years later.
Their lambs are finished and sold later in the autumn at around 37kg.
Similar to the cattle, the Speckle ewes are also run on a grass-based
system with only twin ewes supplemented before lambing.
“We aim to become less intensive and reduce inputs, with minimal effect on outputs,” says Harry.
In a bid to improve grassland, they are involved in environmental schemes, planting some headlands in flower margins and 10 hectares (25 acres) of herbal leys, which they would like to increase.
Capital work has also been carried out through fencing, concreting and hedgerow planting.
Harry and George are also keen shearers, however, they have started to reduce numbers to allow time for contract foraging and combining in the local area where they cut 405ha (1,000 acres).
Alongside the Mules, the Gilberts run a flock of Hardy Speckles, grazed on the higher ground.
Suffolk Mules are crossed with a Texel and the lambs sold fat at 40kg. The Gilberts are aiming to grow the herd to 100 cows.
Arable
Edited by Jane Thynne – 07882 219 917 – jane.thynne@agriconnect.com
For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub
Harvest ‘24: Mixed start leaves some already looking to 2025
● Heavy rainfall is causing further chaos
By Jane Thynne
THIS week has marked a mixed start to harvest 2024, following what has been an undeniably difficult 12 months. It will also come as no surprise that those heading out early were soon caught by the arrival of the rain – with some parts of the country seeing 35mm fall in just one day – as a final reminder of one of the wettest few months on record.
Eevey Hunter, who manages her family’s arable farm in Hertfordshire, focusing on combinable crops and anaerobic digestion maize, says the team managed four days before being ‘rained off’ on Monday.
She says: “We have done about 200 hectares and have around 1,200ha to go. We have still got more winter barley to do and we have winter wheat, spring oats and winter beans too.
“We have finished all of our oilseed rape – we had 130ha of Acacia – although it was pretty average yields we were relatively pleased as we have lost a lot to flea beetle. But what was there was pretty good.”
Making the most
Ms Hunter says the team is looking to make the most of a coming six-day dry period in order to try the farm’s new John Deere X9 1100.
She says: “I realise we have been very fortunate as our autumn planting went to plan and in the spring, we were hoping on some spring oats after a cover crop and we got those in and we also drilled some spring oats on failed OSR land.
STAY SAFE THIS SEASON
WITH fears over low yields, high costs and short weather windows already piling pressure on harvest 2024, farmers are being urged not to take risks or to rush but to make sure safety is a priority.
Rhiannon Wilson, an adviser at health and safety consultants CXCS, says: “Harvest is always an intense time for farmers and their families, with long working hours, the use of large machinery and pressure to meet deadlines.”
With 2024 already breaking records as one of the wettest years on record, some farmers are feeling the strain at harvest.
“We thought it was better than nothing and now they actually look okay. We also got some straw bailed this week too, so we are feeling good so far.”
However, the story is not as positive in Stone, Staffordshire where mixed farmer Roger Hopley was assessing the damage to his fields following almost 18 hours of stormy weather which resulted in nearly 40mm of rainfall.
“We will need at least two or three days of temperatures above 20degC to bring the moisture level down to 9%,”
Mr Hopley says.
“We have winter barley and OSR which is ready, but the conditions are
According to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures, 32 people lost their lives following accidents on farms in Great Britain, including the deaths of three children aged under two.
Guide
CXCS has published a guide to 10 key areas to be considered to keep you safe on-farm, including everything from coping with high temperatures, to vehicle maintenance and for anyone
not looking good, we have to be able to travel and at the moment it is far too wet.”
Mr Hopley says although autumn drilling was completed, spraying was not and what spraying he did manage was ‘average at best’.
“Spring was also not very good as we missed our T0 this year – we would normally spray at the end of March. I managed to get T1, but it was too wet to do T0 at the right time.”
Mr Hopley says the farm is facing a 30% reduction in yield through average.
“We have some good crops – but a lot of water lying in the winter has killed bits off. We will be at least a
involved in the harvest to undertake proper training.
“Long days, heat and haste can present a potentially lethal combination, but following some easyto-implement steps will help ensure that you, your family and your colleagues come home safe this summer,” adds Ms Wilson.
MORE INFORMATION
For the full guide to staying safe this harvest, visit: farmersguardian.com
tonne light on last year in both wheat and barley.
“Although the soil is well drained, where it is heavier it has just not been able to withstand the weather we have had.”
Scotland
In Kinross, Scotland, it is very much a case of ‘watch and wait’, says Adam Christie, farmer and managing director of Scottish Agronomy.
“We are hoping to be out cutting next week, but it has been a swine of a year,” he says. “We could have 80% of a crop that is ready to go, but then a section that is still two or three weeks away. I think that is going to haunt us through harvest. It has nothing to do with the crop, it is just down to the topography.
“In terms of yield, I think if you offered farmers their three or five-year average they would bite your hand off.
“There are some fantastic crops out there, but that is the exception and not the rule.
“The difficulty is the legacy damage – our soils have had a hell of a time over the past 12 months and we have to be realistic about how much we can repair in one year.
“I think we are all of the same mind, let us just get out of 2024, do as little damage as we can, break even and then try and get a fresh start on 2025.”
PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER
Trial needs more ‘slug sleuths’
FARMERS are being encouraged to sign-up to phase two of a £45 million project looking at slug control.
So far, a ‘remarkable’ set of data relating to slug behaviour has already been collected from 26 farms across England and Scotland as part of the initial Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience against Slugs (Slimers) trial.
The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), which is running the Defra-backed project, is now recruiting more so-called ‘slug sleuths’ who will be paid to take part in on-
Cropwalk
with Simon Nelson
A project looking at slug control is recruiting more farmers to take part in on-farm monitoring.
farm monitoring and trials to test the results from year one.
BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens says: “We were delighted with the quality and quantity of data collected in year one which really proves how valuable farmer-led research is.”
MORE INFORMATION
To get involved, visit: slimers.co.uk
Innovation key to upping farm sustainability
● Digital modernisation vital to optimise value
AGRICULTURAL innovation will be key if producers are to satisfy the needs of consumers and the environment, according to a leading agtech company.
Speaking to delegates at the Syngenta Innovation Showcase in central London last week, Mike Hollands, head of global supply and operations and president of Syngenta UK, said to address issues surrounding food security, water consumption and climate, more must be done to bring innovation on to farm in order to make agriculture more sustainable.
The event offered members of business, farming and environmental groups the chance to see the work the
For many of our current tools pests, weeds and diseases have developed resistance
MIKE HOLLANDS
company was doing across agrichemicals, biotechnologies to enhance crop yields and improve soil health while reducing the environmental impact of food production.
Sessions included insights into how the company is utilising artificial intelligence in both its chemical formulations and imaging techniques, which have been designed to enable farmers to monitor weeds to allow for greater precision spraying.
Rewarded
Teresa Wyatt, head of business development and sustainability at Syngenta, said it was vital farmers were rewarded for their sustainability credentials.
“The farmer is at the heart of what we are looking at. Primarily we want to help the farmer to manage risk and drive profitability at a particularly and ever-increasing complex and volatile environment.”
Ms Wyatt said the loss of chemistry and increased regulation around synthetic chemicals, as well as high inputs and falling prices meant farmers needed to optimise value wherever possible which could only be done by digital modernisation.
Mr Hollands added: “We have to bring innovation through to manage pest and diseases... for many of our current tools pests, weeds and diseases have developed resistance to so can no longer control them, so the only way we can meet the need is to innovate.”
Winter cereals are generally looking okay
One word sums up the season so far – wet. Up until the middle of June we had 12 months of pretty consistent rainfall, not so much in volume but in the number of days it fell.
But, as one farmer said to me recently, it is not as bad as last year when it started raining in mid-June and did not stop, which created a constant battle against the elements throughout harvest.
We can only hope the rain stays away. As I write this in the second week of July, winter cereals generally look okay. Growers have started harvesting winter barley for crimping, and we are just starting pre-harvest desiccation on dry-grain crops. This is, of course, useful for managing variable stands and to help timely establishment of following crops such as grass reseeds, stubble turnips and cover crops.
Spring barley crops suffered from the mid-June deluge, particularly those that had been recently sown on heavier land. Others have responded to a further application of fertiliser and micronutrients. Provided we get a reasonable summer it will not be a complete disaster.
Slow improvement
Maize continues to slowly improve. A lot of open-sown maize is still less than knee-high in the second week of July. In most cases micronutrients went on with the herbicide and a number of growers are now applying slowrelease foliar urea to help optimise crop growth through summer.
Grass growth has slowed due to fluctuating temperatures, which has complicated grazing management. That has also hindered silage regrowths – many first cuts were not taken until June, by which time plants had headed, which also tends to slow growth.
It will be mid-August before another cut is taken and silage will be of very mixed quality. That does not leave much time for a third cut, but most
About Simon Nelson
As one farmer said to me recently, it is not as bad as last year when it started raining in mid-June and did not stop
SIMON NELSON
growers should have enough, given that delayed first-cut crops produced very heavy yields.
Multi-cut growers will be heading for a third cut shortly, so I would say they are in a relatively good position.
Turning to the Sustainable Farming Incentive, we are now looking to spray perennial weeds such as docks in readiness for drilling herbal leys (SAM3) or clover (NUM3) into swards.
With the right choice of mix and good management, these options have every chance of helping deliver healthier soils and improving nutrient management. In addition, I would urge people to include grass seed to help rejuvenate thinner leys. They are making a pass with the drill anyway, and being paid to do it.
SIMON Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland. He has worked for Agrovista for 23 years.
Arable Varieties Focus
Once traditionally associated with Scotland and the north of England, clubroot is becoming an increasing issue across the UK, believes Dr Julie Smith, a principal research scientist in plant pathology at ADAS and part of a European clubroot panel.
She says: “Clubroot is a silent disease which can be hard to spot, negatively affects yield and can wipe out entire crops. I get more calls about it now than ever before, many from growers who have never seen it.
“It has a wide range of hosts, not just oilseed rape [OSR], but also brassica- type vegetables, cover crops and cruciferous weeds such as shepherd’s purse, charlock and runch.
“The incidence of clubroot is exacerbated by close rotations, often goes undiagnosed and is almost impossible to eradicate, making ‘clean’ land a finite resource.
“Globally, it is estimated that 1012% of land is affected by clubroot, with yield losses typically 10-15%, but in heavily infested fields it can be up to 100%. A 10% infestation results in a yield loss of 0.3 tonnes/ hectare, worth £120/ha with OSR at £400/t,” Dr Smith says.
Growing problem
The UK does not have a specific monitoring programme for clubroot, but ADAS surveys suggest it is increasingly widespread throughout England, Scotland and Wales, she adds.
“With so much attention focused on cabbage stem flea beetle,
The recent warm, wet autumns and winters have provided ideal conditions for clubroot development. The condition has been particularly problematic this season, but new genetics could give growers a valuable lifeline. Farmers Guardian reports.
New genetics provide line of defence against ‘silent’ OSR disease
OSR growers may assume that any crop damage is due to this pest, but that is not always the case and you cannot rely solely on its aboveground appearance.
“Clubroot can occur in patches, particularly if the land is wet, so areas where crop is discoloured, or plants are stunted must be investigated. The effects may also be evident at flowering when you will see patches where this is delayed and/or the crop is shorter.
“These signs indicate the presence of clubroot, so it is essential to uproot plants to check for the characteristic galls. A soil test is also recommended.”
Developing sustainable methods for managing clubroot involves the targeted use of resistant varieties
and applying soil treatments in affected areas, she says.
“Good machinery hygiene is
ROB MORGAN, SHROPSHIRE 100% FOCUS ON CLUBROOT-TOLERANT VARIETIES
THE first time Shropshire farmer Rob Morgan noticed signs of clubroot in his oilseed rape was about eight years ago in a field which had previously grown a continuous cover crop and a wild bird food mix with kale. Now, all 30
hectares of the crop are clubroottolerant varieties.
Mr Morgan says: “The first signs of clubroot were not easily visible in the field but showed up clearly when we flew a drone over the crop.
If clubroot is present, try to work your ‘clean’ fields first before going into infected fields
DR JULIE SMITH
critical to minimise the transfer of pathogen between fields.
“The average piece of farm equip-
gap between clubroot protected and other varieties, in many cases outyielding them.
“We pulled up some plants from those areas and the symptoms confirmed the presence of clubroot. The first indication of it in oilseed rape was that some areas had a slightly purple tinge, and some plants were stunted,” he says.
The decision was made to stop growing the wild bird mix, address some soil pH issues and switch to varieties of oilseed rape which are tolerant to clubroot, he adds.
“We would love to be able to grow a Clearfield variety with clubroot resistance, but none is available.
“The clubroot-tolerant variety DSV Crocodile CR has performed well in the past and now DSV Cromputer CR looks like continuing this,” he says.
“DSV Cromputer came through the cold months well and has looked good throughout. Until the crop is harvested you never really know how well it will yield, but based on what we have seen so far we will be growing it again next season.”
New genetics
DSV UK’s Sarah Hawthorne says DSV Cromputer CR is one of the latest varieties helping to bridge the
All 30 hectares of oilseed rape on Rob Morgan’s farm are now clubroot-resistant varieties.
She says: “Currently on the AHDB Candidate List for 2025/26, DSV Cromputer CR is a high vigour variety which is fast to establish, producing tall plants with a compact canopy and offering a significant yield increase over existing clubroot-resistant varieties.
“This is combined with turnip
Rob Morgan
ment can transfer 250kg of soil from one field to another, so if clubroot is present, try to work your ‘clean’ fields first before going into infected fields and if you cannot do that, wash machinery before moving.
yellows virus protection and improved stem canker resistance, plus it is a strong-yielding variety with a gross output of 99.9% and a seed yield for the East/West region of 99.8%. Oil content is good at 45.4%, too.”
Incidence of clubroot has definitely been increasing in the UK over the last five years, and while no official advice is currently available on how to deploy clubroot-
“Other biosecurity measures include wearing clean footwear between fields, avoiding using infected green manures/mulches and creating breaks to minimise the transfer of pathogen,” Dr Smith says.
tolerant varieties, they should not be overused, she says.
“Growers should do their bit to protect the genetics of these varieties by only planting them where the disease is a known issue and after addressing other causal issues such as drainage, calcium and boron levels, controlling weeds effectively and delaying sowing.
Rotation
“DSV Cromputer, for example, should not be drilled before the third week of August and grown at a minimum one-in-five rotation in soil free from brassicas.
“Where clubroot-tolerant varieties are used frequently or in heavily infested soil, strains which break this resistance are more likely to develop. Such varieties are a great ally in the fight against clubroot, but they should certainly be used with care,” adds Ms Hawthorne.
lgseeds.co.uk/lg-beowulf
Arable Varieties Focus
New winter varieties and harvest prospects were among the topics discussed in the barley plots at the Morley Innovation Day in Norfolk. Teresa Rush reports.
Winter barleys have finished quickly at the end of a difficult season, prompting concerns over grain quality this harvest.
Speaking at the Morley Innovation Day at Morley Research Centre in Norfolk, Patrick Stephenson, NIAB regional agronomist for the north of England, said the appearance of winter barley crops had started to change considerably in late mid-June.
“There have been seven months of water and these crops have got to the end and decided they have had enough,” said Mr Stephenson.
“We are going to get some sunshine, but I have my reservations over how much of a benefit that is going to be when we are this late into the barley season. It is probably going to be very helpful in terms of ripening off, but I do have my worries on spec weights and screenings.”
He added: “We are also seeing lots of black dots appearing on the leaves, which everybody assumes is ramularia.”
Spotting
But he was struggling to find the telltale umbrella hyphae associated with ramularia infection on the underside of leaves, which meant the spotting was most likely abiotic or stress-related.
Seed-borne net botch had been a problem this season, particularly in spring barley, and was a difficult disease to control, said Mr Stephenson.
With spring barley crops drilled from January through to May and seed sourced from alternative origins
FEED
Winter barley quality concerns this harvest
VALUE IN STRAW THIS SEASON
WITH its big bold grain and producing plenty of straw, tworow feed barley Bolton is finding favour in the North, Patrick Stephenson told growers.
With straw in short supply, it will be a valuable asset this harvest, he said.
“In the North, a Hesston bale of 600kg of straw is currently fetching £120 a bale. Straw has become a valuable asset in certain parts of the country, particularly as you get closer to the Pennines and the livestock areas where it is required,” added Mr Stephenson.
there had been a challenge in balancing crop potential and input spend.
But while stretched fungicide spray intervals had contributed to high disease pressure in winter wheat crops, this was less the case in winter barley, added Mr Stephenson.
Fungicide programmes had typically comprised two sprays rather than the preferred three to cover a nine-week period from the end of March through to full ear emergence because of the wet weather.
Winter barleys started to finish quickly from late mid-June, Patrick Stephenson told growers at the Morley Innovation Day.
“The [barley] diseases that we have controlled have largely been rhynchosporium and net blotch and you would have thought this year with the
BARLEY CANDIDATES BRING USEFUL BYDV TOLERANCE
FIVE of the winter barley candidates for the 2025/26 AHDB Recommended List bring barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) tolerance, which will be of
particular interest to those growers who have signed up to the IPM4 Sustainable Farming Incentive action – no use of insecticide on arable crops and permanent crops.
However, the current crop of candidate varieties bring no big jump in yield over conventional two-row feed variety LG Caravelle, first listed in 2023/24 and yielding on a par with six-row hybrids with a treated yield rating of 106, said Patrick Stephenson.
Integral from Agrii has BYDV tolerance and a similar yield to Caravelle, while Inys is the first hybrid winter barley from KWS, again with a similar yield to Caravelle, but no BYDV tolerance. Six-row hybrid SY Quantock has a yield rating of 108, but is not BYDV-tolerant.
SU Newmarket offers resistance
to barley yellow mosaic virus strains 1 and 2, while among the six-row hybrid candidates only SY Kestrel has tolerance to BYDV, but at the expense of yield, with a 103 rating. Integral is closest to Caravelle in terms of yield plus BYDV tolerance, added Mr Stephenson.
Varieties
WINTER barley candidate varieties with BYDV tolerance:
■ Integral: Six-row – Agrii
■ Sixy: Six-row – Elsoms Ackermann
■ LG Carpenter: Two-row –Limagrain UK
■ Organa: Two-row – Senova
■ SY Kestrel: Six-row hybrid –Syngenta UK
Stephenson.
The current crop of candidate varieties offer no big jump in yield over feed variety LG Caravelle.
wet weather these would have been priority diseases, but we have managed to keep reasonably good control of them,” said Mr
Patrick Stephenson
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Now in its fifth year, an OSR benchmarking study is providing insight into the management techniques most likely to support good crop establishment. Farmers Guardian finds out more.
Top tips to help boost OSR crop survival
l North and Scotland took 85% of planted crop
OILSEED rape (OSR) growers in the North have fared relatively better than those in other UK regions when it comes to the proportion of crops taken to harvest, according to the latest results from Bayer’s annual Dekalb National OSR Benchmarking Study.
Growers in northern England and Scotland took on average 85% of the crop area planted to harvest between 2019/20 and 2023/24, with growers in Yorkshire and Humberside close behind at 82%, compared to 79% in eastern England and 76% in the East Midlands (see Graph 1).
However, taking this season in isolation, growers in Yorkshire and Humberside have clearly found conditions more challenging, reporting the lowest proportion of plantings making it through to harvest, at just 61%.
Bayer technical manager Ellie Borthwick-North says: “This is associated with the highest proportion of growers in the country reporting intense or substantial cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) pressure.”
Overall, 73% of crops nationwide will be taken through to harvest this season, which is lower than in the previous three seasons but higher than in the high CSFB pressure season of 2019-20.
“This is almost certainly due to better crop growth and development in the milder, wetter winter and, interestingly, much lower levels of
spring larvae than the last really bad CSFB season, which could reflect the much greater use of hybrid varieties,” says Ms Borthwick-North. While still not reporting notable CSFB pressures or larval scores, growers in the North and Scotland have also seen a clear fall in crops being taken to harvest this season, at just 72%, compared to the long-term average of 85%.
Establishment
Average crop establishment scores across the country improved markedly in the lower CSFB pressure seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22, before slipping back in 2022-23 and again in 2023-24.
Growers taking part in the survey highlighted no fewer than 26 key techniques to minimise OSR growing risk, of which 10 stood out as being the most valued. It is worth noting that of these 10 techniques, nine involved
AVERAGE CROP SUCCESS 2019/20-2023/24
STUDY DETAILS
THE annual Dekalb National OSR Benchmarking Study has been carried out since 2019/20. The study tracks crop pressures, management and condition in commercial crops from establishment to flowering.
To date, 900 growers have been involved in the study, growing over 93,000 hectares of winter oilseed rape across the main GB OSR-growing regions.
decisions made ahead of, or around, establishment.
Survey responses also highlight the vital role crop genetics play in risk management, with all three variety-linked risk management techniques employed featuring in the top 10.
The survey has covered five very different seasons, and during that time it has become clear from the results that overall crop success is influenced by both autumn CSFB pressure and soil moisture conditions at sowing.
Ms Borthwick-North says: “A much bigger overall difference in the proportion of crops taken to harvest between heavy and light CSFB pressure, than between poor and good moisture conditions, indicates that pressures from CSFB have a much greater influence on crop success than sowing conditions.”
Hybrid varieties
She adds that the resilience of hybrid OSR varieties in general, and the Ex hybrids in particular, appears to be associated with better establishment and lower CSFB larval levels. This effect has been most marked in the most challenging seasons, but it is impossible to say whether lower CSFB levels in hybrid varieties is a real effect, or a result of their better spring branching, crop development or compensation abilities.
“It is really good to see the vigorous, fast-developing hybrids, which have always been a key Dekalb specialism, proving such a valuable part of today’s OSR establishment and risk management regimes,” says Ms Borthwick-North.
“Vigorous establishment has long been recognised as a varietal essential, but it remains of limited value without sufficiently rapid development from two true leaves to get the crop away from autumn challenges – especially so with the sort of weather and CSFB and slug pressures we have to endure these days,” she says.
The perceived value of earlier drilling in minimising OSR growing risks is underlined by the greater average success rate of earlier-sown crops over the five years the survey has been running (see Graph 2).
Drilling in July or the first week of August has shown no obvious advantage over mid-August sowing. And while delaying drilling into September has shown some advantage in reducing CSFB larval levels, this is insufficient to outweigh the general growth and development disadvantage of later-sown crops.
Lastly, almost 90% of growers believe accurate autumn CSFB monitoring, such as that provided by the MagicTrap digital yellow water trap, will be valuable in terms of future OSR crop viability and management decision-making, adds Ms Borthwick-North.
Ellie Borthwick-North
The latest results from Bayer’s annual Dekalb National OSR Benchmarking Study highlighted 26 key techniques to minimise OSR growing risk.
■ Prioritising varieties with allround agronomic strength
■ Earlier drilling
■ Maintaining the best disease control
Source: Dekalb National OSR Benchmarking Studies 2020-2024 Top 10 most valued OSR risk management techniques
■ Minimising costs until the crop
CROP SUCCESS BY SOWING DATE*
• Highest yielding 2-row winter barley on the 24/25 RL
• Robust disease resistance package
• Excellent specific weight
lgseeds.co.uk/lg-caravelle
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492
–
For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales
Average up at Skipton store lamb sale
l
First prize goes to Beltex cross lambs
THE opening sale of store lambs at Skipton saw an average of £102.97 for the 2,700 head on offer, which was £13.69 up on the previous year.
Taking first prize in the class for pens of 40 or more lambs for the fifth year out of six was Andrew Haggas, Otterburn.
His pen of April-born Beltex cross lambs, a mix of gimmers and wethers, sold for the top price of £140/ head to the judge, Tom French, Lincolnshire.
Second prize went to Albert and Fred Hewetson, Bank Newton, for
three-quarter Texels lambs, which sold for £126/head. The third prize Beltex cross pen was from Chris and Tom Heseltine, Bolton Abbey, and made £118/head.
Second top price
The second top price of £138/head went to Adrian Leach, Hebden Bridge, with two pens of 10 Beltex crosses.
A number of pens of smart lambs sold from £115-£122/head. First draw continental lambs out of North of England Mule ewes saw many pens make £110-£120. The next grade of strong lambs was £98-£108, with longer-keep and younger lambs at £88-£95.
Andrew Haggas (pictured right) with his winning pen of April-born Beltex cross lambs, which sold for the top price of £140/head to judge Tom French, Lincolnshire (pictured left).
Robert Metcalfe, Brearton, headed the Suffolk section at £124/head. Michael Parker, Winterburn, topped his consignment with a pen of 40 at £120.
Mules
North of England Mules peaked at £114/head for the Dakin Partnership, Hellifield, while Steve Dorey, Lincolnshire, presented the £99 and £96/head top price Charollais pens.
Dutch Spotted top at 2,500gns
FEMALES were the pick of the trade at the Dutch Spotted Society’s Summer Selection show and sale at Worcester, when Wedderburn Golden Girl, a shearling ewe from Jonathan and Janet Corbett, Newent, sold for 2,500gns.
By Glencoy Chance and out of Lochlad Conker, a daughter of an imported sire, it sold to Richard and Jade Bett, Louth, Lincolnshire, for their Yarburgh flock.
Next, at 2,400gns, was Coxhill Garnet, a gimmer from Derek Steen, Moffat. The Wedderburn Fool’s Gwold daughter, out of a dam by another imported sire, sold to Lee Martin, Dorchester.
Also at 2,400gns was a ewe lamb, Ty-Gwyn Haze, from Brian Davies, Haverford West, which had been champion in the pre-sale show under judge and society chair Edward Adamson. By the imported sire Dutch Magic Man and out of a dam by Merryboro Cracker, it found a new home with Ben Parker, Minehead.
A brace of females then made 2,200gns, with the first being another gimmer from the Corbetts,
Wedderburn Green Goddess. The Merryboro Fastandfurious daughter sold to Dave Roberts, Shrewsbury. The other at this money was Wedderburn Goldie, again from the Corbett family. This one was another by Fastandfurious and sold to W.E. Thompson, Yeovil.
Ram lamb
Two more then made 2,000gns each, the first of which was a ram lamb, Ty-Gwyn High and Mighty, from Brian Davies. This was a son of Dutch Magic Man out of a dam
Wedderburn Golden Girl, a shearling ewe from Jonathan and Janet Corbett, Newent, which sold for 2,500gns to Richard and Jade Bett, Louth, Lincolnshire.
by Merryboro Cracker, and sold to M.J. and L.J. Roberts, Bristol. Second at this price was another of the Wedderburn gimmers from the Corbetts, Wedderburn Goldcrest. By Boyo Easy On The Eye, it sold to L.I. Price and Son, Moulton, Barry.
Dutch Spotted lambs topped £93 for J. and L. Mallender, Thornton-in-Craven, while Cheviots sold to £91 for R. Taylor, Preston.
AVERAGES
Store lambs – Beltex, £122.24; Texel £102.86; Suffolk, £105.66; Charollais, £95.74; Dutch Spotted, £91.17; Cheviots, £89.46; North of England Mules, £91.33.
Auctioneers: CCM.
Penrith sees strong store cattle trade
THE sale of 344 store cattle and feeding bulls at Penrith topped at £1,765 for a pen of three dairy-bred Aberdeen-Angus bullocks from S. and W. Maughan, Penrith, whose consignment of 12 bullocks averaged £1,674.74. The 49 Aberdeen-Angus bullocks on offer averaged £1,360.92.
Dairy-bred Blue bullocks topped at £1,755 for one from A. Tiffin and Son, Hutton Roof, who also jointly topped the heifer section at £1,675 for a British Blue, with both selling to David Barker, Scarborough.
A consignment of 53 14- to 15-monthold Limousin cross cattle from M. Bindloss and Son, Shap Abbey, averaged £1,444.62, topping at £1,715 for a 16-month-old black Limousin bullock, which sold to W. Robshaw and Son, Tadcaster. Numerous cattle in this run sold for over £1,600, with heifers topping at £1,675 for a 15-month-old Limousin cross British Blue, which went to J.J. Crichton, Egremont. Auctioneers: Penrith and District Farmers Mart.
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Store cattle to £1,870 at Hexham
THE sale of store cattle at Hexham included a large quantity of dairybred cattle, but trade was still strong.
Leading the sale at £1,870 was a black Limousin cross heifer from G. and E.A. Herdman, Consett, who also sold other Limousin cross heifers to £1,800.
Steve Woods, Carlisle, sold Aberdeen-Angus and Blue cross heifers to £1,670 and Limousin cross heifers out the dairy dam to £1,660.
A very small entry of steers peaked at £1,620 for a Limousin cross from S.D. White, Hexham.
Montbeliarde cross steers from SWS Agri, Carlisle, made £1,490 and £1,470.
The opening sale of 1,305 store lambs, were according to the auctioneers, overall of a lesser show of quality on the year due to the weather conditions.
Topping the sale at £144 was a Beltex lamb from Cairness Home Farm, Aberdeenshire.
A trio of Texel cross lambs sold for £143/head for R. Kellett and Sons, Humshaugh. Suffolk cross lambs sold to £118/head for S A Suddes, Tow Law, and a pair of Mule lambs sold to £100/head for W A Crozier, Embley. Auctioneers: Hexham and Northern Marts.
Prime lamb average up at Hawes
THERE was an increased entry of 538 prime lambs at Hawes on Tuesday.
The overall market average was up on the week at 301p/kg, which included a large proportion of upland lambs as more Mules now come forward.
The consignment from J.R. and L.A. Capstick, Killington, topped the market peaking at £172 for 50kg Texels with others from the same home to £166 at 47kg and £160 at 47kg, all bought by M. Hare, Lane End Farm Shop, Tong.
Beltex lambs sold to a top of 353p/kg for Messrs Capstick, followed by 345p/kg from R. Mudd and Son, Thornton Rust. Plenty of pens of first cross continental lambs out of Mules sold just over the 300p/kg mark.
Mule lambs sold to £127 for 45kg lambs from S. Bell and Sons followed by £124.50 for 42kg lambs from J. and G. Huck, Hubberholme. Auctioneers: Hawes Farmers Auction Mart.
Worcester Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sale reaches 1,050gns
● Ewe lamb at 720gns
tops female trade
A SEPTEMBER 2022-born ram from Sam Driver, Glossop, led the prices at 1,050gns at the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sale at Worcester.
Sale leader was Sandy Lane Felix, a son of Bamburgh Celtic Warrior out of a dam by Maineview Balboa, which found a new home with H. Cory, Vale of Glamorgan.
Next at 900gns was an April 2023-born ram, Wisley Forever, from W.L. French, Launceston.
By Ballytaggart Enzo and out of a dam by Bencran Abracadabra, it sold to Messrs Keith and Heaps, Melton Mowbray.
Then at 800gns was another from Sam Driver in the form of Sandy Lane Fox. This son of Maineview Emoji is out of a dam by Huish Alpha and sold to previous buyer, H. Cory.
Close behind, at 780gns, was a ram lamb, Braiseworth Geezer, from Rob Harvey, Suffolk. By Buhros Eric and out of a Huish-bred
dam by Sherborne Benchmark, it stood champion in the pre-sale show.
The buyers were Messrs Parker and Bird, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
A ewe lamb from the same home then topped the female trade at 720gns.
By Roci Exclusive and out of a Blackhill Albert daughter, it was the pick of L.A. Borkar and R. Davies, Glastonbury.
Next in the females, at 520gns, was a shearling ewe from the Hole
Top price of 1,050gns was for the ram Sandy Lane Felix, from Sam Driver, Glossop, which sold to H. Cory, Vale of Glamorgan.
family’s Sherborne flock, Dorset, which stood reserve champion on the day. By Dolcettwr Barney and out of a dam by Sherborne Zabaletta, it sold to Jackie Wild, Matlock, Derbyshire, having run with Burhos Doombar.
THE Berrichon Society’s Early Choice sale at Worcester, peaked at 1,000gns for the shearling ram Tooloos Zombie Slayer from Paul and Ollie James, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Bred by the Digweed family and bought as a lamb last year, Zombie Slayer is by Yarburgh Wolfgang and out of a Marshland Victory daughter. The buyer was M.J. Brice, Tiverton, Devon.
Second top was a 575gns call for another shearling ram from Brian Evans’ Janos flock, Trefeglwys, Powys. This son of Marshland CIM21/0161 out of a daughter of a Gynin tup, sold to Heritage Farms, Oxhill, Warwickshire.
Making 500gns was the ram lamb Taylor Made Atlas, from J. and K.J. Stephens, Darlingscott, Warwickshire.
By Windrush Titan and out of a
dam by a Newark sire, it was knocked down to M.S. Keeves, Daventry.
Matching this price, was the best of the females, Janos Zurich from Brian Evans’ dispersal of adult females. This gimmer, by Janos Yum Yum out of a dam by Gynin IGJ/18/02569, sold to Richard and
Shearling ram Tooloos Zombie Slayer, from Paul and Ollie James, Bridgnorth, sold for 1,000gns to M.J. Brice, Tiverton.
THERE was an increased entry of more than 6,000 breeding ewes and rams at the Farmers Guardian-supported Great July Fair at Exeter.
A highlight of the older ewe section was the flock dispersal of nearly 350head from George and David Heywood, Bideford, whose full-mouth Suffolk cross Mules topped at £250 with six-tooths to £250, and fourtooths reaching £242. They also sold pens of flock-aged Texel and Suffolk pure-bred ewes to £250. Nearly 1,200 older ewes averaged £207.
There was flying trade for the 2,800 Suffolk cross shearlings, with more pens selling more than £250 than under £200. The overall average was £226.02, up more than £27 on last year and £51 better than 2022 for a much larger entry.
Pre-sale show
The pre-sale show championship went to Robert and Angus Mackintosh, Milborne Wick Farms, Sherbourne, whose pen sold for the joint top price of £300/head to the judge, Ben May, Exeter.
The largest consignor, Roger Rottenbury, Crediton, sold 483 Suffolk cross shearlings peaking at £252 three times. He also donated a uniquely marked ewe for the British Heart Foundation, which sold for £300 to Wayne Stephens, Holsworthy.
Pure Charollais shearlings topped at £390/head for the Quick family, Zeal Monachorum, who also sold pure Texels to £360 and CharTex
Breeding sheep meet flying trade at Exeter
shearlings to £340. The 55 continental pure and cross-bred shearlings averaged £305. Texel cross Mules averaged £232, topping at £275 for A. and L. Gillard and Sons, Tedburn St Mary.
The 600 Mule shearlings topped at £245/head for Scotch Mules from R.W. Tapp, South Molton, with Cheviot Mules to £240 for Maurice Hockridge, Credition, and Welsh Mules to £230 for the Burrough family, Chard. North of England Mules sold to £228 twice for Pete and Angela Smerdon, Totnes. Most of the Mules sold from £185-£205 to average £193, up £33 on the year.
Pure-bred Dorset shearlings topped at £275 for Peace Farm, Bridport, with Dorset cross Mule shearlings to £238 for Mark and Henry Johnson, Bridport, and ewe lambs to £230 for Stan Harris, Blandford Forum.
The MV-accredited female section saw Texel shearlings sell to 450gns for Messrs Quick. F.H. Chave and Son, Wellington, sold six Texel cross shearlings at 400gns apiece and Suffolk shearlings sold to 320gns twice for B. Haines, Beaminster.
Rams
The largest catalogued entry of rams seen at Exeter saw the West Country
Suffolk Sheep Association kick things off peaking at 1,200gns for the champion from Henry Derryman and family, Yarcombe. Suffolk ram lambs peaked at 500gns for Brandon Roth, Redruth, and Phillip Brooks, Yeovil. Texel shearlings sold to 1,000gns for Will Braund, Holsworthy.
Ross Edwards, Dorchester, sold a Dutch Spotted shearling at 700gns. Hampshire shearlings reached 900gns for the Derryman family and CharTex rams from the Quick family sold to 880gns.
Beltex reached 700gns for Paul and Lin Calcraft, Payhembury. Charollais peaked at 680gns for both the Quick family and Ben and Amelia Watts, Ashburton, and Dorset shearlings topped at 600gns twice for Les French, Launceston.
Auctioneers: Kivells.
To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow
From left: Pre-sale show championship winners Robert and Angus Mackintosh with judge Ben May.
Russell Steer
pre-sale show championship sold for the joint top price of £300/head.
Champion ram, from Henry Derryman and family, Yarcombe, which sold for 1,200gns.
On behalf of M Davenport, Cote Hill Farm, Osgodby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire 120 HOLSTEINS & BROWN SWISS
Being the most genuine Dispersal of the entire Herd of 74 Milkers, 22 In-calf Heifers & 24 Youngstock Incl a number of Pedigree Brown Swiss (Cotehill Prefix) .NMR Recorded, Herd Average: 7407kg 4.45%F 3.57%P cc113. Cubicles & Herringbone. Vacc Lepto, BVD Tag & Tested, Johnes Monitored & TB4
TUESDAY 30TH JULY 2024 11AM For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE Store Cattle Sale 323
Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894
Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092 Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652
NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207 www.hawesmart.co.uk
Friday 19th July
Opening Catalogued Sale of 750 Store Lambs
Tuesday 23rd July
Summer Show & Sale of 1000 Prime Lambs Show classes for Pairs of Beltex & Pens of Five Continentals, Suffolks, Mules, Masham’s & Horned Lambs
Judging 9:30am, Sale at 10am
300 Cast Ewes & Rams
2 Auction Mart Shares at 11am Sponsored by I’Anson Feeds.
Friday 2nd August
Sale of 1500 Store Lambs.
Cat Closes Thursday 25th July 12 noon
Tuesday 20th August
Evening Show & Sale of 1500 Mule & Cont Gimmer Shearlings & Ewes. Cat closes Thurs 8th Aug. also Sale of Crossing Rams to follow. Ian Atkinson 07957 256337 Kenton Foster 07711 469280
...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
SATURDAY 20TH JULY
Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc
1 Sim cow & twin calves, D Pickford
2 BBX Cows & Calves, R Chappell
3 Lim Hfrs, 11-14mths & 1Lim Bull, 10mths, L Thompson
4 HerX Hfrs 17mths, G Dickson & son Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs
Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am
WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY
Dedicated Slaughter Market
305 Prime Cattle 450 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am
Opening Show & Sale of 400 Store Lambs Show for Best Pen of Lambs Saturday 27th July @10.30am Machinery & Sundries Sale Drop off Friday 12.00 – 2.30pm
Smith - Mart Manager 07738 043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com
FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS
BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE
Tel: 01228 406200
BEEF BREEDING CATTLE
Wednesday 24th July – 11.00am
EIncluding 19 Belted Galloway cows & calves (RWB), 9 Belted Galloway x Blue Grey hfrs, 1 Belted Galloway bull
205 PEDIGREE AYRSHIRE & BLENDED RED & WHITES SELL
Major Reduction Of The MIDDLE PEDIGREE HERD
Wednesday 31st July 11.00am
For J Whiteford & Sons, Middle Farm, Brampton 69 Heifers In Milk - 102 Second Calvers 28 Third Calvers – 4 Fourth Calvers Sell
The MIDDLE Ayrshire & Blended Red & White herd is one of the FINEST in the UK and the Whiteford family have a strong reputation for selling their BEST. This major reduction includes all the cows and heifers that have calved from March until late July along with a select group of milkers due again in November & December. The herd is averaging 8040kgs 4.72% bf 3.41% p with grazing the main forage from early spring to mid-November. This SPECIAL sale has several attractions: 143 Fresh calvers sell - 62 Jan/Feb calvers sell due again in Dec
The type of cow on offer is UNIQUE to Middle, they have the potential to satisfy the demands of most milk producers. Whether you’re in the market for a cow with moderate stature with EXCELLENT grazing attributes or a cow to produce 10,000kgs in an indoor system the animals in this sale can do both.
Health Status
The herd is vaccinated for BVD & Lepto. The herd has been Johnes tested for several years and is regarded as low risk. The farm is situated in a four year TB testing area and there has never been a case on the farm.
BOOTHFERRY & BRIJON SUFFOLK SALE
Thursday 1st August – 5.00pm Comprising from the Boothferry flock on behalf of C&D Timm 25 flock ewes, 15 shearling gimmer and 19 ewe lambs and from the Brijon flock on behalf of Jonathon Watson 60 shearling gimmers
Prize shows and sales of STORE CATTLE & SUCKLED CALVES YOUNG CALVES
Entries close Wednesday 14th August
Kindley sponsored by
PEDIGREE SHEEP DAY
Society Shows and Sale of MV accredited rams and females
Friday 30th August
BLUE TEXEL, DORSET HORN, POLLED DORSET & DORPER
Entries close Friday 19th July BERRICHON
Entries close 2nd August direct with Society CHAROLLAIS
Entries close direct with Society
Saturday 31st August
DUTCH SPOTTED, BADGERFACE TEXEL and RYELAND
Entries close Friday 19th July
KELSO RAM SALES
Friday 13th September
Entries close Wednesday 24th July
ONLINE SALES
SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items
Sale bidding starts 10.00am Wednesday 7th August until 10.00am Thursday 8th August
Entries close Wednesday 31st July
or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791
LAZONBY MART
Tel: 01768 898313
Opening fortnightly sale of STORE LAMBS & FEEDING EWES
Thursday 25th July – 12.30pm
ON FARM & ONLINE
Dispersal sale of FARM MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & SMALL TOOLS
at Crowhall Farm, Bardon Mill NE47 7BL on behalf of Crowhall Farms
Saturday 27th July – 10.30am
Online bidding available via MartEye Sale incudes NH T6 140 tractor c/w loader, NH
T6175 tractor, Yamaha 700 quad bike (x2), Sheep trailers Logic sheep snacker, Swaledale sheep trailer, Ifor Williams trailer c/w decks & dividers, Triffitt trailer, Teagle Tomahawk 8500 strawchopper, Abbey 1600 tanker, Watson feed trailer, Watson 16ft feed trailer, Major Topper Cyclone, Bomford hedge cutter, Manitou handler, sheep and cattle handling equipment, Large selection of small tools Input lots: Silocut 175 SG Sheargrab, Foster Scraper, Bale Squeeze, Accord Drill Full list available on MartEye
6TH Annual JALEX GIMMER SALE
Friday 2nd August – 7.00pm
At Alexandra Farm, 88 Gloverstown Road, BT41 3HY
400 Suffolk x Cheviot Mules, 200 Suffolk x Cheviot, 300 Cheviot Mules, 100 Texel x MV Accredited Enzo & Toxov acc, Heptavac progamme, All export ready to Mainland UK
Production Sale 100 head
ARDSTEWART BELTEX FLOCK
Saturday 3rd August – 3.00pm At Ardstewart, Gortaquigley, Raphoe, Co Donegal comprising Beltex gimmer, stock ewes, shearling rams and ram lamb also a quantity of Blueface Texels
All export ready to Mainland UK With Denis Barret Auctions RSRA 004098
Auctioneers: Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747
Kyle Hawksworth - 07538
Monday 22nd July
SHOW & SALE OF REARING CALVES
Show 10.30am Sale 10.45am
Entries & Enquiries to Kyle
PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE
Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) SALE OF SPRING LAMBS
Sale 12.30pm followed by PRIME HOGGS & CAST EWES
DAIRY CATTLE
includes circa 6-8 fresh heifers, 8 in calf heifers from Old Northcote Farm and the Summer Special Sale of Youngstock – including 88 in calf, served, bulling, yearling heifers and heifer calves. Entries from the Dalesbrad (Throup family), Hawbank (Ayrton family), Lofthouse (Stevenson’s) and Whychall (Hutchinson family) pedigree herds.
Catalogues available Call Sarah on 07710 795585 for more information
Wednesday 24th July
3840 STORE LAMBS
Prize Show & Sale for Down X Lambs
Sale 10.00am Main Ring & EARLY SALE OF 260 BREEDING SHEEP
Sale 12.30pm Lingfield Ring
Friday 26th July
LIVE FIELD SALE OF
25 WORKING SHEEP DOGS
21 Field Dogs & 4 Pen Dogs
Sale 10.30am
Saturday 27th July
AT EASTHAM HOUSE FARM, GREAT MITTON, WHALLEY @ 11.00am
Retirement Sale for Mr Stan Ainsworth (who has sold the farm) Comp: New & Vintage Tractors (Case IH 120 Luxxum w/ Loader 24 plate, Ferguson 135 Grey & Gold, Massey Ferguson 35 x3, IMT –539 Tractor De-Luxe, Massey Ferguson 135 & 250, Fordson Major Diesel, Fordson Power Major, Wignet Compact Tractor & Loader(; Merlo Telehandler Panoramic, JCB Loadall 535.95 2018, JCB Loadall 533.10 2023; 6 Excavators (2.5t-16t) (Hitachi 2x 135 US, Kobelco 2018, Sunward SWE 160F, JMAC JME 28Z Mini Excavator); 8 Plant Trailers (Kane Low Loader, I/W Plant Trailer, Bailey 10t Dump Trailer), ATV’s (Kioti 4x4 Mechron 2200 UTV, Honda ATV); Vehicles (Land Crusier LWB Commercial 23 plate, Ineos Grenadier Commercial 73 plate, Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2007 plate); Qty Plant Equipment, Large Qty of Stone Troughs etc.
Online Bidding – register by Friday 26th July @ 4pm SatNav BB7 9PHWhat3words bikers.recruiter.grants
Wednesday 31st July
Sale of FEEDING BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE
Prize Show for Beltex x Lambs & LINGFIELDS SUMMER SHEEP FAIR
Special Sale of Suffolk, Continental, Mule & Masham Breeding Ewes & Rams
(Entries close Monday 29th July)
Pedigree Sheep Sales
Monday 26th August –PEDIGREE KERRY HILL SHEEP
(Entries close Friday 2nd August)
Saturday 31st August –PEDIGREE WENSLEYDALE SHEEP (Entries to the Society)
PEDIGREE JACOB SHEEP
(Entries close Friday 26th July)
RARE & MINORITY SHEEP
(Entries close Friday 9th August)
SHOW & SALE OF PEDIGREE & PUREBRED GOATS
(Entries close Friday 9th August)
Sunday 1st September –
PEDIGREE VALAIS BLACKNOSE SHEEP
(Entries close Monday 29th July)
Friday 6th & Saturday 7th September –
PEDIGREE BELTEX RAMS & FEMALES
(Entries close Friday 26th July)
Saturday 7th September –PEDIGREE BLUE TEXEL SHEEP
PEDIGREE BADGER FACE TEXEL SHEEP
(Entries close Friday 9th August)
Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September –
PEDIGREE TEXEL RAMS & FEMALES
Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders Club
Members Only – Entries Online
Jacob Sheep Society Central Show & Sale 13 Ewes, 57 Shearling Ewes, 22 Ewe Lambs, 8 Rams, 14 Shearling Rams, 22 Ram Lambs Show at 9.30am, Sale at 11.30am Online bidding available via Marteye For more information and catalogues, Contact Worcester Office on 01905 769770
Wednesday 24st July
8am Cast Ewes, Rams & Hoggs followed at 10am with Prime Lambs (Lamb Ballot 10am)
Monday 29th July
Sale of Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Entries close noon Monday 22nd July
Wednesday 31st July
Opening Prize Show & Sale of Store Lambs Entries Close Thursday 25th July
Friday 9th
and
of
AND BULLING HEIFERS (RUNNING WITH THE BULL) removed to Mold Auction Market, CH7 1EG for convenience of sale.
ursday 1st August at 11am e cows follow an all year round calving pattern All Homebred using predominantly Cogent & Alta bulls. Current herd average of 4.45BF, 3.34P & CC 108 Live streamed bidding available through https://jbradburneprice.auctionmarts.com/
NB All prospective buyers must be registered to buy. Catalogue available shortly – email contact@jbradburneprice.com For further information please call James 07866 419371
SATURDAY 20TH JULY
Summer collective sale of tractors, implements and machinery. Incorporating a special sale of vintage tractors and machinery.
MONDAY 22ND JULY
Opening sale of over 400 store lambs
MONDAY 29TH JULY
Opening sale of breeding sheep
Entries accepted up to 12 noon Wednesday 24th
TUESDAY 13TH AUGUST
‘Ewetopia’ evening sale of pedigree and pure-bred female sheep * MV Section in place *
Entries accepted up to Friday 2nd
EVERY MONDAY
Cast cattle/OTM Store & breeding stock
EVERY THURSDAY
All classes of Prime cattle & sheep
Scott Ferrie 07557 260653 (Auctioneer) John Wharton 07912 946549 (Auctioneer)
2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3000 Spring Lambs & 500 Prime Hoggs
Saturday 27th July
3000
Summer Sale of Early Breeding Sheep BREEDING EWES & GIMMER SHEARLINGS
Followed by RAMS
Tuesday 30th July at 11am SPECIAL SALE OF STORE LAMBS
Tuesday 6th August 10.30am Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle Followed by STORE CATTLE 12noon SUCKLER BREEDING CATTLE
Inc. On behalf of S Wilman, Braesteads DISPERSAL OF PUREBRED ANGUS SUCKLER HERD Comprising-13 Cows & 7 Hfrs with spring born calves; 1 Cow&1Hfr In Calf; 4 Maiden Hfrs 16mo; 1 Ped AA Bull (Pilsbury Einstein Y763) 29mo Proven Bull; Performance tested.
Note: A closed herd providing excellent opportunity to purchase from a very genuine high health herd. Entries for catalogue close Friday 26th July
Wednesday 7th August
Summer Calf Show (calves 70 days and under)
Tuesday 13th August
Fortnightly Sale of Store Lambs
Wednesday 14th August
GENUS Dairy Extravaganza
Pedigree & Commercial classes
Saturday 17th August
THE RAM-PAGE Summer Show & Sale of 750 Rams
Entries for catalogue Wednesday 31st July
J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE
Tel: 015395 66200
Tuesday 23rd July
10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 1pm PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP
10.30am OPENING SALE OF BREEDING SHEEP 11am FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE LAMBS
AT LOUTH LIVESTOCK MARKET LOUTH, LINCOLNSHIRE, LN11 9HF
FRIDAY 2nd AUGUST
PARTNEY FAIR 1st SPECIAL SHOW AND SALE OF MV AND NON-MV ACCREDITED BREEDING SHEEP AND STORE LAMBS To Include so far 80+ Breeding Rams 800+ Store Lambs 500 + Gimmers & Breeding Ewes 50+ Ewe Lambs Catalogues available on our website
FRIDAY 6th SEPTEMBER
2nd SPECIAL SALE OF MV AND NON-MV ACCREDITED BREEDING SHEEP, STORE LAMBS, RAMS & DEADSTOCK EQUIPMENT.
ENTRIES STILL BEING TAKEN FOR BOTH SALES CALL ED 07395 570303 (AUCTIONEER)
CATALOGUES & ENTRY FORMS AT WWW.LOUTHMARKET.CO.UK FOR INCLUSION IN THE CATALOGUE ENTRIES MUST BE IN BY WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE SALE www.louthmarket.co.uk
9.30am
10.30am: 2 SHEEPDOG
SALE OF
EWES then 787 STORE LAMBS cat online. Enquiries to Rachel Thursday 20 July
10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES
11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY entries to Eleanor 12.30pm STRIKS entries to the office by Tuesday 25 12noon Saturday 27 July
9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS with Charity Sale of stock in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in memory of Tom Bull – Donations welcomed 10.30am FORTNIGHTLY BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE entries to the office by Tuesday 23rd 12noon Thursday 1 August
10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES
11.00am MASSEY FEEDS with LELY LONGTOWN DAIRY SHOW & SALE entries to Eleanor by Monday 29 July Tuesday 6 August MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE SEASONAL SHEEP SHOW AND SALES Sat 3 Aug- COLOURED & DORSET BREEEDING SHEEP Sat 3 Aug- SUMMER STORE LAMB SHOW Sat 17 Aug - 1st SHOW OF MULE & CONT SHEARLINGS Sat 2 Sept - 2nd MULE & CONT SHEARLINGS Sat 7 Sept - 1st MULE & CONT GIMMER LAMBS Tue 10 Sept TWILIGHT TUP SALE Sat 14th Sept - HORNED & HILL GOING inc HERDWICKS Sat 28 Sept – 2nd MULE & CONT GIMMER LAMBS Sat 12 Oct- OCTOBER BREEDING FAIR OF SHEEP
Southdown Sheep Society official sales provide the best opportunity to purchase veterinary inspected, high quality sheep from leading Southdown flocks. Both MV and non-MV accredited stock available at this official Society Sale, giving buyers an unrivalled selection of quality stock.
3rd August
The Premier Breeders Sale at Worcester Market online live bidding available https://mccartneys.marteye.ie Catalogues available online www.mccartneys.co.uk Telephone: 01986 782251 www.southdownsheepsociety.co.uk email: secretary@southdownsheepsociety.co.uk
JACOB SHEEP SOCIETY SALES 2024
Central Region Show and Sale
Saturday July 27th at Worcester Market
Scottish Region Show and Sale
Friday August 2nd at Borderway Mart, Carlisle
Ireland Region Show and Sale
Saturday August 3rd at Tullamore Mart, County Offaly
Northern Ireland Show and Sale
Saturday August 10th at Beattie’s Pedigree Centre, Northern Region Show and Sale
Saturday September 31st at Skipton Market, North Yorkshire
Eastern Region Show and Sale
Friday September 13th and Saturday September 14th at Melton Mowbray Market
Wales Region Show and Sale
21st September at Monmouth Livestock Centre www.jacobsheepsociety.co.uk
Entries close - Thursday 25th July TRACTORS; LOADERS; MACHINERY; TRAILER; GROUNDCARE; LIVESTOCK EQUIP. See website for further details
CROPS & CONNEC-
REQUIRED to look after Rottweilers & Sheep in exchange for accommodation for personnel and their pets etc. Tel: 07754 809830 Hudds, S.Yorks (P)
SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2024
MIDDLE STREET FARM, MONYASH, BAKEWELL, DERBYSHIRE, DE45 1JG
On Instructions from Mr R Bagshaw Tractors & Machines, Trailers & Implements, Range of New Wooden Timber Products, Sundry Farming & Building Effects, etc ENQUIRIES TO 07375 105985 OR AUCTIONS@GRAHAMWATKINS.CO.UK
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Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
PEDIGREE STOCKPERSON
Seawell Grounds is a 600ha Ring fenced farm, which includes an Arable and Single Suckler business, based near Towcester, Northamptonshire, farming combinable crops plus Pedigree Charolais and Salers cattle. We have an exciting opportunity for the right candidate who will be capable of overseeing the daily management of the two herds, working alongside our present team
We are looking for a forward-thinking, hands on, enthusiast team member to join us. This stock person will require to have attention to detail and the ability to take on the day-to-day operation of our Pedigree cattle.
The Seawell Herd has a long line of heritage established in the 80’s currently at 300 cows plus followers. We have a high health status, selling quality cattle to pedigree and commercial breeders through out the year, so some experience with preparing cattle for sales would be advantageous.
A good size family house on farm can be provided with a negotiable package.
Role
• Reporting to the Owner
• Working with own initiative, as well as in a team.
• Ensuring the high health status and welfare
• Calving cows
• Record keeping and pedigree paperwork
• Liaising with vets.
• Compliance with Health and Safety
• General Stock work
• Full driving licence
Please apply with CV and references to seawell.charolais@btinternet.com
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies/ Langhill Farm
Dairy Herd Manager
UE07 £39,347 to £46,974 per annum plus Variable Hours Premium Open ended (permanent), full time (35 hours per week) plus 3 bedroom Cottage
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is looking for an experienced Dairy Herd Manager for the University of Edinburgh dairy herd at Langhill Farm as part of the larger R(D)SVS/Roslin Institute farm estate. The herd of 220 Holstein cows averages 11,000 litres per lactation, on an autumn/winter block calving pattern. You will oversee the day-to-day management, and take an active role in running all aspects of the dairy herd.
The purpose of the role is to manage the UOE Dairy Herd as part of the larger farm estate. Maximise the use of farm resources to both meet commercial targets and teaching requirements. The facility must be run to a high standard to allow quality assured teaching experience and to maximise research opportunities all within the relevant legislative requirements.
Your skills and attributes for success: You should have extensive knowledge and experience of practical dairy farming and animal husbandry. You must be committed to promoting best practice in animal welfare and have sound skills in animal handling skills. You must demonstrate a highly exible approach to your work and an ability to respond to urgent or unpredictable events 24/7. You must possess excellent communication skills as you will be expected to line manage a small team od four and coordinate with keys uses of the facilities.
The University of Edinburgh offers an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work, and the opportunity to be part of a diverse and vibrant international community, in addition to comprehensive Staff Bene ts, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a de ned bene ts pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and exible work options.
To find out more details about the role and apply, please check the full advert on the University of Edinburgh job site at www.ed.ac.uk/jobs. You can search for this role with the reference number 10737.
www.ed.ac.uk/jobs
Role: Regional Sales Manager | Employer: Agri Lloyd | Location: Scotland - Applicants must live in the area
Closing date: 16 Aug 2024 | Salary: Salary up to £55,000, plus excellent bonus and benefits
Agri Lloyd are recruiting for a 2 x Regional Sales Managers. One to cover the Welsh region. One to cover the Scottish region.
The Regional Sales Manager will be the driving force behind the territory’s short, medium, and long-term development.
The key objective will be to achieve or exceed the region’s sales plan.
The successful Regional Sales Manager will have the ability to motivate and engage with their team of independent sales agents and ensure that they are committed to achieving the annual business plan.
Regional Sales Manager - Main duties
• Ensure the overall sales plan for the region • Management of Sales Agents • Prepare annual sales plans.
• Become proficient with the company CRM system and ensure this is kept up to date • Attend relevant trade shows
• Attend farmer meetings.
Regional Sales Manager - About you
At least 3 years sales management experience • Understanding and passion for the agricultural industry is essential.
Good understanding of concept selling • Natural rapport builder at all levels • Ability to lead a team effectively.
For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
Role: Dairy Sales Manager | Employer: Agri Lloyd
Location: Lancashire | Closing date: 16 Aug 2024
Salary: Up to £50,000 dependent on experience, plus good commission structure and Company benefits
An excellent opportunity has become available within Agri-Lloyd for a Dairy Sales Manager
Do you have experience in an agricultural setting and sales?
Agri-Lloyd has been at the forefront of ruminant nutrition for thirty years and is recognised as one of the few real specialists in this field.
Dairy Sales Manager - Role Summary
The Dairy Sales Manager is responsible for managing the development of sales of the Farm Animal Division’s nutritional and health products which will be sold directly to farmers through a network of Area Sales Managers.
Dairy Sales Manager - Main Duties
• Managing the Area Sales Manager network
• Develop and maintain a detailed CRM system
• Achieve the companies Area Sales Manager sales plan, making regular contact with the Area Sales Manager network
• Work in the field with the Area Sales Managers providing them with training, selling skills and complete knowledge on how to sell our products, giving verbal and written feedback
• Keep the Area Sales Manager team us to date with competitor developments
• Ensure that the Area Sales Manager team are efficient in their call planning, focus and implementation
• Collate, analyse and use marketing sales data
• Attend Key National and Regional Shows, helping to manage and organise
• Co- ordinate and facilitate farmer meetings, farm walks and open days
• Build relationships with Key Opinion Leaders
• Ensure efficient and effective personal reporting
• Participate positively in Regional Sales Meetings
Dairy Sales Manager - Personal Attributes
• A thorough understanding of dairy farming
• Practical experience of dairy farming through University/ college or practical dairy farming work experience
• Team player with the ability to lead a team effectively
• Enthusiastic with excellent communication and rapport building skills
• Due to this being a national role, the Dairy Sales Manager should expect to spend at least two or three nights per week away from home.
For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
Farm Operations Manager Employer: Farms for City Children
Location: Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) (GB) Salary: £35,000 with accommodation An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Farm Operations Manager to join our team at Lower Treginnis, located on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast and the most westerly farm in Wales.
Farms for City Children is a dynamic social mobility charity which exists to remove the barriers that prevent children and young people having meaningful access to the natural world. Through a week on one of our three heritage farms, Nethercott House in Devon, Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire, and Wick Court in Gloucestershire, children and young people experience increased learning and engagement, improved connections and wellbeing, and leave us with an enhanced sense of environmental citizenship. Visiting children are immersed in the natural world of countryside through a food and farming offer that allows them to participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens; caring for livestock and looking after the land; and cooking up a home-grown feast in the farmhouse kitchen. In partnership with our commercial farming neighbours, children experience the benefits of collaboration, enjoy plenty of physical activity, good food, and fresh air, and discover the magical rural environment that is full of new words, sounds and experiences to inspire their creativity. Spending time working alongside real farmers fosters children’s independence and helps them to grow in confidence, develops their self-esteem, and encourages them to become more resilient.
For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
MOLE VALLEY FARMERS
Job title: Sales Manager Location: South England
Closing date: 31 Jul 2024
Are you passionate about Agriculture and looking to work for a progressive farmer centric organisa on whose purpose and values are core to our success? Sales Manager Feed - South - £excellent with bonus, company car & benefits Repor ng to the Head of Agri Feed Sales, you will be responsible for driving front-end commercial ac vity for our Mole Valley Feed Solu ons business. Leading our Southern fieldbased feed sales team you will deliver a consistent sales approach for our Farmer Shareholders and farming customers.
Responsibili es:
• Working with the Head of Agri Feed Sales you will develop a sales strategy that is aligned to the core values and objec ves of the business
• Working alongside Head of Feed Agri Sales to ensure we are aligned in our approach, we are fit for the future and we lead the industry in the delivery of knowledge, services and products
• You will manage a sales team capable of focusing on the customer and responsible for the execu on of the business strategy who have the ability to deliver product specialisms, industry leading knowledge, advice and work together to deliver growth
• Lead the ruminant sales team in the South, sharing knowledge, skills and best prac ce from a commercial and nutri onal perspec ve in order to deliver on our farmer shareholder ambi ons whilst growing margin, volume and revenue
To be successful in this role you will have sales leadership experience gained within the Agri Sector, you are a commercially driven focussed individual with a passion for delivering results.
Our posi ons are supported with a thorough induc on and management development training plan, whilst benefi ng from a range of benefits to include: Company car (extensive list of Electric and hybrid) up to 25% sta discount, 33 days holiday (inc BH) and pension.
For more informa on on any of the vacancies | please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
Assistant Farm Manager (Dairy)
Location: Sutton Bonington, Loughborough
Closing Date: 21 Jul Contract Type: Permanent
JOB DETAILS: This role is an opportunity for an experienced person with a proven track record of working in dairy farming to high standards who is willing to take on more responsibility. You will support the Farm Manager (Dairy) in all aspects of animal husbandry, feeding, milking (via Lely Astronauts) and hygiene. Once se led you will provide rota cover for the Farm Manager (Dairy) and will therefore be the responsible person on site for a considerable number of days per year.
For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE
New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs!
18,000 Ltr Roka (2013) with 3” outlet
16,000 Ltr Delaval
16,000 Ltr Fabdec (holds 17,000)
15,000 Ltr Serap
14,000 Ltr Fabdec
12,000 Ltr Fullwood Packo Instant Cooling
10,000 Ltr Fabdec
8,000 Ltr Roka Silo
8,000 Ltr Roka
7,200 Ltr Delaval
6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs)
6,500 Ltr Mueller
6,000 Ltr Roka
6,000 Ltr Fabdec
5,000 Ltr Packo
5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Roka
4,000 Ltr Mueller
4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”,
Refurbished 2T Ice Builder suitable for 20 / 25,000 Ltrs every other day 2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day
Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day
CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
FOR HEALTHY CALVES
* Freeze only Quality Colostrum *
* Thaw 4litre pack within 20mins *
* Feed immediately after birth *
For more details contact BRITMILK tel : 01387 750459
www.britmilk.co.uk
Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems. For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949
WOOL WANTED All types required. Full payment. L.Pierce Wool Merchant: Scotland & North England - Grace Dobson- 07743 628405 or 07754 702187 or Southern England and South Wales- John Wood 07980 655637
Portable Milking Machine
take a farmercentric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more e ciently and make
FGBuyandSell.com
Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus
Clive Houldey 01461 600203
Burrows (South West Rep) 01598 710098 or 07595 183858 info@scotpen.co.uk www.scotpen.co.uk
Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
A range of genetics from the top family lines in the UK and America.
PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS
OF 6 RED OR BLACK
• Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.
• High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.
Gilmartin Pedigree Polled Hereford Bulls
Buckhurst
Aberdeen Angus
3 Well bred, Halter trained Bulls 18 months - 2 years. Vaccinated for BVD + IBR, TB 4 Area John Procter, Waterbeck.
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)
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
Please feel free to contact Richard – 07816 173689 John – 07885 739120 17-22 months. Some Semen tested. TB4 area. Younger bulls also available
Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)
Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.
Tel: 077157 64351
AA ABBERTON ANGUS bulls & heifers,TB1, biobest elite health 15 years accreditation IBR, BVD, Lepto Johnes - Tel: 01386 462534 or 07592 798555 abbertonaberdeenangus.co.uk
Easy calving, high growth, hihealth YOUNG BULLS top EBV’s Choice of 20 from our 180 cow herd TB4 BVD & Lepto vacc. Call Henry 07866 222062 - details on website www.ribbleaberdeen-angus.co.uk TOP PEDIGREE REGISTERED HEREFORD
Bulls and select Females for Sale from a high health herd, with fully registered pedigrees.
Further details can be seen on: www.lowergroveherefords.com
Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com
DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE
FOR SALE FROM LEESEMANOR BEEF
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.
Quality, home-bred Limousin cross British Blue young cows and heifers, with Lim x and BB x calves at foot. Also two excellent Lim x British Blue bulls. Eager for work, all quiet, TB tested and ready to go. ALWAYS NEGATIVE FOR TB Wilf Lomas - 01606 832142 or 07769704628
We believe there is a simpler and fairer way to work together with wool farmers, and that’s why we are challenging the traditional UK wool sourcing systems.
Please phone to book your wool in to each depot.
If you would like to supply Brannach Olann with your wool, please contact: Alan: 07836 547987 (Scotland) Steve: 07957 988181 (Wales)
X
Excellent conformation, tight skins, ready for work. Heptavac P. Naturally Reared, no corn Contact Mr Brocklehurst on 07764 196462 or 01260 223338
FGBuyandSell.com
Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein /13 ME) £225 ex store
Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein /13 ME) £245 ex store
NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA
Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex
Biscon Meal (Approx. 12%
BUFFER-GRAIN
SUNSHINE LICKS
*Applied in one opera on* (No Addi onal Mixing)
*Alkaline Treatment* (Ph 7.5-8.5)
*Protein Incresed*(by 30% - 40%)
*Excellent Stability*
Tel: 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk
CAUTION
We
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
Mobilehomes,holidaychalets,loghomes. Allbuilttoyourrequirements,deliveredand erectedanywhere,weofferbuildsinround, 360mm to up log random and cavity square thick.Housessuppliedtomeetbuilding controlregulations.
A complete 28 by 10 home with luxury shower room and kitchenete, Gas water heating, galvanized tile effect roof and full insulation DELIVERED TO YOU FOR £28.000. Complete. Available Now! We also offer our customers a wide range of Holiday Homes and Cabins Info@homeannex.co.uk for more details. Mobile 07733 390801 for information and planning advice or to discuss your requirements.
Property Landscape Making your tender stand out from the crowd
Tips when competing for farm tenancies
In the ever changing agricultural industry, and with increasing pressures on farm incomes, many farmers without succession plans are looking to retirement, be this by surrendering their farm tenancy, or choosing to rent out their own farm.
We have seen already this year a number of farms available on the market to let, and this trend is expected to continue. With high capital cost of land, a tenancy can offer an excellent way to start in farming or way to expand your existing business.
When applying for a tenancy of a farm, it is important to remember there is usually huge demand and this is a highly competitive process. Below are a few hints and tips to stand you in good stead:
■ Make the most of the viewing day – find out what the landlord’s/ estate’s objectives are and ensure your visions for the farm are aligned. Familiarise yourself with the brochure/data pack prior to viewing to make sure there are no surprises. Ask questions of the landlord/agent but always remember when doing so, first impressions count.
■ Have a realistic business plan – the agent and landlord will be familiar with the productive capacity and capabilities of the farm, and so make sure that you are, too. Are the stock numbers proposed appropriate for the land type and availability of buildings? Is the crop yield achievable?
■ Provide the right information – check within the tender documents what information the landlord is requesting and make sure you provide all of this. It may sound obvious, but it is easy to miss important information which will disadvantage your tender application when looked at against others. It is common to be asked for three years’ cashflow forecasts and P&L accounts, together with a business plan and summary of experience.
■ Think about finances – farming incomes are not always regular. It is more common than not that a form of loan/finance/overdraft agreement will be needed in the first few years. Consider whether this support will come from family, or from a lender or from existing resources and show you have a sound plan in place to obtain this capital before the start of the tenancy.
■ Consider improvements – any landlord wants to see a holding improve over the years rather than deteriorate. Detail how you intend to improve the farm, be this through boundaries, buildings or soil health.
■ Be willing to seek help – you may have family members who will be providing assistance with the new farm. Do not be afraid to detail their roles and experience in the tender document to show the support network available around you. Professional advisors can assist with the business plan and budgets. A tender that reads well and looks professional is extremely advantageous.
■ Do not be disheartened –remember that for every farm that is advertised to let, there will be on average 15-25 applicants and only one tenant. All experience is beneficial and there will always be another opportunity.
Emma Smith is a rural chartered surveyor at youngsRPS. Email emma.smith@youngsrps.com, or call 01740 622 100.
Emma Smith
Following a widening of what is allowed under Permitted Development Rights, Alex Black takes a look at the new opportunities available for farmers.
Buildings which have been used for farm storage are now eligible for change of use under Class Q, says Rachael Coulsting, legal director in the planning team at Shakespeare Martineau.
The passing of what has come to be known as ‘Clarkson’s Clause’ following Jeremy Clarkson’s campaigning could ease the path to diversification.
‘Clarkson’s Clause’ is a step forward but not a sea change
● Changes have been largely welcomed
WITH farmers battling high costs, inflation and added pressures from the weather, the need to secure consistent and reliable sources of income is more important than ever, according to Jennie Wheildon, partner in the agricultural team at Shakespeare Martineau.
But changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) could open new opportunities.
Ms Wheildon said: “The passing of what has come to be known as ‘Clarkson’s Clause’ following the media personality’s campaigning could ease the path to diversification for farmers, producers and landowners by widening what is allowed under PDRs.”
Ms Wheildon said the changes had been largely welcomed, despite various restrictions on use. But for farmers to take advantage, they first needed to ensure they understood PDRs and had sought advice to ensure they could be relied upon.
“Secondly, it is crucial that farmers understand the legal ownership position of the land and building in question and the accesses to it, as getting this wrong could lead to disappointment further down the line,” she said.
“With the new Labour Government promising a host of planning reforms, such as reviewing green belt policies and introducing new grey belt areas, many are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to planning.
“However, any change can bring uncertainty, and farmers and producers may wish to take advantage of what are currently generous PDRs for agricultural buildings sooner rather than later, especially where this type of development is critical to their diversification journey.”
Flexibility
Rachael Coulsting, legal director in the planning team at Shakespeare Martineau, said the clause had brought an extension to the General Permitted Development Order. This is aimed at providing greater flexibility for those seeking to utilise agricultural buildings in different ways without having to secure planning permission from the local planning authority.
The changes impact Class Q development, with redundant agricultural buildings able to be converted into up to 10 residential dwellings, and Class R development, under which buildings can now be converted for a broader range of commercial and industrial purposes, including outdoor sport
Farmers and producers may wish to take advantage of what are currently generous Permitted Development Rights
JENNIE WHEILDON
and recreation and the provision of agricultural training.
“While these changes to PDRs are by no means a golden ticket for onfarm development, they do go some way to simplifying the process and lowering the eligibility threshold for buildings,” said Ms Coulsting.
“For example, under Class Q there is no longer a requirement to demonstrate that buildings have been used solely for agricultural purposes before conversion – making buildings that have been used for farm storage eligible for change of use.
Class Q also now allows for greater flexibility around extensions to spaces, potentially bringing a host of new buildings into consideration that may not have been eligible before.”
But she warned that farmers should not assume changes applied without restriction, with limits on floorspace, and should not apply to listed buildings or, for Class Q, buildings situated in Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
She added: “It is also important to note that local planning authorities may exercise their discretion to remove these PDRs entirely in a particular area by making an ‘Article 4 direction’.
“Furthermore, farmers should be aware that, despite not requiring formal planning permission, prior approval will need to be sought from the relevant local planning authority before any change of use under Class Q.
“For Class R, any change of use which results in the cumulative floor space of the building in question exceeding 150sq.m will also require prior approval.
“Such a prior approval process will require consultation on issues such as transport and highway impacts, noise pollution, and design and appearance.”
Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.
If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources.
Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.
Contract Calf Rearers required in Northern England/Southern Scotland
We supply; • Calves • Full tui on and training • Milk Powder • Fixed contract rearing fee • Hard Feed • PLUS performance bonus • Vet & Med plus Veterinarian support
Contract Rearer to supply; • Suitable shed • Water (min. 300 sqm) • Electric • Labor • Must be in a TB4 area • Straw
Howard Farms and Farming Partners are recrui ng new calf rearers for our expanding Fully Integrated and Regenera ve Dairy/Angus beef supply chain. Each Farming Partners Dairy will deliver 2 week old calves into a designated calf rearer in February and March. Howard & Co Farming will collect the weaned calves at 15 weeks old in May & June.
Please contact Joe Howard for more details 07793 494720 or jhoward@howardfarms.co.uk
Machinery
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831
Following its report of the first-half tractor sales of 2024, Agricultural Engineers Association figures show the current market trends. Toby Whatley reports.
● Top HP machines increase market share
THE Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) published further information on the market conditions regarding tractor registrations in the first half of 2024.
The first report in Farmers Guardian (July 12, p18) highlighted that overall tractor sales dropped 13.2% in January through to June 2024 (5,882 machines registered), when compared to the same period in 2023 (6,777 machines registered).
The AEA has reported that a clear divide can be seen between the highest-powered machines – those in the 241-320hp and over 320hp categories – and the rest of the market.
In total, this top end of the registration charts covers 15.1% of machines supplied and totalled 887 units, and is reported as a 46.5% increase compared to the figures from 2023.
Longer term
Commenting on this increase, Ed Dennet, retail market manager of Fendt, says: “Typically, machines in the 240hp and above sector tend to be purchased through more business-orientated farmers committed to longer term decisions which are less affected by shorter-term economic events.”
In contrast to the increase in higher-powered machines, changes in the lower-powered categories were more reflective of the current market position.
Commenting on this, Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist for
AEA tractor report reveals power divide
the AEA, says: “The number of tractors over 260hp registered was up by over 40% compared with a year earlier.
“In contrast, there were nearly 20% fewer machines logged below that level, with declines fairly evenly spread across the remainder of the power range.”
Increased registrations of higherpowered machines have had an impact on the average power of tractors.
This measure is sometimes used to illustrate the ongoing changes to fewer, larger tractors, and has historically always risen slowly as higher horsepower tractors have become more accessible and are being utilised for a wider range of tasks.
Mr Howarth says: “With growth limited to the top end of the power range, the average power of agricultural tractors registered in the first half of 2024 increased significantly.
“In fact, it topped 180hp for the first time, at 180.7hp, up from 173.5hp a year before.
“That is the second successive sizeable year-on-year rise, with the average figure for January to June 2022 only 166.2hp.”
Unlike previous quarterly or biannual reports which demonstrated growth in some UK regions, the cur-
JANUARY TO JUNE 2023 REGISTRATIONS
rent outlook shows a reduction in registrations across all areas, with the highest fall seen in the South East and South West (42.9 and 28.7%).
Countering this, Northern Ireland, Scotland and North East England reported the lowest reductions of about 2% which could be a reflection of the reduced financial exposure and improved farm business resilience currently experienced in some northern livestock and mixed farming areas.
As with all tractor registration reports, it is important to recognise the figures relate to machines greater than 50hp registered with the DVLA and may not have been specifically sold to end users.
The data will include demonstration and pre-registered stock machines held in dealer yards.
These figures will also include tractors registered for non-agricultural activities, including amenity and forestry applications.
JANUARY TO JUNE 2024 POWER
Higher power tractors, greater than 240hp, saw more than a 40% rise in registrations, compared to 2023 figures.
RVT will take care of after-sales for German potato machine manufacturer Grimme.
Three potato machinery specialists have recently made changes to the dealer network, promising improved service and support. Toby Whatley reports.
New dealer appointments for North West potato growers
● Dealerships secure new responsibilities
GERMAN potato and root crop machinery manufacturer Grimme has appointed Rea Valley Tractors (RVT) as a premium service partner of the Lancashire region.
Operating from its Ormskirk branch, the dealer will be responsible for Grimme after-sales, which will include stocking a full range of replacement parts and providing service support across Lancashire.
Sales of machinery will remain with Grimme UK, which will manage sales in the area directly.
RVT has been supporting Grimme customers with product support in the Staffordshire and Derbyshire areas since 2006 through its Sudbury branch and has highlighted the experience it has in the sector.
Commenting on the change, Matt Mulligan, managing director at RVT, said: “Our team is well-versed in the
specific needs of growers and the demands of the working environment and we are confident in our ability to offer the necessary after-sales support to ensure their continued success and reduce downtime.”
Changes have also taken place at Malpas Tractors with the appointment of Belgian potato machinery specialist AVR and Scottish potato machinery manufacturer Scanstone.
For Scanstone, Malpas will be responsible for the sales, service and parts support across Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. The family-owned business designs and builds its products from its base in Forfar.
These include a range of bed tillers and formers, destoners, haulm toppers windrowers, as well as trailed harvesters.
Malpas will be also responsible for the sales and support of AVR’s range of cultivators, toppers, planters, harvesters and store-loading equipment across Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales and South Yorkshire.
AVR has historically been supported by Grimme UK, however following the changes it has made at its own dealer network, AVR has moved to operate independently, which includes the appointment of new dealers for sales, service and spare part support.
Paul Reeves, managing director for Malpas Tractors, said of the appointment: “This is the next step in Malpas Tractors’ long-term strategy that ensures we offer farmers and growers the dedicated support of a manufacturer to become one of the cornerstones of our business for the future.”
Malpas will handle sales, service and support for Scanstone.
MACHINERY & TRACTOR SUPPLEMENT
For more machinery features, see the Machinery & Tractor supplement in the centre of this week’s issue of Farmers Guardian
Claas adds auger merging to its Disco butterfly mowers
By James Huyton
● Lower horsepower swathing applications machine capable of working independently. This provides the operator with the option to draw the swath from the outer field margins when opening up, while dropping the swath over the full bed width on the inner half of the machine.
CLAAS has introduced an auger swathing system on its Disco 9300 butterfly mowers.
The non-conditioner system offers swathing applications with a lower horsepower requirement of 180hp compared to belt-based designs.
The mower has a 9.1-metre working width, with augers on each side of the
The auger uses a tapered design which is claimed to allow an increased feed volume towards the centre of the machine, with the increased diameter of the auger allowing more crop to be conveyed.
In addition to the tapered design, the auger housing has integrated
breakpoints for greater crop capacity. These areas expand the available internal capacity and increase feed volume and throughput.
A shear bar and knives at the auger outlet prevent crop build-up which is claimed to prevent blockage during operation.
The top-mounted auger drive system allows the operator to disengage the augers at any time and can hydraulically open the unit, which diverts the cut crop across the full mowing width. The augers can be opened or shut individually or in tandem via the
IsoBus control system while the mowers are running.
The machine’s Active Float suspension uses a series of sensors that monitor the mower position and allow adjustment to suit the harvest conditions, which is also operated through the IsoBus control.
The optional automatic slope control function regulates the downforce of the ground pressure depending on whether operators are mowing up or downhill, which Claas says reduces side drag and minimises misalignment between front and rear mowers.
A shear bar and knives at the auger outlet prevent crop build-up, which claims to prevent blockage during operation.
The design uses a tapered auger to merge the material to the centre of the machine.
The Claas Disco 9300 direct swather with auger merging.
Livestock
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786
For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub
Jimi Collis and his herd manager Matt House run 270 suckler cows within their organic arable farm on 700 hectares (1,730 acres) of owned and rented land in north Dorset, within the Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Converting to organic in 2007, the aim is to balance output in cereals and meat with increasing biodiversity, achieve a sensible work-life balance and make a profit, while meeting five landlords’ expectations and maintaining and growing relationships within the community.
Mr Collis says: “At the centre of our business is our organic mixed farm, where the cattle graze herbal leys that rotate around the arable crops.
“But we also have a wide range of other grazing platforms from Sites of Scientific Special Interest, parkland and stately homes, with species-rich permanent pasture and areas of high nature value that require sensitive management. These areas are useful when grass growth at the main farm falters – perhaps due to drought. It is somewhere groups can go for a few weeks to ease the pressure.”
Breed selection
Choosing the breed of cow was not immediate – starting with British Friesian and Aberdeen-Angus crosses, through Limousins and Simmentals, before ending with Stabilisers. Most of the cows now are three-quarter Stabiliser.
Mr House, who joined the farm three years ago, says: “Our cows live outside all year round and are never mollycoddled or pampered. They have to work hard. Half calve in the spring and half calve in the autumn. All the youngstock is reared for replacements or sold fat to the ABP abattoir which is 20 minutes away.
“The cows run in mobs of 40 and each of the 11 groups has its own grazing platform and is moved around in a rotational system. It sounds complicated, but it is actually very flexible.”
Herbal and red clover leys are grown for three years on 200ha (494 acres), with lucerne and sainfoin sometimes included for cutting.
The aim for beef and arable farmer Jimi Collis and his herd manager Matt House is to find the ‘business sweet spot’ by balancing output and profit with increasing biodiversity. Sara Gregson reports.
Integrating arable and organic grass-fed beef
The leys are established by undersowing a cereal such as winter oats or spring barley using an Einbock grassland seeder. Composted farmyard manure is spread and ploughed into the cereal land every year and top dressed on the grazing land in spring.
Silage is taken from across the fields; none are designated just for winter forage. Fields are cut when they are ready and not required in the grazing rotation.
Most of the cattle are out-wintered on the chalky, free-draining soils, with a winter cover crop ideally undersown
into the growing cereal to take advantage of a relay crop system.
“Herbal leys can be slow to get going in spring, and being organic, we cannot force the growth curve with fertiliser,” says Mr Collis.
“Silage is cut in late April/early May to ensure the feed is of the highest quality. This year we have baled 1,200 silage bales and 1,000 hay bales. The more floristic bales of hay are kept for the dry cows.
Planning
“In my mind everything is simple but it is all planned out in advance. There is a plan A, plan B and a plan C. We are trying to move nutrients around the farm in the cheapest and most efficient manner. For example, putting grass through a baler and then feeding that to a cow is not as efficient as making her eat it herself. And we do not want to sell any conserved forage, because that would mean exporting fertility from the farm.”
At the home farm, the fields are mainly long and rectangular and electric fencing is used to make up rotational paddocks. Grazing starts from February 14. All the spring grass has been shut up since au-
tumn and the lightest animals start grazing first.
Grass growth is measured weekly and AgriNet used to keep track. The aim is to graze the paddocks at the 3-leaf stage to maximise energy intake. They are grazed down to a 1,500kg dry matter/ha (608kg DM/acre) residual.
Calves are weaned at 10 months of age and are aimed to be finished at 1820 months of age, just fed grass and gaining an average of 1kg/day.
Heifers kill out at 300kg and steers at 320kg, grading on average R 4- and 3+.They are currently on an organic contract with ABP which includes an organic premium and a home-bred bonus.
Mr Collis adds: “Encouraging nature is also very important to us. We have restored a lot of hedgerows and are going to plant more with trees incorporated to provide additional shade for the cattle. With initiatives like these, wildlife will flourish.”
MORE INFORMATION
This beef and arable farm was one of the businesses visited as part of the British Grassland Society’s annual summer meeting, which this year took place in Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex.
Matt House (left) and Jimi Collis.
The farm’s steers gain an average of 1kg/day off just grass.
Red meat project reveals wide range of carbon footprint data
● Figures indicate huge potential for improvement
By Wendy Short
INTERIM results from a collaborative project to analyse carbon footprint data from UK beef and sheep farms were outlined at a recent webinar organised by food processor ABP Food Group. The wide variation within the range of figures indicated significant potential for improvement, according to Prof Jude Capper, of Harper Adams University, who analysed the results.
Launched in 2022, the PRISM 2030 project aims to improve red meat sustainability over the next decade. Developed and funded by ABP, working with The Andersons Centre and Harper Adams University, it has carried out carbon footprint evaluations using SRUC’s Agrecalc tool on more than 350 ABP beef and lamb supplier units across the UK. The results were given in terms of kg of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per kg of deadweight.
Highest figures
Prof Capper said: “On the beef units, the hill and upland suckler farms had the highest figures, with an average score of 31.4, while dairy/beef cross finishers were the lowest at 22.9. This was to be expected, because breeding operations have suckler cows on-farm all year round, which increases their carbon footprint. I would stress, nevertheless, that farms in these categories are highly valued within UK agriculture.
“The differences between management system results were not as well defined among the sheep enterprises, compared with the cattle. However,
The PRISM 2030 project has carried out carbon footprint evaluations on more than 350 ABP beef and lamb supplier units across the UK.
unsurprisingly, the store lamb buyers had the lowest scores due to the animals’ limited time on-farm.”
Prof Capper highlighted the carbon footprint difference of 23kg for beef and 24kg for sheep between the top and bottom third of enterprises. This pointed to the scope for reducing emissions by improving five key areas: pasture management, age at slaughter, livestock health, fuel consumption and the use of by-product feeds.
Genetics also played a role in future progress, she added, given that top quality genetics could lift beef cattle finishing weights by 142kg, compared with animals of lower genetic merit, despite being reared to the same age and produced on the same system.
Project data will continue to be ana-
lysed and the farms will receive a second carbon footprint analysis, she added. Over the next three years, soil and animal health, biodiversity and water quality will be studied within a smaller farm group.
Producer
Beef producer Mike Powley was one of the first to sign up to the PRISM 2030 project. Finished beef cattle from his 120-cow spring-calving suckler herd at Oak House Farm, near York, are sold to ABP, with most going to Asda. Their breeding is based on South Devon cross Aberdeen-Angus maternal lines, with a Charolais terminal sire.
In my opinion, low-carbon beef will command a premium in the marketplace in the future
MIKE POWLEY
Regenerative principles have been adopted on the 145-hectare (360acre) unit for the past decade, while over 1,000 big bales of red clover silage have been produced annually without fertiliser since 2005. There are plans to increase white clover in the grazing swards on the foragebased beef system.
The recent acquisition of 14ha (35 acres) of arable land, which will be converted to grassland, will help to reduce the carbon footprint at the next assessment, although Mr Powley said he had been pleased with the initial results.
“The carbon footprint analysis is useful because it represents the level of efficiency of the farm business,” said Mr Powley.
“It is a tool for benchmarking prog-
ress and providing a starting point for making tweaks, also being used for comparison with other units. Regular meetings are scheduled for farmers within PRISM 2030, and these are very helpful because they provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and for picking up tips on carbon footprint reduction.
“The goal for the beef enterprise is to maximise kg of meat per cow. Any increase in this figure will effectively dilute the farm’s carbon output, while at the same time reducing input costs.
“There is pressure across agriculture to become carbon neutral, and in my opinion, low-carbon beef will command a premium in the marketplace in the future,” added Mr Powley.
Prof Jude Capper
Mike Powley
Over five years, the average weight of lamb produced per ewe in Elfyn Owen’s flock has increased by 9.3kg to 47.6kg.
Mr Owen, who farms with his wife Ruth, recognised the value of achieving genetic gains driven through estimated breeding values (EBVs) long before he started recording his purebred Welsh Mountain Cernyw flock in 2019.
He had been performance recording his Cernyw Bluefaced Leicester flock since 1997 and, at 36.7mm, that flock’s EBV for muscle depth is the highest ever recorded in the breed.
Mr Owen, who is national chair of the Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders’ Association, says: “It was a natural progression to record the Welsh ewes when we had the chance to join the Hill Ram Scheme in 2019, and then Tier 1 of Farming Connect’s Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme [WSGP].’’
The Bluefaced Leicester flock is now included in Tier 2 of the WSGP.
Mr Owen runs a flock of 480 Welsh Mountain ewes and 70 Bluefaced Leicesters at Ffrith Arw, near Llanrwst. He produces lambs solely from grazed grass alongside marketing recorded sires and replacement ewes at breed sales, while also selling fat lambs into the liveweight and deadweight markets.
He has been breeding the Llandovery Whiteface-type ewe since the end of the 1970s as it is well matched to the conditions at Ffrith Arw.
“The sheep have good skins, good wool on them; they suit our system of producing lamb entirely from grass,’’ he says.
Of the Welsh ewes, 200 of them are recorded using DNA parentage techniques because of the extensive nature of the system.
This technique is 50:50 funded by the WSGP and Mr Owen.
The ewes are condition scored and weighed in autumn, before the tups are turned in at a ratio of one ram to every 50 sheep in December.
Pregnancy scanning in the 2023 breeding season showed a scanning
Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis and Footrot in cattle and Granuloma (strawberry foot), foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof, Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis in sheep.
One upland farmer is growing income from lamb sales by performance recording his closed flock of Welsh Mountain ewes. Farmers Guardian finds out more.
Reseal tub after use
percentage of 160%, but Mr Owen says he is aiming for 180%.
“For us, recording is about prolificacy too – we are not a mountain farm, we are an upland farm with improved land, and we want as many lambs as possible.
“We are working on getting two lambs per ewe with improvements in muscle depth, conformation and weight; we have the type of sheep that can make it work.’’
Lambing
METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
The Welsh ewes lamb outdoors in May. At lambing, the twin-bearing ewes are drafted into one field and their progeny are EID tagged with DNA samples taken from their ears.
Clean the wound thoroughly, apply the cream with a spatula to cover any lesions and then bandage, leave for 2-3 days, remove, clean & repeat for a further 2-3 days, remove again and only re-apply if necessary.
METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
CATTLE, SHEEP & GOATS
Digital Dermatitis and Granuloma (strawberry Whiteline & Shelly Hoof, Nodosus) & CODD
GOATS
Dermatitis and (strawberry Hoof, CODD sheep.
The analysis of the DNA is matched to that of the ewes and allows parentage to be assigned.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Do not discharge into drains or the environment
Seek medical advise if needed
If swallowed, rise mouth with water
If contact with eyes, wash out immediately with water for 15 minutes
the
Value of performance recording upland flock
thoroughly, apply the cream with a spatula to cover any lesions and then bandage, leave for 2-3 days, remove, clean & repeat for a further 2-3 days, remove again and only re-apply if necessary. Wear gloves If contact with skin, wash off immediately with soap & water,
RANGE
Lambs are weighed at eight weeks and again at 20 weeks of age.
Clean the wound thoroughly, apply the cream with a spatula to cover any lesions and then bandage, leave for 2-3 days, remove, clean & repeat for a further 2-3 days, remove again and only re-apply if
If contact with skin, wash off immediately with soap & water,
If swallowed, rise mouth with water
Seek medical advise if needed
Reseal tub after use
Do not discharge into drains or the environment
The EBVs, which indicate exactly where an animal ranks within the breed for specific traits of economic importance, play an important role in flock profitability, says Mr Owen.
If contact with eyes, wash out immediately with water for 15 minutes
If contact with skin, wash off immediately with soap & water, If contact with eyes, wash out immediately with water for 15 minutes
Digital Dermatitis in sheep.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
contains copper & zinc sulphate
Having those figures allows him to make better breeding decisions, both within his own flock and when breeding rams and replacements for his customers.
Do not discharge into drains or the environment
Since Mr Owen started recording the flock in 2019, EBVs for eight-week weights have increased from -0.19kg to 0.62kg and muscle depth from -0.12mm to 0.22mm; scanning weights have increased by 1.71kg.
Beware of Inferior Imitations!
Aids in the healing of Digital Dermatitis & Slurry Heel in cattle. Granuloma (strawberry foot) foot abscess, Whiteline & Shelly Hoof Footrot (Dichelobacter Nodosus) & CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) in sheep.
Actively seeking new distributors
CZF & CZ hoof products do not contain QUATS
Elfyn Owen
Welsh ewe and twin lambs at Ffrith Arw farm, based near Llanrwst.
The Trumper family have been involved in the Jacob breed for almost 40 years, but over the last 10 years they have increased flock size and enjoyed success at shows and sales. Ellie Layton finds out more.
Monmouthshire family with a passion for Jacobs
Based between Abergavenny and Monmouth, livestock auctioneer
Lyndon Trumper runs a flock of 35 pedigree Jacob ewes with his wife, Jane, and their three children, Charlotte and twins Ollie and Ed.
Lyndon first acquired Jacobs as a young boy on the family farm, Pant-y-Beiliau Farm, near Usk.
He says the Beiliau flock, named after the family farm, started off with just a few ewes.
He says: “The flock was run at around 20 head of ewes, bred pure or crossed while I studied
at the Royal Agricultural University.”
Once he had finished university, Lyndon started working for Abergavenny-based auctioneers J. Straker Chadwick, who today own a third of Monmouthshire Livestock Market.
Hobby
Throughout his auctioneering career, Lyndon has continued breeding Jacobs, and describes this as a family hobby run alongside his full-time employment.
He adds this ‘hobby’ has now been adopted by all three children, particularly Ollie and Ed.
The Trumper family breed two-horn rather than four-horn Jacobs.
Lyndon says: “As a rule, two horns are mostly bred in the Midlands, Wales and South of England, while in the North of England and Scotland more four horns are seen.
“The two types are very similar, however four horns are typically slightly stronger sheep and very difficult to breed with the correct horn placement.”
Around 10 years ago, the family attended Chepstow Show where they were awarded champion
with their ram, and the boys caught the showing bug.
Breeding
This enthusiasm is what has motivated the family to focus on their breeding choices, and the last year has seen the flock at its largest.
Now standing at a 35-head flock, the majority of females are home-bred with under 10 ewe lambs kept annually.
A very prolific breed, their flock often exceeds 200% at scanning, and twins and triplets are frequently seen when they lamb indoors.
Left to right: Ollie, Lyndon and Ed Trumper.
Over the years, I have seen the breed really improve the body of the sheep, and the breed is much more commercially desirable because of it
LYNDON TRUMPER
Lyndon says: “We lamb in midto late January, which is as early as our flock will naturally breed. We do not want to sponge ewes or carry out embryo work, which can put us at a disadvantage at earlier shows.”
Lambing is very much a team effort, with the family mostly working off site. Time is booked off work to keep an eye on the sheep and the family have recently installed lambing cameras, which have been a great help.
“We do not have many buildings, so the ewes and lambs are kept in for a day or two until they
are sucking well, before they are turned out into paddocks by the house. But they are hardy sheep with good mothering ability, so this does not prove an issue,” says Lyndon.
The Trumpers say from a young age they are able to tell whether a lamb will make the cut.
Markings
Ed says: “Markings are very important for a Jacob, so if they are wrong, they will be sold fat. They require black horns and ears, a white blaze on the face, and a black nose showing no pink.
“Markings on the body are preference, but they must have white legs. The skin must also be pink where white wool grows and black for the darker wool.”
The breed is known for its good quality fleece, and although the family do not breed solely for this, it is also something they like to produce.
Lyndon says that despite the markings being important, for any animal to be kept on, it must be a commercial animal, correct in the mouth, legs and feet, and carry good conformation.
“Over the years, I have seen the
breed really improve the body of the sheep, and the breed is much more commercially desirable because of it,” he says.
Years of breeding have created some successful family lines for the flock.
The breed society sees ewes being registered under numbers, and the rams by name.
And despite there being no official rules around naming rams, the family follow the alphabet to help track their breeding, which is Ed’s specialty.
But they are very critical when it comes to choosing which to
Markings are very important for a Jacob, says Ed Trumper.
The Trumper family run a 35-head flock of two-horn Jacobs.
After lambing, ewes and lambs are kept in for a day or two until they are sucking well, before they are turned out into paddocks.
register, and out of the 70 lambs a year, only five ram lambs make the cut.
“We are very conscious that selling males is our main market, so we only want to sell the best.
“This way, we only produce what we would use and hopefully when they work for breeders, they will come back to us,” says Ollie.
A ram that has had a major influence on their breeding is their
stock ram, Border Windrush, which they purchased in 2013.
More recently they have purchased more Border bloodlines, with a ram lamb from Cumbria breeder, Clive Richardson, which has been used on the flock and his first crop of lambs are on the ground.
Traditionally, the family sold their males as ram lambs, however in recent years they have been keeping some on as yearlings, a strategy which has seen a great deal of success.
Society sales
We are very conscious that selling males is our main market, so we only want to sell the best [...] hopefully when they work for breeders, they will come back to us
OLLIE TRUMPER
The last two years have seen them top the society sales. In 2023, they set a new centre and two-horn breed record of 4,200gns at the Scottish Regional Show and Sale held in Carlisle with their yearling ram, Beiliau Lancaster, which was a Hope Casino son out of a homebred Border Windrush-sired dam.
The ram had been awarded reserve champion at the pre-sale show, and earlier in the season male and overall reserve breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show.
The year before, they topped the Worcester sale with another yearling ram, Beiliau Glenfiddich.
Tapped out as male champion and overall champion, this ram went on to break the centre record at 3,200gns.
Its pen mate, Beiliau Glen-
morangie, was also reserve male champion and sold for 1,800gns.
These two records were very significant to the family, as they have been awarded the Gordon Connor Memorial Salver two years running in honour of the breed’s late national field officer.
Lyndon says: “Gordon was a stalwart of the breed, and it is a real honour to receive the award, especially two years in a row.”
But the family say things really changed for them after they bred Beiliau Freddie, which sold for 2,600gns at Worcester in 2018.
“This was our first major sale with Freddie who won third prize in the pre-sale show. This gave our flock exposure and was the turning point for us,” says Ollie.
Since then, they have gone on to sell sheep to Northern Ireland and across the country.
Showing is a family activity for the Trumpers, who are seen in showrings across the local area.
Their showing season starts off at the Royal Three Counties, before heading to the Royal Welsh show and finishing off at their local show, Usk, in September, where competitors are required to live in Gwent to compete.
This year’s show team saw success at the Royal Three Counties, and is made up of a yearling ram, ram lamb, yearling ewe and ewe lamb.
Farm facts
the Jacob Sheep Society
The show sees a large Jacob entry – this year with 150 entries – and is a good trial run for their main show, the Royal Welsh.
“We are very involved in the breed society, especially the Welsh region, and the Royal Welsh is where we can all come together to compete.
Pinnacle
“It is the pinnacle of the sheep showing year for most shepherds, especially those in Wales so we really enjoy taking our flock to compete among some of the best, especially if we can pick up a few rosettes along the way,” says Lyndon.
Preparation starts with shearing in January, followed by washing, halter training and trimming, all of which is done by Ed and Ollie.
“Presentation is key when we turn our stock out and we like to spend time getting it right,” says Lyndon.
■ The Beiliau flock was established 40 years ago
■ The flock stands at 35 Jacob breeding ewes
■ Current two-horn breed record holders
■ Lyndon is a former chair of
GrassCheck
GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK
Scotland
The South 44.2kg DM/ha/day (17.9kg DM/acre/day) 18.7 13.5 14.7
Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)
Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)
DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS
Region Seven-day forecast 14-day forecast
North England 65.2kg DM/ha (25.2kg DM/acre) 74.8kg DM/ha (30.3kg DM/acre) South England 62.3kg DM/ha (26.4kg DM/acre) 57.8kg DM/ha (23.4kg DM/acre) Scotland 45.6kg DM/ha (18.5kg DM/acre) 46.2kg DM/ha (18.7kg DM/acre) Wales 66.6kg DM/ha (275kg DM/acre) 77.1kg DM/ha (31.2kg DM/acre)
GRASS QUALITY
GROWTH RATES
MANAGEMENT NOTES
■ Recent recorded grass growths were in keeping with the long-term average, but should be above average in the next seven to 14 days. It is important to review your winter feed situation well in advance by completing a fodder budget, especially on farms that fed buffer silage over recent weeks
■ Grass quality is still a challenge with a lot of stem/seed heads still present
in grazing swards. With lower reported metabolisable energy values this week, paddocks will need corrective action in this rotation to provide quality pasture for the rest of the grazing season
■ As we have passed the halfway point in the growing season, assessments can be made of individual paddock growth rates and general performance to date, to then plan for improvements
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.
More than 250 trade and breed society stands will be at Three Counties Showground for this year’s NSA Sheep event.
Sheep farmers are gearing up for the return of the National Sheep Association’s flagship event, NSA Sheep 2024. Farmers Guardian takes a look at what visitors can expect.
Sustainable sheep sector a focus of NSA showcase event
With a packed schedule of seminars, interactive workshops, competitions and more than 250 trade and breed society stands, preparations for the National Sheep Association (NSA) showcase event, NSA Sheep, are in full swing.
Held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worces-
Event information
■ When: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
■ Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
■ Tickets: Free for NSA members with a valid membership; tickets for nonmembers available to purchase online at a 20% discounted rate or £25 each on the gate; under-16s enter for free
MORE INFORMATION Visit sheepevent.org.uk
tershire, on Tuesday, July 30, the event is set to provide visitors with an opportunity to find out about the latest innovations and products available in the industry, strengthen technical knowledge, hear from top industry names and gain an insight into useful and practical shepherding advice.
Looking ahead to the event, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says: “Excitement is certainly building for the return of the NSA Sheep event this year. As always, the day will provide a fantastic opportunity for farmers from across the UK to come together for a useful day away from the farm, meeting with industry experts, as well as farming friends, at an enjoyable day out.”
A highlight of the event will be the launch of the new NSA Sustainability Report, produced in conjunction with Harper Adams University.
The report will provide a balanced and scientifically-supported argument demonstrating the positive environmental, economic and social attributes sheep farming can deliver, while identifying areas
where the sector can improve its sustainability in the future.
Following on from discussions on sheep farming’s role in a sustainable future, the event’s seminar line up will debate topical issues such as future market and trade opportunities and navigating business reform with positivity.
Live streamed
The day will also feature the first ever NSA Breakfast Club ‘Live’, a live streamed discussion that will be one of the first opportunities since the General Election to hear from key political party representatives on their plans for future agricultural policy.
Other features not to be missed at the event include the cookery theatre, shearing competitions, sheepdog demonstrations and sale, and industry partner demonstrations.
Sheep farmer and chair of the 2024 event Ant Spencer, Warwickshire, says: “There is no better show to demonstrate and celebrate all that is great about the British sheep industry. It really is a great opportunity to have a day off the farm to
Workshop areas
WORKSHOP AREA A
■ 9.45-10.30am and 12.35-1.20pm: The para ‘sight’: Putting theory into practice
■ 10.35-11.20am and 1.25-2.10pm: Join the march: Managing lameness in five steps ■ 11.45am-12.30pm and 2.15-3pm: A digital leap in sheep traceability
WORKSHOP AREA B
■ 9.45-10:30am and 1.05-2.10pm: Making the most of clovers and multi-species leys
■ 10.35-11.20am: Breed for CH4nge: What is it all about?
■ 11.25am-12.10pm and 2.45-3.50pm: Thin ewes or just the tip of the iceberg?
■ 1.55-2.40pm: The sheep stratification group – a proven system for a sustainable future
get up-to-date with the latest news and innovations, and even better catch up with farming friends.”
PICTURE:
High Levels of Scald This YearBe Prepared with Provita Hoofsure Range
Over 80% of flocks are affected by lameness with 15%-20% flock incidence. There is anecdotal evidence that scald bacteria is particularly active this year!
If a lamb is lame, it will take longer to reach market weight. If the ewe is lame, milk production goes down and in consequence, meat production of the lamb goes down. SCALD occurs between the hoof horns and is usually a reddish discolouration and moist with loss of hair. Inflammation occurs in the skin between the digits. With scald, there is generally no bad smell and little or no involvement of the hoof. It can be a precursor to footrot.
FOOTROT is a disease of the hoof that originates between digits but develops to an under-run hoof and it also has a distinctive smell. It is highly infectious and is transmitted from sheep to sheep and thus proper control and prevention must focus on the whole flock. It is particularly transmissible when sheep are confined in a small area e.g., during housing periods, in handling yards, contaminated bedding or access routes. A very useful vaccine is available to prevent and reduce the incidence of footrot disease. It is widely used and a successful deterrent. In most flocks,
footrot (interdigital dermatitis) is the most common cause, accounting for approximately 80% of foot lameness. Most outbreaks of lameness in sheep are caused by this highly infectious bacterial infection.
CONTAGIOUS OVINE DIGITAL DERMATITIS (CODD) is regarded as one of the most severe foot conditions, with some cases resulting in permanent lameness. This condition starts at the coronary band and then spreads to under run the hoof wall. There is no foul smell with this type, but it is contagious and can affect many sheep in a very short period.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Regular foot baths with a safe and effective solution is a sound financial investment. For years, footbaths have centred around copper, zinc, or formalin type ingredients. Formalin is known to harden the hoof and is also carcinogenic - chronic inhalation of its fumes must be avoided. Copper is environmentally toxic and is hazardous to sheep, plants, and herbage.
Hoofsure Range from Provita
Animal Health
Provita Hoofsure Endurance is a scientifically proven proprietary blend of organic acids, essential oils and wetting acids with deep antibacterial penetrating action. With innovation at the heart of Provita, the
dedicated Research & Development team have now developed a new improved formula. Utilising proprietary technology, the new formula is 33% faster acting and provides more contact time on the hoof. It has been highly successful in the field in both sheep and cattle, in preventing lameness and thereby avoiding the heavy financial costs arising from the subsequent appearance of lameness. The range also includes Konquest hoof gel and Combat hoof spray for topical application.
Farmer Successes!
Dr. John Moore, a pedigree Texel sheep farmer “a quick spray of Combat is all it takes for effective management of scald”
Sheep farmer, Worcestershire “the ewe lamb with the horrific foot is a lot better after using Combat and is putting pressure on her foot!”
Chris Crowthers, Oldham, 2,500 pure Lonk and 500 Lonk cross breed sheep “protocol is to footbath 1000 sheep every other week with Hoofsure Endurance 2%. I find that the sheep go through the solution much easier than formalin and that there are fewer cases of scald. Furthermore, Hoofsure Endurance is safer and easier to use”
Written by Dr T.B Barragry PhD, MSc, MVM, MRCVS, Dip ECVPT.
Hoofsure Endurance for sheep
Sheep farmer Liz Griffiths looks ahead to NSA Sheep’s seminar sessions, where she will be joined by a panel of speakers to discuss coping with business change and maintaining a positive outlook. Farmers Guardian reports.
Coping with business change features on seminar agenda
Learning to manage and cope with business change while keeping a positive mindset is the topic of one of four key seminars taking place at NSA Sheep 2024.
The session will look to discuss the need for taking positive steps forward in the face of uncertainty, while sharing real-life examples of approaching change and making the most of the opportunities available.
One of the seminar’s speakers is Devonshire-based sheep farmer, Liz Griffiths, who together with her husband, Bryan, runs a flock of 700 North Country Mules and Mule Suffolks, alongside 30 head of finishing cattle.
Looking ahead to the event, Mrs Griffiths hopes the seminar will encourage farmers to think positively about business change by focusing on what is achievable and relevant to their own farm business.
She says: “Think about what you want to do and what will be simple for you to do for the best reward. Do not overcomplicate your systems.
“I appreciate we are all in different situations with a variety of family pressures, land tenures and ambitions.
“Find a balance between what is available in schemes and what is achievable for you.”
Mrs Griffiths believes the opportunities available and what is achievable
on-farm can vary throughout a farmer’s lifetime, something which is important to remember when maintaining a positive outlook on change.
“When we are 30, we are very agile, our minds are agile and you are hugely driven and motivated.
“The opportunities then, are slightly different than later in life when you are in a slightly different place. My
youth was my opportunity, and my age is now my threat.”
“You have that balance of naivety, motivation and agility when you are young and then you slide to having experience, but less agility of the mind and body. So, what is achievable for you is different at different times of your life.”
With regards to new farming policy
9AM:
n
n
n
11AM: SHEEP:
SAVIOUR?
n Chair: Peter Delbridge, NSA chair
n Speakers: John Yeomans, Powys sheep farmer; Prof Jude Capper, Harper Adams University; Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive
n The launch of NSA’s new policy booklet will be a great starting point for discussion on sector sustainability in this session
1PM: MANAGING BUSINESS REFORM WITH POSITIVE SOLUTIONS
n Chair: Caryl Hughes, NSA Cymru/Wales region chair
Seminar schedule
Liz Griffiths, pictured with husband Bryan, will be talking about business
and environmental schemes, Mrs Griffiths says while it may look complex, the information which is relevant to each individual farm business is there, it just needs filtering.
She says: “You can find the bits that are irrelevant to your farm and discard those.
“You can shrink what looks like a huge volume of pages to the pages which you really need to look at. Then you look at what you want to do, what is available to you, what fits with your current system.”
There are many people within the industry who can help with this process, including neighbours and consultants, adds Mrs Griffiths.
“There are lots of people out there who could help you if you want them to, but the more you do yourself, I think, the more ownership you take of the path you have chosen,” she says.
The session will be the third seminar of the day, taking place in the seminar tent between 1pm and 2pm.
■ Speakers: Mark Suthern, Farming Community Network; Neil Adams, Promar; Liz Griffiths, Devon sheep farmer
■ This seminar will focus on managing and coping with business change, with uncertainty still on the horizon
2.30PM: DRIVING MARKETS AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES
■ Chair: Kevin Harrison, NSA policy and technical committee chair
■ Speakers: Emyr Owen, Rhug Estate; Jim Moseley, Red Tractor; Awal Fuseini, AHDB
■ Well-known industry names will discuss the future for trade affecting the UK sheep sector
reform during the 1pm seminar.
Seminars at NSA Sheep will address the future of sheep farming, change, environmental issues and trade.
Despite heavy rain on the first day, the four days of the Great Yorkshire Show were a sell-out. Angela Calvert and Katie Fallon report from the livestock rings.
● Reserve awarded to Su olk shearling ewe
IT was fitting that in the Kerry Hill breed’s 125th anniversary year it claimed the supreme sheep inter-breed title for the first time at the Great Yorkshire Show. This was the non-accredited champion, Whitfield Double Diamond, a home-bred shearling ewe by Whitfield Bombastic from Chris Adamson, Littleborough, and shown by Will Awan.
It had already been champion at the Royal Highland Show and the breed’s national show at Staffordshire County Show this year.
The judge, Myfyr Evans, Denbigh, said his champion was a very correct, upstanding sheep which was great on its legs and had plenty of style.
In reserve was the Suffolk champion, a shearling ewe by a Lakeview ram from Ali Jackson, Annan, which had been bought privately from Jed Sharp’s Sharps flock. Having been champion at Cumberland Show, it was heading to the Royal Welsh Show next.
Mr Jackson and his wife Hannah had a successful week, also claiming the Dutch Spotted championship with TipTop Encor, a one-crop ewe by Tiptop Diablo which was breed
Kerry Hill ewe takes sheep inter-breed title
champion at the Royal Highland Show, and the Zwartbles championship with Topnotch Lasting Light, a home-bred shearling ewe which was a winner at the Royal Welsh Show last year.
The reserve non-accredited championship went to the Teeswater champion, Highfields Floss, a homebred ewe hogg in wool from Amy Donlon, Northallerton, who won the breed championship at the show for the first time.
Border Leicester
A Kilphin-bred two-crop Border Leicester ewe from Tori and Ben Stanley and family’s Melbourne Park flock, Derbyshire, claimed the breed championship for the third consecutive year, before going on to claim the MV accredited reserve championship too.
James Robinson, Carnforth, took
Supreme inter-breed sheep and nonMV accredited champion, Whitfield Double Diamond, a Kerry Hill shearling ewe from Chris Adamson, Littleborough, shown by Will Awan.
the commercial female championship with the Mule champion, a shearling ewe by Highberries Highlander, which had been bought at Hawes as a lamb from Neil Marston and was also champion at the Royal Highland Show.
In reserve was the cross-bred commercial female champion, a Beltex cross Texel shearling ewe from Jonathan Frankland, Settle.
The Teasdale family, Beadlam, took the Rouge championship for the third year running with a homebred ewe from their Jets flock, which also won last year. Its mother claimed the title in 2022.
The Badger Face Texel championship went to Oliver Watson, Drigg, with a ewe from his Irt Vale flock, which was bought from Alan Shortt’s Cleenagh flock after it won at Balmoral last year.
Double breed champion winners
were the Kempson family, Rossendale, who took the Derbyshire Gritstone championship with a home-bred ewe lamb, reserve with a shearling ram, and the Lonk championship with a home-bred two-shear ram.
Texels
One of the biggest sections was the Texels, where the championship went to Allan and Susan Campbell, Lochgoilhead, with a shearling gimmer by Knap Flying Scotsman from their Drimsynie flock. It was bought from Ben Vernon, Charben, at the Carlisle Christmas Cracker sale.
The Charollais championship went to the Sercombe family, Melton Mowbray. This was with Dalby Betty Boo, a shearling ewe by Brettles Antonio, which had been reserve breed champion at Nottinghamshire Show and inter-breed champion at Lincolnshire Show.
Reserve inter-breed sheep, MV accredited and Suffolk champion, a shearling ewe from Ali Jackson, Annan.
Judging the Clun Forest sheep class in the rain at Great Yorkshire Show.
Results
Sheep
Inter-breed (Judge, M. Evans, Denbigh) Supreme and non-MV accredited sup., C. Adamson (Kerry Hill); res. and MV accredited sup., A. Jackson (Suffolk); res. non-MV accredited, A. Donlon (Teeswater); res. MV accredited, T. Stanley (Border Leicester); Sup. commercial female, J. Robinson (Mule); res., J. Frankland (cross-bred commercial female).
Any other pedigree continental/native (B. Evans, Powys) Sup. and female, A. Carter (Rousinn); res. and male and res. fem., M. Hollinrake (Dorper); res. male, L. Hameed. Any other pedigree down (M. Miller, Dorset) Sup. and male and res. male, R. Judson (Southdown); res. and fem., L. Arrowsmith (Shropshire); res. fem., D. Wardell (Shropshire).
Any other pedigree longwool (M. Miller) Sup. and male, res. and fem., D. Stanhope (Cotswold); res. male, D. James (Greyface Dartmoor); res. fem., K. Tigg (Leicester Longwool).
Any other pedigree primitive (M. Miller) Sup. and fem. and res. male, S. Mather (Manx Loaghtan); res. and male, C. Whybrow (Manx Loaghtan); res. fem., L. Arrowsmith (Boray). Any other hill or heath (M. Miller) Sup. and male and res. male, S. Mather (Hill Radnor); res. and fem., B. Walker (Welsh Badger); res. fem., E. Harding (Welsh Speckled Face). Badger Face Texel (I. Jones, Llanelli) Sup. and fem. and res. male, O. Watson; res. and res. fem., J. Whiteford; male, J. Clamp. Beltex (A. Morton, Denny) Sup. and male, H. Askwith; res. and fem., R. Findlay; res. male, K. Shuttleworth; res. fem. and res. male, J. Wilkinson.
Blackface (L. Forster, Hexham) Sup. and male and res. male, J. Murray; res. and fem.,
P. Turnbull; res. fem., R. Guy. Bleu Du Maine (R. Pilkington, Wrexham) Sup. and fem., N. Millar; res. and male, M.S. Shone; res. fem., K. O’Connor. Blue Texel (A. Brisbane, Stranraer) Sup. and male and res. fem., C. Cormack; res. and fem., K. Watret; res. male, J. Whiteford. Bluefaced Leicester (J. Stott, Preston) Sup. and fem., res. fem. and res. male, G. Jackson; res. and male, J. Graham.
Border Leicester (A. Watson, Galashiels) Sup. and fem., male and res. male, T. Stanley; res. and res. fem., J.K.R. Aiken. British Berrichon (B. Evans, Powys) Sup. and male, J. Bett; res. and res. male and res. fem., F. Barbour; fem., A. Digweed. British Charollais (R. Gregory, Shrewsbury) Sup. and fem., C. Sercombe; res. and res. fem., H. Jackson; male, J. Wales; res. male, C.W. Marwood. British Rouge (M. Graham, Antrim) Sup. and fem., I. Teasdale; res. and male, A. Jackson; res. fem., R.A. Rundle; res. male, A. Carter.
Butchers lambs (R. Garth, Bentham) Sup., I. Lancaster; res., M. Brown.
Castlemilk Moorit (V. Phillips, Vale of Glamorgan) Sup. and male and res., fem. and res. fem., B. Pearson; res. male, M. Ballard.
Clun Forest (L. Beddie, Aberdeenshire) Sup. and fem., res. and res. fem., A. Pennell; male, P.L. Murray; res. male, A.J. Fisher.
Coloured Ryeland (R. Howell, Swansea) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., K. Shaw-Atkinson; res. and male, Burton and Wright; res. male, C. Holmes.
Cross-bred commercial female (R. Garth, Bentham) Sup., J. Frankland; res., J. Lawn.
Dalesbred (E. Hird, Skipton) Sup. and fem. and male, J.T. Kelsall; res. and res. fem. and res. male, R. Coates. Derbyshire Gritstone (J. Mitchell, Holmfirth)
For the second year in a row, Jack Webster, Ashbourne, took the North Country Cheviot championship. This time it was with a three-crop ewe bought from Philiphaugh Estates at Lockerbie two years ago, which was also a winner at the show last year.
A four-horned shearling ewe took the Jacob championship for Meadowland flock owners Ridout and Higginson, Congleton, Cheshire.
The Blue Texel championship was awarded to Cameron Cormack, Jedburgh, with Dunrod Jimbob, a
Reserve nonMV accredited and Teeswater champion, Highfields Floss, a home-bred ewe hogg in wool from Amy Donlon, Northallerton.
Great Yorkshire Shows
Sup. and fem., res. and male, K. Kempson; res. fem., F. Shorrock; res. male, A. Hayton.
Dorset Horn/Poll Dorset (T. Pratt, Woodbridge) Sup. and male, res. and fem., J. Tooze; res. male and res. fem., J.M. Odgers.
Dutch Spotted (E. Adamson, Co Antrim) Sup. and fem., A. Jackson; res. and res. fem., A.R.P.D.R. Wilson; male, O. Watson; res. male, N. Brown.
Hampshire Down (A. McFadden, Banbridge) Sup. and male, S.J.R. Short; res. and fem. and res. fem., A. Chapman; res. male, G. Galbraith. Hebridean (R. Small, Shrewsbury) Sup. and fem., D. Cassie; res. and male, N. Fecitt; res. fem., C. Tyson; res. male, V.C.K. Mason.
Herdwick (W. Richardson, Cockermouth) Sup. and male and res fem., A.R. Watson and Willan; res. and fem. and res. male, I.A. Grisedale.
Jacob (L. Partridge, Worcestershire) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., Ridout and Higginson; res. and male, R. Edwards; res. male, E. Chester.
Kerry Hill (H. Macleod, Malvern) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., C. Adamson; res. and male and res. male, A.J. Fisher.
Leicester Longwool (M. Richardson, Easington) Sup. and male and res. male, M. Towse; res. and fem., H. Grant; res. fem., G. Lazenby. Lincoln Longwool (G. Hampstead, Boston) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. fem., P. Ellis; res. male, K.R. Harding.
Lleyn (P. Hale, Tibberton) Sup. and male, res. male and res. fem., A.W. Davis; res. and fem., T.I. Walling.
Lonk (B. Thorpe, Clitheroe) Sup. and male, K. Kempson; res. and fem., res. male and res. fem., J. Chadwick.
Masham (E. Bainbridge, Richmond) Sup., M.A.B. Allen; res., D. Buck.
Mule (J. Throup, Skipton) Sup., J. Robinson; res., C. Hewitt.
North Country Cheviot – Park (G. Milne, St Andrews) Sup. and fem., J. Webster; res. and fem., K. Stones; male, J. Brittain; res. male, R. Powell.
Oxford Down (H. Plante, Broadheath) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. male, J. Richardson; res. fem., R. Hampshire.
Rough Fell (P. Hoggarth, Sedbergh) Sup. and male, res. and fem., B. Knowles; res. fem., S. Dickinson; res. male, A. Longworth. Ryeland (W. Laurie, Harrogate) Sup. and male, A. Robinson; res. and fem. and res. male, Burton and Wright; res. fem., J. Williams. Shetland (A. Doull, Shetland) Sup. and male and res. male, C. Sharp; res. and fem. and res. fem., P. Cowan.
Suffolk (A. Evans, Powys) Sup. and fem., A. Jackson; res. and res. fem., J. Tooze; male, H. Lyons; res. male, S. Cobald. Swaledale (M. Allinson, Barnard Castle) Sup. and male, J. Dixon; res. and fem., A. Bainbridge; res. male, T. Blades; res. fem., L. Blades. Teeswater (W. Carson, Ballymena) Sup. and fem. and res. male, A. Donlon; res. and res. fem., G. and K. Horner; male, S. Tyson. Texel (P. Woof, Kendal) Sup. and fem., A. and S. Campbell; res. and male, R.J. Watkins; res. fem., J. Aiken; res. male, D. McKerrow. Valais Blacknose (P. Garrod, Herefordshire) Sup. and male, res. and fem., T. Blackwood; res. male, S. Taylor; res. fem., C. Evans. Wensleydale (N. Oliver, Leyburn) Sup. and male, res. and fem., J.A.F. Elliott; res. male, L. McPartland; res. fem., A. Pennell. Whitefaced Woodland (A. Crampton, Skipton) Sup. and male, J.W. Throp; res. and fem. and res. male, L. Brown; res. fem., C. Kaye. Zwartbles (A. Baird, Dunblane) Sup. and fem., H. Jackson; res. and res. fem., P.S. Addison; male, N. Henderson; res. male, J. Yardley.
Euphoric.
Hampshire Down
Taking the Hampshire Down championship was Stephen Short, Halifax, with a Westland-bred shearling ram, which was also reserve breed champion at the Royal Three Counties Show.
Hawthorns Brown 15, a homebred three-shear ram, gave Alison Robinson, Wigton, her first Ryeland breed championship at the show.
Badger Face Texel champion, a ewe from Oliver Watson’s Irt Vale flock, Drigg.
Reserve MV accredited and Border Leicester champion, a two-crop ewe from Tori and Ben Stanley and family’s Melbourne Park flock, Derbyshire. Commercial female and Mule champion, a shearling ewe from James Robinson, Carnforth.
Reserve commercial female and cross-bred commercial female champion, a Beltex cross Texel shearling ewe from Jonathan Frankland, Settle.
home-bred ram lamb by Beili Blues
Shows Great Yorkshire
Inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Maraiscote Tangerine, from Ian Nimmo and family, Wishaw.
Reserve inter-breed beef and Charolais champion, Teme Poshtotty, from the Corbett family, Knighton.
IT was a clean sweep across the beef championships for the Limousin breed which claimed supreme in the inter-breed beef, junior interbreed beef and inter-breed senior teams competitions.
Snatching the winning ticket in the beef inter-breed, in a full female final line-up, was Maraiscote Tangerine, a 26-month-old heifer from Ian Nimmo and family, Wishaw.
Brought out by Sophie Harvey, the Morhan Peter daughter was reserve inter-breed beef and Limousin champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show, reserve Limousin and junior inter-breed beef champion at last year’s Royal Highland Show, and Limousin champion at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show.
After exhibiting at the Great Yorkshire Show for the last 12 years, it marked the first inter-breed beef championship win at the show for the Nimmo family, who run a herd of 140 pedigree Limousins under the Maraiscote prefix.
Before tapping out his champion, judge Boomber Birch, beef programme manager at Cogent
Limousins take the hat-trick of supremes
Breeding, said: “I have tried to get away from her through the whole competition, but I just could not.”
Charolais
This year’s show was home to the Charolais National Show, so it was a fitting result when the reserve interbreed beef title went to the Charolais champion, Teme Poshtotty, from the Corbett family, Knighton.
Shown with its November 2023born heifer calf at foot, a Lochend Shell daughter, Teme Uptown Girl, the home-bred cow was inter-breed champion at Aberystwyth Show earlier this year and reserve breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2022, where it will be returning to later this month.
Reserve Charolais champion was Grinshill Tallulah, a two-year-old heifer from the partnership of Drew Coppinger and Nairn Wyllie, Derbyshire.
By the 70,000gns artificial inseminatation sire Barnsford Ferny, the heifer was Charolais champion at the Royal Highland Show last month, and Shropshire Show earlier this year.
It was Maraiscote Urprincess, another from the Nimmo family, which took home the junior interbreed sash and reserve Limousin rosette. It was only the second time out for the 13-month-old heifer, which also claimed the reserve junior Limousin championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Reserve junior champion was the reserve female British Blue champion, Solway View Tamsin, from Kevin Watret, Annan. The 15-month old Boherard Overdose daughter was reserve breed champion at the Royal Highland Show and is heading to the Royal Welsh Show next.
The Limousins also claimed the senior inter-breed beef teams cham-
pionship, with a team of four animals including, inter-breed champion, Maraiscote Tangerine from Ian Nimmo, male champion Garrowby Tarzan from Robert Graham, Stirling, Graham’s Ruth, a four-year-old cow also from Mr Graham and Riches Treasure, an August 2022-born heifer from the same home.
Highland
Another in the judge’s final line-up was the Highland champion, Lady White 144th of Balmoral, from Kevin and Sonya Fletcher, Newtonmore. Brought out by farm manager Allan MacDiarmid, it was reserve breed champion at Stirling Show earlier this year.
The Beef Shorthorn champion Eskechraggan Fairy Sara, from Tom and Tom Mcmillan, Isle of Bute, was the fourth champion in the judge’s final line-up. Shown in-calf to Cherryvalley
l Charolais wins reserve inter-breed
Highland champion, Lady White 144th of Balmoral, from Kevin and Sonya Fletcher, Newtonmore.
Beef Shorthorn champion, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara, from Tom and Tom Mcmillan, Isle of Bute.
Commercial champion, Electra, from Stewart and Lynsey Bett, Stirlingshire.
Tyson Fury, which the family imported from Ireland last September, the heifer was breed champion at the Royal Highland Show last month.
The Simmental champion was from the Wood family, Preston, with an April 2022-born heifer, Popes Princess Noor. Shown in-calf to Denizes Hamish, the home-bred heifer was junior champion at last year’s Simmental National Show at the Royal Norfolk Show.
Champion in the commercial section was from Stewart and Lynsey Bett, Stirlingshire, an April 2023-born Limousin cross heifer named Electra. Purchased from Balfour Baillie, Orkney, at the Thainstone Spectacular show and sale in August last year, the Ronick Redhot daughter was commercial champion at the Royal Highland Show and reserve overall champion at Beef Expo in April.
Results Pigs
Inter-breed (Judge, D. Hobbs, Dorset) Supreme and female, H. Loveless, Hazeway Havnberg 6 (Duroc); res. and res. fem., J.W. Farrington, Beechwood Princess 25 (Tamworth); male, S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Peterbilt 10 (Hampshire); res. male, G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Dromus (British Landrace).
Any other breed (A. Warriner, Crayke) Sup. and male, I. Soar, Scholebrook Ronnie 9 (Mangalitsa); res and fem., I. Soar, Scholebrook Princess 3 (Mangalitsa); res. male, I. Soar, Scholebrook Ronnie 2 (Mangalitsa); res. fem., I. Soar, Scholebrook Princess (Mangalitsa). Berkshire (S. Ashcroft, Lincoln) Sup. and fem., A. Horsley, Acaster Stonebow; res. and res. fem., C. Hudson, Maerose Excelsa; male, M. Kirby, Acaster Peterlad; res. male, P. Skyes, Blackops Namatijira 9. B British Landrace (J. Sage, Berkeley) Sup. and fem., G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Bodil 166; res. and male, G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Dromus 160; res. fem., G.
Great Yorkshire Shows
Results
Beef
Inter-breed (Judge, B. Birch, Weston) Supreme, I. Nimmo, Maraiscote Tangerine (Limousin); reserve, V. Corbett, Teme Poshtotty (Charolais); junior sup., I. Nimmo, Maraiscote Urprincess (Limousin); junior res., K. Watret, Solway View Tamsin (British Blue). Aberdeen-Angus (O. Tunney, Cheshire) Sup. and female, M. Alford, Gretnahouse Evas Honey; res. and male, A. Hodge, Rulesmains Pedro Z819; res. fem., A. Hodge, Rulesmains Rosebud Z792; res. male, O.M. Angus, Oak Moor Boss Y637.
Beef Shorthorn (D. Wyllie, Burton upon Trent) Sup. and fem., T. McMillan, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara; res. and male, J. Wilson, Highsky Silverside; res. fem., S. Ryder, Ryden Tequila; res. male, T.A. Jackson, Headlind Soldier. Belted Galloway (E. Wilkinson, Bewcastle) Sup. and male, D. Powell, Shelsleys Kwagga; res. and fem., J.A.S. Wareham, Tottingworth Mary 1st; res. male, S. Mitchell, Grassknop Kenzo; res. fem., K. Keiley, Coulmony Paloma. British Blonde (P. Rogers, Powys) Sup. and fem., S. Mitchell, Hutton Thea; res. and res. fem., T. Atkinson, Brownhil Netta; male, T. Atkinson, Hallfield Plato; res. male, L. Corner, Lucyland Untidy.
British Blue (S. Pattinson, Carlisle) Sup. and fem., M. Hartley, Pendle Sarsparilla; res. and res. fem., K. Watret, Solway View Tamsin; male, K. Watret, Solway View Tenley; res. K. Fletcher, Coul Blue Thunderflash. British Charolais (J. Price, Hereford) Sup. and fem., V. Corbett, Teme Poshtotty; res. and fem., Wyllie Partnership, Grinshill Tallulah; male, S.T.A.G.W. Turner, Brampton Unbeatable; res. male, D. Stubbs, Newlogie Perejacquemin. British Limousin (K. Redpath, Kelso) Sup. and fem. I. Nimmo, Maraiscote Tangerine; res. and res. fem., I. Nimmo, Maraiscote Urprincess; male, R. Graham, Garrowby Tarzan; res. male, A.W. Jenkinson Farms, Whinfellpark Upperclass. British Simmental (J. Barlow, Leyland) Sup.
Inter-breed pig and Duroc champion, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6, from Hayley Loveless, Bridport.
Pig of the Year champion, Welsh gilt Clowen Model 42, from the Collings family, Launceston.
Bretherton, Hedgerow Elegance; res. male, C. Hudson, Maerose Lorenz.
British Lop (J. Fay, Cardiff) Sup. and fem., J. Collings, Liskeard Lulu 63; res. and male, J. Collings, Liskeard Cornishman 67; res. fem., J. Collings, Liskeard Sunshine 571; res. male, J. Collings, Liskeard Cornishman 68. British Saddleback (M. Renshaw, Horncastle) Sup. and fem., W.A.C.A. Uglow, Edgcumbe Silverwings 312b; res. and res. fem., W.A.C.A. Uglow, Edgcumbe Babble 330b; male, E. Paddock, Lewin Guardsman 2; res. male, K. Cullington, Broccwood Walter. Duroc (J. Sage) Sup. and fem., H. Loveless, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6; res. and male, H. Loveless, Hazeway Anden; res. fem., A.J. Walton, Deva Nancy 2306; res. male, H. Loveless, Hazeway Clyde. Gloucestershire Old Spot (J. Bell-Tye, Norfolk) Sup. and fem., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Bluebell 30; res. and res. fem., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Princess 72; male, O. Lightfoot, Pebblesford Sam 1935; res. M.V. Hicks, Windmill Rufus. Hampshire (A. Rose, Ashford) Sup. and male, S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Peterbilt 10; res.
and fem., J.H.V.G. Wood, Popes Princess Noor; res. and male, J.H.V.G. Wood, Popes Premier 23; res. fem., J.H.V.G. Wood, Popes Trixies Pearl; res. male, P. Gunther, Fircovert Peacock. Galloway (G. Harvey, Glasgow) Sup. and fem., M.J. Ross, Kirkstead Lea; res. and fem., J.A. Finlay, Blackcraig Blondchen Z850; male, M.J. Ross, Gage of Romesbeoch; res. male, M.J. Ross, Gladiator of Romesbeoch. Hereford (C. Fletcher, Appleby in Westmorland) Sup. and fem., S. Hartwright, Spartan 1 Victoria’s Secret; res. and male, B. Hutchinson, Dedor 1 Vodka; res. fem., A.A.P. Massey, Hollyvale 1 June 3rd; res. male, H. Whittaker, Coley 1 Andreas. Highland (M. Auld, Kilmarnock) Sup. and fem., K. Fletcher, Lady White 144th of Balmoral; res. and male, D.C. Logan, Cameron of Sguir Mor; res. fem., M. Bradley, Alibhe of Marrick Park; res. male, M. Bradley, Louis of Earn. Lincoln Red (E. Middleton, Lincolnshire) Sup. and fem., C. Page, Foulness Bianca B177; res. and res. fem., N. Mann, Yarn Hill Acora; male, H. Williamson, Williamsons Anhur; res. male, C. Betts, Balcaskie Bohemoth. Longhorn (B. Wragg, Macclesfield) Sup. and fem., B. Stanley, Melbourne Park Kearstay IV; res. and res. fem., J.M. Grant and P.A. McDonnell, Litton X-Ception; male, D. Blockley, Southfield Viper; res. male, B. Stanley, Herbertsherd Issac.
Salers (B. Robinson, Church Stretton) Sup. and male, G. Pye, Rednock Tarzan Poll; res. and fem, L. Ralston, Kaimburn Raquel; res. male, T. and C. Atkinson, Traboyack Rooney; res. fem., G. Pye, Rednock Oriana. South Devon (A. Rundle, Newquay) Sup. and fem., R. Hadley, Z Knightcote Lorna 83; res. and res. fem., D. Irving, Enterprise Juin; male, M. Powley, Oak House Chieftain; res. male, C. Irving, Lallan Anchor.
Commercial (J. Creighton, Cockermouth) Sup. and fem., S.A.L. Bett, Electra; res. and res. fem., A.E. Vance, Shaboozey; male, J. Hyslop, Shakem Up’arry; res. male, A. Ireland, Marsbar.
Duroc champion claims GYS pig inter-breed title
IT was the Duroc champion, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6, a September 2023-born home-bred gilt from Hayley Loveless, Bridport, which claimed the supreme pig championship. In reserve was the reserve female champion, Beechwood Princess 25, a five-year-old Tamworth sow exhibited by J.W. Farrington, York.
Stuart Roberts and Jodie Fairclough, Northallerton, took the male championship with their July 2023born Hampshire boar, Raisinhall Peterbilt 10. In reserve was the British Landrace champion, Hedgerow Dromus, an August 2023-born boar from Grace Bretherton, Preston.
and fem., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Judy 8; res. male, I. Soar, Scholebrook First Turn; res. fem., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Anna 28.
Large Black (J. Bell-Tye) Sup. and fem., K. Cullington, Broccwood Princess 13; res. and res. fem., A. Carter, Millcroft Doreen 39; male, C. Holding, Vessyclose Defender; res. male, D. Cullington Broccwood Attempt 2. Large White (A. Rose) Sup. and fem., S. Loveless, Portbredy Houri; res. and male, S. Loveless, Portbredy Napoleon; res. fem., R. Fieldhouse, Calcaria Royal Catalina; res. male, S. Loveless, Portbredy McFlannel. Middle White (B. Merry, Riby) Sup. and fem., T. Horsley, Brontegold Silk 2; res. fem., E. Paddock, Lewin Dorothy 41; male, T. Horsley, Brontegold Rajah; res. male, A. Holding and S. Kirby, Vessyclose Mischief. Oxford Sandy and Black (S. Ashcroft) Sup. and fem., R. Bemand, Oldlands Gloria 19; res. and res. fem., R. Bemand, Oldlands Gloria 20; male, D. Aldous, Hartoak Jack 57. Pietrain (J. Sage) Sup. and fem., W. Berry, Stocksbridge Pauline 4; res. and res. fem., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Renate 20; male, W.
For the second year running the prestigious Pig of the Year title went to the Collings family, Launceston. This time it was with Clowen Model 42, a home-bred July 2023born Welsh gilt which earlier claimed the modern female championship and has won four other breed titles this season.
Traditional female
Reserve went to the traditional female champion, Breckles Grandeur 28, a July 2023-born Large Black gilt from Paul Churchyard, Breckles, which had been inter-breed champion at both Suffolk and South Suffolk shows.
Berry, Stocksbridge Merry 11; res. male, W. Berry, Stocksbridge Jepi. Tamworth (B. Merry) Sup. and male, M.V. Hicks, Windmill Dreamboy 2; res. and fem., J.W. Farrington, Beechwood Princess 25; res. male, M.V. Hicks, Windmill Yorkshireman; res. fem., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Rita 3. Welsh (A. Rose) Sup. and fem., J. Collings, Clowen Model 42; res. and male, W.A.C.A. Uglow, Edgcumbe Ted 4470; res. Fem., W.A.C.A. Uglow, Eve’s Model 131; res. male, J.W. Farrington, Beechwood Victor 7. Pig of the Year (J. Newth, Winkleigh) Sup. and sup. modern female, J. Collings, Clowen Model 42 (Welsh); res. and sup. traditional fem., P. Churchyard, Breckles Grandeur 28 (Large Black); res. modern fem., S. Loveless, Portbredy Houri 7130 (Large White); res. traditional fem., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Princess 72 (Gloucestershire Old Spot); modern male, S. Loveless, Portbredy McFlannel (Large White); res. modern male, A. Uglow, Edgcumbe Ted 4470 (Welsh); traditional male, P. Churchyard, Breckles Attempt 24 (Large Black); res. traditional male, S. Booth, Chapel Golden Arrow 9 (British Saddleback).
Shows Great Yorkshire
It was a clean sweep for the Ayrshire breed, winning both the supreme and junior supreme dairy titles at the Great Yorkshire Show. Katie Fallon reports.
Ayrshires are champions in the dairy rings
l Double success for Adamson family
AS host to the World Ayrshire Federation Conference, it was a fitting result for the Ayrshire breed which claimed supreme in both the dairy inter-breed and junior inter-breed championships at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.
From the Adamson family, Ayrshire, it was the fifth calver, Swaites Bracken 19, which was crowned interbreed dairy champion.
The home-bred, October 2017-born champion was reserve breed champion at the Royal Highland Show in both 2022 and 2023 and reserve breed champion at this year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo.
Shown 100 days fresh and giving 65 litres daily, it was the Adamsons’ first time exhibiting at the show.
With his champion stood before him, judge Jonny Lochhead, of the Kedar Brown Swiss herd, Mouswald, said: “This is what I look for, such tremendous feet and legs, she tracks really well and she has got that style for the showring.”
It was the Holstein champion, Clydeview Sidekick Matilda, from the partnership of Robbie and Margot
Scott of Nethervalley Holsteins and Salvador Esquierdo, Ayr, which stood reserve inter-breed champion.
The second calver was shown nine weeks in-calf to Bullseye and giving 52 litres daily.
Classified VG89 and projected to give 16,500 litres in its second lactation, the cow was purchased privately in January after it placed champion individual cow in the West of Scotland winter herd competition.
Junior inter-breed champion and reserve Ayrshire champion was another from the Adamson family, Swaites Bright Spark 11, a February 2022-born heifer in-milk. Shown two months fresh and giving 30 litres daily the heifer was junior champion at the Royal Highland Show last year.
Reserve junior inter-breed champion was the junior Jersey champion, Guillyhill Webcam Daisy, from the Jackson family, Dumfries. It was only the second time out for the heifer inmilk which was junior breed champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Standing reserve in the Holstein section was Bailmoor BHC Crushabull B Abbiene from the Coates family, Baildon. Brought out by Ben Coates, the third calver was Holstein cham-
Reserve inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Clydeview
from
pion at the show last year, with its dam supreme dairy champion in 2022.
The Jersey champion was Saxown Matt Cash 107, a third calver from Richard Saxby, Tiverton. Shown giving 35 litres daily having last calved in November, the home-bred cow was breed champion at this year’s UK Borderway Dairy Expo.
Reserve Jersey went to Kerry Scott, Cumbria, with Layward Divinely Victorious. The third calver was shown
just a couple of weeks fresh and giving 42 litres daily.
Champion in the Dairy Shorthorn section was Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63, from the Collins family, Huddersfield. The home-bred third calver was previously breed champion at the show in 2022.
Paul Harrison, Northumberland, stood reserve with the second calver Breckney Goldie 39, which classified GP84 as a heifer.
Results
Dairy
Inter-breed (Judge, J. Lochhead, Mouswald) Supreme, J. Adamson, Swaites Bracken 19 (Ayrshire); reserve, R. Scott and S. Esquierdo, Clydeview Sidekick Matilda (Holstein); junior sup., J. Adamson, Swaites Bright Spark 11 (Ayrshire); junior res.,
T.A.M.L. Jackson and Daughters, Guillyhill Webcam Daisy (Jersey).
Ayrshire (M. Creek, Hagerstown) Sup., J. Adamson, Swaites Bracken 19; res., J. Adamson, Swaites Bright Spark 11.
Dairy Shorthorn (A. Lawson, Fife) Sup., I. Collins, Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63; res., P. Harrison, Breckney Goldie 39. Holstein (W. Jones, Carmarthenshire) Sup., R. Scott and S. Esquierdo, Clydeview Sidekick Matilda; res., Coates family, Bailmoor BHC Crushabull B Abbiene. Jersey (J. Evans, Narbeth) Sup., R. Saxby, Saxown Matt Cash 107; res., K. Scott, Layward Divinely Victorious.
Dairy Shorthorn champion, Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63, from the Collins family, Huddersfield.
Jersey champion, Saxown Matt Cash 107 from Richard Saxby, Tiverton.
Inter-breed dairy and Ayrshire champion, Swaites Bracken 19, from the Adamson family, Ayrshire.
Sidekick Matilda
Robbie and Margot Scott and Salvador Esquierdo, Ayr.
FROM THE SHOW
For more from the Great Yorkshire Show, see page 11.
Great Yorkshire Shows
Young handlers out in force in Harrogate
● Rory Scott takes dairy young handler rosette
IN the Farmers Guardian- supported dairy young handler classes at the Great Yorkshire Show, it was 18-year-old, Rory Scott, Ayrshire, who took the champion rosette, with his one-year-old Holstein calf, Drointon Haxl Licorice. The calf was bought from Andrew and Debi MacKella, of the Drointon Holstein herd, Stafford, at a Black and White sale at Carlisle last December.
Holstein
Reserve young handler was 24year-old, Pete Cotton, Stafford, with Chasmar King Doc Frances 12, an April 2023-born Holstein heifer. The home-bred heifer was inter-breed calf champion at this year’s Stafford Show and Mr Cotton was awarded champion hand-
ler at this year’s UK Borderway Dairy Expo.
Honourable mention went to
Results
Dairy
Champion dairy young handler (Judge, R. Armstrong, Penrith) Supreme, R. Scott; reserve, P. Cotton.
Handlers aged nine-12, Sup., I. Banks; reserve, I. Lee.
Handlers aged 13-16, Sup., K. Scott; res., T. Wilson.
Handlers aged 17-20, Sup., R. Scott; res., H. Jarvis.
Handlers aged 21-26, Sup., P. Cotton; res., L. Bradley.
Beef
Champion beef young handler (G. Young, Market Rasen) Sup., Veronica Webster; res., Katherine Ann Shaw.
Handlers aged 13-16, Sup., Finlay Haseldine; res., C.J. Cormack. Champion non-MV-accredited sheep young handler (R. Willan, Cockermouth) Sup., Zara Clough; res., Leah Parker. Handlers aged five-eight, Sup., James Horner; res., Benjamin Brook. Handlers aged nine-12, Sup., Leah Parker; res., Charlie Whybrow.
Handlers aged 13-16, Sup., Sup., Zara Clough; res., Ava Tait.
Pigs
Junior young handler aged nine-12 (A.
Long, East Tuddenham) Sup., Skyla Hudson Jones; res., Mylie-Rose Cullington.
27-year-old Lizzie Bradley, Stafford, with the Holstein heifer, Chasmar Fuel Rosebud.
MV-accredited sheep young handler champion, Millie Simpson, 10, was presented with the Hannah Brown trophy by Hannah’s dad Martin Brown.
Reserve pig young handler aged nine-12, Mylie-Rose Cullington.
Dairy young handler champion aged 13-16, Kyle Scott, 14.
Reserve dairy young handler aged nine-12, Izzy Lee, 12.
Handlers took to the ring at the Great Yorkshire Show.
British Blue heifer claims beef supreme
l Holstein takes dairy inter-breed title
THE Marsh and Taylor family, Leyland, dominated the beef classes at Great Eccleston Show taking the inter-breed title with their British Blue champion, Sunnybank Spice Girl, an April 2022-born heifer by Heathview Jack which was bought privately from breeder Henry Jewitt.
They also claimed reserve interbreed with their any other breed champion, Taymar 1 Stella 3, a September 2022-born home-bred Hereford heifer by Skyhigh Take A Chance. In-calf to Solpol Spike, it was junior champion at the Great Yorkshire Show.
The commercial championship went to Ellie Hargreaves, Preston, with Loaded Gun, a 17-month-old Limousin cross British Blue steer, which had been bred in Orkney but was bought from the show potential sale at Hexham mart in March.
The dairy inter-breed champion went to the Holstein champion, Wormanby Victor Anita, an EX95 fourth calver from Wormanby Farms, Burgh by Sands, which calved
Results
Dairy
Inter-breed (Judge, M. Davies, Tiverton) Supreme, Wormanby Holsteins, Wormanby Victor Anita (Holstein); reserve, J. Seedall, Jamara Champion Gladys (Ayrshire).
Holstein (W. Horsley, Penrith) Sup., Wormanby Holsteins, Wormanby Victor Anita; res., D. Wright, Berryholme Chief Rose.
Jersey (M. Davis) Sup., A. Rimmer, Ashfold Crazy Doris; res., A. Rimmer, Ashfold VIP Doris.
Ayrshire (I. Thomas, South Wales) Sup., J. Seedall, Jamara Champion Gladys; res. Whitegate Ayrshires.
Inter-breed sheep and any other breed champion, a Charollais shearling gimmer, Caroline Brown and Sheila Mason, Clapham.
Beef
Inter-breed (all breed judges) Sup., Marsh and Taylor Partnership, Sunnybank Spice Girl (British Blue); res., Marsh and Taylor Partnership, Taymar 1 Stella 3 (Hereford).
Commercial (J. Duerden, Ulverston) Sup., E. Hargreaves, Loaded Gun; res., I. Townson and B. Pickup, Magic Mike.
British Blue (B. Birch, Stafford) Sup., Marsh and Taylor Partnership, Sunnybank Spice Girl; res., Marsh and Taylor Partnership, Sunnybank Real Special. Any other native breed (Matt Rollason, Osbaldeston) Sup., Marsh and Taylor Partnership, Taymar 1 Stella 3 (Hereford); res., D. and J. Webster, Wood Moss Queen Mother (Aberdeen-Angus).
Sheep
Inter-breed (all breed judges) Sup., Brown and Mason (Charollais); res., A. Thorburn (Zwartbles).
in February and is currently producing 65 litres daily. Having been third at Dairy Expo in March, it next heads to UK Dairy Day in September.
In reserve was the Ayrshire champion, Jamara Champion Gladys from James Seedall, Blackburn, which calved five weeks ago and was being shown for the first time.
Sheep ring
In the sheep ring the inter-breed title went to the any other breed champion, a Charollais shearling gimmer from Caroline Brown and Sheila Mason, Clapham.
The reserve was the Zwartbles champion, an aged ewe from Allister Thorburn’s Holmlea flock, Dumfries, which had been inter-breed champion in the non-terminal section at Royal Three Counties Show and inter-breed champion at Royal Cheshire Show.
The pig inter-breed championship went to Tracey Bretherton, Preston, showing Portbredy Blacberry, a November 2023-born Large White gilt bred by Steve Loveless, but owned by the Junior Pig Club.
In reserve was Jack Holroyd, Preston, with his four-year-old Large Black sow, Kingsdown Golden Harvest.
Suffolk (J. Nutter, Longridge) Sup., A. Blair; res., A. Bennett.
Texel (Messrs Pickervance and Anderson, Preston) Sup. and res., A. Nairey. Zwartbles (A. Bateman, Kendal) Sup., A. Thorburn; res., L. Simpson.
Any other breed (L. Ayrton, Abbeystead) Sup. and res., Brown and Mason (Charollais).
Blue Texel (A. Wood, Longridge) Sup., S. Taylor; res., L. Billington.
Badger Face Texel (M. Burnop, Cowden) Sup. and res., Brown and Mason.
Rare sheep inter-breed (J. Holden-Wilde, Haverthwaite) Sup. and sup. primitive and Shetland, R. Pearson and D. Weston (Shetland); res. and sup. rare and native, S. Benson (Teeswater); res., primitive and Shetland, R. Unsworth (Shetland); res. rare and native, O. Lee (Herdwick).
Pigs
Inter-breed (R. Fieldhouse, Tadcaster) Sup., T. Bretherton, Portbredy Blackberry (Large White); res., J. Holroyd, Kingsdown Golden Harvest (Large Black).
Large White, sup., T. Bretherton, Portbredy Blackberry. Berkshire, sup., G. Bretherton, Gracebank Louise.
Landrace, sup., G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Bodil. Hampshire, sup., G. Bretherton, Balsham Anna.
Left to right: Matt Taylor and Debbie Marsh, Leyland, being presented with the beef inter-breed trophy by show president Richard Furnival.
Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Wormanby Victor Anita, from Wormanby Farms, Burgh by Sands.
Reserve inter-breed dairy and Ayrshire champion Jamara Champion Gladys, from James Seedall, Blackburn.
For winning results
Welsh results
LLANHARRY, Saturday AM (Judge, Lyn Howells) 1, Alun Edwards, Jim, 11; 2, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Carlos, 12; 3, Kevin Evans, Preseli Ci, 13; 4, Meirion Jones, Nan, 17; 5, Bradley Morgan, Bec, 20; 6, Logan Williams, Efail Mick, 22. Saturday PM (Rob Lewis) 1, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 10; 2, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Sweep, 15; 3, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Taz, 19; 4, Bleddyn Lester, Nantcelyn Jet, 20OLF; 5, Claire Slater, Jan, 20; 6, Meirion Jones, Meg, 24.5. Sunday AM (Ross Games) 1, Iwan Rees, Pentre Jax, 9; 2, Claire Slater, Whiteley Ted, 12; 3, Jack Howells, Cydros Boss, 15; 3, Misena Dubenova, Oak Mo, 16; 4, Kevin Evans, Brynmoel Jet, 17; 5, Kevin Evans, Mist, 19. Double Fetch Final (Rob Lewis and Lyn Howells) 1, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 20; 2, Kevin Evans, Preseli Ci, 24; 3, Meirion Jones, Nan, 35; 4, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Carlos, 38; 5, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Taz, 39; 6, Alun Edwards, Jim, 41.
English results
GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW, Final. 1, Kevin Evans, Preseli Ci, 106; 2, Ed Hawkins, Jock, 99; 3, Ricky Hutchinson, Jonah, 99; 4, David Bristow, Boss, 98. Tuesday AM, 1, Gavin Fearon, Dave; 2, Adam Ledgar, Rolo; 3, Ricky Hutchinson, Jonah; 4, David Bristow, Boss. Tuesday PM, 1, Meg Hutchinson, Katie; 2, Wiet van Dongen, Heath; 3, Ricky Hutchinson, Chrissy. Wednesday AM, 1, Dewi Jenkins, Clwyd Bob; 2, Michael Longton, Rooten Brook Max; 3, Brenda Helliwell, Denwyn Moya. Wednesday PM, 1, Larry Cowper, Gino; 2, Dewi Jenkins, Meg; 3, Maggi Mcclure, Smith. Thursday AM, 1, Colin Townson, Jen; 2, Ed Hawkins,
Kevin Evans won the sheepdog trial final at the Great Yorkshire Show with Preseli Ci.
AVON VALLEY (Lucy Allison) 1, Ben Smith, Ben 1; 2, Ricky Hutchinson, Chrissy; 3, Harry Plant, Floss; 4, Ben Smith, Ben 2; 5, Sean Mynard, Winston; 6, Angie Blackmore, Charlie.
TOUGH END (Paul Bristow) 1, Mark Elliot, Glen, 88; 2, Ron Macrea, Oats, 83; 3, Bevis Jordan, Chase, 82; 4, Ruth Miitcheson, Mitch, 82; 5, Bevis Jordan, Judge, 78; 6, Mark Elliot, Dot, 75. THORNTON TOWER (Jane Drinkwater) 1, Peter Ellis, Scot, 71; 2, Arthur Temple, Ann, 65OLF; 3, Arthur Temple, Jan, 65; 4, Derek Scrivenour, Sweep, 60OLF; 5, Bevis Jordan, Judge, 60; 6, W. V. Donger, Heath, 59T. WHITFIELD (Elaine Hill) 1, M. Elliot, Dot, 93; 2, M. Day, June, 87OLF; 3, A. Temple, Marchup Ann, 87; 4, P. Ellis, Scott, 86; 5, B. Jordan, Judge, 85; 6, K, Preston, Ace, 84. Novice, J. Morgan, Trigger, 74. BROMPTON REGIS (Philip Davies-Russell) Maltese Cross, Open, 1, Dave Cole, Juno, 83; 2, Jed Watson, Wren, 80; 3, Jim Nichols, Meg, 60T; 4, Andrew Hendy, Spike, 55T; 5, Rob Hawke, Mo, 53; 6, Lesley Lock, Bear, 47T. Novice. 1, Dave Cole, Juno, 83; 2, Jim Nichols, Meg, 60T; 3, Andrew Hendy, Spike, 56T. New Handler. 1, Amy Parker, Will 43T. (Kim Dart) Driving. Open 1, Dave Cole, Tan, 93; 2, Jed Watson, Ed, 85; 3, Philip Davies-Russell, Rhydarw Jack, 84; 4, Clover Crosse, Goose, 83; 5, Julian Mills, Millie, 79; 6, Carol Worgan, Black Jack, 75. Novice 1, Clover Crosse, Goose, 83; 2, Tracy Carter, Alster Copper, 73; 3, Will Carter, Belle, 62.
Scottish results
WATERNISH, 1, Lachlan Conn, Tess, 86; 2, Alf Kyme, Meg, 83; 3, Seamus Campell, Queen, 82; 4, Geurt Van Dyke, Rhum, 86OLF; 5, Mike McNally, Creag, 80; 6, Mark McQueen, Tess, 78.
Working Dogs
Trials diary WALES
July 19–20. MATHON, Charity trial in aid of cancer research, air ambulance and local hospices. Upper House, Cradley, signed off A4103 Hereford to Worcester Road. Chairman, Greg Tustin, tel: 07725 480 456. Local novice (25-mile radius) enter on field, start 6pm held on July 19. Pre-entry only, start 7.30am on July 20. Entries for Saturday full, reserve list in operation.
July 20. LLANERCHYMEDD, Llanerchymedd, LL71 8BD. 8.30am. Tel: 07837 424 839. July 21. MADOG, Tel: 07916 433 341. July 23–24. ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SHOW, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Radnorshire. Open national both days, Young Handler competition July 24. Contact Chloe Lewis, Royal Welsh Livestock Department, tel: 01982 554 404 or email: chloe@rwas.co.uk. Entries closed. July 27. ABERNANT, 50th Trials. Tafarn y Cwm, Abernant, SA33 6ND, signposted. Secretary Huw Evans, tel: 07721 386 617. Open and combined national, young handler, 7.30am start, catering and bar, enter on field. NEW CROSS AND DISTRICT, Brenan Field, New Cross, SY23 4NA. Secretary, John George, tel: 01974 261510. Open national, novice national, open South Wales and novice South Wales, 8am start, enter on field, catering available. HENRYD, Henryd North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. LL32 8DJ, 8.30am start, contact, tel: 07702 016 812. RHESYCAE, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. Rhesycae, CH8 8JQ, 8.00am start, tel: 01352 780 271.
July 28. RHOSGOCH, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. LL66 9AA, 8.00am start, tel: 07703 483 863.
July 29. BUGEILIAID UWCHALED, North Wales Sheep Dog Society Affiliated Societies open trial. LL23 7ED, 7.30am start, tel: 07772 748 316.
ENGLAND
July 20. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Borough Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7HE. Open driving classes. 9.30am start. Entries close after first 60 dogs. Contact David Kennard, tel: 01271 870056 or info@boroughfarm.co.uk. LILBURN, NE66 4PP. Pre-entry, first dog to run before 12pm. Contact Mr M. Davidson, tel: 07751 276 513.
July 20-21. SANDRINGHAM, Fiddlers Cottage, St James Road, Castle Acre, Kings Lynn, PE32 2BH. Contact Sam, tel: 07531 145 447 or Kath, tel: 07786 605 419. Judge, Keith Addington, entries closed July 10. Running orders will be available prior to trials published on website.
July 21. MID SHIRES, Double gather trial at Solihull, B92 0JA. Pre-entry required. For further details contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732. July 25-28. HIGH HILLS, Running and double gather followed by final on July, 28. To include two brace runs per day. Top eight from each day go to the final. Contact Laura, tel: 07772 910 087.
July 26-27. HUSBANDS BOSWORTH AND THEDDINGWORTH, Husbands Bosworth Hall, LE17 6LZ. Radius increased to 40 miles of Husbands Bosworth, Open to three dogs. Contact Helen Crane, tel: 07708 237 464 or helencrane88@ outlook.com. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Borough Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7HE. Classes for novice championship for Devon and Exmoor Ordinary members only; novice driving championship, Devon and Exmoor Ordinary members only. New handlers, open to all, 10am start. Followed by Maltese cross championship classes. Contact secretary Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813 or julie@bearwoodfarm.co.uk.
SIMONBURN CHARITY, NE48 3AF. Enter on field, first 40 dogs, 9am start. Contact John Tulloch, tel: 07921 853 079.
July 28. GARGRAVE, Holme House Farm, Gargrave, Skipton, BD23 3PR. 9am start, first 50 dogs. Chief steward John Bechwith, tel: 07931 118 571. Entries taken on the day. MID SHIRES, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1LB. For pre-entry and further details contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732.
July 29. CROPREDY, Thornby Farm, Thornby, Northampton. 8.30am start. Entries, £8 per dog, contact John Aldridge, tel: 07737 073 714.
July 30. RYDALE, Welburn Park, Welburn, YO62 7HQ. Contact the show office or website for preentry and start times.
July 31. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Pennywell Farm trial, Pennywell Farm, Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT. Classes for open driving, best young handler and double fetch. 9am start. Contact secretary Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813 or julie@ bearwoodfarm.co.uk.
SCOTLAND
July 20. ABOYNE, AB34 5NX, 8.30am start. £6 per dog, first 55 paid entries, £4 entry fee for visitors. Contact Eric Middleton, tel: 07966 416 038. GIFFORD, EH41 4PL. Two dogs per handler, 8am start. Catering on field, First 70 dogs, contact Ross Henderson, tel: 07501 268 681.
July 27. DOON VALLEY, Dalfarson Park, Dalmellington. Entries on field, maximum two dogs, £7 per dog. 7.30am start, no double dogs after 12pm.
July 28. BURNFOOT, Blackaddie Sanquhar, DG4 6JJ. Entries to Wullie Welsh, tel: 07854 508 013. CHARITY OPEN, Achunabust Farm, Reay, KW14 7RR. Trial is in aid of Heart and Stroke Scotland. Catering and toilet facilities on field. Novice handlers and spectators welcome. Tel: 07487 312 046.
July 31. COWAL, PA23 8QS, 7.30am, max 75 dogs. Entry fee £10 per dog, two dogs per handler. Entries to Caroline Joelsson via caroline@ eyeam.se.
Market Prices Primestock
SCOTLAND ENGLAND
Source:
Source: LAA/MartEye
Market Prices Store Cattle
SCOTLAND
ENGLAND
Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.
Source: LAA/MartEye
WALES
MARKET COMMENT
AS vendors headed to auction marts in England and Wales this week, there were increases in both sheep and cattle prices.
In the cattle rings, steers had improved in value by 3.8p/kg to 274.2p/kg, while young bulls were up by 2.8p/kg to 262.3p/kg.
Heifers had also risen in value by 1.0p/kg to 281.4p/kg, but dairysired cull cows bucked the trend, with prices dropping by 4.7p/kg to 155.4p/kg.
Lambs had gone up by 7.1p/kg to 301.4p/kg.
Porkers had grown in price by 28.7p/kg to 197.2p/kg, which overshadowed decreases for cutters and baconers.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (July 17), UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £191.75/tonne, a decrease of £5.20/t on the week.
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Source: MartEye/LAA
Market Prices
DEADWEIGHT CATTLE
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
N/S deadweight
Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs.
DEADWEIGHT PIGS
PIGS
WALES SCOTLAND
WEANER PRICES
Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.
SOURCE: LAA/MartEye
LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)
CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)
SOURCE: LAA/MartEye
SOURCE:
Market Prices
UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY
UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES
FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)
Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £20,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender July 15, 2024, next September 9, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m.
UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES
Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Last updated July 16,
MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE
Search #farm24 on social media
Carbon-neutral eggs consumers a sustaina
Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability, Morrisons launched its carbon-neutral eggs in 2020, and have since partnered with numerous supplier farms to implement innovative farming practices.
In an era where sustainability, climate change and the environment are at the forefront, farmers play a crucial role in balancing food production with nature conservation – a responsibility many have upheld for years. As consumer demand for farm-to-fork stories grows, offering environmentally conscious food options has become a positive selling point.
Recognising the importance of sustainability, Morrisons introduced carbon-neutral ‘Better For Our Planet’ eggs in 2020 as part of an ambition to support farms in its direct supply chain to reach net zero together by 2030 – 20 years ahead of the Government’s national target for zero emissions by 2050.
The Better For Our Planet eggs range was also the first in the world to receive the BSI Kitemark status for carbon neutrality, which is a customer-recognised stamp of assurance.
Morrisons’ journey of change is in collaboration with its farmers and suppliers, supporting them as they adopt sustainable practices.
Hugh Carter operates a
[The birds] are on a nonsoya diet, fed on homegrown crops, and our sheds are powered by renewables Hugh Carter
mixed poultry and arable farm in Co Durham, which is currently home to 60,000 free range layers producing over 20 million eggs per year.
These are supplied through Chippendale Foods, Morrisons’ own egg packing site in North Yorkshire. All of Hugh’s eggs are packed into the Better For Our Planet Eggs line.
Hugh says: “We started out in 2007 with 13,000 hens and steadily increased to 60,000.
“They are on a non-soya diet, fed on homegrown crops, and our sheds are powered by renewables.”
Solar panels
Hugh employs various methods to reduce his carbon output on-farm, including installing solar panels, planting areas of wildflowers and increasing his trees and woodland areas.
Achieving a carbon-neutral status, his arable enterprise aligns with his circular business approach too.
The farm spans 445 hectares (1,100 acres), growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape (OSR) and beans used in the hen feed.
“We are exploring the use of an oil press for the OSR, and an oil rape expeller to include in the rations,” adds Hugh.
The next phase involves building a 65,000-bird unit, enabling Hugh to produce a total of over 40m eggs per year, and further invest in sustainable methods.
“Within the shed, we will install a manure dryer using the heat from the birds, and a feed mill which will automatically feed the birds using our homegrown produce,” he says.
offer ble choice
#farm24 is back
With a focus on showing consumers what truly goes on in the agricultural sector, 24 Hours in Farming will take place once again from August 8 at 5am to August 9 at 5am. This is the industry’s chance to showcase how sustainable British farming really is, so make sure to tell your story by sharing images or videos on all social media platforms. Use the hashtag #farm24 and tag Farmers Guardian and Morrisons.
Hugh Carter (inset) produces 20 million eggs per year for Morrisons’ Better For Our Planet Eggs line, which began in 2020.
Hugh’s efforts have recently been recognised by the industry at the Egg and Poultry Awards, where he was highly commended in the Sustainable Farmer of The Year category, and Chippindale Foods also won the Innovation Award for its Better For The Planet eggs range.
Sophie Throup, technical and sustainability director for Myton
Food Group, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, said: “We know our customers really care about British farmers and want to be able to buy good-quality, fresh British food from us.
Collaboration
“The environment remains a hot topic – and we are also passionate about championing the role farmers already play
For more information about the event, scan the QR code opposite or visit farmersguardian.com/farm24
as climate champions. By supporting and collaborating with farmers like Hugh, we can work together to help build resources and knowledge to reduce carbon footprints, increase nature and biodiversity, and deliver a high-quality, great tasting product for our customers.”
We are aboutpassionatechampioning the role farmers already play as climateSophiechampions Throup
Technical and sustainability director for
Myton Food Group, Morrisons
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
DAN
JONES
North Wales
Dan Jones farms 650 ewes at the National Trust-owned Parc Farm, which sits on the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises up 208 metres (682 feet) on the North Wales coast near Llandudno. His Farm Business Tenancy covers the 58 hectares (143 acres) at Parc Farm, plus 364ha (900 acres) of grazing rights on the hill.
As the nation recovers from the excitement of the General Election, farmers across the UK are left pondering the potential implications of a new Government on our industry.
The Conservatives took a beating, and now the farming community looks towards the new administration with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
With promises of change ringing in our ears, farmers expect the new Government to prioritise issues such as trade deals, subsidies, and environmental concerns.
Ensuring fair trade agreements, maintaining crucial financial support and promoting sustainable farming practices are just a few key areas we hope to see addressed.
Actions
The future of farming in this country hinges on the decisions made by those in power and we can only wait to see if their actions will live up to their campaign rhetoric.
In the midst of this political whirlwind, life on the farm continues. I’ve been gathering sheep off
Fingers
‘Attempting
to shear a wet sheep is akin to wrestling with a bar of soap’
the Orme, a task that has kept me grounded despite the uncertainty surrounding the election.
The rhythmic nature of sheep herding has provided a much-needed respite.
As the sheep finally made their way into the shearing shed, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
However, the victory was shortlived as the persistent rain forced us to shear wet sheep.
Attempting to shear a wet sheep is akin to wrestling with a slippery bar of soap – almost impossible to
maintain a grip. By the end of the day, I was left with shoes that felt like lumps of concrete and muscles so stiff I could give the Tin Man a run for his money.
The trials and tribulations of sheep shearing served as a humorous reminder that, no matter which way the political winds blow, farming will always be filled with unique challenges and rewards.
Much like our newly elected Prime Minister navigating the complexities of leading the country, I too faced my own battles in the shearing shed. Though my adver-
crossed for Azores high pressure
IT has been a while. And what have you been doing to the weather while I have been away?
Summer seems to have forgotten us, although thankfully, temperatures have begun to rise a little this month.
Farmers are reporting much wet ground on our WeatherLive service, with more than 24 hours of dry weather needed before even thinking about cutting grass.
This has been hard to come by this week, but there have been one or two brighter, drier moments on which, I’m pleased to say, some of you have been able to act.
But what about going forward?
As I type, models are suggesting that while not brilliant, there may be a tendency towards more drier days as we head to the end of July and into August.
Now this is a close-run thing, as the jet stream remains to the north of Scotland, thus allowing for fronts to pass close by, bringing the threat of rain.
However, the northwards shift of the jet stream should allow for the Azores area of high pressure to ridge towards the UK and Ireland, thus bringing potentially drier days and the prospect of warmer
temperatures. Of course it is still a fair way ahead, but several longerrange models are in agreement with this trend, so just keep everything crossed.
As for June 2024, despite what you might have experienced, it has been confirmed by American weather service NOAA as the warmest globally on their records.
This is significant given that their records extend back 175 years, so certainly something to take notice of. This followed the warmest May on record globally too.
We await to see what July’s temperatures reveal.
sary may not have been political opponents, but rather unco-operative, damp sheep, I emerged from the experience with a new-found appreciation for perseverance and a good pair of waterproof trousers. On a lighter note, my adventures in sheep shearing have led me to a brilliant business idea – the invention of a groundbreaking new product: waterproof and breathable shearing jeans.
Who knows, with these wet summers, perhaps this innovation will revolutionise the world of sheep shearing.
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
NEXT WEEK
Cornwall Alan Carter
Kent Dan Hawes
‘I am entirely grateful to those who voted for me’
JAMES AND ISOBEL WRIGHT
Devon
James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as UK country manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.
It feels like October, not July.
The spring which feeds the troughs and the house normally dries up in May and we’re fed by a borehole.
The spring has been flowing now for the past two weeks and, while I welcome the saving in electricity, I was rather hoping I could enjoy venturing outside without the need for a jumper and waterproofs.
More to the point, the windscreen wiper on the Gator has been broken since May and I was waiting until the autumn service to fix it –now I need to get it done so I can see where I’m going.
It is warmer though, which means the cows and sheep seem immune to the weather.
Lambs
The calves are building up frame and putting down flesh.
As always seems to be the way with my lambs, half look great, a quarter look okay and then the rest will probably finish sometime in February.
We are looking forward to getting them weaned and away, as they’ve learned how to climb through gates.
Our Sustainable Farming Incentive application is going to go in later this month. We are opting for SAM3 on our grazing ground, which maximises our income and
Crossword 1254
hopefully improves our permanent pasture.
The lime is ordered and the muck spreader ready to maximise the opportunity of establishment.
We’re planning on grazing it tight, spraying it over with half gate of glyphosate and direct drilling it in – if anyone has any better ideas, I’m all ears.
Like hundreds of other people on July 4, I was standing in a sports hall at 4am to hear that I had lost an election. It was a fantastic experience, listening to thousands share their issues and I am entirely
grateful to those who voted for me. Democracy does matter, whether its Labour’s refusal to rule out inheritance tax on farms or a Green councillor in Devon bringing a motion to ban all meat and dairy from council events. Whoever goes to Westminster or your local council chamber to represent you, will shape your life, your family’s life and your farm’s future. This won’t be the last time I stand for Parliament, although I hope next time with more success. In the meantime I’ll be hoping the rain stops.
Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No.
Unit 4,
ACROSS
1 Instructs leader of team in place for storing leaves (3,5)
5 Guarantee because certain (6)
10 Landing and stripping outside from trees (9)
11 Put to the test, limited about result initially (5)
12 Frequently make more malleable, losing last of stiffness (5)
13 Lots of you in the past on the beach? (9)
14 Company surrounded by dubious money, this might be necessary (7)
16 Is absurdly sexist (6)
19 Way of viewing space and time differently (6)
21 Wild about edited form of government (7)
23 Most odd small exam about sun god - no good! (9)
25 Heartless scoundrel is essentially swiping potato snack (5)
26 With no money meditating taking illicit substances (5)
27 Person responsible for administration put to death about four (9)
28 Quits, accepting last of test results (6)
29 Foolishly drink in a trifling manner, taking in tea, we hear (8)
DOWN
1 Stories about regularly adept or developing little swimmers (8)
2 Seabird’s well below par (9)
3 Flustered hen or some other bird (5)
4 Writer of Gulliver’s Travels vacated locality speedily (7)
6 Quite content, completely full including one cooked fish mostly (9)
7 General concord of one local particle (5)
8 Part of cruel destiny for firstborn (6)
9 Refuse to acknowledge troubled region (6)
15 Happening very quickly between today and tomorrow (9)
17 Horribly frightened of dreadfully dire refit (9)
18 Evasive mule for example, sly finally (8)
20 The manuscript involves eastern subjects (6)
21 Most productive lard examination (7)
22 Take for granted a small amount earned at first (6)
24 Put up a cairn in the Pennines maybe (5)
25 End of piece of meat’s cold rounded protuberance (5)
Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
Farming Matters
‘Rented holdings must be accessible for new entrants’
One of my earliest memories while growing up on my parents’ rented dairy farm was thinking just how much I wanted to be a farmer when I grew up. My parents made it look so easy. I am not denying they must have had struggles and tribulations, but as children we were lucky to never see, hear or share them.
Fast-forward to my 40s and I am now the parent on a tenanted dairy farm, albeit not on a private estate but on a county council holding. And while some may say I am living my dream, I can certainly see how my childhood vision was blurred around the edges because ‘easy’ is not the word that comes to mind now. I am incredibly lucky to have secured a council farm tenancy, which I run with my husband and our three children. We took on the tenancy in January 2018, when my first milk statement was for 10,421 litres at a price of 26ppl, compared to January 2024 which was for 51,308 litres at 42ppl.
The peaks and troughs of the milk price along the way have certainly
made me a lot tougher, greyer and more aware of our mental well-being. Even more importantly, it has made me focus on being as costeffective as possible.
It is not easy as a tenant farmer. A fair proportion of my milk cheque each month is paid to the council as rent in order to keep the roof over our heads, and there is a constant worry of how we will keep the milk flowing during the many recent weather ‘events’.
Support
The opportunity for grants and schemes has been a welcome support and has helped us improve infrastructure on-farm, as well as enabling us to grow our business in a space which we have only got for 12 years.
It is always a toss-up between investing in what we will be able to physically take with us, against permanent fixtures that will aid us on a daily basis with the management of the farm.
You may ask: ‘Why bother?’ Well, I bother because I see the farm as an opportunity to enhance the land and grow my knowledge. The farm is a
KATE HOARE
Tenant dairy farmer from Saltash, Cornwall
lasting legacy of our success and for future generations to take on. Whether it is one of my children or someone else, I hope they will appreciate that, unlike us, they will have an established and sustainable farm to take forward.
It should not be the case that rented holdings are handed over in an often dilapidated state, with huge costs that make it impossible for new entrants to even consider it.
A rented farm, particularly a starter farm, should be a way of helping new entrants forge a way ahead with their new ideas and technology, with the support and infrastructure from landlords. The cohesion between tenants and landlords does seem to get lost.
Landlords
I would love to see landlords incentivised to encourage longer-term tenancies, and for them to offer more help and support to tenants through not only capital investment but also encouraging diversification projects.
Finally, and most importantly, rented holdings need to be made
accessible for new entrants to ensure starter farms are not being lost for good.
But when all is said and done and I look back to that young girl in the 1990s, have I achieved my dream of being a dairy farmer in my own right? Yes, I have – and I am immensely grateful. I only hope that this opportunity is there for my children to one day fulfil their dreams too.
It should not be the case that rented holdings are handed over in an often dilapidated state, says tenant dairy farmer Kate Hoare.
Discovery Collector, the manure cleaner that supports cow health
The new Discovery Collector is the perfect way to manage manure, have clean barn floors in your shed & improve cow health. The Discovery Collector C2 does not push manure but vacuums it. This makes the build-up of manure, of which cows stand in a thing of the past. This not only makes for a cleaner floor, it also ensures the cows’ hooves remain cleaner. This improves both cow health and the well-being of the animals. For more information on the Discovery Collector C2 for your barn Scan the QR code and get in touch today.
Bright farming is yours by choice
Machinery / Vehicle Finance
Finance Lease or Hire Purchase
24 - 60 Months
Competitive Market Interest Rates Available
Deal Sizes £15K Upwards
New & Used Machinery / Vehicles
Quick Decisions
CCJ’s Defaults, Poor Accounts, All considered
England & Wales Only
Raise Capital Against Existing Farm Plant & Machinery
Older Equipment Considered Quick Decisions
Deal Sizes £20K Upwards
Competitive Market Interest Rates Available
CCJ’s, Current Trading Difficulties, All Considered
Tenant Farmers Welcome
England & Wales Only
Machinery & Tractor
Looking for operational flexibility with wholecrop forage, Somerset contractors Butt Brothers have opted for a folding Marangon direct cut header with its 911hp New Holland FR920 forager. Geoff Ashcroft reports.
Wide folding headers offer a lot of convenience for contractors; they save time by removing the need to attach, detach and then transport the unit with a trailer, which are unproductive tasks when moving between fields or farms.
There are, of course, a few obvious trade-offs for such convenience –added cost and complexity for a start, plus the potential for reduced visibility when travelling with the folded unit on the road.
For Somerset contracting family Butt Brothers, who are based at Charlton Musgrove, near Wincanton, the positives outweigh the negatives with Marangon’s latest direct cut folding header for wholecrop.
Convenience
In their view, the latest Foldbar 6.16 header, supplied by Ryetec, has brought added convenience and more throughput for the firm’s 911hp New Holland FR920 forager.
Forager driver Andy Butt works alongside his brother Jake, his uncles Alan and Keith, and his cousins Josh and Isaac.
Andy says: “This season is our first
Andy Butt
Machinery & Tractor
It
saves a lot of time, particularly when we are in and out of some fairly small fields, and we can easily make five or six field moves a day ANDY BUTT
full one with the latest design of the Marangon Foldbar header, and it is a vast improvement.”
He says the header arrived midway through the 2023 season, replacing an early version that had been in use since 2019. Before that model, he had been using a fixed-width Marangon header since 2010.
“We wanted the convenience of a folding header, just like we have with our 12-row Kemper, for maize,” says Andy.
“It saves a lot of time, particularly when we are in and out of some fairly small fields, and we can easily make five or six field moves during a day, so there is a lot of time to be saved.
“This latest version has far better folding, with a diverter valve to en-
sure it remains locked once unfolded.”
The Marangon Foldbar 6.16 offers a 6.2-metre working width. It uses 16 twin-blade round cutting discs to mow the crop, before an 830mm floating intake auger presents the crop to the forager’s feed rollers.
While the header uses a single driveshaft, taking power from the left-hand side of the forager down to the shaft-driven cutter bar and auger, a pair of chain drives on each end enable sprockets to be swapped to
match the working speed of the header to the forager’s intake.
Transport
Folding for transport is a slick process; the outer wing sections comprise four cutting discs each and the end sections of the auger simply flip over on top of the centre section in less than 30 seconds.
The four-tonne header comes with a central front wheel, which is used to remove weight from the forager
during transport. It also enables the folded header to be run closer to the ground than when being carried between fields, improving visibility on the road.
“The technical improvements have been a game-changer for us,” says Andy.
“I am now able to closely match the header’s working speed to suit the forager.”
Andy says the steeply raked discs, combined with auto-height control,
A JCB 435S with a Strimech folding fork puts the crop away quickly, affording plenty of time for rolling.
The New Holland FR920 carries an additional fuel tank, boosting the carrying capacity by 400 litres.
The hydraulic folding Ryetec Marangon header uses 16 discs across its 6.2-metre working width.
IF SAFE, STAY IN THE CAB
CALL 105
WAIT FOR HELP
Before you head out on the farm, check for overhead power lines. LOOK OUT. LOOK UP. Learn more at ssen.co.uk/farmsafety IF YOUR VEHICLE TOUCHES A POWER LINE:
Machinery & Tractor
enable the Marangon to deal with laid crops as easily as it can feed standing ones.
These improvements have been even more significant with the Butt Brothers changing to a 911hp New Holland FR920 for the 2024 season.
Andy says that after five seasons with the first FR920, the team were able to put some valuable feedback into New Holland through local dealer TH White.
Improvements
“We have had a few changes implemented with this latest forager too,” he says.
“We wanted the machine to operate with a little more drum speed and better feed roller speed to even out crop flow and stop the chopper from surging.”
Those improvements include a 12x2 blade configuration on the chopping cylinder, replacing the previous model’s 10x2 format, and a change of drive pulley, which has enabled more speed to be extracted from the chopping cylinder.
“It was already a great machine, but there were challenges in wholecrop, some of which came from the header,” adds Andy.
“With slightly faster rotational speeds, the whole outfit operates with greater consistency and a more constant load on the engine. In grass
Choice of sprocket sizes allows tweaks to the auger speed, improving crop flow.
and wholecrop, it now seems to run much more smoothly.”
The FR920 Forage Cruiser is the flagship of New Holland’s current range and is powered by FPT’s V20 engine. This 20.1-litre V8 twin-turbo engine develops a peak of 911hp, served up across a constant rpm band from 1,800-2,000rpm.
A wall of torque arrives to reinforce that power, with a peak of 4,095Nm delivered at 1,500rpm.
Reconfiguration of the machine’s components has enabled the forager to exploit the engine’s potential: crop intake is 12.5% larger than its predecessor, feed rollers have been upgraded with more
steel and an aggressive toothed profile, there is an extra cog in the intake gearbox that lets more power through to the rollers, and New Holland says a more consistent layer of forage is presented to the drum.
Chopping
An 884mm-wide, chevron-patterned chopping cylinder takes care of the cutting business, and New Holland’s Variflow makes it easier to swap between grass and maize configurations by bringing the crop accelerator closer to the drum when the crop processor is removed.
A Dura Cracker crop processor,
while more time-consuming to swap, uses a larger drive pulley for better performance. However, what was once a 20-minute task has become an hour’s work.
“What we lose through installation time, we gain in processing ability and forage quality,” says Andy.
“Blades are a much bigger job to change, but again, we have got better chop quality and improved performance, so it is a trade-off we can tolerate.
The Kane 16-tonne half-pipe trailers feature 560/60 R22.5 low ground pressure tyres and a rear steering axle to manage compaction.
“We can temporarily ‘park’ the crop processor on the forager, out of the way, which is a 10-minute job – that is handy when switching between small acreages of grass between wholecrop or maize. Leaving the drive belt and auto-lube connected when it is out of the crop flow also stops the bearings being flat-spotted from vibration.”
New Holland’s Hydroloc chopping system provides two ranges for greater adjustment of chop lengths, and a larger pulley spins the cylinder at 1,300rpm, which has increased from 1,130rpm.
Combined with New Holland’s Dual Drive, which adds a separate hydraulic motor to the feed rollers and offer greater fine-tuning of speeds, Andy says that the header and feed roller speeds can be controlled independently of each other.
He says: “The amount of adjustment I have is beneficial. We get such a variation in crop volumes, so it is much easier to fine-tune the forager to suit any crop.”
While Andy’s fettling of machine settings translates into optimum output and performance, the forager’s larger 1,500-litre fuel tank is still considered insufficient. It has gained its predecessor’s supplementary 400-litre tank at the back of the forager.
For Butt Brothers Agricultural Contracting, there have been many positive changes to both the FR920 and the Marangon folding header, giving Andy the confidence to make full use of the forager’s 911hp.
Machinery & Tractor
Valtra has developed a retrofittable self-levelling system for mounted fertiliser spreaders to improve product accuracy and consistency of spread pattern. Toby Whatley reports.
Valtra introduces smart top link for spreader self-levelling
With Valtra not having its own range of fertiliser spreaders, the introduction of a self-levelling system for these implements initially appears an unexpected development from the tractor manufacturer.
However, Valtra says that the technology has been created to be retrofitted to any manufacturer’s model of spreader and can integrate with all tractors from its range.
The system is offered through the manufacturer’s Unlimited Studio and is a project developed through
Agco’s SmartAg Engineering team as part of the brand’s farmer-first strategy.
From its own research, Valtra highlights that changes in the angle of the spreader through weight variation from a full to empty unit can result in up to a three-degree angle variation of the discs and spreader deck.
This is claimed to result in a correct application calibration for about 20% of the total application cycle.
Valtra says that a full spreader will pitch backwards and create a narrower applied band with areas missed,
while an empty spreader will lean towards the tractor, resulting in a wider application of the product outside the target bout width.
This issue can be exaggerated when using larger capacity spreaders and carrying significant front ballast to counteract the implement’s mass.
Variation
After testing on a Danish arable farm, Valtra says this variation away from the correct position has been to found to have a negative average effect of £17 per hectare in lost yield through differences in crop
performance. When changing to applications using automatic levelling, the negative effect was reduced by an average of £13/ha.
The system uses a combination of a hydraulic top link and a pair of radar sensors mounted at the front and rear of the implement to automatically adjust the pitch of the spreader as it is working.
The sensors measure the height from the field surface and actuate the top link to move the unit forwards or backwards from the tractor.
Control of the fully IsoBus system is through either a separate screen
A pair of radar sensors detect the height of the implement to provide the data for the spreader adjustment.
A hydraulic top link is used to pitch the spreader forwards or backwards to remain level (also see right).
Valtra has developed a self-levelling kit for fertiliser spreaders, designed to correct the machine operating angle as the weight of the implement changes.
or as an auxiliary page within an IsoBus display.The hydraulic service to adjust the system is provided with a separate valve block and ECU, typically mounted above the rear linkage. A maximum operation range of plus or minus 10-degrees is possible. The £4,300 option is available on new machines and will be provided as a retrofit to existing models from late 2024.
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Machinery & Tractor
When the job calls for two people and the terrain is not suitable for a 4x4, utility vehicles can come into their own. But the latest updates to ‘two-up’ quad bikes from Polaris widen the choices available, reports Jane Carley.
Polaris has made a number of updates to its Ranger full-size side-by-side line-up.
Polaris shows updates for 2025 models
Polaris has announced a number of updates to its Ranger side-by-side and Sportsman quad bike ranges.
Designated the ‘Ranger FullSize’ ranges, the updated UTV models have the wider chassis to offer three or six seats and more powerful engines.
Relaunched in 2019 with a three-cylinder 898cc Kubota engine, the Ranger Diesel has become established as the workhorse on many upland farms as well as on diversified businesses and, although
some of the updates could be considered styling tweaks, they offer practical advantages in the main.
While diesel engines bring economy and ease of fuelling, petrol engines are still favoured by some, especially to keep up with friskier livestock, so the XP 1000 has also received some new features to keep it workmanlike.
Bumper
Both variants have a new front-end design with a beefier grille and bumper to withstand close encounters of the animal or vegetation
The Diesel model also gets many of the refinements, including upgraded power steering and brighter LED lights.
kind; for regular work in undergrowth, an upper brush guard is on the accessories list. Brighter LEDs are also fitted to the diesel and the top spec XP 1000 EPS Nordic Pro models for a longer working day.
In recognition of the increasing range of tasks side-by-sides are required to do and the greater number of implements being used, the
tractor-homologated Ranger XP 1000 models get a boost in power to 999cc from the ProStar 1000 engine along with a choice of drive modes. By selecting work, standard or performance on a dash-mounted rocker switch, the driver can control the throttle to suit the task at hand. It is also possible to set speed
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limits, not only to suit less experienced drivers, but also for consistency in lower-speed tasks such as spraying or mowing.
An upgraded Gen 2 CVT transmission is said to reduce shifting effort by up to 50% to enable easier and smoother shifting, achieved by removing a collar gear.
Driving is also made easier with
an upgraded electric power steering system with enhanced control and responsiveness, especially at low speeds, as well as ‘return to centre’.
The Ranger has a 435kg (454kg on the XP 1000) box capacity and can tow 1,136kg. All-wheel drive (AWD) automatically engages four-wheel drive when traction loss
is detected and reverts back to twowheel drive when traction is regained, while all models feature active descent control.
Polaris offers an impressive range of accessories, some of which are incorporated as standard into the higher-spec packages.
The XP 1000 Nordic Pro, for example, comes complete with a
synthetic rope winch, with auto stop and wireless remote. These ranges were recently joined in the line-up by the XP Kinetic, which offers a similar spec, but powered by Lithium-ion batteries.
In its ‘Ultimate’ trim version, it adds a seven-inch touchscreen which offers configurable gauges to monitor ride activity including
Wide-opening crank doors feature on the commonly specified cab package; the full-size model has three padded seats.
The two-up Sportsman range starts with the X2, designed to carry an occasional passenger, with plenty of capacity in its 181kg tipping box if used solo.
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battery status, front and rear camera plus navigation capability. A full product test of this vehicle was published in Farmers Guardian on December 8, 2023.
Polaris says that most Rangers sold in the UK are specced with the full cab option; from this autumn, audio upgrade kits will offer a JBL head unit with in-dash speakers, rear speakers and a subwoofer.
The cab pack includes a tip-out windshield and wiper, rear panel (glass removable using the company’s ‘lock and ride’ fixings), crank doors and in-cab heater.
Polaris retains its distinctive colour options, defined by spec package: the Ranger XP 1000 Premium comes in Blue Slate or Polaris Pursuit Camo, while the XP 1000 Nordic Pro Edition is in Black Pearl.
Image
Befitting its more ‘agricultural’ image, the Ranger Diesel is Sage Green in the base edition, or Super Graphite for the Deluxe.
Prices are from £17,663 for the Ranger Diesel and £19,013 for the XP 1000 Nordic Pro.
The ability to carry a passenger – other than of the canine variety –is a more occasional requirement for farm quads in the UK than in other markets, but Polaris has refined its Sportsman 570 ‘two-up’ ranges, and now offers some options which offer increased safety and comfort for the pillion, as well as added versatility.
There are three new models; the X2, Touring and 6X6. All have LED headlights, new styling and compatibility with some 90 accessories, including snow ploughs, removable windshields, cargo boxes and bumpers.
With a nod perhaps to their Nordic customer base, options also
include a heated driver and passenger seat, as well as heated hand grips for the driver and passenger.
The X2 offers plenty of versatility, with a high backrest for the rider which folds back into the cargo box to become a seat for an occasional passenger; they, in turn then, get a backrest that pops up from the box.
The cargo box has 181kg capacity and a dump function; this model has 290kg towing capacity (unbraked versus 830kg braked trailer capacity) and a speed-limiting feature from the side-by-sides for tasks such as spraying.
Upgrading to the Nordic Pro Edition brings new selectable drive
On the Touring model, the passenger gets a dedicated seat.
modes – work, standard and performance mode, an engine block heater for pre-heating the engine on extra-cold days, along with both hand and thumb warmers.
Grips
A longer seat features on the Touring; a plush booster seat and back can be added for the passenger, who also gets handgrips (with heated option) and improved grips on the footrest.
It still offers 23 litres of sealed storage – 41.6 litres in total – useful for things such as veterinary medicines, ammunition , while the accessories range includes water-
proof soft bags which click in place on either side of the passenger.
Long established in forestry and upland areas, the 6x6 has a fixed passenger seat with backrest as well as a 362kg rear dump box with multiple tie-down points.
There are also 19 litres of sealed front dry storage and a front rack extender offering more storage options.
On-demand AWD detects tyre slip in wet or loose conditions, distributing power to all six wheels for improved traction and control.
All models get a strengthened chassis, engine braking and active descent control. Multi-select elec-
The X2’s backrest folds back to make a passenger seat, while a further backrest slides up from the back for the passenger.
The passenger seat on the Touring slots into place at the back and is easily removable to give a longer rider seat.
Upgraded sealed bushings, taken from the Ranger models, now feature on the Sportsman two-up range.
tric power steering (EPS) provides customisable levels of steering assist to reduce body fatigue and suit rider preferences.
Comfort and safety have been addressed with an upgraded dual A-Arm, independent rear suspension with travel of up to 241mm, as well as improved longer-lasting sealed bushings – taken from the Ranger – to give a smoother ride. Larger 25-inch tyres and new 12inch steel wheels are now fitted.
Where these machines are used on more sensitive terrain, Turf Mode unlocks the rear diff to avoid scuffing on turns.
Again, colour choices are linked to spec packages, with Sage Green for the base X2 570 EPS.
Other add-ons include a 1,588kg HD winch with a synthetic rope and larger alloy wheels.
Prices are from £10,299 for the X2 570 EPS, £10,999 for the Sportsman Touring 570 EPS
With a fixed passenger seat, the 6X6 also offers a 326kg capacity dump box.
and £14,799 for the Sportsman 6X6 EPS.
The company has also doubled the service intervals for all its 2025 models to 2,000 miles/200 hours for reduced running costs.
Inset: The latest Ultimate version of the battery-powered Ranger Kinetic includes a touchscreen terminal displaying charge levels, battery usage, geolocation points and navigation.
Machinery & Tractor
While square bales are beginning to dominate the landscape in many areas, round balers still have their place, and the application of tech makes them more versatile. Jane Carley reports.
Tech a gamechanger for round bales
With sheep, goats, horses, donkeys and even rabbits to feed at the assisted learning farm Animal Antiks in North Marston, Buckinghamshire, the round bale is king for Nick Sear. Rather than being the basic tool that might be perceived, his Kubota BV5160 baler offers an array of tech to make operation more efficient.
The 105-hectare grassland farm offers animal-assisted therapy and farm care activities for young people and adults along with animal care education and employs 30 staff.
Mr Sear makes 2,000 bales of silage, 800 of haylage and 1,600 of hay each year for the farm and for sale, as well as buying standing straw to bale.
He says: “I would always make big square bales previously, but when we came to this farm it was clear that round bales would be easier to handle in and around the barns and to feed out. Conventional bales make for good
forage, but the handling and stacking is too time-consuming.”
He purchased the BV5160 variable chamber baler three years ago from local dealer George Browns, which also supplies his tractors, and specified it with Techno-Pack and Tractor Implement Management (TIM) functionality.
“The level of automation that TIM brings to baling makes the process much more efficient but also reduces fatigue, especially in larger fields over a long day,” he says.
Baling process
TIM works with the tractor’s continously variable transmission to control the baling process.
“I set the required revs and forward speed on the tractor terminal, and once the bale chamber is full, the system stops the tractor and takes the revs down while the net wrap goes on. It then opens the rear door and drops the bale off, and I just need to press the
Nick Sear, who runs Animal Antiks with his wife, offering animal assisted therapy and farm care education.
bales from 0.9-metre- to 1.5m-diameter – equestrian customers like a small bale that they can move with a compact tractor.”
I have a level of technology which makes round baling so much more efficient
NICK SEAR
drive pedal when it beeps at me and we are moving on to the next one,” says Mr Sear.
He adds that not only does TIM avoid time-consuming and frustrating mistakes when the pressure is on, but also allows him to focus on the swath and the bale formation, improving quality.
The baling process is further automated by the BV5160’s IsoBus terminal. This large screen monitor offers control of features including Intelligent Density 3D which offers a choice of three factory bale density settings for different crop types.
“The settings are good and I use them most of the time, but if the crop is a bit damp I can set it to slacken off the outer layers so the bale can breathe more easily in the field than a tight bale.”
Engagement and disengagement of the 14-knife SuperCut chopper is also achieved via the terminal and Mr Sear adds: “I thought a pre-cutter might slow the baler down and take up horsepower but have been pleasantly surprised.”
There is also a drop floor to clear any blockages, although he has had little cause to use it.
“There is plenty of adjustment, all done from the terminal. We make
The Techno-Pack feature offers Mr Sear the opportunity to test the moisture level of the crop on the baler itself, with the result displayed on the terminal.
A sensor plate mounted in the lower part of the main bale chamber is equipped with a pair of electrodes which pass an electric current through the incoming crop. The system then calculates the percentage of moisture inside the bale, based on its electric conductivity.
Moisture levels
The system displays the moisture content in real-time on screen and is able to detect moisture levels up to around 50%.
“I can make a couple of bales and check if the crop is ready or needs to wait until later in the day,” he says.
“It is convenient and when checked against a probe, also very accurate. I planned to have a retrofit system, so was really pleased that this was part of the package and I think it is more precise than some of the aftermarket sensors I have used before.”
Techno-Pack also offers an integrated bale weighing system, using two load cells incorporated in the wheel hubs of the baler, plus a third reference cell on the chassis.
Mr Sear replaces his tractors every two to three years to get the benefit of manufacturer warranties, and with his current 175hp Kubota M7-173 KVT machine, he can make full use of the TIM system and the IsoBus terminal. He has also recently upgraded his 142hp M6-142 for a second M7-173 KVT for the convenience of interchangeable models.
“It was simply a matter of switching
the TIM from the old tractor to the new one which was achieved by George Browns, who provide us a very good service,” he says.
Being able to check moisture levels offers more precision to the grass harvest, says Nick
All baler settings are displayed and controlled from the
“TIM has been an absolute game-changer and in a good field can certainly increase output – we would go up from 300 bales a day to nearer
“The BV makes a superb bale, and when it comes to hay and haylage for our livestock, we aim to make the best quality that we can,” Mr Sear adds.
400. You can also switch it off and bale manually if you wish to but it is hard to outperform the system. With the Techno-Pack as well, I have a level of technology which makes round baling so much more efficient.”
Round bale hay, silage and haylage are the perfect fit for the livestock at the Buckinghamshire farm.
Sear. Inset:
IsoBus terminal.
Machinery & Tractor
Techneat’s Multicast applicator has proven itself to be an adaptable tool for one Yorkshire-based contractor. James Huyton finds out why.
ATV trailed application for accuracy and easy transport
When faced with looking for a replacement pellet and small-seed applicator, Bruce Wilson of B.C. Wilson Contractors took the opportunity to reassess the market.
Mr Wilson, a former British Farming Awards Contractor of the Year finalist, says application accuracy and professionalism are a key part of his business.
He says: “We cover everything from lime and fertiliser spreading through to soil sampling and Avadex applications.”
Based near Moulton, North Yorkshire, he covers much of the county with various application contracting services.
Integrated
Mr Wilson explains how his change to a Techneat multicast created a more integrated operation with GPS control and record-keeping.
He says: “I purchased my old applicator second-hand back in 2015. It was a Horstine Farmery unit that had served its purpose and worked well, but was getting a little long in the tooth.”
“The Horstine unit was still functional, but mechanically the drive systems had become worn and reliability was becoming an issue.”
Having run a Horstine unit for
eight seasons, Mr Wilson revisited the brand when looking to change.
However, finding that a new Horstine machine still operated with rigid booms and mechanical drive, it pushed Mr Wilson to look at other market options.
Understandably, the market had moved on considerably and, after seeing Techneat’s Multicast 400 unit at several shows, Mr Wilson decided to purchase a new machine in 2022.
“We cover a wide area across
North and East Yorkshire, mainly applying Avadex, so I wanted both accuracy and ease of transport with the new unit.”
He says: “The strong and lightweight design of the machine alongside pivoting booms were big
A 5.5hp Honda engine provides power to the fan, and the hopper height suits ease of loading.
The Techneat’s 12-metre booms mechanically fold for transport.
Bruce Wilson, of B.C. Wilson Lime merchants and spreading contractors.
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Machinery & Tractor
selling points for me. With the trailed units flotation tyres making light work of travelling across the ground, particularly in less-thanideal conditions.”
The machine is equipped with a 5.5hp Honda engine for fan drive, radar-based metering and 12-metre
booms. Mr Wilson says he can effectively cover larger areas of ground with the machine.
He says: “One of the most noticeable differences for me, compared to the old machine, is the boom contour following.
“It has made for a much more
compromise our ability to work, particularly with the old machine having a 1.5m row spacing.”
stable machine travelling across uneven ground.”
Mr Wilson points out one big difference from his former machine is the Multicast’s 12m booms operate with 24 splash plates on a 500mm spacing.
“Windy conditions could often
“The Multicast’s 500mm spacing gives us the ability to accurately apply smaller, fine seed,” he says. Although Avadex applications provide the main body of work for the contractor, changes with the introduction of Sustainable Farming Incentive have brought further opportunities.
He says: “After being approached
The Multicast’s 500mm row spacing and seed roller has opened up new opportunities with overseeding.
Machinery & Tractor
to overseed herbal lays, I purchased a new grass roller insert for the metering system.
“With it being so accessible around the base of the hopper, it is very easy to change the metering wheels between different application rates and product sizes.
“The tank height and positioning make it easy to refill the machine and, being a trailed unit, it allows for a good footing when loading.
“The multicast is spot-on for accuracy and easy to calibrate. I find that the hopper will generally hold 20, 15kg bags.
“All the calibration is simply carried out through the machine control box.”
Mr Wilson comments on how his Can-Am 1000R ATV makes light work of towing the applicator and has created a very transportable set-up to easily move from different jobs across the county.
“I run the whole unit on a Trimble CFX-750 RTX GPS system, which gives accurate guidance and links to our Ag-Drive record-keeping software,” he says.
“Everything was manually controlled on the old machine and required the operator to physically get on and off the quad to lift the metering wheel, which eventually became a bit of a nuisance.
Accurate
“But with the radar-based metering system on the Techneat, it is just a matter of flicking a switch on the quad handlebars. It makes for a much more accurate control of the machine, partially as it is linked to the GPS and makes headland turns more timely.
In terms of data and report generation, Mr Wilson has found working the machine in tandem with the Ag-Drive app and software
effective for traceability and assurance.
“We cover more than 2,400 fields within the Ag-Drive system and it makes sense for keeping ontop of the paperwork as we complete jobs throughout the year.
“It gives us full transparency to the farmer that the work has been carried out correctly and provides a computer-based report that can be used for farm assurance.”
Data logging is a common theme
running through B.C. Wilson’s wider contracting services.
Working with Agrovista, Mr Wilson carries out field mapping for potato cyst nematode and also runs a Honda Pioneer UTV fitted with a Magitech electrically powered soil sampler. In addition, and working collaboratively with C. and S.D. Leckenby, Mr Wilson also provides work for a team of two KRM Bredal K85 Lime spreaders and a Gustrower unit mounted on a MAN 4x4 HGV unit.
Calibration and control are easily operated through the Multicast’s terminal.
Linked to Ag-drive Bruce Wilson can record and transfer field operations from his Trimble GPS system.
Main picture and inset: Bruce Wilson rates the Techneat’s boom suspension system on undulating terrain.
Claas launches new wider trailed tedders
By James Huyton
Claas has launched four new tedder variants: the Volto 1300 and 1500 T/TS. These trailed, wide-area machines will be offered in 13- and 15.1-metre formats, with fixed and steering axle options.
Aimed at large-scale farmers and contractors, the two new variants have undergone multiple changes and updates from previous models.
The rotor diameter has been reduced compared to the previous
models from 1.7m to 1.5m, which allows the 13m machine to be fitted with 12 rotors across its working width compared to 10 on former variants. The 15.1m machine will operate with 14 rotors.
Claas claims that this change will offer a more consistent spread pattern across the working width.
Each rotor is fitted with the brand’s Max Spread tine arm, angled at a claimed 29.3-degrees.
Drive line system
The manufacturer has also introduced a new drive line system to the two new range toppers.
The new Claas Volto 1300 and 1500 trailed and trailed steering axle variants are aimed at large-scale applications.
Also included is a new oil-filled gearbox and uprated, heavy-duty permalink fingers on pivot points.
The spreading angle can be adjusted from 12- to 16-degrees on the rotors without tools, while a crank handle on the left of the chassis frame provides central adjustment of the raking height.
Tyre sizes are available in the standard 15/70R-18 and optional 500/55R-20. The new frame design in the trailed steering (TS) variant allows tight corners and headland manoeuvres to be performed without lifting out. A single or twin headland curtain can be offered as an optional extra.
customer advantage on Traxter
Machinery & Tractor
Could the Zurn Top Cut Collect be the silver bullet to grass-weed problems? James Huyton takes a look at a contractor running one of the latest variants.
Rory Cooper has had a retrofitted John Deere Autotrac system fitted to this Claas Arion 630 to aid productivity.
With grass-weeds a well-established challenge and control prospects reducing for many arable farmers, some manufacturers have tasked themselves with devising a mechanical solution to the problem.
Zurn’s Top Cut Collect is one such potential solution which offers a realistic alternative to hand roguing and can be operated over much larger areas.
Although the Top Cut Collect may not be the single solution to many farmers’ grass-weed woes, the ability to cut, collect and remove a signifi-
Zurn weed harvester provides a cut above
cant quantity of the seed bank could be an effective weapon in reducing the future weed burden.
Contractor Rory Cooper, of D.L. and K.J. Cooper decided to invest in the machine with his father Darren
Cooper back in 2023 with the machine making its field debut earlier this year.
The Warwickshire-based contracting firm saw an opportunity to add an additional service for new and existing customers, a proportion of which was generated on the back of their hedge-cutting work.
Mr Cooper says: “We felt well placed to offer the new service with the Top Cut Collect cutting season not clashing with our other work.”
With the business covering Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, you need to be prepared for the road miles Mr Cooper says.
Naturally, he felt some apprehension about offering a new service, but the backdrop of customer interest made the decision easier.
With a 12-metre working width, Mr Cooper had to replace his Claas Arion 630’s standard tyres with some narrow 300’s front and rear.
Mr Cooper says: “The Zurn Top Cut Collect already operates on some narrow 240s and to reduce crop damage we had to put the tractor on some row crops.”
He says the Zurn does come with some dividers to split the crop pre-wheeling, but they are seldom used, as the positioning on the machine is in line with the tractor which has already passed through the crop before meeting the divider.
Tramlines
“Minimising crop damage is a priority and, although the Zurn only has a 12m working width, I will always try to work with the tramlines as much as possible,” he says.
“Sometimes that means only cutting a four metre width in areas so you fall back into the tramline pattern on larger sprayer widths.
“Timing is very important with this job and we are always led by the farmer and agronomist. It has been notice-
Rory Cooper, of D.L. and K.J. Cooper contactors.
able this season that grass-weeds have come to head at different timings.”
The Zurn Top Cut Collect offers a cutting height selectable from 300mm to 1,500mm.
“The height adjustment of the machine offers flexibility to cut at different growth stages,” says Mr Cooper.
Guidance
When the family bought the unit from John Deere dealer Farol’s, they also added guidance to the Claas Arion with a retrofitted Autotrac system and Starfire 7000 receiver.
Mr Cooper says: “In hindsight, we should have ordered the Claas machine auto steer ready, but the latest John Deere system works well.”
“Although you do not need the accuracy of RTK, an SF1 auto steer system is a must for this job as you are constantly looking behind and making slight adjustments to the cutting head.”
Equipped with Zurn’s latest multifunctional joystick and touchscreen terminal, Mr Cooper says the machine is a pleasure to work with.
Interchangeable hot keys on the joystick allow the operator to set allo-
Machinery & Tractor
Rory Cooper finds 4kph is an optimal working speed to keep even feed into the collection unit.
cated functions to certain buttons.
Mr Cooper says: “I can set the joystick up for multiple users in the profile of the screen. When it comes to opening and folding the machine everything operates in sequence.
“I do not have to worry about catching anything when it is dark because the machine has plenty of sensors to stop me from damaging the machine.”
The semi-mounted machine is car-
ried on the tractor’s lower linkage and provides a good turning circle on headlands.
“Running through the tractor’s power-beyond hydraulic system keeps the tractor’s oil cooler, and
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keeps the power requirement to a minimum,” says Mr Cooper.
To prevent excess strain from being put on the machine’s cutting arm pivot points, pressure sensors measure the load, with pressure displayed on the machine’s touch screen terminal.
“I always keep a certain proportion of the machine weight on the jockey wheels, it is a bit of a balancing act,” says Mr Cooper.
“You can adjust the jockey wheel height manually with pin adjustment,
but there is a certain amount of play in each setting and hydraulic height adjustment.”
Many people might think the Top Cut Collect is a one-trick pony for black-grass control, but Mr Cooper points out he has used the machine for ryegrass, brome, wild oats, poppies and even docks in organic oats.
“It is all about reducing the seed bank, going back into the ground each year,” says Mr Cooper.
On average, the Top Cut Collect will take around 70% of a field’s seed heads in a single pass, but crop and conditions often vary.
son, as lower stems emerge into the light.
“Seed reduction is not the only aim, we also want to allow more light to get to the growing crop, with the grassweeds often out-competing the crop and stopping light.”
In dealing with problem weeds, cleanliness is paramount for Mr Cooper.
Mr Cooper says sometimes the machine can become overloaded with material, but access points around the main conveyor belt, to the hopper allow easy access for cleaning.
Covering such a wide area, dealer back up has always been key to Mr Cooper’s contracting business.
Up and running
“We cannot fault the service from Claas dealers Sharnford Tractors and Farol for keeping us up and running.”
He says: “We often go through crops two or three times in one sea-
conditions often vary. two
“We have an airline mounted to the back of the tractor to blow everything down at the end of each job. Customers deal with the waste in different ways, but most farmers follow us with a telehandler and bucket when it comes to emptying the hopper of the machine.”
Following the Top Cut Collect’s performance, the Cooper family has recently purchased a second machine, which Rory’s brother Digby will be operating next season.
Zurn’s latest control screen allows Rory Cooper to set joystick functions to individual user profiles. Folded, the machine has a transport width of 2,850mm. Inset: Rory Cooper also has a tractor-mounted air line for cleaning the machine.
Once filled, the 7,000-litre hopper is often emptied into the farm’s telehandler bucket for disposal.
Machinery & Tractor
Does simultaneous maize and inter-row grass planting provide for a better establishment of both crops with significant cost savings? Toby Whatley visits a Staffordshire farming and contracting business planting two crops with one drill.
Double benefit of establishing grass alongside maize crops
Inter-row establishment of grasses between maize is increasing in popularity as growers are incentivised through schemes to reduce soil run-off. This is supported by water companies and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opportunities, which recognise the value of companion cropping.
The establishment of the secondary grass crop is typically performed using a dedicated inter-row drill, designed to pass through the rows of maize once the main crop has emerged.
Grants
Grants through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund include specific options for these machines. However, the additional time, machine and labour costs to establish a second crop are not insignificant.
Operating from a base near Rugeley, Staffordshire, Andrew and Rob
Moore run a diverse contracting business, offering services to agricultural customers alongside a significant machinery hire enterprise. They supply tractors, bowsers, dump trailers and vegetation management machinery, alongside winter maintenance to the construction sector for national infrastructure projects.
Opportunity
Andrew says: “We have always wanted to push the business on and think outside the box; we cannot make money doing the same as everybody else, and if we recognise an opportunity, we will always try and make the best of it.”
The farm contracting business focuses on the establishment and harvesting of maize, grass and wholecrop silage, alongside cultivations, large square baling and mobile straw grinding. Operating Claas Jaguar forage harvesters, the Moores cut about 485 hectares of
The Moores establish 600750 hectares of maize a year.
KRM SM P tine drills provide the versatility to ensure your crops can be planted in hard dry conditions through to the wettest of seedbeds with the benefits of less weight, less horsepower and less fuel used Simple precise calibration and full ISObus control make these drills simple to setup and operate.
Left to right: Rob and Andrew Moore.
Machinery & Tractor
Inter-row seeds are distributed through chutes on either side of the precision coulters.
maize, 120ha of wholecrop, and 1,200ha of grass annually.
The business establishes 600750ha of maize a year using a Vaderstad Tempo precision drill, which has been modified in-house to operate with a separate air seeder to establish the inter-row grass crops.
Rob says: “We operate in an area with high extraction volumes by our local water board, and have been incentivised by them to reduce run-off from maize land and to improve the water quality they are taking out to use.
“From the beginning, we wanted to establish both crops simultaneously. With the area we plant and tighter weather windows, it did not make sense for us to purchase a second drill and run through all the crops again.”
The eight-row Vaderstad Tempo operates without any changes, with row centres set at 750mm and a seeding rate typically between 103,500 and 123,000 plants/ha.
Mounted at the rear of the machine, a second Opico-sourced air drill is used to hold and meter the grass
The Moores have adapted their Vaderstad Tempo to establish grass and maize simultaneously.
Seed flow monitoring detects any blockages.
With the area we plant and tighter weather windows, it did not make sense for us to purchase a second drill and run through all the crops again ROB MOORE
seed to the coulter outlets on either side of the precision units. The grass application rate varies as the season progresses, but it is usually applied at about 10kg/ha.
The grass seed control and monitoring is managed through a second IsoBus controller, which provides
Pairs of covering tines pull soil over the grass.
section control to align with the precision units, and operates with in-line seed flow monitoring to alert the operator of any blockages. The entire inter-row drilling and control system was built in-house by Andrew, Rob and their team.
Seed is delivered to the inter-row area through 16 seed chutes, each covering half of the inter-row gap.
Immediately following the distribution chute, a pair of 6mm covering tines pull the soil over the seedbed.
Rolling
Unlike many maize growers, the Moores’ aim is to roll all inter-row sown land to improve the seed-to-soil contact of both crops, and to try and reduce any grass-weed pressures.
Rob says: “Typically, we will always roll after the maize with companion planting, and we will also try to get a pre-emergence herbicide applied too. For non-undersown crops, we will still aim to roll, but will probably not apply a pre-emergence.”
To enable them to establish both crops at the same time, the pair have
worked closely with their Agrovista agronomist Luke Hardy to develop a slow-emergence grass mixture, which will allow the more vigorous maize to germinate, emerge and become well established before the grass crop presents some growing competition.
Andrew says: “The work Agrovista has done to get the variety blend right is crucial for the success of our process. If we were to use a vigorous, fast-growing ryegrass-based mix, the maize would have no chance to get away before the grass overtakes it. By using the varieties we do, we can plant two crops together with confidence the maize will be well away before the grass emerges.”
Establishment timing and seed rates play an important role in the process too, with the Moores typically drilling the entirety of their maize crop at the start of May, 80ha of which is planted on their own land to produce winter fodder for their 120-head beef unit, with the remaining sold.
Rob says: “Usually we drill from May 7 onwards and would expect to
see the maize emerge within seven days, with the slower emergence of the grass not usually seen until about four weeks after drilling.
“This delay of about three weeks gives the maize plenty of time to get a big enough leaf area to stay ahead of the grass underneath it, so it does not suffer from any major competition.
Harvest
Alongside the incentivised benefits of multispecies cropping through the SFI scheme, the business has noted an improvement in harvesting conditions in autumn.
“When we are chopping, the trailers and the harvester have turf to run on, not bare soil. We have found this helps the kit to travel better, reduces the mud carried on the road and keeps the tyres cleaner at the clamp,” says Andrew.
“When we have cut crops with ryegrass or Westerwold, which has been oversown after the maize has been established, we found that the height of the material could choke the headers. The slower emergence grasses seem to stay much lower to the floor and keep clear of the header.”
For growers in sensitive catchment areas, or those looking to take greater advantage of environmental schemes,
undersowing maize crops could be an easy addition to a rotation, with a potential limited impact on the crop yield or harvesting process.
The biggest issue in introducing a grass crop alongside maize is the ability to control problem grass-weeds, like wild oats or black-grass.
Andrew says: “The biggest challenge with undersowing through our system or a separate pass is the limitation on chemicals for grass-weed control.
“For arable farmers who use maize as a break crop to try and target blackgrass or oats, putting grass down with the maize is a non-starter.
“However, for dairy farmers – who do not have these issues – planting the two crops together can give some great opportunities.”
Grass seed is supplied by a separate Opico-sourced air seeding unit.
When harvesting, the grass cover provides better conditions for the trailers to run on.
The grass seed covers a wide band between the rows.
1880 LP
NISSAN NAVARA TEKNA
Double cab 2.3 Automatic, 2017, 54548 miles. £17,995 NO VAT.
NEW ISUZU DMAX Utility Double cab Automatic, tow bar & load liner. £30,699 + VAT.
5 Ton li , 8-meter boom, ASCS system INC material weigher, 40kph hydrosta c
New Kuhn 310 GMD
3.1m working width, fast fit blades, pull type linkage, sprung suspension GMD 280/30 IN STOCK
New Kuhn VB 3165 SPECIAL OFFER - £42,000 4 +20 Finance @ 0% Based o 50%RRP **Limited me o er**
Used Vicon RV1601 Bale count 44,648 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel
AW 11&12T bale trailer Storage shelf, 445/45R19.5 tyres, sprung axles
New Deutz Fahr 6150.4C 4-cylinder, 150hp, 50kph, RV shi 20/18, Stop/Go feature, front linkage, 4 spools
New Kubota M6-131 U lity 4-cylinder, 130hp, 40kph, 36/36 powershi
New Merlo 42.7 – 136
4.2 Ton li , 7-meter boom, ASCS system INC material weigher, 40kph hydrosta c
New Kuhn FC3115 D 3.1m working width, fast fit blades, ver cal fold FF244/284/314 IN STOCK
New Kuhn VB 3260
0.80m-1.6m diameter bales, 2.3m pick up reel, hydraulic drop floor, 5 belts, 235 bar pressure, ISOBUS
Used Vicon RV1601 Bale count 58.088 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel
New Kubota W821 &821 PRO Honda GXV160, blade break clutch, 75l grass collector
Used Deutz Fahr m420 4cyl-158hp, 6x4 powershi , 9200kg rear li , front links and spool, 4 speed PTO, year 2012, 4825 hours
Used Kubota M7-132 130hp (170 boosted), 50kph, 54/27, year 2021, 3000 hrs
New Merlo 38-10 – 136
3.8 Ton li , 10-meter boom, ASCS system INC material weigher, 40kph hydrosta c
New Kuhn Haybob 300m & 360 3m working width, rear gates, 2 ne posi ons MULTIPLE IN STOCK
New Kuhn VB 7160
4 belts, weigher, I-dense system, 0.80m-1.85m diameter bales, 2.3m pick up reel with 14 knifes
Used Vicon RV1901 Bale count 45,929 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel, bales from 0.8m-1.85m
New Kubota GR2120 & GR2120S
Used Deutz 6060HTS 5 straw walker, loss monitor, auto contour header, 5m header year 2010, 2000 drum hours
Used Massey Ferguson 6490 180hp -SISU, DYNA 6, EZ-Steer guidance, year 2011, 7050hrs
Used Merlo 35.7 – 115
Boom suspension, 40k-2 speed hydrosta c drive, reverse fan, pick up hitch, year 2019, 2800 hours
New Kuhn GF6502 Tedder Digidrive system, pivo ng headstock, mech centralising GF502/6502/7802 IN STOCK
Ex-Demo Kuhn 1290 ID 120x90, weigher, moisture meter, TWINPACT double plunger, 200kph kno er blowers, 2.3m pick up reel
Used Vicon Kuhn RV2160 year 2010, bale count 33000, ISOBUS, bale kicker, self-oiling system, 0.8m to 1.6m bale diameter
New Deutz Fahr C9306TS 6 straw walker, loss monitor, auto contour header, 9m header, 10,500L hopper capacity,
Used New Holland T6030 6-cylinder, 115hp, 40kph, 24/24 powershi , year 2010, 5435hrs
Used Merlo 42.7 – 140
4.2 Ton li , 7-meter boom, ASCS system INC material weigher, 40kph hydrosta c, year 2019,
New Kuhn GA7501+ Rake
6.7m-7.5m working width, 1.3m- 1.9m swath width, 3D bogie axle GA4312, GA3201
New Kuhn RW1110C E-Twin
Two pre stretch film rollers, auto stop by end of film and so stop IN STOCK AND READY FOR DELIVERY
Used Triffi 14 Ton Grain Trailer Roll over sheet, sprung drawbar, grain chute, 10 stud ADS axles, year 2014
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Bucket and Muck Fork & Grab*
The Heavy Capicity range of Merlo telehandlers is designed for handling heavy loads accross agricultural environments. The TF50.8 can also be ordered with: cab suspension, continuously variable transmission and boom side-shift to ensure all tasks can be tackled with one powerful machine. *Terms and conditions apply
Range of PTO Generators stocked - in both 1ph and 3ph
Can also build units Fixed and Portable to meet your specific needs.
This includes Split Phase. All Meccalte Electrics with 2 year warranty.
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Features: - Hardox Chassis - Replacable Blade - HD Ram - Bolt on Hitch In Stock now:
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200-8” Cut suit 2.7 to 10t from £3,950
300-12 Cut swit 6 to 21t from £5,950
400-16 Cut suit 12t to 38t from £9,260
UK QUALITY ATTACHMENTS FOR EXCAVATORS ETC
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£11,250+VAT
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NEW MACHINE OFFERS
Kioti K9 2410 ( new model ) UTV, 50k, full cab & heater
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Ritchie heavy duty yard scraper POA
S/H TRACTORS & MACHINES
£78,000+VAT
/ 2000 HRS C/W: 142HP, front suspension, 4WD, diff lock, powershift gearbox, air con, front weights, suspended seat, 4 mechanical spools, Isobus 7” monitor, Kubota loader & work lights. Tyres - R:520/70 R38 F:420/70 R28.
RICHARD WESTERN SF18HS TRAILER (2021)
C/W: Sprung drawbar, air & oil brakes, arched full front window, hydraulic door & grain chute. Single tipping ram, commercial axles, silage kit, front to back transcovers, highline lights, flashing beacon & number plate holder. Tyres - 560/60 R22.5.
2022 Deutz 5090D keyline c/w new Quicke X3 loader
2015 Kubota RTVX900 rops utility vehicle
£30,750.00
£9,250.00
2008 Kubota M6040 rops, ag tyres, tidy £11,950.00
Dragone 2.0mtr flail topper hyd side shift
Port Agric Cutless 2.4mtr grass topper
Teagle 2.4mtr grass topper
£2,350.00
£1,595.00
£995.00
2021 McKee multi purpose trailer, 12 tonne, sprung drawbar, very tidy
With nearly 40 years’ experience, A & M Generators Limited are a backup power and generator specialist offering JCB’s full range of diesel generators and Riello UPS systems together with all ancillary equipment such as fuel tanks, acoustic enclosures, switchgear and control systems.
New JCB QS 45-330KVA available. Finance available on new generators.
*Subject to terms and conditions.
Range of hire fleet generators from 20-1000KVA for weddings, events, short- and long-term hire.
Orders being taken for PTO generators from 20-150KVA, portable & static. Stock of used generators.
Please call for list of second-hand generators as these change daily.
Please call Aled on 07534 423 331, Office 01559 500139 or email aled@amgenerators.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS
Although
• T: 01629 56678 • M:
JOHN DEERE GATOR
ym 2016. Road registered. C/w canopy. 3320hrs tidy order.
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BUNNING 105
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JOHN DEERE 1365 TRAILED MOWER CONDITIONER
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KRONE 882 8 ROTOR TEDDER Ym 2019. Hyd headland control. Price: £9750
WEEKS 14T GRAIN TRAILER
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HISPEC 3000G TANK Sprung draw bar. On 750 Trelleborg tyres. Ym 2015. 2 fill points. 1 farmer from new. nice tank.
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KRONE TC 760 TWIN ROTOR RAKE
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AGCO HESSTON 7434
HERBST 14T DUMP TRAILER
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HISPEC 2000G SLURRY TANK
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MOWER CONDITIONER
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KUHN GA 7501 TWIN ROTOR RAKE Ym 2016. 1 farmer from New. Price: £13950
BAILEY TB 9. GRAIN TRAILER
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KUHN FC 303 GC TRAILED CENTER PULL MOWER CONDITIONER
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POTTINGER HIT 8.91 8 ROTOR TEDDER Ym 2018. 1 farmer from new. Price: £9600
BAILEY BALE TRAILER
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KUHN FC 302 G TRAILED MOWER CONDITIONER Swivel head stock. Ym 2006. Straight mower. Ym 2006. 1 farm from new !!
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MALONE TEDD AIR 4 ROTOR TEDDER Ym 2020. Tidy order Price: £5950
The versatile and efficient solution for all your loading and material handling needs. With a one-ton lift capacity and twin auxiliary hydraulic lines, this little machine can handle a variety of tasks with ease. £13995+vat ARTIC STEER LOADERS
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Sheep trailers single and tandem axle, sheep snackers, ATV tipping trailers Made in Wales. Nationwide delivery available
We are a family run business, established in 1969 by Roger Boss and his son Andy Boss, who is now heading the business and has recently been joined by Daughter, Lucy Boss.
All having a wealth of experience specialising in commercial vehicle sales and contract hire. Now specialising in Suzuki Quad Trucks.
Suzuki Pick-up DA63T & DA16T QUADTRUCK - A versa le, prac cal, and safer transport solu on. Quad trucks are as capable as any other all-terrain vehicle and can be registered for road use.
We o er a selec on of used Quad Trucks to accommodate your unique business needs and back it up with excep onal a er sales service and parts support. We can also arrange vehicle finance.
Conven onal driving with full 2-seater cab and doors This means no helmets are required.
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Fuel economy uses half the fuel usage of other quad and sideby-side vehicles.
Seatbelts, radio, and heater are standard. The latest models can also come with air condi oning, power steering, di -lock, airbags, and more.
We don’t just sell used Quad trucks, we back up our product with excep onal service and parts support. We also have several op onal extras to add to your Suzuki Quad Truck, including Towbars, Li Kits, Various Bull Bar/Bumper Bars, Ifor style aluminium stock canopy with drop-down sides. We also stock a range of steel and alloy wheels that can be paired with standard road tyres, chunkier allrounders, all-terrains as well as tractor type versions. Suzuki’s can also be painted to a colour of your choice. Suzuki Quad Truck Specialists Bentley Garage, Banks Green, Upper Bentley, Redditch B97 5SU Worcestershire T: 01527 62336 M: 07860 546104 sales@abbeycommercials.com www.abbeycommercials.com
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CASTLE AGRI
• Very accurate spread
spreading on youtube, just type in castleagri
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• Converts Slurry Into Big Droplets - less emissions, more available nitrogen
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Muck
Slurry
XSplit - the ultimate separation solution
Separating makes slurry handling much easier and significantly reduces the amount of slurry needing to be stored. Vogelsang’s XSplit slurry separator can produce solids of up to 40% dry matter, making liquid slurry much easier to apply during spreading season.
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