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Charlie Watson Smyth and family have built a business around high-quality, local food – all while protecting the landscape and wildlife. See p22-24.
Regen farming movement has to bring layers of value to the farmgate
IMPROVING the food system requires much more than intellectual debate but talking and connecting is a good place to start.
As farming’s Glastonbury – Groundswell –took place this week, conversations about regenerative agriculture went into overdrive.
After a dreadful couple of seasons which have left soils waterlogged, crops battered and grass stunted, building resilience into soils and farming systems in general is timely. Even more so with the added uncertainty of a change in Government and new budgetary framework looming large.
What is clear is that regenerative practices and working to restore the land is one thing, making them pay is another.
Yes there are the obvious benefits to agroecology, nature and biodiversity, and the cost savings seen through the reduction of inputs, but the loss of these inputs could hammer production.
And for farmers on the fence about taking on a more regenerative mindset, the business case has to stack up.
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at the till? Or are regen products likely to be seen as niche, artisan products for the rich? As the Waitrose product range shows, there is money to be made, but it is a small market.
At the farmgate, adding value to fresh produce is always going to be tricky and is why margins on processed foods are always so much higher.
Now retailers and big corporates have got in on the act, the meaning of regenerative farming is also at risk of being diluted and highlights the need for transparency in supply chains which stand up to scrutiny and for clear, honest labelling.
LISTEN TO THE FG PODCAST
I was pleased to be invited to chair a panel on this very subject as part of a Groundswell ‘warm up’ event (see p18), which brought together a bevy of leading farmers in the space to discuss the challenges and opportunities and how to bring increased returns to the farmgate.
FOR weekly podcasts bringing you the latest news, engaging debates and real farmer stories from across the UK, scan the QR code or go to farmersguardian. com/podcasts
Celebrity involvement and clever, aggressive marketing can drive demand to some extent, but is the average consumer really prepared to pay more
And, in the future, as regen becomes parlance for diverse farming systems which nurture the soil and environment while producing healthy, nutritious food, you have to wonder if the term ‘regen’ will be replaced by another buzzword. Will ‘mixed farming’ ever cut the mustard? for diverse farming systems which environment ducing healthy, nutritious food,
Politics and the future of farming took centre stage at Scotland’s premier agricultural event, the Royal Highland Show. Alex Black and Chris Brayford report from Ingliston.
Defra Secretary accused of disrespect for devolved nations
l First Minister pledges to collaborate
DEFRA Secretary Steve Barclay has been accused of disrespecting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and failing to respond to correspondence from Ministers.
Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, said Mr Barclay had ‘completely ignored not just me, but all the devolved administrators’.
She said: “I have not had one response to correspondence.”
She said she had never had a meeting with him and never had a response to any correspondence.
“It is just a complete disrespect, not just of Scotland, but for Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Engagement needed
With the General Election looming, Ms Gougeon said what she was looking for from the next Westminster Government was ‘engagement with the devolved administrations’.
“That would definitely be a step up,” she said.
She added they needed to see budget commitments and she would like to see a multiannual commitment so Scotland could then offer more certainty to its farmers.
Farmers Guardian has contacted Steve Barclay’s office for comment.
First Minister John Swinney was also in attendance at the show.
Although his speech at the Quality Meat Scotland breakfast event was lacking in any big announcements, the First Minister’s clear message was on collaboration and partnership with industry.
Assurance
He looked to assure farmers that he understood the challenges they faced, highlighting his experience as a politician representing farmers in his constituency. He emphasised the importnce of the red meat sector and the whole supply chain to the Scottish economy.
Just transition needed, says NFUS
NFU Scotland has set out the next steps for a ‘profitable and sustainable agricultural industry’ following the passing of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland Bill) on June 19.
During a media briefing at the Royal Highland Show, the union’s director of policy Jonnie Hall said it was crucial for the Scottish Government to ensure secondary legislation delivered a just transition for farmers.
Mr Hall said: “The Scottish Government has said on numerous occasions that it wants to avoid a cliff edge for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
“Getting the next phase right is critical to delivering that ambition.
“The industry agrees to change, but not through chaos; we want transition and not turmoil.”
Morph
The industry agrees to change, but not through chaos; we want transition and not turmoil
JONNIE HALL
He said it needed existing schemes to ‘morph’ into the four-tiered structure proposed by Scottish Government, with the new Tiers 1 and 2 operating in a ‘very similar way’ to the Basic Payment Scheme and Greening.
“The relevance of the newly agreed Bill is that it is critical in enabling all elements of the transition to happen.
“That is exactly why we lobbied for and got the scope and flexibility we now have within the Bill to meet this timetable and more.”
The Scottish Crofting Federation however, said the passing of new
legislation was a disappointment for farmers and crofters.
Johnathan Hedges, chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation, said the Bill had been a ‘missed opportunity to commit to a meaningful transformation’ towards a ‘fairer agricultural support system’.
Mr Hedges said there was a risk that the ‘unjust status quo’ will be perpetuated, leaving only those who own swathes of land, better off.
“Contrary to the EU policy, to which the Government has pledged to stay aligned, the Bill omits to introduce an element of redistribution for direct support towards smaller landholdings,” he said.
He urged Scottish Government to design the support in a way which enables crofters to contribute more to national food production and local supply chains.
“With the right support system in place, crofters can achieve a lot – for rural communities, for food security, for climate and nature,” said Mr Hedges.
Royal Highland Show
“Whether you are a farmer, butcher, land manager or in agri-business, supporting Scotch beef, lamb and specially selected pork,” he said.
“You are of course part of a wider system and supply chain. It is and must continue to be a team Scotland approach.”
He said the Government was committed to work with industry, to attract workers, reduce carbon emissions and market
the Scottish produce globally and to make sure there was a sustainable future for the red meat sector.
Payments strategy
He also confirmed the 2024 payments strategy will maintain the payments timing at the same as last year, with the Basic Payment in bank accounts from September.
“Please be assured you have a
CODE WILL BE ‘HELPFUL GUIDE’
THE Code of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture is aimed to be a ‘helpful guide’ for farmers on sustainable farming, with the code of practice now in draft form.
Mairi Gougeon said the Scottish Government hoped it would be a helpful guide for farmers.
No
“I do not think a hard and fast definition is helpful,” she said, adding so many farmers around the country had already put things into place which were sustainable or regenerative.
“This document would be an indicative guide.”
change in position on Asulox
SCOTTISH Government’s position on the use of Asulox to control bracken remains unchanged, despite concerns about rapid growth of bracken on farms.
Mairi Gougeon said the decision was down to the Health and Safety Executive, not Scottish Government.
She said: “We agreed with their recommendation that Asulox should not be reauthorised for use.”
She highlighted it was only used on 2% of the bracken in Scotland.
She added they had supported mechanical control, adding work on other solutions was continuing.
POLITICAL parties must follow up their manifesto promises with ‘clearly defined action’ to unlock the ‘tremendous potential’ of rural areas.
Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), launching its ‘Priorities for Rural Scotland’ document at the show, said the next UK Government needed to make a clear commitment to early ‘rural-proofing’ of policies to prevent rural businesses and communities being placed at a ‘disadvantage’, while maximising the delivery of economic, environmental and social benefits farm businesses provide.
Chair of SLE, Dee Ward, said farmers were the heart and soul of rural Scotland, and added they wanted their voices to be heard by political leaders.
Key issues
Mr Ward added: “While so much of rural policy is devolved, there are still key issues reserved to Westminster that will impact the ability of rural businesses in Scotland to thrive.
“Trade, taxation, immigration, farm funding and digital connectivity are all vitally important to people
GENERAL ELECTION UPDATES
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‘Rural-proofing’ needed to ensure no disadvantage Rural-proofing has taken place at the end of policy development
SARAH-JANE LAING
running businesses in some of our most fragile areas. The fundamental matter underpinning all of these is the need to rural-proof policy.”
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of SLE, said Government departments across the board must understand the need to ‘rural-proof’ their policies due to the impact they could have on farmers and farming communities.
“For too long, rural-proofing has taken place at the end of policy development or even post implementation,” Ms Laing said.
“We want to see the rural lens applied at the earliest stages.”
First Minister John Swinney (left) with RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw on a tour of the showground.
First Minister who understands this industry,” he said, adding he wanted to see it thrive.
Highland highlights News Royal Highland Show
For all the results and reports from the
Champion and reserve female Beef Shorthorns.
The winning Limousin inter-breed team of four.
Judging in the commercial ring.
Starting them early in the sheep showing ring.
Judging in the sheep ring at the Royal Highland Show.
sheep championship, see p84.
Highland pony champion Ben MacDui of Strathavon.
What livestock keepers need to know about bluetongue virus
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 (including Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex).
Clinical signs can vary.
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
An NFU survey showed that 54% of farmers had experienced small-scale fly-tipping on-farm.
● Rural crime must be treated as a priority
By Alex Black
NEARLY half of farmers felt fly-tipping had worsened over the last five years, as a Channel 4 documentary highlighted the impact it had on them.
The NFU called on the next Government to treat rural crime as a priority, with its survey showing fly-tipping was impacting farmers’ ability to produce food.
The survey of 620 NFU members showed 54% had experienced small-scale fly-tipping on-farm, while 30% said they had been hit by large-scale fly-tipping. Nearly
Bank of England holds bank rate
INTEREST rates have been held at the current rate of 5.25%, with the Bank of England opening the door to a potential cut in interest rates in August.
It followed figures from last week showing inflation had slowed to its 2% target in May.
The committee which sets rates voted by seven votes to two to hold, but it was a ‘finely balanced’ decision for three members this month.
In the minutes from the committee there was a change in tone, with market analysts questioning whether it could indicate a reduction in the next review. The committee said it would look at whether areas of concern were ‘receding’.
“On that basis, the committee will keep under review for how long [the] bank rate should be maintained at its current level,” it said.
‘Soul-destroying’ effect of fly-tipping televised
half of the members surveyed said the problem had worsened over the past five years.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “It comes as absolutely no surprise that the results of this latest NFU survey show that more and more of our farms and countryside spaces are being used as dumping grounds.
“Our members tell us they have experienced battered old kitchen appliances, sofas and mattresses abandoned on their land, as well as industrial-scale amounts of hazardous and toxic materials, such as asbestos.
“One also had 10 fridge freezers left in a gateway.”
She added fly-tipping was a constant blot on the landscape.
The Channel 4 Dispatches programme Rubbish Tip Britain showed how farmers and their families were being left to clean up the mess, highlighting how ‘souldestroying it can be to have your home and workplace used as a dumping ground and the huge damage it causes’, said Ms Hallos.
It came as the CLA claimed the ‘rural policing system is in crisis’, with forces lacking dedicated officers,
funding and basic kit such as torches, according to Freedom of Information responses.
The CLA found five out of 20 police forces had no dedicated rural crime team and eight had less than 10 rural officers.
Funding
There was a large disparity in rural crime funding, with some forces receiving £900,000 and others just £1,250. Equipment was also highlighted as a problem, with at least three forces without torches, six without ANPR cameras, and three without drones.
Auctioneers fined after man killed
AN auctioneering company has been fined after a 75-year-old man was killed by a cow which had escaped from a livestock market in Wales.
Huw Evans was knocked down and trampled by a cow which was being auctioned at a livestock market run by J.J. Morris on November 19, 2022.
The animal was being unloaded into a pen at Whitland Livestock Market, but managed to escape.
Mr Evans, who also lived in Whitland, had been crossing a road when injured. He suffered multiple injuries and was flown to the University Hospital of Wales, where he died six days later.
A worker at J.J. Morris was injured
in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the animal. It was later put down by Dyfed-Powys Police.
Investigation
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found J.J. Morris, which has operated Whitland Livestock Market for more than 30 years, failed to implement basic physical control measures to prevent cattle from escaping.
Additionally, the company’s risk assessment was not suitable nor sufficient, as it referenced control measures that were not present at the market.
J.J. Morris, of High Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and
Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974.
The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £5,047.55 in costs at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on June 20, 2024.
HSE inspector Rhys Hughes said the incident ‘was foreseeable and preventable’.
“The risk posed by cattle escaping from the livestock mart should have been identified, and effective control measures implemented,” he said.
“The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance, which is readily accessible and outlines the requirements to safely manage cattle.”
PICTURE: JOHN EVESON
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With less than a week to go until the General Election, the Farmers Guardian news team take a look at the latest political developments and what they mean for farming.
Potential Inheritance Tax change would impact succession
● Labour in spotlight over manifesto plans
THERE are options for farmers looking to minimise the effect of rumoured changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), should the Labour Party win the next election.
Reports last week suggested changes could be coming to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Relief, as well as Capital Gains Tax, which could have major implications for succession on UK farms, if a Labour Government came into power.
However, Labour’s manifesto does not contain any suggestions of a change to Inheritance Tax, although it does not rule it out.
Jeremy Clarkson condemned the suggestion in a column in The Sun, saying the result would be that there would be ‘no farmland’ in 20 years’ time.
James Austen, partner at Collyer Bristow, highlighted that farmers currently benefited from generous tax regimes on IHT, which helped avoid tax-driven sales ‘which would inevitably lead to the breakup of farms and businesses and eject families from the land they farm’.
Business Relief (previously ‘Business Property Relief’) and Agricultural Property Relief relieve qualifying assets from IHT, which would otherwise typically be payable at a rate of 40% on the death of the farmer or businessman, or on the transfer of that property into trust.
Reports indicated Labour could cap the reliefs value to £500,000, for a maximum combined total of £1 million of relief.
Mr Austen said for those with farmland with high capital values, the change would make handing down farms ‘intact’ to the next gen-
WHO WILL YOU BE VOTING FOR IN THE GENERAL ELECTION?
SOURCE:
PARTIES SET OUT PLANS FOR FARMING AND CROFTING
POLITICAL candidates vying to gain election have made their pitches to farmers and crofters in Scotland as the General Election approaches on July 4.
NFU Scotland held an election hustings event on Monday (June 24) to hear from prospective candidates representing Labour, the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats about how their party could back Scottish farmers, crofters and their businesses if elected to power.
Labour’s candidate for Dunfermline and Dollar, Graeme Downie, said: “The more politicians of all parties can build a better understanding of the
importance of farming in Scotland to the economy, the better off we will be.
“Farms are integral businesses and we should understand their integral role to the economy, which represent the same opportunities and challenges.”
Luke Graham, Scottish Conservative candidate for Perth and Kinross-shire, said: “Farming is very close to the hearts of the Scottish Conservatives, with candidates often from rural backgrounds and family who care deeply about agriculture.
“We understand the important contribution farmers have in preserving our landscape and to food production.
“We have strived to secure funding guarantees from Government, helped to implement an Agricultural Bill which was fit for purpose, and ensured farming interests had a strong voice at the heart of Westminster.”
Food security
Seamus Logan, SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, said: “The SNP recognises the fantastic work farmers have done as primary food producers while protecting our environment.
“Amid talk of national security, we need to talk more about food security and how we can meet the needs of our population by producing food locally.
MORE ON THE GENERAL ELECTION
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eration impossible, leading to families leaving the land or selling land to pay the tax.
While farmers would not want to take ‘knee-jerk’ action on limited information, Mr Austen highlighted they would also not want to leave it too late to take advantage of current reliefs.
Future
He said: “Ultimately, if farmers and other landowners and business owners are concerned about future changes in the tax landscape and, if making structural changes to the ownership of their businesses now makes sense for them more widely, then there is much that could be done to minimise the effect of Labour’s reported tax increases.
“Steps might include passing all or part of farming businesses down to the next generation early, and/or by putting them into trust.”
“We will deliver a better deal for farmers on direct support payments, international trade, energy costs and a seasonal worker visa.”
Claire McLaren, Scottish Liberal Democrats’ agriculture spokesperson, seeking to win the Angus and Perthshire Glens seat, added: “I understand the economic value this vital industry has as a linchpin to rural communities.
“We are going to work to address trade deals, immigration, the skills shortages and work very hard to keep the industry moving forward through your revolutionary process of being the key stakeholder on the climate change agenda.”
PICTURE: GETTY
LABOUR DISMISSES CLAIMS OF REPLICATING WALES
LABOUR has stated there were absolutely no plans to replicate Welsh farming schemes in England, with the party reiterating its commitment to making the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes work.
That was the message from a Labour party spokesperson, who accused the Conservatives of trying to ‘deflect attention from their horrific record on British farming’.
The spokesperson said: “Our farmers need a straightforward and simple ELM. Labour will cut through the Tory bureaucracy that has blocked farmers from receiving funding for work that will strengthen our domestic food security, and protect nature on their land.”
Speaking to Farmers Guardian last week at a sheep farm in North Devon, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referred to the failings of
farming policy in Wales on more than one occasion.
Mr Sunak said: “Look what they are doing in Wales – imposing top down environmental targets on farmers for tree planting, up to 20% of land, decimating farmers income, livelihoods and food security.
“They are not going to focus on food production; they are not doing it in Wales.”
Similar claims were echoed in the Conservative Party manifesto which said ‘Labour’s actions in Wales show that they will never be on the side of the farming community’, adding the party’s blueprint involved ‘top down-targets’ and denied farmers the flexibility they needed to achieve environmental goals ‘in ways that work for them’.
The Labour Party has repeatedly denied it would replicate the schemes
in Wales for farmers in England, with Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed telling Farmers Guardian in March that it had ‘no intention’ of copying what had happened in Wales.
The Conservatives have also taken aim at the Liberal Democrats, suggesting
the party would ‘mandate a 30% reduction in meat and dairy consumption’.
The suggestion came from the Liberal Democrats’ Food and Farming Policy Paper, released in September 2023. No commitment to reductions were made in the Liberal Democrat manifesto.
A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “This is absolute rubbish.
The Conservatives are desperately making spurious claims in order to hide their own terrible record on farming. The Conservatives have sold out our farmers, saddling them with staff shortages and botched trade deals that have undermined British farmers’ high standards.
“Liberal Democrats will stand up for British farmers and give them the fair deal they badly need through a £1 billion a year rescue package.”
Steve Reed
Labour has said it will not replicate Welsh farming policy elsewhere.
Wales’ wind turbine woes
ACCORDING to gridwatch.co.uk, at 3.20pm on Sunday, June 23, Great Britain relied for 27% of our electricity upon interconnector imports from France (13%), Norway (5%), Netherlands (3%), Belgium (3%) and Denmark (3%).
This is a weekend with a far lower demand than weekdays – if we need to import over a quarter of our electricity on a quiet summer day, God help us in a cold winter when our suppliers have to satisfy their home markets first. A pathetic 3% of our electricity came from wind farms. Another 8% came from biomass.
Today, another mild day at 10am on Monday, June 24, we see a similar pat-
tern, with our interconnector imports at 24%. Our wind is giving us just 7% of electricity and solar farms 15%. Without electricity from cheap gas (26%), nuclear (16%) and ‘ungreen biomass’ (7%), there would be massive power cuts.
There are ‘strategic’ plans to cover perhaps a quarter of Wales with the highest in-land wind turbines in the world (820 feet high), and it is impossible to stop this destruction of the land as such ‘big’ projects are automatically passed through the Senedd.
Little Wales can never reach net zero, nor can any other developed nation, as often the wind does not blow at the correct speeds, and the sun strangely does not shine at night or in poor weather.
All existing ‘renewables’ always require 100% near-instant backup from conventional, far cheaper
sources, and the Welsh Government’s legacy in 20 years will be thousands of rotting unrecyclable turbines on 2,000-tonne blocks of concrete and rubble, dotting the land like giant scarecrows. The companies profiting from them will sell the sites on to untraceable overseas entities near the end of their lives.
Wales has cut down 2.9 million trees for just four windfarms in Carmarthenshire – it is impossible to discover the true loss of trees and peat elsewhere. None of Wales’ ruling Labour politicians – just like the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats and Ed Miliband – seems to understand basic economics or numeracy.
Unlike Wales, England has had a block on in-land wind ‘farms’ since 2015, but Mr Miliband is a devotee of the machines. One just hopes
Young Farmer Focus
‘I am looking forward to making my
Journey: I have had a unique journey from animal lover to a now aspiring sheep farmer.
Animals have always been a massive part of my life and they always will be.
Throughout my life, I have grown up around animals and cared for various pets.
I love animals and I have always been captivated by their distinct characteristics and features.
When I was younger, my favourite things were horse riding and visiting farms on the weekend, while seeing all the animals in their different habitats.
I would also go to my friend’s allotment on weekends and during holidays to help with their animals which helped fuel my passion to work with them one day.
I have had a keen interest in pursuing a career working with
mark’
animals and I decided to focus on farming as a career when I was around the age of 10.
For as long as I can remember, whenever I got the chance, I have always found farming fascinating.
Documentaries on farming and animals have always held a special place in my heart.
Education: With the opportunity to study agriculture at Barnsley College, I am now ready to begin my journey to become a sheep farmer.
Sheep are my favourite livestock to work with and since I have started studying at Wigfield Farm, I have realised just how much I love working with them.
I always feel confident when I am around sheep, which has motivated and strengthened my passion to become a shepherdess as a career even more.
I understand so much about sheep; whether it is trimming their hooves, shearing their wool or eartagging.
At first, I found these activities hard to do and I was nervous about hurting the sheep.
However, as I kept doing them, I started to feel more confident and now find the tasks relatively easy.
that England’s countryside does not go the way of that of Wales. Keir Starmer is proud of Labour’s record in Wales, and if his desire is to replicate our nation, not only the land will be despoiled, but all socio-economic factors will keep falling in comparison with other developed nations.
Terry Breverton, Penarth.
World’s first carbon tax on ag
THE Danish Government’s plan to put taxes on CO2e is finally here. Denmark will introduce the world’s first carbon tax on agriculture following agreement on the key elements.
Barnsley, South Yorkshire Dana Bradley-Allen, 17, is from Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She is studying a Level 2 agriculture course at Barnsley College’s Wigfield Farm.
I think that farming faces significant challenges, including fluctuating costs of resources, environmental changes and the lack of pay and recognition towards farmers.
There is also a lack of infrastructure and issues with meeting the challenges of modern farming, as well as crop rotation and sustainable packaging.
Despite these challenges the industry faces, I am looking forward to making my mark as a shepherdess.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
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The tax is expected to be formally approved by the Danish parliament in August.
Hard to say what the future now is for the Danish farmers and particularly the dairy farmers, but one thing is for sure, there is going to be a lot of farms up for sale, when the tax kicks in.
Martin Andersen, Via email.
Experience offer
REGARDING FG’s question on how to get more young people into farming. I would love to see a work experience network created if it is possible. Coming from a non-farming background it’s hard to get into.
My son cold called local farmers, joined YFC and made contacts at shows. He got an offer of experience recently and is loving it. All the hard work paid off for him, but it was daunting for a teenager. Probably character building too.
Eleanor Brend, Via Instagram.
Social media soundbites
NATURALIST and broadcaster Chris Packham this week urged farmers to ‘reforest, rewild and change the way we farm’ to become more sustainable. Here are some of the best comments on social media in response to Mr Packham’s calls ■ “Drove by a couple of hill farms that have been used for rewilding and they have nothing on them but bracken?”
CATRIONA WILLISON
■ “I fancy setting up a proper rewilding scheme reintroducing European bison, wolves etc., but I don’t think the council in Oxfordshire, despite their supposed green credentials, will be too keen.”
HUW CAUNTER
■ “What is unsustainable about farming, I’m farming more or less the same way my father farmed and his father before him.”
IOAN JONES
■ “The supermarkets will be poorer when there’s no farmers and less money for the shareholders.”
BRENDA BROOKES
■ “Acres and acres of nothing. Certainly no food unless we are going to start eating ragwort and thistles.”
RICHARD CROSS
Balancing technology with historic traditions
AS part of Farmers Guardian’s 180th birthday celebrations we have been reflecting on what this milestone really means for farming.
It has given us the chance to look at the wondrous change we have seen – the machinery piece on 180 years of mechanisation highlighted just what a forward-thinking sector agriculture is.
And although we are entering a new chapter, it also gave us some time to remember that there are many historic traditions within our industry, many of which are still at the core of farm businesses.
I came across some photographs – one of which we have used for this week’s FG Classic below – on a Facebook page I am part of, Farming History UK and Ireland, and the theme of the week was ‘sheep gathering and dipping’.
Cue post after post of black and white pictures; of stories of families who, for generations, have been bringing sheep down from the fells in their droves –most, as farmers did back then, in their suits.
Apart from the addition of a quad, perhaps, the ancient art of gathering has not really changed – bringing the sheep down from common fell land has always been, and still is, a communal affair.
No matter the gadgets or technology, farming is still all about that innate understanding of the land and the way in which it works, and having had the pleasure of speaking to many upland farmers over the years, the thrill of the gather is still present in these communities today.
And this is what 180 years of FG is all about; understanding the delicate balance between moving forwards while still holding on dearly to ways that are vital to the people who have always made the countryside tick.
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
Shearing after the gather on Snowdonia. Shared on Facebook page Farming History UK and Ireland. 1951
Frustration
over methods of tackling bovine TB and the rising threat of animal activism were on the agenda at NFU Council. Chris Brayford reports.
Badger cull plans ‘deeply upsetting’
● Farmers frustrated by Labour wording
FARMERS have been left hurt and frustrated by the wording of Labour’s General Election plans to end the badger cull.
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton, who farms a beef suckler herd in the Cotswolds, said the description of badger culling in the eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) as ‘ineffective’ in the Labour Party manifesto was ‘personal’ and ‘deeply upsetting’ to farmers and businesses affected by the disease.
Speaking at NFU’s Council meeting at Stoneleigh Park on Tuesday (June 25), Mr Barton said: “The one word ‘ineffective’ hit me really personally and it became personal to farmers in
this room. Farmers have invested in delivering Government policy on culling badgers to reduce bovine TB.
“For someone to say that was ineffective, felt like a knife between the shoulder blades.
“It was ill-judged and ill-advised. I think it has been very effective.”
He added there was a job for the NFU to do to ‘educate, enlighten and engage’, but it could not let the issue ‘slip backwards’.
Hurt
NFU president Tom Bradshaw recognised how the manifesto pledge had caused ‘a lot of hurt with members’ and it would be a ‘tragic shame’ to throw away the work farmers had invested in eradicating bTB.
Mr Bradshaw also revealed Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed was
ACITIVISM WEIGHS ON FARMERS’ WELL-BEING
ANIMAL activism on farms has placed a toll on the health and well-being of farmers and their businesses.
Groups including the Animal Justice Project have lobbied for the RSPCA to end its RSPCA farm assurance scheme – setting high-welfare standards for livestock – and instead urged for a move towards ‘plantbased’ foods, with a petition reaching more than 7,000 signatures.
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead said the industry had been ‘increasingly targeted’ which had impacted the mental health of farmers.
“Activists have taken part in undercover footage shared by groups to collaborate against the RSPCA and ensure they drop the RSPCA’s farm assurance scheme.
“Although the campaign has not been targeted directly at farmers, they have felt like collateral damage in all this.”
He added bird health, welfare and
biosecurity had been ‘completely ignored’.
He said: “A lot members of the British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association and the National Poultry Board members have been targeted by activists.
“We are doing all we can at NFU to ensure they have the support they need.”
Increased activities
National Pig Association board chair Rob Mutimer said animal rights groups had increased their activity on pig farms and he was concerned about the information they had been disseminating.
“Groups are sharing videos and information of where they have claimed to see cruelty which is just simply not true,” he said, adding farmers needed to be aware that the activists were giving this incorrect information out to the public.
NFU members have criticised wording over bTB in the Labour Party’s manifesto.
going to attend the event, but he had to change tack due to the General Election.
“It is clearly an ideological position,” he added.
“But one thing we have to keep hold of is that Labour has not banned the cull in the manifesto.
“If they have a desire to end the ineffective wildlife programme, there is
still an opportunity with wriggle room to influence and change their minds.”
Labour’s Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said he agreed with Charles Godfray’s 2018 review into the Government’s bTB strategy, which found that badger culling ‘was not the answer’, and his party wanted to be bTB-free by 2038 which ‘did not include’ badger culling.
VICTORY OVER BANKING APP MESSAGES
THE NFU has claimed a small victory in getting a bank to change messaging in its personalised carbon footprint banking app on red meat and dairy products.
David Barton told farmers at the council meeting that NatWest had agreed to change messaging in its banking app which had suggested ways customers could cut red meat out of their diet and to drink plant-based milks.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the banking industry needed to keep a balanced message when making any recommendations to its customers, while recognising the important role British farmers and growers have
in the transition towards a sustainable economy.
Mr Barton revealed the bank had changed measures including ‘swap beef out’ of its carbon footprint tracker.
“It has been quite a challenge and disappointing because NatWest has taken an issue which is very complex and tried to simplify it,” he said.
“I remain disappointed we have not gone further, but we have had some small wins.
“It is not the place for highstreet banks to take on views like this and not get it right.”
NatWest has been approached for comment.
Search begins for The Caroline Drummond Award recipient
FARMERS and those in the farming industry who are communicating the benefits of sustainable farming are being sought by Leaf as it looks for the next recipient of The Caroline Drummond Award.
Set up in memory of former Leaf chief executive Caroline Drummond, the award is also supported by the British Guild of Agricultural
Journalists and The Institute of Agricultural Management.
■ Freelance journalist and former Farmers Guardian editor, Emma Penny, has also come runner-up in the Institution of Agricultural Engineers award for 2024 with a feature published in FG assessing the use of alternative fuels for agricultural vehicles.
Edited by Alex Black – 07880
Declining suckler herd in focus
● Farmers encourage the next generation
By Alex Black
REVERSING the decline in suckler cow numbers and finding ways to encourage the next generation on to the land were key themes at this year’s Royal Highland Show, alongside labour challenges.
Quality Meat Scotland chair Kate Rowell, who also writes a Farmers Guardian In Your Field column, said she was seeing the challenges around the next generation of Scottish farmers as a bigger and bigger issue.
She gave an example of her own farm, which had needed a new handling system.
“I asked, do I invest or are we keeping the cows?”
However, one of her sons had told her he wanted to farm, so they took the
decision to invest, but it could easily have gone the other way.
Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland executive director Neil Wilson said the decline in suckler numbers was causing concern.
“There are less cows, therefore less calves which means less stores to sell next year,” he said.
However, he added that despite this fall, numbers at marts had been higher as they were a ‘trusted part of the farming community’. He added at recent dispersals changes to the calf scheme had been one of the issues raised, alongside confidence in the sector.
He said: “The calf scheme was often the straw which broke the camel’s back.”
He said it seemed the buyers were predominantly breeding buyers.
“It is unclear whether this is expansion or replacements,” he said.
At the show, Douglas Orr, of Strutt and Parker’s estate and farms team, said the election had impacted the farmland market.
“Last year, everything was flying. Everyone was keen to get done. This year there is reluctance,” he said.
Last year, everything was flying, this year there is reluctance
DOUGLAS ORR
He added they had been approached at the show by Irish buyers who were looking to take on more acreage in Scotland where they felt they would get better value for money.
Families were also looking at taking on additional land to solve succession issues before they started, with families looking to set up multiple children on adequate land, so there was not a dispute in the future.
Weather dominates conversation
THE impact of the wet spring and prospects for harvest were one of the dominant points of conversation.
Scottish Agronomy managing director Adam Christie said the weather was impacting everything.
He said they had seen a huge variety in crops across Scotland, from some fantastic crops to some of the poorest.
“Disease pressure is building,” he added.
AUGUST PRICE
ORGANIC Herd has confirmed a 3ppl increase in its August member milk price, following a 1ppl July rise, taking its price to 54ppl on a standard litre basis.
The co-operative said the rise reflected a growth in demand for its organic milk.
“The key will now be if it is going to be warm and dry or is it going to be warm and wet.”
Looking ahead to next year, Mr Christie said he expected there would be a shift to earlier drilling as people would want to get into fields as the weather allowed.
But he added growers needed to be aware of the impact drilling earlier could have.
ORGANIC HERD RAISES
As the NFU launches a Save our Spuds campaign to support UK growers, Cedric Porter takes a look at the issues affecting growers around the world.
Potatoes under global pressure
● Recent bankruptcy highlights di iculties
PRESSURE on UK potato growers is being echoed around the world as extreme weather and rising costs hit production.
The NFU has called on the Government to prioritise support for potato crops to ensure growers con-
tinue to plant them. The seriousness of the situation was highlighted by the recent bankruptcy of QV Realisations, a potato packing business in Lincolnshire with the loss of 200 jobs.
The business is part of the AH Worth Group, which continues to operate.
Its chief executive, Duncan Worth, said that volatile weather,
prices and higher costs led to the business failure.
Scott Walker, chief executive of GB Potatoes, said that there was no silver bullet to help solve the situation, but lots of small actions were needed to be taken to encourage potato growing.
He said: “For potatoes, more than half of what is grown is grown on rented land.”
He suggested Government schemes were discouraging landowners from agricultural production and this could massively impact the sector.
Flexibility on irrigation was also needed, he said, and he stressed the need for annual contracts to reflect the costs and risks that growers were facing.
Strategy
He also highlighted the amount of French fries the country imported, adding this could be recognised in an industrial strategy for manufacturing as there was no reason domestic potatoes could not meet some of this demand.
The UK imported 830,000 tonnes of frozen fries in 2023, worth more than £1 billion.
Extreme weather incidents and rising costs have hit world potato production.
Potato problems are not confined to the UK. As well as being delayed in the UK, planting is only just being completed in Belgium nearly two months later than normal.
The country is the largest exporter of frozen chips and the UK’s largest supplier.
Meanwhile, floods in Bavaria have affected more than 3,000 hectares of potato fields.
These problems and the small size of the 2024 crop have pushed European spot processing potato prices up to a record of £550/tonne.
That compares with a pre-Covid-19 average of £120/tonne.
For potatoes, more than half of what is grown is grown on rented land
SCOTT WALKER
WORLD POTATO CONGRESS
THE challenges of growing potatoes was a major topic at this week’s World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia, which played host to 1,000 delegates from 40 countries.
Congress president Peter VanderZaag said: “Potato growers have come from all over the world to seek better ways of producing potatoes.
“While conditions may be very different in Europe to those in Peru, India, China or Australia, the issues those growers face are very similar.
“More extreme weather is making it more difficult to grow potatoes, with a need for more resilient varieties.
Shift
Meanwhile, potatoes are competing against other crops for limited areas of land and there is a shift away from eating fresh potatoes to processed ones.”
These pressures are being seen in Kenya, according to crop scientist Wachira Kaguongo.
He said: “Growers are turning to the use of early-maturing and drought-resistant varieties.
“Barriers to development of potatoes in Kenya include lack of finance, with only 4% of bank loans devoted to agriculture and average loans of US$1,000 a farm and interest rates of 20%.
“A reluctance among young people to enter agriculture as a career is also impacting production.”
Potatoes lag behind other crops in terms of increases in production and yield, according to Dr Guy Hareau, chief economist at the International Potato Centre.
Sixty years ago potatoes were the largest crop in the world at 270 million tonnes, followed by wheat at 222mt, rice at 215mt, maize at 205mt, casava at 71mt and soya at 27mt, according to UN FAOSTAT figures.
Now only cassava and soya crops are smaller, with potatoes at 380mt, wheat and rice about 800mt and maize at 1.18 billion tonnes.
The increase in area devoted to potatoes is smaller than the alternatives, with yield increases also more subdued.
Figures from World Potato Markets showed how out of balance the global potato market is.
Asia is home to 59.1% of the world’s population and 54.2% of the world’s potato production by volume, but only 6.0% of the world’s potato trade by value.
That contrasts with Europe which only contains 9.3% of the world population and grows 26.2% of the world’s potatoes. However, it is responsible for almost 70% of the world’s potato trade.
The greatest potential is Africa – home to 18% of the world’s people, but only 7.2% of its potato production and just 3.1% of potato trade.
Balance
North America is also out of balance, accounting for 17.1% of world potato trade, but only 6.4% of potatoes.
Host region Oceania is the only region in balance, with 0.6% of the population, 0.5% of the potatoes and 0.5% of potato trade.
There were few British growers at the congress, but the global potato industry is still keen to absorb UK expertise, with consultant Adrian Cunnington highlighting the importance of good storage in extending the life of potatoes to attract the best prices at the tail end of a season.
Meanwhile, retail behaviour
WORLD POTATO FIGURES
expert Professor David Hughes, of Imperial College London, criticised the lack of imagination by supermarkets in displaying and promoting potatoes.
“Most potatoes are sold in bland bags sitting on shelves that do not attract shoppers to pick up and buy,” he said.
“There are some companies, such as Albert Bartlett and Canada’s Little Potato Company, which have invested in marketing and promotion and are able to sell their potatoes for up to seven times as much as standard white supermarket potatoes.”
He also quoted trade body AusVeg, which might be familiar to growers the other side of the world.
It said: “Action is required to secure fair prices for suppliers, to ensure the Australian vegetable industry is economically viable and sustainable in the longer term.
“Otherwise, the risk is that retail prices will rise higher and higher in the future, as more and more vegetable growers go out of business.”
SOURCE: UN, UN FAOSTAT, WORLD POTATO MARKETS AND TRADE DATA MONITOR
The increase in land used to grow potatotes is smaller than the alternative crops, the World Potato Congress heard.
Ahead of Groundswell, Farmers Guardian co-hosted a regenerative farming summit bringing together industry leaders and farmers to discuss how to create more value in the regenerative farming supply chain. Olivia Midgley reports.
Regen market must add value
●
Transparency
vital for regen supply chain
TRANSPARENCY and the need for a baseline of standards were essential to achieving a firm market footing for regenerative farming practices.
With a move to regenerative principles becoming more popular in recent years, and retailers and other corporates ‘hijacking’ the term, it was down to all actors in the food supply chain to ensure the claims stacked up, avoiding accusations of ‘greenwashing’.
Speakers at the Ark Regenerative Farming Summit, held on legendary musician Steve Winwood’s Cotswolds estate on June 21, agreed measuring was key so farmers could be clear about outcomes, be able to evaluate them and then demonstrate that the system was delivering on sustainability goals.
Suffolk farmer and author Sarah Langford said creating farming’s own narrative was key.
Left to right: Helen Browning, Soil Association; Sarah Langford, farmer and author; Simon Cutter, Pasture for Life; Jake Corin, Symbiosis Soil Lab; and Jonty Brunyee, farmer and regenerative consultant.
“In a world where advertising has more sway than argument, we need to wrap the science into the story and get people to understand on a human level,” she said.
Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning said the onus was on
the sector to avoid criticism and perception of ‘perceived little value’, and to engineer value chains from the farmgate to the consumer without products going through ‘one million hands’, compared to processed food with a much longer shelf life. Technology was essential, she added, throughout the chain.
could help bring back those more complex systems which are better for the environment.”
Collaboration
PRODUCERS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR TRANSITION PERIOD OF LOWER RETURNS WHEN MOVING TO REGEN BUSINESSES moving to regenerative practices should look to the range of support that is available to them in preparation for margins to take a hit.
New modelling from business consultants Andersons highlighted an ‘investment period’ of lower returns in the early years of change, when systems moved away from a reliance on agrochemicals and synthetic fertilisers.
Over the long-term, improvements in soil biology and organic matter should see yields recover. But the
trajectory each farm takes would be down to individual circumstances, said Andersons, in a report launched on the first day of Groundswell.
“The management ability of the operator is likely to be key,” it said.
“Regenerative systems usually require a higher level of management ability; if you are not making profit under the existing system, then ‘ditching the plough’ is unlikely to be enough to turn things around.”
The graph below illustrates the transition period.
REGEN FARMING – CONVERSION PROCESS
SOURCE: ANDERSONS
“Robotics could play a vital role in regen,” said Ms Browning.
“It could help us work in more complex farm systems; where farmers had to rip out hedges to get big tractors onto fields, more agile technology
Ark founder Tom Pycraft added: “It is crucial we leverage technology, finance and policy to support positive impact in farming as we shift towards methods that safeguard ecosystems and healthy food systems. Collaboration, rather than competition, is key in providing a united front to drive agricultural change.”
HOW ARE FARMERS MAKING REGENERATIVE PAY?
RECONNECTING shoppers and farmers is critical in driving change.
Speaking at a panel session hosted by Farmers Guardian, musicianturned-farmer Andy Cato; Jamie’s Farm’s Jamie Fielden; Tim Field, facilitator of the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster; and Christabel Reed, co-founder of nature platform Earthed, all agreed placing the burden of ‘sustainable transformation’ on farmers was unreasonable.
Creating a market for regen was helping producers take more control over volatile input and output prices and could help weather the uncertainty brought by a new agricultural policy and change in Government.
Mr Cato, co-founder of Wildfarmed, whose system has been featured on Jeremy Clarkson’s hit TV series Clarkson’s Farm, and who has developed a range of products exclusively for Waitrose, said: “Field-to-plate supply chains, and the
transparency and traceability that come with them, do not only give consumers the choice to back the kind of farming they want to see or type of food they want to eat, but they also open up the possibility of rewarding farmers not just for the food they grow, but for the ecosystems in which they grew it.”
Motivating
Mr Fielden, whose charity was awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture’ at the 2020 British Farming Awards, said motivating both producers and consumers was key and that this started by engaging with children at an early age.
Sustainable Food Trust chief executive and West Wales organic dairy farmer Patrick Holden said it was incumbent on the next Government to look at sustainable food through the lens of health, adding that more investment in nutritious, healthy food could help alleviate the cost to the NHS.
With the traditional cider sector under pressure in the UK, Herefordshire farmer Paul Stephens is looking to keep the industry alive. Chris Brayford reports.
Future-proofing the farm business through diversification is helping a Herefordshire farmer protect and regenerate traditional apple orchards and keep the traditional practice alive in the UK.
Paul Stephens, of Newton Court Cider, based in Leominster, has diversified the organic farm business with his parents to boost demand for their cider.
Newton Court Farm is a mixed arable and livestock enterprise, with organic cattle and sheep, now with 12 hectares of cider apple and perry pear orchards.
Mr Stephens said the farm had been making cider for 24 years.
Production
He said: “We started creating about 7,000 litres annually and now produce around 100,000 litres of cider a year, with customers around Herefordshire, the UK and Japan.
“Hereford has a strong history of growing quality cider fruit, as our soil and topography are perfectly suited to growing top fruit. Because of
Diversification protects historic apple orchards
this, we have access to a diverse selection of varieties, which gives our cider an edge.”
When the family purchased the farm, it came with 6ha of cider fruit.
Mr Stephens said: “We wanted to use this and add value to the rest of the 63ha.”
In 2023, the family invested heavily in refurbishing its on-farm shop and creating a 600sq.m state-of-the-art visitor centre and 95-seat cafe, named Newton Court, with the help of funding from the Agricultural Mortgages Corporation.
Before opening the new facilities, all cider produced was sold at the farmgate in the original small farm shop.
Mr Stephens said: “This was very
limiting for us as we are still a working farm. One moment I could be calving a cow and then people would turn up wanting to try the cider.
“It made sense to move the shop to a different location to allow us to grow the business.”
Visitors
Now, visitors to the cafe and visitor centre can go on tours around the cider-making facilities and through the orchards, which are grazed by the sheep and cattle.
“I wanted to offer visitors the whole experience of cider-making, from the orchard itself to fermentation and right through to tasting.
“People want an ‘experience’ these days and I was keen to tap into this.”
This diversification has also allowed Mr Stephens and his family to preserve some traditional apple orchards.
He said: “We have been able to increase our production to meet the demands of the sales from the cafe and visitor centre, but also the wider specialist markets.”
I wanted to offer visitors the whole experience of cider-making, from the orchard itself to fermentation and right through to tasting PAUL STEPHENS
local farmers. This means we are supporting 15 other farmers to give them another outlet to sell their fruit and, for some, a new income stream.”
The farm also had the opportunity to restore forgotten orchards to their former glory by taking on a local orchard of Major apples – a rare variety.
The farm has increased its cidermaking capacity by 30,000 litres through investment in new stainless steel tanks, which, along with the higher demand, has allowed them to purchase apples from the surrounding area.
He said: “We are now purchasing up to 180 tonnes of cider fruit from
Mr Stephens said: “The orchard was in serious disrepair and had not been used in a number of years.
“We took it on, pruned the trees, tidied it up and now we get a good harvest from it to go into our cider.
“I am passionate about farming apples and think that traditional farming methods, such as this, need to
The first year of Newton Court Cafe saw about 72,000 visitors.
be preserved. By restoring this orchard, I feel we are keeping a part of our farming history alive.”
This diversification has had a bumper first year, with about 72,000 visitors to the cafe. It now employs 30 people in total, which includes a chef and part-time and casual staff.
He also prioritised sustainability for the farm building, with solar panels on the roof running the lights and underfloor heating.
New markets
The family has also been able to open up new markets.
Gill Bullock, general manager of the cider business, said as they produce much more cider, they can market it more widely to festivals, pubs, retailers, farm shops and wholesalers.
She said: “Increasingly, our cider can be found everywhere, from a micropub in Chester to a specialist online wholesaler which provides craft beer and cider across the country.
“We have also made use of social
media to market and build interest around the cider, cafe and venue.”
The team at Newton Court has plans to build on the offering at the visitor centre, providing more ways to sell their own and other local produce.
Ms Bullock said: “We are looking to secure funding to put in ambient and chilled farm shop display units.
“This would allow us to sell more of our own produce and also food items from the cafe.
“Not only would this provide more space for produce, but could help reduce food waste from the kitchens.”
Newton Court Farm facts
■ Total of 63 hectares, with 12ha of cider orchard
■ Organic beef and lamb sold to Marks & Spencer
■ Arable consists of organic wheat, barley and potatoes
■ Top fruit comprises cider apples, perry pears, plums and dessert apples
* DIVORCE & SEPARATION
The farm has 12 hectares of cider orchard, including Major apples – a rare variety.
Tom (left) and Paul Stephens, the two generations of cider-makers at Newton Court Farm.
Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
For more features, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-life
Charlie Watson Smyth and his family have built a business around high-quality, local food – all while protecting the landscape and wildlife. Ruth Wills paid them a visit.
Home-reared produce key to success of Cornish business
Charlie Watson Smyth took over the 101-hectare (250acre) Tregirls Farm, near Padstow, Cornwall, from his father in 1980, and over the years has taken further hectares under his belt as neighbouring farms have come up for sale, making it the total 501ha (1,238 acres) it is today.
Charlie says: “We farm as a family and a company – me and my wife Jane, my son Matthew and his partner Sarah – they are the driving forces behind the business.”
It is a diverse business of different enterprises – beef, sheep, pigs and cereals. All of the meat goes through their farm shop, Padstow Farm Shop,
Farm facts
■ 501 hectares (1,238 acres) in total
■ 220 Mule cross Suffolk ewes –excess lambs go to Truro market
■ 40-80 pigs: Welsh, Tamworth, Saddleback and Large White
■ 40-50 weaned North Devon calves
■ 15 full- and part-time staff, up to 20 in summer
which is set on a popular footpath from Trevone to Padstow.
Sarah Hodgson heads up the shop.
She says: “When I met Matthew, he was growing veg for all the local restaurants. I had just returned from Australia to save up some money to emigrate out there but I met Matthew and never made it back. Then in 2006, Charlie had the idea to open a shop, so we did.”
It was a quick turnaround from start to finish.
“We set it up in five weeks; we had no idea what we were doing but we just rang as many local producers as possible to ask if we could sell their produce and it snowballed from there. We extended after a year because it was so
busy – we thought the original shop was huge but it turned out after 12 months it was not big enough – it was quite scary and exciting,” she says.
“Six years ago, we added a takeaway counter offering teas, coffees and light lunches as a lot of people were coming in looking for something to take to the beach.”
Livestock
The family runs 220 Mule cross Suffolk ewes with Charolais rams.
Charlie says: “We split the flock into two, and lamb half indoors in January and February, and the other half in April and May, which works for us because [it means] we can supply the shop all-year-round.”
He also buys-in weaned North Devon calves to fatten.
“The butchers like them and we buy from the same people every year, so we know what we are going to get. We always have between 40 and 50 on-farm,” he says.
“Depending on how busy the shop is we might butcher one a fortnight or one every three weeks.
“Generally, they finish at about 30 months – we do not give them any supplementary feeding, they grow at their own speed and eat what they want.”
The cattle and sheep graze ground which is in the Countryside Stewardship scheme.
“It allows the herbs and flowers to
Charlie Watson Smyth
Everyone who works here is really passionate about the animals, how they are kept and how they live, which is nice
SARAH HODGSON
flourish, which they can only do because of the livestock grazing it; the North Devons are bred for living outside,” says Charlie.
The stock are outside all-year-round.
Sarah says: “Any supermarket can say ‘outdoor-reared’ because they have lived outside for three weeks, but they are actually outside their whole lives; they have shelter but they are literally outside.
“We do not sell anything that is not free-range.”
The cattle graze on the headland overlooking Padstow, which is popular with walkers.
Charlie says: “Because they are up there all year, they are used to people walking – I actually had a couple come up to me when I was checking them to tell me that they were having a picnic, and [the livestock] all came and lay down around them. They said it was the best thing that had ever happened to them.
“With the pigs, there are usually between 40 and 80 on-farm. We have Welsh, Tamworth, Saddleback and Large White breeds; they are also reared and finished outdoors at between seven and eight months.”
Butchery
The family believes that every farm shop should have a butchery.
Charlie says: “It is a very expensive thing to run – we have three full-time butchers, but that is what draws people in.
“If you are interested in food you want to go to the butcher and talk to them about the meat, where it has come from, and get advice about cooking it.
“Our butchers are passionate about food and will encourage people to try different cuts so we can use more of the animal. One thing we are hugely proud of is that our animals have a good life and a good death.”
Sarah says: “For me, it is important to know from the day they are born to the day they come back
Cornwall Farm Profile
Padstow Farm Shop sells meat and vegetables grown on-farm, plus other local produce.
into the shop that there is someone from here with them every step of the way.
“We take them a few miles away to a small, family-run abattoir. Eliza is our butchery manager and her husband is one of the slaughtermen – it is really important to us that we are always with them.
“When people come into the shop, they can actually see where their meat comes from. And I think that grazing on the headland in the salty air makes the meat taste different. We have people come in at Whitsun and they will put their name down for a joint of meat, then we age it for a month,” she says.
Although she has never been involved in farming before, Sarah mucks in with each area of the business.
She says: “I have worked in local restaurants, so I have always been interested in food. Initially, when we started the butchery, I learnt how to butcher, and I do think one day I would like to go back to it, but now I do a bit of everything.
“For the past two months I have been out in the lambing fields, and then I am doing paperwork, rotas, finding new suppliers – keeping the shop ticking over. Everyone who works here is really passionate about the animals, how they are kept and how they live, which is nice.”
Vegetables
The family also grows vegetables and salad crops on 0.4ha (one-acre), which go directly into the shop.
“We are currently putting in our
winter vegetables – purple sprouting broccoli, two types of kale, red and white cabbage and leeks,” adds Sarah.
“At the moment, we are waiting for the salad leaves, beetroot and carrots to come up.”
Charlie used to grow about 323ha (798 acres) of spring barley, but has cut this down dramatically in recent years.
He says: “This year we are just growing 60ha; there is just no money in it and the Government is keen we should be growing herbal leys instead.
“In its place, we have entered into a huge amount of Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship options; we have 80ha going into herbal leys which will eventually be grazed by the sheep.”
Rather uniquely, they used to grow
PICTURES: FARLAP
Farm Profile Cornwall
The family runs 220 Mule cross Suffolk ewes with Charolais rams.
durum wheat to make their own pasta.
Sarah says: “Charlie asked me: ‘What do people ask for in the shop?’ I jokingly said ‘pasta’.
“So, he set off on a mission to grow durum wheat, which we then had milled by a local family, and we have an Italian pasta machine – we called it ‘Padstow Pasta’.”
However, this enterprise went pearshaped after Brexit.
“We just have not been able to get the seed – it is so complicated, but we will get back to it eventually,” she says.
Passion
Farming alongside nature and improving biodiversity is one of the family’s passions.
Charlie says: “We are trying to get the grey partridges back – they are a key indicator of the health of the countryside.
“Their chicks are tiny, and they live off insects from day one; if they do not have insects they will not sur-
vive. They used to be all along the north Cornish coast, but they have disappeared.
“So we have been trying to re-introduce them for the past five years, and we actually have two hens which are laying, so we are hoping that will help.”
They have recently had a carbon audit undertaken on-farm.
Charlie says: “We found out we are sequestering 99 tonnes/CO2 every year, which is down to our stewardship, the fact we only trim hedges every three years, and the six-metre margins around nearly all of our fields.”
When it comes to future plans, Sarah would love to expand the business with food at its heart.
She says: “I would love to have a big entertaining space and hold feast nights, celebrating our produce.”
Charlie wants to see a sustainable business for the next generation.
He adds: “I think it would be nice to grow the business enough so that my grandchildren can find their own niche within it.”
Butcher Martin Rich in the Padstow Farm Shop butchery.
Charlie buys-in weaned North Devon calves to fatten.
Arable
Growers are being warned of high sugar beet pest and disease consequences as a result of few frosts and high average mean temperatures. Ash Ellwood reports.
Weather favours sugar beet diseases
The warm and wet conditions through winter meant that aphids were able to survive in numbers, according to Dr Mark Stevens of the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO).
He says: “Rothamsted Research entomologists anticipated that the first aphid migration would be April 10, two weeks earlier than last year, but given the mild weather, we were seeing aphids come into the crop in the third week of March which was similar to what we saw in 2020 when we had widespread virus yellows.”
The BBRO reports that aphid numbers were building rapidly through the first 10 days of May, according to data collected from 44 monitoring sites, which led to aphid damage concerns as many crops were still small due to delayed drilling.
However, in recent weeks, Dr Stevens says that aphid activity has been slower and to date there have been few reports of a third aphicide spray being req-uired in sugar beet crops which were not originally treated with Cruiser SB (thiamethoxam).
“We no longer believe that virus yellows level will match the 2020 situation. There are still aphids in crops so growers must check and treat when at the threshold, but there are large numbers of beneficials in crops that are doing an excellent job of cleaning up the green and black aphids.”
Unfortunately given that aphids have been flying since the beginning of April, the BBRO are starting to see the first virus symptoms in individual plants and small patches, and over the next couple of months, are predicting further reports of the disease.
“The good news is that virus yellows is not causing a major issue that was feared, but [growers should not be] surprised by small patches of the virus – Cruiser SB has done a good job and hopefully sustainable spray programmes will have helped to minimise aphid populations too,” says Dr Stevens.
The wet mild season has also favoured the beet cyst nematode and
free-living nematodes on lighter soil types.
He says: “Growers will know if free-living nematodes are on-farm as they may have used NEMguard DE to try and protect crops. We have seen evidence of nematodes around crop root systems including root bearding and stunting, particularly in sugar beet drilled later. This is worth monitoring as conditions also favour the larval stages of beet cyst nematode.”
Growers should be monitoring for poor, stunted crop growth with possible leaf yellowing through the next few months, which could be a signal of nematode challenges.
At the time of reporting, there were no reports of early foliar diseases, but growers are warned to be mindful that bacterial leaf spot can be confused with cercospora leaf spot, with several reports of bacterial leaf spot coming in from East Anglia.
“Symptoms of bacterial leaf spot can be very similar to cercorspora later in the season, including lesions and necrosis,” says Dr Stevens.
Into July there is the need to protect crops from key foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and cercospora leaf spot.
“Anticipate the potential to see powdery mildew first as there were very few frosts this year. It is important to start managing the disease at onset, looking for the classic ‘talcum powder’ symptoms in canopies,” he says.
Virus yellows is not causing major issues, but growers should not be surprised by small patches.
Rust tends to like cooler conditions, so the onset might be later towards August, September and October. Previous BBRO trials have shown powdery mildew has the potential to decrease yields by up to 20% with rust having the potential to decrease yields by 15%.
“We do not tend to get the two diseases in isolation, they tend to come together, it is all about protecting the canopy and maximising the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves, keeping them healthy throughout the summer and into autumn – as we know sugar beet can often gain up to 40% of yield potential from September 1 onwards.”
Cercospora
Since an influx of cercospora in 2020, Dr Stevens says it is important to be aware of the symptoms and have a fungicide programme available. He says: “Keep an eye out for small black lesions on the leaves as we go through into July and August. Cercospora likes warm and wet weather and the BBRO has adopted a new monitoring system with a network of spore traps at key locations which are analysed to provide data alongside the cercospora risk forecast to guide the potential use of fungicides in the grower’s area.”
Dr Mark Stevens
Arable Cereals 2024
● Trials show August sowing increases yields
AFTER undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship exploring cover crops, Cambridgeshire arable farmer Toby Simpson shared learnings from his travels around Scandinavia while speaking as part of a panel on the Direct Driller stage at Cereals, which took place June 11-12.
He said: “In places like Norway where the growing season is shorter, they are using methods such as undersowing, broadcasting and much higher seed rates, as well as choosing more specific species and varieties within that species which have traits that are going to germinate or grow much faster than some. They are also choosing more cold weather tolerant mixes.”
When it comes to picking a species to fit your farm, Mr Simpson said it was important to remember that what might grow well in southern England might not grow well in the North, or into Scotland.
Dr Kate Smith, a research scientist at agriculture consultant ADAS, told growers there were three fundamental things to consider when choosing a cover crop mix.
She said: “Take a step back and decide what you are trying to achieve with your cover. Then look at what fits in the rotation. Cost is also important – how much is the seed?
“Then think about how to establish it, manage it over winter and destruction. A key thing is to test and modify what you are doing –over time, you will find which species work for your soil.”
ADAS trials have found that the key to good establishment is getting it in as early as is practical.
“We have seen big differences in biomass when the cover crop is sown in August compared to September. Results from one AHDB cover crops trial found that September drilled
YORKSHIRE grower and leader of the Cover Crops Guide partnership Angus Gowthorpe had one particular tip on cover crop establishment for growers in the North, which he shared when addressing AHDB’s ‘Growing cover crops - how to get the best return from your investment’ seminar.
“Get it [the cover crop] in as soon as possible. Maybe even tweak the rotation a little bit. Put the cover crop in after winter barley instead of after winter wheat and get it established a fortnight or three weeks earlier. You will get so much more growth; you get the same amount of growth in a day in August
Dr Kate Smith, of ADAS, advises farmers to ‘take a step back and decide what you are trying to achieve’ with cover crops.
In recent years, cover crops have increased in popularity, but the practicalities of growing them – particularly in more northern areas – remains a challenge. Alice Dyer and Teresa Rush report.
Establishing cover crops in the North
oats yielded 0.5 tonnes per hectare, while oats drilled on the same site in August yielded 2t/ha, so it does make a big difference.
“If you are getting less biomass, it is going to be delivering less of the function you want it to, so try and prioritise [drilling] it like you would any other crop,” said Dr Smith.
Northamptonshire farmer Stephen Goodwin, who is vice chair of regenerative farming knowledge
DRILL EARLY FOR COVER CROP SUCCESS IN THE NORTH
that you will get in a whole week in September,” said Mr Gowthorpe.
He also had advice on cover crop species selection for growers on heavier soils.
Heavy soils
“On heavier soils I use very little radish, very little brassicas. If the brassica has a very big taproot, slugs like living there, breeding there, and then out they come and attack your cash crop after your cover crop,” he said.
A lot of radish and brassicas had been used historically in cover crop mixes and still was in some commercial mixes, added Mr Gowthorpe.
exchange group BASE-UK, grazes his flock of 1,800 New Zealand Romneys on cover crops throughout winter.
Grazing
He said: “We grow stubble turnips and oats – we find oats tend to stabilise the soil more due to their roots, which helps when the sheep are on it. What can be a problem is sheep grazing oats right off and they
He said: “I use very little; I will use 0.5kg/hectare of oilseed radish. You will still get a little bit of taproot action.”
He added that while there were hundreds of varieties of oilseed radish available to growers, he sought out varieties with a pencil-thin taproot.
This type would still deliver the required root action in the soil, but would not provide as good a refuge for slugs as types with a large taproot.
“You get all of the benefits from the rooting, but you do not get the slug problems – or at least you can reduce the slug problems,” he said.
come back in following crop, so we have to try and graze them as early as possible to get regrowth on the oats [which can be sprayed off].
“In northern parts of the country, consider higher seed rates to get more roots in the soil quickly. You are not going to get root mass from the same plant that you would get in south of England.
“If we have a mixture of large seeds and small seeds, we have a John Deere disc drill, which we split into front and back so we can drill the seeds at different depths, which helps establishment.”
PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Angus Gowthorpe
An artificial intelligence-based model is learning to recognise black-grass in a greenhouse environment.
Beating blackgrass with AI
● Prototype for use infield close to completion
By Teresa Rush
A THREE-year project developing the use of precision farming technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to help design a bespoke solution to black-grass on UK farms marks its mid-point.
The three-year project is funded by a £1,452,614 grant from Defra and Innovate UK and under the Farming Innovation Programme – Small R&D Partnership Projects. Bosch is the lead partner in the project consortium, which also includes BASF Digital Farming, Chafer Machinery and Rothamsted Research.
At the midway point, the project team is training a high precision AIbased Bosch model to recognise blackgrass in a greenhouse environment and is close to completing development of a prototype for use in the fields.
In addition, the data capture has been enhanced by installing cameras on a sprayer, which is then able to capture and record high-quality images of weed growth as it moves through
the crops. Image labelling is done by black-grass experts from the Rothamsted Research institute.
As the project progresses, weekly scanning will take place across key growing seasons and the field data generated will be used to develop granular black-grass maps.
Possibilities
Speaking at the Cereals event, Bharath Jayakumar, innovation lead at Bosch UK, said: “We are already seeing first-hand the possibilities with this project, proving that our sensor, software and AI technology can make a difference for UK farmers and will help them to target black-grass better in their fields. In future we can also look at other economically important grass-weeds such as ryegrass.”
In other weed control technology developments at Cereals, Garford Farm Machinery and electrical weed control manufacturer Rootwave announced an agreement that will see the two manufacturers co-develop new weeding technology which integrates electrical weeding into precisionguided toolbar systems for high-value crops and broadacre arable systems.
BACKING DECISION-MAKING WITH DATA
DATA and analytics business Yagro released it latest chemical and fertiliser review at Cereals.
The 2024 review provides comprehensive analyses of inputs and trends over time and how these are affecting crop production.
Shifting oilseed rape drilling patterns following the ban on use of neonicotinoid seed treatments, and a shift towards mixed fertiliser regimes, were among the key findings. The review also analyses
herbicide spend on winter wheat by month of drilling.
Yagro’s Luke Sayer said: “The spread in spend is enormous, but it is a good pointer for the importance of understanding the risk grassweeds, particularly black-grass and resistant ryegrass, can pose, when looking at herbicides and yield.
“Balancing your high weed pressure areas with tactical rotational planning or delayed drilling can help reduce chemical costs, while combatting grass-weeds.”
Arable Cereals 2024
A range of new technologies for the detection of pests and disease were among the developments showcased at the Cereals 2024 event. Teresa Rush reports.
Technology aiming to detect pests and diseases
MagicTrap from Bayer is a fully automated, next-generation, digital, yellow water trap, providing continuously updated information on pest pressure.
It autonomously detects, categorises and quantifies a range of insects and can distinguish between pests and beneficials, ensuring growers never miss a pest migration event.
Available initially for use in oilseed rape, MagicTrap is proven to accurately detect cabbage stem flea beetle, weevil and pollen beetle.
Trap components include a solarpowered, high-resolution smart camera which photographs the trap contents at regular intervals.
Artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition provides automatic species identification, automatically sending insect counts to the MagicScout smartphone app and alerting users if pre-determined pest thresholds are exceeded.
Trap data can also be shared with multiple users or exported via the app.
“The ability to keep a regular check
on traps without having to visit the field was seen as particularly useful in our trialling, with 83% of users saying they checked trap data daily,” said Bayer digital manager Max Dafforn.
On the Rothamsted Research stand, Dr Jon West of the plant pathology and aerobiology lab, was demonstrating how automatic spore sampling could be combined with LAMP DNA assays to allow growers to monitor real-time crop health.
LAMP is a simple and inexpensive alternative to PCR testing for certain diseases, including sclerotinia, yellow rust, brown rust, septoria and potato late blight.
MagicTrap is proven to accurately detect cabbage stem flea beetle, weevil and pollen beetle and is available initially for use in OSR.
The ability to keep a regular check on traps without having to visit the field was seen as particularly useful in our trialling
MAX DAFFORN
Pathogens
The Sentinel Crop Disease Surveillance Network showcased on the NIAB stand is being developed as an in-field solution for the early detection of airborne plant pathogens, providing an early warning, which is turned into a management recommendation for growers.
Collaborators in the project, which is supported by the Farming Innovation Fund through Innovate UK and Defra, include Sony Europe, One Nine
design, BASF, Rothamsted Research, Manchester University, G’s Fresh and NIAB.
Three different pathogens are being targeted: yellow and brown rust of wheat and downy mildew of vegetable crops.
Each battery-operated Sentinel unit is fully autonomous and includes a biosensor that supports spore germination, a smart camera to detect viable pathogen growth and a wireless communication module.
The biosensors were deployed in field trials in 2023 to monitor the arrival of viable yellow rust spores.
This real-time monitoring was used to inform application of T0 and T1 fungicides.
Rothamsted Research scientists are also working on wireworm management with attractant traps.
With challenges around chemical
control options and difficulties with predicting the extent of larval damage from adult trapping using existing pheromone traps, they are investigating the use of root-derived volatile organic compounds (rVOCs) as novel, environmentally benign pesticides for larval management.
“Our lab has recently isolated and identified rVOCs which attract wireworms in lab, semi-field and field assays,” said chemical ecologist Dr Jozsef Vuts.
“We are currently optimising the rVOC blend using slow-release prototype formulations.
“Our work is an important step in the development of detection, monitoring and attract-and-kill strategies for wireworm risk assessment and management, which could also be extended to the management of other soil-dwelling pests.”
Dr Jon West
Max Dafforn
Dr Jozsef Vuts
In the latest instalment of our potato agronomy series, Farmers Guardian catches up with agronomists in Scotland and England to see how crops are faring after a delayed start.
Potatoes Arable Potatoes making good progress despite late start
MORVEN ANDERSON, HUTCHINSONS FIFE
PLANTING finished about a month later than normal for many growers following the wet spring, but on the upside, residual weed control has been very effective given adequate soil moisture.
Some crops may require an additional graminicide for the likes of couch control, although seed growers are limited in the products they can use – cycloxydim is one option that is approved.
This season, there have been some emergence issues in a few crops, with initial assessments suggesting chronological ageing of seed could be a factor, rather than any problems with seed treatments.
Warmer weather last season meant there were almost two flushes of tubers within the same crop. When tubers came out of the cold store this season, those from the initial flush were ready to go, whereas some later-season tubers could have still been dormant. If the eyes are not open when tubers are planted, crops are slower to emerge.
Generally, early planted crops had reached rosette stage by the time of writing in mid-June, with late blight programmes just beginning, while later crops are about seven to 10 days behind.
For growers just starting blight
programmes, recognise that although crops are smaller than normal for this stage in the year, they could still face higher blight risk given warmer conditions.
Mancozeb
We cannot be too prescriptive with blight programmes and must react as the season unfolds, but it is worth noting mancozeb is still a very cost-effective option to start with. It will be a key choice on small crops with limited target area, and where cost is a big factor driving growers’ choices. It is also a good mix partner for resistance management through the programme.
TOM HOPKINS, FARMACY EAST MIDLANDS
AFTER a late start, the warming soils and plenty of moisture have helped crops establish quickly, rewarding growers who were patient enough to wait for soil conditions to improve, rather than forcing crops into poor seedbeds.
Many crops are now at row closure, although there is quite a range across the region, with the most advanced at tuber initiation, versus some only planted at the beginning of June.
As elsewhere, residual chemistry has worked well in moist soils, with very little need for any postemergence follow-up, especially as crops are advancing so quickly.
Plans should be adapted as the season unfolds, utilising decision support tools and crop monitoring to help tailor fungicide choices and partner products as required.
Mancozeb, for example, is a cost-effective partner that provides added protection going into higherrisk situations, plus background effects on alternaria, while cymoxanil offers some curative kick-back where blight risk may have increased prior to application. Do not forget, if blight is seen, it is worth sending samples for analysis as part of the Fight Against Blight campaign, to help identify the genotypes present in the UK.
We cannot be too prescriptive with blight programmes and must react as the season unfolds
MORVEN ANDERSON
As canopy growth accelerates, choose products with greater systemic activity to protect new foliage. One option is ametoctradin, which comes with potassium phosphonate, so potentially offers plant health benefits that may be useful after the late start to the season.
Finally, the mild winter and spring has resulted in large flights of peach potato aphid, potato aphid, and willow carrot aphid, about seven to 10 days earlier than normal, coinciding with some crops emerging. Seed growers must remain vigilant and initiate virus programmes for Potato Virus Y and Potato Leafroll Virus promptly once crops are through.
Blight programmes are well underway on most farms, and although cool, wet conditions through May and into June were not conducive to blight in this area, this is changing with expanding canopies and warmer weather.
Indeed, several blight infections have been confirmed up and down the country.
With limits on certain chemistry and the ongoing threat of fungicide resistance, it is important to plan blight programmes carefully so chemistry and modes of action can be alternated, while still targeting the most suitable products to the optimum timing.
It also avoids heavy reliance on any one product, or running out of options as the season progresses.
Nutrient leaching
Another potential legacy of the wet winter and spring is the likelihood of more soil nutrient leaching, so foliar nutrition could be a valuable top-up to earlier base applications.
The best way to determine crop requirements is with regular tissue analysis, allowing nutrients to be targeted to crop need. Remember, the type and timing of nutritional applications should also be tailored to end market requirements.
The optimum timing for phosphites in a crisping crop where the focus is on tuber number, for example, may be different to a ware crop for chipping where tuber size is the goal.
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768
Firstlook sale to 11,000gns
l Average of more than £3,000/life recorded
THE Firstlook @ Firstlook sale onfarm at Ivy House Farm, Westonunder-Redcastle, included entries from James and Steph Doherty’s Firstlook herd and Tom Lomas’ TLC Genetics, High Peak, as well as guest consignments from the Drointon, Jackpot, Jones, Knowlesmere, Nobold, Riverdane, Sweetpea and Thistlerose herds. The sale topped at 11,000gns and averaged more than £3,000 per life.
The sale leader at 11,000gns from Messrs Doherty and Lomas was Firstlook TLC Black Pearl, whose dam was the All Britain winning junior two-year-old in 2021, following a win at the National Show, and the next dam was the 2018 World Dairy
Expo Champion Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn EX97. The buyer was the Innes family, Nairn.
Selling for 8,000gns to Frank Philipson, Penrith, was Firstlook Jackpot Hanx Saltamaccia by Hanx P and a direct daughter of the winning winter milking yearling at UK Dairy Expo, Firstlook Jackpot Sara.
Heifers
Andrew and Debbie MacKellar, Drointon Holsteins, Staffordshire, sold 16 heifers from their top cow families, topping at 6,400gns for Drointon Showtime Muddled, which was bought by the Tartan Army Syndicate, Ayrshire.
The Riverdane Holstein herd, Cheshire, sold 10 heifers topping at 6,300gns for Riverdane WKD Sharon by King Doc and bred from the
2021 reserve All Britain intermediate two-year-old winner, Riverdane Chief Sharon EX93, which went to Kevin and Alison Lawrie, Ayrshire. Firstlook Ryder Esprit Red, a daughter of S Bro Doorman Esprit by Ryder Red sold for 6,000gns to John Sherratt and Hope Valley Holsteins, Shrewsbury.
Cows and calves to £4,600 at Llandovery
THE monthly sale of cows and calves at Llandovery topped at £4,600 for a pedigree Limousin heifer with a pure-bred heifer calf from E.B. and S. Jones and Son, Pencader. They also sold another pedigree Limousin heifer with a pure heifer calf for £4,500 and achieved £4,400, £4,200 and £4,000 three times for Limousin cross British Blue cows with Limousin cross calves, with their 21 outfits averaging £3,545. A. Davies, Llandeilo, sold a
Limousin cross first calver with a Limousin cross bull calf for £4,150.
The Limousin cross Friesian entries from G.G. Lewis, Pontardawe, topped at £3,700, with six averaging £2,775.
Two-part dispersals
Many older cows were forward including two-part dispersals and topped at £2,500 for a British Blue five-year-old cow with a Limousin cross heifer calf from J.D. Thomas
and Co, Llanwrda, who also sold to £2,350 and £2,100 twice.
The consignment of Limousin cross third to seventh calvers with Charolais calves from S.P. Roderick, Brecon, topped at £2,300 and averaged £1,780.
AVERAGES
40 first calvers, £3,145; 29 aged cows, £1,740.
Auctioneers: Clee Tompkinson and Francis.
Gisburn sees flying trade for 120 dairy entries
AT Gisburn’s third dairy sale of the month the 120 entries peaked at £3,100 for the champion from M. and J. Bristol, Newton-in-Bowland. This was Claremont Almamater Adona 2 by the Westcoast sire out of a Claynook Denim dam, which sold two weeks calved.
Vendors
Ripon vendors Jennings Farmers took £3,000 for their 32kg Stantons Adorable heifer from their Abbeyhouse Kathy family. They also sold a Westcoast Perseus heif-
er at £2,800 and had another two at £2,880 contributing to an average of £2,649 for seven.
Three pedigree heifers made £2,920, two of them from G.D. Donkin’s, Copdon herd, Blackburn. First up was a Peak Altaamulet daughter in the Pretzel family and then a Peak Altagopro heifer from their Better family.
The third at this price was a Hollinshall heifer by Stantons Adorable from R.C. and S.W. Beecroft, Harrogate.
H.J. and K.L. Blackwell, Gra -
grave, had the highest price in the non-pedigree trade with their heifer at £2,420.
AT the sale of feeding bulls and store cattle at Pateley Bridge top price was £1,665 for a Limousin bull from I. Townson, Long Preston. Top priced steer was a Limousin at £1,625 from C.E. Nelson, Blazefield. Heifers sold to £1,595 for a Limousin from D. and A. Livestock, Harrogate.
In the over 30-month and clean cattle section top price per head was £1,846.80 for a 28-month-old Simmental heifer from P. and C.M. Houseman, Warsill.
British Blue heifer
Top price per kilo was 295.5p for a 26-month-old British Blue heifer from D. and F.J. Leeming and Sons, Ramsgill.
Cows sold to £1,501/head for a British Blue from I. Barrett and Sons, Braisty Woods, and 223.5p/ kg for a Limousin from D. and F.J. Leeming and Sons, Ramsgill.
AVERAGES
Store cattle – bulls, £1,372.17; heifers, £1,213.65; steers, £1,203.72. Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teasdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.
Firstlook TLC Black Pearl, from James and Steph Doherty, Westonunder-Redcastle, which sold for 11,000gns to the Innes family, Nairn.
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Charollais Sheep Society Worcester Premier Show &
5 Shearling Ewes, 3 Ewe Lambs, 21 Shearling Rams, 97 Ram Lambs Show at 10.00am, Sale at 1.00pm Online
OF 150 EWE & LAMB COUPLES
commence at 11:00am
OF 60 COWS & HEIFERS WITH CALVES To include Genuine Dispersal Sale Due to Change in Farming Policy of 46 Majority Limousin x & Salers x Cows in Herd Ages with Limousin calves from TH, ME & SH Jones, Plas Coch. 10 Pure Limousin Heifers with Limousin calves and 1 Limousin Stock Bull from RS Whitley, Haulfryn Sale to commence at 11:30am
NORTH WEST AUCTIONS
Collection: Wednesday 10th & Friday 12th July (9am-4.30pm) For More Information Please Contact Auctioneer Matthew Probert on 07540446667. Tuesday
OPENING FORTNIGHTLY 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*
SALE
Thurs 27th – Sat 29th June
Viewing Thurs 27th , Fri 28th 9am-4pm, Sat 29th 9am-12noon
Tues 2nd July 12.30pm Prime Lambs, Prime Hoggs & Cull Ewes
Friday 5th July 6pm Horses Approx 7.30pm Sale of 800 Lots Tack, Saddles, Rugs & 50 Horses
Monday 22nd July 11am
Entries Invited for advertising OPENING SALE OF
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP 01969 667207 www.hawesmart.co.uk
Tuesday 2nd July
800 Prime Lambs & Hoggs at 10am 300 Cast Ewes & Rams
Tuesday 9th July
Show & Sale of 30 Calves Sponsored by Genus
Friday 19th July
Opening Catalogued Sale of Store Lambs
Tuesday 23rd July
Summer Show & Sale of Prime Lambs Ian Atkinson 07957 256337 Kenton Foster 07711 469280.
SATURDAY 20TH JULY
Ring-buying force is rising
Kyle Hawksworth on current trade trends
The grass might have been slow at growing this spring, but with the warm spring weather, lambs have soon bounced back and trade for outfits of sheep and lambs to go out to grass has remained high.
Ewes and lambs have continued coming through the sale ring for a longer period of time this year.
With the cull ewe trade and spring lamb prices staying high, more sheep farmers have taken the decision to sell increased numbers of their flock with lambs at foot.
The buying force around the ring has also increased in recent years.
With more local farmers farming fewer sheep, or going out of suckler cow and dairy herds, sheep and lambs seem to
have been a good buy to eat the summer grass, then split and sell the outfits back through the live ring.
Our Saturday stirk sales have proven that, nationally, farmer growers see buying a young fiveto 10-month-old dairy-bred stirk a viable option to then grow into a strong store, ready for the feeding sales. This has been proven with the ringside audience growing every month.
Costly
This is enabling farmers to keep more cattle over a 12-month period and sell them much sooner, in comparison to keeping a cow to then calve and grow the calf into a saleable animal, which can be a costly process with the price of hard feed and straw reaching record highs over the past few years.
The calf ring has also increased, with more rearing farmers buying the younger calves to grow into stirks for the Saturday auctions.
Calf prices have risen this spring
and there seems to be a shortage of stock to fill the needs of both the calf rearers and the stirk buyers.
Store lamb sales are fast approaching, with our first sale on July 10.
Numbers look to be similar for the July sales, with more farmers taking to lambing slightly later than usual since March and early
April weather has been harsh these past few years. Warmer weather is forecast and grass should grow faster, with no shortage of rainfall in recent weeks.
The fat lamb trade seems to be holding up, with more lambs about nationally every week.
We can only hope for the trade to remain strong enough for farmers to be able to make a big enough profit margin to keep farming their breeding sheep and encourage them to not reduce flock numbers, with Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes doing nothing but encouraging farmers to keep less stock.
I am therefore hoping, for the farmers producing the stock that prices will remain high and, in turn, counter these SFI Schemes which have reduced the quantity of breeding stock in the area.
Kyle Hawksworth is an auctioneer at CCM Auctions, Skipton. Call 07538 539 077, or email admin@ccmauctions.com
Annual Penkridge Straw in the Swath Sale Penkridge Market, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5AP Tuesday 2nd July at 6.30pm
500 acres of WW, WB and SO Straw entered near Sta ord and Penkridge Contact the Penkridge o ce on 01785 716600 or email penkridge@bagshaws.com
Annual Uttoxeter Straw in the Swath Sale Aston Farm North, Sudbury, Thursday 11th July at 6.00pm 600
of
the Uttoxeter O ce on 01889 562811 Or Andrew Gagie of A G Surveyors on 07814 444324
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 www.bagshaws.com
and OSR Straw entered nr Kingstone, Alkmonton and Sudbury Further entries invited.
015242 61444 - Sale Days 61246
Stephen 07713 075 661
Greg 07713 075 664
Will 07590 876 849
www.benthamauc on.co.uk
Tuesday 2nd July
10.30am in the Bottom Ring
40-50 Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle followed by 50 STORE CATTLE
12noon in the Top Ring
JULY FAIR OF SUCKLER BREEDING CATTLE
Entries inc. 6 Breeding Bulls, 26 Cows with Calves, 14 Hfrs with Calves, 2 IC Cows
Wednesday 3rd July
10.30am Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves
2.30pm 1500 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3000 Spring Lambs & 1000 Prime Hoggs
Tuesday 9th July
OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS
Entries for catalogue close Friday 28th June
Tuesday 16th July
Monthly Sale of Farmers Stirks & Young Stores
Richard Turner & Son
We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more e ciently and make better purchasing decisions
Annual Straw in the Swath Sales
Viz 70 Pure Fleckvieh Youngstock, comprising 34 In Calf Heifers, 32 Bulling and Maiden Heifers, being a genuine surplus of this highly prolific and long lasting breed, fully Vaccinated and Johnes Monitored on behalf of B Beddoes, Churchstoke, further entries invited following the Weekly Sale of 40-50 Fresh Calved Dairy Cattle at Shrewsbury Auction Centre 11 15am Tuesday 9th July 2024
Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Viz 50 High Quality Fresh Calved Cows and Heifers from Vendors across the midlands and west wales followed by dispersal Sale of 45 Holstein Cows on Behalf of Drury Lane Farms, Minsterley at Shrewsbury Auction Centre.
2.5 yrs AA Stock Bull, Feeding Cows, Young Bulls Followed by 250+ Store Cattle Calves at 11.30am
275 Ordinary Auction Mart Shares To sell in the Main Ring at 12noon Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738 043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com
ANNUAL COLLECTIVE SALE- SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024 MIDDLE STREET FARM, MONYASH, BAKEWELL, DERBYSHIRE, DE45 1JG
On Instructions from Mr R Bagshaw & Others
Tractors & Machines - JCB 801 Mini Digger, David Brown 950, Massey Ferguson Compact Tractor, Nuffield Tractor
Vehicles - Toyota Hilux HL D-4D 2009, Mitsibushi L200 Pick-up, Toyota Hilux 2016 89,000 Miles, DAF LF Flat Bed 2006 Trailers & Implements - Pottinger Novacat 265H Mower, Pottinger Rake, Pottinger Tedder, Taarup 1116 Mower, Taylors Yard Scraper Large Range of Livestock Equipment - Usual Wide Range of Unused Small Tools, Sundry Farming & Building Effects, Timber etc
SALE TO COMMENCE 10.30AM
IMPLEMENTS & TRAILERS AT 12 NOON
TRACTORS, MACHINES, AT 1PM APPROX
ENQUIRIES TO 07375 105985 OR AUCTIONS@GRAHAMWATKINS.CO.UK
9.30am
Brockholes Arms
234+ HEAD
25 YOUNG BULLS, 162 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS catalogue online. Enquiries to Jack Tuesday 2 July
MONTHY MACHINERY 10am
All entries to the yard Monday 1st 8am - 2pm – Loadall available Thursday 4 July
10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES
11.00am MASSEY FEEDS with LELY LONGTOWN DAIRY SHOW & SALE entries to Eleanor by SAT 29 PLEASE Saturday 6 July
9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 12 noon OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS entries to the office by Tuesday 2nd 12noon
...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart
WEDNESDAY 3RD JULY
Dedicated Slaughter Market
375 Prime Cattle 450 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am
SATURDAY 6TH JULY
100 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc
14 AAx strs,13/15mth,D Martin
4 Limx hfrs,12m,R Burton
Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am
MONDAY 8TH JULY at 5.30pm
SALE OF Catering & Farm Shop Items by Auction At Selby Auction Mart
Contact Office for Details
ANNUAL STRAW IN THE SWATH. A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 400 ACRES of Wheat Straw. TO INCLUDE:
60 Acres Winter Wheat Straw at Weedon, 63 Acres Winter Wheat Straw at Upper Weedon,
180 Acres Winter Wheat Straw at Newnham, 101 Acres Winter Wheat Straw at Flore. For a detailed catalogue please visit www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions or contact the office.
For sale by Auction on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 at 6.30pm at Lutterworth RFC, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Leicestershire, LE17 4LW.
MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE TUESDAY 9TH JULY 9AM (Delivery by 12noon Tuesday 2nd July)
Entries to date include. DB990, IH784, JCB 3cx, Transit Work Buses & Luton, Ifor Williams 505 Horse & Ca le Trailers, Various Flat Trailers, 10T Tandem Axle Trailer. Ride on Mowers, Toilet Block, 2 Containers, Van Body, Lightening Tower, Timber, 100 Sleepers etc.
Fixture - 2 year old wooden sec on stable block of 4 stables - Viewing details upon request Details & Photos of all on www.easyliveauc on. com and 4 other bidding sites.
564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions
SUMMERSelection
Assistant Farm Manager (Dairy)
Area: Sutton Bonington, Loughborough
Salary: £33,966 to £45,585 per annum Farm Worker, Herdsperson, Manager
The University of Nottingham Centre for Dairy Science Innovation (CDSI) is part of the Agri-Tech National centre for Dairy research and has an opportunity for an Assistant Farm Manager (Dairy) to join the team.
This role is an opportunity for an experienced person with a proven track record of working in dairy farming to high standards who is willing to take on more responsibility.
You will support the Farm Manager (Dairy) in all aspects of animal husbandry, feeding, milking (via Lely Astronauts) and hygiene. Once settled you will provide rota cover for the Farm Manager (Dairy) and will therefore be the responsible person on site for a considerable number of days per year.
Due to the nature of the role, you will be expected to live in a house provided by the University close to the CDSI, for which the rent is almost entirely subsidised by the farm.
Candidates should be qualified to degree/HND or equivalent in Agriculture or a related field plus have considerable experience in a similar role or have extensive relevant work experience in a similar role. You will also have experience of managing a team and will have experience of operating a wide range of farm equipment. Due to the frequency that the role holder will drive vehicles a full, current driving licence is also essential for this post.
This role is available on a permanent basis. Hours of work are full time; 36.25 hours per week worked by rota averaging 5 days out of 7 including working regular weekends. It would be expected that the successful candidate would work regular additional hours as required. Job share arrangements may be considered.
The University of Nottingham are committed to providing competitive employment packages whilst supporting the well-being of our staff to help them reach their full potential. We strive to provide a range of benefits and rewards, including leading fitness and health facilities, staff discounts and travel schemes. We also offer an excellent holiday allowance of 30 days, plus additional university closure days and bank holidays.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Nigel Armstrong - Dairy Farm Manager, email Nigel.Armstrong@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
For more information or to apply, head to
South Devons
Location: South West England
Closing Date: 1 Jul 2024
Contract Type: Permanent
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
BCLR Senior Agriculture Advisor
BCP Council has an incredible range of countryside sites managed for nature. From harbours and seafront cli s, to urban heathlands, woodlands, saltmarsh and meadows. With 13 SSSI’s, SPAs, RAMSAR sites and Local Nature Reserves, our sites have extensive areas under agri-environmental schemes using ca le, ponies, sheep and goats for conserva on grazing. Supported by a fantas c army of volunteers and with several visitor centres.
The Grazing Ranger helps to deliver the conserva on grazing management on our Countryside sites. Working as part of a 33-strong Countryside team for the Local Authority, making a di erence for the livestock we manage, but also the wildlife on our nature reserves and the local communi es who depend on them.
We buy your wool direct
team has over 100 years experience working with British Wool, ensuring that your wool is expertly graded to industry standards guaranteeing a
Now buying wool in your area
Agents & Depots
Staffordshire, Derbyshire and surrounding area
: w-taylor-and-son@hotmail.co.uk
North Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and surrounding area
team has over 100 years experience working with British Wool, ensuring that your wool is expertly graded to industry standards guaranteeing a true
David Preston Lancaster, Lancashire 07527 785 845 david@dbwools.ie
Becky Burniston South View Farm
North Yorkshire and surrounding area
• Daily collections of all classes of cattle direct to our own local UK abattoir - No middle man involved.
• On-farm emergency slaughter catered for, supported with a valid veterinary certificate.
Burnsall North Yorkshire BD23 6BX 07921 267904 becky@dbwools.ie
Yorkshire and surrounding area
Becky Burniston South View Farm
Mid-Wales
North Yorkshire and surrounding area
Burnsall North Yorkshire BD23 6BX 07921 267904 becky@dbwools.ie
Gareth Thomas 07974 376995 gareth@dbwools.ie
Mid-Wales
Becky Burniston South View Farm
North East Wales
Gareth Thomas 07974 376995 gareth@dbwools.ie
North East Wales
• Same day response guaranteed by fully licensed slaughter men.
• All weekends and bank holidays covered.
• Out of hours, round the clock service, promised at no extra cost to all our customers.
• Private cutting service available with our in-house skilled butchers.
• Highly competitive cutting prices.
Burnsall North Yorkshire BD23 6BX 07921 267904 becky@dbwools.ie
Geraint Jones 07887 772804 Geraint@dbwools.ie
Geraint Jones 07887 772804 Geraint@dbwools.ie
• Payment 30 days from collection with detailed BACS remittance, including weight, grade and PPK.
• Out of hours emergency number - Mobile: 07860 636605
Mid-Wales
Southern and Central Scotland
Southern and Central Scotland
Hugh Hamilton 07931 353961 hugh@dbwools.ie
Hugh Hamilton 07931 353961 hugh@dbwools.ie
Gareth Thomas 07974 376995 gareth@dbwools.ie
all other areas and General enquires: Mark Powell 07701
North East Wales Geraint Jones 07887 772804 Geraint@dbwools.ie
Southern and Central Scotland
Hugh Hamilton 07931 353961 hugh@dbwools.ie
Portable Milking Machine
Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE
New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs!
30,000 Ltr Roka Silo – Installed 2021
16,000 Ltr Delaval
16,000 Ltr Fabdec (holds 17,000)
15,000 Ltr Serap
14,000 Ltr Fabdec
12,000 Ltr Fullwood Packo Instant Cooling
10,000 Ltr Roka **NEW SPECIAL OFFER** in stock
10,000 Ltr Fabdec
8,000 Ltr Roka Silo
8,000 Ltr Roka
7,200 Ltr Delaval
6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs)
6,500 Ltr Mueller
6,000 Ltr Roka
6,000 Ltr Fabdec
5,000 Ltr Packo
5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”,
5,000 Ltr Roka
4,000 Ltr Mueller
4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”, Refurbished 2T Ice Builder suitable for 20 / 25,000 Ltrs every other day 2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day
CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949
DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE
A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged. Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
BRITISH FRIESIAN
BULLS FOR SALE
Dam classified 94 points. Brother with Genus, Sired by GTW
Tel Alan 07508 739340
Staffs/Leics (P)
Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus
Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
PEDIGREE BRITISH FRIESIAN BULLS
From the Beaufort Herd. 12 - 24 months. Very good temperament, good blood lines, proteins & bu er fats. PLEASE CONTACT SCOTT 07961 320555 BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass CALF -O-TEL
Annandale herd has a good selection of quality, strong bulls ready for work. Bred from superior cow families. Videos available. Contact Matthew Tel: 07815 796804 Scottish Borders (P)
Please feel free to contact Richard – 07816 173689
Gilmartin
• Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.
Polled Hereford Bulls
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
Quality, home-bred Limousin cross British Blue young cows and heifers, with Lim x and BB x calves at foot. Also two excellent Lim x British Blue bulls. Eager for work, all quiet, TB tested and ready to go. ALWAYS NEGATIVE FOR TB Wilf Lomas - 01606 832142 or 07769704628
In good condition, valeted and new carpets fitted.
Suitable for on farm accommodation. Delivery can be arranged.
Mobilehomes,holidaychalets,loghomes. Allbuilttoyourrequirements,deliveredand erectedanywhere,weofferbuildsinround, 360mm to up log random and cavity square, thick.Housessuppliedtomeetbuilding controlregulations.
TWO EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE STOCK REARING FARMS LOCATED ON A FABULOUS ELEVATED COASTAL SITE NOT FAR FROM THE VILLAGE OF GATEHOUSE OF FLEET
- SPACIOUS FOUR BEDROOM FARMHOUSE SET ON A STUNNING ELEVATED SITE
- RANGE OF TRADITIONAL & MODERN FARM BUILDINGS
- PRODUCTIVE GRAZING AND MOWING LAND
- BASIC PAYMENT ENTITLEMENTS
- LOT 1: HIGH AUCHENLARIE FARM (95.55 ACRES)
- LOT 2: LAND AT HOLECROFT FARM (91.25 ACRES)
- IN ALL ABOUT 186.80 ACRES (75.60 HA)
FOR SALE PRIVATELY AS A WHOLE OR IN TWO LOTS LOT 1: OFFERS IN EXCESS OF - £820,000 LOT 2: OFFERS IN EXCESS OF - £380,000 AS A WHOLE: £1,200,000
LITTLE COCKLICK
Dalbeattie, DG5 4NH
A PRODUCTIVE STOCK REARING AND FINISHING FARM LOCATED IN A STUNNING RURAL LOCATION WITHIN DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
- TRADITIONAL FOUR BEDROOM FARMHOUSE (REQUIRES REFURBISHMENT)
- REDUNDANT FARM COTTAGE ATTACHED TO THE FARMHOUSE
- RANGE OF MAINLY TRADITIONAL FARM BUILDINGS
- PRODUCTIVE MOWING AND GRAZING LAND
- RURAL LOCATION YET WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO COMMUTING NETWORKS
- IN ALL ABOUT 133.66 ACRES (54.09 HA)
FOR SALE PRIVATELY AS A WHOLE OFFERS FOR LITTLE COCKLICK ARE SOUGHT IN EXCESS OF: £1,000,000
CUTREOCH & MORRACH FARMS Isle of Whithorn, Newton Stewart, DG8 8JD
AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE STOCK REARING AND FEEDING FARM LOCATED WITHIN A SPECTACULAR COASTAL REGION OF DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
- TWO WELL- PRESENTED SEMI-DETACHED FARM COTTAGES
- RANGE OF MODERN FARM BUILDINGS
- PRODUCTIVE GRAZING & MOWING LAND
- AREAS OF NEW TREE PLANTING AND POTENTIAL FOR MORE BIODIVERSITY
IN ALL ABOUT 521.13 ACRES (210.9 HECTARES)
OFFERS FOR CUTREOCH & MORRACH FARMS ARE SOUGHT IN EXCESS OF: £2,200,000
TOWNHEAD FARM Parkgate, Dumfries, DG1 3LY
AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE ARABLE AND FINISHING FARM CONVENIENTLY LOCATED WITHIN AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AREA OF DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
- TRADITIONAL EXTREMELY WELL-PRESENTED TWO STOREY FARMHOUSE
- RANGE OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN FARM BUILDINGS
- RING FENCED FARM
- PRODUCTIVE ARABLE & MOWING LAND
- SPORTING POTENTIAL
- AMENITY WOODLAND
- BASIC PAYMENT (REGION 1: 344.14 UNITS REGION 2 20.82 UNITS)
IN ALL ABOUT 945.36 ACRES (382.58 HECTARES) OFFERS FOR TOWNHEAD FARM ARE SOUGHT IN EXCESS OF: £8,000,000 VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT
Ashbourne Green, Derbyshire
Well positioned grassland farm with significant potential, close to the Peak District National Park
• 3 bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse in need of refurbishment
• Traditional and modern farm buildings
• Significant development potential (STP)
• Available as a whole or in up to two lots In all, about 115.22 acres (46.64 ha)
£ Guide price - £1,900,000 (whole)
RTS Richard Turner & Son
22 acre residential small holding with a detached former farmhouse and adjoining stonebuilt barn developed into an immaculate character residence circa 3,150 sq ft over two floors with enviable fittings. 9,275 sq ft of new multi function steel frame sheds serviced by a new tarmac driveway with generous parking to the house front and rear. Freehold with vacant possession.
Price £1,675,000.
Part exchange seriously considered to facilitate the owners wishes to move abroad. Accompanied viewing through the selling agents Richard Turner & Son. Tel. 01200 441351 or email sawley@rturner.co.uk
Ranging from 2.05 Acres to 33.01 Acres suitable for either mowing or/and grazing purposes FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY LAND & BUILDINGS AT PARWICH, ASHBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE, AVAILABLE IN THREE LOTS OR AS A WHOLE TOTALLING 62 ACRES OR THEREABOUTS PLEASE APPLY FOR MORE DETAILS ON ALL LOTS
Property Landscape Understanding the options available for SFI
Benefits of the scheme, plus a note on trail hunts
Although heavily criticised in its early days, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme has offered viable payment rates for action-based options, which in most cases are realistic and achievable. While the Rural Payment Agency’s method for monitoring and administering the scheme is yet to be fully tested, the SFI programme does offer the opportunity to secure a reliable income.
I have noticed two mindsets when visiting farms – farmers who want to get involved and benefit from the scheme, and others who want to have minimum engagement for maximum financial reward, with the outcomes of the action a secondary consideration.
The latter approach should be taken with caution. I think that if you do some research and work with your agent and agronomist, the SFI options are all achievable.
Herbal leys
In Cumbria we have seen a huge uptake in the herbal ley option, which rewards farmers that establish and maintain herbal leys with £382 per hectare. There are two elements to this option.
Firstly, establishing herbal leys which requires extra knowledge and understanding not only of the crop, but also of your existing soil type and quality, species within the current sward, time of year and method of establishment.
An agronomist or contractor who has a good understanding of your farm should be able to advise and help you with establishment.
Secondly, maintaining the ley. Farmers should learn to farm the herbal leys – much of this is regular monitoring and some trial and error, however doing this can provide wider benefits to the farm, including:
n Improved soil structure and health.
n Nitrogen fixation from legume species (so requires little fertiliser).
n Extended grazing season.
n Improved growth rates for rotationally-grazed livestock.
n Improved biodiversity.
n Provides worming benefits to livestock.
There is a lot of online information and resources, plus discussion groups and advisers available to assist with the SFI options, and I think it is worth farmers taking that extra step to appreciate what is involved before taking on a scheme.
Trail hunting
In other news – trail hunting, and where will Labour stop next?
As someone who is passionate about countryside life, I wanted to briefly draw attention to the Labour Party’s commitment to ban trail hunting. They have not shared any evidence or research to support their standpoint, but they plan on doing it regardless.
My biggest worry is the immediate damage it will have on the hunting and rural community, but beyond that I am genuinely concerned about what and who will be their next target.
n Resilience to dry weather.
Holly Wybergh is a rural surveyor with Edwin Thompson. Call 01228 548 385, or email h.wybergh@edwin-thompson.co.uk
Holly Wybergh
We are actively recruiting calf rearers and growers to join our unique farmer partner supply chain.
KEY BENEFITS OF OUR SCHEME:
Fully integrated beef scheme
Annual reviews based on cost of production
Long-term customer contracts
Calves with high vigour
Hardy breed with great temperament
New for Autumn 2024 - Grower Premiums being introduced. Join the Herd @warrendalewagyufarmers Warrendale Wagyu Farmers
For more information and an informal chat, please contact us on 01759 361254 or livestock@warrendale-wagyu.co.uk
2024 24 JUNE TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE X AUTO, 5.5MLS, DW COLOUR CODED CANOPY, TOW PK LINER, 5YRS + 5 WARRANTY £39995
2023 23 LANDROVER DISCOVERY
DYNAMIC, SE, 9,000MLS, ELEC TOW PK, ROOF, BLUE/BLACK LEATHER
2020 20 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
S.W.B COMMERCIAL, MANUAL, BLACK, TOW PK, OUTSTANDING £24500
2019 19 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY COMMERCIAL, BLUE, P/UP, TOP SPEC, EXTRAS, HIGH PLS, £18750
2015 65 TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE AUTO 4DR, P/UP, CODED, CANOPY, NEW B.F GOODRICH TYRES, GREY, PRIVATE USE £11750
2013 13 TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE MAN, 4DR, LEATHER, GREY, TIDY £8250+VAT CALL COLIN ON 07976 252191
DEMO BIG PACK 1270 Large bale + Multi Bale system (up to 9 small bales), Steering tandem axle, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, LED work lights, call for full spec.
PRE-REGISTERED CASE IH FARMALL 100A PowerShuttle, L series Loader ready
MINOR details split the diesel 403 Plus from the 403E in weight, dimensions and lift capacity.
The 403E provides a level dump height of 2,008mm and a lift capacity of 1,270kg on the standard loader arm variant tested.
Options for a high-lift loader variant are also available.
The 403E certainly had a planted feel for a small wheeled loader.
This may be due to battery placement providing the machine with a lower centre of gravity.
Without the need for a fuel tank, the manufacturer has also added ballast to the central boom pivot point, giving the machine a consistent operating weight, unlike the decreasing ballast
weight offered on a diesel variant. A function button allowed the selection between bucket and pallet mode.
This adjusted the hydraulic flow rates and responsiveness of the machine.
Pallet mode offered a slower, more precise flow rate for attachment adjustments. Alternatively, bucket mode provided the operator with a faster-paced, more aggressive movement for loading.
Similar to the brand’s larger ranges, the third-service hydraulic flow speed can be programmed to suit the attachment and task and constant flow can be selected for brush attachments or bedding machines.
■ Hydraulic capacity: 40.9 litres per minute at 180 bar
■ Weight: 2,671kg
■ Tyres: 31/15.50R15
■ Price as tested: £62,054
The test machine was fitted with a Euro-hitch that suited several loader attachments, but Giant, Weidemann and Schaffer hitches are also offered as options.
Creeper mode allowed the operator to program and set the forward speed between 0.5 and 5kph.
Compact in size, the 403E comfortably operated in tight spaces, with an outer turning radius of 2,825mm.
Two
motors power both the hydraulic circuit and the drivetrain separately giving the 403E an astonishing amount of torque for a machine of its size.
Machinery On Test
With an overall height of 2,210mm and a working width of 1,418mm, the
CHARGING AND RUNTIME
ULTIMATELY the electric loader must offer the same functionality and capabilities operating as a diesel variant, particularly when looking to move away from the convenience of a commonly used combustion engine.
JCB says it has used data from products already in the marketplace to calculate average daily operating times. Findings from this telematic data found that the 403 range typically operated a four to five-hour cycle in a 24-hour period.
Battery technology is constantly changing and developing, but it was a requirement of the build that the 403E had a minimum run time of five hours.
On-test, the 403E carried out the same daily duties as the combustion engine version, which included an early start cleaning out poultry housing, pushing up cattle feed and cleaning out pens.
During the test runtimes, the 403E reflected the manufacturer’s claims of a five-hour operation. With a 20% drop in charge consistent with an hour of constant loading.
Factors such as extreme temperatures could affect operating ability and run times, but the manufacturer claims the 403E can operate between +46 and -10degC.
The test machine was provided with a conventional
trickle charger, running off a single-phase system giving the machine a zero to 100% charge time of eight hours.
Alternatively, the rapid charge three-phase unit could charge the 403E from zero to 100% in one-and-a-half hours.
For the purposes of the test, charging was mainly run off the single-phase system, to ascertain if both daily operations were achievable with the standard charging unit, or if the three-phase rapid charge system was needed to help justify its £7,440 cost.
A combustion engine’s trump card over its electric counterpart is both the ease of bringing the fuel source to the vehicle and also speed of refuelling.
This means the electric variant requires a change in operator’s mind set.
On-test, the 403E was charged overnight giving the machine a 100% charge from the onset of a new day and ample capacity to run for four to five continual hours.
Charging the vehicle at down times during the operating day was sensible, but not essential, leading to the conclusion that the fast charge offered a rapid solution to what could be a long time waiting for the vehicle to charge, if it had not been charged before work, but was not a requirement for well planned, typical use.
areas around the battery pack and motors limited jet washing under the
Two charging ports allowed the option for either three-phase charging with the optional rapid charger or the standard singlephase cable which was stored behind the seat.
JCB 403E can work in buildings with low access heights.
Sidelights and LED work lights all around offer good visibility when working inside and should not compromise battery run times.
Water-sensitive
bonnet.
On Test Machinery
Seating position and cabin styling gave good accessibility and all-round visibility.
CAB AND CONTROLS
CURRENTLY, the unit is offered with an open canopy or canopy with front and rear glazing, However JCB plans to extend the range with a fully enclosed cabin option later this year.
Any regular JCB user would be at home in the 403E, with much of the switches and joystick functionality drawn from its wider range. This made the machine very familiar to operate with an ergonomic control layout.
The open cab was functional and low operating noise levels
of 77dB indicated at the operator seat, made for a comfortable experience.
Even so, the enclosed variant would be a favoured option as the 403E would be well suited to tasks in enclosed, dusty environments such as poultry sheds and cubicle bedding.
The safety bar door provided easy access into the cabin space and the machine’s seating position and diminutive nature allowed good all-around operating visibility.
Even with a slightly lower lift capacity, the 403E was well matched against the test farm’s existing diesel variant, but required a little getting used to with its responsive nature.
across the brand.
FG Verdict
THE 403E offers the functionality, capability and capacity users would expect from a standard 403 Plus.
Its emission-free operation at source offers numerous benefits, both in noise levels and noxious gas release when working in enclosed buildings such as poultry units.
Undoubtedly, this is a major factor why factories and warehouses have been using electric forklifts for many years; with much of the technology tried and tested.
The 403E matched and often exceeded its diesel counterpart in torque and pushing power, making it a formidable muck mover.
Although the 403E has several reduced costs in serviceable
goods due to the lack of engine, sump oil and filters, questions remain on battery longevity beyond the five-year warranty and the cost of replacement if needed.
The 403E is certainly a viable alternative to its combustion engine counterpart, but prospective buyers would need to look closely to see if it fits with the working requirements and daily run cycles of their business.
Electric is certainly an alternative power source for some applications, but many are eager to see what the manufacturer’s hydrogen project will bring in the future in terms of clean fuel solutions, before marking significant investments away from fossil fuels.
Joystick control and switch layout offered users similar functionality
Machinery Royal Highland Show
The Technical Innovation Awards promote industry advancements for manufacturers and individuals.
Speaking at the event, Andrew Rennie, chief steward of technical innovations, said: “The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has a historical reputation for recognising and rewarding excellence.
“Technical innovation is pivotal to the future of our industry, whether in suitable development, improving the environment, promoting best practices or ensuring operator safety and comfort.”
MORE FROM THE SHOW
See this week’s news section, plus p82-86.
The Royal Highland Show has long featured awards for technical innovation within the industry. James Huyton takes a look some of the 2024 winners.
Innovation awards reward excellence
iLIVESTOCK PLATFORM (AWARDED SILVER)
AWARDED silver for its subscription-based livestock monitoring service, iLivestock claims to be the first service to offer both its own handheld readers and weighers alongside a software-based recording system.
Similar to a phone contract, the service provides the hardware
and software at a set monthly fee, and the manufacturer says this system makes it both more affordable and accessible to farmers.
The system is capable of recording all the compliance-based records required in a livestock enterprise.
RITCHIE BEEF MONITOR (AWARDED SILVER)
MOUNTED at a drinking point within a cattle pen, the cattle weighing system takes liveweight measurements at multiple points throughout the day.
Each time an individual animal goes to drink, the logged weight is transferred to the manufacturer’s cloud-based system for recording. Overnight, average
weights are then calculated, with user access to the data delivered the following day.
Overview
Ritchie says this gives the farm a better overall view of daily liveweight gain, ascertaining the optimum time to move stock or serve heifers.
GRAINTEK (AWARDED SILVER)
AVAILABLE in three- to 15-metre working widths, Graintek’s drying floor stirring unit gained recognition for its claimed 35% boost in working efficiency.
The direct drive system operates the auger on a 40mm shaft, and is said to create a
bigger working bow wave, with operating depths of up to 4m.
The modular system operates with auto-tracking and can be controlled via a smartphone.
Each trolly is capable of a working width of 7m, on either a single or three-phase power supply.
SPREADPOINT SX-A AUGER (AWARDED SILVER)
SPREADPOINT’S dust suppression auger system offers users reduced particle drift when lime spreading.
The 12-metre folding augers are made up of two 6m folding sections.
Each auger tube is stainless
steel, with slides to calibrate the system before field application.
Linked to soil mapping, the system is capable of variable rate application across its working width.
Machinery Cereals 2024
MORE FROM CEREALS See pages 26-28.
Joining the Agritechnica-launched CR11, the comparatively smaller 635hp CR10 made its global debut at Cereals 2024. Toby Whatley reports.
New Holland unveils its high-capacity CR10 combine
Following the launch of the larger, golden-liveried CR11 in November 2023, New Holland has expanded its high-capacity combine offering by introducing the smaller CR10.
Set to be sold alongside the existing CR10.90 in the immediate future, the CR10 shares significant styling, mechanical and electrical technology with the CR11.
New Holland claims fewer than 10% of its components are shared between the CR10 and the CR10.90.
Power for the model is supplied by a 635hp 12.9-litre FPT Cursor engine, which has been installed in-line to the chassis and mounted at an inclined angle to match the position of the twin-rotor threshing system.
New Holland says that this driveline layout significantly reduces mechanical losses as driveshafts now run
parallel to the rotors, directly from the gearbox mounted to the back of the engine.
The machine’s twin-fan cooling pack has been repositioned between the engine and grain tank and occupies the full machine width.
The layout change allows the unit to draw air from the front of the machine and exhaust through the engine bay, which New Holland says prevents any dust or chaff building up.
Threshing is provided by a pair of 600mm rotors in a design shared with the larger CR11. Crop cleaning is performed by the manufacturer’s TwinClean system.
This layout provides a claimed 8.76sq.m cleaning area and consists of two sieve systems operating in sequence, with each having its own upper and lower sieve and clean grain auger. A side-shake mechanism provides lateral movement to the grain
Both models use a all-new engine layout which moves the block to an in-line position and inclined to match the rotors.
pan and sieves which claims to even out material over the cleaning shoe and compensates for uneven feeding and side slopes up to 28%.
A 16,000-litre grain tank is supported with a 159-litre/second pivoting spout unloading auger which is supplied in different lengths to accommodate the 10.6- to 15-metre (35-50ft) header range offered across the two models.
The MacDon unit shown with the machine at Cereals has been dev-
eloped with CNH specifically for the CR10, and uses ground following wheels and a flexible cutter bar to provide terrain following.
Three header driveline options will be offered which includes a CVT drive unit on the engine gearbox that allows the header speed to be varied depending on crop and field conditions. For operators, the cab will be shared with the CR11, which has been revised and incorporates two Intelliview 12 touch-screen terminals.
The CR10 joins the larger CR11 in the New Holland’s high-capacity combine range.
Guidance
The primary monitor on the right-hand console is used to monitor the combine’s key controls, with the secondary monitor on the A-pillar configured for mapping and guidance.
Other cab changes include newstyle brake pedals and foot pegs, a luxury steering wheel and premium cloth or leather seats, alongside multizone climate control with floor level air ducts.
Drivelines for UK machines will all include the manufacturer’s SmartTrax half-track drive with a two-speed hydrostatic transmission and semiautomatic diff locks.
Machines will be offered with three track belt width options of 660mm, 810mm and 910mm with rubber or hydraulic cushioning. Wheeled variants will not be offered in the UK. Following its launch, the CR10 was awarded a silver innovation award at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Livestock
Scab remedy resistance to be studied
● Three-year genetic investigation launched
THE Moredun Research Institute, in collaboration with partners, has been awarded a £1.2 million grant to explore the mechanism of resistance to the macrocyclic lactone (ML) injectables in the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis (P. ovis), and how this resistance has spread across the UK.
The three-year award involves project partners from the University of Glasgow, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the Sustainable Control
of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Industry Group.
Project lead, Dr Stew Burgess, Moredun Research Institute, says:
“The £1.2m award is a pivotal investment in our mission to combat the growing challenge of macrocyclic lactone resistance in the sheep scab mite, P. ovis.
“Sheep scab remains a significant threat to livestock health and welfare, imposing substantial economic burdens on farmers across the UK.
“With this funding, we aim to decode the genetic basis of resistance and its spread, providing the agricul-
GrassCheck
GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK
Scotland
47.8kg
Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)
Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)
DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS
GRASS QUALITY
A £1.2 million grant will allow sheep scab mite treatment resistance to be studied.
tural community with vital tools and updated strategies to manage this pervasive issue effectively.”
Sheep scab, a highly contagious disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite P. ovis., represents a significant welfare and economic concern for UK livestock production, costing the industry between £80m and £200m annually. Current control strategies rely on organophosphate (OP) sheep dips and ML injectables (ivermectin, doramectin and moxidectin).
However, overreliance on ML injectables for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes and sheep scab has led to the emergence of ML-resistant
parasites, posing a significant threat to sheep health and welfare.
While OP dipping is an effective alternative, it is associated with more complex safety requirements for both operators and the environment and, if overused, scab mites could also develop resistance to OP.
Lesley Stubbings, of SCOPS, says: “Maintaining two effective control methods is essential for our ability to control scab in the future.
“Understanding the basis of resistance in the MLs, together with the potential for early detection, will allow the industry to develop strategies to manage and slow resistance.”
MANAGEMENT NOTES
■ Recorded grass growth, quality and forecasted growth rates are all similar to last week. It can be a difficult time of the season to hold grass quality, so keep up the routine measurement and assessment of fields to be able to adjust paddock choice and rotation length as needed. ■ The recent weather conditions and good paddock management
have helped to achieve target grazing residuals – this should help maintain sward quality in subsequent rotations. ■ If trying to add clover into the grazing platform, now is a good time to assess clover to identify fields for overseeding or reseeding. As a rough guide, clover must be present in at least 80% of random spots across a field, to then manage positively.
Livestock
M&S to strengthen relationsh
Northern Ireland is home to four Marks & Spencer dairy suppliers. Richard Halleron spoke to one of these farmers, and also found out what the retailer’s future focuses are.
● Aim for transparency around antibiotic usage
THERE are 38 Marks & Spencer (M&S) dairy farmer suppliers across the UK and the four dairy farms in Northern Ireland that supply the retailer are located in the North Antrim area, close to the Lakeland Dairies-owned Ballyrashane milk processing plant.
Milk from the four M&S suppliers is segregated once it reaches Ballyrashane, and Lakeland Dairies draws from this specific pool to meet the daily orders placed by M&S.
Peter Kennedy, senior agricultural manager for M&S, says food is a growth area for the business.
He says: “We are committed to providing regionally sourced foods into all our outlets and we want to enhance this level of commitment to customers.
“Currently, there are 22 M&S stores in Northern Ireland. Our plan is to expand this number while also investing in our existing sites. M&S has an Ireland-based sourcing team, committed to making this happen.
“Our development plan takes full recognition of the fact that M&S can sell more food in Northern Ireland. And it is in this context that the scope to source more locally produced liquid milk exists.”
The quartet of M&S dairy suppliers in Northern Ireland comprises David Irwin, Jim and Brian Hunter, Matthew Workman and Alan Cochrane.
There are currently 22 M&S stores in Northern Ireland, and the plan is to expand this number, says senior agricultural manager Peter Kennedy.
Mr Kennedy says the M&S Select Farm Programme, which these farmers are involved in, underpins the
Left to right: David Irwin and Peter Kennedy.
standards the primary producers are expected to meet.
He says: “Our farm supply base
currently extends to approximately 8,000 businesses, which are audited on an annual basis. The attainment of
IN THE FIELD DAVID IRWIN, DEVROCK, CO ANTRIM
THE M&S dairy farm supply base in Northern Ireland has been developed over the past 24 years with the Irwin family, from Dervock, being the inaugural participants in the scheme.
The farm is now run by David Irwin who, along with his brother Andrew, milks 250 cows, averaging 9,200 litres at 4.5% butterfat and 3.3% protein.
David says: “We try to graze the cows as much as we can. In a normal year, they would be out in the grazing paddocks from April 20 onwards. After first cut, the milking group is out day and night.
“Freshly calved cows are kept in until they are back in-calf. At that stage they join the rest of the grazing group. We take three cuts of silage.
“This year’s first cut was covered on May 10.”
Despite the very slow start to spring this year, David is confident that he hit the sweet spot, where both the yield and quality of this year’s first cut of silage are concerned.
Calving
A year-round calving policy is followed on the Irwin farm in order to maintain a level production profile and also balance the workload throughout the year.
David says: “It also means that we can give the calves almost individual attention, and this bodes well in terms of minimising health issues while also maximising the performance achieved by the young animals.”
ip with Northern Irish dairies
animal welfare and environmental standards are critically important for M&S. But at the end of the day, the relationship comes down to working with farmers that we know and trust.
“Sustainability and farming carbon are important to our customers. But their number one priority is ensuring that the highest animal welfare standards are being met, at all times, on our suppliers’ farms.”
Animal welfare
Mobility scoring cows and reducing levels of lameness represent key M&S welfare-related issues on dairy farms.
Nick Bell, a veterinary surgeon and farm consultant, has been involved with the M&S milk pool since 2006.
He audits all the M&S dairy suppliers on a regular basis and has worked with them to develop mobility scoring as a specific means of managing the challenge posed by lameness in cows.
Mr Kennedy says: “All our dairy suppliers receive visits from two vets on an annual basis. This approach is very much centred on developing outcome measures for each of the businesses concerned.
“This approach encompasses an assessment of all the stock on the farms and how they are faring from a performance perspective.
“There is a clear focus on lameness and other aspects related to animal welfare, plus an overall assessment of the herd health standards being achieved by individual farmers.
“We review the management criteria required of all our farmers on an annual basis.”
Where the use of antibiotics on
Sexed semen is used extensively on the Irwin cows and replacement heifers.
Looking ahead, David says the purchase of a neighbouring farm four years ago means there is scope to produce more milk by adding more animals to the herd and increasing output per cow.
He also says he is continuously seeking to improve cow comfort in the cubicles, and is committed to maintaining good levels of hoof health through monthly visits by a foot-trimmer and mobility-scorer.
He says: “I am aware that new technology, designed to carry out mobility scoring automatically, is now available. This is something we are looking into at the moment.”
farms is concerned, Mr Kennedy points to the commitment made by M&S over many years to deliver full transparency on this matter.
He says: “We have been consistently tracking the use of antimicrobials within these businesses, and it is an approach that is paying a significant dividend.
“Our farmers are well below the current Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance targets, where antibiotic usage is concerned. “
He adds that M&S publishes the level of antibiotic usage across its
farmer-producer base on its website, so there is ‘nothing hidden’.
Milk prices
The pricing model followed by M&S, where its dairy farmer suppliers are concerned, takes account of the costs for feed, fertiliser, fuel and labour. All the retailer’s primary milk suppliers are paid on the same basis.
Mr Kennedy says: “Labour was brought in as a parameter a couple of years ago to reflect the specific challenges confronting farming businesses at that time.”
We are committed to providing regionally sourced foods into all our outlets
PETER KENNEDY
Four types of Mule ewes are under evaluation at Riseholme Park Farm in Lincolnshire, while the Lincoln Red has secured its place in the suckler herd by delivering a number of benefits, including good temperament. Wendy Short finds out more.
University farm aims to boost genetic potential of its livestock
Riseholme Park Farm is owned by the University of Lincoln, with the mixed unit providing a valuable resource for the agricultural students and operating as a business, says farm and estate manager Matt Bagley.
The 200-hectare (494-acre) lowland unit is split 50/50 into livestock and arable production and there are 350 ewes put to a Charolais cross Beltex tup, plus 30 suckler cows.
The sheep enterprise contained a ‘real mix’ of breeds on Mr Bagley’s arrival in 2020.
He says: “The choice has been narrowed down to four variations of the Mule – North Country, Suffolk, Cheviot and Texel. The idea is to choose one, or possibly two, Mule types, based on their performance.
“The decision will be based solely on production figures and the EID system, which combined with performance recording, are essential tools for the task.”
Mr Bagley says the evaluation process has now been running for three years and so far the Suffolk Mule is in top position, with the Cheviot Mule coming a close second.
He says: “There is an option to breed replacement females, but buying-in breeding Mules maximises finished lamb numbers. On a personal level, I like to support the country’s stratified sheep system and the live auction markets.”
The choice has been narrowed down to four variations of the Mule – North Country, Suffolk, Cheviot and Texel MATT BAGLEY
The Mules are purchased at Bentham and Penrith marts, while the breeding tups are sourced from private buyers. The main priority is high health status, along with vaccination records, where available. All sheep that are brought on to the farm are quarantined inside for six weeks.
Concentrate feed
Lambing takes place inside during the third week in February. Ewes carrying twins and triplets are offered concentrate feed in the six-week run up to lambing, starting at 300g/head/ day and rising to 700g.
The 2024 lambing period was beset with problems, largely due to adverse weather, but also following a rise in the number of mastitis cases and a low level of Schmallenberg infection in the early-born lamb group, says Mr Bagley.
“The weather was very challenging
Farm facts
■ The soil type ranges from Lincolnshire limestone to heavy clay
■ The livestock graze the parkland surrounding the historic Riseholme Hall
at turnout and the muddy, wet conditions may have contributed to the increase in mastitis. The cold March wind was possibly another factor.
“The Schmallenberg infection was very depressing; some infected lambs had deformities and while most were born alive, they were very weak and a large number faded away in the first few days.
“This year’s ewe performance figures show a scanning percentage of 193 and a ‘lambs born alive’ percentage of 190. However, this
Matt Bagley is farm and estate manager at Riseholme Park Farm.
■ Beef and lamb production is Red Tractor-assured
■ The cattle monitoring system is based on a bolus, which monitors heat and records data including rumination, temperature and water intake
result discounts the losses to Schmallenberg; the percentage at turnout time was 181.”
In previous years, finished lambs have been reserved for boxed meat sales to students, staff and the public, but the policy changed this season in response to the high market prices and the farm has averaged £174/head to date for finished lambs. They were sold deadweight, achieving an average carcase weight of 21.15kg. Some 87% of the group has graded R3L and above. Two main factors are attributed to the favourable lamb performance this year, says Mr Bagley.
Performance
“The twin lambs were offered creep feed earlier than normal, due to the challenging conditions in early spring. Despite the Schmallenberg infection, overall they grew more rapidly than ever before, achieving an average daily liveweight gain of 360g. The first batch was ready just two days shy of 12 weeks old. The extra feeding was worthwhile, in terms of return on investment.
“The other practice was to rest the grassland for an extended period over winter. The fields were shut up from November until the spring and the flock was moved from the permanent pasture to graze on cover crops or stubble turnips.”
The 30-cow Lincoln Red herd continues to impress Mr Bagley, who had never worked with the breed until he took up his present post. He currently sits on the Lincoln Red Cattle Society breed council.
“It is a tremendous breed and one of its best qualities is its versatility. It will thrive on a grass diet, but will equally respond well to a more intensive ration, and everything in between.
“Its temperament is outstanding, which makes it a perfect fit for a farm which accommodates students. It could live quite happily outside all-year-round, but that would not suit our system.
“As a native breed producing marbling in the meat, as well being naturally polled, I feel it is the ideal suckler animal and a good choice as a dairy herd beef sire. Our average Lincoln Red cow will weigh
600-700kg and could be taken to higher weights if fed hard. However, I prefer to offer feed after the cow gives birth, to help grow the calf. A smaller calf is preferred and the usual range is between 28kg and 40kg.”
Calving is from late December to March.
Bull calves are assessed and a decision made on whether it is to be castrated; three have been left
entire this year and may be sold for breeding.
Calf group
The calf group is weaned on the approach to November housing and the cows are fed a ration of barley straw and minerals, moving on to haylage and minerals in the third week in December, as calving approaches.
Mr Bagley adds the growing cattle are restricted to a forage diet
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until the final six weeks, when they receive a 16% protein blend.
He says: “The facilities do not lend themselves to offering homegrown cereals, but it is under consideration. They are finished at 15-18 months. The timing is staggered to maximise the sales period, because beef is sold through the box scheme alongside the lamb, when available.”
The Lincoln Reds have been
The sheep enterprise contained a ‘real mix’ of breeds on Matt Bagley’s arrival in 2020.
year, when another young bull, Riseholme Astra, had taken the red ribbon in the same class.
While the jury is still out on which Mule type to pick, the Lincoln Red fully justifies its position in the suckler herd
MATT BAGLEY
shown with some success. In 2023 Riseholme Bertie, then an 18- monthold bull, won his class at Lincolnshire Show, which is considered the main event for the breed. It repeated the herd’s success of the previous
Bertie has now joined the farm as a stock bull and the farm is planning to introduce artificial insemination for the cows next year. It has also ventured into IVF and generated four fertilised embryos, to plant into recipients within the herd.
Roundhouse
Mr Bagley is a strong supporter of the roundhouse design and the farm had one of the buildings installed in 2019. A 30-metre (98-foot) diameter model, it contains all classes of cattle with the exception of second year youngstock, which are wintered in a general-purpose building.
“The roundhouse has many advantages, especially in terms of airflow,” says Mr Bagley.
“There is an air change every couple of minutes and this goes a long
way towards minimising the risk of respiratory disease. The design is excellent, in terms of staff and student safety and it also has a viewing gantry and a CCTV camera system.”
A small percentage of the grassland is rotated within the arable cropping, but it is primarily made up of permanent pasture.
Rotational grazing
“Grassland production has doubled, simply by extending the rest period and introducing a rotational grazing system to replace the set stocking. The farm does not currently participate in any environmental schemes, because as an educational facility there is a need to react quickly to any changes that might be required. However, we are looking at the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how it might be fitted in.
“While the jury is still out on which Mule type to pick, the Lincoln Red fully justifies its position in the suckler herd. Among the most important goals for the future are to carry on improving the genetic potential of the livestock and to continue looking for opportunities to maximise production efficiency,” says Mr Bagley.
PICTURES:
The roundhouse contains all classes of cattle with the exception of second year youngstock.
A roundhouse was installed on-farm in 2019.
The 30-cow Lincoln Red herd continues to impress the farm and estate manager.
Great Yorkshire Show Preview Livestock
What’s on?
The show is expecting about 140,000 visitors over the four days.
Showcasing the best of British ag
The very best of British livestock will be on display at the Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, which takes place from Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12, as well as machinery, food, rural skills and entertainment.
The show is expecting about 140,000 visitors over the four days, with numbers capped at 35,000 each day and tickets only available in advance.
There will be about 20 cattle breeds competing and the show is hosting the Charolais National Show and the World Ayrshire Federation Conference show with around 100 farmers from countries including Kenya, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and America attending.
There will be 48 sheep breeds and 14 pig breeds on show and the prestigious Pig of the Year competi-
Event details
■ When: Tuesday, July 9, to Friday, July 12, 2024
■ Where: The Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
■ Tickets: Only available to buy in advance – members do not need to buy tickets
■ Prices: Adult, £35; children
tion will once again take place on the Thursday.
This year sees the return of People’s Choice classes where spectators can find themselves being offered the chance to be a judge. This traditionally took place in the cattle classes, with exhibitors generally in fancy dress and taking a light-hearted approach to the whole business of describing and judging the cattle.
However, its return this year has seen it extended to goats and pigs and reintroduction and expansion have been the brainchild of show director, Charles Mills, for whom this will be his final show as he hands over to Rachel Coates on the final day of the show.
Yorkshire Agricultural Society president Martin Cockerill will also hand over to the incoming president, Geoff Brown, on the final day.
aged five-18, £13; families (two adults and up to three children)
£80; children under five are free
■ Parking: Free
TICKETS
Book online at greatyorkshireshow.
co.uk, or by calling the ticket line on 01423 541 222.
■ A photography exhibition by British Life Photographer of the Year, Amy Bateman, will reflect on a year-long journey to record the stories of 40 farms across Cumbria
■ Battle of the Butchers: A new competition, organised by Danny Upson, of Dalziel, in conjunction with the Institute of Meat, will see nine teams of butchers compete to produce the best dishes in six different meat categories
■ Countryside Area: In the Countryside Voices marquee there will be films, talks and panel discussions on key countryside topics including
Patron: His Majesty The King
mental health and rural issues, as well as restoring our rivers
■ Innovation Zone: The Innovation Awards have been expanded from a single event to four and the entry criteria has been broadened from exhibitors at the show to all UK farming and agri-businesses
■ GYS Stage: TV presenter Christine Talbot will host chat shows at 11am and 2pm with TV presenters Helen Skelton on Tuesday, Adam Henson on Wednesday, Peter Wright, from The Yorkshire Vet, on Thursday and Rob and Dave Nicholson, of Cannon Hall Farm, on Friday
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Why choose Highland Cattle?
Tel: 01786 446866
info@highlandcattlesociety.com
International Ayrshire cattle breeders will be descending on the Great Yorkshire Show as part of their world federation conference. Sarah Todd visited the Waterhouse family who will help to ensure the delegates get a warm welcome.
Ayrshires play key role in Yorkshire farming business
Recently elected junior vice-president of the Ayrshire Cattle Society James Waterhouse has been showing his York-based Fourth Milestone herd at the Great Yorkshire Show for 40 years, but says that he is increasingly sidelined by his daughters. They are 20-year-old Mia,
who will be taking up a work placement year from her agriculture and animal science degree course at Harper Adams University with Genus in September, and 16-year-old Anna.
The pair will be showing a junior in-milk cow and a heifer in milk.
“They do the lot, the washing, clipping and showing,” says Mr Water-
house, whose wife Nicola does all the farm accounts and record keeping, as well as taking her weekend turn of feeding calves.
He says: “As a society there is a real buzz about the conference coming. We are all excited about it, including the girls. There has been a real push to get a good turnout for the classes and it will certainly be a Great Yorkshire to remember.
“Nicola and I have met many friends through the Ayrshire Cattle Society and it has been great to see the same for the girls, who have taken part in young breeder events.
“It is so important to get off your own farm and see what other people are breeding and doing. It is time off, but it is also personal development; you are learning all the time when you are talking to other farmers.”
Having had some hard years working all hours when the girls were
James Waterhouse has a herd of 350 cows, including 40 pedigree Ayrshires.
younger, the family says moving over to a New Zealand style paddock system and a tight nine-week spring block calving has revolutionised their worklife balance.
They have 350 cows, comprising 40 pedigree Ayrshires, the remainder being Jersey cross Friesian and 170 youngstock.
The entire farm is grassland, made up of the original owned 101 hectares (250 acres) and a further 101ha (250 acres) rented.
Before the move over to the New
PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE
Left to right: Mia, James, Anna and Nicola Waterhouse, who have always had Ayshires at Fourth Milestone Farm.
Great Yorkshire Show Preview Livestock
Zealand paddock system, the original home farm of 101ha (250 acres) was split half grass and half arable.
“We now dry everything off before Christmas which gives us and the staff some family time without any milking,” says Mr Waterhouse.
“Calving then starts around January 25 and it is quite intensive, with between eight and 10 cows calving a day. We try to be very hot on colostrum management, getting it warmed and into them within the first half-an-hour.”
World Ayrshire Federation Conference
■ The Great Yorkshire Show will be the only agricultural show visitors travelling to the UK for the World Ayrshire Federation Annual Conference 2024 will attend ■ Around 100 delegates from countries including Kenya, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and America will visit the show as part of an 18-day tour to see how UK farmers breed Ayrshire cattle and to share best practice
■ The delegates’ itinerary includes visiting 16 herds all over the country.
■ Judge Mary Creek, from Palmyra Ayrshires in the US, will cast her eye on the showring lineups and other conference highlights include the general meeting of the World Federation and Genetic Sale, which will include some of the best breeding from across the world.
Heifer calves are weighed at birth and four to five further times during their first year of life, giving a clearer picture of any that need a bit of extra intervention.
Another priority is getting the calves out on grass by the time they are 10-12 weeks.
“We want to create cows that eat grass rather than be trampling over it looking for the feed bucket,” says Mr Waterhouse.
“So to get them trained to grass eating, we get them turned out as soon as possible. They are offered a bit of hay and concentrate right at the beginning, but as soon as that first bit runs out, they are away and eating the grass. We find they are so much healthier out.”
Focused
Having protein-rich grass has cut the concentrate bill by a third and Mr Waterhouse credits farm manager Tom Coast-Brown for being ‘very grass focused’, measuring growth weekly with his plate meter and contributing the results to GrassCheckGB.
Mr Coast-Brown arrived at the farm in 2020, during the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and always makes sure to include clover and legumes into the grass sward mixes, which has helped in the battle against grazing loss at drought times – something which has been a worry over the years because of the light land.
Cows get turned out on February 5
One of the Ayshires the family will be showing at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Livestock Great Yorkshire Show Preview
and the system comprises 30, 3ha- to 4ha-sized (7.4- to 9.8-acre) paddocks fenced with mains electric. Every day they move to a fresh field, returning on a rotation of 21-30 days with 25ha (62 acres) making up this growing platform and other grassland supporting youngstock and silage making.
“We cut for silage when there is too much for the cows – when they would waste it – which has moved us away from traditional first and second cuts.”
The family are not the only ones to have benefited from the switch to the New Zealand system, as they say the cows are also happier and healthier.
Paddock latch
Examples of this are a paddock latch with a timer system which means 90% of the cows are waiting in the yard for milking to start at 6am.
They go through the Waikato herringbone parlour, with 30 units on each side, making 60 cow places, with a simple swing-over mechanism.
Milk is sold to Arla, with an average of 5,000 litres per cow at 4.6% butterfat and 3.4% protein.
Afternoon milking takes place be-
tween 3pm and 5pm, a finish time which they say has made an enormous difference to family life.
Flow-through
“It is a very straightforward system which promotes a calm atmosphere among the cows and the flow-through is brilliant. We are happy with it and they are happy to be milked. We do not keep pushing them for more – milking for two hours and then switching it off.
“We made a conscious decision not to be tied to a robot and, as far as the cows are concerned, it is not an unpleasant experience.
“We are all about low cow stress, low input and low output. We thankfully have very low levels of lameness or mastitis and our vet practice tells us we have the lowest drug requirements of any of their dairy clients.”
The herd’s good feet can also be put down to a big push over the last four years to get a good track system in place. Some concrete sleepers have been laid but the gamechanger has been what has been laid on top.
For the price of the haulage, Mr Waterhouse laid his hands on artificial
a
grass straight from a sports field, still with the white marker lines on.
Having Mr Coast-Brown as farm manager, with his special interest being the grass, has paid dividends for Mr Waterhouse who really enjoys cow management and has been able to concentrate on fertility, making sure the cows are getting back in-calf.
He is using some sexed dairy semen now, having previously been wary, and is enjoying breeding dairy heifers out of his best cows.
He has tried Wagyu, but leans towards Herefords and British Blues for the beef-bred calves as they have a shorter gestation and can be sold quicker.
“You have to keep a Wagyu calf at least two weeks longer,” he says.
The dairy bull and beef calves are sold on to a Yorkshire-based buyer at between 10 days to three weeks.
In May, 60 members of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) were hosted by the Waterhouses for the county dairy judging competition.
Ayrshire Cattle Society will take place in 2026-27.
He says: “It is a huge honour. I am the first family member to hold the position and only the third person from Yorkshire.”
Mr Waterhouse is the third generation of his family to breed Ayrshires. His grandmother came from a dairy farm at Holmfirth and they had a milk round, while his grandad’s family were butchers.
First
“My grandparents got their first Ayrshire in 1947 or 1948 and we always smile to think they must have been about the first people in Yorkshire to have a vending machine – they had them in York for people to fill up their containers from.”
While there are now fewer Ayrshires on Fourth Milestone Farm –back in 2011 before the major change of policy there were 100 being milked all year round – the Waterhouse family say they will always have a place.
“They are part of who we are,” says Mrs Waterhouse.
The farm is run on a New Zealand paddock system comprising 30 three- to four-hectare-sized (7.4- to 9.8-acre) paddocks.
They always try to support the YFC movement and Mr Waterhouse says the stockjudging skills he learned while a member have helped him as he has gone on to become a highly regarded judge of Ayrshires in his own right.
His term as president of the
“The breed has given our family so much – so much friendship and fun and we would not be without them.
“Whatever changes come and go, Ayrshires will always have a place here on the farm and in our hearts.”
Good foot health is helped by having a good track system, including artificial turf reused from a sports field.
James Waterhouse and farm manager Tom CoastBrown check the growth of grass in a silage field.
The cows are milked in
Waikato herringbone parlour and are giving 5,000 litres per cow.
Llion and Tan enjoy their first run out
● Trial founded to encourage beginners
LLION Harries took his bitch Tan for their first competition at the stake last weekend, at Helen Simpson’s Brondai Farm Novice Trial.
Tan, a seven-year-old red bitch, was acquired following the death of her owner, avid triallist Jenny Holdsworthy, earlier this year. Llion, nine, placed second in the young hand-
English results
MID SHIRES (Judge, Iwan Rees) 1, Sean Mynard, Skye, 83 out of 100; 2, Rupert Cure, Non, 82; 3, Maggie Mcclure, Smith, 80; 4, Vincent Beech, Gypsy, 79; 5, Bob Powell, Blake, 78; 6, Val Powell, Bet, 77. Novice (Iwan Rees) 1, Richard Curtis, Ru, 72. DEVON AND EXMOOR (Roderick Hayes, 61 ran) 1, Tracy Carter, Copper, 65T; 2, David Kennard, Bec, 64T; 3, Tracy Carter, Brew, 62T. NORBER (John Palmer, 54 ran) 1, Jim Scriven, Kym, 91; 2, Denis Purdham, Tag, 88; 3, John Harrison, Meg,
Trials diary WALES
June 29. SARN, Open trial only, LL53 8RG, 9am start, 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. July 6. LLANFAIR CAEREINION, Hendre, Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomeryshire, Powys, SY21 0HY, pre-entry to North Wales Sheepdog Society, tel: 07880 238 721.
ENGLAND
June 27 to 30. SHABFEST 2024, six qualifying trials over three days, final for the top 25 dogs on Sunday.
ler class and fifth in the beginners’ class under judge, Heddwyn Thomas. Llion, whose passion is usually showing his Black Welsh Mountain sheep, explained he decided to take up trialling because it was ‘actually easier than showing sheep’. The trial was held near Carreg Cennen Castle. The first trial to be held there, it was organised for the beginner handlers Helen trains and to raise money for the Air Ambulance, which got £156 from entries and catering donations.
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. BROOMHEAD, Open trial, 8.30am start, entries taken on the field. 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. July 6 and 7. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Pittsworthy Farm, Thorndon Cross, Okehampton, EX20 4NG. what3words – sunflower.circus.resting, field entry, contact T. Rolf, tel: 07811 958 001 or tonyrofe@hotmail.co.uk.
Shearer, Cap, 86; 3, Michael Shearer, Rob, 85; 4, Ian Sutherland, Cap, 82; 5, Michael Shearer, Merc, 81; 6, Vicky Shearer, Misty, 74.
ROBIN LAURIE, 1, A. Mundell, Rob, 93; 2, D. McMullan, Eve, 92; 3, S. McCulloch, Sam, 91; 4, S. Morgan, Moss, 87; 5, D. Robertson, Moss, 87 OLF; 6, S. Morgan, Queen, 85.
Welsh results
BRONDAI (Heddwyn Thomas) novice, 1, Matt Hooper, Doug 9; 2, Stu George, Lola, 15; 3, Bettina Laemmle,
July 7. NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE, Whitfield, Hexham, NE47 8HR, pre-entry for first 60 dogs, £5, contact Bevis Jordan, tel: 07714 469 981. ROMNEY MARSH, Westwell, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4NH, pre-entry, contact Liz Lauder, romneymarsh123@gmail.com.
SCOTLAND
June 28. KILDONAN, Open trial, Home Farm, Brodick, Arran, contact 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
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to sponsor the Working Dogs pages in Farmers Guardian for 2024. Wishing all triallists the very best of luck.”
Christopher Ware Managing director
at Gilbertson & Page, manufacturer of Dr. John’s foods for dogs.
Floss, 16; 4, Selena Short, Puffin, 21; 5, Alice Potter, Tom, 22; 6, Andrew Green, Midge, 24. Beginners, 1, Selena Short, Puffin, 29; 2, Emyr Jones, Sue, 34; 3, Hilary Lewis, Betsy, 37; 4, Paul Pugh, Moss, 40; 5, Llion H. Harries, Tan, 52; 6, Steve James, Jam, 55. Young Handler, 1, Sion Davies, Aeron Moss, 50; 2, Llion H. Harries, Tan, 52. GLYNLLIFON,
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. July 6. BUCHANAN, Creityhall Farm, Buchanan, Drymen, G63 0AD, Scotland. Field entry, first 60 entered and paid dogs, £7 per entry. DURNESS, Keoldale Farm, Durness, Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4QF, pre-entry, £10 per dog, contact Mary Mackay, tel: 01971 511 255.
1, Medwyn L. Evans (Dolgellau), Glen, 7; 2, T. Emrys Jones (Y Bermo), Fly, 10; 3. David Williams (Abermule), Taff, 20.
Llion Harries and Tan, second in the young handler class at Brondai Farm.
PICTURE: MICHELLE THOMAS
Results
Beef
Inter-breed (Judge, P. Watson, Aberdeenshire) Supreme, R. and A. Simmers, Annick Ginger’s Lucia (Simmental); reserve, J. and J.F. Nimmo, Maraiscote Tangerine (Limousin).
Inter-breed junior (R. Mcnee, Dundee) Sup., Delfur Farms, Delfur Nifty (Simmental); res., J. Irvine and Son, Inverlochy United (Charolais).
Team of four (P. Watson) Sup., R. and J. Graham, Garrowby Tarzan, J. and J.F. Nimmo, Maraiscote Tangerine, R. and J. Graham, Ritchie’s Treasure, R. and J. Graham, Grahams Ruth (Limousin); res., R. and A. Simmers, Annick Ginger’s Lucia, Delfur Farms, Delfur
Number1 22, Delfur Farms, Delfur Nifty, R. and A. Simmers, Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (Simmental). Native inter-breed team of three (D. Wylie, Staffordshire) Sup., H. Corrigall, Magaida 4th of Earn, Highland Cattle Services, Claggorm 62nd of Glengarnock, D. and C. Logan, Cameron of Sguir Mhor (Highland); res., N. Hynd, Westbroad Bramble Tina, D. and M. Wyllie, Burllie Tilly, T.A. Jackson, Headlind Solider (Beef Shorthorn).
Beef pairs (I. Millar, Stirlingshire) Sup. N.A. Wattie, Tonley Fiona Y937, T. Slater, Oakmoor Boss Y637 (Aberdeen-Angus); res., Delfur Farms, Delfur Number1 22, Delfur Farms, Delfur Nifty (Simmental). Beef Shorthorn (N.A. Millar, Stow) Sup. and fem., T. Mcmillan, Eskechraggan Fairy Sara; res. and male,
There was a record attendance of more than 220,000 visitors at this year’s Royal Highland Show with a packed ringside for the livestock sections. Angela Calvert and Katie Fallon report.
Simmental scoops beef supreme title
l Limousin takes reserve inter-breed
IT was the Simmental champion, Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, which claimed the overall beef inter-breed title.
Bought from the Annick dispersal sale in 2022 for 16,000gns, the cow was shown with its November-born bull calf at foot, Backmuir Pompeii 23, by the home-bred stockbull Backmuir Marksman 21.
It was the second consecutive breed championship win for the February 2020-born, Wolfstar Gold Digger
T.A. Jackson, Headlind Stockman; res. fem., D. and M. Wyllie, Burllie Tilly; res. male, S.G. Mair and Sons, Muiresk Turra.
Aberdeen-Angus (J. Elliot, Kelso) Sup. and fem., N. Wattie, Tonley Fiona Y937; res. and male, T. Slater; res. fem., M. Alford, Gretnahouse Evas Honey Z499; res. male, Balavilhouse Aberdeen-Angus, Balavilhouse Galahad Z991. Galloway (J. Wallace, Castle Douglas) Sup. and fem., J. and A. Finlay, Blackcraig Blondchen D1314; res. and res. fem., J. and S. Ross, Kirkstead Lea G11; male, J. and S. Ross, Gage of Romesbeoch. Belted Galloway (C. Montgomery, Cumnock) Sup. and fem., D. and K. Keiley, Hunfield Yvette; res. and res. fem., S. Mitchell, Grassknop Jemima; male, A. and
daughter, and the Simmer family’s third consecutive breed championship win at the show.
Judge Peter Watson, Aberdeenshire, former chair of Aberdeen and Northern Marts, said his champion was ‘a superb, big and powerful cow’, ‘a good advert for the breed’ and ‘an easy first winner’.
Taking home the reserve sash was the Limousin champion, Maraiscote Tangerine, a two-year-old heifer from Ian Nimmo, Wishaw.
Brought out by Sophie Harvey, the Morhan Peter daughter was breed champion at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show and reserve breed and junior
S. Campbell, Rowater Einstein; res. male, J. Cowie, Copelaw Zac. Highland (S. Campbell, Argyll) Sup. and fem., Highland Cattle Services, Claggorm 62nd of Glengarnock; res. and male, D. and C. Logan, Cameron of Sguir Mhor; res. fem., H. Corrigall, Magaida 4th of Earn; res. male., A. Polson, Innes 1st of Glenfinnan. Hereford (G. Harvey, Glasgow) Sup. and fem., S.C. and G.L. Hartwright, Spartan 1 Victorias Secret; res. and male, B.G. Hutchinson, Dendor 1 Vodka; res. fem., E. Hodge, RM 1 Lily; res. male, J.M. Cant and Partners, Panmure 1 Admiral. Lincoln Red (S. Donaldson, Carlisle) Sup. and male, R.I. Clough and Son, Beverley Benjamin; res. and fem., R.I. Clough and Son, Beverley Mary C21; res. male., A.
Inter-breed beef and Simmental champion, Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith.
Reserve inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Maraiscote Tangerine, from Ian Nimmo, Wishaw.
Commercial champion, Limousin cross heifer Electra, from Stewart and Lynsey Bett, Stirlingshire.
Charolais champion, Grinshill Tallulah, from Drew Coppinger and Nairn Wyllie, Derbyshire.
inter-breed champion at last year’s Royal Highland Show. Its dam Maraiscote Orange’s bloodlines go back to the 50,000gns Bassingfield Machoman.
In the junior inter-breed judging it was the junior Simmental champion, Delfur Nifty, from Delfur Farms, Moray, which came out on top.
The November 2022-born heifer by the 9,000gns Ballymoney Larry and out of Delfur Joyful was inter-breed champion at LiveScot last year and breed champion at Agri-Expo.
Brought out by farm manager Gary Patterson, the heifer will be exhibited on the local show circuit this summer.
It was the junior Charolais champion Inverlochy United, from Raymond and John Irvine, Tomintoul, which stood reserve.
By Caylers Napoleon which has bred bulls to an average of 10,000gns, it was the first time out for the 13-month-old bull which will be heading to Stirling bull sales in October.
Mr Irvine previously won the junior inter-breed championship 20 years ago with Inverlochy Passport.
The Aberdeen-Angus champion Tonley Fiona Y937, from Neil and Mark Wattie, Aberdeenshire, was one of four champions to feature in the judge’s final line up.
The March 2022-born home-bred heifer was reserve female champion at the Aberdeen-Angus National Show at Turriff Show last year, and champion at last year’s Agri-Expo and Thainstone’s Black Beauty Bonanza.
By Tonley Jester Eric S318 which has bred bulls to 24,000gns, the in-calf
Myluis and Partners, St Fort Atlas Junior; res. fem., A. Myluis and Partners, St Fort Hannah B248. British Charolais (N. Barclay, Aberdeenshire) Sup. and fem., N. Wyllie and D. Coppinger, Grinshill Tallulah; res. and res. fem., K. Malone, Lochend Rolo; male, A.J.R. Farms, Newlogie Perejacquemin; res. male, J. Irvine and Son, Inverlochy United. British Simmental (M. Durno, Banffshire) Sup. and fem., R. and A. Simmers, Annick Ginger’s Lucia; res. and res. fem., W.J. and J. Green, Corskie Namenco; male, J. and E. Dyet, Annick Nazareth; res. male, W.J. and J. Green, Corskie Puma 23. British Limousin (S. Priestley, Brampton) Sup. and fem., J. and J.F. Nimmo, Maraiscote Tangerine; res. and male, R. and J. Graham, Garrowby Tarsan; res. fem.,
heifer resides with the Wattie family’s herd of 120 pedigree Aberdeen-Angus and marks the first championship win for the family who have shown at RHS for the last 10 years.
Another in the judge’s final line-up was the Charolais champion Grinshill Tallulah, a two-year-old heifer from the partnership of Drew Coppinger and Nairn Wyllie, Derbyshire.
By the 70,000gns AI sire Barnsford Ferny, and out of Maerdy Bardy, it was only the second outing for the heifer which claimed the breed championship at Shropshire Show earlier this year.
Commercial
The commercial champion from Stewart and Lynsey Bett, Stirlingshire, was an April 2023-born Limousin cross heifer named Electra.
Bought from Balfour Baillie, Orkney, at the Thainstone Spectacular show and sale in August last year, the Ronick Redhot daughter was placed first in its class at Agri-Expo, second at Stirling’s Stars of the Future, and reserve overall champion at Beef Expo in April.
Supreme in the British Blue section was female champion Pendle Sarsaparilla, from Mark, Elaine, Issy and Thomas Hartley, Lancashire.
The home-bred heifer by the Belgian AI bull, Jalon De Martinpre, resides with the family’s herd of 10 pedigree British Blue cows and is heading to the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) next.
It marked the first championship win for the family, seven years since they last exhibited at the show.
Topping the Highland section was
W.J. and M. Mash, Brockhurst Tranquility; res. male, A.W. Jenkinson Farms, Whinfellpark Upperclass. British Blue (P. Walker, Leicester) Sup. and fem., A.M. and E. Hartley, Pendle Sarsaparilla; res. and res. fem., K. Watret, Solway View Tamsin; male, K. Watret, Solway View Tenley; res. male, K. Watret, Solway View Tate. Salers (C. Mcclymont, Newton Stewart) Sup. and fem., G. Pye, Rednock Oriana; res. and male, G. Pye, Rednock Tarzan Poll; res. fem., G. Pye, Rednock Andrea; res. male, C. Atkinson, Traboyack Rooney. Commercial (H. Brown, Peterhead) Sup. and fem., S. and L. Bett, Electra; res. and male, Brewdog; res. fem., W. Peters, CC Cindy; res. male, Hawhill Livestock, Baby Guinness.
Royal Highland Shows
Claggorm 62 of Glengarnock, from the Macgillivray family, Argyll. The threeyear-old was bought for 8,000gns from Andrew Kirkpatrick, Glengarnock, at Oban in February this year.
By Iain Ruadh of Glenkinglass, it forms part of the family’s herd of 16 Highland cattle and marked their first championship win at the show.
Champion Galloway from John, Ann and Ian Finlay, Kirkcudbrightshire, was Blackcraig Blondchen D1314.
By Nucamp Of Balgray which has bred bulls to 7,000gns and heifers to 7,500gns, it marks the 12th championship win for the Finlay family.
The Belted Galloway champion was Hunfield Yvette, from the Keiley family, Dumfries and Galloway.
Brought out by sisters Mollie, 17, and Daisy, 15, and shown with its 10-month-old heifer calf at foot, Croft Elsie, the champion was purchased three years ago as a calf at foot and was inter-breed champion at Stranraer Show last year. It heads to the GYS next.
Simon and Gemma Hartwright, Oxfordshire, took home the sash in the Hereford section with Spartan 1 Victorias Secret, shown with its four-monthold bull calf at foot, Spartan Beckham.
By Solpoll 1 Perfection which was UK Hereford sire of the year for the
last two years and bred the Hereford bull of Europe, the champion was reserve overall and female champion at last year’s RHS and is paternal brother to the breed champion in 2022.
Beef Shorthorn
The Beef Shorthorn champion was the female champion Eskechraggan Fairy Sara, an in-calf heifer from father and son team Tom and Tom Mcmillan, Isle of Bute.
Shown in-calf to Cherryvalley Tyson Fury, which the family imported from Ireland last September, the heifer was overall beef champion at Bute Show last year, breed champion at East Fife and reserve inter-breed at Stirling Show earlier this year.
It marked the family’s second championship win at the show, and first with a home-bred animal since they began showing in 2019.
It was the Highland team which won the native inter-breed championship with a team of three including, Magaida 4 of Earn, a March 2017-born cow from Heather Corrigall, Easter Ross, breed champion, Claggorm 62 of Glengarnock from the Macgillivray family and reserve breed champion Cameron of Sguir Mhor, from D. and C. Logan, Clackmannan.
Highland champion, Claggorm 62 of Glengarnock, from the Macgillivray family, Argyll.
Aberdeen-Angus champion, Tonley Fiona Y937, from Neil and Mark Wattie, Aberdeenshire.
Belted Galloway champion, Hunfield Yvette, from the Keiley family, Dumfries and Galloway.
l Kerry Hill classes held at show for the first time
IT was a dream come true for Jamie Pirie, Stirling, when his home-bred one-crop Bluefaced Leicester crossing-type ewe from his Blarnavaid flock, was tapped out as inter-breed sheep champion by judge Jimmy Warnock, Lanarkshire.
By a home-bred ram which was sold for £12,000 but with Mr Pirie retaining a share, out of a Dawyck dam, the champion had been second at the show last year and was champion and reserve inter-breed at Gargunniock Show this year.
Mr Warnock said his priority when choosing the champion was a sheep which was good on its legs and was full of breed character and really stood out and ‘talked’ to him, which his winner did.
In reserve was the Charollais champion, a one-crop ewe by Boyo Vancouver from the Ingram family, Inverurie, which was being shown for the first time and will head to the Royal Welsh Show next.
Second reserve went to Keith, Roy and Allan Campbell, Argyll, who were winning the Texel breed championship for the first time with a two-crop ewe by Hexel Django out of a Teiglum Charmer-sired ewe from their Cowal flock. It had been reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire and reserve interbreed champion at the Royal Welsh as a gimmer and will next head to the Texel National Show.
Also making the final line-up was the Blackface champion, a home-bred shearling gimmer by a £30,000 Elmcleugh ram from W. Ramsay and Sons, Milnmark flock, Castle Douglas.
Inter-breed sheep and Bluefaced Leicester crossing champion, a ewe from Jamie Pirie, Stirling.
Reserve interbreed sheep and Charollais champion, a one-crop ewe from the Ingram family, Inverurie.
An impressive line-up of 27 breeds was in the inter-breed sheep championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Sheep supreme won by crossing type Bluefaced Leicester
Another pulled forward was the Suffolk champion from Myfyr Evans, Denbigh, who was at the show for the first time in 14 years. This was a homebred shearling gimmer by Dunfell Dynamite from his Rhaeadr flock, which was being shown for the first time. Its full-sister sold for a ewe lamb breed record of 28,000gns at Carlisle last year.
Another in the final eight was the Cheviot champion, two-shear ram Tweedshaw Rocket by Castle Hercules, from David and Norman Douglas’ Catslackburn flock, Selkirk, which had been bought for £12,000 at Lockerbie.
Kerry Hill classes were held at the show for the first time and the champion, Whitfield Double Diamond, a home-bred shearling gimmer from Chris Adamson, Littleborough, which had been at winner at the breed’s national show at Staffordshire Show, was also in the final line-up.
Also there, was the Blue Texel
Texel champion, a two-crop ewe from Keith, Roy and Allan Campbell, Argyll.
champion from Stephanie Dick, Stirling, Stephick Her Majesty, a shearling gimmer by Cainrock Ferrari which had been champion at the Scottish national show at Stirling.
The Beltex champion was a homebred shearling gimmer by Gyffin Dexter out of a home-bred ewe from Andrew Morton, Denny.
Swaledale
Claiming the Swaledale championship for Wayne Hutchinson, Hawes, was a Brigg-bred three-crop ewe from his Coach House flock, which had been breed champion at the show two years ago. By a £9,000 Spittal Hutchinson ram, its dam was also champion at the show in 2009 and 2010.
Alan MyClymont, Yarrow, won the traditional Bluefaced Leicester championship for the fifth time with a ram bought for £23,000 at Carlisle.
David and Becca Henderson, Stone-
haven, who plan to disperse their Bardspark Lleyn flock later this year, took the breed championship with a home-bred shearling ram by a Fort ram bought at Carlisle.
The journey from Cornwall was worthwhile for Adrian and Richard Rundle, Newquay, when they claimed the Hampshire Down championship with their home-bred ram lamb, Treworthal Maximus, which had also been breed champion at Royal Cornwall Show.
The Dutch Spotted championship for the third year in a row went to Ali Jackson, Annan, with Tiptop Encor, a one-crop ewe which was inter-breed champion at Cumberland Show earlier this year and a winner at the Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh last season.
A home-bred shearling gimmer by Benger Dambuster gave George Irving, Yarrow, a first North Country Cheviot hill championship.
Blackface champion, a home-bred shearling gimmer from W. Ramsay and Sons, Castle Douglas.
Results
Sheep
Inter-breed (Judge, J. Warnock, Lanarkshire) Supreme, J. Pirie (Bluefaced Leicester crossing type); reserve, W. and C. Ingram (Charollais).
Blackface (J. Murray, Muirkirk) Sup. and fem. and res. and male, W. Ramsay and Sons; res. fem., J. Graham; res. male, J. Wight and Sons. Suffolk (A. Gault, Newtonabbey) Sup. and fem. M. Evans; res. and male, S. Lathangie; res. fem., D. and M. Mcmillan; res. male, W. and C. Ingram. North Country Cheviot (M. Williams, Isle of Anglesey) Sup. and fem., J. Runciman and Son; res. and male, Philiphaugh Estate; res. fem., W. and J. Thomson; res. male, Bardnaclaven Farm. North Country Cheviot – Hill (W. Thomson, Kelso) Sup. and fem. G. Irving; res. and male, W. Douglas; res. fem., W.D. Allen; res. male, D.I. Rock Farming. Lleyn (B. Vaughan, Pembrokshire) Sup. and male and fem., D. and B. Henderson; res. and res. male, T. and I. Walling; res. fem., C. and C. Crawford. Ryeland (J. Morgan, Powys) Sup. and fem., A. Burton; res. and male, J. and D. Williams Dickinson; res. fem., A. and D. Mitchell; res. male, Haws Hill. Commercial (G. Ross, Fraserburgh) Sup., A. Baillie; res., R. Bryce. Border Leicester (C. Geelan, Eire) Sup. and fem. and male, D. Whyte; res. and res. fem., S. Watson; res. male, T. Tennant. British Berrichon (P. James, Ditton Priors) Sup. and male and fem., F. Barbour; res. and res. male and res. fem., E. Burgess.
Jacob (N. Fletcher, Co Wicklow) Sup. and male and fem., Connor and Dalrymple; res. and res. male and res. fem., B. Webster.
Cheviot (S. Anderson, Hawick) Sup. and male, W. Douglas; res. and fem., G. and S. Donald; res. male, J. Common; res. fem., A. Warden.
Dutch Spotted (L. Campbell, Ballymena) Sup. and fem., A. Jackson; res. and male, T. Jackson; res. fem., Wilson and Arp; res. male, N. Brown. Texel (J. Draper, Shrewsbury) Sup. and fem., K., A. and R. Campbell; res. and male and res. fem., J. Innes and Son; res. male, S. Hunter. Hampshire Down (A. Halcrow, Kettering) Sup. and male and fem., R.A. Rundle; res. and male, J.R.
Roderick Runciman and family, Galashiels, took the North Country Cheviot championship with a homebred shearling gimmer from their Allanshaws flock, by an Irish ram, Glebe Farm Class Act bought privately from Alfie Shaw.
Blue du Maine
The Blue du Maine champion was Dunelm Written, a one-crop ewe by
Kerry Hill champion, Whitfield Double Diamond, a home-bred shearling gimmer from Chris Adamson, Littleborough.
McFarlane and L. Rennie; res. fem., E. Jones.
Swaledale (J. Stephenson, Barnard Castle) Sup. and fem., W. Hutchinson; res. and male, W. and A.W. Watson; res. fem., J.E. and D.J. Hutchinson; res. male, D.C. and K.L. Hutchinson.
Bluefaced Leicester – traditional type (S. Thomason, Barrow in Furness) Sup. and male, res. male and res. fem., R.A. McClymont and Son; res. and fem., S. Harding.
Bluefaced Leciester – crossing type (J. Bell, Lanark) Sup. and fem., J. Pirie; res. and res. fem., M.R. Thornborrow; male, J. Wight and Sons; res. male, W. Lockhart. Charollais (G. Foster, Co Tyrone) Sup. and fem., res. and res. fem., male and res. male, W. and C. Ingram. Hebridean (D. Braithwaite, Newcastleton) Sup. and fem., S. Cuthbert; res. and male, C.I. Tyson; res. fem., D. Cassie; res. male, V. Mason. North of England Mules (J. Smith-Jackson, Haltwhistle) Sup., J. Robinson; res., J.Ackerley. Beltex (W. Evans, Anglesey) Sup. and fem., A. Morton; res., S. Wood; res. fem., L. Swinnerton; res. male, A. Miller. British Rouge (G. Knox, Co Antrim) Sup. and fem. and male, J.E. Teasdale; res. and res. fem., R.A. Rundle; res. male, A.J. Carter.
Bleu du Maine (S. Norman, Somerset) Sup. and fem. and res. male, D. McDermid; res. and res. fem., C. Cruden; male, N. Miller.
Zwartbles (A. Lloyd, Conwy) Sup. and fem. and res. male, A. Baird; res. and male, B. Gibson; res. fem., N.R. and S. Henderson.
Scotch Mule (J. Sinclair, Midlothian) Sup., M.W. and C.M. Ridley; res., M. Ross.
Shetland (B. Watson, Carlisle) Sup. and male and res. male, K. Sharp; res. and fem., R. Carnegie; res. fem., D. Alcorn and G. Ingram.
Blue Texel (F. Baird, Tetbury) Sup. and fem., S. Dick; res. and male, Bimbister Partnership; res. fem., S. Wood; res. male, J. and L. Cousar.
Valais Blacknose (J. Walters, Devon) Sup. and male, Prendwick Farm; res. and fem., R. Taylor; res. male, R. Irvine and J. McAllister; res. fem., Hardens View. Kerry Hill (W. Evans, Pembrokeshire) Sup. and fem., C. Adamson; res. and male and res. fem., A.M. Burgess; res. male, R. Stott.
Inveresk Robbo from Kerrie McDermid, New Cumnock, which was being shown for the first time.
Duncan Whyte, Glasgow, took the Border Leicester championship for the first time with a home-bred shearling gimmer by Gortnagross Rocket from his Mearns flock.
The Zwartbles champion was Greystone Laurel, a home-bred shearling gimmer by Greystone Hero from Ally
Suffolk champion, a home-bred shearling gimmer from Myfyr Evans, Denbigh.
Royal Highland Shows
Blue Texel champion, Stephick Her Majesty, a shearling gimmer from Stephanie Dick, Stirling.
Baird, Dunblane, which had previously been breed champion at Drummond and Stirling and reserve inter-breed at West Fife shows.
Ian Teasdale, Yorkshire, took the Rouge breed title with a home-bred one-crop ewe by Fairyglen Picasso which was female champion last year and breed champion at the Great Yorkshire Show.
The Jacob champion from Connor
and Dalrymple, Linlithgow, was a aged ram, Luruha Randan by Harbell Lincoln which was bought at Skipton as a ram lamb and had been breed champion at the show last year.
Jamie Wood, Alnick, took the Valais Blacknose championship with Prendwick Killian, a homebred shearling ram by Yew Tree Bertie which was being shown for the first time.
Cheviot champion, two-shear ram Tweedshaw Rocket from David and Norman Douglas, Selkirk.
Judging underway in the sheep ring.
British Red and White champion, Arranview Rubels Tabitha Red, from the Lawrie family, Ayrshire.
Dairy Shorthorn champion, Irthingelt Wildeyes 10, from Thomas, Stephen and Mark Moscrop, Carlisle.
Results Dairy
Inter-breed (Judge, D. Hastings, Nantwich) Supreme, Blyth Farms and Ferme Blondin, Mag Pandor (Holstein); reserve, B. and M. Yates, Logan Chrone Caribbean (Jersey); Sup. junior, T.A. and M.L. Jackson and Daughters, Guillyhill Webcam Daisy (Jersey); res. junior, I. Smith and Sons and Boclair Holsteins, Boclair Lambda Hope of 18 (Holstein). British Red and White (J. Steel, Glasgow) Sup., G. Lawrie, Arranview Rubels Tabitha Red; res., B. and M. Yates, Logan Latenite Shania Red.
Holstein leads in dairy rings
l Jerseys reserve in supreme and junior titles
IT was Holstein champion, Mag Pandor from Colin Laird and family, of Blythbridge Holsteins, Peeblesshire, in partnership with Ferme Blondin, Canada, which was crowned champion of the dairy rings and presented with the Queen’s Cup.
Brought out by Izzy Laird, the third calver by Walnutlawn Sidekick and out of Mag Nacoby has resided with the Laird family’s 500-cow herd for the last 18 months after it was bought privately from France.
Shown giving 60 litres daily and last calved in February, the champion was also placed supreme champion at the UK Borderway Dairy Expo in March, reserve dairy inter-breed champion at last year’s Royal Highland Show and placed first in its class at Agriscot and UK Dairy Day last year. It marked the Laird family’s 10th dairy championship win at the Royal Highland Show.
Judge David Hastings, Cheshire, said there was something special about his champion, which had a ‘strong top and beautiful udder’. He added: “That is my type of cow, I have always tried to breed cows like that.”
was the Holstein reserve champion Boclair Lambda Hope 18, from the partnership of David Brewster, Glasgow and Greentower Farms, Lanark. The VG87 first calver was shown giving 40 litres daily, having last calved in February.
Topping the British Red and White section was the Lawrie family, Ayrshire, with Arranview Rubels Tabitha Red. The second calver which was breed champion at this year’s Ayr Show, was classified VG86 as a two-year-old and was shown giving 60 litres daily.
Reserve and junior
Standing reserve and junior British Red and White champion was Logan Latenite Shania Red, another from Mr and Mrs Yates. The VG87 first calver by Avant Garde-I-Latenite was first in its class at UK Borderway Dairy Expo in March and will be heading to UK Dairy Day next.
Cuthill Towers Religious Bunty from the Lawrie family, Kinross, was tapped out as this year’s Ayrshire champion. It was the first outing of the year for the third calver which also placed breed champion last year. Residing with the family’s 280-head Ayrshire herd, it was shown giving 60 litres daily and classified EX92.
Ayrshire (I. Thomas, Carmarthenshire) Sup., A. and S. Lawrie, Cuthill Towers Religious Bunty; res., J. Adamson and Son, Swaites Bracken 19. Holstein (D. Booth, Lancashire) Sup., Blyth Farms and Ferme Blondin, Mag Pandor; res., I. Smith and Sons and Boclair Holsteins, Boclair Lambda Hope of 18. Jersey (J. Steel) Sup., B. and M. Yates, Logan Chrome Caribbean; res., T.A. and M.L. Jackson and Daughters, Guillyhill Webcam Daisy. Dairy Shorthorn (M.G. Kite, Stafford) Sup., T. Moscrop, Irthingelt Wildeyes 10; res., A. Lawson, Lisnamulligan Royal Kathleen 2.
Reserve inter-breed dairy was the Jersey champion, Logan Chrome Caribbean from Brian and Michael Yates, of Logan Holsteins, Castle Douglas. The VG89 second calver was shown giving 37 litres daily having last calved in March. One of 12 Jerseys owned by the Yates family, it was also breed champion at Ayr Show earlier this year.
Inter-breed junior champion was the Jersey reserve champion Guillyhill Webcam Daisy, from the Jackson family, Dumfries. Brought out by Katie Jackson, it was the first time out for the January 2022-born home-bred heifer in-milk, which was shown giving 30 litres daily.
Standing reserve junior inter-breed
Reserve Ayrshire was Swaites Bracken 19, a fifth calver from John Adamson and Son, Lanark. Having also claimed the reserve Ayrshire championship last year, the cow last calved in March and was shown giving 65 litres daily.
Irthingelt Wildeyes 10, from Thomas, Stephen and Mark Moscrop, Carlisle, stood champion in the Dairy Shorthorn ring. Only its first time out, the VG88 second calver was shown giving 28 litres daily. It marked the second championship win at the show for the Moscrop family.
Reserve was Lisnamulligan Royal Kathleen 2, an EX93 fourth calver from Adam Lawson, Fife, shown six weeks fresh and giving 40 litres daily.
Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Mag Pandor, from the Laird family, Peeblesshire and Ferme Blondin, Canada.
Reserve inter-breed dairy and Jersey champion, Logan Chrome Caribbean, from Brian and Michael Yates, Castle Douglas.
Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, Dalby Betty Boo, from Charles Sercombe and family, Melton Mowbray.
Reserve interbreed sheep and Southdown champion, a shearling ewe, from Gordon and Matthew Sparke, Stewkley, Buckinghamshire.
FOR the third year in a row the sheep inter-breed title at Lincolnshire Show went to Charles Sercombe and family, Melton Mowbray. This time with Dalby Betty Boo, a Charollais shearling ewe by Brettles Antonio which had been reserve breed champion at Nottinghamshire Show.
The granddaughter of the 12,500gns breed female record holder, Dalby Tutti Fruity, was also one half of the inter-breed winning pairs with the Sercombe’s ram, Brettles Brunel. They also took the interbreed team of three with Brunel, the aged ewe, Dalby Wanda and the ewe lamb, Dalby Clarissa.
The reserve inter-breed sheep title went to Gordon and Matthew Sparke, Stewkley, Buckinghamshire, with a Southdown shearling ewe by Northumbria Taranis from their Northumbria flock which had
Results
Beef
Inter-breed (Judge, M. Read, Ranby) Supreme and continental, D.S. Townend, Clifftown Naughty But Nice (British Blue); reserve and native, R.E. Clough and Son, Beverley Bestmate (Lincoln Red); res. native, H. Horrell, Podehole Tessa Radiance. Lincoln Red (I. McNee, Doncaster) Sup. and male, R.I. Clough and Son, Beverley Bestmate; res. and female, Iken Hall Farms, Yarn Hill Acora; res. male, Iken Hall Farms, Yarn Hill Cuthbert; res. fem., Williamsons Lincoln Reds, Coneygarth Nancy.
British Blue (J. Taylor, Belper) Sup. and fem., D.S. Townend, Clifftown Naughty But Nice; res. and male, M. Boocock, Edmonds Simba; res. fem., M. Boocock, Edmonds Sapphire. British Limousin (P. Kirton, Shropshire) Sup. and male, H.D., P.J. and B.P. Cranfield, Copylawn Rodger; res. and fem., S. and J.M. Scott, Wallingfen Opal; res. male, S. and J.M. Scott, Wallingfen Umpire; res. fem., A. Bishop, Bishket Unique. Any other continental breed (A. Powell) Sup. and fem., D. Thornley, Dooley Ursula (Charolais); res. and male, D. Thornley, Dooley Umpire; res. fem., Manor Lane Salers, Manor Lane Pandora (Salers). Aberdeen-Angus (A. Fenwick, Great Ayton) Sup. and fem., R. Mawer and E. Benge, Embrooke Priceless Y132; res. and male, D. and P.A. Evans, Tree Bridge Pattinson; res. fem., R. Mawer and E. Benge, Rulesmains Priceless V183. Beef Shorthorn (C. Fell, Rutland) Sup. and fem., H. Horell, Polehole Tessa Radiance; res. and male, Iken Hall Farms, Runleymill Reggie; res. fem., William Clarke Livestock, Meonside Secret Sushi; res. male, H. Horrel, Podehole Tradition. Hereford (P. Vincent, Diss) Sup. and male, Newtoncroft Farms, Newtoncroft 1 Aintree; res. and fem., S.A. and V.J. Elwess, Elwess Pendant. Longhorn (S. Gurton, Colchester) Sup. and fem., J.W. and P.A. Stanley, Blackbrook Grace; res. and
The sun shone in Lincolnshire, where there was a tremendous display of livestock on show. Angela Calvert reports.
Dalby Charollais claim third sheep inter-breed in a row
also been inter-breed champion at Hertfordshire County Show. It was also part of their reserve champion inter-breed pair, along with their aged ram.
In the dairy rings the supreme title went to the Jersey champion,
Any other native breed (C. Fell) Sup. and fem., D. Wardell, Ryedale May Katy (Belted Galloway). Commercial (K. Jackson, Pontefract) Sup. and fem., W.H. Ludgate, Storm; res. res. fem., W.H. Ludgate, Sweet Pea; male, D.M. Leedham, Rocky; res. male, J.K. Beckitt and Son, Tyson.
Dairy
Inter-breed (B. Tomlinson, Leicestershire) A. and M. Lee, Ham Kasandra (Jersey); res., J.M. and D. Shepherd and Sons, Meldamar Envious Celeste 28 (Holstein).
Holstein (E. Thomas, Carmarthenshire) J.M. and D. Shepherd and Sons, Meldamar Envious Celeste; res., R.V. Winter and Sons, Corringham Wavelength C Chessa. Jersey (J. Arrell, Shropshire) Sup., A. and M. Lee, Ham Kasandra; res., Ravenfield Jerseys, Ravenfield Susie 6. Dairy Shorthorn (G. James) Sup., I.R.G. Collins and Partners, Churchroyd Peggy 37; res., I.R.G. Collins, Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 66.
Sheep
Inter-breed (R. Robinson, Norfolk) C. Sercombe (Charollais); res. G. and M. Sparke (Southdown).
Lincoln Longwool (C. Jarvis and M. Coney, Lincolnshire) Sup. and male, D. Waite; res. and fem. H. and R. Fussey; res. male, R. Lawson; res. fem., K.M. Robinson.
Suffolk (J. Gent, Newark) Sup. and fem., male and res. male, K. Crossley; res. and res. fem., C. and L. Beck.
Texel (M. Turner, Leek) Sup. and fem., G. Riby and Son; res. and res. fem., R. Wright; male and res. male, P. Longdin.
Charollais (O. James, Shropshire) Sup. and fem., res. and male, res. fem. and res. male, C. Sercombe.
Beltex (K. Buckle, Kirkby Stephen) Sup. and
Ham Kasandra, a second calver by Hawarden Implus Premier out of Mortdale Irwin Kashmir from Anne and Mark Lee and family, Thirsk, and shown by Tamwen Cox. Classified VG87, it was bought in-calf at the German Masters sale in Ger-
fem. and res. and male, V. Bowring; res. fem., J. Barker; res. male, J. Riby.
Blue Texel (A. Bishop, Gloucestershire) Sup. and fem., V. Bowring; res. and res. fem., C. and L. Beck; male and res. male, J. Bett.
Any other continental breed (O. James) Sup. and fem. and res. male, J. Bett (Dutch Spotted); res. and male, W. Abram (Badger Face Texel); res. fem., C. Tester (Berrichon); male, W. Abram (Badger Face Texel). Southdown (L. Newman, Norfolk) Sup. and fem., res. and male and res. male, G. and M. Sparke; res. fem., S. Davies. Hampshire Down (M. Pink, Yorkshire) Sup. and fem., J. Bailey; res. and male and res. fem., T. Hunter; res. male, C. Lake.
Lleyn (C. Leckenby, Yorkshire) Sup. and male and res. male, N. Whitehead; res. and fem. and res. fem., A. Matravers.
Any other native or rare breed (P. Hodges, Bicester) Sup. and fem. O. Chapman (Cheviot); res. and male, J. Gray (Dorset Down); res. male and res. fem., C. Heaps (Kerry Hill).
Pigs
Inter-breed (A. Robinson, Foston) Sup., C. Hudson, Maerose Lorenz 200 (Landrace); res., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Bluebell 40 (Gloucester Old Spot).
Modern breed (T. Horsley, York) Sup. and fem., P. and D. Foster, Twindale Pauline 16 (Pietrain); res. male, S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Merry (Pietrain); res. fem., S. Roberts and J. Fairclough, Raisinhall Precious (Hampshire); res. male, C. Hudson, Maerose Lorenz 200 (Landrace). Traditional breeds (T. Horsley) Sup. and fem., C. Hudson, Maerose Excelsa 945 (Berkshire); res. and male, Bleusky Pedigree Pigs, Bleusky Orlando (Berkshire); res. fem., Broccwood herd, Broccwood Princess 14 (Large Black); res. male, Broccwood herd, Broccwood Walter (British Saddleback).
many in October and having calved in January, it is now producing 35kg daily and was being shown for the first time.
In reserve was the Holstein champion, Meldamar Envious Celeste 28, a fifth calver by Silveridge V Envious by Wisselview Wavelength from J.M. and D. Shepherd and Sons, who milk 460 Holsteins at Bakewell. Having calved in January and currently giving 55kg daily, it will next head to the Great Yorkshire Show.
The judge, Blaise Tomlinson, Leicestershire, said his champion was a real milk machine with a tremendous udder which moved ex-
● Dairy rings led by Jersey Ham Kassandra
tremely well on great legs and feet which just gave it the advantage over the Holstein.
There were Dairy Shorthorn classes at the show for the first time, with the championship going to Churchroyd Peggy 37, an in-milk heifer by Churchroyd Pure Class from I.R.G. Collins and Partners, Dewsbury.
Beef
For the second year running Dylan Townend, Malton, took the beef interbreed title. His champion was Clifftown Naughty But Nice, a 2018-born British Blue cow by Empire D’Ochain, which had also been breed champion at the show in 2022. Out of Clifftown Lady Luck, also a two-time Lincolnshire Show champion, it was shown with his second calf, a bull by Vigneron, and in-calf again.
Reserve inter-breed and native champion was Beverley Bestmate, a November 2022-born Lincoln Red bull by Beverley Wingman out of Beverley Gift W30 from R.I. Clough and Son, Spilsby, shown by stockman, Barry Holden, which had been champion at Woodhall Spa Show.
It was a successful week for the Cloughs who also won the Lincoln Red championship at the Royal High-
land Show with another bull, Beverley Benjamin.
The judge, Michael Read, Hemingby, said the champion was an exceptional long clean fleshed cow with great presence which is doing its calf really well and the reserve was an outstanding young bull.
Reserve native champion was Podehole Tessa Radiance, a threeyear-old Beef Shorthorn cow by Knockenjig Hercules from Harry Horrell, Peterborough.
The continental champion was the any other breed champion, Dooley Ursula, a March 2023-born Charolais heifer from David Thornley, Leicestershire.
Pigs
In the pig rings the inter-breed title went to Chris Hudson, Newark, with Maerose Lorenz 200, a January 2024born Landrace boar by Lyatts Lorenz out of Maerose Skyliner, which the judge, Andrew Robinson, Foston, said was a really well-grown boar which was a great example of the breed.
In reserve was Windmill Bluebell 40, a four-year-old Gloucester Old Spot sow by Foston Sambo from M.V. Hicks, Balsall Common, which is in-pig with its seventh litter.
Cattle judging taking place at Lincolnshire Show.
Lincolnshire Shows
Inter-breed pig, Landrace boar Maerose Lorenz 200, from Chris Hudson, Newark.
Inter-breed beef and British Blue champion, Clifftown Naughty But Nice, from Dylan Townend, Malton.
Reserve inter-breed beef and native and Lincoln Red champion, Beverley Bestmate, from R.I. Clough and Son, Spilsby.
Commercial champion, Storm, from W.H. Ludgate, Bedfordshire.
Inter-breed dairy and Jersey champion, Ham Kasandra, from Anne and Mark Lee and family, Thirsk.
Market Prices Primestock
SCOTLAND ENGLAND
Source: LAA/MartEye
Source: LAA/MartEye
Market Prices Store Cattle
SCOTLAND
Market day(s) w/e
ENGLAND
Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.
CATTLE prices increased across the board this week as vendors headed to auction marts in England and Wales ahead of the General Election.
Dairy-sired cows were up 6.6p/kg to 161.2p/kg and steers had gone up by 3.6p/kg to 274.2p/kg.
Rounding up cattle ring prices, young bulls had risen by 2.3p/kg to 262.7p/kg, and heifers increased by 2.2p/kg to 280.9p/kg.
In the sheep pens, prices dropped by 12p/kg to 347.3p/kg.
Pig prices for porkers and cutters had gone up, despite a reduction in baconers.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (June 26) UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £195.50/tonne, a reduction of £4.50/t on the previous week.
Market Prices
DEADWEIGHT CATTLE
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
N/S
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)
trading Delinkage ref amounts;
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:
Thursday, June 20, 2024.
ending June 30, 2024
NATIONAL
Last updated June 25, 2024
Source: LAA/IAAS
MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE
Bit by bit, Amie Burke has worked her way up through the farming industry, inspiring people to change the way they look at leadership and inclusivity. Emily Ashworth meets her to find out more.
Paving the way for change
● People at heart of farm businesses
LOOKING back is always a reflective process, and for Amie Burke, reminiscing about her journey into agriculture truly highlights just how far she has come.
Growing up in Birmingham, farming was certainly not on the radar, but since attending agricultural college she has been a force for change.
Most of her family, she says, did not finish school, and sadly her mother passed away when she was just 15 years old.
It was at this point that she began to re-evaluate what she wanted from life.
“I went to college, and it then made me wonder if I could go to university – nobody in the family has done before,” she says.
“I saw a picture of agricultural college Harper Adams and I saw another life – and I could get in with my grades.
“It was a shock – there were chickens running around, people dressed differently, and they listened to different music.
“But everybody made me feel so welcome and I thought: ‘This is home’.”
Embarking on a business degree, she did a sandwich year looking at mortgages for farmers.
She developed a passion – and a talent – for communicating with the industry on how to really better their businesses.
In this industry, she believes communication is key.
It led her to her first key role at AHDB, working with various cereals businesses around the UK.
“I met some incredible farmers, and I enjoyed making small tweaks to businesses that made a big difference,” she says.
Sustainability
Amie moved on to work for AB Agri, where she got to travel the world helping farm businesses with their approach to sustainability.
This experience opened her eyes
and gave her insight into various sectors in the agricultural industry, but it was also about her own personal growth.
She says: “I felt I knew nothing about sustainability, but you learn as you go along, literally in the mud.
“There are so many different ways of life and connecting with people.”
After four years, circumstances eventually led her back to the AHDB team, which is, she says, like a family to her.
Having revelled in meeting farmers across the globe and understanding the effect good leadership can have on a businesses, she took on the role of skills manager, and has certainly made an impact on creating welcoming and diverse teams since.
This is something she has become known for – connecting with people no matter who they are is certainly one of her talents, putting people at ease within a matter of minutes.
Communication
The gift of communication, no doubt, has seen her achieve many impressive accolades, including being one of The Grocer’s top 10 influential activists for the LGBTQIA+ community and also an Oxford Farming Conference Emerging Leader in 2021.
Amie is someone who has shown that the agricultural industry can be for anyone.
Her view is that, as an industry, we should start ‘self-reflecting’ and looking at how we can embrace differences.
With this mindset, agriculture can start to attract fresh talent.
She says: “Farming still has this ‘closed door’ image: a ‘get off my land’ sentiment, and that could not be further from the truth.
“We need to reach people at an influential age. People do not realise you could be driving around on a £300,000 tractor or design the food of the future.
“There is a labour shortage and we need to do something now.
“Think about the army – they have
The biggest [piece of advice] is to get uncomfortable; without struggle, there can be no change. Challenge yourself and ask for help
AMIE BURKE
an aggressive recruitment drive. They are always out recruiting.
“You cannot sit on your farm and expect people to come and work –we have to highlight the different skillsets which we need and attract those qualities.”
People, she firmly believes, are at the heart of creating successful farm businesses.
An example she uses in her own discussions is how farmers look after their animals or crops, constantly looking at how to improve welfare or soil health, but what about the welfare and health of the team?
Good leadership is also about recognising differences, and then asking how they can benefit your business or understanding that someone’s personal life choices should not be a measure of whether they are a good worker.
Diversity
Having made a real difference in the industry through her skills work with AHDB, and never one to turn down an opportunity, Amie moved on to become the diversity and inclusion manager at IGD, an influential organisation within the food and drink sector.
She says: “I work with the chief
executives of major food businesses and ask them to question themselves: ‘Why does diversity matter to me?’
“You then start to think about someone’s home life or education and understand why they work how they do.
“In farming, you might be the kind of person to do something really quickly, whereas your colleague might need to process information more slowly and take their time.”
What Amie wants to do is encourage people to take a small amount of time to cultivate these conversations, and to do that you have to be open.
One of her main education points when speaking to groups is that ‘we are all diverse – someone is married, someone is vegan, someone has children’.
“Everything that makes us different should be celebrated,” she says.
Given her experience so far, she is a well-respected member of the rural community, working with other farmers to champion leadership and inclusion, and with organisations, such as AgRespect.
Just recently, she was invited to meet Princess Anne in conjunction with the farming charity Farms For City Children, and Amie can often be seen speaking at various agricultural events.
Advice
So, bearing this in mind, what is the one piece of advice she likes to give those she works with, and to those working towards building resilient workforces and wanting to make their business – and people – fit for the future?
She says: “I had mentors around me who pushed me and said ‘go for that challenge’.
“But the biggest thing is to get uncomfortable; without struggle, there can be no change.
“Challenge yourself and ask for help.”
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Amie Burke (right) on a farm visit in Mexico.
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
AMY WILKINSON
Lancashire
Amy works on her family’s tenanted farm at Halsall, Lancashire. Working mainly with her dad, Amy farms 285 hectares (704 acres) of arable crops and 550 beef cross cattle which are all reared through to finishing. You can follow her on Instagram @amygingewilkinson
We have finally turned out all the cows onto the marshes.
For those who do not know, we predominately graze on local RSPB-owned salt marshes, meaning we do have to work quite closely with the RSPB, to our benefit and slight annoyance at times.
Personally, turnout week is one of my favourites of the year. Seeing the cattle run out on the marshes is a feeling like no other, but it is tiring.
In three days, we managed to turn out 170 cattle, which included sorting, worming, black leg vaccinating, management tagging, loading and unloading every single animal. It was safe to say, by the last load I was ready for my tea, a shower and my bed.
However, it was while Dad and I were closing up the trailer for the last time, I received a phone call. The RSPB no longer calls Dad, as he scares them, which is funny because I inherited his temper, but with my hot-headed gingerness to add a bit of extra spice.
They informed us that the last batch of cattle we had just released had run through their one strand of electric fence on an area they had cordened off due to it being heavily nested by the
‘I have never met anyone so laid back – in fact, he could be horizontal’
Mediterranean gull and was there any chance we could gather them up and move them to a different area?
I am listening to this as I watch the same cattle with their tails in the air pelting it across the marshes as they only really do on turnout day.
Fudge
Now I am sure the plight of the Mediterranean gull is a very serious matter indeed, however in that moment, I couldn’t really give a flying fudge cake.
However, you can’t say that really, so I said we would try our best. That is when Wes who works for the RSPB turned up to help. Wes probably has
more degrees than I do friends, but I can honestly say I have never met anyone more laid back – in fact, he could be horizontal.
Luckily for us the cattle did behave and we did manage to move them.
Although two weeks later, I had another phone call from Wes to say the cattle were again in an area where they didn’t want them.
The next morning, Wes appeared with his Lucozade and 1980’s mobile phone-sized vape.
Now, not only do I find smoking what is essentially a PlayStation a very strange concept, but to my knowledge, electronics and water don’t mix.
Marshes are very wet places. Quite often gullies of water can be up over your hips and this is the reason I keep my phone in my bra. So, I just have this image one day laid back Wes will be electrocuted by ‘the toaster’ he keeps in his pocket.
The cattle did not want to play ball and, after wading through what can only be compared to the Everglades for half a morning, Dad and I finally got back to his car absolutely soaked.
Dad said: “Maybe we should all just be more Wes” – meaning chilled out.
I replied: “Well you’re getting there, driving in your bare feet like a proper hippie” – his wellies were full of water.
NEXT WEEK
Monmouthshire Kate Beavan
Cheshire Ian Garnett
‘It’s an attitude I wish we saw more of in the UK’
KATE ROWELL
Scottish Borders
Kate is a fifth-generation farmer running the 750-hectare (1,853-acre) Hundleshope Farm on the Haystoun Estate, Peebles, where the family have been tenants for 150 years. She runs the hill unit with her husband Ed and their four children. She is also a vet and chair of Quality Meat Scotland.
Iam writing this on the eve of the Royal Highland Show and levels of anticipation and excitement are high. If you’ve never been to ‘the Highland’, I’d strongly encourage you to go; it’s a fantastic four days showcasing the very best of Scottish farming and produce. Our Quality Meat Scotland stand is always buzzing with chat from farmers, processors, and others across the red meat supply
chain, as well as members of the public keen to understand what we all do.
This year, we’ll be welcoming the new First Minister, John Swinney, to one of our industry breakfast events. It’ll be interesting to hear his thoughts on the importance of the red meat sector to Scotland’s economy and what his Government will be doing to support us in the future. We are also pleased to have Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon back this year to present to our agriculture audience.
At home on the farm everything else takes a back seat during the third week in June. Although with the return to constant rain and the colder temperatures, there’s probably not much spoiling. We have fields of grass nearly ready to cut for silage and sheep ready to be clipped, but things need to dry up first. We’re still waiting on the last cow to calve at due date plus eight days and counting – there’s always one.
There are quite a few lambs ready to sell in the singles field, which we’ll get away soon at what are still strong
Crossword 1251
prices. With the grass growth starting to slow a little, it’s definitely worth keeping on top of them and making as much money as possible. It’s always a weird feeling going through them in June as it only seems like five minutes since we lambed them all.
We managed a week away in Spain with the whole family at the start of the month and stayed an hour outside Valencia in an agricultural area, surrounded by orchards of orange, lemon, lime and olive trees. We also saw fields growing squash and potatoes.
The biggest surprise was the large number of paddy fields near the coast growing Valencian rice, which was apparently introduced to the region by Muslim immigrants in the eighth cen-
tury. We also learned that Valencia is the original home of paella and all the places where we shopped and ate were hugely proud of their local produce.
It’s an attitude I wish we saw more of here in the UK, and shows the agricultural potential if we can manage to reconnect people with how their food is produced. It takes all of us – industry, Government and the public – working together to make impactful change on the perception and consumption of local and seasonal food.
The Royal Highland Show is one of the opportunities where rural and urban collide, and I hope to have those conversations with as many people as possible to encourage them to think about where their food comes from.
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Farming Matters
Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture
‘Farmers will keep on doing what they do so well’
Farmers are busy on the land and caring for livestock, so an election may not be at the top of their priorities. However, future policy on farming and the environment will impact every farmer.
Discussion around agriculture has not made the headlines at recent elections and, with agriculture accounting for just 0.5% of GDP and 1% of the workforce, that is perhaps understandable, especially given all the other economic challenges. But farming impacts every household when you consider food pricing and security and that 69% of land is down to farming.
Post-Brexit, it is fair to say that policy development and new support mechanisms were slow to come forward from Westminster and the devolved Governments.
Immediately following Brexit, the focus was entirely on net zero and environmental measures, but Covid-19 demonstrated the fragility of supply chains and food security, so the debate has thankfully become more balanced.
The support budget for agriculture was guaranteed for the current Parliament at around £2.4 billion, but of course this has been devalued through inflation. If it had risen with inflation, it would be worth almost £3bn.
FG Farm Dog of the Month
There are many challenges facing public finances, so it is unrealistic to expect more spending on agriculture, but I would hope we could at least protect what we have going forward.
Farming is a long-term business, and farmers need to be able to plan ahead, particularly when there is pressure to look at even more environmental outcomes to support the Government’s own emission targets and reduce climate change.
Devolved
At best, we will get five years of guidance in England, which is a start, but it is worth remembering that Scotland and Wales will have elections in 2026 and those devolved Governments are still ‘refining’ their support policies prior to introduction – albeit Westminster budget-setting could play a part in determining how much money they have for agriculture.
Little new has been said about agriculture in any party manifesto so radical change is unlikely, but a clear plan and consistent approach to support mechanisms would be helpful, along with a clear agenda around food production and security to allow farmers to plan and do what they do well.
Uncertainty for farmers about the direction of travel has added to the challenges of inflation and higher borrowing costs and led to a slowing of investment in the sector.
Total lending to agriculture is now back to the levels of 2016 at just under £18bn after peaking at just over £20bn in 2021. Sensible debt levels are no bad thing, but we also need to see ongoing investment to help improve productivity
and efficiency as we move towards a low carbon future.
A new Parliamentary term does allow whoever is in power to review and set out the agenda going forward.
Clarity and certainty are crucial and the Government wants to ensure that farmers can continue to produce at least 60% of the UK’s food, at incredibly high standards and with fantastic value for money. We need a focus, too, on protecting our smaller farmers and those in less favoured areas.
Whoever is the Secretary of State at Defra post-election could do worse than dusting off Henry Dimbleby’s excellent report, which brought together the many aspects of the environment, countryside, food production and health, all interlinked with farming.
In the meantime, farmers will keep on doing what they do so well, despite all the challenges that presents.
BRIAN RICHARDSON
27-28 November 2024
NAEC | Stoneleigh
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This year’s CropTec introduces three keynote theatres focusing on Innovation, Knowledge and Pro t. Join us as
