Farmers Guardian Scottish 21st June 2024

Rishi Sunak promises ‘cull will continue’, Labour brands it ‘ineffective’. Report p4-5.

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Establishing a low-input, forage-based sheep enterprise was an obvious choice for new entrants Sam and Samantha Edwards. See p94-96.

Welcome from the editor

Sheep turn their backs on Prime Minister, but have rural voters?

DESPITE videos of sheep giving the Prime Minister the cold shoulder almost breaking the internet this week, Rishi Sunak was anything but sheepish when he addressed the farmers who had gathered to see him in North Devon (see p4-5).

Effusive about farming’s contribution to the economy and reaffirming his commitment to long-term agricultural funding and, in particular, the continuation of the badger cull, anyone would think there was an election around the corner.

And the farmers who enthusiastically listened to him, as he was perched atop bales of straw which, after this season were climbing in value as he spoke, told us they were in no doubt that the Tories were the only party serious about farming.

However, while Labour has now vowed to bring an end to what it dubbed the ‘ineffective’ badger cull, Boris Johnson effectively did this when he was in power.

In his bid to suit voters, he not only stoked up anger across the industry, with farmers once again witnessing bovine TB being used as a political football (it has since the 1980s), it also weakened the industry’s confidence in the UK’s long-term bTB eradication plan.

When pressed by our chief reporter Rachael Brown, who was invited to interview the PM in the relative calmness of the farm’s machinery shed, he referred to both the Brunton report, showing badger culling reduced herd

incidence rates by more than 50%, and the Birch study, which attributed the success of New Zealand’s scheme to the governance model – essentially Government working with industry, using a range of measures at their disposal, to overcome bTB.

Bolstering the governance model, beefing up legislation to ensure badger culling remains a key part of the bTB eradication going forward, for as long as is necessary, is something the Conservatives could have done when in power, but chose not to.

And while the politicking looks set to continue if Labour’s predicted landslide occurs, it will be down to the farming community, backed by science and powered by a will to get on top of the disease, to ensure Sir Keir Starmer’s party do the right thing for the industry.

As Devon sheep farmer Bryan Griffiths told Mr Sunak in an address which was broadcast across national media from the Chuggs’ family farm on Tuesday, farming policy has to put producers on the ground front and centre when forming policy, rather than allowing it to be hijacked by tunnelvisioned lobbyists with their own agendas.

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

‘A

As campaigning continues, Rishi Sunak used a farm visit to appeal to rural voters. Rachael

Brown and Chris Brayford report.

Rishi Sunak issues bold promises in bid to win over farmers

l £1 billion budget for food production

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak was keen to secure the votes of farmers in North Devon this week, with his pledge to back the badger cull and a promise to ringfence the extra £1 billion farming budget for food production.

During a campaign visit to the Chuggs’ family sheep farm near Barnstaple, traditionally a Conservative heartland which is under threat, the Prime Minister stood firm, outlining his party’s plan to ‘back British farmers’, amid a surge in support in the polls for the Reform UK Party, and warnings his party could face the worst General Election result ever.

When asked by Farmers Guardian if he was concerned by the momentum building by Reform UK in rural areas, he said ‘a vote for anyone that is a not a Conservative candidate, is just a vote to make it more likely that Keir Starmer is in No 10’.

In his attempt to sway those in the room, Mr Sunak claimed a future Labour Government would scrap agricultural property relief (see p6), which currently protects farmers from paying inheritance tax.

The Prime Minister was also asked by Devon sheep farmer and National Sheep Association vicepresident, Bryan Griffiths, if future farming policy would consult farmers, highlighting the worries that farming policy was being overhauled by individual lobbying groups.

Mr Sunak said farming policy had got ‘hijacked’ in the past, saying ‘we cannot lose sight of the fact that food production is the most important thing’, adding Labour in Wales was imposing top-down targets on farming ‘driving them [farmers] off their land.’

Criticised

Mr Sunak was also accompanied on-farm by his Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister, David Cameron, who criticised Labour’s ‘87 words on farming’.

We cannot lose sight of the fact that food production is the most important thing

RISHI SUNAK

The PM told Farmers Guardian the extra £1bn farming budget over the lifetime of the next Parliament would be ‘focused on food production’. With farmers wanting certainty, Mr Sunak said they would get it by re-electing him.

He said: “According to the NFU I represent more sheep than people. “I understand farming deeply. As I joke, I do not get to go home at the weekends unless I am getting my farming policy right.”

Badger cull is working, says PM

BADGER culls have to be part of the solution, said the Prime Minister, highlighting he knew of no other country which had eliminated bovine TB in cattle without tackling the problem in wildlife.

Organic dairy farmer Toby Ansdell asked Mr Sunak whether he would make a commitment to the sector that the badger cull would continue.

Mr Sunak emphatically agreed to the commitment.

He said he believed ‘in the science’ and the reduction in incidences showed ‘the plan is working’.

He added while investment and research into a vaccine was ongoing, ‘culls had to be part of the solution’.

It comes after the Labour Party

published its manifesto claiming the badger cull was ‘ineffective’, which stoked frustration among farmers.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said it ‘disrespects’ the industry’s efforts to eradicate the disease and ‘disregards’ the latest science showing a ‘56% decline in the disease’.

Commitment

Mr Ansdell said while he welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment, he still needed further reassurance that meant the cull was here to stay under a future Conservative Government.

He said: “We need a long-term commitment, because they do not realise the financial effects and the mental effects it has on farmers.”

Speaking to Farmers Guardian, the Prime Minister reiterated his comments that ‘the badger cull works, we will back the badger cull, it is an important tool in the toolbox’. David Chugg, who hosted the Prime Minister on his farm in North Devon said: “If we have that tool taken out to control bTB, we then go backwards to where we were a few years ago.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “The next Labour Government will work with farmers and scientists to introduce a serious package of measures to eradicate bTB, including rolling out vaccination, herd management and biosecurity programmes to protect farmers’ livelihoods, so we can end the badger cull.”

THE Scottish National Party (SNP) has claimed in its General Election manifesto that rejoining the European Union and gaining independence from the UK could deliver more funding for farming and rural sectors.

Releasing details of its policies and aims for agriculture on Wednesday (June 19), Scottish First Minister John Swinney said his party had put forward a ‘positive,

optimistic and hopeful alternative’ plan to back agriculture and farmers.

It included introducing a raft of measures including providing ‘sustainable’ funding for farming to pre-Brexit levels, agreeing a veterinary agreement with the EU and establishing a rural visa pilot scheme which would review immigration rules to help with labour shortages.

Specifically, the document said Scotland has had ‘no commitment’

SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES PROMISE NEW DEAL

THE Scottish Conservatives have promised to deliver a ‘new deal for farmers’ ahead of the General Election.

Revealing details of the party’s manifesto at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday, Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Rachael Hamilton said they would pledge a range of initiatives to combat the challenges it faces under a SNPled Government.

Some of the pledges include increasing the UK-wide farming budget by £1bn over the course of

the next Parliament, delivering a rural charter to enshrine the rights of rural communities in policymaking, giving Scottish farmers the green light to use ‘game-changing’ gene editing technology, introducing a Young Person’s Agri-Enterprise Fund to support new entrants into the sector and tackling rural crime through a Rural Theft Bill.

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross said agriculture would be a priority for ‘every Scottish Conservative MP elected’.

“Sadly, the same cannot be said

Scottish Labour reveals manifesto

SCOTTISH Labour, led by Anas Sarwar, has dedicated marginally more space than the 87 words on farming seen in UK Labour’s manifesto, with 113 words on its plans for agriculture.

It said: “Food security is a national security issue.

“Agriculture policy is devolved, and Scottish Labour wants to champion Scottish farming while protecting the environment.”

It also highlighted needing to use public procurement to support local producers, increasing the proportion of food purchased across the public sector which is locally-produced or of certified higher environmental production standards.

Safeguard

Scottish Labour also said it would work to safeguard the sector and the jobs it supports while it works towards net zero ambitions.

On animal welfare, it committed to ‘strengthening wildlife protection law and animal welfare, including humane wildlife control and appropriate land management’ practices.

from Westminster on any future funding for farming after 2025 and said the UK Government must increase funding for farming – to at least pre-Brexit levels – and provide certainty through multi-annual funding frameworks.

Mr Swinney added decisions about Scotland ‘should be made in Scotland’.

“The Westminster system is broken,” he said.

for other political parties fighting for the votes of farmers at this election,” he said.

He criticised Labour’s lack of detail on agriculture in its manifesto, as well as the SNP for keeping farmers ‘in the dark’ on future funding support.

“In contrast to the other parties, our manifesto commitments show we are on their side.”

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SNP says Westminster system is broken

Farmer David Chugg showing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak his Mules, during his on-farm visit in Devon.

PICTURE: FARLAP PHOTOGRAPHY

Douglas Ross

Agricultural Property Relief under threat

THE Conservative Party has accused the Labour Party of ‘raiding’ farm businesses if they are elected to lead the next Government following the General Election on July 4, alleging a change to Agricultural Property Relief.

Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer insisted potential tax increases on farm businesses could be a ‘disaster’ for food security.

Sir Mark said: “Imposing inheritance tax on family farms would be a disaster for food security, the rural economy and our environment.

“Family farms are the backbone of rural Britain. It is vital Labour understands and supports this.”

Lose support

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said any party which applied tax on agriculture properties could lose the support of farmers and rural communities.

Ms Vyvyan added it would ‘jeopardise the future of family farms up and down the country’.

Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser at the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, warned of the impact on the tenanted sector and that many landowners might choose not to let land.

The Labour Party had ruled out any additional tax increases other than what had been outlined in its manifesto, which would be on foreign property owners and non-domiciled residents.

Lettuce behind e.coli outbreak

THE Food Standards Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of e.coli, which is thought to have originated at a salad producer.

Major retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op, Aldi and Boots have had to recall products containing lettuce.

The wet weather makes controlling bacteria in salad more challenging. It is not clear whether the salad was grown in the UK or imported.

More than 200 people were affected with the bug, with 67 requiring hospital treatment.

FARMERS’ EPIC JOURNEY AROUND UK COASTLINE

A GROUP of farmers have pooled their tractor-driving skills and built up their energy reserves to take part in an epic journey around the UK coastline.

The team of between 14 and 16 farmers will drive in shifts during the challenge, which began on Cleethorpes seafront on June 10 at 9am. It has been planned over the past two years by farmers James Casswell and Taron Lee, with James loaning his JCB Fastrac tractor for the journey.

The run has taken on extra poignancy as it is also now being held to honour the memory of young farmer Alec Newlove, who took his own life earlier this year.

Alec was chair of Louth Young Farmers’ Club and regarded as an inspiration to young people, both inside and outside the club, and is a respected and much-missed family member and friend to many.

● Vote enables work on new support framework

By Chris Brayford

HOLYROOD has passed the landmark Agriculture Bill, meaning the work of developing the new agricultural support network can begin.

In a vote on Tuesday (June 18), 115 members of Scottish Parliament voted in favour of passing the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill.

NFU Scotland’s director of policy Jonnie Hall said the Bill could allow for the implementation of a new agricultural support framework to help farmers and crofters deliver ‘desired outcomes’ around food production, biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation.

Mr Hall said: “A profitable, sustainable agricultural industry is key to Scotland’s ambitions, and having the powers to deliver the right support is crucial.

“With the primary legislation in place, the task of developing and implementing the new support framework can really begin.”

He added that getting it ‘right’ was critical.

“Farmers and crofters must be recognised and rewarded for actions

Landmark Agriculture Bill passed

they take, and incentivised to enable change to improve the resilience, efficiency and profitability of the agriculture sector,” he said.

Challenges

Eleanor Kay, senior policy adviser at Scottish Land and Estates, said the value of the Agricultural Bill could only be as good as the secondary legislation that was created from it, with a need for Scottish Government to overcome challenges in the future policy and support framework in Scotland.

Pete Ritchie, convenor of the charity, Scottish Environment LINK’s food and farming group, criticised the lack of direction in the

Bill, and said business as usual was ‘no longer a viable option’ in paying farmers for the size of land they had, rather than what it could deliver for the environment.

However, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the Bill would enable the delivery of support schemes for farmers and crofters in ‘cutting emissions, mitigating climate change, enhancing nature and biodiversity, together with food production’.

She added: “As we transition to a new framework of support, we will do this in a way that is just, that ensures no cliff edges in support and by taking our agricultural industry and rural communities with us.”

James Casswell (left) and Taron Lee.

Livestock keepers: Are you prepared for bluetongue?

With an increasing risk of introduction this year, keepers must be aware of how to spot and report bluetongue cases.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed there is a very high probability of a new introduction of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) into livestock in Great Britain in 2024.

The virus affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas and is spread by biting midges. It can also be transmitted via infected germinal products and can be passed on maternally from mother to unborn offspring. The disease does not affect meat or animal products, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease with cases having been found across northern Europe. Cases were detected in England between November 2023 and March 2024 after infected midges were blown over from the continent. It’s a different serotype from the 2008 outbreak with no authorised vaccine currently available.

Biting midges are most active between April and November and counties along the south and east coasts of England are

most at risk of a wind-borne incursion given their proximity to northern Europe.

Keepers of ruminants and camelids can help minimise the potential spread of bluetongue by:

• Checking the health of animals and reporting any suspicious clinical signs which can include fever, crusting and ulcers around muzzle area, swollen head, salivating and lameness. In severe cases it can cause abortions, malformations, and death in animals.

• Registering all livestock with APHA.

• Registering all land and buildings used to keep

livestock, even short term lets, with APHA so the location of susceptible animals can be traced to help prevent and control disease.

• Taking advantage of the free testing on offer for animals moving from the highest risk counties to live elsewhere in Great Britain to guard against the movement of undetected disease to new areas - clinical signs are not always apparent despite infection and testing can help prevent a silent spread.

If new cases are detected, control measures will be used to minimise impact until a safe and effective vaccine becomes available. These measures will include the implementation of disease control zones and movement restrictions of susceptible species and their germinal products within these zones. Keepers in these zones may need to apply for licences and test their animals before and in some cases after moving them. Limited culling of infected animals may also be undertaken if it’s believed this could contain and eradicate disease.

More information on the approach to controlling the disease in England in 2024 can

be found in the BTV-3 Disease Control Framework on gov.uk. The situation is being monitored in Scotland and Wales where the risk of disease is currently considered lower.

Visit gov.uk/bluetongue for more information including clinical signs, free testing and applying for movement licences.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling:

• 03000 200 301 in England

• 03003 038 268 in Wales

• Your local Field Services Office in Scotland

Visit gov.uk/bluetongue for more information

Clinical signs can vary.

l Flora

adverts popping up on farmers’ YouTube

AN advert for a Flora butter alternative has branded ‘cow butter’ as ‘weird’, with farmers on social media also being targeted by the advertisements.

Using TV celebrity Sam Thompson to front the campaign, Flora’s new series, called ‘Milking It’, explored Gen Z’s (people born from 1997-2012) attitude to our daily habits – and dairy produce came under fire.

On its website, Flora said: “Ever thought about how eating dairy butter is, well, strange? Because we do! So, we set out to discover whether the nation’s view on eating dairy butter is like our own…that it is a bit weird when you really think about it.”

Cumbria farmer and YouTuber Charlotte Ashley said Flora adverts had been popping up on her channel.

With advertisers needing to input keywords for adverts to show up on specific channels, it begged the question whether Flora had been deliberately targeting dairy farmers.

According to research analysts IBIS World, the butter and cheese market in the UK measured at £4.6 billion in 2023, up 11.8% from the previous year. It is a lucrative market for alternative plant-based companies to target.

Ms Ashley, who recently converted to dairy on her farm in Appleby-in-Westmorland, blocked Flora from serving adverts to her specific channel – she has more than 22,000 followers and over 109,000 on TikTok.

She said: “As with many things in life, you should not have to put others down to elevate yourself –

With farming and animal products under fire from plantbased alternative brands, Emily Ashworth takes a look at whether the UK should ban products using ‘meaty’ language.

Plant-based advertising targets dairy

and this applies to products as well. I always had Flora down as running good marketing, not this shoddy attention-seeking attempt at division.”

When approached about whether its advertising was harmful to the industry and about its appeared deliberate YouTube advert targeting, Flora said it was a ‘light-hearted campaign’ aimed at getting people to ‘make informed decisions’.

A spokesperson said: “This is part of Flora Plant’s ongoing commitment to provide consumers with choice, and to offer natural, delicious, plant-based food that is good for them and the planet. We could not produce our products without farmers, who grow the plants that go into our Flora Plant products.”

NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: “Let us be clear: this is not butter, and relying on word

play for promotion is elementary marketing. Real, creamy, whole butter is not in the same food group as the alternatives; they do not share the same ingredients or nutrition, so calling them the same is misleading.”

Divisive

Amy Bateman, a Lake District farmer, also added that it was ‘incredibly divisive’. She purchases non-dairy spreads for her dairy-intolerant children, but said adverts for Flora and Oatly made her avoid the products.

One of Flora’s TV adverts also caused alarm to industry organisations with its use of language. It said cows were ‘pumped’ with plants in order to make milk.

AHDB complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about the suggestion farmers were ‘pumping plants through a cow’.

It said it believed the term implied cows were either force-fed or fed foods which were ‘contrary to their natural diet’.

“Force-feeding is banned in the UK under The Welfare of Farmed Animals [England] Regulations 2000, and so dairy cows are never force-fed,” it said.

The levy body highlighted cows in the UK were fed solely on a plantbased diet.

“Providing this information, AHDB believes the phrase ‘pumping plants through’ is misleading and breaches CAP code 3.1,” it said.

Joanna Blythman, an award-winning food writer, said as Flora could ‘never win the taste or naturalness argument’, she felt it had targeted the next generation, many of whom were on social media and closely followed food trends.

“There is absolutely nothing weird about eating butter. Eating dairy and other livestock-sourced foods is one of the reasons that humans have evolved and developed bigger brains,” she said.

“It is utterly irresponsible for Flora to promote its products to impressionable younger generations by discouraging them from eating one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods. So-called ‘plant-based’ butter and dairy alternatives have a vastly inferior nutritional profile when compared to the natural foods they imitate.”

She warned eliminating ‘valuable’ animal-sourced food put people at risk of micronutrient deficiency and the consequent health problems.

Emotional connection

Encouraging the emotional connection was a main ‘trick’ in food advertising, according to advertising solutions agency Gourmet Ads.

It unconsciously links the consumer to a desired emotional state, increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has had some hard-hitting adverts – the most recent was in December 2023, where it likened eating a turkey to eating your pet cat. Underneath was a clear call to action: ‘Go vegan’.

ASA did, however, deem an advert by vegan association Vegan Friendly too upsetting for viewers in 2022, after showing footage of farm animals ready for slaughter and a family at a dinner table, asking the viewer to ‘make the connection’.

A number of pro-vegan adverts may have been taken down, but Swedish food giant Oatly won a four-year

A screenshot from Flora’s ‘Skip the Cow’ advert.

A

battle at the end of 2023 after being locked in a court feud with Dairy UK. The issue was based around Oatly’s slogan, ‘Post Milk Generation’, and the use of the term ‘milk’.

Europe

It could be an opportunity for the UK to follow its European counterparts in Italy and France, where the Government banned any plantbased products from using some animal terms – for example, ‘steak’ or ‘sausage’.

La Vie is a French plant-based pork producer, creating vegan bacon, hams and various other pork-related foods and sells in the UK. But questions were raised about

whether its pork-inspired offerings should be called ‘pork’, with deceptive advertising also called out.

One advert claimed ‘Britain’s best bacon is not from a pig. Or Britain’.

With price at the forefront of many shoppers’ minds, and strong marketing from the plant-based brigade, it is easy to see how shoppers could be led down the vegan aisle.

But the British public is still buying meat and dairy, with farm-to-fork stories a selling point.

New brand All Things Butter launched its own butter product in 2023 and has seen an incredible sixmonth sales period, with a slogan of ‘artisan dairy since 1959’.

Heritage plays a huge part in its

marketing, but the brand’s point of difference is its chef-led approach, creating unique flavours and putting British farming at the forefront. Made on Brue Valley Farm, All Things Butter had a strong start and has recently secured listings with Sainsbury’s, Asda and Ocado.

It has recently closed a £2.2 million seed funding round, and with renewed support – its first six months saw sales sky-rocket, selling more than 250,000 blocks – there are new export opportunities to reach American and Middle Eastern markets.

Maybe that is where our industry’s strength lies – in the stories behind the people who make the product and, more so, care.

Dairy alternatives have a vastly inferior nutritional profile when compared to the natural foods they imitate

JOANNA BLYTHMAN

Flora butter alternative advert has said that ‘cow butter’ is ‘a bit weird when you really think about it’.

SAYFC launches Respect initiative at Royal Highland

THE Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) has unveiled its Respect campaign at the Royal Highland Show.

The campaign, which was being supported by Scottish agricultural charity RSABI, aims to encourage every young farmer to play their part in positively contributing to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive and fun environment for young people.

The initiative will promote healthy relationships, kindness and inclusivity through positive role modelling supported by education, training and awareness-raising.

The campaign will see the appointment of Respect ambassadors in every club throughout Scotland.

The initiative will focus on different priority areas through the year, with a focus on training and education. As well as mental health first aid, first aid and suicide prevention training, young farmers from each club will be offered alcohol awareness training supported by RSABI, working with other organisations which specialise in these areas.

Vibrant network

SAYFC chair Ally Brunton said: “SAYFC is a vibrant network which nurtures growth, celebrates achievement and champions the future of rural Scotland, and is incredibly important for so many young people in the industry.

“It offers them a support system and enables them to be part of a like-minded community. By fostering a culture of respect and awareness throughout all levels of the organisation, we ensure that our members feel valued and supported, enhancing their well-being and creating a positive impact on the wider community.”

Industry outrage after police ram cow with car

● BBC presenter under fire after X post

By Chris Brayford and Alex Black

FARMING figures have called for the police to create a contact list of farmers in the local area to help with loose livestock after footage circulated of Surrey Police running over a cow which had escaped.

Surrey Police said the cow had been hit by one of its vehicles on Friday evening (June 14) after escaping from a farm.

The officer has been removed from frontline duties and referred to Surrey Police’s Professional Standards Department as well as the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further investigation.

Despite sustaining a large cut to its leg, the cow has been returned to its owner where it is being monitored.

The partner of the farmer who owns the cow called the footage ‘horrific’, adding it looked like the police had tried to kill it.

On X, Jeremy Clarkson said: “I will vote for any party which stops the police from running over cows.”

Also on X, BBC broadcaster John Simpson, said: “Is there not something a bit illogical about getting

upset by a police car hitting a cow, then sitting down to enjoy a Sunday lunch of roast beef?”

Yorkshire Pig farmer Anna Longthorp said it showed an ‘astounding level of ignorance’.

She compared it to comments made by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the pig crisis, which suggested culling healthy pigs on-farm was no different to pigs going into the food supply chain.

“The farming community are extremely upset by the footage; personally I have watched once and cannot watch again, it is too distressing.”

Farming contacts

She also urged the police to build a network of farming contacts to call upon.

“I know the farming community would happily give their own time to help bring any distressed animal to safety,” Ms Longthorp added.

The NFU was also under fire after its South East livestock chair was quoted in national media outlets as saying the police were ‘probably right’ to take that action.

Hugh Broom, NFU’s South East livestock chair, said while he recognised the situation looked ‘horrendous’, officers’ options were limited.

Cheshire dairy farmer Phil Latham

I know the farming community would happily give their own time to help bring any distressed animal to safety

ANNA LONGTHORP

said the quotes were ‘as much help as a large battery in a sinking boat surrounded by sharks’.

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said: “Like all farmers, I was deeply shocked and disturbed by this awful footage. It is very rare for a cow or calf to get loose in an urban environment and I understand that the police have a responsibility to first and foremost protect the public.

“But there has to be a protocol in place to humanely and safely deal with these situations.”

He added the NFU was working with Surrey Police and other forces.

New legislation to eradicate BVD in Wales

NEW legislation will be introduced next month to support an industry-led approach to eradicating BVD in Wales.

From July 1, 2024, cattle farmers in Wales will need to screen their herds for BVD annually by testing a small number of cattle, and will have to isolate persistently infected animals from the rest of the herd for the remainder of their lives. Annual herd tests must be completed by July 1, 2025.

BVD is a widespread viral disease affecting cattle, which can lead to abortion, infertility, deformed calves

and compromised herd health and welfare, particularly within youngstock.

Targets

Welsh Government said eradicating BVD from Wales will not only improve standards of animal welfare and the sustainability of the cattle industry, but also help the country ‘achieve its net zero targets sooner’.

They said eradicating BVD from a typical Welsh herd of 40 cattle could ‘reduce the carbon footprint by around 70,200kg CO2e annually’.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said he recognised the serious impact BVD had on animal health and the ‘economic costs of the disease for farm businesses’, adding he fully supported the partnership approach in tackling this issue.

Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Richard Irvine said: “We can achieve eradication through the ongoing efforts of all cattle farmers, working closely with their vets, to screen and protect their herds from BVD.”

Footage of Surrey Police running over an escaped cow has been circulated.

From left: SAYFC chair Ally Brunton with vicechair Jillian Kennedy.

Report reveals supply chain may ‘push’ regen uptake

● Retailers encouraging adoption of the principles

By Jane Thynne

MORE farmers may be looking into regenerative farming in response to growing pressure from the supply chain, a new report has suggested.

In its latest Food and the Environment study, rural land specialists Savills said the supply chain could be considered a ‘significant accelerant’, coupled with an increasing number of

supportive Government policies and financial incentives.

According to the study, pressure on retailers and producers such as Waitrose, Arla, Nestle and McCain to hit their own net zero goals had led them to either issue environmental targets to their farmer suppliers or to introduce schemes rewarding those that take up more regenerative agricultural practices.

Andrew Wraith, head of food and farming at Savills, said: “There are some drivers in the supply chain –some well-known brands are commit-

Pressure on retailers to hit their own net zero goals has led to them issuing environmental targets for their farmer suppliers.

ting to regenerative farming and encouraging suppliers to adopt some of the principles. At the moment it feels more of a pull rather than push approach. Ultimately, there has to be something in it for growers.”

Farm finances

However, the study also pointed to the impact on farm finances during the transition from conventional to regenerative.

According to Savills, during the initial years, the net margin from food production falls 64% relative to a conventional system, although it also pointed out there may be additional income from the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), carbon and regenerative crop premiums to help to bridge the gap.

The research showed with current

SFI options, some carbon trading and premiums, regenerative farming improved the overall net margin by £250 per hectare compared to £49/ha under conventional cropping.

Longer term prospects have also improved, by year six the regenerative system margin, according to Savills’ modelling, now exceeded the conventional system by 31%.

In terms of policy post the July 4 General Election, Mr Wraith said it did not appear there were any plans for change in the short-term.

“It is most definitely not a one-size-fitsall approach in the same way no two farms are the same,” Mr Wraith said.

“Ultimately, farming businesses need to be pragmatic – it is about balancing any risk with the potential economic return and future opportunities.”

IS it any wonder with the relentless rain and the need for countless change of clothes to deal with the weather that mental health is suffering.

Mental health is one of the problems facing all industries and at last agriculture is prioritising it.

Poor mental health affects farmworkers as well as farmers. I had my first nervous breakdown at the age of 16. That was in 1967.

Sadly, there are people who are not prepared to help those who have poor mental health.

If Pensions Secretary Mel Stride

Write Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Facebook facebook.com/FarmersGuardian Twitter @farmersguardian Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

Social media reactions

HERE are some of the best comments from social media in response to Farmers Guardian’s exclusive column from Sir Keir Starmer on June 14:

■ “Then treat them with respect and give them a level playing field

wants to reduce benefit cost, people have to give those with a poor mental health record a long-term job. Without this essential help, the benefit bill will rise.

And there will be no benefit to Government or people.

P.C. Williams, Newport.

with regard to imports and equivalent welfare standards.”

■ “No-one works harder than farmers! That’s why, whoever wins the election, the next Government will introduce the eight-day week so farmers can work a

We need a balanced view of all parties

HAVING read Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on agricultural policy in the June 14 copy of Farmers Guardian,

little harder for a little less! They really don’t care, lip service to anything outside their own wealth.” DOMINIC WITHINGTON

■ “Not a big fan of him, but he is correct.” LIAM CREED

I felt it left a lot to be desired, was very vague, harped on about rural communities, but very little about agricultural policy. It was very much like when animal rights protesters start their diatribe by saying ‘I once stayed on a farm, so I know about farming’. His party wants to open the countryside to everybody, like one big playground, and further curb traditional rural pursuits.

Charles Sanderson.

Will you be giving the opportunity for all party leaders to have their say, including Reform’s Nigel Farage? The only agricultural manifesto that I’ve seen that actually stands up for the true values of agriculture comes from the Reform Party. It makes, for me, interesting and compelling reading.

Helen Smith, Lake District.

Holiday woes

WELSH Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, has committed to work with the Royal Welsh Show and the National Eisteddfod on reform of the school holiday calendar.

This follows the news that the Welsh Government has put its controversial plans to change the school holidays on hold.

It says no final decision on the changes will be made during this

■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, email it to fgeditorial@agriconnect.com Contact us

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

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Senedd term, but work on possible options would continue over the coming year.

The proposals would have seen the summer break for Welsh school pupils reduced by one week from 2026.

That week would have been added to what is currently a one-week half-term break in October.

The proposed changes would have meant that schools would still be open during the Royal Welsh Show, which is the largest agricultural event of its kind in Europe, and has always traditionally taken place annually in Llanelwedd during the first week of summer break.

According to organisers, if pupils and their families did not attend the event because they were in school, the society could lose more than £1 million because of reduced gate sales, membership and camping revenue.

I welcome this assurance from the Cabinet Secretary for Education that she will work with the Royal Welsh Show, the Eisteddfod and other organisations on reform of the school calendar.

It is now incumbent on the Welsh Government to make sure that any changes that are made don’t negatively impact these iconic festivals.

Llyr Gruffyd, Plaid Cymru rural affairs spokesperson.

Leader

Angela Calvert Features Editor and Head of Livestock Sales – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

Celebrate marts and those doing a great job

THE 180-year history of Farmers Guardian runs in parallel with that of auction marts, which were starting to become established in the 1840s.

In spite of huge changes and challenges to the marts over the years, the principles of providing a fair and transparent way of selling livestock governed by supply and demand remain the same.

Here at FG, we have always recognised the importance of auction marts and now, more than ever, they are a vital part of the farming industry and the wider rural economy.

Not only are they a place to trade livestock, but many have also evolved into hubs where farmers can see other professionals such as vets or land agents, buy supplies and even see a nurse.

But most importantly, they are a place where farmers can meet, have a chat, maybe over a cuppa or a meal. For many, this is the only place they see other farmers, or even anyone at all, and the benefits this sense of community brings cannot

Young Farmer Focus

‘We cannot afford to ignore their value

to the country’

AS a third-generation farmer, agriculture means so much to me and my family.

I grew up on our farm, which I think has provided me with such an enriching view of the world.

My earliest memories on the farm include watching the cows come into the parlour on glorious summer nights.

Just being able to work with my family on-farm was magical.

Achievement: Towards the end of last year, I was announced as one of the NFU’s Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors which was a huge privilege and honour.

The programme has helped to shape my skills and experience in leading this sector and how to influence change at a Government level.

The NFU does such fantastic work on behalf of farmers. Farming would be a lot worse without it banging the drum for the industry and pushing for change.

Career: I am currently at the beginning

of my career as a solicitor and I hope to specialise in all-things farming and rural matters at Roythornes. Whenever I tell people about my career choice, they tell me how pleased they are that someone with a farming background is working on their behalf.

I understand how invaluable my knowledge of farming matters can be to help with the problems farmers face. Challenges: Attracting new talent to the industry could be one of the biggest challenges the industry faces.

From my experience at Chase Young Farmers’ Club in Staffordshire, I understand how vital the organisations are to communities and well-being. They are an essential lifeline to young people working arduously long days and hours, who feel lonely and disconnected.

Young Farmers are fundraising to support their communities while leading the future direction of the industry and

be underestimated. This is why, nine years ago, we launched the Mart’s the Heart Awards to celebrate auction marts and those involved with them who do such a great job for the industry. l Entries for the Mart’s the Heart Awards close on June 28, so please take a moment to nominate a market, a young auctioneer or a market cafe at surveymonkey.com/r/WJ3Q8LL

FG’s 180-year anniversary

Celebrating 180 years of Farmers Guardian

AS Farmers Guardian marks its 180th anniversary, our online hub is full of content which not only looks back and celebrates farming’s rich and varied history, but also looks to the future, with inspirational stories and features from farming champions. Look out for our special ‘Voices of the Generations’ podcast coming soon and our series on the next generation of hill farmers. For more information, go to farmersguardian.com/fg-180

Magnus Brown

finding solutions to the problems we face in agriculture.

Important: Farmers in general are so important to our daily lives. Family farms in particular are what makes this country great. They are the guardians of the countryside and ensure we have

Bromley, Staffordshire Magnus Brown, 21, is a dairy farmer, trainee solicitor at Roythornes and an NFU Student and Young Farmer Ambassador.

a readily available source of top-quality food to eat.

Farmers are resilient, determined and passionate about food production and protecting the environment. We cannot afford to ignore their value to the country.

The industry faces so many challenges and it is important to ensure farmers receive the support they need to produce food to the very highest standards in the world.

I am privileged to be a Young Farmer and feel privileged to have experienced all that I have while leading the industry into the future.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Abbots

Magnus Brown

Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com

With

Rising global appetite fuels red meat trade

● Vietnam, Mexico and Taiwan ‘huge successes’

OPPORTUNITIES for UK red meat exporters continue to rise as demand for animal protein increases, despite the uncertainty of global challenges around the world.

At AHDB’s Red Meat Exports Conference in London last week (June 13), delegates took part in discussions surrounding some of the global trends and patterns in trade production,

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future risks and the challenges facing producers.

Despite the challenges which have arisen from conflict around the world, Nicholas Saphir, chair at AHDB, said the demand for red meat remained important, with consumers who wanted to taste the ‘quality meat’ reared in the UK.

According to AHDB, UK red meat exports in 2023 were valued at £1.7 billion, equalling the record year in 2022, while stating global demand for animal protein has grown, with worldwide pigmeat, beef and sheepmeat consumption expected to increase by 11%, 10% and 15% respectively by 2032.

Capitalise

Tom Dracup, AHDB’s lead analyst on red meat, said worldwide market volatility from political conflict had placed pressure on farms, but producers had been able to manage risks to capitalise value in the export market.

He added: “Red meat production has tightened in Europe over the last year because of global conflict placing pressure on the prices of beef, lamb and pork.

“Political uncertainty is also impacting exchange rates in the red meat sector, with 40% of the global population heading to the ballot box this year.

“But exports provide producers with an opportunity to manage that risk and ensure we have a robust portfolio moving forward which adds value to farm businesses and gives the UK an opportunity to maximise from because the demand for UK red meat is still very important.”

Ouafa Doxon, senior market access manager at AHDB, said new oppor-

tunities and the success of previous missions to open new markets worldwide had shown the hunger for quality UK red meat.

“Currently, China’s importance for pork is opening a lot of doors for farmers due to the very high level of pork the country consumes.

“Taiwan, Mexico and Vietnam have been huge success stories for us in opening those crucial markets for beef, pork and lamb generating opportunities for growth and development.

“We will be working over the next year to open new markets in Canada, the Caribbean islands, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia, including beef and pork.

“We are delivering for producers because of your dedication to the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

“Global markets want to taste the quality of red meat farmed in the UK and that will never change.”

AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson said the ‘global appetite’ for animal proteins and exports of worldclass British red meat products had never been more important.

“The red meat sector should be rightly proud of what it can offer the global market and we have much to celebrate,” he added.

“Red meat exports are vital in underpinning domestic prices and ensuring carcase balance.

“AHDB will continue to invest in export development, working with industry and other stakeholders to drive further growth on behalf of levy payers and build on the momentum that has delivered global success to date.”

MORE INFORMATION

For more on global markets, see p19.

According to AHDB, UK red meat exports in 2023 were valued at £1.7 billion.

For more highlights from this year’s Cereals event, see pages 27-29 and 80-82.

Opening doors to the next generation of young farmers

● Exciting potential careers in agriculture

By Chris Brayford

HELPING create further opportunities, opening the doors to educational outreach programmes and fostering a progressive working environment have been some of the ideas suggested to ensure the next generation of young people are entering the farming and agricultural sector.

During a panel discussion at Cereals entitled ‘Getting the Next Generation Working in Agriculture’, host Guy Moreton, of MorePeople, said there was a bright and positive career for people working in agriculture.

“The beauty about the industry is you can be absolutely anything because agriculture is so varied,” Mr Moreton said.

“We already have a lot of talented individuals working wonders for the industry, but the next challenge is how to grow and sustain that for the next generation thinking about their next career move.

“Agriculture has such exciting potential moving forward.”

Retaining talent

James Little, head of commercial agriculture at British Sugar, said it was important the sector recognised how it needed to provide opportunities which would help retain talented people in the sector.

“We need to broaden our horizons and encourage people to take that next bold step.”

“We can be a closed industry in many respects. It is important that we go and seek out the next generation,” he said, adding there needed to be opportunities for people to grow, succeed and develop.

Adam White, head of agriculture at Barclays Bank, highlighted a number of opportunities for growth in recruiting young people into the sector, including how the industry communicates and presents itself.

“Attracting people to agriculture is about success stories,” he added.

“Agriculture appeals to a wide audience whether it is machinery, science, sustainability, or just traditional farming.

“If you are a young person, you have to take that leap of faith and believe in yourself. There is a place for you in agriculture.”

Exciting prospects

Henry Welham, senior agricultural manager at British Sugar, said agriculture presented a number of exciting opportunities for young people seeking a career in the sector.

“The expectation of UK agriculture is working long hours, getting covered in cow muck and being pretty cold and annoyed,” he added.

“So we have a duty within the industry to go out there and promote agriculture in a different way because it is really exciting.”

Stephen Jacob, chief executive at TIAH, added that the image of the industry was important, with farming competing with other sectors to attract staff.

Lincolnshire potato firm enters administration

ADMINISTRATORS have been appointed to Lincolnshire potato firm QV Realisations, part of the AH Worth Group.

It follows ‘significant losses’ for the company in the past two years.

Paul Meadows, a joint administrator at Teneo Financial Advisory, said that QV Realisations ceased trading on Monday June 10 after efforts to find a buyer had failed.

It was understood its Holbeach premises was affected but other parts of the AH Worth Group business were continuing to trade as normal.

The administrators said QV Realisations had been affected by a combination of volatile potato prices and increased operating costs.

Mr Meadows said the closure had led to about 200 redundancies, but a ‘skeleton team’ remained at QV to help administrators.

Fostering young talent is essential for the agricultural sector’s future.

PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER

Stability in lamb markets in run-up to Eid al-Adha

● QMS reports usual price uplift ‘unseen’

By Alex Black

LAMB prices have not seen their usual uplift ahead of Eid al-Adha, although cull ewe pricing has received support from the festival.

For the week ending June 8, the new season lamb deadweight average across Great Britain stood at 808p/kg, down 42p/kg on the week, while the old season lamb average stood at

739p/kg, down 55p/kg on the week.

Quality Meat Scotland market intelligence manager Iain Macdonald said: “So far in June, we have not seen the lift in lamb prices and auction throughput at Scottish auctions in the run-up to Eid al-Adha of previous years.

“However, lamb price stability at around £4/kg liveweight does suggest that Eid celebrations may have had some impact, given the otherwise downwards seasonal trend due to new season lamb supply building.

“It should also be noted that auction throughput continues to be limited by

Ember Energy UK WIDE

Lamb prices fell despite the increase in demand expected due to the Eid al-Adha festival.

a slow start to the new season following the wet spring and a reduced carryover of hoggs into 2024.”

“As a result, the lamb market remains historically firm with new season lamb prices averaging 33% higher than last year and 50% above the five-year average in the week ending June 12.”

He added they also saw some uplift in cull ewe pricing and throughput around two weeks before Eid al-Adha.

Glesni Phillips, intelligence, analysis and business insight executive at Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “It is clear that prices within the sheep market were falling before the beginning of Eid al-Adha on June 16.”

WANTED

She added early industry reports suggested the price for this week had not improved.

“This is likely due to numbers coming forward being strong.

“For the week ending June 8, new season lamb numbers were up

It is clear that prices within the sheep market were falling before the beginning of Eid al-Adha

GLESNI PHILLIPS

almost 30% on the previous week to 19,000 head.

“It is likely producers would be marketing their new season lambs now ahead of the expected demand for Eid, but this is weighing on the average.”

Pig farmers reporting a rise in confidence

MORE settled weather and a stable market have led to a much more positive outlook among pig producers.

worry for a lot of outdoor producers in the area.”

At the latest meeting of the National Pig Association’s Pig Industry Group, farmers were feeling more confident, but a number of concerns were also highlighted, including a recent spike in swine dysentery cases and the ever-present threat of African swine fever.

Members felt previous concerns over straw due to the wet weather had been alleviated.

Rattlerow’s Robin Lawson, based in the east of England, said: “The crops are in and we have got pretty good-looking straw, so hopefully we will not be short, which had been a

Joe Dewhirst, in Yorkshire, said things were ‘fairly settled’ in the northern region, although wet weather was still causing issues with spreading slurry. Speaking before pig prices recorded surprise declines, the marketing representative, Thames Valley Cambac’s Ollie Bown, said the market was ‘pretty stable’.

He added he was ‘not sure’ how strong demand was but there was some tightening of supplies.

“There is a bit of concern from producers as feed goes up and producers are also surprised at the cost as they look at new buildings and refurbishments.”

With the recent announcement of its ‘Farming for Nature’ programme, Rachael Brown spoke to Waitrose’s Jake Pickering about the retailer’s relationship with farmers.

Waitrose: ‘Farmers’ longterm security is our security’

● Fair pricing a key cornerstone of success

WAITROSE is not a retailer backing down on its commitments. It is not changing its UK sourcing policy based on pricing or dropping its welfare standards when it suits it from a pricing point of view.

That was the message from Waitrose’s senior manager for agriculture, Jake Pickering, who said the supermarket has stayed strong in supporting its farmers and growers over the years, most recently in the pig and egg sector, adding ‘we step up and put our hands in our pockets’.

The retailer has recently announced its ‘Farming for Nature’ programme – a plan to ‘accelerate nature friendly farming for British farmers.’ A total of 2,000 farmers and growers will make the move, to support the supermarket’s commitment to reaching net zero across all farms by 2035.

It is in response to an ‘industry-wide need to move to more resilient farming methods’ and a demand from Waitrose customers, with four in 10 worried about the impact of modern farming on nature.

Fair pricing

When probed on how the supermarket would ensure the transition stacked up financially for farmers, Mr Pickering said paying them a fair price was a ‘key cornerstone’ of Waitrose’s agricultural commitment, adding the sustainability and long-term survival of farms was ‘paramount’.

“We are not one of these retailers moving to New Zealand lamb just because it suits the commerciality of the time. We are standing by our fantastic British farmers and growers, because their long-term security is our long-term security. Without them we are nothing.”

Mr Pickering said there was a desire from customers to find out more about how their food is being produced, and it was their job to ‘deliver it and provide that choice for them’. He said it was not about picking and choosing products from re-

Waitrose senior manager for agriculture

Jake Pickering (inset) says the supermarket is committed to supporting British farmers.

generative or non-regenerative farming systems, but more about working with farmers to improve the ‘baseline across the board’.

When asked if the supermarket envisaged implementing its own environmental module, following the axing of Red Tractor’s Greener Farms Commitment module, Mr Pickering did not respond with either a yes or no, but instead stressed that while the purpose was not about ‘creating paperwork or form-filling’, the retailer wanted to be ‘bolder’ in its communications to customers about the work farmers were doing within nature and animal welfare.

“We have to ensure that we are doing that with integrity. So there will be checks and balances in place to confirm what we are saying is happening on our farms,” he said, adding it was not about creating new assurance schemes, but ‘moving forward, communicating with integrity and sharing best practice.’

When probed if he agreed there was a need to streamline auditing and tackle duplication,

he said ‘farmers just want to get on and farm’.

When asked for his opinion on the Government’s new farming support schemes, he said while Waitrose would work with Defra and farmers to advise, it was not going to ‘sit back and expect’ the Government schemes to provide all the answers.

Relationships

Waitrose has built ‘multi-decade relationships’ with its growers and farmers over the years, and when asked what made a successful relationship, Mr Pickering summed it up in three words – ‘openness, transparency and relationships’.

He said: “We want exactly what they want in terms of selling more of their fantastic products to our customers. It is all about relationships.”

When it comes to consumers, Mr Pickering said ‘transparency’ was also key, adding labels were ‘only so big and not always the answer’ for this.

He said there were many routes in offering customers reassurance

Consumers are getting more and more interested in how their food is being produced

JAKE PICKERING

and championing farmers’ work, including the supermarket’s weekend magazine, social media and adverts.

Mr Pickering said farming was one of the most exciting sectors to be in at the moment.

He said: “We are so much of the solution. We are facing an environment now where consumers are getting more and more interested in how their food is being produced.”

● Better trade access

a starting point

VIETNAM has been in the news of late for the UK, with the recent announcement of much-improved market access for pork products.

The country is also a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

John Giles, divisional director at Promar International, said the UK has now made considerable progress with negotiations to join the CPTPP.

“These had been expected to be formally concluded in the second half of this year. This is all intended to provide UK companies with a wider range of market options in a post-Brexit environment,” he said.

UK companies will find a large population with an expanding middle class, a rapidly developing retail sector and better market access than the past, but competition from other international suppliers was strong.

“Only a determined effort from UK companies is likely to see any form of tangible success. It needs, as in most export markets, a dedicated plan of attack,” he said.

Imports

Vietnam imports £10 billion worth of food products per annum, 20% of the overall food market. UK agri-food exports to Vietnam are in the region of £30 million.

“The new pork arrangements could add a further £12m to this,” Mr Giles said, adding there was still plenty of potential opportunity to grow.

Better trade access was a starting point for UK companies, but was probably ‘only half the challenge’, with potential exporters needing to develop a ‘deep understanding of the market place’.

Vietnam has a population of just under 100m and per capita income of just more than £3,000 based on World Bank data. Per capita income

Vietnam imports £10 billion worth of food products per annum.

UK access to Vietnam pork market sees boost

has been growing at around 4-5% per annum in the last few years.

“The overall food market at retail level is worth around £150bn and rose 13% year on year in the period between 2022-23,” Mr Giles said, adding this was a post-Covid rebound in domestic consumption alongside record high gross domestic product growth at 8%.

“This is forecast to drop to some 6% due to a number of factors, such as global market uncertainty, tightening Vietnam Government monetary policies and the ongoing effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

E-commerce sales were at about £12bn, up 26% over the last year.

Modern retail food chains have continued with their expansion plans.

“Notably, GS25 Vietnam, a joint venture between GS25 Korea and Son Kim Vietnam, celebrated the opening of their 200th convenience store after four years of operations in the market,” he said.

Supermarkets

“Thaco, which had acquired the Koreabased E Mart in late 2021, opened a second hypermarket in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022, with plans to open 20 more by 2026. Central Retail Vietnam plans to double its supermarkets to 70 within the next five years, while Aeon continues to move forward with its plan of having 30 supermarkets by 2030.”

However, traditional ‘wet markets’ still dominate the retail sector, accounting for about 80% of total grocery retail

Down on the Farm

Taking advantage of Maize foliar nutrition

Yara’s maize trials, have demonstrated the positive effect that combining foliar nutrition and biostimulants had on crop performance. In last year’s trial the combination of our crop specific product for Maize - YaraVita CROP BOOST (5 L/ha) and the biostimulant - YaraVita Biotrac (2 L/ha) applied at the 5 leaf stage increased dry mater yields by 16%, equal to 2.5 tonnes of dry matter per hectare.

When applied together, YaraVita Biotrac complements the nutritional effects of YaraVita CROP BOOST. The unique combination of selected bioactive components and nutrients in YaraVita Biotrac activates the plant’s metabolic processes to enhance nutrient use efficiency and tolerance to abiotic stress for example due to the application of a herbicide. The two YaraVita products work in harmony to maximise the ability of YaraVita CROP BOOST to promote root and plant growth and efficiently use the plant’s energy reserves.

sales, based on data available from the USDA. Modern chains use social media, particularly Facebook to advertise. Its modern retail sector tends to attract more investment than traditional, benefiting from strong economic growth, FTAs, a growing middle class, rapid urbanisation and higher concerns on healthy and safe food.

“And recently, some of the largest modern retail food chains have started directly importing fresh fruits, meat, seafood and non-alcoholic beverages for their outlets,” Mr Giles added.

Competition between imported and locally-produced products is highly competitive, as Vietnam is a major producer of agricultural products. It was also developing large food processing and agro-industrial sectors.

with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.

YaraVita CROP BOOST is formulated for foliar applications on maize, containing a high concentration of phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and potassium. Yara conducts nutrient specific trials to prioritise nutrients according to their impact on crop growth and development. Once these are established then crop-specific products can be formulated to deliver enough quantities of these specific nutrients.

The results of two years of maize trials in both the UK and Ireland have demonstrated an economic justification of using YaraVita CROP BOOST and YaraVita Biotrac together. There is a very strong case to adopt the YaraVita Maize Programme at the 4 – 6 leaf stage to minimise the risk of nutrient deficiencies and abiotic stress in Maize and maximise yields.

Farm Profile

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

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

Islay is not only the most southerly of Scotland’s Hebridean islands, but also the most economically active. Ewan Pate finds out more.

Farming business continues to evolve on the Isle of Islay

Islay’s successful economy is in part due to its suitability for producing distinctive peated malt whisky. There are currently nine well-invested working distilleries, producing a total of 20 million litres per year.

But distilling is not the only major industry on the island – agriculture is a very close second. Unlike many of the Hebridean islands, Islay is split into farms rather than crofts; its hills and fields are well-stocked with cattle and sheep. Add on a thriving tourism sector and it is easy to see why unemployment levels are as low as 0.1%.

Islay Estates sits right in the heart of the island, with its headquarters at Bridgend only a stone’s throw from the auction mart. The estate has been owned by the Morrison family, currently headed by Lord Margadale, since the 1840s and runs to 22,258 hectares (55,000 acres) – about a third of the island. Much of the estate is tenanted, but since 2015 estate manager Gillian Bignal has built up an impressive 8,903ha (22,000-acre) in-hand farming operation.

A large proportion of the land was previously let out on annual grazing leases or was hill land, so there were only a few good buildings. This has dictated the choice of cattle and sheep breeds, with native breeds well to

The Luing breed was chosen for the cattle enterprise because of its suitability for the climate and terrain. PICTURES: BEN SHAKESPEARE

the fore. The rainfall last year was 1,600mm, which was higher than average but not exceptionally so.

Heavy rain and a strong wind off the Atlantic clearly mean nothing to the stock, which are well adapted to a challenging climate.

Gillian, a native of the island and brought up on a family farm, started work in the estate office 27 years ago.

Over the years, she has worked her way up to become estate manager, looking after a portfolio of 25 let farms, five holiday lets, 18 let properties and a hotel.

She says: “The move into in-hand farming started in 2015 with the purchase of 141 Blackface ewe lambs. We took the decision to tup them as gimmers, and after that there was no

going back. Then we started a cattle enterprise with six bought-in Luing heifers. It has been a lot of work building up a farming enterprise since then and involved a lot of fencing and pasture improvement, but I think it has been worth it.”

Stocking levels now include 300 registered Luing cows, 60 Sim-Luing

Gillian Bignal is estate manager at Islay Estates.

It has been a lot of work building up a farming enterprise and involved a lot of fencing and pasture improvement, but I think it has been worth it

GILLIAN BIGNAL

bulling heifers and 1,200 North-type Blackfaces run on the hill and bred pure. About 800 older Blackface ewes, mostly four-crop from the hill flock, are put to crossing-type Bluefaced Leicester tups.

“Unusually for the islands, we prefer the North-type Blackface to the South-type. They are bigger, stronger sheep. We sell kg, so the heavier the end product the better,” says Gillian.

Lambing percentages are expected to be about 100% for the hill Blackfaces and 150% for the Mules.

To complete the truly stratified sheep system, the best of the resulting Mule ewe lambs are used as replacements for a 2,000-head commercial flock run on lower ground and put to Suffolk terminal sires. The rams are mostly bred by Gillian’s son James and cattle stockman Jack McDonald from their own small pedigree flocks.

It is a nicely integrated system, which is taken one stage further with about 90 lambs taken to the James Scott abattoir at

Inner Hebrides Farm Profile

Paisley for processing and returned to the estate-run Bridgend Hotel. The hotel also utilises 22 bullock carcases a year, again processed and butchered to order by Scotts.

The rest of the stock – both store lambs and store cattle – are sold through the ring at the United Auctions market at Bridgend, which is an absolutely vital facility for the island’s economy.

Market

It is a seasonal market, with sales held monthly from August right through the autumn. As with all island life, activities need to be carefully choreographed around the Calmac ferry service.

It is a two-hour sail from either Port Ellen or Port Askaig (both on the east side of the island) to Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre, and a further three or four hours by road to central Scotland, so transport has to be well

coordinated – a task which the United Auctions team is well used to.

The Luing breed was chosen for the cattle enterprise because of its absolute suitability for the climate and terrain. After all, the breed originates on the island of Luing, only 40 miles to the north. Some of the foundation stock was bought from the island of Oronsay, which is even closer.

Gillian says: “I like Luings that are compact and not too rangy. They are on reasonable land and can normally winter on deferred grazing on pastures just below the hill dykes into the New Year.

“After that, they are fed big bale silage. The only cattle taken inside are the weaned calves and the bulls, with all cows calving outside in the spring.

“Our cattle are all in the High Health Scheme and we have taken the decision to calve at three years old, reckoning it gives us a better-grown cow which lasts longer.”

Fertility is good, with a 93% calving this spring.

Luing bulls have been bought over the years from Wooplaw, Craigdarroch and Nunnerie, and these run alongside home-bred bulls. Now that the Luing herd is up to strength at 300-head, 60 home-bred Sim-Luings are being put to the Limousin bull.

Herbal leys

A lot of effort has been put into improving swards over the years, with a herbal ley mixture from Watsons Seeds proving its worth for cattle and sheep in what can be a challenging climate. Soils range from sands and machair land near the coast to peatier land.

Much of the latter is now being restored, and across the whole estate there are innumerable Sites of Special Scientific Interest and land managed under Agricultural Environment and Climate Schemes. Over the last 10 years, these have included wader, corncrake and chough management

Unlike many of the Hebridean islands, Islay is split into farms rather than crofts.

Farm Profile Inner Hebrides

North-type Blackface are preferred over the South-type, because they are bigger, stronger sheep, says Gillian.

schemes, as well as moorland and wet land conservation.

A Royal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve neighbours part of the estate, and the whole island is famously home to tens of thousands of barnacle and white-fronted geese over the autumn and winter months.

Geese

Gillian says: “We do get some compensation for goose damage, but generally we just have to adapt what we do. For instance, we do not sow any barley until they have left in the spring and we do not reseed any leys once they return in the autumn.

“We also have as many as six pairs of sea eagles, but we cope as best we can by moving ewes with twins away from the worst affected areas.”

Apart from grass, the only other crop is 109ha (270 acres) of Laureate spring barley grown under contract for the nearby Bruichladdich distillery.

Each field has a biodiversity strip around the headlands and, to make it even more attractive to birds, the outside width of the combine is left unharvested – although that last measure does not attract any environmental payment.

The combining is carried out by a contractor and the silage and straw baling is undertaken by Gillian’s husband Martin and son James, who farm nearby. Their younger daughter

Emily works in the estate office team, while their elder daughter Caitlin teaches biology in Dundee.

In all, the estate employs more than 50 people including hotel staff. However, the farm only has a staff of four, with Andrew Fletcher and Jack primarily responsible for the cattle, and Derek Middleton and Alice Muir looking after everything sheep-related.

The four work as a team for all the major tasks and they are supplemented by up to four seasonal staff, some from New Zealand.

Future plans

There is more to come, however. Gillian has recently taken part in the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leaders course and is a keen member of the Quality Meat Scotland monitor farm programme, which is currently taking place at the Archibald family’s Craigens Farm on Islay.

She has recently installed an Agriweb app on her phone which ties in all the sheep and cattle by their EID tags with the fields they are grazing in.

There is also a pilot project underway, which could see at least some of the estate’s wool crop spun at a Borders textile mill ready for producing an Islay tweed.

The Islay Estate’s in-hand farming business may only be nine years old, but there is clearly much more to come as the business develops.

The cattle on-farm are all in the High Health Scheme.

There are six pairs of sea eagles, so ewes with twins are moved away from the worst affected areas.

Farm facts

■ 8,903-hectare (22,000-acre) in-hand farming operation

■ 1,200 North-type hill Blackfaces

■ 800 older Blackfaces for crossing

Jack McDonald (left) and Andrew Fletcher.

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com

For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub

Market volatility, weather issues and regulation in the face of rapidly evolving technology were just some of the key topics up for discussion at this year’s International Grains Council Conference. Jane Thynne reports.

● Transition back to La Nina to bring ‘uncertainty’

TAKING place in central London, the International Grains Council Conference once again played host to agronomists, analysts and agricultural ambassadors from across the world.

Against a backdrop of conflict in Europe and the Middle East, plus widespread weather issues across major grain-producing nations, the annual event enabled policymakers and industry leaders to come together to address matters of trade and strategy, as well as the challenges facing farmers.

Unsurprisingly, climate change and the unpredictability of recent weather fronts was high on this year’s agenda.

Tom Whittaker, meteorologist at Aura Commodities, told attendees that the weather patterns of El Nino and La Nina (known as ENSO) were the key drivers behind the weather which is impacting the wheat-producing nations.

Mr Whittaker said it was expected there would be a transition back to La Nina later this year, bringing with it a great many ‘variables and uncertainty’.

Low pressure

During the early spring, El Nino had resulted in continued low pressure across Northern Europe, while in Southern Russia and Ukraine there had been sustained dry conditions in 50% of the winter wheat-producing areas which has led to a 100ml deficit. Frosts in May, Mr Whittaker said, had not only added to problems with winter wheat, but also to spring wheat too.

“We are looking at production estimates for Russia’s total wheat of below 80 million metric tonnes [mmt]. There is a little bit of rainfall coming in, but it is too late to make a significant difference,” Mr Whittaker said.

He added that for elsewhere in Northern Europe, including the UK and France, the continued wet weath-

FINGER ON THE PULSE

PULSES could offer a more successful route to market as demand for pea protein across the globe surges. According to recent data, the market stood at $2.14 billion (£1.89bn) in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8% over the next six years. By 2030, the global pea protein market is expected to reach $5.6bn (£4.4bn).

Markets battling volatility on all fronts

er would have serious repercussions on ‘yield quality’ as had happened in a previous El Nino-La Nina transition period in 2016 when France had seen a significant drop.

Marc Myllerup, head of corn at Copenhagen Merchants in Denmark, also pointed to a fall in Russian productivity – which he revealed had been readjusted following the past two months from 94mmt to between 80mmt-82mmt. He added some forecasters had offered an ‘even more pessimistic outlook’ putting the crop at below 77mmt.

The analyst also warned that Ukraine – ‘despite less than ideal weather conditions’ – was still expected to produce more than 19mmt, but down on last year’s total of 22.5mmt.

The conference also highlighted a range of emerging markets, which included Africa as a potential exporter of maize, as well as which countries will be best placed to meet the growing demands from nations such as India and China amid two geopolitical conflicts affecting delivery via the Black Sea and the Suez Canal.

One of the key messages was technology and in particular how delayed Government reaction to the arrival of artificial intelligence meant there were now grave concerns as to how further developments which are ‘coming at pace’ could be monitored.

Cedric Pene, agriculture and commodities counsellor at the World Trade Organisation, said the answer was greater international cooperation.

“Regulatory cooperation helps remove barriers to trade,” he said.

Romain Joly, global head of proteins at Roquette, said at the conference that in the past it had been hard to convince farmers to embrace pulses, but owing to growth in the plant-based meal sector and a greater interest in the environment and nutrition, pulses could go a long way to improving agricultural sustainability.

Climate change and the unpredictability of recent weather fronts were high on the agenda at this year’s conference.

“Countries should try to avoid regulatory divergents and go in the same direction.”

The theme of collaboration and trust was, as many of the speakers agreed, the only way to sustain production in the face of any future market ‘shocks’.

Shocks

Assistant Deputy Minister at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Vidya ShankarNarayan said: “We have to embrace shocks. The pandemic was a big shock; climate shocks, which are taking place more and more across the world, and geopolitical shocks have led not only to a polarisation of ideas, but also to trade.”

Ms ShankarNarayan added it may be time to rethink regulations and for governments to engage more with trade associations and farmers to allow them to be more ‘agile’ and ‘nimble’ in the market place.

He added: “We have so many checks and balances in place – and yes, they were put there for a reason, but with tech moving so quickly it may be

A WORD FROM UKRAINE

PRESIDENT of the Ukraine Grain Association Mykola Gorbachov said he had come to the conference to say ‘we are here and we are ready to feed the world’. Mr Gorbachov said the country had proved its resilience by adapting its logistics to maintain its supply of grain to European countries despite the ongoing ‘Russian terrorism’.

In terms of exports, Mr Gorbachov said the country had exported 40mmt of corn before the invasion. The figure now was 25mmt.

He added the war had proved a ‘disaster for farmers’, who despite losing six million hectares to the frontline of fighting, had showed their commitment to the land and their desire to keep producing crops.

time to rethink and adapt because as [Charles] Darwin said ‘those who can adapt will be the ones that survive’.”

Step towards spreading with drones

label and depending on timings and drone suitability.

Cropwalk

with Simon Nelson

Rainy weather is continuing to cause crop havoc

Talk about speaking too soon. As my last report was about to appear in print, parts of Cumbria suffered a deluge, recording up to 100mm of rain on May 22, and 50mm more over the following three days.

Until then, spring crops were doing really well. Although drilled late, they had gone into soils with plenty of moisture and warmth and looked wonderful considering the delay.

It is now a very different picture, and the situation has not been helped by the recent cold weather.

By Ash Ellwood

APPLYING plant protection products from drones has moved a step closer after British regulator HSECRD granted an Extrapolated Trials Permit (ETP) for a slug pellet product, creating the first time a granular pesticide has been approved for drone spreading, according to Staffordshire-based company, AutoSpray Systems.

The technology company has received the ETP authorisation to collate data on optimum spread heights, widths and speeds, and to demonstrate how the Certis Belchim slug pellet product, Sluxx HP, reacts when spread from a drone.

Andy Sproson, AutoSpray systems co-founder, says: “Our next steps will be completing efficacy trials over the next few weeks to provide formal data to HSE, with the aim of submitting data and submitting an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) for approval in July.”

Grower application

Once this data is submitted to CRD, and the EAMU is granted, this will enable growers with access to large payload drones the ability to apply Sluxx HP slug pellets from the air.

The ETP has not provided any restrictions on what crop the pesticide can be applied to, therefore, the company has the flexibility to apply slug pellets to any edible or non-edible crop, abiding to the

He adds: “The only restrictions are those on the Sluxx HP label, we can apply the product to any suitable crop.”

Further trial work carried out last year saw a XAG specialist agricultural drone, broadcast cover crop seed into standing cereals at speeds of 30-35kph. Work rates of 15-20 hectares per hour are possible with one drone, multiple batteries, a generator, and fast charger and Mr Sproson says the same work rates will apply to slug pelleting.

The development is off the back of two years’ work by AutoSpray Systems, which first identified a market for heavy-lift drones in UK agriculture back in 2019.

Permit process

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations have not explicitly excluded aerial application from unmanned aerial vehicles for some time, according to Mr Sproson.

“We had to prove competency to the CAA. We were able to do so as the company has CAA Recognised Assessment Entity status. We also needed to outline the benefits of using drones in this way,” he says.

Benefits include application to land when ground machinery would damage crops and/or soil structure, cause compaction and increase run-off/pollution risk.

“Drones can also be used to target applications when a blanket approach is not appropriate, or larger machinery is not as efficient, like when spraying off patches of grass-weeds.”

A few areas of freshly drilled crops, particularly fodder beet, were washed out by the rain. Some spring barley on heavier ground sown for a couple of weeks was saturated and, as I write on June 14, many crops remain yellow and have not progressed too well.

Some maize was also flooded. Where the water receded after two or three days, crops seem to have survived. How they fare longer term remains to be seen.

Some plants are only three to four inches high and look very yellow; to suggest they will be kneehigh by July might be optimistic. Crops are nearing herbicide treatment, but we will need to wait until they have recovered to avoid further stress.

We have been applying foliar NPK and trace elements, together with root stimulant, on maize and spring barley to help crops recover as quickly as possible.

Silage making has been delayed on many farms. With few suitable days in May, a lot of people only finished first cut at the end of the first week of June, two to three weeks later than planned. Yields were massive, but quality will be well down. At the same time, others who were able to make the best of the few decent early

Some plants are only three to four inches high; to suggest they will be knee-high by July might be optimistic

SIMON NELSON

and mid-May days were starting second cut.

The new expanded 2024 version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive has now been introduced, which contains new options and amended actions from the redundant Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier. Those looking to apply will need to study the detail carefully.

Farmers who opted to grow herbal leys after first or second cut silage or to rejuvenate fields with clover under the old 2023 SFI are now thinking about establishment. The key will be to remove as much grass as possible before sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, including rolling where feasible.

● Multiple applications are being trialled

Successful trials could enable growers to apply slug pellets with drones for the first time in the UK.

SIMON Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south-west Scotland. About Simon Nelson

Offering rotation flexibility, low seed rates and high water use efficiency, hybrid rye is becoming an attractive cropping option for many growers, particularly those with concerns over future maize production. Farmers Guardian reports.

Hybrid rye ticks all key sustainability boxes and is straightforward to manage, according to

Why hybrid rye production is set to increase

With the future uncertainty over three key maize seed treatments and supply security concerns for maize as a key energy source for anaerobic digestion (AD), a renewed focus on hybrid rye over the next few years could lift its current UK planted area well beyond 50,000 hectares, according to Agrovista’s arable seed product manager and agronomist Ted Williams.

He says: “The potential loss of bird deterrent maize seed treatment Korit [ziram] would hit maize growers hard and make the crop extremely difficult to grow successfully.

“So, while we hope new alternative maize seed treatments gain approval over time, this could be a shot in the

arm for hybrid rye, giving it the momentum to become an even more important crop in future rotations.

“Hybrid rye can offer flexibility in crop rotations with the ability to be drilled early or late, on any soil type, which can help growers spread harvest workloads.”

He says agronomic benefits include lower seed rates, rapid spring growth, water efficiency and an aggressive root system which can scavenge for moisture and nutrients. This also equates directly to economic benefits for growers seeking to improve profit margins by lowering input costs.

He says: “It also offers strong nitrogen use efficiency, requiring up to half the fertiliser of a second wheat and far less susceptibility to take-all, making it an attractive option as a second cereal.

MARKET OPTIONS FOR HYBRID RYE

SUPPORTING the positive outlook for hybrid rye, Danny Richardson, combinable seed product specialist at Wynnstay, agrees that the UK rye area could potentially double in size within the next few years.

Mr Richardson says: “Wynnstay has already seen a 10-15% increase in farmer customers growing hybrid rye in the past two years.

“However, the key to unlocking more growing area in the short-

to medium-term is establishing new markets. With a large livestock and mixed farm customer base, we see future interest in hybrid rye coming from mixed farms, specifically those that grow feed crops for their own livestock.

“A switch to rye-based diets within the pig sector is already happening.

“Trial results have shown little difference in live weight gains between rye and wheat-based diets. Another potential new

“On inputs, it ticks all the key sustainability boxes and is relatively straightforward to manage when compared to other cereal crops.

“In challenging climatic conditions, such as the recent hot, dry summers, it adapts well and generally copes much better than either wheat or barley.”

However, the cropping option is not completely bulletproof, says Mr Williams.

He says: “With low seed rates and a wide autumn drilling window, it can be susceptible to slug activity, so growers do need to be cautious, particularly with late drilling and in wetter autumns.

“That point aside, with sluggish winter wheat prices, the financial return on a 10-12 tonnes per hectare hybrid rye crop makes a compelling

market could be bioethanol production. Although wheat is still the primary source for this, rye could do the job equally well – if not better, given rye’s lower inputs versus wheat.

“With wider market opportunities for hybrid rye, combined with possible future yield penalties for maize crops,

“I can certainly see the area of hybrid rye rising above 100,000ha in a relatively short time frame,” he says.

argument for growers to include it in future rotations.”

Agrovista has a winter hybrid rye variety partnership with Saaten Union and Elsoms Seeds.

“Established varieties regularly achieve wholecrop fresh weight yields of up to 50 tonnes per hectare on good land and, with around 50% of the varieties on the current Descriptive List well suited to UK growing conditions,” says Mr Williams.

Ted Williams

Danny Richardson

Ted Williams of Agrovista.

For more highlights from this year’s Cereals event, see pages 80-82.

Exhibitors showcased a wide range of newly developed genetic traits, research and technologies at this year’s Cereals event. Alice Dyer and Teresa Rush bring us the first instalment of our show report.

Wheat disease control requires mindset changes

● Environmental conditions unhelpful

A CLEAN flag leaf rather than a perfectly clean crop should be the aim of disease management in winter wheat.

That was the message to growers at cereals from NIAB plant pathologist Dr Aoife O’Driscoll.

“The days of perfectly clean crops are gone. We need to be very clear on that going forward; it is just not going to happen. If you get to this stage in the year and you have a clean flag leaf you are doing well,” said Dr O’Driscoll.

She added that she had been shocked by the amount of disease present in the variety plots on the NIAB stand.

Pressure

However, the high levels of disease seen in crops this season, with brown rust being a particular problem, along with septoria, were not the result of crop protection chemistry not working or varieties breaking down, but rather that disease pressure was simply too high.

“It is just environmental conditions – wet weather, a warm winter. There is nothing we could have done,” said Dr O’Driscoll.

“No amount of chemistry could have got you out of bother this year.

High levels of disease this season are not the result of crop protection chemistry not working but simply that disease pressure is too high, according to Dr Aiofe O’Driscoll of NIAB.

“We have to get away from this obsession with having perfectly clean crops and just try and keep the flag leaves as clean as possible. That is as good as we can get.”

With winter wheat T3 sprays going on around the time of Cereals and harvest still some way off, a T4 spray applied three weeks after the T3 may well be a consideration this season,

TWO-ROW WITH BYDV TRAITS

ONE of the first two-row feed barley varieties with barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) tolerance was on display at Cereals. Candidate variety Organa, by Senova, is one of the first two-row feed varieties to have the two genes associated with BYDV tolerance.

Up for recommendation later this year, Organa has a treated yield of 102 and an untreated yield of 90. It combines this with a high specific weight of 70.0kg/hl, stiff straw and early ripening, along with good all-round disease resistance. Ratings of 7 for

mildew and brown rust, 6 for rhynchosporium and 5 for net blotch are backed up by resistance to strain 1 of BaYMV.

Organa has both the YD2 and YD3 genes that give BYDV tolerance, which minimise the risk of BYDV infection, said Senova managing director Tom Yewbrey.

He said: “There is some impact of BYDV in tolerant varieties but the yield loss is much less than that of susceptible varieties. As such, Organa is a really positive development for growers who prefer two-row varieties.”

with an azole likely to be the only option left in the toolbox.

Disease in barley had also been difficult to control this season and much of the disease in crops had been seedborne, added Dr O’Driscoll.

“People are moving away from seed treatments. There has been a lot of ramularia reported and seed-borne net blotch has been a problem,” she said.

■ The Cereals 2024 event took place on June 11-12 in Bygrave Woods, Newnham Farm, Hertfordshire

■ Read part two of the Cereals 2024 show report in next week’s Farmers Guardian

Cereals 2024

Arable Cereals 2024

‘SAFEGUARD RESILIENCE’ OF SUGAR BEET SECTOR

ONCE a banker crop, sugar beet is now a gambler’s crop, growers attending the NFU ‘sugar hour’ at Cereals heard.

In his last address at Cereals as NFU Sugar Board chair, Michael Sly reflected on the increasing challenges of growing sugar beet.

He said: “If it is not virus yellows, beet moth or cercospora, then it is either weather that is too dry, too wet or freezing.

“The 2023-24 campaign has been a good example of this.

“While we managed against all odds to secure an emergency authorisation for use of Cruiser SB, the weather was atrocious, leading to what became the longest campaign in UK history at 229 days.”

Growers were now faced with dealing with the consequences of lifting sugar beet when weather conditions were unsuitable, he said.

“We have been obliged to reduce the following crop yield forecasts as a result, which is a timely reminder that for many sugar beet is now a two year crop. The decision to grow sugar beet

YARD MAINTENANCE

must include the risk of not getting a decent following crop on the land that we use,” he said.

Growers, contractors and hauliers had invested on the back of a higher beet price and expansion of the beet area in the past couple of years, albeit with very high borrowing costs.

However, the world sugar price had fallen significantly, even though input costs had not, meaning the domestic industry was facing some stiff headwinds in the short term, Mr Sly added.

Pressures

He said: “With the loss of BPS, ever-increasing weather challenges, diminishing [availability of] plant protection products and the disease pressures we face, if the sugar beet price is not high enough, we will see many growers exit the crop and we will have a smaller domestic industry.

“This is why it is vital NFU Sugar and British Sugar agree contract prices which safeguard the resilience of our sugar sector in the face of these headwinds for the future.”

EASY MOSS REMOVAL

with wire, poly and mixed brushes for ultimate flexibility

Poor weather resulted in the longest sugar beet harvest campaign in UK history, totalling 229 days.

Seed model questions answered

GROWERS attending Cereals had an opportunity to put questions to British Sugar and NFU Sugar representatives following the announcement of changes to the UK sugar beet seed model (as reported in Farmers Guardian, June 14):

Q

When are the new arrangements due to start?

A

The new seed model will take effect for the 2025 crop.

Q What guarantees are there that most or all the varieties on the Recommended List will be available?

A

The aim is not to restrict grower choice and that includes making sure growers have the option of securing what they need through the UK Seed Account.

Q We will want seed once we know what sort of a contract we are going to be looking at. Last year, the real

hold-up for the whole process and the cause of so much angst was the fact that the decision was so late. Where have we got to in the current negotiations?

A Under the new IPA, negotiations are time limited. The latest date growers will receive a price for the 2025 season will be the end of October.

Q Do you anticipate there will be an opportunity to reserve particular varieties in advance of the contract announcement?

A Sales through the seed account will be nonreturnable. Growers are advised to discuss arrangements directly with other vendors or breeders.

Q

How do we order seed with Cruiser SB seed dressing?

A The industry has applied for a derogation for 2025. The likelihood of that being successful is far more remote than it has been in the previous years.

Summary of changes to seed model

■ Growers and seed breeders are able to buy and sell seed direct, or via third party suppliers, as well as via the existing UK Seed Account

■ Growers will now be permitted to grow a wider choice of varieties

■ The UK Seed Account will change how it sells seed; seed will be sold throughout the year and stocks will be released for sale as they become available

■ Changes to the Recommended List trials will see a move to evaluating finished products, rather than genetics alone

■ Growers will be required to grow varieties that are either on the Recommended List, were on the list during the past year, or are on the Variety List and undergoing trials

Source: British Sugar/NFU Sugar

LIVE NUTRIENT DATA FROM BELOW SOIL SURFACE

THERE is plenty of technology available to farmers which tells them how their soil is looking from above, but now growers can get real-time information on the nutrient status of their soils from below ground, following the UK launch of a new soil station.

On display at Cereals, the Paul-Tech soil station measures the movement of water and nutrients through the soil at two different depths, giving real time information which growers can use to make better fertiliser application decisions to optimise nutrient uptake.

Mikk Plakk, chief executive of Paul-Tech, said the technology enables farmers to get a much richer picture of how nitrogen and other nutrients move through the soil.

The field-based monitor takes a reading every two hours through its two sensors, which sit at different depths and track the nutrients moving between them.

The information collected can be plotted in real-time via an online dashboard which shows if the nutrients are leaching quickly away or are being held around the roots for plants to absorb. The data that is collected is pre-analysed and then presented in

a web or mobile application with automated suggestions and tips.

Mr Plakk said: “Many farmers are only soil sampling once every five years at a random point in time and making their [crop nutrition] plans based on just that one measurement. But this real-time nutrient monitoring allows the farmer to see how fertiliser is dissolving in the soil and becoming available to the plant, and when they are running out.

“One onion grower used 80% less fertiliser because he saw there was a massive amount of available nutrients there – as a result he also saw improved crop quality.”

Some growers are also using the monitor as a tool to maximise cover or companion crops to see when they are releasing nutrients back into the soil, added Mr Plakk.

As well as nutrient movement, the monitor measures soil moisture, helping to influence spraying and irrigation decisions.

“We might have drizzle which makes the top layer really moist, but actually it does not get down to 8cm, and the plant could still be experiencing stress,” he added.

The monitor is based on a

The Paul-Tech soil station measures the movement of water and nutrients through the soil.

subscription service starting at £300/ month for two stations. There are now around 300 Paul-Tech monitors stationed around the UK and Europe.

Clive Bailye, who farms in Lichfield, Staffordshire, has just started using one on his farm. He described it as ‘another tool in the box to help farmers make better decisions’.

He said: “We are all aware of variable rate fertiliser applications and we get information on the quantities we need

to apply but not the timings. The soil station will say ‘now is the optimum time to apply fertiliser’ or better still, it will tell you if the fertiliser you applied two weeks ago is still in the soil and you do not need to apply more. That could save a significant amount of money.

“We made our first nitrogen application and it is really interesting to see that going through the soil profile as you have got the advantage of the deep sensor too.”

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WHO’S GOT YOUR BID?

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

Auctions are essential to the success and well-being of any livestock farm and auctioneers are, in many ways, at the forefront of the livestock industry. Their purpose is to bring farmers together to achieve the best price for whatever they are selling.

This year, the Mart’s the Heart Awards are back, with the aim of celebrating this vital sector of British agriculture. This is your opportunity to shout about those within the industry who you feel deserve special recognition.

The Mart’s the Heart Awards were launched in 2015 and the campaign proved to be an outstanding success and was incredibly well received.

In 2023, the awards generated 450 nominations and 19,700 votes were cast for the shortlisted finalists. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 28, 2024.

We cannot wait to celebrate the winners of Auction Mart of the Year, Auction Cafe of the Year and New Auctioneer of the Year at the British Farming Awards. We hope you will help us to reward marts and cafes which are doing a great job for the industry.

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

A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS

THE Livestock Auctioneers Association is delighted to sponsor the awards, which acknowledge the role auctioneers and their businesses play in the livestock industry and the wider agricultural and rural community, a key part of which is ensuring farmers get a fair and true price for their stock.

The last year has demonstrated the importance of the live market when demand outstrips supply, driving prices and creating trends. This is a great opportunity to recognise the role

auctions play within the industry.

CHRIS DODDS

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

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

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

RICHARD WEBBER Director, Shearwell Data.

2023 WINNERS

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

THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL

CHRIS DODDS

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

RICHARD WEBBER

Director of Shearwell Data, the UK’s largest animal tag manufacturer, based at Whedmoor Cross, Exmoor. He also farms 405 hectares.

MYSTERY JUDGE

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

THE PROCESS

Friday, May 10 NOMINATIONS OPEN

Friday, July 26 VOTING OPENS

HOW TO ENTER

Friday, June 28 NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Wednesday, August 28 VOTING CLOSES

Thursday, October 17 AWARDS NIGHT

WHAT WILL THE FINALISTS RECEIVE?

ALL finalists will have their status raised, with a profile in print and online during public voting. Winners of all three awards will be guests at the British Farming Awards, with their awards presented by Farmers Guardian, the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Shearwell Data.

Photographs of the presentation will be made available to winners and their companies for their own use and will appear in FG.

Each winner will feature in an in-depth profile in print and online, and will receive a prestigious, cast iron commemorative plaque.

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

Title: First name: Surname:

Address:

Landline number:

Mobile number:

Email:

Tick box to sign up to the Auction Finder email newsletter

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

Tick box if you are a current Farmers Guardian subscriber

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

Postcode:

AUCTION MART OF THE YEAR

Name of auction mart you are nominating:

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

AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR

Name of auction cafe you are nominating:

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

NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Name of new auctioneer you are nominating:

Reasons

(Continue

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 –

For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales

Flying trade for cows with calves at Gisburn

l Pedigree Limousin bull tops trade at £4,800

AT Gisburn’s sale of breeding and store cattle the entry of more than 400-head sold to a top of £4,800 for a pedigree Limousin bull, while cow and calf outfits reached £2,820.

Both sale toppers were part of the dispersal of Barnoldswick-based Brogden Farms’ suckler herd. The October 2021-born bull by Ampertaine Opportunity sold to D.M. and R.E. Capstick, Swinden Moor, while the vendors’ 2019-born Limousin cow and spring-born Limousinsired bull calf, sold to I.G. Townson, Long Preston.

The Brogden Farms consignment of 30 outfits saw another Limousin cross cow and Limousin bull calf at £2,800 and a third, also with bull calf, at £2,580 and the 30 levelled at £2,342.

Limousin

A two-year-old Limousin bull with Brontemoor breeding from R.S Howard, Blackburn, sold at £3,000.

The bulling heifer trade was also topped by Brogden Farms with a British Blonde cross at £1,700 which sold to C.W. and N. and C. Jackson, Bishop Auckland, and four

Cows and calves sold to £2,820 for Brogden Farms, Barnoldswick.

other Simmental and Limousin crosses from the same farm made £1,600 apiece.

In-calf cows reached £1,160 for a Hereford cross in-calf to Limousin from Richard Caton, Settle.

In the store sale, young bulls from Brogden Farms sold to £1,460, £1,380 and £1,370. Ann Jones, Hebden Bridge, sold a Shorthorn store heifer at £1,470 while

Limousin cross heifers from K. and S. Picken, Wardle, Littleborough, topped at £1,340.

Steers reached £1,660 in a consignment of four, 26-month-old Limousin cross British Blues from P. Coates Farmers, Barrowford, with two-year-old Limousin crosses from P. and M. Dewhurst, Pendle, at £1,550 and £1,510.

Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Mart.

Longtown Beef Shorthorns

realise

2,800gns for both females and bulls

BEEF Shorthorns sold to 2,800gns at Longtown for both females and bulls. Topping the female section was Steve Swales Dairy, Burnley, with the sole in-calf heifer entry, Bradhill Butterfly 3, a red and white poll. The daughter of Meonhill Fire Fox out of a Pikelowe Legend daughter and in-calf to Napoleon of Upsall sold to Messrs Armour, Burneside. Cows with calves at foot sold to 2,000gns for Westbroad Joyful Roxy with a bull calf from Rachel Jordan, Annaghanoon, Co Armagh, and 1,900gns for Gradi Irania 237, also with a bull calf at foot, from Steve Swales Dairy.

P. and J. Bailey’s Roadway herd, Appleby, took 1,800gns twice for

Haze dispersal to 3,000gns twice

AFTER almost 70 years of dairy farming the Hayes family dispersed their Haze herd on-farm at Belper, Derbyshire.

Topping the sale were two fresh milkers, both selling for 3,000gns. The first was a fresh third calver by Apina Nadal followed by a fresh second calver by ABS Boulder. Both sold to Messrs Heath, Red Earth Farms, Rudyard.

Following close behind was another fresh Nadal daughter approaching 50kg having calved 10 days. The buyer was Luke Neville, Matlock.

The sale also included the youngstock, with young heifer calves good value on the day, but the in-calf heifers sold very well with many selling for more than 2,000gns. Top of the heifers at 2,100gns was a daughter of Jo Dancer due in July, which went to Messrs Wayne, Ashbourne.

AVERAGES

228 cows in-milk (including all faults), £1,982.11; 34 served heifers, £1,517.25; 39 six-month-old to oneyear-old maidens, £803.38; 52 heifer calves, £298.04.

Auctioneers: Norton and Brooksbank.

Hawes prime lambs and hoggs

AT Hawes on Tuesday prime lambs averaged 358p/kg, with the best quality lambs selling in the region of 400p/kg topping at 405p/kg for W.N. Avison and Son, Leyburn, with a pair of Beltex lambs.

Top price per head was £193 for a Texel lamb from J.R. and L.A. Capstick, Killington, who sold pens of Beltex lambs to £185 to C. Steadman Butchers, Kirkby Stephen.

the white cows, Newfield Mistletoe Nonpareil and Roadway Holly, each with a white calf at foot.

Unserved heifers topped at 1,400gns for Overwater Loopy Lou from James Irving’s organic Overwater herd, Wigton.

Bulls

Leading the bulls at 2,800gns was Harrietsfield Seamus from K.G. Anderson, Rowanburnfoot, Canonbie. By Farlam Loneranger out of a home-bred Glengloy Dollar cow, it sold to the Archbank Farming Co, Moffat.

Charlie Fletcher and Jack Kay, Eaglesfield, took 2,500gns for Redstones Sovereign, a Chapelton

Pioneer son bought by Messrs Cooper, Crailloch, Wigtownshire.

An entry of seven young Belted Galloway heifers from Anna Coulthard, Ivegill, sold to 1,300gns and 1,100gns.

The annual consignment of 10 Shorthorn cross Galloway heifers with Aberdeen-Angus cross calves from R. and M. McIntosh, Newcastleton, averaged £2,135, selling to £2,550 and £2,400.

AVERAGES

Beef Shorthorns – cows and heifers with calves or in-calf, £2,163; unserved heifers, £1,224.

Auctioneers: C. and D. Auction Marts.

Other pens of Texel lambs sold to £184/head for Whyte and Percival, Bainbridge.

Suffolk lambs sold to £180/head for Messrs Capstick followed by other pens of Suffolk lambs to £179/head for D.A. and M.A. Brown and Son, Leyburn.

Prime hoggs

There was far more demand for prime hoggs than expected selling to a top of £152 (353p/kg) for Beltex from Robinson Partnership, Yarm, which sold Suffolks to £150 and Texels to £147.

Cull ewes sold to £218/head for Texels from Messrs Capstick and Suffolks from Messrs Avison. Auctioneers: Hawes Farmers Auction Mart.

Walmer Lincoln Red dispersal sale peaks at 5,500gns

● Cows and calves top at 4,200gns

IT was the end of an era at Louth when the Walmer pedigree Lincoln Red herd was dispersed on behalf of H.M. and J.M. Needler, Ranby.

Top call of the day at 5,500gns was for the two-year-old bull, Walmer Bartholomew, a Wretton Wrangler son out of a Walmer Rose cow, which sold to G. and B. Dobson, South Elkington.

Cows and calves topped at 4,200gns for 2017-born Walmer Sally W1251 by Market Stainton Norman, which sold with a heifer calf by Holegate Zeal, to Sharon and Phil Sellers, Thorpe Tilney. Not far behind at 3,100gns was five-year-old Walmer Rose Y1320 by Brakenhurst Ranger with twin heifer calves at foot, by Holegate Zeal.

The buyer was Greenheath Farming Co, Lakenheath. Three-year-old Walmer Sally Z1377, by Brackenhurst Ranger, sold with a bull calf by Bever-

Champion leads Skipton dairy trade

LEADING the way in both the presale show and topping the trade at £2,250 at Skipton’s dairy sale was a Harley P daughter from Mark Smith, Winterburn. This black heifer, giving 31 litres per day, joined the judge Alan Middleton, Beamsley. The reserve champion heifer, from T.D. Goldie and Son, Danby Wiske, Northallerton, was Wiskemanor Denver Amanda, backed by five generations of VG/EX cows.

Having calved on May 23 and giving 30kg daily, it sold for £2,150 and was one of two from the same home going to the Midgley family, Luddendenfoot.

Continuing their ongoing dispersal the Bolland family, Airton, sold a nine days calved Boghill Glamour Skeletor daughter, already giving 27kg, at £2,050 and also to the Midgleys. Auctioneers: CCM.

ley Zion for 2,800gns to A.W. Lewis and Son, Louth.

Yearling heifers topped at 2,500gns for Walmer Lass C512, a Beverly Zion daughter, which also went to Greenhealth Farming Co. Next call at 2,200gns, was Walmer Sally B495, a

Houghton Warden daughter, went to R.H. and M. Borrill, Immingham.

AVERAGES

Breeding bulls, £3,110.63; cows and calves, £2,323.70; heifers, £1,641.11. Auctioneers: Louth Livestock Market.

Gordonel pedigree herd dispersal tops at 2,600gns

THE dispersal sale of the pedigree Gordonel herd of Holstein Friesians for Michael Oakes, Rednal, Birmingham, attracted a big crowd to Market Drayton.

The top price was 2,600gns for Gordonel Lighthouse Unit, a second calver by Westcoast Lighthouse, which was giving 45kg after calving in April.

It had recorded 8,194kg as a heifer and was out of a 11,137kg dam by Gordonel Jewell.

Leading the calved heifer section at 2,520gns was Gordonel Grenade Blackose 37 which had calved in March and was giving 38kg daily. Its De Su Allstar-sired dam peaked at 10,815kg.

Both section leaders were bought by the same Staffordshire buyer with another buyer from Staffordshire taking home the second top priced calved heifer at 2,500gns,

Sale of dairy youngstock at Carlisle tops at £2,000

THE June sale of dairy youngstock at Carlisle topped at £2,000 for Robbie Scott, Ayr, with Nethervalley Unstopabull Rosanne Red, due in October to the Angus, which sold to Messrs Borland, Mauchline.

Robert Byers of the Esk herd, Canonbie, sold a group of in-calf heifers, all due to the Limousin, with four topping at £1,850.

Holstein bulling heifers topped at £1,050 six times for heifers by Skywalker Stark and Denovo Zinger, consigned by the Currie family, Dumfries.

Relocating

A feature of the sale was the dispersal of the Shorne British Friesian youngstock from the Boyd family, Shropshire, who are relocating to Drummore on the west coast of Scotland and will be relocating their milking herd in July.

It topped at £1,020 for the red and white in-calf heifer, Shorne Cameo Red, by Inch Brilliant, which went to Messrs Irving, Drummore.

Heifer calves from the Mitchell family, Ayr, topped at £500 for a Pro-Cross heifer.

AVERAGES

63 Holstein in-calf heifers, £1,435.58; 21 British Friesian in-calf heifers, £1,149; bulling and yearling heifers154 Shorne British Friesian heifers, £555; 79 Holstein yearling heifers, £832.88; 18 Heifer heifers, £311.82. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Gordonel Scenic Painy 32, which had calved in May and was giving 36kg.

Two other cows made 2,500gns, a fortnight calved third calver sold to a Pembrokeshire buyer and a week calved second calver by Secretariat, which went to a Denbighshire buyer.

In-calf heifers carrying Longhorn calves peaked at 2,150gns. Recently served heifers sold to 1,050gns, yearling heifers to 600gns and heifer calves to 480gns. Jersey heifers sold to 1,400gns and 1,200gns.

AVERAGES

85 milking cows and heifers, £1,903; 5 Jersey cows, £1,145; 13 faulted cows, £1,006; 3 close calving heifers, £1,850; 27 served heifers, £959; 13 yearlings £546; 4 calves, £402. Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards with Market Drayton Market.

Records smashed for pigs at Thirsk

RECORDS were broken at Thirsk’s sale of prime and cull pigs when a gilt from Mathew Keal, Bagby, sold for £343 to Charles Ashbridge, Taste of Tradition, Hutton Conyers.

The same vendor sold two more gilts for a sale topping, 235p/kg, both to Mr Ashbridge.

Overall prime pigs averaged 161p/ kg or £204/head. The 53 cull sows and boars sold to a high of 116p/kg or £343/head for D. and A. Livestock, Haverah Park going to Manifold Valley Meats, Staffordshire. Auctioneers: Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart.

Two year old bull, Walmer Bartholomew from H.M. and J.M. Needler, Ranby, sold for 5,500gns to G. and B. Dobson, South Elkington.

Pre-sale show champion, a home-bred Limousin heifer with Limousin calf at foot, from J. Woodburn and Partners, Ulverston, which sold for £3,450.

Breeding cattle sell well at J36

● Pre-sale champion realises £3,450 high

AT the Farmers Guardian- supported show and sale of breeding cattle at J36 a small entry of breeding bulls attracted plenty of interest ensuring all were sold. Charolais bulls topped at £4,800 for J.E. Gaunt, Huddersfield, and Limousin bulls sold to £4,200 for C. Schofield, Manchester.

The pre-sale show champion, a home-bred Limousin heifer with a Limousin calf from J. Woodburn and Partners, Ulverston, sold for the top price of £3,450, with other outfits from the same home to £3,400.

A pure Limousin second calver with pure Limousin heifer calf from L.M. Staley, Kirkby Stephen, sold for £3,200.

Salers

A Salers heifer with a Limousin bull calf from J.E. and D.J. Hutchinson, Cautley, sold at £3,000.

The run of home-bred Limousin heifers with Limousin calves from E.J. Hodgson and Son, Lambrigg, topped at £2,800 twice.

British Blue cows with Limousin

Studying the catalogue before the sales begin.

To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow

calves sold to £2,500 for the first prize winner and reserve champion from J.A. and C.A. Gibson, Selside.

In the store cattle section 16month-old Limousin bullocks from J. Moorhouse and S. Richardson, Broughton Field, sold to £1,430.

Limousin yearling bullocks from G. and C. Rylands, Underbarrow, topped at £1,320, with Charolais at the same money for A.W. and A.M. Clarke, Windermere.

Heifers topped at £1,280 for Aberdeen-Angus Norbreck Genetics, Cockerham, and British Blues from F.W. Park, Windermere.

Limousin heifers sold to £1,240 for J.B. Airey, New Hutton. Young Limousins

£1,220 for G.B. and E.A.

and

Yearling

bulls topped at

Metcalfe

Son, Mansergh. Auctioneers: North West Auctions.

Auctioneer Bradley Thompson

Limousin heifers with Limousin calves were a frequent feature in the ring.

J36’s breeding cattle sale attracted plenty of interest.

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The Future Farming Resilience Fund is now 70% completed and runs until March 2025.

With a General Election happening in the next few weeks, consultant and owner of SRH Agribusiness Simon Haley said farmers would be right to wonder whether they should be entering new schemes or should ‘wait for further clarity’. But he warned adopting ‘this wait-and-see approach’ often ended up with farmers ‘losing out financially’.

Referring to the Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF), which is now 70% completed and runs until March 2025, Mr Haley said Defra hoped to use the programme to harness ‘greater farmer confidence’ in the agricultural transition period and bring forward change for farm businesses.

To be eligible for FFRF, you must live in England, have a valid single business identifier number and have previously claimed the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Mr Haley said: “Farmers and land managers should be encouraged and enabled to become more resilient, competitive, innovative and productive; they should feel supported and informed by Government, and they should be facilitated to improve their farming business.”

But he said an Ipsos Mori evaluation report of the Interim FFRF phase programme in September 2022 concluded ‘poor or late information’ released about new schemes seriously hampering the effectiveness of the advice given. Mr Haley said concerns were also raised about the ‘variable quality of provision of the support’ due to the capability of providers – giving stock responses rather than fully considering the specific farm context.

In the current FFRF programme, there are 17 advice providers, covering business resilience, environment and

Farmers should avoid ‘wait-and-see’ approach to resilience fund

[FFRF] is a valuable service and a helpful resource that will be missed if a new Government decides not to extend the support SIMON HALEY

sustainability. Advice provision is delivered through one-to-one consultations, farm visits, workshops, webinars and learning forums.

Mr Haley said: “One of the frustrations with FFRF, by those in receipt of advice already in this current programme since October 2022, is that once a provider has been selected, and advisory services have been obtained, it is not possible to switch to another

provider or seek support from a second provider. This could preclude them therefore being on top of new policy changes and new scheme rules, leaving them at a disadvantage to those who might not yet have taken up the support.”

The scheme operates on a firstcome, first-served basis, with the average cost per beneficiary between £1,000 to £1,500.

“Basic maths tells us that with approximately 85,000 eligible farming businesses, on this average cost the FFRF pot of £32 million will not cover all who might want or need support,” said Mr Haley.

One-to-one support

Figures from April 2024 suggested the current scheme had provided direct one-to-one support to over 12,000 businesses.

With 50% of the BPS support from 2020 no longer available as a direct payment, and with most of the legacy environmental and productivity grant schemes phased out or closing, many farming businesses will be trying to establish which route is best to proceed.

Mr Haley said: “FFRF operates as a free advisory service to those who claim it, with the alternative

simply being either no advice taken or paid-for professional services from a land agent or consultant for the same advisory time.”

He said more take-up of FFRF could be achieved through ‘wider awareness and more collaboration and linked-up services’.

“However, this ignores the fact that established farmer relationships with other professionals could outweigh the perceived risk of taking advice from an unknown provider, in effect,” he said.

With several months of the programme still left to run, Mr Haley said those who have not yet considered accessing the service should review this.

He said: “With most of the reports including an analysis of business financial performance and environmental opportunities, a business action plan, and identification of future income streams, this is a valuable service and helpful resource that will be missed if a new Government decides not to extend the support.”

MORE INFORMATION Visit defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2021/07/ 13/the-future-farming-resilience-fundproviders-named/

With 102 actions to choose from in the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive announcement, NFU senior countryside adviser Claire Robinson runs through the new options. Farmers Guardian reports.

Rundown of what the latest SFI options offer farmers

Farmers considering applying for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) must set aside time to look at the new actions and think how each individual action fits with their farm before starting the application, said NFU senior countryside adviser Claire Robinson.

While the volume of options might sound daunting for many farmers, Ms Robinson warned that it should ‘not put you off’ applying, adding the list could be narrowed down using Defra’s ‘Find tool’, where you have the ability to search by either sector or subject.

Eligibility has changed for the latest iteration of SFI, removing the link to Basic Payment Scheme and opening the door for new entrants and businesses to access SFI for the first time.

Ms Robinson said the NFU would work closely with the next Government to continue improving SFI so that there were options to ‘help build resilience and sustainability in all farm businesses’.

She said there were also new actions for precision farming, which encouraged ‘the uptake of new

Claire Robinson said the livestock grazing on moorland options have a maximum stocking level, at any time, of 0.16 livestock units/hectare (0.06 units/acre), going down to 0.04 units/ha (0.01 units/acre).

technology, providing an area payment for using variable rate nutrient applicants, camera or remote guided herbicide spraying, and robotic weeding’. There was scope through the Farming Investment Fund to gain funding for the equipment too, she added.

NEW SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCENTIVE (SFI) OPTIONS

Ms Robinson runs through some of the new SFI options:

■ Arable options: For arable systems, SFI now contains actions to support farmed wildlife, from skylark plots and beetle banks to overwintered stubbles.

■ Buffer strips: There are actions for buffer strips to protect watercourses, in-field trees and for ponds and ditches. Support for organic and historic features are now in SFI too.

■ Moorland options: There are many moorland actions available in SFI, which traditionally have been in the Higher Tier Countryside

Stewardship (CS) scheme. Away from Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Ms Robinson said this gave farmers the ability to ‘choose the right combination of actions for their farm’.

There are also different payment rates according to how challenging the actions are.

But Ms Robinson said there were ‘downsides to the moorland offers’, with no supplementary feeding allowed. She said the livestock grazing on moorland options also have a maximum stocking level of 0.16 livestock units/hectare (0.06 units/acre), going down to 0.04 units/ha (0.01 units/acre).

She said, to make this more

There was a range of field boundary options available from stone walls to Devon hedges, and the rules had changed to allow ‘both sides of a roadside hedge to be included, provided you have management control’, said Ms Robinson.

She said the cover crops offer had

practical, this should be an average stocking level. To access the cattle and ponies on the moorland supplement, Ms Robinson said you need to do the livestock grazing actions’.

She said for the four moorland shepherding options, ‘the payments increase the longer you keep stock off the moor’.

■ Grassland options: The grassland offer still does not contain any support for productive permanent pasture systems, unless the grassland has legumes present.

She said the NFU believed this ‘undervalues the environmental

been extended too; it included actions for spring and summer cover crops, which provided soil cover for that short period between two main crops. Ms Robinson said the interpretation of rotations had also improved so it ‘fits better with crop rotations, rather than calendar periods’.

contribution of these grasslands’ and the union was working to demonstrate to Defra the need for support.

■ Tree planting options: Those adopting forestry actions will benefit from uplifted premium payments. There are two new actions in SFI to fund maintenance of agroforestry at lower densities of trees, and there will be additional agroforestry actions for higher densities in Higher Tier CS, due later this year.

Ms Robinson added that capital grants were available to support tree planting to establish the agroforestry.

PICTURE: GETTY

Addressing the gaps in grant funding, streamlining application processes and providing tailored support to rural businesses can help farmers unlock their full potential and pave the way for a more resilient, environmentally-conscious and economically vibrant agricultural sector.

That was the message from Henry Clemons, an associate in rural consultancy at Knight Frank, adding while the flurry of grant funding had ‘yielded positive outcomes’ there were still areas of improvement to truly empower farm businesses and drive sustainable growth.

Mr Clemons said: “The agricultural sector has witnessed significant transformations, with an influx of grant funding aimed at supporting rural landowners and fostering environmentally-friendly farming practices.

“One notable advancement has been the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Incentive [SFI], which has provided tangible support to offset the loss of Basic Payment Scheme payments and declining farm incomes. The Environmental Land Management scheme has also played a crucial role, offering grant funding for capital projects that promote environmentally-conscious farming methods and the creation of valuable environmental habitats.”

Hindering

But Mr Clemons said the full potential of these schemes has ‘yet to be realised’, with many farmers harbouring ‘preconceptions from the past environmental programmes, hindering their applications’.

“It is essential to address these concerns and highlight the benefits of such initiatives, particularly in the current challenging farming landscape,” he added.

“While grants like the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and the Improving Farm Productivity Grant have aided producers in acquiring productivity-enhancing equipment, managing slurry and improving animal health and welfare, concerns persist regarding the limit-

The application process for the Slurry Infrastructure Grant ‘demands a significant amount of detail’, according

Gaps in grant funding restricting rural firms

ed scope of eligible items and the discrepancy between the percentage paid and the actual costs incurred by businesses.”

He said one of the most significant challenges faced by the rural farming businesses is the ‘lack of availability and accessibility of grant funding’.

“Frequent short application windows and vague details about future grant opportunities make long-term planning a daunting task. Businesses often need to act swiftly to address problems or seize opportunities, but the bureaucracy and timeline constraints of grant applications can hinder their ability to do so,” Mr Clemons said.

He added the Slurry Infrastructure Grant served as a prime example of the complexities involved. While invaluable for farming businesses, the application process ‘demands a significant amount of detail, technical expertise and resources that many farmers simply do not possess or can-

not afford to divert from their core operations’.

“Moreover, the specifications and costs associated with certain grants can render projects unattainable for most farming businesses. The lack of flexibility to stage projects and manage cashflows can further exacerbate the challenges, leaving businesses struggling to comply with regulations while maintaining operational viability,” he added.

Empower

Mr Clemons said to truly empower rural businesses and drive sustainable growth, ‘a more comprehensive approach’ was required.

“Direct support mechanisms that enable investment in infrastructure, promote diversification opportunities and facilitate long-term business development are crucial. Such investments will not only improve environmental practices and reduce pollution, but also contribute to the

Frequent short application windows and vague details about future grant opportunities make long-term planning a daunting task

HENRY CLEMONS

creation of thriving local economies, increased employment opportunities, reduced transportation needs and, ultimately, a reduction in the impact of climate change,” he added.

Less flexibility for farmers in new expanded 2024 SFI offer

THERE are winners and losers in the new 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options, with the 2023 scheme offering more opportunities for farmers, according to Robert Sullivan, head of farm business at GSC Grays.

Mr Sullivan said farmers who secured their applications under the 2023 regime will benefit from

‘greater flexibility and the ability to ‘top up’ with the new options in September’.

He said: “The complexity of the process demands careful planning to ensure compliance. Defra has confirmed that Countryside Stewardship [CS] Higher-Tier will continue as a standalone scheme within Environmental Land Management

and holders of existing Mid-Tier and Higher-Tier CS agreements can end their agreements early.

Developments

“The launch of the no-till and precision farming options are also significant developments. Under the expanded scheme farmers can select any combination of SFI ac-

tions if their land [or landscape feature] is eligible. Each action sets out which other actions you can do on the same area of land.”

Mr Sullivan added despite some constraints the integration of CS agreements into SFI was a ‘positive development’, especially for tenant farmers, offering ‘shorter year agreements and improved cashflow’.

to Henry Clemons.

MORE INFORMATION

Full details of the available grants can be found at ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/

Funding opportunities for Scottish farmers and crofters

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service runs through what grants are open to applications for Scottish farmers and crofters for the remainder of the year. Here is a summary of what is on offer to support what they say are ‘more sustainable and profitable farming businesses’.

PREPARING FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING

THE Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) scheme provides funding for carbon audits, soil sampling and animal and welfare options. Funding of £500 is available to farmers and crofters who have not yet completed a carbon audit for their business or if their existing audit is over three years. The audit must align to PAS 2050 carbon footprinting standards and contain recommended mitigation actions to reduce emissions.

PSF also offers funding for soil sampling. Farmers and crofters can claim costs up to a calculated maximum value based on the area of claimed Region 1 land on the Single Application Form.

In the first claim year an additional payment of £250 will be paid to cover personal development.

Analysed

As part of the funding, the soil must be analysed to determine current levels of pH, phosphate, potash and carbon and a valid carbon audit is required before soil sampling can be claimed.

Under the PSF two out of nine health and welfare options can be undertaken and claimed for. This work must be completed by an expert adviser who will provide actions for treatment or prevention on-farm. A payment of £250 will be made for each option, plus an additional £250 made in the first year of the claim to cover related development activities. All three options must be completed by the farm business before December 31, 2024, and be claimed by February 28, 2025.

FORESTRY GRANT SCHEME

THE Forestry Grant Scheme continues to provide support for the creation and management of woodlands. An initial planting payment and five-year annual maintenance payment are now available to farmers and crofters for

There are various capital and management grants available for looking after existing woodlands.

woodland creation; support for capital works such as fencing can also be claimed. There are also various capital and management grants available for looking after existing woodlands.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM FARM ADVISORY SERVICE

THE Farm Advisory Service provides direct funding for one-to-one advice for farm and crofting businesses, including an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP), specialist advice plans and a carbon audit.

Up to £1,200 of funding is available for an ILMP which provides bespoke advice to help improve profitability and sustainability. Funding of up to £2,000 is also available for two

specialist plans from a choice of 13 farm business topics, and £500 is available for a carbon audit.

There is also financial support for mentoring new entrants, whereby farms can benefit from the advice of an experienced mentor.

FIND OUT MORE

More information can be found at fas.scot/advice-grants/

SCOTTISH UPLAND SHEEP SUPPORT SCHEME

THIS scheme continues to offer support to help farmers and crofters maintain sheep flocks found in Scotland’s Region 3 land. Eligible ewe hoggs born on Scottish holdings and retained from December 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, are eligible to be claimed this year. Claims must be made between September 1 and November 30.

SCOTTISH SUCKLER BEEF SUPPORT SCHEME (MAINLAND AND ISLANDS)

THE Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme continues to provide support to beef producers who have male or female calves that are at least 75% beef-bred. Calves must have been born on the holding and kept there for 30 days. Claims for this year need to be made by December 31, 2024. From 2025 onwards, calves will only be eligible for a payment if their dam has a calving interval of 410 days or less.

Support is available for sheep flocks found in Scotland’s Region 3 land.

One part of the new grant will offer between £15,000 and £500,000 towards the cost of refurbishing or replacing existing laying hen and pullet housing.

Application approaches for a new laying hen housing grant

Anew grant for hen housing with a budget of more than £20 million is expected to open up for initial applications at the end of June, for laying hen and pullet farmers in England with flocks of 1,000 birds or more.

The grant is split into two types of project. One part of the fund will offer between £15,000 and £500,000 towards the cost of refurbishing or replacing existing laying hen and pullet housing. The other part will give between £5,000 and £100,000 towards the cost of installing a new veranda to an existing building. Both forms of funding are focused on providing animal health and welfare benefits.

NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead said the grant was a good thing which egg producers and pullet rearers could benefit from.

He said: “Investment in infrastructure has been limited in recent years due to cost of production increases, so the £22m which can be accessed through this offering will be welcomed.”

But he urged the Government to look closely at the eligibility and application process to ensure the funding was fully accessible.

British Egg Industry Council chief

executive Gary Ford said the grant could be applied for the ‘conversion of a flat deck system to a multi-tier’, but added it does not address ‘the most pressing infrastructure challenges’ the industry faces.

“What would be really useful is grant support for the installation of muck stores, to help with manure storage over the winter period,” Mr Ford said.

Direct link

On its online grants page, Defra said there was a ‘direct link between the health and welfare of livestock and a farmer’s bottom line’.

Also on the website it said: “We know that ageing housing can make a bad situation worse. Many farmers tell us that they want to update their housing but struggle to find the funds.”

Defra said there was no ‘one-size-fitsall’ poultry farm, adding this grant had been designed to give farmers options so they can access funding for a project which ‘best reflects their needs’.

In a message to its members, NFU said the scheme cannot be used to directly fund flock expansion by increasing stocking capacity.

They added if farmers were planning to replace a colony cage system, they may wish to maintain their egg

What would be really useful is grant support for the installation of muck stores

GARY FORD

production capacity by using a combination of projects. For example, both a refurbishment and a new-build project.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) said it will fund up to 40% of the eligible costs up to the maximum grant amount if the final stocking capacity of the project does not exceed that of the colony system.

The NFU said if at project completion, the project exceeds the starting colony capacity, then the amount of grant funding available will be worked out pro rata, adding the farmer will need to fill in one application per project.

Farmers can keep the old building if they are replacing existing laying

hen or pullet housing with a new building. But producers cannot use the old building for poultry housing or egg production after the project is completed.

Those looking to apply are likely to require planning permission.

An environmental permit could also be needed, if the site has more than 40,000 birds or will increase from under 40,000 birds to 40,000 or more birds because of the project.

Make clear

NFU told its members to make clear on any of permit applications that the project is part of the Defra Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare grant and to ensure necessary permissions are in place before submitting a full application.

They added any successfully funded project should not only aim to improve laying hen and pullet health and welfare, and increase environmental sustainability, but also introduce innovation, adding Defra will score the inclusion of these features at the online checker stage.

The RPA is expected to invite eligible applicants who pass the online checker to make a full application from October 2024.

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

SLURRY ACIDIFICATION

• Locks in available Nitrogen

• Increased fertiliser value

• Carbon Sequestration

• 10 / 15% Increased Crop Yields

• Fully Automated

ASBS SLURRY BUBBLER

• No Crusting

• Safer Environment

• Slurry to Go Anytime

• Fully automated Mixing

• Improved nutrient value

TENSIONED TANK COVERS

• Reduces emissions

• Utilises existing mixing systems

• Increases slurry storage

PERMASTORE TANKS

LINED LAGOON SYSTEM

• Typical Installation Completed in One Day

• Suitable for the most severe climates

• Flexible one piece liner of 1,2 mm thickness

• Very Durable UV Resistant

• High Tensile Strength

Glass Fused to Steel

Lifetime coating

Future proof design extendable

Low Maintenance

FLOATING TANK COVER

• Reduces Ammonia Emissions

• Increases storage

• Rainwater harvesting

• Less crusting

SLURRY SEPARATOR & GREEN BEDDING

• Up to 38% dry matter

• Long service life Reinforced sieves

• No plug compaction shut down

SLURRY BAG

• Closed self-support tank

• 10 year warranty

• Simple mixing system

• Sizes up to 2500m3

Get more from an FG membership

To celebrate Farmers Guardian’s 180th anniversary we have added some exciting bene ts to our membership packages to give you even more content, networking opportunities and access to future farming insights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For any enquiries contact

Dafydd Davies - 07506 083590 dafydd@farmersmarts.co.uk

Dylan Davies - 07979 156650 dylan@farmersmarts.co.uk

3rd of July 2024

Timed Internet Auc on of Working Sheepdogs ONLINE CATALOGUE LIVE - 24/7/24

- Online Catalogue available from

Monday 24th of June at - farmersmarts.auc onmarts.com

- Bidding to start on

Monday 1st of July 2024

- Bidding closes 3rd of July 2024

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

Saturday 29th June 2024 at approx. 12pm following the commercial fresh milk entry

184 DAIRY CATTLE

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE 01278 410250 | livestock@gth.net, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6

Comprising of -

39 Fully Trained Sheepdogs

31 Party Trained Sheepdogs

25 Sheepdog pups

Nell -

£9,400

To Inc. The Dispersal Sale of the Milking Portion of the NMR Herd being

64 DAIRY CATTLE

✰ NMR HERD AV: 7808KGS, 4.40%BF, 3.22%P; SCC=134

✰ HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

✰ ALL YEAR ROUND CALVING

✰ SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus, Limousin& Holstein For SR Curtis & Partners

(Removed from Whetham Farm, Beaminster, Dorset, for convenience of sale) & The Dispersal Sale of the Milking Portion being

80 BRITISH FRIESIANS

✰ HERD AV: 7500KGS, 3.85%BF, 3.35%P; SCC=100

✰ HERRINGBONE Parlour

✰ ALL YEAR ROUND CALVING

✰ SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus For D & SG Dicker

Removed from Coombe Farm, Swanage, Dorset for convenience of sale) In conjunction with the Weekly Dairy Market of approx. 40 Dairy Cattle ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF

NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

Delivery: Monday 1st & Tuesday 2nd July

Sale to Commence: Friday 5th July

Viewing: Friday 5th (9am-4.30pm), Saturday 6th (am only) & Monday 8th July (9am-4.30pm).

Online Bidding: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com

Sale to Conclude: Tuesday 9th July

Collection: Wednesday 10th & Friday 12th July (9am-4.30pm) For More Information Please Contact Auctioneer Matthew Probert on 07540446667.

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

Wednesday 26th June 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves 11.30am 50-100 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT 2.30pm 1500 Cast Ewes followed by 1500-2000 Spring Lambs & 2000-3000 Prime Hoggs

Tuesday 2nd July

Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle

JULY FAIR OF SUCKLER BREEDING CATTLE

Entries inc. J Woodcock Ped Lim Bull 4yo & 10 Cows with Lim x Calves; L Mellin 3 Sim x Hfrs with AA Calves Followed by STORE CATTLE

Entries for catalogue close Friday 21st June

Wednesday 3rd July

Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle

Tuesday 9th July

OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS

Entries for catalogue close Friday 28th June

Richard Turner & Son

Tuesday 25th June

1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

Thursday 27th June 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STIRKS & STORE CATTLE

Thursday 18th July OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS Catalogue Entries Wednesday 10th July

Sunday 11th August

North West Texel Breeders Club

Show & Sale of Rams & Females

Pre Entries 28th June - 7th July Full Entries 12th July - 21st July *Club Members Only, MV Accredited Sale*

Collective machinery sale on behalf of Mr A Baughan & others. Oak Farm, Upper Boddington, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 6DW. ENTRIES ARE INVITED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: Tractors, telehandlers, diggers, trailers, vehicles, arable, grassland and livestock machinery. Together with: Excavators, dump trucks, mini diggers, telehandler and loader attachments, bowsers, generators & agricultural requisites. Plus: Livestock equipment, workshop equipment, agricultural equipment and rural bygones. For an entry form or more information please contact Gilly on 07921 511852. To be sold by auction on Saturday 29th June 2024 at 10.30am.

ANNUAL STRAW IN THE SWATH SALE. A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 400-500 ACRES of Wheat Straw in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

&

Prime Lambs, Prime Hoggs & Cull Ewes

Thurs 27th June 12.30pm

Sale of Young Bulls, Store Heifers & Steers. Rearing calves 12 noon Tues 25th June 12.30pm

Thurs 27th – Sat 29th June

Viewing Thurs 27th , Fri 28th 9am-4pm, Sat 29th 9am-12noon

Friday 5th July 6pm

Entries close Thurs 27th June

Timed Online Sale Thurs 16th – Sat 18th May

Full details and catalogue available w/c 24th June. For sale by Auction on Monday 3rd July 2024 at 6.30pm at Lutterworth RFC, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Leicestershire, LE17 4LW.

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

MARKET DRAYTON LIVESTOCK MARKET

GREEN MARKET – EVERY WEDNESDAY

FAT STOCK, STORE STOCK, DAIRIES & CALVES

PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE CHANGE IN SELLING TIMES DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND

WEDNESDAY YOUNG BULLS & CLEAN CATTLE AT 10.45AM

MONDAY BARREN COWS & OTMS AT 3.30PM

450 to 750 Calves 8.30am - Auctioneers Ben Baggott & Jonty Cliffe

1,500 to 3,000 Lambs, Cull Ewes & Store Sheep 9.00amAuctioneer Mark Jones

50 to 80 Dairy Cattle 10.30am - Gwilym Richards & Jason Brown

120 to 250 Bulls & Clean Cattle 10.45am - Auctioneer Bernie Hutchinson 120 to 250 Store Cattle at 12.30pm - Auctioneer Ben Baggott.

DEDICATED BARREN COW & OTM SALES

Every Monday Afternoon Sale at 3.30pm

Monday 24 June / 1, 15, 22, 29 July / 5, 19 & 26 August GREEN Market Monday 8 July / 12 August / 9 September RED Market

• Red Market On The Second Monday of The Month

• 10 to 15 Buyers In Attendance

• All Grades, Weights & Nationality of Cattle Required

• Young Feeding Cows Required on Green Markets.

ORANGE MARKETS

• Thursday 25 July / 22 August / 19 September

• Calves 1pm, Weanlings 3.15pm & Stores & Feeding Cows at 3.30pm at Market Drayton Market

MACHINERY DISPERSAL SALE

Saturday 6th July - 10:30am

On behalf of Willis Dairy Farmers Ltd

To be held at Fields Farm, Cholmondley, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8HN

Items to include - 2019 John Deere 6145R, 2014 John Deere 6125R, 2021 JCB TM220 Pivot Steer, JCB 3CX Digger, 2005 Massey Ferguson 6460, 2008 McCormick MTX135, John Deere 1040, Land Rover Defender x 2, 2022 Strautmann Verti-Mix 2401 Mixer Wagon, 2013 Bunning MK4 105 Rear Discharge Spreader, 2016 Abbey 3500G Slurry Tanker, 2019 John Deere F310R Front Mower, 2019 John Deere 331 Mower Conditioner, 2013 John Deere 331 Mower Conditioner, 2019 Richard Western SF18 Silage Trailer, Richard Western 12T Silage Trailer, Ifor Williams 12ft Livestock Trailer, 2010 Bailey 24ft Bale Trailer, Twose Tornado 270 Flail Mower, 2004 Kuhn MDS142 Fert Spreader, Simba X Press 3m Cultivator, Dowdeswell DP7 4+1 Plough, Dowdeswell 5F Plough, 2017 Kuhn HR 3004 Power Harrow, 2014 McHale C460 Trailed Straw Chopper, Rotagrind 760, Various JCB Buckets/Grabs, Various Slurry Pumps, Reelers & Pipe, Large Quantity of Calf Hutches, Hurdles, Gates, Troughs, Feeders, Cattle Crushes. JT Universal Static Turnover Cow Foot Trimming Crush, 10 x Ceiling Helicopter Fans, Cubicle Mats, Wooden Sleepers, Silage Nets, 400 x SCR Sense Time Collars, 300 x Heat Time Collars, Milkworks Colostrum Pasteuriser, 2 x Wydale Milk Trolleys, 2013 Karcher Pressure Washer HD56/104C - Single Phase, 10+20TMolasses Tanks, Collinson 32T Feed Bin. Enquiries to Jonty Cliffe or Ben Baggott

DAIRY SALES

• Every Wednesday at 10.30am

• Monthly Show & Sale Supported by the Western Holstein Club

• Wednesday 17 July / 28 August / 18 September at Market Drayton Market.

DAIRY YOUNGSTOCK SALES

• Monday 1 July / 5 August / 2 September at 10.45am at Market Drayton Market.

PIG & WEANLING SALES

• Fortnightly Sale Monday 1 & 15 July / 5 & 19 August / 2 & 16 September

• Pigs at 10.30am / Weanlings 11.30am.

STORE CATTLE SALES

• Every Wednesday at 12.30pm

• Weekly Seasonal Entries 150 to 250 Per Week.

BI-MONTHLY MACHINERY SALES

• Friday 19 July / 13 September at 10.30am

• Collective sale of Tractors, Machinery, Equipment and Sundries

• At Market Drayton Market.

STANDING STRAW SALE

• Thursday 4 July at 7.30pm (Dairy Ring)

• Market Drayton Market, Adderley Road, TF9 3SW

• Sale of Barley, Wheat & Oat Straw.

MARKET DRAYTON EVENING SHEEP FAIRS

• Thursday 15 August, 26 September & 17 October

• at Market Drayton Livestock Market

• This will be a catalogued Sale of All Classes of Breeding/Store Sheep

• Commencing at 5pm for Shearling Ewes Followed by Aged Ewes, Ewe Lambs, Store Lambs and at 6.30pm Breeding Rams. ‘SELL LIVE & THRIVE AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET’ Market Drayton Agriculture

Ben Baggott

FARMSTOCK

AUCTIONEERS,

BROKERS & VALUERS

Tel: 01228 406200

BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Wednesday 26th June – Ring 4 - 10.30am

Summer sale of 35 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

Wednesday 26th June – 11.00am

Retirement Sale of CONTRACTING EQUIPMENT

On behalf of B Templeton Ltd who are retiring after 33 years in business

Thursday 27th June – 12.00noon

Viewing Monday 24th – Wednesday 26th June, 9am -3pm

At Borderway Mart

Full list available on website

Included in the sale 2 x Claas 950 forage harvesters 2020 & 2023 , 2 x New Holland CX7.80 4wd combines 2016 & 2018 , 4 x New Holland T7.210 & 225 , 2 x John Deere 6.155R and 1 Fendt 720 tractors , Ford 8830, Ford 8210, Claas wholecrop header , Maize Header , crop processors , Claas triple mowers , 3 sets of Claas front and rear mowers , 2 x Claas 4 rotor rakes , Claas 2 rotor rake , Lely trailed Tedder , MF trailed Tedder , 2 x Bailey silage trailers , 4 x Herron silage trailers , Redrock silage trailer , 4 x Buckrakes , silage compactor , 2 x Storth lagoon mixers 20’ & 32’ , 4 x Abbey slurry tankers 2500 to 3500 , 2 x Bunning rear discharge muck spreaders , 4 x Slurry Kat umbilical backpacks with front reelers and pipes , 5 x Cri-man and Doda umbilical pumps , Tramspread remote controlled pump , Doosan 140cfm compressor 200 hrs , Atlas 160cfm compressor 200 hrs , 130 cfm compressor , McConnel hedge cutter , 2 x opico 6.3 m hyd grass rollers , 6.3 m hyd Cambridge rollers , 2 x Kverneland 5 furrow ploughs , 4m Lemken folding power Harrow drill , 3m Lemken power Harrow drill , 3m Amazon power Harrow drill , 2 x Lemken front fertiliser hoppers , Lemken 4m press , Grassmaster 6.3 m harrows/seeder and various other machinery.

Charollais

Saturday 29th June

Show 10.00am Sale 12.30pm

Comprising 11 gimmers, 5 ewe lambs, 2 aged rams, 15 shearling rams, 68 tup lambs

Friday 2nd August

Shows and sales of MV accredited Rams & Females

PEDIGREE ZWARTBLES

Entries close Friday 28th June

Summer Selection- Carlisle PEDIGREE DUTCH SPOTTED

Entries close Friday 28th June

PEDIGREE SUFFOLK

On behalf of Carlisle & Northern Counties Branch

Entries close Friday 5th July

PEDIGREE JACOB

On behalf of Scottish Regional Society

Entries close Friday 5th July

Show and sale of MV accredited PEDIGREE BELTEX SHEEP

Thursday 15th August & Friday 16th August

Entries close Wednesday 3rd July

Show and sale of PEDIGREE TEXEL SHEEP

Thursday 5th September & Friday 6th September

Pre-sale entries close with Society Friday 5th July

ONLINE SALES

GENETIC SHEEP SELECTION SALE

Entries close Wednesday 19th June

Bidding starts 12noon Wednesday 17th July finishing from 12noon Thursday 18th July

TRADITIONAL

HEREFORD CATTLE SALE

comprising 13 incalf/with calf females, 8 maiden heifers, 6 bulls and 2 lots embryos

bidding starts 12noon Friday 28th June –finishing from 12noon Sunday 30th June Catalogue available on MartEye

SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items

Sale bidding starts 10.00am Wednesday 3rd July until 10.00am Thursday 4th July

Entries close Wednesday 26th June or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791

Bakewell Market Results - Monday 17th June

613 Cattle & 700 Sheep - Full report available on our website

Store Cattle Entries for Monday 24th June

Please call the Bakewell O ce on 21st June before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE

Entries/Enquiries, contact

Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443 Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126

Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries

HILL FARM, STANTON, BURTON ON TRENT, DE15 9TJ SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024 AT 10:30AM

Genuine Dispersal-All Non Vat 10 Tractors to inc: Ford 5000’s, DB 995, 990 and 880 Fordson Dexter plus many more Suzuki 3 Door Vitara Trailers, Spreaders, Arable & Grassland Machinery, John Deere Round Baler

Large Range of Workshop Items and Spares Livestock Items, Straw, Sundries and E ects

Also special entries of Scania Lorry, John Deere 2140 4WD, Ride on Mower Nu eld 4/25 c/w Loader and Bucket & many more

CROSSLANDS FARM, DOVE HOLES, BUXTON SK17 8DB

4 Massey Ferguson 135’s, Ford 6610 4WD c/w Loader JCB 8015 Mini Digger, Ferguson & MF Implements Trailers & Bowsers, Collectables Sundries and E ects Together with 10 Classic Tractors from Derbyshire Vendors

SATURDAY 13TH JULY 2024 AT 10.30AM Catalogues

MONDAY 1 JULY (10.45am) AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW (moved from Bromyard, Herefordshire, for sale convenience) DISPERSAL SALE OF THE STEEPLES FARM HERD OF 160 DAIRY CATTLE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULL (3

milking

and heifers in

★ ★ Young herd – 58 first, 28 second, 15 third calvers ★ Cubicles ★ ★ 7,500kgs 3.94%F 3.44%P cc189 ★ Grazed herd ★ ★ On Behalf of Edvin Farms ★

MARKET DRAYTON MARKET LTD

01630 652 926 | marketdraytonmarket.co.uk

Jonty Cliffe 07595 453 306 dairy@barbers-auctions.co.uk Catalogues by post on application only

500+ HEAD

10.30am 5 SHEEPDOGS, 7 GOATS Closing Sale of 200 OUTFITS SHEEP WITH LAMBS, 80 GELD HOGGS catalogue online. Enquiries to Rachel

Thursday 27 June

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY 12.30pm SALE OF STIRKS entries please by Tues 25

Saturday 29 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.00am FORTNIGHTLY BREEDING & STORE CATTLE Entries to the office by Tuesday 25 12noon

Tuesday 2 July

MONTHY MACHINERY entries to the yard on the Monday

Saturday 6 July

OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS early entries please

...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart

SATURDAY 22ND JUNE

100 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc

5 BBx Stirks, 9/11mths R Watson

5 Chx Str/Hfr 16mth, R Iredale & Son

8Fr Bull Stirks 3/4mth, R Iredale & Son

6 BBX Bulls 8/9mth R Smales

2 Saler Cows & calves, D Pickford Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

WEDNESDAY 26TH JUNE

Dedicated Slaughter Market

395 Prime Cattle 410 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am

MONDAY 8TH JULY AT 5.30PM

Contact Office for Details

Catering & Farm Shop Items for Auction At Selby Auction

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

See details on Website & Facebook

RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk

Contact Office for Details

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk

STARTS: FRIDAY 28 JUNE CLOSES: 1 to 3 JULY YORK MACHINERY SALE TIMED

Entries includeJD 7710 (02); Claas Axion 820 (60); JD 6600; JCB 535-60 & 526-56; JCB 802; Bailey 16T & TB 14T; Pichon 3300gal (06); Kuhn FB2135 & McHale V660 balers; KV 3288 mo/co (20); Claas Liner 2600 (12); Horsh Pronto 4DC drill (07); 2 Grimme GT170; Bateman 24m; JF Stoll VM19 feeder See website for further details

Murton, York, YO19 5GF Tel: 01904 489731 www.ylc.co.uk

On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH

640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk

Tom Greenow 07572 249983

FRIDAY 21 JUNE – 11AM EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Dispersal Sale of 300 Holstein Friesian Youngstock on behalf of Seckington Dairies, Higher Clovelly. To include 100 In Calf / Served Heifers and 85 Bulling Heifers. Herd is vaccinated for Lepto, BVD & IBR. Herd Average – 9,700Kgs 4.40%BF 3.50%PTN

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE – 11AM HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Sale of 200 Dairy Cattle. To include Dispersal of 130 NMR Recorded, British Friesian type, Spring Calving Cows and Heifers on behalf of Messrs R & D Hopkins of Newquay. Homebred and Closed Herd. Cows have all calved February – June. Age Profile: 28 1st calvers, 27 2nd calvers, 14 3rd calvers, 16 4th calvers and 26 5th+ calvers. PLUS 100 12-18 mth old Youngstock from a 10,000Kgs herd.

FRIDAY 28 JUNE – 11AM

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Sale of 150 Dairy Cattle inc 15 Freshly Calved Friesian & Crossbred Cows from AR Hooper & Partners, Spreyton. Followed by the Genuine Reduction Sale of 111 Holstein Friesian, Jersey & Guernsey Dairy Cattle from the Bartinney, Cardinney & Tredinney Herd on behalf of RJ & JR Warren, Penzance.

TUESDAY 2 JULY

PAWTON DAIRY, ST BREOCK, WADEBRIDGE. PL27 7LR

*WILLSBRO PREMIER HERD OPEN DAY & SALE*

Comprising 40 milkers, 160 youngstock & 20 embryos from fantastic Willsbro family lines. In conjunction with Norton & Brooksbank. ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE FOR ALL SALES VIA Full details & Catalogue www.kivells.com For further information, please contact: Mark Bromell 07966 430001 Mark Davis 07773 371774, Robert Speck 07909 538520 or Olly Murrain 07467 437288

Tuesday 25th June, 2024

9.00 a.m. Prime Lambs & Cast Sheep 10.30 a.m. Sale of 100 Store Cattle 11.30 a.m. 60/80 Rearing Calves, Weanlings & Stirks

Wednesday 26th June, 2024

10.30 a.m. Weekly Sale of Cast Cows & OTM Cattle Followed by TB Exempt Cattle

Wednesday 24th July, 2024 Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle

Close 10.00 a.m. Thursday 18th July

Breed Promotion Executive

- South-West based - 3 days a week flexible working

Salary £20,000 to £25,000 - Depending on experience

Part time/Self employed considered

The role will involve:

• Being able to liaise with new and existing society members

• Must have good communication and social media skills

• Will be working alongside Society committees and the Society office

• The ability to write market reports, news and press releases

• Knowledge of the beef industry is an advantage

• Must hold a full UK driving licence due to some travelling required

For further details please call Society Chairman Edward Hawkins on 07768 058 760. To apply please email your CV and covering letter to: Edward.Hawkins@Cutseyfarm.co.uk

Applications close 1st July www.sdhbs.org.uk

Recruiter Spotlight

Latest Jobs From Real Success

Herd Manager - Cirencester, Gloucestershire Loca on: Cirencester, Gloucestershire Closes: 14 Jul 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Business Development, Dairy, Farm Work, Management

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

Farm Manager - Presteigne, Wales Loca on: Presteigne, Powys Closes: 14 Jul 2024

Job Sector: Animal Health, Business Development, Dairy, Farm Work, Management

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

For more informa on please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com

Full-Time Trainee or Qualified Land Agent Required

We are looking for a trainee or qualified Land Agent to work primarily on the rural side of our small, busy market town prac ce in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

There is a wide variety of work available, including Sales & Purchases, Valua ons, Environmental & Agricultural Grant Schemes, Landlord & Tenant ma ers, planning and compensa on.

Please submit your CV and a Covering Le er to info@pallisters.co.uk. Applica ons must be received to the o ce or by email by 5pm Monday 8th July.

Please see full advert online at h ps:// www.pallistersproperty.co.uk/

The Coach House 28 Duck Street Clitheroe, BB7 ILP

Requirements:

• Willing to work as part of a team and independently

• Willing to work long hours when required

• Full driving licence

• Experience working with modern arable machinery essential - Full Time Position

To discuss the role call Andrew Sharpe on 07970052419 Please send your CV aksharpeandsons@gmail.com

GENERAL FARM WORKER

General Farm Worker required to join the team on our farm at Lach Dennis, near Northwich, Cheshire. Modern facilities and equipment. Full time role. Duties to include some milking and stock duties, TMR feeding, general tractor work. Finish time normally 5pm. 3 bedroom house available in the village. Close to good schools.

For more information on any of the vacancies please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com Please email or ring 07866 239068

website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture

Assistant Market Foreman

Administra on, Livestock, Sales & Marke

ng - Assistant

We are currently looking for an enthusias c and commi ed individual to join our team in Ayr as the Assistant Market Foreman/woman on a Full Time basis.

Ideally this person would possess good communica on skills as this posi on would include working with all Market Sta , Customers, Local Authori es and Hauliers along with the ability to manage and organise sta for sale days and a er sale processes.

A good knowledge and experience of handling livestock along with animal welfare regula ons and Health and Safety policies would be advantageous.

Working Hours will vary during busy mes of the year which will include some weekends.

Our current Market Foreman would assist with further training if needed with regards to: Record keeping of animals

Lairage Management

PAY - Salary dependant on experience

Closing Date for Applica ons 12 Noon Friday 28th June 2024

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

Training

MOLE VALLEY FARMERS

Job title: Sales Manager Location: South England Closing date: 5 Jul 2024

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

Sales Manager Feed - South £ excellent with bonus, company car & benefits

Reporting to the Head of Agri Feed Sales, you will be responsible for driving front-end commercial activity for our Mole Valley Feed Solutions business. Leading our Southern field-based feed sales team you will deliver a consistent sales approach for our Farmer Shareholders and farming customers.

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 positions are supported with a thorough induction and management development training plan, whilst benefiting from a range of benefits to include: Company car (extensive list of Electric and hybrid) up to 25% staff discount, 33 days holiday (inc BH) and pension.

For more information on any of the vacancies please go to:

Whether you’re an experienced hand or just starting out, our training will help steer you through all you’ll need to operate machines safely and expertly.

Along with a comprehensive range of tractor and attachment courses and refreshers, we also offer training in all terrain vehicles, 4x4s, trailer handling and towing and rough terrain telescopic lift-trucks.

Plus, our industry-leading training and refreshers are recognised by the HSE/HSA/HSENI and delivered by a network of industry professionals.

Scan the QR code to find out more!

FRIENDS1ST DATING

Our proven introduction process makes meeting your future partner simple, stress-free, and is designed to be a genuinely great experience. Our Smart Matching Philosophy Is What Makes Our Members So Successful. Ring us today on 0121 405 0941 and find out how we can impact your life. Many farmers with a Christian faith have turned to us and found the answer to their prayers for a soul mate. www.friends1st. co.uk/christian-farmers-datin

take a farmercentric

Do you enjoy the countryside? Do you like to socialise and meet new people? If you are looking for new friends in a relaxed and informal environment, then try Country Link – the social network for the countryside. Open to anyone, and with a national network of local groups, Country Link offers a variety of pre-arranged meetings, events, and activities to suit all tastes, encouraging friendship but is not a dating agency.

Take a look on our website, call 07932 537183, or email contact@country-link.co.uk for more information and to find out what is happening in your area.

•

Shaun Kirkham 07729862937 or William Hornby 07799137576 Lancs (P)

sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

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

LTD

“WITH

• GRANT FUNDED

• ESTIMATED PAYBACK OFTEN WITHIN 12 MONTHS

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

• IMPROVEMENT TO THE COOLING UNITS PERFORMANCE

•

• DOMESTIC OR OFFICE HEATING

• ALMOST ZERO MAINTENANCE

• HUGE REDUCTION IN YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT POWERED BY YOUR MOO

Portable Milking Machine

A NEW MODEL

We

PERTH MUIRKIRK GALASHIELS WARMINSTER

Please

DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE

Beef Cattle

A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged. Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

Telephone:

NO DE-HORNING REQUIRED ALL CALVES WILL BE BORN WITHOUT HORNS THE TREDON HERD - (Limousins) HOMOZYGOUS POLLED CHOICE OF 6 RED OR BLACK

• Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.

or 01223

• High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.

SEAFIELD PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS

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

Tel: 077157 64351

Lancashire (P)

A range of genetics from the top family lines in the UK and America.

Pedigree Holstein Friesian Youngstock

Sired by top AI Sires

Please feel free to contact Richard – 07816 173689 John – 07885 739120

From 2 - 12 months old TB 4 Area - Fully Vaccinated Telephone: 07711 742617 Lancs (P)

BIDLEA HERD

Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale

Black & White and some Red & White Plenty to choose from - first come first served!

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

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

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

Dogs & Pets

PEDIGREE AA BULLS for sale. Hi Health. TB4. Suit commercial & ped breeders. Oakmoor Angus, Tel: 07563 339979

s & Bedding

SUNSHINE LICKS

SUNSHINE

FARM

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

/13 ME) £225 ex store

Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein /13 ME) £245 ex store

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

NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA

One Tonne Bag Collections

Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com

Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store

Also Heterozgous Polled. Choice of Red & Black, Choice of 10. Good conformation and temperament. High health status. TB4. Ready For Work

Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store

We do same day delivery

Tel: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412 Cambridgeshire (P)

We will respond to your enquiries the same day! We deliver to every area twice a week.

PEDIGREE HEREFORDS FOR SALE

Bulls ready for work

Excellent choice of bulling heifers Elite Status High Health, TB4 North Yorkshire 01756 720210 - 0777 99 20202 www.whitehillherefords.co.uk

FRIESIAN HEIFERS 17-22 months.

Beef Cattle

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

Swindell R & Sons Ltd

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

TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249

01829 782378 or 07710 933681

Fantastic opportunity to generate electricity and heat from wood chip. For sale is a pair of CHP units. Commissioned in September 2016. Accredited for wood fuel drying. 12 years of RHI remaining on the OFGEM renewable heat incentive scheme. Current Tariff for heat is 7.78p kWh. No tier 1 and 2 tariffs. Paid for what you produce. Each pair will generate 90 kWh electricity and 180 kWh of heat, making this a great investment. Can be viewed operating. Somerset - Buyer to dismantle. 07860 173293 or 07949 027069

•

MOBILE TIMBER HOMES

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.

CHESTNUT FENCING STAKES, mixed halves & quarters. 10/ 12cm tops. National delivery available. Mob: 079852 98221 colin@cwpfencing.co.uk Nationwide (T)

PaynettsFarm,CranbrookRoad, Goudhurst,Kent,TN171DY

Tel:01580212141

Mob:07710480259

Email:info@timberspecs.com

eco friendly affordable

bespoke design

Property Landscape Farmers’ concerns over SFI and elections

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

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Farms & Property

Just as farmers were beginning to acclimatise to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), and even expressing optimism about how the scheme has benefited them, they now face renewed unease.

The upcoming General Election and the potential for a change in Government have sparked concerns that these policies might be altered once again.

Further anxiety was stoked when, two weeks ago, Defra announced applications for SFI 2023 were temporarily suspended.

help prevent pollution, including funds for renewing concrete yards, roofing over muck heaps, creating spray washdown areas and installing fencing to protect sensitive features.

PERVIN FARM, HOPE UNDER DINMORE, LEOMINSTER

The 286.32 Acre Grade II & III Pasture & Arable Farm with Two Houses, a large range of Modern Farm Buildings, an Earth Walled Silage Pit & Traditional Buildings to the rear of the houses. Comprising a Stone, 4 Bedroomed Farmhouse with the adjoining converted Former Hop Kiln, “The Round House” providing further 3 Bedroomed accommodation. Situated in a private & elevated position with commanding views to the Malvern Hills. A 1.5 mile drive to the houses & buildings but within 1.75 miles of A49 Trunk Road. For Sale by Informal Tender with Tenders to be received by 12 Noon on Friday 12th July 2024

Ref: Richard Hyde & Tara Boulton Tel: 01432 356161

While they promised the scheme would soon return with a comprehensive set of 102 SFI actions, they failed to highlight that some of the most popular actions have been modified, imposing stricter restrictions and reducing flexibility.

For instance, legume fallow will no longer be rotational, herbal leys will have limitations on fertiliser use and insecticides cannot be used for commercial crops.

Planning

For those who applied under the previous SFI window, their agreements will remain unchanged.

However, for those yet to apply, it may require more meticulous planning to ensure compliance with the new actions.

Despite these changes, farmers should not be discouraged from considering SFI 2024.

The new scheme introduces entirely new actions, including precision farming, agroforestry and upland actions, along with some of the popular Countryside Stewardship options.

Countryside Stewardship capital grants remain available, and many farmers are eager to engage with boundary options such as hedgelaying and stone wall restoration.

If you are in a water priority area, there are excellent grants to

We are optimistic that more rounds of the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund will open soon, offering grants for equipment aligned with the themes of animal health and welfare, productivity and slurry management.

Although multiple rounds for each theme were promised throughout the year, we have only seen one round of each as we reach the midpoint of the year.

Currently, large-scale capital grants are all closed and it is assumed that they will not reopen until after the General Election.

The hope is that if a new Government comes into power, agricultural schemes will not be their primary focus, allowing the current offerings to remain in place.

While the system is not perfect, when compared to the policies in Wales and Scotland, it could be worse.

The current political and subsidy landscape seems to reflect the unpredictable and uncertain weather, making business planning challenging.

Nevertheless, we remain hopeful for stability on all fronts.

Helen Proud is an associate rural chartered surveyor at youngsRPS. Call 01434 608 980, or email helen.proud@youngsrps.com

Helen Proud

Three bedroom bungalow, buildings, 38.33 acres of good land in a ring fence for a deceased estate with freehold vacant possession

TENDERS CLOSE

FRIDAY 5th JULY 2024 at 5.00pm Details 01584 872155 ref JU

DICKENDALE, WIGMORE, LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR6 9UQ FOR SALE BY INFORMAL TENDER

A rural north Herefordshire farm comprising three bedroom house, farm buildings and approx. 75 acres of pasture and woodland.

TENDERS CLOSE

WEDNESDAY 31st JULY at 5.00pm

Details 01584 813764 ref PBH

Low Scaw Farm

High Harrington, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 4NG

A rare opportunity to purchase a ring fenced farm extending to approx 309.6 acres (125ha) comprising of prime arable and grass land in a renowned farming region.

Guide price for the whole £3,500,000

For Sale by private treaty

Contact 01900 822016 for details www.mitchellslandagency.co.uk

HELSTON, CORNWALL FARM WITH POTENTIAL

WEST CORNWALL

SECLUDED COUNTRY ESTATE

HIGH HUNSLEY FARM, HIGH HUNSLEY, EAST YORKSHIRE

A rare opportunity to purchase a highly productive farm located on the Yorkshire Wolds extending to approximately 225.73 hectares (557.37 acres).

The land is offered for sale as a whole or in lots as follows;

• LOT 1 – 37.58 ha (92.86ac)

• LOT 2 – 139.38 ha (344ac) + farm buildings

• LOT 3 – 38.39ha (94.86ac)

• LOT 4 – 10.38ha (25.65ac)

Guide Price as a whole in excess of £8,000,000

RM English (Yorkshire) Ltd

Contact Stephen Burley or Charlotte Curtis on 01759 303202

01625 585905 mail@andrewjnowell.co.uk

Shellow Lane, Gawsworth £450,000

Close to beaches/rivers being 7 bedroom house, 2 cottages, 63 quality acres, 19 ac woods, 8 ac rough. Must be viewed to be appreciated.

Close to beaches/rivers being 3bed co age style farmhouse, numerous tradi onal and modern buildings with Part Q poten al, 71 ac/29ha.Must be viewed to be appreciated OIRO £1,600,000 01326 572661 contact@johncoad.co.uk

A charming, detached, three-bedroom bungalow situated in this idyllic rural position on the Gawsworth North Rode Border.

With delightful gardens and grounds extending to approximately 1.1 acres.

This property is subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC).

Please contact us for more information 01625 585 905

Muck & Slurry

FETF33

FETF36

2008 NEW HOLLAND T6080, 5423 HOURS, 40K POWER COMMAND, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, 4 x ELECTRIC SPOOLS, FRONT LINKAGE. £39,950

2010 NEW HOLLAND TC5070, 2178 HOURS, 5 STRAW WALKER, 15FT HEADER, A/C. VERY WELL LOOKED AFTER. VERY NICE CONDITION

£56,000

2004 JOHN DEERE 6920S, 4940 HOURS, 50K AUTOQUAD TRANSMISSION, AIR BRAKES, TLS AND CAB SUSPENSION, BRAND NEW WHEELS AND TYRES. £46,500

2011 VOLVO ECR58 PLUS EXCAVATOR, 3928 HOURS, C/W QUICK HITCH, HAMMER LINE, 2M BLADE, 1.5M BUCKET, 60CM 4 TOOTH BUCKET, 30CM 2 TOOTH BUCKET

2020 NEW HOLLAND BC5070 CONVENTIONAL BALER, VERY TIDY BALER.

£18,500

£13,500

2014 MASSEY FERGUSON 7620, 1371 HRS!!, 50K DYNA 6 TRANSMISSION, SISU TRONIC, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, AIR SEAT, PASSENGER SEAT, A/C £POA

2018 MF 7724S

7706 Hrs, Dyna VT, Exclusive Spec, Front Links, 4 Rear Spools, Air-Conditioning, 540/65R30 Fronts & 650/65R42 Rears.

2010 MF 5455

2452 Hrs, Dyno 4, 340/85R24 Fronts @ 15%, 420/85R34 @ 10%, Radio.

MF 7626

2022 MF 6S145

Hrs, Exclusive Spec, Air-Conditioning, Radio, 480/70R30 Fronts @ 40%, 620/70R42 Rears @ 55%, 4 Rear Spools, 2013.

590 Hrs, FL4220 Loader, Twin Beacon, 540/65R28 Front @ 80%, 650/65R38 Rears @ 80%, 4 Rear Spools, Air Conditioning. 10028458 £89,500 W

2017 Valta T254 Versu

4694 Hrs, Front Links, 600/65R28 Fronts @ 60%, 650/75R38 @ 60%, Air Conditioning, 4 Rear Spools, Valtra Evolution Seat, Fridge. 10028754 £69,500 W

2016 MF 6613 1646 Hrs, 440/65R28 Fronts @ 60%, 549/65R38 Rears @ 60%, Dyna 4, Air Conditioning,

2019 Valtra N174 A 3585 Hrs, Power Shift Transmission, Front Linkage, 1 Spool, 4 Rear Spool, Pivoting Front Mudguards, 650/64R38, 540/65R28, Air Seat. 30029134 £66,750 F Manitou 630-105 Elite

Hrs, 2019, Elite Spec, 460/70R24 @ 80%, Powershift Transmission, Boom Suspension, Air Conditioning, Pallet Tines Included.

10028603 £55,000 W

Machinery

How does a contractor thrive in a competitive area? Jane Carley reports on a Cornish business that offers a forage wagon service as an alternative to a forager.

Niche services make up a profitable contracting business for B.L.J. Spear, based between Newquay and Truro in Cornwall.

Operations run alongside the 80-hectare family farm, which grows cereals plus grass for silage, and its livery yard.

The portfolio includes ploughing, spraying and drilling, plus

Forage wagon makes specialist business roll

baling and forage wagon work, umbilical spreading and 1,820ha of hedgecutting.

Ben Spear says: “While other contractors are out harvesting maize in the autumn, we are right behind them with the hedgecutters.

“We do not want to be trying to compete with other forage contractors, we prefer more specialist work.”

The business was established in 2007 as a ‘one-man band’ and, when a

local contractor decided to scale down and eventually give up his forage wagon work in 2018, this fitted right in with Mr Spear’s expansion plans.

“He had a Krone forage wagon which I purchased and initially worked alongside him with his Pottinger.

“I then bought a Pottinger of my own, but found that with three wagons, I had three sets of parts and different issues to tackle,” he says.

Deciding to streamline the operation, Mr Spear looked at a range of brands before discussing the Strautmann with local dealer Halse of Honiton.

“I had a good relationship with the dealer and was able to trade the Krone and the older Pottinger for a Strautmann Giga Vitesse 3601.

More capacity

“I ran those two machines for 12 months and then swapped the Pottinger for the Strautmann Giga Vitesse 3602 [now rebranded as the Magnon 8]. This gave me more capacity, with both wagons using the same parts and with the same maintenance routine,” he says.

The Giga Vitesse uses Strautmann’s continuous flow accelerator drum which spreads and disperses the crop from the pick-up and feeds it across the rotor and cutting unit.

Set 100mm higher than previous

designs, the rotor conveys the material through a shortened duct into the cargo space, said to cut power consumption.

Peak demand for the service is in second, third and fourth cuts. Mr Spear says that customers are split between dairy and beef farmers.

“Forage wagon silage is cost-effective for those who prefer a slightly longer chop,” he adds.

“We only need three operators, two on the wagons and one on the buckrake, so although it might take a bit longer, the cost is two-thirds of using a forager, where the operation may need four trailers, the forager driver and the buckrake.

“There is also less pressure on the clamp, which suits many farms better.”

Always with an eye to progress, he has continued to demo forage wagons offering a shorter chop, including the Fendt Cargo and Pottinger Jumbo, but says: “As with any machine, there are always good features and downsides.

“Some of the other machines that we have looked at are too wide for the narrow lanes and tight fields in Devon and Cornwall and too power-hungry.”

The 30-42cu.m Giga Vitesse models are identical in capacity and their 35mm theoretical chop length, but differ in a couple of key areas.

He says: “The 3601 has a slightly narrower pick-up reel which puts it

Forage wagon work is much in demand for contractor Ben Spear, based in a competitive Cornish livestock area.

Ben Spear saw an opportunity to expand his business to add forage wagon work when a local contractor came out of the sector.

Some of the other machines that we have looked at are too wide for the narrow lanes and tight fields in Devon and Cornwall

BEN SPEAR

150mm inside the drive wheels and has two slip clutches. The newer 3602 has a full width 2.25-metre pick-up and one slip clutch, so that it can handle a bigger horsepower tractor better.

“Each has its strengths – the narrower pick-up is better on tricky farms with narrow lanes and gateways.”

Mr Spear has a good selection of tractors to choose from, including a Fendt 828 and 820 and John Deere 6R 155 and 6930.

“They are all over 200hp; we tend to use the newer ones on the forage wagons, typically the 6R 155,” he says. Steep

Cornwall’s dramatic landscapes bring with them steep slopes as well as winding lanes and he adds that the surefooted Giga Vitesses handle well on all types of terrain.

“They travel like a silage trailer on the road and you can lock up the auto following rear axle so that they sit well on banks. We found the wagons with moveable headboards less stable.”

Unloading is quick, efficient and safe in smaller, tight clamps.

“You can flip the pto back on to get the last bit out if necessary,” he adds.

Another area for debate among

The lockable tandem steering axle and wide tyres on the Strautmann Giga Vitesse make for a stable ride both

wagon drivers is blade sharpening.

Mr Spear is strictly in the workshop sharpening camp.

He says: “I have tried auto sharpening, and I found that it was not touching half of the knives.

“I have found it better to have four sets of knives for the two wagons and then it takes five minutes to get them out and, if you do it regularly, half-anhour to sharpen.”

Attention to detail is key to keeping a forage wagon running sweetly, he says.

“Apart from a good check over and a service from Halse of Honiton at the start of the season, on a wet day, I will blow all the blades off and then lather them in waste oil. If you keep on top of small jobs you can avoid problems at a busy time,” he says.

Durability has also pleased him, in particular the robust knives which are fitted to a cam clutch-type system which helps them spring out of the work position, avoiding serious damage when meeting a foreign object.

“Knives were a problem with the Krone,” he adds.

“We have a couple of customers on a New Zealand dairy system, so stones breaking knives is a hazard and, at £50 per knife, it soon eats into profit. In comparison, the older Strautmann has not broken a knife in three years.”

Mr Spear thinks that he will keep the Giga Vitesses for seven to 10 years,

although developments from Strautmann might see an upgrade.

“The moving headboard on the latest models could be useful when wet grass starts to pack in and you cannot get it to go up – the design allows it to angle forward and push the grass in, clearing blockages and helping to get a big load in.”

Clamp loading from a wagon rather than a stream of silage trailers can be more manageable for some farms, Mr Spear suggests.

A narrower pick-up on the 3601 means that it can access narrower gateways and tighter fields typical of the kind found in Cornwall.

Running two wagons of the same brand and series makes for simpler, more cost effective maintenance and parts budgeting.

in the field and on the road.

Machinery Cereals 2024

Flexibility of toolbars and front tanks were the mainstay of Cereals,

alongside

new sprayers and mechanical weeding kit. James Huyton and Toby Whatley look at the highlights.

New machines and concepts showcased at Cereals event

CLAYDON FRONT HOPPER AND TOOLBAR

LAUNCHED at the event, Claydon’s front hopper is a first for the brand and is designed to provide more flexibility for users. The twin-metering unit pictured offers a 2,750-litre hopper capacity with a 45/55 volume split. The manufacturer claims this gives end users the flexibility to both sow companion crops or apply fertiliser alongside the main crop.

The fully pressurised tank also features built-in cameras, work lights and toolbox. There are options for a detachable passive steering system, or, alternatively, a weight pack to

provide extra ballast. Control systems are offered with IsoBus functionality.

In addition to the front hopper Claydon also launched the Evolution M-Mounted toolbar, aimed to work in conjunction with the Suffolk manufacturer’s front hopper. Available in six width options of three metres, 4m, 4.5m, 5m and 6m, the toolbar incorporates the brand’s established single pass establishment system. Several coulter points and trailing harrow configurations are available, with 330mm tine spaces and 180mm band width.

COUSINS OF EMNETH PATRIOT

CEREALS also saw Cambridgeshirebased Cousins of Emneth launch a new format Patriot cultivator. Historically, the brand has opted for a leading leg, disc and DD ring format, but following demand from potato growers looking for a free flow option to dry out the ground, the latest

derivative sees the addition of pig-tail coulters, taking the place of a disc unit. The system still incorporates hydraulic depth control on the subframe and a turnbuckle system to adjust working pitch. Working widths are available in three metres, 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.8m and 5.2m.

AUTONOMOUS implement carrier Robotti sees further adaptation incorporating a Kverneland front tank and Stanhay precision drill for the application of liquid feeds when establishing sugar beet.

Adapted with leading tines to incorporate liquid starter fertilisers into the soil profile, Autonomous Agri Solutions has tested the machine with more than 200 hectares of beet established with the system.

It plans to follow on with an autonomous weeding system, which can utilise the tank to apply banded selective herbicides.

Growth in unit numbers has allowed the business to offer a contract weeding service for beet crops of the coming season on blocks of land of 200ha or more. There is currently £150/ha offered under the Sustainable Farming Incentive for mechanical robotic weeding.

SPECTRE COLLECTION BY BERTHOUD

FOR the first time in the UK, showgoers had the opportunity to see Berthoud’s Spectre Collection, with the French manufacturer returning to the market place with a premium forward control machine.

The front-mounted cabin has been reintroduced with a hydraulic lifting and lowering system for access.

Tank capacities start at 4,000 litres, with the version pictured capable of holding 5,200 litres.

The cabin features category four filtration and hydraulic suspension for operator comfort. Black and red styling denotes the premium brand, with a six-cylinder Deutz engine providing 244hp across the two model range.

Hydraulically-operated variable track widths give options from two metres to 2.7m as standard, with aluminium booms offered in working widths up to 38m.

ROBOTTI PRECISION PLANTING AND BAND SPRAYING

For more highlights from this year’s Cereals event, see pages 27-29.

JOHN DEERE 6M 185

PRESENTED as the first public showing ahead of its global launch at the end of June, details of the new 6M range were limited. However, John Deere has advised that it will cover a power range of 95 to 275hp, covering 18 models.

Targeted as a lower-spec tractor which removes the technology and data-gathering features supplied as standard on the R series equivalent, the new

Cereals 2024 Machinery

M includes upgraded transmission, with the 50kph AutoPwer continuously variable transmission now offered across all models, in addition to PowrQuad and AutoQuad options.

Cabs have been updated with a simplified Command Arm and internal switch gear, with the dated 30-series era dash replaced with a pillar-mounted digital design, similar to the current R series.

GARFORD ROOTWAVE

SHOWN as a prototype, the Garford Rootwave demonstrates the recent partnership of Garford Farm Machinery and Warwickbased electric weeding startup Rootwave, with the demonstration of its high-voltage electric weeding system working in conjunction with an interrow cultivator.

The system uses electricity to boil the plant and its roots and provides the ability to remove

weeds without the use of chemicals or any soil movement.

The electrical charge is generated from a linkage-mounted pto-powered system, with the prospective implement frontor rear-mounted.

Rootwave says its patented high-frequency AC electrical system is significantly safer than DC versions, which have previously been used in electrical weed control.

Continues over the page

Machinery Cereals 2024

GRANGE TINE DRILL TOOLBAR

A NATURAL progression for Yorkshirebased Grange Farm Machinery saw the launch of its new Tine Drill Toolbar. The low disturbance tillage specialist adds seed establishment to its portfolio with working width options of three metres, 4m, 4.8m, 5m and the 6m variant pictured.

The 6m machine incorporates

pivoting wings to allow +/-5 degrees for contour following. Three rows of Grange tines are spaced at 250mm centres for trash flow, with the fitment of Bourgault coulters offering single band sowing or twin seed and fertiliser placement.

The toolbar also offers hydraulic depth control and a pitch-adjustable following harrow.

LEMKEN THULIT

DEVELOPED as a Lemken product which utilises product knowledge from recently acquired Steketee, the Thulit tine weeder is supplied in working widths of six metres to 9m and provides hydraulically adjusted tine pressure from 0.1-5kg, which Lemken says allows a consistent downforce regardless of tine angle.

This is claimed to allow the unit

to operate across potato ridges to remove weeds before crop emergence without levelling the field surface. Hydraulic pressure is provided by a full-width valve block with each tine individually connected to an actuator, removing the need for individual springs.

The pressure of the system is regulated using an in-cab control.

RAZORBACK BLADE 500

SISTER company to strip-tillage manufacturer Mzuri, vegetation management manufacturer Razorback has added a refined version of its RT batwing topper.

The Blade 500 uses a semimounted design, which Razorback says removes the risk of fouling the pto with the lower links when turning and allows tighter headland turns.

Providing a five-metre working width, the double-skinned deck

features a redesigned blade system which is claimed to operate at reduced horsepower, with a reduction in wearing parts.

Working height is adjusted through folding stops on the wheel lift cylinders and the adjustment of the tractor lower linkage. Machines are supplied with four, six or eight support wheels depending on user requirements, with a maximum cutting height of 400mm.

MORE FROM CEREALS

For more highlights from this year’s Cereals event, see pages 27-29.

AMAZONE ZG-TX 11200

SHOWN for the first time in the UK following its autumn 2023 launch, the ZG-TX has been developed as a hybrid fertiliser and lime spreader with the ability to quickly convert between the application of the two products.

Operating for fertiliser, the unit uses the manufacturer’s TS spreading unit, which includes up to 16 part-width sections and a maximum application width of 54 metres.

When operating for lime, a chain link rake is added to prevent lumps from falling into the spreading discs, with an additional option to add a low-rate shutter to provide a claimed

application rate of less than one tonne per hectare. The version on show uses an 11,200-litre hopper with an unladen weight of 4,000kg.

MASCHIO GASPARDO EXTREME 266 ROUND BALER

FOLLOWING the establishment of its own UK subsidiary, Italian implement manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo has introduced several new products from its wider range, which was previously unavailable.

This includes a significant grassland portfolio, with mowers, tedders, rakes and round balers, with an example of its Extreme 266 variable chamber round baler on show.

Capable of producing bales from 0.5 metres to 1.8m in diameter, the four-belt baler uses a 2.2m-wide pickup, which can be specified as a non-chopper, or with a 13or 25-knife cutter unit.

A claimed maximum chamber pressure of 210 bar is offered, which Maschio says improves the bale shape and uniformity. Operation of the machine can be specified with a full IsoBus control system.

Livestock

Edited by Katie Jones

For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub

Tackling hygiene problems in robot herds and the challenges of chlorine-free cleaning were topics at this year’s British Mastitis Conference. Jonathan Wheeler reports.

It is important to assess hygiene levels in all areas of a robotically milked herd.

Hygiene is top of the agenda

Hygiene levels on dairy farms using milking robots need to be better than those on conventional units to achieve the same results, according to Shropshire-based vet and consultant Tom Greenham.

He said this was because cows milked by robots all go through an identical cleaning operation, and while this was sufficient for cleaner cows, there was a risk it was insufficient for dirtier ones.

He said there were two potential solutions, and the first was an increase in the intensity and length of the cleaning process for all animals to improve teat disinfection.

However, he said this may still leave high bacterial loads on soiled teats.

The more sustainable solution, he argued, was to address hygiene levels around the unit.

He said: “It is a consistent finding that cleanliness and bactoscan performance is worse in robotically milked herds, when cows really need to be cleaner.

“In a conventional setting if a cow comes in dirty, the milking staff will put extra effort into cleaning her; that does not happen in a milking robot.”

And he said in future, farmers might be able to fit a sensor to identify dirty animals and raise the level of cleaning applied.

He said: “At the moment that aver-

age cleaning process is leaving a lot of bugs on the teats of some animals.”

Cow size plays a part

Unit design plays a key role in helping animals stay cleaner, he added, with matching the size of cows and cubicles being crucial, and ensuring heifers had appropriate accommodation.

“If you have a 180cm cubicle and a small cow it will tend to dung on the back of the bed.

“When they are standing, a cow’s backside needs to be above the passage so they dung there and it can be cleaned.”

For that reason he also said he advocated for having an appropriate num-

ber of smaller stalls suitable and reserved for heifers.

Mr Greenham also said robots can tend to ‘over diagnose’. He said: “If a group of 50 cows has a 20% mastitis rate, that would be one mastitis case roughly every 18 days. But machines might issue three or four mastitis alerts every day.”

He said this could result in staff ignoring the warnings and missing suspected cases that they would identify if doing the job manually.

The huge volume robots generate could be regarded as both strength and weakness, he added, quoting Albert Einstein’s comment that ‘not everything that can be counted counts’.

CUTTING THE USE OF CHLORINE IN DAIRY PARLOUR CLEANING CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT

CHLORINE-free dairy parlour cleaning is feasible and effective, said David Gleeson of Teagasc. Irish farms went ‘chlorine-free’ from January 2021 due to concerns that the chemical might cause residues in butter and baby formula.

These dairy products are both major businesses and export earners with Ireland responsible

for 13% of the world’s supply of baby milk formula.

Mr Gleeson said the withdrawal of chlorine revealed how reliant the sector had been on the product, and the extent to which it had been used to mask poor cleaning practices, notably the limited use of hot water.

Surveys have also suggested that some 40% of dairy farmers never

cleaned the parlour’s vacuum line and that plate coolers were neither cleaned effectively or frequently enough.

Failure to cool milk sufficiently or quickly enough after milking was also an issue.

Some 33% of respondents recording a temperature of 4degC or above when the ideal range

was 3-3.5degC and many were not cooling within 30–45 minutes.

While the withdrawal had caused problems, he pointed to the benefits.

“It has had a positive impact on related residue levels in bulk tanks and in finished products.

“Chlorine-free cleaning practices have a positive impact on milk quality when implemented correctly.”

Livestock Premier Herd Open Day Preview

As winners of the 2023 Holstein UK National Premier Herd Award, the Wills family are opening the doors to Pawton Dairy in Wadebridge, Cornwall, as they welcome visitors to the Premier Herd Open Day. Farmers Guardian takes a look at the herd.

Willsbro to host herd open day

The 1,700-cow Willsbro herd was crowned winner of the 2023 Holstein UK National Premier Herd Award at last year’s UK Dairy Day, and now the Wills family, the team behind the herd, are preparing to welcome visitors to the Premier Herd Open Day and sale in July.

The herd’s history goes back to 1969 when the Willsbro herd was established with just 40 cows milking in a Hosier abreast parlour.

The size increased to 120 cows in 1976, with milking taking place in a 12/12 Alfa Laval herringbone parlour.

In 2004, numbers jumped again to 800 cows, with the addition of a new dairy set-up built on a greenfield site at Pawton Dairy in 2003.

Pawton Dairy was previously run as an arable unit, and the decision to build a new state-of-the-art facility depended on extensive research and planning.

Having witnessed the scale of the dairy operations in California and admiring the set-ups and ease of management that the facilities allowed, much of the system at Willsbro is based on these.

In 2005, the herd was graded up to full pedigree, and this was when the journey towards high-genetic

There is tremendous consistency throughout [the Willsbro herd]

BRIAN MOORHOUSE

female families really began. Prominent cow families in the herd include Amber, Adina, Aderyn, Ashlyn, Lila Z, Pammy, Rachel, Rozy, Rozelle and Sharon.

The herd, which is now run by Robert, Mathew and Melanie Wills, is fully housed with cows in groups of 200, split according to stage of lactation. Average yields stand at 14,037kg at 4.03% butterfat and 3.2% protein.

Each group has 200 sand-bedded cubicles and 200 locking yokes, ensuring every animal can rest or feed at the same time.

The locking yokes allow all vet work and artificial insemination to be carried out while the cows are

feeding, eliminating the need for races or crushes.

Each passage is flood washed up to eight times a day; the dirty water is then filtered to retrieve sand and pumped out to fertilise the grazing and silage land.

Cows are milked three times a day through a 60-point Rotadec parlour, which can accommodate 350 cows per hour.

Profitable production

The Wills family says that five key elements contribute to profitable production – management, environment, genetics, health and nutrition.

Each plays a vital role in the general well-being of the herd and none is more important than the other.

They say their focus is, and continues to be, to breed a profitable herd of long-lasting beautiful and functional cows, that repeatedly put milk in the tank and go back incalf year after year.

Leading sires are used and each cow is individually mated according to its strengths and weaknesses.

The health of the Willsbro herd is of paramount importance. Regular routine work, such as scanning, sexing and foot-trimming, is undertaken by Robert and Mathew, and

there are a number of protocols in place to ensure optimum herd health when it comes to milking routine, dry cows and fresh calved cows.

National Premier Herd judge and 2022 winner Brian Moorhouse, of the Aireburn herd, visited each of the finalists and said the Willsbro herd should be commended for its exceptional management and presentation on a large scale.

Mr Moorhouse said: “Willsbro had exactly what I look for in a herd. There is tremendous consistency throughout; exceptional udders, legs and feet; the right balance of strength and dairy quality in every age group.

“They are outstanding, with exceptional management and presentation on a large scale.”

■ When: Tuesday, July 2, 2024

■ Where: Pawton Dairy, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7LR

■ The day will also include the Willsbro Premier Herd sale of 40 milkers, 150 heifers and 80 embryos

Robert (left) and Mathew Wills from the team behind the award-winning Willsbro herd.

Thistles reduce grazing and can increase the chance of Orf in sheep.

Thistlex gives outstanding control of all species of thistle, killing down to the root so they won’t grow back.

Kind to grass, it also controls nettles and dandelions. Stock can return to the field just 7 days after application.

If you have a problem with broad or curled leaf docks, Doxstar Pro’s concentrated formulation combines the power of triclopyr and fluroxypyr to deliver outstanding dock control.

It is highly e ective on chickweed and dandelions too and is very safe to your grass.

Dandelions

Chickweed

Docks

Creeping Thistle

Spear Thistle

Cornish beef farmer

Chris Jones has been growing herbal leys at Woodland Valley Farm, near Ladock, for more than 10 years, as part of his journey to reinstate soil health in his farming system.

Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy outbreak in 1996 and a destocking, Mr Jones found himself needing to look away from the 56-hectare (138-acre) beef farm and decided to rent out most of the land to daffodil growers.

“That pretty much killed the farm off,” he said at a recent Pasture for Life Cornwall event.

So, in 2003, he began restoring the farm’s soil health and organic matter, and decided to change his management system.

He said: “The incredible destruction by heavy cultivations and chemical applications to produce the bulbs got me thinking, and I converted the farm to organic and introduced a small suckler herd and some cereals.”

Mr Jones was also interested in climate change and carried out carbon audits in 2008.

“I was staggered that a tiny organic farm had a net emission of 308 tonnes CO2 equivalent.

“I wanted to change this and start pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere,” he said.

This also revealed a lot of nitrous oxide was coming from decomposing crops after harvest, so he stopped growing arable crops and focused on growing grass instead, putting half the farm into agroforestry.

He added: “I had to think about the longevity of the leys over time, as I did not have a quarter of the farm being ploughed every year with barley or oats.”

The farm now has a gross emission of 195t/CO2e.

Mr Jones said: “The farm is sequestering 558,177kg and soil organic matter is at 10%.”

Mr Jones decided to plant herbal leys after being inspired by a visit to a dairy farm which practised pasture-only feeding.

When it came to choosing varieties, he favoured a book called Profitable Ley Farming, and then consulted Ian Wilkinson from

Herbal leys have recently gained popularity, but many farmers have been growing species-rich swards for years. So what is the best advice to ensure longevity? Ruth Wills reports.

Ensuring herbal leys have longevity

Cotswolds Seeds as to which would best suit the farm.

Mr Jones tried different methods of establishment over the years.

“Cultivation is expensive and seeds are expensive. I have tried waiting until a field has been badly poached, raking it over, spreading the seeds and rolling them in, but I would say it is about a quarter of the full effect,” he said.

“I have tried direct drilling, but that was similar. I think establish-

TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING HERBAL LEYS

■ A full reseed gives the best effect

■ Grazing in short, intense bursts is best for the ley and helps to eliminate the parasite burden

■ Be aware that livestock will graze herbal leys differently and sheep will be more selective

■ Not every plant within a herbal

ley will survive – choose what works best within the farm’s context

■ Consider your aims and objectives for the herbal ley

■ Herbal leys can be productive for eight to 10 years depending on management practices and grazing intensity

ment works best without any green cover which, as an organic farmer, I cannot go and spray it off. But I think having a dead surface then direct drilling or broadcasting seeds works best – if there is any plant competition it will not be an effective reseed.

“For me, biting the bullet and turning the soil over is the best method here, and once every 10 years will not hurt too much.”

Mob grazing

He splits the fields into strips of about 0.13 hectares (0.3 acres) and mob grazes the herbal leys with a herd of Angus cross and Hereford cross cows, which are moved daily along with their mobile water trough.

The calves are finished on the herbal leys and sold direct to consumers or marketed through Cornwall Quality Livestock Producers.

“I believe herbal leys are best

I believe herbal leys are best grazed, rather than cut, because you get more value out of them

CHRIS JONES

grazed, rather than cut, because you get more value out of them. The key with mob grazing is to have short, highly intense grazing periods and then move the livestock on to allow the ley a long period of recovery,” he said.

This system has had a positive impact on animal health, with Mr Jones aiming to have six days between grazings, completely eliminating worming.

“This is due to the lifecycle of the parasites – the eggs in the cows’ faeces hatch after a few days and the larvae spread out to somewhere they might be grazed, but if there is no animal there to graze them they die, because they need to go into the animal to survive.

“It has saved me time and money. I do not have the medicine or labour costs, and it does not put stress on the cows.”

He also found a novel way of getting clover into the ley.

“I mixed a couple of handfuls of clover seed with some feed for the cattle, because some legumes pass straight through the cow and germinate,” he said.

It is worth noting the impact of grazing changes with the animal.

Mr Jones said: “Cows and herbal leys complement each other well, and sheep will really benefit from

Chris Jones

them, although they will graze differently. Sheep will be very selective over the plants they graze – for example, chicory would not survive.”

Although this system works for Mr Jones, he believes it is all about context.

“If it is as part of an arable rotation, you would never really have an old ley, but if it is in a livestock-only system, it is costly to replace the leys and do it well,” he said.

“I only reseed when I have to,

Farm facts

■ Angus cross and Hereford cross cows producing Hereford cross calves

■ Selling finished cattle at 20 months through Cornwall Quality Livestock Producers

■ Founder member of the Pasture for Life Association

■ 56 hectares (138 acres) – half in

because I find anything less than a complete reseed tends to not be that good – you should be able to get between eight and 10 years out of the ley on a grazing regime.

Aims

“Consider your aims – does the whole farm need to be in a special herbal ley?

“Some of the species of plants in a herbal ley will disappear after a while, so determine whether you actually need those all the time, or if they are just nice to have.”

agroforestry and half in herbal leys

■ Silt clay loam soil

■ About 1 ,000mm rain per year

■ 40-100 metres (131-328ft) above sea level in altitude

■ 46-bed hostel with education centre diversification

■ 80kW wind turbine and 11kW solar PV

How pigs are still thriving despite zinc oxide ban

PIGS can still thrive despite the removal of potentially harmful zinc oxide from their diets, according to a leading industry specialist.

James Hall, pig business development manager at Harbro, says his company is working with a number of pig farmers who are achieving excellent results without medicinal zinc in their livestock’s diets.

Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs.

However, as a result of potential risks to the environment and in line with regulations set by the

European Union, therapeutic use of zinc oxide was banned in 2022.

The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate granted an extension in the UK, allowing the industry to use up any product purchased before the authorisation expired in June 2022.

Following the ban, pig producers have been on a deadline to use any remaining products and utilise alternative methods for supporting gut health and preventing post-weaning diarrhoea in their weaned pigs.

Mr Hall says: “We are not seeing any negative impacts from removing the zinc oxide from the diets

when the adjusted nutritional approach is combined with good hygiene and management in the nursery.”

Kevin Stickney, interim head of technical at Harbro, says: “Whenever I have been giving presentations on this subject where we are looking for a replacement to zinc oxide, my comment is that there is no silver bullet.

Strategies

“What you need is a number of different strategies, including increasing hygiene.

“One of the calls has been to improve on-farm management and

a lot of that requires human input. One of the problems that we have in the industry is that, due to a shortage of skilled labour, a lot of things do not get done as well as they should, and therefore there is an increased onus on the feed to deliver the entire solution.”

Mr Stickney also says it is important to improve the digestibility of the feed, and that means selecting better quality raw materials the piglets find easily digestible.

“Introducing a digestible, palatable diet with reduced crude protein and buffering potential is less likely to feed the bugs in the lower gut,” he says.

Mr Jones consulted a book called Profitable Ley Farming when choosing varieties.

Herbal leys are mob grazed with a herd of Angus cross and Hereford cross cows.

At Trevase Farm in Herefordshire, undersowing maize has become a well-established practice to provide winter grazing for sheep while retaining soil nutrients and reducing erosion.

David Pursey, who runs 700 breeding ewes and 90 suckler cows, started undersowing maize seven years ago.

He says: “It looked like it was the direction of travel at the time, and we wanted to maximise the output of the land.”

The farming enterprise extends to 364 hectares (900 acres), and he grows 202ha (500 acres) of maize.

The vast majority feeds the farm’s 499kW anaerobic digester plant, with some also fed to cattle and sheep over winter.

Maize seed is typically planted some time from the middle of April into early May, with early-maturing feed varieties chosen.

Some 61ha (150 acres) will be undersown most years on ground designated for spring crops.

Fields are sprayed off and digestate is applied with a dribble bar. Application rates depend on soil indices, but typically vary from 0-45cu.m/ha (0-18cu.m/acre).

Fields are then ploughed and power-harrowed, and maize is drilled at 104,975 seeds/ha (42,500 seeds/acre).

Mr Pursey is slightly unconventional, preferring to apply liquid nitrogen fertiliser after drilling to avoid ‘the faff of having to put the fertiliser spinner on before the field has been cultivated’.

Italian ryegrasses, supplied by Germinal, are sown at 17kg/ha (7kg/acre) using a Weaving interrow disc drill once the maize is welly-high – typically in June/July.

It drills three rows of grass in between each row of maize, says Mr Pursey.

The drilling service is offered by the Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF) to farmers in their catchment area and costs about £84-128/ ha (£34-52/acre) on average for the seed, drill and driver, depending on

Farm facts

■ Farming 364 hectares (900 acres), growing 61ha (150 acres) of winter wheat, 202ha (500 acres) of maize and the remainder is grass

■ 161ha (400 acres) of land owned, with the remainder rented across 10 holdings

■ Running a 499kW anaerobic digester

■ Crop rotation: maize for two years followed by winter wheat, turnips or grass for sheep,

Undersowing grass into maize has many benefits, from improving soil health to maximising land use. Farmers Guardian reports.

Value of undersowing maize crops with grass

seed choice, acreage and distance travelled to the farm.

If farmers are not undersowing through a scheme and are new adopters to this practice, WUF can support them with a £20/ha (£8/ acre) grant, says Jonny Pugh, senior catchment adviser for WUF.

Italian ryegrass is the perfect tonic for an understory because it has a large seed with a lot of energy, so it emerges quickly, says Paul Morgan, Germinal GB area sales manager.

Technique

Having undersown maize for several years, Mr Pursey has honed the technique and learned some lessons along the way.

then returning back to maize

■ 150,000 broiler birds a crop

– doing 7.5 crops annually

■ 500 Suffolk cross ewes, lambed in January, and 200 Mules which are lambed from mid-February

■ 90 suckler cows, switching to Aberdeen-Angus from British Blue

■ Selling lambs liveweight (42kg) at Ludlow Market

■ Cattle sold deadweight to Kepak and through Ludlow Market

“For anyone wanting to grow maize, the most critical thing is you do not want the maize any higher than your knees,” he says.

Mr Pursey says alongside timing of grass sowing, herbicide choice is also imperative.

Grace Welling, agronomist for Germinal Horizon, says that herbicide programmes must be carefully planned with agronomists to ensure weed control options do not compromise undersowing.

She says: “This is particularly important when reviewing residual herbicides, as carryover of active ingredients may lead to failure of the undersown crops. Many labels specify waiting at least two weeks to undersow after application, and some state that they should not be used in a maize crop that will be undersown with grasses.”

She says weather conditions, such as drought, can lead to slower breakdown of active ingredients, resulting in the need for a longer interval between application and undersowing.

“Therefore, it is widely recommended that fields should not be selected for undersowing if they have a high weed burden in the seed bank, particularly if they have a high grass-weed burden,” she says.

She advises drilling when maize is at leaf stage 4 to 6 to provide a

good window for using contact herbicides.

Last spring, Mr Pursey trialled establishing 4ha (10 acres) of grass and maize together using a Pottinger drill. He used slow-growing cocksfoot and tall fescue species to give the maize a sufficient chance to establish.

He also strip-tilled 3ha (8 acres) of maize into an existing arable crop before undersowing grass.

Although the maize grew well in the field where grass and maize were established together, he said weed control was difficult, and the grass crop was poor.

He was also disappointed with the yields of strip-tilled maize, which lagged behind conventionally sown maize.

“I would not say it is not the future, but I would not rush out to do it again,” he says.

Having a dry farm is helpful when harvest arrives, says Mr Pursey, who typically harvests maize over two windows: starting the last week in September with the final cut taken in October, weather depending.

Yield

He budgets for maize yields of 42 tonnes/ha (17t/acre), and last year was rewarded with average yields of 49t/ha (20t/acre).

David Pursey

David Pursey runs 700 breeding ewes: 500 Suffolk cross, and 200 Mules.

He says: “In 2022, we cut 13-14t in the drought, but with the exception of that year, we have always averaged above 17t.”

“Pre-Christmas grazing is determined by harvest date and maize yields.

“We had big maize crops last autumn, and harvest was later than

Mr Pursey says he has never seen a grass crop fail, and while he says the subsequent grass yield is affected by maize, the maize yields are not.

normal, which meant fields were not worth grazing until later,” he says.

The extra winter grass has allowed Mr Pursey to grow sheep numbers from 450 ewes to 700.

He also runs more sheep through

winter in the form of dry hoggs and store lambs.

He now plans to apply for the IPM3 option under the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which will pay him £55/ha (£22/acre) for undersowing maize with grass.

Slow and tricky start to the maize growing season

MAIZE growers have faced significant weather challenges this season and drilling dates were delayed on most farms, with some reported issues with pre-emergence herbicide treatments.

The prolonged spells of high rainfall may also affect nutrient uptakes and increase disease pressure in the coming weeks, says Tom Turner, of KWS.

The UK maize crop should have been sown by mid-May at the latest in most regions, but it was not until the first week in June that the majority of the national crop had been planted, says Mr Turner.

The catchy weather forced some growers to drill maize between periods of rainfall and this could cause problems later in the year, he says.

He adds: “The soil moisture content on some fields was higher than the ideal, and roots have had less incentive to reach deep into the ground, especially where soil structure may have been sub-optimal.

“This shallow rooting has the knock-on effect of reducing water uptakes in a prolonged drought spell.”

The wet spring also led to feedback

that some pre-emergence herbicide treatments may not have been as effective as anticipated.

“In some cases, a planned pass with a pre-emergence herbicide had to be cancelled, and in others the efficacy of the treatment was limited, as chemical activation was restricted,” says Mr Turner.

Weeds

“Another factor was that while maize growth has been below the five-year average for the season to date, unfortunately the weeds did not seem to suffer the same effect.

“Young maize plants do not like competition, and weed infestation may be higher than usual on some units. This scenario increased the reliance on post-emergence herbicides, confirming my belief that applying both treatments is the best option and offers a ‘belt and braces’ approach.”

Potential nutrient deficiencies are yet another weather-related issue, he adds.

“Nutrient deficiencies will be more prevalent in cold, wet conditions.

Nutrient deficiencies will be more prevalent in cold, wet conditions

TOM TURNER

Phosphorous deficiency, which results in the purpling of the leaves, seems to be fairly common, and lower temperatures may have reduced phosphorous uptake.

“A lack of sulphur is indicated by pale yellow leaves, while leaves that are pale green in colour can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency,” says Mr Turner.

“A foliar nutrient application will help to remedy these early indications of nutrient deficiency. A treatment can be applied at any time from leaf

stage 4, until the height of the crop prohibits travel.

“In these atypical growing conditions, we are seeing plants exhibiting uncommon stress responses. Depending on site and soil type, it may be advisable to also apply zinc, manganese and boron.

“This will help to give the plants every possible chance of healthy growth as the season progresses.”

Eyespot

Eyespot poses the main yield threat in terms of disease risk to maize crops, says Mr Turner.

He says: “The disease favours low temperatures and high rainfall, and a severe case can decimate yields, so maize plants should be closely monitored. Signs of infection include small yellow lesions with a brown ‘halo’ appearing on the leaves.

“The paler areas of the leaf spot may also look translucent when held up to the light. Any loss of green leaf area will limit grain fill and this will not only depress yields, but crop quality will also fall below expectations.”

● International visitors due at Carlisle event

MORE than 200 Texels will head to Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday, July 6, for the Textravaganza National Texel Show, which is part of the Texel Sheep Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

It will be preceded by the society’s Club Champions Day and its Summer Sizzler barbecue on Friday, July 5.

Splitting the judging duties will be Robert Cockburn of the Knap flock, Crieff, Perthshire, who will place the female classes, and Jennifer Aiken, Wennington, Lancashire, who will take charge of the male classes.

Success

Mrs Aiken, who runs the Coniston flock in partnership with her husband Jeff, has enjoyed success in the sale ring, selling ram lambs to 10,000gns, for Coniston Equinox, and previously managed the Procters and Tatham Hall flocks with her husband prior to their dispersal.

She grew up surrounded by Texels, working with the Douganhill flock managed by her father, Brian MacTaggart.

Mr Cockburn has been involved

Robert Cockburn will be among the judges at Borderway Mart.

Bumper entry for Textravaganza

with Texels since establishing his flock in 2006 and has sold to a high of 170,000gns, for Knap Grumpy, with other sales at 145,000gns for Knap Vicious Sid and 100,000gns for Knap General Lee.

He previously won the inaugural Textravaganza National Show in 2021 with Knap Daisy Duke, the dam of both Grumpy and General Lee.

Judging the young handlers’ classes for Texel enthusiasts aged under 16 will be Lowri Williams of the Caron flock, Lampeter.

She says: “There are a lot of great

GrassCheck

The

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb) Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

GRASS QUALITY

youngsters associated with the Texel breed and it will be an honour to judge these classes at this exciting event.”

Adding another dimension to the event will be the society’s international visitors workshop which will welcome Texel breeders from Uruguay, Chile and The Netherlands.

Society chief executive John Yates says the international workshop will take in a number of activities, starting with Textravaganza and followed by farm visits and technical workshops with SRUC and AB Europe.

“Having had the opportunity to see

how British Texel genetics have been influencing the sheep industries of a number of countries, it will be great to welcome these overseas breeders to the UK to explore the breed here,” he says.

Alongside the event, the society will be fundraising for its 50th anniversary charity, The Farm Safety Foundation, better known as Yellow Wellies. To get the fundraising activities off to a flying start, the society will be donating all the entry fees from the Textravaganza National Show to the anniversary fund.

BULLETIN 13 Week beginning June 17

MANAGEMENT NOTES

■ Grass growth is just slightly below the long-term average and is similar across all regions, with sufficient soil moisture and better temperature forecasted; grass growth of about 70kg dry matter (DM)/hectare/day (28.3kg DM/acre/day) is predicted

■ Where demand exceeded grass supply, supplementary feeding has been required to hold the rotation

length above 21 days and keep the average farm cover (AFC) above 2,100kg DM/ha (850kg DM/acre)

■ Frequent measurement and assessment of fields is required every five days or so, to be able to adjust feeding levels once the AFC increases above 2,150kg DM/ha (870kg DM/acre)

■ Overall metabolisable energy has improved to 11.1MJ/kg DM

Speaking at a recent industry event held by Wise Agriculture at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart, veterinary technical manager at Dugdale Nutrition, Debby Brown and Gerard Roney, of Advantage Feeders, discussed the importance of rumen development in achieving optimal animal performance and efficient pasture conversion.

With animal health underpinned and influenced by rumen function, Mrs Brown advised attendees on the key components required to ensure the development of an effective rumen.

She said: “Water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and trace elements are all required, but it does not matter what we put in there if we do not get the management right. Ask yourself what their access to food, pasture and forage quality is like.”

Mrs Brown said optimal digestion only takes place when all of the microbe requirements are met. She explained rumen microbes require warmth and function best at 37degC, therefore, providing lambs with freezing cold water will slow down the digestion process.

Own requirements

She said: “The rumen is a system within a system, the ruminant has its own requirements, but we need to make sure the rumen microbes get their requirements to optimally see performance in the animal.

“These bacteria are the engine room of your animal and you have got to get it right.”

With an optimal rumen pH of between 6 and 7 required to ensure microbial populations function properly, Mrs Brown told attendees that if the pH is not right the whole digestive process will slow down.

She added: “The key is balance. At any point in any day, the balance between energy and protein must

Meeting rumen microbe requirements is essential to developing an effective rumen and achieving optimal animal performance. Katie Fallon finds out more.

Rumen function the basis of animal health

The introduction of concentrates can help develop the papillae into an effective, plentiful rumen, Gerard Roney told attendees.

You can throw as much feed into animals as you like but if you do not have a healthy rumen with developed papillae, you will not see the benefit

DEBBY BROWN

be there. You can throw as much feed into animals as you like but if you do not have a healthy rumen with developed papillae, you will not see the benefit.”

Mr Roney said an important part of developing and transitioning the rumen to effectively convert pasture into energy and allow lambs to eat more grass at an earlier age is creep feeding.

He added the rumen starts off ineffective, smooth and sterile with no microbes present. However, the introduction of concentrates can help to develop the papillae into an effective, plentiful rumen with a large surface area to increase nutrient absorption ability.

Energy extraction

Concentrate feed helps to keep the papillae long and maximise energy extraction from the diet, said Mr Roney, who advised that once the rumen becomes developed through to weaning, concentrate intakes should be reduced and a control feeding strategy of concentrates adopted to optimise pasture conversion. However, he advised lambs must be on high-quality pasture to ensure growth rates are maintained when control feeding concentrates.

He said: “The rumen is your farm’s powerhouse as pasture itself does not feed our livestock. It is only when grass goes into the rumen and is broken down into energy and protein that it feeds ruminants.”

Maedi visna poses a significant threat to sheep health and productivity in the UK and throughout most of the world. Farmers Guardian finds out more.

Maedi visna – an increasing threat to commercial flocks

As a diligent flock owner, it is crucial to be aware of the viral infection maedi visna (MV) and take proactive steps to prevent its spread.

David Wilson, veterinary manager at SRUC Health Schemes, St Boswells, advises flock owners to be vigilant to the dangers of this viral infection.

He says: “Surveys indicate that the proportion of flocks estimated to be infected with MV increased from around 1.5% in 1995/96 to just under 3% in 2010.

“Although there has not been a large survey since, screening of nonaccredited flocks at SRUC through thin ewe testing and also through flocks trying to join the accreditation scheme both indicate that today it may be more like 10% of flocks that are infected with MV.”

Presentations

There are two presentations of the disease: maedi, which attacks the lungs and presents as pneumonia, and visna, which attacks the central nervous system leading to hind limb weakness and paralysis, plus other nervous signs.

Other common signs caused by the infection are wasting, hard-bag mastitis and arthritis. Affected sheep may be seen lagging behind the rest of the flock.

Often, infected sheep go under the radar as they may not show clinical signs of MV. As the disease has a long incubation period, it is often only seen in older sheep (more than two or three years old), but younger sheep

may be infected and be spreading the virus. MV often manifests during lambing or periods of flock stress.

Mr Wilson says: “If a flock is not screened for the disease, infection may go unnoticed in the flock for years until a significant percentage of the flock [often more than 50%] are infected, by which time it is extremely difficult to control and eradicate, particularly in flocks too large to repeatedly test everything and cull positives.

“Depopulation and restocking may be the only option in big outbreaks.

“Otherwise, control is based on removing animals likely to be infected, reducing spread within the flock, for example 100% outdoor management, and producing or sourcing low-risk replacements.”

Unfortunately, MV-infected sheep

ESTIMATED % GB FLOCKS WITH MV

have a weakened immune system and are susceptible to other infections such as pasteurellosis and bacterial mastitis. Infected flocks often have higher replacement rates with an increase in culls and deaths, with reduced growth rates in lambs and higher feed and vet costs.

MV viral infection is a persistent and lifelong infection. Once the disease develops, it is inevitably fatal, so preventing infection and reducing risk is key. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available.

Caprine arthritis encephalitis in goats is a very similar virus which can spread to sheep. They are considered the same for the purposes of management and biosecurity, so farmers should not forget to consider any goats on the farm.

Shows

At shows, there are segregated areas for MV-accredited sheep and nonMV-accredited sheep.

This is because infection comes through close contact and inhalation of droplets in the nose and mouth. It can also be spread through contaminated colostrum/milk and semen and blood on equipment, overalls, etc.

Mr Wilson says: “Farmers who manage MV-accredited flocks test their animals for MV, but it does not stop there, as they must undertake strict biosecurity measures; making sure MV-accredited sheep are kept well away from non-MV-accredited

Key messages

n Maedi visna (MV) is on the increase in the national flock n MV can be difficult to eradicate and control once introduced n Screen your flock for infection. Blood testing 12 cull ewes (thin for no apparent reason or having reared poor lambs) is a tried and tested method. Post-mortem examination of a few cull ewes is also of great value n Basic biosecurity reduces risk, so buy only low-risk stock (ideally MV-accredited). Infected animals can take up to six months to go blood-positive, so blood testing bought-in animals is much better than nothing, but not foolproof

n Take advantage of the Government-funded initiatives on animal health and welfare and invest in a conversation with your vet

sheep and not sharing contaminated equipment or handling facilities.”

The MV accreditation scheme has been adopted by most of the pedigree sheep breed societies, but there is still a way to go in encouraging the commercial sector of the sheep industry to take action and be vigilant.

Mr Wilson says: “There are MV monitoring schemes which provide a way for commercial flocks to engage with MV screening which do not involve the full testing and biosecurity requirements of accreditation.

“There is an opportunity here of using the Health and Welfare Pathway, and equivalent Welsh and Scottish schemes, to encourage farmers to sit down with their vet and look at tackling the iceberg diseases.

“Maedi visna is a persistent, incurable infection that demands vigilance.

“By prioritising biosecurity, collaborating with veterinarians and staying informed, we can protect our flocks and contribute to a healthier sheep industry.

“Remember, prevention is our best defence against MV.”

MORE INFORMATION

For more on the viral disease, visit sheepandgoat.co.uk

Flock owners are being advised to be vigilant to the dangers of maedi visna.

to stamp out lameness on farm

Livestock Sheep

Establishing

Low-input, high-output system allows for expansion

Sam and Samantha Edwards, who farm at Cerne Abbas in Dorset, worked out that high-output, grass-reared lamb was the cheapest and only way to go, particularly as they had no capital to start out with.

Mr Edwards says: “We wanted to

push as hard as we could to achieve a 200% scan. However, we knew it was not always going to be achievable until we became aware of grass-bred and -reared Highlanders with maternal genetics from Innovis.”

In 2022, they invested in 200 Highlander ewes to supplement

their original start-up flock of Poll Dorsets.

Mrs Edwards says: “Last season, the Highlander flock scanned 189% and reared 167% solely off grass.

“We lamb outdoors in April, with 84% complete within the first three weeks. Intervention is minimal and we soon found that the ewes make tremendous mothers; they have good udders with plenty of milk and do not let their lambs run out of sight.

“We drive around twice-a-day, three times in poorer weather – we have learned the ewes like to be left alone to get on with lambing themselves, while ewe lambs disappear

into a hedge and reappear with a lamb 48 hours later.

“Lambs are reaching 43kg target from 13 weeks, after which, to maintain cashflow, we sell through the live ring throughout the season –40% are away by 20 weeks, while this last season we stored a portion over the winter and capitalised on the strong market earlier this year.

“We keep tabs on lamb performance, weighing fortnightly from eight weeks.

“Having seen the Highlander working on large units, I realised it was scalable and had the potential to fit in to any system. Our flock performs just as well on permanent

Sam and Samantha Edwards with their son George.

Lambing takes place outdoors in April, with 84% complete in the first three weeks.

PICTURES: NIGEL GOLDSMITH

pasture as it does on GS4 mixes, which really suits us since we cannot guarantee good grazing 365 [days a year]. We body condition score [BCS] ewes three-times-a-year and find ewes maintain themselves in BCS 3.5 all-year-round.”

Eager to continue flock expansion, the Edwards are retaining Highlander ewe lambs for replacement purposes while phasing out the Poll Dorsets, which they say are ‘concentrate-hungry’.

Breeding contract

With the opportunity to take on more land last year, they also agreed to become breeding partners for Innovis and took on 220 ewes and 130 shearling ewes: a split between the Abermax terminal sire and the wool-shedding Aberglan.

Mr Edwards says: “All these ewes being forage-bred and -reared perfectly fits our system. The Abermax scanned 172% and the Aberglans 181%. They settled into the same grazing system as the Highlanders: overwintering on cover crops from November until April, when we introduce them to the lambing paddocks and set stock at up to five ewes per acre.

“They lamb outdoors with minimal management requirements; once complete, they move on in mobs of 150 to 200 ewes plus lambs to rotational grazing.”

Both Mr and Mrs Edwards are new entrants to the sector.

“I was studying for A-levels, woke up one morning and decided I wanted to go farming,” says Mr Edwards.

“I quit school, got a place at Kingston Maurward College and graduated in 2011 with a National Diploma in

We just live and breathe farming. I started with just one acre and a handful of ewes [...] I never dreamt we would be where we are today

SAM EDWARDS

agriculture: triple distinction and Student of the Year Award.”

While Mr Edwards came from a retail background, Mrs Edward’s father was an agricultural engineer.

“I had spent 10 years as a children’s nanny and had no farm experience until I met Sam more than five years ago,” she says.

Focused

Mr Edwards says: “We just live and breathe farming. I started from scratch with just one acre and a handful of ewes. Seven years on and, despite being ambitious, I never dreamt we would be where we are today.

“Meeting Samantha was the catalyst for really getting focused and establishing our business partnership in 2020, and in the last 12 months we recorded profit for the

Business facts

■ 174 hectares (430 acres) summer grazing, with seven different landlords ■ 405ha (1,000 acres) cover crops/winter grazing on three different estates

■

■

■

FLY AND MIDGE RISK

Schmallenberg NewForestEye

Summer Mastiti s Fly Strike BlueTongue

700 ewes: 300 Highlanders, 220 Abermax Aberglan split on breeding contract to Innovis, 180 Poll Dorsets

130 shearling ewes – Abermax, Aberglan split

Six sucklers

In 2022, the Edwards invested in 200 Highlander ewes to supplement their start-up flock of Poll Dorsets.

Livestock Sheep

The flock performs just as well on permanent pasture as it does on GS4 mixes, says Sam Edwards.

Ewes are body condition scored three times a year.

first time. Our objective was to farm in our own right, potentially renting a county council smallholding.

“For the long-term, we hankered for land and a farmhouse, but we have come to accept it is just not going to happen and instead we have revised our plans.

Graziers

“We are now graziers; we are building a business renting land, all on a grazing licence and within a 10-mile radius of Cerne Abbas village.

dogs, and the start-up Highlander flock. We accept we have a substantial diesel bill, however variable costs are minimal.

“Without a six-figure turnover, our biggest challenge has been sourcing finance from banks. However, it is thanks to our families, who have stepped in and helped us expand.”

While building the business, Mr Edwards supplemented income with a contracting business, including working as a vet tech for the local animal practice until last year.

“Working off-farm just was not sustainable along with managing our own sheep – I was spending 14 hours a day, seven days a week [working],” he says.

Deadline: July 26

“We are very lucky to live in an area where suitable grazing is becoming available. We have built a relationship with local farmers [who are] aware we are on the lookout for more land, and we never turn any down because we never know when we may lose some.

“However, those signing up to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive [SFI] have accelerated opportunities in the last couple of years and they all see the benefits.

“We work with these farmers to develop our own individual arrangements – for example, our 1,000 acres of winter grazing with the three different landowners involves us buying the cover crop seed in return for the grazing. No money changes hands, nor do we receive any SFI payments.

“Overall fixed costs have been minimised to a mobile handling unit, 11 miles of electric fencing wire, two trucks, a UTV and trailer plus two

“Nowadays, for example, from November through to mid-March I have an eight-hour day moving fencing – 50- to 70-acre fields are split into 10-acre blocks grazed by mobs of 150 ewes, rotated every seven days.”

Future

Looking to the future, the couple says: “We are determined to make a proper success of the business, which includes taking a proper salary while attempting to achieve a work-life balance.

“We are now looking to take on a part-time employee to help out so we have the opportunity to spend more quality time with George, our two-and-a-half-year-old, and in the long-term buy some of our own land as an investment for him.”

Todmorden Sheep

Sup., F. Shorrock; res., R. Field. Kerry Hill (A. Wilson, Middlesborough) Sup., L. Barritt; res., S. Brown. Any other native breed (C. Mitchell, Holmfirth) Sup., R. Wilkin (Clun Forest);

English results

ROUGHTOR, 1, A. Pankhurst, Will, 40; 2, A. Beard, Mae, 38. Driving (T. Griffiths) (52 ran) 1, J. Watson, Wren, 90; 2, R. Edwards, Kelly, 89; 3, C. Worgan, Blackjack, 86; 4, R. Hawke, Chip, 85 OLF; 5, F. Richards, Lola, 85; 6, R. Hawke, Flame, 83. Maltese (J. Nicholls) (21 ran) Open, 1, T. Hopper, Pip; 2, J. Watson, Bill, 79; 3, R. Hawke, Mo, 77; 4, J. Watson, Ed, 75; 5, J. Harper, Patch, 74; 6, W. Carter, Lad, 70. Novice, 1, F. Davis-Russell, Todd, 63; 2, J. Tucker, Tess, 53; 3, P. Davis-Russell, Esme, 50. New handler, 1, F. Carthew, Bess, 49; 2, A. Beard, Mae, 48.

Trials diary

ENGLAND

June 21 and 22. ALSTON, Open trial June 22, 8.30am start, local trial June 21, 4.30pm start, entries £5 per dog, two dog limit in open trial. June 22 and 23. BRENDON HILLS, Exmoor, signed from B3190, Wimbleball Reservoir, What3words: hacksaw.name.crispier, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs R. Cowling and family, classes for open driving, novice driving, best young handler, highest pointed ordinary member, best OLF, Maltese cross and new handler, 9.30am start, entries closed, contact Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813 or email julie@bearwoodfarm.co.uk.

June 23. NORBER, Open trial, Austwick, LA2 8DJ, 8.30am start, enter on the field, those running multiple dogs one needs to be booked in by 11am, last book in time 2pm, contact Chris, tel: 07812 589 621 or Hannah, tel: 07375 057 621.

June 29. BROOMHEAD, Open trial, 8.30am start, entries taken on the field.

Welsh results

LLANRHAEADR (Judge, Arwel Staples) 1, Beate Behr, Bendigedig Momo, 6; 2, Dewi Jenkins, Beca, 7; 3, Jack Roberts, Robin, 11 OLF; 4, Dylan Davies, Foinaven Ellie, 11; 5, Tom Bebb, Kate, 17; 6, Beate Behr, Bendigedig Pai, 19. BERWYN (Kevin Evans) 1, Alun L. Jones, Denwyn Hemp;

June 27 to 30. SHABFEST 2024, six qualifying trials over three days, final for the top 25 dogs on Sunday.

June 30. NORTHUMBERLAND, held at Evistones Farm, NE19 1RY, enter on field, first 40 dogs, 9am start, two dog limit, no second dogs to run after 12.30pm, contact David Corbett, tel: 07821 921 625. MALTON, Scampston Park, YO17 8NG, contact Malton Show office or website for pre-entry and start times.

WALES

June 22. LLANLLYFNI, LL54 5TP, 8am start, contact tel: 07784 939 733. GLYNLLIFON, LL54 5DU, 8am start, pre-entry required, contact tel: 07747 600 454.

June 23. BRONDAI, Carmarthen, SA19 9RU, classes restricted to novice handlers, dog not to have been placed in an open, handler not to have

2, Bleddyn Lester, Jill; 3, Ricky Hutchinson, Jonah; 4, Michael Longton, Rooten Brook Max; 5, Alun L. Jones, Denwyn Cass; 6. David Howells, Wyverne Pip.

NEW INN. South Wales novice (Stan Harden) 1, John Phillips, Cwmhyfryd Jet, 19; 2, Steve Currie, Tilly, 24 OLF; 3, Bettina Laemmle, Gin, 24 OLF; 4, Emyr Jones, Liz, 24; 5, Christine Pugh, Glen, 25; 6, Hilary Lewis, Betsy, 26. Novice beginner class, 1, Darren Rowlands, Gael, 22; 2, Paul Pugh, Moss, 32; 3, Stephen Boxer James, Jan, 34; 4, Stephen Boxer James, Bryn, 39; 5, Andrea Turner, Nell, 46. Novice class, 1, Bettina Laemmle, Floss, 24; 2, Andrew Green, Jan, 25; 3, Christine Pugh, Glen, 28; 4, Emy Jones, Liz, 31 OLF; 5, John Phillips, Jet, 31 OLF; 6, Andrew Green, Don, 31. Young handler, 1, John Phillips.

Scottish results

BLAIRGOWRIE (81 ran) 1, Elinore Nilsson, Jacob, 100; 2, Neil Campbell, Moss, 95; 3, Peter Martin, Ivy, 94; 4, Stephen Martin, Cherry, 94; 5, Alan Wilkie, Spot, 92; 6, Antonis Giakoumi, Gyra, 91.

“I

Christopher Ware Managing director

been placed in an open in the last five years, suitable for new inexperienced handlers, 9.30am start, preentry contact Michelle Thomas, tel: 07944 708 068.

June 28. ACORNS NOVICE CHARITY, Suckley, WR6 5EJ, restricted to handlers who have not won an open trial, 3pm start, contact Matt Hooper, tel: 07929 102 338, entries closed.

June 29. SARN, Open trial only, LL53 8RG, 9am start, contact tel: 07816 357 238.

June 30. NEW INN, St Florence, SA70 8NR, one dog in each session, same dog can run twice, 8am start, enter on field, contact Bettina, tel: 07867 993 649.

SCOTLAND

June 21. FORSIE, Caithness, KW14 7QR, contact Ian Sutherland, tel: 07826 487 510.

June 22. BADANLOCH, Open dog trial fundraiser for the Scottish National at Kinbrace, entry £10 per dog, two dogs per handler, contact Jan Mackenzie,

tel: 07909 697 508. ROBIN LAURIE, held at Westbold Walkerbold.

June 28. KILDONAN, Open trial, Home Farm, Brodick, Arran, enquires to Iain McConnell, tel: 01770 600 897 or 07825 038 955.

June 29. SCOTTISH FUNDRAISER, fundraiser for the Scottish international, Milton Farm, KA3 6HS, 60 dogs, £10, 8am start, entries pre-paid to Matilda Young, tel: 07393 879 348.

June 30. CLINIC, sheepdog clinic and trial practice run, Parkhouse, Quothquan, ML12 6ND, 1pm start, get the best advice and top tips from great stockmen and competitors including Davy Wallace, George Gardner and Ian Brownlie, all levels welcome, £35 per dog, pre-paid entry, spectators, £5, pre-entry and enquiries to laurahinnekens@ gmail.com or via facebook, the money raised will go towards the International Sheepdog Trial 2024.

res., F. Shorrock (Cheviot).

Any other continental breed (A. Steff, Burnley) Sup., A. Stevenson (Charollais); res., J. and M. Odgers (Zwartbles). Suffolk (A. Smith, Chorley) Sup., K. Crossley; res., G. Bachelor. Inter-breed sheep and Suffolk champion, from Kate Crossley, Elland.

Despite mixed weather, crowds at Royal Three Counties Show were treated to an impressive display of livestock, with more than 2,000 entries. Ellie Layton reports.

l Su olk takes sheep inter-breed title

M ORE than 750 cattle across 17 breeds battled for the prestigious Burke Trophies, which are awarded to the best pair of animals in both the beef and dairy sections.

Claiming the beef trophy was the Beef Shorthorn breed champion, Highsky Erins Enchantment, from Boomer and Millie Birch, Stafford, and the Beef Shorthorn reserve, Willingham Spitfire, from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Home-bred three-year-old Highsky Erins Enchantment was fresh from its inter-breed title win at the Royal Bath and West Show.

The Carrarock Chalkie daughter out of Caramba Erins Enchantment (which was voted the breed’s ‘Miss Europe’ in 2022) was shown with an October 2023-born bull calf, Highsky Tomohawk, by Highsky Roger.

Enchantment was joined by Willingham Spitfire, a two-year-old polled roan bull which was bought by Mrs Cormack at Stirling in February for 20,000gns.

Beef Shorthorns and Holsteins claim Burke Trophies

The son of Willingham Lieutenant Commander, out of Willingham Eva Broadhooks, has picked up three breed championships this season.

In reserve was a pair of Limousins: the 2022-born heifer Poole Treasure, by Powerful Irish and out of Wilodge Mizdiamate, from Tom Hilsdon, South Molton, which was joined by another of Mary Cormack’s animals, a two-year-old Limousin bull, Foxhillfarm Titan, by Derrygullinane Kingbull and out of Foxhillfarm Grace.

The Burke Trophy judge, Paul Westaway, Gloucestershire, said: “I was honoured to see such a high quality of cattle in front of me. There were multiple high-quality cattle, but my champion and reserve were selected for how they matched.”

Inter-breed beef

Earlier in the day, Foxhillfarm Titan was also awarded the individual interbreed title under judge Steve Watkins, who travelled from New South Wales

after emigrating 30 years ago from the Herefordshire-Monmouthshire border.

A May 2022-born Charolais heifer, Skysea Tickle by Foxacres Memnon, exhibited by Will Glover, Starlight Charolais, Yeovil, took the reserve inter-breed title.

Champion native was awarded to a six-year-old Devon bull, Exmoor Captain, from Angela Poad, Exmoor, which was also breed champion at the show last year. Reserve champion

Burke Trophy beef winners, Highsky Erins Enchantment, from Boomer and Millie Birch, Stafford, and Willingham Spitfire, from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, and part of the Burke Trophy reserve pair, Foxhillfarm Titan, from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Reserve inter-breed beef and Charolais champion, Skysea Tickle, from Will Glover, Starlight Charolais, Yeovil.

Burke Trophy dairy winners, Panda Ambrosia O’Kustard Red and Panda Christmas, from the Panda Holstein herd, Devon.

Royal Three Counties Shows

Results

Beef

Burke Trophy (Judge, P. Westaway, Gloucester) Supreme, B. and M. Birch, Highsky Erins Enchantment (Beef Shorthorn) and M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire (Beef Shorthorn); reserve, M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan and T. Hilsdon, Poole Treasure (Limousin).

Inter-breed (S. Watkins, New South Wales) Sup. and continental, M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan (Limousin); res. and res. continental, W. Glover, Skysea Tickle (Charolais); sup. native, A. Poad, Exmoor Captain (Red Devon); res. native, E. Mills, Severnvale Rogue (Hereford).

Hereford (M. Moore, Northern Ireland) Sup., E. Mills, Severnvale Rogue; res., Rempstone 1 Alpha, J. Ludgate. Aberdeen-Angus (R. Tully, Devon) Sup., M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline; res., Glympton Farms, Glympton Perseus X385.

Beef Shorthorn (A. Maclean, Wiltshire) Sup., B. and M. Birch, Highsky Erins Enchantment; res., M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire. Belted Galloway (R. Adams, Derby) Sup., D. Powell, Shelsleys Kwagga; res., M. Forster, Croasdale Tawny Owl. British Blonde (M. Davies, Ceredigion) Sup. and female, J. Hickin, Penwen Topsy; res., T. Atkinson, Hallfield Plato.

British Blue (G. Brindley, Shropshire) Sup., I. Williams, Iz Tryme; res., I. Williams, Iz Senorita.

British Charolais (J. Price, Hereford) Sup., W. Glover, Skysea Tickle; res., W. Glover, Skysea Umbrella. British Limousin (V. Smith, Devon) Sup., M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan; res., T. Hilsdon, Poole Treasure.

British Simmental (D. Jones, Powys) Sup., R.J. and B.E. Kimber, Beanhill Nila; res., R.J. and B.E. Kimber, Beanhill Lettie.

British White (J. Playfair-Hannay) Sup., D. Wright, Castleton Ken; res., C. Davies, Tismans Peony. Devon (D. Martin, Devon) Sup., A. Poad, Exmoor Captain; res., J. May, Priorton Yeoman. Longhorn (D. Ball, Dumfries) Sup., P. Stanley, Blackbrook Yelenah; res., P. Stanley, Blackbrook Gunner.

Murray Grey (T. Russel, Oxon) Sup., W. Finucan, Oakley Iceman; res., W. Finucan, Oakley Rita 12.

South Devon (S. Ward, Cornwall) Sup., M. Plain, Foxhole Bonnie 17; res., N. Bunkum, Tregarrick Mylor. Any other beef breed (R. Tully, Devon) Sup., S. Hollier, Longash Hemily (Salers); res., S. Hollier, Longash Lumberjack (Salers).

Commercial (P. Parrott, Bucks) Sup., J. May, Rhona; res., P.L. Calcraft, Uptonley Uphoria.

Dual-purpose cattle

Inter-breed (A. Park) Sup., C. Davies, Moomin

Magenta (Dexter); res., J.R. Williams, Pinguis Jeremiah (Red Poll).

Gloucester (M. Cormack, Hereford) Sup., J. Crump, Burfords Molly 27; res., C. Phillips, Buryfields Revenge.

Dexter (A. Park, Wiltshire) Sup., C. Davies, Moomin Magenta; res., C. King, Northbrook Tor. Red Poll (D. Blunt) Sup., J.R. Williams, Pinguis

Jeremiah; res., J.R. and C.A. Daw, Wheatfield Lark.

Dairy

Burke Trophy Sup., Panda Holsteins, Panda Ambrosia

O’Kustard Red and Panda Christmas Red (Holstein); res., M. Dawes, Glanmor Levi Okapi and Edgehill

Latimer Okapi (Guernsey).

Inter-breed (M. Davies, Devon) Sup., Panda Holsteins, Panda Ambrosia O’Kustard Red (Holstein); res., M. Dawes, Glanmor Levi Okapi (Guernsey).

Holstein (B. Miller, Somerset) Sup., Panda Holsteins, Panda Ambrosia O’Kustard Red VG87; res., Panda Holsteins, Panda Christmas Red.

Jersey (M. Davies, Devon) Sup., B. Cambridge, Buryhill Littlestar Rumour; res., G. Woodward-May, Signature Strongbow. Guernsey (M. Davies, Devon) Sup., M. Dawes, Glanmor Levi Okapi; res., M. Dawes, Edgehill Latimer Okapi. Any other dairy breed (B. Miller, Somerset) Sup., Z. Cambridge, Allstar Blooming S Vogue (Brown Swiss); res., Z. Cambridge, Bingham Apple Martini 3 (Brown Swiss).

Sheep

Inter-breed (T. Pritchard, Glamorgan) Sup. and sup. terminal sire breeds, R. Lawrence (Suffolk); res. and res. terminal sire breeds, C.W.O. Phillips (Rouge); sup. non-terminal sire breeds, A. Thorburn (Zwartbles); res.,

went to the Hereford bull, Severnvale Rogue, from E. Mills, Bristol. The commercial championship went to James May, Bromsgrove, with his Limousin cross heifer, Rhona, while reserve was another Limousin heifer from Lin Calcraft, Devon.

In the dairy ring, Devonshire-based Panda Holstein herd claimed the inter-

Inter-breed sheep and Suffolk champion, a two-year-old ewe from Ross Lawrence, Winkleigh.

G. Williams (Clun Forest).

Beltex (G. Anderson, Dumfries) Sup., V. Bowring; res., A. Groucott.

Berrichon (E. Burgess, Dumfries) Sup., J. Bett; res., T. Digweed. Bleu du Maine (N. Millar, Dumfries) Sup., D. Jones; res., S. Smith.

Blue Texel (C. Howells, Carmarthenshire) Sup., D. Roberts; res., R. Cooke.

Border Leicester (N. Howie, Northumberland) Sup., D. Grinnall; res., B. Lugsden.

Charollais (M. Alford, Devon) Sup., D. Roberts; res., T. Newth.

Clun Forest (B. Roberts, Monmouth) Sup. and res., G. Williams.

Coloured Ryeland (S. Gilbert, Ireland) Sup., J. Fisher; res., M. Varmen.

Dorset Down (T. Osbourne, Somerset) Sup. and res., S. Stamp.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset (J. Dufosee, Wiltshire) Sup., R. Fitton; res., J. Sparks.

Hampshire Down (J. Mercer, Co Down) Sup., J. Galbraith; res., S. Short.

Lleyn (J. Douglous, North Yorkshire) Sup., P. Andrews; res., P. Eckett.

Oxford Down (J. Eustice, Cornwall) Sup., H. Graham; res., C. Clarke.

Shropshire (Cooper, Buckingham) Sup. and res., S. Farquar and E. Butcher.

Southdown (H. Wood, Pontypool) Sup., J. Long; res., E. Yates.

Suffolk (P. Machray, Aberdeen) Sup., R. Lawrence; res., E. Yates.

Texel (A. Ligget, Omagh) Sup., J.E. Amphlett; res., J. Theyer.

Valais Blacknose (C. Slee, Devon) Sup., S. Dace; res., S. Shail.

Zwartbles (J. Stevenson, North Yorkshire) Sup., A. Thornburn; res., res. female and male, P. and S. Addison.

Badger Face Welsh Mountain Torddu (B. Pritchard, Monmouth) Sup., K. Richardson; res. fem. and res., A. Groucott.

Badger Face Welsh Mountain Torwen (B. Pritchard, Monmouth) Sup. and res., M.D. Evans.

Black Welsh Mountain (J. Green, Ceredigion) Sup., D. Rowlands; res., G. Williams.

Dutch Spotted (D. Steen, Dumfries) Sup., D. Roberts; res. fem., J. Grossick.

Jacob (J. Simmons, Staffordshire) Sup., J. Leonard; res., C. Fisher.

Kerry Hill (S. Burgess, Dumfries) Sup., E. Amphlett; res., W. Awan. Ryeland (J. Pinches) Sup., A. Burton; res., Z. Unwin. Wiltshire Horn (S. Cowle) Sup., W. Roberts; res., A. Hadfield.

Pigs

Inter-breed (J. Cloke, West Midlands) Sup., H. Loveless, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6 (Duroc); res., A. Brown, Valstock Princess 2513 (Tamworth). Gloucestershire Old Spot (A. Robinson, Derby) Sup., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Bluebell 30; res., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Star 38. Berkshire (A. Robinson, Derby) Sup., S. Barnfield, Kilcot Royal Lustre; res., H. Heeley, Alkington Louise 5. British Lop (S. Booth, Cheshire) Sup. and fem., S. Loveless, Portbredy Houri; res., S. Loveless, Portbredy Napoleon.

British Saddleback (S. Booth, Cheshire) Sup. and fem., E. Paddock, Prestcombe Lady; res., S. Carr Silverbirch Lottie.

Large Black (J.S. Ashcroft, Lincoln) Sup. and fem., J. Holroyd, Addison Golden Harvest; res. and male, J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8.

Large White/British Landrace (R. Fieldhouse, North Yorkshire) Sup. and fem., M. Brown, Whitecross Beautiful 37; res. and male, C. Taylor, Hideaway Royal Turk.

Middle White (A. Robinson, Derby) Sup., C. Baker, Rockwood Woodlands Lady 14; res., C. Baker, Rockwood Mishcheif 8. Tamworth (S. Ashcroft) Sup., A. Brown, Valstock Princess 2513; res., B. Warren, Courtbleddyn Jaqueline 17.

Welsh (A. Rose, Kent) Sup., C. Taylor, Hideaway Aconite 1189; res., G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Bodil 166. Duroc/Pietrain (A. Rose, Kent) Sup., H. Loveless, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Vanfred.

Reserve interbreed sheep champion, a Rouge ram from Colin, Wendy and Owen Phillips, Herefordshire.

breed championship with their Holstein champion, Panda Ambrosia O’Kustard Red, which is producing 58kg of milk per day and goes back to their well-known Panda Autumn O’Kalibra Red. With its herd mate, Panda Christmas Red (the reserve Holstein champion), it went on to win the Burke Trophy for the best dairy pair.

Reserve dairy inter-breed champion went to a 2018-born Guernsey, Glanmor Levi Okapi, a fourth calver from Michael Dawes, Banbury, which was last year’s inter-breed champion.

In the sheep ring, Ross Lawrence’s Suffolk ewe took the inter-breed title after claiming reserve inter-breed champion at the show last year. The two-year-old ewe from Mr Lawrence’s Roundacre flock, Winkleigh, is by Strathbogie Magic Mike and out of a home-bred ewe.

Reserve champion went to a Rouge ram from Herefordshire breeders Colin, Wendy and Owen Phillips’ Powerhouse flock. Tullyvallen Aga Can is a Crawfordsland Young Gun son, which was bought from Dungannon two years ago.

Inter-breed judge Tim Pritchard, Glamorgan, said: “My champion was a super ewe with great carcase and character, which handled and stood exceptionally well, while my reserve was a well fleshed, powerful ram with style and size.”

Inter-breed champion in the nonterminal section was a two-yearold home-bred Zwartbles ewe from Alister Thorburn, Dumfries, which was also the breed’s champion for the Scottish National, which was held at the show.

Reserve went to a Clun Forest ewe from Gwar Llewellyn Williams, who runs a flock on the Llyn Peninsular. The home-bred shearling ewe is by a Hayton tup and was reserve any other breed champion at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival in May.

In the pig section, the supreme title was awarded to Hayley Loveless, Beaminster, with her home-bred Duroc gilt, Hazeway Havnbjerg 6. The August 2023-born gilt is out of a home-bred sow and from a line of British Pig Association Pig of the Year winners.

The reserve champion went to Valstock Princess 2513, a Tamworth from A. Brown, Exmoor. The fouryear-old sow goes back to the National Tamworth champion, Valstock Princess 894.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Panda Ambrosia O’Kustard Red, from the Panda Holstein herd, Devon.

Shows Royal Cheshire County

l Holstein clinches dairy supreme

FOLLOWING a quick trip back home to Dumfries after claiming the National Zwartbles show supreme title at the Royal Three Counties show last weekend, Alister Thornbury’s two-year-old ewe returned to the showring to take the inter-breed title at Royal Cheshire County Show after taking the breed championship with a pen mate, a ram lamb, in reserve.

The 2020-born ewe is homebred on both sides by Holmlea Count and out of Holmlea Ester, and will now be heading home for a well-deserved rest before attending local shows later this season.

The reserve inter-breed title went to a January-born Dutch Spotted ewe lamb from Cheshire breeder Chloe Harding’s 25-ewe Dustland flock which was established in 2020. The lamb was sired by Dutch Import 2 and is out of Dustland Fairytale and next will be attending the Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland shows.

In the inter-breed group of three, a trio of Charollais lambs from Madders and Johnson, Staffordshire, who own the Blythe flock, took supreme, while Shrop-

Inter-breed sheep and Zwartbles champion, a ewe from Alister Thornbury, Dumfries.

Reserve inter-breed sheep and Dutch Spotted champion, a ewe lamb from Chloe Harding, Cheshire.

Livestock producers travelled from far and wide to compete at the Royal Cheshire County Show. Ellie Layton reports.

Zwartbles ewe claims inter-breed sheep title

shire-based Abbie Williams’ Zwartbles took reserve.

Inter-breed judge, Robert Davenport, Sandbach, said: “I was looking for a champion which was exceptional in its individual breed character and that is exactly what I found in this powerful and correct Zwartbles ewe and a stylish ewe lamb, both of which caught my eye among a high standard of sheep.”

Beef

Carrying on a winning streak in the beef ring was the Beef Shorthorn bull, Willingham Spitfire, which was crowned native and inter-breed beef champion under judge, Clive Roads, Worcestershire.

The two-year-old polled roan bull by Willingham Lieutenant exhibited by Mary Cormack, Leomin-

ster, was reserve breed champion and one of the Burke Trophy winning pair at Royal Three Counties last weekend.

In reserve, also from Mrs Cormack, was the Limousin champion, Foxhillfarm Titan, a Derrygullinane Kingbull son out of Foxhillfarm Grace. The bulls reside in Chepstow at G.H. Farming Livery.

The reserve native championship went to the Longhorn champion from Jane Mycock’s Sycamore Longhorn herd, Derbyshire. This was Bollin Wylma, an April 2022born Fishwick Sherman EX90 daughter.

I was looking for a champion which was exceptional in its individual breed character and that is exactly what I found

ROBERT DAVENPORT

The reserve continental championship was awarded to the British Blonde, Bridge Twighlight, an April 2022-born heifer by Bridge Nico, exhibited by Chris Hopley, Cheshire. Its teammate, Bridge Tara, was awarded reserve breed champion.

Inter-breed beef and Beef Shorthorn champion, Willingham Spitfire, from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Reserve inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Foxhillfarm Titan, from Mary Cormack, Leominster.

Royal Cheshire County Shows

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Jersey champion, Hennikers Tequila FP Milkie, from Sonny Warren, Cheshire.

The commercial champion was a Limousin cross heifer from Andrew Dickson, Derbyshire, who has won the title at the show for four consecutive years. His home-bred heifer, Wednesday is by Limousin sire, Waindale UFO and is the first calf out of a cow bred by John Smith-Jackson bought from Kirkby Stephen three years ago.

The reserve went to Ralph Lauren, a British Blue-sired steer from Neil Lloyd, Hereford.

In the dairy ring, a Holstein from the south of the county was crowned inter-breed champion. Redsky Alttitude Jazz, from John Suenson-Taylor’s Grantchester Holstein herd, is a third calver bought from the Black and White sale in Carlisle.

This was the first outing of the year for Jazz, which is also entered for Nantwich Show later this summer before UK Dairy Day.

The cow is kept alongside Mr Suenson-Taylor’s 30 Holstein cows at Seaton Farms, Audlem, and is producing 68.5kg daily.

Reserve was awarded to the

Results

Sheep

Inter-breed (Judge, R. Davenport, Cheshire) Supreme, A. Thorburn (Zwartbles); reserve, C. Hardman (Dutch Spotted).

Inter-breed group of three (R. Davenport) Sup., Madders and Johnson (Charollais); res., A. Williams (Zwartbles).

Charollais (P. James, Shropshire) Sup., Madders and Johnson; res., G. Biddulph.

Jacob (R. Chapman, Derby) Sup., R. and P.A. Bramley; res., K. Gaskell.

Suffolk (D. Roberts, Denbighshire) Sup. and res., H. Lyons.

Texel (B. Roberts, Shropshire) Sup., E. Davies; res., J. Robb.

Dutch Spotted (L. Nash, Permbroke) Sup., C. Harding; res., J. Simpson.

Shropshire (A. Halcrow, Northamptonshire) Sup. and res., O. Powell.

Valais Blacknose (G. Jones, Gwynedd) Sup. and res., S. Dace.

Zwartbles (L. Murray, Wolverhampton) Sup. and res., A.J. Thorburn.

Any other continental breed (P. James, Shropshire) Sup., J. Simpson (Beltex); res., M. Hollinrake (Dorper).

Any other native breed (P. Johnson, Hereford) Sup., and res., S. Miles (Hampshire Down).

Butcher’s lambs pair (T. Lawton, Newport) Sup., Messrs Taylor; res., M. Benson.

Pigs

Inter-breed modern (G. Kiddy, Cambridgeshire) Sup., and traditional, J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8 (Large Black); res., and res. traditional, M. Paddock, Eaves Ladymaid 4 (Middle White); sup. modern, Messrs Pawson, Warburton Pauline 45 (Pietrain); res. modern, C. Holtom, Spring Impish 1217 (Welsh).

British Lop (G. Kiddy) Sup., M. Paddock, Eaves Actress 7; res., S.J. Booth, Chapel Charles 5. British Saddleback (G. Kiddy) Sup., R. Bowers, Northrode Bountiful 193; res., R. Bowers, Northrode Lottie 6A. Gloucestershire Old Spot (G. Kiddy) Sup., M.V. Hicks and Son, Windmill Princess 72; res., A. Garbutt, Fowill Patrick 463.

Large Black (G. Kiddy) Sup., J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8; res., C. Gittins, Boswick Matilda. Middle White (G. Kiddy) Sup., M. Paddock, Eaves Ladymaid 4; res., M. Paddock and S. Marsden, Eaves Yootha 37. Duroc (G. Kiddy) Sup., A. and J. Walton, Deva Nancy 2306; J. Knaggs, Littleowls Havnbjerg 376.

Beef

Inter-breed (C. Roads, Worcester) Sup. and native, M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire (Beef Shorthorn); res. and continental, M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan (Limousin); res. native, J. Mycock, Bollin Wylma (Longhorn); res. continental, C. Hopley, Bridge Twighlight (British Blonde).

Hereford (R. Thomas, Hereford) Sup., E. Mills, Severnvale Rogue; res., R. and R.I. Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster Princess.

Limousin (B. Bellow, Oxon) Sup., M. Cormack, Foxhillfarm Titan; res., M. Cormack, Frogmore Ursula.

Simmental (J. Arnold, Cheshire) Sup., T.J. Hassall, Fishpool Poppy; res., T.J. Hassall, Kilbridefarm Eunice.

Charolais (T. Cox, Derby) Sup., G. Hollinshead, Newplatt Undeniable; res., C. Wardle, Caerddaniel Nell.

British Blue (A.J. Neachell, Staffordshire) Sup., M. Sweetmore, Mere Titch; res., M. Sweetmore, Mere Kezzi.

Aberdeen-Angus (K. Hancock, Stockport) Sup., O. Tunney, Morpheus Princess Caroline; res., O. Tunney, Morpheus Rosie. Beef Shorthorn (E. Trueman, Buxton) Sup., M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire; res., I. Gibbon, Marhall Matilda Tequila.

British Blonde (G. Greenbank, Cumbria) Sup., C. Hopley, Bridge Twighlight; res., C. Hopley, Bridge Tara. Longhorn (B. Bellow) Sup., J. Mycock, Bollin Wylma; res., J. Mycock, Sycamore Xiomara. Commercial beef (J. Manning) Sup., A. Dickinson, Wednesday (Limousin cross); res., N. Lloyd, Ralph Lauren (British Blue cross). Any other native breed (E. Trueman) Sup., K. Fletcher, Highbarn Pixie A243 (Lincoln Red); res., C. Hamilton, Westnab Ginny.

Red Poll (T. Barratt, Lincolnshire) Sup., J.R. Williams, Pinguis Michael; res., T.H. Mancey, Moreton Lady Kenya.

Dexter (L. Digweed, Gloucester) Sup., C. King, Northbrook Lilly.

Dairy

Inter-breed (B. Tomlinson, Leicester) Sup., J. Suenson-Taylor, Redsky Altitude Jazz (Holstein); res., S. Warren, Hennikers Tequila FP Milkie (Jersey).

Jersey champion, Hennikers Tequila FP Milkie, bred by Sonny Warren, Cheshire, and shown by his father Alexander, who keep 30 Jersey cows alongside their 130 Holsteins on their tenanted farm which they moved to from Kent.

It was reserve breed champion last year and is bred from their foundation cow Hennikers Jude Milky 94 and is producing 43 litres a day.

Judge

Inter-breed judge Blaise Tomlinson, Leicestershire, said: “This Holstein was a super animal and was an easy winner. I think she has a bright future and was sweet with an exceptional udder. The reserve was a very dairy animal and great example of the breed.”

Winning the Dairy Shorthorn title at the breed’s National show was local breeder Rob Boote, Cheshire, with a home-bred nineyear-old eighth calver, Kayl Proud Countess 51by Kayl Icey Chiller.

The light roan cow is classified EX91 and was breed champion at

Large White (G. Kiddy) Sup., S. Hicks, Popularburn Championlady 23; res., S. Hicks, Popularburn Daintygirl. Welsh (G. Kiddy) Sup., C. Holtom, Spring Impish 1217; res., R. Bemand, Leysters Spring Tessa 2. Oxford Sandy and Black (G. Kiddy) Sup., R. Bemand, Oldlands Gloria 19. Any other modern breed (G. Kiddy) Sup., A. Pawson, Warburton Ukode 3 (Pietrain); res., A. Pawson, Warburton Ukode 2 (Pietrain).

Dairy Shorthorn (I. Harries, Carmarthenshire) Sup., R. Boote, Kayl Proud Countess 51; res., J. Crow, Strickley Goldie 298. Ayrshire (L. Batty, Derby) Sup., A. Rimmer, Holmeswood El Clover; res., A. Rimmer, Holmeswood Ring Bella. Holstein (A. Kuiper, Sweden) Sup., J. Swanson, Redsky Altitude Jazz; res., R. Brown, Bidea Airton Tory.

Jersey (S. Pye, Lancashire) Sup., S. Warren, Hennikers Tequila FP Milkie. Brown Swiss (J. Miller, Dumfries) Sup., D. Weaver, Infinity Sissy; res., Toi Toi Genetics, Kedar Aurora.

Staffordshire Show last month. The family had a very successful day, winning six breed classes including the calf championship with May 2023-born Kayl Edge Sadie. Reserve breed champion was Shropshire-based Jonathon Crow’s Strickley Goldie 298 which is a March 2022-born Winbrook Brutus cow.

For the second year on the trot, it

Inter-breed pig and traditional champion, Addison Julia 8, from Jack Holroyd, Lancashire.

was Jack Holroyd, Lancashire, who claimed the inter-breed pig title with traditional champion, the Large Black sow, August 2022born Addison Julia 8.

Reserve went to another traditional pig, this time a Middle White from Michael Paddock, Staffordshire, with Eaves Lady Maid 4 a home-bred September 2023-born gilt by Eaves Captain.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Redsky Alttitude Jazz, from John Suenson-Taylor, Audlem.

Market Prices Primestock

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: LAA/MartEye

WALES

Market Prices Store Cattle

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

MARKET

COMMENT

THERE were price reductions in all livestock categories this week at auction marts in England and Wales.

In the cattle rings, young bulls dropped 3.8p/kg to 260.5p/kg, while dairy-sired cull cows fell by 2.5p/kg to 153.9p/kg in value.

Although, steers and heifers both grew in price by 1.2p/kg to 270.9p/kg and 279.2p/kg respectively.

For sheep, prices had lowered by 6.3p/kg to 359.4p/kg.

Cutters reduced in value by 10.6p/kg to 185.6p/kg, despite increases for porkers and baconers.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (June 19), UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £200.00/tonne, a drop of £4.55/t from the previous week.

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

Market Prices

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

WEANER PRICES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

SOURCE:

Market Prices

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £25,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender May 31, 2024, next July 15, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

Thursday, June 13, 2024.

1.

Week ending June 23, 2024

Last updated June 18, 2024

Source: LAA/IAAS

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

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With so much change in the industry recently, farmers have a lot to deal with. So, what does ‘resilience’ actually mean? Emily Ashworth finds out more.

Building a resilient farming community

There are many obstacles to overcome in farming; whether it is managing the extreme weather or facing financial difficulties, farmers and those in rural communities face challenges that other sectors do not.

The term ‘resilience’ is one that has become widely used over recent years. After Brexit, loss of subsidies, and political unrest, those in the industry have certainly had to adapt and navigate their way through a quickly changing sector, which is no easy task.

There is support out there though. The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF), established by the King in 2010, has become a real pillar of support to farming communities, with a focus on building thriving rural enterprises and helping to secure the future for smaller family farms.

Ellie Burnage, head of external affairs at the RCF, says: “The RCF addresses the unique challenges facing rural areas, such as economic pressures, environmental changes and social

The [Farm Resilience] programme has been totally life-changing for us

Demelza Fish-Jenkins

isolation. Over the years, the RCF has invested more than £11.5 million in over 500 rural community-led projects and supported over 4,000 farming families through various programmes, including the Farm Resilience Programme.

“This programme, supported by Morrisons, provides essential business and environmental skills training to farmers, helping them navigate the complexities of modern agriculture and ensure a sustainable future.”

The Farm Resilience Programme has been a lifeline to many farmers – Wilma Benson, from Wellhouse Farm, has found it to be ‘invaluable’.

Wilma, who returned to her

family’s second-generation dairy farm after a career as an NFU Mutual insurance agent, highlights the benefits of the programme’s business planning and succession planning workshops.

Succession plan

She says: “I really enjoyed the session about the succession plan and the technical ones as well: how to cut costs and do things a bit more efficiently.

“It made me come home and think: ‘We need to get the will sorted’. It made you focus on certain things and think: ‘I must do that or look into this’.”

Demelza Fish-Jenkins, a beef and sheep farmer in West Wales, also took part in the programme after facing an uncertain future with her own family business. The farm was going through a period of

significant change, including the inheritance of an additional farm and diversifying into holiday lets, but she found the programme’s benchmarking and accounts workshops particularly beneficial.

Having inherited another 72.8-hectare (180-acre) farm on top of the 52.6ha (130 acres) they were already farming, the business had to change – and so did the family.

She says: “My son was keen to come home and we needed to create another wage.

“The challenge was creating two wages and to have enough work for my husband and son.”

But the struggles were not just financial. Farming, says Demelza, is so inextricably linked to family that it becomes hard to separate it as a business, and they had been going through some hard times in terms of

Demelza (right) with her husband Gwilym (second from left) and their two children.

succession and mental health.

“Not preparing for succession can have a major impact on the business,” she says.

“So, we decided to do the programme – I had fallen out of love with farming. Having two young children, it takes its toll. But I went into this thinking: ‘Let us get some focus and start thinking of this as a business’.”

Confidence

Demelza says the sessions gave her some much-needed confidence, and that sometimes you can convince yourself you are doing something wrong. But taking a step back, she realised although change was needed, the family were doing many things right.

She says: “I learned so many things and realised I knew much more than I thought I

did. I have changed as a person.

“We have grown through this programme – our family has. It allowed the kids to come to the meetings with us and it is so important they know what is going on.

“We are custodians for the next generation, and I encourage my two to come to these meetings and hear how other farms are doing things.

“The programme has been totally life-changing for us. We have been through some really tough times as a family and a farm over the past few years.

“The programme came at just the right time for us. It was good for us to get off the farm and talk to other people about our business.

“I cannot sleep after each session because my mind is full with so many new ideas.”

Do you have a story to tell? British farmers each have their own unique story, and on August 8, 5am, to August 9, 5am, we want you to get involved in agriculture’s biggest digital event: 24 Hours in Farming. Sponsored by Morrisons, all you have to do is post on social media using the hashtag #farm24 and tag Morrisons and Farmers Guardian. Show the world what really goes on in farming during a 24-hour period.

For more information about the event, scan the QR code opposite or visit farmersguardian.com/farm24

THIS year marks five years of partnership between Morrisons and The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF), during which they have delivered the Farm Resilience Programme to groups across England, Scotland and Wales, and launched Carbon Clarity. This comprehensive programme combines a group workshop covering greenhouse gas management training and one-to-one support on-farm. They aim to reach 60 family farms through the programme by the end of the year, and a recent evaluation found that for every £1 invested by Morrisons, farmers participating in the RCF’s programme saw an average return in social value of £54.37.

In Your Field

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

ALAN CARTER

Cornwall

Alan Carter farms in partnership with his parents, Paul and Christine, on a 162 hectare (400-acre), 400-cow dairy unit at Constantine, Cornwall, with 130 milking cows, supplying Saputo. Alan, also a Parish Councillor, and his wife Sarah, have two children, Ross and Dana.

For us and I think many farmers in Cornwall, it is always the aim to get all the silage done before the Royal Cornwall Show. This can then allow for a few days to be spent at the show, without feeling too guilty that you should be at home. We got the last of our bales finished the day before, which was not bad going as the weather broke for a week after we finished the clamp.

The grass came in well, and it all went without any major problems. We have used cling film on the clamp for the first time. It was easy to put on and it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference when we open it in autumn.

We made almost 450 bales from fields we cannot forage, and all the fertiliser has been spread, ready for second cut.

We all had a couple of days at Royal Cornwall. Sarah, the children and I went on Friday and Saturday.

We start earlier in the morning to try and beat the traffic and stay up there for long days, so everyone was getting a bit tired by Saturday evening.

The show is a highlight of the year for us, and the children are growing up to enjoy it just as much. When I was younger, I would spend the week at the showground exhibiting our cattle and

‘We had a couple of days at the Royal Cornwall Show – a highlight of our year’

made many great memories. We have not shown there since 2012 because of bovine TB, and it is a shame the children will not get the opportunity I had.

A slight concern was the enjoyment that Ross and Dana had looking around the sheep tent, which was not reciprocated when looking around the cattle shed. Will they be asking for some sheep one day? I know nothing about sheep, but it is good to see their enthusiasm for animals.

The parents have gone to Jersey for 10 days, so we caught up with a couple of jobs before they went. The last of the calves have been disbudded and the cows have been vaccinated for BVD and IBR. These are administered at the same time which speeds the job up. The cows are having another gamma blood test when they come home from holiday, so back to it with a bang.

We put Dana’s name down to join a waiting list for dance classes, and

High pressure is set fair to bring change

THE long-awaited change in the weather is finally arriving over the coming days, just in time for many of us, as the cold has and was starting to cause some real problems.

High pressure is now set to be building, probably west of Ireland and, while not perfect, it will be presenting much of the UK with a few dry, sunny and probably warmer days.

As always though, forecasting is a series of questions and the next one has inevitably been asked: ‘How long will any fine weather last?’.

You will probably know more than me about the answer to that question, as by the time you read this, models

should have settled down and may be giving a more reliable answer.

As I write, thoughts are that the weather does have a tendency to be drier into early July and probably significantly warmer too. This does bring a potential for slow moving thunderstorms, but again, this is still very uncertain. One of the reasons for the uncertainty is the same reason why you will have noticed your telephone weather apps changing their forecasts almost every hour.

It is because several weather teleconnections are in play right now.

The most famous of these in the El Nino which is now dipping into its

colder, La Nina phase. A less well known teleconnection is the Southern Oscillation Index which is a measure of pressure differences between Darwin, Australia and Tahiti. This is entering a positive phase.

As if that were not enough, equatorial outgoing longwave radiation is also increasing.

Combine these and we sure have a whole lot of data to filter and decide which will have the most impact. But that is what we forecasters do and, as frustrating as it can be, it is all part of the wonderful world of weather. There is always more at weatherweb.net and via our telephone service.

a space came through for this week (June 15). But Sarah could not take her for the first couple of weeks becuse of changeovers at the holiday lets.

I said I could work something out so she could go. We went off in the farm pickup, which is not the tidiest to be parked up outside the hall.

Dana really enjoyed it, and I am glad I have the chance to go with her, even though it is not my natural environment. I guess I am now a ‘dance Dad’.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call

Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

NEXT WEEK

Scottish Borders Kate Rowell

Lancashire Amy Wilkinson

‘We’re ramping up now, all in preparation for tip-taking’

DAN HAWES

Kent

Dan Hawes grew up on an arable farm in Suffolk and now produces strawberry and raspberry plants for the UK fruit market with Blaise Plants, sister company to Hugh Lowe Farms, Kent. The business grows outside, under tunnels and in glasshouses and produces more than four million plants a year. The arable side includes environmental schemes, with a mix of wheat, oilseed rape, beans and barley crops.

June has been super busy workwise. We’re really ramping up now, all in preparation for tip-taking (cutting the daughter plants from the ‘mother’ plants) and planting at the end of the month – both strawberries and rasp-

berry plugs. It is the busiest time of year – when you have a few million to do it is no mean feat – and the workforce goes to almost 10 times what it has been all spring. Sometimes it feels like that multiplication is also true for my stress levels. Naturally, with these things, there is a lot to do and it all needs to be done at the same time.

We have had a bit of success from last month, in that we have got some beds in and the slight taper looks a treat. There is no three-metre poly layer on the market I can find (although I am sure you could get a custom one – if so, please get in touch), so we have had to improvise.

Although I had a plan of action in mind, it was very much trial and error on the first couple, but after a few tweaks of the system, the guys got it working well, albeit more manual than I would like in an ideal world. If we stick with it for next year, a machine is definitely on my wish list.

A still day makes huge bounds with productivity, so we are picking and

Crossword 1250

choosing days. The main job now is filling up and placing trays on top ready for the strawberry plants, which goes on for a few weeks.

I am also looking into a set of tracks for one of our tractors so we do not rut up the field during the year. The trouble is, it is more than £40,000 for the tracks, then you need a tractor to put them on which you can only really use for one thing, and you cannot really take it down the road either.

But if we want to mechanise more of the process and take more weight into the field then it certainly plays its part. Would it be beneficial? Absolutely. Can I justify it financially? The jury is still out.

On other areas of the farm, it has

been really nice to see the wildflower areas coming into their own and looking superb.

One thing that was noticeable while in California was the lack of almost anything environmental on the ranches, so the mix of colours and wildlife around the farm was something that stood out as soon as I got back. With the arable work under control, the drill has been on with a few of these areas being reseeded or stitched into.

Outside of all of this I am still trying to finish putting in some raised beds in the garden at home. It was last year’s summer project, which I am determined won’t be next year’s. All I need now is some good weather and a bit of free time – fingers crossed.

Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No. 1250, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

ACROSS

1 Surprisingly conspire to use this gem (8,5)

8 One that springs out of convoluted fissure, lacking force (6)

9 Dad with weapon? Just a noisy toy (6)

12 Bird’s nest is weird by the sound of it (5)

13 Winter phenomena, British reptiles eating middle of pizza (9)

14 Married male in formal clothing for conference between heads of states (6)

15 Curious enigma about one primarily with a grossly inflated self love (8)

18 A wire – it’s designed for climber (8)

20 Nervous where a diver stands? (2,4)

23 Batman, say, to have supper with old queen and her crowd essentially (9)

25 Tropical fruit starts growing usually as viruses absent (5)

26 Murphy’s big hole in heel of his sock? (6)

27 Ship’s old hand turns back securing active duty (3,3)

28 Doctor and his dark side found in novella (6,3,4)

DOWN

2 Raised platform finally for maestro to sound guitar strings (7)

3 Easier cut prepared to destroy infected tissue (9)

4 Small antelope, turning up, endlessly fibrous including pelage finally (6)

5 Slender trees; tender youthful beings (8)

6 Type of 1 across, the very best, a first in Zambia (5)

7 Particle ultimately abundant in nerve cell (7)

10 At any rate for Americans the most stupid? (9)

11 Large-capacity vehicle, say, in race, overturned (6,3)

16 Systematic account of second number on maths diagram (9)

17 Abrasive wives, one after another, suppressing rage, upset gents (4,4)

19 Presume to drink and sit for photo (7)

21 Very special person’s 60th anniversary? A 1 across (7)

22 Some of deathblow or sensational decline (6)

24 Prepared concerning pay day now and then (5)

Answers to crossword 1248: Across: 1 Cockroaches, 9 Annuity, 10 Relieve, 11 Black bean, 12 Fills, 13 Thorn, 14 Dumplings, 16 Soporific, 18 Purse, 20 Terms, 22 Narrative, 24 Ravioli, 25 Impasse, 26 Playgrounds.

Down: 1 Cantaloup, 2 Chicken, 3 Rhyme, 4 Agronomic, 5 Helpful, 6 Shell, 7 Rabbit, 8 Senses, 14 Defending, 15 Narcissus, 16 Suture, 17 Roseola, 18 Playpen, 19 Eleven, 21 Rev up, 23 Rhino.

Farming Matters

‘A strong rural voice is essential at a cross-party level’

Ihave 200-head flock of breeding ewes, mainly North Country Cheviots and some Highland Mules. In the past I kept cattle, but I had to cut back a bit as my teaching career took over.

I farm approximately 809 hectares (2,000 acres), of which 243ha (600 acres) is forestry.

I have been converting this from conifer to native woodland since 2001. I also farm 32ha (80 acres) of in-bye grassland, and the rest is rough grazing and wild land.

I hope to bring my real-world experience to politics.

When George Eustice blithely suggested that livestock producers could make an easy switch from sheep to cattle when the UK Government was proposing changes for its Environmental Land Management scheme, it struck me that Mr Eustice had probably never mended a fence, let alone keep a cow or use a cattle crush to keep a beast steady while doing a bovine TB test.

The very idea that an upland sheep

holding could switch to beef cattle overnight without substantial capital investment was preposterous.

In recent years, I’ve noticed even more of a disconnect between Defra policy and Scottish devolved policy for agriculture.

More so, I note that in England recent farmland sales have been, in the main, to non-farming interests, suggesting a shift from a way of life or vocation to a business model. But in Scotland, this is not the same.

Crofting

The family farm is very much at the heart of the Scottish agricultural business mix, more so in the crofting areas where I live in the North Highlands, and that needs to be protected as crofting communities provide a blueprint for sustainability and maintain populations in fragile rural areas.

I’m a champion for young crofters and helped to set up the first Young Crofter of the Year awards in 2018 with the Scottish Crofting Federation.

DR LUCY BEATTIE

I want to see young people stay and thrive in their communities, and it’s very clear that since leaving the European Union we have lost 62% of the Scottish infrastructure funds, and there is no hint of a decent replacement from Michael Gove’s plans for levelling up. That’s what I’d like to fight for in Westminster. Rural people are resilient and fiercely independent – they will never shout loudly or ask for things if life is okay just getting by. That’s why it’s essential in our area to have a strong rural voice advocating for rural people at a cross-party level.

Independence

As a lifelong supporter of Scottish independence, I don’t see independence being a thorny issue between Scotland and England. I see it as quite the opposite – England is a fantastic trading partner and that would not cease if Scotland became independent.

After all, some folks would argue we are in a voluntary union and the shift of reserved powers from Westminster to Holyrood would be easily managed given our distinct legal system and civil service in Edinburgh.

Whether I win or not at the next election, I will enjoy the process with good humour and would be honoured to forge a new path in politics if that should be the democratic will of the people of Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross.

If not, then it will be just in time for silage-making and the lamb sales, so I’ll be kept busy either way

SNP candidate for Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross

The family farm is very much at the heart of the Scottish agricultural business mix, says Dr Lucy Beattie.

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